WELSHREGIMENTAL MAGAZINEGUARDS 2 0 1 3

WELSH GUARDS REGIMENTAL MAGAZINE 2013

COLONEL-IN-CHIEF Her Majesty The Queen

COLONEL OF THE REGIMENT His Royal Highness The Prince of Wales KG KT GCB OM AK QSO PC ADC

REGIMENTAL LIEUTENANT COLONEL Brigadier R H Talbot Rice

REGIMENTAL ADJUTANT Colonel (Retd) T C S Bonas BA

ASSISTANT REGIMENTAL ADJUTANT Major (Retd) K F Oultram * REGIMENTAL HEADQUARTERS Wellington Barracks, Birdcage Walk, London, SW1E 6HQ Contact Regimental Headquarters by Email: [email protected] View the Regimental Website at www.army.mod.uk/welshguards View the Welsh Guards Association Website at www.welshguardsassociation.com * AFFILIATIONS 5th Battalion The Royal Australian Regiment

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FOREWORD BATTLEFIELD TOUR The Regimental Lieutenant Colonel ...... 5 A Trip to Hechtel ...... 59 The Commanding Officer ...... 7 WALK ON WALES ...... 60 1ST BATTALION WELSH GUARDS ASSOCIATION EVENTS The Prince of Wales’s Company ...... 9 CinC Golf ...... 62 Number Two Company ...... 13 OTHER ARTICLES Number Three Company ...... 16 From Tenby to Germany ...... 63 Headquarter Company ...... 20 The Longest Journey ...... 64 Support Company ...... 30 Out of Africa ...... 67 REGIMENTAL BAND The Artist and the Master Cook ...... 68 Military Spectacular ...... 36 Le Chemin de la Liberte ...... 69 Bruges Annual Tattoo ...... 37 The Welsh Guards 1916 Cornet ...... 72 Exercise Cockney Cymru ...... 38 Some Activities of The East Glamorgan Branch ...... 73 Royal Ascot ...... 39 WELSH GUARDS COLLECTION RBL Conference ...... 40 Curator’s Editorial ...... 74 The State Funeral ...... 41 WELSH GUARDS ASSOCIATION BRANCH REPORTS DISTRIBUTION OF OFFICERS ...... 42 Association Secretary General Report ...... 76 Cardiff Branch ...... 76 DISTRIBUTION OF East Glamorgan Branch ...... 77 WARRANT OFFICERS ...... 44 Llanelli Branch ...... 78 HONOURS AND AWARDS ...... 45 London Branch ...... 79 Merthyr Tydfil Branch ...... 80 BATTALION EVENTS Midlands Branch ...... 80 Ex Silk Dragon ...... 46 Monmouthshire Branch ...... 80 1st Battalion Rugby Team ...... 48 Mongomery and Battalion Ski Trip ...... 49 Shropshire Branch ...... 82 Dragon Boat Race ...... 50 North America Branch ...... 83 Oratory School CCF ...... 51 North of England Branch ...... 84 Sports Tour ...... 53 North Wales Branch ...... 85 Cycling ...... 53 Ogmore Branch ...... 86 Motor Cross ...... 54 Swansea & West Glamorgan Branch ...... 88 Polo Resurrection ...... 54 Welsh Guards Reunited Branch ...... 89

Inter Regimental Polo ...... 55 ASSOCIATION ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING 2013 ...... 92 R Jones Testimonial Year ...... 55 FORECAST OF EVENTS ...... 93 Medal Parade in Pictures ...... 57 Battalion Football ...... 58 IN MEMORIAM ...... 94

Front Cover: His Royal Highness The Prince Of Wales and Field Marshal, the Lord Guthrie, in the Warrant Officers’ and Sergeants’ Mess, 6th December 2012. Back Cover: Her Majesty The Queens' eight Welsh Guards' Ensigns, at The Ensigns' Dinner to Celebrate 60 Years of 'Trooping The Colour' in the presence of Her Majesty The Queen at The Cavalry and Guards Club, 21st October 2013. From Left to Right: Joe Dinwiddie 2013, Henry Finnegan 2008, Simon Hillard 2006, Henry Bettinson 1998, Alex Macintosh 1990, Nick Dummond 1981, John Henderson 1973, Angus Wall 1965.

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Brigadier RH Talbot Rice, Regimental Lieutenant Colonel FOREWORD

or the Army as a whole this past year has been one of planning and transition, as remarkably effective in bringing together past Fthe decisions taken in the Defence Review have been firmed up into clear plans and present Welsh Guardsmen. I am very under the title of ” Army 2020”; and our presence in Afghanistan is gradually drawn grateful to Jan Koops and Dai Graham and their amazingly dedicated team for planning and down. Decisions on amalgamation and disbandment were taken last year, so this year running this unique and remarkable event. we have seen firm basing plans put in place, and much greater clarity on future training models. The redundancy programme has continued as the Army tries to No words on the Appeal would be complete match its shape to its future structure. without mention of Ryan Jones and his support to us during his Testimonial Year. It has been an From a Regimental perspective we now know hands over command of the Battalion in January absolute pleasure working with him and his that the Battalion will be based from autumn next year, and I would like to thank him formally team, and he has become a welcome and 2014 to 2020 at Elizabeth Barracks Pirbright, in for his outstanding work commanding the familiar face at many events this year. It has been the Light Protected Mobility role equipped with Battalion both on operations in Afghanistan in a very successful partnership and in addition to the excellent new Foxhound vehicle which has 2012 and this year on public duties. His wife Sam making the very significant contribution of won its stripes in Afghanistan. This is one of the has also been a terrifically active supporter and £60,000 to the Appeal through his fundraising key operational roles in the Army 2020 force has been especially closely involved in the events, he has become a good friend of the structure, and puts the Welsh Guards very much Afghanistan Appeal. Together they have been a Regiment and we look forward to continuing this at the forefront of the Army for the next few great team. He will be succeeded by Lieutenant special relationship in the years ahead. Colonel Giles Harris DSO MBE. years. The Battalion’s establishment will be set I remain very grateful to the Association for all its at 581 and the Band will be 44 strong. Although The Regimental Band has also had a great year. good work in keeping together those who have the redundancy programme has affected us we At a time when Army musicians in general have stepped off, which is perhaps more important remain well manned at present and the quality been under great pressure, they have shouldered than ever bearing in mind the pressures that of officers and soldiers we are recruiting is a heavy burden of engagements; but their some of our people have endured on recent excellent. standards have never been anything other than operations. We are very well served by the work The Battalion’s activities this year are well superb and they are widely recognised across done by the Secretary General, Brian Keane, and described in the following pages, but I would like the Army. our Secretaries and Branch Presidents. The to take this opportunity to congratulate them for Association really is a force for good and we We say farewell to Lieutenant Colonel Stephen a year of great achievements. Making the should give it our wholehearted support. Barnwell, our Director of Music and also the transition from operations to public duties is, as Senior Director of Music of the Household Looking ahead, work has begun to plan our most of us know, never easy. But the Battalion Division, who has been exceptional. His Centenary events, and we have a Centenary did it not only with extraordinary speed and contribution to the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee, the Committee drawn from all parts of the Regiment efficiency, but also with great style. Most of us Olympics, and this year to the success of the to help organize them. In addition the Centenary will have watched their performance at Lady Queen’s Birthday Parade and Beating Retreat in Book authored by Trevor Royle is making very Thatcher’s funeral with great pride, and the particular, has simply been superb. He will be good progress, with the first 12 chapters now in Troop this year was rightly described by an sorely missed and we wish him every good draft and many photographs already gathered. impartial but very well informed observer as one fortune in the future. of the best in Her Majesty’s reign - quite an The small Regimental Headquarters team under accolade. The Afghanistan Appeal has had another very Col (Retd) Tom Bonas has coordinated all these successful year, and I am very grateful to activities and has shouldered a significant Performances on the sporting pitch have everyone who has continued to support it during additional burden in relation to the Appeal and matched those on the parade square in 2013. Fund raising events, big and small, have the Centenary, for which they have my sincere excellence. Beating the Royal Welsh in the final of continued throughout the year whether it be the thanks. the Army Cup again this year, the Rugby Team Drapers Dinner raising over £180,000 in January Finally, I am grateful to all Welsh Guardsmen for demonstrated great strength in depth and or Annabelle Asher’s (aged 10) coast to coast everything that they have done to sustain the remarkable tenacity. walk of 192 miles in which she raised £6,000. As I Regiment’s excellent reputation this year. It is, as write this, Walk on Wales is in full swing and in The year ahead sees Number 2 Company deploy ever, a great time to be a Welsh Guardsman! to the Falklands for two months from December, addition to being a great fund raising venture for and Number 3 Company is off to Belize for the Appeal and Combat Stress, has been company training in the spring. The Battalion will take part in The Queen’s Birthday Parade before “The Battalion’s activities this year are well described in the deploying to Kenya for a two month exercise, followed by a move from Hounslow to Pirbright following pages, but I would like to take this opportunity to in November. Lieutenant Colonel Dino Bossi congratulate them for a year of great achievements.”

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Lt. Col. DLW Bossi, Commanding Officer 1st Battalion FOREWORD

n considering this “Foreword” I was continually struck by quite how much adventures lies within... We have also run a Ihas been asked of the Battalion and the phenomenal levels of activity across successful and well attended Ellicott Cup to every aspect of military life we have achieved this year. We are fully recruited select this year’s football team and assisted in but smaller than we have ever been in our history and this means that we the launch and conduct of the Walk on Wales. As I write, WOW is still very much ongoing and we have spent the last year very busy indeed. wish it well.

Last year’s magazine was rightly all about Guardsmen who invaded the Army Rugby Field training has centred upon some Afghanistan. I know readers who have not Stadium at Aldershot to roar on the team. Those demanding and professionally run cadres for served there - and not a few who have - were in the squad had volunteered to give up much Machine Guns, Anti-Tanks and Mortars often puzzled by the complexities (not to of their Christmas and Post Operational leave in designed both to increase our professional mention the acronyms and abbreviations) of the order to train and our eventual victory was won competencies in the support weapons counter-insurgency operation in which the by hard work and unquenchable team spirit themselves, but also to realign us for our Army Battalion was so deeply involved. Articles about very much against the bookies’ predictions. it are often mired in jargon and this can leave 2020 (A2020) establishment. This has seen the After a memorable St David’s Day at Hounslow readers feeling that there is no connection with movement of machine guns from Support their experiences of service. This is wrong. The at which Brig PRG Williams DL presented the Company to the Rifle Companies, each of which leeks the State Ceremonial just kept coming. The fundamentals of soldiering are unchanging, it is now has an integral machine gun platoon; and unscheduled death of Baroness Thatcher and OP only the language that excludes. the Drums have stayed within Support Company TRUE BLUE, the arrangements for her By contrast, this year most readers will easily be ceremonial funeral, which resulted,was swiftly but now embraced the Anti-Tank role. The Rifle able to recall the demands of transitioning from followed by a State Visit at Windsor and the State Companies were then tested as part of a the operations of their own era back into Opening of Parliament at its new date in May. All Battalion Field Firing Camp which saw them London District. As always there is a certain this delayed getting to grips with rehearsals for spend a week on the static ranges at Hythe and amount of physical adjustment and a lot of the Birthday Parade to such an extent that once Lydd and then move up to Brecon for a week’s administration to complete to get a battalion on they began we were left with only 18-days, live firing. The standard achieved was to the square in good order for Major General’s, including the Major General’s and Colonel’s impressive and I am convinced we have laid a something we had to achieve in record time this Reviews, to produce the goods. It was down to very firm foundation for the up-coming six- year. The contribution made by Headquarter the exceptional planning and attention to detail week deployment to the Falkland Islands by Company in getting us from a standing-start in of the Sergeant Major and Senior Drill Sergeant, Number Two Company and elements of the early January through Spring Drills and on to and the phenomenally hard work, tolerance and Prince of Wales’s Company in December, and for Public Duties by 11th February was quite good humour of those on parade that the remarkable and, though the Rifle companies Battalion produced what impartial observers Number Three Company’s exercise in Belize in worked hard as always, there was no doubt have all described as an exceptionally fine the spring of next year. And all of these of who was burning the most midnight oil. In the ‘Troop’ in spite of the shortest ever period of course, are aimed squarely at preparing for the process, the Quartermaster, Sergeant-Major, Drill preparation. Battalion’s exercise in Kenya in October 14. Sergeants and Master Tailor have sustained numerous grey hairs and worry lines - but we In the wake of the Birthday Parade, despite a So a good year by any standards. We have been got there despite the loss of numerous voices steady hum of Duties we have been able to busy but made our name across the piece and, (and not a few tempers) en route. switch fire to other things as well. First among importantly for Guardsmen, lost it nowhere. The these was a trip out to Kazakhstan for elements Battalion has weathered the storms of a year of With Major General’s successfully behind us, the of the Battalion and Company Headquarters unprecedented change within the Army and is Duties came swift and fast. Ahead of us lay the teams. With the shortest of planning “flashes to set to face A2020 well-recruited and hardened prospect of the Queen’s Birthday Parade at bang”, eight intrepid explorers under the which our Colour would be trooped and we command and guidance of Maj HS Llewelyn- by our experiences at war over the last decade. were very conscious of ensuring that there was Usher managed to drive out and back in a We have an exciting year ahead full of foreign a little more than just Public Duties and couple of clapped out Land Rover Discoveries we travel and rewarding training. We face it proud Ceremonial on the programme. The second picked up for a song. More detail on their of our achievements and eager to surpass them. consecutive success in winning the Army Rugby Cup was a welcome distraction which allowed “So a good year by any standards. We have been busy the whole Battalion to either spectate or participate in a great afternoon’s sport, ably but made our name across the piece and, importantly assisted by a small army of former Welsh for Guardsmen, lost it nowhere.”

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THE PRINCE OF WALES’S COMPANY Y Ddraig Goch Ddyry Cychwyn - The Red Dragon Gives a Lead

Maj Launders Gdsm Henneberry 83 Lt Lloyd George Gdsm Heal 18 Lt Marsden Gdsm Hughes 13 Lt Hutton Gdsm Jackson 35 WO2 Ridgeway-Buckley 98 Gdsm Jallow 89 CSgt Owen 75 Gdsm Jones 20 Sgt Soko 03 Gdsm Jones 23 Sgt Scarf 15 Gdsm Jones 60 Sgt Lewis 29 Gdsm Jones 71 LSgt Quimeru 22 Gdsm Jones 84 Carmarthen Freedom Parade LSgt Rowlands 99 Gdsm Kropaceck 45 LSgt Skitt 30 Gdsm Lambrick 66 he Jamboys stepped off the plane at Brize Norton, LSgt Small 25 Gdsm Lewis 22 decompressed and aware a busy year ahead awaited LCpl Bamber 83 Gdsm Little 09 T them, filled with public duties, tasks for other units, sport, LCpl Brown 82 Gdsm Morgan 54 and other yet unknown challenges. LCpl Divers 80 Gdsm Moriarty 36 LCpl Harries 44 Gdsm Mottram 94 It certainly has been a fast of time (a theme throughout LCpl Jones 91 Gdsm Murphy 04 paced year, characterised by the year). Having cross-briefed LCpl Kastine 01 Gdsm Namakadre 21 extremely hectic periods the Battalion on our successful interspersed with tranquil tour, it was straight to the LCpl Lodwick 12 Gdsm Njie 81 moments of leave. This was rugby field where an injury LCpl Roberts 72 Gdsm Peek 34 apparent from the moment we prone Jamboys battled LCpl Rutledge 57 Gdsm Pervis 35 returned from post-Herrick 16 tenaciously to make it to the LCpl Williams 94 Gdsm Petrakis 09 leave and were thrown finals; eventually being beaten Gdsm Asare-Bediako 65 Gdsm Picton 10 straight into a busy Christmas by Support Company who had Gdsm Baw 18 Gdsm Powell 21 Period. the greater depth on the Gdsm Bailey 51 Gdsm Powell 81 As we look back at the Forecast bench. This complete, it was Gdsm Bilton 00 Gdsm Rees 41 of Events, it is remarkable what time for a homecoming parade in Cardiff before getting back Gdsm Brown 68 Gdsm Reynolds 62 the Company managed to achieve in such a short period on the square in Hounslow for Gdsm Cann 27 Gdsm Rogers 73 Gdsm Carr 13 Gdsm Rowlands 75 Gdsm Carter 19 Gdsm Saunders 63 Gdsm Collins 45 Gdsm Singleton 87 Gdsm Cook 69 Gdsm Smith 05 Gdsm Duval 29 Gdsm Tavaga 93 Gdsm Evans 35 Gdsm Wannell 18 Gdsm Evans 37 Gdsm Ward 22 Gdsm Evans 76 Gdsm Watson 43 Gdsm Frost 15 Gdsm Williams 22 Gdsm Felton 04 Gdsm Williams 70 Gdsm Forgan 87 Gdsm Williams 02 Gdsm Hall 65 Gdsm Williams 62 Gdsm Harris 35 Gdsm Williams 94 Swansea Freedom Parade

THE PRINCE OF WALES’S COMPANY 9 the medals parade. The medals conducting our first mount parade in particular was a under the watchful eye of The proud moment for all, made Commanding Officer, The even more so by the Company Battalion Second-In-Command photo with HRH The Prince of and The Adjutant. The Jamboys Wales. With the Christmas did not disappoint and the first lunch still digesting and carols mount for the Battalion was an reverberating The Jamboys absolute success. took Christmas Leave. Others though, were safely When we returned the tucked away on Salisbury Plain Company travelled to South and Brecon with Lt Lloyd Wales where it spent an George and LSgt Rowlands enjoyable week conducting conducting an Infantry kit trial, homecoming parades in a fascinating insight into the Swansea and Camarthen. The procurement side of the British citizens of both were incredibly Army. It was also one of the hospitable, and having a drink most intensive range packages at Sawnsea football stadium the section of men could hope was a highlight. Sgt Hughes to go on and it was clear their even had the opportunity to shooting had improved meet a professional footballer. tremendously during the As it turned out he was less tasking. interested by the sportsman Gdsm Wannell during an Attack Another interesting task than the Ferrari, which he conducted during this period managed to get a tour of the under the command of Lt car park in. Marsden and Sgt Hughes was Then came the moment the support for SAS selection in Company Sergeant Major had Scotland. This, once again, was been waiting for – The Major an interesting insight into a General’s Inspection. It was all less well-known part of the hands to sylvettes and trainer army. From the fierce cold of whitener, everyman in the Scotland to the delectable Company certainly feeling the powder of the French Alps, pressure. Greatcoats were much of the Company spent a appearing from every corner week on the Battalion ski trip. of Cavalry Barracks; Sgt Scarf and LSgt Skitt both Guardsman who had not quite enjoyed time out there, and for mastered the ‘magic circles’ in a few of the Guardsmen it was training where being offered time to apply for their first one-way tickets to Ascension passports! Gdsm Saunders Island. However the inspection wowed and vowed by wearing came and went and the a wedding dress on the slopes Company was officially able to for the last day; even more Lsgt Rowlands Assaults an Enemy Position mount Queen’s Guard, amazing was the wedding

“As it turned out he was less interested by the sportsman than the Ferrari, which he managed to get a tour of the car park in.”

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entourage that followed him Buckingham Palace. However it throughout! This made it clear was a an impressive month for to all it was time for a break; Lt Hutton and Gdsm Jones 60 the Company returned and who conducted an Expedition took Easter Leave. named Exercise Silk Dragon. On the last day of leave the This saw them undertake a Nation was struck with the drive from Cavalry Barracks, to news that Baroness Thatcher Kazakhstan and back. Whilst in had died. It was apparent to Kazakhstan they took part in the Jamboys that we were to the Battalion mentoring of the play a large role in the funeral. Kazakh army. It was clear this Four rehearsals later The Prince was an exceptional trip, and of Wales’s Company were The the Company was glad Lt Guard of Honour outside St Hutton’s hard work, meant for Paul’s Cathedral. The a successful trip. The Funeral of Baroness Thatcher importance of the moment Now able to complete a was not lost on a single man Queen’s Guard mount whilst standing there. The men asleep the Battalion came off looked immaculate, with help from Drill Sergeant Myers and Public Duties and now look Griffiths and it is a day forward to a package of live everyone can be proud of. firing. This will see The Jamboys conduct a transition However there was no rest, as week in Hythe and Lydd before it was straight into the Queen’s moving to SENTA and Birthday Parade rehearsal completing a LFTT package. It where the Red Dragon would will be a great opportunity to once again take a lead as The improve The Prince of Wales’s Prince of Wales’s Company Company’s firing and the Escort to the Colour were Escort for the Colour. training opportunities are Much of our time was spent abundant. going around the square at Pirbright Garrison (65 on last It is only fair to describe the last count). Eventually the big day year for The Prince of Wales’s came and everyone got their Company as exceptional. We moment on TV. It was a proud have taken part in some moment for the Battalion and it fascinating opportunities, and was great that the efforts of it has been a progressive year the Company were appreciated for the Company, unfortunately by all who watched. Y Ddraig saying goodbye to some great After a brief week of leave it characters but receiving a was straight back onto the satisfying flow of new faces. It forecourt where the Company certainly feels the Company is Goch Ddyry continued to become over ready for another round of familiar with the frontage of decompression though. Cychwyn “It is only fair to describe the last year for The Prince of Wales’s Company as exceptional.“

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NUMBER TWO COMPANY Gwyr Ynys Y Cedryn - The Men of the Island of the Mighty

Maj Salusbury Gdsm Everett-Wolston Lt Birrel Gdsm Foley Lt Dinwiddie Gdsm Gent Lt Evans Gdsm Groves WO2 Davies Gdsm Harding CSgt Parry Gdsm Harris Sgt Green Gdsm Harvey LSgt Challenger Gdsm Howard LSgt Greaves Gdsm Jobarteh LSgt Johnson Gdsm Jones LSgt Lewis Gdsm Jones LSgt Lucas Major J Salusbury introducing the President of the UAE to Gdsm Kigotho LSgt Marsh Number 2 Company who formed the Guard of Honour Gdsm Kalis at Windsor Castle for the State Visit. LSgt Sanigar Gdsm Lewis LCpl Campbell 013 has been in stark contrast to the previous year. LCpl Davies Gdsm Lundt 2The focus shifted from one extreme to the other with LCpl Edwards Gdsm Mathews Number 2 Company leaving the counter-insurgency LCpl Evans Gdsm Mathews mindset to begin dusting off their bearskins and trying to LCpl Hughes Gdsm Miles remember how to carry out the drill movement of LCpl Jones Gdsm Mortlock divisions into line at the halt. LCpl Kirumira Gdsm Morgan The beginning of the year saw with the preparations for Spring LCpl Knill Gdsm Moyo the arrival of two new platoon Drills and the Major General’s LCpl Price Gdsm Mulready commanders, 2Lt Dinwiddie and Inspection. During this time 2Lt Evans, who embarked Number 2 Company was also LCpl Thomas Gdsm Mwelwa straight away with Number 2 supporting a number of LCpl Williams Gdsm Nadin Company to North Wales for Afghanistan focussed exercises LCpl Williams-Day Gdsm Nagata Homecoming parades in for the next units deploying. Gdsm Adamson Gdsm Okeke Caernarfon and Bangor. We Number 2 Company was able to received a huge amount of give a lot of attention on these Gdsm Ashcroft Gdsm PriggJ Gdsm Bevan support from the local exercises to 2 Scots who would Gdsm Rhisiarts Gdsm Brock population and, in doing so, be taking over the role of the Gdsm Roe further securing this invaluable Police Mentoring Advisory Group Gdsm Buretini Gdsm Retalick partnership with the people of (PMAG), passing on effective Gdsm Carter Gdsm Roberts North Wales. While the Company SOPs and drills which the Gdsm Clarke was in the area it seemed a Company had developed Gdsm Roos Gdsm Craze shame not to tackle Mt through its own hard won Gdsm Sandison Gdsm Cole Snowdon. Despite several experiences not 6 months Gdsm Siviter Gdsm Collins weather warnings and before. Towards the end of predicted 4ft snow drifts on the March the majority of the Gdsm Davies Gdsm Smith mountain Number 2 Company Company went for a week skiing Gdsm Smith Gdsm Davies made a valiant attempt at the to Les Contamines where they Gdsm Davies Gdsm Theophilus mountain but were severely were lucky enough to get a fresh Gdsm Davies Gdsm Tonkin hampered by a lack (none) of dump of snow and a welcome Gdsm Dimmock Gdsm Webb crampons. break before the hectic schedule of upcoming Queen’s Guards. Gdsm Duffel Gdsm Wright February and March were very Gdsm Edwards Gdsm Woosnam busy times for the Company From April right through to the

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Number 2 Company on a day out at the Imperial War Museum

Number 2 Company enjoying some down-time at the Elicott Cup

14 NUMBER TWO COMPANY Number 2 Guard on the day of The Trooping of the Colour for the Queen’s Birthday Parade end of August, Number 2 passed to his brother, Major A Company has been almost Salusbury. Captain Bardsley, the constantly on the ceremonial Company Second in Command, line mounting over 45 Windsor, left the Army to become a Tower and Queens Guards. In farmer. “All the hard work paid off in the middle of this busy period the end for what was a very Number 2 Company is now were the rehearsals for The looking forward to deploying to special day that went completely Trooping of the Colour on the the Falkland Islands for two without a hitch.” Queens Birthday Parade which months in December on Op began about six weeks before FIRIC – the Falkland Islands the main event on the 15th June; Reinforcement Infantry the State Opening of Parliament Company. The novelty of and forming the Guard of Ceremonial Duties has definitely Honour for the President of the UAE. started to wear off and this will be welcome chance to have a For the Troop itself Number 2 break and practise being a Company took the role of ‘green’ soldier again. Number 2 Guard and rehearsed Throughout the year Number 2 hard spending the majority of Company has managed to get days at Pirbright on the square. away on a few small Company All the hard work paid off in the level exercises and range end for what was a very special packages but now the Company day that went completely has the chance to immerse itself without a hitch with Number 2 in soldiering with a busy Guard performing their role October and November spent on perfectly. the Battalion Live Firing Package With the summer over, Number and on a number of exercises. 2 Company said farewell to By the time Number 2 Company Major J Salusbury who has taken deploys in the beginning of up the appointment of Battalion December to the Falkland Second in Command. Islands the Company will be Salusburys, however, come in completely focused and ready Gdsm Foley exhausted by yet another day of pairs and the Company has been for the challenges ahead. Troop Training down at Pirbirght

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NUMBER THREE COMPANY Fy Nuw, Fy Ngwlad, Fy Mrenin - My God, My Land, My King

Maj Llewelyn - Usher Gdsm Foster 55 Capt Bromfield Gdsm Garvey 55 Lt Luther-Davies Gdsm George 87 2Lt Smith Gdsm Godsall 12 WO2 Williams 05 Gdsm Hannaby 82 Csgt Morgan 10 Gdsm Harding 53 Sgt Evans 31 Gdsm Harty 30 Sgt Jefferies 97 Gdsm Harris 08 LSgt Barnes 42 Gdsm Hunt 79 LSgt Bennett 91 Gdsm Holland 80 LSgt Cunningham 89 Gdsm John 11 LSgt Edwards 97 Gdsm Jones 22 LSgt Haines 75 Gdsm Jones 97 LSgt Pheasey 74 Gdsm Keane 72 Guard of Honour - Ystradgynlais LSgt Owen 84 Gdsm Kemp 97 Cpl Coldrick 14 Gdsm Korosaya 24 013 has provided an opportunity for the Company to LCpl Bladen 10 Gdsm Lewis 39 2reset following the demands of an almost 18 month LCpl Doyle 38 Gdsm Lewis 62 cycle surrounding the HERRICK tour last year. As such, the LCpl Howells 28 Gdsm Locke 23 Company have conducted tasks instantly recognisable to LCpl Langley 62 Gdsm Matthews 80 our Welsh Guards forbearers: Spring Drills, Queens, LCpl May 28 Gdsm McLaughlan 75 Windsor and Tower Guards, and also the Queen’s Birthday LCpl McBride 06 Gdsm Miotti 60 Parade. Somehow in a frenetic timetable and mixed in LCpl Millins 52 Gdsm Mitchell 10 with these more traditional events, we have found time LCpl Millins 79 Gdsm Morgan 60 for some wider training, both conventional and LCpl Morgan 44 Gdsm Morris 41 adventurous! LCpl Nuku 31 Gdsm Mortimer-Rees 23 LCpl Riley 60 On return from Operation 300 Cup - ensuring that every Gdsm Murphy 38 LCpl Rowlands 39 HERRICK 16 and once refreshed company had to work Gdsm Nabukebuke 30 LCpl Strinati 08 from some well deserved exceptionally hard to progress LCpl Watt 18 Gdsm Noyes 41 POTL, the Little Iron Men threw through each stage. Whilst an Gdsm Allport 91 Gdsm Openda 89 themselves into two weeks of overall win eluded us, we came away happy and Gdsm Allport 39 Gdsm Parry 91 parades, formal events and of impressed with some of the Gdsm Ankrah 52 Gdsm Payne 19 course the 300 Cup. Our focus new talent in the Company. Gdsm Bailey 51 Gdsm Perkins 20 was one of hard work with some very hard play in the Gdsm Benbow 46 Gdsm Prudham 76 The somewhat hectic lead up margins! As part of the Gdsm Brown 76 Gdsm Roberts 25 to Christmas culminated in the Battalion parade in Cardiff, the Gdsm Butterfield 17 Gdsm Roberts 55 medals parade. As proud Iron Men marched proudly Gdsm Button 50 Gdsm Rowlands 15 families and friends observed, through the city centre in early every man in the Company was Gdsm Buxton 78 Gdsm Skibuiewski-Woods 29 December, before being presented his operational Gdsm Ceesay 47 Gdsm Sweetman 75 hosted at the Arms Park for the medal by the Colonel for their Gdsm Taylor 97 Gdsm Ceesay 09 remainder of the day. We also services in Afghanistan earlier Gdsm Turner 17 Gdsm Ceesay 47 took part in the Battalion that year, which was a fantastic Gdsm Dennis 17 Gdsm Waqanisaravi 36 freedom march through the way to draw a line under our Gdsm Divavesi 77 Gdsm Watts 18 Borough of Hounslow. As ever time on operations. As a final Gdsm Ebeso 93 Gdsm Williams 03 Number Three Company put in hurrah to the year, and not Gdsm Evans 95 Gdsm Williams 55 a strong performance in The wanting to opt for an easy “end

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Millennium Stadium tour of term” social event, we let the Master Tailor for the numerous tasks and stretcher races we returned to the Arms Park men loose on London armed “specials” that are as ever thrown in for good measure, after the parade for Ryan Jones’ with nothing more than a always generated from the and were also able to visit the Testimonial Dinner. This was travel card and their initiative. Iron Men! One of the most Royal Military Academy at followed the next morning by a Exercise Ironman aimed to unique tasks of the early part Sandhurst to use the obstacle training session in the Cardiff challenge Guardsmen’s ability of the year was indisputably course and training area for a City football stadium with a to navigate across the capital, when the Company provided testing navigational exercise. Premier League coach, which visit key sites of interest and the backbone of the planning But the highlight was when the rounded off a memorable completing a series of tasks, and labour for the Drapers Company travelled to south week. some more testing than dinner night that allowed the Wales to exercise the Battalions Having successfully completed others. The fact that members Welsh Guards Afghanistan freedom of Powys. A cold day Spring Drills and the necessary of the company appeared in Appeal to raise over £100,000. could not dampen the support Adjutant’s, Commanding the news, on the radio and a With leave and POTL now a we received from people who Officer’s and finally Major host of other normally distant memory, the work flow came from far and wide. In General’s inspections, Queens, unfrequented venues, all in January steadily increased such a small town and in tight Tower and Windsor Guards thankfully above board, meant and focus centred firmly on streets with crowds often 4 or filled the majority of February. for some amusing stories as preparation for our first 5 deep, the warmth and pride During March however time we came together that evening Queens Guard in early that the region takes in it was also found to undertake a for the annual smoker held in February. Our ‘Company soldiers was evident to see and CT1 (Compulsory Training Level central London. Commanders Week’ in late a memorable day was had by One) exercise on Aldershot Christmas leave was a January involved a number of all involved. Having had a tour Training area. With few prolonged and relaxing period events dreamt up to test the of the Millennium Stadium the occasions to get the whole for the Company seeing us mental and physical stamina day before and met some of Company together the week return to work refreshed and of the men. We raced around the Welsh team who were provided us with an reset for the new challenges Richmond Park with command preparing to take on Ireland, opportunity to revise basic ahead. The volte face that was preparation for public duties was taken in its stride, with “The warmth and pride that the region takes in it soldiers was much demand placed on the evident to see and a memorable day was had by all involved.”

