Canterbury months. ^oxce& ^ Post free— Post free— Depot, The Buffs, Buffs, The Depot, 2'- 2'- 3 8'- 8'- per annum. 4'- 6 months. Ireland & Abroad. Ireland Abroad. & Write:—Editor, Write:—Editor, Our next view-point was at the four miles. The start was made at 2.45 p.m. A dash Others present included Lieut.-Colonel the remainder of the team just behind. All were going well. The worst part of the course Here the field was beginning to spread out. well. well. Nextposition, came followed Alnwick by in Cpl. Hurley a very with good the L/Cpl. Frankham was running sixth and going point, with remainder Frankham of the team well-placed. in the lead and the Here the field had covered about one and a half miles. It was still very compact at this Hon. P. G. Scarlett, Mrs. Crookenden, Major Wale, Mr. Lynden-Bell, and Parry,2/Lieuts. Mrs. Craddock, Foster, Scott Walters, and Kenward, Lewis. Tuff, Captains R.S.M. by car brought one to the first view-point. Sandilands and Rose, Lieuts. Crozier, Haggard, Field, Major and Morgan, Mrs. Allen, Captain Major and Howe, Mrs. Captain and" Mrs. Vaughan was also able to make the journey. not lose on this occasion. a bunch of his famous heather and now wishedready the to show the Colonel of whatthe Regimentthey were made of; they felt they dare of the Regiment. Before the race the General presented the senior member of the team with team good luck and success. The team were jfirondegcit JlCCtefe Winners of Blean Beagles Cup, 1932. Winners of Army Championship, 1932, 1933. Fourth South of Thames Championship, 1933. 2nd BATTALION THE BUFFS. Winners of Shorncliffe Garrison, 1931, 1932, 1933. Winners of Kent County Championship, 1932, 1933.

Winners of Eastern Command Championship, 1931, 1932, 1933. Army Cross-Country Championship.

was held at Colchester on March 21st Queen's IJlifCes of (gcma&a.. ^ egtm ‘^ e eitf. '£p'cmce*r

3t6 |$affaCtott (^ferritoa §nfcmfr*>) ^itsfra£tan 3$TtCitcm? It was an ideal day for the event and a Twelve teams and seventeen individuals

A PAPER FOR

T H E BU FFS

Commands. members of a team ; Sgt. Cotterell, and many Championship, competing as individuals or it, amongst many others being the Colonel

other class the runners. winners The and teams runners-up represented of the various Commandteam thatwon the Southern Counties

very large gathering was present to witness National this year ; the whole of the Aldershot of the national, Army who Championship, finished second Scottish in the Inter­ Scottish English National and fourth in the Scottish National this y ear; Cpl. Wilson, the holder

second in the International, third in the slap, Scottish International, who finished

were entered, representing the best runners although the going was heavy in some places. Sgt. Sutherland, ex-holder of Army Champion- of the Army. Amongst those competing were a few slight slopes having to be covered,

rPHE Army Cross-Country Championship This course is suitable for fast racing, only except that it was run in the opposite direction. Eastern Command Championship in 1931 practically the same course as used for the

over a course of 7 miles 870 yards. This was No. 401. April, 1933. Price Sixpence. 30 C 108 THE DRAGON

was now covered—one may say the race was battalion team. Long arrives at 27th; this won at this point. The Lincolns had just the was only his second appearance in the Army odd three men up, as did the Signals, Tanks Championship. What a future some of these and Beds, and Herts. The leading men of young runners must have if they will only The Staffs, were well-packed, but too far back stick to it. Sgt. Trinkwon at 33rd was not to be dangerous. Our next view-point was what I had expected, this was the only runner ;at six miles, which we just failed to reach in that did not perform up to form ; a better .time. Sgt. Sutherland was making a very effort will be required in the London to Brighton fast pace, being closely followed by Cpl. Wilson ; Relay. L/Cpl. Belson was 34th. At one time these two had already gone by. Sgt. Holmes he was better placed, only to fall back a little of The Lincolns was next, followed by Reeves over the last stage of the race. Watts hung of The Queen’s, who was putting up his best on to his 37th place. A week or so before the performance to date. This man has competed race he had suffered with a cold and sore throat, against us many times whilst stationed at so was not quite up to his best. Hayde Dover. Then came Cpl. Bloodworth of The finished 47th, our last scoring man. Cpl. Fox ' Lincolns. L/Cpl. Frankham was next at sixth was the first of the non-scorers at 62nd. In place, having put in a great effort. Alnwick 1932 Fox was 29th; brought into training was soon in sight, having done wonderfully rather late in the season, he nearly succeeded. well for a young runner in his first year. Then Wilson was 66th, a good position had he been came Cpl. Hurley and Inman, both going well. wanted; next year may do it. Our youngest Now we saw Divers, this time a Divers of a member of the team cracked up rather, few years ago ; indeed, it was a great effort although 114th was not bad. Skinner will do to get back to form on the right day. Burgess, well next season. Sgt. Bell and Long were running together Now for the result:— P(s- just in rear. Then came L/Cpl. Belson, Sgt. Winners : 2nd Bn. The Buffs (holders) ...... 288 2nd. 2nd Bn. The Lincolnshire Regt...... 590 Trinkwon and Watts. After a few places 3rd. 3rd Div. Signals ... 592 came our twelfth man, Hayde. Our three 4th. 2nd Bn. North Staffordshire Regt. ... 649 spare men—Cpl. Fox, Wilson and Skinner— 5th. 2nd Bn. Royal Tank Corps...... 751 were well placed. 6th. 2nd Bn. Beds, and Herts. ... 816 7th. 2nd Bn. Grenadier Guards...... 1062 Yes, the Army Championship was to be 8th. 2nd Bn. Gloucestershire Regt...... 1140 ours for another year, for they were so well- 9th. 1st Bn. York and Lancs...... 1193 placed at this point that it would have been 10th. 1st Bn. Grenadier G uards...... 1199 difficult for another team to displace them. 11th. 1st Bn. Durham Light Infantry ...... 1348 Now a dash to the finishing point, where 12th. 1st Bn. Ox. and Bucks. L.I...... 1407 we arrive in time to meet L/Cpl. Frankham Team placings, 2nd Battalion The Buffs :— L/Cpl. Frankham ... 3 Pte. Long ...... 27 with third team place, having finished sixth Pte. Alnwick ... 9 Sgt. Trinkwon ... 33 in the Army. His, and the battalion’s best Cpl. Hurley...... 11 L/Cpl. Belson ... 34 to date. Then Alnwick appears at ninth Pte. Inm an...... 14 Pte. Watts...... 37 team place, having gained one place over Pte. Divers ...... 22 Pte. Hayde...... 47 Pte. Burgess...... 25 — the last mile. I am glad to say he gained Sgt. Bell ...... 26 Total ... 288 his Army Badge. This was great running for a lad of nineteen in his first year. Spare men :—Cpl. Fox 62, Pte. Wilson 66, Pte. There must be a great future for him if he sticks Skinner (G.) 114. Positions occupied by 2nd Bn. Lincolns :—1, 2, it for a few years. The men he had raced 13, 18, 50, 51, 52, 63, 68, 74, 97, 101. home over the last mile included C.S.M. Positions occupied by 3rd Div. Signals :—5, 7, 24, Somervell, Sgt. Cotterell, L/Cpl. Ward, L/Cpl. 38, 42, 46, 56, 61, 64, 71, 73, 105. Elwin, Pte. Andrews and Cpl. Sheppard, all NOTICE. men who have vast experience and have made Congratulatory.—Messages of congratulation on their names at cross-country running. Then the result of the Army Cross-Country Running came Cpl. Hurley at eleventh, only two team Championship, 1933, have been received from the following :— places behind. A great effort. Inman now General Sir Webb Gilhnan, K.C.B., K.C.M.G., appears carrying disc number fourteen, rather D.S.O., G.O.C.-in-C. Eastern Command ;Major-General small in build, but all there. Divers had held Sir Arthur Lynden-Bell, K.C.B., K.C.M.G., Colonel out over the final stage and succeeded in of the Regiment; Commander, 4th Division ; Major- General J., C. B. Kennedy, C.M.G., D.S.O. ; Major- gaining 22nd team place—his best run this year. General W. P. H. Hill, C.M.G., D.S.O., Commanding -1 ask you, can such a runner be allowed to 11th Infantry Brigade ; Lieut.-Colonel B. S. Collard * leave the team for another year ? Burgess and all ranks, 4th Battalion The Buffs ; Depot The at 25th again showed his value to the team. Buffs ; 3rd Divisional Signals ; 2nd Battalion Lincoln­ shire Regiment; 1st Battalion Sherwood Foresters; Burgess is one of the original team that started Major Reeves, late The Buffs ; J. Binks, Esq. (ex-Mile at Aldershot in 1927. Sgt. Bell follows him Record Holder), Honorary Organiser, London to in at 26th, another of his great efforts for the Brighton Relay Race. i n J C / V-IV u a o L i U U i M K . 1 1 JC/^VIVJL

Back Row. Pte. Skinner, Pte. Skinner G., Pte. Hayde, Pte. Alnwick, L/Cp. Belson, Pte. Long. Ptc. Divers, Pte. Bell, L/Cp. Insole, Pte. Inman. F ro n t Row. Pte. Watts, Cpl. Hurley, Sergt. Bell, R.S.M. Vaughan, Lt.-Col. The Hon. P. G. Scarlett, M.C., C.S.M./O.R.sS. Ongley, D.C.M., Sergt. Trinkwon, L/Cp. Prankham, Pte. Burgess. THE DRAGON 109

C/Cpl. Frankham gains his Army Badge On the 22nd March the team .returned to for the second year in succession. Pte. Shorncliffe where they were welcomed by the Alnwick his Army Badge at the first attempt. battalion. At night they were given a dinner Frankham will no doubt run for the Army in in honour of their victory at which the Com­ the Inter-Services this year. manding Officer presented a very fine Silver The Army Cross-Country . Challenge Cup Cup to the battalion on which the records of was presented by Major-General C. Bonham the Cross-Country Team are recorded so that Carter, C.B., C.M.G., D.S.O. On this occasion a permanent record may be kept for all time. the Cup was received by the Colonel of the Now we prepare for the Condon to Brighton Regiment; no doubt this was a happy Relay on 15th April. This race starts from moment ; each member received a silver Big Ben (Palace Yard). medal. So ended another great day for the battalion. * - - Personalia. r P H E Colonel of the Regiment took the Service on August 13th. Mr. O’Malley is Chair at a meeting of the Committee of well-known to the 2nd Battalion, having been the Kent Cadets Brigade on March 11th, their Chaplain at Aldershot, and is an Associate when Colonel Dawes was elected Commandant Member of our Condon Branch. He is now and Chairman, and Colonel Burns was elected Senior Chaplain of the Southern Command. Assistant Commandant and Vice-Chairman; attended the 8th Battalion Dinner and Condon Colonel Burns has been taking a holiday Branch meeting on the 18th; was present in Malta, which is a very pleasant place at at the Army Cross-Country on the 21st at this time of the year, but not so pleasant in Colchester; presented Major Wilkins and the summer, as old members of the 1st Battalion Messrs. Walker and Cewis at the King’s Cevee who were quartered there in 1885 will remember. on the 28th ; and attended the Golfing Society meeting on April 1st. The Colonel had We offer our sympathy to Mrs.- Bradley arranged to be present at the Weald Branch Dyne on the death of her mother, Mrs. Sarsfield Dinner on the 16th, but the date was changed Hall. to the 30th owing to the Ashford by-election, which, to his great regret, made it impossible Cieut.-Colonel C. E. and Mrs. Baynes for him to attend the dinner. have been staying for some time at Estoril, Sir Arthur has accepted an invitation to Portugal, and we are glad to hear that Mrs. join the Committee of " The Newport Market Baynes has benefited very much by the change. Army Bands School ” (so called from the Colonel Baynes w rites: " There is no locality in which it was first established). doubt that this is the best spot in Europe for The school is now located at Darrick Wood, sunshine in winter time.” Orpington, and is part of “ The Shaftesbury Homes and Arethusa Training Ship ” organisa­ We thank Cieut.-Colonel C. P. Hawkes tion. It has supplied over 2,000 lads to Army very much indeed for his historical short sketch Bands. of the Old Stagers published in this number. The point-to-point season has started— One of Cord Milne’s last acts before he left Shorncliffe Drag and West Street Harriers— the War Office was a singularly kind and Major Field and Messrs. Coates and Crozier characteristic one. He sent for Mr. C. Atkins, so far being our only riders. the well-known member of the Condon Branch, We understand we shall have a very big who had been his Messenger for the past seven field in the Regimental Race on the 17th years, thanked him warmly for his services instant at the East Kent Point to Point. and presented him with a signed photograph and a very handsome pair of sleeve links. Captain H. H. C. Baird is back at Prince’s, his cruise having worked wonders. We much We are sure our readers will be delighted regret to hear that Mrs. Baird celebrated to hear that the Dean of Canterbury, their return home by a nasty accident, some­ has invited the Rev. J. J. E. O’Malley, O.B.E., body's second at the 18th hitting her—full M.A., to give the address at the Remembrance pitch—on the head while standing in the n o THE d r a g o n

Club House doorway. We are very glad to in the ring in the evening, but it was obviously hear that the accident was not so serious as impossible for him to continue and the referee at first feared and that Mrs. Baird is out and stopped the fight. But what a fine show about again. Phillips put up !

The Shorncliffe Garrison Amateur Dramatic We congratulate 2/Eieut. R. J. OXone, Club recently produced " The Ghost Train ” Indian Army, on his award of the Norman at the Pleasure Garden Theatre, Folkestone, Medal in passing out from Sandhurst last which according to report was a great success. December. Eieut. OXone is an Associate The following is an extract from a con­ Member of our Association and a member temporary :—“ Individually I should place of that family so long connected with the Captain R. Tuke (2nd Battalion The Buffs) Regiment, known as Colley, Woods, Borland, as deserving of the highest praise: his Charman and Edwards. portrayal of the stationmaster was a clever piece of characterisation, and he rose to great We were very glad to see Mrs. Spinner histrionic heights when relating the legend at the recent Eondon Branch meeting, looking of the ghost train.” very well and, we hope, fully recovered after her illness. We have to thank Captain E. Foster Hall for having once again compiled the Index to The Dragon for last year. We are very glad to hear that Sgt. Kennedy, Captain Foster Hall is having a busy time late Band-Sergeant of the 2nd Battalion, is in Singapore. He has met some old friends getting on very well as Bandmaster at that and admirers of the Regiment. excellent institution, The St. Augustine’s Home for Boys at Sevenoaks, which has already We congratulate Captain W. E. Oakley, supplied a number of boys for the 2nd Battalion the well-known member of the Ashford Branch, Band. on the fine work he is doing as Secretary of the Kent Cadets. We are very pleased to congratulate the following members on having obtained recently hieut. T. H. Spear has just completed his through our Association the following appoint­ attachment to the French Forces. From all ments :— accounts he has had a very interesting, arduous Mr. Carvell, Caddy Master, R y e; Mr. and happy time. Parrett, Fireman Warder, British Museum; Mr. Spear is now in Eondon. We have to Mr. Pierce and Mr. Potter, permanent employ­ thank him for an article published in this ment in the Kent County Council Transport; number depicting certain of his experiences. Mr. Stuart, Steward, Kent Club, Folkestone ; Mr. Barr, Hall Porter, Haslemere ; Mr. Hyett, We understand that the 1st Battalion is Waiter, Naval and Military Club ; Mr. Scally, at present undergoing Training (less “A” under Kent County Transport. Company), which we presume is the cause of the sparcity of news received from the battalion We regret to announce the death of Mr. John for publication in this number. Kelly, which occurred at Nash, near Tenbury, Captain H. F. G. d’Arcy Symonds is at the age of 74. Mr. Kelly enlisted into the employed at District Headquarters. Regiment in 1870 as a Band Boy. His father Captain E. H. Allen is about to become was a Sergeant in the Regiment. Mr. Kelly Brigade Major. served in the Zulu War and then went to Maymyo is getting warmer. Hong Kong, subsequently qualifying as a Bandmaster at Kneller Hall and appointed We heartily congratulate Mr. Roberts and in 1887 Bandmaster to the West Indian Pte. Phillips of the 4th Battalion on the very Regiment. He retired in 1924, having com­ fine show they put up at the Territorial Boxing pleted 54 years’ service. Competition at the Albert Hall. They most Mr. Kelly leaves a son and two daughters, worthily represented the Kent Territorial to whom we offer our sincere sympathy. and The Buffs. Mr. Roberts went far and had very bad luck in not going to the end. Pte. We very much regret to hear of the death Phillips fought the runner-up of last year of Mr. W. Tamblin, D.C.M., M.M., M.S.M. and won easily on points, but he received (late Sgt., 6th Battalion The Buffs), and offer a severe cut over one of his eyes which our sympathy to his widow and family. The necessitated a visit to the Westminster Hospital late Mr. Tamblin was a keen member of our and three stitches. In spite of this he appeared Association. THE DRAGON 111

The first meeting of the London Branch M a r r ia g e . at its new Headquarters was a tremendous Fullwood—Change.—6281867 Pte. Fullwood, success. Although the room is considerably married to Mabel Annie Change at Meerut, larger, it was a case of " House Full.” 20/11/30.

The Colonel of the Regiment, also Colonel Death. Findlay and Captain Barton (Chairman of the Medway Branch) paid a visit to the London Charlton.—6281890 Cpl. W. Charlton, “H.Q.,” Branch on March 18th after dining with the daughter, Constance Grace, died at Chilham, 8th Battalion. Kent, 18/1/33.

That grand old Buff, Snowball Manning, took the Chair for the London Branch Concert last month. Needless to say he had arranged O bituary. a first class array of talent ably supported Telham Place, by the members of his family, the Ladies’ Battle, Guild and the Branch. Sussex. March 1 lth, 1933. Dear Sir, The idea of the London Branch adopting I enclose the obituary notice from to-day's Times of W. H. Wyld. It is inaccurate so far as the first less fortunate members, whereby a man in part of his service is concerned. He joined the 2nd work pays the subscription of a man to keep Battalion The Buffs as Ensign, October 16th, 1867, him a member of the Association is an example became Captain on March 14th, 1876, and-exchanged of real comradeship. into the 16th Lancers, January 1st, 1881. The above facts I have taken from an Army last, January, 1886. We hear that somewhere about fifty He served with the 2nd Battalion throughout the Zulu members of the London Branch were so War and was at the Actions of Ingezane and Gmginhlovo. adopted last meeting. The idea came from Yours, our friend Major H. G. James and went down A. H. TyEDRN-PaTTENSON. with the enthusiasm it so richly deserved. A Captain W. H. Wyld. similar scheme was introduced some time ago Captain William Henry Wyld, who died at his by the Margate Branch. house in Hurstboume Priors last Wednesday at the age of 84, was the son of the Rev. W. T. Wyld, of Wood- borough, Pewsey. He went to Marlborough in 1860 We remind readers that it is essential to .under Dr. Bradley and played for two years in the warn in early for the London Branch Ladies’ cricket XI. “ Poppy ” Wyld, as he was called by his intimates from his auburn hair, was devoted to his old Festival and Branch Reunion Dinner at Maison school, intensely interested in her ahtletic fortunes, Lyons on May 6th next. Accommodation is and throughout his long life rarely missed attending limited to 250 and tickets can be obtained the annual match with Rugby at Lord’s. from Mr. E. Waters, 84 Stockwell Gardens, Leaving Marlborough in 1867 he joined the 16th Lancers, and saw active service with his regiment S.W.9, or by telephone, Battersea 2657. in the Zulu campaign of 1879. Retiring with the rank of Captain in 1888, he made a most happy marriage Captain Enright is anxious to know the and devoted himself for the rest of his life to sport and country pursuits. He was a fine rider, a first- whereabouts of Mr. Kible, late Reg. No. 7707, rate shot, and an expert fisherman. In his early prime 8th Battalion. He is believed to be residing he played a great deal of cricket and made a great in London or employed by a shipping company many runs for the M.C.C. and the Yorkshire Gentlemen. and on board a ship. Well on into middle age he played for the Hurstboume Priors Club, and was a very good wicketkeeper as well as a batsman. He played golf and shot until he was over 80, and his love of dogs and of fishing is happily commemorated in “ Pilot and Other Stories ” and “ Where the Bright Waters Meet,” by his friend, Mr. Births, Marriage and Death. Plunket Green, who, for 10 years, was his near neighbour at Hurstboume Priors. Births. In character Wyld was a mixture of shrewdness Dixey.—6281692 L/Sgt. J. Dixey, “H.Q.,” and simplicity, and, though he never took an active part in public affairs, he was well known and respected son, Graham Edward, born at Maymyo, for his integrity and kindliness. He was emphatically 22/1/33. no idler; he spent most of his time out of doors, but Ingram.—6282077 L/Cpl. W. Ingram, “A,” was a great reader and his memory was well stocked a son, Christopher Robin, born at Maymyo, with curious information. With him there passes a great gentleman and a fine sportsman. He enjoyed 5/1/33. life and helped to make it enjoyable, by his company Watts.—6284452 Pte. G. Watts, "C,” a son, and hospitality, for all his many friends, both young Roy Victor, bom at Shorncliffe, 3/4/32. and old. 112 TH£ DRAGON

Mr. William John Smith. We regret to record the death of Mr. William John Correspondence. Smith, late of 16 Seafield Road, Ramsgate, Kent, on 22 Hospital Dane, February 8th, 1933, in his seventy-ninth year. The Canterbury, funeral took place at the St. Lawrence Cemetery on February 13th, at 2.30 p.m. Kent. Mr. Smith, the son of the late Colour-Sergeant March 24th, 1933. Charles Smith, 70th Foot and Fast Kent Regiment The Secretary, Past and Present Association. (The Buffs), was born in India in 1854 and remained Dear Sir, there with his parents until 1859, when the family returned to England. After a three months’ voyage, I wish to tender my thanks to the Colonel.of the on arrival at Spithead, the transport Eastern Monarch Regiment, Major-General Sir Arthur Dynden-Bell, was destroyed by fire (the night before the day fixed K.C.B., K.C.M.G., and also to the Secretary, Colonel for disembarkation). Many children were burned H. Findlay, C.B.E., and not forgetting the Past and or drowned. The family proceeded to St. Mary's Present Association for the great assistance they have Barracks, Chatham, and some time afterwards were given me in obtaining the situation of Fireman-Warder transferred to Colchester, Essex, and then to Canterbury, at the British Museum (Natural History), Cromwell his father having been appointed to the Permanent Road-, London, S.W. I feel sure that had I not been Staff of the East Kent (Militia) Regiment. a member of the Association the situation would not Mr. Smith enlisted, as a boy, into the 82nd Foot, have come along as it did. I would like to urge all and was later transferred to his father’s old regiment, Buffs to join, because the Association can do so much the 70th Foot (East Surrey Regiment). He proceeded for them. I would like to add that men are obtained to India with his regiment and served through the and -appointed for the Corps of Commissionaires, who Afghan Campaign with the Bolan Pass Force. After are ex-policemen. his return to England he joined the Band of the Chatham I will endeavour to look out for employment for ex- Division of the Royal Marines, under Herr Von Kappey. Buffs and those who are about to leave the Service He was transferred to the Permanent Staff of the 3/4th whilst I am in London. Battalion East Kent Regiment (Militia) and on the Wishing the Association every success. mobilization of the 3rd Battalion in 1885, proceeded to Yours obediently, . Chatham. He formed the Band, which became very R. V. ParreTT. popular in the district during the period the regiment was stationed there. On his return to Canterbury after demobilization, he was associated with the musical Gore Court, activities in the city. He acted as Bandmaster to the Goudhurst, Royal East Kent Yeomanry, under the Earl of Guildford, Kent. also the Band of "B” and “C” Companies (Canterbury March 11 th,- 1933. East Kent Rifles, and City Band. On the mobilization Dear Mr. Editor, of the 3rd Battalion East Kent Regiment, he proceeded to South Africa with the battalion as Bandmaster, I have been glad to note that the Museum has under the command of Colonel Sir Theodore Brinckman, lately received the gift of a copy of the Medal Roll for Bart., and on his return to Canterbury he finally the South African War. And as it has acquired others, retired, with a total service of over 45 years. On the progress is being made in the right direction. But the outbreak of war on August 4th, 1914, lie volunteered difficulty to be faced before completion can be. con­ for service, but was not accepted on account of his templated is with regard to the awards for Punniar. age. He, however, did duty with the Army Pay and The Stars for this battle were presented by the Govern­ Barrack Departments. ment of India and there is not, I gather, any official Roll now in existence. When the West Kents published the first portion of their Medal Rolls in 1928, being Regimental Museum. in the same predicament, their editor met it in this QNLY one presentation has been made this month, way. He says : “ I have been unable to trace a Medal but it is of such interest that it is outstanding Roll for this campaign .... I have secured a copy amongst our exhibits. It is the flag of His Majesty the of the Muster Roll of the Regiment at the time of King of Denmark and presented by him to the Regi­ the battle and have detailed those as shown as away ment with his authorisation that it may be flown on from headquarters,” and he prints this. three special occasions annually. Each Battalion and Will anyone take up the subject with a view to the Depot have a replica which will be actually used the same information being obtained for The Buffs ? while the Original has been deposited in the Museum Yours sincerely, by the Officer Commanding the 2nd Battalion. J ohn A. Druce. It seems strange that during the present regimental connection with the Royal House of Denmark which March 21st, 1933. has been in existence for the past 26 years no sign or badge has been used to commemorate such connection. Dear Sir, For fear that I may receive letters of protest from those The 8th Battalion Dinner. who know, I must exclude from this remark the Drum- The Tenth Annual Dinner was held at the Bedford Major’s Sash, which was taken into use in the 1st Head Hotel, Mardin Lane, Strand, on March 18th, Battalion in 1907 and which is now in the Museum, the Chair being taken by Major A. G. Hamilton. It the badge of the Order of the Dannebrog was included was a very happy gathering and was made more so in the devices on this Badge. by haying General Sir Arthur Lynden-Bell, K.C.B., As reminiscences now appear in this short note, K.C.M.G., present. one may recall that in 1907 a deputation headed by the Colonel H. Findlay, C.B.E., and Major R. W. Keown, Colonel of the Regiment, Sir Julius Raines, and com­ M.C., were the guests. prising Colonel G. V. Dauglish, Major C. C. Cobbe, and The Oh a irm an read telegrams from H.M. The King, Captain (now Brigadier-General) R. McDouall waited the Colonel-in-Chief, the King of Denmark, and the on His Majesty King Frederick VIII. at Copenhagen, London Branch. and later in the year the 1st Battalion from Dover, The toast of “ The Regiment ” was proposed by and the 3rd Battalion from Shomcliffe were moved by R.Q.M.S. Leonard and soon we were back to the days train to Qldershot to take part in the Royal Review of 1914 when we were under canvas at Shoreham, on Laffans Plain before Their Majesties the K in gs of which brought back pleasant memories of how that England and Denmark. great R.S.M., Micky, now Captain Barton, shaped us The Curator. THE DRAGON 113 into soldiers, and although in those days he was called 3 Sandown Terrace, anything but a saint, the dinner would not be a dinner Sandown Road, if he was not there. Deal. “ The Guests ” was proposed by Gordon Findley, The Editor, “ The Dragon.” M.C., and we all felt honoured to have Colonel H. Dear Sir, Findlay, C.B.E., with us, and I believe we are the first I have just read the article in this month’s issue of service battalion to have the Secretary of the Association The Dragon re a Christmas Trek in Upper Burma, to dine with us. where mention is made of the Goteik Gorge. When the 1st Battalion were at Maymyo in 1902, I, with several General Sir Arthur spoke to us in his usual manner, others of the battalion, walked there to see one of the and I am pleased to say that five more have come back most wonderful sights I have ever seen. I can still into the fold. remember when I looked over the side of the top of The Committee trust that next year they will be the bridge seeing some of our men swimming in the able to seat 150 so as to pay Mr. Gordon Findley, M.C., pool below, all those hundreds of feet under u s; their for his untiring work in making the dinners a success. bodies looked just like very small white frogs. If any of the battalion now stationed at Maymyo miss seeing R.W.W. that sight they' will miss one of the finest sights of Upper Burma. I was very sorry to read of the death of Ex-Sergeant- W. D. Constabulary, Major Bennell, who was in The Depot when I enlisted R.A.O.C. Depot, in 1897. Weedon, Thanking you for inserting this in your next issue, March 14th, 1933. Yours truly, The Secretary, Past and Present Association. G. Co n w a y , Dear Sir, Fate 5419. I feel I would like to place on record my appreciation Dear Sir, of all the help I have been given which has resulted in Just a line to let you know that I am now fairly? my present appointment in the War Department settled down in my new situation at Camber. I started Constabulary. my duties on 13th instant and find them quite to my My past and Present officers and the Association liking. I should also like to thank you for your have helped me tremendously and I would like to give assistance in obtaining this position, for I fully realise all my ^fateful, though belated, thanks. that without your aid I should not have heard of the I am, Sir, vacancy let alone secured the position. I can assure you I will do my best by my Employers and not let the Yours truly, Regiment down. A. G. Gibson, Will you please forward me the Dragon monthly, Fate No. 6279153, C.Q.M.S. The Buffs. i.e., from March copy to December. P.O. for 6/- enclosed. I am, Sir, Yours Obediently, Broadwater Estate, STEPHEN C. CARVEIX. Snngir Siput, " Redcote," Pirak, F.M.S., Camber, near Rve, 6/1/33. 21/3/33. The Editor, The Dragon. Canterbury. Sir, The Buffs Golfing Society. Please find enclosed P.O. for 10/- being for " The Duck," for current year. Please use the balance as HPHE thanks of the Society are due to the Committee you wish. and Members of New Zealand Golf Club and to Captain W. C. Famarque for a most enjoyable day on It might interest some of the old 2nd Battalion the 2nd March, when a match was played against The people to hear of Tanglin (Singapore). I paid a visit Household Brigade. In a series of closely contested there recently and was made very welcome by the matches, our opponents proved too much for us, Sergeants’ Mess of the Gloucesters. winning by 7 matches to 3. The old Officers' Mess was burnt down some years ago and has been replaced by a splendid stone structure. Here are the full results:— The old Sergeants’ Mess has been scrapped and a really Buffs G.S. Household Brigade G.S. N. R. Reeves {1 hole)...... 1 Lt.-Col. J. S. Hughes...... 0 splendid new building erected on the same site. The H. B. Vertue (halved) ... 0 Capt. C. E. Maturin-Baird (hlvd.)O barracks, generally, have been very much improved. C. T. Kenward...... 0 J. E. Harrison (1 hole) ... 1 Electric light, water laid on to all bungalows, modern Capt. C. E. A. Terry (halved)... 0 Major E- R. M. Fryer (halved) 0 Capt. W. C. Lamarque (3 & 2) 1 Major R. V. M a rty n ...... 0 sanitary. arrangements and a lorry for carrying the C. Haggard ...... 0 Capt. T. G. Lindsay (2 and 1) I Guard to and from Government House, are some of the Col. W. H. Trevor ...... 0 R. N. Brinckman (4 and 3) ... 1 things that took my eye. Capt. S. Baker...... 0 C. E. H. P. Warner (6 and 5) 1 Truly, it would seem that the Army is a better place Total ...... 2 Total 4 for a young chap than it used to be, although it was not F oursomes. too bad in my time. Reeves and Vertue ...... 0 Hughes & Harrison (2 holes) 1 Kenward and Terry ...... 0 Maturin-Baird and Martyn Best of luck to all “ Buffs,” past and present from (7 and 6) 1 one who is still proud to call himself " One of ’em." Trevor and Haggard (4 and 2} 1 Fryer and Lindsay ...... 0 Sincerely yours, Lamarque and Baker...... 0 Brinckman and Warner (2 & 1) 1 T. Trevor, Grand Total ...... 3 Grand Total ...... 7 Fate Sgt. 6394, Result: Household Brigade Golfing Society won by 7 matches to 3. 114 THE DRAGON

Memories of an Old Buff. The Tw ins. I might say that the demeanour of the Jones’s JN the Service, when the efficiency of a battalion themselves, up to now, under cross-examination, had depends, to such a large extent, on the Regimental always been perfectly respectful. Staff, if the routine is to run smoothly, any thing which It was at the monthly muster parade, in the end, upsets it is most annoying—and it is surprising what that things took a really serious turn—when both a relatively small thing will have this result. the J ones's had to be on parade—and in relation to not answering his name distinctly, the Regimental Sergeant- Some years ago there was a private in the Regiment Major found occasion to speak, rather sharply, to one called Pte. Jones, A. Up to the time on which the of them. And the J ones in question answered him back, following story commences, although his name had in a most improper manner, for which he was placed appeared occasionally in the minor offence report, in the Guard-room and brought up in the Orderly Room he had always been a clean, well-behaved soldier, next morning. The Commanding Officer considered but it was owing to him that the trouble commenced. it such a serious case that he was put back for Regi­ In those days a regulation existed in the Army mental Court-Martial. under which, if the exigencies of the service permitted Of course there was nO doubt they had the right and the case was within the prescribed degree of relation­ J ones this time, but the real question was, which ship, a man was entitled to claim a relation, if serving of the Jones’s was the right one, and the point of in another regiment, to be transferred to his own identity was of the greatest importance. battalion, though as far as I recollect, it was contingent The Adjutant, in reading out the crime, in the on his serving in the same branch of the service, and it Orderly Room, had, perforce, been obliged to slur appeared that J ones had a twin brother who came with­ over tile number and the initial of the prisoner, but in this Regulation. On the strength of this, an appli­ this could not be done on a Court-Martial. cation was put forward in due course and his brother There was no precedent for a case of this sort, and twin was transferred to his unit. the prisoner could not be expected to incriminate him­ Although to all outward appearance, at first, this self—also it would have been unfair to demand that his made no difference, it was from this date that the twin brother should do so, so it was referred to higher trouble really commenced. For the other Jones, authority—namely, the Judge Advocate. whose Christian name was Michael, had, according to After a long time the Judge Advocate sent the legal custom, been medically examined on transfer and the ruling, covering several closely typewritten sheets, usual form had been prepared with his other documents worded, however, in such a way that he carefully and his description might equally have been that of omitted committing himself to anything definite, in Jones, A. himself. There were absolutely no special accordance with legal custom, in like cases, but which, marks of any kind whatever (a most unusual circum­ when reduced to plain English, implied that he did not stance, by the way) to show the difference between the know the right answer himself, and there, as far as he twins—and to make matters worse, they were was concerned, the matter ended. apparently inclined to take advantage of it, which This was, however, a bit hard on the Commanding was most confusing, because it was quite impossible, Officer. He, however, had the prisoner brought up without their help, to tell one from the other—and they, again and told him, that owing to the question of seemed rather to enjoy the circumstances. identity the charge could not be proceeded with and If, by any chance, the harassed Colour-Sergeant that he must therefore be discharged, but that he charged Jones, A. with a cloth brush, which had actually hoped that the time he had spent in the guard-room been issued to Jones, M., it was impossible for him to would be a lesson to him—in future—and that his own know to which to debit the cost, in the pay list, and sense of what was right, would make him apologise it made both their accounts wrong! But in small to the Sergeant-Major. matters of this kind the twins were generally inclined At that time the Battalion was in camp by the sea­ to be amiable, and they settled the matter between shore, undergoing the Annual Course of Musketry, themselves, but for some reason or another they had and on their arrival there, had received strict orders got up against the Regimental-Sergeant-Major and it that, on account of the currents on that coast, bathing was when questions concerning the duty roster arose, was only to be permitted at one spot and within certain that they seemed to take a devilish delight in upsetting hours, and Regimental Police had been, told off to things and the worst of it was that in this respect he patrol the precincts of the camp to see that the order was at their mercy. In a very short time the Adjutant was obeyed—and to prevent promiscuous bathing. also had a weary look, whenever the name of J ones The Jones’s, I might mention, were splendid came up. swimmers, and were very proud of their accomplish­ Now the Regimental-Sergeant-Major, who, quite ment, so one day they determined to dodge the Regi­ naturally, prided himself on the accuracy with which mental Police and have a swim out of hours. his duty roster was kept, was getting thinner and Soon after they entered the sea one of them got into thinner and acquired a wild and harassed look in his difficulties and in spite of a gallant attempt at his eyes, and onlookers could see that things were gradually rescue, on the part of his brother, was carried away coming to such a pass with him that any thing might by the current and drowned—his brother only escaping happen, in fact, there were fears at last that, in a the same fate by a very narrow margin. moment of sheer desperation, he might even be tempted When the Coroner's inquest was held, the survivor to put his head in a gas oven ! was invited to give his full name and with this request Of course, as is usually the case, all sorts of from the Coroner he complied, stating that he was suggestions were made, but none of them, save one, Pte. Jones, A., and the usual verdict was returned— were really at all helpful, and this was that one of the so that, officially, the m atter was ended. But although Jones should be placed permanently on Regimental nothing had transpired officially, it became known Employ—which would keep him' off the duty roster— through the medium of the other men in the barrack- and in the end, the situation became.so grave that this room, that Michael, who had been drowned had always was actually arranged and Jones, A. was made Sergeants’ from his birth been of a reckless and adventurous Mess waiter. nature and that his parents, knowing this and that his THE DRAGON 115 Records of Other Regiments.

1st THE ROYAL DRAGOONS. Battle H onours. active service, and on several occasions they distin­ guished themselves, notably in 1664 when a party of Borne on the Guidon :—“ Tangier, 1662/1680.” Tangier Horsemen, under Captain Witham, routed a “ Dettingen.” “ Warburg.” “ Beaumont.” Moorish Army from Fez and captured its scarlet “ Willems. ” “ Puentes d'Onor. ” "Peninsula.” standard. In another action, fought on September “ Waterloo.” " Balaclava.” " Sevastopol.” 27th, 1680, it is recorded of the regiment that " its troopers fought with distinguished bravery, capturing “ Relief of Ladysmith.” “ South Africa, 1899/ a standard of curious workmanship.” At last the 1902.” “ Ypres, 1914, ’15.” “ Prezenberg.” English Parliament decided that to hold Tangier “ Loos.” " Arras, 1917.” " Somme, 1918.” cost more in blood and treasure than the place was “ Amiens.” “ Hindenburg Line.” " Cambrai, worth; they declined to vote any more supplies for 1918.” " Pursuit to Mons.” " Prance and Flan­ continuing its defence, so the British garrison blew up ders, 1914/18.” the mole, evacuated the place and returned home, * * * * where they soon had to fight against the unfortunate Nowadays the mention of “ Tangier ” awakens in followers of the Duke of Monmouth at the Battle of the minds of most people a mental picture of an interest­ Sedgemoor. ing city of " the Nearest East,” governed by some Shortly after the regiment's return home it was queer sort of an international committee and much granted the title of " The King’s Own Royal Regiment frequented by tourists of all nations, eager to bask in of Dragoons,” a title soon shortened to “ The Royal the African sun. But to our ancestors in the days of Dragoons,” by which name it has continued to be known Charles II., the mention of Tangier would conjure up up to the present date. John Churchill, afterwards visions of an outpost of European civilization, constantly famous as the great Duke of Marlborough, served in besieged by fanatical Moslems. Tangier became a the regiment at this period. British possession as part of the dowry of Catherine of The Royal Dragoons were with William of Orange Braganza, when she married "th e Merry Monarch.” in his campaigns in Ireland and on the continent. No doubt the Portuguese were rather glad to get rid They , also served under Marlborough in the Nether­ ot it. lands, and afterwards took part in the campaign in Among the British soldiers sent out to garrison Portugal, 1706/1710, under the Earl of Peterborough. Tangier in 1661 were several troops of Cuirassiers, who were formed into a regiment known as The Tangier At Dettingen the regiment captured the standard Horse. For over twenty years they were constantly on of one of the crack corps of the French army—The Mousquetaires Noir. Later, The Royal Dragoons served under the Marquis of Granby in Germany, 1760/62, under the Duke of York in Flanders, 1793/4, and under The Duke of Wellington in the Peninsula Memories of and Old Buff —Continued. and at Waterloo. The gallantry of the regiment in brother Alfred had a different character, had asked the last-mentioned battle was particularly notable. him to obtain the transfer. Further, though this only The Royal Dragoons, as part of the Union Brigade, rested on surmise, that Alfred, finding that he could charged a French column 4,000 strong, and " after a not keep him in control, took the onus of his escapades, desperate fight, returned With a French Eagle,” This in most cases, on his own shoulders. trophy, the Eagle of the 105th French Regiment of However this might be, the routine in the battalion Infantry of the Line, was captured by Captain Kennedy- from this time went back to normal. The Adjutant Clark (who was severely wounded in the struggle). lost his weary look when the name of Jones was men­ This officer then handed it to Corporal Francis Stiles, tioned and the Regimental-Sergeant-Major lost his to take it to the rear. Corporal Stiles was rewarded strained look in his eyes and regained his weight again. with a commission in The West India Regiment. A This story only shows how delicate the Machinery representation of the captured Eagle is worn as a collar- that provides the right discipline in a battalion really badge by The Royal Dragoons at the present time. is, and how easily, either by accident, or intention, The next active service of the regiment was in the it can be deranged by the simple process of dropping Crimea, where they were again in close companionship either a spanner or some other foreign substance, into with their comrades of the Union Brigade : so called the works ! because it consisted of an English Regiment (The Royal 116 THE DRAGON

Dragoons), a Scottish Regiment (The Royal Scots. Greys), and an Irish Regiment (The Inniskilling Mont Louis. Dragoons). At Balaclava they took part in the charge T H E Citadelle of Mont Louis, the French military of the Heavy Brigade—one of the most successful charges Ecole de ski in the Pyrenees, is a frontier fort in the history of British cavalry, though so far as the built by Vauban in the reign of Louis XIV. to guard " man in the street” is concerned its fame has "been the Col de la Perche at the junction of the valleys of entirely eclipsed by the Charge of the Bight Brigade, the Tet and the Laude. It is situated at an altitude immortalized by Tennyson’s poem. of 4,800 feet. The village, if it can be called one, consists only of a few houses an c a hotel, and is built A detachment of the regiment formed part of the inside the outer ring of fortifications which, looked at Heavy Camel Regiment in the Nile Expedition, from the surrounding mountains, present a most 1884/85, but otherwise The Royal Dragoons led an imposing appearance. uneventful existence on home service until the Boer War of 1899/1902, when the regiment took part in the The school is concerned chiefly with the training Relief of Ladysmith. of the sections of eclairenrs skieures from the infantry During the Great War the 1st Royal Dragoons regiments of the 31st Division. This division is specially served for over four years on the Western Front. They trained and equipped for mountain warfare, and the saw a good deal of hard fighting and suffered very regiments of which it is composed have the title of heavy casualties at the First and Second Battles of " Infanterie Alpine ” and the distinction of wearing the Ypres. In company with the 9th Battalion The Royal beret, which one usually associates with Chasseur Irish Fusiliers, the 1st Royal Dragoons fought a most Battalions. creditable rearguard action at Villeselve, on March The sections, whose strength is normally about forty, 24th, 1918. Of their work on this day Sir Arthur Conan commanded by a subaltern, are sub-divided into three Doyle records, in his book “ The British Campaign in groups, each commanded by a Sergeant. They are France and Flanders,” how ” The 1st Royal Dragoons composed of specially picked men, usually volunteers, were prominent in a fine charge in which they sabred and form a sort of corps d'elite in the regiment. many of the enemy and relieved the pressure upon the At Mont Louis there are also sections from the Irish Fusiliers of the 109th Brigade at a time when it divisional artillery and sappers, and a certain number was very heavy.” of officers who do short courses lasting from ten to twelve One Victoria Cross has been awarded to a member days. There was also, during my stay, a three-day of the regiment. This was won by 2/Lieut. J. S. course for senior officers, and I was most struck by the Dunville in 1917. He was in charge of a party of gallant way in which these elderly gentlemen, most scouts and sappers engaged on demolition work, and of whom had never been on skis before, launched them­ deliberately placed himself between an N.C.O. of the selves down the first slope. R.E. and the enemy’s fire, so that the N.C.O. might The training period of the sections of eclaireurs complete a technical job of great importance. Though skieures is about two months, dependent, naturally, severely wounded, 2/Lieut. Dunville continued to on the early or late arrival of the snow. During the direct his men in wire-cutting until the raid was com­ time they are at Mont Louis they are worked very hard pleted. He afterwards died of wounds received on indeed. Their drill on skis, turning at the halt, coming this occasion. to attention, marching past, etc., is most impressive Twenty-nine Battle Honours have been won by the to watch, and anyone who has done winter sports will regiment, whose cap-badge is the Royal Crest of recollect, perhaps with pain, that to be smart and England (Lion and Crown) with their title on a scroll soldierly on skis is not at all an easy accomplishment. below. The regimental motto is “ Spec temur On my first morning at Mont Louis, we paraded at Agendo.” (Judge us by our deeds). The regimental 7.30 a.m.—and I assure you it was extremely cold. nick-names are " The Bird Catchers ” or " The Eagle We then marched for about two hours up to a col above Takers.” It is of interest to note that H.R.H. The the citadelle, where we spent the day. The men worked Emperor of Germany (Kaiser Wilhelm II) was Colonel- in relays making a machine gun emplacement, artillery in-Chief of the regiment from 1894 to 1914. observation post, regimental aid post and a shelter or igloo capable of holding a group (twelve men) with R. Maurice Hiij,. an emplacement for the fusil-mitrailleur joined to it by a tunnel roofed with branches of fir trees and then covered up with snow. The method of building an igloo is first of all to make a pile of beaten snow, the interior of which is then hollowed out by digging down as deeply as possible. The men not actually working were employed in Recruiting for the Territorial Army. practising " talemarchs,” “ christianias " and various acrobatics down-the neighbouring slopes. The Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for "War, Lieut.-Colonel the Rt. Hon. the Earl Stanhope, At midday we had an admirable lunch, cooked on D.S.O., M.C., accompanied by the Director General the ground, and at 3.30 p.m. the troops stopped work of the Territorial Army, General Sir William Thwaites, and paraded for the return to barracks. This latter K.C.B., K.C.M.G., A.D.C. General, is holding a series was carried out at full speed down a very steep path, of meetings in each Territorial Division Area for the with corkscrew turns from which the wind had blown purpose of stimulating recruiting in the Territorial away the snow, leaving solid ice underneath. I got Army. The first of these meetings, presided over by down it somehow—chiefly through divine intervention, the Mayor of Exeter, was held in the Exeter Guildhall and the knowledge that if I tumbled over about a on Monday, February 27th. Similar meetings will hundred eclaireurs skieures would probably pile up be held in the afternoon of March 2nd at Manchester, on the top of me. and in the evening at Leeds, and these will be continued On arrival at the citadelle we were met with the during the month at different centres throughout the news that there would be an exercise in night marching country terminating in a meeting in the Guildhall, on skis, commencing at 8.30 p.m.—this finished at London, at a later date. midnight. THE DRAGON 117

Section of Eclair eurs Ski cures.

