U k e ^ J r a c d ó THE JOURNAL OF THE MIDDLESEX REGIMENT

(2)ule oß Oambndcfe i Own)

VOL. X No. 6 JUNE, 1952 PRICE V-

THE MIDDLESEX REGIMENT (DUKE OF CAMBRIDGE'S OWN) (57th and 77th) The Plume of the Prince of Wales. In each of the four corners the late Duke of Cambridge’s Cypher and Coronet. “ Mysore," “" Seringapatam,”Serineanatam.” “ Albuhera,"Albuhera.” “ Ciudad Rodripo."Rodrigo," “ Badajoz,"Badaioz.” “ Vittoria,”Vittoria-" “ Pvranaas."Pyrenees,“ “ Nivelle,”Miwalla ” “ Nive,”Miwa ” “ p(Peninsular," "Alma," “ Inkerman,” "Sevastopol,” “ New Zealand," “ South Africa, 1 8 7 9 ,” “ Relief of Ladysmith," “ South Africa, 1 900-0 2 .” The Great War—46 Battalions—“ Mons," “ Le Cateau,” “ Retreat from Mons,” “ Marne, 191 4 ,” “ Aisne, 1914, ’18,” “ La Bassée, 1914,” “ Messines, 1914, ’17, ’18," “ Armentières, 1914,” “ Neuve Chapelle," “ Ypres, 1 9 1 5 , ’17, ’1 8 ,” “ Gravenstafel,” “ St. Julien,” “ Frezenberg,” “ Bellewaarde, ’ " Aubers,” “ Hooge, 1915,” “ Loos,” “ Somme,” 1916, ’x8,” “ Albert, 1 9 1 6 , ’1 8 ,” “ Bazentin," “ Del ville Wood,” “ Pozières,” “ Ginchy,” “ Flers-Courcelette,” “ Morval,” “ Thiepval,” “ Le Transloy," “ Ancre Heights,” “ Ancre, 1916, ’18,” “ Bapaume, 1917, ’18,” “ Arras, 1917, ’18,” “ Vimy, 1917,” “ Scarpe, 1917, ’18,” “ Arleux,” “ Pilckem,” “ Langemarck, 1917,” “ Menin Road,” “-Polygon Wood,” “ Broodseinde,” “ Poelcappelle,” " Passchendaele,” “ Cambrai, 191 7 , ’1 8 ," “ St. Quentin,” “ Rosières,” “ Avre,” “ Villers Bretonneux,” “ Lys,” “ Estaires,” “ Hazebrouck,” “ Bailleul,” “ Kemmel,” “ Scherpenberg,” “ Hindenburg Line," “ Canal du Nord,” “ St. Quentin Canal," “ Courtrai,” “ Selle,” “ Valenciennes,” “ Sambre,” “ France and Flanders, 1914-18," “ Italy, 1917-18,” “ Struma," “ Doiran, 1918,” “ Macedonia, 1915-18," “ Suvla,” “ Landing at Suvla,” “ Scimitar Hill,” “ Gallipoli, 19x5,” “ Rumani,” “ Egypt, 1915-17,” "Gaza,” “ El Mughar,” “ Jerusalem,” “ Jericho,” “ Jordan,” “ Tell ’Asur,” “ Palestine, 1917-18," “ Mesopotamia, 1 917-1 8 ,” “ Murman, 1919,” “ Dukhovskaya,” “ Siberia, 1918-19.”

Regular Battalion Dominion and Colonial Alliance 1st Bn. (Amalgamated with 2nd Bn. 1948). » Canada. Militia Battalions 31st Field Regiment, Royal Canadian Artillery, Ontario. 21st Anti-Tarik Regiment, Royal Canadian Artillery. 5th Bn. (Royal Elthome Militia). \ 50th H.A.A. Regiment, Royal Canadian Artillery. 6th Bn. (Royal Middlesex Militia). / In s™P«'>sioii. Depot—Mill Hill. Records Office, Infantry Records, Warwick. 102nd (Wentworth) Field Artillery, Royal Canadian Artillery. Pay Office—Old Infantry Barracks, Canterbury. The Royal Rifles of Canada. Territorial Army Battalions New Zealand. 7th Bn. (i/7th Bn. and 2/7th Bn. amalgamated after 1939-45 The Wellington Coast and Taranaki Regiment, 8th Bn. (Now 11 Para Bn. T.A). (War. Toku, Tar an aka, New Zealand. 9th Bn. (Now 595 L.A.A./S.L. Regt. R.A). Hong K ong R egiment. (9th Bn. The Middlesex Regiment, D.C.O). British Army Post Office, 1, Hong Kong. Affiliated Unit Colonel of the Regiment: Lt.-General G. C. Bucknall, C.B., M.C. H.M. Royal Navy, H .M £. Unicorn. Officer Commanding D epot: Major P. D. H. Marshall. Regtl. Agents—Lloyds Bank Limited, Cox’s and King’s Branch, 6 Pall Mall, S.W.r.

CONTENTS

PAGE PAGE Editorial 156 7th Battalion Notes 173 Forthcoming Events 156 Presentation of Meritorious Medal Looking Back ...... 157 x 1 th Parachute Battalion Notes 1st Battalion Notes 158 Die-Hards Club Notes Depot Notes Battlefield of Albuera Regimental Museum Notes 170 Boarding Education for Children of Members of H.M. Births Marriages and Deaths Forces who are Serving Abroad 171 Minutes of Meetings 183 Golf Meetings 172 Audited Accounts 18 4

NOTICE TO CONTRIBUTORS “ The Die-Hards ” is published in March, Ju n e, September and December, and copies may be obtained by application to the Editor. A ll Contributions intended for publication should reach the Editor not later than the 1st of the month previous to that of issue. C O N T R IB U T IO X S SHOULD BE TYPED IN TRIPLICATE, AND BE ON ONE SIDE OF THE PAPER ONLY, and signed, stating whether it is desired to publish the contributor's name or not. Rejected manuscripts, etc., w ill only be returned if accompanied by a stamped and addressed envelope. The Editor unll thankfully receive Contributions from past or present members cf the Regiment or others interested, but necessarily reserves to himself the right of publication. A ll communications concerning the paper, including Advertisements, should be addressed to the Editor, “ The Die-Hards " fournal, The Middlesex Regiment, Inglis Barracks, M ill Hill, London, N-W.7. Subscriptions should be forwarded to the Editor, “ The Die-Hards ” Journal, Cheques and Postal Orders should be made payable to Secretary, Regimental Association, and crossed “ — <&• Co.”

ANNUAL SUBSCRIPTION 5 /- (Post Free) 154 Uh e 3)¿e-U JarJi UL 3 ) ie -Ularcló 155

Col. M. Browne, M.C., D .L., J.P . Lt.-Gen. G. C. Bucknall, C.B., M.C. 156 D ie «2)ìV-D dardi JL Tòie-JJardó 157

presence of the Colonel. But this was really only a minor part of the Colonel’s self-imposed task. Middlesex has always suffered by being so near London and therefore overshadowed as a county by the Metropolis. By the efforts of Col. Browne, the support of the Lord Lieutenant and the Mayors and Chairmen of the county has turned casual interest into Chief Editor: Brigadier N. P. Procter, C.B.E., M.C. a real county effort for the Regiment. These are some Asst. Editor (Business) : Major A. W. Clark, O.B.E. of the results, but by no means all. One of Col. Browne’s major activities during the 1939-45 war was the Prisoners-of-War Fund. To this he brought all his energy and powers of persuasion and the response was EDITORIAL magnificent. Again when the Regiment found itself once more at war—this time in Korea—he rallied the county to produce money and comforts in kind for the One of the tortures of youth is learning the Kings of Battalion with results which proved more than adequate. England—William the Conqueror, 1066, and so down After the war he embarked upon his greatest and the pages of history. And out of that abominable most strenuous campaign—the raising of funds for the memory test there emerges the fact that, apart from Regimental War Memorial. It is possible that no more some kings and queens being good and others anything ambitious or practical war memorial has been planned but good, some were landmarks because of their achieve­ by any line regiment. To have raised £40,000 was in ments for their country and others were pale shadows itself a remarkable effort, but money is not everything, who merely cluttered up the tree and made difficulties and the difficulties Which had to be overcome before more difficult for the student. the Regimental village became an accomplished fact The same applies to Colonels of the Regiment; would have tried the patience of Job. It must indeed some are famous for their achievements as commanders, have given him great pleasure that the houses were up, whatever they did or did not do for the Regiment; occupied and blessed and the Memorial Stone unveiled some are scarcely more than names with dates, but some whilst he was still Colonel of the Regiment. live on for ever. To Col. Browne we say, on behalf of thousands of We have recently heard, by a bald statement in the “ Die-Hards ” of all grades, “ Thank you and may Gazette, that a change in the Colonelcy of the Regiment you have many years to enjoy the harvest of friendship took place on April 22, but in that statement is some­ sown during your active Regimental life.” thing of outstanding importance, since it relates to Col. Browne is succeeded by Maj.-Gen. Hon. Lt.- a colonel who will live on for ever. Gen. G. C. Bucknall and everyone who knows the Lt.-Col. Bt.-Col. Maurice Browne, M.C., D.L., latter will welcome his appointment. J.P., has handed over the Colonelcy of the Regiment to Gen. Bucknall wandered via Staff College to the LOOKING BACK Lt.-Gen. G. C. Bucknall, C.B., M.C. command of a corps, but he has always been a Regi­ Col. Browne succeeded to the Colonelcy, after a life­ mental soldier at heart and although Salisbury, his time of service devoted first and foremost to the Regi­ home, is not Hendon, we can be confident that, if he ment, in 1942 in the place of Brigadier-General R. M. cannot be present as frequently at Regimental functions, Heath, C.M.G., D.S.O. and if he cannot be so intimately mixed in county for Although a bachelor succeeded a bachelor an entirely his affairs, he will always be there when needed and new event in the history of the Regiment occurred, will make up for his less frequent attendances by that namely a colonel who throughout his colonelcy lived grace and tact which all who know him realise is such within bugle sound of the Depot. The effect of this an outstanding quality of the new Colonel. has been astounding, both from the point of view of Regulations have removed a unique colonel from the the Regiment and the county. Regiment, but difficult as his part may be, we have From the Regimental angle the fact that Col. Browne confidence that his successor will see that the county was at the Depot throughout the war, and only a few and Regiment liaison is firmly maintained. yards away later, meant that the Colonel of the Regiment To Gen. Bucknall we wish every success during his knew and was known by more officers and men of the period of Colonelcy. Regiment than any other colonel, past or present, in the Army. It is probably no rash boast that never has any officer of any regiment had such a post-bag and Forthcoming Events so up-to-date knowledge of such a variety of types of soldiers as Col. Browne. During the war years his Autumn Golf Meeting. September 20-21. North “ Newsletter ” was a godsend to those seeking for newrs Hants Golf Club, Fleet. of their comrades and was widely sought after by civic The Old Comrades’ Dinner will be held this year, as bodies as well as individuals. Never, too, has any colonel last, at the Royal Horticultural Society Newr Hall ReS' been able to attend or so keenly seized the chances of taurant, Greycoats Street, S.W.i, on Saturday, Novem­ attendance at innumerable Battalion dinners, reunions ber 1, 1952. Tickets will be 10s. each and the Secretary and other occasions. It might be truly said that no will shortly circularise all members with complete Regimental occasion has been complete without the particulars. ,e LlJie-^Jdarai e cJjie —Mards 159

then there have been more departures and arrivals of of 1855, would have been astonished but proud men Royal Norfolks. The former system whereby they had they been able to witness the interesting and stayed with us for a minimum of ten weeks is now in unusual ceremony which took place on the flight deck abeyance and now' wre never know' how long they are of Her Majesty’s aircraft carrier Unicorn in Hong Kong Battalion Notes likely to stay w'ith us. This is greatly to be regretted, harbour yesterday morning. for not only does it make planning extremely difficult, “ They would have seen the whole complement of a B a t t a l i o n E d i t o r :—M a jo r D. C. L. N o l d a but it tends to kill the incentive of the trainers. twentieth-century' w'arship listening to those stirring On March i, Kowloon was shaken by rioting and nineteenth-century marches they brought into being for violence in the main street. A few people were hurt the former 57th and 77th Foot, and men of the Middlesex desperately short and it is feared that this might entail and some damage was caused. Despite the large number Regiment in the neat uniform of to-day playing tjiem running down to twro rifle companies. of rioters, the police soon had the situation under with the same old zest as their fathers and their fathers’ Information has already been received that the control. Unfortunately, reports at home were grossly fathers—albeit in vastly different surroundings— Battalion will stay for about two months in Warley exaggerated and caused much uneasiness among anxious marching and counter-marching past the grim grey Barracks, Essex. This again is good news, for most of relations and friends, w'ho feared the worst for the ‘ island ’ with its radar and lean-snouted ack-ack the men’s homes will be within easy travelling distance. soldiers. In fact, although the Army was alerted, their batteries slanting skyward. One can foresee much jockeying to be included on the assistance was not required and as soon as tension lifted “ Major W. P. M. Allen, M.C., deputising for Lt. advance party, which, of necessity, will have to be large life returned to normal. Needless to say the rioting Col. R. A. Gwyn, Officer Commanding the 1st Battalion, as a separate party will be required for Austria. No occurred on a Saturday afternoon when the Army w'as Middlesex Regiment (D.C.O.), presented Capt. J. Y. doubt, the news of the Battalion’s move will bring a well and truly dispersed on recreational training. The Thompson, R.N., on behalf of H.M.S. Unicorn, with host of applications from eager officers and N.C.O.s to Brigadier w'as at the races, the Colonel w'as on leave in an illuminated Order of the Day and an illuminated return to regimental duty. We realise only too well Japan, Major Allen, the acting C.O., was on w'eek-end Manuscript of the Regimental Marches—* Sir Manley how little we can offer to attract them to Hong Kong! leave and the Adjutant w-as at the Club. However, Power ’ and ‘ Paddy’s Resource ’—in token of the long If numbers are up to expectations it may well be that communications proved adequate and after a certain association between the two fighting units. no advance parties will be required from here! amount of preliminary' bother, officers and men were “ At 11 a.m. the ship’s company' was draw'n up facing There has been no slackening in tempo this quarter. brought back to their units, even though Majors Rendell, inwards along both sides ■»f the flight deck, the Regi­ The Battalion continues to fulfil its functions as an Battye and Nolda spent most of the night in Whitfield mental Band up forward facing amidships and officers operational unit, a training unit and a peace-time estab­ Barracks waiting for R.A.S.C. transport. and guests facing forward from right aft. lishment with all the trappings of pomp and ceremony. We have been fortunate indeed in having H.M.S. “ Following a fanfare of trumpets, Major Allen told There is little wonder, therefore, that life is full and Unicorn with us on two separate occasions this quarter. those present that it was the Unicorn which had first The Battalion is to go to Austria. This cheering varied with ceremonial parades cheek by jowl with riots, Unicorn came to Hong Kong early in March to take part taken the Middlesex Regiment to Pusan to do battle in news came to us some months ago. Despite the passage night patrols, brigade and divisional exercises, field in a Colony exercise, when w'e took the opportunity of Korea and from that date, August, 1950, the bonds of time, it still produces an exhilarating feeling when firing, demonstrations and individual training. The having a day’s sport at San Wai. It was a happy coinci­ between the Battalion and the ship had been growing one thinks of the joys of home-coming and the subse­ weather, which up till now' has permitted this extra­ dence that that day (March 12) had been chosen some steadily stronger. quent move to what must undoubtedly be one of the ordinary' show of energy, is about to change, when time before for the Brigade Searchlight Tattoo (reported “ Since then there had been many' changes in the best stations the Army has abroad. Although the move undoubtedly hot clammy days will take their toll of dash in full later) and w'e were thus able to entertain both personnel of the unit, some leaving on posting elsewhere is still some months distant, planning, both regimental and enthusiasm. officers and men in our respective Messes that evening. and others returning to civil life. Among the replace­ and domestic, has begun and already there is talk of On January 18 the Brigade Commander carried out The second occasion (April 20, 1952) marked the ments were to-day' a large number of National Service starting German classes! Some of the older soldiers his annual inspection of the Battalion. At the end of historic presentation of the Regimental Marches to officers and other ranks. But wherever those who served who have served in Austria since the war are full of the day’s probing the Brigadier declared himself well H.M.S. Unicorn. A Special Order of the Day com­ with the Middlesex went they would alwrays remember worldly wisdom and advice on a variety of matters, pleased with all he had seen and we had the gratification memorating the Alliance between H.M.S. Unicorn and H.M.S. Unicom. ranging from leather pants to eidelweiss. Naturally, there of knowing that the Battalion was being run on sound the Regiment wras reproduced in the last Journal Notes. “ Having read the Special Order of the Day (repro­ is much talk of the winter sporting to come—a lovely administrative lines. It w'as a sad misfortune that Col. Gwyn, who was in duced in the last issue of the Journal), Major Allen then thought which will help to brace us up during the long Soon after the administrative inspection, rehearsals hospital recovering from an operation to his foot, was detailed the history' of the two Marches. ‘ Sir Manley Hong Kong summer. began for the ceremonial guard for Gen. Evans, who unable to undertake the presentation. At one time Power’ (1st Battalion) was first adopted in 1816 and Dates for the move home are fairly firm now and wras to leave for Europe after nearly three years of there was talk of him being taken aboard in a bosun’s was named after the Commanding General at that time. unless the world situation worsens, the Battalion should command of the land forces in Hong Kong. The chair and carried along the flight deck in a palanquin. ‘ Paddy’s Resource ’ was composed for the 2nd Battalion be back in England by November. We have also been Battalion rightfully felt itself greatly honoured at this The doctors, how'ever, got wind of the Colonel’s inten­ by its Irish Band Sergeant at Sebastopol during the told that the Battalion will return as a whole. To this distinction. The Guard was formed from representa­ tion and with indignation forbade what they termed a Crimean War in 1855. end, Python has been frozen for six months. When tives of all Companies and Major D. B. Rendell, dangerous enterprise. “ Thanking the Middlesex, Capt. Thompson said the news was first broken to the men there were sur­ M.B.E., M.C., w'as chosen to command it. Long service In the absence of the Commanding Officer, Major that it gave him great pleasure to receive these trophies. prisingly few' disgruntled ones. In the main, those who in bad stations made it necessary' for Dennis Rendell W. P. M. Allen, M.C., undertook the presentation and He wished to acknowledge the honour done to his ship. had not already taken the decision to extend their to w'ear dark glasses on the day of the parade. It "as we would like to congratulate him on his excellent He knew of only two other vessels which had been Python w'ere thankful the War Office had made up unfortunate that he was photographed in a most speech, which in its moving simplicity exactly' captured similarly honoured. They were H.M.S. Vanguard, by their minds for them. For the few, a week-end of beer characteristic pose, for it will take time for him to li'e the momentousness of the occasion. the Royal Regiment of Artillery, and H.M.S. Excellent did wonders and all are now happily reconciled to down the almost uncanny resemblance he bore to a very The Press w'as well represented that morning and the Gunnery School, Whale Island, which had been so staying on the extra few months. The Python freeze well known Oriental figure. Nevertheless, the Genera next day' all the local papers carried full reports of the honoured by' the Queen’s Regiment on the Glorious 1st of June, 1794. While only four remained of those is, in fact, an excellent move, for not only w'ill the Band complimented the Guard on being one of the smartest ceremony. Extracts from the South China Morning remain behind with us, but it will ensure continuity in he had inspected while he had been G.O.C. Post are here reproduced: who went to Pusan with H.M.S. Unicom, the Navy as “ Both Sir Manley Power, that music-loving w'arrior well as the Army' saw officers and men come and go, the ranks of the N.C.O.s and specialists. Towards the end of January, the first batch of Roy3* tinder whom the Middlesex Regiment’s 1st Battalion but both ships and regiments went on—the spirit re­ However, despite this unexpected bonus—in fact a Norfolk reinforcements, which wre had been training, mained in them. small one, as most key Python personnel had previously w'ere called forward to Japan. We saw' them leave wi served in 1816, and the Irish Band Sergeant who com­ posed the 2nd Battalion’s marching tune ‘ Paddy’s “ It was 408 y'ears since the Navy had its first H.M.S. consented to extending their overseas tour—releases regret, but happy in the satisfaction that they left full* Unicorn, and her first action in battle had been against next month of regular personnel w'ill leave the Battalion trained to play their part in their own Battalion. Since Resource ’ at Sebastopol during the Crimean campaign B 160 Oke 2 ) Le-^JJai'dí % Sbie - JJarcL 161