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Number Three Company – Ellicott Cup Winners soldiering skills and fully advice: Quis seperabit! rehearsals also provided In July, Lt Luther-Davies and immerse the most junior opportunities for the LCpl Malley received the Following two weeks Easter Guardsmen into the Little Iron Guardsmen to properly Carmarthen community leave, over 90 members of the Men. Immediately after this, a investigate the Battalion’s bravery award. After giving a Company took part in the State strong contingent from the future home from 2015, we talk to those present about Company was heavily involved Opening of Parliament on the reached the required what the Company had in mentoring 2 Company, 1st 8th May, which effectively standards in good order. Prior accomplished in Afghanistan, Battalion Irish Guards, prior to marked the beginning of the to the Parade itself, the the townsfolk put on an their imminent deployment to Battalion’s principle Company had produced fine incredible evening for both Afghanistan. Members of the Ceremonial Duties over the performances in the Major men who received a standing Company instructed and summer months. Having been Generals rehearsal and the ovation at the end. As summer advised on the FTX (Final granted the honour of Colonel’s Review, and all were leave loomed each platoon Training Exercise) on the conducting the Queen’s eagerly awaiting the main organised a day out together. Salisbury Plain providing Birthday Parade in June, and event. When the Birthday Seven Platoon travelled into invaluable insights and tips for the Company to form Parade arrived, it was a London and went to the from the Company’s Number Three Guard, beautiful day and the Little Iron National Army Museum and experiences on operations. rehearsals began in earnest Men, as ever produced an Royal Hospital, Eight Platoon The Irish Guards improved months before. Despite the immaculate display for Her went to Thorpe Park whilst exponentially and were clearly logistical issues of travelling to Majesty on Horse Guards Nine Platoon went water skiing thankful for our help and Brunswick Camp, where Parade. for the afternoon followed by a

“This success paired with the Companies triumph in the Ellicott Cup has furthered the Iron Man’s reputation for maintaining its place as the leading company in the Battalion!”

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Number Three Guard – The Queens Birthday Parade waterside barbeque. Company nineteen countries across recording in October with training package, providing Headquarters had a fantastic Europe and Central Asia, Russell Watson, the choir will soldiers and Officers to take lunch and tour around Fullers conducting numerous be performing in St David’s Hall part in the Walk on Wales Brewery before sampling some battlefield tours along the way, in Cardiff late in the year, and charity expedition, conducting of their produce. and testing every part of the will then perform in front of weapon and tactical training teams resilience to get there thousands next year in During Summer Leave, the on Hythe and Brecon Ranges and back. Edinburgh and London as part majority of the Company and providing guards in of the celebration to mark the returned home and basked in As ever the now familiar cycle London and Windsor. The year beginning of the First World the long awaited glorious of Public Duties continues to War. This success paired with has flown past for the Little sunshine. However, a few occupy a large portion of our the Companies triumph in the Iron Men who have travelled intrepid members of the time, but we continue to Ellicott Cup has furthered the all over the world and Company led by the Company maintain fitness, military skills Iron Man’s reputation for experienced and achieved so Commander conducted a and accommodate the many maintaining its place as the much. There are as ever things daring and adventurous and varied tasks that are leading company in the expedition driving to and from thrown our way. Of particular to do, and with the Army 2020 Battalion! Kazakhstan to conduct training note is the continued success changes being implemented with the Kazakh Armed Forces. of the Company Choir which At the time of writing, the already, the Company remains Exercise Silk Dragon was a has now reached new and Company are enjoying time in on its toes, working hard in its seven week round trip visiting dizzier heights. After a Wales on a multi-adventure constant pursuit of excellence. Fy Nuw, Fy Ngwlad, Fy Mrenin

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HEADQUARTER COMPANY Ofna Dduw, Anrhydedda’r Brenin - Fear God, honour the King

Lt Col Bossi LSgt Davies Gdsm Mason Gdsm Robinson-Shaw Maj Salusbury LSgt Devine Gdsm Meredith Gdsm Rowe Maj Bowen LSgt Evans Gdsm Misibi Gdsm Smith Maj Dawson LSgt Gwillym Gdsm Mitchell Gdsm Stevens Capt Baldwin LSgt Hayman Gdsm Mooney Gdsm Saho Capt Davies LSgt Hayton Gdsm Pike Gdsm Trow Capt Fenton LSgt Horrell Gdsm Poole Gdsm Williams Capt Hughes LSgt Jones Gdsm Pugh Gdsm Watts Capt Young LSgt Jones Gdsm Richards Gdsm Whiles WO1 Topps LSgt Morgan WO2 Myers LSgt Obrien WO2 Dunn LSgt Stevens ATTACHED WO2 Griffths LSgt Stirling WO2 Radford LSgt Wilks Maj Zaffar LCpl Che WO2 Ryan LSgt Williams Revd Jones LCpl Souter WO2 Wilson LCpl Bruford Capt Ravenscroft LCpl Johnston CSgt Canavan LCpl Clowse Capt Robinson LCpl Gurung CSgt Davies LCpl Glanville Lt Marx LCpl Logie CSgt Hayes LCpl Grindley CSgt Hughes LCpl Jones WO2 Cooper LCpl Pickard CSgt Savage LCpl Jones WO2 Mclay LCpl Rai CSgt Young LCpl Lee WO2 Webb LCpl Rai CSgt Evans LCpl Smith SSgt Henton LCpl Reid CSgt Parry LCpl Pienaar SSgt Finlay LCpl Saru Sgt Davies Gdsm Adams Sgt Collins LCpl Williams Sgt Harris Gdsm Adekoya Sgt Chadwick Cfn Colwell Sgt Heath Gdsm Arnold Sgt Evanson Cfn George Sgt Hemmings Gdsm Adjei Sgt Goodall Cfn Hewitt Sgt Lias Gdsm Beattie Sgt Leng Cfn Jayes Sgt Mcfall Gdsm Boulton Sgt Lowe-Barrow Cfn Joyce Sgt McEvoy Gdsm Broome Sgt Santos Carey Cfn Mclenahan Sgt Paddock Gdsm Clark Sgt Smith Cfn Singh Dhindsa Sgt Parry Gdsm Clarke Sgt Wills Pte Afidemenyo Sgt Phillips Gdsm Collins LSgt Bentley Pte David Sgt Prosser Gdsm Dalton LSgt Jackson Pte Herbert Sgt Smith Gdsm Davies LSgt Mclean Pte Koboah Sgt Todd Gdsm Endres LSgt Anderson Pte Moreau Sgt Whatling Gdsm Evans LSgt Mckay Pte Rai LSgt Buller Gdsm Evans LSgt Morrey Pte Rai LSgt Cunningham Gdsm Hathway Cpl Bell Pte Robinson LSgt Davies Gdsm Howells Cpl Pell Pte Townsend LSgt Davies Gdsm Jones

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with WO2 Radford making his mix of difficult people, not HEADQUARTER COMPANY because they “are” difficult but Maj A F Bowen Coy Comd way towards the door of civilian life. He is thanked because they have day jobs and ompany Commanders changed over in December enormously by us all for his to get them to do something 2012 with Major Mark Cooling moving on and contribution and we welcome else is often a challenge. C Welcome 700, I hope you enjoy assigned to a QM post in Germany and subsequent CSgt Parry 700 into the unusual the ride and hold on tight! promotion to Lieutenant Colonel. This is a huge and demanding post of CSM in achievement for someone who joined the army as a Gdsm a very complex team. I often I trust you enjoy the Department all those years ago, 1950 something or other! Well done to say that we have an eclectic updates that follow. him and the congratulations of Headquarter Company, and indeed the wider Battalion and Regiment, follow him QUARTERMASTER’S DEPT into his new post. Maj K Dawson QM

You will read in this magazine Battalion moves into a new how busy the Battalion has barracks next year and a new been and the reader can rest role, that of Light Protected assured that life has been no Mobility. With change comes different in Headquarter opportunity and challenges Company. The articles that and surely we all joined for follow from the various that. I for one see exciting Departments express this very times ahead and I am keen to clearly. The demands placed see what the shape of 1WG upon Headquarter Company looks like when ready to drive have been varied and aplenty. out of barracks in our Manpower is always at a gleaming new vehicles in late premium as extracting a 2014. member of the Company to do To this last year, we have something other than his or worked hard as a Company, her core business, places a LSgt Jones 09 fitting New Draft, “breath in, You not Me”! we have supported all burden on those who remain Battalion activities and I am to fill the gap. Food needs to he Quartermaster’s Department has been completely very proud of all that has been be cooked, vehicles serviced, turned over with individuals leaving, assigned and achieved in our role of both T medicals conducted and promoted. Congratulations to RQMS (M) Topps on supporting and delivering logistics set in place. However, 1WG core business. It is the promotion to WO1 and RSM 1WG and RQMS (T) Jones 27 it does not hurt to remind people that make our Battalion also promoted and appointed as the Command Sergeant oneself of our core business as what it is and it is abundantly Major in Kabul. Sgt Williams 37 eventually peeled off the an Infantry Battalion. We exist clear that our Company is G1098 chair and has been assigned to Canada. Capt to close with the enemy and blessed with some very hard although I am not expecting Robinson, WO2 Wilson, Sgt Farr and Gdsm Boulton have working individuals. our chefs to launch themselves departed for civilian life and we wish them all well in the daily at the targets on X Range, Company Headquarters has a future and thank them for the significant contribution I am clear that the threat on the strong team with our stores they have all made over their careers. modern battlefield is not as led by CQMS Young and LSgt clear as it once was. In fact, in Davies 83. Gdsm Broome has The year has been exceedingly executing a number of RAAT attempting to define the returned and has taken on an busy with migration of new Tasks with Pl and Coy size modern battlefield we may important role in the stores software in MJDI and JAMES deployments to a number of need to look only on our own and we have also been joined whilst concurrently planning countries for example Kenya, doorstep in London. by Gdsm Robinson-Shaw and for the LSI. The Master Tailor Kazakhstan and the Falklands. Headquarter Company, to that Gdsm Smith 65 to support the and his team were tested to LSgt Buller should be end, needs to be able to launch CQMS. Cpl Gurung and Pte the full in preparing for State commended for his efforts in a out of barracks and into a Afidemenyo have been Ceremonial and Public Duties; daunting task in preparing vast mindset that complements working tirelessly to ensure what a great way to prepare that all administrative issue are amounts of ammunition for Bn that of the Rifle Companies and LSgt Wilks to takeover as Support Company. kept at bay. live firing. Master Tailor in the summer! The future will doubtless We have recently said farewell Finally we have been heavily A new team with little exhibit challenges as the to our man mountain of a CSM involved in preparing and experience and the daunting

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task of preparing for the LSI all department with LSgts Wilks departments have worked full and Cunningham heading up force whilst supporting the Bn HQ team; both RQMS Dunn concurrently. Individuals were and RQMS Ryan showing their sent to learn the new MJDI age the following morning! Material Accountants Courses, Tranche 3 Redundancies have something Sgt Parry grasped hit the Catering Platoon hard with ease finding loop holes in losing a third of the team. Sgt the system, baffling the subject Paddock however was matter experts and eventually delighted and intends to put forming best practise across his feet up and fish for his the board. The LSI was supper for the next 2 years, (no Sgt Phillips G1098 – “Sir really, there isn’t such a thing, have you tried Amazon… commended by the Inspecting change there)! Farewells also Team as the best unit they had go out to Cpl White who inspected that had migrated to transferred to the EHT and LCpl MJDI and they had inspected James. Also of note the 77 units, both the QM and department has been busy RQMS Dunn breathed a sigh of improving their education such relief! as CLM, Numeracy and Literacy Finally after the LSI the Courses. Congratulations to department relaxed with a LCpl Rai 417, who has recently week’s adventure training in been selected for promotion to Germany, sailing, kayaking and Cpl, along with Cpl Anderson mountain biking at the British and Cpl McKay on receiving Forces Dümmersee Sail LSgt status. Training Centre (BFDSTC). WO2 Pte Robinson has been Cooper the RCWO was tasked involved locally with Beavers and prepared a very well Community School and organised experience! I would teaching young children about recommend this to all but healthy eating as well as don’t recommend the 15 hour helping with the School Fair in LSgt Cunningham Unit Spares Accountant – If this cups breaks I have another one! drive. order to raise funds for We have also supported a improving the school, in which number of charities with the some of the pupils come from QM, RCWO and Sgt Chadwick Battalion families housed assisting SODEXO in static locally. He has also been cycling London to Helmand for recently selected for ABF. Sgt Chadwick, enthused promotion, well done indeed. by his efforts, continued the To sum-up this year the bug and joined the cycle team Quartermaster’s Department from Chepstow to Chester as has worked and played hard part of the Walk on Wales, providing a high service across covering 130 miles in just over the battalion whilst keeping a nine and a half hours. sense of fun; something hard The football Ellicott Cup took to achieve whilst in a the backbone of the demanding environment.

Gdsm Pike G1098 Storeman - or is he, comments on a post card…

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Sgt Davies 83 “I’m the Barrack Manager, I would be delighted, can I help you with that… now $%^& away, I am a busy man…”

RQMS (T) WO2 Ryan on being told he would be without a QM Tech for at least 6 months. We weren’t sure if he was laughing or crying at this point...

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MOTORISED TRANSPORT PLATOON Capt B Baldwin MTO

ver the last 12 months the Motorised Transport (MT) OPlatoon has been as busy as it was during the recent deployment to Afghanistan. Since the collapse of the Rear Operations Group it has seen some transition with new personnel coming in to bolster the platoon.

There is now a new MTO in all just in time. We did however, Capt Baldwin who has taken have an experience were a tail the helm from Sergeant Smith gate needed painting and our to relieve him of some stress. very own Gdsm Rowe Gdsm Evans 89 has come in volunteered to go to the paint and already trained on all the shop. Let’s just say he was fit vehicle platforms. With that by the end of the day with all there has been some sad news the visits he completed just to LSgt Horrell instructing first parades on the MT park in Cavalry Barracks that Sgt Smith 19 has been match the olive drab green selected for trance 3 paint. Despite his efforts we redundancy and will leave late then painted it black. All December. LSgt Allan has also rehearsals took place and we been unfortunate and has travelled to London on every been selected through the occasion and were never used. med board to leave the Army However, we now have the and good luck to them both. smartest land rover fleet in the After Christmas leave the Army. platoon geared up to start the After a great summer leave we driver training packages and geared up for another saw the first taking place at inspection and we wait for the Pirbright and Aldershot. This Equipment Care Inspection was a very testing time for LSgt (ECI) starting early September. Hayton as seen with some of We have to make this work as the students we had and some daily first parades are our bold driving on the cross bread and butter. There will be country circuit. Swiftly moving some hard work ahead for our on from that the platoon had newly qualified LCpl Grindley Gdsm Rowe pretending to enjoy being a driver! the dreaded LSI to which much credit to the likes of LCpl and his team. This will be the Pienaar, LSgt Harris and LSgt first test for the new Platoon “Let’s just say he was fit by the end of the Horrell we passed with flying Sergeant, Sgt Harris and CSgt day with all the visits he completed just to colours and a very well done Hughes 87 as the Platoon indeed for their efforts. adopts the new Army 2020 match the olive drab green paint.” ORBAT. As one obstacle falls another appears and the Troop was We are also looking forward to closing in on us. As you can the Battalion exercise imagine when told you are the whereupon the platoon will Ofna Dduw, unit providing the kits and have its first driving test under capes capability that vehicles the new regime. LSgt Davies 84 need preparing in a manner will have to put in a first shift in Anrhydedda’r never seen before! We did get 20 years so we look forward to all 12 vehicles through a spray the groans from his aching Brenin booth and fitted new canopies, body.

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taken over as Pl Sgt and Trg Sgt after HERRICK 16. The platoon MEDICAL CENTRE respectively. These left then deployed to SENTA to Maj Zaffar RMO vacancies for LCpls Divers, Knill carry out a confirmatory he work intensity for 1WG has remained intense. and Millins to take over as exercise in arduous conditions. RSDCs of PoWs’ Company, 2 The snow filled week proved The major event of course was the completion of a T Company and 3 Company completely opposite to the successful Op Herrick deployment where all members of respectively. sunny Longmoor experience. the RAP played an important role in supporting the campaign. The RMO & the Practice Manager (Sgt Collins) Earlier in the year the CIS Pl The platoon are looking conducted a signals training forward to a varied next twelve manned the Primary Health Care Facility in Camp Bastion. exercise in Longmoor which months with members going This was a busy job but impressive figures in LONDIST. was a good refresh for the to Brecon, Kenya, Falklands (Op executed with professional platoon and company FIRIC) and Belize before the PTSD has remained an finesse. The PHC facility catered signallers to get back into the whole Bn deploys to Kenya important subject due to the to the care of both the NATO conventional side of signalling next summer. history of the Battalion’s forces and the LEC. The facility experiences in Afghanistan. also provided on-site CPN, Dentist and GU specialists. Sgt The Commanding Officer’s Collins must have had one of direction has been to be alert the steepest learning curves to the needs of those when he found himself personnel have been affected managing the PHC needs of and to support them at every 11000 personnel in Bastion stage. instead of the 600 in the The RAP has a combination of Barracks! both experienced staff and Non-deployable statistics - new comers. The emphasis has there was a specific focus to been to improve the standards reduce the numbers of non- of the medics by working on deployable soldiers. The their medical-specific extensive work done has knowledge base. This was resulted in a significant identified as the weakest area improvement to the extent that as the CMT spend more time in 1WG has one of the most being infantry soldiers first. RSO, Capt Dusty Miller, briefing his NCOs on how exciting signals can be… some left the platoon very quickly after this briefing! CIS PLATOON Capt A Ravenscroft R SIGNALS RSO

he CIS Platoon has seen a number of changes over the Tlast 12 months since returning from Herrick 16. Capt Ravenscroft, another R Warminster with Sgt Lias SIGNALS Officer, has now taken holding the post of CIS CQMS over as RSO saying farewell to temporarily prior to CSgt Hayes Capt ‘Dusty’ Miller who left the being parachuted in to bolster Bn to become the Adjutant of manpower losses and take 14 Signal Regt (EW). WO2 Smith over as the permanent CIS Pl 63 has also left and now works CQMS. Sgt Todd will also be in RHQ leaving CSgt Savage to leaving shortly to resettle take up the mantle of RSWO, leaving all BOWMAN planning (and headaches) to Sgt Lias. although he will be leaving shortly to resettle. Sgt Griffiths LSgts Hayman and Gwillym 42 has left for a training post in have rejoined the platoon and 2 sugars please butt… what did you say, it’s not straight! CIS Platoon training at its pinnacle!

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AGC DETACHMENT Capt P Robinson AGC RAO

n May the AGC Detachment travelled down to Worthy IDown, Winchester, to participate in the AGC Triple Crown. Capt Gill, Lt Marx, LSgt Mclean, Cpl Ohene-Darko and LCpls Clabby, Gurung, Rai, Shrestha, Sutton spent months training for this event.

CIS Platoon Training in the DZ huts at Longmoor Training Area We split down into two groups. On a recent Detachment Capt Gill, LCpls Gurung, Rai and function everyone attempted Shrestha took on the gruelling to show off their skills on the 12 mile tab while Lt Marx, LSgt ice rink in London, there were a Mclean, Cpl Ohene-Darko and lot of red faces as people hung LCpl Sutton tackled the 4 mile onto the barrier for dear life - tab and cheeky assault course. especially Sgt Wills and Pte All members of the team were Porter who both looked like very tired but LSgt Mclean Bambi on ice! However, some managed to get everyone over members of the Detachment the 12 foot wall with his thought they were playing strength and encouragement. bowling as they crashed The Detachment has seen through other rink users. many people come and go this Thankfully, no insurance year. Capt Gill, WO2 Godfree, claims have come our way - SSgt Henton, SSgt Rees, Sgt yet! Barnes, LCpl Shrestha, LCpl Sutton and Pte Lee have all said The Detachment is looking Capt Miller sits back to admire the complete professionalism of his CIS Platoon SNCOs. farewell to the Battalion whilst forward to the arrival of a If only he knew the full story LSgt Morrey and Lt Marx are much needed RAWO and FSA due to escape. whose positions have been Capt Robinson, Cpl Coldrick, Cpl gapped for some time due to Gardner and Pte Porter have the battalion being a low recently joined the Battalion. manning priority after Ops. Capt Robinson has taken over With deployments to the as the new Regimental Falklands and Belize on the Administrative Officer and is horizon there is no doubt that looking forward to the new the Detachment will have a challenges that await him. busy few months ahead.

“Some members of the Detachment thought they were playing bowling as they crashed through other rink users. Thankfully, no insurance claims have Capt Gill RAO and team before they took part in the AGC Triple Crown. The weapons were even dirtier after the event! come our way - yet!”

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LIGHT AID DETACHMENT WO2 (AQMS) D Webb REME

013 has been yet another busy year so far for the Light 2Aid Detachment (LAD). The turnover of personnel returning from Operations and subsequently leaving for locations such as the Falkland Islands, LCpl Logie, and Kenya, Sgt Smith, has meant that once again the remaining members of the LAD have been asked to step up and ensure that equipment availability remains high.

The plethora of RAAT tasks earning a well deserved tasked to the Battalion has runner up finish despite only seen the majority of the LAD having the minimum of disappear on short term training time, well done. The tasking supporting activities as majority of the LAD also diverse as cadet training team enjoyed the Quartermaster’s Cfn Hewitt hard at work preparing vehicles for Ex BOWMAN JEDI camps and, of course, the department AT exercise demand from within the conducted at the Army sailing Battalion to support training centre in Germany. This was a remains high. The CIS Pl fantastic week allowing the exercise to STA being a department a period of highlight for both LSgt Bentley recovery after a frenetic and Cfn McLenahan, both schedule. It is fair to say that all returning with considerably who travelled to the sailing more winter recovery centre had a thoroughly good experience than they left with! time. The Battalion has undergone a Continuing on the sporting number of significant changes, theme Sgt Goodall’s success migration to MJDI and JAMES to representing the Corps at name but two. The LAD have Angling must not go been heavily involved in unmentioned. A very supporting these changes, productive year so far for Sgt providing guidance in what Goodall has seen him collect a training was required to meet number of trophies and an Quartermaster with members of the LAD on Ex RECHARGE the JAMES criteria and even greater number of days preparing for the forthcoming out of the office! ECI being the main effort. In short the LAD has been The LAD has still managed to working tirelessly throughout find time in the FOE to engage the year to maintain the in a number of sporting Battalions equipment and it activities and adventurous has had to cope with a number training opportunities. LSgt of challenges, however, this “The LAD have been heavily involved in Bentley, LCpl Reid and Cfn hasn’t stopped the LAD supporting these changes, providing Hewitt have represented the cracking on and getting guidance in what training was required Battalion at the LONDIST involved within the Battalion basketball championships whenever possible. to meet the JAMES criteria.”

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Battalion RP Staff

months and he hopes very Sgt Prosser LSGC (me!) will be GUARDROOM much that that bond rolls on leaving us and the army this Sgt M Prosser RP SNCO into 2014. As well as this he time next year. After 24 years in t has been a relatively busy period over the past 12 has been given his own office the battalion, he’s due to join months for the Regimental Police Staff. The main jobs in the pride office to sort his Civilian Street and I’m sure the I fire alarm checks. we have carried out are Fire Safety, Discipline within transition will happen without a hitch. His main role this year Camp, Running the Guardroom, Camp Security, Custody LSgt Morgan 65’s role this year was to oversee the rest of the and Queens Guards. has been running the guardroom and making sure department’s jobs. Sgt We have lost a member to kettle on but I am sure that will the 4 Cs are carried out. He’s Prosser’s involvement in support company and gained change in time. His roles within been working along side the battalion and Infantry rugby a new member from 3 the department include MPGS and the guard teams on has seen him coaching both Company. LSgt Sanigar has discipline, discipline and more a daily basis, making sure the sides ready for big games and stepped into the world of FSG discipline! AGAI 67 is his only orders, paperwork, outside tournaments such as the in Support Company and has friend right now and he’s areas and standards of dress Infantry Corps competition been on the ground in Brecon learning this harsh reality are of a high standard at all and the Newbury 10’s ever since he left the quickly. times. Recently he deployed to tournament which saw the department, and we wish him Otterburn on a joint exercise battalion placed 3rd out of 40 LSgt Stevens has had a busy all the best in his new job. with the Irish Guards Battalion teams across the British Army. time after LSgt Sanigar leaving and a French Mountain Troop His commitment to his LCpl Bruford joined us on the and he has taken on his extra Company. His role was running coaching job has kept him fit departure of LSgt Sanigar and workload of fire alarm checks the safety for the many ranges and busy and hopes to carry he has been getting used to as well as the 400+ fire before the joint battalion/ this on into his civilian life after the change in pace and extinguishers checks company attack at the end of leaving the army with local workload that being in the RP throughout the barracks. He the 3 weeks. sides near his home town. Staff brings. He has been loves his extra work, as the enjoying his new role within prospect of being away from the battalion (some say maybe the MPGS is very appealing to a little too much). His thing is him. LSgt Stevens has been “He loves his extra work, as the prospect arriving in the office 30 busy building on his working of being away from the MPGS is very minutes before everyone else relationship with the in the morning and puts the Quartermaster this past 12 appealing to him.”