The next morning, Saturday, we were on parade In spite, however, of this total lack of outside at 7.30 a.tn. and this time for a rear guard scheme ; amusements everybody is very cheerful and the scene most of the slopes over which it took place were heavily in the hotel after dinner is most animated. wooded and most difficult to get over. This lasted I found the officers, and for that matter all ranks till about 11.30 a.m. when we returned to Mont Louis. from the Commandant downwards, most extraordinarily The fundamental difference between civilian and kind and helpful and am more than grateful to them military ski-ing is that while in the former one searches for a visit, which I shall always look back on as one out nice clear snow slopes to go down, in the latter one- of the pleasantest weeks I have ever had the good fortune does everything possible to avoid them, and to move to spend. under cover of woods, rocks, etc., as naturally a man on a snow slope presents a perfect target, and is visible for miles. This fact detracts considerably from the pleasure of military ski-ing, especially when one is a complete beginner, and every hr tree seems to act as a magnet. This passion for trees is often referred to not unhumourously as “ la chute amourcuse.” There arc no half-holidays, or at least no regular weekly ones, in the French Army, so at 1.30 p.m. the troops paraded again and did gymnastics on skis (one would have thought they had done enough of it, dodging the obstacles in the morning), weapon training and the like, till 4 p.m. 1 have quoted these two days as being fairly typical, though frequently sections go out independently for a march anything up to 40 kilometres and put up for the night at a refuge, returning the following day, after doing sort of tactical scheme on the way—probably as enemy to another section marching out to do the same trip. You can imagine that after two months of this regime and with excellent food—for the messing in the Hector. French Army leaves nothing to be desired either in quantity, quality, or method of service- the troops are as fit as they could possibly be. The officers live in the fort, in quarters which are anything but luxurious and mess in the hotel where 1 stayed. Our Contemporaries. As regards distractions—there are none, not even Uy F acknowledge with thanks the receipt of the a cinema or a wireless set, and with a week-end com­ following journals :— mencing at 5 p.m. on Saturday, and ending with “ The Tiger and The Rose.” “ Aldershot Command reveille on Monday morning, there is not much chance News.” ” The Snapper.” “ The Green Howards’ of getting away except to spend the day at Font Rernou, Gazette.” ” St. George’s Gazette.” ” Journal of The the local winter sports station, or Puigcerda, the nearest Hon. Artillery Co."' “ The Hampshire Regimental Spanish town across the frontier. Journal.” “ The Suffolk Regimental Gazette.” “ The The Spanish are very broad-minded in their ideas Covenanter.” “ Our Empire.” “ The Sapper.” of customs formalities, and Puigcerda on a Sunday “ The London Scottish Regimental Gazette.” “ Journal afternoon is full of French soldiers in uniform. of the Royal Army Service Corps.” 118 THE DRAGON The ‘ Old Stagers ’ and The Buffs. An Old Association during Cricket Week. Buffs (and the Pink’uns “ Dwarf of Blood ”), Annie JN August, 1842, the original " Old Stagers ” under Hughes, Mary and Kate Rorke, Rose Norreys and the Sir Spencer Ponsonby Fane and George Cavendish two Carlottas, Addison and Le Clerq. Bentinck, left London Bridge in a paddle-steamer In 1885 ' Hawkshaw the Detective ’ in The Ticket- for Ramsgate, whence they travelled by coach to of-Leave Man was played by J. W. Lowther, now Lord Canterbury and put up at The Fountain Inn, which Ullswater, a noted A.D.C, actor at Cambridge and has been their headquarters ever since. They gave subsequently Speaker of the House of Commons. In their first performances in the old dilapidated theatre this year, also, Charles Wyndham was a “ Smith.” in Orange Street, and the cast included names dis­ In 1891 O.S. celebrated their jubilee with appropriate tinguished then and afterwards : George Bentinck, festivities both in Canterbury and London and they are the manager and leading-man ; F. Ponsonby (after­ now within ten years of their centenary. wards Lord Bessborough) and his brother Spencer, for so long President of O.S. and arbiter in the Lord In the dark backward and abysm of time between Chamberlain's department of many hundreds of London the 'forties to the 'eighties the famous O.S. Epilogue productions; the Taylor brothers—Charles, the was a more or less impromptu and haphazard affair. cricketer; and Tom, just elected Fellow of Trinity, There might or might not be a ‘‘ plot ” stuck up, and and of future fame as Editor of Punch ; the Hon. the players were told to go on and do this or that R. Grimston ; J. Loraine Baldwin, one of the Zingari or burlesque the other all out of their own heads. But fathers and for so many years a familiar and gorgeous as years went on the Epilogue became more elaborate, figure in the Lord’s pavilion ; Captain P. Munday ; with a written book and rehearsals during the week. Captain W. Y. L. Baker ; M. G. Bruce ; T. A. Anson ; It is really now a miniature revue with individual and H. Ellison. The Misses Williams and Engeham ‘‘ numbers,” but certain traditional features and and Mrs. Nesbitt were the professional ladies who characters are religiously retained. There is a ” beauty “ assisted.” Tom Taylor wrote and spoke the prologue chorus ” to open ; once a character is “ on ” he does —which dealt mainly with Kent cricket, and the last not leave the stage again ; just before the end a four lines of which became almost classic :— diminutive ” Kentish Colt ” in cricketing kit brings on an enormous pasteboard bat and stumps ; and for The Motto still is “ Let the best man win ” ! the finale there enter successively and to speak appro­ Let Sussex boast her Taylor, Kent her Mynn, priate verses three ladies representing respectively the Your Cricketer, right English to the core Spirit of Kent, accompanied by the entire Kent Eleven Still loves the man best he has licked before. in flannels bearing a ” White Horse ” banner, the Spirit of I. Zingari supported by as many members as possible, 1845 saw the birth of I. Zingari, the amateur cricket wearing their ribands and carrying their banner, and club, at a meeting at the old Blenheim Hotel in Bond the Spirit of Old Stagers surrounded by the entire S treet; the Committee and all the officers being, strength of the Club gathered under their red, black with one exception, also members of O.S. Thus began and gold guidon. The stage is crowded with I.Z.'s, the joint existence and close association of the two O.S.'s and County Cricketers, and brilliant with colour, institutions with each other and with Kent cricket fair ladies and flowers ; and the O.S. verses are in­ which has proved lasting, so that the black, red and variably a message of appreciative thanks and farewell gold colours of I.Z. also adorn the ” shirt bosoms ” till next year to hospitable delightful Canterbury. of O.S. like the ribbons of an Order, at their annual gatherings during Canterbury Week. Lord Harris, the great cricketer, had been President To the programme of the same year Albert Smith for nigh on half a century when he died in 1932, having contributed as an entr'acte Le Pastillon de Ma’am played “ Lord St. Erth ” in Loyalties at the age of Ablou, a French comic song of his own composition. seventy-seven as recently as 1928: he has been Mrs. Alfred Wigan appeared for the first time at Canter­ succeeded by his son, who has acted in every production bury, and Sir Henry de Bathe, an O.S. of many years' since the War. Ralph Alderson took over the manage­ subsequent service, one of whose sons subsequently ment on Alan MacKinnon’s death, and he maintains married Mrs. Langtry, also made his debut. Anyone the company at the high standard of personal com­ playing with the company but not a member of the Club, petence and corporate ” playing together ” which was a " Smith,” and an announcement that ‘‘ the has always distinguished it. Changes of custom and numerous and talented Smith family, reckless of policy, of course, have necessarily occurred with the consequences, will appear in their native costume every passing years ; noms de th&dtve of ingenious invention, evening ” was always on the programme for instance, are no longer used, nor, though they elect no lady members, do Old Stagers now exclusively In 1857 Mrs. Keeley played, and the following rely on the " assistance ” of professional actresses. year Miss Woolgar (Mrs. Mellon), appeared as Madame But acting ability of a high order (tested by probationary Cordiale, wife of M. Entente, in Tom Taylor’s Epilogue. performances) and unselfish good-fellowship, are still In 1861 Charles Fechter was a " Smith ” ; and the the main qualifications of Old Stagership; as witness 'sixties saw many great actresses “ assisting ” : Kate and Ellen Terry, Lydia Foote, Nellie Farren and Mrs. Sir Francis Fladgate's classic parody of Kipling’s I f B andmann-Palmer. in the 1920 Epilogue : 1869 saw the production of Sullivan’s operetta, " If you can play your part while those about you Box and Cox, with the composer at the piano, Spencer Struggle with words, regardless of the cue ; Ponsonby Fane and Quintin Twiss in the name-parts If you can speak your lines, though prompter doubt you and Henry de Bathe as Bouncer. In the lists of the Yet make allowance for his doubting too ; 'seventies occur the names of Bill Yardley, the play­ wright and Cambridge cricketer; Augustus Spalding, If you can wait and not be tired of waiting Mrs. Bernard Beere, Fanny Brough, Miss Compton While others use the Fountain’s only Tub : and Samuel Brandram the reciter. In those of the If when you're chaffed—sometimes it's irritating— 'eighties are found Charley Colnaghi, Claude Ponsonby, Arthur Bourchier, Colonel Newnham-Davis of The You just chaff back, returning rub for rub : THE DRAGON m

If you can golf and not make golf your master And play lawn tennis merely for a game : Past and Present If you can sing a song without disaster And bear applause or hisses just the same. Association. If you can sit and hear the tale you cherished Told by a thief the messroom to amuse D isbursements . And watch the girl for whom you would have perished During the period 18/2/33 to 18/3/33 the following Deserting you for Dasher of the Blues, disbursements have been made :— £ s. cl. If you can walk with Deans and not get bumptious Feb. 22. Grant ,, ### l 0 0 And talk with " Frank ” to catch the cricket touch : 22. Grant .*• . l 0 0 When friendly critics say your acting’s scrumptious 22. Loan • •• ,• • ... 5 0 0 If you believe—a little, not too much. 23. Grant ♦ * 0 3 0 24. Loan • . • • 10 0 0 If you can make the ever flitting minute 24. Grant • •• • I 0 0 Bring sixty seconds’ worth of harmless fun 27. Grant • •• 0 10 0 Canterbury’s yours and everything that’s in it 28. Grant • • * ■ 2 0 0 28. Grant • * • • * » 0 11 6 And “ An Old Stager ” soon you’ll be, my son ! ” 28. Grant * 0 10 0 *•* Throughout the past half-century The Buffs have 28. Grant • ... 1 0 0 been closely associated with O.S. during successive 28. Grant • *« » • • • • 1 0 0 Mar. 4. Grant • •• 5 0 0 Canterbury Weeks : and in pre-war days such names 6. Grant 0 10 0 as Newnham-Davis and Fincli-Hatton, amongst many 8. Loan 5 0 0 others, were constantly in the programme. In recent 9. Grant 2 0 0 years. Majors Hardy, Tomlinson, Baird and Morgan *** . have, as Old Stagers, taken prominent parts in many 9. Grant 2 0 0 10. Grant »»« • • ... 0 15 0 successes; Miss Vera Lynden-Bell has figured as 15. Grant 1 0 0 premiere danseuse in all the Epilogues of the last four 2 years, and Miss Ann Finch-Hatton played in the last 15. Grant ... 0 0 production with notable success. Young officers used constantly to be available for minor parts which did not necessitate long rehearsal, and when ever “ armed New Members. guards,” ” soldiery,” or even “ a posse of police ” was needed, N.C.O.'s and men from the Depot used Life Members.—Privates Cooper, Tucker, A. Jones, always to be relied on to provide an efficient stand-by. Hodges, Cheeseman, McKenzie, B. W hite; Messrs. {And, with regard to these latter, scenic and other C. T. Reeves, F. Finn, G. R. Arnold. mishaps and emergencies are, with the Old Stagers Annual Members.—Privates D. Atkinson, J. Beale, as with other non-professional companies, always a A. Brown, T. Burton, J. Carr, H. Carmichael, J. Collison, test of an actor’s nerve and steadiness. In 1913 Lady M. Casano, R. Dudley, W. Dawkins, M. Galligan, H. Crutchley, playing the heroine in Under the Red Robe, Goodman, M. Hamlyn, S. Jolley, A. Lemar, E. stood tensely watching the main entrance (R.) and Manning, H. Moore, E. Press, H. Poynter, W. Petley, listening for the footsteps of the Cardinal’s Guard J. Rolfe, J. Steward, A. Sutton, II. Smart, W. Whaley, approaching thither to arrest her brother, who had A. Yates, E. Rogers; Messrs. C. Miller, L. J. Little- just escaped through the secret panel behind her (L.). wort, J. H. Wilmer. To the joy of a crowded audience the footsteps continued (R.) to (L.) behind the backcloth, and the Guards— three files of The Buffs led by an “ intelligent Corporal ” Ashford Branch. who had, however, bungled his instructions—entered Tlie Monthly Committee Meeting was held at the Market Hotel on Monday, March 6th, Mr. F. C. Stoker presiding. unblushingly through the secret panel. But neither the The Agenda included the Minutes of the last meeting. Correspondence Corporal nor Lady Crutchley lost their heads. Her and Cash Account; these were approved by those present. gaze remained rivetted on the proper entrance (R.), The Secretary gave details of the proposed visit to Woodchurch on March 22nd, and stated that this date now clashed with a local and he, with soldierly appreciation of the situation function of some importance. After some discussion it was proposed and an audible “ 'Bout turn ! ” marched his men back that the visit be again postponed until March 29th. through the panel and round to the right entrance, The activities and the welfare of the Rifle Club were discussed to the thunderous plaudits of an ecstatic house !) at some length. Mr. L,. Lambkin stated that he had interviewed Colonel Findlay But, for willing assistance rendered over many regarding the Cup that he had promised for billiards, and as that particular sport was not likely to function in the immediate future, years, O.S. owes gratitude to The Buffs ; and it is the he was agreeable that the Cup be handed oyer to the Rifle Club, if sincere and constant hope of this the oldest and most sanctioned by the General Committee. This was agreed to. The historic amateur company in the United Kingdom trophy will be known as the “ Findlay Cup ” and be competed for that so pleasant an association will be perpetuated annually by members of the Branch Rifle Club. Several cases of distress and illness were notified, and one grant by all ranks for many years to come. recommended. We regret to record the death of Mr. A. M. Eancefield, a Life Member of the Ashford Brandi, who passed over on February 27th, after an SOME 1933 FIXTURES. illness of some duration. He was laid to rest in Willesborough Cemetery on Thursday, March 2nd. The Branch was represented at the funeral April 17. Easter Monday. by Mr. F. C. Stoker. To his relatives we tender our deepest sympathy. The Monthly Meeting of the Branch was held at the Market Hotel May 31. The Derby. on Saturday, March 11th. In the absence of the Chairman and Vice-Chairman, Mr. A. Gray June 13. Dragon Club Dinner. kindly opened the meeting, Mr. J. King (Vice-Chairman) carrying on Aug. 5—11. Canterbury Cricket Week. later. Also present were Mr. E. H. Chambers (Secretary), Mr. C. Marsh (Assistant Secretary), and Mr. Holtum (Pianist). 1st Match—Kent v. Hants. We were delighted to extend a hearty welcome to a new member, 2nd Match—Kent v. Derbyshire. Mr. N. E- Noakes, late Pte. 2106 of the 4th Battalion. The Minutes of the last meeting, Correspondence and Cash Account Sept. 13. St. Leger Stakes. were thenjdisposed of. 120 THE DRAGON

The Chairman next stated that the visit to Woodchurch liad been Captain T. O. Cook, M.B.E., Captain E. Carter; M.C., Captain definitely settled for March 29th. He hoped that as many as possible S. B. Donald, Mr. G. Cook and others addresses the members. Colonel would endeavour to attend. Findlay arrived about 9.30 p.m. and congratulated the Branch upon The Secretary stated that he had received a communication from the new headquarters and upon the full attendance ; it was much more the Weald Branch that on account of the Ashford Parliamentary suitable as the accommodation was more spacious. He also thanked By-election, their Annual Dinner had been postponed until March 30th. the ladies for all they had done for the Branch. An excellent musical programme followed, items being contributed On the business being brought to a close, the ladies were admitted. by the following gentlemen:—Messrs. G. Hopkins, P. Godden, E. H. A concert arranged by Mr. Snowball Manning, who took the Chair, Chambers, P. D. Wood, J. King, P. lillis and Mr. Holtum (Pianist). was excellently earned. I t was full of vim, and non-stop ; just back once more to the good old days with everyone happy and smiling. The results of the Booby Prizes were as follows :—1st (No. 130), Captain Arthur Barton (Chairman of the Medway Branch) was given Mr. A. H. Usher; 2nd (No. 30), Mr. E. H. Chambers ; 3rd (No. 185), an excellent welcome although the concert was in progress. His hand Mr. Vant. must have felt sore before he eventually found a seat between Bill The meeting concluded with “ The King.” Elvey and Jock Clayton. Programme. Regimental March “ The Buffs ” (Pianist) Miss E- Manning P lano Solo “ Doges March ” from “ The Merchant of Venice ” London Branch. Miss E. Manning The 74tli Monthly Meeting was held at “ The Prince of Wales Song ...... “ Song of Songs ” Miss F. Manning Restaurant,” Great Queen’s Street (corner of Drury Tane), W.C.2, Song ...... “ Waiting at the Church ” Mrs. Faber on Saturday, March 18th, 1933. This, being the first meeting at the Song ...... “ Underneath the Arches ’ Mr . H ovey new headquarters, was deemed a tremendous success. Notwithstanding Song ...... “ Song of the Nile ” ...M rs. H ill the fact that the room was larger than that of our previous meetings, Song ...... “ Roll Along Kentucky Moon ” Mrs. Buxton it was filled. Song ...... “ Pal ofMy Dreams ” ... Mrs. Roullier The Chairman (Captain Enright) was supported on this occasion Song ...... “ Mother Macliree ” ...... Mrs. H ill by Major H. E. James, Captains Donald, Carter, Smith, Cook and Duet ...... “ A Couple of Soldiers ” Snowball Manning Harrington, and Messrs. Neal, Dalton, Knight and many others. and his Baby, Miss F. Manning Song “ Marquerite” ... Mrs. Roullier Correspondence.—Tetters were read conveying good wishes Song ..." Same Old Moon ” Mrs. Coley from the Colonel of the Regiment, Colonel Guy Tee and Mr. Gordon Song ... “ Swanee River ” Mr. H ovey Tindlcy. Telegrams of greetings were received from 8th Battalion Song “ Follow the Sergeant ” Mrs. Faber The Buffs and Major Keown. The Chairman stated that he had sent Song “ For Old Times’ Sake ” Mr . Robeson good wishes to the 8tli Battalion, dining at Maiden Tane. Song “ Tell Me To-Night ” Miss F. Manning Obituary.—The members stood in silence for one minute in memory Song “ The Old Kitchen Kettle Mrs. Buxton of our late comrade, Mr. W. Tamblin (6th Battalion), who passed away Song ‘ A IJUle Street Where Old Friends Meet ” that day. Snowball Manning, Sen . Tadies’ F estival.—Members were requested to warn in at once Song ' Silver Hair and Heart of Gold ” ...M rs. Hill for this great event which promises to beat all records. Captain Song “ Clouds will soon Roll By ” ... Mr. H ovey Smith, acting as deputy for Mr. Waters, was kept fairly busy selling Song ... “ Artist’s Model ” ... Mrs. Faber tickets. Song ...... “ Annie Taurie ” ... Mr. R obeson ong “ When your Hair has turned to Silver ” Subscriptions.—Captain Enright reported that roughly 300 had S failed to pay their subscriptions for 1932, but notwithstanding the Snowball Manning, Sen . Branch could show a fully paid up membership of 700 or thereabouts. Special It CMS GIVEN BY THE HUGHES TWINS, AGED 3 YEARS He said there was an impression that if a member had not paid for a “ The King ” year or two he was barred from attending a meeting or participating Chairman of Concert: Snowball Manning, Sen. in any function until he had paid up his arrears. That impression was entirely wrong and it accounted for many of the lapses. Men were out of work, sick, and suffering from hard times; if unable to pay for one year— how could it be expected that such men could pay two, three, or four years back subscriptions ? Captain Enright pointed S il v e r W e d d in g . out that the half-crown was only good from the 1st January to the Captain and Mrs. (Krny) Carter reached their silver wedding day 31st December of the year in which paid. If a man fails to pay he on February 12th last. The celebration, however, was postponed automatically ceases to be a member and should he subsequently until the 25th owing to a near relative undergoing an operation. A pay then it is credited to the year that such payment is made. Our large number of old friends were invited and a large hall engaged for Chairman gave the following example :—A man missed the years their accommodation. Table was laid for over sixty, and after supper 1930 and 1931. He pays 2/6 in 1933. Such payment makes the man dancing to the music of a good hand kept everyone more or less occupied a member for 1933. If, however, the man wishes to gain the advantage up to midnight. of Tifc Membership by paying twelve consecutive subscriptions, he must pay all arrears. Captain Enright proposed the toast of the evening and was ably supported by Captain Smith. Speech by Major J ames.—The Major received a great ovation on rising, and spoke about his beloved gardens at Greyfriars and Captain Carter, responding, took a route march round the table; invited the members and ladies to tea on Remembrance Sunday. he referred to Spud, Donkey, Cushy, and all by their nicknames, He mentioned that he would like the members to suggest how the recalling as he spoke some particular incident in their careers whether afternoon should be spent; he would be only too happy to try and in sport or in the trenches. One such incident which sent the guests meet their wishes. He was, however, very perturbed with what the rocking with laughter was when he said “ Do you remember, Molly Chairman said about unpaid subscriptions and he felt it was up to the (speaking of Sgt. H. Marshall), when as walking out pals we courted members who have a half-crown to spare to adopt another Buff who two maids in the service of a certain Major. How, when we were through sickness, unemployment, etc., was in danger of losing his having supper in the kitchen the Major returned home unexpectedly status in the Association. Honorary Membership, as the Chairman with the result the two girls bundled us into the coal cellar without had pointed out, was not recognised at Canterbury, so it came to this— any consideration for our red tunics, white belts, etc., and kept us that our worthy comrades would cease to be members unless this there gasping for fresh air ? ” scheme or idea was put into operation or some such proposal adopted. He would be happy to pay the subscriptions of eight old comrades (Cheers) and hoped others w'ould follow suit. Captain Smith made a proposition, which was carried unanimously, L o n d o n B r a n c h Ca r n iv a t . “ that the adoption scheme be either included in the monthly notice The Millicent Fawcett Hall, Westminster, was packed on Saturday, or sent out separately.” Other members suggested the adoption March 4th, when the final Carnival Dance of the season was held, scheme should be put into operation forthwith, which was done. the fancy costumes and dresses were of an exceptionally high standard Members immediately began adopting old pals or paying half-crowns and the judges had no easy task in arriving at their decisions. The for those out of work, etc. Over forty’ were adopted. Band, under the direction of Mr. A. H. Manning, A.C.T.M., the son New Members.—Mr. Huggett and Mr. Sharp were introduced to of our own one and only “ Snowball,” earned a well merited applause the Vice-President, Major H. E. James, and welcomed into the fold. by keeping the dancing in full swing—a really fine non-stop performance. Colonel of the Regiment.—Major-General Sir Arthur Tynden- Mrs. Gordon Tindley kindly presented the prizes, which were Bell arrived just before 9 p.m., after having attended the 8th Battalion awarded to :—Tadies : 1st, Miss Peggy Bolton (Follies Girl) ; 2nd, Dinner. He said he had come from the 8th Battalion ; it was a good Mrs. Buxton (Chinese Peasant). G ents: 1st, Mr. A. Baker show and they were full of heart. He had emphasised that battalions (Argentine) ; 2nd, Sgt. Serritt (“ Going to the Dogs ”). Children : were not recognised in The Buffs. The Regiment first, and battalions 1st Girl, Miss----- (Irish Colleen) ; 1st Boy, Master S. Bolton (Cow­ afterwards. Whether of the 1st, 2nd, 6th or 9th Battalions they were boy). Buffs all the time, and eveu if battalions fade out of the Regiment Mr. Gordon Tindlay, our Dance President, read out messages from altogether the Regiment will be The Buffs, he hoped, for ever. He the Colonel of the Regiment and Colonel Findlay. We were all sorry entirely agreed with the family’ feeling, but we must recognise the to hear the latter was ill and trust he is now well again. Colonel Guy bigger show—the Regiment. He said he had arranged the ceremony Tee popped in and received a great ovation and we were glad to see for Remembrance Sunday, August 13th, and the Dean had approved Captain T. O. Cook, Mrs. Cook and family make the long train journey of the Rev. J. J. O’Malley preaching the sermon on that occasion, from near the coast in order to be with us. Wonderful thing, this and he believed he had accepted. (Toud applause.) Buff spirit. THB DRAGON 121

L a d ie s ’ Gtjii,d . Medway Branch. The usual Monthly Tea Meeting was held at the Prince Alfred Minutes of a General Meeting held at the Headquarters, Chatham, Restaurant on March 1st, when the Guild President (the Hon. Lady on February 25th, 1933. Lynden-Bell) was present with Mrs. Hollis. Captain A. Barton was in the Chair at seven o’dock. He informed Minutes.—The Minutes of the last meeting were read and confirmed. file meeting that during the last month, two of their comrades, Messrs. Correspondence.—The Colonel of the Regiment sent his greetings W. G. Farrow and F. O. Gibson, had passed away, and asked the and thanked the members for birthday wishes. Letters were also meeting to stand for a short time in their memory. This was done. received from Mesdames James, Foster Hall, Hill and Dicker. Regrets The Minutes of the January meeting were read and passed as correct. for inability to attend were received from the Vice-Presidents (Mrs. Apologies were received from Messrs. Overton, Cole and Davies. Guy Lee and Mrs. Neal Dalton), also Mrs. Lindley, Mrs. Ritchings Captain Barton then vacated the Chair as he had to meet the and Mrs. Barber. General. It was taken by Mr. T. M. Wheatley, who took the oppor­ Mrs. Wittering and Miss Brickell wrote thanking for letters of tunity of drawing attention to the sweep tickets, the proceeds of which condolence in their recent bereavement and for floral tributes sent. were to assist in financing outings and similar events. Many more Sick.—The Chairman (Mrs. Spinner) mentioned that it was regretted books were taken. that Mrs. Manning and Mrs. Dixon were not well enough to be with The visiting members from Sittingbourne, accompanied by their them, and that Mrs. Wall was in hospital. It was also announced Chairman (Major D. J. Dean, V.C.) arrived and were welcomed on that Miss Esme Burt had successfully undergone her thirteenth behalf of Medway Branch. Shortly after, General Sir Arthur Lynden operation. The Guild’s warm sympathy was extended to its sick Bell and Colone H. Findlay were likewise given a hearty reception. members. The Chairman also mentioned that two members of the In the course of a short speech thanking Medway Branch for their London Branch were in hospital (Mr. Tamblin and Mr. Maynard), welcome, the General said that the gathering that night tipified one and that Mr. Dixon and Mr. Burt were ill in their homes. of the great aims of the Past and Present Association—the co-operation Wedding.—The Guild members congratulated Mr. and Mrs. between Branches and members, as shown in the happy gathering Charlton upon their recent marriage, which made another union present. between a member of the Guild and London Branch of the men. Mr. Wheatley, in thanking the General for coming, reminded his Silver Wedding.—The announcement of Captain and Mrs. Carter’s hearers that it was the General who had given them the slogan of silver wedding was received with applause. Mrs. Carter thanked the “ The Buff spirit is unquenchable,” and while other associations recalling members and said she hoped all would be present at their golden different aspects of service life might come and go, the Past and Present wedding. Association of The Buffs would go on for ever. He proposed that the Whist Drive.—The whist drive arranged by Mrs. Coley and Mrs. thanks of the Branch be placed in the Minute Book, which proposal Philpot on February 1st was well supported. The prize-winners was carried unanimously and with acclamation. were Mrs. Kennings, Mrs. Taylor and Mrs. Ritchings. After a few minutes’ more talk, the meeting was closed; and all Obituary.—The sympathy of the members was extended to Mrs. present retired to the rooms below to play or watch the games which Hill, Mrs. Streeton and Mrs. Hickey, all of whom had recently suffered had been arranged between Sittingbourne and Medway Branches. family bereavements. The collection taken from the 32 Medway members realised four Vice-Chairman.—Mrs. Spinner thanked Mrs. Smith for the able shillings and sixpence. way she had carried out the duties of Chairman during her enforced absence. It was unanimously agreed that Mrs. Smith be elected Vice-Chairman. In accepting, Mrs. Smith said she had done her best M e d w a y B r a n c h d e f e a t S ittingbourne a t I n d o o r and no one was more pleased than herself to see Mrs. Spinner back with them. G a m e s . New Meeting Place.—The Chairman spoke of the London Captain A. Barton presided over the monthly meeting; of the Medway Branch’s move to new quarters, and considered it advisable to keep Branch of The Buffs Past and Present Association, which was held in with their men folk. It was necessary, however, to have full sanction the Unity Club, Chatham, on Saturday of last week. In support of the members. It was unanimously agreed that the Guild move were Major-General Sir Arthur Lynden-Bell (Colonel of the Regiment), to The Prince of Wales’ Hotel, Great Queen Street, Kingsway, W.C. Alderman Osborn Taylor (President of the Branch), Mr. W. King F orthcoming E vents.—The following dates were emphasised :— Holt (Hon. Treasurer), Mr. T. M. Wheatley (Vice-Chairman), and Carnival Dance, March 4th, when the men look for support from the Colonel H. Findlay (members of the Committee). The meeting was Guild. The London Branch meeting on March 18th, to which ladies attended by members of the Sittingbourne Branch, and a series of are invited and asked to contribute to the musical programme. The inter-Branch games were held, Medway winning by 22 points to 10. Ladies’ Festival on May 6th, tickets 5/6. The scores were :— Raffles, etc.—A tea cosy presented by Mrs. Manning was Billiards.—T. M. Wheatley 100 v. S. Chappell 73; Colonel H. purchased for 2/6 by Mrs. Carter, and an overall given by Mrs. Burns Findlay 100 v. S. Chappell 76 ; D. M. Jee 100 v. W. Sinclair 75. was won by Mrs. Waby and realised 4/8. Double Cribbage.—W. Brunger and G. Ritchards 2 v. A. Jacobs 2nd Battalion.—A telephone message was received from the and C. Chappell 0. Colonel of the Regiment, who gave the splendid news that the 2nd Single Cribbage.—W. French 2 v. J. Skinner 0. Battalion cross-country team had won the Eastern Command Cham­ Darts.—Medway 2 v. Sittingbourne 5. pionship. Shove Halfpenny.—A. D. Shirley and A. J. Shirley 4 v. P. Russell D.E.S. and A. Apps 0. Draughts.—A. D. Shirley 2 v. W. Sinclair 1. Dominoes.—French and Hawkins 2 v. Russell and Brice 0. Whist.—Mills and Potter 1 v. Brice and C. Chappell 2 ; Hawkins Dover Branch. and Attwood 1 v. Jacobs and Smith 2. Our March meeting fell on Driefontein Day, namely, March 10th, which anniversary we duly honoured. I t was pleasant, too, to see last month’s absentees back with us again. Colonel Crookenden was Minutes of a General Meeting held at the Headquarters, Chatham in the Chair looking very bronzed and fit after his holiday. Dick on March 25th, 1933. Joyner and the genial “ Dewberry ” (otherwise Mr. Evans) were also The Minutes of the February meeting were read and passed as there. The former looked wonderfully well when one remembers correct on the motion of Mr. W. C. French, seconded by Mr. G. Mills. how ill he was a short time back ; it was a wonderful tribute to the The Chairman said that he had received intimation from Head­ skill of our genial “ Vice,” Dr. Elliot. Indeed, to see him running quarters that the Annual Service of Remembrance in Canterbury about attending to the needs of thirsty Buffs one would never have Cathedral would be held this year on Sunday, August 13th. If there thought that last month he was seriously ill. were any suggestions which the members desired to make concerning Four new members joined us—Mr. W. E. Plater, late No. 200982 this event, he would take them before the proper authorities at the 4th Battalion ; Mr. W. Doe, late No. 6280806 4th Battalion ; Mr. Sub committee meeting at Canterbury. This Committee had suggested Coade, late Corporal No. 6282444 1st and 2nd Battalion ; and Mr. T. that each Branch should have a Banner bearing among other things Amoss, late No. 6282700 1st Battalion. Mr. Amoss is anxious to the Branch name and that of the Association. The members expressed obtain employment either as a hospital attendant (mental or otherwise) agreement with this idea provided that each Brandi had a Banner or in private service as a valet. of a similar nature and size. The Weald Branch kindly sent an invitation for representatives Mr. Wheatley then drew attention to the sweepstake which he had of the Brandi to attend their dinner. It was dedded that our Chair­ organised. He suggested that the draw for the prizes be made on the man (Colonel Crookenden) and Mr. Evans should go. The Colonel following Monday at the Unity Club, and this was agreed to. very kindly arranged to take the latter there and back in his car. Some discussion followed on the probability of a Branch of the When one remembers that after the return journey to Dover the Colonel Association being formed at Maidstone, but it was pointed out that must return to his home in Barham, one realises his goodness in making although there were many -rumours about, doubtless with some found­ the offer. ation, there was no official mention of the formation of another Branch. On March 15th the Branch visited the Dover Detachment of the There were thirty-three members present, and on the box being 4th Battalion for a games tournament. The “ old ’uns ” proved emptied, the sum of four shillings was realised. victorious, the results being :— 4th Bn. P.&.P. Billiards...... 4 7 Darts ...... 7 8 Margate Branch. Crib ...... 2 3 Shove Ha’penny ...... 1 4 The monthly meeting was held on March 8th at the Drill Hall, Colonel Crookenden looked in for part of the evening, while Dr. Elliot Hawley Square, Mr. R. H. Harman being in the Chair. The Minutes and Captain Sherwood remained watching over the fortunes of their of the previous meeting were read and passed. Quite a good number respective sides the whole time. of members were present and some lively discussions took place; but 122 T H E DRAGON there are still a lot of members of the Branch who we would like to see turn up at the monthly meetings and also take part In the shoots The South African War. for the Cornelius Cup and the Rogers Cup, etc. It.was brought forward by Mr. Denning that the fact that there J£ROONSTADT was a very busy place, and the was a Past and Present Branch in Margate had not been advertised troops were at all times kept ready for any enough during the winter months. The Social Committee have taken emergency. Outpost duty, reconnaissance, alarms the hint and have arranged a series of dances to be run in conjunction with the local detachment, the dances to commence on April 1st. by day and night and the continual surrender of Boers The Members’ Derby Sweep has now been arranged and tickets tested one’s war-like fitness to a high degree. It was will be available very soon. The handicap shoot for the Rogers Cup a well-known fact that the great majority of the enemy has also commenced and competition should prove to be very keen. The task of handicapping is placed in the very able hands of Sgt. Maxted who laid down their arms did so in order to spy out the and Mr. Nethersole. defences and having done so returned to their laagers During the evening the Cornelius Cup and Silver Spoon for winner to fight again. One of the most daring acts I have and Buff Tie for runner-up were presented to Mr. A. Crump and Mr. I,. Denning for January and Mr. P. Kennett and Sgt. Maxted for February. ever known took place at Kroonstadt. It was rumoured The Rifle Club now meet once a week instead of once a month. the battalion was to trek to Pretoria next morning, This should show a great improvement in our shooting. so having had some experience of this sort of foot The Branch wish to offer their congratulations to Dieut. J. J. slogging, a budding Corporal gathered a few men of Cornelius on being awarded the Meritorious Service Medal. Congratulations also to Mr. F„ C. French on his promotion, and his section and marched them to the field stores at the sincere thanks for his many services to the Margate Branch. railway station. After removing a box of biscuits After the meeting the members competed on the range for the and bully beef and other sundry eatables from the Cornelius Cup to find the winners for March. Result:—Mr. Nethersole winner, and Mr. P. Kennett runner-up. store, the Corporal marched his men back to camp Bell Medal—awarded for the best five targets out of six, taken from where the contents were duly buried. Next mor ing the Cornelius Cup shoots. Mr. P. Kennett winner with a score of the Supply Officer was in camp making enquiries, 203, Mr. Philpott 181, Mr. Crump 178, Mr. Nethersole 164. but with no success. Needless to say, the eatables J. Sankey.. were much enjoyed later. It was at Kroonstadt that we lost R.S.M. Jack Aheme, who had been promoted to Quartermaster in Canterbury Branch. the North Stafford Regiment. After twenty-seven years ’ The monthly meeting took place at the White Dion on March 3rd, of loyal service in his regiment, he felt keenly the parting. 1933, when the Chairman, Secretary, full Committee and about forty- five members are present. Jack Aheme was a magnificent specimen of everything The Minutes of the last meeting being passed and read, business a Regimental Sergeant-Major should possess; a was started straight away. splendid drill, a sound disciplinarian, a gentleman who It was agreed by all members present that a letter should be sent was both feared and loved. This promotion caused to the Association Secretary wishing him a speedy recovery. A dance is to take place on the 24th of this month at St. George' others to climb the regimental ladder of success for Hall, Station Road West, and I do hope that whoever reads my notes service well rendered. No better choice could have will try and bring as many friends as possible to these functions, which been found as a successor to the great Jack Aheme are always quite lively affairs, so that we can swell our funds and enable the Branch to give the kiddies a real day’s holiday in the summer. than Colour-Sergeant Micky Barton, who was first It was proposed by Mr. G. Mead and seconded by Mr. Biggs “ that and foremost a Buff who had the affection of all ranks, the Branch Annual Dinner take olace on Saturday, April 29th, at Dong’s notwithstanding all trembled at his mighty words of Rooms, High Street; price 2/6. Will all members please take note and make this a bigger one even than last year, when our attendance command. was 91, a record for the Branch since its formation in this city. Any Whilst at Kroonstadt, the battalion gave a great Committee man will be only too pleased to receive portions of the welcome to one of its old officers in the person of Colonel amount if a member cannot afford to pay the 2/6 right down. The Kekewich, the hero of Kimberley. Although com­ Committee are already getting some good talent for this event and I am sure that all those that can attend will have a most enjoyable manding a Lancashire regiment the Colonel maintained time. our slogan that “ Once a Buff, always a Buff.” Many Mr. Jack Ives attended the dinner of the Almalgamated Friendly will remember the yam connected with the officer who Society to report anything appertaining to the good of the Branch. Mr. Albury and Mrs. Austin also attended a dinner at the Herne tied a pig at the bottom of a tree in view of a " Lion ” Bay Branch, and by their report it was a grand “do.” scare and after arming himself very thoroughly, sat The Relief Committee will meet at headquarters (White Dion, St. on the top branch all night for the prey to roar and George’s Street) every Friday night from 8—9 p.m., when it is hoped that any member who is in need will please attend and state his case seize the pig. No lion risked his skin, but when the for assistance, and everything possible will be done for him. officer descended at daybreak the pig had disappeared ; I regret to announce the passing of another old Buff, the late Pte. it had been stolen by the men on a neighbouring out­ Wilson, who died suddenly at the Kent and Canterbury Hospital, post and converted into pork. and was buried on Wednesday, March 8th. A wreath was sent from tliis Branch, which it always does whenever the Branch is notified of To show how in war one never can tell what is in such things occurring. store, it is amusing to recall that towards the end of We are very pleased to welcome one of the Old Boys back to out July, 1900, the 13th Brigade Staff organised a dance, city in the late Sgt. (Polly) Parratt, and we all hope that life in “ civvy street ” will be as easy for him as in the service. but that very evening instead of gliding, the organisers “Cut Plug.” found themselves sliding up to Pretoria in coal trucks. There was one officer, however, who kept a smiling face and whose laugh could be heard all over the camp. It was the laugh of Major J. B. Backhouse, and those who remember him will well appreciate the amusement the event gave to his feelings. Work for Discharged Soldiers. It was a cold journey to Pretoria during the night travel, but the South African blanket was early astir In J anuary, 135 soldiers completed courses of instruc­ and soon made' up for discomforts. I well remember tion at tlie Army Vocational Training Centres. Of arriving at the Transvaal Capital late at night. The these, immediate employment was found for 92, and 21 battalion remained outside the railway station where students who had left in previous months were also the time was spent in making coffee or sitting round placed in employment. a few cinders telling yarns. A few of the boys, however, These courses, at which soldiers about to leave the tried to go to sleep, but the echo of " What abawt Army receive training in civil trades, include the the ole mud ’ook ” prevented any sort of repose. various building trades, acetylene welding, motor The next day saw the battalion on trek with Colonel mechanism, boot repairing, electrical wiring, french Hickson again in command. This sudden move was polishing, general farming, poultry farming, handyman, due to the Nicholson’s Nek disaster which necessitated groundsman, gardener-chauffeur, and also positions hurried reinforcements being sent to a place called of trust and private service. Derdepoort (Dirty Port, the troops called it) about ten miles march. After a little outpost duty combined THE DRAGON 123 The Draft at Sea. “ H.M.T. Dorsetshire ”, February, 1933. sea with the Draft i Oh, what a sea ! and oh, care for our own stuff. We lose a " lot ” of kit-and we what a D raft! There wasn’t the slightest thing gain a “ lot ” of sense of care for our own kit. So that we had expected, no " fend for yourself ” or such whatever you say, we gain, if not in wordly goods, then like. Everybody seemed to be looked after yet to look in experience, and get a broader outlook on life. Now after himself. Orderliness was noticed everywherr is the time we look back and say to the next chap, much to some’s disgust. •" Why we even have to . between gulps. of the last meal—taken an hour ago. wash and shave,” was heard on the (fore-castle head) My Platoon Sergeant and C.S.M. and Company Com­ foscle, it sounds like, but it's the front of the ship, mander and ? and ? and ? told me it was something like anyway. this, but he wasn’t quite right—its worse. Of the first few days I shall say little or nothing, The trip for us is nearly half over now and in most except that to everyone's surprise we are all alive and, of us is a wonder of what we shall g et! see ! and if strange to say, eating better than ever. Sundry remarks we shall be allowed off in Bombay or not—despondently such as " Oh, let me die in peace,” and " I don’t care we think not, but ship's disembarkation orders says where you step,” etc., were heard all over the ship, we have about six hours free, so we hope to stretch but after fasting for two (in some cases four) days, our legs there, paint it red, and leave it about 13.45 we are now able to say with truth that we are new men. hours a much better town for our visit. That’s the I think that by the amount of " Slides ” there were hope, but what will happen is, “ Fall in the Draft,” about, 99.9% of our Draft qre “ New ” from the inside " Quick march ” to our place of waiting, then " Pick —outwards at least. up ” and on the train, i.e., “ entrain ” they call it in Now, Gents ! take it from me, if you have your native talk, after a wait where we ” Pick up ” of say choice of boat, say H.M.T. Dorsetshire, for, of” the four and a half to five hours. Still, to breathe freely many boats I’ve been on (ear-wash), this is the best on land will be a comfort after three weeks, as one I've met yet. Listen then, all you that know, and called it, of being ” pushed here, shoved there ” and compare : Talky Pictures, seven shows for 3/- or 6d. hardly able to wash the proper face in the crowd at per show, twice nightly, change of programme every 5.30 a.m. One chap checked for a shave swore he had three days; Boxing, four days and nights in the shaved and later was heard to ask doubtfully of his second week; Concerts; Dances; Whist Drives; pal, “ Did I shave that Skin Bloke this morning by Sports, etc., all the time ; P.T., 15 mins, per diem ; mistake ? "—skin meaning Innskilling Fusilier. Pay as usual on Friday; Canteen to spend it at (and It is now becoming to wear nothing but nicks and other ways of wasting it, such as “ Pop it down thick topee or canvas slacks and topee. The tan must be and heavy me-lads,” ‘‘ The more you put down,” etc., acquired this week to enable us to look good old soldiers etc.), but of course you know all that. Then lastly to the natives as soon as we get out in Maymyo in (but should have been first), I think personally that the nice clean kit. Exchange may not be robbery, but food is the best I ’ve ever had aboard ship, plenty and when one hears of 11/4 per ^1 and 13/8, etc., naturally good. Of course, the tea and puddings are a work of the “ rate ” (that’s the pass word this week) goes down art for suger, but one becomes used to that in three lower as we get nearer. Tbe last I heard was £\ weeks, and now I guess there’ll be no more complaints notes were unchangeable ; only gold accepted. on land after this. We have hot and cold showers, plunge bath, and added to all this we have the few The shining light of the voyage is little Boy Judd, clever little fellows that “ Gather the Moss,” mostly who entered and won the Boys’ Competition. He had other people’s Moss, such as badges, photographs, kit, four fights and won them all in fine style. He fought etc., but then again it’s all how one looks at these things. as an old Buff, though he has but a few weeks’ service. We lose a little kit, and we gain a little more sense of Congratulations, young Judd, and we hope the wrist watch still goes in 1990 ! To-day we had a small talk that put large visions South African War—continued. into our heads on disembarkation routine. Apparently with sniping and a few' shells, the battalion marched one has to carry heavy kit, sea kit, W/B (filled), H/S, back to Pretoria. About this time my old Company great coat, and wearing drill, boots and topee. Then Officer, Captain Marriott, rejoined and took over on leaving one is issued with two blankets, three sheets, command of the company. one durrie, and plate and mug. Once loaded with all We bivouacked at Arcadia Camp and were now this, we gather that a table is passed, or passes us under the command of General Tucker of the 7th where we lose or gain on the " Rate ” of Exchange, Division. The first night the battalion wras on outpost having done all this quietly and orderly we pass along duty it captured a number of armed Frenchmen by the Customs (or do they pass us ?. I forget now, attempting to get through the lines. In those days but we pass anyway!). Then to the " Place of the enemy ranks were filled by foreigners only too Waiting ” or (if it is wet) to our train (if it is there). pleased to endeavour to cripple the glorious isolation As you see it is all " If's ” and Passes and Rates, but of old England. Both French and German rode with later we hope the “ Rate ” across India is quicker De Wet, but it mattered not, we eventually won through. than “ the Bay ” by boat. Pretoria is an extremely interesting and picturesque To-morrow B’bay. Excitement runs high. Kits African towm and from our camp a very charming (heavy) are already issued and if only the boat “ though view was obtainable. The red houses dotted here and slowed down,” will only keep on, we shall have attained there midst the tall poplar, fir and eucalyptus trees, our desire by 10 p.m. and that is to have reached combined with its well laid out streets, created an mooring base at last outside this wonderful place excellent impression. It was certainly far superior thats to “ Rate,” " Pass ” and ” if ” us into a new line to Bloemfontein. The news of the surrender of General of life and soldiering. Prinsloo with 4,000 Boers came to hand and the cheers Here’s best wishes to everybody from the Draft. for General Hunter and his men -were loud and long. A troop train to-morrow to Calcutta. A B.I. boat from The Buffs Mounted Infantry took no small part in there to Rangoon and another train up country from bringing about this surrender, as at this time it was there to Maymyo ought to bring us to the battalion, mounted troops who were doing the mopping up of all the East permitting, in something less than a fortnight. Boers they came across. Everyone is in the best of spirits. 124 THE DRAGON The 1st Battalion. rPHEY say that it was an concerts have, in fact, become an important American Missionary feature in our social life and Mr. Salmon and who first planted lantana the Band are worthy recipients of our gratitude. in Burma by reason of its pretty flower. He left out . of account its peculiarly Corporals’ Mess. penetrating thorn and is by The first item of the month was a Corporals’ Club Whist Drive, held on Saturday, February 11th in the now as much esteemed by Mess. Many invitations were sent out, and sixteen members of the 1st Bat­ tables plus a flirtation table were on the go. The talion as is the settler, who catering -was in the capable hands of Sgt. Chambers, first dumped a pair of and we should like to take this opportunity of thanking him and also the R.S.M., Cpl. Belcher and the Com­ rabbits of the opposite sex mittee for the way in which* the drive was conducted. at Botany Bay, by the During the evening I discovered the reason why they Australians. call them “ whist drives.” Some of my partners drove me nearly to distraction. T think everybody had an Were it not for this enjoyable time during the three hours’ play. Prizes thorny scourge the Wet win were presented by Mrs. Holness at the close of the Area, in which the battalion has been encamped evening, the experts being.:—Ladies : 1st, Mrs. Carrot ; for the last fortnight, would be ideal for train­ 2nd, “ Mrs. Harry T ate” (Sgt. Faulkner) ; 3rd, Mrs. Brabon. Gents: 1st, L/ Cpl. Punnett; 2nd, L/Cpl. ing purposes. As it is we are safe in con­ Gillingham; 3rd, Cpl. Holness. Booby prizes: Mrs. gratulating ourselves on having had a very Holness and L/Cpl. Heard. I,/Cpl. Cloke chased the useful Battalion Training, during which we Mystery Prize round the tables and succeeded in have learnt a lot. Dalis, the local knife appropriating it. I understand that this Mystery Prize was kindly donated by the members of the Non- beloved of Burmans, have been issued for the Plaving Flirtation Table (wet). purpose of clearing the aforementioned scrub, A social evening was held on the 20th of the month but up to the present, I have heard of no case to bid “ Auf Wiedersein ” to Cpl. "Woodcock, L/Cpl. of a man making local history by incurring Ireland and L/Cpl. Howe (Home Establishment and T.X. fortunates). The evening was very well run, the entry on his sheet, “ Dirty Dah on and the Committee are to be thanked for the excellent Parade. show they put up. We are also indebted to the various members who kindly obliged with songs, recitations, etc., under the able guidance of Cpl. Hogben. We A busy period lies ahead, for on return to wish the departing members every success in their new Maymyo we embark straightway on the vocations. Battalion Rifle Meeting, which is followed The Corporals’ hockey team shone in the Wolf Cub Hockey Tournament. In all five matches were almost immediately by the meeting of the played, the results being :—Corporals 2, Sergeants 1 ; Burma Rifle Association. Before camp there Corporals 3, Nondescripts 3 ; Corporals 1, Nondescripts was ample opportunity for practice and it is 1 ; Corporals 2, Nondescripts 1 ; Corporals 0, “B” to be hoped that we shall emerge with more Company 2. A very praiseworthy effort, and -we expect to hear more of our hockey team. winning trophies than has been the case in the Our Lance-Corporals are in the throes of N.C.O.’s past two years. Drill Parades, and since these were inaugurated I under­ stand that several newr methods of moving platoons about have come to light. Even in the Mess, idle other A draft under the command of Captain night, I heard a stentorian voice exclaim to Do Number : Keble and 2/Lieut. Harris St. John awaits us “ Bearer, on my command ‘ Asashi Lao,’ you will turn right about, acting as in squad drill, stepping off with in Maymyo. To both officers and all ranks the left foot and reaching the bar grasp the bottle we extend a hearty welcome to Burma and the firmly with the forefinger and thumb of the left hand, 1st Battalion. We venture to suggest that if returning by the quickest route.” The bearer gave a they do not enjoy themselves in the congenial wan smile, disappeared, and returned a moment later with liver and chips. Say, can you beat that ? station of Maymyo they will only have them­ The battalion is at present at Wetwyn Camp and selves to blame. the junior N.C.O.’s are engaged in the evergreen problem of certain tactical exercises with nets mosquito, ten, Our monthly Band Concerts have not into tents, one. j ~ i,. received the attention they deserve. For that I am responsible and take this belated Headquarter Wing. The end of February finds the Battalion, less “A” Company, who opportunity of congratulating them on the are still at Mandalay, safely settled in Wetwin (Wetwyn, Wetwun, or excellent programmes they have provided, what have you ?) under canvas. During the next fortnight we have a very strenuous programme to get through, including several arduous not only for members of the battalion, but night “ stunts,” but as usual I expect we shall get through them with for the many residents of Maymyo who month no losses, if one excepts the loss of plenty of sweat. The camp is excellently situated in the midst of miles and miles of ideal (?) training by month turn up in increasing force. The country, and I think we shall enjoy our brief sojourn here. THE DRAGON 125

The Commanding Officer inspecting the Drums in full-dress uniform.