valuable experience was gained and we look forward to our next meeting with the tanks, now 7th R.T.R., who recently relieved our old friends 3rd R.T.R. The most important exercise of the winter was undoubtedly “ Grouse III,” a four-day Brigade exercise designed to test endurance and the ability' to maintain oneself in the mountains. A week previous to “ Grouse ” we revised and rehearsed our battle procedure in a series of cloth model and skeleton exercises. This was essential as many officers and N.C.O.s were new to the Battalion—gone were the old days of automatic Korean technique and it was imperative that a standard drill was known to all. “ Grouse ” was eminently successful, due largely' to the previous week’s training, which enabled the Battalion to emerge with a very' satisfactory report after its four days’ test. “ B ” and “ C ” Com­ panies did extremely well in their joint assault on Cove Hill, a steep, rock-like feature with difficult approaches. “ Grouse ” was followed by “ Vortex,” a Colony exercise in which commands and staff were plunged into a mass of whirling incidents, designed to test communications and control during field operations. As it was a skeleton exercise there was no test of physical endurance, but the calls on imagination and patience Capt, Thompson replying to Major W. P. M. Allen, M.C., on the occasion of the presentation of the Regimental were extremely heavy. Marches to H.M.S. “ Unicorn.” On March 25 and 26 the Battalion was exercised by Brigade Headquarters. Exercise “ Jay ” was formidable in its conception, for it entailed a relief in the line by' Training this quarter hqs been fast, furious and varied. night, followed by' an attack and pursuit the next day. Of necessity the winter months are crowded with the Spanish Armada in 1588, during the reign of After the ceremony the ship was open to inspection Fitness and morale were excellent and great credit goes Elizabeth I. The Middlesex Regiment, too, had a long by the visitors. A Sea Fury' which had been positioned exercises at all levels. In addition, the normal training to “ C ” Company, who undertook some stiff climbs on the flight deck proved a great attraction. Later, of reinforcements, both Middlesex and Royal Norfolk, with soldiers who had only arrived four days previously. history of some 200 years. as to continue. As numbers are short it is necessary' “ During the war, he went on, one of the best-known officers and their wives were entertained in the h “ B ” Company furthered its reputation for prowess in songs was ‘ There’ll always be an England ’ ; and so Wardroom. for everyone to turn out on exercises, whatever their scaling the heights, while “ A” and “ D ” were content there would as long as England had an army and a navy state of training. This produces certain incongruities, to work along the valley and lower slopes. and it is not unusual for soldiers to find themselves on to defend her shores. All thoroughly enjoyed “ Jay.” The weather was “ Let us hope and pray, he concluded, that there’ll Appointments and Promotions During Quarter, individual training one week only to be plunged into perfect and we were operating in quite the loveliest a brigade or divisional exercise the next. In fact, on always be a Unicorn in that Navy and a Middlesex valley in the New Territories. Both night and day' were January—March, 1952 the last exercise, “ C ” Company was composed mainly Regiment in that Army! full of excitement and when we returned to barracks “ He then handed the illuminated March to Lt. (S.) To C .S .M .: C/Sgt. Cooper, “ A ” Company. of soldiers who had only arrived four days previously. some 30 hours later, fit but tired out, all felt that it D. W. M. Feuerheerd and the Order of the Day to To C/Sgt.: Sgt. Firman, “ B ” Company. On January 8, a composite Platoon from “A ” Com­ had been a very' satisfactory exercise. pany, under 2/Lt. Rutherford, acted as enemy for a Stoker Mechanic D. C. Hollis, both of whom served in To Sgt.: Cpl. Harris, “ H.Q.” Company. Interspersed with Battalion and Brigade exercises, 35 the ship when she first took the Regiment to Pusan. Brigade Exercise “ Hobnail.” So dashing and individual training of the newly-arrived continued, To Cpl.: Pte. Gibbs, “ A ” Company; L/Cpl. Rawlinson, “ H.Q ” spirited were the enemy that before long they found the (Only two other officers now remain aboard of the Company; L'Cpl. Coles, "H.Q.” Company; L/Cpl. Patrini, Band; while the demand for specialists in Headquarters and opposing side’s headquarters and captured the Brigadier. Unicorn's complement at that time.) L/Cpl. Searle, Band. Support Companies was still as heavy as ever. The This was not in the forecast of events and proved “ The Band then again marched up and down playing To L 'C p l.: Pte. Edwards, “ H.Q.” Company; Pte. Wright, struggle to keep the Battalion up to strength in N.C.O.s, the Regimental Marches followed by lA Life on the “ H.Q.” Company; Pte. Cosstick, “ H.Q.” Company; Pte. Haffen- somewhat disconcerting to both the Brigadier and the tradesmen and specialists never ceases, for few reinforce­ Director. Ocean Wave ’ and ‘ Hearts of Oak,’ the khaki-clad den, “ H.Q.” Company; Pte. Jefford, “ H.Q.” Company; Bdsm. ments in these categories reach us to replace the endless Dawson, Band; Bdsm. Beechey, Band; Pte. Bunce, “ A ” Company; While “A” Company was busy on “ Hobnail,” the departures. Many of the gaps are plugged by training bandsmen with their blue berets, white belts and maroon Pte. Rose, " B ” Company; Pte. Juniper, “ B ” Company; Ptc’ hose-tops making a striking contrast with the ship’s remainder of the Battalion was heavily engaged in our own junior leaders and specialists in a succession of Webb, “ B ” Company; Pte. Price, “ B ” Company; Pte. Coleman, Force Guards. Once again the honour of guarding company in spotless tropical whites. “ C ” Company; Pte. Potts, “ C ” Company; Pte. Ward, “ C’ cadres. At this moment cadres are being run for junior “ Once more drawn up forward the Band then played Company; Pte. Buckley, “ C ” Company; Pte. Forward, “ D Government House and Flagstaff House went to “ D ” leaders, signallers, drivers, machine gunners, mortar ‘ God Save the Queen ’ and the ceremony was over. Company; Pte. Sheppard, “ S ” Company. Company, yet another feather in C.S.M. McMillan’s and anti-tank crews, taking large numbers of instructors hat. As on the previous occasion, the Band and Drums which we can ill afford. There is no doubt that under “ The two trophies were placed on a table on the "’ere present on the first day of mounting and again quarterdeck for inspection. Each bore the crests of present conditions the provision of men for Support Unicorn and decorations of the successfully blocked all traffic on Garden Road. For Company presents a grave problem with its constant the Middlesex and the first time in the history' of the Colony both the Old Regimental maroon and gold and navy blue and white. Have you ordered drain on rifle companies. Perhaps the answer lies in Guard (45 Field Regiment, R.A.) and the New (1st The Order of the Day was suitably framed and the your copy of the development of the tactical use of the atomic bomb, Middlesex) wore the recently issued Korean Campaign which might well obviate the necessity' for supporting March was placed in a glass cylinder mounted in silver ribbons. on a mahogany base with an inscribed plate. weapons within the infantry battalion! “ The Die-Hards” ? During January the Battalion spent three days on An innovation in training this quarter was Brigade The very' fine illuminated Order of the Day was the Infantry/Tank co-operation, under the joint direction work of Lt. A. W. C. Roxton, of the Regiment.” study day's, designed to cut down overheads and ‘ B ” and “ C ” Company Commanders. Much replace Battalion study days. Under this system, one Uhe «2)/e -^JJarcli 163 /62 ^Jhe 2 )i ^ardi Thomas, M.C., was selected as chief instructor to the Battalion at a time undertakes the study of a particular which was produced and compered by Major D. C. L. five platoons which took part from—1st R.N.F., 1st military subject, operational or administrative. This it Nolda, whose previous experience as Adjutant to both Wilts, 1st Middlesex, 1st Argyll and Sutherland High­ presents to the remainder of the Brigade by means of Battalions has earned him the unofficial position of landers and 1st R.U.R. lecture, cloth model and demonstration. legal adviser to the Regiment! The play was highly The Middlesex platoon distinguished itself in not only The first Brigade day fell on us and the subject chosen successful and revealed a wealth of acting material being selected to undertake an indirect fire demonstra­ was District Courts Martial. Although our own record among the officers. In particular, 2/Lt. Goodwin, as tion, but in winning the Colony Machine Gun Cup and in Courts Martial has been extremely low, our Field Private Forger, the accused, and Capt. Matthews, as getting the highest Colony score (321) in the A.R.A. Officers are in great demand to sit as Presidents. The the benevolent P.R.I., were quite brilliant in their machine gun competition. The score in the latter may study of this subject was conducted by means of a play, excellent characterisations. well be high enough to win the A.R.A. Cup. Great credit goes to Sgt. Thorogood. Since our return from Korea he has held practically uninterrupted command of the platoon and has been responsible for all its training. ‘ South China Morning Post ” Bowl (S.R.(a)T. Rifle: Application, Rapid, Snap at 300 yards: The platoon has now been taken over by Lt. Kitchener, 2/Lt. Laurence .. 119 . 1st Tamar “ A ” .. .. 431 who has recently returned from a course at Netheravon Sgt. Steward . . 113 2nd R.U.R. “ A ” . . .. 430 Cpl. DaCosta . . 104 3rd 1st Middlesex “ A ” .. 427 and we now look forward to bigger and better Cpl. Armstrong .. 91 achievements. Another feature of the present enthusiasm in shooting 427 is the high attendance at the regular informal fortnightly Sporting Arms Cup (S.R.(a)T. Rifle): Application 500 yards and 600 yards: shoots organised by the Hong Kong Rifle Association, of 2/Lt. Laurence . . 82 1st 1st Middlesex “ A ’ .. 331 which we are members. All this augurs well for our Sgt. Steward . . 85 2nd R.U.R. “ A ” . . .. 330 return to England, by which time we should be in a Cpl. DaCosta . . 91 3rd R.N.F. “ A ’ . . -. 3*9 Cpl. Armstrong .. 73 position to take on the Green Jackets! It is unfortunate that we have recently lost two of our outstanding shots, Individual Runner-up: Cpl. DaCosta 91. Sgt. Steward to the Malayan Scouts and Cpl. Pluck to 1st R.W.K. However, we trust that with the return of I Chtertaihineht 5 . W. Lee C up (Team Snap): “ A ” Team “ B ” Team 2/Lt. Laurence from compassionate leave in England 2/Lt. Laurence Sgt. Smallwood it will not take long to train new members for the team Sgt. Steward Cpl. Pluck Cpl. DaCosta Cpl. Leat from the abundance of material which so obviously 1st 1st Middlesex “ A 3 i exists in the Battalion. 2nd Tamar “ A ” * . . 26 The death of our late King, with its consequent 3rd 1st Middlesex “ B ’ 24 mourning, has meant the curtailment of all official San Miguel Cup (L.M.G. Team 600X-300X): entertainment. However, we take this opportunity of 2/Lt. Laurence 1st Tamar “ B ” .. . - 9 7 Sgt. Steward 2nd 1st Middlesex "A” .. 95 reporting the Brigade Tattoo, which was held on the Cpl. DaCosta 3rd 1st A. & S.H. “ A ” .. 87 evening of March 12 on the Sports Fields at San Wai. T erry C up (Tearn Hamilton Leigh): Taking part were the Bands of 1st Battalion The 1st R.A.O.C. “ A ” 2nd R.A.F. “ A ” Middlesex Regiment (D.C.O.), 1st Battalion The 3rd 1st Middlesex “ A ” R.N.F. “ A ” Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders, 1st Battalion The Colony Unit Championships: Royal Ulster Rifles; the Drums and Fifes of 1st Bat­ 1st Tamar “ A ” There has been so much shooting during the last few 2nd 1 st Middlesex “ A ” talion The Middlesex Regiment (D.C.O.); the Pipes months that one is reminded of that old Latin tag, 3rd R.U.R. “ A ” and Drums of 1st Battalion The Argyll and Sutherland R.N.F. “ A ” “ Gallus tuus ego et ignis via ” (Cock your eye and Highlanders, 1st Battalion The Royal Ulster Rifles. fire away). Ever since the 1st Battalion Rifle Meeting The following were selected to shoot for the Colony Illuminations by The Movement Light Troop, R.A. last November hardly a week has gone by without one Army V III in the Inter-Services match and were It was a cold evening. The setting was superb. Low or other of our shooting teams distinguishing itself. successful in all three events: 2/Lt. Laurence, Sgt. cloud and in every direction huge black mountains inten­ In fact one would be hard pressed to recall any previous Steward, Cpl. DaCosta, Cpl. Pluck. occasion on which the Regiment had done so well. All these successes brought congratulatory' telegrams sified the silence of the large and expectant gathering of The Hong Kong Bisley took place from January 28 from both the General and the Brigadier. We take this soldiers and their families. The silence was broken bv to February 12. We entered two teams— opportunity to congratulate 2/Lt. Laurence on his the sudden appearance of a single searchlight which “ A.” 2/Lt. Laurence, Sgt. Steward, Cpl. DaCosta, excellent leadership, ability and unflagging energy, illuminated the buglers of The Royal Ulster Rifles, who Cpl. Armstrong. which have contributed so largely not only to our introduced the programme with a fanfare. Then fol­ successes but to the general enthusiasm which is now “ B.” Sgt. Smallwood, Cpl. Pluck, Cpl. Leat, Pte. lowed the massed Bands, Drums and Pipes of the Brumpton. so apparent in the Battalion. March also saw much shooting, starting with an Brigade led by Drum-Major Holford, the senior Drum- “ A” team, having led until the last day, were unlucky inter-Company .22 competition, which was won b) Major in the Brigade. It was a most moving spectacle in dropping to second place in the final outcome. “ D ” Company, closely followed by “ B.” The best and brought down the spontaneous applause of all the Details of the scores and practices are shown below. individual was Cpl. DaCosta, who scored 116 out of a spectators. Next came Scottish and Irish dancing and S ad ick C up (S.R.(a)T. Rifle): Application, Rapid and Snap at 200 yards: possible 125. During the month the Battalion entered a drum fantasy with bugle and fife marches from our 2/Lt.~ Laurence . 1st 1 st Middlesex A .. 440 a team for two A.R.A. non-central matches, the Lord Battalion “A ” Team which did so well in the Hong Kong Corps of Drums. Despite the romance and splendour Sgt. Steward 2nd Tamar " A ” ■ ■ 429 Roberts Forces Day Cup and the I.C.I. N.S.R-A- Bisley. Cpl. DaCosta 3rd R.U.R. “ A ” 4 22 of the Pipes and dress of the Scottish and Irish Regi­ Cpl. Armstrong . Challenge Cup. We are still awaiting the results. Left to right: Sgt. Steward, 2¡Lt. Laurence, 446 In mid-March the colony held the first machine gun Cpl. DaCosta, Cpl. Armstrong. ments, there was no doubt that for sheer bearing and Individual: Cpl. Pluck 123 (“ B ” Team). Runner-up: Sgt. Steward 123. concentration since before the war. Major V. A. C 164 ^Jhe 2 )i ''at'di Z L 2bu musical efficiency the Middlesex drummers were easily finished with the combined Bands and Drums playing Soccer for five runs, an event wrhich might be compared in the best. Drum-Major Holford excelled himself and the three regimental marches and the evening hymn. Since the last Journal notes the Battalion soccer team unexpectedness with the appearance of a Gay Column time and again drew the admiration of the crowd when, Altogether it had been a most moving performance and has proved that not all upsets are to be found in the in the Times. despite the glare of the searchlights, he tossed his mace did much to demonstrate the splendour and excellence political world, for they w'ell and truly beat the Colony Among those w'ho have consistently served the high into the night. of British arms which has stood the test over so many favourites (1st A. & S.H.) by 3 goals to 1. Battalion have been Pte. Wright (“ H.Q.” Company), After a full and varied programme, the evening years. This result boded well for our next match in the C/Sgt. Cranfield and Capt. G. Mason, whose lurid league, when we were due to play 23rd Field Regiment headgear in the field surely challenges the contention R.A., who up till then had been invincible. The game that cricket is Conservative—and might account for a was played on our owm ground at San Wai and attracted run-out or two. a large number of soccer enthusiasts. It was a ding- The Albuhera Shield was won by “ C ” Company, dong struggle from the start with both teams missing with Support Company second. The competition was land Highlanders we played the 23rd Field Regiment scoring opportunities, and the final whistle came with played on our own matting wicket with real success. R.A. in the semi-finals of the Land Forces Competition no score. This result gave us seventh place in the Many Royal Norfolk trainees with the Battalion turned and went down 15—o. It was a Hard open game played major Units league, on the whole a disappointing finish. out for their Companies, adding all the enthusiasm of a with the usual inter-Unit spirit. 2/Lt. Goodwin and Now that the season for competitive soccer is over minor county. L/Cpl. Harding showed dash at fly and wing, and Pte. we must start thinking of the future. Many of our McGrail kicked well at full back, though inclined to be players are still with us and our hopes for next season H ockey slightly out-positioned at times. In the pack Capts. will be centred on Colston, Freeman, Shepherd, Cran- The Battalion hockey team started the New Year Jordan and Deacock and Pte. Snow' caught the eye in field, Wright, Crooks and Carlisle. Already talent well, Raving already won the 27th Brigade Shield. the loose mauls and rushes. spotters are out looking for players among our recent Owing to injuries and other commitments, however, There is plenty of good rugger material in the drafts to replace Nicholson, Harding and Cheeseman. the team could not always maintain its best form. Of Battalion and we look forward to training a side next The Company league has now been played off and the three league games played in the major Units com­ year without the intrusion of cricket, basketball, tennis Our congratulations go to “ D ” Company on winning petition we have only managed to win one, w'hen we the championship. This result can be more appre­ and other summer games. beat the 5th Fusiliers 5—o. ciated when one realises that the majority of the It was a great disappointment that we were unable to ♦ Another visit of H.M.S. Unicorn to the Colony Battalion players are in “ H.Q.” 2, while “ D ” Com­ provided an opportunity for some good hockey and field our full side for the Colony 7-a-side Competition. pany’s average strength until recently has been approxi­ amusement. This time, in addition to the Battalion We were drawn in the first round to a trading firm mately 50 men. with Capts. Clayden, Deacock, Jordan and Legge and 1st X I, wre produced an officers’ team to play the ship’s We take this opportunity to thank Sgt. Burgess who officers. Unfortunately the officers’ team could not Lt. Fothergill unable to play. Although the team, con­ refereed the Battalion and Company matches, Pte. emulate the 1st X I and were severely trounced by sisting of L/Cpl. Harding, 2/Lts. Goodwin and Catch- Edwards who, under the tutorship of Sgt. Burgess, nine goals to three, wffiile our 1st team had a very good pole, Lt. Evans, Ptes. Snow and Briggs, and 2/Lt. refereed many of the Company games, and to Cpl. 8— 1 victory to return the compliment. Pollard did well to go down only 3—o, it was the lack Burbage whose enthusiasm has earned him the per­ The Albuhera Hockey Shield was won by “ H.Q.” 2 of experience that told. manent appointment of Battalion linesman. team, with " D ” Company as very worthy runners-up. The Albuhera 7-a-side Competition was played off Company league results are : Company hockey more than made up in keenness what in mid-March and was won by “ H.Q.” 2, captained G o a ls it lacked in experience. There is undoubtedly good by Lt. Fothergill, with “ H.Q.” 1 runners-up. C om p any P'ayed Won Drawn Lost F.A. P ts. material available which only waits to be trained. ‘ D ” 6 i 10 It was very laudable that the Battalion .had three 5 IS S Introductory notes must perforce be somewhat of an '* B ” 6 i 12 8 members chosen to represent the Colony when it went 3 2 * 9 apologia, for unhappily we failed to fulfil the predictions “ H .Q .” 2 . . 6 3 I 2 12 8 7 A thletics we made last quarter. These failures were due in a on its eight-day Rugby tour of Japan in early January “ H .Q .” i . . 6 3 3 8 11 6 Athletic training started early in the year, but as large measure to the surprising number of key sports­ —Capts. Clayden and Deacock and Lt. Evans. “ A ” 6 2 I 3 8 10 5 events were to prove later, not early enough. In men who left the Battalion during the last few months. It was a most successful tour in all ways. The team “ C ” 6 I I 4 6 9 3 January, helped by the Argylls, we started work on “ S ” However, despite our failure in achieving supreme played four games—three against the Japanese and one 6 3 3 S 14 3 constructing a running track on what was literally distinction in any one field, we have nevertheless main­ against a “ Foreigners” and Commonwealth side. The virgin soil. The quality of the finished article was tained an above average placing in all leagues and com­ results were: Cricket really first-class and represented an outstanding achieve­ petitions in the Colony. Meiji University (the largest in Under dark March clouds and with the completion ment by the fatigue parties and numerous volunteers The Albuhera Shield nears completion with “ H.Q.” 2 Japan—area of Tokyo) .. .. Won 14 3 of the Army League and Albuhera Shield, the cricket under the very able direction of C.S.M .I. Sowman and having gained the lead, closely followed by “ D ” and season 1951/52 has closed quietly. Looking back to Sgt. Potter. Support. Throughout, the competition has been run All Kanto (northern area team October, many hopes built on early successes have not On a lovely day in February we held the inter­ under the most difficult of conditions, particularly for around Tokyo) ...... Drawn 6 6 been fulfilled in the event. Latterly the Battalion has company athletic meeting. Competition was keen, rifle companies. Not only did Company strengths vary All Kansai (southern area team hardly recognised itself on taking the field and all too with “ H.Q.” 2 and Support Company finishing with considerably from week to week, but operational duties around industrial area of Osaka) Won 12 10 frequently pressure of work and other sports commit­ an equal number of points. The first place eventually often meant that valuable players were unable to play All Japan Foreigners’ Team .. Lost 15 3 ments have kept keen individuals out of vital games. went to “ H.Q.” 2 on the result of the 4 x 880 team relay. in critical matches. We hope that conditions this Policy has decreed that the Battalion will enter, in all Although there were no startling achievements, the coming year will be much more stable, with leagues Capts. Clayden and Deacock collected a very good sports and current competitions in the Colony, that all meeting proved that we possessed a number of athletes replacing knock-out competitions, thereby assuring share of the honours. The former for the great part might have their chance to play. With concentration capable of high performances. Particularly noteworthy more realistic results. wras the mainspring of the outsides. The team was of effort the Battalion might well have won the Army were the entrants for the pole vault, most of whom, royally entertained. It was flown there and back via cricket, that we lie third in the league reflects rather the although newcomers to the art of assisted jumping, did R ugby Taipeh, Okinawa and Tokyo, and all enjoyed them­ diversity of sport played than our best at cricket. astonishingly well. The most spectacular success, how­ It has been the Battalion’s misfortune that during the selves immensely. This team was the first touring side In our last game 2/Lt. J. S. B. Pollard, in his first ever, was L/Cpl. Rawlinson. who beat the Drum Major latter part of the season the Rugby side has had many to go to Japan for 15 years and doubtless this will be a Battalion game, made a pleasant 37, while 2/Lt. Alan in the discus, purely by abandoning himself to a third casualties. After winning against the Argyll & Suther­ regular feature in the years to come. Catchpole, deserting the golf course, took one wicket twist, which formerly he had not dared to attempt. 166 \~Jie 2)ie ^Jhe - ^JJardô The meeting finished with Mrs. Gwyn presenting the These were fought at San Wai and the afternoon Athletic Shield to the champion Company and medals provided some of the best bouts of the season for a to all winners and runners-up. In return Michael large number of spectators, including many senior Budden, young son of C.S.M. Budden, charmingly officers. We were proud to see L/Cpl. Jelly, Ptes. presented Mrs. Gwyn with a bouquet of flowers. Carroll and Barden win the heavyweight, light-heavy On the conclusion of the Battalion athletic meeting and light-middleweight contests respectively, while 52 officers and men commenced training under the able Ptes. Craze and Moss were runners-up. guidance of Capt. C. N. Clayden and the watchful eye It was quite evident from the afternoon’s boxing that of the Battalion Athletics Officer, Capt. Flavelle, in our main concern in the Inter-Unit Championship preparation for the Brigade meeting. would be the 1st R.U.R. This in fact proved true for we met them in the semi-finals, when we were beaten On March 5, 1952, 27th Infantry Brigade held their by 8 fights to 3. In many ways it w'as a disappointing athletic meeting at Boundary' Street, Kowloon. The result for we had looked forward to a keener decision day started overcast and before long it rained, but which our past record had more than warranted. fortunately not sufficiently hard to cancel the meeting. •There was no doubt though that the Ulstermen were From the onset it was evident that 1st R.U.R. (as in the fitter team, and we were glad to see them go on to the boxing) were our rivals. Excitement reached fever win the finals by beating 1st Wilts 1 1 —3. pitch as the day progressed with both teams level In February L/Cpl. Jelly, Ptes. Cocks, Carroll and pegging, with the final event remaining to decide the Barden were chosen to represent Hong Kong in the issue. It was not until the last baton change in the FA RELF Championships which were held in Singa­ 4X 100 relay that we realised we had lost the chance of pore. We have just heard that L/Cpl. Jelly is the new winning the competition. We had a lead of approxi­ FA R ELF heavyweight champion, whilst the other mately yards when our last man home stumbled. three were all runners-up—our congratulations to Gallantly picking himself up and still holding the baton them all. he continued the race, to finish third. Boxing for the year is now over and gloves are hung So ended a day of exhilarating sport with only six up for the present. On looking back, despite our dis­ points separating us from the winners. Despite our appointment in the inter-Unit team championship, it overwhelming superiority in field events we were now has been a very satisfactory season. We have made debarred from going on to the Colony Inter-Unit mistakes but have gained much valuable experience, Championship as it had previously been decided that and have the nucleus to form a really good team for only the winning team would represent the Brigade. next year. Results in detail were as follows: We take this opportunity t® offer our thanks to Event Place Best Time/Distance S.M. Henry of the R.U.R. who did so much to en­ went on to win the knock-out competition, so we were At the beginning of the y ear we fought a team from 4 x 100 . . 3 .. -— courage and direct our training. That he was training 4 x 220 .. .. 1 somewhat mollified. the Royal Northumberland Fusiliers for the Army 4 x 440 .. 1 his own Regimental team at the same time only adds At present we are taking part in the Nine Dragons championship. Although we lost against more experi­ 4 x 880 . . . . 2 to his credit. 1 mile...... 3 knock-out competition and we have reached the semi­ enced fencers, we had the honour of being the first 3 miles .. 3 The following were the team for 1951-52: Lt. final, having beaten 6 F.O.D. and 1 R.N.F. team to represent the Battalion. 120 Hurdles Relay . . 3 Fothergill, L/Cpl. Jelly (captain), W .0.2 Butcher In our friendly matches we have won and lost against Hammer .. 1 108 ft. 2 in. We were fortunate in getting a vacancy on a Fencing Hop, Step & Jump .. 1 40 ft. 4 i in. (R.A.E.C. attached), Cpl. Spicer, Cpl. Barker (A.C.C. 3rd R.T.R. and have beaten the Chinese Staff of the High Jump . . .. 3 attached), Pte. Carroll, Pte. Craze, Pte. Moss, Pte. European Y.M.C.A. We lost to the Chinese Y.M.C.A., Course in Singapore for 2/Lt. Starr and congratulate avelin .. .. x 141 ft. 4 in. him on the excellent result he achieved. We trust that i)iscus .. .. 1 94 ft. z i in. Wallace, Pte. Hassell, Cfn. Pitcher (R.E.M.E. attached), one of the best teams in the Colony, and we are soon Long Jump .. .. 1 19 ft. 11 in. Pte. Cocks, Pte. Dean (Royal Norfolk), Pte. Rist (Royal to have a return match to see if we can reverse the given time he will be able to train a really good team Shot ...... 1 34 ft- for next year’s events. Pole Vault . . .. 3 Norfolk), Pte. Perring (Royal Norfolk), Pte. Barden decision. (Royal Norfolk), Pte. Woodward (Royal Norfolk), Pte. At present a team consisting of Lt. A. R. F. Smith, Although we were unable to enter a team for the Our “ International ” matches not only extend to Noble, Pte. Sanders and Pte. O’Rawe. 2/Lt. M. T. Beagley, 2/Lt. E. Starr, C.S.M .I. Sowman, Inter-Unit Championship w'e did find a number of Chinese teams, for we have played against a U.S. naval ship as well. Pte. Rogers and Pte. Wiffen are entered in the open entrants for the individual events, but unfortunately Basketball Colony Fencing Championship, which is not yet met with no great success. However, later in the It would be unfair to mention any names for special Basketball was revived in the Battalion last September completed. 2/Lt. Beagley and C.S.M.I. Sowman have Colony Amateur Athletic Championship we did redeem comment because the team has worked as a team and and since then it has flourished rather spasmodically. done well to reach the semi-finals in the foil and equally our honour in some measure with Drum-Major Holford not relied on individuals to help it through. On present Battalion duties have often interfered with continuity 2/Lt. Starr in the sabre. So far the experience gained taking first place in the hammer, second in the discus, form the future prospects are very' bright as most of the of practice and cancellations of matches due to the in this competition has been far more valuable than the and Lt. Fothergill rightly taking his place as champion team will be with the Battalion until it goes home and weather have been too many to be desirable. the rest of the season should be a great success. results. javelin thrower with a distance of 152 ft. i in. However, there was a knock-out competition in the For the future, we look forward with confidence to Albuhera Shield which was won by “ S ” Company, Fencing Boxing building up a team of skilled fencers who will continue and the Battalion team, which has greatly improved Enthusiasm has not been dampened by' lack of equip­ to further the present enthusiasm and perhaps new The New Year started well with a large number of during the last six months, has had a very successful ment and practices have continued at Victoria Barracks “ stars ” will emulate the successes and reputation of boxers training hard under the direction of Capt. season. In the Brigade league we beat 1st Argyll and and lately at the European Y.M.C.A. John Willoughby' in his younger day's. Deacock. The very satisfactory' results of the novices Sutherland Highlanders, 18 Field Ambulance and and inter-Company boxing had instilled confidence and Brigade Headquarters, but lost to ist South Staffords hopes were high for the forthcoming events. who were Brigade champions. In the Land Forces There was a record entry of 16 for the Land Forces knock-out we beat 25 Field Regiment, R.A., but were Open Championships in January. Eliminating bouts unlucky to meet the Hong Kong Chinese Training whittled our representation down to five in the finals. Unit in the second round to whom we lost. This team Support the advertiiers who iupport i j o u Z L Zbie -JJards