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Regimental day. The job of hosting the bereaved families was given to Capt Hughes and me. It was a very emotional day for the families of LCpl Lee Davies, Gdsm Craig Roderick and Gdsm Tuisovurua. All three families were made to feel exceptionally welcome by all. Sadie Lowry (Gdsm Roderick’s mother) commented on “what a special day she had and will always remember it “. Our Community Development Worker, Sue Bazan, could not believe her luck when she met HRH to Carley Harries hands Tudor Bear to HRH with Sue Bazan close by discuss the adventures of Tudor Bear who had been Unfortunately Capt Hughes’ away on tour with the lads. WELFARE AND CHAPLAINCY Father Christmas outfit had Reverend K P Jones Padre and CSgt G Evans 62 UWSNCO Sue was unusually lost for “shrunk in the wash” so Father words, but that didn’t last for Christmas did not make an long. I don’t think HRH could he most significant event this year for me as the appearance last year. The wives get a word in edgeways. TPadre was the service at the National Memorial had a great night dancing the Throughout the rest of the year Arboretum where we remembered the Welsh Guards night away, strictly come Sue Bazan has had a summer who did not return from Op HERRICK 16. Their names dancing judges would have full of activities for our families are now engraved on the walls along with all those been amazed with the talent which has included Poppy military personnel who have died on active service since within the Welsh Guards wives Breaks which are holidays for the end of the Second World War. dancing troop. Towards the children who leave their latter end of the night myself We have now passed the time in the life of the Battalion. parents at home and enjoy a anniversary of each of these and Capt Hughes were It has been an extremely busy break at PGL in Liddington. deaths and these have been persuaded to start the X Factor period for the welfare team Local farm visits and also marked back at Hounslow with Karaoke sing off to a medley of since the end of Op HERRICK coffee mornings have also prayers at the Chapel here Tom Jones hits, by our own taken place which are 16. Sgt Darren Whatling and admission we were good even attended by many of their his sidekick LSgt Phil Taylor invaluable to the wives on the though the boo’s and hisses comrades. Along with Welfare, have been coordinating the patch. from the wives told us one of my primary roles has home visits for our sick at otherwise. Little did we know In the last year I have said been supporting the Battalion home soldiers. Sgt Whatling that we were being filmed by goodbye to the majority of the in this post-deployment and LSgt Taylor have probably certain wives whilst doing a Welfare team. Capt Hughes is period, and the conversations driven every road from North that have followed have been rendition of Delilah, they then now relaxing as the Wales (god’s country) to South Regimental Careers many and varied. Wales on a weekly basis to visit uploaded the video to you tube but we must have been good as Management Officer. Sgt I was due to be posted at our soldiers, I will not to we had over 150 internet hits. Whatling has moved to Easter but fortunately mention any of the chuckle pastures new and having brothers “Navigationally managed to be extended in Next on the agenda was St taken voluntary redundancy embarrassing” excuses in the post until the end of David’s Day which was and LSgt Taylor is now the public domain. September. One of the benefits amazingly well attended by mess manager at St James’s for me was to be able to attend We ended 2012 with a well friends, family and also the palace. On the upside LSgt Kev the Queen’s Birthday Parade, deserved wives Christmas sit bereaved families and it turned O’Brian has joined the team which was a wonderful down dinner in the Sgts’ Mess. out to be a fantastic from recruiting in North Wales. occasion and to see the huge contrast in roles the Battalion “Unfortunately Capt Hughes’ Father Christmas outfit had performs, from operations to “shrunk in the wash” so Father Christmas did not make an public duties and it has been a huge privilege to be part of this appearance last year.”

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SUPPORT COMPANY Nac Ofna Ond Gwarth - Fear Nothing but Disgrace

Major Spencer Smith LCpl Martin Gdsm Fullman Dmr Parry 15 Capt Figgures-Wilson LCpl Meek Gdsm Griffiths 86 Dmr Parry 23 Capt Major LCpl Parry 26 Gdsm Harvey Dmr Parry 71 Capt Emlyn-Williams LCpl Rees Gdsm Hawker Dmr Price 51 WO2 CSM Bowen LCpl Ryan Gdsm Hertzog Gdsm Reeves CSgt Griffiths 96 LCpl Selby Gdsm Hibben Dmr Roberts 69 DMaj De Wit LCpl Shepard-Smith Gdsm Hill Gdsm Rodgers CSgt Geen LCpl Tancock Dmr Hillman Dmr Sarpak Sgt Deren LCpl Viavialevu Gdsm Holmes Dmr Shepard Sgt Evans 07 LCpl Van Eysen Gdsm Hughes 13 Gdsm Shields Sgt Jones 78 LCpl Worthington Gdsm Hughes 29 Dmr Siwale Sgt Parry 95 Dmr Agu Gdsm Hughes 41 Gdsm Skates Sgt Thomas 90 Dmr Armstrong Dmr Jawara Gdsm Soko LSgt Cummins Gdsm Bishop Gdsm Jobarteh Gdsm Stephens LSgt Evans 13 Gdsm Butler Gdsm Jones 79183 Gdsm Taylor 40 LSgt Evans 35 Gdsm Campbell 85 Gdsm Jones 99183 Gdsm Thomas 500 LSgt Evans 88 Gdsm Cray Gdsm Jones 84 Gdsm Threadgold LSgt Griffiths 04 Gdsm Dade Dmr Jones 91 Gdsm Toomey LSgt Hill Gdsm Davies 05 Dmr Jones 92 Dmr Turner LSgt Hillier Gdsm Davies 85 Gdsm Kelly Gdsm Walters LSgt John Gdsm Davies 87 Gdsm Kennedy Gdsm Webb LSgt Lewis 51 Gdsm Davies 89 Gdsm Kingdon Dmr Whittaker LSgt Pearce Gdsm Dudley Gdsm Kontodios Gdsm Williams 22 LSgt Potts Gdsm Dunn Gdsm Lewis 39 Dmr Williams 60 LSgt Rowlands 95 Gdsm Edwards 86 Gdsm Macedru Dmr Williams 63 LSgt Simons Gdsm Edwards 95 Dmr Maund Dmr Wolfenden LCpl Chambers Gdsm Evans 91 Dmr Misibi Gdsm Woodman LCpl Davies 47 Gdsm Evans 94 Dmr Needs Gdsm Woosnam LCpl Forde Gdsm Faulkner Gdsm Nielbling LCpl Kirumira Gdsm Flynn Gdsm Parfitt LCpl Liddy Gdsm Francis Gdsm Parr Nac Ofna Ond Gwarth - Fear Nothing but Disgrace

30 SUPPORT COMPANY LSgt Lewis 88 Overseas a Gun Team In Action

013 has been an unusual year with the coming and to standard. The dividends CQMS. Not forgetting the usual 2going of 3 Company Commanders and potentially a have been clear to see Christmas shenanigans, no 4th on the horizon. Throughout all of this has been the throughout 2013 and no doubt doubt Support Company will steady hand of WO2 (CSM) Bowen on the tiller. beyond. be in the thick of the action. Equally both the Mortars and The Corps of Drum In most articles the authors are companies to assist with their Recce have faced plenty of given to superlatives about guards. It is without a shred of challenges not least on the The recent shake up of the FSG how busy their year has been doubt that the star of the Bn manning front. I am delighted ORBAT has resulted in the CoD and it is without was the Corps of Drums (even to report that although not full, becoming, (as if it weren’t disappointment I am able to if as the previous Adjutant I do both platoons are in a position already!) the single most valuable Battalion asset that report that nothing changes. say so myself). Coming from to support the Comd Offr in the Commanding Officer has in The beginning of the year an almost withered shell in their role and their strength his pocket. focused on returning to the early 2012, the Corps was on will only improve. Additionally ‘Blue Line’ With an genuinely parade for the Major General, we have re-raised the Sniper It is common knowledge that intense period running for 3 formally becoming the largest Platoon. Although embryonic my Drummers can do the job weeks the Bn re-fitted every Corp in the Brigade of Guards in structure, it has the makings of any Rifle Platoon (probably man into a greatcoat, brushed with some 32 men. This was of a top quality asset in the with more panache). The Corps up on our ceremonial skills, only achieved through some future and will no doubt can most often be found conducted 3 homecoming inventive manning by the RSM improve with time. parades across Wales and strutting down the Mall in their managed to pass the Major and DSgts, a heroic effort by The remainder of the year will finery, attracting many an General’s inspection with the remaining drummers and culminate with the Bn Field admiring glance with their flying colours. As usual Sp Coy old fashioned hard work by the Firing Camp in Sennybridge precise and tuneful music. In did not having a leading role in new draft to get themselves up put together by the CSM and the margins, the Corps attends the formation of the guards but assisted with the liberal “It is common knowledge that my Drummers application of SNCOs and JNCOs across the duty can do the job of any Rifle Platoon”

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LCpl Meek Finalising Arcs For His Gun Team

No 2 Company’s Gun Team Prepare a Reactive Observation Post

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glamorous parties in London Progress is being made! the manning and operational and in the Royal Guardrooms and Cardiff, entertaining many metamorphosis that lies for many weeks. In the last twelve months the of the nation’s worthies and ahead. Welsh Guards Troop, Beating The back end of the year has attracting a good deal of of the Retreat, Baroness Mortar Platoon. interest and praise, both for seen the focus switch yet again Thatcher’s funeral, the Ryan towards the “green” side of life themselves and for the Welsh The Mortar Platoon formed up Jones Boxing and Drapers’ with the cadre in October, Guards. after post tour leave in the Dinners and the Ride for which will prove to be a early December of 2012 having What the untrained observer Heroes event, as well as the demanding experience for all been spread across the may not notice, however, is weekly grind of Windsor and those involved. The hope of the Support Company police that, as of the 20th of Queen’s Guards, have kept the mentoring teams as well as Cadre is to train 50 individuals September, the boys will have Corps extremely busy. The to be mortar qualified in order a steely edge to their gaze and boys have shown a great deal supporting Number 3 Company in their role as to support the Battalion in the a quiet self assurance which is of maturity and commitment large number of upcoming entirely befitting of their new over the last year in what has Brigade Operations Company. Despite the initial made dash to tasks. Those who have been and crucial role. The Corps of been an extremely busy and especially “good” have been Drums is now the Anti-Tank demanding period for the get back into tunics the pace of life meant that it was not until rewarded with a trip to the Platoon and, having Battalion. The aspirations for Falkland Islands which will the New Year include Javelin March that the Platoon was successfully completed the FSG allow them to fire in support of Cadre, is ready and qualified to live firing in the Falklands, a able to focus on the art of Number 2 Company. The rain death upon unsuspecting possible deployment to Belize “throwing bombs” again. deployment will also provide armoured targets from above! with Number Three Company, A select few (9) attended the an opportunity for the section The boys are genuinely excited a spell of adventure training Brigade Mortar Cadre held in to conduct battlefield tours about this new string to their and there have been whispers Warminster. This Cadre gave and try to understand what bow and, as the cadre has of a Corps of Drums Tour to them the opportunity to the Mortar men of 1982 went proven beyond doubt, more America! The Platoon is also progress from complete through and how the skills than capable of stepping up to looking forward to having their novices with the 81mm mortar haven’t really changed. the plate. mettle tested in Kenya next to a swept-up team able to year, putting into action all of A number of individuals need Over the next few years, the carryout a fully timed fire plan the green skills that they have to be congratulated on their challenge will be to bring back in support of troops on the learnt and will learn over the successful completion of that specialist anti-tank ground. Through sheer hard coming months. knowledge and skill that was work and dedication Gdsm courses over the year. Firstly to diluted in the ‘jack of all trades’ Vale (or for those of us who do Hawker was named top LSgt Derren who completed FSG structure. To achieve this, not have Latin vocab as an student on the Cadre. He was the Mortar 2ic’s in June. This is and maintain the high level of essential skill), we bid our not the only man who shone a real achievement as the morale within the Corps, it will farewells to DMaj Lawman and The Welsh Guards proved course is designed for Colour be essential to throw ourselves who has done such an hard work does pay off and Sergeant and Warrant Officers. at opportunities and to excellent job of getting the completed the 5 mile heavy Secondly to LCpl Griffiths 04 conduct green training Corps up and running after a carry nearly an hour ahead of and Evans 13 who performed alongside the heavy period of operationally the other sections. Despite this extremely well on the ceremonial burden that the induced hiatus. He has gone to great start to the green Standards course after little Corps shoulders. The lack of pass on his formidable training we were soon back preparation. They have shown qualified Junior Non experience to a new into our tunics for the ‘Summer great spirit and enthusiasm on Commissioned Officers is generation in the Support Season’. With significant their return from the course. being remedied slowly but Weapons School. He is support going to Number 2 This year’s winner of the surely. LCpl Potts did extremely replaced by the dynamic DMaj Guard on the Queens Birthday FASFOUS trophy went to Gdsm well on the FSG Team De Witt who’s boundless Parade the men of the platoon Hawker for his performance on Commander’s Course, passing energy is a perfect match for were kept busy on the square the Brigade Mortar Cadre. with an Instructor Recommend, LCpl Rees will “What the untrained observer may not notice, finish his Course in November. In addition we have three Dmrs however, is that, as of the 20th of September, on the Tac Course in October. the boys will have a steely edge to their gaze.”

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Members of The Mortar Platoon support the Army Benevolent Fund at Brighton Racecourse

The Night Attack on ‘A’ Range

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1ST BATTALION WELSH GUARDS FIELD FIRING CAMP Capt T C Spencer Smith

he Battalion Field Firing camp took place in October Tand represented the culmination of annual training for the Rifle Companies and the Support Company Cadres.

The planning lay extremely hard work and The Gdsm Appreciating How Hard Constructing an OP is predominantly with my perseverance they delivered a predecessor, but as with large truly exceptional package. In Battalion level events the real addition to the ranges the rifle muscle moves were put in companies added their own place by WO2 (CSM) Bowen training serials including and CSgt (CQMS) Griffiths with medical training, navigation stalwart support of the exercises and of course the Quartermasters Department. ubiquitous 8 mile TAB! In Week by week the pieces traditional Sennybridge style, slowly fell into place, and each exercise culminated in a eventually with only a few last platoon attack on X-Range and minute changes, we were a quick run around the assault ready. course to ensure that the boys were truly exhausted. The Rifle Companies each The Finished Product - Nothing to See Here! deployed consecutively to the The Commanding Officer and Lydd and Hythe Ranges to Regimental Sergeant Major conduct their initial training. Topps visited all of the platoon These ranges covered attacks and both enjoyed everything from the basic seeing the Battalions fighting ACMT (Annual Marksmanship power put through their paces. Test) all the way up to the more Of course no Battalion level complicated IBSR. With sterling exercise would be complete support from LSgt Buller and without a visit from a few his team, the range package senior Household Division proved a hit and allowed the officers. Colonel Hugh companies to ‘shake’ out prior Bodington LVO MBE, Chief of to the real test in Sennybridge. Staff London District visited No 2 Coy, the Major General Ed The companies deployed to The Culmination of The Medical Training Exercise South Wales and took up Smyth-Osbourne CBE dropped residence in one of the farms in on No 3 Coy and they also on Sennybridge Training Area hosted the Deputy (SENTA), they each had four Commander London District, days of ranges prepared for Brigadier Smith CBE on the final them by the Permanent Range platoon attack day. After a Team (PRT). The training frantic 4 weeks the Battalion programme consisted of completed all their live firing Individual Fire and Manoeuvre, and preparation for Pairs, Fire-Team and Platoon deployments to The Falkland attack ranges run by Capt Islands in December and Belize Young and his PRT. Through in early 2014.

The Prince of Wales's Company During Tab To The Ranges

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BAND OF THE WELSH GUARDS

A MILITARY MUSIC SPECTACULAR ith the summer ceremonial season in full swing and Wrehearsals for the Queen’s Birthday Parade done and Featuring Beating Retreat dusted, it was time for ‘A Military Music Spectacular’ 2013, (Beating Retreat, to the old and bold). This year’s event, 12th & 13th June 2013 however, seemed to have extra significance as the second By LSgt Andy Mercer, Welsh Guards Band performance was being held in the presence of Her Majesty The Queen and HRH The Duke of Edinburgh. This was the first time in which Her Majesty The Queen had attended the event since 2006.

Once all the performers had Having waited patiently marched on and the throughout the show thus far, formalities had taken place, and after providing the backing The Kings Troop, Royal Horse to most of the evening’s music, Artillery got the show off to a it was the turn of the Massed great start and performed a 6- Bands of The Household Gun Musical Drive. Keeping the Division. With a display that equine theme going, The featured Also Sprach Household Cavalry Mounted Zarathustra, Marche Slav, Bands were next to perform, Flying Colours and Army of the with a unique and captivating Nile, the Massed Bands rendition of Skyfall, sung by marched around Horse Guards Musician Amy Appleby, Life Parade before fronting up on Guards Band. the central carriageway in anticipation of the finale After The Massed Corps of The Opening Fanfare performed by the State Trumpeters from The Household cavalry Bands sequence. Drums had executed their set with precision it was the turn After the reflective nature of of The Massed Pipes and ‘Retreat’, it was time for the Drums, comprising 1st finale in which The Battle of Battalion Scots Guards, 1st Vitoria was depicted. This was Battalion Irish Guards and The presented in the form of London Regiment. Showing off Beethoven’s masterful their skill and dexterity with composition and also in the re- some fast moving fingers, they enactment of the battle by The finished off their set with the Napoleonic Association. hugely popular Highland Complete with lights, fireworks Cathedral. and explosions, it was a fitting end to a spectacular show. The Band and Bugles of The Rifles amazed the crowd with This year’s event, as in previous their performance of Zorba the years, was again a fantastic Greek and stunned the Massed masterpiece of musicianship, Bands with the speed in which creativity and military precision they moved across Horse Lt.Col. Stephen Barnwell, Senior Director of Music, Household Division, all rolled into one, and proved conducts the Massed Bands in the finale sequence Guards Parade. to be a huge success.

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BRUGES ANNUAL TATTOO, 2013 By Musn Pete Geldart, Welsh Guards Band

his year on Saturday 6th July The Band of the Welsh TGuards embarked on a short trip to Bruges, Belgium for the 26th annual Bruges Tattoo. After spending a total of nearly 10 hours travelling we arrived at Koksijde, the air base on which we stayed for the weekend, an hour outside Bruges.

This year on Saturday 6th July which static pieces would be The Band of the Welsh Guards most appropriate for the embarked on a short trip to engagement. Our interesting Bruges, Belgium for the 26th and semi-complex display was annual Bruges Tattoo. After then put together. Rehearsals spending a total of nearly 10 prior to travelling to Belgium hours travelling we arrived at had gone well, although we The Band of The Welsh Guards march on to rapturous applause Koksijde, the air base on which had to adapt the display we stayed for the weekend, an slightly due to the size of the hour outside Bruges. venue. On arrival we soon familiarised We delivered a very successful ourselves with the local area performance on the night and prerared for the which included not only our engagement the following own display but we also evening. After travelling into performed a spart of the finale the heart of Bruges we were along with a variety of other fortunate enough to have marching bands from around some down time in which we Europe. were able to experience the I found this engagement to be city and all it had to offer. This very rewarding knowing that was a fabulous experience bands from the Household with many opportunities to eat Division are regarded as being local and traditional food and among the best in the world. to see the unique markets and Being part of such a band has shops. There were even given me the opportunity to opportunities to learn about play in countries where we are On the move: the Band perform the popular “Bow-tie” movement the history of the city. highly regarded and most of all Rehearsing for this Tattoo took greatly appreciated. Our a fair amount of preparation contribution to this tattoo was “We had to adapt the display slightly due including having to decide certainly enjoyed by the large which marches to play and crowd. to the size of the venue.”

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INSTRUCTING SKI FOUNDATION 1 1st Battalion the Welsh Guards Exercise Cockney Cymru LSgt Eddie Eccles, Welsh Guards Band

aving successfully completed the Joint Service Ski HInstructors (JSSI) course in Oberstdorf, Germany, I was eager to put my new instructional techniques to the test. My first expedition as an instructor was to be with 1 WG, instructing a total of 80 Guardsmen late in the 2013 ski season. Conquering the French Alps Some careful negotiation with The students were introduced the Director of Music and ‘The to on-the-go lessons which Boss’ my wife, I was eventually ranged from mountain safety, given the go ahead to instruct accident procedures, on the expedition. environment awareness and piste map navigation, Following the 16 hour coach combined with the Federation trip we finally reached the Internationale de Ski (FIS) rules. glorious snow peaked region of Les Contamines in the Eager to see Mont Blanc from French Alps. the top of Les Contamines, the order for day three was to get On arrival, we were greeted by mileage under their belts with Tony T.S. (owner of Ski4less), a few tool box techniques himself an ex-REME QMSI who, thrown in along the way, such knowing the ways of the Army, as “Stepping” and their swiftly got the men kitted out favourite “Angles” which and accommodated. This was involves a teapot-like stance followed by a great first whilst belting out YMCA at the Sgt Bob Mitchel (IG Band), CSgt Andy Grimwood (IG Band) & LSgt Eddie Eccles (WG Band) evening witnessing the Welsh top of their lungs to the Rugby team’s victory in the 6- mountain goats! Nations. The second week brought with The following morning saw us it two familiar ex-Welsh Guards make it up the mountain for Band faces in Sgt Bob Mitchell the first of five days skiing. I and CSgt ‘AG’ Grimwood (Irish was soon to learn that 18 year Guards Band) which for CSgt old Guardsmen have no fear, ‘Jay’ Green (1WG) was a chance they just want to get down a for some banter to be directed mountain as fast as they can! at 3 Bandies! For me it was a The first two days were spent fantastic opportunity to instruct alongside two of my on the nursery slopes getting former instructors. the students acquainted with new equipment. The art of Week two day five saw 10ft of falling down was mastered snow fall over night producing very quickly, closely followed perfect conditions. CSgt by getting back up and most Grimwood then led the way Guardsman Cooper in fancy dress! importantly how to STOP! over a 4ft drop and his skis

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popped out of their bindings in One (SF1). The progression the thick snow. His skis were from all the beginner groups swiftly buried by the pursuing had been simply astonishing! 24 guardsmen. Personally, I gained an The last day brought with it enormous amount of self-pride fancy dress - onesies, Buzz witnessing the teamwork and Lightyear and Gdsm Cooper in physical courage displayed as a wedding dress! Unbeknown they conquered the mountain to his wife…! together. I would like to thank At this point the instructors Major Launders and Major made a hasty retreat and let Salusbury for allowing me this the guys enjoy some free time fantastic opportunity and I to exercise their rights as look forward to teaming up newly qualified Ski Foundation again sometime in the future. Members of The Band of The Welsh Guards enjoying the experience of Royal Ascot

ROYAL ASCOT, 2013 By Musn Laura Knowles, Welsh Guards Band

arlier this year, The Band of the Welsh Guards completed a Efive day engagement at Royal Ascot. This engagement comes around once every five years for us so it was a new experience for many in the band. We started each day by hot weather didn't quite last marching into the winner's the entire week. However, even enclosure to entertain the the rain on the last day could public with a couple of pieces not dampen the spirits of the before taking our place on the people. The crowds were out in Grand Stand, ready to play the force for the community sing National Anthem as the Royal along. It was quite a sight to Procession arrived. We then behold sitting on the spent the rest of the day on the bandstand watching as a Musician Natalie Cutland (centre) picked a winning horse bandstand entertaining the hundreds of people all came crowds between races. Our together to sing some of the rendition of We are the classics such as We'll Meet Champions always proved Again and Hey Jude, not to popular. The atmosphere was mention the sea of union flags buzzing every day and after a flying high and proud during while the band couldn't help Rule Britannia. but join in the fun and we We finished our encore on the began to cheer on the horses! last day and the crowds were It was an honour to be a part of still crying out for more. The such an important day in band couldn't help but smile as racing history as The Queen's we played a rousing rendition of New York, New York, one last horse, Estimate, claimed time. victory in Royal Ascot's Gold Cup. It was the first time in the Providing musical support to race's 207 year history that it Royal Ascot week was a real had been won by a reigning privilege and a fantastic monarch. Unfortunately the experience. Crowds gather around The Band of The Welsh Guards at Royal Ascot

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The Band of The Welsh Guards lead the Royal British Legion parade on Llandudno Promenade

ROYAL BRITISH LEGION CONFERENCE 2013 Llandudno, Wales By Musn Bethany Laws, Welsh Guards Band

n the 17th May 2013 The Band of the Welsh Guards laying ceremony took place. Sergeant Lee Fomes and Otravelled to Llandudno, North Wales, to perform at The Last Post and Reveille were Musician Kate Challinor. sounded by Sergeant Jon the annual conference of the Royal British Legion. We Sunday morning consisted of Hammond. arrived on the Friday night at the hotel provided for the the Closing Ceremony in which duration of our stay which was a short walking distance Saturday evening saw the the band led the Standards into from both the venue and the sea front. opportunity for the band to the conference hall to partake deliver a public concert. This in their traditional event. This Saturday morning brought the afternoon the band led was conducted by the marked the end of the band’s Opening Ceremony of the individual Regional Standards Bandmaster, WO1 (BM) Craig trip to Llandudno, a short trip conference. Musical support and members of the Royal Bywater and featured solos in which we had delivered was provided in the form of a British Legion along the from Sergeant John Boyd and various elements of musical marching band to kick-start promenade to the Llandudno Musician Emily Henry as well support to the Royal British proceedings. On Saturday War Memorial, where a wreath as a vocal duet performed by Legion.

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THE FUNERAL OF BARONESS MARGARET THATCHER Operation True Blue By Musn Charlotte Dell, Welsh Guards Band

uesday 16th April 2013, the Funeral of Baroness TMargaret Thatcher, saw The Band of the Welsh Guards forming part of the Guard of Honour. Having not lived through the Iron Lady's time in government, I was not one to view a strong opinion on her policies; rather it was a chance to play proudly for a patriotic woman and leader.

It was immensely pleasing to I was stood to the rear of the see everything run smoothly, band once in position of the both the early morning Guard of Honour and was able rehearsal the day before and to look on as the carriage The Funeral Procession of Baroness Thatcher the full funeral itself. I have to arrived, her coffin draped in say there was slight trepidation the union flag. A sense of pride that perhaps protestors would stirred within me. The Band of interfere with events; however Her Majesty's Royal Marines Lady Thatcher was able to have played Chopin's Funeral March the respectful and dignified which sent a shiver through funeral she deserved. my spine as they accompanied the gun carriage. A formidable The moment The Band of the tension built as the music grew Welsh Guards began our louder and the carriage drew procession to St Paul's closer. Cathedral, there was a poignant atmosphere This was, without doubt, a throughout the streets. It remarkable moment in history. appeared that hundreds had It was a privilege to be a part of lined the funeral procession this event and to provide a route, ready to pay their last fitting compliment to a distinguished figure as the respects as the gun carriage The Band of The Welsh Guards forms part of the Guard of Honour outside St. Paul’s Cathedral bearing the coffin passed by. country celebrated her life.

“A formidable tension built as the music grew louder and the carriage drew closer.”