(W ith the C.O. is Noor Din, who was Regimental Tailor to The Buffs in Iiong-K ong in 1908.) Not much of interest has occurred during the month, which was “B” Company. enlivened hv the departure of a small draft of Home 1 establishment and Leave details for the U.K. To those who have left the company The ice having been broken by “B" Company and the various stages for the other battalion we wish the best of luck in their new sphere. of house-warming carried out by “M.G." and “C” Companies, the L/Cpl. Ireland will be sadly missed by the Band, both as an instrument­ battalion is now in full force at Wetwin Camp. The mornings and alist and as a real good fellow. evenings are certainly warmer than when we first were here, but the Harris Shield hockey took pride of place during the month on the E.I. blanket is still very much appreciated. During our ramblings sports field, but the Wing did not do as well as was expected of them, over the countryside we may find that elusive two(?)-mile cross-country having to be content with sharing second place with “M.G.” Company, course. with “B” Company topping the table. Well done, “B,” but look to We heartily congratulate the company’s hockey team on their your laurels next year. The following were the results “H.Q.” fine performances during the past month. Again starting as “ dark W ing v. “B” Company, lost 1—0 ; “H.Q ” Wing v. “M.G.” Company, horses,” “B” Company carried off the Harris Sliield hockey and were drew 1 — 1; “H.Q." Wing v. “C” Company, won 3—0; “H.Q.” runners-up in the Maymyo Knock-out Hockey Tournament. The W ing v. “ A” C om pany, won 1—0. Harris Shield hockey was won by us owing to the fact that we already During the month the Band entered a team in the Wolf Cub Tourna­ possessed the Shield, having been victors last year, coupled with the ment, not a very imposing title, but it attracted the best teams in current trade depression, the facts being as follows :—We could not Maymyo. The Band put up a good show and were unlucky to lose afford the “ Blue-Bell” necessary to buff the Shield up for handing to the Government High School after a very good game in which over, so the position was explained to the team. They solved all Bdmn. Dixon unfortunately sustained a broken arm. This occurred difficulties by deciding to retain it for another year, and created in the semi-final after the Band had succeeded in defeating Maymyo practically a record in doing so. They finished up with a possible as Rangers and the l/20th Burma Rifles in the opening rounds. regards points and with a goal average of 7 for and 1 against. Results This is about all for this month, so we will ring off! are as follows :— T h e O l d ’Un . Feb. 2. v. “H.Q.” Wing, won 1—0. Scorer : Pte. Lawson. 5. v. “C” Company, won 1—0. Scorer : Pte. Lawson. 12. v. “A” Company, won 3—1. ScoreTS : Mr. Jelf, Pte. Lawson and Pte. Mangleshot. Signal Section. 22. v. “M.G.” Company, won 2—0. Scorers : Mr. Jelf and Pte. Lawson. The month of February brought with it a bombshell for the section. Maymyo Hockey Tournament :— It was decided that we should proceed to Wetwin Training Camp to v. Friends Union, drew 1 1 . carry out training and other such evils, prior to the battalion arriving v. Friends Union (replay), won 3—2. at camp. Of course everyone was delighted when this was heard, v. Corporals, won 3— 2. so in company with “C” Company we hiked out on February 4th to v. Maymyo High School (final), lost 2- 1. our temporary lodgings far from the maddening crowd. The camp is After emerging victors against the Gunners on February 22nd, pretty good as far as camps go, the Young Hands carrying on with the team were invited to the Wet Canteen and there imbibed to such training in camp whilst the Old Hands arc carrying out various schemes an extent that they had not recovered on the 23rd when they played with “C” and the Gunners. the Corporals, and can be thought very lucky to win. The play was Everybody looks as fit as fiddles, and seem to relish the idea of far below the previous night. keeping in touch with the oldest inhabitant going by the name of Mr. Jelf, Pte. Hobbs and Pte. Lawson have been the outstanding Hlombo, at least everyone manages to find their way there to pay members of the team and the goalkeeping of Pte. Lloyd has been him homage daily. above reproach, as witness the lone goal scored against us in the Harris Basil the bootlegging king has taken over despatch rider, in league Shield (this was scored only because Lloyd was mistaken in thinking with “ Veteran Bert," and the way these modern Jehus burn the it was offside). “H.Q.” Wing are convinced that it was a case of trail would make the “ Red Peril ” appear to be related to the tortoise brute force and ignorance triumphing over science. We do not agree fam ily. with them, but for the sake of retort we reconstruct an old saying : Our Signal Corporal, “William,” has somehow managed to get left “ Where brute force and ignorance produce results, it is folly to be behind in barracks along with a few other scroungers who suddenly scientific.” looked up Battalion Orders to see what time “ Bobbing Dick ” was. Football is our next objective, and if we do not carry off the spoils The fund for providing the doddery old men of the section with it will not be for want of that same brute force, etc. bathchairs and crutches has beaten all records. Paddy is so pleased Cpls. Pain and Farrell and L/Cpls. Oakes and Teal have left for with his sticks that he has promised to form a Nonagenarians’ Club six months’ Vocational Training in Rangoon, and their time will now solely for the benefit of the section’s old crocks. be spent between their various places of employment^) and “ Down Multum in Parvo. H om e.” 126 THE DRAGON The 2nd Battalion. HIS month has seen Hockey Notes. another success for our The Arctic conditions which have been prevalent cross-countryT running team at Shorncliffe have considerably upset our hockey fixtures, no fewer than four matches having to be in the Eastern Command scratched during the past month; Only one match Championship. The Tin- has been played, when on March 8th a goal-less draw coins were a good second, against the Army School of Education was the result. being only seventy points A strong sun and a rather soft ground made good behind. play difficult. In the first half play was even with both goals experiencing narrow escapes. On changing After the run, a number ends, with the sun behind us, we pressed the whole time, but weakness by our forwards in the circle and of guests were entertained some excellent play on the part of our opponents’ goal­ to tea in the Mess, including keeper, prevented any score. Brigadier Herbert, Major Our team was :— Backhouse and Major Allen. L/Cpl. Brigstock, goal; Lieut. E. W. B. Parry and Lieut.-Colonel Thomson and Sgt. Trice, backs; Lieut. J. H. N. Foster, Sgt. King and Sgt. Edwards, half-backs ; Lieut. C. Haggard, the officers of the Depot Pte. Girling, Sgt. Watts, L/Cpl. Bloomer, L/Cpl. Taylor, came over to see the run, forwards. also Lieut. Mount (S.R. The Buffs). On February 26th Brigadier Herbert pre­ Football Notes. Since the last football notes were written the sented the Long Service and Good Conduct Battalion 1st XI. has played some four matches in the Medal to L/Cpl. Bryan, and also the Athletic Folkestone and District Senior League, and of these Shield to Captain Howe, Commanding the only one has resulted in a win. On paper this looks Machine Gun Company. most disheartening, but the Football Committee has been trying out various experiments, now that the The Shorncliffe Garrison point-to-point battalion is out of the Army Cup, with a view to finding new talent for next year’s side. This has been by no steeplechases were held on March 15th. Major means easy, for, although the battalion possesses quite Field and Lieut. Coates rode in the Lightweight a number of footballers of a certain standard, there are Race. Lieut. Coates finished fourth. Lieut. very few who might be lassified as up to battalion Crozier rode in the Dismounted Units Race standard. Some twenty different players have been given a and Lieut. Foster in the Nomination (Open) trial in the League matches so that by next season Race. Both completed the course. it is hoped that the nucleus of a good team will be available. Lieut. Nicholson left to join the 1st Battalion The match against 1st Battalion The Seaforth last month. Lieut.-Colonel the Hon. P. G. Highlanders, Dover, was played on our ground on Scarlett and a number of officers saw him off 25th February and resulted in a win by the narrow at Folkestone Harbour. margin of 3 goals to 2, and from all accounts we were lucky to win, as our opponents hit the cross-bar four We welcome Lieut. H. de L• Walters, who times in succession, while the shooting of our forward has just joined us from the Depot. line was very weak. The match against Depot The Royal Marines, Major and Mrs. Morgan have just returned Deal, was played on our ground on 18th February and was lost 1-4. Our opponents possessed an ex­ from Morocco, where they went for a month’s international full-back, and his off-side tactics had our trip with Colonel and Mrs. Crookenden. forwards all at sea, the two wings, L/Sgt. Banks and L/Cpl. Cowley being off-side time and again. Our The annual football fixture between the goal was scored by Pte. Adcock. Officers and Sergeants took place last month, Against the 3rd Battalion The Royal Tank Corps a full account of which appears elsewhere. from Lydd we met with another reverse, this time by 5 goals to 1. The match was played on 4th March on our ground. The forwards could not get going and as a result too much work was left to the halves and 1st Battalion—continued. backs who were often forced to clear without attempt­ We wish the very best of luck to the following, who left us for the ing to pass to any forward. This naturally proved U.K. on Tuesday, February 21st:—Ptes. Clifton, Leggett, Taylor (J.) and Sims. quite fatal, and the sooner the inside-forwards learn The draft from U.K. is expected about March 4th and we await that they must come back and help the defence the their arrival with interest, hoping to get some more runners to “B” better for all concerned. Company to help us to retain the Cross-Country Shield next year. 1st Battalion The Royal Sussex Regiment, Dover This is all for this month, as camp life is not helpful to thie com­ defeated us on March 11th by 7 goals to 2, on their piling of Dragon notes. The inquest on training will be carried out in next month’s notes. ground. Until half-time the score was 2-3 in their favour. As the ground was very hard and we were Things we want to enow . . Did the man who carried two house bricks in his pack come prepared playing up-wind, this was a good show on our part. to build his own home ? Five minutes after half-time, when we had been press­ Taffy. ing continuously, the Bandmaster had to leave the THE DRAGON 127

2nd Battalion The Buffs Boxing Team. Runners-up in the Shorncliffe and Lydd Garrison Boxing Tournament, 1932-33.

Sgt. R. Sirett, Pte. J. Pugh, Pte. R. Burrows, Sgt. G. Johnson. Sgt. C. Lee, Lieut. A. A. J. N. Fearnside-Speed, Lt.-Col. the Hon. P. G. Scarlett, M.C., R.S.M. Vaughan Cpl. V. Thomas. Cpl. J. O’Keefe. [Pte. J. Dariow. field as the result of a kick on the ankle. This com­ The team was :—Bmn. Ratcliffe ; Pte. Wliistlin, pletely disorganised the side and our opponents got the Cpl. Griggs ; Pte. Smith, L/Sgt. King, 2/Lieut. Crad­ upper hand and scored four more goals. dock ; L/Cpl. Chapman, Pte. Felce, 2/Lieut. Lewis, Pte. Adcock worked hard in the forward line and Pte. Collins, Pte. Caudlish. shot both our goals, but, except for the backs, the rest For our team L/Sgt. King played a very good game of the side was rather at a loss and the ball usually went at centre-half. to their one unmarked man. The two matches in the first round of the Inter­ company Shield Competition have proved most excit­ The team for this match was :—Pte. Reekie ; Pte. ing. “C” Company put up an excellent fight against Burton, C.S.M. Sidwell ; Pte. Dariow, B/M. Foster, “M.G.” Company and only lost by 1-2. The losers 2/Lieut. Craddock ; Pte. Corden, Pte. Adcock, 2/Lieut. played with a keenness that it wras good to see. Lewis, L/Sgt. Rdwards, Pte. Caudlish. “B” Company also accomplished a good performance To add to our poor record, the 2nd XI. is now and only lost to “24” Company by 1-3 after a good out of the Hythe Charity Cup Competition. The game. The Semi-Final and Final should produce good original match was a draw after extra time. The re­ m atches. play was a draw 3-3 after extra time, and nearly resulted in the death from heart failure of both the Chairman and the Secretary, for after being in a win­ Shorncliffe and Lydd Garrisons Inter-Unit Boxing ning position, our opponents, New Romney, scored Competition. from a penalty with only 2 minutes to go, and then, Our very successful Inter-Company Competition, 30 seconds from the end Pte. Felce shot a good goal, held on January 31st and February 2nd, 1933, wras to make the scores level. The second replay took followed up on February 8th by the Shorncliffe and place at Dymchurch on a day when the wind was Lydd Garrisons Inter-Unit Competition, where we blowing half a gale. New' Romney scored four goals became Runners-up, missing first place by the small with the wind, whereas we only scored three. We margin of two points ; so we may, without fear or were the better side, but our players found themselves protest, pat ourselves on the back and say that in such unable to cope with the conditions, and our 3 goals were a short time we have staged a great come-back into the scored from melees in front of our opponents' goal. boxing world. 128 THE DRAGON

Next year under the guidance and leadership of Open Lightweight.—L/Sgt. Lee v. Pte. Rose, Captain Lister, who rejoins us in April after many years Royal Berks. Lee won on points. of service on the Coast, we hope that our team will go Open Welter.—Pte. Squire v. Cpl. Bateman, forward and win the Army Inter-Unit Team Champion­ .Royal Berks. Bateman won on points. ship. The writer feels convinced that we shall have many, Open Middleweight.—Pte. Darlow' v. Pte. Burgess. representatives in the Army Individual Championships East Surreys. Darlow won on points. at the Albert Hall in 1934. To those who saw the Open Light-Heavy.—Pte. Pugh v. Tpr. Depot Team win the Hardy Cup by beating The Depot Beauchamp, Queen’s Bays. Beauchamp won on Queen’s Own Royal West Kent Regiment, there can points. be no doubt that there are a lot of young boxers of considerable promise coming along. Finals held in Marine Gardens Pavilion, We weire very pleased to see our old friend Major Folkestone. Wand Tetley, refereeing. We were also very lucky to Novices’ Bantamweight.—Dmr. Foreman v. Pte. have the services of that very excellent referee. Captain Sharp, Royal Berks. Sharp won on points. Quill of the Royal Marines. Novices’ Featherweight.—Pte. Perry v. Tpr. As the Royal Berkshire Regiment and ourselves Birchall, Queen’s Bays. Perry won on points. were the only two regiments who could produce a Boys' Team, it was decided to postpone the competition until Novices' Heavyweight.—Pte. Parry v. Pte. April. Harding, R. Tank Corps. Harding won on points. In the eliminating rounds there were some quite Novices' Middleweight.—Cpl. Martin v. L/Cpl. good fights. Pte. Hadfield of "B” Company fought Thurgar, Royal Berks. Thurgar won on points. a clever and very clean fight with Trooper Newton of Open Lightweight.—L/Sgt. Lee v. Pte. Morton, the Queen’s Bays and was unlucky to be beaten on East Surreys. Morton won on points. points. L/Cpl. Cohen of “C” Company had a very good Open Middleweight.—Pte. Darlow v, Pte. Martin. fight with Pte. Gander, East Surreys and had he led Royal Berks. Darlow won on points. more often and hit harder there is no doubt that he OPEN Heavyweight.—Pte. Burrows v. Pte. Coe, wrould have won. East Surreys. Coe won on k.o. 1st Round. Pte. Squire, although very weak after a go of ’Flu Result : Winners : The East Surrey Regt. ; and still a very sick man, put up an excellent show, Runners-up : 2nd Battalion The Buffs. fighting his man cleverly and scientifically all the way through. It was real hard luck that he lost on points ; but a very fine show of grit on the part of Squire. In the finals, held at Folkestone on the evening of February 8th, Dmr. Foreman fought a very good Army Individual Championship, 20th February, fight and was beaten by a better man. 1933. Pte. Perry, in beating Trooper Burchall, Queen's The eliminating rounds for this area (Chatham, Bays, on points, fought a very pretty fight, all his Woolwich, Gravesend, Shorncliffe, Dover and Lydd), movements being clean and his leads good. It was for The Army Individual Championships were held at quite an education to watch these two featherweights. Shorncliffe on February 20th and 21st. On the whole Pte. Burrows, the Battalion Farrier, came forward the standard of fighting was good. in a very sporting way and filled an awkward gap. Featherweight.—In the first series Cpl. Toms Although he was giving away weight he put up an was drawn against Cpl. O’Keefe. This was un­ excellent fight and his Knock-out did. not appear to fortunate as they were used to one another's sparring deter him in any way. and tactics and they did not appear to be able to realise Cpl. Martin fought an excellent fight with Pte. that they were fighting for an Army Individual Title Thurgar, Royal Berkshire Regiment, and it was bad and not merely playfully sparring with one another in luck that he lost. However, we hope to see a good deal their home gymnasium. of Cpl. Martin in the ring in the near future. Result : Cpl. O'Keefe beat Cpl. Toms on points. Pte. Dariow fought well and won his fight on points. Featherweight.—Pte. Perry (“M.G.” Coy.) having drawn a bye in the first series now met Pte. RESULTS. Blake (Royal Berkshire Regiment), a stronger and more experienced boxer. This was a good fight and Pte. Novices' Featherweight.—Pte. Perry v. Pte. Perry has nothing to be disappointed about by being Neal, East Surreys. Perry won on points. beaten. Pte. Perry fought a clean fight, but was Pte. Perry v. Pte. Battleden, East Surreys. Perry finally beaten on points, losing most points in the third won on points. round. Novices’ Lightweight.—Pte. Hadfield v. Tpr. Result: Pte. Blake beat Pte. Perry on points. Newton, Queen’s Bays. Newton won on points. Featherweight.—Cpl. O’Keefe of “A” Company Novices’ Middleweight.—Cpl. Martin v. Pte. met L/Cpl. Harris of the Royal Sussex Regiment. Coshott, East Surreys. Martin won on k.o. 2nd round. L/Cpl. Harris, having beaten last year’s Runner-up in The Army Individual Featherweight Championship Novices’ Light-Heavy.—L/Cpl. Cohen v. Pte. in the recent Garrison Championships held in Folke­ Gander, East Surreys. Gander won on points. stone, was expected to go far in his weight. He won Novices' Heavyweight.—Pte. Cheesetnan v. Pte. his weight in the Areas Eliminating Competition and Ritchie, R. Tank Corps. Cheeseman won on points. now fights in London. Open F eatherweight.—Cpl. Toms v. Tpr. Birch, This was an excellent fight; Cpl. O’Keefe fought Queen’s Bays. Birch won on points. really well and used his brain. As far as points were Cpl. O’Keefe v. Tpr. Miles, Queen’s Bays. Miles concerned, there was not a great deal in it. won on points. Result: L/Cpl. Harris beat Cpl. O'Keefe on points. THE DRAGON 129

2nd BATTN. THE BUFFS BOXING TEAM (Novices) Runners-up Shorncliffe and Lydd Garrison Boxing Tournament, 1932/33.

Pte. T. Corden, Pie. T. Checsemaa. Pie. E. Barry, L/c. Colien, Sgt. Sirett, Pte. E. Haclfield, Lieut. A. A. J. N. Pear.iside-Speed, Lt.-Col. the Hon. P. G. Scarlett, M.C., R.S.M. Vaughan, Dmr. II. Foreman. Pte. A. Perry. [Cpl. W. Martin.

W elterweight . Draw and Results op the Eliminating Contests 1. Pte. Darlow (“II.Q.” Wing) met L/Cpl. Brazier por The Army Individual Boxing Championships. (T.B.R.E.) A very good light ; Darlow, in the first F eathers. round, weighed up his man, beating him in the second L/Cpl. Harris, I Royal Sussex Regt. } L/Cpl. Harris ! and third rounds. L/Cpl. Skit, 1st H.L.I. ) 7 I. L/Cpl. H arris Cpl. Toms, 2nd Buffs I Cpl. O’Keefe f 2. Pte. Darlow now met Sapper Stratford L/Cpl. Harris Cpl. O’Keefe, 2nd Buffs \ 12 (T.B.R.E.) An excellent fight and very much better J than his first fight, Darlow using all his knowledge of Pte. Perry, 2nd Buffs ) Pte. Blake ringcraft coupled with the use of his brain. He beat Pte. Blake, R. Berks. ( his man easily ; this was one of the best fights of the Welters. Cpl. Tomlinson, R. Berks, i Stratford i competition. Result : Pte. Darlow beat Sapper Spr. Stratford, T.B.R.E. / Stratford on points. 8 • Darlow Pte. Darlow, 2nd Buffs 1 Darlow 13 3. Pte. Darlow now met Sapper Hawes (Depot L/Cpl. Brazier, T.B.R.E. / 1 "Spr. Hawes R.E.) As Darlow had had two fights and Hawes only Spr. Hawes, Depot R.E. I H one fight, it was decided to put this fight on during the L/Cpl. Richards, R. Berks. / " awes following morning. Whether it was that Darlow B antams. Pte. Parrish, R. Sussex Regt. f D N u was stiff or tired he did not fight up to his usual form Dmr. Newall, R. Berks. Regt. I and never looked like winning. It certainly was not L ig h ts. the same Pte. Darlow who fought on the previous day. Pte. Fluke, R. Sussex Regt. 1 pj . However, it is an ill-wind that blows nobody any good. Pte. Corden, 2nd Buffs / 1 le ’ ^ IUKe L ig h t-H ea v ies. Result : Sapper Hawes beat Pte. Darlow on points. Pte. Spratt, R. Sussex Regt. \ T,. cnratt L i g h t w e i g h t .—Pte. Cordell met Pte. Fluke of the Spr. Rvalls, Depot R.E. 1 e’ 1 Royal Sussex Regiment ; an excellent fight ; both Boxing Notes. went hard, but used all their intelligence and know­ On the evening of Monday, February 27th, a ledge of ringcraft. There was much blood on both Battalion Novices’ Boxing Team met a Novices’ Team sides. In just losing on points Pte. Corden had nothing of the Queen’s Bays. The full house and the applause to be asham ed of. given after the fights, showed that the fighting was Result: Pte. Fluke beat Pte. Corden on points. much appreciated. 130 THU DRAGON

Included in the programme were two contest, Spare Men :■— 1. Pte. Darlow, "H.Q.” Wing, 2nd Battalion The Buffs, Pte. Bell ...... 15 Middleweight Champion of Shomcliffe Garrison met Pte. Skinner, “M.G.” 18 Cpl. Moles, Queen’s Bays, the Welterweight Champion Pte. Burgess of Shomcliffe Garrison. This was a needle contest and L/Cpl. Insole. Cpl. Moles won on points. He had the Benefit of Cpl. Fox. fighting on his home ground. After this event came the blizzard period. I am 2. Pte. Blake, Royal Berkshires, met Cpl. not so sure that we did not take life too easy, using the Simmonds, Bast Surrey Regiment, in a Lightweight cold weather as an excuse for carrying out certain Contest. This was a very good fight to watch and training. Looking back at the fortnight before the showed us some very clever boxing. Eastern Command Championship I find that we were In beating The Queen’s Bays by 18 points to 15 not over-worked. This may be to our advantage, points, the Battalion Novices have everything to be for the Army Championship ; we can certainly stand proud of as they showed us some very clever and clean an intensive period of training without going stale. boxing. There are many boxers of promise among them and provided that they keep themselves fit and realise The Eastern Command Championship was held at that, as yet, they have a lot to learn, they should do well Shomcliffe on 28th February. The course was just next year. over the seven miles. Some very stiff hills were in­ Thanks are due to Cpl. Toms who trained the team cluded ; in fact it was a real hard course. Our victory and put in many hours of hard work ; he was well this year gave us our third success in this event. The rewarded. same applies to the Shomcliffe Garrison Championship. It was realized that it was to be a race between The After the fighting Lieut.-Colonel Wooten, Com­ Lincolnshire Regiment from Dover and ourselves. manding The Queen’s Bays, very kindly presented the. This proved to be a real good race and the closeness prizes, which were extremely good and of a very use­ in the points shows the danger that may come from this ful nature ; but it ought to be remembered that one team in the Army Championship. However, I believe does not take up boxing to become a Pot-Hunter. our better-balanced team will carry us through. The Surely it is better to fight for the love of the sport and Lincolns had four men in the first five throughout the the honour of our regiment. “ Veteri Frondescit race; against this our team were always together just Honore.” behind. Sgt. Holmes of the Lincolns was away on his One ventures to think that if one only played Foot­ own from the sta rt; to win a good race. Frankham ball and Cricket, etc., when one knew that there were was always a good second against his more experienced such valuable prizes as one saw at our boxing match opponent. It was a very good effort on his part to with the Queen’s Bays, these " Friendlies,” would finish second in the Command. Sgt. Bell was again become a very expensive pastime and few could partake to the front in great style, just going back a bit at the of them. The only way to improve one's boxing is to finish. A wonderful effort. Inman was a good seventh meet other people. The only way to do this is to have in the race. After, a slow start, he was always making friendly matches with other regiments; it is hoped ground. I think Inman will yet do better. Watts that we shall be able to do this next year. ran well throughout; as did Sgt. Trinkwon and Burgess. Cross-Country Notes. Cpl. Hurley was well up to the. front on climbing the stiff hill, but unfortunately had a bad spell and lost Once again the weather has been against us, result­ many places during the next mile. He recovered in ing in our re-arranged fixture against the 1st Battalion time to pick up six places over the last mile. Hayde, Seaforth Highlanders at Dover on 22nd February, Long, Alnwick, Divers and L/Cpl. Belson all did well being cancelled. to keep bur tail end closed up throughout the race. On the 18th February we held a return fixture The two Skinners ran well and occupied good positions against the 3rd Battalion Royal Tank Corps from had they been required. Pte. Bell was not quite as Lydd, at Shomcliffe. The run was held over our seven- well placed as he can be. As long as our last men can mile course, and resulted in our team placing the first keep so close to the leaders we shall require some twelve men home in the race. beating. Running for The Tank Corps was Lieut. M. H. C. Gutteridge, the Cambridge and England half-miler Complete Result of Eastern Command Champion­ who finished fourth for his team. ship. On this occasion Frankham was not quite himself, Winners : 2nd Bn. The Buffs (Holders)... 204 points with the result that Inman was able to be with him 2nd : 2nd Bn. The Lincolnshire Regiment 274 throughout, going away at the finish to win a good race. 3rd: 3rd Bn. Royal Tank Corps ... 699 Result of run :— 4th : 2nd Bn. Royal Berkshire Regiment 725 „ 2nd Battalion 3rd Bn. Royal Tank 5th : 2nd Bn. Royal Fusiliers ...... 730 „ The Buffs. Corps. 6th : 2nd Bn. The Black W atch...... 891 „ Rk. Name. Order. Rk. Name. Order. 7 th : 1st Bn. Royal Sussex ...... 908 „ Pte. Inman ...... 1 L/Cpl. Newton ... 13 8th: 1st Bn. The Seaforth Highlanders... 1061 „ Pte. Frankham ... 2 Cpl. Ramsden ... 14 9th: 2nd Bn. East Surrey Regiment ... 1088 „ Pte. Alnwick 3 Lieut. Wimbush ... 16 10th: Training Bn. R.E.'s ...... 1381 „ Sgt. Bell ...... 4 Lieut. Gutteridge ... 17 Pte. Long ...... 5 Pte. Emery ...... 19 L/Cpl. Belson ... 6 Pte. White ...... 20 2nd Battalion The Buffs. Pte. Hayde ...... 7 Pte. Norman ...... 21 Pte. Frankham ... 2 Cpl. Hurley ...... 18 Pte. Divers ...... 8 Pte. Ellis ... 22 Pte. In m an ...... 7 Pte. Hayde ...... 19 Cpl. Hurley ... 9 Pte. Diplock ...... 23 Pte. W a tts ...... 11 Pte. Long ...... 22 Sgt. Trinkwon ... 10 Pte. Livingson ... 24 Sgt. Bell ...... 13 Pte. Alnwick ...... 24 Pte. Skinner, "13” ... 11 Pte. Maddocks ... 25 Sgt. Trinkwon ... 15 Pte. Divers ...... 28 Pte. Watts ...... 12 ...... 26 Pte. Burgess ... 16 L/Cpl. Belson ... 29 Total ... 78 Total ... 240 Total Points ... 204 THE DRAGON 131

Complete result:—

2 n d B n . T h e B u f f s . “ D ” C o y ., 4 t h B n . T h e B u f f s . R k. Name. Order. Rk. Name. Order. Pte. Inman ... 1 Pte. Killer ... 16 Sgt. Trinkwon 2 Pte. Bamford ... 18 Pte. Dong 3 Pte. Buckhurst ... 19 Pte. Watts ... .. 4 Pte. Edwards ... 20 Pte. Alnwick 5 Pte. Dove ... 21 Pte. Skinner, '’13” 6 Pte. Brown ...... 22 Pte. Bell 7 Pte. A babi ... 23 Pte. Skinner, “M.G ” 8 D/Cpl. Hornsey ... 24 Pte. Wilson ... 9 Pte. Chaplin ...... 25 D/Cpl. Insole ... 10 D/Cpl. Pascall ... 26 Cpl. Fox .. 11 Pte. Dilhner ...... 27 Pte. Ward ... .. 12 Pte. Chid wick ... 28

T o tal .. 78 T otal ... 269

Spare Men :— Spare Men Pte. Winch ... .. 13 Pte. W ard ... 29 D/Cpl. Philpott .. 14 D/Cpl. Hall ...... 30 Pte. Dudley ... .. 15 Pte. Eastland...... 31 D/Cpl. Good .. 17 Pte. Scott ... 32 Pte. Hayde ... On the 8th March we were away to the 1st Battalion East Surrey Regiment. The course was under five miles. Being a very good day for running, our men were soon away to the front, setting a very fast pace. Once again F'rankham was the winner, although Watts was with him. I understand Sgt. Trinkwon, Cpl. Hurley and Inman left the course slightly when running next to Frankham (who also went astray). Although winning rather easily, our men made a good race of it. Complete result of ruu :— 2nd Bn . T h e Bu f f s . 2nd Bn . E ast S u rrey R egt Pte. Frankham 1 Pte. Perry ...... 11 Pte. Watts ... 2 Pte. Miles ...... 15 Pte. Alnwick 3 P te. Gadd . 16 Sgt. Trinkwon 4 Pte. Bullard ... . 18 Cpl. H urley ...... 5 P te. R oake . 19 Pte. Inman ... 6 Pte. Finnis . 20 On the 4th March, Pte. Frankham, Cpl. Hurley and Pte. Dong 7 Pte. G ilbert ...... 22 Pte. Burgess ran for Kent in the Inter-County Cross- D/Cpl. Belson 8 Pte. Coeshot ... . 23 Country Championship at Wolverhampton. This was Pte. Divers ... 9 Pte. D unn . 24 a great honour to have three members selected to run Pte. Burgess 10 D/Cpl. M iles ...... 25 for the County; last year we had two. They all Sgt. Bell 12 Pte. Fiddler ...... 26 justified their selection for Frankham finished 25th Pte. Hayde ... 13 Cpl. Hesterman . 27 in the race, Cpl. Hurley 46th and Burgess 62nd. In this race some of the best runners in England are seen. T otal 80 T otal . 246 As only nine from a County run, the standard is very high. Spare Men :— Spare Men :— On the 5th March we had a special fixture. This Pte. Skinner, “13” ... 14 Pte. White ...... 28 was against a team from “D” Company, 4th Battalion Pte. Bell ...... 17 Pte. Marshall . 29 The Buffs from Dover, which included a few members Pte. Wilson from Margate and Folkestone. Pte. Skinner, “M.G.” 21 In our team we had a number of the first fifteen, The team are now preparing for the Army Cham­ made up of others who have trained at some time or pionship to be held at Colchester on 21st March, a other. report of which will appear in the next issue of The Dragon. The course was one of about four-and-a-half miles. Our men were away to the front and set a good pace throughout. The result of this fixture should be over­ looked by our opponents, the real object being to show Sergeants’ Mess. them a standard to work up to. This standard can be Although the year is still young one can see the obtained by all if they really put their back into it before their Territorial Divisional Championship. They definite approach of Spring. have some very useful men. They certainly have the Our tennis experts, having got rusty through will power to stick it out. This is the first occasion hibernating round the home-fires, are flexing their we have ever ran against a Territorial U nit; we hope joints, airing the necessary kit, and overhauling the to be able to give them a return fixture later on. precious rackets in joyous anticipation. 132 THE DRAGON

Our “ Armoury Wizards ” have already graced Half-time :—Officers, 2 ; Sergeants, 3. the court, succeeding in mastering the mechanism The second half saw the Officers playing like of the backhand, forehand and underhand drive. The Trojans, Mr. Kenward and Mr. Walker being out­ R.S.M., also one of the faithful, has been noted making standing. a pilgrimage to this Mecca of the elite. Mr. Craddock scored the sixth goal of the game in Our indoor entertainments have not ceased yet by fine style, leaving our backs standing. a long way. On February 13th a Whist Drive and Dance was About this time I noticed that the linesman, Mr. held in the Mess, being a very successful show. The Airy, was extremely idle on parade, the raising of attendance at whist was good, 25 tables being occupied. his flag being only of necessity when the leather sphere The prize-winners were as follows :— had almost disappeared over the horizon. Ladies :—1st Prize, Mrs. Grubb (179) ; 2nd Prize, Our fourth goal was a real beauty, Edwards scoring Miss Laws (177) ; 3rd Prize, Mrs. Moore (173) ; 1st from a corner-kick. half sweep, Mrs. Wass (92) ; 2nd half sweep, Miss Shortly afterwards " Tich ” Burville had a private Laws (95). tussle with Mr. Craddock and, after some bickering, Gents. : 1st Prize, T/M. Price (175) ; 2nd Prize, evaded him and “ broke his duck.” Mr. Guiver (172) ; 3rd Prize, Mr. Butler (171) ; 1st Having decided that everybody else was presenting half sweep, T/M. Price (92) ; 2nd half sweep, Mr. Mr. Haggard with best wishes and muddy footballs, Guiver (99). the B.-Master presented his compliments with a fine Mrs. Vaughan kindly consented to present the prizes. cross-shot, which was accepted unwillingly. The dance which followed was a very lively affair, No. 10 fell to the lot of the R.Q.M.S. who had been one might have been pardoned for thinking that every­ playing the game of his life. one had got that “ Kruschen Feeling ” ; even the Mr. Parry (F.W.B.) then took over custodian and “ Old-Uns ” were skipping round like spring lambs. for some time flew a signal of distress. A penalty was The Annual Battle between the Officers and Sergeants then awarded against us which Mr. Walker took. took place on February 15th. The battlefield was ‘hat Our goalie infringed some rule in moving, and the nice green stretch just outside the mess, and the shot had to be taken again. Thus we witnessed the ammunition was Balls, S.P., leather, complete with fall of the mighty, for ” No. I ” must have strained all bladder and wind (1), part-worn, but serviceable. his sinews in that vain effort to stop the pile-driver Plostilities were delayed for ten minutes owing no that forced out the net. The final goal was scored doubt to the fact that our “ goalie ” had to struggle by Mr. Lewis after a brilliant run-through. into a magnificent jersey of brilliant green, and that Final Scores :—Officers, 5 ; Sergeants, 7. Mr. Haggard’s masterpieces of stockings had caused We were then kindly invited to partake of that the referee to open his mouth in great astonishment, beverage known as G.B. & R., and for a short time re­ thereby missing the opening tootle on his shriller. fought the battle in theory. Our team was composed of the following :—R.S.M. On February 18th, the R.S.M., accompanied by (goalie) ; C.S.M. Sidwell, R.-M. Foster, R.Q.M.S. R.Q.M.S. Ricketts and C.S.M. Petley, went off on a Ricketts, C.Q.M.S. Burville, Sgts. King, Saunders, short week-end to London and attended the 7th Hobson, Johnson, Watts and Edwards. Battalion dinner which was held in the Bedford Hotel. The " valiants ” who turned out to represent the This was, by all accounts, a very enjoyable concern. Officers were :—Mr. Haggard (goalie), Capt. Hoare, All members attended a little impromptu meeting Mr. Crozier, Mr. King, Mr. Kenward, Mr. R. F. Parry, on the 21st, during the lunch period, for the express Mr. F. W. B. Parry, Mr. Lewis, Mr. Walker, Mr. Fearn- purpose of bidding farewell to our late Adjutant, side-Speed and Mr. Craddock. Mr. Nicholson, who has since left to join the 1st Battalion. Truly a formidable team, and believe me, a hefty The R.S.M. fairly made Mr. Nicholson blush when one too, as some of our fly weights found during the he mentioned how his services as W.T. Officer and then many scrambles. as Adjutant had been so beneficial, and had, by his The sound of the starting whistle had hardly • died cheerful disposition, made a happy family of the away before the Officers had streaked up the field, Battalion and our Mess. brushed away all opposition, giving C.S.M. Sidwell a All members heartily endorsed that by a bumper shbrtrest on-terra-nrma, and after a merry little skir­ toast, three cheers, arid a real he-man’s ” Tiger,” mish in front of goal, Mr. King put the elusive leather which I’m sure is still ringing in his ears. in the right spot, thereby drawing first blood. We tender to him our respectful wishes for a success­ Were we downhearted ? “ Not a little bit.” Our ful and happy future. answer was a neat little bit of footwork down the field, On February 22nd, the Caterer put the lawn mower, the ball passing between Johnson, Hobson, Watts and a hot iron, and a brush with plenty of “ elbow grease ” the R.Q.M.S. in professional style. behind it, on the billiard table, cleared the ” decks for Like Horatio of old, Mr. F. W. B. Parry sallied action ” at 7 p.m., when Sgts. Wass and Lee met in the forth to defend his sacred charge, but mis-judging final of our handicap tournament. Wass got away our forwards' ability, left Mr. Haggard to fish the ball with it for a start and made things hum for a little while, out of the net where Hobson had placed it for safe thrilling the spectators with some brilliant custody. ” Wassonization ” strokes without even blushing. This same fellow, apparently “ had it in ” for any­ Then Lee wanned up, and from that time played like thing red, so shortly after he headed another past that a sure winner. Both made some good breaks, including innocent wearer of regal colouring. 38 by Lee, and 20 by Wass. It was then onwards a ding-dong struggle, Mr. The result was :—Lee, 400 ; Wass, 258. Lewis got under the Ref’s eye, got a ten yards’ start, We were at home to the East Surreys on the 24th, and if our goalie had only jumped to attention and when we played them billiards in the “ Garrison League.” closed his legs, the ball would not have found the net A games tournament was also arranged and was as an equalizer. very successful. Euchre, whist, “ Tiffy ” Brag, darts Next came the turn of the R.Q.M.S., after a streak and hit-a-pin was going strong all the evening; also up field, dodging boots, legs and hefty shoulders. our friend G.B. & R. made frequent and prolonged He must have been billiard-minded, for he potted direct visits. at the netted pocket, hit the goalie and got a perfect We won the billiards, as may be noted in my billiard “ in off red.” notes, but failed in the majority of the other games. THE DRAGON 133

Our " No. 1,” after having read out results, Probably the brew of a certain Scotsman named presented to the " No. 1 ” of the Surreys, a huge and Younger caused the balls to deviate from the course splendid trophy (Depot, please note), and also Mr. intended, and heavy leaning on the-cues took them out Dare, as a reward for their skill-at-games. of true. This was ceremoniously received (not without a The results were as follows :— great deal of mirth) with a promise that they would Games. not be greedy, but would pass the coverted trophy on Buffs. Surreys. at a future date. Billiards 1 ...... 5 Another well-attended Whist Drive and Dance was Whist 1 ...... 3 held on February 27th, 26 tables being in play. The Bagatelle 6 ...... 1 committee was kept fairly busy during the whole time Euchre 4 ...... 2 counter-signing the cards of those fortunate enough to Hearts 3 ...... 2 get over 10. Personally, I seemed to be always on the Skittles 7 ...... 2 debit side, while I noticed several other Gents, who completed a circuit round the same table. 22 15 Mrs. Vaughan kindly consented to present the following prizes :— BILLIARDS. Buffs. Surreys. Ladies : 1st Prize, Mrs. Wame (183) ; 2nd Prize, 1. C.S.M. Sidwell 92 Sgt. Cason ... 100 Mrs. Woodward (179) ; 3rd Prize, Mrs. Needs (178) ; 2. Sgt. Wass 95 Sgt. Allwood 100 1st half sweep, Mrs. Pilcher (95) ; 2nd half sweep, 3. L/Sgt. Lee ... 100 Sgt. Lewis ...... 75 Mrs. Wame (97). 4. D/M. Duffy ... 92 Sgt. Mabbott 100 GENTS: 1st Prize, Sgt. Sirett (189) ; 2nd Prize, 5. A/S/Sgt. Mclnnes 82 Sgt. Stewart 100 Mr. (Steve) Carvell (183) ; 3rd Prize, Sgt. Pilcher 6. Sgt. Trinkwon 49 C/S. Lewington ... 100 (180) ; 1st half sweep, Sgt. Sirett (96) ; 2nd half Buffs, 1 point Surreys, 7 points. sweep, Mr. Carvell (100). After the Monthly Mess Meeting the R.S.M. made Ladies' Bodnv : Mrs. Kennedy (115). the following presentations:—Winner of Billiard Handicap, L/Sgt. Lee, the Billiard Cup and a replica ; Gents’. Booby : Sgt. Osborn (130). Runner-up : Sgt. Wass, a wrist watch. *' Lo and behold,” a miracle has happened. The Gents, have managed to collect their own-prizes, and L/Sgt. Lee also made the highest break (48), and what was more astounding, beat the Ladies in scores. was presented with one of the London Branch " Come, now, Ladies,” this was unheard of. You are presentation cues. losing your abilities and more important, the " Ackers.” Sgt. Trinkwon made the next highest (32), and received the second London Branch cue. We con­ The dance which followed on the presentations gratulate the finalists, may those cues be wielded well continued to about 1 a.m., everybody seemingly in the Garrison League matches. thoroughly enjoyed themselves. We were the guests of "D” Company “ Buffs’ Club,” Our billiard team is still going great guns, having at Folkestone, on Friday, 10th March. A games yet to register a lose. tournament was held and was entered into with plenty On February 17th we played away with the 22nd of spirit. I am afraid that we were well behind in •Brigade R.A., resulting in a draw of 4 points each. points when the score board was finally totalled. I must not encroach too deeply on their preserves for R.A. 2nd Bn . The Buffs. they have a very efficient scribe and no doubt a full I. Sgt. Pooley 45 Sgt. Wass ...... 100 account will appear in their notes. 2. B.Q.M.S. Gough 100 L/Sgt. Sirett...... 68 One thing I must state on behalf of all members 3. Sgt. Dunkeld ... 72 D/M. Duffy ...... 100 is that we heartily thank them for a jolly evening, 4. B.Q.M.S. Gordon 54 L/Sgt. Hobson ... 100 for without a doubt we were right royally entertained 5. Sgt. Slatter 57 C.S.M. Sidwell ... 100 and all the club members went all out to make the show 6. B.S.M. Simmonds 100 C.S.M. Beasley ... 50 the huge success it was. One could summarize it briefly Highest Break : C.S.M. Sidwell: 30. in three words, " True Buff Spirit.” The next match was more decisive when we played N.B.—Tiffy states, free “ Hooch ” very good, wants the East Surreys at home. Some very good games plenty of notice next time to enable him to ring up and were witnessed and many good breaks. inform " Aberdeen,” guarantees large support. 2nd Bn. The Buffs. E ast Surreys. Touchstone. 1. C.S.M. Beasley ... 71 C/S. Lewington .... 100 2. Sgt. Wass 100 Sgt. Cason ...... 71 Corporals’ Room. 3. B.-M. Foster 100 B.-M. Manley ... 55 During March we have witnessed a complete and 4. C.S.M. Sidwell ... 91 Sgt. Mabbott ... 100 sudden change in the weather, the absence of rain as 5. Sgt. Trinkwon ... 100 Sgt. Allwood ... 80 compared with last year is quite noticeable. 6. L/Sgt. Lee 100 Sgt. Stuart ...... 86 During February we played the Corporals of the We won by 6 points to 2 points and are still at the Depot at football. We have previously noted their top of the League where we hope to finish up finally. own remarks and have nothing further to add. We We went over in force to the Mess of The East only hope that History does not repeat itself on the Surreys on 9th of March, and played off our away 24th inst. when again we meet them. It is our wish match with them. to preserve a balance of power in the Sports field as A games tournament was also held, in which we more near as possible as will compare with our numbers. than held our own. At the February Mess Meeting the Regimental- It was a very enjoyable evening and we were well Sergeant-Major very kindly presented the London entertained. Branch cues to Cpl. Eley (at present on a S.A. Course The sad part about the show was our defeat in the at Hythe) for the highest break and L/Cpl. Field for the Billiards, after I had endeavoured to put them in the next highest. In a few well-chosen words the R.S.M. limelight as practically unbeatable. said how noticeable it was that the winners of the cues 1<34 THE DRAGON

invariably chose tea-pots. He remembered presenting We were pleased to see the company well represented in the Officers v. Sergeants football match. Mr. Haggard absolutely covered himself a good many tea-pots in recent years. Cpl. Bley, in with glory as a goalie until he decided that to shoot goals was much reply, thanked the Committee for running the shoot better than stopping them. Mr. Kenward showed that "b raw n ” as did also L/Cpl. Field on receiving a cigarette case does not always count by disposing of thirteen stone of Company Sergeant-Major, to the delight of the spectators. Mr. Crozier also for the second cue. The cues and cases are hung up played a fine game and has been noted down for the company team in the Mess and will be suitably inscribed. We take for his remarkable half-back play. this opportunity of again thanking the London Branch On February 27th we met “C” Company in the Inter-Company Past and Present, for presenting the cues and the Knock-out Competition, and we must congratulate them on their very fine performance ; although we eventually won by 2 goals to 1 we bad general interest they take in us. a very hard struggle. Really, I think that we had a great shock when The February dance was quite a success and we were only about fifteen minutes remained for play and we were still a goal pleased to see Colonel and Mrs. Scarlett amongst us. in arrears, but each time we seemed to be held up by the great display of their goalkeeper. All our team played well, but there was just Dancing commenced at 8 p.m. and continued to 1 a.m., that little bit of over-eagerness which spoilt so many chances, and until the M.C.’s being Cpl. Turmaine and L/Cpl. Cowley. our team master this it is impossible to get the goals which are necessary The Dance Band, under L/Cpl. Mayers, provided us to win. Our team on tills occasion was :—Sgt. Good; Fte. Burton and Cpl. Vincent; Fte. Robbins, C.S.M. Sidwell and Sgt. Johnson ; with some excellent music which was much appreciated. L/cpl. Chapman, L/Cpl. Castle, L/Cpl. Cowley, Pte. Collins and L/Sgt. On the 11th we play The Duke of York’s School at Edwards. We are due to meet "24” Company in the semi-final. Soccer, a report of which will appear in the next issue. Last month I mentioned that we were due to play the R.E-’s in We are sorry to lose L/Cpl. Cowley who has gone on the Hallam Parr Competition; this, I omitted to say, was in the semi-final round of this competition. We played this match on March a Vocational Course at Hounslow in fitting and turning. 2nd, in most appalling weather, the ground being an absolute quagmire, We wish him success in his venture and a successful and rain falling during most of the match. After a very hard game return to civil life. we ran out winners by 3 goals to nil. Our team on this occasion played extraordinarily good football and, considering the conditions, Very shortly we lose L/Cpl. Tofts who is going to gave a very creditable performance. Sgt. Edwards and Pte. Robbins, Chisledon on a Chauffeur-Gardeners' Course. All although out of their usual positions, gave of their best. In this match the best Tofts, and may luck attend you and carry we re-arranged our team a good deal and brought back two or three members of the company who term themselves “ veterans,” but they you to something useful in civil life. all stuck it very well to put us in the final. As this is the first year We tender our congratulations to all those who that the Gunners have represented the battalion in this contest, it have recently received their f rst appointment as Lance- must be deemed a good performance to have got into the final at the first time of asking. Special mention must be made of Pte. Longley, Corporals and wish them all they could wish for. Any Our goalie, as he played beyond our expectations, although lie was help they need will always be forthcoming from the brought in at the last moment and had never appeared in this position older members; they have only to ask and it shall be in the team before, but he did all that was asked of him in the very done. Remember Napoleon’s statement about the best style. Our team for this match was :—Pte. Longley; Pte. Burton and Cpl. Vincent; Sgt. Johnson, C.S.M. Sidwell and Sgt. Saunders ; Field Marshall’s Baton. L/Cpl. Chapman, Pte. Collins, Pte. Robbins, L/Sgt. Edwards and Sgt. On the 24th we are having our usual monthly dance Bartlett. We are hoping that next month we shall be able to say and are looking forward to a good show. A report will that we have been successful in the final. appear in our next issue. P ro. T em. Now that there is a definite improvement in the weather we hope to get a move on in Tennis. A good The Band. number of the Mess being married or having lady friends We are now in full swing preparing our programme for the coming some pleasant hours should be spent. engagement season, which promises to be a very good one. We hope M o n t y . to spend the best part of the summer at different seaside resorts enter­ taining the public. Our long looked for inspection by Captain Adkins was cancelled “M.G.” Company. owing to the ’flue, so we still have it to do and are wondering if it will come off at all. . Training during this month has been progressing steadily and the The Dance Band has been going great guns lately and are a brilliant Young Hands are getting more used to throwing the tripod about, combination. and the Range takers are endeavouring to become masters of the We are looking forward to a visit from the l.st Battalion Band- weather and get out in between the showers to get in some useful Sergeant and Bandsmen who are coming on leave from Burma, and work with their instruments. also L/Cpl. Ireland and Bdmh. Green, who are joining us soon. We have had a spell of digging {to enable the Married Families to Bdmn. Humphrey has arrived and is now spending the next month have gas stoves installed in their quarters) and many of the company on sick leave. We hope that he will return in the best of health. thought that they had returned to civilian life, so quickly did they We have had several games of football lately and have been very become accustomed to the pick and shovel, but signs of wear (blisters) successful. We won our two Half-Company League games, but lost still remain on the less hardened hands of some of our ex-miner members to The Queen’s Bays’ Band. The Boys also have a good team and to remind them of hard work. The Gunners soon learnt the " mechan­ they will be a very good asset to the battalion in later years. ism ” of the pick and shovel and completed their tasks in record time. We are now passing our P.E. Tests and all the Band are looking forward to attaining the required standard to pass. We wish Pte. Jordan the best of luck in civilian life, to which Kindest regards to the 1st Battalion Band, and we trust they are he has returned after having spent the majority of his service in the company. enjoying their new station. Also we hope that L/Cpl. Cowley and Pte. Barnes will soon get . employment on completion of their vocational courses, to which they proceeded on March 1st. We shall miss L/Cpl. Cowley very much The Drums. in the sport of the company as he has been one of the best of all-round athletes and we here tender our thanks for the parts he has played Congratulations to C.S.M. Ongley and his running team on winning in helping us to be the holders of the Championship Shield. the Eastern Command Cross-Country Run. We hope to congratulate Congratulations to Captain T. R. Reid, M.C., on his obtaining a them again in next month’s notes as winners of the Army Run. "D”_at the Army School of Education, and also to Lieut- C. Haggard Dr. Lucy has forsaken the “ Whistle Pipe ” to becoffie si “ Jockey,” on his Qualifying at the Small Arms School. having transferred to the 11th Hussars. We welcome to our fold Drum-Major Ritdiards from the 1st After Church Parade on February 26tli, the Brigade Commander Battalion. A lot of us knew him before he went to India and are presented the Athletic Shield to the Company Commander (Captain glad to see him looking fit and "Tanned ’’ (No ! not Canned 1). At G. R. Howe), this being the third time in succession that the company present he is having a spot of leave. has been the holders of this Shield, and the older and ex-members Drum-Major Duffy has been in hospital, but he is now out but still of the company are to be congratulated on this very fine performance. unfit for duty. We hope he will soon r«»ver from his ailment. It has set an ideal for a practically new company to. live up to, which We still fail to see the notes of the 1st Battalion Drums appear up to the present they are doing. in The Dragon. If it’s pen and ink you require, let us know and we’ll We _ would like to congratulate the cross-country running team supply them for you. on their fine performance in again winning the Eastern Command We are undergoing our P.E. Tests at present, and what a sight to Championship and to voice our thanks to C.S.M. Ongley for the time see “ Our Dear Granny ” skipping over the high jump like a newly- and trouble he has gone to, to produce this result. To Pte. Frankham born lamb. we tender our congratulations on his very fine run to come in second. We have not played any league games yet, but will have a bunch In the realm of sport we have been going well this month, for of results for you next month. although, owing to the calls of education, we have been unable to place If the Editor will reserve room next month, I wish to send names truly representative elevens out for the Half-Company League, still, of all winners of the Silver Bugle from the time the competition first as this .was intended to allow everyone to be able to play we have at started. least fulfilled the object. A.J.B. THE DRAGON 185

Signal Section. “C” Company. ------, 1 'i ’ ; • ' With the advent of spring weather, spirits are arising and extra On February 4th twenty-three men left the company to embark reading is progressing in real earnest. for India to join the 1st Battalion. We wish them .the best of success in their new station and trust they will soon settle down to the climate. What is this super attraction that draws our lads out on these warm To compensate us for the loss, a draft arrived on the 22nd, of which evenings ? Hardly an appreciation of nature! nine came to the company, and amongst those nine, two of them Our football team is keeping in trim to take on all comers. We (Ptes. Casano and Hamlyn) are good boxers and runners, and should played "A" Company first team and lost 4—!,.but we are nothing be great assets to the company for the future sports events. Pte. daunted. Hamlyn,. I might add, is also a good shot, having obtained the C'O s. Digging activities held our attention for a while. It was overheard Medal and A.R.A. Medal for shooting at the Depot.. that the Sigs. did most of the work and finished off that which our L/Sgts. Hobson and Crouch have been transferred from “A.” and musical neighbours could not manage.. Even the G.O.M. (Grand “B” Companies to the company. L/Sgt. Hobson ;has been in the Old Man) nearly got lost down the disused drain and had to be rescued company* before, and we are very glad; to have him back, for he is a by Streater. good footballer and hockey player. • Our old comrades, Harry' arid Darkie, have left us for the dis­ Captain Sandilands, M.C., has left us to go on aP .T . Course, and tinguished roles of skating rink attendants, and W.O. on reading results we wish him the best of success. 1 • ’ . are not so common. Pte. Walton has returned from his Cycle Course, having obtained a “ Good" Certificate. , ' . f , . , • It may be noticed that these notes are not by the usual subscriber. It is a hearty welcome that, we extend; .to Lieut. Walters and his This is due to his tiriie being monopolised by a lady. These things Servant, Pte. Wilson, on coming to the company'from the Depot. must happen, so we must grin and bear it, and borrow his ink ! Pte. Wilson, I might add, is a battalion cross-country.' runner, which We welcome back our future Signal Officer, Mr. Dynden-Bell, and auger’s well for the company. ■ ■ • '• J hope his illness has not impaired his.reading ability. Pte. Lancaster has left us for a tour of duty at the Depot, and we There was quite a raid on long hair during the. month, but we with him the best of success in his new station. • : noticed one member of the section got'under someone’s eye. Oh, what L/Cpl. Heather made a. speedy recoyery from his operation, and a drastic cut! we are glad to have him back with us. Our Bill is getting quite hot at signalling. He has now begun to Cpl. Ingram has gone on a S.A. Training Course at Woolwich, “ Boil." Our Leslie has also sprouted to boiling point. We hope and we wish him the best of success. they both cool down in time for classification. - Pte.. Taplin has gone on a Cycle Course at Woolwich, and we trust he will do well. Giuzzt.y Duck. In the football for the Shield we met “M.G.” Company. This was a .thrilling game and we were unlucky to lose, the result being 1—2 in “M.G.’s ” favour. Our goal was scored by 2/Licut. Lewis. Our “A” Company. team was as follows :—L/Cpls. Cohen, Brigstock, Ftes. Bird, Green, Woolford, Watson, Wiison, 2/Lieut. Lewis, L/Sgts.. Hobson, Lee, life in the. company has been exceedingly busy during the month. Cpl. Ingram. N.C.O.’s are at present engaged with their Dong W.T. Cadre Course, In a trial match against “B” Company, the result was 6—:0 in our and the men for the most part are busy with individual training. Those favour, 2/Lieut. Lewis scoring the goals. Our team was as follows :— that are left are doing Regimental duties. So, for company duties, L/Cpls. Cohen, Brigstock, Ftes. Bird, Quinn, Woolford, Green, Tudor, we find perhaps one N.C.O. keeping us going. Savage, 2/Lieut. Lewis, L/Sgt. Hobson, Cpl. Ingram. During the month the following' N.C.O.’s have left us -Sgt. • It is a great credit to the company that we supply many battalion Osborne, Sgt. Cook and Cpl. Foster; also Ptes. Milgate and Hayter. cross-country runners, L/Cpl. Belson and Ptes. Watts, Bell and Wilson To them all we wish all the best of luck. being in the team; and for the forth-coming Battalion Sports we We learn with regret that the miniature range is closed for voluntary have every hope of seeing the company flag at the top of tlie mast, shooting, thus riiany of our “ Bungs " will miss their “ Buck-shee ” bob. as it has been in past years.. We are due shortly to meet “13” Company in the Inter-Company L/Cpl. Cohen and Pte. Casano did very well in the Battalion Boxing Football Shield, and I am led to believe that, although far. from Tournament v. The Queen’s Bays, and the company is glad to have favourites, we are liable to spring a surprise. Still, we must wait and such men who represent the battalion in sports. see. We are now training hard for the forthcoming P.E. Tests, which -Half-Company League matches, although behind the programme, take place on March 8th, and we have every hope of having a high are being played off as fast as possible.- Results of matches played to percentage of passes. date are not yet available. It- is a pleasure to know that Lieut. P. T. G. Lynden-Bell has Congratulations to L/Cpl. McGinley and Pte. Wright on being recovered from his recent illness. awarded their first G.C. Badges. Still, we must remind them that We extend hearty congratulations to L/Sgt. Patterson on receiving their platoon are still waiting. the pay of his appointment. It will be remembered that this N.C.O. During the month all rifles were zeroed, and I feci that I must left us for a tour of duty at the Depot, and he will see by these notes remind the company that a t present we are the best shooting company, that he is not forgotten. and hope that during the forthcoming annual course all will do their . C.E.C. utmost to maintain this distinction. T.C.H.