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Major I. H. Battye, on the birth of a son. W.O.2 Donovan on his promotion to R.S.M. Capt. B. K. Clayden on successfully mixing business with pleasure and thereby finding a wife. Sgt. Thorogood for his training of the M.M.G. Platoon which gave them first place in the Colony Machine Gun W.O.2 Butcher (and the Bat­ talion Education Staff) on his Concentration and the best score in the success in getting the Battalion A.R.A. Competition. the best education record in the Cpl. Pluck for winning the Sadick Cup. Colony.

The manpower machine continues to work overtime Other departures have been O.R.Q.M.S. Redpath but shows no sign of wearing out. Arrivals and depar­ (sufficiently recovered to allow his return to U.K. last tures continue in ever-increasing numbers, but unfor­ month. We trust that he will be fully recovered by the tunately the one bears no relation to the other, with the time we get home, so that he can join us before we leave result that the Battalion is never properly balanced. In for Austria), W .0.2 Donovan who is to be R.S.M. at all 4 officers, x W.O., 4 Sergeants and 20 rank and file the Depot, Sgts. Saxby, Drew and Steward. C.S.M. have left us. In return we have had 8 officers and 180 Cooper, once again with warrant rank (this time we hope Privates. In addition, there have been 188 Royal. for good), is now with “ A” Company, where he has Norfolk in and 213 Royal Norfolk out. replaced W.O.2 Donovan. Sgt. Burgess still continues The most grievous loss to the Battalion this quarter heroically as Colour-Sergeant in “ A” Company without has been Major W. P. M. Allen, M.C. When he was the rank. At present he is away on a well-earned appointed 2 IC last summer we all hoped that he would holiday to Japan. Perhaps we will be able to greet him remain in that appointment until the Battalion returned with the news of promotion on the shadow roll when he home. But that was not to be, for within six months returns. 2/Li. Fothergill for throwing the Drum Major Holford (once Pte. Jackson for being the oldest, we were told he was to leave us for the Staff. We now Sgt. Simpson is back again with us as Orderly Room javelin further than anyone else again!) for taking first place in cheeriest and most hard-working have our fourth 2 IC within twelve months, which surely soldier in the Battalion. Sergeant, having changed over with Cpl. Cripps, who in the Colony Athletic Meeting. the hammer and second place in must be a record. has returned to Field Records, Singapore. the discus in the Colony Athletics. Peter Allen rejoined the 1st Battalion in June, 1950, There has been much change among the officers. when he was appointed to the command of Support After months of waiting we are once again up to strength Company. In August, when the Battalion reorganised in Majors. From the land of the theoretical have come for Korea, he took over “ B ” Company, which he led Major G. B. Ayre, Major G. C. Dawson and Major throughout the nine months’ campaigning. In so doing, I. H. Battye. We are already indebted to Major Ayre, he was the only Company Commander in the Brigade our new 2 IC, for his handsome gift of a set of regimental who took out and brought back a Company to Hong Standing Orders, dated 1857, and signed by the then Kong. To those of us who served with him, there will Commanding Officer, Lt.-Col. War re. These Orders always remain a deeplv-etched picture of “ Himalayan must be unique and make interesting reading—Majors Allen,” whose long kud stick, cap comforter, and pipe, are encouraged to visit barracks frequently, while wives made him easily distinguishable as he led his Company. are commanded not to fall in on the line of march but Always cheerful and imperturbable, his presence instilled to accompany the baggage. Perhaps the spirit of Col. confidence in officers and men alike. Although Peter Warre is about and has got wind of our move to Austria ? Allen leaves the Battalion, we will still see much of him Other officer arrivals are: Capt. Leonard from and hope that in his new appointment as D.A.A. and MalayL Capt. Wheeler from Korea. 2/Lt.s Collins, Q.M.G. at Brigade Headquarters he will do much to Pollard, ex R.M.A., and 2 Lt. Fox. Lt. Kitchener from lighten the load which falls to regimental soldiers these his M.M.G. course in U.K.