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DISTRIBUTION OF OFFICERS

DISTRIBUTION OF OFFICERS as at 1 January 2014

REGIMENTAL HEADQUARTERS Colonel-in-Chief Her Majesty The Queen Colonel of The Regiment His Royal Highness The Prince of Wales KG KT GCB OM AK QSO PC ADC Regimental Lieutenant Colonel Brigadier R H Talbot Rice Regimental Adjutant Colonel (Retd) T C S Bonas Temporary Equerry Captain C Beare Assistant Regimental Adjutant Major (Retd) F K Oultram Director of Music Major K F N Roberts MMus FLCM LRSM psm CAMUS 1st BATTALION Lieutenant Colonel D L W Bossi Commanding Officer Lieutenant Colonel G R Harris DSO MBE Commanding Officer (wef Fri 24 Jan) Major J D Salusbury Second in Command Major E N Launders Officer Commanding The Prince of Wales’s Company Major A J Salusbury Officer Commanding Number Two Company Major T J Badham Officer Commanding Number Three Company Major T C S Spencer Smith Officer Commanding Support Company Major K Dawson Quartermaster Captain C J P Davies Adjutant Captain D W Pridmore Technical Quartermaster Captain C S N Fenton Operations Officer Captain A Ravenscroft R SIGNALS Regimental Signals Officer Captain A Major Officer Commanding Reconnaissance Platoon Captain B Figgures-Wilson Officer Commanding Mortar Platoon Captain R Emlyn-Williams Officer Commanding Fire Support Group Captain A Hughes Regimental Careers Management Officer Captain B Baldwin Motor Transport Officer Captain F O Lloyd George Second in Command The Prince of Wales’s Company Captain J A Bromfield Second in Command Number Three Company Captain T Hutton Platoon Commander The Prince of Wales’s Company Lieutenant J Marsden Platoon Commander The Prince of Wales’s Company Lieutenant E Birrell Second in Command Number Two Company Lieutenant J O Dinwiddie Platoon Commander Number Two Company Lieutenant T A G Evans Platoon Commander Number Two Company Lieutenant A J N Smith Platoon Commander Number Three Company Lieutenant D Luther-Davies Platoon Commander Number Three Company 2nd Lieutenant J Webster Platoon Commander The Prince of Wales’s Company 2nd Lieutenant J Farmelo Platoon Commander Battle Course 2nd Lieutenant O Alsop Platoon Commander Battle Course 2nd Lieutenant E Clarke Platoon Commander Battle Course

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EXTRA REGIMENTALLY EMPLOYED Brigadier R H Talbot Rice Head, Armoured Vehicles Programme, Defence Eqpt & Sp Brigadier B J Bathurst OBE Chief CJ5 HQ ISAF Brigadier R J Æ Stanford MBE ACOS LF Army HQ Colonel R H W St G Bodington LVO MBE Chief of Staff London District Lieutenant Colonel G A J Macintosh OBE Commanding Officer Cambridge UOTC Lieutenant Colonel G Bartle-Jones British High Commission, Pakistan Lieutenant Colonel R G B Pim Commanding Officer The London Regiment Lieutenant Colonel B P N Ramsay MBE Chief Ops UN Mission Southern Sudan Lieutenant Colonel M Cooling Commander Episkopi Support Unit Major G C G R Stone SO2 Operations Directorate Ministry of Defence Major D W N Bevan Equerry to HRH The Prince of Wales Major H G C Bettinson Chief of Staff, Equipment Directorate, Army Headquarters Major C T Sargent MBE Academy Adjutant RMAS Major M L Lewis Company Commander 1CG Major T A Smith SO2 G7 Trg, HQ 1 (UK) Armd Div Major T A H Eastman Second in Command 1IG Major H S Llewelyn-Usher MOD A Block Major J W Aldridge SO2 Op Plans A, Army Headquarters Major S C Broughton SO2 ROW Plans PJHQ Major J D Livesey SO2 Ops Directorate MOD Major N R K Moukarzel ICSC(L) Major N Mott SO2 E1/E2 Combat Sldrs APC Glasgow Major A F Bowen ICSC(L) Captain A Dunlop OC Training Team, Fort Polk. Louisiana Captain G C Charles-Jones Adjt New College, RMAS Captain J M Young Instructor Infantry Battle School Captain M C Simpson OC HDPRCC Captain F J Wright OC Guards Para Pl, 3 PARA Captain M Pollard RCMO 1IG INFANTRY TRAINING CENTRE CATTERICK Lieutenant M J Wright Platoon Commander Lieutenant A W Budge Platoon Commander

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DISTRIBUTION OF WARRANT OFFICERS

DISTRIBUTION OF WARRANT OFFICERS AND BATTALION STAFF AS OF 1 JANUARY 2014

REGIMENTAL HEADQUARTERS

Regimental Quartermaster Sergeant 24815189 WO2 DP Brown Regimental Quartermaster Sergeant (des) WO2 S Boika

REGIMENTAL BAND

Band Master 25032421 WO1 C Bywater Band Sergeant Major 24862977WO2 S Charles

1ST BATTALION

Regimental Sergeant Major 25014288 WO1 M Topps Regimental Quartermaster Sergeant (Mcint) 25026698WO2 P Dunn Regimental Quartermaster Sergeant (Tech) 25015807 WO2 LM Ryan Drill Sergeant 24921250 WO2 E Griffiths The Prince of Wales’s Company 25061898WO2 M Ridgeway-Buckley CSM Number Two Company 25066690WO2 A Davies CSM Number Three Company 25040205WO2 C Williams CSM Headquarter Company 24898807WO2 P Radford CSM Support Company 25007191 WO2 SG Bowen Regimental Signals Warrant Officer 24902063WO2 M Smith

EXTRA REGIMENTALLY EMPLOYED

Garrison Sergeant Major London District 24520588WO1 WDG Mott OBE MVO RSM Honourable Artillery Company 24797497 WO1 A Campbell RSM UOTC Bristol 24906414WO1 JJ Jenkinson RSM Londons 24842827WO1 J Jones Counter Terrorist Training Team 24738040WO2 GW Jones Royal Military Academy Sandhurst 25050230WO2 CA Taylor

LONG SERVICE LIST

ACIO Wrexham 24623898WO2 RJ Brace

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HONOURS AND AWARDS

MEMBER OF THE BRITISH EMPIRE Major C T Sargent

LONG SERVICE & GOOD CONDUCT 25014288 WO1 Topps 25075959 CSgt Geen 24963177 Sgt Green 24905652 Sgt Prosser 25070109 LSgt O’Brien 25069830 LCpl Laing 24896746 Gdsm Bolton

JOINT COMMANDERS COMMENDATION Lieutenant Colonel D L W Bossi Lieutenant J Marsden

QUEEN’S COMMENDATION FOR VALUABLE SERVICE Major E N Launders Captain B N H Bardsley Sgt R Heath

COMMANDER LAND FORCES CERTIFICATE Major K Dawson

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BATTALION EVENTS

compounded by the pace of Ceremonial Duties in Battalion. The preparation phase of the trip flashed by in a whirlwind of activity; vehicles (sixteen year old land rover discoveries) were found, risk assessments written, funding secured, embassies harangued, maps plotted and stores sourced. Our collective diplomacy was tested early on when trying to arrange visas from bemused Embassies in London. Surprisingly, we met the least resistance in the Russian embassy, which turned around our visas in twenty four hours and even gave us a discount. Suspecting that we were being Kazakh roads lured to Russia for the purpose of interrogation, we manfully hopeful road trippers carrying EX SILK DRAGON: resolved to resist any honey everyone’s luggage at traps which might be set along ON NOT SO SECRET SERVICE Heathrow, having found out the way and not to divulge any IN CENTRAL ASIA that they had actually secrets of state, no matter how volunteered to be the baggage by Capt Emlyn-Williams beautiful the agent! Finally, on party! the 25th of July, Mr Blue and Mr isbelief and suspicion were my initial reaction The trip went from too good to Green (as our wagons were Dto Lt Hutton’s excited announcement that Maj be true to concrete reality as rather unimaginatively named) Llewelyn-Usher was organising an expedition to drive the eight members of the team rolled out of Cavalry Barracks, knuckled down to do battle roof racks groaning with to Kazakhstan, and needed some volunteers. with the forces of bureaucracy supplies and occupants full of and parochialism. The lack of anticipation and excitement. The Battalion had been Tom Hutton had fallen for a precedent for the trip meant Like Charlie Marlow in Conrad’s selected to provide a Short ruse similar to the ‘who wants that the military adage which Heart of Darkness, we were Term Training Team to mentor to get their motorbike license’ advises against starting with a ready to lose ourselves in all a Kazakhstani battle group trick often played by blank document was hard to the glories of exploration and prior to an assessment as to mischievous Colour Sergeants follow. We were venturing into fill in the space on the map, their suitability for NATO at Sandhurst (enthusiastic the unknown in more sense blank to us, that was central operations, and an volunteers were almost always than one; whilst the Asia. opportunity had been spotted then given a different and exhilaration steadily built as Only the uninitiated would to see a little more of the unpleasant task). I saw in my routes were planned, so too consider a road trip to be a world. I initially assumed that mind’s eye the intrepid and did the workload, holiday - driving for long stretches is boring, “Like Charlie Marlow in Conrad’s Heart of Darkness, we were uncomfortable and tiring. Fortunately, this is familiar ready to lose ourselves in all the glories of exploration and fill ground to most soldiers and in the space on the map, blank to us, that was central Asia.” the humdrum nature of daily

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life on the road was mitigated agricultural and industrial significantly by the humour landscapes. We encountered which binds people together in our first serious vehicle adverse circumstances. The problem when one of the boys, LCpl Price, Gdsm Jones brake callipers failed, (on a 60 and Lewis 39 and Cfn steep hill of all places) and Millington were endlessly disaster was averted only by amusing; the sound of South Cfn Millington’s skilful driving Walian banter accompanied and use of the handbrake the trundle of the wagons as which prevented the ensuing we forged a path through cross country driving from Europe. Having decided that it writing off the car! It was would be churlish not to stop whilst we were sitting by the over in Prague, we booked into side of the road, bemoaning Crossing the Aral Sea - Kazakhstan a hostel and sallied forth into our fate that we were first the city. Whilst wandering exposed to the unbelievable through the magnificent kindness of strangers, a theme central square and cloistered that was to permeate the promenades, our sense of expedition. Not only did a local wonder was slightly mechanic offer to take us to a undermined by seedy Land Rover garage which characters who emerged from happened to be less than ten the shadows to offer the miles away, a passing dubious delights of the local motorcyclist invited us to stay nightlife. in her house, and plied us with Polish vodka until the early The next stop was a sobering hours. Things became even guided tour of Auschwitz more surreal when a beaten Bibi Khan Mosque - Samarkand Birkenau. The harrowing up Ford Cortina screeched to a displays of shoes, hair and halt in the driveway, and out suitcases piled high in glass stepped a gothic apparition cabinets as well as the gas (complete with studded chambers, on the walls of bracelet, hot pants and a six which were visible scratch inch hunting knife fixed to her marks made by victims belt) which turned out to be attempting to scrabble our host’s daughter. We left towards the air vents, were the next morning, bleary eyed, incredibly moving. It was a grateful and slightly relieved to subdued group who sat down be on our way! for a late lunch in Krakow. It was interesting, given the After a brief battlefield tour in recent news that a ninety year Volgograd which included a visit to the Stalingrad museum, old Auschwitz guard was to Shell Hill, above the Sandbag Battery – Inkerman - Crimea stand trial for war crimes, to we were on the road again, canvas the men on their this time headed for the desert opinions as to whether or not leg of the journey. The elation as we crossed into Kazakhstan the ordinary camp guards was tempered by the were culpable, or whether they knowledge that we were still were simply obeying orders. It only half way to our final was a reassuring testament to destination of Almaty and the independent mindedness there was a distinct slump in of the British soldier that he morale as we encountered the unanimous opinion was that first pot holed stretch of road. they were every bit as much to Kazakh pot holes are biblical in blame as the officers in charge. proportion and ten times the The rest of Poland, Ukraine and size of anything we may Russia flew by in a blur of flat, encounter in the UK. Back at CBH – 11,000 miles later

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pencilled in for the next day we That was something that will BATTALION RUGBY TEAM 2013 travelled back to prepare once be etched deep into the Captain B Baldwin more. The day after we went memory. The sand dunes in back to Tidworth to tackle the Bridgend were especially he Battalion’s rugby team has had a very exciting 2nd Battalion Royal Welsh and emotional - even our so called Tyear to say the least. The decision to enter the Army the game went ahead. We fit ones were on their hands competition for this season was made over a conversation played with such intensity they and knees being physically while making lunch at the Afghanistan Police Headquarters could not live with us and sick. We also had a great day (PPHQ). After that, the cogs started to turn and then some sound kick and chase out at the Ospreys training Quartermaster, Major Bowen, used his powers of resulted in us dominating from ground with the coaching staff delegation to put things in place. start to finish. off, (Tandy, Bevington, Humphries, Fotuali’i, and Into the Semi finals and pitted Tipuric), Dan Biggar and Sergeant Prosser was tasked to another very narrow loss. This up against the 1st Bn Royal Richard Hibbard came to chat attend the fixture meeting and put us under some pressure to Welsh and, with the game gain any information and kit then have to win all remaining and have some photos taken played on neutral ground at for the forthcoming season. games. First of which was in as well. So on to the final. Up in Newbury, gave us some time to That threw some surprises that Scotland with 39 Engineer front of us were 39 Engineer prepare and also some extra included the squad missing Regiment to whom had never Regiment who we had beaten game time. The day of the semi some post Operational leave lost on that ground. Even with in Scotland. Their confidence final saw once again snow but and also Christmas leave to a weakened team, we went was high but was a weary of the game went ahead. It was a meet full fill fixture there with confidence and a over confidence, something I hard fought game and with requirements. To top it off the sound game plan and pushed and my staff were keen to the weather now at its worst, Fijian contingent had applied them all over the park with a stamp out. The 39 Engineer driving rain with snow saw the for special leave that would not good first win. The second team was totally different from see them back in the UK until followed straight after and a coldest rugby team ever. With our previous meeting so that January 13. good convincing win it was the game so tight it went into quickly focused the men to the again. With this result, our extra time and with lady luck So the season began and we task ahead and the game plan narrow losses, the lower order on our side, we saw their travelled to our first that we had trained for. Prior to teams pulling out and giving number eight attack LSgt opponents, 12 Regiment Royal the game the Commanding us the extra wins, we were George in their 22 and the Artillery. The squad was Officer and Ryan Jones came through to the next round. linesman had his flag raised depleted and it was testament into the changing room to give for foul play. Penalty to the to those rugby players that Into the Quarter Finals we the team - talk first the Welsh Guards and young came off leave. It was a typical marched with a full side to pick Commanding Officer then winter’s day and the pitch and from for the first time. We had outside half, Gdsm Groves, Ryan. You could see why he conditions did not suit us. We a good week to prepare and kicked it for us to go through. was the national captain - it lost but not by much and it once again had a game plan A great team effort and the took me the remaining 7 gave us some encouragement that would stop our longest shower ever to de frost minutes to pull the team from knowing it was not our opposition. What we couldn’t - I dread to see Newbury’s the ceiling. The game for me strongest side. Game 2 came plan was the weather and the water bill. just before Christmas leave night before it snowed and the was something of a blur as pitting us up against the then pitch was so hard we had to Preparation for the final was both teams went hammer and current Army champions, 17 cancel. This was to the some what of a challenge with tongs for the full 80 minutes. It Port Maritime Regiment. We amazement of the referee even a Major Generals great coat was not a spectacle but at least travelled to Harrow to what though he could not even inspection stuck into the it was a win. Great celebrations must be the biggest rugby pierce the surface with a key middle. We did, however, get a followed with some drinks in pitch in NATO. Again we could and then stated they play on great opportunity to organise a Aldershot and then back to the not put out our strongest team harder grounds in the summer. training week down in Wales Barracks sports bar and finally but a valiant effort by all but The game cancelled and based out of RAF St Athan. the Sergeants mess. There I spent what seemed like a “This was to the amazement of the referee even though he month’s wages ringing the bell but what followed is only could not even pierce the surface with a key and then stated gained from being a they play on harder grounds in the summer.” champion.

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Millennium stadium game Welsh Guards Squad 2012-13 This is something of a privilege for both us and the Royal Welsh 1. LSgt Quamuri and will continue on an annual 2. LSgt Dwyer basis. It gives our boys a great 3. Gdsm Walters chance to play on the hallowed 4. LSgt George (Captain) turf and an extra piece of silver 5. Gdsm Bilton ware. This year saw us missing eight key players from what 6. Sgt Soko can only be described as our 7. LSgt Sanigar first choice team. This was now 8. Lt Evans a chance for our young guns to 9. Gdsm Devise Capt Bardsley enjoying some of the Les Contamines back country gain some experience and also 10. Gdsm Groves allow me to gauge the enemy EX COCKNEY CYMRU: 11. Gdsm Tyres for next season. We lost 15-7 Battalion skiing trip to but great things came from it, 12. Gdsm Evans 35 Les Contamines, France not least our young ones 13. Gdsm Buretini by Capt BHN Bardsley stepping up to the plate and 14. Gdsm Nambukibuki now the Royal Welsh going 15. LCpl Nuku n Friday 8th March 2013, under the command of Maj away with false hope. Bring on Launders, a proportion of the Battalion deployed for 2013/14 season. 16. LCpl Walters O two weeks to the resort of Les Contamines in France. 17. Gdsm Davies 05 Army Caps 18. Gdsm Soko The first week was enjoyed by arrived on the first day 2010 LSgt Dwyer Number 2 Company and combined with bright 19. LSgt Lewis 88 2011 LSgt Dwyer Number 3 Company, the sunshine - conditions could 20. LSgt Hiscock second week by the Prince of not get much better. The six 2012 LSgt Dwyer 21. Sgt Lewis 29 Wales’ Company and Support instructors: Major Launders, 2013 LSgt Dwyer, LSgt George, CSgt Geen, Sgt Skitt, Sgt Eccles, 22. Gdsm Carter Company. In total 80 members LSgt Hiscock, Gdsm of the Battalion participated in Sgt McCovoy and Sgt Harriot Nambukibuki 23. LCpl Jane the trip, with abilities ranging (HAC), all did a sterling job in improving each and every 2013 Gdsm Buretini (sevens) 24. Gdsm Cray from complete beginner to a man. In doing so everyone 25. Gdsm Classbe few seasoned professionals. Army A 2013 achieved either the basic ski 26. LSgt Devine The snow gods were on the proficiency or for those that Gdsm Bilton 27. RQMS Ryan Battalion’s side. Twenty had skied before, the advanced Army development centimetres of fresh powder ski proficiency. 28. Sgt Scarf squad 2013 29. LCpl Lodwick Lt T Evans 30. LSgt Rowlands Gdsm Evans 35 31. Gdsm Fullman Gdsm Carter 32. Gdsm Davies 11 Gdsm Groves Capt Baldwin (Rugby Officer- Selected Infantry Coaching Coach) staff 2013-14 season WO2 Radford (Coach) Capt B Baldwin Sgt Prosser (Coach) WO2 Radford LSgt Devine Sgt Prosser (Conditioning coach) LSgt Devine LSgt Hayton Admin NCO L/Cpl Austin educating Capt Bardsley in Après Ski

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Maj Launders taking full advantage of the snow conditions The victorious Jamboy 2 boat at full tilt

The Guardsman brought the Jones who at the grand old age Welsh sprit in abundance to of 48 completed his very first THE PRINCE OF WALES COMPANY – the Bars and clubs of Les weeks skiing. As much as he Eton Dorney Dragon Boat Contimines, and took the ski enjoyed it, and his terrible Racing Festival hard, play hard mentality to a jokes we greatly appreciated Lt T Hutton whole new level. However with by all, we are not sure he will the excitement and promise of be going back in a hurry due to ragon Boat Racing is an up and coming sport in the fantastic skiing the following the physical and mental toll it DUK. Fiercely competitive, it pits teams of ten men and day, the 07:30 muster parade took on his body. was never missed. A special women against each other in minutes of water borne thank you must go to Sgt Scaff The Battalion is always under fury. It is a test of skill and endurance, but more than this, and Sgt Skitt who did a pressure to send a small skiing of timing and most teamwork. fantastic job making sure the team to compete in the Infantry G4 side of the expedition ran skiing competition instead of The modern sport has its roots company realised that this in an ancient folk ritual of could be a fantastic without a hitch. using the funds for an contending villages held over opportunity to build team expedition such as this one. A few exceptional characters the past two thousand years spirit and take part in a However, this trip has again came to light throughout the throughout southern China, as physically tough exercise justified the decision to send 80 exped, the first being an opportunity for community whilst representing the Guardsman Sambuca (Harding people for a week to get valuable celebration and bonding. Battalion in a public forum at 53) who made his soul experience that would usually the same time. Teaming up Teams of up to ten people crew purpose to buy everyone in Les cost our civilian counterparts a with his platoon commander, thirty foot long, narrow, flat Contamines a shot or two. It is small fortune. The two weeks they were able to acquire bottomed, canoe style boats a shame that his skiing ability were both a great success and generous funding from the with a helmsman at the rear did not match his level of thoroughly enjoyed by all. Bring Regimental Trustees and put a and a drummer at the front. generosity. The second is Padre on next year. team together. With the crew The sport in the UK has been spaces oversubscribed, a ‘row- dominated by corporate teams off’ selected the men who who regularly attend Dragon would form the crews, with the Boat Racing festivals as team remainder coming to support. building exercises and days Twenty eight men of the Prince out, bringing in ringers to give of Wales’s company travelled themselves a competitive to Eton on the 3rd July with advantage over their rivals. high spirits but little idea of One such event was forecast what to expect. The day was for the 3rd July 2013 at Eton fantastic. With the weather Dorney lake, promising a full holding and bar open, crews day of competitive racing, with were able to enjoy the racing up to twenty different crews, from the Eton Rowing Club each vying for the title. boathouse with its fantastic In a moment of inspiration Sgt facilities. Clay pigeon shooting Gdsm Saunders re-living his recent wedding Scarf of the Prince of Wales’s and other activities were also

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commented that with no prior This sort of event brought all experience, our two teams had members of the teams been able to win by working as together. From those who had one, as a team in unison. shared the experiences of Herrick 16 to the new draft Following the trophy and men of the company. A whole medals presentation the event day spent away at this type of was finished off by a fantastic event, achieves much of what gourmet BBQ and drinks that we desire to see in our soldiers; ran into the evening. The team work, physical fitness interest taken by the other and determination, as well as teams in the Battalion and being fantastic fun and wider Army was met with providing good morale. relish by the men of the I know all who took part on the company who showed a day are grateful for the fantastic public image of the opportunity to compete, and Welsh Guards answering are therefore thankful to the questions and socialising with trustees for their backing of the the other teams. teams in entering the event. LSgt Lawrence proudly displays the Dragon Boat winners trophy on all day for those who could on The Queen’s Birthday ORATORY SCHOOL CCF find the time. Parade two weeks previously, Lt J P Marsden rowing in time came naturally. It soon became apparent that The high level of fitness, team the competition was fierce, or some time informal links have existed between spirit and determination and crews decked out in their Fthe Oratory School CCF and the Welsh Guards. In displayed by all rowers, set team kits looked raring to go. recognition of this, and to mark their centenary year, it formidable times, eventually With no prior experience of was agreed that the CCF would re-affiliate to the Welsh qualifying both team for the Dragon Boat Racing on our Guards from the Rilfes. part, the teams from EDF in finals. their matching kits, and the The Final was first past the The first Oratory School CCF school site resulted in a fall in body-building Acton Refinery post. For the two Welsh Guards camp took place in Tidworth in numbers. By 1967 the CCF team posed the greatest crews it was a race between 1913 and the CCF continued to revival was well underway competition. What they hadn’t ourselves. We had had run throughout both World however, and by the early Wars with many of the boys realised however, is that it is fantastic instruction through 1970s sections of the Royal always the Red Dragon that from the school serving with our qualifying races from our Navy and Royal Air Force were gives a lead….. distinction in these periods, professional helmsman, a set up. Since then the CCF has Captain Birdseye figure and most notably Lieutenant- The format of the event was a gone from strength to strength something of a Yoda in the General Sir Carton de Wiart. The series of heats, with three school’s CCF was at a low ebb and this was demonstrated by Dragon Boat Racing world. boats racing at a time. Each by 1966 after two moves of the the re-affiliation parade. event was timed with the two Sitting on the start line, with fastest times combining to our drummer Guardsman form the qualifying time. The Jones 16 looking resplendent fantastic team from Gable in Tunic and Bearskin it was all Events, the organizers, kindly to play for. It was a punishing offered us a second boat free sprint, with the lead changing of charge, enabling all those 5 times but race eventually who came down to participate going to Jam Boy Two, with in the racing. From the outset Jam Boy One milliseconds as Jam Boy One and Jam Boy behind, both boats coming Two crews took to the water, it within 1 second of the course was clear that the Welsh record. Good natured ribbing Guards teams were made for from the other participants the task. For these men, who that we somehow had an kept the time immaculately unfair advantage was soon whilst marching as the Escort quelled by the organizers who The Commanding Officer inspects the cadets

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The Band of the Welsh Guards marches past the saluting dias at the front of the Oratory School

The day began with a parade taking the salute from the dais to showcase the current framed Regimental Colours which saw the three when the parade marched activities of the Welsh Guards replicas, a signed picture of contingents of the CCF form up past. The standard of drill and in the build up to Trooping the HRH The Prince of Wales and a at the front of the school, with turnout was excellent and this Colour. Unsurprisingly there montage of the Regiment’s the Army contingent was in no small part due to the was equal interest in getting year, including photos of Operation Herrick 16 and resplendent in their new Welsh drill evening the Cadets hands on the weapons and ceremonial duties. The Guards Regimental headdress received a week prior from trying on a bearskin both from Commanding Officer for the first time. The Welsh the Cadets and the school staff. Sergeant Scarf and Lance concluded proceedings with Guards Band added to the air Whilst the VIPs were invited by Sergeant Rowlands who an apt speech, informing the of ceremony and celebration the Headmaster and the CCF attended the school to Cadets of the provenance of Contingent Commander to of the occasion with a fine administer a crash course. the symbol that they were now attend lunch, the Guardsmen performance that the wearing over their left eye and With the parade concluded the were hosted by the Cadets spectators thoroughly welcoming the new bond cadets were fallen out to be offering them the opportunity appreciated, in spite of the forged between the school and blustery weather. Major Neville shown as much as possible to ask questions in a more the Regiment. Topham, an ex-Welsh Guards about what the Battalion had relaxed environment. The day was rightly a Drill Sergeant who now heads to offer with various stands With lunch concluded the celebration of the links the showing the weaponry used up the Army section at the Cadets returned to the parade Oratory School and the Welsh on tour including HMG, GMG, school, led the parade on square for the presentations to Guards have shared over many behalf of the school. Both the Javelin and a .338 sniper rifle. exchange hands. The school years. The formal affiliation of Regimental Adjutant and the Furthermore there was a PTI presented the Welsh Guards the CCF, as the newest of these Commanding Officer were in on hand to advise the Cadets Officers’ Mess a silver statue of links, serves to cement, attendance to inspect the on fitness standards in the a Cadet, and the Battalion recognise and formalise a Cadets, with Colonel Bonas Army and a ceremonial stand presented the school with relationship that will continue long in to the future with the bond growing stronger as the “The day was rightly a celebration of the links the Oratory Welsh Guards approach our School and the Welsh Guards have shared over many years.” own Centenary in 2015.

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WELSH GUARDS SPORTS TOUR 2013 CYCLING -‘The Long and Winding Road’ Lt T Evans Captain C Fenton

8 members of the 1st Battalion Welsh Guards ising out of the saddle, struggling to find that hidden 2deployed to Europe on a sports tour and battlefield Rreserve of energy, the final push for the line was tour. The trip covered over 2000 miles over a period of 8 nothing that Sir Bradley Wiggins would have recognised. days, playing rugby and football in three different The previous 129.5 km, over some nine hours, had taken countries. their toll.

The first stop of the tour was at Welsh Guards triumphed 3-2 The knowledge though that Wellington Barracks, London. SHAPE in Belgium where there with a strong all round the finish line was waiting The event was superbly where both football and rugby performance. around the final bend of that organised by the team at matches planned. After two winding mountain road was Princess Gate Water and This trip was an excellent short training sessions, both enough to help find that supported by LSgt Jury and his opportunity for the members teams headed into Brussels for previously elusive reserve. recruiting tem. It involved of the Welsh Guards to learn an afternoon of culture before The cocktail of emotions that around 100 people, mainly about the role of the Welsh matches were played in the followed on from finishing from Wales, including rugby Guards and other units in the evening. The rugby team L’Etape du Tour in the French legends Ryan Jones, Rhys played against the number one Second World War. The tourists Alps were: jubilation that it was Williams and Ian Gough. A team in Belgium. It was a hard visited War Memorials and held all over; relief that Team WG fantastic weekend was had by fixture, the Welsh Guards XV a service in honour of those had avoided the dreaded all, and £45,000 was raised for defended very well however who had made the ultimate sweep-up car and injury (a the Welsh Guards Afghanistan the opposition managed to sacrifice. The War memorial number of serious crashes had Appeal. Other events included find gaps and came out on top gave an opportunity for all to occurred on the technically L’Etape du Tour, Annecy with a narrow victory. The reflect on previous conflicts demanding downhill sections France; and the cycling leg of football team had a fixture around the world. against a local civilian team, of the route); frustration that Walk-on-Wales from Chepstow which they won 2-1. Their The final stop of the tour was training had not been done Racecourse to Chester defence in midfield was the NATO School of and a better time achieved; Racecourse, which involved outstanding as was their will communications in Latina, and eventually exhaustion. participants using all sorts of to succeed. It was a very Italy. Both teams headed into This was 7 July 2013 and a wheeled contraptions to get promising start to the sports Naples and Rome to team of three, the author, the there. The key lesson identified tour. experience some Italian culture Adjutant and Capt Major, had from all of these events is that and cuisine. Sadly we were come a long way, both literally although these challenges Both teams then made their unable to formalise a rugby and figuratively, from the first were, and are, achievable with way to CENZUB in France, which is the French centre of fixture. The football team team training ride of 20 km little or no training and a never excellence for Close Quarter played their final game against around a snowy Richmond give-up attitude, cycling from Battle. The rugby team a team based 15km outside Park in November 2012. Pembrokeshire to London, or Naples. After a slow start the 130 km around the French Alps conducted training sessions Following the return of the team came back from behind would be much more with the CENZUB rugby team, Battalion from Op HERRICK 16 to win in a very convincing rewarding and enjoyable with which had only recently been many more people at formed. It was great to see the game 3-1. The football team proper training and Regimental Duty were keen to guardsmen interact with their had a very successful tour preparation! get on their bike. For some it French counterparts. This which will put them in a good was seen as a low-impact Next year the Club’s intentions training session gave the team position for their final match opportunity to improve fitness, are: to expand the interest of the opportunity to practise which will be played at Cardiff and maybe for others an road cycling across the some of their more Park Stadium. complicated moves against a opportunity to wear head-to- Battalion, and to enter a team solid defence. The football All in all it was a very toe lycra. Whatever their into the Army road racing team played against the successful tour for the Welsh motives a good number of the series; to expand the Club’s instructors at CENZUB who Guards. The men were true Officers’ and Sergeants’ remit to include mountain were a strong side but with the ambassadors for the Regiment. Messes participated in a range biking and triathlon; and to speed and flair of the Welsh The relationships formed over of events between March and conduct regular training Guards football team proving this period will no doubt lead September 2013: The highlight sessions, particularly over the to be too much for the to greater things on distant was certainly the Ryan Man Winter months, in preparation opposition to handle. The battlefields in the future. cycle from Pembrokeshire to for the riding season next year.

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MOTOR CROSS NOTES Sgt Hughes 39 Captains’ and Subalterns’ Tournament, Tidworth, 20-21 July 13 L-R: Lt Col Bartle-Jones, Maj Bettinson, Capt Davies, Lt Marsden he Welsh Guards Enduro Team entered the Team REME TSummer Series Round 2 last with 4 riders: Sgt Scarf 15 BATTALION POLO RESURRECTION and the author, PoW’s Coy; Gdsm Cole, Number 2 Capt C J P Davies Company; and Gdsm Campbell from Support Company. here was a time, many years ago, when the Welsh Gdsm Cole entered Expert and the remainder Sportsman. TGuards were consistently the best polo team in the Gdsm Cole had a really good broke his bike in an RAF round Army. In the meantime there have been numerous race, impressing Col Mike earlier this year. players who have played competitively however Tizzard, the Army Motor Sport After a tricky tight race all operational commitments have served to interfere with Officer. He finished 5th in a Welsh Guard riders completed the establishment of a regular Battalion team. strong class with three of the the round in good form with riders above him being former This year saw a concerted to hit their balls. This was only a few broken bits of bike. British Champions. He will effort to put Welsh Guards Polo followed by half an hour of As for the second round, we are enter Expert event in the Army back on the map which it had polo-specific riding lessons in good stead for the Championships later in the year dominated for so many years which essentially became an forthcoming Army and has a good chance of riding previously. opportunity for the Household Championships. It was also in the Army Team next year. One week after the Queen’s Cavalry Trooper on the course good to see some friendly faces Birthday Parade five members to show off. ‘Stick and Ball’ was Having taken an early lead in from Battalion as we rode of the Battalion, essentially an hour of individual time to the first lap, the author crashed round a demanding course. out, breaking the bike and those who supposedly knew practise hitting the ball, on the requiring a pit stop. After a This is a relatively new sport for how to ride, made their way to pony this time. Finally, we little throwing up, he managed the Battalion and it has been Tidworth Polo Club for an rounded each day off with a to get back in to finish the race. encouraging that there has introductory 3 day course on chukka, 7 minutes of riding Sgt Scarf also crashed in a been so much support. Polo. Set in stunning grounds round in circles chasing the ball tricky wood section but, with Hopefully as we are now adjacent to Tedworth House, it and ignoring most of the help from spectators, got back established and bedded in, we was fortunate that there were rulebook at the same time. on his bike. Gdsm Campbell will continue to receive support few prying eyes to witness our Fortunately for us and our very finished the race – his first for a as we tackle the rest of the ungainly attempts at picking patient instructor she did see while as he had to have a few summer series and push on to up a new sport. Whether this some improvement by the end months off because of he the Army Championships. was falling off chairs, falling off of the course. Overall the horses or simply failing to hit course was exceptionally good the ball after a 40 metre run- fun and a great introduction to up the whole course had little the game, so much so that all fear of succumbing to over- five of us have returned confidence. regularly during the summer The days were spent carrying for further instruction. out a variety of activities. As mentioned at the beginning ‘Chairs’ was an hour of the aim this year was to kick- standing on a chair and start Battalion involvement in practising our swings, Polo. To that end the year watching in fascination at would not have been complete where some people managed if we had not entered a

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In the quarter final they faced day, doing a really good job of the very well drilled higher closing down the Navy’s key goal Royal Navy team; the player. The third chukka game was great end to end started well with a quick goal stuff – very watchable – with from Michael O’Dwyer, but the the Welsh Guards having Navy then took and kept the several near shots at goal in lead for the remainder of the the first chukka. Michael O’Dwyer did a great job match. The Navy went on to opening up the play; and beat the Household Cavalry in Rupert Hackwill brought his the semi final, but were beaten South African high goal by the King’s Royal Hussars in experience to bear on a hot the final.