“B” Company. The Staff College. Owing to the severe weather experienced during the last month our activities have been somewhat curtailed. The practice of physical fTHERE were a number of Buffs competing at the efficiency tests in particular. Now the good weather is arriving we recent Staff College Examination. We under­ have started work and some good results are showing in that direction. stand there were six at home and several in Burma. Our first football match was played on February 13th and we were defeated by “C” Company by six dear goals. r We wish them all the very best of luck. This We next entered the field against the redoubtable Gunners on Fridav, Examination has always been a very serious and February 17th. A win in our favour by the odd goal in three was rather exhausting ordeal. One officer who had recently been surprising, as the Gunners possess a very fine football team, and it was not thought possible for us to bring down the giants. up for the examination remarked : “ When I finished Our next match, played on March 1st, was in the Company Shield the examination I was absolutely like a bit of chewed event. Unfortunately we were drawn against one of the best sides string.” We can quite believe it. Not long ago we in the battalion, namely. No. 24 Company. This team has no fewer asked an officer who has had some experience of the than seven Regimental players in its ranks and we were fully expecting to be badly beaten. This, however, was not the case. Though Staff College Examination what advice he would give to defeated, we were only the losers by two goals, the score being 3—1. an intending candidate for the Staff College. He The football was of a very high standard and the team must be con­ replied : “ Tf you want my advice I will give it, but gratulated on their very fine performance. Our forwards did brilliant work and our defence was, on the whole, sound. I don’t suppose any intending Candidate will take it We offer double congratulations to Sgt. Trinkwon, firstly on his because the young fellow of the present day always marriage, and secondly on obtaining first place on .the Regimental 'thinks he knows best—and especially dislikes any Gas Course. We wish Mrs. Trinkwon and himself all the best for a very happy time and hope they will be long with us. advice from an older fellow whom he always regards We welcome to the company Pte. Filmer, who replaces Pte; Benz, as a “ has been ” and ” no good.” Here is my advice transferred to the Wing. for what it is worth to the intending Staff College Our congratulations are extended to the following on their first -candidate : ” Don’t try and do the thing in a hurry. ap p o in tm e n tP te s. Brice, Shrubb, Horne, Carmichael and Whaley. In conclusion, we would like to associate ourselves with all other Two or three years before you.are going up, select your good wishers in extending our heartiest congratulations to C.S.M voluntary subjects from the Syllabus, which you should Ongley, D.C.M., and the running team, on once more bringing home most closely study, and work them up. Then a year the Eastern Command and Shorncliffe Garrison Cups. We look forward to the Army events and hope that their form will enable this ■before the date of the Examination concentrate on the coveted trophy to reriiain in the Regiment for another year. obligatory subjects and make sure that you qualify.” . 136 THE DRAGON Beneath Bell Harry. a r c h has fully He is one of the few survivors of the St. Lawrence which was wrecked in 1879 ? After the ceremony he M lived up to its kept us very interested in his experiences of the old reputation in all ways days and brought very old names of Officers and Men " a perfect lamb ” to of the Regiment to our notice. begin with but at this Our usual fortnightly functions are doing very well, very moment the and I think we will have to enlarge our Danee Hall shortly if the visitors keep on increasing as they are “ lion ” is shaking the doing. The floor is a bit shaky and when the Paul buildings with such Jones is in full swing many anxious eyes are directed ferocity that the writer overhead from the “ bar dancers.” is experiencing con­ A party of seventeen went to Shomcliffe ’for the siderable difficulty in Sergeants of the 2nd Battalion’s Fancy Dress Dance on St. Patrick’s Night and thoroughly enjoyed a very keeping the ink-pot good show. We congratulate the Committee for on the table. We .all running such a splendid dance; the costumes were took advantage of the extrehiely good and we did not envy the judges in their perfect conditions at difficult job of selecting the best dresses; over 200 Fancy Dresses required some judging. We were glad the earlier part of the to carry a First Prize to the Depot. Mr. A. Argrave month to endeavour to get into practice for as “ Body-Line Bowling,” won the First Prize for the the Regimental Golf Meeting, which is due most original. He was dressed as a cricketer with pads to take place at the beginning of next month. and bat complete and played the part perfectly, there was no doubt from the start. A very tired party arrived Our confidence has been shaken considerably back in Canterbury in the early hours very well pleased of late, and one, to my knowledge, has equipped with the dance and hoping for a repetition at a later date. himself with new mackintosh trousers and We have just heard from Ex-C.Q.M.S. Gibson coat, but I am not sure that I admire his shoes. who has settled down in the War Office Constabulary. No doubt the appearance of daffodils and He sends his best wishes to all and thanks the Depot crocuses in the Mess gardens has imbued him Mess for his present recently received. Our football team is going strong and we play the with a spring-like feeling, thereby biasing his Cavalry Records and Pay Office shortly. We are choice ! going to lose Sgt. Cross, one of our team, which means We were favoured with a perfect afternoon the Master-Cook will have to function. on March 9th when ex-Colour-Sergeant A little bird whispers that one of our Single Mem­ bers is " doing the trick.” Further news next month Cornelius was presented with the Meritorious about that, it must be kept dark at the Present. Service Medal by B re vet-Lieut. - Colonel A. B. Thomson. The parade formed up in three sides of a square and the Commanding Officer, Corporals’ Mess. As far as social events are concerned February after an appropriate speech, presented the was a very quiet month, but we are making up for that medal. Mr. Cornelius, though 70 years of during March. age, has the smartness and carriage of a serving Our first function was a trip to Maidstone to play soldier and is one of the few survivors of the the Corporals Q.O. R.W.K. Regiment a series of games, wreck of the St. Lawrence. After the parade the results of which were entirely in their favour, but as everyone enjoyed themselves we didn't mind. had been dismissed, Mr. Cornelius paid a Football was the first item and after a good, clean visit to the Regimental Museum. game we lost to the better team by 5-2. We were very pleased to see Captain Lister, The Miniature Range next claimed our attention. M.C., who stayed two days in the Mess after I really did think we would win here as the array of officiating as referee in the boxing match at “ guns ” on our left arms certainly looked formidable. However, the W. Kents did their stuff and as Paddy Ashford between the Army and Nottingham had not quite recovered from St.^ Patrick’s Night Police. celebrations we came in second. Billiards, Bagatelle, This week may be an anxious one for many, Shove-halfpenny and Table Tennis were then played as all are expecting to make a fortune at Dublin, off. The Billiards resulted in a win for the West Kents Lincoln or Aintree. May the drum cease by the narrow margin of 4 points after continuing, revolving at the right moment and may the the score of six games of 25 minutes' each, and as favourites lose at Lincoln and Becher’s Brook. everything was strange to us we were quite satisfied. An exhibition game of 25 up was provided by our “ Paddy ” and their “ Jock.” I have an idea that Sergeants’ Mess. Lindrum would have consulted someone regarding Our first news of interest covers tlie visit of Ex- the antics of the balls which, being of the jazz variety, Colour-Sergeant Comelious who was presented with changed their direction frequently. Jock won as he the Meritorious Service Medal by the Commanding pinched the chalk and also scored “25” ! Officer on a Depot Parade. Although over 70 years of Table Tennis was new to our men, but we have age this old soldier still instructs Schools in drill, etc., one or two that showed good promise, especially one and has the carriage and smartness of a really old Buff. who is well-known on a football field and dart board. t h e d r a g o n 137

DEPOT BOXING TEAM, 1933.

Sgt. Osborne, Pte. Jolley, Pte. Wallace, Pte. Hainlyn, Cpl. Cunningham. Pte. Johnson, Bt.-Major Rice, Q.M.S.I. Moore, Pte. Casano.

he has Ginger (1 beg your pardon) Auburn hair and has been known to state that he is “ unaccustomed to The 4th Battalion. public speec—s ” (there will be no prize l'or revealing his identity !) ''AMP has been definitely’ A small, but very cheerful dance ended our evening. (J arranged to be held On this subject I am slightly hazy owing to the change near Seaford from Mny 14th of food (Mackesons of IIythe fame instead of our old friend G.B. & R.) I did notice, however, that our to 28th (as reported ex­ choir were well to the fore as also was J ock on the dance clusively in the March floor ; his special " can-can ” was worth seeing. An Dragon). The actual site old member, one “ Carolina ” Charlton, came down with is at a place called Crowlink. us, and very ably helped to deplete the canteen stock of ‘ ‘ large ones,” in fact, I expected to see him float home ! These dates will suit mem­ We all thank and congratulate the R.W.K. on their bers of the battalion very show which we are sure they enjoyed as much as we did. well and the camp site, Our next event is a visit to the 2nd Battalion for I am told, is excellent. So their dance which will be held on the 24th March and on the 31st we are holding a farewell dance to I,/Cpl. camp this year should prove M cBride. a really popular one. General news is scarce ; the Billiards table has been It will certainly do the re-turfed and J ock is seldom far away from his beloved Battalion no end of good hunting ground, especially when Mrs. Simpson was away when it is rumoured he slept on it, but Canteen to be concentrated in camp suppers are not to his liking and he was glad to go home. once more, and I feel sure that we can all Tony has had trouble with his head-gear, Having look forward to a thoroughly useful and enjoy­ tried a felt hat, “ pork-pie ” variety, a “ basher’s ” cap, able fortnight. he has now alighted upon the ideal, to wit, a “ bowler.” His resemblance to “ the man from the Prudential ” is It will need a special effort from every striking. member of the Battalion to make himself L/Cpl. Kendall has, after a period in Hospital, thoroughly efficient and ready for the collective proceeded on leave for ten days. Latest reports show that the Cookhouse is slowly recovering, after losing him. training in camp. I am convinced that this Before concluding these notes I would like to inform will be forthcoming in every case. many enquirers that Pyjamas are n o t shewn on kit A tactical exercise for officers only was inspection and likewise for the benefit of others that " Night-shirts—frilled—red flannel,” are now deleted held on February 18th and 19th. The weather from “ Soldiers—serving—army pattern.” was kinder to us than on the last occasion W e w o n . we tried to fight a battle, but there is room ras THE DRAGON

for improvement yet. Tet us hope that on however, Burnett put across a tremendous right hook, the exercise which is coming off this week­ -which staggered his opponent, who shook his head violently to clear it and charged at Burnett whom he end (March 18th and 19th) the clerk of the found in a corner. The referee, ho-wever, seems to weather will really behave himself. have mistaken this shake of the head for a signal of defeat and unfortunately stopped the fight. Here The finals of the Territorial Army Boxing again, on the performances of the other fighters except took place on March 10th. A full account that of the winner, a cautious Scotch giant of 6 ft. 6 £ ins. of this appears below. 2/Ifieut. Roberts and and 15 stone in weight, named 2/Lieut. A. R. V. Luke, who deserved to win, one is entitled to feel that mis­ Pte. Phillips had the bad luck to be beaten fortune robbed us again of a finalist. However, it in the eliminating bouts. Owing to another will be many years before our present boxers are too old battle raging round Cambridge, the writer to retain the hope of a title, and with good men coming was unable to go and see the fights, but from on for next year there is every hope of greater prosperity all accounts in both cases luck was definitely for next season. Two champions rather surprisingly lost their titles; against us. So we have great hopes for next in the Officers' Welters th a t great fighter, Major D. D. year. Rutherford, M.C., who has held the title for about five On the evening of March 15th No. 12 years, lost to Lieut. N. F. S. Palmer of the 6 th East Surrey Regiment in a very good fight at the Albert Platoon at Hawkhurst held their prize-giving^ Hall. In the other ranks’ middleweights, Pte. New- and a very successful dance. bold, of The 7th Royal Warwickshire Regiment, lost to Pte. Drysdale of The 7th/9th Royal Scots. Drysdale Each platoon of “C” Company is holding lost to Pte. Parr of The 23rd London Regiment in the its prize-giving and a dance in its own Drill finals. Newbold, who won the Imperial Services Station this year. This is a new move and a Title last year, did not seem to be up to form this year, as he nearly lost to a very plucky man in L/Cpl. Landy- good one, as it helps to show the flag in the more of the 4th Queen’s Royal Regiment in the first Weald, and is thoroughly popular. How could series. In the Army fights at the Albert Hall the best it be otherwise with so many charming dancing bout was that between L/Sgt. Peters (holder) of the partners, as O.C. “C” Company so rightly says ? Irish Guards and Sgt.-Instructor Wigmore of the A.P.T.S., It was nearly a quarter-of-an-hour of thrilling figliting which was thoroughly appreciated by the audience; Peters retained his title. Even the heavyweight contest between 2:Lieut. A. G. F. Powell Boxing Notes. of the Welch Fusiliers and Fusilier West of the Royal Scots Fusiliers, for the right to represent the Army at Th e Territorial Army Boxing F inals, 1933. The Amateur Boxing Finals next week, in which Po-well knocked West out some six times in the first The Preliminary Bouts of the T.A. finals were fought 90 seconds before the fight was stopped was worth on Wednesday and. Thursday,• the 8 th and 9th of March, watching just to see a really well-built and fit Giant with 1933, at the London Scottish Drill Hall, Buckingham a tremendous punch in action. Gate. There were about 120 entries from the 14 divisions, necessitating about a hundred eliminating bouts in the three preliminary sessions, and 14 in the finals; the preliminaries covered about 16 hours’ “B” Company. boxing. Th e Whitstable P latoon.. Both representatives of the battalion suffered rather During the past month or six weeks the most notable events have bad luck. Pte. Phillips, at lightweight, got a bye in been a tactical exercise for officers held - at Canterbury on February the first session ; in the second he met Fus. Cadman 19th, and the Whitstable Platoon Dinner and Prize Distribution. of the 5th R. Welch Fusiliers, who was last year the In the case of the tactical exercise, four of the company officers runner-up, and the favourite for this year's title. were present. The general comment was “ Very interesting, b u t ------Phillips received a deep and painful cut at the side of cold.” So on the whole it was evidently enjoyed. The Whitstable Platoon Dinner took place in the local Drill Hall the right eye in the first round, but continued to fight on Saturday, February 25th. The Commanding Officer was present hard, doing considerable damage, eventually winning with the Adjutant and Quartermaster, while the company was repre­ a hard bout on points. The nature of his injury required sented by Captain Mount, Lieut. Parish, Sgt. Lakin (P.S.I. at Sitting- that he should have five stitches inserted; however, bourne and Whitstable), and the N.C.O.’s and men of the Whitstable Platoon. A very pleasant evening was spent in the course of which the same evening, he entered the ring against Pte. Lieut. ^Colonel Collard performed two extremely popular acts, firstly Bowyer of the 1st Cambridge Regiment, who has by telling us that camp is actually to take place this year ; it evidently several times defeated the captains of the Cambridge is true this time as we are now told when and where. Secondly, he and Oxford U.B. Clubs. Phillips’ injury prevented distributed a very fine lot of prizes, collected by volunteers from.the him attacking, and Bowyer was frightened to injure platoon. It is regretted that these notes must now cease as the writer has him further, so, eventually, Phillips had to give in. now to (1) arrange the dates of firing the annual course at Teynham This was a great pity, as he has tremendous pluck, if possible without annoying more than three platoon commanders, is very fit indeed, and certainly no less skilful than any and (2) arrange and forward applications for efficiency grants from man we saw, and would certainly have got into the finals five detachment commanders in such a way that they shall not annoy and probably won the title; however, he is heartily even one Quartermaster. The annual dinner and prize distribution in connection with the to be congratulated on having got so far. Pte. Beesley, Whitstable Platoon of “B” Company of the 4th Buffs was held at of the Warwick Regiment eventually beat Pte. Bowyer the Drill Hall, Whitstable, on Saturday. The proceedings were most in the finals at the Royal Albert Hall. enjoyable. At the conclusion of the dinner, which was well served by Messrs. 2/Lieut. Roberts met 2/Lieut. Burnett in the semi­ Smith Bros., the Chairman extended a cordial welcome to the guests. finals of the Officers’ Heavyweights. Burnett opened He said they were all especially grateful to have their Commanding Officer with them as they realised that shows of that kind were no the fighting, but Roberts rushed him to the ropes and novelty to him. As regarded themselves, that evening was an succeeded in putting him to the floor. In retiring, innovation in as much as previously they had always had a smoking THB DRAGON 139

concert and not a dinner. The reason for the change was that it was “D” Company. felt that the concert was too expensive, and that a dinner would be more of a social gathering as a platoon, l'hcir one regret was that they Owing to the fact that, in a most extraordinary manlier, every day could not invite all their friends. Since the beginning of their year brings us nearer to our much-looked-forward-to annual training, I am they had had seven recruits, but their numbers, however, would not glad to say that a very great keenness is being taken in all branches he increased to the same extent, as he felt that it was definitely harmful of training at Dover. One stumbles over Range-takers taking night to have in the platoon men who were Territorials, chiefly by reputation, ranges on the sea front (without wearing rear lamps !!); nightly the and not in fact. However, after the necessary discharges had been Drummers do their best to deafen everyone in the Drill Hall, much to made, he would know that every man in the platoon was keen, which the annoyance of O.C. Detachment, who is endeavouring to swear in was what they wanted. They were very pleased with the result of the odd recruit or two, and the Permanent Staff Instructor, who is the miniature, range competition, but their efforts in the Wakefield endeavouring to explain to W.O.’s and N.C.O.’s the intricate details Cup were not very laudable. He thought the reason was chiefly that of tactical handling of the machine gun; our “H.Q.” Wing Company they had not practised for the shoot. He felt he must also say how Sgt.-Major in his well-known melodious voice orders all the recruits right grateful they were to all those who gave prizes. It was good to feel round the Drill Hall. In, fact the Drill Hall is a real “ Bedlam.” Not that an interest was taken in them, and he could assure all donors satisfied with the ordinary days of the week, members of the company of prizes that the recipients really earned their prizes. He knew he insist on breaking the Sabbath in various ways. Range-takers rush was expressing the wish of all members of the platoon when he thanked to the top of the cliffs to see how far it is to the coast of France (possibly Sgt. Turner for all he had done for them during the past year. They they are looking for the Polish Corridor!!); miniature range teams all thought he was a jolly good fellow. He could not omit to mention fire all over the indoor and outdoor ranges without flying the red by name Ptes. Wood and Monk, and to thank them for their help in flag; other members of the company not so engaged, get into either arranging that dinner. He must also mention their P.T.I.—Sgt. boxing kit and endeavour-to hit each other for the proverbial six, or Larkin—who usually got so immersed in his work that he completely assume running kit and tear round the ancient castle of Dover, returning forgot the flight of time, until too late, when the trains had departed. via the new cliff path. The speed at which they fly down this pathway, taking every obstacle, either human or otherwise, in their stride, is a Colonel Collard, who was accorded an enthusiastic reception, sight for the gods; a fall of cliff would undoubtedly be less dangerous. addressed the gathering, confining his remarks principally to the They appear to be exhausted on their return and have to be revived camp to be held near Seaford in May and appealed to employers to by Mrs. MacWalter with copious cups of coffee before they are able to allow their men who were Territorials to attend. walk home to their Sunday lunch. Still, it is all for a good cause. Captain George Mount said that he would first like to congratulate Coming to the more serious side of the question, we should like to the platoon on the very fine progress it had made in the last two years. express our sincerest thanks to the 2nd Battalion running team for He had very seldom seen such in improvement in the work of a detach- turning out a team on Sunday afternoon, March 5th, to give our meht. In recruiting, the platoon had also done very well, although battalion team a try out. The 2nd Battalion team naturally knew the further recruits were still needed. He sometimes felt that they were course off by heart, but as the course was not marked by flags some of inclined to lower their dignity in their efforts to get recruits. our best runners went somewhat astray. Nevertheless, it gave our Officer i/c Cross-country Running (2/t,ieut. Johnson) a splendid opportunity of finding out the capabilities of his team. At the com­ pletion of the run, hot baths were provided and an excellent tea was “ C ” (Weald) Company. partaken of by both teams. We thank C.S.M. Ongley and his team very much indeed, especially as this is the first inter-unit event we have We are very pleased to hear that a decision has at last been reached had with our Regular battalion. about camp, and we congratulate those in whose hands the delicate negotiations were placed which resulted in such a satisfactory result. Recently we held a dance at the Drill Hall in aid of the Mayor of A sea-side Battalion Camp in the very early summer points to some Dover’s Benevolent Fund in aid of the unemployed of Dover and their brilliant diplomacy. children. His Worship the Mayor and the Mayoress both attended The very name Seaford breathes ozone and winkles, and we look and we were very pleased indeed to see them, especially as Mr. forward to a very pleasant fortnight’s holiday with, we hope, the Councillor F. H. Morecroft, J.P., is the first Mayor of Dover since the minimum amount of “ visits ” and “ inspections ” to disturb it. War who has served in The Buffs, he having joined the Volunteer Battalion The Buffs in 1900 (Regimental No. 7642). The inclement I t is reported that Major Witts intends to sail round from Margate weather and the frozen state of the roads prevented quite a number this year, and no doubt any “A” Company defaulters will be employed of our regular patrons from neighbouring towns from being with us in polishing up the binacle (not to be confused with 11 barnacle,” which and consequently our numbers were much below the average, in fact is quite a different thing, and hardly ever needs polishing) while his we doubted whether the dance would pay its way, much less provide yacht is lying off the camp. In the absence of defaulters we presume any money for the fund for which it was organised, but thanks to the he will do it himself in the intervals between typewriting and type­ generosity of The Dover Express, who. did the printing free of charge, writing. and other local tradespeople from whom we usually hire tables, chairs, A recent Battalion Order states th a t: “ Cases have occurred and piano, etc., we were able to hand over £11 to the Mayor. recently where Service Dress Trousers have been returned to Association During the month we also entertained the members of the Staff cut off at the bottom.” We take the earliest opportunity of making of the Fast Kent Road Car Company Depot, Dover to a games evening. it quite clear that, apart from the inconvenience and draught which The four games chosen were billiards, snooker, darts and shove- must be caused by this curious practice, we have never been tempted ha’penny. We were narrowly defeated at billiards, but proved superior to adopt it in the Weald. Even the proposed new Army uniform stops in the other three events. It is reported that our P.S.I. must at some short at this sort of thing, and we feel rather hurt about the whole time or other have been in the “ Archers” as his prowess with the affair. dart was wizardly. O.C. Detachment also gained some applause at We congratulate Sgt. Willing on escaping so lightly from a very shove-ha’penny whilst partnering a machine gunner who informed nasty skid on his motor-cycle at the end of February. Possibly O.C. Detachment that “ two were wanted in the top bed and two in “ lightly ” is hardly the word to include being knocked-out for nearly the bottom bed ” to win the game. O.C. Detachment obliged two hours and having a badly grazed eye, but it might have been immediately. Frothblowing was not counted in the tournament!! worse. We are glad to report that he is now fit again. A Dart Club has been formed and C.S.M. MacWalter elected “ Land- Weut. Jackson is making quite a name for himself over his shooting lord," his privilege in that exalted position being that he is allowed on the miniature range and we hear rumours that he intends to buy to purchase the first gallon of ale ! 1 a special rifle and try his luck at Bisley this year. Good luck to him. Some little while ago 1 met the Secretary of the Kent Territorial Furthermore, we congratulate his platoon. No. 9, on having the Army Association in Dover who tenderly enquired whether our Officer highest score in the Brigade *22 Competition. We feel sure that this Commanding “A” Company was still serving, or was he indisposed, success is very largely due to our not having fallen to the temptation as he had not had the usual number of letters recently. Come on, of using peep-sights in the Battalion Deague Competition. With the O.C. “A” 1! Shake them up again 111 If you are short of a ribbon little enough training that a Territorial soldier gets, it seems more for your type-writer, I think we have one or two part-worn black and important that he should on all occasions fire his rifle as he would red ribbons we can supply you with. do so on service. We commence firing Uie Annual Weapon Training Courses at We congratulate Pte. Phillips of our detachment on his splendid Brewer’s Wood on Sunday, March 26th, and we hope that before camp effort in getting into the semi-finals of the Territorial Army Boxing we Shall have piled up enough “ bulls ” to win the James Cup for the Championships and offer him our condolences on being badly hurt. fourth year in succession. Anyhow, he lives to fight another day and we hope to see him in action at this Drill Hall on March 22nd, when we compete against 168th Recruiting proceeds steadily, and we hope that the lure of camp Heavy Battery R.A. for the Dover Garrison Cup. will bring in a few waverers. Not having a single town in the company area, which itself is very extensive and scattered, we can never hope to To 2/Lieut. A. C. Roberts we also extend our condolences as accord­ compete with the more “ urban ” companies and must win the Harris ing to all accounts he did not deserve the decision. Nevertheless, Shield this year entirely on our camp attendance and efficiency in 2/Lieut. Roberts and Pte. Phillips have many more years of boxing in camp. We hope that both will be sufficiently high to do so. front of them and we wish them greater success in future years. J.S. The rather conservative company prize giving at Cranbrook has DO IT NOW 1 1 this year been scrapped ” in favour of three detachment dan™*; at which the platoon cups and prizes will be presented in the intervals of dancing. This seems to be a popular move and may be useful Folkestone Detachment. propaganda. We hope to persuade the Commanding Officer to In view of the approach of camp our activities are increasing the floor at one or more of these festivities. The Weald can boast rapidly. On Wednesday, February 22nd the Company Prize-giving some charming partners! was held at Dover, being preceded by a march round that town. We A.E-L-H. had a very enjoyable evening there, and all those members of the 140 THE DRAGON The Scarlet Bayonet. " JJEG'LAR fed up, I am,” declared Private Baker " Well, what’s on toinorrer ? " to his crony, Private Austin, as he plumped “ Nuffin’ much ’cept Commandin' Orf'cer's paride, himself down at a table in the coffee bar. " And 'oo as per usual.” wouldn’t be browned off if they was treated loike “ An' ain't that nuffin’, silly ? ” I was by the perishin’ Sergint-Major ? 'Oo would’nt “ Gam, that's cushy, that is. I ’d rather do that be, I asks yer ? ” than the Regimental Bloke’s any day, strewth I would.” “ "l'isn't no use chewin' the fat abaht it, Doey,” “ Dare say you would,” Baker pursued. ” But his friend replied in mollifying tones. “ You can’t do ’ave you cleaned up an’ all ? ” nuffin'.” “ Course I ’ave,” Austin answered in injured tones. " Ho ! can’t I ? " Baker retorted scornfully. “ You " Don’t fink I wants a dose of jankers, do yer ? ” see if I can’t.” “ An’ ’as the blinkin’ Comp'ny-Sergint-Major “ Well, watcher goin’ to do ? ” cleaned up, d'yer fink ? ” For a space, Baker was unable to enlighten his “ Course 'e ’as, leastways 'is batman 'as for 'im. friend. Half a canteen bun effectually gagged him. Caw, wish I was a perishin’ Comp’ny-Sergint-Major It was not until he had blown on his tea and gulped it wiv a batman an’ all. But I don’t get yer, Doey. down even as his predecessors might have put away Wotcher drivin’ at ? ” half-a-pint that he deigned, to unfold his plot. “ Didn’t expect you would, thick ’ead,” Baker “ Mum’s the word, Spud ? ” he asked anxiously. answered with withering scorn. “ ’Stroike me dead ! ” the other affirmed. “ Well, I knows someone 'as ain’t got ’is third yet, Their heads came close together across the slab- an' is a bung shot,” his friend countered. topped table. “ ’Ave you read Orders to-day ? ” “ Praps you does," Baker replied after a pause to Baker demanded hoarsely. ruminate on this telling rejoinder. " But that’s neither “ Yus, but why ? ” ’ere nor there. Where does 'is batman put 'is 'quip- ment after 'ee's cleaned it ? ” " 'Ow should I know, Doey ? 'Angs it up in the 4th Battalion—continued. Comp'ny orfice, like as not.” detachment who won prizes are to be congratulated, particularly " O.K. Spud, me boy. That’s just where 'e does L/Sgt. Bugden, who won the prize for the N.C.O. taking the greatest put it. An’ where does ’e put ’is rifle an’ bay'nit ? ” interest in his platoon, a prize which must carry great satisfaction “ Same place, I reckon.” with i t ; and Pte. O’Grady, whose prize was for the recruit with the greatest number of parades since last October; this requires giving “ That’s right, mate,” Baker encouraged. up a lot of one’s spare time, but Pte. O’Grady’s signalling is not suffering " Well what abaht it, then ? 'Ow's that any use ? ” from lack of attention and will, no doubt, some day carry its own Austin leant back in his chair and regarded his friend reward. with a puzzled frown. By the way ! Why does C.S.M. Martin collect “ Club ” cigarette " Never you mind," Baker continued mysteriously. coupons ? Is he trying to get a pair of “ Three Steeple ’’ silk stockings ? “ Just come along with me, and I'll show you somefin' The following Lauce-Corporals and Privates are respectively trying interestin' like.” to become Corporals and Lance-Corporals, and we wish them the best of luck when they pass o u t:—L/Cpls. Elson, Smith, Doughty Together the two confederates strolled out of the and H all; Ptes. Hannan (G.), Deane, Brown and Godden. Amongst canteen and wended their way through the darkness these eight are some of the keennest men of the detachment, and there towards their barrack room. Their route took them should be a good competition between them. past the Pioneer’s shop. Sgt. J. Harthill has fortunately been able to get about again after “ You ain’t windy, Spud ? ” Baker whispered his illness, and has since done some good work. hoarsely in his friend’s ear as he came suddenly to The range-takers are doing good work on Sunday mornings under a halt and gripped him by the arm. “ 'Cos I’ll tell yer L/Cpl. King (Dover), and it will soon be time for us to go into our fer why. This is a job wot needs guts, see ? I’m summer residence a t Dydden Spout for a bit of firing. goin’ to break into this ’ere shop an' pinch a brush We cannot conclude without reference to two coming events, namely, the boxing tournament which Captain Sherwood is running full o' red paint to decorate the blinkin’ Sergint-Major’s at Dover on the 22nd of this month, which promises to be one of the baynit wiv.” most brilliant functions of the age, and the inter-detachment games “ Blimey, Doey. You ain’t 'arf got a nerve ! ” night on Tuesday, 28th when a darts team from “The Buff Dragon” at Dover will visit the “ Dragon’s Head ” at Folkestone for a game. “ Well, nuffin' weren't never done wivout nerve. We understand that Mr. S. Martin, the lincensee of “ The Dragon’s You still game ? ” Head,” hopes to be able to teach landlord MacWalter what darts are “ Betcher life I am.” really made for, and is going into strict training. The match is for a Solemnly the twro rascals grasped hands. Austin's side-stake of a gallon a side, and an enjoyable evening should be spent. was clammy with fear. Finally, we should like to congratulate Fte. Phillips of Dover on his wonderful pluck throughout the boxing season, but particularly “ Wait 'ere ’arf a tick then, Spud.” in his last fights a t the finals, an account of which will be found else­ Gliding away. Baker left his pal gaping into the where in this issue. night. In a few moments he was hack, a dripping A.C.R. paint brush in his hand. Stealthily they continued on their way. F o l k e s t o n e Cl u b . “ ’Ere we are. Spud,” the arch-conspirator announced. “ Now you mount sentry whilst I nips A most enjoyable evening was held at “D” Company Club, 4tli Battalion The Buffs, on Friday, March 10th, when R.S.M. C. Vaughan inside.” and thirty-six members of the Sergeants’ Mess, 2nd Battalion The Once more Austin was left trembling outside. Buffs visited the Club to play a return match in various games. The “ Strewth ! ” he muttered, and wiped his perspir­ Club won by 4£ points to 3£ points. The games consisted of billiards, ing forehead with the back of a grimy hand. skittles, push-penny, darts, whist, crib, euchre and a game pronounced “ fat,” but the spelling seemed rather varied as it was also known as The heavy measured tread of a man of hulk phat, fatt, etc. The R.S.M. got the Secretary of the Club in a corner approaching from the direction of the Sergeants’ Mess and with the assistance of C.Q.M.S. Diamond kept him playing various set his heart cracking against his ribs. Just in time he card games for quite a considerable time. Just before it was time to go, R.S.M. Vaughan thanked the Club for its hospitality and said slipped into a doorway. The ponderous form of his how much the SeTgeants’ Mess appreciated the comradeship shown Company-Sergeant-Major hove into sight, paused at by the Club. Mr. Wilkinson (Sports Secretary) said that the Club the steps leading to his office, turned about with a was only too pleased to entertain the 2nd Battalion and hoped that muttered exclamation, and returned once more towards there would hie many more sudh gatherings before the battalion left Shomdiffe. the Mess. THE DRAGON 141

In another moment Private Baker rejoined his The Regimental Gazette. timorous sentry, grinning broadly. Officers. * $ * * * The 1st Battalion. Company-Sergeant-Major Umbrage was no fool. I ncrease. 6283519 Bdmn. F. Closier, “H.Q.,” embarked at Southampton When he returned once more to the office, fumbled in per Lancashire, 8-12-32. vain on the wall for the key which he invariably hung Appointments. on a nail, and eventually found it in the lock, his 6283192 Pte. W. Lewis, “C” ; 6294848 Pte. B. Cloke, “C” ; suspicions were at once aroused. Switching on the 6283762 Pte. T. Punnett, “M.G.” ; 6283874 Pte. R. Hillier, “M.G.” ; 6284179 Pte. P. Heyward, “C” ; 6284215 Pte. J. Smith, “M.G.” ; light, he glanced round quickly. On the walls hung in 6284246 Pte. R. Beer, "C” ; 6284275 Pte. H. West, "M.G.” ; 780247 methodical array his treasured files. On his table Pte. P. Twyman, "C” ; appointed Unpaid Lance-Corporals, 3-1-33. nothing was amiss. On his Captain’s table the ' in’ 6284298 Pte. H. Savage, “M.G.” ; 6284640 Pte. J. Hayden, “C" ; 6284698 Pte. E. Barnes, “M.G.” ; appointed Unpaid Lance-Corporals, basket still held the same number of unread adjutant’s 3-1—33. memos. The ‘ out ’ basket was still empty. The 6284174 Pte. W. Johnson, “B,” appointed Unpaid Lance-Corporal, confidential box .seemed intact, and the key was still 7-1-33. warming in his trousers pocket. His equipment, 6282514 Bdmn. W. Smith, “H.Q.” ; 6284409 Bdmn. T. Clegg; appointed Unpaid Lance-Corporals, 10-1-33. complete with bayonet, was hung all ready for the 6283834 Pte. J. Seymour, “H.Q.” ; 6284299 Pte. J. Seaword, morrow. All at once a small scarlet drop on the other­ “H.Q.” ; appointed Unpaid Lance-Corporals, 13-1-33. wise spotless floor rivetted his attention. Stooping P romotions. down, he touched the spot with a finger. 6281971 L/Sgt. H. Martin, “H.Q.,” promoted Sergeant, 23-11-32. " Ah ! ” he grunted in a satisfied tone. “ W et! 6281466 Cpl. L. Cole, “M.G.,” appointed Lance-Sergeant, 23-11-32. Now who's been monkeying about in ’ere ? ” Then he 6281692 Cpl. J. Dixey, “H.Q.,” appointed Lance-Sergeant, 30-12-32. examined his equipment. Nothing wrong with that. E ducation—Special. 6284176 Pte. L. Lane, “H.Q.,” passed in Modem European History So he picked up his rifle and squinted through the held at Mingaladon in October, 1932. Date of award, 12-10-32. barrel. Nothing wrong there. Then he drew out his 6283754 L/Cpl. A. Paramour, “B,” passed in Mathematics "B” at bayonet. May my o. E ducation—1st Class. " Ah ! ” he exclaimed with immense satisfaction. 6195929 Pte. G. Wilson, “H.Q.” ; 6281659 L/Sgt. H. Breward, “ So that’s your little game ,is it ? Well, me lad, “A” ; 6283091 Pte. F. Brittain, “M.G.” ; awarded 1st Class Certificate whoever you may be, you’ll find you can't bowl out the at an examination held at Mingaladon in October, 1932. Date of Certificate, 12-10-32. Sergeant-Major as easy as that, see ? Any green in The undermentioned passed in subjects as shown :— me eye, hey ? ” 6283762 L/Cpl. Punnett, “M.G.,” Mathematics; 6284367 L/Cpl. Kinsella, “A,” English; 6282917 L/Sgt. Fox, “M.G.,” Mathematics; For a while he stood with the bayonet in his hand, 6281822 Sgt. Warren, “A,” Geography; 6284244 Pte. Munday, wrapped in deep thought. Gradually, -in his mind, “M.G.,” Mathematics; 6280922 Cpl. Hicks, “M.G.,” English. he compiled a list of hard cases in his Company on whom The undermentioned passed at Maymyo in subjects as shown:— suspicion might reasonably fall. At last he chuckled 6283800 L/Cpl. L. Turner, “B,” English (“ Distinguished ”) and grimly, quitted the office, locked the door, and slipped Geography ; 6284295 L/Cpl. W. Skinner, “C,” English. the key in his pocket. The bayonet he still held in E ducation—2nd Class. 6284476 Pte. E. Hoskin, “B” ; 6284707 Pte. J. Palmer, “B” ; his hand. awarded 2nd Class Certificates at an examination held at Shorncliffe, $ $ $ & sfc 3-9-32. The undermentioned were awarded 2nd Class Certificates at an examination held on 16th and 17th December, 1932 :— . Two days later Private Austin stood quivering 6283391 L/Cpl. N. Stiff, “B” ; 6284903 Pte. H. Fiowerdew, “C” ; 6284124 Pte. S. Burch, “M.G.” ; 6284118 Pte. W. Fletcher, “M.G.” ; with ashen face before his Captain. 6283732 Pte. T. Ridout, “M.G.” ; 6283860 Pte. J. Stone, “M.G.” ; " 62854321 Private Austin,” his Captain read. 6284431 Pte. R. Grainger, “M.G.” ; 6284741 Pte. E. Chapman, “C” ; 6284487 Boy F. Seager, “H.Q.” ; 6283540 Pte. R. Laydon, “B" ; “ On the fifteenth, having a dirty bayonet on Com­ 6288867 Pte. Manning, “C” ; 6283791 Pte. C. Dixon, “M.G.” ; manding Officer’s parade—er, Sergeant-Major 6282435 Pte. W. GarUnge, “B” ; 6283472 Pte. J. Wilson, “M.G.” ; Umbrage ? ” 6284284 Pte. F. Hunter, “M.G.” ; 6284203 Pte. R. Edwards, “C” ; 6284951 Boy H. Butler, “H.Q." “ Sir ! ” answered the Sergeant-Major with gusto. E ducation—3rd Class. " On the fifteenth instant on Commanding Off’cer’s 6284981 Boy A. Beale, "H.Q.,” awarded 3rd Class Certificate of parade the order was given to fix bay’nits. I noticed Education at an examination held at Maymyo on 30-1-33. the accused. Sir, had a ruddy bay'nit...... ” R e -Engagement. 6280922 Cpl. G. Hicks, “M.G.,” re-engaged for The Buffs at Maymyo ” Er, what, Sergeant-Major ? What sort of a for such period as shall complete 21 years with the Colours, 13-2-33. bayonet did you say ? ” the astonished officer asked. “ Ruddy, Sir,” the Sergeant-Major repeated un­ moved. ” All gory-like it was, Sir. So I put the The Scarlet Bayonet—continued. accused on a charge. Sir.” " I see this isn’t the first time you’ve been dirty, “ Indeed ! Anything to say, Austin ? ” his Captain ” Austin,” he answered coldly. There’s no excuse for asked blandly. turning out in such a disgraceful condition...Seven days’ C.B.” The wretched man stood first on one foot and then * * * * # on the other. Furtively he cast his eyes around as though seeking escape from his awful quandary. But That evening Sergeant-Major Umbrage held a his only comfort was a glimpse of the latest-joined special parade of his own. Privates Baker and Austin subaltern vainly aattempting to suppress a grin. were amongst the dozen who stood before him in full marching order. “ Cawn’t make it out, Sir,” he choked out at last. Forty-five minutes later the tottering, sweating “ The day before I cleaned up an’ all as I always does— squad lurched to a halt for the first time. which I can bring witnesses to prove, Sir. An’ when “ Now me lads,” quoth the Sergeant-Major, lapsing I drew my bayonet, Sir, you could 'ave knocked me into the vernacular, ‘ ‘ I 'opes as 'ow the man wot painted dahn wiv a fewer, I was that surprised; Sir.” my bay’nit red is on parade,... ” Whilst he spluttered out his defence his Captain There are still some contingencies not adequately glanced casually through his conduct sheet. provided for in the King’s Regulations. 142 THE DRAGON t

The 2nd Battalion. 6285407 Pte. J. Eccles, 6285299 Pte. N. Lancaster, 6285269 Pte. L- Golder, 6285296 Pte. J. Swaine, 5947438 Pte. J. McLeavy, 6285411 Appointments. Pte. D. Mitchell, 6285404 Pte. C. Pink, 6285415 Pte. L. Ringe, 6285408 The undermentioned were appointed Unpaid Lance-Corporals on Pte. L. Surbey, 6285412 Pte. H. Swinbank, 6285414 Pte. J. Thompson, 11-3-33 :— 6285410 Pte. V. Thompson. 6282989 Pte. R. Almond, “C” ; 6283740 Pte. M. Frankham, Discharge. “M.G.” ; 6284775 Pte. J. Herbert, “M.G.” ; 6285163 Pte. A. Windup, 6284670 Pte. O. German, discharged under para. 370 (xvi), K.R.’s, “M.G.” ; 6285171 Pte. H. Kelly, "M.G.” ; 6285176 Pte. R. Lacey, 22-2-33. “M.G.” ; 6009451 Pte. H. Edmond, “M.G.” ; 6285085 Pte. S. 1058223 Pte. A. A. Edwards, ”B,” discharged under para. 370 Packham, “M.G.” ; 6285209 Pte. F. Delsini, “C” ; 6284984 Pte. (iii), K.R.’s, 3-3-33. A. Brice, “B” ; 6284348 Pte. J. Horne, “B” ; 6284978 Pte. G. Chapman, “C” ; 6284850 Pte. L* Gipson, “M.G.” ; 6285028 Pte. The 4th Battalion. T. Skeet, “A” ; 6284990 Pte. A. Munday, “A” ; 6285050 Pte. S. Enlistments. Shrubb, “B” ; 6285250 Pte. H. Carmichael, “B” ; 2027876 Pte. The following recruits have been attested, taken on the strength W. Whaley, “B.” and posted to companies as shewn :— The undermentioned, of “H.Q.” Wing, are appointed Bandsmen, Pte. J. Bundock, “B” (C), attested 16-2-33; Pte. W. Connolly, 11-3-33:— “B” (C), attested 16-2-33 ; Pte. S. Hart, “B” (C), attested 16-2-33 ; 6282117 Pte. H. Catt, 6283572 Pte. W. Harding, 6283600 Pte. W. Pte. J. Olive, “B” (C), attested 16-2-33 ; Pte. H. Brown, “B” (W), Woolnough. attested 13-2-33; Pte. E. Crouch, “A” (HB), attested 22-3-33; The undermentioned, of “H.Q.” Wing, are appointed Drummers, Pte. J. Enright, “B” (W), attested 22-2-33; Pte. P. Furminger, 11-3-33 :— “D” (F), attested 24-2-33; Pte. S. Harris, “D” (D), attested 6283735 Pte. C. Ganatt, 6285001 Pte. W. Spaltman, 6284935 Pte. 28-2-33; Pte. A. Bullworthy, “A” (M), attested 28-2-33; Pte. H. Pinnock, 6285053 Pte. D. Dunbar. J. Jordan, “A” (M), attested 28-2-33; Pte. C. Smith, “A” (M), attested 28-2-33 ; Pte. L- Keller, “A” (M), attested 3-3-33; Pte. Transfers—Inter-Un it. S. Rigden, “B” (W), attested 6-3-33; Pte. A. Doughty, “D” (F), 6283756 Dmr. H. Lucy, “H.Q.,” transferred to 11th Hussars attested 10-3-33; Pte. R. Craig, “A” (HB), attested 9-3-33; Boy (P.A.O.), Tidworth, on 20-2-33. S. Bidgood, "D” (D), attested 10-3-33; Pte. E. Morley, “C" (H), 6285052 Pte. S. Wilcox, “H.Q.,” transferred to Royal Tank Corps, attested 13-3-33 ; Boy H. Larkins, attested 14-3-33. Wool, Dorset, on 27-2-33. P ostings. Promotions and Appointments. 6281348 I,/Cpl. H. Tripp, “D” (D), promoted Band Corporal, 6278603 Sgt. W. Cook, posted to 4tli Battalion The Buffs, T.A., 4—1—33. Ramsgate, for a Tour of Duty, 1-3-33. 6282414 Pte. R. Tripp, “D” (D), appointed Paid Lance-Corporal 6279670 Sgt. S. Page, re-posted to battalion from 4th Battalion Bandsman, 4-1-33. The Buffs, T.A., Ramsgate, 1-3-33. 6283062 Pte. J. Cadman, “B” (L), appointed Paid Lance-Corporal, 28—2—33. Transfers to Army Reserve. 6284535 Pte. C. Greenhead, “A” (HB), appointed Paid Lance- 6283120 Pte. E. Pooley, “H.Q.,” transferred to Army Reserve, Corporal, 9-3-33. Section B, under para. 369 (i), K.R.’s, 21-2-33. Discharges. 6283122 Pte. R. Pollard, “B,” transferred to Army Reserve under 6283927 Pte. S. Pickering, "A” (HB), discharged on ter. of eng., para. 369 (i), K.R.’s, 1928, 28-2-33. 15-2-33 ; 6284057 Pte. R. Langsdown, “B” (C), discharged 17-2-33 ; 6283125 Cpl. G. Chipp-Smith, “B” (attd. A.V.T.C., Hounslow), 6284061 Pte. A. Weight, “A” (M), discharged 21-2-33; 6280986 transferred to Section B, Army Reserve, under para. 369 (i), K.R.’s, Cpl. A. Burnett, “B” (S), discharged 22-2-33; 6282728 Dmr. 1-3-33. T. Gascoigne, “D” (D), discharged on ter. of eng., 8-3-33 ; 6284065 6283146 Pte. H. Jordan, “M.G.” (attd. A.V.T.C., Chisledon), Pte. J. Weller, “C” (C), discharged 7-3-33; 6285124 Pte. J. Brown, transferred to Section B, Army Reserve, under K.R.’s, 1928, para. “D” (D), transferred to 20th London Regt., 10-3-33; 6284080 Pte. 369

JlCCieb 'gUgunettis. # (Sueen’s of {Scma&ct. '§p'artcom?er '•Kegimettf. 3v& ^affaCtorr (^Pevvinxx gnfcm frp) JUtsfraCtatt 2$U£tt«rj? fo r c e s .