LI Cpl. Jelly for becoming Ser­ R.S.M. Weller, M.M., on his vices Heavyweight boxing cham­ appointment to a Quartermaster's pion of the Far East. commision (not yet gazetted but to be ante-dated to January ,1952).

É "Ohe lò i e -^J4ardi 170 ÖL 2 ) , -^JJardó 171

Lord Gifford, V.C., 57th Regiment, at which Mr. Duffield was one of the bearers. ARMY ART SOCIETY A copy of the Old Contemptible for February, 1952, There are probably many amateur artists serving in Depot Notes containing an account of the unveiling of the com­ the Forces who have not heard of this Society'. It is memoration plaque at Obourg, Mons, to the memory an entirely unofficial organisation and exists to en­ of the 4th Battalion. courage Art amongst past and present members of the “Award of Merit ” awarded to Mr. Duffield in 19 11. Immediately following the death of His late Majesty, themselves well and would uphold the fine traditions three Fighting Services. For several years very A Diploma which goes with this has been promised. the Training Company was required for street lining of the Regiment. Col. Browne then presented medals successful exhibitions have been held in London each duties when the Depot provided a mixed contingent to the following: From Mr. H. G. Manders (Sgt., 1st Middlesex, 1907-28) autumn and these afford an opportunity for young of Permanent Staff and Recruits for the Proclamation General Service Medal R.S.M. P. Donovan. A copy of Steady the Drums and Fifes, in very good artists who often have the advantage of painting sub­ of Accession on February 8, 1952. Weather and con­ with Palestine Clasp. condition, and a photograph of the 1st and 3rd Battalions jects overseas to show their works and compare them ditions were none too favourable for long stationary Best Recruit . . . . Pfe. P. Willmoth. on parade at Dum Dum in 19 11. Both pictures are with others. This adds a real interest and object to framed. their hobby. periods and the Training Staff were most pleased with Best Rifle Shot . . . . Pte. D. Higgins the steadiness shown by the Recruits during the five- Best L.M .G. Shot .. Pte. D. Higgins. From Ex-Schoolmaster J. C. Crisp The work of serving personnel, of all ranks, is par­ hour period of the route lining. It says much for the Best Recruit P.T. . . Pte. P. Roche. Cuttings from the Illustrated London News dated 1855 ticularly welcome and intending exhibitors are invited young National Service soldier that, after only five and 1856, giving accounts and sketches of the 57th in to apply now for particulars about the next (21st) The Depot were sorry to see W.O.2 F. Wickens leave Exhibition. This will be held at the Imperial Institute, weeks’ training, they could conduct themselves with for the 5th Battalion The Queen’s Royal Regiment, the Crimea, and an extract from an old Army List the same steadiness as the Regular soldiers. of 1912. South Kensington, from October 21 to November g Guildford, after his attachment to the Depot as 1952. The Depot Annual Inspection was carried out by A R.S.M ., and we wish him the best of luck in the future. From Capt. A. E. Gurr Maj.-Gen. J. A. Gascoigne, C.B., D.S.O., G.O.C. A cap band with the words “ Afrika Korps ” taken by Applications should be addressed to: E. A. Callam, We also take this opportunity of welcoming W.O.2 Esq., Hon. Sec., Army Art Society, 66 Apsley House’ London District, on April 1, 1952. The heavy fall of Capt. Gurr from a prisoner of that Corps in the desert P. Donovan to the Depot as our new Depot R.S.M. St. John’s Wood, London, N.W\8. snow three days before was our biggest worry. How­ and congratulate him on his appointment and promotion. in 1942. , ever, we managed to clear the parade ground in time R.S.M. Donovan has already made himself “ known ” Two German war medals—one 1939 and the other for the inspection by improvising table tops as snow in several quarters. 1941-42. ploughs. We also congratulate Cpl. Potts on his above average Two values of paper money (is. and 2s. 6d.), issued in Boarding Education for Children Our usual church service for the Recruits at St. Paul’s grading on the Small Arms Course at Hythe. exchange for English money to members of the 1st of Members of H.M. Forces who Church on March 30, 1952, had to be cancelled, as Even as this is written, a new intake is struggling Army before landing in North Africa. our Padre was prevented by deep drifts of snow from through the Main Gate of the Depot and the familiar From Mrs. L. Paulet are Serving Abroad attending. The Recruits and Depot Staff who had bustle and hustle of documentation and equipping is in A Russian pistol from the battlefield of Tchernia, When a member of H.M. Forces is posted abroad if started to march to the church, returned and took part progress. Our P.S.O., Capt. J. N. Fitzpatrick, Royal brought from the Crimea by Lt. T. E. Fosbery, 77th he has children of school age he needs to consider in a snowball fight. The accuracy of some of the West Kent Regiment, is looking increasingly harassed Regiment, 1856. whether he will take these children with him or leave hurlers bodes well for the cricket team this season. at the numbers arriving, which have far outnumbered Lt. Fosbery was Mrs. Paulet’s father; he lost a leg them at home in the care of, possibly some relative, or We have had two further Passing-Out Parades since the official figures. Regular recruiting is certainly on at the siege of Sebastopol. at a boarding school. If he decides that it is essential last going to print and yet another sixty men are well the upgrade and as we enter the new era of “ Soldiers for the sake of the children’s education that they should on the way to completing their training before, we hope, of the Queen ” our hopes for a high proportion of stay at home at boarding school he may apply for joining the 1st Battalion. The Inspecting Officer for regular soldiers in our Battalion seem never to have Back Numbers o f ‘ The Die-Hards’ financial assistance to a Local Education Authority. the first parade was Brigadier B. B. Rackham, C.B.E., been better. Major G. C. D. Scott-Lowe, T.D., Depot and Normally, this application should be made to the M.C., D.L., accompanied by Mrs. Rackham. Due to We have just heard that we are to lose our Com­ Training Establishment, Royal Military Police, Inker- Authority in whose area the parents resided imme­ the death of the King, the parade was naturally con­ manding Officer, Major G. O. Porter, who has been man Barracks, Woking, Surrey, writes. “ Re the diately prior to going overseas or, failing that, to the ducted in a rather more sober vein and the usual band posted to the 1st Battalion in Hong Kong. Capt. A. D. C. Journal. I have all copies from 1928 to the war bound Authority in whose area the children would normally accompaniment was not available. However, Brigadier Eales will take over command of the Depot until Major and have a complete set post-war with the exception of spend their holidays if at a boarding school. The Rackham expressed satisfaction with the standard of P. D. H. Marshall arrives from West Africa. ^vo Vol. 8, Nos. 3 and 5 (September, 1947, and drill, turnout and bearing of the men on parade, and Local Education Authority for Middlesex is the March, 1948). I know you are out of stock. Is it possible Middlesex County Council and applications should be quite a large gathering of parents and friends watched to put a small notice in the next issue ? ” the parade. The usual medals were presented and addressed to the Chief Education Officer, 10 Great REGIMENTAL M U SEU M NOTES If you have these volumes to spare would you contact George Street, Westminster, S.W.i. those who received them were: the writer direct, please ? * Assistance will only be granted if the Local Education Best Recruit . . . . Pte. A. Foster. What with redecoration, installations of new lighting Authority agrees with the parents that it is necessary Best Rifle Shot . . . . Pte. J. North. and heating, and the arrival of new show cases, the on educational grounds for the children concerned to Best L.M .G. Shot .. Pte. M. Coppack. Museum has suffered from constant upheavals, but we His late Majesty King George VI go to a boarding school. The extent to which assistance Best Recruit P.T. .. Pte. A. McDonnell. are nearing the end of these upsets now, and reorganisa­ The following messages between the President of the is granted varies somewhat according to the Local tion has already been able to make some headway. Mr. The second parade was held on April 3, 1952, and ouai British Club znd Brigadier E. E. F. Baker on the Education Authority concerned, but most Authorities Smith, who looks after the place, is no mean handyman, though slightly over the time limit for the quarter, we occasion of the death of H.M. King George VI are Nvould need to be satisfied before granting assistance and takes carpentering, upholstering and plumbing in have decided to include it in this issue. The Inspecting '/jsPiring examples of the sympathy of the people of that the child could not reasonably attend a day school. his stride. Officer was the Colonel of the Regiment, Col. M. Douai for us Regimentally and as a nation: If, for example, the mother were staying in this country Gifts continue to arrive, and since the last number Browne, M.C., D.L., J.P., his last inspection as Colonel From President of Douai British Club: “ Deeply it might be argued that the children should reside with of the Journal the following additions are acknowledged of the Regiment before the end of his tour on April 22, sympathise with the British people.” the mother and not go to a boarding school. 1952. Col. Browne addressed the parade and said with many thanks to the donors: From Mr. Geo. H. E. Du ield To President, Douai British Club: “ Deeply Financial assistance is related to the parents’ financial that he was extremely pleased to find that half the draft circumstances and is normally restricted to pupils of were Regular recruits and would, in the fairly near A collection of press cuttings, photographs and pro­ touched by kind message Middlesex Regiment Joins in grateful thanks to British Club.” secondary school age, and in the case of the Middlesex future, be joining the 1st Battalion. He wished them grammes, together with Lt.-Col. C. R. Dyer’s Farewell Order on handing over command of the 4th Battalion County Council is only granted in respect of attendance luck and judged from their bearing and turnout on A letter has been sent to the president of the club by at schools recognised as efficient by the Minister of the parade after only six weeks, that they would acquit in 19 11. The cuttings give accounts of the funeral of e Chairman of the Regimental Association. Education. 172 ie -^JJardó