RYAN JONES TESTIMONIAL YEAR WITH 1ST BATTALION WELSH GUARDS Lt Col Bartle-Jones follows through, Captains’ and Subalterns’ Maj A F Bowen predominantly Battalion team inexperienced team, the first apped by Wales for the first time in 2004, Ryan Jones in to a tournament. The step on the ladder has been Chelped his country secure a first Grand Slam in 27 Captains’ and Subalterns’ taken. years when they completed a clean sweep in the Six Tournament was our target. Nations championship in 2005. That summer saw him Due to commitments We aim to build upon these play in all three tests for the British & Irish Lions in New elsewhere we only had 3 foundations. Over the next few Zealand, where he was the player of the series. Battalion members available, months several Guardsmen however, Lt Col Bartle-Jones, a will be introduced to riding at With 73 caps at the end of the was killed by a rogue Afghan very experienced and skilled the Sandhurst stables with the 2012/13 season, Ryan is now policeman. The letter was player, kindly agreed to step hope being that they will catch one of a select group of just six distributed to all Welsh into the breach. Whilst the the bug and maybe next year Welshmen who have won Guardsmen and it had a three Grand Slams. Ryan has profound and positive results of the two matches find themselves in Tidworth for captained Wales on a record 32 influence on unit morale due to may have been slightly three days discovering how occasions, surpassing Ieuan Ryan’s high profile in Welsh predictable for such an exhilarating the game can be. Evans’s record. rugby. INTER REGIMENTAL POLO Ryan sent a letter to 1st In September 2012 some of the Brigadier R H Talbot Rice Battalion Welsh Guards during Battalion’s wives and our tour of Afghanistan in 2012 girlfriends (WAGS) took part in his year the Regiment fielded one of only five teams to enter expressing his sorrow at the a cycle ride and Ryan’s Tthe Inter Regimental competition this year: the team death of LCpl Lee Davies who contribution in the saddle included three Welsh Guardsmen – Brig Robert Talbot Rice (the Regtl Lt Col), Lt Col Guy Bartle-Jones, Capt (Retd) Rupert Hackwill (who came over from South Africa to play in the match); and was ably captained by Col Michael O’Dwyer IG.

Left to right: Brig R H Talbot Rice, Capt (Retd) R Hackwill, Col M O’Dwyer IG, Lt Col G Bartle-Jones Ryan Jones with the Triple Crown

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Brigadier Peter Williams breaking the fantastic news to the WAGs on Wheels Ryan Jones with the WAGS, some looking pretty rough after a few hours in the participants that they had raised £25,000. Ryan Jones is seen on the left of the saddle or perhaps an hour sleeping on the floor mats in the gymnasium. photograph after he had completed his turn in the saddle. Bit of lippy and some mascara wouldn’t go amiss girls! assisted in raising £25K for the Trophy in March 2013. As a Guardsman; some of those superb. We have all made a Welsh Guards Afghanistan rugby mad battalion, this win who attended may never be true friend in Ryan and the Appeal. Ryan has since visited had a hugely positive affect on the same again! £50K he has donated to our the unit on numerous morale and in the recuperation Appeal will boost our funds no Events still to go as this goes to occasions as part of his of a battle weary unit; Ryan’s end. But this year has not been press include a Question of testimonial year and he is a contribution was significant. about money, it has been hugely popular character with Sport event in Swansea, a Testimonial Events about getting involved in the young soldiers, all of Grand Finale in the Millennium countless events that have whom idolise Welsh rugby Welsh Guardsmen have been Centre in Cardiff where the taken place and having fun heroes. Ryan has been present at all of Ryan’s Welsh Guards Band will be along the way. Ryan is a true exceptionally generous to the testimonial events, from front and centre with high gentleman, he cares WGAA and has set aside £50K dinners in Cardiff to a race day profile names from the passionately about the boys from his testimonial to give in Llanelli, to a Boxing Night in entertainment industry. The and this is manifestly obvious directly to our Appeal. the Lancaster Hotel in London final event will be a dinner in every time he visits us or we go in which all fighters came from the Churchill War Rooms in Battalion Rugby to one of his events. the Battalion. Welsh early December where Col Tim Battalion rugby has also Guardsmen supported and Collins will be speaking. Thank you to Ryan from all benefitted enormously from took part in the RyanMan cycle Welsh Guardsmen, young, old, Ryan’s influence. Following ride from Pembroke to London, All in all this has been a past, present, injured and from several training sessions with stopping off in Cavalry fantastic project to have been the families of our deceased. the Battalion rugby team, Ryan Barracks along the way for a involved in. Ryan Jones is a We wish him well in his future gave an inspiring and much needed pit stop. The man mountain in Welsh and I am sure many of us will emotional speech immediately Battalion ran a combat sporting terms and his be watching closely as he prior to them taking to the field weekend for 20 civilians who contribution to the Welsh moves from rugby into the to win the Army Premiership had a taste of life as a Guards this year has been unknown world outside sport.

Ryan Jones in Wellington Barracks getting a feel for the uniform worn in Afghanistan Put a bit of effort in lovely boy… there’s still 4000 miles to go!

56 BATTALION EVENTS 1ST Battalion Welsh Guards Medals Parade, 6th December 2012, Cavalry Barracks, Hounslow

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CSgt Peters and LSgt Cunningham lifting the cup

attendance due to other totally rebuilt with the right BATTALION FOOTBALL 2013 commitments. To combat this balance of experience, youth WO2 AM Davies and coupled with the new and a new found appetite for Battalion football. It also 013 has been a busy time for the Battalion and during season starting in October, the demonstrated that the breaks in the work schedule the Battalion Football Battalion decided to hold the 2 Ellicott Cup at the end of Battalion has a very high team has been quietly ticking along. The squad has seen August. This is the football standard of footballers at its a change in Football Officer with Captain Miller getting equivalent of the 300 cup and disposal. The result of the posted in May and WO2 Davies taking the reins. the trophy is a lasting memory tournament itself saw Number of Gdsm David Ellicott who was 3 Company lift the trophy after Back in April Captain Miller In May the Battalion team a former Number 2 Company beating Support Company in took a squad of 12 on a joint played against the Royal Welsh the final. rugby/football sports tour. The team in Cardiff City stadium. member who was sadly killed tour consisted of 3 48 hour This was Captain Miller’s last prior to the Battalion deploying The future of Battalion Football stays, in 3 countries; Belgium, game as the football officer to Iraq. The tournament was a is very bright and I am France and Italy. In Belgium and was a fitting send off for a huge success enabling the anticipating a successful they stayed just outside person who had done much to squad to be stripped apart and season. Brussels and had a couple of raise the profile off the training sessions on the first Battalion team. day. The following day they After the end of the sports tour played a match against a local the Battalion went straight into team resulting in a 4-0 win. drill practice for Trooping the The visits to Italy and France Colour which resulted in had a similar pattern, resulting limited opportunities to in a 2-1 win against a local conduct training. When Italian team and 3-1 win training was held there was a against the French team. smaller than normal “The Battalion has a very high standard of footballers at its disposal.” Worthy runners up, Support Company Team

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we were treated to a ten Association were there in force, course exceptionally delicious we were then hosted to an dinner (thank goodness the excellent lunch in the town hall portions were small) in a local with yet more speeches and restaurant and our hosts, the which usually turned into quite Executive Council members, a singsong. This year, however, could not have been more we were kindly invited to lunch generous. We certainly slept with Raf Truyens (the Mayor for well that night! many years and an Executive Sunday is always the day Council Member) and his Hechtel commemorates their family sitting out in his sun liberation. It follows the same drenched garden. We returned format every year, a march to London the next day. from the Town Hall to the Our trip had been most Church, a church service, a successful and Regimentally I march to the cemetery and think I can say that Hechtel, of then to the Town’s Monument, Regimental Adjutant receiving the Book Autumn Storms all the many places the 1st and from the author Gerard Wuyts a specially created place in 2nd Battalions fought through which stands a Sherman Tank. in NW Europe, we have one of The Service in the church is the closest bonds too. They go A TRIP TO HECHTEL always adapted to take into to enormous lengths to look 7 – 9 SEPTEMBER 2013 account our presence and the after us and are immensely Colonel T C S Bonas choir really do sing our proud of their connection to National Anthem well. The the Regiment. It is a special any readers of the Regimental Magazine will know local Band provide the place and I am hoping that for that each year the Mayor of Hechtel – Eksel invite the marching music (and they are M their 70th anniversary next very good), the locally based Welsh Guards to join them to remember and September we will once again Logistics Company provide the commemorate the liberation of Hechtel in early field a strong contingent. September 1944. The Association for a great many years Firing Party to fire volleys at the have accepted this invitation and, up and till recently, Cemetery and Monument and Finally, I have to mention a many of the Veterans Units and have sent a large contingent of Association members. man called Gerard Wuyts organisations (in the Region) whose father was murdered by provide the Standard Bearers. In the last couple of years, and morning of Saturday 7 the Germans in the town Speeches are given by the for a variety of reasons (costs, September, a trouble free during the battle. In 2004 he Mayor, who incidentally is a numbers, age), the Association journey. This was not so trying published a very detailed book new one this year (Jan have not been able to mount a to get out of Brussels with a on the battle of Hechtel with Dalemans), and I reply on Hechtel trip and which also hire car and what with trams, excellent pictures, maps and behalf of the coincided with visits to other tunnels, really inadequate sign illustrations, the only problem Regiment/Association. Whilst battle sites and laying wreaths posting and significant traffic for us being that it was in the days ceremonies are there in Cemeteries where Welsh we did not quite make the Flemish. But this year, and to to remember those who fell in Guardsmen are buried. Last timings we envisaged. But we my surprise, he presented me the battle of Hechtel as well as year Brigadier Johnny Rickett made it to Lommel (close to with his book “Autumn Storms the 35 towns people who were and his wife Fanny, kindly Hechtel) where we were over Hechtel” 6 – 12 September murdered by the Germans represented the booked into quite a chic hotel 1944 in perfect English. It was a during the week, it is Regiment/Association and this with an excellent restaurant lovely touch and I look forward year myself, Vivien and Brian nevertheless rather a colourful and bar area. The Council to showing it to those able to and Sandra Keane attended. affair. would not hear of us paying for make the trip next year. We duly set off from St Pancras the hotel which was incredibly With the ceremonies finished (Hechtel will be on Sunday 7 on Eurostar to Brussels on the generous of them. That night by 1 pm, and when the September 2014).

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www.walkonwales.org

cheering us on our way. The Mr Cameron what the walk was hospitality that all participants all about. were shown by the local and So, to the final day where over wider communities touched us 400 people arrived in Sully for all very deeply and is the drumhead service. As Sam something we will both cherish Bossi’s team lead us through and never forget. Penarth and past the pier, so Inevitably, as our team of the numbers of walkers grew walkers entered its final stages, and as we were led by the Band numbers began to swell with of the Welsh Guards up to the up to 160 walkers joining daily. steps of the Senedd, there were WALK ON WALES The days were filled with over 700 walkers, stretching Captain Jan Koops laughter and chatter as old back across the Barrage. It was friends were reunited (often a truly wonderful and fter a full year of organisation, Walk on Wales was after up to 30 years apart) and inspirational sight. launched from the steps of the Senedd in Cardiff by A the banter flowed, embracing Over the duration of the Walk Lord Guthrie, our President, following the blessing of the everyone on this magical we have managed to raise over baton at Llandaff Cathedral. The ensuing ten weeks saw journey. And mention must be £350,000 with further funds the beautiful baton, engraved with the names of the 50 made of the very kind invitation still being collected. It is not too Welsh Guardsmen killed in active service since WWII, by the Prime Minister to attend late to donate, which you are travel the entire length of the stunning Welsh coastline. a reception in 10 Downing able to do by going to the Street on Tuesday 29 October home page of our website at Starting with Team 1, the baton and the diversity of the where Jan Koops and Dai www.walkonwales.org and was passed on to each of the beautiful coastline, gave Graham were able to explain to clicking on the ‘Donate’ button. eleven teams as the Walk everyone who took part a progressed round Wales, with sense of joy and contentment. local events taking place From the start, the Walk was during each stage, co- supported by an impressive ordinated by each of the flow of new and diverse teams. The Walk would never walkers, all brought together have achieved all it did without under our wonderful family the selfless and inspiring ‘umbrella’. Each and every leadership that these Team town and village that we Leaders demonstrated. passed through did their bit to Each morning, often with support the walkers and the family members in attendance, two charities, the Welsh one of the names on the baton Guards Afghanistan Appeal was commemorated during a and Combat Stress, for whom drumhead service before the we were raising money. The walkers set off. In this way village of Aberporth gave us each day of the Walk had its the most humbling welcome own special focus which, when with school children, along combined with many with their families and friends, colourful, interesting walkers lining the streets, singing and

“Over the duration of the Walk we have managed to raise over £350,000.”

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WALK ON WALES 61 was hot and so was the and will contest the Cup with COLONEL IN CHIEF’S CUP GOLF competition. The Welsh Guards ever more fervour next year. team met the Grenadier COMPETITION 2013 Our team were runners up and Captain (Retd) Peter Richardson Guards in the semi –final, won the Colonel’s Prize, the formerly Welsh Guards winning all of our matches. team consisted of (see photo) Household Cavalry defeated seated: Capt Peter Richardson, he preliminary rounds of the Cup were held at Irish Guards by narrowest of Robin Malcolm, standing: Col margins. Holes up were tied, Worplesdon Golf Club on 4th April. There were 9 team Sandy Malcolm, Lt Col Guy T each side had won one match entries representing every Regiment of the Household Bartle-Jones, Robbie O’Rourke, and the countback procedure Division. Captain Andrew Morgan. was used for the first time to (Captain Ben Bardsley played decide the one halved match. in the preliminary rounds) Each team consisted of 6 would have to be abandoned The Household Cavalry won by players that played foursomes because of a blizzard. virtue of being one up as they The trophies and prizes were (alternate shots) in pairs. We Astonishingly the snow melted stood on the 18th tee for the presented by Robin Malcolm, received a bye in the morning as if by magic and the fight halved match. In the final the Captain of the Guards Golfing Society. matches and met the continued to a very Household Cavalry defeated Coldstream Guards in the satisfactory result for the Welsh Welsh Guards by 3 holes up, Should any Welsh Guardsman afternoon. Each of our pairs Guards. winning two matches and wish to join the Guards Golfing managed to win and overall losing one. The Household Society either as full or won by 11 holes up. The games The finals were held at Cavalry were fortunate this associate members please were played in very cold Worplesdon at the end of year but their ascendancy may contact Peter Richardson by conditions and at one time it August in stark contrast to that be nearing its end as the Welsh e mail looked likely that the golf of the earlier rounds, the sun Guards are narrowing the gap [email protected]

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border into Belgium. One cannot imagine their feeling and those of their countrymen who greeted them after four years of occupation. They entered Brussels on 4th September under the command of a distinguished Welsh Guardsman, Brigadier Sir Alexander Stanier whose 231 Brigade had landed on D- Day and was temporarily attached to the Guards Armoured Division. Brigadier Stanier recalled, “I took them up to the outskirts of Brussels so they could enter the city together with the leading British troops. The Brigade fought in the Netherlands and Germany by which time they also included Belgians who had joined them Brigadier Sir Alexander Stanier Inspecting the Training Battalion at Sandown Park St David’s Day 1944 after liberation. It was a long road from Tenby in 1940 to Munster in 1945 and there FROM TENBY TO GERMANY were many casualties. One The Crusade of the Belgian Brigade Piron who stayed the course was Roy Lewis Armand Poupaert who with his family escaped from his n May 1940 the Germans invaded neutral Belgium and home town of Ostend in May Iafter eighteen days of fighting against overwhelming 1940. They fled by boat to odds King Leopold surrendered. Southampton and settled in war-time Britain. The Belgium Government and Headquarter was in the Armand joined the Brigade in many soldiers and civilians Atlantic Hotel in Tenby where Tenby and served with it until escaped to Britain and formed there is a plaque to the end of the war. He got to a government and an army in commemorate their stay there. know Wales very well and look exile. The new Belgian army From being 450 strong in 1940 a liking to it’s mountains, so Tilbury on the 3rd August 1944 was created in Tenby three the Brigade increased to 2000 different from the flat days before the Belgian Officers and men in 1944. They for Europe. They entered active landscape of Belgium. He Infantry Brigade took shape trained in many camps Wales service on th 9th August and drove a Bren Gun carrier and under the command of Major including Carmarthen, fought their way through while weaving his way through Jean-Baptiste Piron. It became Crickhowell and Chepstow France until the great day the crowds in Brussels saw his known as the Brigade Piron. before they embarked at came when they crossed the cousin, neither had known if

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THE LONGEST JOURNEY - Falklands Revisited Lieutenant Colonel (r) Tony Davies OBE Chairman Falklands Veterans Foundation (RSM 1 Welsh Guards 1982)

aving travelled to the Falkland Islands some dozen Htimes in the past decade, on Pilgrimages and Charity Business regarding Liberty Lodge, I have seen the benefit that hundreds of Veterans had received from such visits.

With this in mind, together Ben Parry slept all the way, with the C.E.O., Derek (Smokey) Everett never shut up and both Cole, I proceeded to plan a Bill and Nicky Mott kept Welsh Guards orientated bumping into people they Pilgrimage to take place during knew, which did have its February 2013. With the help advantages as we later were to of several of our Island Friends experience. On arrival at Mount we soon came up with a very Pleasant we were met by our interesting and workable old friend and veteran, Gary itinerary. Both Smokey and I Clements Royal Marine,in the Battlefield Tour 2003, Leopoldsburg, Military Museum. have visited the Islands three Liberty Lodge Mini Bus and Armand Poupaert rides a Bren gun Carrier for the first in 60 years. With him is Padre Willie Pryor times in the past year so it was taken to Stanley. Everyone by not difficult to put everything now wide awake and picking the other was still alive. While visited each other’s countries in place. I then set about the out, some way off route, some on duty in Dover Armand had for dinners and official selection process, the result, a of the old landmarks from 1982. combination of who would met Audrey who was serving occasions. Liberty Lodge, an idea want to go, who might benefit in the Wrens and when he conceived by Smokey, owned, In September the Welsh Guards from the Pilgrimage, and returned to Britain in 1952 they built and run by the Falklands Association went to Belgium to indeed who would add were married. He worked in Veterans Foundation, on land mark the 30th anniversary of something to the whole the motor trade in London but donated by The Falklands its liberation and the part experience. with his memories of Wales in Island Government, is a haven played by two Welsh Guards mind on retirement moved The journey South, was as in the South Atlantic for Battalions who were in the permanently to Abergavenny expected a little tedious! R.A.F. Veterans and families of Guards Armoured Division. where they soon found friends Civilian Charter flight, arrive at Veterans who took part in the Jean-Baptiste Piron, then a in the Monmouthshire Branch Brize Norton at 7pm, take off at South Atlantic Conflict of 1982. General, was present at the of the Welsh Guards 11pm, 9.5 hours to Ascension It is supported by major Ex Association. parade in Brussels but Island, off the plane for 2 hours Service Charities and, to date, tragically died sitting beside Sir Armand was an associate and back on for another 8. The since its’ opening in 2009, not a Alexander Stanier, the member and he and Audrey good news, no delays. We single veteran or family Brigadier who had led him and rarely failed to attend a arrived at the Islands, some member has been charged a his men across the border in gathering or the Branch or the more refreshed than others, fee for its use. Run by a local September 1944. annual Welsh Guards Battle Field tour when Armand In June 2013 Armand Poupaert, returned to many places he a lively and active man all his had fought in as a young life suddenly died aged 91 in soldier. A native of Ostend he his adopted home town of spoke French as well as Abergavenny and is survived Flemish and was often called by Audrey. His funeral service upon to interpret when the amid the mountains he loved tour party needed it. was particularly moving and He was overjoyed to meet when Welsh Guardsmen acted former members of his Brigade as bearers and provided a when the Monmouthshire guard of honour. The Branch Branch formed links with the Standard was displayed as a West Flanders Branch of the tribute to a very special Brigade Piron Association and member and friend. Davies, Nicky Mott, Andy Brinkworth, Bill Mott

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manager and administered slightly in order not to confuse Thomas 03, was killed by an Mahoney and his Milan Team, from the FVF UK Office, we the reader, (who may have Argentine shell during the Kevin Sincock, helped out 42 totally rely on grants and been there), on the route and battles for the “run-in” to Commando in taking out donations from Charities, order of march we took in Stanley. In the background can Argentine strong points during businesses and those who stay 1982. Contrary to popular be seen Mount William and their attack. We then made a at the Lodge for its upkeep. belief by some media Tumbledown to the left on the very poignant trip to the top of There are four double/twin operatives, The Welsh Guards crest. In order for visitors to Mount Tumbledown, where rooms incorporating a flat, did play a further part in 1982 recognise the site, a new Cairn Ron Mackenzie, (RSM 2 S.G.) in disabled facilities and many after the Sir Galahad was has been built on the road near 1982, talked us through the more attributes. It boasts to be bombed on 8th June. the minefield, outside which attack. Ron ably supported by the cross and tributes lie. Just a one of the finest houses in Then came visits to San Carlos us all, read the Scots Guards mile further down the road Stanley. On Rowland’s Rise, Military Cemetery, The Collect and laid a tribute at the towards Stanley, we also overlooking the entrance to Museum and on to Goose cross on the crest of Mount stopped at the site of the Scots Stanley harbour, it is situated Green, Darwin and the Tumbledown. A very moving Guards diversionary attack, on one of the best plots on East Argentine Cemetery. En route experience. prior to the main attack on Falkland. This together with the we had stopped at the spot Tumbledown on the night of A day later we then held a granting of Indulgence where L/Cpl Thomas 03 was the 13th June. This is where Service at the Welsh Guards Facilities to all 1982 Medal killed below Wall Mountain on D/Sgt Danny Wight and L/Cpl Memorial at Fitzroy, on the Holders, has ensured a steady 13th June 1982. headland overlooking the site stream of occupants annually. Pashley R.E. died attacking where the Sir Galahad and Sir www.falklandsveterans.org.uk The photograph with Davies, Argentine trenches. We then Nicky Mott, Andy Brinkworth with our local guides, went to Tristram were bombed on 8th Suitably refreshed we set and Bill Mott was taken at the the top of Mount Harriet, when June 1982. Equally as the day about the visits programme, place where L/Cpl Christopher during the night attack, L/sgt previous, a very emotional starting where we all landed, at the jetty in San Carlos Water. “Contrary to popular belief by some media operatives, Although our visits described here are as they took place, I The Welsh Guards did play a further part in 1982 after the have juggled them around Sir Galahad was bombed on 8th June.”

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in Action during the conflict, at South, apart from my own first Teal Inlet. We also managed to pilgrimage, I would without a visit Sapper Hill, Mount doubt say that this to me was Longdon, The HMS Glamorgan the most beneficial. I am Memorial near Gypsy Cove and certain none of us had not the Penguin wildlife sanctuary laughed, yes cried, nor felt so at North Shore. The 1982 close to each other, since we all Memorial In Port Stanley and left the services. All the first had a very moving visit to the time “returnees” were Garden of Remembrance extremely moved by their where there is a tree planted experiences, all delighted to with the name of every person meet with, socialise with and killed in 1982. experience at first hand exactly All ten of us were hosted by the how the Islanders themselves Ron MacKenzie Governor, His Excellency Nigel felt. This, in turn helped them understand exactly what they experience. Three of those sister of Gdsm Paul Green who Haywood at Government had gone through. To see what present had been injured and was killed on the ship. The House, and also generously has transpired since 1982, to as a result, casualty evacuated Manager of Liberty Lodge, wined and dined at Tim and feel the sorrow, gratitude and after that fateful air attack. Ellen Davis, also Tim and Jan Jan Miller’s house, (where we total togetherness from the (several others took place after Miller, great friends, hosts and sang for our supper), and the Islanders themselves, I am the ships were hit). Three supporters of all Welsh following night again at Ian others had also been on the Guardsmen who have and Sheila Stewart’s house. At certain has helped everyone of ship and luckily escaped returned in the past fifteen the Miller’s House we formed those present. They now all uninjured. The wind was years or so to the Islands. the 8 plus 2 Club, (82). Eight want to go back again, all blowing at 75 miles an hour Taffs, a Jock and a Matelot! made new friends during their On the morning of 14th June which unfortunately prevented Agreed to meet every year trip and I am certain, are all 1982, the rest of the Battalion, us launching the boat to take from henceforth, and Ron better able to deal with their supported by two Companies MacKenzie duly elected as first us over the site to lay a wreath. own “issues” from 1982. They of 40 Commando, carried out a chair. As it was formed in Tim Not to be deterred, The are now also far more heli-borne assault on Sapper and Jan Miller’s house, we also Reverend Richard Hines, knowledgeable as to what they Hill, shortly after which was made them honorary Stanley Cathedral, conducted a took part in, during the when the Argentine forces members. service at the memorial. Ben Falklands War. capitulated and the surrender Parry read the Roll of Honour Having been involved in announced. The importance of such visits and Andy Brinkworth laid the organising and assisting many cannot be over emphasised, Wreath. As well as the 10 We also, during the Pilgrimage pilgrimages for veterans and the benefits of which everyone Pilgrims present were, Carol managed to visit the some family members, of all who has been will testify to. Green and her husband Phil, Internment Site for all our Killed the trips that I have made More than a number of members of the Task Force of 1982 are still experiencing problems in coming to terms with their experiences. We still have many veterans calling on the expertise of Combat Stress and other Service Charities for help, and in the main, this is not purely financial. We are very grateful for the Continued Support received from the Army Benevolent Fund (The Soldier’s Charity), and other Service Charities. We would also like to thank the Welsh Guards Benevolent Fund who also assisted in making this trip the tremendous success that it Service at Fitzroy was. Thank you.

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OUT OF AFRICA COMES A MULTI-FACETED DIAMOND Chris Beynon eorge Morgan began his long and interesting life on G14th January 1931. He was born in Roath, Cardiff and was educated at Roath Park Boys School.