No. 402. May, 1933. Price Sixpence. Elbubera, t6tb flDa\>, 18U.

Personalia. H ''HE Colonel of tile Regiment attended the Colonel H. S. Poyntz, Commandant of meeting of the Selection Board for The The Duke of York’s School, who is so well- Duke of York's School at the War Office known to many Buffs, has been given an on April 5th ; inspected that School on the extension of his appointment till September, 10th ; was present at the East Kent Point- 1934. We congratulate Colonel Poyntz and to-Point Races on the 17th, the 44th Divisional the School. Cross-Country Race at Knole Park, Sevenoaks on the 22nd, the Smoking Concert of Hythe Branch on the 26th, and the Annual Dinner Eieut.-Colonel E. W. Eucas has just arrived of the 2/5th Battalion on the 29th. home from Jamaica. Mrs. Eucas is due back in a few days. We thank Colonel Eucas very much for We much regret to hear that owing to illness his interesting account of his trip which we Major-General J. Kennedy was unable to be publish in this number. present at the Executive Committee Meeting on the 20th ultimo. Eatest reports are satis­ factory. Major G. Hickman spent Easter in Paris. Brigadier-General Cyril and Mrs. Porter were present at the Tickham Point-to-Point Commander A. E- O’Brien, who is leaving on April 7th. General Porter lunched at St. Alban’s Court, has purchased Kenfield, Roper House with Colonel and Mrs. Findlay Petham. He has very kindly found temporary the following day. employment for two old Buffs at Kenfield. We understand there is a chance that they may take a house in the Harrietsham district. • We thank Major E. Gould very much for the notice we publish this month regarding the late Major-General Sir C. Eothian Nicholson, Mrs. Findlay, Mrs. Hulke and Miss Backhouse were amongst the guests present K.C.B., K.C.M.G. at the Deal Branch dinner on April 11th. Miss Backhouse, a sister of the late Colonel We hear that Major H. G. James has been J. B. Backhouse, made a most excellent speech. doing some excellent work as Hon. Secretary We congratulate the Branch on the success of to the Tunbridge Wells local unemployment the evening. scheme. 144 >THE DRAGON

We heartily congratulate Majors H. de R. Mr. Gordon Lindley, M.C., had a talk with Morgan and C. S. Field on the splendid race Pte. Inman whilst the latter was waiting to they both rode in the Regimental Race on start his-stage of the recent relay race at Purley. Easter Monday at the East Kent Point-to- Mr. Lindley thought Inman a very excellent Point at Brabourne. We have seen a good man. many races in our time both on the flat and over the sticks, but have never experienced a greater thrill than when these two great We are very sorry to hear that Mr. A. Buff sportsmen passed the post almost dead (Dusty) Roullier is lying in the Royal Free heating. Hospital, London in a critical condition— the result of an accident. Our best wishes to him. Captain F. A. and Mrs. Marshall have been Roullier will be remembered by old-timers staying with Bsevet Lieut.-Colonel and Mrs. as the one-time batman to R.S.M. Arthur Thomson at the Depot. Barton, now Captain A. Barton.

We congratulate Captain A. F. and Mrs. St. Aubyn Turner on the birth of a son. One cannot help observing how some faces of old Buffs retain their youthful appearances. Captains Geo. Johnson, Erny Smith and Erny We congratulate Lieut. P\ G. and Mrs. Carter are. three typical examples. Crozier on the birth of a son.

We should like to see more of the younger Lieut. J. H. N. Foster qualified _ at the members of the Association attend Branch recent short course held at the Army School meetings, particularly those who have just of Education, Shomcliffe. completed their Colour Service. Unemploy­ ment in many cases prevents attendance, but a keen member would delight in half an The following have to date notified their hours walk to meet his friends. intention of being present at the Dragon Club Dinner on June 13th :— Major-General Sir A. Lynden-Bell, K.C.B., We thank Captain Harboard and Mr. K.C.M.G. ; • Colonel W. H. Trevor, D.S.O. ; Sharpe (late 6th Battalion) for finding work Colonel H. Findlay, C.B.E. ; Lieut.-Colonel for members of the London Branch. M. Beevor, D.S.O. ; Lieut.-Colonel A. M. B. Gage ; Lieut.-Colonel Guy Lee, D.S.O., M.C. ; Lieut.-Colonel L. W. Lucas, D.S.O., M.C. ; Mr. Gid Cook, the son of Captain T. O. Lieut.-Colonel Hon. P. G. Scarlett, M.C. ; Cook, M.B.E., was given a hearty au revoir Brevet Lieut.-Colonel A. B. Thomson, M.B.E. ; at the last London Branch meeting. Mr. Cook Major H. L- Archer-Houblon ; Major W. H. is now on the way back to the West Coast, Booth, D.S.O., O.B.E. ; Major R. P. S. and we wish him the best of luck. Elderton ; Captain C. R. B. Knight; Captain D. S. Lister, M.C.; Captain H. P. P. Robertson ; Captain T. Roscow Reid, M.C. ; Congratulations to Mr. B. Tubbs of 2 Captain N. G. Wale; Captain C. J. Wood, Regent Street, Oxford, who has just celebrated M.C. his eighty-first birthday. Mr. Tubbs enlisted in The Buffs on February 6th, 1871. We much regret to record the death of Mr. H. Bellew, who enlisted as a boy into the Three more Buff boys have been selected Regiment on 31/12/85, and served all his for admission to The Duke of York’s School. time in the 2nd Battalion Band, and was They are the son of Captain Cole and the two discharged to pension on 30/4/1910 after sons of Pte. Douglas. twenty-five years' continuous service. He re­ enlisted on 5/11/14, serving throughout the Great War, and was finally discharged on 5/2/19. Polo at Maymyo suffers through scarcity Decorations :—King and Queen’s South African of ponies, we hear. The 1st Battalion, never­ Medals with bars. Relief of Kimberley, Driefon- theless, has twelve officers playing. The Regi­ tein, Transvaal and South Africa, also the mental team is as follows :—1, Fox ; 2, Jelf ; three Medals for the Great War. 3, H ill; 4, J ackson. THE DRAGON 145

We congratulate the 4th Battalion Royal Obituary. West Kent Regiment on winning the 44th General Sir Webb Gillman, K.G.B., K.C.M.G., Divisional Cross-Country Race. We under­ D.S.O. stand that our own 4th Battalion team did T>Y the death of General Sir Webb Gillman, the very well for a first effort, and hope next year country has lost one of its ablest soldiers and the that 2/Ivieut. S. E. Johnson and his team will Regiment one of its firmest friends. Many tributes be returned the winners. Many officers of to his memory have appeared in the Press. In our view, however, the Army’s feelings towards him are the Regiment were present to see the race. admirably summed up in the following sentence from The Times :—“ Of General Sir Webb Gillman it may be said that the gunners have seldom produced one who, both in barracks and on active service, has proved A full account appears elsewhere of the a more popular and more successful Staff Officer and Weald Branch Dinner, which in our opinion Commander.” How true ! was a greater success than ever before, which One of the secrets of his great success lay in the is saying much. Our hearty congratulations. fact that he was so very human and everyone loved him and knew that in case of trouble he would always get a sympathetic hearing from “ Gilly.” For many years he has taken a particular interest in our Regi­ Our Association has again to be very grate­ ment and has often said how delighted he has been ful to the Regimental Golfing Society for its to have the 2nd Battalion and the Depot under him. Not long ago he was asked if there was any special handsome donation to the Benevolent Fund, reason for his kindly interest in the Regiment. He particulars of which will be found in our corres­ replied : " Yes—there are many reasons but I will pondence column. only tell you one and that is that I look on The Buffs as a splendid type of our good old County Regiments which produce, in my opinion, the finest infantry soldier in the world.” Sir Webb always followed the doings of the 2nd Battalion Cross-Country with great keenness and last year was present at practically every contest in which they took part. Unfortunately this year he was too Births, Marriages and Deaths. ill to go to Colchester, but he sent a message of con­ gratulation and wrote to the Colonel of the Regiment Bir t h s. saying “ I should have been at Colchester if I had been allowed to go.” We are sure our readers will join us in Grozier.—On April 12th, 1933, at 11 Ethelbert offering heartfelt sympathy to Lady Gillman and her Road, Canterbury, to Morna (nee Brooks), family in their great sorrow. wife of F. G. Crozier, The Buffs, a son. Hancock.—6279388 Sgt. J. Hancock, “M.G.," The late Major-General Sir Lothian Nicholson, a daughter, Mary Thomasina, born at K.G.B., G.M.G. B.M.H., Maymyo, 23/3/33. rpo those who read the Times the announcement -*■ of the death of the brave and splendid Brigadier Turner.—On April 6th, 1933, at “ Pilgrims," of the 16th Brigade during 1915-1916 will not come Harrietsham, Kent, to Margaret Eunice as news. But I am sure there will be many readers (nee Carmichael), wife of Captain A. F. of The Dragon who will not have seen this announce­ St. Aubyn Turner, late The Buffs, a son. ment and who will hear with sadness of the passing- over of this great little man. In stature he was little gnfl in that, as in his other qualities, he recalled that other great little man, Lord Roberts. In personality he recalled memories, conjured up by his name, of the Marriages. great Nicholson of Mutiny Fame. Whether he

The Battle of Albuhera. (Translated from the Spanish by Colonel C. P. Lynden-Bell, brother of the Colonel of The Regiment). Q N receipt of the first news of the arrival of Soult in Consider, now, the changed situation. The Allied Estremadura Blake effected the union of his forces armies were drawn up in line of battle on the Heights. with those of the Allied Army at eleven o’clock the The 8,000 Portuguese formed the left wing, supported night before the Battle. Soult knew nothing of this in the village of Albuhera by a battery in rear of the concentration and believed that the Allies were English who held the bridge. The 10,000 English separated and that only part of their forces occupied occupied the centre, having an advanced post of 4,000 the Heights of Albuhera which had been carefully half the distance between the principal line and the selected by Wellington for defence. Stream. Blake, with 10,000 Spanish, occupied the Soult’s infantry was inferior in numbers to ours, right on the road to Almendralejo. but he was stronger in cavalry and artillery. He Ballesteros with 3,000 light troops and Lumley with directed his attack against our position which adjoined the cavalry of the three Allied nations (2,000 strong) the village of Albuhera and remained the centre of the under cover of the hillocks protected the rear. The line. stream formed the line of demarcation between the It was soon seen that this was a false attack and that opposing hosts. the real object was to attack the right flank, occupied The armies surveyed one another for some moments by Spanish troops. This was resolutely attacked by like two antagonists, each seeking to measure the other’s his main forces which he deployed successively and valour. By Soult’s order General Giral now fiercely would have turned it had not reserves been brought up attacked our right—held by the gallant Zayas who rapidly, and skilfully thrown in to continue the san­ advanced to meet him worthily supported by Lardizabal guinary and obstinate conflict. and Ballisteroc. The enemy, more infuriated by each repulse, A terrific fight then ensued at pistol-shot range with repeated his attacks constantly re-inforcing them the utmost heroism. Fresh French troops threw from his reserves, but they met with resistance that themselves upon us and we received them intrepidly could not be overcome during seven hours, while all and repulsed them valiantly. At this moment the their valour was vainly expended, the Polish cavalry heavens became more and more overcast and a flood thrown in and the thunder of the artillery continued of torrential rain fell. Beresford re-inforced our sadly - without intermission. diminished battalions by Stewart’s Brigade which in At half-past-two in the afternoon Soult decided these critical moments once more showed its notorious to withdraw from the conflict and the retirement of bravery. his forces, still showing fight, began. He was pursued The French now tried to cross by the bridge hoping and pressed as far as the woods and heights which he to turn on our left, but the determined resistance of occupied, leaving the battlefield covered with dead the English under Heton’s command, at the bridge, and the wounded he could not carry away; these, and of the Portuguese at Albuhera, under the orders overwhelmed by the floods of water ’which had fallen of Hamilton, assisted by the Battery in rear of the during the battle, made the most horrifying sight of English, repulsed the enemy and prevented the cross­ the war...streams of bloody water pouring down from ing of the bridge which had been blocked by rubbish. the Heights where they fell. After this unsuccessful attack the P'rench advanced (It will be noted that in this account no mention is in massed columns, and having crossed the brook a made of the capture of the English advanced Brigade quarter of a league from the river, attacked the English 700 of which force remained in the enemy’s hands after vanguard Brigade, and by the rapidity of their advance the. Spaniards had counter-attacked and' released the took it prisoner. However, Ballesteros, leaving his rest). position, came to the rescue of the English and after a sanguinary conflict only 700 of Calbume’s Brigade remained in the enemy’s hands. A Spanish Account of The Batde A sudden attack was now made by the Polish cavalry. The English centre was broken, but our of Albuhera. cavalrv, hidden among the hillocks, advanced rapidly, T'HE scene of the Battle was well chosen as Albuhera attacked and killed nearly all the famous Polish lancers is at the junction of the roads from Andalusia, of the Vistula who were considered the pride of France. Madrid and Portugal, on the frontiers of which the The sanguinary conflict continued with stubborn allied armies could seek refuge behind Wellington tenacity. Every column sent against us by Soult and his troops in case of disaster. was repelled and put to flight. In vain he tried to The 16th of May dawned. The Heavens were reform them anew and throw them again into the overcast and the sun, covered by thick clouds, seemed fight. The Allied troops always routed them and they unwilling to shed its rays on the field of battle. retired discouraged. The Anglo-Spanish and Portuguese armies moved The rain which fell in torrents did not quench the to take up the positions previously determined on, ardour of the combatants. The bloody struggle con­ in lines parallel to the stream and facing the road of tinued for hours, but the French did not gain a yard of Santa Maria, from which direction the French were ground. Beresford brought up his reserves, while expected to attack. Blake, Zayas, Ballisteros and Zardizabel brought fresh Though there were indications of Soult’s approach glory to the arms of Spain. to that position, he suddenly threw the main forces The last attack, directed by Soult, was carried out against the right of the Allied line. Without a by all the French reserves and the Grenadiers, and was moment’s delay, in full view of the enemy, Beresford sent against Blake and the Spanish. The French had to change his order of battle, an operation as difficult advanced. The solemn and decisive hour had come. as it was risky. It was, however, successfully carried All the Allied generals turned their gaze on the Spanish put amd Soult’s design frustrated. troops. 148 DRAGON

Memories of an Old Buff. Our Garrison Battalion in 1917- ’18.

F will probably be news to many of the readers There was a Doctor in attendance for emergency of The Dragon to hear that, for a short time, cases and our cooks used to supply them with buckets during the war there was a Garrison Battalion of “ The of hot soup at intervals during the night. Buffs.” There was also another large cave -where the It was raised originally at the Shaft Barracks, Dover, battalion had to take cover, with a smaller one for about July, 1917, and was under the Command of officers, where many a game of bridge was finished Bieut.-Colonel H. Gore, late of the Connaught Rangers, after the siren had sounded. Those stationed in Dover with Silverwood-Cope as the Adjutant. The names at that time will recall that we had a distinctively of the other officers were as follows :—Major B- Fletcher, lively time there, with the German Gothas from Major A. F. Campbell-Johnston, Major A. Waters, Ostend—so this accommodation was most fortunate. Captains F. Garvey, E. Saunders, A. B. Silverwood- Cope, Bieuts. W; P. Breach, W. M. Walton, R. M. There were other caves besides those at the back Taylor, 2nd-Bieuts. F. B. Fosbrooke, G. F. Blake, of our barracks and there was a rumour in Dover that M. D. P. Dalison, G. E. Martin, G. A. Monkhouse, one of the big Champagne-growers in France had rented A. de Q. Mears, H. N. Adcock, and Hon. Eieut. and one, just before the War, and had managed to get Quartermaster J . Martin. thousands of bottles of his choicer vintages across and safely stored there, but this I cannot vouch for. We also had, to make it complete, our Sergeant Dillon and Pte. Featherston. Things might have been much more serious, only, for some time, owing to some faulty construction Almost as soon as the organization was settled, in the wings attached to the German bombsi the charges we were moved down to what was known as the oil did not ignite and there were a lot of duds dropped Mill Barracks, near the Station. before they discovered it. This building was one of those taken over by the In addition to our barracks we had a quaint old Government during the war and was in reality a factory pub just round the corner, on the waterside, which in for crushing various seeds to extract the oil. days long ago used to be the Headquarters of the It consisted of a large centre block, on three floors, smugglers, and here we had our Mess ana the remainder the two top ones each being only one huge bare room of the officers’ quarters. where the grain had been stored, and a verandah out­ Amongst other things, I had to run the Officers’ side—and iron staircase leading to the ground floor. Mess which, with war-time prices and the allowance Apart from a faint smell of oil it made by no means of half-a-crown a head and bread and meat ration, a bad barracks as the various offices were on the ground was almost an impossibility. To eke out the supplies floor which was utilized as kitchen and Quartermaster’s I took over one of the smaller caves, not in use, and store. grew mushrooms with considerable success, and also Besides the main building there was a fair-sized bred Flemish giant rabbits which were largely fed with house for the Manager which we utilized as the Orderly the refuse vegetables from our Mess kitchen. We were Room, clerks’ offices, and several officers’ quarters ; also able to get as much sprouting broccoli as we wanted and a small yard sufficient for staff parades and duties. which grew wild in the crevices on the face of the cliff, . At the back of the barracks were chalk cliffs and though this entailed using ladders for the purpose, there were in them a series of caves, large and small, and with these additions to our supplies we were able all of which were perfectly dry and the biggest of them to carry on without calling oh the officers for further capable of holding 2,000 people. This was wired for voluntary subscriptions. electric light during war-time and used by the greater The mushrooms made a popular substitute for part of the population of Dover during air-raids, for eggs, with bacon, and young and tender rabbits made •which purpose it was eminently suitable as it was al­ a savoury stew done with vegetables “ en most sound-proof, even when the din made by the guns c a s s e r o e e ,” for lunch ! was terrific outside and shrapnel was falling like rain. I was fortunate, also, in getting hold of a good The people used to bring their own blankets and the plain cook. She was a little woman called, suitably children used to cluster together like puppies and enough, Mrs. Hubbard and was a perfect treasure sleep quite comfortably. In fact one of the mothers though only about five foot high. She managed to told me that they had become so terrified in their own maintain an iron discipline in her kitchen and I heard houses, that the cave was the only place where they indirectly of course, mat she kept order amongst her enjoyed a proper night’s rest. soldier kitchen-maids and the Mess waiters, by an unhesitating use of her frying pan on the slightest signs of disobedience. Every morning she used to go out marketing, Battle of Albuhera—continued from p. 147. attended by a soldier with two big baskets. Her attendant, by the irony of fate, was over six foot high Blake’s battalions not only stood firm, but repulsed and rejoiced in the name of Pte. Darling—and they and broke the attacking columns forcing them to accept made a funny pair—walking down the street. She defeat, charging them with the bayonet and pushing would haggle over the price of a cauliflower till the them back over the stream which they had crossed greengrocer, out of sheer weariness of mind and body, between five and six the evening before, thus giving the would let her have it, at her own price. For down- Allies the victory. right pluck I have seldom come across a woman who The Victory of Albuhera not only filled Spain, was her equal, for when the moon was in the right England and Portugal with jubilation, but also all quarter and the visibility good, we used to have the Europe which hated Napoleon and delighted in his siren going nearly every night, and the Huns, with that discomfiture. passion for detail, in everything, had evidently It was undoubtedly one of the most sanguinary of ascertained our dinner hour which was 7.30 p.m., and the War. arranged to send over their Gothas accordingly. THE DRAGON 149

Officers of the Garrison Battalion, The Buffs, 1917.

T have seen Mrs. Hubbard quickly preparing our dinner A few months later, however, the Royal Defence and giving directions, with every gun in Dover blazing Corps was partially disbanded, and we all received a away and the shrapnel rattling on our roof as if it was letter of thanks and were sent home. I myself, how­ quite an ordinary experience. On one occasion I ever, had hardly had time to get out of my khaki when remember, we had eight raids in nine nights, but the I got a somewhat belated telegram from the War Office dinner was always ready to go on the table the moment ordering me to take another detachment of the Corps they had gone. to Ireland for the defence of the Railways as the Irish­ men had been indulging in various forms of sabotage. Our pub lay actually alongside the basin used for torpedo boats and drifters, which had its disadvantages, In addition to my detachment I had to take over for all their officers were Honorary Members of our an armoured train with Headquarters at Mullingar Mess and after the usual tour of six weeks at sea with Station, but this is another story ! nothing to drink on board, they used to return to the basin with a thirst which was most disconcerting to me as Mess President if I had not sufficient supplies. I recollect one very cold winter’s night, going to bed and having just got warm, being awakened by the Mess Corporal who told me that the young officers downstairs had finished the whole stock of liquor in the The Buffs Cricket Week Club. mess and were clamouring for more. I asked him if there was anything left at all and he said there were The following matches will be played :— half-a-dozen bottles of green Chartreuse, which had been delivered that morning. I told him to let them Friday and Saturday, J une 23rd and 24th.—The know they could drink that if they liked, but to add, Queen’s Own Royal West Kent Regiment, at with my compliments, that they would not get any M aidstone. m ore ! Monday and Tuesday, August 21st and 22nd.—Band From the Oil Mill Barracks, in the spring of 1918, of Brothers at Canterbury. we were moved into billets in another part of the town, Friday and Saturday, August 25tli and 26th.—Free much to our regret, and what was still worse, we were Foresters at Canterbury. informed that it had been decided to merge all Garrison Battalions into a Unit, to be called " The Royal Defence Would anyone who would like to play in any of Corps,” so we lost our identity with The Buffs, which these matches please write to the Secretary, Napier we all felt very much. Barracks, Shorncliffe. ISO THE DRAGON

Records of Other Regiments.

THE SCOTS GUARDS.

Ba ttik H onours. During the period of the French Revolutionary and Napoleonic Wars (1793/1815) the Scots Guards Borne on the King’s and Regimental Colours :-r- saw active service in no less than eight different The Sphinx (superscribed Egypt), “ Namur, 1695,” countries—-Flanders, Holland, Egypt, Denmark, Spain, " Dettingen,” ” Lincelles,” “ Talavera,” " Barrossa,” Portugal, France and Germany. “ Puentes d’Onor,” “ Nive,” " Peninsula,” “ Water­ loo,” ” Alma,” ” Inkerman,” ” Sevastopol,” “ Teh King William IV. granted the regiment the title of el-Kebir,” '* Egypt, 1882,” " Suakin, 1885,” “ Scots Fusilier Guards,” also the right to wear the “ Modder River,” ” South Africa, 1899/1902,” bearskin caps which are such an imposing feature of ” Retreat from Mons,” ” Marne, 1914,” " Aisne, their uniform at the present time. 1914,” ” Ypres, 1914-17,” " Festubert, 1915,” The regiment did gallant service in the Crimean “ Loos,” ” Somme, 1916, ’18,” “ Cambrai, 1917, War. '18,” ” Hindenburg Line,” " France and Flanders, 1914/18.” In 1877 the title of “ Scots Fusilier Guards ” was * * * * dropped in favour of the older title of '* Scots Guards ” which is still used at the present day, but one Fusilier The original formation of this Regiment took custom still lingers in the regiment—namely, the use place in the year 1639, when Archibald, eighth Earl of the terms " Right Flank Company ’’ and “ Left of Argyle, raised 900 men for the King’s Service, and Flank Company,” as was formerly the custom in all on the 18th March, 1642, by a warrant dated from Fusilier regiments, but is now peculiar to the Scots Westminster, he was empowered to increase the numbers Guards alone. to 1,500 men, as a portion of 10,000 who were destined to protect the Scottish colonists in Ulster. The During the Boer War, 1899/1902 the Scots Guards Regiment, under command of Lieut.-Colonel Wallace, had not a single man reported missing or taken prisoner. of Auchans, embarked with the first column under It is of interest to note that between 1770 and August Major-General Munro, who captured Carrickfergus. 4th, 1914, one hundred and seventy Scots Guardsmen Recalled to Scotland in 1645, the regiment served had received commissions from the ranks. against Montrose in many actions and affairs till 1650. On the last-mentioned date, the 1st Scots Guards In the year 1650 Archibald, Lord Lorn (afterwards were at Aldershot; they formed part of the 1st (Guards) ninth earl of Argyle), was colonel of the Regiment. Brigade of the 1st Division of the original Expeditionary Force, and landed in France in August, 1914. At the Restoration the regiment was re-formed, the Earl of Linlithgow appointed Colonel, and all The 2nd Scots Guards were at the Tower-of London. the survivors of the old regiment of Argyle are stated They went overseas at the beginning of October, 1914, to have been embodied in it. as part of the 7th Division, which gained such great honour at the First Battle of Ypres. Of their part in From August, 1686 to 21st March, 1687 (date of this great battle, Major-General Capper, G.O.C., 7tli re-embarkation for Scotland), ” Our Scotch Guards ” Division, wrote as follows :— (as they are described in Royal Warrants of the time) were quartered in the county of Kent, at Rochester, " 2nd Battalion Scots Guards—as part of the 20th Canterbury and Deal. Infantry Brigade, this battalion assisted, to hold the In 1713 the regiment received the title of ” The exposed position of Kruisiek in front of Ypres during Third Regiment of Foot Guards”—a title which had the week. On the night of the 25th/26th October they once before been very nearly adopted by The Buffs. were almost completely surrounded by the enemy and In the same year the Scots Guards first commenced to were attacked in front and rear; nevertheless, their share ” London Duty ” with the Grenadier and Cold­ reserve company counter-attacked the enemy and stream Guards. drove them from some houses, capturing eight officers and 200 other prisoners. During the fighting this Besides the actions and campaigns mentioned battalion lost very heavily. On subsequent occasions among the list of Battle Honours at the head of this this battalion showed the greatest tenacity, and as the article, the regiment fought under William III. in fighting went on, this battalion seemed to me to actually Flanders, under Ga way in Spain, 1709/10, also at gain in cohesion and firmness, in spite of weakened Fontenoy; in the raids on the French Coast, 1757/8 ; numbers and severe losses in officers. This testifies in Germany under the Marquis of Granby and in the more than anything else I can say, to the true soldier­ American War of Independence. ing spirit with which it is possessed.” THE DRAGON 151 Our Trip to Jamaica. CJEATED on the verandah of our temporary home— Island. We stayed there for about a couple of hours The Manor House, Constant Spring, Jamaica— and bought Sponges from the natives who brought about 600 feet above sea level (run by our excellent them aboard. Host and Hostess, Captain and Mrs. Rutty)—set in On the 15th, about 9 a.m., we drew alongside the a beautiful garden surrounded by every kind of tropical quay at Kingston, Jamaica. tree—The Palm, Silk-Cotton, Tamarind, Mango, Paw-Paw, Spithodia, (flame of the forest), Ackee, Our good friend, General Rudolph J elf, had Poncianna Regia, Bread fruit. Guava, Grape Fruit, previously written to his cousin, the Colonial Secretary, Time, Cocoa and countless others ; adorned by tree telling him of our arrival. I received a letter on board and bush ferns, the graceful Bougainvillea and Congea from Sir Arthur Jelf (who has a son in the 1st Battalion) creepers and all the beautiful coloured shrubs and saying he was sorry he could not meet us personally, flowers which surround the lawn and enliven the carriage but sent an orderly to assist us with our luggage. He drive. The Hibiscus, with its single red and pink also said we must get in touch with him at once and blossom, Poincettia, a massive clump of deep red, keep Friday free for a tennis party at his house. Cannae in its yellow and red colourings (rather like a After passing our baggage speedily through the huge Iris), the Fly-catcher, a lovely orchid-like flower Customs, with the aid of our Orderly, we motored to in purple and white ; and behind our bungalow-like our hotel which is about six miles north of Kingston. dwelling, surrounding the tennis court is a beautiful Just before lunch Sir Arthur telephoned to say that Akilifa hedge which strikes the eye at once with its he and Lady Jelf would be at our hotel about four deep russet-brown colouring. o’clock. They took us for a lovely motor drive in the The Humming-bird and Canary add to the colour mountains, about 1,000 feet up, to see the Hermitage and gaiety of the scene and flying high and low is John Dam which forms a reservoir capable of holding 500 Crow, the scavenger bird. million gallons of water. We walked along the dam and had a fine view of the harbour and valley below us. In the midst of this Garden of Eden, or Fairyland, In the valley were masses of bamboos which drooped which ever strikes your fancy, I feel I must tell you of gracefully resembling huge clumps of “ Prince of Wales' our doings in J amaica. feathers.” From there we went on to Belle Vue. One of the real old houses of the Island. It has very thick We left Avonmouth on the night of 31st January, walls and constructed with rooms all round a central and after a roughish passage arrived at Bermuda about room into which the inhabitants can retire in case of a one p.m., on 11th February. As we were behind time tornado. Unfortunately the owners were out, but we we only remained there for an hour-and-a-half and, were introduced to our first rum cocktail in the island much to our disappointment were unable to land. which was served to us by a shining dark-faced Maiden It was dark on the 13th when we reached Grand Turks beaming with smiles. The next day we devoted to paying calls. We wrote our names in the Governor's and Lady Slater's Records of Other Regiments.—continued. books and the Colonial Secretary's where we were spotted and made to go into tea. In August, 1915, both battalions were transferred We left several letters of introduction, given to us to the newly-formed Guards Division, with which they by Guy Lee, and which have been instrumental in served in France and Belgium for the remainder of the making our visit very pleasant. war, always maintaining their early high reputation. On the 17th we went to the Jelf's for tea, tennis A 3rd Battalion was added to the regiment in August, and bridge where we met J ohn Hamilton—brother 1914, being formed from Reservists and recruits; of George of the 1st Battalion, who is acting A.D.C. to this battalion was kept at home to act as a draft-finding the Governor. It was a great party—the guests unit for the two senior battalions, until its disbandment numbering between fifty and sixty, representing the in March, 1919. elite of Jamaica with a good sprinkling of the Navy The regimental nickname is ” The Jocks.” The and Army. Sir Arthur, who is a very keen Buff at cap badge is the Star of the Order of the Thistle, and heart and a regular reader of The Dragon showed me the collar badge is a Thistle. The tunic buttons are albums full of cuttings about the doings of the Regi­ arranged in sets of three; the caps of Scots Guards­ ment. We left as the hands of the clock were nearing men have a diced or plaid band round them, but no eight after fixing up several engagements for golf, plume is worn in the bearskin cap. Since 1928 the cocktail and dinner parties. I hope we didn’t over­ Pipers of the Scots Guards have worn the feather bonnet stay our welcome! —a form of head-dress worn by the pipers of only one Sir Archibald Hunter is staying at the Manor House other regiment (The Black Watch). Hotel with his cousin, Mrs. Westcott. I have had Ten V.C.'s and forty-eight Battle Honours have several interesting talks with him. He told me he been awarded to the regiment. H.R.H. The Duke of had a brother in The Buffs some years ago. York has recently been appointed Colonel of the Mr. and Mrs. Gray Hill of Beaulieu, who came out Regiment, in succession to the late Field Marshal Lord in the Bayano with us, are also staying at the hotel. Methuen, who was connected with the Scots Guards In the ship we found we had mutual friends at Beaulieu throughout his long and honourable military career. and yesterday whilst chatting at tea Mrs. Gray Hill There are few more touching instances of the love which mentioned the names of Colonel and Mrs. Power. How the true soldier feels for his regiment than that small the world is—they have known Mrs. Power since exemplified in the veteran Field Marshal’s farewell she was a little girl. message to the Scots Guards, On Sunday, 19th we went to Lady Jelf's picnic. “ Comrades, Goodbye.” We arrived at Vale Royal (the Jelf’s beautiful home) R. Maurice Hue. at ten a.m. and the party left shortly afterwards. 152 THE DRAGON

Previous to this Lady Jelf (who always rises at remains of King's House and some former government 6.30 !) had made all arrangements for the picnic and buildings. It is a pity to see this old Capital falling to had sent food, drinks, bridge table, cards and markers, decay. The Church contains some beautiful face towels, soap, powder puffs and lipstick to our monuments, one by Bacon, and the Churchyard still rendezvous in the care of a couple of maids. shows signs of the late Earthquake. Further on we Four cars carried the party of twenty up the hills to alighted from our car to inspect Tom Pringle's Tree, Greenwich where we were to lunch. We went along the a huge Silk-Cotton some hundreds of years old with flat for about two or three miles and then began to an extraordinary trunk in the form of enormous ascend ; the road is very twisty and in many places buttresses. We followed along the course of the Rio very steep. I was told that there were 380 bends in Cobre and crossing Mount Diabolo reached Moneague the road, but should have thought that thirteen-eighty for lunch. It was a beautiful run, but the weather was against u s; by the time we reached Moneague it was nearer the mark. was raining “ cats and dogs.” The views as we turned and twisted were indescrib­ ably beautiful and the masses of wild flowers, tree ferns, After lunch it cleared and we had a pleasant run bamboo trees and banana plantations made the trip along the coast, passing Rose Hall of ill-repute and very interesting. reaching our hotel in time for tea. Montego Bay is a delightful seaside resort. It is situated at the North- About a couple of miles short of Greenwich we West corner of the Island, about 120 miles from stopped at Newcastle and picked up the subaltern in Kingston. command. Newcastle and Greenwich are hutted encampments, about 3,600 feet up, which formally The sea is a beautiful light blue and as clear as held a battalion. Greenwich was sold by the Govern­ crystal, the temperature never below7 80°. The sand ment some time ago. Newcastle alone remains a is soft and white, chiefly formed from powdered Coral military post. I am told. In the morning the beach is gay with the sea and sun-bathers with their multi-coloured umbrellas Arrived at Greenwich, we caught sight of our lunch and bathing suits. In the afternoon many motor to daintily set out in a room of one of the huts—but the Country Club four miles away to play tennis, golf lunch was not yet. We re-sorted and continued our and bridge. journey some six or seven miles along the Buff river where some bathed whilst others admired the scenery. Jamaica is indeed a delightful spot. The people Back to Greenwich about two o'clock as hungry as one meets are most kind and hospitable. The natives hunters we all did ample justice to the excellent lunch are clean and cheerful but painfully slow in their move­ provided, finishing up with strawberries and cream. ments. You have only to order a drink after you So excellent was our lunch, we might have been at the come in hot and tired from golf or tennis to realise this. Ritz—not a thing forgotten. What a banderbust! No one ever gets sunstroke but plenty of sun-bum. but Lady Jelf is a wonderful hostess. What surprised me most was to learn that none I cannot describe all our doings in detail, or my story of the fruit-bearing trees—the Palm, banana, cocoa, would be too long. coffee, Pimento, Ackee, Breadfruit, etc., are indigenous For the next ten days or so we entered into the life to the island, but all are imported. of Kingston—lunch, bridge, cocktail and dinner parties. Golf at Liguanae and Constant Spring, two race meet­ The chief exports are:—Bananas, Cocoanut, ings and one night we went to the Tattoo, which had Pimento, Sugar, Rum, Coffee (blue mountain), Log- started the night we arrived in the Island and went on wood and Fustica for dyes, the latter a khaki dye. till the 21st. It was on a miniature scale when com­ So ends my story. pared with Aldershot and Tidworth, but nevertheless Jamaica is well worth a visit. The sea voyage, was excellently performed and a great credit to all though rather long and dull, is not expensive. Living concerned. is cheaper than any other holiday resort I know. There On the 28th the Legislative Council was opened by is plenty of sun and a real welcome for anyone who H.E. the Governor and, at the invitation of Sir Arthur, thinks of doing as we did, namely, a trip to Jamaica. my wife and I attended the ceremony. We had an excellent position, just on the left of the Governor. The Council is held at Headquarter House (formerly the residence of the O.C. Troops) and consists of some twenty-seven members presided over by the Governor. On the right sat the ex-officers and nominated mem­ bers and on the left the elected members. The Our Contemporaries. proceedings were formal. The Governor made a YXjTE acknowledge with thanks the receipt of the speech in which he reviewed the financial position and following journals :— resources of the Island, after which the Colonial Secretary, Attorney-General and others gave notice “ The Tiger and The Sphinx.” " Anglo-Danish of motions, finishing up with a debate on which day the Journal.” “ K.S.L.I. Regimental Journal.” “ The Council should next meet. Sprig of Shillelagh.” " The Tiger and Rose.” “ The Green Howards Gazette.” “ Our Empire.” " The 3rd March. We were bidden to King’s House Antelope.” “ Aldershot Command News.” "The (the Governor’s residence) to dinner. Amongst the Snapper.” “ St. George’s Gazette.” “ The China guests were Charles and Lady Catherine Hardy. We Dragon.” “ Ypres Times.” " The Men of Harlech.” had a very enjoyable evening finishing up with Ping- “ The Oak Tree.” “ The Red Hackle.” “ The Bugle.” Pong. “ Journal of the Hon. Artillery Co.,” " The London 4th March. We motored to Montego Bay (where Scottish Regimental Gazette.” " The Sapper.” we are at the moment). Mr. and Mrs. Nicholls very "The Hampshire Regimental Journal.” “ Journal kindly took us in their car and we sent our heavy of the Royal Army Service Corps.” " The Chronicle baggage by train. of the Duke of York's Royal Military School.” On our way we passed through the old Capital “ Journal of the Society for Army Historical Research.” St. J ago de la Vega, now called Spanish Town. In the " Faugh-a-Ballagh.” “ East Lancashire Regimental .square is a fine memorial to Rodney, the burnt-out Journal.” THE DRAGON 153

The Buffs Golfing Society.

■FORTUNE smiled at her kindliest on the Golfing ^ Society’s Meeting, held at Prince’s on March 31st and April 1st, 2nd and 3rd. Doubtless individuals had bitter complaints about the bestowal of her personal favours, but, taking it broad and large, we were well treated. The weather was perfect throughout the four days and the course was in superlative condition. Moreover Captain Baird was back again in his r le of presiding genius and Mrs. Baird appeared none the worse after her unfortunate adventure of the Bolt from the Blue. The importance of their presence will not escape anyone who attends these meetings.

Foursomes Winners and Runners Up.

One notable thing was the number of matches which went to the last green or further. The finals of both knock-out competitions were hair-raising affairs. The Foursomes finished on the eighteenth green and the final of the Brinkman Cup on the twentieth. Both finalists in the Brinckman Cup had already visited the nineteenth, one unfortunate in his semi-final round. This was King, who eventually triumphed and a very Lt. Col. Bradley D yne opening new P utting and hard won triumph it was. In his final with Crozier, so soon after his nerve-shattering experience in the Approach i ng Course. morning, he had the worst of the outward round, but, by degrees, devoured Crozier’s lead on the way home. There was a change, which appeared to be popular, The 18th tee still found him one down, but a well- in the days chosen for the meeting. Saturday saw the played four to Crozier’s five sent them out again into commencement of the Brinkman Cup, and the finals of the country to seek a decision. The nineteenth was that and of the foursomes were played off on the a tragedy for Crozier. He was well placed for a four, Monday. In addition, Friday was included for practice but his putt died sadly short, and King secured his purposes. The Medal and bynden Bell Trophy cards half. Against the wind both took three to reach the could be taken out whenever an opportunity offered twentieth green, but Crozier, who had visited a bunker, and the eclectic competitions ran through all four days. was far from the pin. His approach putt lay dead, Lest anyone should have time to rest, there were balls but King holed out with cruel nonchalance. What­ to be won at approaching and putting on the practice ever length romance has now given that putt, it appeared ground, and on nine hidden holes, on the Monday. well over ten feet and was eminently missable. This programme kept everyone busy and none more so than the Secretary and his assistant who had results Another episode of merit was provided by the digested and posted with amazing speed and accuracy. gallant behaviour of General McDouall who took the They may know how many cards they dealt with, Army champion to the nineteenth before admitting but I dare not hazard a guess. defeat. iS4 f l i t DRAGON

There was some heavy scoring in the Lynden Bell 4th Round. Trophy. This is called a Bogey Competition, but is Kiag beat Whitfield by 3 and 2. actually a stem chase of Par, a heartless modem Heagerty beat Mount 1 up. production, who makes our old enemy. Colonel Bogey, Crorier beat Hitchcock at 19th. appear a gentle philanthropist. In spite of an extra Green beat Walker by 2 up. allowance of four strokes, to make up for local Semi-Final. eccentricities, no one emerged successful. King was the best at one down, but there was much weight lower King beat Heagerty at 19th. down the score sheet. Crozier beat Green by 2 and 1. Reeves took the Trevor Cup with an eclectic score Final. of 62, which reads uncommonly well, while Colonel King beat Crozier at 20th. Trevor won the Baird Cup, oblivious of the fact that Prince’s is Colonel Bradley Dyne’s preserve. Foursomes Tournament. There was an excellent entry of fifty-one for the Meeting and we were very pleased to see Major-General lsi Round. Sir Arthur and The Hon. Lady Lynden-Bell who Morgan and Haggard beat M. de J. Creswick (4) and Prescott- Roberts by 4 and 3. motored down from Wrotham on the Saturday, also Harwood and Ward beat Tuke and Findlay by 2 and 1. the many wives of competitors who came over on each Howard Smith and Capt. C. E. A. Terry (5) beat Wilson and Xee day of the meeting. And here I must bring in the follow­ by 3 and 2. ing which was found on our Hon. Secretary’s table Rose and Kenward beat Scott and Williams by 5 and 4. during the Meeting. 2nd Round. With all due apologies to the Buffs Golfing. Society Clarke and Dewar beat Xewis and Walters a t 20th. from a Member of Prince’s. :— Parry and Palmer beat McDouall and Reed by 4 and 3. Morgan and Haggard beat Harwood and Ward by 1 up. There’s a Buff in every bunker, and on every green a Buff, Rose and Kenward beat Howard Smith and Terry by 3 and 2. They’re buffingup the fairways and duffing in the rough. Well, they may have their orgies. I'm made of sterner stuff. Semi-Final. I ’m going to St. George’s ; I ’ve had a Buff enough. Parry and Palmer beat Clarke and Dewar by 4 and 3. Morgan and Haggard beat Rose and Kenward by 1 up. Resulting from the eclectic cards and other sources the sum of ^11 9s. Od. was handed over to the Final. Benevolent Fund of the Past and Present Association. Morgan and Haggard beat Parry and Palmer Here are the full results and names of those I up. present Lynden-Bell Trophy. The Brinckman Gup. Returns against Par (72). Is2 Round. Winner : Lieut. J. B. King (12) 1 Down Xieut. F. W. B. Parry (18) beat Xieut. H. C. F. Harwood (8) by O. F. Falk (1 3 )...... 2 Down 2 up. 2/Xieut. Eric S. Scott (5) 5 Down Capt. N. E. Hoare (18) beat Capt- C. E. Wilson (23) by 3 and 2. Xieut. H. C. F. Harwood (12) ... 5 Down Xieut.-Colonel Guy Xee (18) w.o., Capt. C. E. A. Terry scratched. M. de J. Creswick (8) ...... 5 Down Xieut. G. P. Mount (14) w.o., Capt. H. P. P. Robertson scratched. Capt. J. V. Hitchcock (13) 5 Down O. F. Falk (9) beat Xieut. C. A. A. Prescott-Roberts (24) by 4 and 3. Xieut. M. P. D. Dewar (IS) ... 6 Down Capt. A. Howard Reed (14) beat Xieut. H. de X. Walters (10) by Xieut.-Colonel A. B. Thomson (22) 6 Down 4 and 3. 2/Xieut. P. J. Xewis (16) 7 Down Capt. J. V. Hitchcok (9) beat Major H. E. Ward (9) 1 up. J. Heagerty (11) ...... 7 Down Xieut. C. T. Kenward (2) w.o., I,. B. Watson scratched. H. F. Whitfield (9) ...... 8 Down Xieut.-Colonel F. Bradley Dyne (8) w.o., C. H. M. Brooke scratched. Xieut.-Colonel F. Bradley Dyne (12) 8 Down Major H. de R. Morgan (14) beat Major Eric Clarke (18) by 7 and 6. Xieut. F. G. Crozier (13) 8 Down Xieut. M. P. D. Dewar (11) beat Xieut. C. Haggard (6) by 7 and 5. Colonel W. H. Trevor (12) 8 Down Xieut. F. G. Crozier (9) w.o., Xieut. J. H. N. Foster scratched. Xieut.-Colonel J. Crookenden (14) 8 Down Xieut. G. X. Walker (11) 8 Down 2nd Round. Xieut. A. Green (28) ...... 8 Down Major Eric Clarke (22)...... 9 Down H. F. Whitfield (5) beat 2/Xieut. Eric S. Scott (1) by 3 and 2. Xieut. H. de X- Walters (14) 9 Down Major F. W. Tomlinson (24) beat Colonel H. Findlay (16) by 3 Capt. R. J. Tuke (28) ...... 10 Down and 2. Brig.-General R. McDouall (22) 10 Down Colonel W. H. Trevor (8) beat Capt. R. Tuke (24) by 5 and 4. Capt. N. E. Hoare (22) 10 Down Xieut. J. E. King (8) beat Capt. Dampier Palmer (18) by 7 and 5. 11 Down J. Heagerty (7) beat 2/Xieut. P. J. Xewis (12) by 2 and 1. Capt. C. E. Wilson (27) Hoare beat Parry 1 up. Mount beat Tee by 5 and 4. Baird Gup. Falk beat Reed by 6 and 5. Hitchcock beat Kenward a t 19th. Col. W. H. Trevor 68—4 | = 63£ Bradley Dyne beat Morgan by 4 and 3. Crozier beat Dewar by 2 and 1. Xieut.-Colonel F. Bradley Dyne 70— 4$ = 651 Xieut. N. R. Reeves (+1) beat Brig.-Gen. R. McDouall (18) at 19th. Xieut.-Colonel J. Crookenden 77— SI = 71J Xieut.-Colonel A. M. Thomson (18) beat Capt. A. J. D. Rose (18) O. F. Falk ...... 78— 5 = 73 by 1 up. Xieut. G. X- Walker (7) beat Xieut.-Colonel X. Howard Smith (12) Trevor Gup. by 8 and 7. Xieut.Colonel J. Crookenden (10) beat Xieut. J. R. P. Williams Lieut. N. R. Reeves 62 Sea-. = 62 (24) by 6 and 5. Xieut. A. Green (24) w.o., Major G. D. Hickman scratched. Xieut. F. G. Crozier ... 68— 5 63 Xieut. H. C. F. Harwood 68 — 41 631 Xieut. G. X* Walker ... 69— 4 65 3rd Round. T. Heaeertv ...1 ... 70— 4 66 Whitfield beat Tomlinson by 3 and 2. Xieut. M. P. D. Dewar 73— 6 67 King beat Trevor 1 up. Xieut. C. Haggard ... 72— 3J 681 Heagerty beat Hoare by 6 and 5. Capt. J. V. Hitchcock 74— 5 69 Mount beat Falk by 2 and 1. ' Xieut. A. Greep 83—121 701 Hitchcock beat Bradley Dyne 2 and 1. 2/Xieut. P. J. Xewis ... 77— 64 704 Crozier beat Reeves by 2 and 1. Major H. de R. Morgan 79— 7j 711 Walker beat Thomson by 5 and 3. Xieut. C. T. Kenward 74— 11 721 Green beat Crookenden at 19th. H. F. Whitfield 77— 3 74 THE DRAGON 155 Correspondence. The Buffs Golfing Society. 2nd April, 1933. Dear Colonel Findlay, Prince's Lodge, Although badly delayed, I am sending inv sub­ Sandwich, scription to The Dragon for another twelve months April 5th, 1933. in the hope that, with my apology, the Editor will The Secretary, accept the larger subscription which I sent last year The Buffs Benevolent Fund, (£1 10s.) Truly I find it difficult, but the little extra Depot The Buffs, is needed, I know, with all other sums, large and small, Canterbury. for the work of the Past and Present Association, and Dear Sir, its roll of old comrades still worse off alas ? It gives me much pleasure to send you the enclosed Yours sincerely, cheque for £11 9s. Od. on account of the proceeds from Former Private 2/5 The Buffs. the Eclectic Competitions held during our Spring Meet­ ing. The amount is made up as follows :— 3 Kinsale Walk, s. d. £ s. d. Knowle West, 159 cards at 1/- •• 7 19 0 Bristol 4. Non-playing entries :— Dear Sir, Major-General Sir A. Lynden-Bell 10 0 Please find enclosed 2/- subscription for next three Lieut.-Colonel H, F. Sparrow 10 0 month’s Dragons. Lt.-Colonel The Hon. P. G. Scarlett 10 0 I am very pleased to say I am doing well now- and Major N. S. Hart ... 10 0 working as a Postman. Capt. H. H.,C. Baird ... 10 0 Best wishes and good luck to all Past and Present . Capt. R. B. Sandilands 10 0 Buffs. Donation :— Yours faithfully, Major H! E. Ward ... 10 0 R . W . Su m m e r s . 3 10 0 • 4 Bayham Road, £11 9 0 Sevenoaks, 27/3/33. Yours sincerely, The Secretary, Past and Present Association. II. H . C. B a ir d , Dear Sir, Captain, I would like to thank the Past and Present Hon. Sec., Association, for obtaining for me, the position as The Buffs Golfing Society. Bandmaster to the St. Augustine's Home for Boys at Sevenoaks. I- have got settled down to my job and got a nice little Band together, with a few engagements during the summer. Buffs Golfing Society—Continued from page 154. I would like to urge all Buffs, who do not belong to the Association, to join it at once as it can do quite a Senior Medal. lot for them; especially those about to leave the Sendee shortly. Lieut. H. C. F. Harwood 84—12 = 72 Up to the present I have not met any old Buffs Lieut.-Colonel F. Bradley Dyne 86—12 — 74 here, but no doubt there are some living in Sevenoaks. Lieut. C. T. Kenward ...... 80— 6 — 74 Again thanking the Association and wishing it every Colonel W. H. Trevor 88—12 1=3 76 success. Lieut. C. H aggard ...... 87—10 = 77 2/Lieut. P. J. Lew is...... 94—16 78 Yours faithfully, M. de J. Creswick ...... 87— 8 = 79 A. J. K e n n e d y . Lieut. N. R. Reeves ...... 82— 3 S3 79 Lieut.-Colonel J. Crookenden _ 96—14 = 82 Lieut.-Colonel L. Howard Smith ... 100—16 = 84 32 Herbert Street, Mile End, Junior Medal. Portsmouth, 93—18 = 75 March 31s/, 1933. Lieut. G. P. Mount The Editor, " The Dragon.” Lieut. F. W. B. Parry 99—22 = 77 Lieut.-Colonel A. B. Thomson 100—22 = 78 Dear Sir, Major Eric Clarke 102—22 = 80 Capt. A. Howard Reed 101—18 = 83 May I be permitted to insert in your next issue my Capt. R. J. Tuke 111—28 = 83 sincere thanks to The Past and Present in assisting me Brig.-General R. McDouall 107—22 = 85 to obtain the appointment as Waiter in the Naval and Capt. C. E. Wilson ... 112—27 = 85 Military Club, Piccadilly, London. I should like to Approaching and Putting Competition. state without the help of the Association and its various Branches, the chances of obtaining work are very bad, Lieut. C. Haggard ...... 16—J = 15J so I urge all Buffs now serving to join the Past and Lieut. F. W. B. Parry 20— 4 = 16 Present Association, for when one leaves the Colours Lieut. A. Green 23— 6 = 17 Lieut. H. C. F. Harwood 19— 1 = 18 one has more chance of obtaining work with the backing Colonel W. H. Trevor 19— 1 = 18 of our Association. Wishing all Buffs, both Past and Present, the very 9 Blind Holes (Senior Division). best of luck, Lieut. H. C. F. Harwood ... 39—4 = 35 I remain. Yours faithfully, 9 Blind Holes (Junior Division). A. HYETT, Lieut. G. P. Mount ...... 48—7 = 41. Late LjCpl., Is/ Battalion. 156 THH DRAGON