HOME COUNTIES BRIGADE petition by a 12-point lead, again over the Royal Sussex. 7th BATTALION Centre there and has as its Adjutant and Quartermaster, After tea, cups and sweepstake prizes were presented Major Charles Denton, T.D. We are delighted that he GOLF MEETING by the Colonel of the Regiment, who invited all who THE MIDDLESEX REGIMENT has been given this appointment. He has been inti­ It became the Depot’s turn this year to organise this could spare the time up to the Depot Mess for drinks, mately connected with this Battalion for twenty years, meeting and despite a lamentable lack of knowledge of to round off an enjoyable day. (D.C.O.) of w'hich twelve were passed as Quartermaster. His the technicalities of handicapping, etc., on the part of knowledge and experience have been invaluable. He those responsible, the result was a very successful day. Spring Golf Meeting The principal event since our has set us all a magnificent example and his sturdy Fortunately the weather, which for the preceding three last notes were published has been cheerfulness has been an important factor in the present days had been cold and wet, held fine throughout, The Spring Golf Meeting was held at the Hendon the funeral of His late Majesty well-being of the Battalion. except for a slight shower in the morning. Golf Club on Friday, April 25, 1952. The course was King George VI. One hundred We are also sorry to say farewell to our R.M.O., Of a total of 26 competitors from five Regiments, it in fine condition and the weather glorious. The little and eighteen all ranks had the Dr. N. K. Dryden, who has left London and has taken was very gratifying to see as many as 10 from our own, thunder cloud going round the course in the afternoon privilege of lining the route in a practice in Somerset. We have fortunately obtained including our new Colonel, Lt.-Gen. G. C. Bucknall. turned out to be as one of our substantive Lieut.- Edgware Road. An early start was the services of another doctor, Capt. D. N. Cow, and Col. M. Browne attended as an enthusiastic and ob­ Colonels down on his luck! It was therefore sad that necessary and so the majority were we welcome him to the Battalion. servant spectator, covering the full length of the course, the entry was so small, but for all that the standard was accommodated overnight in the Finally we congratulate 2/Lt. R. D. H. Wilson on both in the morning and afternoon, and at the same high as may be judged from the results which are T.A. Centre, breakfast being pro­ being mentioned in despatches for gallantry in Malaya. time putting in useful work as caddy to Lt.-Gen. Sir published below. vided for the officers by Mrs. Poulter and for the other A. Dow'ler! John Phillips, of the 7th Battalion, is to be con­ ranks by the Desert Rat Café. Only two nights of arms “ H.Q.” COMPANY Competitors arrived well on time and a start was gratulated on w'inning the Scratch Cup in his first com­ drill had been possible, but in spite of that the Battalion Unquestionably the event that stood out in a promi­ made by Col. Clay and Lt.-Col. Crookenden in the petition, and we hope that this is the prelude to many made a good showing and received many tributes both nence all of its owrn since the last notes were written was Singles Handicap shortly after 10 a.m. Players more occasions. We also congratulate Capt. Guest and for their drill and turn-out. the funeral of His late Majesty. Nearly 50 all ranks of followed each other out in quick succession, and by Major Kempster on their w'ell-merited success. Indeed, Few will easily forget that great procession. The the Company were privileged to line the route on this 10.30 silence fell upon the club house and a harrassed the “ old guard ” were much to the fore setting the naval gun team, steady and eight abreast, the Imperial sad and sombre occasion and were thus able to witness Match Secretary surveyed a box full of £ 1 and 10s. young hopefuls an excellent example, with Major crown, glistening as though it were one great diamond, a procession of pageantry only to be seen in England. notes and a variety of silver coins waiting to be counted Anderson demonstrating how the longest puts may be and over all the solemn and moving strains of the Dead More of this memorable event will doubtlessly appear and sorted into green fees, lunches, teas and two sweep­ holed with a regularity most trying to his opponents. March in Saul. elsewhere in the notes, but we feel that it would be stakes. It is reported that in spite of having at first We were delighted to see Col. Hervey del Court, who In our December notes we likened the Territorial ungracious not to take this opportunity of thanking the failed to pay for his own lunch, a balance was finally almost sank his tee shot at the 14th, and his wife, Army to a hive of bees. This is not quite accurate, Permanent Staff for all the trouble they took to accom­ struck! though we were sorry to see the drop in the former’s because we woke up in February and H.Q. has been modate and feed us so well on the eve and the day of Shortly after 1 o’clock the first pairs started to come sartorial standard. Shame on those grey flannels after humming ever since. The tempo of training has been the funeral. in and although a Middlesex 92 opened the scoring the previous day’s glory! quickening month by month and it is a credit to all With the passing of the Vernal Equinox the tempo of this was quickly followed by 71, 73 and 76 appearing Col. Samuel arrived for tea and we were glad to see concerned that so much has been done in such a short training has increased and already we have attended, in to the credit of Bywaters, Guest and Stumps Green him looking so well again. while. considerable strength, two week-ends at Pirbright and respectively. Wilson (Royal Sussex) and Mason Our thanks are due to our Committee, who too All the Companies have visited Pirbright at least once when these notes appear we shall have had more than (Surreys) returned 72 and 73, but our hopes were seldom receive thanks for their work, the Secretary of to fire the rifle and L.M .G., several tactical discussions a “ view ” of Yorkshire. restored by an 80 from del Court and an 81 from South. the Hendon Golf Club, and to “ Nobby ” Clark and have taken place and the N.C.O.s have had a TEW T It was with real regret that we said good-bye to Challenges were made by Mansell (Royal Sussex) 77 the staff at the Depot for providing a delightful day’s at Elstree. In addition, there have been numerous Capt. G. D. Gunnell, and all ranks wish him a successful and Clay (R.W.K.) 79, but as no other competitor put entertainment. higher formation exercises. and happy command of “A ” Company. in a score under 80 we finished up the winners bn the The meeting was followed by a most enjoyable This training all leads up to Annual Camp, which is We note with a grow ing interest the steady increase in morning’s play with a margin of 8 points over the Royal cocktail party in the Officers’ Mess at the Depot. We being held from May 31 to June 14 at Humbleton Camp, the strength of the Band and at the same time trust Sussex Regiment. An excellent lunch was laid on by congratulate all those concerned in it. The fine rooms Barnard Castle. It is an excellent camp and we expect that the Corps of Drums had a successful broadcast in the Hendon Golf Club, to whose Secretary the thanks in the Mess were shown to their best advantage and we to spend an enjoyable and profitable fortnight. the B.B.C. series “ Scarlet and Gold.” of all are due for his great assistance towards the smooth were able to renew many old friendships. The rebuilding of the T.A. Centre at Hornsey is well The following volunteers and N.S. men have joined running of the meeting. MORNING ROUND under way and it has been most interesting to watch the the Company during the past three months, and to all Names Gross Handicap Nett we extend a warm welcome: Ptes. Clarke, P., Clarke, W., Play in the Foursomes was resumed at 2.30 p.m., 2/Lt. J. M. Phillips .. • - 87 16 7 i buildings rise. The work should be completed by the and to judge by the way that everybody got going it Capt*R. E. Guest . . . . • • 88 18 end of the year and then Battalion H.Q. and the Com­ Croft, Holloway, Kilby, Oliver, Silvester and Tarr. Major G. B. Anderson . . . • 9 4 *7 panies at Hornsey will have adequate stores, offices and The Company won its first round tie in the .22 Rifle was evident that the Middlesex pairs w'ere determined Lt.-Col. A. E. Green . . .. 101 24 77 to maintain, and if possible increase their morning lead, Major G. W. Kempster . . .. 89 11 7 » lecture rooms. Competition against the 560 Airborne Company, while those of other regiments were as equally deter­ Gen. G. C. Bucknall .. - • 88 10 7» At the same time as this rebuilding is being done, the R.A.S.C., by 26 points, and we congratulate the team, Major J. Bywaters 91 12 '9 mined to reduce or overtake it. Lt.-Col. T. South 100 18 »2 Officers’ Mess are having the portraits of their former composed of R.Q.M.S. Howes, C.S.M. Harris, C.S.M Major W. D. E llis...... 100 17 »3 (P.S.I.) Morgan, C/Sgt. Colboume, Sgt. Moran, L Cpl. The first four in did not give much indication of the Major J. G. P. Hunt .. 108 20 88 Commanding Officers renovated, the frames regilded way things wrere going, though it must be confessed Capt. P. L. Pearce Gould . . . • 114 2 4 9 and some of the furniture repaired. The Middlesex Iddenton and Ptes. Gray and King. Lt.-Col. S. F. W. M. del Court .. 105 14 9 « Finally, we should also like to congratulate Lt. P. C. that our own pair’s 13 down was a little depressing. Winner Scratch: Winner Handicap: Territorial and Auxiliary Forces’ Association has very Prospects from our point of view% however, looked very 2/Lt. J. M. Phillips Capt. R. E. Guest generously undertaken to pay a large proportion of the Kay on his representing, at hockey, the Territorial Army cost. against the Regular Army and also C.S.M. Harris heartening when Green and Bywaters returned 3 down AFTERNOON—FOURSOMES v . BOGEY and Latham and Pearce Gould 6 down. A 5 and 6 During March we were pleased to provide 3-in. (who must be well known to the older members of the down from the Surreys and Royal Sussex did not really Position Major G w Kempste^and Capt. R. E. Guest 3 Down mortar instruction for Capt. G. Mason and Cpl. L. 1st Battalion) on his spirited display in the Divisional 2 Gen. G. C. Bucknall and Major W. D. Ellis . . 4 upset our equanimity as it w^as a case of divided forces 7 Lt.-Col. A. E. Green and Major J. Bywaters . . 4 DO*» Fisher of 1st Middlesex. This reversal of the normal Boxing Championships. against us. The results show the final placings, and 4 Lt.-Col. S. F. W. M. del Court and Major G. B. ^ role of the Territorial and Regular Forces exemplifies Anderson .. •• „ •• 4 rwvn SUPPORT COMPANY while congratulations go to all, special mention must be 5 Lt.-Col. T. South and Major J. G. P. Hunt .. 10 D«' the high standards now demanded and obtained in made of Bywaters, and also of Stumps Green and Pearce 6 Capt. P. L. Pearce Gould and 2/Lt. J. M. Phillips 10 Down the former. The Company’s weapon strength has now progressed W inners: Major G. W. Kempster and Capt. R. E Guest Gould for their efforts, after only a few months’ serious Runners-up: Gen. G. C. Bucknall and Major W. D. Ellis (at The Home Guard has been reformed. The 26th considerably and the addition of two 3-in. mortars and golf, in giving us another win in this half of the com­ triple tie—best last 9 holes). Battalion at Enfield is housed in a portion of our T.A. two Anti-Tank guns has given renewed inspiration to D L I b ie - ■ C iardi 174 ’Ohe Ibi, fardi the respective Platoon—or should one say Battery— with them if they left the T.A. Centre with heads in a Commanders. Their preparations for Camp, where we whirl with all the “ gen ” that had been pushed into hope to operate as a support group for the first time, them by the Platoon Commander, C.S.M. Hutchings have stretched C.S.M. Kenrick’s manual producing and Sgt. Dean. capacity to its utmost. We w'ould like to know, however, how' they got on Our carrier driving and motor cycling instruction w'ith their mortar course in this country. week-ends have proved very successful, the only com­ The Mortar Platoon of the 7th Battalion can now plaint being that they are not more frequent. justly say they have had something to do w'ith the We welcome the return of Capt. Baker to the Company training of the following personnel:— and also the arrival of 2/Lt. B. St. G. A. Reed, M.C., 1. 1st Battalion The Middlesex Regiment. and 2/Lt. A. R. K. Hardcastle. 2. 1st Battalion London Irish Rifles. Congratulations to Sgt. Wotton on his marriage. We 3. 1st Battalion London Scottish. wish him and Mrs. Wotton every success and happiness; 4. One padre (not forgetting his misfire). also congratulations to Ptes. Bawden and Seymour on 5. One doctor. their promotion. Roll up! we w'ill train anybody, any time, in the intricacies of mortar w'ork. Machine Gun Platoon Seriously', we would be pleased to see any mortar Since the last issue of The Die-Hards, from the training men or others, for that matter, who are interested in point of view, the Platoon has been preparing for Camp mortars, at the centre on any Tuesday night. in June at Barnard Castle. The Platoon Sergeant has This is all the new's for now, so until next publication been worked extremely hard and no word less than —So long. Best of luck. ingenious could cover some of his improvisations in the Drill Hall. Anti-Tank Platoon We welcome back to the Platoon again our old Platoon Three members of the Support Company have now Commander, Capt. Baker, at the same time we are done a 17-pounder course. Lt. Leighton a week at sorry to bid good-bye to 2/Lt. Brown, who has been Netheravon, C.S.M. Kenrick a six-week course at with us but a short time, and wish him the best of Netheravon, and Sgt. Brooks a week at Hornsey, and fortune in “ A ” Company. we hope that they have learnt something and that the Permanent Staff, April, 1952. We particularly welcome two new' volunteers to swell Platoon will take advantage of the fact. Standing: L/Cpl. F. Barry (Q.M. Storeman), C.S.M. A. Kenrick (S), Sgt. W. 7 Snell (M T ) C S’ \1 A Burrell (r\ our ranks: Ptes. Burt and Oliver, who joined us in We would like'to w'elcome 2/Lt. Hardcastle, Pte. ^ C.S.M. J. C. Morgan (.H.Q.), Cpl. S. Houghton (M.T.), L Cpl. D. W. Gipson {M.T.). Burrell (C)p March this year and December last respectively. We Weir (from “ C ” Company), Ptes. Arnold, Peet, Bower Sitting: C .S.M S. W BlackweU (A), R.S.M E. J. Pike, Capt. P. L. Pearce Gould, Lt.-Col. A. E. Green, D.S.O., also w'elcome two N.S. men to our ranks: Ptes. Leggett and Lambeth (N.S. men), and wish them a happy stay O.B.E., Major {Q.M.) P. F. Newman, M.B.E., C.S.M. L. J. Tostevin (B). and Smith. in the Platoon. Our congratulations go to Pte. Jeffries We look forward to Camp with considerable eagerness on his marriage, and to C.S.M. Kenrick on his excellent in the hope that all things being equal, we shall have an result on 17-pounder course. point of view, their sights leave much to be desired. Baker, who has left us amid many regrets, owing to his extremely interesting fortnight. Since the last Die-Hards notes we have done very' For some time “ A ” Company has differed from the home being far distant from the T.A. Centre, and has little practical training—only theory because of building rest of the Battalion in that training night w'as Thursday. returned to his old love, the M.M.G. Platoon. We Due to the advent of more men it is now seen that Mortar Platoon in the yard. How'ever, weekend April 19/20 was spent regret his going; we welcome Capt. Gunnell and we there is a better attendance Tuesdays, and this night Since the last publication of the Journal, the Platoon down at Pirbright doing gun drill and a little carrier wish them both good luck in their new appointments. driving, also a little cross-country and route marching has been the training night from April 15. We also welcome 2 Lts. Brown and Willmer, and has been busy in preparing itself for camp, and it has From the social angle our social evenings on Tuesdays now reached the stage where it is possible to field two at night was done by some members of the Platoon— Ptes. Honey bun, Linden and Merritt, as T.A. volun­ obviously getting in training for camp! have been a great success, with large numbers of all teers, Ptes. Morley and Pearson as N.S. volunteers, and complete Sections and a Platoon H.Q., the numbers ranks attending together with their wives and girl nowr being two officers and 25 other ranks. Ptes. Roberts, Ellesmere and Pinder as N.S. men who “ A ” COMPANY friends. We have seen several hon. members of the we hope will not be long in volunteering. We hope From the training point of view the Platoon has con­ Club, and Mr. and Mrs. Chittock, our caretakers, have centrated as much as possible on a Platoon of four Since last going to press “ A ” Company' has assumed that their stay with us will be a most happy one. Ptes. a vastly different aspect. Formerly a “ poor country' admirably borne the strain of dispensing large quan­ Merritt 55 and Skinner have volunteered from ordinary w'orking in support of a Battalion; this has caused tities of that which makes social evenings go with a many headaches and losses of sleep over exercises on cousin,” it has become very much “ a man about National Service, and we hope that all those who have town.” Numbers have risen rapidly and there is a swing. Badminton and table tennis equipment have not yet done so will follow their example. the cloth model and such mortar horrors as safety been bought, accompanied by the loud protests of the limits, timed fire plans, and mortar plotters which the feeling of increasing efficiency and organised strength. We say goodbye to Lts. Reed and Liddell after too And now to events. We have been visited by Officer IC Company Fund, because (he says) the bank short a stay' with us, and to Cpl. Stead, a stalwart of Mortar Platoon Commander seems to take a devilish balance was getting low. However, we have weathered delight in setting. Brigadier A. G. V. Paley, C.B.E., D.S.O., our Brigade the Como any, whose impending removal to Manchester Commander, who listened to a lecture on map reading the storm financially' and the expenditure has paid prevents him from signing on for a further engagement. We w'ere hoping to have a 3-in. mortar week-end pleasing dividends. sometime in May, but, unfortunately, this has been by our 2IC and afterwards joined the Company in the We congratulate Capt. Gunnell, Lts. Clarke and Liddell canteen, and chatted with all present. He seemed On April 3 “ B ” Company came to visit us and a and C.S.M. Baker on their promotion, and also Lt. cancelled owing to shortage of ammunition. It may Very pleasant evening was the result. Badminton, interest the 1st Battalion to know that our annual pleased with all he saw', and we were glad to see him. Baldwin on his marriage on April 26. In March we twice went to Pirbright for instructional table tennis and darts were played, “ A ” Company We are also pleased to hear that Sgt. Carter, our allocation is roughly 5 per cent, of theirs. "inning the assorted games 7—4. It was noted that The highlight of the training this period was a visit and classification shooting. The results were not all Reservist, will be with us for another yrear. that could be desired, and showed the need for intensive the 2IC, despite his bulk, seemed to move faster on the The greater length of these notes seems to show that for one day of certain personnel of the Mortar Platoon court than the new' O.C. of the 1 st Battalion, to be briefed and put in the picture work in weapon training and more range practice. To A Company is now “ getting a move on,” and we assist us in this, two No. 8 rifles have arrived and have That brings us to our hails and farewells. Capt. hope that the impetus will be maintained until and after regarding elementary' mortar work. We apologise to J- D. Gunnell has taken over command from Capt. L. F. them for the harsh way of training they had, e.g. been used on the 25-yard range. The general opinion we are fully up to strength. drinking tea w'hilst doing mortar drill, and sympathise is that w'hile they are very accurate from the ballistic / 76 ^Jke ^t)ie ^JJardi 3 L 2 ) ie -2dards 177