Upon leaving, he went to work George has more gongs on his for Great Western Railways at chest than my brother Sylvest- Cardiff for three years before (can any of us match him?): enlisting in 1st Battalion Welsh British GSM clasp NI, South Guards in July 1948. Arabia, Borneo, George, it must be said wore commendation LSGG. caps, hats, beret and kepis of PJM (Malasia) DMM (Rhodesia varying shapes and sizes GSM (Rhodesia) throughout his military career Zimbabwe Independence that even James Lock & Son Medal, South African GSM, would be hard pressed to keep Internal Ops & External Ops, track of. Welsh Guards, South African – oh bother it, Rhodesian and Nvasaland Staff my hands got cramp! He has Corps, 6th (Independent) more variety than Heinz – and Company Rhodesia Regiment, they were established in 1869. 2nd South African Infantry George has written a really Battle Group, 701 Battalion interesting account of his life South West Africa Defence serving King, Queen and Force and Special Duties country which will be produced Witwatersrand Command, in full in Welsh Guards centenary South African Defence Force! rugby book. I hope this article Oh, and 14th Int!! Bare headed and assorted photographs whet there, mind you. your appetite.

distinguished Welsh of finishing school and after THE ARTIST AND THE MASTER COOK Guardsman, Sir Carol Mather training Guardsmen joined Roy Lewis once said, “Apart from a one of the three Service Battalions. acing and the Welsh Guards have close links and wooded knoll there was no green grass at all except that of particularly with one of the country’s most famous Local houses were R the racecourse itself which was courses, Sandown Park in Esher. requisitioned for some of the flat as a pancake.” But Pirbright men and also a platoon of the The newly formed 1st Battalion was one major difference and Bisley were near where Auxiliary Territorial Army (ATS), trained there between March between Caterham and new Guardsmen daily fired Lee twenty women who carried and June 1915 and the Sandown Park, especially Enfield rifles and Bren Guns, out administrative duties Regiment’s Training Battalion freedom to walk out into Esher threw grenades and came to under the command of a moved to Sandown Park in or Kingston, a luxury rarely terms with a projector Anti- Sergeant. They wore the Leek June 1940 where it was based enjoyed in the Depot where tank weapon, the PIAT which on their uniforms and became until August 1946. attempts to “walk out” very had a kick like a mule. part of the family. often resulted in staying in After surviving one of the There was no assault course Among the many great after being thwarted by the strictest basic training regimes but field training took place characters who served there Sergeant of the Guards at the in the Army at the Guards where horses once ran and the was Joseph William Isaacs, main gate. Depot, Caterham recruits men slept in stables and tote known as Joe in the family and became Guardsmen and Training facilities at Sandown buildings and drilled on the car Ike in the Regiment. He was entered a new world. Freedom Park were limited as a park. It was a military version born in Abertillery, Monmouth

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in 1903. After working in a December 1941 in the Middle local colliery he sought a better East and Sergeant Isaacs the LE CHEMIN DE LA LIBERTÉ life and joined the Welsh - following one of the hardest wartime Training Battalion Master Cook. escape routes across the central Guards in 1923, Regimental The portrait of Sergeant Isaacs Pyrenees into northern Spain number 2731610. He served in hangs in Regimental Paul de Zulueta the 1st Battalion at home and Headquarters and there is a in Egypt and in 1938 qualified copy in the Guards Museum in as a Master Cook Class 1. Wellington Barracks. According He served in Wellington to Ray Isaacs when his father Barracks at the same time of served overseas he lost the top the Coronation of King George join of his finger when mincing V1 and his son Ray recalls him meat which seems to be saying he received the restored in the portrait. Coronation Medal “in He was one of many great recognition of the number of characters of his time and was eggs I cooked to feed the at Sandown Park when exceptional number of troops tragedy struck in nearby Imber in the Barracks.” Ray Court on Sunday 30th June remembers being on the roof 1944. In the midst of sports day of the Officers Mess and seeing The author and son at the Col de Pecouch, the Spanish frontier immediately behind them at the Metropolitan Police the Mounted Regiments or the ground a V1 flying bomb Indian Army forming up to join n the night of 12th September 1943, a 19 year old the Coronation procession. landed and killed twenty and Omountain guide and ‘passeur’, Louis Barreau, was wounding more. Eighteen betrayed by French collaborators - ‘La Milice’. Surrounded After a brief spell in the newly Welsh Guardsmen, one Army by German troops in an isolated barn, now ablaze, above formed 2nd Battalion he Physical Corps NCO and a served in the Training Battalion the village of Sentenac-d’oust, he dashed for safety private in the ATS lost their towards the Bois de Plantach. Louis Barreau was cut down in October 1939 until his lives. discharge in October 1945, a before he made 50 metres. Ray Isaacs is a very loyal legend in lifetime and one Sixty years on, almost to the climbing to over 8000 ft with Associate Member of the privileged to have his portrait day, my younger son, Hughie, an unnerving number of London Branch of the Welsh painted by one of the nation and I stood at the marble cross ascents and descents each Guards Association and it is greatest artists who was killed marking the spot where Louis day. Over the course of the War, easy to see why. His father was serving in the 2nd Battalion in was murdered. By then we had there were some 35,000 active in the branch after his Normandy. walked for just three hours and successful escapes across the retirement and was present at Rex Whistler, a famous painter 14 kilometres along the ‘ Pyrenees by French men and Sandown Park in November of murals, books illustrator and Chemin de la Liberte’ from women alone; and around 1946 when the Colonel of The stage designer was aged 35 France to Spain. As I gulped 6,000 by Allied servicemen – Regiment, The Earl of Gowrie when he volunteered for some water, Hughie lingered at mostly aircrew. But of these, VC, unveiled a plaque service in 1940 and was the memorial lost in thought. only 782 escaped over the commissioned into the commemorating the He was the same age as Louis mountains of the Ariège – the Regiment. Everywhere he was occupation of the 1st Battalion had been at his death. Chemin de la Liberté, a fact that stationed he painted and in the Great War and the bears witness to its difficulty. The Chemin de la Liberté, is when the Guards Armoured Training Battalion in the one of several escape routes The “good escapee” says the Division was formed he second. from France to Spain and, at 1944 document Tips for designed the Divisional sign Joe Isaacs worked in the Grade Five difficulty, its most escapers and evaders “is the which was based on the “Eye” catering trade after completing taxing. The trail runs from the man who keeps himself fit, which the Guards Division of 22 years in the Regiment but bridge over the Salut river in cheerful and comfortable; a 1915-18 had worn. his retirement was sadly cut Saint-Girons (100kms south of man with sound common Whilst at Sandown Park Rex short when he died aged 52. Toulouse) to Esterri d’Aneu in sense, and above all a man of Whistler painted two portraits, The portrait of him keeps his Spain. The escape route is just great determination.”I could one of fellow Officer Jock memory alive and thanks to his over 50 miles, 35 hours of not recall any such description Lewes a founder member of son Ray his story has now strenuous plodding, starting at from my army confidential the SAS who was killed in the been told. a height of 1290 ft and reports. And I began to

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father, Norbert Barreau and 3,000ft. But at least the day Louis’s uncle, Jean. The name seemed set fair. The mountain Barreau remains revered in the ponies of the Merens breed, Ariege region. sturdy and Jet black, and so At first glance, the second day legend has it, used as pack from Aunac to La Cabane de horses during Napoleon’s Subera with just 16 kilometres march on Moscow in 1812, to walk seemed relatively roamed the upper slopes of the trifling. But the geology of the Pic de Lampau; vultures, kites, Ariège region of the Pyrenees, eagles and buzzards with their dominated by jagged plaintive ‘pee-weeeee’ sound limestone rocks, swept above us. Mediterranean vegetation, the After two hours climbing, we The author passing the crashed remains of a Halifax bomber' grass sharp to the touch, came across the wreckage of a makes for hard going. The four-engined Halifax bomber wonder about my motivation I remember that night getting weather the week before had which crashed here during the not been kind and the path for such an arduous journey. into my goosedown filled last days of the War. A stone became steep and sticky, The Welsh Guards had given sleeping bag, headtorch on, plaque in memory of Flight- climbing up 2,000ft to the Col me the priceless gift of reading Rosemary Bartlett’s Sergeant Donald Thorne and de la Core, down a few friendship and a lasting biography of Tolstoy, a six other crew members marks hundred feet then up again to affection for ‘adventurous miniature bottle of Lagavulin – their final resting place – a the Col de Soulard (5,210ft). training’ ever since a failed cask strength – jostling for commemorative wreath of From there, It was a steepish attempt to complete the ‘haute attention to my side and fading poppies placed in 2004 descent to the refuge at La route’ across the Alps in the thinking it is life’s contrasts by former members of 644 Cabane de Subera (4,946ft) – spring of 1978. The evenings that give it such joy. Squadron – tied to the plaque. I our billet for the second night. were also beginning to draw in September 1943. We tried not The Cabane has no warden felt both proud and on that wonderful ceremony to lose sight of what it must and we had rather hoped for inexpressibly sad and thought of innocence of carefree have been like for an escapee solitude, but found ourselves of the final scene of Blackadder holidays with my two sons, the then. Wearing espadrilles, a sharing the manky bunk beds Goes Forth and Lieutenant elder now hard at work in the tatty suit, maybe an overcoat with five Frenchmen who were George’s request for City; the younger, my stuffed with a few sausages there until the snow arrived in “permission for lower lip to companion on this journey, and cheese, but little else to early October ‘refurbishing’ the wobble, sir”. now in his penultimate year at sustain them. Hughie and I hut. After a few skirmishes in university. I was touched he At around 1pm we made it to were‘ Northfaced up’, a toasty our O level French, we lapsed felt the same. the Col de Craberous at 8,000ft. refuge hut to look forward to into a few desultory hand Swivel-eyed marmots sitting And so we completed the first most evenings, a chef to rustle signals. Sleep should have bolt upright on the boulders come easily but, for me, it day from Saint Girons to the up a warming stew, and little leading up to the Col observed rarely does above 5,000ft, not manned refuge hut at Aunac – prospect of being ambushed our progress. I remember helped by one of the 23 kilometres and ten hours of by a patrol from SS Das Reich. I remarking to my son, Hughie, Frenchmen, Algerian in meandering paths, a compass tried also not to forget the 102 ‘ “Well, we’ve broken the back of appearance, who got up every bearing here and there, a passeurs’, men like Louis this little jaunt”. In my two hours to make himself a longed for lunch of salami and Barreau who acted as guides experience such a sentiment is cup of tea. strong Pyrenean cheese at the on the escape routes who always a precursor to a sharp village of Alos with its “lavoir” were either shot out of hand, We started day three unrested reversal in fortune. In my of ice cold water to replace the or met an even grimmer end in and a little anxious. We only complacency, lolling under the five litres we had drunk a Nazi concentration camp. had eight miles to walk but cornflower blue sky, I looked between us before lunch. Their names included Louis’s with two climbs of just under across to the Col de Pécouch and reckoned we had just “I felt both proud and inexpressibly sad and thought of the three hours walking until our arrival at the Refuge des final scene of Blackadder Goes Forth and Lieutenant George’s Estagnous, one of the more request for “permission for lower lip to wobble, sir”. well-appointed huts in the

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Pyrenees, with not one, but working in the hut from May to two chefs. I forgot all I had October, viewed me with tired been taught, failed even to disdain but was good enough take a compass bearing, and to give us a bowl of steaming toddled off barely casting a rice before we rolled into our backwards glance at the clouds sleeping bags. I slept fitfully, rolling in from the Vallée de beating myself up over such a Bethmale below. rooky error of judgement, a torchlight procession of ‘what The afternoon unravelled. We ifs’ running through my mind. took what I thought was the quicker route to the base of Mt The next morning the fine Valier’s peak, now cloaked in weather had returned, and the heavy cloud and mist, then a views and route to the Col de traverse for 50 minutes to the Pécouch pixel sharp. But the Look what's behind you! the author oblivious to an impending reversal of fortune' Col de Pecouch marked by day before had worn us both navigation cairns. But once you out, and all that we could ignore the French guide gras, boeuf de Chalosse, miss one cairn, you are likely to manage was to climb to the Col standing next to me. chariot des fromages; and the miss the lot and the mind soon de Pécouch and clamber down Armagnac soufflé. Towards the “Rassurez-vous, il sera clair au begins to play games, to the Refuge des Estagnous. end of dinner, I said to Hughie, sommet.” imaginary routes appearing We were now just three hours here and there, all rational from the Spanish frontier to the Clear at the summit it may have “Promise me you’ll have a crack thought slipping quickly away. south. It must have been an been, but I reminded myself at this again when you are 57, uplifting moment for those 782 that goals in life, though with one of your children, God Some four and a half hours who escaped this way during important as an aiming mark, willing? later, I said to Hughie, as calm the War, weary to the point of often reveal an unconscious and steadfast a companion as His face wore a somewhat collapse, ravenous with wider purpose. We decided to one could hope to have, “look, quizzical almost mocking air. hunger, but Churchill’s ‘broad, begin the three and a half hour I’m sorry, I really haven’t much sunlit uplands’, within their descent to the pre- arranged “Papa, I rather hoped at 57 I of a clue where we are, cock-up grasp. pick up at the Aire d’acquel, would be on my yacht city Idaho beckons, we’d better content that we had shared an somewhere in the southern try and make our way back to We tucked into a lunch of pate, experience whose memory Peloponnese, you’ll be 94 then where we had lunch.” He cheese and salami with an ‘ice cold in Alex’ beer. Within half would endure. and I hope still with us, looked concerned and touched whiskey sour in hand.” my face affectionately with his an hour we had slipped into Val There remained some left hand. “I think you’re right d’Isère mode, basking in the unfinished business: the We smiled and raised our dad, you do look pooped.” early autumn sun. With a Michelin One Star restaurant in glasses to one another as the twinge of guilt I remarked to Saint Girons. We chose the 35 waiter wheeled in the Retracing your steps. Easily Hughie, Euro menu: gateau de fois Armagnac soufflé. said; never easily done in life. Stumbling across scree and “It’s still a beautiful day, we’ve snow, my boots so sure footed got five hours left of sunlight, in the Chilterns now like shall we press on, back for dinner by 7, I would have dancing pumps, we shuffled thought?” down Mt Valier’s north face, giving each other quiet words Hughie raised an eyebrow, of encouragement from time smiled and carried on reading to time. We got back to the his book. Refuge des Espugues, where “Well, it was just an idea,” I said. we’d had lunch, at 7pm, two Mars bars and a bag of nuts The next morning was our final between us but, fortunately, chance to make it to the plenty of water from the frontier. It was raining hard source at the refuge. The and we could barely see ten shepherdess, living and feet in front of us. I chose to Navigation cairns, what navigation cairns!

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THE WELSH GUARDS 1916 CORNET Jeff Heenan. (Hon. Secretary London Branch)

n December 2012, John Tipton and his wife Betty, (John's Ifather was in the Welsh Guards and John and Betty have been Associate Members of the London Branch Welsh Guards Association for over 30 years) saw a BBC Antiques Roadshow, which showed a musical instrument called a cornet which had been presented to the Welsh Guards by HRH The Prince of Wales in 1916, and used in France during the Great War.

The cornet belongs to Paul ** According to the Royal the recruitment officer told me cornet has a lot of sentimental Gratrix, from Swansea. John Archives, it is thought that the that I would go to Kneller Hall value to me as I have had it in contacted the BBC who Cornet was presented by HRH for my training and start on my possession for 22 years. forwarded his query to The Prince of Wales to the bottom rank. I questioned this I am willing to loan the Paul Gratrix: Welsh Guards in France in and explained about my instrument to Regimental 1916,to mark the naming of degree but was told I could go And the story unfolds: The Prince of Wales Company. Headquarters Welsh Guards in as an Officer with a degree for on the understanding that Paul writes: The valves are individually in anything except a at any time I wish to have the bandsman and I would have to The story starts when I was 14 numbered 13, 14 and 15 which cornet back it will be returned start at the bottom. (22 years ago). I was a tuba indicates that it must have to me. belonged to one person. player (and still am) and As you can imagine this was a I have always been interested I understand the importance discovered the cornet for sale bit of a shock and when I in finding out who this cornet of the instrument in relation to in a flea market. It was without explained this to my father he belonged to and would hope the history of the Welsh Guards case, dented and black all over. stated that he would not this could be made possible. and the anniversary year. I purchased it as I was entertain the idea of me joining collecting musical instruments. It was an amazing coincidence on bottom rank as he had paid Paul Gratrix When I arrived home I cleaned that when I found the cornet so much money to keep me at (Our thanks to John Tipton, the cornet to discover the I was already planning a career university. It was with great Paul Gratrix and Nick Farr for following inscriptions: in the Welsh Guards as a sadness that I was forced to informing us about this part bandsman! I applied to join "This cornet was presented to choose a different career. The of The Welsh Guards History.) when I completed my GCSE the Welsh Guards by H.R.H. The results and was told that Prince of Wales and used in because they were good France during “The Great War" results I should consider A- the front of the cornet says : levels. I took this advice and did WG. 1. 1916. A-levels. Having passed these I ‘History of the Welsh Guards’, returned to "Sign up" and was by Dudley Ward. told to consider doing a degree and that with a degree I could The King had approved (19th enter as an Officer and would March 1915) of the King’s start on a higher wage. I again Colour, The Regimental Colour took this advice and and the eight Company successfully won a place at the Colours. He also conferred a Royal College of Music to study. further distinction on the Regiment by sanctioning the On completion of my degree (5 title of ‘The Prince of Wales’ years) I returned once again to Company, for the leading sign up to the Guards. As I was company of the 1st Battalion.” about to sign up to the Guards

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SOME ACTIVITIES OF THE EAST GLAMORGAN BRANCH DURING 2013 Robert Kennelly (Associate member East Glamorgan Branch)

he East Glamorgan Branch continues to be a success Twith an average of 12 members attending every month. In this we a blessed by having the facility of the Gelliwasted Club in the middle of the town and a very cosy assembly room given over to our Branch.

Sadly during the last year we Our annual trip to Imber was have lost our 2 remaining well supported with about 30 Great Hall at Westminster wartime members, Lionel members attending. During Gowen and Glan Hughes, our visit were again reminded Lionel served at the end of the of the dreadful events of the war in Belgium and then that faithful and the grave loss Palestine. Glan joined the of life that occurred by woeful Welsh Guards in 1945 but remained in the UK as a driver - happenstance. It is so sad to we miss them very much. think of those fine young men and the sacrifice they made in The Branch has three very 1944, now very much part of active officers: Howard Main, Welsh Guards history. Ken Haines and John Hooper. During the past year we have We also never forget our little organised two very well ceremony in Ynysangharad subscribed days’ out - the first Park to honour the six lads of being to Parliament in June the town who fell in the Capt. Mark Adams MM. PSAO C Comp 3 Royal Welsh Pontypridd followed by our now annual Falklands war, once again the trip to Imber Court. The London members turned out with trip was a most interesting day and a great experience for all, ladies in style for our lads. but be warned - from the Great We had a most interesting Hall of Westminster to join the address from Captain Mark walking tour there are a Adams, the PSAO of the Royal number of steps to climb, Welsh at the Broadway TA rather a hard pull for some of centre. He told of one of his our older members. It was a beautiful warm evening when winter tours in Bosnia and the we set out to return home - problems to overcome in that then as we entered Cheney benighted part of the world, Walk Chelsea we stopped -and the cold being just one of one hour later we were still in them. .As a young soldier Cheney Walk, totally snarled up during a tour of Sneakey Falklands Memorial, Ynysangharad Park in the chaos that is London Beakies in Northern Ireland, traffic. It took a bit off the edge Corporal Adams as he was of the day as our supper then, received a Military Medal arrangements at the Sally for his efforts there. Our next Pusey pub in Wotton Basset at event will be an address by junction 16 had to be cancelled. (It is worth noting by Catrin Collier our most famous “He told of one of his winter tours in any Branches on the M4 that author from the town and Bosnia and the problems to overcome in the Sally Pusey is well worth a whose father served as visit, £8 for a carvery meal - wartime Welsh Guardsman; that benighted part of the world, the cold enough for a Guardsman!) we look forward to it greatly. being just one of them.”

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THE WELSH GUARDS COLLECTION

Thomas Plant with Stan Evans Shrewsbury branch of the KSLI and their Ladies

THE WELSH GUARDS COLLECTION out for Thomas doing a stag! experience. Our season really gets going at Through natural wastage, age, Established 1995 Easter weekend but as you will ill health other commitments President: Brigadier J F Rickett CBE recall the whole Country was etc, we have lost two more Chairman: Colonel T C S Bonas flooded out and Park Hall was staff this year. Our Building Treasurer: Mr J O Williams no exception to the constant Services Manager Graham Secretary: RQMS D Brown downpour and howling winds Binnie has not enjoyed the best Curator: Mr S T Evans, Cartref ni, 44 Crossfield Avenue, which saw fewer visitors than of health this last year and Over, Winsford, Cheshire, CW7 1EG normal. It was as though attends regular visits to the Telepnone: 01606 593953 Easter had been cancelled. Still hospital and Specialists. E mail: [email protected] on the positive side it did give Graham tells me he can see us a little more time to do them some light at the end of the s I reflect over the past months since our last “behind the scenes jobs” tunnel and hopes to be back to Aeditorial I begin to realise what a topsy turvy season polishing cleaning and display his “old self” sooner rather than it has been. rotation , we like the display to later. Our Treasurer John look as fresh as possible. To Williams has taken over the Before the season had actually the BBC camera crew and all add to our worries we are very immense task of Sectretary / started we were hosts to the that goes with it including the much down on our “front of Treasurer of the Montgomery / very popular BBC series very popular expert Thomas counter staff” who assist our Shropshire branch of the Welsh “Antiques Road Trip” The Plant arriving in a 1960`s visitors whilst they enjoy the Guards Association He is also programme in its seventh Triumph open top sports car series revolves around two dispite all the rain. We were Antique experts travelling filming for four and a half around the Country in classic hours for a clip on the cars aiming to buy the best programme that will probably bargains from a £300 starter last six or seven minutes. (Well given to each. At the end of that`s showbiz?) The BBC team each program their purchases said “it was probable in the are included in a local auction whole previous six series that to see who can make the most the Welsh Guards Collection profit. Whilst they travel was up there with the best around the Country they drop they had filmed and had in on local activities and enjoyed the whole experience attractions. On the 22nd of immensely. The show will be February we were visited by aired later on in the year. Look MDO Charles Singleton, Stan Evans and Mathew Lucas

74 THE WELSH GUARDS COLLECTION Members of the Cardiff Branch one of the founder members of financial support, On this so it was extra special or him us to enjoy. the Oswestry Town Museum occasion I would like to thank and his band of brothers. We made an exception to our which is also a very demanding the members of the Bangor Being a Cardiff boy myself it loaning in policy on this one Sub Branch WGA for the job as you would expect in its was particularly pleasant for occasion and Mathew has infancy. Our very best wishes to unexpected donation we me to welcome on 21st allowed us at the WGC to them both. At this point I would received last June. It was a September Secretary Tony display these treasures for the like to thank two members of massive gesture from such a O`Shea and 15 members of the following two years. I can`t our team who are not Ex Welsh small body of men and an Cardiff Branch Welsh Guards. thank Mathew as much as he Guardsmen but wanted to help especial thanks to “Dai Talking of days as a youngster deserves but you can by out, Dan Powell from Park Hall Moggs”for making it possible. particularly Canton, making the effort to visit us who is ex Royal Tank Regiment To assist in the production Grangetown and Ely and of and see them. Mathew from and Albert Barkley another of100 year book to course once or twice Leamington Spa is pictured local man who served with the commemorate the formation mentioning my beloved Kings Shropshire Light Infantry. and celebration of the Welsh “Bluebirds” back where they with MDO Charles Singleton Had it not been for these two Guards 100th Birthday, Brian belong in the premiership. both members of the “Western guys we would have had to Front Society” We are also John has been working along As we look forward to the next close for two days every week. working with “Firing Line” The with Mark Jenkins( ex Adjutant two years and what they mean To every one who helps out no 1WG) who visited us in March to us, the outbreak of the 1st history of the Welsh Soldier and matter how great or small we in supplying hundreds of WW in August 1914 and then of the National Army Museum at could not survive without your photographs portraying our course our formation in Cardiff Castle from the early input. My personal thanks goes existence over the past 98 February 1915 a special display months of next year. Our host out to you again. We have a years to Mr Gareth Lewis to is a must for this once in a at Park Hall has once again new MDO (Museums professionally scan these lifetime event. We have been come to our rescue and have development Officer) for the photographs to be digitised extremely fortunate and given us another building to next year or so Charles later for inclusion in the book. privileged to take delivery of house this unique display. Singleton and is doing his best This has been a massive job for one of the biggest private Thanks again to Mr Martyn to try to recruit volunteers from Brian but he has carried it out collections of genuine Hughes and his fellow the public centre. If you think in his usual meticulous authentic uniforms weapons Directors at the Countryside you could spare the odd day to manner. Well done Brian I hope and artefacts relating to the experience. help out I would very much you get the recognition you 1st WW in the Country. Once again if you feel you would appreciate your joining us. deserve. The”Mathew Lucas Collection” like to get involved with any of On a far brighter note artefacts On that same day we had a is the result of 36 years of are coming in at an amazing visit by the Shrewsbury branch compulsive dedication in these activities I am always at rate, almost every month of the KSLI and their Ladies and uncovering and safeguarding the end of a telephone. visitors will bring items in and on that day Albert was on duty these treasures for the likes of Regards, Stan 67 on some occasions they have no Welsh Guards Connections at all.Also we must thank all “To every one who helps out no matter how great or small we those kind people who give us could not survive without your input.”

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created for you, with one of the Regiment generally and also to WELSH GUARDS ASSOCATION aims being: help those in difficulty financially or health-wise” President: Colonel T C C Bonas ‘To maintain connection Vice Presidents: Brigadier J F C Rickett CBE between past and serving Please support your local R Lewis Esq. members of the Welsh Guards Branch, they are there for YOU. Treasurer: Major K Oultram and promote their mutual Brian Keane Secretary General Secretary General: B Keane Esq. interest and the welfare of the E-mail: [email protected] Maindy Barracks, Whitchurch Road, Cardiff CF14 3YE Telephone: 029 2078 1342 E-mail: [email protected] CARDIFF BRANCH (Founded 1919) ince the Regiment has returned from active duty in President: Colonel C J Dawnay SAfghanistan they have been tremendously busy on the Chairman: David W Parry (22831847) home front with Freedom Marches, Trooping the Colour Treasurer: Alex Webb (22370877) and numerous other high profile activities. There has also Secretary: Terry O’Shea (24047142) been a healthy contact between the serving and non- 43 Pwll Evan Ddu Coity serving parts of the Regiment, and we can thank the Bridgend, CF35 6AY Commanding Officer for taking the lead. Telephone: 01656 655889 This year, for the first time in Next year the Association is E-mail: [email protected] many years, there will be a planning to hold a Battlefield visible presence from the Tour incorporating Hechtel, he year started with the January Parade by the Battalion at several Freedom which it has done for many TBattalion in Cardiff, which was enjoyed by all, and we towns on Remembrance Day, years in the past. In would like to thank the Battalion for inviting us to join which will be very much September 1944, the Welsh their day. It was the best of starts to 2013. appreciated by Association Guards captured Hechtel from February: The Ladies night members. We also hope that the Germans, and ever since them for making it possible for Dinner had to be cancelled at Officers will support their the local people have held an us to join them at Hounslow. short notice due to an affiliated Branch functions annual service of It seems that the Battalion has unusually high number of when requested since this remembrance, and to give taken the lead in high profile members being affected by goes a long way in thanks to the Welsh Guards. national events this year, on a illness, the knock on effect of encouraging the younger In 2015 we celebrate 100 years scale like never before. which resulted in the Annual generation to attend. Branch since the formation of the Members have been greatly Draw having to be held at the committees work extremely Regiment and plans are impressed by the outstanding earliest available date hard in arranging these events, already in hand. It will be a professionalism displayed following the cancellation. The and such attendances helps to fantastic year incorporating nationally and broadcast draw, held at the United boost their morale. Presentation of New Colours, around the world. “We are very Services Mess on Monday 4th proud of your success and Once again the Association was the Troop, Regimental Dinners March was a great success - wish to offer our invited to celebrate St David’s Day and many other events. A thanks in the main to the congratulations for all your at the Cavalry Barracks Regimental Battlefield Tour will efforts of Mrs Boston and her hard work in achieving such Hounslow. This is always a special also take place, visiting battlegrounds of WW1 and team of helpers who put on an high standards in the short time, to meet young Guardsmen WW2. It is going to be a busy excellent buffet which was time from operational to and their families, and to help time, and chance for us all to enjoyed by all. ceremonial”. bridge the gap between the celebrate together. generations. Hopefully the St. David's Day, as guests of the 25th August saw the start of Association will be turning out in Finally let us not forget why we Battalion was a most the Walk on Wales charity event force again in 2014. have an Association – it was pleasurable one, and we thank from Cardiff Bay, where we

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were able to join with the Ladies Night Dinner scheduled crowd of well- wishers to give for the end of November would them a good send off. not take place. In September a group of At the time of writing this members visited The Welsh report we will be looking Guards Collection at Oswestry forward to being able to where we were given an welcome the ‘Walk on Wales’ excellent tour and talk by the walkers as they finish in Curator, Mr Stan Evans (67). The Cardiff. Also, to remember our group thoroughly enjoyed the fallen comrades in November visit, and would highly at Cathay's Park, Falklands recommend the trip to others. Memorial and the National Gort Barracks 1961 or 1962 Memorial Remembrance On our return journey we In May, a barbeque was good match nevertheless. ceremony. stopped at the Prince of Wales organized by Associate Imber Court this year was yet Pub in Ross-on-Wye, to round Please note: members, which again was off our day with an excellent another successful day with a extremely successful resulting meal. Branch AGM will be held on the very good turnout from the in a great night being enjoyed first Monday of June 2014 Branch. On our return we October saw the cancellation by all. Our thanks must go to visited the Falkland Chapel at of our Branch Dinner, the Branch meetings are held on Terry, Steve, Peter and ‘Big Al’ Pangbourne. Even though we delayed Darts and Shooting the first Monday of every for all their hard work. didn’t have time to stay very competition at Maindy month at the United Services Next was a trip to the Houses of long, the staff looked after us Barracks and also the Mess, Wharton Street, Cardiff. Parliament. The trip itself was extremely well. After leaving announcement that the Branch ALL WELCOME. great but the journey back Pangbourne we travelled to horrendous. The coach left Wooten Bassett for a meal (one London at 6 pm and due to the we missed on our return from EAST GLAMORGAN BRANCH volume of traffic (which was the Houses of Parliament bumper to bumper) did not earlier in the year due to traffic (Formed 1920) arrive back in Pontypridd until hold-ups!) President: Lt. Col. D C Macdonald-Milner almost 1am the following We now look forward to the Chairman: Howard Main (23577106) morning. I suppose this could delayed “Darts and Shooting Treasurer: W John Hooper be called an ‘unforgettable competition” since we have to Secretary: Ken Haines (23523287) journey!! Trevone, Duffryn Road defend our last year’s winning Rhydfelin (A report on the trip can be title. We are all keeping our Pontypridd CF39 5RU found in the magazine written fingers crossed that the roof on Telephone: 01443 492316 by Bob Kennelly.) the Sergeants’ Mess will soon be repaired. A few of the Branch went to the he year began with the Branch celebrating St David’s Millennium Stadium to watch Finally a huge vote of thanks to TDay with the Battalion at Hounslow. Everything went the Battalion play rugby in the everyone at Maindy Barracks without a hitch, and we all agreed that this was the best Sir Tasker Watkins Challenge for all the help and support one ever. Cup against the Royal Welsh. they have given us over the last Unfortunately the run of the ball year, it is very much Early in the year we lost two turnout by Association wasn’t with us on the day, but a appreciated. very good Association members in and around the members when Glan Hughes surrounding areas as well as the and Lionel Gowen passed people of Pontypridd and away. They will be sadly missed Rhondda valleys. Sadly, the local and our thoughts and television companies did not condolences go out to their think it worthwhile to report on families. the day, except for a fleeting image on the news. The biggest event in our area this year was when the Next on the agenda was our Regiment was given the annual jaunt across the Severn Freedom of Rhondda Cynon Bridge to Paignton, where we all Taf. There was a massive enjoyed a wonderful few days. Members of the East Glamorgan Branch at the Darts and Shoot

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LLANELLI BRANCH (Formed 1974) President: Mr John Harding Chairman: Keith Horrell (24838137) Treasurer: Vernon Jones (22217890) Secretary: Alan Cunningham (24125105) 197 Cockett Road Cockett Swansea SA2 0FH Telephone: 01792 554151 (Home) (Work: 07976971336) E-mail: [email protected]

Rob Rees, Roy Copson and Andrew Brown he Branch had a busy year with the usual Branch Tmeetings, and holding a barbeque for ‘Walk on Wales.’ Collection boxes were also placed along the way and a healthy sum of £2646 was raised. Some members also took part in a bicycle ride from Shrewsbury to Swansea, raising over £2000 for them.