Midland Iron Works, Aston Road, Matters of Interest. Birmingham, April 4th, 1933. rpHE Annual Report of Lloyd's Patriotic Fund for Dear Sir, 1932 shows that during the year the total number of cases benefitted was 1,124 and the grants amounted Enclosed is P.O. for 2/8 for three month’s Dragons, to ^14,275. viz., April, May and June, and I should like one hack number if available, 1931, Index, Sailor Cooper and The Patriotic Fund was founded in 1803 and help Billy Hasler, page 85. from the General Fund is mainly confined to the Dear Editor,—Sorry to read of the deaths of our dependants of those who fought in previous campaigns old soldiers lately. and who are not eligible for help from Great War Yours truly, Funds. G* Cooper, The continued financial depression during 1932 has Caretaker, resulted in an increased number of applications for Midland Iron Works, assistance, and as a result the Trustees have had to Aston Road, decide that applicants for regular help cannot be Birmingham. considered unless they are dependants of Officers or Men who were killed in Action, had War Service, or who had to retire through ill-health caused by War or 14 Brier Street, Foreign Service. Fulham, S.W.6 , April 19th, 1933. A11 applications are carefuUy investigated locally. Capt. Enright. Dear Sir, Most of the income is expended in regular weekly I am writing to thank you and the members of the help, but in addition special grants are made to render Past and Present Buffs for the great kindness you assistance in misfortune due to sickness or other causes. have done me, on behalf of the Widow and Family of A special grant of ^100 was made in 1932 to the my late brother, in saving him being buried as a pauper— Royal United Service Orphan Home for. Girls at Devon- a man with 30 years’ service and 5 War Medals—who, port, towards the cost of building a Holiday Home unfortunately, was not insured, unknowingly to us, for the girls at Newquay. The Trustees are very and it caused a lot of trouble when the time came. interested in this Home and have given it large I am pleased to say everything went off very satis­ financial support in the past. factorily owing to your kind assistance. Amongst other special Funds administered by the Thanking you again on behalf of those connected Trustees is one for the benefit of Officers and Men with him, disabled on Active Service in the Boer War. Over I remain. ^1,500 was disbursed from this Fund in 1932, the Yours gratefully, total number of cases helped being 175. G. R. BEEEEw. FuU particulars of the work of the Fund can be obtained from the Secretary, 3 Carew Road, Lloyd's Patriotic Fund, Thornton Heath, Lloyd's Building, Surrey. 22nd April, 1933. 5 Lime Street, The Hon. Secretary, LONDON, E.C.3. All Branches, Past and Present Association, The Buffs. Dear Sir, With reference to the Cenotaph March on Sunday, 11th June next, I am instructed by the Committee to Terror of Dock Gangs. say that arrangements have been made for Tea at a Hall situated quite close to Parliament Square at a P ort of L ondon Authority Detective R etir es. charge of 1/- per head, including use of Hall and piano up to 8 p.m., together with cloak room accommodation. After 26 years’ service in the Port of London Authority Police, during which he was instrumental Would you be good enough to let me know as soon in breaking up many gangs of dock thieves, Div.-Insp. as possible, approximately, the number of your mem­ W. A. H. Baldry has retired on pension. bers who will be attending, so that they may be accommodated. Mr. Baldry began his police career in March, 1907, Thanking you in anticipation. at the Royal Albert Dock. After two years with the uniform staff he was transferred to the Criminal In­ Yours faithfully, vestigation Department, where he remained until G. W. Brown, 1922, when he was promoted from detective-sergeant Hon. Assistant Secretary, to uniform inspector at Tilbury Docks. Three years London Branch. ago he was transferred from Tilbury on promotion as divisional inspector, and took charge of the London and St. Katharine Docks. He has been many times rewarded and commended How to get “ The Dragon.” for his good police work. p o r those wishing to receive the Paper direct through the post each month, the rates of subscription are :— The above refers to Mr. Baldry of the London 1 year, 8f-, 6 months, 4j-,-S months, 2j-. Branch and who is an old 4th Battalion Buff. He is Remittances should be sent to the Editor, Depot The Buffs, a native of Canterbury and is now residing at Westcliffe. Canterbury. The extract is from a cutting out of London Press. THE DRAGON 157

The Buffs and Royal Berkshire Point-to-Point.

Major Morgan and Major Field at the [Haiksworth wheeler. last fence.

Q N Easter Monday, at the East Kent point-to-point, race, and on the second time round, when out in the at Brabourne, we held our Annual Race. In point country, began to close on his rival and right to the fact, this was a trinity—tria juncta in uno—for not straight looked a likely winner. Unfortunately for only were we racing against the Royal Berkshire him, as he urged Holbrook to a final effort up the slope Regiment (for the second time), but also individually a stirrup leather came off thus unbalancing horse and for the battalion point-to-point cup and the subalterns' rider. By half-a-length he lost the race—a finish which cup. recalls to memory an even closer tiling three years ago After the long spell of dry weather the going was when Major Morgan, on that fine mare, Fortune, won hard and looked dangerous, but actually not a single by a head from Major Field on his clever Tom. horse was lamed, though several of us who would have Major Morgan deserves our heartiest congratulations liked to have been riding shook our heads gloomily, on winning again, for Craig Heron had not previously prophesied disaster, and pretended we were glad to be run in a point-to-point, and without such an experienced merely spectators. and accomplished horsemen in the saddle would not Eight Buffs and three Berkshires started. Of the have achieved such success. But now he is a horse to eight Buffs, Major Field’s Holbrook, Major Morgan’s watch in the future, though if he is entered for next year’s Craig Heron, and A. A. J. N. Fearnside-Speed’s Punch race it will be buying money to back him ! were nominated as the Buffs' team, owners up in every case. Third came Trotsky, last year’s winner. Fourth, The Royal Berkshires comprised Captain Hawkins’ Mr. F'eamside-Spced’s Redliill, F. J. Crozier up ; fifth, Trotsky, W. A. Warren up; 1. D. H. Helby’s Tosh, Tash, and sixth, Mr. Fearnside-Speed’s Punch, owner J. E. Fass up ; Lieut.-Col. C. St. J. Fulbrook-Leggatt’s up, who thus won for the second year in succession the Betty, owner up. Subaltern’s Cup. Seventh came Mr. Tuff on his Robin, For the seventh year in succession Major Morgan and eighth Lieut.-Col. Fulbrook-Leggatt on Betty. won the battalion cup and the race, though keenly Thus it will be seen The Buffs won the inter- challenged, as usual, by Major Field, who rode a great regiinental race with 8 points against 13. 158 THE DRAGON

The Famous Cornish Rocking Stone. GieT to Nationae Trust. The Past and Present The following announcement was issued yesterday : Colonel Sir Courtenay Vyvyan, of Trelowarren, Association. Cornwall, has presented to the nation, through the National Trust, one of the most fascinating and fantastic 1V/IINUTKS of the. 103rd Meeting of the Regimental properties on the wild and rocky coast to the west of Committee and the Executive Committee of the Mount’s Bay, Cornwall. Included in the gift is the Past and Present Association, The Buffs, held at Can­ mass of granite known as the Logan or Rocking Stone. terbury on Thursday, 20th April, 1933, at 11 a.m. ; This and the promontory, called locally Treen Castle approved by the Colonel of the Regiment:- - (spelt and pronounced in several other fashions), prove very attractive to summer visitors. Sir Present: Courtenay Vyvyan has made it certain now that the Brigadier-General R. McDouall, C.B., C.M.G., right of access to the public and to the owners of C.B.E., D.S.O. (in the Chair). adjoining land will be preserved for all time, and that Colonel W. H. Trevor, D.S.O. no buildings shall ever be erected there, other than the Lieut.-Colonel Guy Lee, D.S.O., M.C. little Board of Trade watch house which already stands Lieut.-Colonel B. S. Collard, T.D. there. Brevet-Lieut.-Colonel A. B. Thomson, M.B.E. This property has been for eight centuries in the Major C. S. Field, O.B.E. (representing O.C. 2nd undisturbed possession of the Vyvyan family, as Battalion). owners of the manor of Trevidrefi. It consists of about Captain H. P. P. Robertson (representing O.C. 1st 35 acres of rough cliff land. Treen Castle is a very fine Battalion). example of the fortified headlands which were known Colonel H. Findlay, C.B.E. (Secretary), as Castles. It is a cape of three different groups of rocks, and seems to have been a sanctuary or fortress 931. Minutes of the last meeting passed and signed of the ancient inhabitants of the country. It is isolated by the Chairman, by a triple entrenchment of earth and stones, forming 932. W arriors’ Chapee.—Approval was given for a a line of defence of which the Vallum Is about 15 feet Brass Tablet being obtained and attached to high. Hence the title of Castle, I t was common in the Lectern containing The Book of Life, in Cornwall to cut off a headland from the mainland by accordance with a design submitted by Major a sort of scarp or breastwork. Such may be traced Tomlinson, the wording on the tablet to be in the Trust property known as the Dodman. “ The Buffs Roll of Honour, 1914-1918,” In the middle group of rocks on the west side of the lettering in bronze. The cost, Treen Castle is the Logan Rock. This is the famous approximately £3, to be paid from the Plaque stone which, though it weighs 6 6 tons, can be moved Fhnd. and rocked by a child. But once in a time the mighty 5. 3rd BaTTaeion P eaTE.—It was recommended fell, and the story of that fall will never be forgotten. that the scheme suggested by the United William Borlase, the mid-eighteenth century chronicler Services Trustee regarding the custody, ad­ of Cornwall, wrote that the stone was “ so evenly posied ministration, etc., of the plate should be that any hand may move it to and fro but...... it is adopted, whereby a Committee composed of morally impossible that any lever, or indeed any force the Colonel of the Regiment, the Officer (however applied in a mechanical way) can remove it Commanding The Depot and Major Ward from its present situation.” Years after, in 1824, (representing the 3rd Battalion) should be this challenge was accepted by a certain Lieutenant appointed, with power to delegate the above Goldsmith, R.N., a nephew of Oliver Goldsmith, duties to the Regimental Committee. commanding a revenue cutter in these waters. With Secondly, the monies at present standing to the the help of a boat's crew, he managed to roll the stone credit of the 3rd Battalion Mess Fund to be off its base. It cost him £2,000 to have it replaced, transferred to the custody of the • United with the aid of elaborate machinery made expressly Services Trustee for investment, the interest for the purpose. derived therefrom, together with all dividends There are other rocking stones in Cornwall and in on other 3rd Battalion funds already so ad­ Wales, but none possessing the interest or dimensions ministered by the United Services Trustee, of the Logan. Pliny tells of one at Harpasa, a town of to be credited to the Past and Present Asia, and Ptolemy of another which may be moved Association; this Association to pay from with the stalk of an asphodel. The record of the Logan these funds the insurance of the plate. The will find its place in the story of the National Trust's balance of the income to be used by the properties. Association as heretofore, as approved by The Times, 31.3.33, the War Office. The Committee also to be empowered to approve of the loan of the plate to The Depot Mess, Work for Discharged Soldiers. as and when required. In February, 107 soldiers completed courses of . Cottage H omes : instruction at the Army Vocational Training Centres. (a) It was recommended that the Charity Com­ Of these, immediate employment was found for 70, missioners should be asked through the and 29 students who had left in previous months were United Service Trustee, to approve of the also placed in employment. transfer of the Knox Fund (approximately These courses, at which soldiers about to leave £1,000) from the Cottage Homes to the the Army receive training in Civil trades, include the Benevolent Fund. various building trades, acetylene welding, motor (b) Drainage. The Committee approved of the mechanism, boot repairing, electrical ’wiring, general request of the borough authorities that the farming, poultry farming, handyman, groundsmen, Homes should be connected with the new gardener-chauffeur, and also positions of trust and main drainage system, and that the tender private service. of £78 should be accepted for this work, THE DRAGON 159

unless the Secretary of the Association, (d) The Committee regretted that funds were after consultation with the Borough not available to subscribe to the " Not Engineer,' could arrange more favourable Forgotten ” Association. terms. (e) It was decided that after this year the sub­ 935. Dragon Club Dinner : scription to the Regimental Association (a) The tentative arrangements made by the should be reduced frpm £15 to £10. Secretary were approved. (/•) In the event of the widow of the late C.S.M. (b) It was recommended that the following — ■—, who served for eighteen years in guests should be invited to this year's the Regiment and was a member of the dinner:— Association, failing to obtain a pension The Colonel-in-Chief of the Regiment. from other sources, the Committee approved The Danish Minister. of the pension released by the marriage of Colonel Sir Theodore Brinckman, Bart., ------being transferred to Mrs. —, C.B. (g) The Committee regretted that owing to the financial position, they were unable to Bieut.-Colonel B. S. Collard, T.D. make a grant to the Hythe Branch, in 936. Annual Report and Balance Sheets.— connection with a Smoking Concert being Colonel Collard requested that, if possible, organised by that Branch. the total strength of 4th Battalion members of the Association should be mentioned in the 943. Next Committee Meeting.—To be held at report. No other additions or alterations were Canterbury on Thursday, 13th July, at 11 a.m. suggested. The Balance Sheets were passed for audits Minutes of the 20th Sub-Committee Meeting held at The Depot, Canterbury, on Saturday, 8th April, The Secretary of the Association drew attention 1933 :— to the fact that in his opinion, the financial Present position of the Association was unsatisfactory, Major F. W. Foster ... Chairman. as it had been impossible to invest, or convert Mr. J. E. King Ashford. to capital, any of the 240 life members' sub­ Mr. G. Philpott Bondon. scriptions received during the financial year. Captain A. E. Boyd Hardcastle Weald. This was due to : (a) the heavy calls on the Captain A. Barton Medway. Benevolent Fund, whereby it had been unable Mr. W. Jeffrey Ramsgate. to pay to the Association account j£100 due for Mr. R. H. Harman Margate. administrative expenses ; (b) hard times, con­ Captain D. V. Coote ... Hythe. sequent on which annual subscriptions amount­ Mr. A. W. Broadbent Canterbury. ing to over £200 for 1932 had not been paid. Mr. W. H. Francis Folkestone. 937. It was decided that Mr. J adding, who had suc­ Mr. H. Taylor...... Sandwich. ceeded Mr. Newman as Manager of Bloyds Mr. C. H. Wynn Kenrick Deal. Bank, Canterbury Branch, should be invited to R.S.M. Vaughan 2nd Battalion. become Honorary Financial Adviser. Captain V. J. Hallam Dover (Secretary). 938. A nniversaries .—The Committee unanimously Not represented :—Sittingbourpe Branch. were not in favour of the proposal that the Minutes.—Proposed by Ashford, seconded by Birthday of the Regiment (or any additional Margate, and carried that the Minutes of the anniversaries) should be observed. previous meeting be adopted and signed. 939. Finance,—Owing to heavy calls at present on 2. Service o p Remembrance.—The 2nd Battalion the funds, it was decided : suggested that in place of the usual cricket match (a) that only under the most exceptional cir­ an inter-Branch rounders competition be held, cumstances would financial assistance be and a small trophy be given to the winners. given to anyone who was not, or had not The delegates decided to bring the suggestion before been a member of the Association ; their Branches for discussion, to give their decisions (b) that funeral expenses, to avoid a pauper’s at the next Sub-Committee Meeting. funeral, could only be granted to members 3. Branch Banners.—Proposed by the _ Weald, of the Association, and then only under seconded by Folkestone, and carried unanimously : most exceptional circumstances. " that this Sub-Committee considers that the 940. Travelling E xpenses.—The Secretary's Travel­ introduction of Branch Banners in any form is ling Expenses to date, amounting to £8 8s. 3d. most undesirable.” Resolution by the Weald were approved. Branch :—" that this Sub-Committee considers the introduction of Branch Banners in any form 941. Sub-Committee Minutes.—The Sub-Committee is most undesirable for a Regimental Association, Minutes were approved with the exception of whose members, both Past and Present, are bound the proposal regarding an inter-branch rounder together by one common bond, as represented tournament instead of a cricket match on the by the Colours. It further considers that the afternoon of August 13th. The Officer Com­ relating custom of the Recruits’ Remembrance manding The Depot regretted that the ground Day Parade cannot be improved upon for its could not be made available for rounders. simplicity and efficiency qn this occasion.” 942. Correspondence : The Sub-Committee asks the Executive Committee (a) Approval was given to a donation of two to reconsider the recommendation that Banners guineas to the King’s Roll Clerks’ should be introduced. Association. 4. Shooting.—Proposed by the Weald, seconded by (c) The Committee regretted that owing to the Margate and carried, that the Inter-Branch Postal heavy calls on the Benevolent Fund, they Shoots take place between 1st October and 31st were unable to approve of a pension being March, the contest to be a series of six monthly granted to the widow of the late Sergeant, Shoots and that the Branch with the highest who was not a member of the Association. aggregate • to be the winner; and that the 160 THE .DRAGON

General Secretary be asked to • send the target ‘ NEWMEMBERS- cards to Branches on the first of each month, Life Members.—Major A. G. Hamilton; Captain accompanied' by the results of the previous shoot. A. F. St. A. Turner; C.S.M. P. Johnson; L/Cpls. All cards must be returned to the General; Secre­ Twyman, J. Austen, W. Bird; Privates Rastrick, tary not later than 22nd of the month. An Flowerdew, Stone, E- Latimer, F. Stobie, J. Corps, independent witness to be present at each shoot E. Eustace, A. Shrubsole, A. Gowar, F. Harris, G. and to sign, the cards. Simmons, J. Sullivan, D, Atkinson, T. Burton, A. The following conditions were proposed by Ashford, Lemar, W. Dawkins, R. Dudley, C. Gillard, C. Tookey, seconded by Dover and carried :— V, Fuller, J. Mitchell, D. Sheehan, W. Sixsmith, L- Team : 8 to shoot, best 6 to count; Card : 5 Stevens, R. Welfare, J. Beale, J. Whaley, H. Goodman, Bull Match Card; Rounds: 10 to count (two S. Jolley, J. Steward, M. Galligan, R. Leona, J. Carr, on each Bull) 2 sighters optional. L. Yates, H. Moore, H. Casano, E. Press, H. Smart, 5. Associate Members.—Proposed by the Weald and M. Hamlyn, L. Brown:; Drummer W. Houghton; seconded by London, that Rule 10 (6 ), page 15 Boy A. B eale; Messrs. G. M. Shaw, J. R. Trower, in the Book of Rules be amended to read :— J. M. Jenner. “ Any ladies or gentlemen, who, by virtue of their Life. Associate Member.—Lt.-Colonel W. A.- V. interest in, and work for, the Regiment, are Findlater. qualified, may be invited by Branches to become Annual Members.—Captain E- H. Friend ; Messrs. Life Associate Members on payment of the G. F. Tolhurst, Court, A. K. Love, Steptoe, Sharpe, appropriate Life Member's subscription (see Rule W. Russell, E. F. Odell, M.M., H. B. Smith, L. Hartigan, 1 2 ), and subject to the approval of the Executive J. Kenealy, J. W. Hadley, A. Woodham, J. Curtis, Committee.’.' W. Cogger, C.. Coombes, A. Bert, A. J. Hobbs, G.' Rule 12 (c), page 16, to read " Associate Members ” Kennett, F. Giles,’ R. A. Lockyer, N. E. Noakes, F. “ Life Member’s ” subscription only, as above. Stookes, A. R. Dittott, H. T. Back, J. Goodsell. Branch Rule (2), page 19 to r e a d : “ Associate Associate Members.— Rev. A. O. H. Lee; Mr. Life Membership is open to those persons qualified Archer. ' under rule 10 (&).” After discussion, these proposals were recommended to the Executive Committee for consideration, Ashford Branch. by eleven votes,to one,, Dover voting against. Visit to W oodchurch. ■{Signed) : F. W. FOSTER. About twenty members of the Ashford Branch journeyed to the .New Stone'Bridge Inn, Woodchurch, on Wednesday, March 29th, . Chairman, Sub-Committee. for the purpose of making known the objects of the Association in that locality." Mr. F.'G. Stoker, Chairman of the Ashford Branch, opened the meeting by giving a brief resume of the activities of the Association. D ona tions. He then introduced Colonel H. Findlay, C.B.E., Secretary of the Association, to the meeting. During the period 18/3/33 to 18/4/33 the following Colonel H. Findlay in an excellent speech gave full details of the workings of the Association, stating that its main objects were to donations have been gratefully received :— honour the memory of Buffs who had unfortunately “ passed over,” 7 £ s., d. .the comradeship of those who were still with us, and not forgetting • The Buffs Golfing Society ...... 11 9 0 the Buff who was “ down and out.” He also gave particulars of the Machine Gun Company,-1st Battalion Annual Memorial Service at Canterbury, stating that that occasion was an excellent opportunity to renew old friendships, as Buffs from The Buffs ...... 3 11 0 all over the country attended that Service. He also outlined the Mr. A. Hyett ...... 0 10 0 , splendid work the Association had done in securing employment for those who had served in the Regiment. In conclusion, Colonel Findlay urged those present who were not members to join up at once and thus encourage the Ashford Branch in their little endeavour to secure new members. . . Disbursements. v . Colonel Body, Captain Hardcastle and Captain Crothall, owing During the period 18/3/33 to. 18/4/33 the following to previous engagements, were unable to attend, but wished the meeting every success. . disbursements have been made — An excellent .musical evening was arranged, the following artistes £ s. d. contributing to the programme :—Messrs. F. Wood, J. Merrett, T. Hall March 20. G rant ...... 5 0 0 . and P. Di Wood. At the conclusion of the meeting the following became members, 20. Loan ... ;. ... 6 0 0 to whom we extend a hearty welcome :—J. Goodsall (C.Q.M.S.), No. 22. G rant .. l - 0 0 1914, 2/5th Buffs; H. T. Back (Sgt.), No. 203206, l/5th Buffs; 23, Grant; ...... 3 0 0 A. R. Ditton. (Fte.), No. 240202, 1/5th Buffs; F. Stokes (Pte.), No. 20. G rant ... ’ 2539, 7th Buffs. We understand that several others have promised .; 0 3 0 .to join in the near future. - 24. Grant ... • ...- 0 10 0 27. G rant ... 1 - ■ ... l 2 0 27. Loan 0. 0 The monthly meeting’ of the Branch was held at the Market Hotel ... 3 on Saturday, April 8th, Mr. F. C. Stoker presiding. Also present:— 27. G rant ...... 2 0 0 Mr. J. King (Vice-Chairman), Mr. E. H. Chambers (Secretary), Mr. C. 29. G rant ... .. ;.. 1 0 0 Marsh (Assistant Secretary), and Mr. N. Hamblin (Pianist). 29. Grant „ .v. 1 10 0 The Agenda included the Minutes of the last meeting. Corres- .pondence included a letter from Mr. G. Hopkins, who was still in 29. G rant ...... 1 16 0 hospital, thanking the Branch for what they had done for him and April 4. G rant ; ...... 2 12 0 Stating that he was progressing satisfactorily and hoped soon to be 4. Grant ... 1 0 0 back home again. 4.' Grant .. ... 2 0 The next items were Cash Accounts and Sick and Distressed 0 Members. 5. Grant ... 3 0 0 The Chairman stated thalt the Rifle Club hkd thrown out a challenge 6 . G rant ...... 0 10: 0 •to shoot against the Branch. This was accepted by the meeting. 8 . Grant 1 0 0 The shoot will take place at the Drill Hall Range on July 14th next, when it is hoped to offer several prizes for competition. Further 10. G rant ...... 2 0 0 * details will be issued later. 12. Grant ... 0 5 0 Mr. J. King next gave a report of the Sub-Committee Meeting, 13. Grant 1 0 0 stating that .the date of the Annual Re-union at Canterbury this year 13., Grant ,.. was to be August ,13th; parade at 11.10 a.m. The Inter-Branch ...... 10 0 0 Postal Shoots were to commence on October 1st and terminate by 18.. Grant ...... 0 10 0 March 31st. Neutral referee to. sign.all targets. Mr. King also stated THE DRAGON 161

that the Dover Branch had accepted the invitation of the Ashford In reply, the Chairman (Captain Enright) informed the members Branch to pay them a visit on their next meeting night {May 13th). that Mr. Dunk’s remarks fell into two distinct questions: (1) There A letter would be sent to the Secretary confirming this. should be some official annual recognition and parade at the memorial; The Chairman thanked Mr. King for his very able report. (2) The question of the name of Major Eales. With reference to No. 1, The results of the Booby Prizes were as follows:—1st (No. 556), he understood the Canterbury Branch had the matter in hand and Miss Harmer; 2nd (No. 524), Mr. Manktelow; 3rd (No. 526), un­ no doubt when a decision had been reached, all Branches would be claimed. notified. It was really a matter for the Canterbury Branch and the Depot. Regarding No. 2. He would ascertain whether or not the There not being any artistes present, the meeting terminated early name of Major Eales was inscribed. If not, he felt sure it would be with “ The King.” included next time the memorial was overhauled. The business of the meeting was then brought to a close. London Branch. Bon Voyage.—Mr. Gid Cook, the son of Captain T. O. Cook, M.B.E., has said au revoir for another two years, as he has now returned Considering it was Easter Saturday, the last meeting was exception­ to the wilds of West Africa. Since he has been home on leave he has ally well attended. letters of regret for not being present were received kept up his Buff tradition and attended every meeting and function. from the Colonel of the Regiment, Major H. G. James and Mr. (Sailor) Captain Enright spoke of his good fellowship, wished him a good and Cooper. safe voyage, and said that all would be looking forward to the time Deaths.—All present stood in silence for one minute in memory when he would return home again. As he left the room, Mr. Gid Cook of the following who have recently passed awav :—2002 ex-Bandsman was heartily cheered. H. Bellew, 2nd Battalion ; 6282764 ex-B/Cpl. Webster, 1st Battalion : 6282759 ex-B/Cpl. G. Begg, 1st Battalion. Ladies’ Guibd. Sickness.—The Chairman (Captain Enright) mentioned the fact that Mr. A. Roullier (Dusty) had met with a serious accident and was The monthly tea meeting was held on Wednesday, April 12th, at lying in the Royal Free Hospital in a critical condition. The sympathy our new Headquarters, The Prince of Wales’ Hotel, Great Queen Street, of the Branch goes out to our old comrade and we wish him a sure W.C., when the Hon. Bady Byuden-Bell (Guild President) and Mrs. recovery. During the meeting, a telephone message was received Guy Bee (Vice-President) were present. that Mr. Roullier’s condition was as satisfactory as one could hope for Minutes.—The Minutes of the last meeting were read and confirmed. considering the nature of his accident. Correspondence.—Betters were read from Mrs. Crookenden Hospital Savings Association—On the recommendation of Mr. (Vice-President), Mrs. Blackburn and Mr. Jarvis. Gordon Bindley, M.C., the Chairman laid before the members the Regrets.—The following members sent regrets at being unable benefits and advantages to be derived from this splendid organisation ; to be present:—Mrs. Smith, Mrs. Hickey, Mrs. Dicker, Mrs. Ritchings, he had written the Secretary of the H.S.A. to see if it was possible Mrs. Taylor and Miss Beighton. for the Branch to pay a certain yearly sum and thereby be in a position Badies’ Guild.—The Chairman (Mrs. Spinner), announced that a to nominate any cases for assistance. I t is not posable to do this. telephonic message from the Colonel of the Regiment ryas received It was, however, decided to publish the names and addresses of H.S.A. informing her that Deal had formed a Badies’ Guild. This is very Group Hon. Secretaries for the benefit of members. On a show of pleasing news, and the Bondon Branch send heartiest congratulations hands it was found that quite a large number present at the meeting were already members of the H.S.A. for their success, they being the fifth Guild in five years. Sick.—Mrs. Bounard ill in Redhill Hospital, Burnt Oak. Mrs. Re-union Dinner.—Members were reminded of this great function Wall now convalescent. and many tickets were sold. Deceased.—The sympathy of the Guild members was extended “ News of the World ” Relay Race.—The Chairman said that to the bereaved relatives of the following Bondon Branch members the organisation of the Branch enabled members residing on the route who recently passed over :—Mr. Webster, Mr. Begg and Mr. H. Bellew. from Big Ben to Brighton to meet at certain points to help our mmi Bathes' Festival.—Members were reminded of the Badies' along. These points were Big Ben, Clapham Common, Mitcham, Festival on May 6th at Maison Byons, tickets 5/6. Those requiring Purley, Crawley and Brighton. In addition, members were to be same should purchase immediately. found at other places on the route. Each memher in Sussex, also Battersea, Clapham, etc., had been warned by letter of the times the Relay Race.—The All-England Relay Race from Bondon to , leading runner would pass certain points. Unfortunately reports Brighton was taking place on Easter Saturday, 15th, when the 2nd say that at each intermediate point it was difficult to identify the Battalion were competing. Members were asked to be at the various runner of The Buffs, although on the look out for our Colours and points along the route to give them a cheer. badge. News came in quickly of progress. Battersea—our man Social.—Mrs. Carter and Mrs. Philpot have arranged for a whist No. 4. Trinity Road—passed in a batch of six leading runners. drive after the next meeting on May 3rd, when they hope for a large Mitcham—5th. Purley—7th. Crawley—7th. Brighton—11th. A attendance. good crowd of Buffs were present at the finishing point. Well done, R affles.—A woollen mat made and presented by Major H. G. James 2nd Battalion, and hearty congratulations on your magnificent effort was rallied and won by Mrs. Bean ; it realised 7/6, A I lb. tin of against teams which included the greatest International runners in butter toffees was given by Mrs. Carter and won by Miss Cissie Redman, the world. Our Vice-President (Mr. Gordon Bindley, M.C.) had the realising 2/2. . opportunity of wishing Pte. Inman good luck at Purley. After the meeting members of the Bondon Branch arrived and Branch Rules.—The Chairman read out the proposed rules for added to the evening’s success with indoor games and singing. the Branch and each section was agreed. It is hoped to have the D.E.S. same eventually printed and each member to receive a copy. The following revisions were made or new matter incorporated :— Dover Branch. Elections.—Proposed by Mr. Blacker and seconded by Mr. On March 25th was laid to rest a fine old Buff in the person of Wickinglon, D.C.M., M.M., that at the General Meeting the election of Mr. James Robinson. Mr. Robinson joined the Regiment in 1904 Officials and Committee shall be by show of hands and that each and served with it in the early days of the War until invalided out as member present shall be entitled to vote. Carried unanimously. ■ unfit for further service owing to wounds. Despite this, by concealing Complaints.—-Proposed by Mr. Blacker and seconded by Captain his former service, he re-joined voluntarily in a Territorial unit. Of Geo. Johnson, D.C.M., M.S.M., “ that any member wishing to bring late fate had not been too kind to our old comrade but he found friends forward a complaint or such matter likely to lead to controversey, in the Past and Present Association, of which he was a loyal member, shall first submit the same to his Battalion Committee member, who and which saw that he went to his last resting-place in a manner worthy will lay the same before the Committee. Any member, however, shall of one who had displayed such a fine example of the Buff spirit. have the right of appeal to the Executive Committee.” A day or two back your correspondent met a brother scribe in General Meeting.—I t was agreed “ that the Branch Annual fhe person of Cpl. Banks, who is correspondent to The Draeon for the General Meeting shall take place on the third Saturday of Januarv Corporals of the 2nd Battalion. He was spending a week-end with of each year. At this meeting amendments to the existing rules his family in Dover and looked none the worse for the strenuous time or proposed new rules will be considered.” the 2nd Battalion were having at Hythe. “ Chinny ’’ Bowcock, late Committee’s Discretion.—I t was agreed " th a t the Committee of the Drums, 1st Battalion, chancing to appear at the same time, be empowered to act in every case—should such arise—which is not the air became redolent of 1572. covered by the rules, subject to such matter being reported at the After four years’ good work, Captain "V ic ” Hallam has asked following meeting of the members.” to be relieved of his job as Secretary of the Branch, though he will still Confirmation.—It was proposed, second and carried un­ serve on the Committee. Mr. Ashby, who has been Assistant Secretary, animously, “ that the Rules of the Branch as put to the meeting, will succeed him. I t will not be easy for anyone to follow so capable with the incorporation of the above, shall be adopted by the Branch.” and keen a man as “ Vic,” but we know enough'of Mr. Ashby to realise South Africa War Memorial.—Mr. Dunk suggested that there that he is the man to do it. Mr. Ashby will be succeeded as Assistant ought to be some time set apart on Remembrance Sunday for visiting Secretary by Mr. F. Evans, another very happy choice. this beautiful memorial to those who gave their lives during the South We are sorry to record that Mr. F. Scrivner, a loyal member of the African War. Mr. Dunk stated he had never failed to visit the Dane 'Branch, is very ill. We sish him a speedy recovery. John for seventeen years and felt proud to stand before that memorial. Our monthly meeting on April 13th (Friday being Good Friday) Continuing, he said, that although he might be wrong, he was under was well attended. Those present thoroughly enjoyed an excellent the impression that there was a name missing from the scroll, the concert arranged by Mr. Gisby, whose son displayed wonderful name of that gallant officer, Major Bales. In any case, there ought histrionic talent for so young a lad. _ We have not succeeded as yet to be something done to see that the memorial is officially visited each in getting the names of the other artistes, but we greatly appreciated year and our respects paid to the memories of those who died during both the excellence of their performance and their kindness in coming the South African War. •to entertain us. It was pleasant also to see two serving members of 162 THE DRAGON the Regiment present, Mr. Ashby's son, who is now in the Orderly Room Hythe Branch. at the Depot, and Pte. Hoxey, 2nd Battalion, who was holiday-making in his native Dover. We hope' that any serving Buff, whatever his The annual general meeting of the Hythe Branch was hdd at rank, who happens to be in Dover on our meeting night will not hesitate the British Eegion Hut, St. Eeonard’s Road, on Saturday night. to visit us. He will be assured of a hearty welcome. Captain D. V. Coote (Chairman) presided, and was supported by Colond E. T. Buttanshaw (Vice-President), Mr. F. C. Burchett (Hon. Secretary), and Mr. H. Bean (Hon. Treasurer). Weald Branch. The Accounts.—The Treasurer reported that when the Branch was re-formed on May 21st, 1931, they started with a concert. There The Branch Annual Dinner was held at the Town Hall, Tenterden, were very few expenses then, only the hiring of the hall, and the cost on March 30th. Originally arranged for March 16th, it had to be of printing, the band giving its services free. At subsequent dances postponed owing to the Bye-election in the Ashford Division.' To a charge was made for the band, and the dances had been stopped everybody’s regret the Colonel of the Regiment was unable to be for a time through a falling off in attendances, probably the effect of present on the final date, but he sent a most interesting letter which the slump, which the organisers felt, like everyone dse. Altogether, was read out by the Chairman, of which the following is an extract:— a sum of £50 9s. Sd. had been raised, and the profits amounted to “ I was looking over some old papers of my father’s the other day £11 1 Os. 6d. There was a credit balance of 14/8, and, with the exception and I found among them a letter from me to him dated February 26th, of the cost of wreaths placed on the memorial, the remainder of the 1895. I was the Adjutant of the 1st Battalion and I was writing to profits had been expended on benevolent grants. Actually, their my father, who was a Crimean and India Frontier soldier of much profit was 18 per cent., which he thought was very good. experience. I said in my letter : ‘ To our great joy we have received orders to form part of the Chitrai Relief Expedition and I look forward The Treasurer added that if they did not support the Committee to the forthcoming events with the utmost confidence. Though it is they would not have any profits. The Secretary had had all the not for me to say so, the 1st Battalion The Buffs has, by general hard work ; the Committee had helped as much as possible, but the admission, no superior in India. I must say I think our men are simply brunt of the work had fallen oil Mr. Burchett, whom they had to thank magnificent, and we are 95% Kent. There is one thing I am Sony for the state of the balance sheet that day. about, and that is that we have not more Weald men. We have quite ETpon the motion of Mr. A. E- Gibbs, seconded by Mr. J. Swain, a lot of them but I want more. These Weald fellows are a most the accounts were adopted. remarkable type. They say very little but they are the stoutest- The Chairman said that on the whole the accounts were not too hearted chaps imaginable. They never fall out, they don’t know what bad. He did not think that dances—at least, fortnightly ones—were fear is and in any emergency they can always be relied on to do the a success, although perhaps one a year might be. He did not think it needful without any fuss.’ What I said in this letter written more than worth while carrying on the dances. They might make a profit on thirty-eight years ago, holds good to-day.” one, but the next might be wiped out by bad weather. The reading of this letter was received with great enthusiasm and Election of Officers.—Upon the motion of Mr. A. E. Gibbs, appreciation. seconded by the Treasurer, Captain Coote was unanimously re-elected Colonel Body presided and the guests included Colonel Findlay, Chairman for the ensuing year. Colonel Findlater {Deputy Mayor of Tenterden), the Chairmen of the Upon the motion of Mr. A. E. Gibbs, seconded by Mr. T. Frew, Mr. Ashford, Dover, Hythe and Canterbury Branches, R.S.M. Vaughan, Bean was re-elected Treasurer. C.S.M. Sidwell and Cpls. Banks and Ingram of the 2nd Battalion, and representatives of other Branches, in addition to the Chairmen, The Treasurer moved and Mr. A. E- Gibbs seconded that Messrs. included Mr. Chambers (Ashford), Mr. Evans (Dover), Mr. Bean T. Blizzard, H. Shaw and F. Wright be re-elected to the Committee, (Hythe), Mr. Austen (Canterbury), Mr. Francis (Folkestone), and and this was also carried. Mr. Stroud' (Dover). Between seventy and eighty members were The Chairman said he was very sorry that MT. Burchett had retired present. from the Secretaryship, because he had done an extraordinarily good After the toast of " The King ” had been proposed by the Chairman, amount of work for the Branch, and had always done his level best. Major Clarke proposed “ The Regiment,” and in a most excellent speech No words of his could tell them the amount of really conscientious referred to the recent success of the 2nd Battalion cross-country team work he had put in, and he was very sorry indeed that he had said he and the fact that C.Q.M.S. Ongley was a Weald man. Colonel could not go on. Mr. Burchett had been a great help to him (the Crookenden replied to the toast. “ The Visitors” was proposed by Chairman). Captain Hardcastle and replied to by Colonel Findlater and R.S.M. An Appeal to Members.—The Chairman said they had tried all Vaughan, who in spite of very short notice gave one of his delightfully sorts of things to attempt to get members to go to the meetings, and breezy efforts. “ The Association ” was proposed by Major Robson, six months ago they thought it might be better if they moved from the who is an Associate Member, and paid a great tribute to the Association. British Eegion Hut and went to another place, but it had been proved Colonel Findlay replied in a most interesting speech dealing with that they were entirely wrong. The British Eegion had very kindly the work of the Association. The speeches were interspersed with consented to their going back to the hut and carrying on there as with some most excellent songs by Mr. Rex Hunter’s talented party. originally, for which they had to thank the Eegion very much. He Messages of greeting and regrets at inability to attend were received wished the members would turn up at the meetings, for it was difficult from the Colonel of the Regiment, the Officers Commanding 2nd for the Committee to know what was in their minds and what they Battalionand Depot, the Mayor of Tenterden, the Medway, Sittingbourne, wanted done unless they could get other people’s opinions at those Ramsgate, Margate, Sandwich and Deal Branches, Colonels Barham meetings. There were lots of Buffs in Hythe, and they wanted to get and Burns; Major Rice, Captain the Hon. W. S. Cornwallis, Captain them in. He repeated, he asked the members to come to the meetings, Robertson and R.S.M. Ransley. and if they would put forward their suggestions they could properly discuss them, and could probably arrange some entertainment. He It was a thoroughly enjoyable evening and it was a great pleasure also hoped they would get others in to help carry on what was a jolly and privilege to the members of the Branch to be able to entertain good Branch. It. was the question of a new year starting, and all the such a representative number of guests. members were asked to pay in their half-crowns. He knew it was a During the evening Colonel Findlater was presented by the Chairman very bad time to ask that, but it was wanted, because their half-crowns with his badge as a Eife Associate Member, making the fourth in the were sent to headquarters at Canterbury, and from there they were Branch, all of whom are Eife Members. The Brandi strength to date put into the Headquarters Fund for helping Buffs. The money was is :—Eife Members, 69 ; Annual Members, 234 ; Total, 303. not wasted, but was used for the benefit of Buffs, and perhaps some time A.E.E.H. it might come back to Hythe as a helping hand. I t was not necessary to pay all the subscription in a lump sum, but it could be spread out over the year by certain small amounts. Margate Branch. The General Fund.—The Chairman had been trying to find the The monthly meeting was held on April 12th at the Drill Hall, best way of raising money for the General Fund, and someone had Hawley Square, Mr. R. H. Harman being in the Chair. suggested a Stop Watch Competition. He had put the suggestion The Minutes of the previous meeting were read and passed and before the Committee, and it was agreed to try a smoking concert and the usual business was dealt with. a stop watch competition. The concert would be held at the British The dances that are being run in conjunction with the local detach­ Eegion Hut on Wednesday, April 26th, at 7.30 p.m., and Major-General ment are proving a great social success. The duties of M.C. are in the Sir Arthur Eynden-Bell had promised to be present. Also, invitations capable hands of Sgt. Hogbin. would be sent to the Mayor of Hythe, Colonel Findlay, and others. Thanks are due to our Sodal Secretary, Mr. W. Philpott, for the It was decided that the result of the stop watch competition should success of the Stop Watch Competition. When the case was opened be announced during the smoking concert. on April 3rd there was great exdtement. The lucky winner was Mr. Epps, 84 Byron Road, Margate, and the time was 4 hours 8 minutes. The Derby Sweep books are out now and everybody is putting their backs into it and drawing in the “ doings.” During the evening the Cornelius Cup and silver spoon for winner Canterbury Branch. and Buff tie for runner-up were presented to Mr. E. Nethersole and The monthly meeting took place at the White Eion Hotel on April Mr. P. Kennett. Everyone was very pleased to see Mr. Kennett also 7th, and was attended by the Chairman (Mr. Hart), Secretary (Mr. presented with the Bdl Medal. Newman) and a record gathering of members. After the meeting the members competed on the range for the The Minutes of the last meeting were read and confirmed. Cornelius Cup to find the winners for April. Result:—Mr. J. Sankey, The first item to be brought up by our representative on the winner; Mr. W. Philpott, runner-up. Amalgamated Society was the Annual Church Parade, to take place . Don’t forget! the monthly meetings are hdd on the second on May 28th, at 3 p.m., from Station Road West. We shall be pleased Wednesday in every month. to see any member of the Branch who can attend, so as to make a good J . Sa n k ey . representative body on the parade. THE DRAGON m