“ B ” COMPANY goes to prove once again the truth of the old saying that NEW GIFT PARCEL SERVICE FOR BRITISH We have twice visited the W.E.T.C. at Pirbright; on “ marriage is like a beleagured fortress, with those on TROOPS STATIONED IN MALAYA, KOREA the first occasion the shooting was not of a very high the outside trying to get in, and those on the inside AND JAPAN standard mainly owing to the wet weather. trying to break out.” Seriously, though, we all convey When annual classification took place, however, the to Sgt. Wotton and his bride our sincere congratulations As from May 1, 1952, Naafi will conduct a new gift weather was ideal, the Company producing four marks­ and wish them many happy years together. parcel scheme for British troops stationed in Malaya, men and seven ist class shots with the rifle, and three We also congratulate those who have recently climbed Korea and Japan. marksmen and seven ist class shots with the L.M .G. one step higher up the promotion ladder: C.S.Ms. The scheme is designed primarily to save the sender By next year we hope these numbers will have at least Baker, Harris and Hutchings, and C/Sgts. Hills, Leggett of a parcel the heavy cost of postage from the United doubled. and Leahy. Kingdom to the area concerned. The year’s training is progressing well. C.S.M. At the time of writing annual camp seems to be Relatives and friends in the United Kingdom may Tostevin endeavours to make everyone proficient with approaching at an alarming rate. However, at a recent order through Naafii canteens and Naafi family shops all weapons, and has the necessary remark always Mess meeting we settled some of the main issues con­ (if authorised to deal), or alternatively direct from cerned, the most important one of all being the question read} for the idle man. Naafi headquarters, one or more of a range of standard We ate very pleased to see the Old Comrades from of a suitable brewer. As the general opinion seemed gift parcels to be consigned to any member of the the “ Memorial Cottages ” who visit us each month. to be that “ there’s no such thing as bad beer,” this was British naval, military and air forces who is actually Dart and shooting matches have taken place in which soon settled. stationed ashore in Malaya (excluding Singapore), Advance reports of the camp in general and, of course, we try and hold our own. Korea or Japan. On receipt of the order, Naafi will Our congratulations to Ptes. Ellingworth and Hull on as far as we are concerned the Mess in particular, are immediately arrange for particulars to be flown to a their respective marriages, also to Pte. Broom on the very favourable and we are now eagerly waiting to see Naafi establishment in the area concerned where the if our hopes of a really “ super ” Mess are going to be birth of his son. appropriate parcel will be assembled, packed and posted fulfilled. Annual camp is the one tfine when we can to the addressee. Deliver}' to the addressee will be really get together as a Mess and so it is extremely effected through the Army Post Office in Korea and “ C ” COMPANY important that we should make every effort to make Japan, and the civilian postal authorities in Malaya. The Company had a very successful weekend at the Mess a success. However, we’ll be able to report The sender has the choice of some 40 different Pirbright Ranges on March 8/9, and although the more about how we succeed in the next issue of The parcels, ranging in price from 5s. to 30s. each, with weather proved far from ideal, the 33 all ranks who Die-Hards. contents selected to suit either cigarette smokers or attended did well to return satisfactory scores. In Sgt. “ Pony ” Moore, our indefatigable Cook Ser­ pipe smokers. Everyday necessities, such as soap or connection with our shooting we have suffered a geant, says that he is going to camp this year and we razor blades, are not included in the parcels which grievous loss owing to the promotion and transfer of our are still trying to discover whether its because it has contain the little extras popular with Servicemen. enthusiastic and indefatigable coach, C/Sgt. Harris, and been rumoured that there will be Bass in the bar Details of the sender are also included. although we shall miss his excellent tuition on the this year. Presentation of Meritorious range, all ranks take this opportunity of congratulating So once again our genial friend, ex-C.S.M. Whit- Service Medal Examples him on his promotion to W .0.2 and wish him the best combe, will hear a gruff voice call for “ A box of matches, Korea/Japan of luck with his new Company. please—(long pause)—and a Bass.” What does Sgt. On Friday, April 18, the Colonel of the Regiment 5s. parcel. 100 cigarettes (popular brand) and two In place we welcome C/Sgt. Hills and hope he will Moore do with all those matches ? presented the Meritorious Service Medal to Major 2-oz. bars chocolate. have a long and successful sojourn grappling with the We close these notes once again with our best wishes (Q.M.) P. F. Newman, M.B.E., at the Depot. 5s- >> 4 oz- tobacco (popular brand) and 1 pkt. to all other “ Die-Hard” Sergeants’ Messes, wherever perplexities of Q.M. administration. The recruits were paraded for the occasion and the pipe cleaners. they may be. Our strength is increasing every week, and we are Colonel spoke to them about the importance and rarity 20s- >> 250 cigarettes (popular brand), J lb. looking forward to having the advantage of increased of this ward. He then referred to Major Newman’s toffees, £ lb. almond cracknel, i lb. numbers at camp this year. Amongst the new arrivals 36\ years’ devoted service to the Middlesex Regiment butterscotch and six 2-oz. bars we welcome 2/Lt. Berry, late of the ist Battalion The Correspondence and to the whole Army. chocolate. Gloucestershire Regiment, and Ptes. Green, Price, 20S- >» 1 lb. tobacco (popular brand), & lb. March 18, 1952. Percy Newman enlisted on November 5, 1915, and Metcalfe and Drinkell. In conclusion, we offer our toffees, J lb. butterscotch and 1 pkt. O.C. i/8th Middlesex Regiment, served in the Royal Naval Division. After the war he heartiest of congratulations to Lt. Pat Pielow on the pipe cleaners. Staines Drill Hall. gained quick promotion and achieved a reputation for occasion of his marriage to Miss Pat Gudgeon, and The examples quoted are particularly favourable due Sir, all-round ability as a soldier. He went to the R.M.C., wish them both all happiness for the future. Sandhurst from March, 1923, to June, 1926, saw service to the fact that no local duty is payable on cigarettes Please could you put me in touch with ex-Sgt. and tobacco in Korea and Japan. Parcels in Malaya Wright of Ashford, Middlesex, who used to live at with the ist Middlesex in Shanghai, and after a short SERGEANTS’ MESS period on the Permanent Staff of the 7th Middlesex he compare rather less favourably as not only is local Wren Avenue. He was with us in 1938-39. I was one duty payable on all cigarettes and tobacco but also In respect for the memory of His late Majesty we of the Old Boys of the “ Die-Hards,” ex-Provost Sgt. was promoted R.S.M. of the ist Middlesex. After several years in the Middle and Far East he came back civilian postal charges in Malaya, unlike the free Army have, of course, cancelled all social functions for the Storey 2217295. I would like to hear from him, also postal service in Korea and Japan, must be taken into period of Court mourning, so these notes will be con­ Pearce who used to be our Sergeant-Major in those the Depot as R.S.M., where he remained until he was appointed Q.M. in 1940. account in composing the parcel contents. fined mainly to personalities. happy days. How many are there left of our comrades: All those wishing to send parcels who are not Since then he has had a varied experience as staff We welcome two new members to the Mess: Sgt. I have never found out, and I would like to know. If authorised to visit Naafi canteens or shops should write officer and Q.M., displaying in every appointment that Snell, who has joined us from the Depot and is going you could help me I would be very grateful. to Forces’ Parcel Service, O.C.S., Naafi, Esher, Surrey, to devote most of his time to looking after the many devotion to duty which has characterised his whole Sir, I am, service. from which full particulars of the prices and contents new vehicles that the M.T. have acquired, and Sgt. Yours truly, of the range of parcels, and order forms, can be Owen, the new Officers’ Mess caterer. Few have done more for the Regiment than Percy obtained. Despite the warnings of certain members, Sgt. (Signed) R obert S torey, 1 ewman. All his comrades, past and present, will be ex-i/8th Middlesex Regiment. It is emphasised that this scheme will operate only Wotton recently plunged into matrimony and is now 8*ad that he has received this medal, which is given for British Servicemen actually stationed ashore in the 34 Milford Estate, rapidly assuming that harassed expression that typifies °oly for outstanding service, and will know that he has three areas Malaya (excluding Singapore), Korea and the other married members of the Mess. This only Harpenden, Herts. nchly deserved it. Japan. O L S k * a r d s % S b u - J L J , m nth PARACHUTE BATTALION this Battalion. Haines was beaten in the finals and lost only by a narrow margin. Brown was beaten by half a UXBRIDGE AND DISTRICT Regiment, your President, and Officers of the Regiment (Middlesex) T.A. point in the semi-finals by the eventual winner and was were present. given the best loser’s prize. Casey was knocked out “ DIE-HARDS” CLUB NOTES The Regimental Association Dinner was held at the Much has happened since our last notes in early by a heavier and stronger opponent after a most gallant The Hon. Secretary and Treasurer’s Annual end of October in the Horticultural Restaurant, London, February. Boxing activities have been considerable, fight in which he was knocked down four times but Report for 1951 and I feel sure the choice has got over most, if not all, also .22 shooting. The inter-Company basket ball refused to stay down until the referee finally stopped of those things we groused about at the previous ones competition is virtually decided in favour of “ C ” the fight. Mr. President and Members. Company. Shooting and parachuting W/Es have since the war. This one was a great success, and if The Band played at all the boxing competitions men­ have started again. Considerable success has accom­ This year has not been one of success in all our held at the same place this year I recommend it to you tioned and is fast making itself an excellent reputation. panied all of these activities, with the notable exception adventures. Although we have, I feel sure, on the all as well w’orth your money and time in supporting of the Battalion shooting meeting which was “ snowed Another success of the last quarter has been in .22 whole done very well. The past year has been well it. I do hope we shall have a good party this year. off ” in the great blizzard at the end of March. shooting. “ H.Q.” Company at Hounslow has won the filled with various activities and, as you read this Our Dances I am most concerned about; these have “ C ” (Harrow) Company won the inter-Company County of Middlesex T.A. Small Bore Championship, report, I am sure you will agree that your Officers and been our main support in the past and provided us with novices boxing and the inter-Company open boxing in which it is hoping to collect from the Guildhall in the Committee have worked hard and done a good year’s many comforts. This year I regret to say they have been work. February. On March 20 the 44th Parachute Brigade near future. We hope to retain the shield in the run at a loss and have had to be discontinued. In my Boxing Championships were held at Hounslow, and we Battalion in the next half-year. M e m b e r s h i p report last year I mentioned things would be thinner emerged with one more point than the 10th Battalion The Companies have now nearly completed classi­ Names of “ Die-Hards ” now on the books number this year and expected these to go down by 50 per cent., and retained the Cup for the third year in succession. fication and all are now training hard for the Battalion 160, but I regret to say only 79 of these were fully paid but not over 100 per cent. shooting competitions to be held, after the postpone­ The Cup for the best boxer went to Pte. Haines, “ C ” up in subscriptions at the end of the year. A c c o u n t s a n d B a l a n c e S h e e t f o r 1 9 5 1 Company, and the best loser’s prize to the Rev. North- ment, on May 3. After this the W.T. Officer, Lt. Hall, Your committee regret that they will have to apply The Balance Sheet shows an Expenditure of cott, C.F. padre of the 10th Parachute Battalion. Other will be making his final selection of the teams to repre­ the Rule and erase the names of those who are over £154 15s. 7d over Income, and leaves the Fund with results were as follows:— sent the Battalion in the 44th Parachute Brigade shooting two years in arrears with their subscriptions. I do feel £127 is. 4d. in cash at the Bank and on hand. competitions on May 17. Fly.—W.O. to Pte. Devereux (10th Battalion). that if every paid-up member made an all-out effort Your committee reduced by over £ 116 the expendi­ Lastly, we must bid farewell to C.S.M. Marks, this year to bring one of these back to the fold, things Feather.—W.O. to L/Cpl. Whatmore (nth Battalion). ture of the previous year and with reasonable dance ex-P.S.I. of “ B ” (Ealing) Company, and to Sgt. would be very much different. receipts we should have had our balance on the credit Light.—Pte. Colvin (10th) beat L/Cpl. Davie (nth), Quinn, ex-P.S.I. of “ D ” (Edmonton) Company. Our modest annual fee of is. 6d. is as low as any side. In view of our good year’s work and what the mainly by piling up a small lead in points with his Quinn has been a member of the Battalion tug-of-war club fees. Very few have given as much to its members Club offered, and gave the members, I shall with con­ straight left. team which has won the T.A. Championships for the as this Club has since it was formed, in pleasure and fidence ask you to “ adopt ” the Accounts and Balance Light Welter.—Pte. Haines (nth) beat Pte. Ashton last two years, and will be greatly missed on this account good comradeship. Sheet as shown for 1951 at our Annual General Meeting (10th) in a very good fight. Haines boxed very well as well as others. Some 15 to 20 letters have been sent to members on Monday, March 3, 1952. during the year, so I am sure everyone must have been and was always just too good for Ashton. Pte. Atkin The greatest loss of all though is one of the foundation Yours faithfully, members of the Battalion and P.S.I. of “ C ” Company, in the know of what was on, or going to happen. (10th) beat Pte. Whatman (nth). This was a close (Signed) J. R. B e l l , C.S.M. Roberts. Roberts was a most conscientious and fight which might well have gone to Whatman had he H e l p a n d S i c k n e s s G r a n t s Hon. Secretary and Treasurer. attacked more often and used his right hand and heavy hard-working P.S.I. with an almost incredible knack of Our Regimental Association once again came to our punch to more effect. getting the most out of Territorial officers and rankers aid in this field and several members were assisted and alike and at the same time imbueing all with a great Light Middle.—Pte. Herridge (nth) beat Pte. Rud- given £ 1 or 10s. from Club funds to procure a smoke Reprinted by kind permission of the Editor of the1 ‘ Sunday Company spirit. He is a great loss to “ C ” (Harrow) man (10th). Herridge weathered a heavy attack at the or fruit, etc., whichever they desired, when your Com­ Times” July 22, 1951 Company, and to his Company Commander, who will beginning of the first round cleverly and then attacked mittee was informed of sickness, etc. It must be now find his memory put increasingly to the test. his opponent’s body with a devastating left hook which realised that this grant from Club funds cannot go on “ Z ” Reservists Now Part soon left the final result in no doubt. unless our Draws and Dances are well supported. I feel sure some have been missed; howrever, I must Middle. of Territorial Family —Pte. Gaine (10th) beat Pte. Roberts (nth). SE R G EA N T S’ M ESS remind members to drop me a card or get a relative to Gaine was too experienced a boxer for Roberts who, in B y L t .-G e n . S i r B r i a n H o r r o c k s With the change of Permanent Staff Instructors within call on me when in town. I am alw’ays on duty at the spite of his extra weight, was unable to catch Gaine Gate Office of Osborne and Stevens, High Street, and outside the Battalion we are experiencing a rather I have always believed that the call-up of Class “ Z ” with many effective blows. Uxbridge, in the day. inconsistent Mess life. Reservists for 14 days’ training with the T.A. would Light Heavy.—Lt. Easterbrook (nth) beat Rev. D i n n e r s , M e e t i n g s , a n d S o c i a l E v e n t s Northcott (10th). This was undoubtedly the fight of We say “ farewell and good luck ” to those who are prove a success, but the results achieved so far have We have, been entertained, and those who attended exceeded my highest expectations. the evening. Both gave as good as they got at first, but leaving us, and welcome those joining the Unit to a spent a most enjoyable evening with our Ealing Branch. As I stood on the firing point at Bude Camp and Easterbrook was too strong and over the three rounds long and enjoyable tour as P.S.Is. and Mess members. Our dance, held last month, was a huge success, and This was a great credit to that club. The Royal Naval watched the 295 (Hampshire Carabiniers Yeomanry) his left hooks and straight rights were too much for his Association and Old Contemptibles Association, Ux­ opponent, who, however, fought back doggedly to the we were honoured by the presence of three Mayors and Heavy A.A. Regiment and other Territorial regiments bridge branches, entertained us to social evenings and of A.A. Command, firing with live ammunition, it did jast bell. the Lady Mayoress of Hounslow. Also we had great support from the Unit’s friends and neighbouring again all seemed to have enjoyed them, although these not seem possible that the teams manning the controls Heavy.—Pte. Brown (nth) beat Cpl. Bracey (10th). Regiments. could have been supported very much better. and guns had met for the first time only four days be­ Brown, a younger man, won clearly on points. Tickets were obtained and a coach arranged for those We are now looking forward to this year’s annual fore—because the whole essence of successful gunnery is The winners of the Brigade boxing went on to the who wished to attend the Royal Tournament, and camp, where Mess life becomes the big event, allowing teamwork, which comes only after long practice. With 16th A.B. Division Championships, where Haines, those who went gave an excellent report on the arrange­ a little more practice together they would certainly be Casey and Brown all won their weights, but Lt. Easter­ all members to unite in one Sergeants’ Mess and have ments and evening in general. Many thanks to the the usual gaiety and functions, which sometimes we able to give a first-class account of themselves. brook and Pte. Herridge were beaten. bxbridge branch of the O.C.A. for their co-operation lack, being spread over such a distance. The same thing is happening in camps all over the In the T.A. Boxing Championships, held on April >n this and laying all on. country. It is safe to say that by the end of the training 18/19 at the London Scottish H.Q. in London, the All members look forward to the return of the Ist The Annual Dinner wras held at “ The Golden Lion,” period most units will have worked up to the point winning Divisional team was the 16th Airborne Division, Battalion The Middlesex Regiment, and of extending a and except for one small matter w'hich had been where they have been able to carry out regimental or which included Ptes. Haines, Casey and Brown from warm welcome to all their members. forgotten except by your Committee, this was a great battalion training. All the Reservists will also have success and well supported. The Colonel of the fired their weapons and, most important of all, the three ^Jhe - ^Jdards 181 % % lat'ds

troops, but the names of the other allied generals appear categories of men now training with the T.A., i.e. the who has this qualification must be earmarked to go on the sides of the memorial only'. there on mobilisation, and so on. volunteers, the N.S. men and the Class “ Z ” Reservists, Having learnt where the local historian lived we went (3) “ Last out, first back.” From every point of view will have become one regimental family. to his house and found he was deeply interested in the the younger men should obviously be called up first. history of the battle, and not only produced plans Feeling at home (4) “ Local men.” Assuming that the Reservist I have spoken to many of these Reservists, and their showing the course of the action but also a long account fulfilled paragraphs 1, 2 and 3, then if possible the of the battle which had recently been published in the reactions were all precisely the same. Not one of them local tnan should go to the local unit. would admit that he had willingly returned from civilian local paper. After coffee and cognac, our Spanish life to train with the Army and most of them had been It will be observed that under this scheme the local friend and his wife and two other notables of the village connection was the fourth and last desideratum, as somewhat apprehensive beforehand. On arrival, how­ proceeded about half a mile from the south-east end of indeed it must be, if mobilisation is to be carried out ever, they had been welcomed into their units and the village to where there is a grass-covered mound made to feel at home. Anyhow, “ here they were, the on a nation-wide basis. from which the one English battery raked with fire the job had to be done, and the only thing was to make the French trying to cross the river at the New Bridge. Better next year A little further on from this mound there is a gully or best of it.” At the beginning of this year, however, the present This, of course, is a typically British attitude, but, small re-entrar.t running at right angles to the road to scheme, consisting of a partial call-up of Class “ Z ” watching these men’s faces during training, I am certain higher grourd some 800 y'ards south of it, and this, now Reservists for training, was introduced. It was realised ploughland, I imagine must have been the ridge which that when it is all over they may be heard to murmur at once that in these circumstances, priority 4 (local that “ the old mob was not so bad after all.” And no Hoghton’s Brigade with the 57th in it held so gallantly connection) ought ideally now to become priority 2. against the French infantry attack. If this was not the praise from an Englishman could possibly be higher But it was too late. In the time available it was quite exact ridge then it must have been one of a succession than this. impossible for the record offices (which are already of rather similar ridges running parallel to it but further The chief credit for the success of this ambitious working many hours’ overtime) to scrap all their previous east. From all one can gather the battle was a terrific scheme must go to all ranks of the T.A. These volun­ twelve months’ work and start again on an entirely new muddle and the attack of the French cavalry round the teers, who for so long have borne the heat and burden plan. I am assured that this aspect of the scheme will Allies’ right flank all but won the day for the French, of the day, largely unsung and unpraised, might well be improved next year, but even so it will never be who undoubtedly succeeded in making a fine turning have resented the publicity which has been given to the possible to ensure that local men everywhere go to their movement unobserved. The weather, however, was Class “ Z ” Reservists, and might have cold-shouldered deplorable and may well have helped to cloak this these men when they arrived in their units. But local units. Anyhow, the fact remains that this year’s T.A. movement, but what it is difficult to understand is how luckily the type of man who is prepared to give up his training is probably the best that has ever been carried the French managed to get their artillery' over the river spare time to the service of his country night after night, out. Final confirmation of this came to me in the (there are now two streams to be negotiated) and also throughout the year, has a more selfless outlook than Sergeants’ Mess which, as every inspecting officer Memorial of Battle in Village next Church. Bust is of this, and from the outset each individual member of knows, is the real hub of any unit. I asked one Class Gen. Castaños. Names of Allied Generals are on plaques the T.A. has been determined to make this scheme work. “ Z” sergeant if he thought the call-up had been at the side. Local Recruits successful. He replied: “ I now call my battery The very success of this call-up has, however, pro­ sergeant-major, in the Mess, ‘ Charlie.’ Does that The Spaniard, therefore, in alluding to the battle, not voked one universal criticism which I have heard on all answer your question, sir?” It did. unnaturally uses the definite article and calls it La sides. Every C.O. has stressed the fact that, if only the “ What does your wife feel about it?” I asked him. Albuera, and who in England can say he is wrong. It Class “ Z ” Reservists who had been called up for his “ She does not like it at all,” he replied, “ and she will looks then as if there are good grammatical grounds for unit could have been local men, many would have like it still less when she finds on my return home that the battle honour of the Regiment to be known as La volunteered for the T.A. For instance, out of 437 I have volunteered for the T.A .” Albuera. The difference in spelling does not matter Reservists who were required to train with a T.A. field much as “ H ” in Spanish is not pronounced. regiment in London, only 200 came from the London Finding myself in Badajos only 15 miles or so from area and some came from as far as Yorkshire. THE BATTLEFIELD OF La Albuera I decided to visit the battlefield. It was a It is not easy to understand how this has come about, delightful day in March with a hot sun and a fresh until we realise that the call-up of Class “ Z ” Reservists LA ALBUERA By C o l . J. N. L amont breeze and the trees just coming into leaf, so different is only part of the mobilisation of the total manpower from the eve of the battle when it rained in torrents Some will find the spelling of this historic battle a and probably made the flanking movement of the French of the country in case of war. bit strange, but if you visit the battlefield-, as I have When some eighteen months or so ago the War Office from under cover of the olive trees that grow on a gentle recently done, you will soon discover that this is the decided that a detailed scheme must be prepared for nse for some distance on the far side of the river a very Spanish name for it. As you approach the village from difficult movement. That the movement was achieved the mobilisation of Class “ Z ” Reservists, it was on the which the battle takes its name, from the direction of assumption that, in the event of general mobilisation, successfully says a great deal for the French leadership. Badajos, there is a sign with the name La Albuera on it- Local farm labourers could give us no guidance as to all Reservists would be called up. Record offices were In Spanish “ albuera ” means a lake or lagoon, and the therefore ordered to allocate Reservists to units, basing where the battle took place, and it was only by enquiring area round the village which stands on rising ground from a farmer who lived some two miles along the road their selection on the following priorities: was probably very marshy with the river running at its at a house called “ Carmen de Miguel ” that we got the (1) “ Each man must have been cleared by a foot and crossed by two bridges. The New Bridge, as first information of where the battle was. The farmer process of ‘ screening ’ by the Ministry of Labour, it was then called, survived the battle and is a fine old took us on to the roof of his house and said the battle as available again to the Forces in the event of bridge existing today, and at the battle was defended took place on his land, but from where we were, I mobilisation.” It would obviously be useless to by the Buffs, and there was the old bridge at the north gathered, we were viewing it from the French side. allocate men to a unit only to find when the time end of the village which was destroyed during the From this spot we returned to the village and took came that they could not be spared from industry. course of the fight. Hence the village, which existed Photos of the memorial of the battle which stands in a (2) “ The right man for the right job.” The at sometime on the edge probably of a lagoon, the water small plaza outside the Church. Great prominence is modem Army is full of specialists and tradesmen. of which was possibly canalised into two streams as it given to General Castanos who commanded the Spanish Church and Village of Albuera from New Bridge. If a unit is short of an electrician, then some Reservist is today, bore the name of La Albuera or the Lagoon. 1 8 2 H L 5 b i, '-an ^Jle «2)fe - ^ J la rd i 183