This was very much a team The Branch would like to effort, and we thank all who remind everyone that we now played a part, especially the meet every two months (the Llanelli Cadets, under the first Thursday of the month), direction of a former Welsh and in 2014, our first meeting Guardsman, Major Ray Batsford. will be Thursday 6th February. New and lapsed members are WoW Barbecue A few members visited the welcome. Pembrokeshire Lunch, and we pray for the former Secretary, We wish all those stalwarts on Trevor Warr, who at the time the sick list a speedy recovery was undergoing medical and return to Branch duties treatment. and activities.

Andrew Brown, (Best Shot, Darts & Shoot) with Captain D Davies

Roy Copson, Vernon Jones and Al Cunningham at the Darts & Shoot Alan Cunningham and Vernon Jones

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LONDON BRANCH (Formed 1926) OUR MEETINGS President: Lieutenant Colonel C F B Stephens Chairman: A H Doughty BEM (2741552) IN 2014 WILL BE: Treasurer: Douglas Wilcox (2739697) Secretary: Jeff Heenan (23523251) FRIDAY FEBRUARY 2014 27 Mount Gardens Meet at 4pm Garrison Sgt. Mess, then 4.30 pm Annual Harrogate General Meeting (London Branch) N Yorkshire HG2 8BS If there is one meeting you should attend it is this one!!! Telephone: 01423 879326 E-mail: [email protected] 1ST MARCH 2014 St. David's Day (Details from RHQ) ur Christmas Celebration Lunch for 2012 featured the Welsh Guards Association Annual General Meeting (Date and Location to be notified from RHQ) O“Abba Girls” which was an excellent afternoon's (London Branch first Friday meeting from 4pm onwards.) entertainment, with many members taking full part with the Abba wigs etc. (various photographs are about SATURDAY 14TH JUNE 2014 showing how members fully enjoyed themselves!) The Trooping of the Colour. Christmas Lunch 2013 has another surprise with full SUNDAY 22ND JUNE 2014 audience participation, along with our usual sing-along! Imber Court Meeting Members are asked to bring their sunglasses! (To be confirmed by RHQ note change of day to Sunday) SUNDAY 9TH NOVEMBER 2014 It has been decided to cancel meetings throughout the Remembrance Sunday (Details from RHQ) First Friday Meetings in April, country. If we have not heard May, September and October from you for some time, drop SATURDAY 6TH DECEMBER 2014 2014, due to the high cost of us a line/email address so that Lunchtime Christmas Party. (Date to be confirmed) travel etc. Members are we can keep you up to date. encouraged to attend the An invitation has been Branch Annual General Please note that our meetings now start at 4pm. received from the Mayors of Meeting, St David's Day Lunches at 12 noon. celebrations and the Montchamp and St Charles de Remembrance Day Church Percy in Normandy inviting the Service and Parade. Welsh Guards to take part in the 70th Anniversary of the D- We meet at the Garrison Sgt's & WO's Mess at Again our thanks to all our Day Landings on the 6th June Wellington Barracks, by kind permission of the Garrison Committee Members, and of the and Battle of Normandy. Sergeant Major W D G Mott, OBE. MVO. Welsh Guards. course our Chairman and The visit is being planned for Treasurer Richard Doughty and 6th June 2014. Arrangements Doug Wilcox, for all their hard are still being looked at time of of Frank Tipton, (no relation) Ironically Frank applied to join work. writing, if you are interested, Frank has been looking after the Welsh Guards, but they had please contact Hon. Sec. We continue to encourage his brother’s grave in St Mary their full quota, he then tried to more retired Welsh Guards to Sadly during 2013 some the Virgin Church Bromfield join the Royal Artillery, his support the Association, members have passed away, Shropshire, and next to his father's Regiment, they also whether at our meetings in our thoughts and condolences brother's grave is 2735754 had their full quota, so he London or the various events go to their loved ones, their Gdsm John Lewis who died in eventually managed to join the that take place around the names are entered in the 1940. His name is on the War Royal Air Force Police. country. We do need younger Memoriam section of the Memorial along with Frank’s members in London Branch, Magazine. brother, 4207862 Gdsm Leslie Our yearly thanks to Brian but appreciate the difficulties Tipton Welsh Guards. Our Keane and Major Keith Oultram and the costs of attending the And Finally: John and Betty thanks to Frank Tipton for his at Maindy Barracks and RQMS meetings. The Association in Tipton whilst attending the kindness and for also looking Des Brown and Yvonne general is looking at ways to Welsh Guards Ludlow Races, after John Lewis's grave – there Mitchell at RHQ for all the help encourage people to attend met a gentleman by the name are some nice people about! and assistance during the year.

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missed and our thoughts and Meetings are still held the first MERTHYR TYDFIL BRANCH condolences go out to their Monday of the month at the Ex (Formed 1953) family and friends. We also Serviceman Club Merthyr Tydfil President: Captain Harry Legge-Bourke give our best to those who are at 20.00hrs. Old and new Chairman: Tom Peters (23523035) not in the best of health and members are made very Treasurer/ hope for speedy recoveries. welcome. Secretary: Errold Jones (24581438) 18 Marshall Crescent Penydarren MIDLANDS BRANCH Merthyr Tydfil CF47 9JA (Formed 1953) Telephone: 07903417048 E-mail: [email protected] President: Captain T Macdonald Milner Chairman: R Jaynes (2739272) ell here we are again with another year gone. Treasurer/ WThe Branch as a whole has had a busy time of it Secretary: Jonathan Bayliss (23523208) with get togethers and a few ‘jollymens’ outings. 2 Weston Court Long Compton The Branch once again months the excitement will Shipston on Stour celebrated St David’s Day with heighten once the Committee Warwickshire CV36 5JX the Battalion at Hounslow or the ‘Committee for the Telephone: 01608 684834 Barracks, with a Church Parade Committee’ has put final E-mail: [email protected] and a lovely "short" march touches to what is going to past (personal reasons!) and a happen. he past year has been very quiet for us again. Our fantastic atmosphere Christmas Lunch 2012 was cancelled due to lack of This year the Branch has been T afterwards. The scoff was hit by the death of some numbers to make it viable, also, the Hon Secretary went to excellent and the backbone members. In Australia to give his daughter away at her wedding. entertainment in the Marquee September of last year John kept everyone tapping away The Annual Lunch was held on was unable to come due work Williams (54) passed away in for hours. April 28th 2013. Forty two commitments as she is also an London. Although living in people attended but only about Inspector with Warwickshire Just a short three weeks later a London since leaving the Police. I know her very well as few of the Branch attended the Battalion, John was a Merthyr one fifth were Association we worked together in the Army Cup Final at Aldershot. man through and through. members. Colonel and Mrs H Police. Again, a fantastic atmosphere Boddington together with Then in February we lost Ivor with a result in no doubt Major H Bettinson also We hope to carry on as a Thomas who lived in Aberbeeg whatsoever. attended. Another invited Branch but we are finding it but somehow managed to get difficult to say the least. We were saddened by the over the valleys to attend guest was Captain Lucy Sewell cancellation of the Bi-annual meetings regularly until it got of the Warwickshire and Best wishes and good health Dinner, as I had personally too much for him. Ivor was a Worcestershire Yoemanry TA are sent to all members of the visited many of the pubs and member of the Branch even who had been to Afghanistan Midlands Branch, and hoping clubs in Merthyr warning them before I was born. with the Battalion on their tour you can support the Branch in of the Association’s Just recently we have lost Mr last year. Unfortunately she 2014. forthcoming arrivals. Grant Harper (Chairman of the Last year we couldn't field a Branch for many years). Grant team for the Darts and Shoot. was one of the Original "F This year we are looking Troop" who helped form the forward to the fray. As of now Branch back in 1953. Everyone there is trouble with the who knew Grant will roofing but we are waiting remember him with a smile on with anticipation for another their faces. Grant, even at 92 date as our trophies have been hardly ever missed a meeting - "on loan" for long enough. the only times he did was after he’d attended the A.G.M. and The Branch as a whole is Troop weekend in London looking forward to the when he always seemed to go Centenary Celebrations that A.W.O.L. for a month or so. are being arranged for us. I Steve Liversage and Malcolm Davies the Monmouthshire Branch think that over the next twelve These members will be sadly taking a break on their ‘Walk On Wales’ adventure

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MONMOUTHSHIRE BRANCH (Formed 1920) President: Captain D M Davies Chairman: Alan Mountjoy (239297747) Treasurer/ Secretary: Steve Liversage BEM (24141822) 7 Shaw Close, Ebbw Vale , NP23 6QQ Telephone: 01495 302567 E mail: [email protected]

espite a membership scattered far and wide, the Branch Secretary Steve Liversage presenting the DBranch keeps to its traditions of holding monthly Monmouthshire Branch Trophy to Guardsman Moriarty meetings and social gatherings as well as supporting Association events. The purpose is to reunite in the real serving halves of the Regiment. Cwmbran, Gilbert Priddy (3WG) sense of the word not via technology and this also applies from over the Severn Bridge Also present were Brian Keane and Eric Jones (1WG) from to the families of members who are part of us. There are the Secretary-General of the Merthyr who will celebrate his many towns in the Branch area and over the years we Association, Major Glyn White centenary in 2015 along with have arranged events and meetings in them but we also and Lieutenant Colonel Eric the Regiment. get practical support from exiles who travel long Sturdy who pronounced Grace distances to take part in our affairs. in Welsh. He was Medical The Monmouthshire Branch Officer in the Battalion in Berlin Trophy awarded to the Welsh in the early 1950s and has Guards Sportsman of the Year We hold meetings which are Chamber which is followed by many stories to tell of the was first presented in 1968 mini-reunions on the second a Civic Reception in the Mayor’s leading Nazi war criminals in and the winner’s list consists Thursday of every month and Parlour. This is an ideal way to Spandau Prison, in fact he mainly of rugby players. The most of them are at Branch HQ, start our year and in turn we written a novel based on Hess 2013 winner was a boxer, The Angel Hotel, Abergavenny. invite the Mayor to our Reunion which is shortly to be 30154036 Guardsman The exceptions are in May and Dinner in the Angel Hotel. published. Taking time off from Moriarty from Anglesey, a October when we meet at The At the 33rd Annual Reunion his job at Buckingham Palace member of Prince of Wales’s Capel Hotel in Bargoed, a very Dinner to be held there in was Sergeant Shane Brandon, Company who made a great friendly venue, and in February October 2013 two serving fresh from Balmoral, who impression and received the when our Annual General officers who are members of comes from Pontypool and trophy and a certificate from Meeting is held in the Council the Branch were present, the who regularly attends the Branch Secretary Steve Chamber of Abergavenny previous Adjutant in the Dinner. Liversage. He was the first Borough Council. boxer to become Sportsman of Battalion Major Tom Spencer Four great Guardsmen of the the Year for nineteen years. For several decades we have Smith and his successor in the 273 era enjoyed meeting each been closely linked with the role Captain Christopher other and we were honoured The major Regimental event in Ancient Borough and every Davies. Their presence to see them once again, Ray 2013 was ‘Walk On Wales’ Mayor invites the Branch to strengthened the links Cumbley (2WG) from Cornwall, which raised funds for the hold our February AGM in the between the serving and non- Bill Powell (3WG) from Welsh Guards Afghanistan

VIP Guest at the Monmouthshire Branch Dinner

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Appeal (set up in 2009) and Lewis (Ebbw Vale), 2739251 Bill Combat Stress (1919). Among Powell (Cwmbran), 2741085 the walkers were Steve John Tunley (Ebbw Vale), Liversage and Malcolm Davies 22831602 Alan Woodhouse who last trod Mother Earth (Abergavenny). Another seriously on route marches in stalwart of the past 23836045 Surrey. It was not a stroll in the Malcolm Fry, once of Cwmbran park but a test of endurance but for many years retired in which was tiring to say the Pembrokeshire, attended his least. Other Branch members local Branch lunch in personally raised large Pembroke Dock in October and amounts of money in their recalled the many events local areas and also deserve Monmouthshire Branch held in great credit. the 1970s. Captain Ben Parry presenting Brian John with the Loyalty Trophy at the Wroxeter Lunch In 1963 there was no Magazine We appreciate the hard work The Branch AGM was held After the talk the Branch as impressive as the one we and the thought that goes into before our St David’s Day Lunch wished to show their have today, it was called an the Association and thank where Captain Parry announced appreciation to Mr Brian John Annual Report but was full of Brian Keane for all he does for his retirement as Secretary, The news of the Battalion and Band for his loyalty and the us. We rely on ourselves for Secretary position would be and also of all the Branches, contribution he has made to funds and also the support taken over by myself and the the latter containing lists of the Branch over the years from members have from their position of Branch Chairman by members and where they helping at Dinners to arranging ladies who enjoy our functions Mr Brian John, Capt Parry would lived. It records that we had transport and driving the coach and are part of the Regimental hand over his duties after the three survivors of the Great to various journeys. Brian, once family. 2014 will mark the Wroxeter Lunch in July. more takes up the position of War and six others who still 100th anniversary of the support the Branch fifty years Branch Chairman. He is second outbreak of the Great War and The St David’s Day Lunch was later. generation Welsh Guards, his 2015 of course will be very held at our regular venue at the Henllan Nr Welshpool and was father Ted John was a founder They are 23104153 Derek special for us all. We will plan well attended. As always there member of the Branch and Davies (Ebbw Vale now Branch events in the was plenty to eat with good served on the committee for 25 Wiltshire), 22831721 Mervyn Regiment’s centenary with company. years. Brian was presented Delve (Abertillery now everyone in the Branch family with the Statute for the Branch Gloucestershire), 2741392 Roy in mind. The main event of the Branch Loyal and Dedicated Service by was the summer lunch at the Captain Parry which was sadly Wroxeter Hotel Nr Shrewsbury. one of the last duties he would Our guest was Major (Retd) J make as Branch Secretary. Warburton-Lee who gave an MONTGOMERY/SHROPSHIRE BRANCH interesting talk and update on Ben took over the reins from the Walk On Wales charity walk. Dick Roberts in 1993 and has (Formed 1950) It was decided to donate the from the start said he would do President: Mr R G P Plowden raffle takings for the day the duties of Secretary until he Chairman: Mr B John (23523171) (£230.00) to the Walk On Wales retired from his civilian job, and Treasurer/ charity. after 20 years that day has Secretary: Mr J O Williams (23860183) 83 Balmoral Crescent Oswestry Shropshire SY11 2XH Telephone: 01691 653244 E mail: [email protected] he main event of the year to most Welsh Guardsmen Twas to watch the Welsh Guards Trooping the Colour. This years Trooping of the Colour was a brilliant display and all that took part are to be congratulated. Those who attended the Colonels Review or lucky to have had tickets for the actual day or just watch the parade at home on their TV, all commentated on how much they enjoyed it President Mr Roger Plowden with Mrs Di Parry Capt Ben Parry with their gifts and thought it was a wonderful parade. and the Presidents wife Mrs Helen Plowden.

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Captain Parry presenting yours truly with the Gavel and the duties as Branch Secretary - his smile says it all! finally arrived. The Branch handing over the branch gavel decided to show its to yours truly. All I can promise appreciation to both Ben and the Branch members is that I Di for looking after us for so will not use the gavel with as many years and we were able much enthusiasm as Ben did!! to take that opportunity at the Ben and Di are taking the Wroxeter Hotel. opportunity in their retirement The presentation was made by to travel around Europe in their our President Mr Roger caravan. I know Ben will Plowden and his wife Mrs manage to visit the odd Helen Plowden. The look of vineyard or two in the quest for complete shock and surprise his search for a few bottles of on Bens face was in itself a claret wine! On behalf of the picture but also proof that we Branch members I wish to say had managed to keep the thank you both and hope you presentation a secret. Ben was have a long and happy NORTH AMERICA BRANCH presented with a claret jug and retirement, and the best of luck four wine glasses engraved in your new adventures as (Formed 1986) with the Regimental Crest and ‘Travellers’ and hopefully we Treasurer/ Di was presented with a cut will see you at our Branch Secretary: Andrew Suter (24704978) glass vase and a bouquet of lunches. 8314 Tintinhull Lane flowers. (The costs were met Waxhaw I would like to close by wishing through donations from our N. Carolina our Members, Associate members) USA 28173 Members and Friends a very Telephone: (from UK) 001 704 8140676 Once Ben had recovered he Happy Christmas and a Mobile: 001 968 0814 made his final presentation by Prosperous New Year. E-mail: [email protected]

am glad that I can contribute this year on behalf of all Ithe former ex patriots here in North America. Around this time last year Hurricane Sandy was about to hit the U.S cost and you all know how devastating the storm was you really had to be there to believe it.

It is always a challenge to keep Missouri, 200 mph plus winds it together when you witness hit for twenty minutes shifting first hand the devastation a massive hospital two and a mother nature can throw at half feet of its foundations, it the planet. I think one of the was the only building standing most devastating storms I after the storm hit, an analogy arrived at was after the F5 that can be used would be like tornado that hit Joplin a nuclear blast hitting, and

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Devastation caused by Hurricane Sandy everything being decimated know he was the Chairman NORTH OF ENGLAND BRANCH flat to the ground. The picture here for a long time, he travels (Formed 1946) says it all, even the bark was to the UK and was last at a ripped off the trees, flag poles function with his Beefeater President: Major K Oultram bent in half. The day the storm friends last year. Chairman: Trevor Davies (22831186) hit, a high school graduation Treasurer: Arnold Brassey (24125038) What an amazing turnout for Secretary: Keith Bonehill (22831043) was about to take place at the the Walk on Wales Afghanistan 5 Halls Place, high school. The day before, a appeal enjoying catching up London Rd, decision was made, due to with all the daily reports and Northwich, high attendance, that the seeing old friends and as Cheshire, graduation should take place always glad to contribute CW9 8BA at the university instead. The where I can. Tommy McDonald Telephone: 01606 41317 next day the tornado flattened E-mail: [email protected] Milner had a good kayak the school avoiding possibly hundreds of deaths: the journey to support the appeal, he year 2013 was a quiet one for the Branch. Our tornado was mile and a along with Chris Beynon Tannual Lunch was held in December (2012) again at quarter wide. Unfathomable representing the Rugby lads. the Mercure Hotel, Christleton, Chester. We find this to be back home when we moan A big pat on the back from all an excellent venue, and will continue to use in the about gale force winds!! and the Welsh here in the USA. foreseeable future. The Scots Guards Association Band Aberavon losing again!! This is a story of irony, when I played a selection of music for our entertainment, which was enjoyed by all. I have tried tirelessly to drum first went to my wife's home in Ohio I noticed there were up reports from all the old As I mentioned last year, we uniform, a Territorial Band, Welsh flags flying everywhere Guards here but I think the hold ‘Chairman led’ meetings also in dress uniform, and road plaques displaying Welsh in general abroad like to during the months of January, approximately forty members Welsh byway signs. Cut a long keep a low profile, I think I have April, July and November of various Regimental story short there is a massive only ever met 3 other Welsh (which is our AGM), the Associations, members of the Patriots in the twelve years I Welsh cultural studies there at remainder being ‘Social Polish Brigade Association and have lived here. If you are on Rio Grande, amazes me to this meetings’ well attended by members of the Chorley British facebook you can catch up day to see the Red dragon members and wives, who Legion. After the service we with my travels on facebook, flying proudly displaying enjoy buffets and hot pots. retired to the local TA Centre talk about miles on the road Cymru-Am-Byth flying proudly Please come along, you will be for refreshments and bar also, Owen Gwyn Evans 09 he in the town. You can find out made most welcome. (which we were thankful for is up and down the east coast more by visiting the website since the day as bitterly cold April saw members of the seems like every week from http://www.rio.edu/madog/ with a biting east wind) Branch attend Chorley British The photos show the local Prince Edward Island Canada Legion (Lancs) for the Falklands The Chairman of the British signage posted. Not bad for a to Miami Florida, rather him Remembrance Parade at Legion made himself known to small proud nation. than me, but fair play to drive Chorley War Memorial situated us and thanked us for six hours over here is as easy attending. The memorial has Time to sign off. Please call me at the entrance to Astley Park as driving from Cardiff to the names of those who lost some time or drop me a line The memorial has been Swansea back home, it’s a their lives on the Galahad, and would love to catch up. My old recently re-furbished, with the breeze, I would like to see his Welsh Guards memorial in a was placed in Astley Park by friend Ken Evans is coming to the late Major Keevil, at his own diet improve though his photos prominent position – all the the states November the 18th cost. (The Secretary General of his on road dishes are not wreaths from the Parade were for a couple of weeks, we plan and I attended this exactly cholesterol friendly. laid at this memorial. on hiking and visiting a few gentleman’s funeral a couple I stay in touch with Dave Keen civil war sites one of his The parade was very well of years ago) There was and he enjoys his retirement favorite pastime studies (the attended with two mounted originally some doubt about also in Canada, as a lot of you term study is light) sorry Ken. police officers in dress keeping this memorial at the

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park in Chorley, but it would Mrs Harding and Mrs Davies great to see Regimental Mott and his Leg 2 Team. After appear that it has now been for providing the refreshments Sergeant Major Martin Topps a the Drum Head ceremony the resolved. monthly without fail. “Thank North Walian, handing over the Baton was handed to Bry you ladies” Colour, a proud moment for Wigley the son of Sgt Mal In June we held a mid-year Aberffraw. Wigley to carry along the coast lunch at the Mercure Hotel, I would also like to thank RHQ to Connahs Quay. All the followed by a Social in July, hot- staff for their continued The A.G.M. was for a change Wigley family lead around 150 pot in October and AGM in assistance during the year, also not bad but sadly it was to be walkers with the Welsh Guards November. Major Keith Oultram, our the last time I would meet up Band setting the pace as we President, and the Secretary with Grant Harper, Chairman Two members have returned did a lap of the racecourse General Brian Keane for their Merthyr Branch. We had a to the fold, namely Robert before setting off along the continuous help. noggin together in the Crown Harper (23929604) and Steven North Wales Coast. A real lump Plaza Hotel where he was Crow (24299391). We warmly The members of the North of in the throat moment! Thanks staying. I attended his funeral welcome them back to the England Branch as well as to Dave Wigley for organising with the Branch Standard with Branch. Associate members wish the the Charity night at the Naval Stan Evans We have a close Battalion the very best for the Club Connahs Quay. Once again I commend our relationship with the Merthyr coming year. Social Secretary Barry Monteith Branch since we won the Darts Tim and Jan Miller from the (23877223) for organizing the Finally, thanks to all members Association Cup for the first Falkland Islands carried the social side, and for the effort he of this Branch for their regular time in our history with the baton on behalf of Gdsm Paul puts in – “thank you Barry, support at our various help of the Merthyr Members Green's family of Rhyl they from all the Branch members” functions – we, the Branch in our team at Nesscliffe. RIP now live in the Falklands We must not forget our team of committee will continue to dear friend. running the Fish & Chip shop. Thanks to Les Peake & Wendy Lady members, Mrs Monteith, work on your behalf. Garrison Sergeant Major Bill for the Black Tie Ball at Mott, together with his Rhuddlan Golf Club a brothers Major Nick Mott and wonderful success. NORTH WALES BRANCH ex Regimental Sergeant Major (Formed 1936) John Mott, led Leg 2 of the Walk Llandudno rocked: first to the President: Captain A.C. Hopkins on Wales from Chester to roar of over 50 Goldwing Chairman: G. Binnie (24060777) Bangor with our President Cpt. Motorbikes who provided a Treasurer: H .Mears (2740728) Chris Hopkins. The start at “guard of Honour” for the Secretary: D. Webb (235223061) Chester Racecourse was well walkers along Llandudno 2 Arran Drive attended to the delight of the Promenade. The Llandudno Rhyl organisers. The Baton was Town Band brought them in North Wales LL18 2NS brought up from Chepstow with Men of Harlech as local DJ Telephone: 01745 334340 overnight by a merry band of Ian Turner wound up the E-mail: [email protected] cyclists to a fanfare from the crowd at the far end of the Band of the Welsh Guards, with Prom. Llandudno further 013 here already!! Another year to report on Branch Colonel Hugh Bodington supported us by laying on “An 2activities. It all started on St. David’s Day in Hounslow leading his incredible team of Evening with Billy Mott” at the although not on the scale of the previous year it was an cyclists into Chester George Hotel. The families of excellent turn out yet again. I would like to thank the Racecourse at the end of their the fallen have been at the Regimental Sergeant Major Brian Baldwin for letting us into epic overnight cycle. A fantastic heart of the walk and each day, achievement from amongst following the drumhead the mess on the Thursday night, getting the Bar up and others, Nigel Thomas of Blue service, the baton is presented running and also buying the first round. After the Parade Mountain in full butcher’s to a family member to carry for on St. David’s Day we made our way back to the Sergeants costume riding a monstrously the day. The support given to Mess for the usual swift half - I ordered a Port, to the mess heavy old-fashioned butcher’s the families by the walkers, cheering, as I had the last out of the bottle! I had to replace bike and a newlywed couple and the walking teams also the it, much to the amusement of D/Sgt Jiffy Myers. on a tandem. Rousing general public was quite speeches from the Lord Mayor simply humbling. Bry Wigley, Trooping of the Colour was as 22217422 Bill Rowlands from of Chester Cllr Jill Houlbrook son of Sgt Malcolm Wigley you know done by the Bala, proudly showing off his ,the newsreader Huw Edwards walked the entire Leg 2 as did Battalion this year and it was Coronation Medal. He and his and Olympic gymnast, Beth Dave Evans (with blisters to nice to have a Branch Member son enjoyed the ambience of Tweedle. Hugh Bodington show for it) and Sgt Jim present who was on the same the day and met new friends handed the baton over to Carlyle’s father staggered parade 60 years ago (1953) later in the Mess. It was also Garrison Sergeant Major Bill everybody by walking the

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whole 20+ miles from Rhos- At the helm of leg 5 was Steve interested please contact me. for the £208 half share of the on-Sea to Penmaenmawr at the Jones, V.J. and Beanz. They led We really need to get working collection given in his memory. age of 81 with his wife. The final from the very tip of the Llyn ready for the centenary 2015. R.I.P. see you at the Re-Org leg to Bangor from Peninsula, past Abersoch, Graham. 22831031 Graham Jones Penmaenmawr before the Pwllheli, Cricieth, Portmeirion (Rhyl)) passed away April 20th. That’s it! Thanks to all at RHQ handover was joined by Bangor and on to Harlech. Nefyn and The Association was well and Cardiff for the support to Section Chairman Dai Morgan District Golf Club laid on an represented at the funeral and the Branch which leaves me to who organised an Evening at excellent welcome. Hafan y we would like to thank Sheila, wish you all Nadolig Llawen a the Regency Hotel Bangor with Mor was a great night with V.J. his wife and daughter Melanie Blwyddyn Newydd Dda. every walker given a drink by DOING WHAT HE DOES WELL the Branch (Da Iawn) I would singing "Calon Lan" - no dry also like to mention the eyes there! Arfon Williams hospitality given to the walkers sang Nessum Dorme which OGMORE BRANCH by the Landlord Gary & Tracy reduced Alison Elson to tears (Formed 1982) who donated the Buffet free for (Da Iawn i pawb) General President: Major T M Wakefield the Branch a wonderful Reddy Watt ex Commanding Chairman: Mr Ray Gorringe (23585533) gesture and what a majestical Officer, Brigadier Peter Treasurer/ spread - fit for a King. Williams, Major Barney Secretary Mr Mike Jones (23523201) Cockcroft, Brigadier Richard In glorious sunshine WO2 Kieth 40 Garfield Avenue Stanford and many faces from Lewis started leg 3 on the Sir Litchard the Sergeants Mess have Galahad lifeboat motoring Bridgend CF31 1QA graced our hallowed turf proudly across the Menai Telephone: 01656 – 650367 alongside the Mayors and Straits to Beaumaris under the E-mail: [email protected] Council Leaders of many of the watchful eye of Captain Philip towns along the route. Katy Roberts RN Rtd, the Captain of he first occasion of note this year was our AGM Sheriden a young 13 year old the original RFA Galahad in the Twhich took place in February 2013. Once again for singer from Rhyl (my Falklands War. He was joined the umpteenth year the Branch Officials and Committee Grandaughter’s friend) raised by a number of Falkland Members were re-elected unopposed. Our President was £112 during a gig at the Crown families and veterans. The regrettably unable to attend so our Vice President, Mr Bard, Rhyl She also sang for us baton was carried for the day at the Wrexham fund raising Albert Burd stepped into the breach and oversaw the by ex-Gdsm Wayne Trigg who day which raised £657. Lastly I proceedings. We thank Albert for officiating at the meeting. was badly burnt when the would like on your behalf, Galahad was hit. Albert Owen thank John Warburton-Lee, Jan The Secretary attended the March 1st saw a large MP joined the walk on 8th of Koops, Dai Graham, Punchy Branch Secretaries Meeting in contingent of our members on September with Brigadier Morgan and our President Maindy Barracks on 12th their way to Hounslow to Standford and R.S.M. Martin Captain A.C. Hopkins for February. As ever he found it celebrate St. David's Day with Topps for a wreath laying making this possible. an informative with much the 1st Battalion. This was a ceremony at Penrhos for David discussion between the various great day out with plenty of Williams KIA 8/6/1982 Bangor Section now meet at Branch Secretaries. Our thanks “meeting and greeting” of old the Regency Hotel, Bangor on Mark Horwood and his self- to Brian Keane as ever for the friends from the past. The the 3rd Monday of the month proclaimed “Reservoir Dogs” Buffet afterwards. organization was as good as 1900hrs, it is opposite the rail set off from Fourmile Bridge to Station and also on the bus complete the remaining 3 days route to make it easy. Wrexham along the beautiful west coast section has also started at the of Anglesey and head back War Memorial Club, Wrexham. onto the mainland but before It is next to Tesco's, on the first stopping at the watering hole Thursday of every month at "The Bulkeley Arms" courtesy 1900hrs. Come along you of Maldwyn Jones 92, for an never know who you might evening of music and meet! entertainment!! Next morning they heading off past The Branch A.G.M. was held at Caernarfon and along the Llyn the Bod Erw, St Asaph. All Peninsula. Many thanks to J.W officials were re-elected. We Lees Brewery for sponsoring need new blood on the this leg. committee, so if anyone is The New Monument at Cefn Cribwr