A hearty vote of thanks was passed to the Committee that attended at Roper House on March 6th, when a combined meeting took place between the Indies’ Branch and the Men’s Branch, under the Chairman­ The South African War. ship of pur worthy Secretary (Colonel Findlay). I am pleased to take this opportunity of thanking the ladies for the way in which our future events will be worked in a spirit of goodwill. Part II. A successful dance was held at St. George’s Hall on March 24th, ’M/ITH the move of the 2nd Battalion eastward and thanks to our Present members it was quite a lively, affair. from Pretoria the second part of the series of The draw for the Great Metropolitan was made at the White I,ion narratives commences. It may here he said that the on Monday, April 18th, when several members were present. I would like to thank through these columns all those members of both the war had made a very deep impression on the “ Kid " Ladies’ Guild and Men’s Branch, and also, those friends interested in in more ways than one. Firstly, there were very few our work in the City. Through an oversight, the results were not of the officers and other ranks left who embarked published in the Kent Herald but. in the Canterbury Press of the 13th. Final winners will be published in the Kent Herald of Wednesday, on the Gaika a few months previously ; killed, wounded, the 19th. died of disease, invalided and men down country had We would like to thank the Ashford Branch for their greetings, made a big hole and the gap had been filled by drafts sent to us through Mr. Justice, who is now residing'at St. Stephen’s, which not only included our own Volunteer Company and we extend to all of our new members a very hearty welcome^ of The Buffs, but also a company of men from a London The first of our monthly series of dances took place at the Drill Hall on the 15th, and although it was holiday time and a .good many Militia Battalion. It was a different battalion to the of our regular supporters were unable to get away, the attendance was magnificent body of well-set-up Kentish lads which quite good. when stationed in Brighton, made such a splendid Cut Plug. impression on the civil community. Again, to my mind, the war had made us all too much of the Bush IyADIKS’ GUILD. Ranger ; we were forgetting our one-time smartness and discarding tradition were prone to feel proud at The Monthly General Meeting held on March 15th at the Drill Hall, St. Peter’s Pane was well attended and several new members being dressed in Slouch hats, bandoliers, loose belts were enrolled, bringing the total to over 50. Members present were and the like. It did not seem to the Kid—soldierly. pleased to welcome Mrs. Anderson, one of our Vice-Presidents. The Buffs left Pretoria in August, 1900 on trek—as It was decided at this meeting to continue to hold our meetings we thought—for Kumati Poort on the Portuguese at the Drill Hall in the afternoons. border, hut eventually the battalion found itself on the On the conclusion of business, tea was served and the draw for the Lincoln Handicap took place, and a very enjoyable afternoon was lanes of Communication with Headquarters at spent. We are pleased to announce that a profit of over £6 towards Balmoral. General French and Lord Roberts, with our funds was the result of the draw. large forces, were already well on the way and left A dance was held in the Drill Hall on March 31st, and although queer reminders of the fact behind them. Those :who the attendance was not . as numerous as our first venture, it proved to be as successful as it was pleasant, and another £3 has been added took part in tie march to Balmoral will never forget to our funds. We were very pleased to have Colonel and Mrs. H. that terrible and almost suffocating stench which made Findlay and Colonel and Mrs. J. Crookenden with us. everyone feel particularly bad ; all along the ^ path The April General Meeting was held on April 19th at the Drill lay hundreds of dead horses, mules and oxen in an Hall. Unfortunately the attendance was very small. It is hoped that members will turn up in force on May 17th at 3 p.m. in the Drill Hall advanced stage of decomposition with vultures and birds for the next meeting. of prey flying about the carcases by the thousand. “ Four.” When the battalion arrived at ...... after the second day’s march, sore feet were plentiful. I forget the name of this particular place, but I remember it Folkestone Branch.. was a drift made famous by past combat; it was also The usual monthly meeting took place at “D” Company Club, made equally famous on this occasion owing to the Folkestone, on Tuesday, April lltli, Lieut. C. Brooke being in the Chair. difficulty it gave the troops and transport, to cross it. The Hon. Secretary reported on the Sub-Committee meeting held Several men went in and got a ducking and were not at Canterbury on Saturday, April 8th. slow in expressing their feelings at those who laughed The next meeting will lie held at the Club, followed by a visit to the at the misfortune. The greatest joke of all was the British Legion Club at Clieriton. fact that the Officer’s Cape cart overturned and Arrangements are going forward for the Branch to attend the Military Tattoo at Aldershot in June, and a large number of members, naturally there were many helpers doing salvage work ; wives and friends are expected to go. it is now quite understood why some of our old section After the business had been dealt with, a most enjoyable games "D” wallahs would not give a parched tongue a drink competition was held in connection with the “D” Company Club. out of a water bottle the next day. I remember a man, Darts, billiards, skittles, push penny, crib and whist were played, named, I think, Bodger Brown, who said, “ I wouldn't the winners being Mr. F. Haisell, Mr. F. Hawkes and Mr. \V. Doggett. The prises were given by the Branch. go in front of the old man (C.O.) to-day for a blinking five-pound note ; he'd 'ang yer on the spot.’’ The march to Balmoral wa^ otherwise very pleasant L a d ie s ’ G tjh,d . and we arrived at our destination after a few days’ •The monthly meeting held at the Drill Hall, Folkestone, was well foot slogging. Balmoral was just a country wayside attended, in spite of the competition of the fine weather. The usual dainty tea was served by the Committee, after which a whist drive took station on the main Pretoria—Delagoa Railway place. The members were all pleased to see Mrs. Crookenden, who and was a single line with just a shunting line here and dropped in and had a chat with some of her old friends. Four new there to enable trains to pass each other. It was members were elected, the Branch now numbering just 100. practically in a valley surrounded by hills about 2,000 yards distant from the camp centre. To the South and South-West we had hil’s which were occupied SOME 1933 FIXTURES. by “H'' and “A” Companies respectively; other posts were established at One Tree Hill, East Railway Bridge, May 6. Iyondon Branch Dinner. West Rocky Kop, East Ridge and a line of trenches „ 31. The Derby. encircled the camp. At Headquarters were "A,” “H,” “E”- and “F” ; at Brugspruit were “B,” “C” June 11. March to Cenotaph. and "D” ; at Wilge River poor old “G” was isolated ,, 13. Dragon Club Dinner. and The Buffs Volunteer Company was stationed at Aug. 5—-11. Canterbury Cricket Week. Howards Mine. 1st Match—Kent v. Hants. All who were with the battalion at Balmoral and 2nd Match—Kent v. Derbyshire. its neighbouring stations will agree the task of guarding „ 13. Service of Remembrance. the lines of communication was not an easy one. I 164 THE DRAGON can say honestly that for many months every man was in the trenches every night with full kit and only during The 1st Battalion. the day was it possible to obtain a little sleep with one’s boots off. It was most exciting the whole period of our rp H E battalion marched stay with many adventures, night alarms and brisk in from camp at the fighting with train wreckers. beginning of the month and The inner defences of the camp consisted of from then till now we seem a circular trench protected by barbed wire; in the to have achieved a lot. centre of the part facing N. was a 6-inch Howitzer which, during its active life, before it was accidently The Rifle Meeting may blown up, had rendered a good account of itself. In the centre of the circle made by the trench was R.S.M. be counted a success and Barton’s tin hut and from whence came a mighty the entry list was proof shout directly a shot was heard to break the stillness positive of the advantages of the night. The inner defence was manned by the of having a range within Band, Drums, Transport and "H.Q.” details each easy reach of barracks. We evening at dusk and it was the custom whenever a shot or firing was heard to send out a patrol to investigate congratulate Pte. Frost on and report; if a shot was not heard, the patrol went annexing the Rifle Cham­ out just the same, usually between midnight and dawn. pionship Cup, Sgt. McNulty Its main duty was to examine and patrol the railway­ the Revolver Cup and “B” line for about four miles East and West of Balmoral which was no cure for bad nerves. The patrol con­ Company the Harris Shield sisted of a Corporal and two men of the Band and Shooting Competition. Now we are hard at Drums and the two more or less permanent N.C.O.’s practice for the District Meeting, which com­ were Corporals Joe Long and Joe Enright. The patrol mences as these notes leave for their journey to Eastward reported to the Officer-in-Command of the Railway Bridge whilst the Westward patrol used to “ Bell Harry.” meet the patrol from Wilge River in the centre of a April Week is upon us too, and in various railway cutting; to ensure we actually did meet there took place an exchange of messages previously given ways we are contributing our quota to a very each patrol in writing. A few adventures will be related maelstrom of gaiety. The Officers are " At later, but I do not believe the work could have been Home ” to the Station at the Horse Show, accomplished without the good offices of Corporal the dance band plays at two of the dances, Ted Lamb who ensured the patrol was never under­ the full band plays on the lawn of the Club on taken without a water-bottle full of beer. one evening, and the W.A.D.S. (Headquarter Wing’s crazy variety troupe) give a show on the evening of the 13th. The producer goes on leave on the 15th, but whether as a fugitive from justice or not, we cannot say. Technical Careers for Boys in the Army. The month has seen much masonry with its attendant chaos in the vicinity of the The War Office announces that it does not appear to be generally known that the Army offers an Reading Room. The cause of this is the opportunity for boys to learn a trade without cost to construction of a new Regimental Theatre themselves or their parents. in far less cramped quarters than heretofore. Entry is by means of an educational examination We predict that the edifice will more than justify comprising a test in English, Arithmetic and General the money that is being spent on it, and the Intelligence. The next examination of this nature result will be a place of entertainment worthy will take place on 4th July, 1933. Candidates wishing to compete should apply at any Recruiting Office or of the name. to The Under-Secretary of State, The War Office, The " Hollywood Hi-Bights,” a professional London, S.W.l before 10th June next. concert party, who recently favoured us with There will be many vacancies for successful candi­ a visit, overcame the difficulties of defective dates at this examination who will be enlisted into the Regular Army on or about 1st January, 1934, for light and gave us a cheery little show. One training in one of the following, or other, trades :— line of the comedian will live if no other. Artificer, R.A. ; Armourer; Blacksmith ; Clerk ; Discussing a fellow artiste, he said : " Her only Carpenter and Joiner; Draughtsman; Electrician; trouble is she’s temperamental—98% temper Fitter; Operator (Signals). and 2 % mental. Candidates for training as Artificers, R.A., and Armourers, must be between the ages of 14 years and 14 years 9 months on 1st January, 1934 ; for all other trades they must be between the ages of 14 years and Stop Press. 15 years 5 months on 1st January, 1934. In addition, As we go to press we hear that, when there will be a few vacancies for the trade of Bricklayer firing the A. R.A. Competition for the Machine for boys between the ages of 15 years 8 months and 16 years 4 months on 1st January, 1934. Gun Cup yesterday, our team scored only Application forms together with full particulars, 30 points less than last year's winning score. conditions of entry and specimen examination papers, • Whatever the ultimate result, our heartiest will be sent to candidates on request. congratulations on a remarkably fine effort. THE DRAGON 165

Sergeants' Mess. Battalion A.F.I., leaves here on the 4th proximo for Notes from the Mess have been very scarce since our U.K. for discharge, having come under the " Axe.” arrival in Maymyo, due to an unusual amount of work We are holding our usual quarterly dinner to wish him and the absence at Camp of our regular correspondent. goodbye and hope to see that he has managed a good Even to-day, when the Sub-Editor writes demanding job in civil life. news I find our expert too busy arranging A.R.A. Before I close I should like to mention we welcome Competitions to write up the notes, and therefore to our fold C.S.M. Fawcett, Sgt. Beal, Sgt. Papworth I must get down in the middle of a rush hour to comply and their wives and families. We hope they enjoy life with the “ Sub.'s ’* request which, this time, is very out here once again as they have all been out this way firm. before except Mrs. Papworth. We have managed to settle down in our new Mess, On io n . and the Ante-Room looks very comfortable indeed, very much resembling the large room at Bareilly. Shortly after arrival we found Christmas upon us and this year the festive season was more in the nature of Corporals* Mess. Home with such cold spells, our carollers this year The first half of the month found us at Wetwyn, being compelled to don Greatcoats and wear mufflers. somewhere in Burma, on Battalion Training. The The single members’ dinner this year proved unique, Corporals’ Mess there, although somewhat cramped, the ladies coming along and acting as “ Nippies,” a saw many a jovial night, and some good times. Never­ thought which was greatly appreciated by us all. theless, we were glad to get back into barracks on the Our " Free and Easy Shows ” appear very popular and 13th and find the Mess much the same as ever, even to visitors come from far and near to partake of our Thomas, the Mess Cat. According to tradition (in the suppers of “ Fish and Chips ” and “ Hot Dogs.” form of an Oxford and Bucks. E-I- Corporal on leave Just prior to Camp we had a ” Ladies Night,” over here), Thomas was introduced into the Mess by a native 90 members’ wives and friends sitting down to dinner. prince in Thebaw's time. His unusual gift of mewing The Band, under Cpl. Dudman, discoursed fine music like a Curlew and Corncrake combined makes him a during dinner, after which a musical programme, novelty, and although he is always eating, he seems to arranged by Sgt. Chambers, added to the gaiety of the get thinner. Before leaving the subject of Training, evening. We took this opportunity of bidding fare­ we would like to mention the T raining Ci-ianTy . This well to L/Sgts. Fox and Woolfe (our menagerie) who left goes to the tune of “ Mississippi River Blues" and on the following day for Home to join the 2nd Battalion ; the words appear to be :— may their stay be a pleasant one. In a farewell speech Oh, you Wetwyn Training Eiver, the R.S.M. referred to their stay in the Mess and hoped Though I travel far and wide, they would enjoy many happy times in our sister Mess. My thoughts of you keep rising In response, Sgt. Fox pointed out that his going would Eike a pain in the side. leave a clear field for his redoubtable opponent, the I’m going to pack my kit and head that way ; Chief Sheikh, who appeared to be somewhat embarrassed You'll see me training on your ground some day. as his wife was present. Still, times were good in For that’s the only way to cut the booze— Maymyo round about the festive season. Those Wetwyn Training Blues. The Mess Hockey Team have been leading an And when I hear that “ Standfast ” active life of late and although our wins against Oh Tombo Hill, Company Sides have not been too numerous we have Or the Forty-eighth milestone proved a formidable obstacle. Sgt. McNulty, as Chief Far from Wetwyn Mill. of the Outdoor Sports Committee, has taken a very Sorry. And now we must congratulate the following great interest in organising these games and we on their promotions and appointments:—E/Cpl. appreciate the hard work he has put in. Golf has Lovett, E/Cpl. Rogers, Cpl. Cox, E/Cpl. Day, E/Cpl. quite taken on also and thanks to the Drums Golfing J. Wilson, E/Cpl. Bonham. Club we are able to play them occasionally. East week We welcome Cpl. Bowyer and E/Cpl. McKay of the we held a game of Mixed Hockey, each side having last draft to the Mess, and hope th at they will have every six ladies and five men. Quite a crowd assembled success in the First Battalion. and all enjoyed a fine exhibition which resulted in a J.G.W. draw of one goal each. We now look forward to a mixed soccer match which should be equally interesting. On Saturday we played our Annual Cricket Match against the Officers. Its true we lost, but we had a Headquarter Wing. very good day. Thanks to the Captain of the Officers’ The month of Match has passed and all of us are one month nearer to our bowler hats (sighs of relief from the majority). It has proved Team, who kept his best bowlers up his sleeve, we were to be a particularly uneventful month and little of interest has occurred able to have one hit if no more. As luck would have to interrupt the even tenor of our ways. it, the “ Leg Theory ” bowlers were not required. We returned from camp and training at the beginning of the month The scores of the match, I am sure, will be displayed all feeling much better (?) for our fortnight in camp and all ready to in another column. settle down to barack life once again. The only thing that most At the moment the Burma District Rifle Meeting people wanted to settle in was bed. We got back to find the draft had already settled down to life abroad Teams are up practising for the Meeting which takes and we welcome to the company as Company Commander Captain place next week. R.S.M. Green, with six members T. H. Keble; we hope his stay with us will prove to be a long and of the 52nd Eight Infantry Sergeants’ Mess have arrived happy one and that the lure of the red armlet will not prove too strong and we look forward to renewing the pleasant hours for him. of the previous two years and to reciprocate the good The Annual Battalion Rifle Meeting took place during the month, and although the Wing did not shine in the team matches, we managed times we had with them when they were stationed to produce the Battalion Champion in Pte. Frost of No. 3 Group,- here. We congratulate Sgt. McNulty on winning the and to take second place in the Harris Shield match to “B” Company. Battalion Revolver Cup at the recent Battalion Rifle A full list of results appears elsewhere in this issue. Meeting and wish him every success in the District On the last day of the month the company held its annual sports M eeting.. and a very successful day it proved to be. The Band carried off most of the events, including all the relay races, and the various times, A very old member of the Mess in the person of etc., augur well for the Battalion Individual Sports. The Harris S.S.I. Cross, now serving with the Upper Burma Shield events are another matter, as the Wing are handicapped by the 166 TH E DRAGON rule that prevents us entering any one man in more than one event. The company were very successful at the Battalion Rifle Meeting. Still, we are hoping for the best whilst anticipating the worst. They found four of the first seven on rifle, five of the first eight on revolver, the Dewis Gun teams carried off most of the prizes, Tile The Company Concert Party are due to give an entirely new show teams were well to the fore, winning the Platoon Tile match with No. 7 in the middle of next month. I hope to publish a full account in the Platoon and the Company Tile match with the company team. The next issue of The Dragon. individuals to carry off prizes arc too numerous to mention ; and to T his Old 'U n . cap the lot, we won the Harris Shield match hands down, rt is a pity “B” Company could not enter for the Machine Gun match, for then it would have been “B” Company’s Rifle Meeting. The Drums. We congratulate the following on obtaining their Second Class Certificates of Education :—E/Cpl. Stiff, Pte. Garlluge and Ptc. Daydou. Again we must apologise for the absence of notes in the last issue D/Cpl. Bonham is to be congratulated on his appointment and of The Dragon and for excuse must plead that we were too interested we hope lie will be another aspirant for the sash. in “ Ethel ” attempting to manage his fiery steed on training. The battalion and company football teams have lost a great back Whilst thoughts of Iltonbo Hill and Chaunglon Ridge give us many in Pte. I.iddle, who left for the U.K. on the 12tli. We wish him the sleepless nights, the thoughts of sleep in between the sheets helps us best of luck in England hope to hear more of his activities on the to bear the minor (?) discomforts of battalion training. football ground. The Golf Club which we formed a little while ago is practically a T h i n g s w e w a n t t o k n o w . battalion institution now, with the faithful Richard at the wheel. Many matches have been played between the Sergeants’ Mess and the Was it just absentmindedness or sheer sarcasm which made a Drums and a fixture against the Officers is in the offing. certain N.C.O. send his soap to the dhobi’s ? F.F. We congratulate Seymour and Seaword on their recent appoint­ ments and hope that their climb up the ladder will be smooth and rapid. Attached is a snap of the links with a match in progress. Ska. “C” Company. With some trepidation 1 again assume the role of correspondent for “C” Company. Many different people have had to go since last I handed over, but almost always Headquarter Wing seems to claim them (the contributors, that is). Sgt. Meakin has left us now and is attached to Headquarter Wing in order to learn how to become a first class robber what capable hands he is in ! Still, this won’t do, we must get down to news. Prior to that though, we must say that we can only envy those fortunate authors who are certain their M.SS. will be accepted, because they seem to be able to write when they feel like it, whilst wc, whose w’ork will not be criticised, boiled, beaten and dissected so severely, are usually asked to produce copy at no less short notice than “ at once.” How'ever, that is not so difficult as may on the face of it appear, no doubt due to the fact that our powers of intelligent anticipation have been so liiglily developed. A hearty welcome to Dieut. R. F. Parry, Sgt. Beal and the men of the “ Dandelion ” Draft. We are all particularly pleased to get Mr. Parry and Sgt. Beal as there is a dearth of sportsmen in the company. I use the" term as meaning men who play sports well. 'L'he doings of the company this month are mostly concerned with camp and the annual rifle meeting. There appears to have been no notes from “C” Company for last month, so no doubt some of my news by this time is quite cold. But I cannot allow such items of international interest to be discarded at the Officers v. Sergeants net ball and the “ nip cat,” or, as the S.M. calls it, “ Peggy in the ring.” The hospitals or any deserving charity C.Q.M .S. Crump in play at the 5th Hole. are thousands of pounds down owing to the lack of foresight on the "Drums’ Golf Club.” management’s part—they forgot to charge an entrance fee ! Both competitions were very keenly contested, as also w-as the darts. Being a member of the Sergeants’ team, sheer modesty forbids me mentioning the results. The new' “ Caps ” this year include C.S.M. P. Holman Signal Section. and 2/Dieut. H. R. Grace. Here wc are again safely ensconced in barracks, and what a paradise The Inter-Platoon Net Ball Competition, run on the league system, it appears to be after five rveeks of wallowing in the joys of the open was won by No. 9 Platoon. road and lantana fighting. We cannot leave the question of camp without mentioning Sgt Vale’s “ Shikari ” results. It is sufficient to say that the Mess cat Although tlie section was much depleted in strength for training, is looking quite well. we gave a good account of ourselves, and with the assistance of some Since we arrived back the Battalion Rifle Meeting has taken place. of the young hands as cable layers and runners, everything went with Wc were again fortunate, if not quite so much as last year, in getting a swing and we certainly deserved the kudos we received. two of flic first three places in the Eight Automatic match, E/Cpl. We congraulate Dovett and Rogers on their first step towards the Pattenden’s section being third. Pte. Bone w'on Match 1, whilst w'c baton. May they get well acquainted with “ Bangers Day ” and were reasonably represented in the Battalion 48. " Bogey Knight.” The doughty Mac has abandoned theideaof carrying As the Company Clerk keeps informing me that my period of crossed batons on his shoulders. Maybe he thought they would be “ at once ” is up, we must leave the remainder to next month. too heavy to bear. Several changes have taken place during the month. Our Signal H e a r d i n t h e C o m p a n y O f f i c e . Officer is proceeding to foreign climes; while Bill and Joe were last, seen walking towards Rangoon in boiler suits looking for a female by Q.M. : “ Sign there ; you can see you are 13 annas in debt ! ” the attractive name of “ ffizzie.” Old man Stitson is positively bucked Soldier : “ How much does that leave me in credit, Sir ? ” at the prospect of a vocation as chief janitor of a college. Q.E.D. Mulium in P arvo.

“B” Company. Machine Gun Company. Our usual scribe having gone to a distant land of rifles and Denis Battalion training came to an end on the 11th, and we marched Guns, the job of submitting notes for the 101% Company lias fallen back to Maymyo on the 13th. “B” Company furnished the rear party on me, and not having liad previous experience as a newspaper reporter, and so completed the cycle—first on training and the last to leave. I must ask you to accept this effort, and give the writer a little scope. A number of changes have taken place in the company during I hope I am not making a mistake when I say that last month’s the mouth. Wc welcome Captain Hammond-Davis, M.C., who has notes did not contain any of our Harris Shield hockey matches. So taken over command of his old company. C.S.M. Cox has left us for I will endeavour to give the results. “H.Q.” Wing and C.S.M. Fawcett, has taken liis place. Cpl. Bowyer Our first game was with “C” Company and resulted in a draw' and ten men of the draft have been posted to the company and we 2— 2. The team was :— G oal: Pte. Fowler; Backs : D /Sgt. Cole, hope they will soon settle down and help in the winning of the Harris Pte. Stokes ; Halves : Captain Willows, Dieut. G. E. F. Oliver, Cpl. Shield, for we have hopes that are going to be realised. C.Q.M.S. H o g b e n ; F orw ards: Captain Fox, Dieut. Connolly, Cpl. Gambrill, Crump and joined us and we can now start off with the regular com­ Cpl. Senior, Pte. A. Smith. plement of staff; for the past four montlis we have been without a Our next match was with “H.Q.” Wing, and again we shared the C.Q.M.S. Concert parties will now be seen practising in all corners points, each scoring once. We fielded our same team with one excep­ of “B” Company’s barrack rooms, our C.Q.M.S. being an accomplished tion, that Cpl. Hogben went back with D/Sgt. Cole and Pte. Jefferies organiser of amusements. went in at right-half. THE DRAGON 16?

Our third encounter found us against “B” Company, and after a liard fight we went down by the odd goal in three. On the following evening we met “A” Company, who had travelled from Mandalay The 2nd Battalion. a few days previously, and ran out winners by 2—0. Our team remained unchanged after the second match, and although f I 'H E battalion will soon we did not win the Hockey Cup, it was not the fault of our team. They all played well and up to their form of years before. We would like be scattered for the to congratulate “B” Company on taking the Cup. Easter leave period, which Our next item of interest was battalion camp, the start being a scheme out to camp on February 25th. On the whole training went well starts on Thursday, April and judging by the C.S.M.’s remarks to the company, I think everybody of the company felt proud to know that our actions had not passed 13th and finishes at mid-day unnoticed. A very interesting hour was spent by our N.C.O.’s, to on Tuesday, April 18th. which we are indebted to Eieut. Croley of the 7th Mountain Battery (Pack) for his patience and explanation of the working of a section of During that time the the battery. Our camp finished on the morning of March 13th, when we marched back to barracks and commenced removing Wetwin dust battalion cross-country run­ from our guns and rifles for the battalion rifle meeting, which opened on Friday, the 17th. Details will no doubt be given in the Battalion ning team are competing in Correspondent's notes, so I will leave the subject by mentioning that the London to Brighton although we are Gunners we managed third place in the Harris Shield match. Relay for the first time. Our M.G. Shoot was won by No. 10 Sub-Section team—Cpl. Brabon The race takes place on (leader), E/Cpl. Twyman, Ptes. Berry, Grainger and Barrett—with No. 12 Sub-Section second and No. 6 Sub-Section third. In addition, Saturday. No. 5 “A” team (No. 5 Section first team) came second in the Battalion Tile Competition, which is only to be expected when one knows that . — . On Easter Monday the the team included our Amy and Chuckles. (M usketeer 1688J £ aster Kent Point-to-Poiut On Saturday, March 18th we said farewell to Sgt. Gillett, Cpl. Philipson and Cpl. Campbell—Cpl. Philipson being transferred to takes place. In this meet­ “B” Company and the other two to “C” Company. We welcome E/Sgt. Sanders from “C” Company and Cpl. Farmer ing we have our Regimental Race, against from “H.Q.” Wing, and we hope shortly to see these two humping “ Mountings Vickers ” around the Bungalows. The Royal Berkshire Regiment. The loss of We welcome to our fold about thirty of the Draft and hope their Lieut. Coates will be greatly felt in this event. stay will be beneficial both to them and to ourselves. Our Annual Turnover is drawing near, and by the remarks one At the moment he is in hospital at Shorncliffe hears I doubt whether there will be a Machine Gun Company in the 1st Battalion after it has taken place, for everyone in the company where he is recovering from a nasty fall at present keeps telling his room-mates what company to send his sustained while out with the Shorncliffe letters to, and none of them even say “ Eeave mine in “M.G.” Company ! But I suppose when the time comes those that are detailed to go will Garrison Drag. We are glad to say that he be the same as before, and the Company Commander will have hours is now out of danger, and is able to see people. of office work from them and the Sergeant-Major will be writing out Returns for days because they all want to stay. The Regimental Golf Meeting took place In conclusion, I would like on behalf of the company to congratulate Ptes. Day and Wilson on their first step up the ladder of promotion. during April. The battalion had a successful J.R.H. meeting/ Lieut. King won the Lynden-Bell Trophy and the Brinckman Cup. Lieut. Harwood won the Senior Medal and Major Territorial Army. H. de R. Morgan and Lieut. Haggard the I m p r o v e m e n t i n R e c r u it in g . . Foursome Competition. The latest official returns show that during the On February 28th Major-General Sir Arthur month of February last 3,219 recruits were finally Lynden-Bell presented Major Wilkins, 2/Lieut. approved for the Territorial Army. This figure shows Walker and 2/Lieut. Lewis at a levee held by a marked improvement on the intake in recent months and is the largest number of recruits obtained in any His Majesty at St. James' Palace. month since June, 1931, whilst the number of recruits approved during the two months ending 28th February last was 4,836 compared with 1,652 recruits obtained Message of Congratulation. in the corresponding period last year. On the occasion of the 2nd Battalion's recent success The wastage during the month of February was in the Army Cross-Country Championship the follow­ 2,317 and the net increase in the strength of the force ing message was received from The Colonel of the was 902. Regiment:— The largest number of recruits—684—was obtained “ I feel, if possible, more than ever, proud of our in the Northern Command, and the Western Command splendid Cross-Country team after their magnificent and Scottish Command followed closely with 669 and performance this afternoon.. I never saw a grander 665 respectively. 465 recruits were approved in the example of team work. Please convey my heartfelt Southern Command, 451 in the Eastern Command, and congratulations to C.S.M. Ongley and the team. 285 in the London District. {Signed) A. Lynden-Beee. The 51st (Highland) Division headed the list with Other messages received since the last issue of 309 recruits and the 42nd (East Lancashire) Division 'The Dragon include those from Mr. and Mrs. Grace, was second with 306 recruits. The 51st (Highland) Lieut. G. E. Boon (Late The Buffs) and Folkestone Division is also the strongest division in the Territorial Branch, Past and Present Association. Army with a strength of 8,321 other ranks.

B. and W. FISK-MOORE, Football Notes. Of the five matches played during the last month, Professional Photographers, three have been lost, one drawn, and one won. VII St. George's Place, Canterbury. On March 18th the Battalion played Deal Town on our ground, and lost 1—4. Up to the last ten minutes Tel. 337. it was anybody's game, the score being 1—2 , but after 168 T H E DRAGON a lucky goal by our opponents. Deal Town’s right wing Cpl. Steel, the leading runner of The Berkshires' team, broke away and scored. It was a poor end to a good was sixth in the Command Championship. Our men game in- which the battalion side acquitted themselves were able to place him sixth in this race. So we were quite creditably. Our only goal was scored by Robbins. in good form for the Army. Complete result of run :— Team :—Pte. Reellie ; Pte. Burton, C.S.M. Sidwell; 2nd Bn. The Buffs. 2nd Bn. The Royal Pte. Corden, Sgt. King, 2/Lieut. Craddock; Pte. Berkshire Regiment. Winch, Pte. Adcock, 2/Lieut. Lewis, Pte. Robbins, Name. Points. Name. Points. Sgt. Edwards. L/Cpl. Frankham ... 1 Cpl. Steel ... 6 On March 29th the battalion played The Royal Sgt. Trinkwon ... 2 L/Cpl. Fuller ... 9 Marines at Deal and were somewhat overwhelmed Pte. Alnwick ... 3 Pte. Hobbis ...... 10 by 8 goals to 1. We were not, however, at full strength, Cpl. Hurley ...... 4 Pte. Jennings ... 16 and the " offside ” tactics of the opposing backs, one of Pte. Inman ... 5 Pte. Wells ...... 17 whom was an ex-international, had our forwards all Sgt. Bell ... 7 L/Cpl. Dyer ...... 19 at sea. Pte. Long ... 8 Pte. Excell ...... 20 As a result of this match several changes were L/Cpl. Belson ... 11 Pte. Morris ...... 21 made in the side which played against Deal Town on Pte. Divers ...... 12 Pte. Howes ...... 22 April 1st at Deal. The result was another defeat Pte. Wilson ...... 13 Pte. Noble ...... 23 by 7 goals to 1, our forward line failing to show any Pte. Skinner (13) ... 14 Cpl. Scott ... 24 sign of co-operation. Cpl. Vincent was hurt and Pte. Hayde ...... 15 Pte. Tomlinson ... 25 had to leave the field. The team was :—Pte. Reellie ; Pte. Burton, Cpl. V incent; Pte. Corden, C.S.M. Sidwell, Total ... 95 Total ... 212 Pte. Hollman; I,/Cpl. Chapman, Pte. Adcock, Pte. Robbins, Pte. Felce, L/Sgt. Edwards. Having recovered from our effort in the Army Championship, we settled down to train on the road On Thursday, April 6 th our postponed match with for the London to Brighton Relay. The team have Ramsgate Granville was played on their ground, and been able to put in some good training and hope to put resulted in a draw 4—4. From all accounts we should up a good show in this great sporting event. That we have won, though the team was not quite at full strength shall be up against the best teams in England is already owing to the Annual Weapon Training Course being in well-known. This is the first occasion that a team progress. Ratcliffe played well in goal. The team from a battalion has entered the event. The Aldershot was :—Ratcliffe ; Pte. Darlow, C.S.M. Sidwell; Pte. Command Harriers have competed for several years; Corden, Pte. Gorse, Sgt. K ing; L/Cpl. Chapman, they represent the best from a very large Command. Pte. Collins, Pte. Robbins, Pte. Felce, Sgt. Saunders. L/Cpl. Frankham was selected to represent the Army On Saturday, April 8 th our return match with in the Inter-Services Cross-Country Championship held Ashford was played on the Stadium Ground, and at Portsmouth on April 12th, and did very well to finish resulted in our first win for some weeks by 4 goals to 1. fifth in the race. Frankham has now added the Army More changes were made, and although our opponents Colours to his growing list of achievements. may not have been as good as some of the other teams we have met recently, our performance was none the Shortly we shall be called upon to retain our hold less creditable. Much more enthusiasm and dash of the Blean Beagles Challenge Cup. The date of this was displayed, and .the combination among the forwards race is not yet known. was better than it has been for some time. Foster, The result of the London to Brighton Relay Race Saunders and Collins scored for us in the first half, will be added later. This will then complete our efforts and Saunders- again in the second. Ratcliffe was for the present season. Before closing down, I should safe in goal, and the two backs played well. The halves like to be allowed to express my appreciation to all did what was necessary, some of Corden’s passes being members of the team for the way they have responded very good, and the forwards showed plenty of dash. to my appeals as trainer. I fully realise that I have Robbins, although he missed one or two goals, played taken much of their spare time over many months very well, his passing being especially good. Altogether (years in most cases), but I feel the results gained have it was a good performance which has, I hope, done been worth while. much to restore confidence in the team. Sidwell is to be congratulated on putting up such a plucky Lastly, our thanks are due to all members of the display after receiving a bad cut in the side of the Regiment, both past and present, who have been able head. The team was :—Bdmn. Ratcliffe ; Pte. Burton, to follow the team at the various venues during the C.S.M. Sidwell; L/Cpl. Bird, Pte. Corden, 2/Lieut. season, for the support given. It has been a tremendous Craddock; L/Cpl. Chapman, Pte. Collins, B/M. Foster, help and much appreciated by the team. Pte. Robbins, Sgt. Saunders. Next season we shall meet again, with the very definite object of retaining the Army Championship for the third year in succession. A.V.O. Cross-Country Notes. On March 14th our last friendly fixture was held Tenth Annual London to Brighton Relay Race. at Shorncliffe. By winning this race we were able to go through the list of friendly fixtures without a defeat. Organised by the “ News oe the W orld ” Sports This is the second year in succession this has been Club. accomplished. The run on March 14th should have been The above race took place on April 15th, 1933, over against the 1st Battalion The Seaforth Highlanders the famous stretch of the London to Brighton road. from Dover. However, they found it necessary to It was an ideal day for the event, except for the head cancel this race. The 2nd Battalion The Royal Berk­ wind that the competitors had to contend with over shire Regiment, having no outstanding fixture, were most of the journey. able to fill the gap. This was an important fixture Twenty teams took part in the race at the invitation as it was our last race before the Army Championship of the News of the World. These represented the most and we were eager to see how our speeding up effort distinguished athletic clubs in England, having in their since the Command Championship had gone down. teams many past and present Internationals, and THE DRAGON 169

National Champions of England, Scotland, Ireland and and he can seldom have run better. Sgt. Trinkwon Wales. Added to these were the various District, had been showing good form in training on the road, County and Services Champions. but I had hardly expected this result. Our team Having seen the race throughout the course, there was now as well established as could be expected. Over is no doubt that it is the greatest athletic sporting event this relay was made the only record of the day; there of the year. Over the various stages each team is was some fast racing here. F. Light of Birchfield concerned in a grim battle with their nearest rivals. Harriers (International) succeeded in knocking off Whether it is in the lead, centre or rear this great battle 18 seconds from the existing record. Also in this relay goes on throughout the 54 miles, every competitor were:—Salford Harriers, H. Doggett; Cwmbran throwing in his last effort for his team. Harriers, E. Thomas (Welsh Champion) ; Hallam The organisation throughout is perfect to the shire Harriers, D. W. S m ith; Surrey A.C., L. C. last degree. The entire route is clearly marked with Lucas (ex-Army Representative) ; South London, the familiar News of the World finger-posts. There are C. B. E. Morgan. ten stages in the race. The competitors for the various 4th R elay (distance: 5 miles 1,232 yards).— stages are taken by bus to their starting point and This was Inman’s lap. It was the longest relay so picked up at the end of the stage, after which they are far. That Inman ran in great style is shown by the able to follow the remainder of the race to Brighton. fact that he brought the team even further to the front The eleventh position gained by the battalion and gained two places. So we were now running team in this race was exceptionally good. Every 9th in the race, having succeeded in getting in front member of the team ran a great race, and it will .be of the Aldershot Command and being just in the rear difficult ever to improve upon this position. One of Surrey A.C. In this relay were :—Birchfield Harriers, must realise that we ran against the greatest clubs S. G. Smith; Salford Harriers, H. Platt (Inter­ England has yet produced. In addition, the Aldershot national) ; Hallamshire Harriers, H. Everitt; Bel- team represented the best individuals from any unit grave Harriers, A. Allum (ex-Intemational) ; South in the whole Command. The R.N. and R.M. team London J. G. Stubbs (ex-Champion) ; Aldershot included in its ranks the whole of the team which Command, L/Cpl. Spratley (represented Aldershot represented the R.N. and R.M.’s in the recent Inter- Southern C.C.). Services Championship. These latter two teams both 51'h Relay (distance : 6 miles 352 yards).—This count as civilian clubs. was no doubt the star relay of the race. Alnwick was Most readers have no doubt read of the result of the given the job here. Considering all the facts, he race, therefore I will not pay too much attention to deserves great credit for his effort. Although the this, but will try and describe the progress as far as team went back two places, to 11th place, Alnwick our team was concerned. had run a great race against the class runner I shall Salford Harriers, the holders, were having a great mention later. I was worried here, for Alnwick was battle with Birchfield Harriers over the whole distance, running so easily that I thought we should lose much Salford being the winners. The two clubs were away distance. Once more I say, there is a great future on their own. Some way in the rear was the Belgrave here when that extra speed is got out of Alnwick which Harriers, who occupied third place most of the race. must be there. At this stage we were still very much This club was on its own. Then came a group including in the picture, except for the three leading teams. • Hallamshire, Wycombe P., South London and Surrey At the lead during this relay was a great battle between A.C. In the rear of these came the Aldershot Command Sgt. Sutherland for Birchfield Harriers and G. W. team away on its own. Then another group including Bailey for Salford Harriers. Both these men are Highgate Harriers, R.N. and R.M.’s, The Buffs, noted Internationals. Bailey succeeded by taking Polytechnic Harriers and Cwmbran Harriers. Similar 20 seconds from Sutherland. Besides these Inter­ grouping was taking place behind these clubs. nationals in this relay were :—Belgrave Harriers, 1ST Relay (distance: 4 miles 176 yards).—Pte. A. W. Penny (International) ; Hallamshire Harriers, Burgess was given this lap. It is a difficult lap, for C. Bagshaw; South London, L. F. Humphris (Inter­ being the first and one of the shortest relays, some very national) ; Wycombe P., S. Ferris (Marathon Cham­ fast racing takes place here. The plain truth is that pion, Irish International, R.A.F. ex-Champion) ; we have not .a man at present fast enough for this lap. Surrey A.C., G. W. Ward (Army Representative, Burgess did us very well in gaining 16th place, for the 3rd Div. Sigs.) ; Aldershot Command, L. Andrews distance from 1st to 16th was not great. In fact, (ex-Army Team) ; and just Alnwick of The Buffs. 13 seconds only separated the first five teams. A few 6th R elay (distance : 5 miles 176 yards).— of the notable runners in this relay included :—Birch­ Divers was given this lap and no doubt did his very field, G. Forryan (International) ; Wycombe P., utmost to keep his position. Every man in a race of F. C. Saunders; Salford Harriers, R. Chadwick ; this standard knows it is up to him for the sake of the Surrey A.C., R. E. Hipperson (ex-Army Represent­ team. That we went back to 15th place at the end of ative) ; Aldershot, E/Cpl. Elwin (represented Army) ; this stage was no fault of Divers but probably due to Cwmbran Harriers, J. J. Prosser (Welsh International), his rivals from the North, Midlands and London getting and many other men of class. a smell of the Brighton air and being over-anxious to 2nd R elay (distance : 5 miles 176 yards).—Pte. get there. Anyway, a great race was in progress Long was our man for this lap and did it ’well. This along the Brighton road, so what mattered ? Salford also was an important stage of the race, for we were Harriers had now succeeded in getting within one fighting for a place. This we had not.yet been able to second of Birchfield. Teams were represented by :— get, but so well did Long set about his task that he Birchfield Harriers, A. E. Mould; Salford Harriers, succeeded in bringing the team up to 14th place. Had H. Crowther; Belgrave Harriers, W. A. Rice; Surrey Sgt. Trinkwon not been keeping a good look-out, Long A.C., S. Belton (ex-Army and Inter-Services Repre­ might have gone on to Brighton ! There is no mistake sentative). about i t ; Long was in good form on this day. 7th R elay (distance : 4 miles 704 yards).—This 3rd R elay (distance : 5 miles 856 yards).—Sgt. was Sgt. Bell’s relay, just the very man to re-establish Trinkwon was given this task. Now was the chance our lost ground if anyone could. This was a short for a runner to make good. As he took over at 14th lap, but not an easy one. Mostly hilly going over this place and brought the team up to 11th place, we can stretch. Perhaps this partly accounted for the fact certainly say he did. This represented a great effort that Sgt. Bell got our team back to 12th position. He 170 THE DRAGON had run a good race and served the team well. This Mersham just to see how the race was going and, put us once more in the picture for the gruelling finish I noted, finished up at Brighton. There were many that was to come over the last three stages. Running others at Palace Yard, including Mr. Bolton and in this stage:—Birchfield Harriers, H. J. Hackett; Brudenell. Owing to our rather late arrival and Salford Harriers, J. T. Fidler; Belgrave Harriers, much to do once we got there, little time was available J. E. Flower; Aldershot Command, Pte. Goodslip. to see who had come to see the Regiment off. At Brighton was ex-Sgt. Redman, looking as well as ever. 8Th R e e a y (distance : 6 miles 218 yards) .—This, I think, was the most difficult lap. Watts had shown The team arrived back at Shomcliffe at about 1 a.m. in his training on the road that his last position for the on Sunday, having been on the move since about battalion team in the recent Army Championship was 5.30 a.m. the previous day. Another year we must all wrong. Owing to this I had regained my confidence arrange for a stay in London the night before the race. in him and gave him this stiff task. Right well did he Complete result;— set about it. Up hill and down hill all came alike to Team. Time. him as he tore on after those men in front of him. Well Salford Harriers ...... 4 hrs. 45 mins. 30 secs. he did too, for one was none other than W. W. Clift, Birchfield Harriers...... 4 „ 46 «t 46 „ who ran so well in the National and International Belgrave H a rriers...... 4 „ 50 t > 42 „ this year. This runner did not get away from him, South London Harriers 4 „ 52 it 52 „ and Watts was as good as his notable rival. Then Hallamshire Harriers 4 ,, 53 it 15 „ there was the R.N. and R.M. St. G. R. Barnett, whom Surrey A.C...... 4 ., 53 11 37 „ he just failed to catch. It really was a great effort Wycombe Phoenix ... 4 „ 54 t i 55 „ and put the team in striking distance of those just in Aldershot Command 4 „ 56 it •37 „ front. Watts ran himself right out. In this relay R.N. and R.M.’s ...... 4 „ 59 1 7 0 „ were :—Salford Harriers, T. Everson (National C.C. Highgate Harriers ... - ... 4 „ 59 it 1 „ Champion and Holder of many Running Champion­ 2nd Bn. The Buffs...... 5 „ 0 t 7 6 „ ships) ; Birchfield Harriers, J. W. Beman (Inter­ Polytechnic Harriers 5 „ 1 it 13 „ national) ; Belgrave Harriers, C. Mains ; Hallamshire Cwmbran Harriers ... 5 „ 2 7) 12 „ Harriers, J. Noble; Surrey A.C., R. K. Langley Heme Hill Harriers 5 „ 2 19 29 „ (Air Force Champion) ; South London, L. H. Ilford Harriers ...... 5 „ 3 9 9 22 „ Weatherill (ex-Southem Champion) ; Polytechnic Horsham B.S...... 5 „ 6 it 0 ,. Harriers, W. W. Clift (International). Slough Harriers ...... 5 „ 9 99 18 „ 9th R e e a y (distance : 5 miles 486 yards).—This Brighton and County Harriers 5 „ 11 99 11 „ is also a very hilly course and- a most difficult one, Coventry Godiva Harriers ... 5 „ 13 99 30 „ for although many International, Champions, etc., Mitcham Harriers ... 5 „ 15 it 9 „ have already done their bit, there are still some left A.V.O. for the last two laps, in fact it is a race of champions. Cpl. Hurley set about this lap in great style. Even so The following is an extract from a letter we have the R.N. and R.M. man was disappearing, and well received from the Colonel of the Regiment:— he might do, for he was J. Edwards, their Champion, “ 2nd Battalion Team in the London to Brighton and one of the best runners produced by the Navy relay race :— in recent years. This had the effect of both passing It was of course an invitation affair and the 2nd the Polytechnic man and bringing our team up to Battalion is the only battalion which has been invited 11th place once more. Both the R.N. and R.M. and to take part in it. Hurley were now closing on the Highgate man. It was a good relay for our team. Running here were :— The whole thing was entirely strange to our Salford Harriers, T. P. Campbell; Birchfield Harriers, fellow's. J. Dougall; Belgrave Harriers, H. B. Footer (Inter­ Cross-country running as a team, which our fellows national) ; Surrey A.C., S. G. Scarsbrook (ex-Army have reduced to a fine art, is one thing and a relay race, Representative, ex-D.C.L.I.) ; South London, E. B. which depends largely on individual effort is entirely Fowle; R.N. and R.M., J. Edwards (represents different. I speak from considerable experience in Navy). training teams in both. In the circumstances I think our fellows did magnificently to come in 11th out of 23, 10th REEAY and Last (distance: 6 miles 904 yards).—Although the longest it is not a difficult against teams which were specially trained for relay relay, for it is nearly all downhill into Brighton from races." here. At the same time a terrible pace is set over this last stage. This was L/Cpl. Frankham’s relay. The R.N. and R.M. soon overtook the Highgate man, Results of the Battalion Rifle Meeting. but they ran together into Brighton, the former being Match 1. one second in front at the finish. Frankham took over Battalion Championship.—1st, Cpl. Tracey, “M.G.” Company; 1 minute 30 seconds behind the Navy man and succeeded' 2nd, Sgt. Trinkwon, "C” Company; 3rd, Sgt. Goodsell, “H.Q.” Wing, and Sgt. Trice, “B” Company. Class “B” : 1st, E/Cpl. Woods, in lowering this to 1 minute 6 seconds at the finish. “B” Company; 2nd, Pte. CulUs, “A” Company; 3rd, Pte. Eegnirs, He must have done even better still against the Highgate “13” Company. Class “C” : 1st, Pte. Brigstock, “B" Company; man. It was a very fast pace into Brighton. Salford 2nd, Pte. Foster, “ 13” Company; 3rd, E/Cpl. Tong, “13” Company. had W. E. Eaton (International) ; Birchfield Harriers, Match 2. J. E. Webster (ex-Champion and International) ; Open .— 1st, Pte. Reeffie, “H.Q.” W ing; 2nd, Pte. Town,' “B” Belgrave Harriers, S. H. Warboys; Hallamshire Company; 3rd, Cpl. Austin, “M.G.” Company. Class “B” : 1st, Pte. Jones, “M.G.” Company ; 2nd, Pte. Stockwell, “M.G." Company ; Harriers, B. Harper (ex-Champion and International) ; 3rd, Pte. Bollen, “ 13” Company. Class “C” : 1st, Pte. Crooknorth, Surrey A.C., Sgt. J. Cottrell (ex-Champion) ; R.N. “M.G." Company; 2nd, Pte. Pugh, “C” Company; 3rd, Pte. and R.M., L. E. Carter (Navy Champion). Courtney, “24" Company. Match 3. During the journey down to Brighton one saw E nlisted Boys’ Match.—Class “A” : 1st, Boy Boynton; 2nd, many Buffs, both past and present, amongst them Boy Rumble. Class “B” : 1st, Boy Richardson; 2nd, Boy R. being Lieut.-Colonel Guy Lee at Hiskstead. No doubt Beale. the Colonel was able to get some news from the members Match 4. Company Match.—1st, “ 13” Company—C.S.M./O.R.S. Ongley, of the team that were at this point. Lieut. Lynden- D.C.M., C.S.M. Emery, Sgts. Wass, Osborne, Goodsell, Clover, Pte. Bell and Miss Lynden-Bell arrived on the scene about Boorman, C.Q.M.S. Burville ; 2nd, “24” Company. THE DRAGON 171