Readers may remember that under the old Control First Great War he served in the 1st Battalion during M INUTES o f a M EETING o f t h e COM M ITTEE o f t h e of Engagement Order the National Association had a 19x4-15 from Mons and Le Cateau, and was later a MIDDLESEX REGIMENTAL ASSOCIATION h e l d a t t h e MIDDLESEX GUILDHALL. WESTMINSTER, S.W.i, o n privileged position as regards placing men. We hear G.S.O. (2) in the New Army Division commanded by THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 28. 1952, AT 2.15 p .m . from the Ministry of Labour that a similar privilege is Gen. Sir Ivor Maxse, later Colonel of the Regiment P resent: Lt.-Col. W. L. Roberts. O.B.E., M.C. (Chairman), Brigadier E. E. F. Baker, C.B.E., D.S.O., M.C., T.D., D.L., being granted to us under the new Notification of 1921-32. He returned to command a Service Battalion, J.P., A.D.C., Brigadier B. B. Rackham, C.B.E., M.C., D.L., Vacancies Order, so that our services to men will be and towards the end of the war was captured by the Brigadier N. P. Procter, C.B.E., M.C., Col. G. Beach. C.B., O.B.E., T.D., D.L., J.P., Col. G. P. L. Weston, D.S.O., O.B.E.. unaffected. Germans whilst taking over command of an Infantry Lt.-Col. T. S. Wollocombe, M.C., Lt.-Col. A. E. Green, D.S O N o t e .—The Chief Editor, as general manager of a Battalion and became a prisoner-of-war along with 0.B.E., Lt.-Col. G. L. Fox, T.D.. D.L., Major H. K. Hard- castle, T.D., Major G. O. Porter. Major W. D. Ellis. T.D. business firm, is pleased to say that he he has had several the C.O. he was taking over from. Sgt. R. A. Bullock, Major A. W. Clark, O.B.E. (Secretary). applicants sent him by the Acton Branch, zvho appear When Peace was concluded he was serving as a Apologies for non-attendance were received from: Col. M. most helpful. second-in-command in the 3rd Battalion in Silesia, Browne, M.C., D.L., J.P. (Colonel of the Regiment), Col. A. M. Man, D.S.O., O.B.E., Lt.-Col. C. P. Rooke, D.S.O., Lt.-Col. BIRTHS and retired from there early in 1922, his first wife dying J. D. Robbins, O.B.E., T.D., Col. M. Crawford, D.S.O. B a t t y e . —On March 30 , 1952, at the Ferry House, at that time. In Memoriam. Prior to the business of the day the Committee stood in silence as a tribute of respect to His Late Majestv King Woodbridge, Suffolk, to Christina (nee Symon), wife After retirement he became Bursar of Apgarth School George VI. of Major I. H. Battye, M.B.E., 1st Battalion The in Yorkshire, but gave up that post on his second 1. Election of Chairman. Proposed by Col. Beach, seconded by Middlesex Regiment, Hong Kong—a son. marriage in 1929. He then trained for the ministry' Brigadier Baker and approved by the Committee that Lt.-Col. Roberts be re-elected as Chairman for a further year. Lt.-Col. T h o m p s o n .—On March 31, 1952, at the Louise from 1932 at Wells Theological College, being ordained Roberts thanked the Committee for the honour they had again bestowed upon him. Discussing battle on mound where British Battery was Margaret Hospital, Aldershot, to Peggy (nee Wintle), as a deacon in 1934. His first post was assistant curate in the Scilly Isles Parish. In 1935 he became a priest, 2 . Minutes of the Last Meeting. The Minutes of the last meeting positioned. wife of Capt. E. F. Thompson, M.C.—a daughter having been circulated were signed by the Chairman after the (Marianne Frances). and in 1936 was appointed Vicar of St. Sampsons, following addendum to Minute 4 (h) of the War Memorial Com­ Golant, in Cornwall, where he remained for 13 years, mittee report had been proposed by Lt.-Col. Green: over the swampy ground which probably then existed “ The Committee approved that gardens of the Cottages should MARRIAGES retiring on account of ill health in 1949 to live at Fowey, not be subjected to regimentation and that tenants be encouraged in a greater degree than today, to support the attack of C l a y d e n —S h a r p .—The wedding took place at Hexham, where he died after his fourth stroke on December 13, to plan their own layout.” their infantry against the British on the ridge. Northumberland, on Saturday, March 22, 1952, of 1951. He was buried in Plymouth on December 15, 3. Secretary’s Report. The Secretary's report, as follows, having Our Spanish friend took us back to his house, the been circulated with the Agenda, was accepted by the Committee. Capt. B. Kenneth Clayden and Miss Joan Sharp. 1951. Major J. E. Dobbs attended his funeral and (a) Grants. During the last year 316 cases were assisted w ith largest in the village, and it was interesting to learn that The bridegroom was attended by Lts. Norton, placed a Regimental wreath on his grave. His widow grants totalling £1,964 4s. iod. the Buffs Headquarters had occupied and slept in the (b) Subscriptions. The sum of £168 10s. 8d. has been received Moore and Cain. * is remaining in her home, Dolphin House, Trafalgar from the O.C. 1st Battalion as unit and individual subsriptions for house on the eve of the battle. With my almost C h a t t e y —T e e s d a l e .—The wedding took place on Square, Fowey'. 1951. These amounts are not included in the balance sheets as negligible knowledge of Spanish I found considerable the cheque was not received until February 1, 1952. • Saturday, April 26, 1952, of Major T. W. Chattey By his first marriage he leaves a son, Lt.-Col. R. H. H. 4. Finance Committee's Report. Lt.-Col. Roberts explained to difficulty in explaining the origin of the name “ Buffs ” and Miss Pamela Teesdale. The wedding, which Osborne, The Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire Regi­ the meeting that due to the changed position in Lt.-Col. Robbins' and to produce a piece of buff-coloured material to business commitments he was unable to devote as much time as was attended by many members of the Regiment and ment, and by his second marriage there is a son, Sub- previously in maintaining control of the Association Funds, and he support the explanation. To explain the name “ Die- their ladies, was at Christ Church, Victoria Road, W.8. Lt. Julian Osborne, in the Royal Navy. had requested the Chairman of the Association to accept his resigna­ Hards ” was beyond my powers. tion as Chairman of the Finance Committee. In view of this situa­ The elder son I never met, although his father often tion Lt.-Col. Roberts invited Lt.-Col. Fox to accept the In all it was a most interesting visit and I was glad DEATHS spoke of him to me whilst we were both serving in the Chairmanship of the Finance Committee and Lt.-Col. Fox agreed to learn that the inhabitants of the village always cele­ C l u e t t .—We regret to announce the death of ex-C/Sgt. to do so. 1st Battalion in India before the First World War. Lt.-Col. Roberts thanked Lt.-Col. Robbins for the valuable work brate the anniversary of the battle. H. Cluett, aged 76 years, late of the 4th Battalion. The younger son in the Navy I have often met. He he had done during the past six years. The Colonel of the Regi­ Before the last war a number of English parties used He died on February 10, 1952, and his funeral, on ment endorsed these thanks and emphasised the fact that the present was in Hong Kong and Korea with our 1st Battalion, satisfactory state of the Regimental Association Accounts was to come and visit the battlefied, but I gathered that my February 18, was attended by a representative from the and many of our young officers knew him well, and he mainly due to Lt.-Col. Robbins’ supervision. visit was the first of its sort for 15 or more years. Depot who also took a wreath in Regimental colours. The Committee recommended that bonuses as indicated below- be was instrumental in taking many members of all ranks paid to the Secretary and Assistant Secretary for the additional M i l l s .—On February 22, 1952, very suddenly, ex-Pte. in the 1 st Battalion on short voyages. He is now services they have rendered in connection with the War Memorial George E. Mills, M.M., at his home in Woking. Cottages: Regular Forces Employment stationed at Greenwich. As mentioned, his father was £ s. d. J a m e s .—Capt. E. F. James, M.C., D.C.M., died sud­ a very old friend to me and there are few' now left Major Clark .. .. 50 o o Subject to Income Tax Association denly on February 23, 1952. A representative from serving in the ranks of the Regiment who have known Mrs. Brooks .. 30 o o „ Major Hardcastle asked whether the Committee was satisfied that This is to remind members of the Middlesex Regi­ the Depot attended the funeral at Golders Green him personally, but I feel the loss of these members of the following items of expenditure were admissible against the Association Charitable Fund: ment and readers of The Die-Hards of the National Crematorium at the request of the family. approximately my own generation very' much for their Association for Employment of Regular Sailors, Soldiers number is now' very small. M. B r o w n e , Colonel. Hong Kong Roll of Honour ...... 11 *2 Hong Kong Memorial Plaque 65 10 o and Airmen and the services which it exists to render, OBITUARY Mons Memorial Plaque .. .. 71190 Mr. William Ketley Grants, D ie-H ards Journal ...... no 13 3 free of charge, to any Regular soldier of good character Lt.-Col. The Rev. H. P. Osborne, D.S.O. and not less than three years’ sendee. Mr. William Ketley, of 26 Northgate Street, Col­ Total £259 5 5 Last year, 1951, in spite of the ban on normal releases, Lt.-Col. The Reverend Henry' Percy Osborne, chester, a Military' Medallist, who won his decoration D.S.O., p.s.c., was born on September 3, 1877. He After discussion it was agreed by the Committee that all these the National Association Branches placed 63 men of in the Ypres Salient in the First World War, died at his items were a fair charge against the Charitable Fund and came the Middlesex Regiment; 43 in and around London was educated at Dane Hill School, Brighton (this school home on Saturday, January' 12, aged 75. He had been within the ambit of Rule VII Rider “B” of the Regimental Associa­ is believed no longer to exist), and joined the Regiment tion Regulations. In particular it was emphasised that the D ie- and the remainder scattered throughout the United m ill health for more than a year, during which he had H ards Journal was a means of propaganda for the purpose of in­ Kingdom. There is nowhere in England, Scotland, from the Royal Military College, Sandhurst (now been confined to his bed. culcating esprit de corps, and it was the only economic means of publishing the Association Accounts wherebv members of the Wales or Northern Ireland where there is not a Branch R.M.A.). A native of Nottingham, he w'ent to Colchester as a Association could be kept informed. He served in 1st, 2nd and 3rd Battalions in South tad, and was serving with the 2nd Battalion The The Committee then approved that the audited accounts for ioei of the National Association nearby and willing to find be adopted. ex-Regulars, according to their wishes and qualifications, Africa, India, on the Rhine and at home. Before the Middlesex Regiment when he won the M.M. 5. Journal Committee's Report. Brigadier Procter explained the the most suitable job available. First Great War he served in the 1st Battalion at Dar­ After the war he became a porter for Messrs. C. M. position of the journal and emphasised the fact that the financial jeeling and Allahabad, passing the Quetta Staff College' position remained unchanged and would continue to be a liabilitv Last year the Middlesex Regiment supported the Stanford and Son, at the Colchester Market, and w'as a on the Association funds. He also served at the Depot before that war. He was tamiliar figure at their poultry sales and at agricultural National Association by a subscription of £50. There 6. Memorial Committee's Report. The report, having been circu­ is no fear of contradiction in stating that this is money with the 2nd Battalion in the South African War, an sales over a wide area of North-East Essex. lated with the Agenda, was moved by Col. Beach and accepted bv was wounded at the Battle of Spion Kop where a shell He leaves a w'idow', four sons and three daughters. the Committee. very well spent and we hope we shall receive at least The Committee approved that where the occupant of any of the the same measure of support this year. splinter struck his carbine and wounded him. In the (Reprinted from the "East Anglian Daily Times,'' Jan. 14, 1 9 5 2 .) cottages was in receipt of a grant from the Ministry of Pensions 184 2 Le 2 ) ie -24ardâ 2 \e - ^J'iarÂt 185 towards the upkeep of a car and garage he should be subject to a M INUTES o f A M EETING o f t h e COM M ITTEE o f the WAR MEMORIAL FUND nominal rent of 6s. per week for the use of a garage erected at the MIDDLESEX REGIMENT OFFICERS’ CLUB h e l d a t the expense of the Memorial Fund. This matter to be reviewed by MIDDLESEX GUILDHALL, WESTMINSTER, LONDON, the Committee should the tenant’s circumstances deteriorate. S.W.i, ON THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 28, 1952, AT 4 P.M. FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1951 7. Regimental History Report. Major Porter reported that the P resent: Lt.-Col. W. L. Roberts, O.B.E., M.C. (Chairman), progress in production was very slow and it now appeared that the Brigadier E. E. F. Baker, C.B.E., D.S.O., M.C., T.D ., D.L., £ s. d. s. d. £ s. d. History would not be completed before the summer. Four chapters J.P., A.D.C., Brigadier B. B. Rackham, C.B.E., M.C., D.L., To General Expenses: By Sundry Donations . . 1,456 17 10 had been written and three had been circulated to members of the Brigadier N. P. Procter, C.B.E., M.C., Col. G. Beach, C.B., Audit Fee is IS 0 ,, Income from Covenants (including O.B.E., T.D., D.L., J.P., Col. G. P. L. Weston, D.S.O., O.B.E., Secretary’s Expenses 10 0 0 tax thereon) Committee for approval. Lt.-Col. T. S. Wollocombe, M.C., Lt.-Col. A. E. Green, D.S.O., Honorarium to Secretary and Lt.-Col. Green asked if it would be possible for the author to 0.B.E., Lt.-Col. G. L. Fox, T.D., D.L., Major G. O. Porter, Assistant Secretary 80 0 0 interview individuals in order to obtain first-hand information. ,, Investment Income (Gross) Major H. K. Hardcastle, T.D., Major W. D. Ellis, T.D., Col. Expenses of Interviewing Appli­ ,, Accrued Interest on 1,000 National This was agreed to. It was approved by the Committee that M. Browne, M.C., D.L., J.P. (Colonel of the Regiment), Major cants for Cottages ! Lt.-Col. Green be appointed Chairman of the Regimental History IS 9 Savings Certificates sold A. W. Clark, .O.B.E. (Secretary). Postages and Cheque Books 3 6 Committee. Apologies for non-attendance were received from: Col. A. M. 11 Man, D.S.O., O.B.E., Lt.-Col. C. P. Rooke, D.S.O., Lt.-Col. J. D. „ Expenses of Opening Ceremony: 8. Old Comrades’ Gathering. The Committee approved that the 0 Old Comrades’ gathering be held at Inglis Barracks, Mill Hill, Robbins, O.B.E., T.D., Col. M. Crawford, D;S.O. Hire of Coach 3 5 on Saturday, June 14, 1952, and that the Secretary be authorised to 1. M inutes. Minutes of the last meeting having been circulated Hire and Erection of Platform . . 42 10 0 spend a sum not exceeding £100 in respect of the gathering. It was were signed by the Chairman as correct. Hire of Loudspeakers 4 4 0 stated that a cricket match was being played on that day between 2. Secretary’s Report, (a) The Secretary’s report having been Printing and Postage 26 5 II the Officers’ Club and Free Foresters. circulated with the Agenda was accepted by the Committee. 76 4 li (b) It was approved by the Committee that Col. Browne be asked „ Expenses of Raising Loan from 9. Other Business. Col. Beach proposed and Brig. Baker seconded, to draft and sign a letter to all officers holding a Short Service Enfield Urban District Council and it was unanimously approved by the Committee, that Col. Commission who are not members of the Club, inviting them to „ Loss on Redemption of Invest­ Browne be elected a permanent member of the Executive Com­ become members. ments—£19,000 2 £ % National mittee after he ceases to be the Colonel of the Regiment next April. 3. Audited Accounts. The Committee approved that the audited War Bonds, 1949/51 10. Douaisis-British Club. Brigadier Baker informed the Com­ accounts for 1951 be adopted. „ Balance being Net Receipts for mittee that he had received the following telegram from the Club 4. Resignation of Members. The Committee accepted with re­ year transferred to Accumulated as an expression of their deep regret on the death of His Majesty gret the resignation of four members of the Club owing to un­ Fund i ,3 9 8 King George VI: avoidable circumstances. “ British Club deeply sympathise with the British people 5. Cocktail Party. After a short discussion in respect of the £2,043 £2,043 7 4 —Warusfel, President.” charges in connection with the cocktail party, it was approved by the Committee that the charges be amended as follows: Member of To which Brigadier Baker replied on behalf of the Association: Club, 12s. 6d.; further members of his party, 7s. 6d. (i.e., wife ‘ ‘ Middlesex Regiment joins in grateful thanks to British Club and/or friends). . for kind message.” It was also approved that arrangements be made by the O.C. The Secretary was instructed to write a letter saying that the Depot for a buffet and bar to be installed in the billiards room of MAINTENANCE ACCOUNT FOR THE PERIOD FROM AUGUST 4, 1951, TO DECEMBER 31, matter was reported to the Committee who had expressed their the Officers’ Mess for use after the cocktail party at a nominal extra deep appreciation. charge. Also that a small Sub-Committee be formed of officers and EXPENDITURE INCOME XI. Date of Next Meeting. The next meeting will take place at wives under the Chairmanship of Major Porter to make detailed arrangements for the party. The P.M.C. to be a co-opted member. To Maintenance of Cottages: By Rent Receivable the Middlesex Guildhall at 2.15 p.m. on Thursday, May 29, 1952. Insurances There being no further business the meeting closed at 4 p.m. The Secretary was instructed to prepare an amended letter for ,, Amounts Recovered < 1 Account of: circulation to all members of the Club informing them of the new General Rates 170 3 9 Rates 184 10 A. W. CLARK, Major. details. Ground Rent I 13 o Electricity 36 18 6. Date of Next Meeting. The next meeting will take place on Water Rates I I 10 10 Gas Secretary, Middlesex Regimental Association. Lighting and Heating 129 3 Inglis Barracks, May 29, 1952. Maintenance There being no further business the meeting closed at 4.20 p.m. Printing and Stationery Mill Hill, Housing Manager—Salary London, N.W.7. A. W. CLARK, Major. Secretary, Middlesex Regiment Officers’ Club. „ Excess of Income over Expenditure, as pe M arch 6, 1952. Sheet