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The New Monument at Cefn Cribwr The Old Training Battalion/Guards Depot in D Lines ever and the food and Branch members attended an Glamorgan Branch invited us you have a full turnout we are entertainment laid on was first unveiling ceremony of a new to attend the Commemoration not required. It will be class. Memorial for the local men Service at Imber Court on interesting to see if we can get who had lost their lives Sunday 23rd June, regrettably the same numbers when it is On the 20th March our fighting for their country, only the Secretary and his wife re-arranged. sporting fraternity took to the including one Welsh and a friend could attend but it M4 to see the Army Rugby Cup Our Branch Annual Guardsman 2736992 L/Cpl was a memorable day and I Final in Aldershot to watch the Remembrance Service will take Henry Glyndwr Thomas of the think the East Glam Branch Battalion XV play 3 Yorks (Duke place in Nolton Church, 3rd Battalion who died on 8th should be applauded for of Wellingtons) and after a Bridgend, on Sunday 20th May 1943 at the battle for attending year after year even tough battle, win the coveted October 2013 when we will Hamman Lief, North Africa. He though numbers are inevitably Army Cup. Any victory against once again pay homage to the is buried in the Enfidaville War dwindling due to the passing the Duke of Boots is always fallen Welsh Guardsmen from Cemetery approximately 100 years. memorable. Well done the the Borough. kilometres south of Tunis. lads! We also attended the We were once again Despite the inclement weather On Saturday 26th all being well Millenium Stadium on 19th represented at Bridgend on there was a large turnout of we shall be travelling to April to support them against Armed Forces Day on 29th school children, civic Stratford on Avon for the the 2nd Royal Welsh Regiment June when our Branch dignitaries, including the First Christmas Fair, a number of for the Sir Tasker Watkins VC Standard was on parade. As Minister, the Archbishop of members have indicated they Cup, regrettably they were not usual the Corps of Drums and a Wales and local Mayor and would like to go so hopefully a successful this time: you can't detachment of marching Veterans. good day will be had by all. win them all eh? troops from The Welsh Following the religious service Transport Regiment, RLC (TA) Sadly we have lost two We held our Dinner Dance on the “Last Post” and “Reveille” lead the Parade followed by members so far this year: Saturday 13th April in the was sounded by a bugler from The First Minister, our two MPs, Masonic Hall in Bridgend and 23908633 WOI (RSM) Bill Evans the Royal Welsh Regiment. Our CO WTR, Veterans and various once again there was a healthy who died on 2nd February Branch Standard was on Detachments of Cadets. Our attendance sitting down to 2013 and 2734152 Gdsm Ossie parade carried by the Chairman Ray Gorringe Dinner, with the Guests of Evans who died on 16th Chairman and the Secretary (23585533) was once again the Honour being the Mayor and September 2013, aged 93 carried the Parachute Parade Marshall. The Parade Mayoress of Bridgend County years. Regimental Standard. ended at the Recreation Centre Borough. We must thank the where a fine buffet and Branch members turned out at Ladies Section for their help in On 15th May a number of entertainment was laid on. A their Cremations and were setting up the Hall prior to the members went over to good day was had by all. thanked by the families for event and also the Manager Pontypridd to attended the We were sad to hear that the their attendance. We also and Chef for doing us proud. Welsh Guards receiving the Darts and Shooting turned out in Pontypridd for We then enjoyed the rest of the “Freedom of the Borough of Competition had to be the Cremation of 22217103 Mr evening dancing to the music Rhondda, Cynon, Taf” parade. postponed, the Secretary in Glan Hughes who although a of our musician Dave Escott. Great to see the boys particular was looking forward member of East Glamorgan representing the Battalion on On Saturday 4th May on a cold to defending the Gerry Branch, when he was in good home soil again! blustery morning in Cefn Greenstock Cup. Always by health attended many of our Cribwr, near Bridgend, our The Secretary of the East coincidence it seems, when Branch functions. We have also

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showed our support to other of the month and if you are in neighbouring Branches the area please do call in. including Swansea. Inevitably Our AGM will be on Monday we have members and their 10th February 2014 so if you spouses who are not in good are able to attend, please do health and we wish them all come along. the best. The Chairman, Secretary and We shall end the year with a Committee would like to thank Social night instead of an all the members for their official meeting for what support throughout the year promises to be a good night. and especially the Ladies Food as ordered by members Section at all our meeting and will be served and followed by functions. Members of Prince of Wales, Greece 1962 an entertainer for the rest of We wish everyone a Merry the evening. tribute to the Walk on Wales Our oldest Member Bill Cleary Christmas and a Happy New and the fantastic team who who is 90 this year is now in a Branch Meetings are still held Year and send our thanks and organised it and took part: in the Caefatri Public House, Best Wishes to all at RHQ and Nursing Home. He is cheerful Captain Jan Koops, Chris Bridgend on the 2nd Monday the Cardiff HQ. and still enjoys a cigarette and Beynon, Tony Davies OBE, a Pint. Captain Chris Hopkins, Howell I must thank Roy Bennett for Graham, Fiona Koops, Rob SWANSEA & WEST GLAMORGAN Nichols, Dave Price, Andrew his continuous help and BRANCH Morgan, and Major Glyn White support to the Branch and his Rtd MBE. We cannot tell you dedication to the Swansea (Formed 1927) how much we admire your Branch, also to all Branch President: Major Charles Carty MBE TD tenacity, courage and devotion officers and Members, thank Chairman: Bryn Pennock (23877288) to such a wonderful cause. you again for you continued Treasurer/ Also all the volunteers, walkers support. Secretary: Peter Williams (23877300) and everyone else taking part I would also like to thank my 12 St Peters St have our total admiration. wife Pauline and Daughter Cockett Nicky for their constant help Swansea SA5 5BX The Branch is still going strong and support - where would I Telephone: 01792 416010 but we need new members. be without them in my role as E-mail: [email protected] Our Chairman Bryn Pennock and President Major Charles Secretary! nother year older but we are all young at heart and Carty Rtd MBE are doing their To all Welsh Guardsman Old utmost to recruit new Awhen I see young Welsh Guardsman whether it be in and New, and all your families, members. active service in Afghanistan or on Royal Duties I still feel we wish you good health and as if I am still with them as we never forget, and we are all Our Branch lunches have happiness, from all the part of the Family. It is only the body that ages never the continued this year and have members at the Swansea and mind or the heart and even now feel two inches taller as if been a great success and long West Glamorgan Branch - and I was still in the Guards. may they carry on. to Spider, have a drink on me!

I know I speak for all serving been injured and now need all and Ex Welsh Guardsman our help to get them back on when I say we are happy in the the road to recovery, we wish knowledge that the Regiment is you all the very best for the now home from active service future. safe and well. Wives and Families have no more Next year is the 70th sleepless nights and worries Anniversary of Hechtel and we but our hearts go out to those are looking forward to whose loved ones have paid celebrate with those wonderful the ultimate sacrifice - they will people who suffered so much never be forgotten. in World War two.

Also to those boys who have As a Branch we must pay 300 Williams, Canada 1964

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MT Bathtime, Canada 1964 Roy Bennett and his Wife Olive, September 2013

WELSH GUARDS REUNITED (Formed 2006) Webmaster: Allan Rogers (24220048) - England President: Major (Retd) David Woods - France Chairman: Major (Retd) Martin Browne BEM - Spain Treasurer : Mike Cummins (24472964) - Wales Secretary: Paul Morgan – England 141 Hacton Lane Upminster Essex RM14 2NL Telephone: 01708 531511 300 Williams, Hubert Ellis, Bill Cleary, RSM Peter Robinson Swansea Cenotaph 2009 Technical Support: Mike Cummins (24472964) - Wales

he Welsh Guards Reunited (WGR) website has Tmanaged to continue much as it ended last year, attracting new members (we now have 3, 241 members compared to 3,070 at the same time last year). Admittedly many of these members simply come looking for details of relatives or just for a look at the galleries and what is on offer and don't return often, but we have a nucleus of really proactive members who contribute regularly and without whom WGR would not exist – so to this band of merry members a great big thank you, your continued support really is much appreciated and valued. 300 Williams, Bill Cleary and 100 year old Welsh Guardsman 2009

We continue to try and attract Join us and keep up to date at: younger members through WGR website: other means and our WGR www.welshguardsreunited.co.uk Facebook page now has over 450 members. The age old WG WGR Facebook Group: tradition of newly discharged www.facebook.com Guardsmen needing just that /groups/welshguardsreunited little bit more of a nudge to join WGR Facebook Page: in with anything remotely to www.facebook.com/pages/welsh do with the Welsh Guards guardsreunited/109019635828553 Association is, unfortunately still alive and kicking but we WGR Twitter - Follow us at: will continue to do our best to @WelshGuardsWGR Roy Bennett and his Wife Olive, September 1953 get them back in the fold.

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Each year in these notes we www.geocities.com/richoyouknow mention our extensive photo /brianbrenchleypics.html gallery. We now have over Things were shaping up nicely 11,000 images covering all eras for tremendous representation of service in the Welsh Guards from the WGR Branch at this and are really proud to be years Dart and Shoot holding these photographs competition to be held at safe and secure for future Maindy Barracks, Cardiff on 12 generations to see. Anyone October, so it was with great reading this article and not a disappointment that we were member of WGR really should informed of the event having be encouraged to join the site to be cancelled. We can only if only to peruse the gallery assume that our team sheets and share their own photo's had been leaked to the wider with other like minded people. Association, who had, quite A recent new member of WGR rightly, become intimidated by (Daniel Richards) had the sheer quality and researched and digitized experience being mustered! newspaper articles pertaining Names such as Paul Rosser, to Welsh Guardsmen killed or Neil Rice, Larry John, Chris injured in the Great War, these Duggan, Knocker Knowles to are now located in their own name just a few. Names to photo album within our strike fear into any opposition galleries and contains over 250 – is it any wonder the images - a fascinating and competition was cancelled! historically significant resource we are proud to hold. Thanks once again to Allan Rogers (24220048) our superb This year, as in every year, we Webmaster for running yet have lost some remarkable another excellent on-line AGM. An example of a digitised Great War newspaper cutting now held on WGR Welsh Guardsmen and friends, Although still a relatively too many to mention here young concept, the on-line (they are all hopefully AGM process is becoming the remembered in the Memoriam norm for our members and Page) and when it is physically although we never seem to get and logistically possible the the numbers participating that Welsh Guards Reunited we would wish, we suspect Standard will be paraded as a this is simply a reflection of mark of respect (normally by what happens in all other the one and only Dennis Branches of the Association, “Knocker”Knowles). One were a small nucleus of person who sadly passed away individuals participate in nearly this year and who will not be everything, whilst the larger mentioned in the Memoriam majority of branch members page is one of our Branch dip in and out as and when Associate Members, regular they wish. This is of course contributors and good virtual quite acceptable, even though online friend to many, Brian a little disappointing, we as a “Boy” Brenchley (pictured), a Branch are there to provide our Grenadier who served from members with a service, if they 1946 to 1971 and who at the simply want to log on to view age of 82 was adding so much photographs or wish to take a to WGR. He had his own web full part in topic discussions, page recording his career, if that is up to them – the main you get a minute, take a look, thing is that they know where it's full of wonderful photos to come to keep in touch and Brian - very first picture in uniform, October 1946 and memories; ask a question.

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2 Coy Aden 1965/66, L-R; 95 Williams, Eddie Walsh, 05 Williams, 65 Williams

One WG event this year, more our Secretary) who will be able Signals in Belfast 1971, Tac HQ team in front of the vehicle affectionately known as "The Binner" (picture courtesy of Pete Czaja) L to R kneeling :- LCpl Doug Griffiths, than any other which appears to advise on whether or not Young, Steve "Whizzer" Reeves, Capt DP Belcher (OC Sig Pl), and Phil ?? to be pulling people together there are vacancies remaining L to R Standing :- LCpls George Carroll, George Davies, Pete Czaja, Sgt Bob Iles, Capt Dick from all walks of life and (you don't have to be a Fletcher (QM), Capt John Moss (Adj), Reme Cpl, and RSM Reg Coe On the Binner is; Lt Coombes, Capt Oliver-Bellasis and Maj PRG Williams Bn 2IC reuniting many retired and member of WGR to attend, serving Welsh Guardsmen in a everyone is welcome). RE-UNITED AT LAST common cause is the Walk on It really would be remiss of us When we stepped off at Pirbright in 1952 Wales Project. I am sure it will as a Branch not to thank the We thought we'd kissed the Welsh Guards life goodbye and fond adieu be covered comprehensively in people that enable our Branch With jokes and hugs and handshakes we left our mates behind this magazine so will say to function correctly and they And blundered into civvy street to see what we could find. nothing other than we are are the people that run the proud that many WGR Branch -o- website for us. Without the members attended many of Throughout the years we've wondered just how the boys have fared website we are not a Branch the stages raising much Whether they'd remembered and even if they cared and without the website needed funds for two very We tried to stay in contact but it was as we feared communication amongst our worthy causes; the Welsh With each one going different ways most had disappeared. members would be Guards Afghanistan Appeal -o- impossible. The site and Combat Stress. Management Team are purely But with the birth of W.G.R. all the wondering changed WGR Reunion – Porthcawl responsible for the day to day Most of us in touch "On Site" and meetings are arranged Weekend 14/15 Feb 2014. running of the site, ensuring Friends greet friends both old and new both here and overseas Hopefully, by the time this adherence to a very simple set A genuine band of brothers each time we hit the keys. Regimental Magazine is of guidelines which ensure the -o- produced, there should be just site is a happy, safe and Now on a daily basis we log in for our fix six weeks before the eagerly friendly place to visit. Perhaps to share the banter or just to say "Hows tricks ?" awaited WGR Porthcawl The team consists of: It really is much easier than telephone or letter reunion. This really is a most To hang on to your Welsh Guards friends, they don't come any better Webmaster - popular reunion which sees Allan Rogers (24220048) -o- the WGR Membership take over Administrator - A.P-B 2.10.13. the entire Seabank Hotel for the Martin Browne (24433673) weekend. With two nights Technical Support - accommodation (including Mike Cummins (24472964) breakfast), Friday night Moderators - Dennis (Knocker) entertainment, Saturday night Knowles (24122474) entertainment and a meal and Stephen Beard (24220058) a specially negotiated price on drinks, this has to be one of the Our Branch notes end most best value for money events at fittingly with a poem written just £75 per head. Places are by one of our Branch Vice limited and it is usual for places Presidents, regular contributor to be snapped up early, but and virtual on-line friend to anyone reading this and many, the very talented Mr wishing to attend should check Alan Parry-Booth (22326094), with Flicker (Paul Morgan 71 who served in 1WG 1950-52: Where, when, who and what occasion?

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MINUTES OF THE 83RD ANNUAL members would be prepared since he has other to pay for future diaries at cost commitments. The President GENERAL MEETING price, and the decision was a realizes that Branch Secretaries OF THE WELSH GUARDS ASSOCIATION unanimous yes. attend their local services, and is hopeful that the Regiment Held at Wellington Barracks London at 1130 hrs Friday Item 2 – Minutes of previous will arrange a ‘presence’ to 14th June 2013 meeting various Branches. Colonel President: Colonel T S Bonas Confirmation of the minutes of Stephens will give the address Vice President: Brigadier J F Rickett CBE the Annual General Meeting in the Guards Chapel, and Vice President: R E Lewis Esq held 15th June 2012 was there will also be a blessing of Treasurer: Major K Oultram proposed by Mr Alan a plaque dedicated to those Secretary General: B Keane Esq Cunningham (Secretary Llanelli who died in Afghanistan. The Branch) and seconded by Mr kneelers purchased by the Present: Hopkins, President North Wales Ken Haines (Secretary East Association are now in place in Branch: Major C Carty, Glamorgan Branch). This was Colonel D C Macdonald-Milner, the Chapel, and are together as President Swansea & West carried and the minutes President East Glamorgan one block, and looks most Glamorgan Branch: Mr M signed. There were no matters Branch: Captain T Macdonald- impressive. Williams, Secretary Aberdare arising from the minutes. Milner, President Midlands Branch: Mr N Owen, Secretary Item 6- St David’s Day Branch: Mr T O’Shea, Secretary Item 3 – Imber Court Cardiganshire Branch: Capt. R J Cardiff Branch: Mr K Haines, The President pointed out to D Parry, Secretary Montgomery The service at Imber Court Secretary East Glamorgan the meeting that St David’s Day & Shropshire Branch: Mr A takes place on Sunday 23rd Branch; Mr A Cunningham, falls on a Saturday next year June, commencing at 12 15hrs. Secretary Llanelli Branch: Mr J Suter, Secretary North America Refreshments will be available and wanted a vote whether the Heenan, Secretary London Branch: from 11 15hrs. Colonel celebrations should take place Branch: Mr E Jones, Secretary Item 1 - President’s Address Stephens, President London on the actual day. There was a Merthyr Tydfil Branch: Mr J Branch will be attending, as unanimous show of hands in Bayliss, Secretary Midlands In his address the President well as a contingency from keeping to the day. Further Branch: Mr S Liversage, touched on the following: East Glamorgan, who details will follow. Secretary Monmouthshire He welcomed and thanked continually supports this Branch: Mr J Williams, Item 7 – Afghanistan Appeal everyone for attending, event. representing especially the Secretaries for So far, the appeal has raised Montgomery/Shropshire their efforts and the tireless Item 4 – Darts & Shooting £1.4 million pounds, with large Branch: Mr Keith Bonehill, work they put in to make the Competition contributions from the Drapers Secretary North of England Association the success story Maindy Barracks will again be Dinner, various events for Ryan Branch: Mr D Webb, Secretary that it is. the venue for this competition Jones’ testimonial year and the North Wales Branch; Mr M since it proved very successful Iron Men to name but a few. Jones, Secretary Ogmore The Regiment is in good order last year, and will take place on ‘Walk on Wales’ are hoping to Branch: Mr R Davies, Secretary and have been kept Saturday 12th October. raise a further million pound Pembrokeshire Branch: Mr P exceptionally busy with with their event which runs Williams, Secretary Swansea & ceremonial duties since The Liaison Team has agreed to from 25th August – 2nd West Glamorgan Branch; Mr Afghanistan. During the ‘man’ the DCCT, and meals and November, with the money Paul Morgan, Secretary Welsh coming months, tours to refreshments can be ordered Guards Reunited. There were Kazakhstan, Belize and the as per 2012. Dave Webb, being shared between the 12 other Association members Falklands are being planned Secretary North Wales Branch Afghanistan Appeal and present. with more in the pipeline. enquired as to the availability Combat Stress. of accommodation for Friday / In Attendance: Redundancies were due to be Approximately £100,000 has published, with many Saturday night, and the already been spent helping WO2 D Brown, Headquarters Guardsmen volunteering to Secretary General agreed to injured soldiers and bereaved Welsh Guards: take up the offer. check this out. families. Apologies for Absence; Item 5 – Remembrance The 2013 Regimental Diary was Alan Cunningham, Secretary Sunday Colonel D Bossi, C.O. Battalion: published free this year due to Llanelli Branch asked if a ‘thank S Rhodes Esq., President sponsorship, but the President November 10th is the date of you’ slip went out to all donors, Aberdare Branch: J Harding did not feel happy to use the Remembrance Sunday. and the President informed Esq., President Llanelli Branch: same Company again. A vote Unfortunately our Colonel, him that he personally writes a Colonel C Stephens, President was taken whether the Prince Charles will not be thank you letter to every single London Branch: Captain C Secretaries thought their attending London this year person.

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Captain T Macdonald-Milner, The President explained that Branch representing the Item 14 – Points raised at President of the Midlands nothing would dramatically Association. A copy of the Secretaries Meeting Branch, as well as a Trustee, change other that the minutes of the first meeting Mike Jones, Secretary Ogmore reiterated that although the Association HQ committee will held at Wellington Barracks on funds are called the Branch stated his members now be responsible for the Thursday 7th May was ‘Afghanistan Appeal’ they can were upset by the comments Association budget rather than circulated to the Secretaries. also be used for other wars made by the Commanding the Trustees, with the and conflicts, now and in the The main items discussed, but Officer regarding Association funds remaining future. not confirmed, which affects communications via the part of the Regimental ‘pot of the Association were: internet. The President Item 8 – Newsletters, money’ Obviously this would Magazine, Christmas card mean updating the Association 1. St David’s Day – This will confirmed that the Commanding Officer meant no Branch Newsletters and rules. possibly take place in Cardiff offence and has apologised for information should be sent to 2. Presentation of New Item 10 - Laptops his remarks. the office at Maindy Barracks Colours – possibly May, at Alan Cunningham, Secretary no later than 1st July in order to Windsor Castle Captain T Macdonald-Milner give time for copying/printing. Llanelli Branch informed the requested an Officer from the The summer newsletter should 3. Troop 2015 – probably meeting that there were Regiment to support the then be available for posting Welsh Guards Armed Forces grants available functions of the Midlands mid/late July. nationwide to town councils in 4. Biennial Dinner to be called Branch, and this was agreed. Hopefully information for the order to supply Laptops to the ‘Welsh Guards Centenary The President was saddened winter months and spring will various organizations meeting Dinner’ and could take place that Association Battlefield be in the Regimental a certain criteria, but in Swansea. magazine, which should be individuals must apply Tours had come to an end, but available by Christmas (this personally. He asked if the Dave Webb, Secretary of North announced that a small party obviously depends on the Association could supply Wales Branch asked if it was was going to Hechtel in Regiment, who has been given laptops, but was informed it possible to have the Laying up September. There will be a firm orders that articles be was the responsibility of of Colours at Wrexham. He and Regimental Battlefield Tour in submitted by October 1st) Branches. the President of the Branch 2015 which should take in Vice President Brigadier Rickett were due to meet Wrexham many important sites in Item 11 – NMA asked whether there would be Council on June 23rd in order Europe. (Heroes Square) a Winter Newsletter if there to discuss Freedom status for He wished to remember the were delays with the (Branch Secretaries have the Welsh Guards. recent passing of Fred Bowden magazine, and was reassured already been given details of and Armand Poupaert who that would be the case. this venture) The Secretary General requested that further were stalwarts of these tours. Secretary General requested The NMA are aiming to raise suggestions involving 2015 be more articles from the money to build a new Visitor Item 15 - Date of next Association accompanied by sent to him before the next Centre, and the Regiment has Annual General Meeting lots of photographs, which meeting which is on Thursday sent a donation of £3000.A would help the magazine be 5th September 2013. The Secretary General thanked paving stone has also been more ‘reader – friendly’ to the those present for an excellent members. The President stated sponsored, depicting the Item 13 – Review of the constructive meeting, and there would be a bumper Regimental crest. Benches and Association confirmed that the date of the trees have been donated by souvenir edition in 2015. The President praised the next Annual General Meeting bereaved families. Space on The Christmas card for 2013 review carried out by Captain is Friday June 13th 2014 Paving Stones can be was available to view, and was Chris Hopkins. It had been purchased at a cost of £600, The Secretary General and all met with favourable and depict the name of a loved discussed at the Previous members present also wish to comments. one. Secretaries meeting, and many thank the Garrison Sergeant Item 9 – Association Budget suggestions are being Major for his very kind Item 12 – Centenary 2015 (Stand Alone) followed up. The President permission for the use of his Branch Secretaries have A centenary committee has confirmed that the Association Mess for our meetings. We are already received a copy of the been formed with the ‘was not broken’ and the extremely grateful for his proposed changes to the Secretary General and the results were similar to the continued support to the budgets. President of the North Wales previous review. Association.

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FORECAST OF EVENTS 2014

JANUARY

FEBRUARY 26 ASSOCIATION ST DAVID’S DAY HOUNSLOW

MARCH

APRIL 12 Ogmore Branch Dinner / Dance, Masonic Hall, Bridgend Midlands Branch Lunch – TBA

MAY 11 ASSOCIATION RACE DAY, LUDLOW 31 Trooping The Colour – Major General’s Review

JUNE 7 Trooping The Colour – Colonel’s Review 13 ASSOCIATION ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING 14 THE QUEEN’S BIRTHDAY PARADE 22 Imber Court Commemorations 29 Montgomery/ Shropshire Branch Lunch, Wroxeter Hotel, Nr Atcham

JULY

AUGUST 29 North Wales Branch AGM, Bod Erw, St Asaph SEPTEMBER 6-10 ASSOCIATION BATTLEFIELD TOUR 28 North Wales Branch Annual Lunch, Bod Erw, St Asaph ASSOCIATION DARTS AND SHOOTING COMPETITION – TBA

OCTOBER 25 Monmouthshire Branch Reunion Dinner, The Angel Hotel, Abergavenny

NOVEMBER 9 Remembrance Day

DECEMBER 6 London Branch Lunchtime Christmas Party (date to be confirmed)

94 FORECAST OF EVENTS In Memoriam - Êr Côf

We regret to announce that notification has been received of the deaths of the following

22217103 Gdsm G Hughes 23877283 Gdsm WJP Evans Died: January 2013, Aged: 86 Died: April 2013, Aged: 69 Served: 1944 – 1951 Served: 1961 – 1964

23908633 WO1 WE Evans 2739150 Sgt H J Hansen Died: 11th February 2013, Aged: 69 Died: 19th April 2012, Aged: 87 Served: 1964 – 1982 Served: 1943 – 1947 22326097 Gdsm I Thomas Died: 12th February 2013, Aged: 81 23438089 Lsgt T Grover Served: 1950 – 1952 Died: 10th April 2013, Aged: 76 Served: 1955 - 1959 2739615 Sgt T Gunter Died: 13th February 2013, Aged: 86 25086186 Gdsm P Beddoes Served: 1944 – 1946 Died: 9th May 2013, Aged: 31 Served: 1998 – 2001 2741466 Gdsm H Williams Died: 29th January 2013, Aged: 86 2737179 Gdsm EG Keywood Served: 1946 – 1948 Died: 27th April 2013, Aged: 92 Served: 1941 – 1946 22831693 Gdsm KA Arkell Died: December 2012, Aged: 73 Served: 1956 – 1958 456052 Maj B Phelps CVO MBE Died: 18th June 2013, Aged: 94 22831462 Gdsm R Leyshon Served: 1958 – 1970 Died: February 2013, Aged: 72 Served: 1950 – 1953 22324792 Lcpl M Bailey Died: 21st July 2013, Aged: 82 22217704 Gdsm G Thomas Served: 1950 – 1952 Died: February 2013, Aged: 80 Served: 1946 – 1950 2735977 Sgt F Bowden Died: June 2013, Aged: 93 24141810 Gdsm G Woolridge Died: February 2013, Aged: 58 Served: 1940 – 1946 Served: 1969 – 1975 2734772 Gdsm G Harper 22217807 Gdsm L Price Died: 20th September 2013, Aged: 92 Died: 8th March 2013, Aged: 77 Served: 1940 – 1945 Served: 1953 – 1959 2740760 L/sgt F Holland 23866352 Gdsm I W Parr Died: 15th September 2013, Aged: 87 Died: 27th March 2913, Aged: 70 Served: 1945 – 1948 Served: 1961 – 1967 23523232 Gdsm GD Hughes 2734165 WO2 AH Prole Died: 18th May 2013, Aged: 71 Died: March 2013, Aged: 97 Served: 1936 – 1945 Served: 1959 – 1962

Gdsm W G Williams 22831569 Csgt HA Edwards BEM Died: March 2013, Aged: 86 Died: 15th September 2013, Aged: 75 Served:1940 – 1950 Served: 1957 – 1979

IN MEMORIAM 95 Lt Col Barnwell’s Champagne send off on his final day as the Senior Director of Music on Remembrance Sunday 10th November 2013

L to R, WO1 Bywater, Col Bodington, Brig Stanford, Lt Col Bossi, Lt Col Barnwell, Brig Talbot Rice, Brig Bathurst, Col Bonas

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