RENNY CHARITABLE FUND INCOME AND EXPENDITURE ACCOUNT FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31. *95i EXPENDITURE BALANCE SHEET AS AT DECEMBER 31, 1950 £ S- £ s. d. £ s. d. 523 To Grants and Allowances . . 637 9 it 722 By Interest on Investments—Gross 714 5 H EXPENDITURE „ Administrative Expenses: — ,, Excess of Expenditure over Income U S 4 6 ioso 112 Salaries .. .. 164 o £ s. d. £ s. d. x Postage .. .. 1 5 A c c u m u l a t e d F u n d : E s t a t e A c c o u n t : 7 Audit Fee .. .. 15 J 5 Balance at January i, 1951 32,695 o 9,820 Balance at January 1, 1951 9,820 7 Stationery .. .. no A d d Net Receipts for year 1,398 6 Additions at Cost per An- 32,695 - 3 4 ,0 9 3 6 il — nexed Schedule. . . . 27,647 127 M a i n t e n a n c e A c c o u n t : - 3 7 ,4 6 7 14 Excess of Income over Excess of Income over (Note: There is a further Expenditure . . Expenditure to date amount due to the Con­ £829 £829 10 5 C ontingencies A c c o u n t . . tractors which cannot be £722 L o a n A c c o u n t : accurately ascertained.) Enfield Urban District 21,405 I n v e s t m e n t s a t C o s t Council C a s h a t B a n k .a n d i n C r e d it o r : 1 ,5 3 2 H a n d ...... BALANCE SHEET AS AT DECEMBER 31, 1951 Audit Fee ...... 15 15 Lloyds Bank Ltd.— Deposit £ s. d. 1950 £ Honorarium to Secretary 4 A c c o u n t and Assistant Secretary 80 o P r e p a y m e n t s f o r S e r v ic e s A c c u m u l a t e d F u n d : I n v e s t m e n t s at Cost: 7 6 r e C o t t a g e s : Balance at January 1, 195122,233 5 3 22,105 Per annexed Schedule . . . . 22,071 (Mid-Market Value at December 31,. Insurance ...... 36 Less Excess of Expenditure Rates and Water .. .. 124 over Income for Year .. 115 4 6 I9 SI—£ i 7 ,8 7 S 14s- 4 (Signed) G. DlXEY & CO., Chartered Accountants, February 5, 1952. 5 a Sucfcville Street, Piccadilly, W I vary 6, 1952. ga Sackville Street, Piccadilly. W .i. 186 ^Jhe ie-^JJardâ 187

THE REGIMENTAL ASSOCIATION OF THE MIDDLESEX REGIMENT BALANCE SHEET AS AT DECEMBER 31, 1951 - , 1 9 5 0 REGIMENTAL ASSOCIATION CH MUTABLE FUND A T- £ s. d. £ s. d. £ A s s o c ia t io n F u n d : I n v e s t m e n t s : INCOME AND EXPENDITURE ACCOUNT FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31. 19 5 1 25,101 Balance at January 1, 1951 25,421 2 2 Per Annexed Schedules: EXPENDITURE INCOME A d d Excess of Income over (a) At Mid-Market Price 320 Expenditure for the year 91 2 8 on December 31, £ « d. £ s. 1938 To Grants and Allowances: By Grants and Donations: 25,421 25,512 4 10 (b) At Cost . . 2 Regular Forces Employ­ 450 Army Benevolent Fund 450 A d d Profit on Sales of In­ ment Association vestments per Annexed 51st Highland Division Schedule 25,171 18 3 Sundry Charities 36 15 o 6 0 Trust Fund (Mid-Market Value Indi%'idual Cases 1,326 14 11 M.C.C. Sunday Enter­ at December 31, P.R.I. for Maintenance 690 tainments Fund 690 o C r e d it o r s : 1951, £21,938 14s. O.C., Depot, Middlesex Audit Fee 22 i nd.) Grant due to D ie-H ards 1.768 1,413 9 11 __ Regiment 18 11 F u r n it u r e a n d F it t i n g s a t 6 „ Spion Kop Reunion Journal ...... n o 13 1 Nominal Value ■5 6 3 P.R.I., 1st Battalion, Roll of Honour ,, Donations to “Die-Hards” 462 C a s h a t B a n k 158 Middlesex Regiment Printing and Stationery . . 611 6 7 10 Clubs — ------10 5th Battalion 19 S t o c k s a t C o s t : 21 „ Wreaths 31 16 0 — 7th Battalion . . — Badges 12 18 6 189 „ O.C.A. Reunions 205 17 4 ------— Regimental Ties . . 27 19 o 121 Less Contributions thereto 6 M r s . M . R e n n y L e g a c y : 94 1,368 Balance at January i, 1951 2,003 6 ‘ Die-Hards ” Clubs and L l o y d s B a n k L t d . 68 111 11 4 O.C.A.’s : A d d Interest Accrued 10 14 Deposit: ,, Remembrance Day Ex- Hornsey 2 3 6 2,003 Mrs. Renny Legacy 2,014 9 „ Administration Expenses: 2 Uxbridge 2106 R e g i m e n t a l H i s t o r y : Postage 2 0 — Hounslow 0 R e g i m e n t a l H is t o r y : 76 Cash at Bank 65 81 i 15 Subscriptions to Cost 930 45 Printing and Stationery 52 4 5 7 Mill Hill 3 6 Secretary’s Salary and Staines (Balance of 8 thereof: Balance at January 1, 1951 319 Expenses 37 9 8 5 — Funds) 16 4 6 7 5 10 Travelling and Office — I 0 Subscriptions received Ealing 0 during year to date . . 29 Expenses 35 17 3 4 Romford 14 0 9 5 5 o Bank Charges and 12th Battalion O.C.A.. . 8 15 3 0 0 — 3 Cheque Books 4 2/7th Battalion O.C.A. 6 0 0 Editor’s Fees Paid Insurances 5 9 — 9th Battalion O.C.A.. . 6 7 6 Audit Fee 22 I 0 — 925 10 o 19 Subscriptions for Copies Extra Copies of Account 13 48 18 ( Paid in Advance — 1950 10 10 0 483 Sundries 382 5 : 4 12 o — Repairs—Typewriter . . 2 16 0 816 Interest on Investments— Gross £27,549 £28,769 5 8 £28,769 5 8 480 588 4 10 17 Sales of O.C.A. Badges. . „ Hong Kong Roll of IS Less Cost thereof w uWe haV! PrePared. the above Balance Sheet and Income and Expenditure Account from the Books, Vouchers and information suDolied Honour 11 3 2 We have verified the existence of the Assets and we certify that to the best of our knowledge and belief such Accounts are correct suPPlie£i- ,, Hong Kong Memorial (Signed) G. DlXEY & Co., Chartered Accountants\ — Plaque . . 65 10 0 — February 6, 1952. 9a Sackville Street, Piccadilly, W.i. — „ Mons Memorial Plaque. . 71 19 0 —, 6 11 COTTAGE HOMES ACCOUNT , Donations: W.V.S. Refund of Postage: Royal Hospital, Chelsea Korea Comforts Fund. . 3 H INCOME AND EXPENDITURE ACCOUNT FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1951 Depot Chapel EXPENDITURE Grant — D ie-H ards 1950 Journal Deficiency for £ year To Land Agent, Eastern Command, for By Grant from Eastern Command in aid of £ s for Rent Rent ...... Opening Ceremony—War ,, Water Rate 22 Memorial Homes: „ Interest from Investments—Gross !! ,, Insurance 11 IS 5 7 ) Teas ,, Audit Fee Hire of Transport 2 2 ,, Repairs and Maintenance 33 13 ,, Excess of Income over Expenditure Excess of Income over Expenditure for the 320 year £ 7 9 i £2,682 £2,566 16 5 £2 566 16 BALANCE SHEET AS AT DECEMBER 31, 1951 IOSO £ s. d. £ s. d. I n c o m e a n d E x p e n d it u r e I n v e s t m e n t s : A c c o u n t : Per Annexed Schedule: Balance at January 1, 1951 3,629 7 6 (а) At Mid - Market OUR MEN IN KOREA A d d Excess of Income over value at Decem­ By Eric Linklater Expenditure .. .. 2 8 6 678 ber 31, 1938 678 3,629 (б) At Cost or Par P r o v is io n f o r F u t u r e The first official account of the part played by British, 1,196 Value 1,195 : duertiiementi R e p a ir s a n d M a i n t e n ­ Canadian, New Zealand, South African, and Indian a n c e : 1,874 1,873 17 Forces in Korea from June 25, 1950, to July, 31, 1951. Grant from Regimental (Mid-Market Value at Association Charitable December 31, 1951, Eric Linklater, the well-known Scottish author and Those firms who advertise in Fund £ i, 5 5 i 18s. od.) playwright, was commissioned to write the book by the Less Expenditure on Re­ N e w C o t t a g e H o m e s at pairs and Renewals to Cost 1,653 o Central Office of Information, on behalf of the three date 1 7 0 C a s h a t B a n k . Service departments. these pages support our maga­ 1 7 3 10 His detailed narrative not only gives vivid descrip­ C r e d it o r : tions of the heroism and humour, the hardships and zine. Will our readers please Audit Fee triumphs of the fighting men of the Commonwealth, £3,697 £3,700 8 o £ 3 ,6 9 7 but enables the reader to measure their achievement support them in return ? , We have prepared the above Balance Sheet and Income and Expenditure Account from the Books, Vouchers and information supplied W * against a frank and shrewd judgment of the organisa­ •fcve verified the existence of the Assets and we certify that to the best of our knowledge and belief such Accounts are correct. C tion, morale and battle tactics of the Communist forces. p i (Signed) G. DlXEY & Co., Chartered Accountants Price: 2s. 6d. (paper covers), 5s. (cloth boards). . uary 6> i 952. 9a Sackville Street, Piccadilly, W.i 188 JL 2 ) ie -^JJardó ÒJhe 'lòie - -Jdardi 189

OFFICERS’ CLUB ACCOUNT OFFICERS’ CLUB CHARITABLE FUND

INCOME AND EXPENDITURE ACCOUNT FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, INCOME AND EXPENDITURE ACCOUNT FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1951 EXPENDITURE INCOME EXPENDITURE INCOME 195° 1 9 5 0 ' £ s. d . £ s. d . T £ s. d. s. d. £ 'T r . £ s. d. £ £ s. d. To Donations: By Donations, Subscriptions 22 10 orants ...... 3720 50 By Grant from Army Benevolent Fund . . 50 o o O.C. Depot for P.M.C... 30 0 0 445 and Entrance Fees 19 0 1 „ Audit Fee .. 220 36 Dividends from Investments—Gross .. 35 it 6 Royal School for Daughters „ Interest on Investments: 63 „ Excess of Income over Expenditure .. 46 11 6 Net ...... of Officers *5 0 0 35 S.A.A.F.A. Officers 3 0 Gross £86 £85 15 6 £86 £83 is 6 Branch .. 6S 45 0 0 Interest on Investments held Expenses of Cricket Week. 195 16 7 in Trust for 3rd Battalion Less Received 37 2 6 Middlesex Regiment: Gross BALANCE SHEET AS AT DECEMBER 31, 158 14 I 7 Net ...... Less Stock of Cricket 10 18 9 x9 5 ° B a l l s ...... 8 4 2 — Sales of Officers’ Club Ties £ £ £ s . d. Less Cost thereof . . A c c u m u l a t e d F u n d : I n v e s t m e n t s at Cost: Balance at January 1, 1951 1,362 1 5 0 9 11 2120 ,141 Per Annexed Schedule 1,141 3 6 143 , Profit on Sale of Investments A d d Excess of Income over (Mid-Market Value at December 31, 38 Golf Meeting 37 5 10 Expenditure for Year to 152 , Dinner 147 10 2 per Annexed Schedule . . 21 18 s 1951, £1,044 u s. 7 d.) date 46 11 6 222 C a s h a t B a n k ...... : 103 Less Received 107 19 0 , Contributions to Winter 269 10 8 58 Cocktail Party 1,362 Less Expended thereon C r e d it o r : 39 I t 2 55 Audit Fee , “ At Home ” 11 0 16 0 Less Received • 0 0 3 £1.363 2 0 15 0 „ M.C.C. Season Tickets 9 0 0 We have prepared the above Balance Sheet and Income and Expenditure Account from the Books, Vouchers and information supplied. We „ Wreaths 10 3 6 ■e verified the existence of the Assets and wee certify that to the best of our knowledge and belief such Accounts are correct. ,, Remembrance Day Expenses 5 6 0 (Signed) G. Dixey & Co., Chartered Accountants, ,, Administration Expenses: February 4 , 1952. 9a Sackville Street, Piccadilly, W .i. Salary and Expenses 60 0 0 Postage, Printing and Sta­ tionery 41 14 9 Audit Fee 9 9 0

h i 3 9 Donation to Regimental His­ tory x o o 0 0 THE “ DIE-HARDS ” JOURNAL , Income Tax on 3% Defence Bonds Interest to date, less previous reserve 2 0 15 2 , Excess of Income over Ex­ INCOME AND EXPENDITURE ACCOUNT FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1951 penditure for the Year .. 39 12 9 EXPENDITURE INCOME £ 5 8 9 3 I £ 5 2 0 £ 5 8 9 3 1950 £ £ s. d. £ £ s. 585 To Cost of Printing and Distribution (4 183 By Advertisements 212 16 Issues) 466 14 0 ,, Interest on Post Office Savings Bank 60 ,, Salaries and Expenses .. 60 0 Deposit;—Gross 2 ,, Sundries 6 2 0 287 „ Subscriptions BALANCE SHEET AS AT DECEMBER 31, 1951 4 „ Audit Fee 4 4 0 176 „ Grant from Association Charitable ,, Income Tax Schedule D 10 18 0 Fund being Excess of Expenditure over Income on this Account 1950 , £ s. d. £ s. d. £ £ s. d. £ £651 £ 5 4 7 18 £651 T I n v e s t m e n t s A c c u m u l a t e d F u n d : at Cost: 3,521 3 3,787 Balance at January i, 1951 3 ,7 9 8 II 3 3 ,4 9 7 Per Annexed Schedule . . A d d Excess of Income over (Mid - Market Value at Expenditure for the year 39 12 9 December 31, 1951, £ 3 ,3 5 5 is. 8d.) 3,838 4 0 417 C a s h a t B a n k . . 2 5 7 14 BALANCE SHEET AS AT DECEMBER 31, 1951 D e b t o r : P r o v is io n f o r I n c o m e T a x 6th Battalion Funds for o n 3 % D e f e n c e B o n d s 19 0 I n t e r e s t ...... 24 10 2 Legal Expenses, etc. .. 63 — S t o c k o f T ies 26 5 C r e d it o r : £ t o c k o f r ic k e t a l l s 8 4 A c c u m u l a t e d I n c o m e M u s e u m Audit Fee 9 9 0 8 S C B . . at Cost 25 Golf Prizes A c c o u n t : D e bt o r s : 3,876 7 2 73 Balance at January 1, Units for Bulk Issues H e l d i n T r u s t f o r 3rd _ 1951 ...... Advertisements B a t t a l i o n : 263 B a n k O v e r d r a ft S ubscriptions P a id i n A d ­ S ubscriptions P a id i n A d ­ 138 v a n c e ...... £500 3 % Defence Bonds at Par Value v a n c e ...... S t o c k o f Jo u r n a l s C r e d it o r : 216 3,876 7 (Mid - Market Value at P o st O f f ic e S a v in g s B a n k Audit Fee D e p o s it F u n d H e l d i n T r u s t f o r December 31, 1951» Income Tax on Deposit A s s o c ia t io n C h a r it a b l e 3rd B a t t a l io n . . 506 16 £496 17s. 6d.) Cash not Re-invested Interest .. F u n d : — 5 0 6 16 7 Grant Due for Year to Date

£ 4,383 3 9 £381 £ 2 x 0 8 3 £381 £4,441 £4,383 3 9 £ 4 .4 4 1 £210

We have prepared the above Balance Sheet and Income and Expenditure Account from the Books Vouchers and information supplied. , We have prepared the above Balance Sheet and Income and Expenditure Account from the Books, Vouchers and information supplied. We have verified the existence of the Assets and we certify that to the best of our knowledge and belief such Accounts are correct nave verified the existence of the Assets and we certify that to the best of our knowledge and belief such Accounts are correct. (Signed) G. D lXEY & Co., Chartered Accountants, ( S ig n e d ) G. D lXEY & Co., Chartered Accountants, February 6 , 1953. »» Sackville Street, Piccadilly, W.t. ebruary 6, 1952. 9a Sackville Street, Piccadilly, W.i. ARMY AGENTS SINCE 1758

dd Tradition throughout Six Jieigm O fficers of the British Army have been banking with Cox & Co. since 1758 — the year in which Mr. Richard Cox was appointed Army Agent by Field Marshal Lord Ligonier — and Cox & Co. have also been Official Agents to the Royal Air Force since its inception. Lloyds Bank absorbed this historical connection in 1923 and the modern Banking Service now provided still preserves the tradition of individual attention to customers’ needs. LLOYDS BANK LIMITED Wines (COX’S & KING’S BRANCH) Spirits

ARMY AND ROYAL AIR FORCE AGENTS Cigars tj 6, PA LL MALL, S.W .I Offices at or near all Army and Royal Air Force Centres in Engl and and Wales. SACCONE & M SPEED. LTD 52 SACKVH1E ST. I sjfl I LONDON, YV.l.

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