Match 5. On the night of St. Fat’s Natal Day, an international P aget Cup.—1st, Sergeants’ Team—Sgts. Osborne, Trice, Trinkwon, ” Rham Salmy ” was held in the Drill Shed (same­ Goodsell; 2nd, Corporals’ Team; 3rd, Privates’ Team; 4th, Officers’ Team. like fancy dress ball). From " four bells ” onwards Match 6. the pilgrims arrived, mysteriously veiled and masked, Young Soldiers’ Match.—1st, “M.G.” Company—Ptes. Jones, like a secret gathering of the " Klu Klux Klan.” All Kennett, Hodges, Jackson; 2nd, “C” Company; 3rd, “13” Company. nations were represented and gathered in the far hall to do homage to King Hopp of the land of Tapp. From Match 7. then onwards dignity and restraint ceased. Kings, Team K nock-out Match.—1st, “B”2 Team—Cpl. Turmaine, L/Cpl. Taylor, Ptes. Caudlish, Town, Filmer, Twelvetrees; 2nd, courtiers, sheiks, yea ! and even tramps, heard the “A”2 Team ; Semi-finalists, “B”l and “ 13”2 Teams. sound of “'Hot Rhythm” coming from afar. Robes were gathered, face fungi adjusted, muttered excuses Match 8. made to the vendor of the delectable " Amber Fluid,” Officers and Sergeants Match.—Winners, Officers’ Team— Lieut.-Colonel the Hon. P. G. Scarlett, M.C., Major C. S. Field, O.B.E., and the most cosmopolitan crowd one could ever see Major H. de R. Morgan, D.S.O., Captain G. R. Howe, Captain A. J. D. at one gathering went " hiking ” over the " Tramping Rose, Lieut. C. T. Kenward, Lieut. C. R. Tuff, Lieut. H. C. F. Harwood. Ground.” Thus started onr Annual Fancy Dress Match 9. Dance. About 200 members and guests were there Lew is Gun Match.—1st, No. 12 Platoon “C” Company—Cpl. all told, and some of the costumes were amazing—this Cannon, L/Cpl. Almond, L/Cpl. Heather, Pte. Quinn; 2nd, No. 10 only putting it tnidly. Looking at one gent, you Platoon “C” Company. got the shivers, he being attired as a guest of " Hotel Match 10. Pentonville.” At another you just kept your distance Open Match.—Winners, S.A.S.T., Hythe 608 ; 2nd, 1st Bn. Roval Sussex 522; 3rd, 2nd East Surrey 519; 4th, Depot The owing to a distinct and fresh application of " Day and Buffs 494; 5th, 1/H.L.I. 492; 6th, 2nd Royal Berks. 476; 7th, Martin’s.” The ladies (bless ’em) were, as usual, 2nd Lincolns 464 ; 8th, 1st Seaforth Highs. 454 ; 9th, The Queen’s outstanding, and to place one on a pedestal above the Bays 449 ; 10th, 2nd Bn. The Buffs 444. others would be wrong. A certain young and dusky I ndividuals.—Highest Score: Sgt.-Instr. Moore, S.A.S., Hythe, 87. maiden (presumably from Honolulu, and certainly Match 11. dressed for that climate) made me temporarily forget Revolver—Lucas Challenge Cup.—1st, Lieut. J. E. King; my oath of allegiance and yearn for a spell in the 2nd, Captain A. J. D. Rose. Yankee Navy in those sunny climes. Generally des­ Match 12. cribing the dance, it was a huge success, even more so I ndividual Revolver Match.—1st, Sgt. Trice, “B” Company; than the previous one. To have a successful dance, 2nd, C.Q.M.S. Burvilie, “H.Q.” Wing, and Cpl. Tracey, “M.G.” Com- a good band must be in attendance. We had that and more; they were tip-top and deserve every Team R evolver Match.—1st, “ 13” Company—Major H. de R. praise. At 11 p.m. a dress parade was held before Morgan, D.S.O., Captain A. J. D. Rose, C.S.M./O.R.S. Ongley, D.C.M., some very competent judges. The judging must have C.Q.M.S. Burvilie ; 2nd, “B” Company. been very difficult, for everybody was well turned-out. The results were as follows :—1st Prize (best dressed P o in t s t o w a r d s Championship S h ie l d . lady) : Mrs. Allen (Elizabethan Period) ; 2nd Ladies Match. "A" "B" “C” "M.G." "H.Q." 13 "H.Q." 24 (most original) : Mrs. Brown (Hiawathian Belle) ; 1 & 2 ... 8 4 2 10 12 6 4 4 1 3 2 6 5 3rd Ladies (most comical) : Mrs. Clover (Kiddie in 5 1 3 4 5 2 6 Rompers. N.B.—Received no smacking all the even­ 7 4 8 — — 2 ing). 1st Gents (best dressed) : Sgt. Bell (Russian 13 4 5 3 2 6 1 Gent; pre-whisker and Bolshie Period) ; 2nd Gents Totals... 21 21 12 19 28 18 (most original) : Mr. Alf Argrave (Body Line Theory) ; 3rd Gents (most comical) : Sgt. Pettitt (“ Let’s put Order of Merit 2 2 6 4 1 5 out the light and go to bed.” P oints towards Athletic Shield.—1st, “ 13” Company 3 points; 2nd, “A” Company 1J points; 3rd, “B” Company lA points; 4th, A very lively party from the Depot under R.S.M. “M.G.” Company ; 5th, “24” Company ; 6th, "C” Company. Ransley all helped to swell the joyful crowd. We were pleased to note many old faces among them, including ladies. Sergeants’ Mess. There was no time to get cool, let alone mopey, Spring is a wonderful season, and maketh glad the the band and a very capable M.C. saw to that. heart of mankind. Although the official date for I would, but cannot owing to limited space, give a " clout casting ” is not yet, the daily dance of the more wider description of the amazing turn-outs, so “ Fauns ” delighteth the optics that peer in amazement must be content with just pecking at members who can from the Ante-Room windows. The members of the get their own hack after paying their modest saxpence “ Chain-Gang” we so seldom see in the winter, can for this issue. now be seen on view disporting with all the ardour There was " No. 1 ” done up as “ Jazz,” white and black. that spring imparteth to Nature’s subjects fresh from With “ lon-gair ” (Oh ! Tom Moore) trailed well down the ordeal of hibernation. Y ea! even the canine his back : follower of the “ High and Mighty ” has been seen to That " topper,” once pride of Victorian bucks. wag his tail. “ Meeting ” has made his peace with the Was oddly contrasted to volumous “ trucks.” occupier of “ The Sty,” and “ Drummy ” can now' dance without fear of monopolizing the services of That keeper of ledgers in Quarter-Bloke’s Stores “ The Croaker.” Looked used to a life that was spent out of doors : His rags and his tatters a scarecrow would shun ; Getting into a more serious vein ; a splendid piece And that was how George came, causing much fun. of silver has found a home in the Mess. It is a fine, beautifully-made cup which our Commanding Officer The B.M. and Tome Moore, a pair of fine clowns presented to the battalion cross-country team as a Were outstanding in colour of posh " reach-me-downs ” : permanent record of their achievements. I must not To live, we must happy be, cheery and gay ; clash with “ A.V.O.,” the worthy “ Runners’ Scribe,” But you should have seen them at nine the next day. but I feel that it must be mentioned that all members Frank of the Gunners as " Nurse ” I what a swell! who do not trek the wide open spaces very much The type that for “ Ackers ” fetch babies who yell: appreciate the kind thought which prompted the And Paddy as infant, decidedly sweet, presentation. The first time I’d seen one with “ No. 10 feet.” 172 THE DRAGON

Wally as absently-minded gent came ; The President of the Entertainment Committee, His fine contoured knee-bones at once brought him fame : R.Q.M.S. Ricketts, C.S.M. Sidwell and Sgt. Johnson That shiny dome-cover and swallow tails hung are to be congratulated on the excellent organisation As if he had dallied too long near the bung. of a tip-top show ; also the Bandmaster for giving us of his best. The Trostky-like Russian was Dingers-le-Bell; On March 30th the R.S.M. and C.S.M. Sidwell He was minus his “ Vodka,” but Jars ” did as well: attended the Weald Branch Annual Dinner. From all As did for our " Admiral ” in night suits, “ Hee, hee ” ; accounts they had a very enjoyable evening. C.S.M. I bet he chased shadows way home after three. Sidwell, who has completed a tour of duty at Cranbrook, no doubt got about without compass bearings. Young " Drummy ” on cycle not lengthened for two, The inhabitants of Canterbury are deep in sorrow, Was seen scouting along like the “ Chimp ” from the Zoo : for “ Caruso ” Cross has permanently left them to While " Nobby ” in “ boater ” and checks, very neat, gladden our eyes and make light our hearts. The At “ ogling ” the damsels got poor me well beat. nightingales here have gone on strike, for who can " Sacco,” the Skipper, in yards of gold braid, hope to compete with that glorious voice which so Had a nautical roll that no ocean had made : frequently trills about a certain blower of trumpets Yo, ho ! for a ” Jar ” and a bottle of rum G.S., who was continually asked whether he was sound­ And the ” Adjutant’s Horse ” until Friday had come. ing ” Cookhouse ” or ” Jankers.” We have heard from ex-C.Q.M.S. Steve Carvell, Our Roy as a Pirate all set for the fray who is now installed as Caddy Master at Rye. He is Had designs on kidnapping fair ladies away ; directly under Major Reeves, so should do well in the Good job that the hubbies were nearby at hand, future. We wish him the best of luck. For a ship cannot get in too close to the land. Other “ Skates ” there were present, both full up with ‘ fun, B i w a r d s . They showed how a hornpipe should truly be done : On March 14th we played The R.A.S.C. away and “ Sir Bert ” and young “ Chirby,” a rollicking pair, and drew three games each. Bandmaster Foster, Showed how to get ‘‘ Cracking,” for sailors don’t care. C.S.M. Sidwell, Sgt. Wass, Sgt. Trinkwon, D/Sgt. Dee and A/S/Sgt. Mclnnes represented the Mess. Some good A smell so enticing pervaded the air games were witnessed. Our winning members were As " Bisto Kid ” Yates our direction did bear, Bandmaster Foster, Sgt. Wass and D/Sgt. Dee. Which excused “ Argentine Barley’s ” watering mouth, On the 20th our team were at home to The Royal Who no doubt thought of ” bully beef ” way down Berks. Our team was the same except that Sgt. Trice from South. played in place of Sgt. Trinkwon. The Bandmaster, who is really “ hot stuff,” won quite easily. Sgts. Quite suddenly had I a terrible fright Wass, Dee and Trice looked winners all the way, while When Bickersteth came, dressed in surgical white, C.S.M. Sidwell and the A/S/Sgt. only failed by the With carvers and choppers all sharpened for trade ; narrow margin of four points. Dee made a remarkable I was glad my appendix was fit for parade. break of 36. Result:—Win by 4 games to 2. The Reverend Clover—" Oh, come let us pray ”— We had a different proposition when we met The I bet that his ” Jankers ” heard prayers (?) the next day : R.E.'s away on the 28th. Our " stars " got snowed El-Bills of Arabia, a Sheik of high caste, under and in drawing 3—3 we were more than a little Was vamping the Caterer, to draw them up fast. fortunate. Our team was as follows :—Drum-Major Duffy, D/Sgt. Dee, Sgt. Trice, Bandmaster Foster, Walter Raleigh, brave knight of Elizabeth’s reign, C.S.M. Sidwell and Sgt. Wass, the first three being our With calves gone to grass, and his head on again ; winners. ’Twas “ Doughey ” ! “ Hail, Stranger,” where, where Our final game of the season was at home with the have you been ? R.A. It was a very good finish, we being the ultimate Since that last “ Buckshee Smoker ” you haven't been winners by 5 games to 1. Team:—Sgt. Wass, Sgt. seen! Trinkwon, D/Sgt. Dee, Sgt. Trice, Bandmaster Foster and A/S/Sgt. Mclnnes. All succeeded in obtaining From Portland's stone quarries a convict there came, 100 except the Armourer, who no doubt was unused I've forgotten his number, but Paddy’s his name ; to such a large crowd of spectators. He would have Broadmoor's more likely the place for this lad, felt more at home at snooker, at which game he is a For ginger beer drinking will soon send him mad. real champ. We finished the season a very close second in the A Flunkey in stockings and fine powdered wig Garrison Deague, which is a vast improvement on Was noticed quite late doing a fanciful jig ; former seasons. Perhaps Master was out, and the Skivvies were in, We offer our thanks to those members who have Or “ The Strangler ” was mellowed by indulgence in gin. turned out for the Mess during the season, giving up As Mexican Greaser, the bold Senor Di so much of their time. Also to the Drum-Major, who Was twirling moustaches and muttering ” Si, si ” : put a little ginger into the shows and turned out some Whilst. Mutiny Bluebeard, out looking for brides. very good teams. Must have thought of the one that at home still resides. T o u c h s t o n e . For a Scotsman to come, as ” The Band of the Free,” Corporals ’ Room. I knew that the North represented would be ; Clan of Mclnnes arrived without spurran, Having successfully got through one of the most With a breast full of hope and a saxpence to bum. glorious March’s on record, we find ourselves plunged into an even more glorious April with the annual course So just in conclusion, one final remark ; in progress. The light automatic practices and I'm safe in my nom-de-plume, please keep it dark. classification have finished and one hears such remarks For spouses get nettled and after me come ; as " Just got out," “ Died in the hole for one,” etc., I am only insured for a nominal sum. etc. t h e d r a g o n 173

This just goes to show the interest which is In the sporting events we have a t last found our form, for we have won our last two matches in convincing fashion against very strong being taken by all. We understand that L/Cpl. teams. Here are the results :—Drums v. “A” 2, won 3—0 ; Drums Axford " Died in the hole ” for more than one. v. “H.Q.” 3, won 4—2. On Tuesday and Wednesday, 11th and 12th, we are We are all getting ready for the Rifle Meeting which takes place on the 11th and 12th of April. We expect to furnish the Editor with holding the Rifle Meeting, of which there will be found plenty of our names as prize-winners. a report elsewhere. After a few days of Easter leave I promised the Editor a list of winners of the Silver Bugle since we march to camp to complete the rifle part of the the competition was first started. I must apologise, for I cannot course. get the names this month, but will send them along next month without We are glad to say that thanks to the efforts of the Commanding Officer we shall in future be able to have a bath under modem conditions, a privilege second to none in any camp. Congratulations to the cross-country running team Signal Section. on achieving fame for the second time of asking. The Here is Easter round again and classification drawing ever nearer. All our old hands have come back to training and are refreshing Corporals were again well represented. their memories in the approved style. We welcome to the battalion L/Cpls. Goodsell, Nothing of special note has happened during the last month, except Mitchell, HOwe and Ireland on being posted to the that nearly all our youngsters have required ciwie suits, which they Home Establishment. They are at present enjoying regard as very important. We see them sallying forth in search of further conquests (mainly feminine), and Teslie at the moment claims a well-earned leave. They should experience no to be top of the averages in this respect. difficulty in settling down amongst us and they will A few days ago a couple of our heroes went to do battle at a boxing find us willing to help in anything they might want. show in town. Battling Roker came back with his eye in a sling and a silver cup bearing the autographs of past holders. However, we have Cpl. Carr, we are glad to say, has extended his to congratulate him on a splendid performance. Just on the quiet service to complete twelve years with the Colours. we heard that “ Nasty ” wanted to fight him for it again, but the We offer our heartiest wishes to him and hope to see offer was politely declined. Mason has produced a banjo from somewhere and is proceeding him go a long way yet. to learn how to play it. He has not quite worked up to rates yet We were pleased to see E/Cpl. Taylor figure in but can nearly manage the “ Blue-Bells of Scotland.” Bollen has had the Garrison hockey team. It is an honour for him a go too, but is not getting on so fast. He did better with a rabbit which he captured somewhere in the local countryside, but he could and tlie Corporals’ Room, as really good hockey players not keep it owing to K.R.’s making no provision for such an are not always easy to find. At the same time we emergency. sincerely hope “ Squeaker ” did not take in too many Our rooms have been redecorated during the last couple of weeks, gasps. which has necessitated a good deal of shifting round. Sgt. Yates is to pay a visit to our room while his suite is being done. We understand On the 31st Cpls. Ingram and Banks accompanied that the visit is purely informal as his sash is at the tailors* shop being the R.S.M. and C.S.M. Sidwell to the Weald Branch altered. dinner at Tenterden. Many old faces were to be seen There is nothing else to relate now, but we hope that Easter leave will supply us with some useful data. Everybody is going with the and we were very pleased to learn that our late exception of Deslie, who risked his all in a desperate effort to “ raise the Commanding Officer (Lieut.-Colonel J. Crookenden) wind ” on the football totes, but all in vain. He sat on his bed ticking was present, representing the Dover Branch. A very off the list and muttering in his beard occasionally, “ There’s another well-spent evening. sanguinary chance gone.” The last dance (probably of the season) was a To Ax. complete success, somewhere about 350 attending. We were glad to see Major and Mrs. Wilkins present together with several other officers. Everything went “A” Company. with a swing, except on one occasion when Cpl. Carr During the month the chief items to keep the company occupied might have been accused of bumping and boring. have been the firing of the first part of the annual course, i.e., Dewis Unfortunately he had a duty to perform blindfolded Gun, and also the Battalion Rifle Meeting, results of which appear later in these notes. and after several twists and turns finally fell at the feet The Annual Physical Efficiency Tests have been carried out and up of Cpl. Martin and his friend. This was adjudged to the present all have passed the required standard in the various an exceedingly good effort and therefore the latter won events. The draw for the Inter-Company Football Shield took place early the prize, which was very kindly presented by Mrs. in the month. The company drew a bye in the first round and had to Wilkins. oppose “ 13” Company in the semi-final, the game resulting in a win In the very near future we lose hjCpls. Tofts and for “ 13” Company by 5 goals to 1. The company were rather unlucky, Hunt (“M.G.”), who have elected to undergo a course as Cpl. O’Keefe and Pte. Bryant, two of our best players, were sent away on courses just before we played this game. Our team in this of Vocational Training in preparation for civil life. match was as follows:—Ptes. Tucker, Atkinson, Gower, Cooper, We extend our heartiest wishes and hope they will have Deadbeatter, I./Cpl. Axford, 1,/Cpl. Dumont, Pte. Wright, L/Cpl. a very successful return to civil life. McGinley, Pte. Woodage and D/Cpl. Dawson. We are now due to play “24” Company for third place and a coveted point towards the Finally, we are enjoying the hour extra daylight Athletic Shield. This match will be played whilst the battalion is and to those who did not read the papers or orders in camp. notifying the change, to wit, at least two Company The following have left us for various reasons:—IJcut. F. W. B. Parry and Pte. Boyington. Our new arrivals a re :—I4eut. Airy, Orderly Sergeants, we apologise for the shock Reveille Sgt. Page, 1,/Cpl. Dawson and Pte. Dewry. brought them on Sunday. Cpl. O’Keefe has left us for a short time to attend a course of P.T. S t a n l e y . at Colchester. Sgt. Field has just returned from a course at the School of Musketry, Hythe, and is to be congratulated on obtaining a “Q”l Certificate. Nearly all the company Eire looking forward to Easter leave now, The Drums. and we hope they will return prepared to bring the company out top C.S.M. Ongley and the battalion running team again open our in the annual course. notes, for one cannot deny the fact that theirs is the most important We hope next month to be able to give some news about our cricket event of last month. I am not going to attempt to describe their and athletic teams. In cricket we have Dicut. Foster to take the latest success, namely, winning the Army Running Cup, for I ’m not reins and we feel sure that he will be able to find the necessary talent the fellow who knows all about it. But we Drummers congratulate in the company to win the Company Championship. Our athletic C.S.M. Ongley and the team on their wonderful performance. team must be left to Sgt. Field, and we hope that he bad his note book We welcome to home pastures Pte. Taber from the 1st Battalion. and pencil handy during the P.E. Tests. We all hope he will not feel strange in his new surroundings. We would like to thank Sgt. Richards for presenting us with a R e s u l t s o f B a t t a l io n R if d e M e e t i n g . photograph of the 1st Battalion Drums. We can assure him that we M a tch 1.—Five of the company qualified for the Battalion Forty. will treasure it. They w ere:—D/Sgt. Bills, Sgt. Field, Cpl. Hurley, D/Cpl. Jolley and We had a surprise visit from an ex-Drummer—none other than Pte. Cullis. Alf Mercer from Tonbridge. I am glad to say he is looking very fit Match 2.—The five best performers in this were:—Sgt. Cross, and is in employment. D/Cpl. Axford, Ptes. Palmer, Howell and Brown. 174 THE DRAGON

Match 4 (Company Match).—The company were third in this with Hobson and Bee, B/Cpls. Brigstock and Bird, Ptes. Cohen, Walton, a score of 143 points. Team :—Bieut. Foster, Sgts. Knights and Field, Wilson, Tudor and Green, and Cpl. Ingram. B/Sgt. Bills, B/Cpls - Dawson, Dumont, Jolley and O’Beary. We have been very busy preparing for the Annual Weapon Training Match 5 (Paget Cup).—Resulted in the company being sixth. Course at Hytlie, and it is expected there will be good results. Team:—Ptes. Fuller, Barlow, Howell and Harris. The P.E. Tests were carried out on the 22nd with an excellent Match 6 (Young Soldiers).—Obtained sixth place. Team :— percentage of “ Passes.” 2/Ueut. Scott, Ptes. Woodage, Carter and Tuhill. Sgt. De Vroome has left us for a short course at Porton Gas Wing, Match 7 (Knock-out).—In this “A”l were knocked-out by “A”2, and we wish him success. who reached the final and were knocked out by "B ” Company after Congratulations to Pte. Smith on obtaining his Second Class a very close shoot. “A”2 Team were:—Bieut. Foster, B/Cpls. Dumont, Certificate of Education. He has just returned from a tour of duty Jolley, Dawson and O ’Deary, and Pte. Tuhill. at the Depot. Match 9 (Bewis Gun).—In this we found one team per platoon, B/Sgt. Bee has gone on a course at the School of Education, and we the most successful being No. 4 team:—Cpl. Hurley, Ptes. Cullis, wish him the best of success and trust he will obtain a certificate to be Beadbeatter and Palmer. proud of. Match 13 (Team Revolver).—Here we obtained third place. Congratulations to Pte. Taplin on obtaining a “ Good ” Certificate Team :—Captain Tuke, C.S.M. Beasley, Pte. Fuller and B/Cpl. Axford. on his -Cycle Course. The company's final position in the Championship Shield was We extend a hearty welcome to B/Sgt. Woolf and B/Cpl. Howe, second with a score of 21 points, tieing with “B” Company, and so who have come to the company from the 1st Battalion, and we trust obtaining 1$ points towards the Harris Shield. their stay with us will be a happy one. In Match 1 Pte. Cullis won a silver spoon and ten shillings. B/Cpl. Heather and Pte. Woolford sat for their Second Class Certificate of Education and we wish them the best of success. B/Cpl. Delsini and Pte. Savage have gone to the School of Education for a short course to obtain their Seconds also. “B” Company. We extend hearty congratulations to Ptes. Almond, Bird, Delsini, Chapman, Bell and Hamlyn on being appointed Bance-Corporals. The Annual Course of Musketry having started, our activities on the sports field have been somewhat curtailed. We have played three games of football, all in the Half-Company Deague. The first one was on March 6th when “B”2 met “H.Q.”3, the result being 6—3 in “H.Q.'s” favour. Our next match, played on March 14th against “M.G.”1, was more encouraging, each team scoring one goal each. On March 20th we again met a team of the Gunners, this time “M.G.”2, Machine Gun Company. and we were defeated by 4—0. P.E. Tests commenced on the 24th, and the results were very Once again I take up my pen as the Company Scribe, after being satisfactory. away on a course for ten weeks. Sgt. Stone restumed to the company on April 1st after undergoing On behalf of the "M.G.” Company I must congratulate our battalion a course at the S.A.S., Hythc. He is to be congratulated on obtaining cross-country running team on its splendid win in the Army Champion­ a “Q”2. ship. The following of the company were chosen for the team and their It was with great regret that all ranks of the company heard of team pladngs are against their names:—B/Cpl. Frankham (3rd), Bieut. D. C. Coates’ accident. Our sincerest good wishes arc extended Pte. Alnwick (9th), Pte. Bong (27th), and Pte. Hayde (47th). Con­ < to him for a speedy recovery. gratulations must also go to B/Cpl. Frankham and Pte. Alnwick on Pte. Atkinson left us on March 28tli for a tour of duty at the Regi­ being so placed in the run to enable them to receive their Army Cross- mental Depot. We wish him the best of luck. Country Running Badge. This is the second time that B/Cpl. Frankham We congratulate B/Cpl. Taylor on being selected to play for the has received the Badge. Of the two runners, I think that Alnwick’s Garrison hockey team. achievement is the most outstanding feature. For his performance We extend a hearty welcome to B/Cpl. Mitchell and B/Sgt. Fox, in the Army Run, B/Cpl. Frankham has been chosen to take part recently posted to the company from the 1st Battalion, and hope their in the Inter-Services Cross-Country Running Championship, which stay will be a long and happy one. takes place at Portsmouth on April 12th. It was with great pleasure that we learned that Captain Bister, The following of the company have been chosen to take part in the M.C., was attached to the company pending pasting. All old members Bondon to Brighton Relay, which is run on Saturday, April 15th :— of the company will remember Captain.Bister and his fine performances Pte. Bong (2nd relay), Pte. Alnwick (5th relay), and B/Cpl. Frankham in the ring. We extend a warm welcome to him, and trust that he (10th relay). will be with us for a long time. During the last month examinations for First, Second and Third Pte. Sixsmitli is one of a practice squad at the Army School of Class Certificates of Education have been held, and the following Education. We hope the training will be beneficial to him. attended :— The Annual W.T. Course commenced in earnest on March 27th. F irst Class Certificate.—Sgt. Bartlett (All Subjects), Sgt. Bewis Gun Classification showed quite a good result and we are now Saunders (English and Geography), Sgt. King (Map Reading), Sgt. preparing for the Rifle Classification, which commences on the 18th Good (English and Map Reading), B/Cpl. Good (Geography and Map April, on which day the battalion goes into camp. Reading), Pte. Crooknorth (Mathematics), B/Cpl. Potter. Second Class Certificate (March 23rd, 24th and 25 th).—B/Cpls. B a t t a b io n R if b e Me e t i n g . Bindup, Edmond and Bacey, Ptes. Kennett, Butcher, Watson and .Bindsay. Company Successes. Third Class Certificate (March 24th).—Ptes. Skinner and J. Match 1.—Stage 1 : The following N.C.O.’s and men were amongst Ward. the forty who qualified to fire in Stage 2 Sgts. Trice and Trinkwon, All are now anxiously awaiting the results of their respective Cpls. Fox, Banks and Turmaine, B/Cpl. Woods and Pte. Brigstock. examinations and are wondering whether they will have to present Stage 2 : The following obtained individual honours :—Sgt. Trinkwon themselves again at the next examination. obtained second place, and Sgt. Trice tied for third place. Bieut. H. C. Harwood, Cpl. King and B/Sgt. Blanch have returned MATCH 1 (Open).—Class “A” : B/Cpl. Woods, 1st. Class “B” : to the company from their Course of Instruction, the first two from Pte. Brigstock, 1st. the S.A.S., Netheravon, and the last named from the School of Match 2.—Pte. Town secured second place in Class “A.” Education. At the time of submitting these notes no notification Match 4.—Company team were sixth. of the results have been received. Match 5.—Series “B” : Company team were fourth in this match, On March 24th the final of the Inter-Company Football Competition which was for the Paget Cup. was played between “M.G.” Company and “ 13” Company (“H.Q.”). Match 7.—“B”2 Team, consisting of Cpl. Turmaine, B/Cpl. Taylor, This was a very hard-fought game and the Gunners managed to come Ptes. Town, Caudlish, Filmer and Twelvetree, obtained first place. out the winners by 2 goals to 1. Our company team was :—Pte. “B” l Team were semi-finalists. Bongley; Pte. Burton and Cpl. Vincent; Sgt. King, C.S.M. Sidwell Bucas Cup.—Winner was Bieut. J. E. King. and Sgt. Saunders; B/Cpl. Chapman, Pte. J. Collins, Pte. Robbins, R evolver Match.—Company team, consisting of Captain Webster, B/Sgt. Edwards and Sgt. Bartlett. The goal-scorers were :—B/Sgt. Bieut. King, C.Q.M.S. Baker and Sgt. Trice, were second. Edwards and Pte. Robbins. Revolver (Individuals).—Sgt. Trice, 1st. Bieut. King tied with On March 31st the final of the Hallam Parr Shield Competition two others for second place. was played between “M.G.” Company, 2nd Battalion The Buffs and By scoring 21 points in the meeting, we annexed 1£ points towards “A” Company, 3rd Battalion Royal Tank Corps. This game was the Championship Shield, tieing with “A” Company for second place. played with a strong wind blowing which spoilt a thoroughly good game, and I am sorry to say that the company lost by the odd goal in seven. Our team played very well indeed and were very unlucky to lose. Our company team was:—Pte. Bongley; Pte. Burton and “ C” Company. Cpl. Vincent; Sgt. Johnson, C.S.M. Sidwell and Sgt. K ing; B/Cpl. Chapman, Pte. J. Collins, Pte. Robbins, B/Sgt. Edwards and Sgt. The opening of the month brought wet weather which delayed Saunders. The goal-scorers were:—Pte. Collins (2) and C.S.M. the Soccer matches with “A” Company and “H.Q.” Wing, but I am Sidwell (1). glad to say that a week later, when the weather had improved, we were Congratulations to the following on receiving their first stripe:— able to play these matches. The result against “A” Company was B/Cpls. Frankham, Herbert, Bindup, Kelly, Bacey, Edmond, Rackham in our favour with the score 6—0; and in the case of ‘‘H.Q.”Wing and Gipson. the score was 2—1 against us. Sgts. Saunders and Bartlett and Cpls. King and Austin have been On the afternoon of the 20 th we tried out some new players and selected to help the 4th Battalion during their Easter Training. The the results were surprising as they beat the Drums 2—0 and “M.G.” two Sergeants will be at Folkestone and the two Corporals at Dover. Company 4—1. Our teams were as follows :—2/Bieut. Bewis, B/Sgts. Ckankhandle. THE DRAGON 175

Beneath Bell Harry.

r INHERE seems a Sergeants’ Mess. dearth of news, There are few events to record this month. Firstly, our return match with the R.A.P.C. ended in a defeat possibly owing to the by 2 goals to 1. Our weakened side was due to Curliss, fact that nearly every­ who could not stay the pace, having just returned from one has been away abroad. His place was taken, after half-time, by on Easter leave, and Q.M.S.I. Moore who played well. We were without Curliss after the first 15 minutes. Our gallant goalie, though now returned Arthur Smith, did well to stave off greater defeat. to resume their various Our dashing outside-right, Horace, put in some good duties, some are still centres and two good corner shots, which were not, thinking about the unfortunately, made the most of. past week-end and We had one further dance. They still are very popular. The attendance was excellent as was the others finding it diffi­ evening’s entertainment. cult to keep their We tried another Whist Drive and it is regretted minds from anything that the attendance does not justify a further attempt. but the Army Golf The winners were :— Championship, which L a d i e s 1st, Mrs. Lane ; 2nd, Mrs. Ingles ; 3rd, Mrs. Griffiths and Mrs. Wickham (tied). (Mrs. Griffiths is to be played on the 24th and 25tli of this won on the cut). month. G EN TS. :—1st, Sgt. Ingles ; 2nd, Mrs. Norwood ; The Regimental Golf Meeting, which was 3rd, Mrs. Sayers. The result of the Mess Snooker Tournament was as played on the links of Prince's Golf Club, follows :— Sandwich on March 31st, April 1st and 2nd, 1st, C.S.M. Farrow ; 2nd, Sgt. Turner ; 3rd, Sgt. was thoroughly enjoyed by all and was without Smith ; Highest Freak :—C.S.M. Farrow and Sgt. any possible doubt a great success from all T u rn er tied—22. points of view. The Lynden-Bell Trophy Friends of Sgt. Turner in Burma will be pleased to has been taken from the Mess to a house in hear of his marriage on 25tli March to Miss Skinner who was previously in Rangoon. The members subscribed Hythe to join the Brinckman Cup and numerous for a present and presented the happy couple with a ash-trays. We congratulate Lieut. J. E. King nice clock, suitably inscribed. on his double. C.S.M. Farrow, Sgts. Turner and Wickham repre­ sented the Mess in the Depot Team which competed Whilst on the subject of doubles, I have in the open event in the Battalion Rifle Meeting at noticed lately various racing manuals being Hythe on Pith April and all did very well. C.S.M. Farrow excelled himself and came second in the Highest carefully studied. Are we looking for a double Aggregate of all the competing teams. on the Derby and Oaks or is it Manitoba that We congratulate Q.M.S.I. Moore, A.P.T.S., on his is causing us anxiety. recent promotion. We welcome Sgt. Curliss and family from the 1st We sent a team to the 2nd Battalion Rifle Battalion. They are enjoying a spot of leave in the Meeting on the Hythe ranges on Wednesday, Isle of Wight. April 20th to compete in the Open Match. We congratulate C.S.M. Ongley and his team on We congratulate the team on finishing fourth. retaining the Army Cross-Country Running Champion­ Considering that none of them have had any ship and the excellent performance in the London to practice on an open range for a year, it was a Brighton Relay. notable achievement. Congratulations to C.S.M. Farrow on scoring 83, which was second Corporals’ Mess. only to C.S.M.I. Moore of the Small Arms In our last notes we stated that we were holding a dance as a farewell to L/Cpl. McBride. This function, School in the Highest Individual Trophy. however, was not held as Mac has decided to remain with us for a short time longer, much to the delight of The Regimental Race was run at the East the female population of Canterbury. Plis chief pastime Kent Point-to-Point held on Easter Monday. at present is winning football sweeps ; how do you Congratulations to Major Morgan on gaining pick ’em out, Mac ? yet another victory. The officers of the Depot Easter arrived hi a blaze of sunshine and the Old again joined with the 2nd Battalion in having Park has once more come into its own. Our corres­ pondent even noted our worthy C.Q.M.S. enjoying its a tea tent for their friends at these races. delights on Sunday last. For information of “ Touch­ We were very pleased to see Lieut.-Colonel stone,” I may add, it was after 2 p.m. and before 6 p.m. ! Very soon we shall have our tennis experts perform­ Guy Lee, who stayed in the Mess here for a ing. J onali and Tony will be able to once more continue few days when he came to Canterbury to the argument as to vvho is the better man unavoidably attend a Past and Present Association meeting. left over from last year. 176 THE DRAGON The 4th Battalion. UITE a lot of things camp and demonstrate an aerial attack on Q have been happening the battalion, which will be both instructional in the battalion since last and exciting, if not frightening. After the month's notes were written. battle is over it is hoped that some of the Evening drills have been aeroplanes will land near camp so as to give very well attended without members of the battalion a chance of seeing exception, as they should them at close quarters and having them be at this time of year. explained by their pilots. I think everybody realises At the time of writing we have just finished that he must do his utmost Easter training. This was unfortunately to be ready for camp. limited owing to lack of funds to the Machine Shooting is in full swing Gun Company, Range-Takers, Signallers and in all companies. The Drums, but the attendance was very good results to date are quite and a really useful week-end's work was done. satisfactory. The weather, that all-important factor, was perfect (it is unfortunate that the Adjutant We had a most success­ cannot take the credit for fixing the date of ful Tactical Exercise for Officers and N.C.O.’s Easter; he would if he could!), so that the on March 18th and 19th. There was a record Range-Takers and Signallers were able to attendance, there being 20 officers and 108 do exceptionally useful training. other ranks present. The weather was not so bad as usual, in fact except for the first The platoons at Cranbrook and Horsmonden half-hour it was quite pleasant (for which held their Prize Distributions at the end of the Adjutant was duly thankful; his reputation last month followed by a dance in both cases. as a weather prophet is not very great at These evenings were an unqualified success. present!). The scheme was a “ Withdrawal " We wish to congratulate Mr. and Mrs. run on the same lines as the Officers' Exercise Iggulden on the birth of a daughter on March held in February. We are going to actually 15th. We hope to see all the very young do a Withdrawal in both company and Buffs in camp (but for one day only if they battalion training in camp, so by the end of are all as noisy as the very young Machine the training season everybody should know Gunner is reported to be !). something about this phase of battle. While talking of camp, it will interest Headquarter Wing. everybody, I know, to hear that the Com­ 1 thought I was going to get away with these notes this month, but, alas ! the telephone has just put an end to my hopes. So here manding Officer is trying to arrange for 500 goes. Squadron R.A.F. to come over one day during The only occurrence of note during the last month has been the definite fixing of the camp site and the tactical exercise held late in March. The Adjutant and Quartermaster have given the camp site “ the once over,” as they say on the films. I have not heard much about it yet, but perhaps now news is good news. Our only neighbours Beneath Bell Harry—Continued. will be the 59th Brigade it.A. (T.A.), who were at Falmer with us when we last had a battalion camp. How we get to camp remains on the We were pleased to see Cpl. O’Keefe during Easter. lap of the gods, doubtless everyone hopes we shall travel by road; the advantages of road over rail are obvious to everyone who attended He certainly looked as if Colchester air agreed with him. camp at Arundel. The tale of the hat continues, latest report shows The last tactical exercise went off in the usual way—wet at night and wet in the morning. The chief topic of conversation was “ How that Bowler discarded and felt hat in favour once more— much did you win ? ” and “ Who th e ----- had my blankets ? ”, What I want to know now is where does Tony keep The Wing were fairly well represented; the Drum-Major and them all ? Winston Churchill will have to take a back Sgt. Steel actually went out on the scheme. Sgt. Coombs forgot all about the show until his henchman, Cpl. Carter, hammered on his seat if Tony carries on much longer. door in the early hours of Sunday morning. Sgt. Coombs then turned As mentioned in our notes some months ago, E/Cpl. out and wielded his broom with the usual gusto. The “ jockeys ’’ went out on their steeds and performed all sorts Davis won the Depot Tournament of the entrants for of intricate evolutions in the vicinity of Old Park and the Windmill Inn. the Army Billiards Championship, and his name was By the time these notes appear, we shall be busy blankoing (is that forwarded as Area representative. Nobody else in the the word) kit, some of it not seen since last May, and praying for a fine spell during camp. Home Counties area entered^ so he now finds bim«tp1f W.Q.H. in the semi-final of the Eastern Command. Always an optimist, he now is waiting the news that his opponent has sprained his wrist and thereby walk into “ B ” Company. a further stage of the competition. The principal news from the company’s point of view tins month is that we have got the greatest number of recruits since November Our thanks are rendered to the Corporals of the last and so gained 12 points towards the Harris Shield. We under­ 2nd Battalion for their kind invitations to their dances, stand that we only scraped home first by a very small margin, and the and it is only the call of duty that has prevented many Canterbury, Whitstable and Chartham detachments, who provided most of the recruits, are to be congratulated on their efforts. Canter- more from attending. burv, one hears, has the greatest number of recruits in any one platoon WKWON. in the battalion. This is certainly very gratifying. THE DRAGON 177

The next event is, of course, camp, and we are hoping for good We extend our congratulations to the 168tli Heavy Battery R.A. weather above all tilings during that fortnight. So far it seems likely (T.A.) who wrested the Dover Garrison Challenge Cup from us for the that camp attendance in the company will be at least up to the average first time. We are particularly glad that they won as it will un­ of other years, and employers are proving as willing to help as ever, doubtedly spur them on for future occasions. in spite of the very difficult times. As always, we very much appreciate Not content with Dover having a boxing tournament, Folkestone the great help we receive from them. Territorials held a very successful tournament at the Drill Hall, Shellons G.H.M. Street, in conjunction with the Folkestone Brotherhood of Cheerful Sparrows. The chief contest of the evening was between P.C. Trett (Folkestone Police) and A/B. Block (Royal Navy); after a very gruelling six rounds, Trett was awarded the decision on points. We “ C” (Weald) Company. congratulate Pte. Phillips of our company on beating E/Cpl. Barnett, Paul Jones must have been an energetic man if the dance (why Royal Tank Corps; we have rarely seen Phillips box so well and we not. call it P.T. and be done with i t !) associated with his name is any predict many more victories for him in the future. Pte. Shepherd of criterion, but there is always the chance of picking a real winner in our company was a little unlucky in losing to Dmr. Baker, East Surrey the process, and we seldom back losers in the Weald, at least, so the Regiment, on points. We understand that it was the referee’s casting Adjutant tells us., and he ought to know. He has seen each of our vote, and therefore Shepherd, who put up a splendid show, must not three detachment dances out to the last note of the band, except at be discouraged; he cannot always win, but at the same time he will Cranbrook, where he was forcibly dragged away by the C.O. under not always lose. The duties of referee were carried out by Major the threat of appearing on ttie mat in the morning if he refused. And Wand Tetley, M.B.E- (Hon. Sec. Army Boxing Association) and the C.O. enjoyed himself too. In fact they left a trail of broken hearts Captain H. Quill (Director of Physical Training, Royal Marines). behind them' (to be charged- for on next month’s schedule of biUs The judges were Eieut. Ready (Royal Berkshire Regiment), 2/Eieut. presumably!). In the intervals'of dancing, the company cups and E. C. Gray (Seaforth Highlanders), 2/Eieut. A. C. Roberts (4th Bn. prizes were presented by Eietit.-Colonel E. Meade-YValdo, D.S.O., The Buffs) (T.A.), and 2/Eieut. P. G. Wormell (Eincolnshire Regiment). at Hawkhurst, Mrs. Eoyd I-Iardcastle at Horsmonden, and Major- The duties of M.C. were very ably carried out by C.S.M. J. R. Mac'Walter, General E- G. Drummond, C.B., C.B.E., M.V.O., at Cranbrook, and D.C.M., M.M. Our local M.O. (E. E. Elliot, Esq., M.R.C.S.) once at the latter the Commanding Officer presented the James Cup to again gave us his valuable help as Medical Officer on duty. To all the O.C. Company for the third year in succession. Both Colonel these officials we extend our very grateful thanks. We should also Meade-Waldo find General Drummond are members of the K.T.A., like to especially thank Sergeant-Major Tyler, A.P.T.S., who acted as and we very much appreciated their support and the pleasant tilings Chief Whip. they said about us. By the time that we write our notes for the next issue of The Dragon The dances have proved a most successful experiment socially we shall be at camp once again. Everyone is undoubtedly looking if not financially, and we hope to' repeat them in the future. forward very eagerly to annual training, and all we ask for is fine The weapon training is practically finished after three perfect weather throughout the whole fifteen days. We understand that we Sundays for shooting. While it is early to prophecy, we feel that the are going to have the assistance a t camp of the following officers of our standard of shooting this year warrants an even greater hope of winning 2nd Battalion :—Major H. de R. Morgan, D.S.O., Eieut. C. Haggard the James Cup than ever, and we look forward to the honour of keeping and Eieut. N. Tuff. Eieut. Tuff has attended our annual training it for a fourth year. Sgt. Beale has again put up an amazingly good before, but the other two gentlemen have yet to learn a lot about their score which should take a lot of heating and iillow few bad shots for Territorial Battalion!!! This iast sentence is rattier cryptic but other aspirants for Battalion Shot. we shall have to leave them to find it out for themselves!!! Their Eieut. Jackson has bought a most marvellous match rifle complete attendance at camp will greatly strengthen our Officers’ cricket team, with peep-sights, rear lights, “ straight through ” gears, dipping head so the Sergeants will have to get into training right now. We will lights and all the other Bisley gadgets. He wraps himself up in elbow not allow Body Eine Bowling though !!! pads and silk handkerchiefs to fire it, and it only needs the addition ______J-S. of knee-caps and blinkers to make him the complete war-horse (F r: hors de combat). He seems to hit the bull pretty frequently though, in spite of it all, and we wish him the best of luck when he goes to Bisley. F o e k e s t o n e D e t a c h m e n t . We should like to add our own congratulations to the 2nd Battalion cross-country team on their splendid success again this year, and to The last month before camp always was rather a rush, but this C.S.M. Ongley, D.C.M., who we are very proud of in the Weald. month almost persuaded me to abandon any attempt to write detach­ By the time these notes appear, camp will be very nearly upon us, ment notes. However, all history needs a historian, however unworthy, and we hope that the weather will be as delightful as it is now. We and this month of March/April holds many memorable dates. all like a tot of rum now and again, but not under the conditions that On March 22nd, at an excellent boxing tournament promoted by warrant it in the Army. Shades of Myrtle Grove ! Captain J. Sherwood, the Dover Detachment lost the Dover Town Cup We welcome Colonel Burns on his return from Malta and look to the 168th (Heavy) Battery R.A. Ptes. Phillips and Sheppard won forward to seeing him in camp. their fights in very convincing style, but the best fight of the evening A.E-E-H. was that between a Folkestone man, Police Constable Trett of the Folkestone Police Force (late the Manchester Regiment), and Able- Seamen Block of the Royal Navy, Chatham. Trett, Block, Phillips and Sheppard will all be seen again at our Drill Hall on Wednesday, D o v e r D e t a c h m e n t . April 19 th in another tournament promoted by Captain Sherwood Our rehearsal for annual training, namely, Easter training, was with the support of the Brotherhood of the Cheerful Sparrows. Such held at both Folkestone and Dover. The Machine Gunners trained a backing ensures the financial and social success of the venture, and on Good Friday, Easter Sunday and Easter Monday, and the Drummers even after the profits are shared between the “ Spadgers,” the Gunners on Good Friday and Easter Sunday. During the training we received and ourselves, the Company Sports Fund should be in fine condition visits from our Commanding Officer, Adjutant and Regimental Sergeant- by the time we go to camp. Major, and we trust that they were satisfied with everything they saw. We have Spent an immense amount of time, or so it seems, on Thanks largely to the splendid weather, it was undoubtedly, the best Sundays for the past few weeks firing enough ammo to double the Easter training we have ever carried out. The Machine Gunners made famous “ Eley ” dump which leavens the monotony of the opening pink good use of the ground adjoining the Drill Hall for tests of elementary pages of Infantry Training, and by the middle of summer we hope to training and limber drill; both Dover and Folkestone detachments have a section good enough to win the Machine Gun Cup. joined forces at Dover on the Easter Monday. The Drummers made On Tuesday, March 28th we had a games night against Dover. good use of The Seaforth Highlanders’ parade ground in the North This was the first of what we may hope will become a regular series Fall Meadow for marching and counter-marching, in fact they provided of such games nights. Cpl. King was M.C. and we have nothing but quite an attraction for the many people taking their constitutional praise and thanks for the excellent evening’s entertainment that in the fields beyond Dover Castle. The Signallers under 2/Eieut. he gave us, his Folkestone hosts : next time we shall have some idea P. Roberts were also well-employed at Folkestone during Easter, of how to ran one ourselves with equal efficiency. We ran the Dover getting through some very useful work which will undoubtedly take Detachment very close, being beaten by 10 games to 9. We were fairly off the rough edge a t camp. even a t darts and shove ha’penny, but at what we considered our own The recreational side of the company’s activities has also been game, skittles, I think we should have been left high and dry had it very busy during the past four weeks. Easter Monday evening saw not been for the beer. I have seen beer in receptacles of all sizes, both another of C.S.M. MacWalter’s well organised dances attended by some large and (too) small, but never before in Jugs Ablution Iron Galvanized four hundred people, including quite a number from Folkestone and 2 Gallon, and all I can say is that if looks magnificent in bulk. The the surrounding district. During the dance the sum of £1 9s. Id. big match of the evening was between the two Sergeant-Majors, C.S.M. was collected for the Eadies’ Guild. When our P.S.I. leaves the J. R. MaeWalter, D.C.M., M.M., and C.S.M. S. Martin. After a false Army, we feel sure that he will open a dance hall somewhere in this start occasioned by the fact that rival markers were registering splendid neighbourhood; if he does his successor as P.S.I. here will have to scores totally irreconcilable with the throw of the darts, the game look to his laurels to combat such opposition which will be great. was recommenced in earnest and C.S.M. Martin eventually won. Boxing has also played a part in our activities during the month. On the evenings of April 10th and 13th four of the members of On March 22nd a Services Tournament organised by Captain Sherwood our detachment have been busy taking an examination for promotion and C.S.M. MaeWalter was held in the Dover Drill Hall. The attend­ from Private to Eancc-Corporal and four from Eance-Corporal to ance was quite good, some 1,200 being present, including Brigadier Corporal. Even if, as seems probable, there are none or only a few C. A. Howard, D.S.O., Commanding Dover Garrison ; His Worship vacancies to be filled before camp, the training of the detachment the Mayor of Dover; Eicut.-Colonel B. S. Collard, T .D .; Major will be all the better in camp for the presence of an exceptional number Raw, R.A.j and Captain C. E. Wilson, M.B.E. Our R.S.M. earned of well qualified private soldiers. out the duties of M.C. very efficiently indeed and we extend our sincerest In addition, Easter training is upon us, and we shall be at work thanks to C.S.M. Emery and the Warrant Officers and Sergeants of on Good Friday, Easter Sunday and Bank Holiday. By getting through our 2nd Battalion who' performed the duties of Seating Stewards in our T.O.E.D. at an early stage, we hope to be rewarded by being a very able manner. allowed to do some more advanced work in camp. 178 TUB DRAGON

Disembarkation. The Regimental Gazette. The following disembarked at Southampton cx-H.T. Dorsetshire, 27- 3-33, for posting to Home Establishment, and joined battalion same d a te :— Officers. 6282796 L/Sgt. C. Woolf, 6282917 L/Sgt. F. Fox. 6282756 L/Cpl. J. Mitchell, 6282784 L/Cpl. F. Howe, 6280742 L/Cpl. G. Ireland, 6281905 Regular Army. Pte. J. Green, 752822 Pte. A. Taber, 6282341 Pte. J. Taylor, 6282531 Commands and Staff. Pte. F . Sims (1st Battalion The Buffs).

Major J. F. W. Allen, M.C., The Buffs, from G.S.O., 2nd Grade, T ransfer to Army Reserve. 44th (Home Counties) Div., T.A., to be D.A.A. and Q.M.G., Home Counties Area (April 1st). 6282392 Pte. T. McLennan, “H.Q.” (attd. A.V.T.C., Hounslow), transferred to Section B, Army Reserve, under K.R.’s, 1928, para. 369 (i), on 23-3-33. erritorial rmy eserve of fficers T A R O . Discharge. 4th Bn . T he Buffs.—I4eut. R. S. Poile resigns his commn. (March 6285431 Boy J. Smith, “H.Q.," discharged under K.R.’s, 1928, 31st). para. 370 (vi) (b), 17-3-33. The 1st Battalion. The Depot. Appointments. R ecruits. The following were appointed Unpaid Lance-Corporals :— Attested as shewn :— 6283895 Pte. R. Rogers, “H.Q.,” 28-2-23 ; 6283828 Pte. G. Lovett, Recruits R. W. Aueott, 16-3-33 ; L. H. Epps, 16-3-33; F. J. 4-3-33; 6282164 Pte. H. Day, “M.G„” 21-3-33; 6283472 Woods, 16-3-33 ; E. H. Baker, 20-3-33 ; A. H. Pullinger, 21-3-33; Pte. J. Wilson, 21-3-33, 6284362 Pte. W. Bonham, “B,” H. Wraight, 21-3-33; A. W. Jarrett, 10-3-33; L. J. Brabham, 24-3-33. 11-3-33 ; C. E. Friend, 14-3-33 ; G. W. Castle, 10-3-33; R. Jones, P romotion. 15-3-33; E- G. Furlong, 16-3-33; W. P. R. Beecroft, 25-3-38; J. H. R. Skudder, 15-3-33; A. C. Bryant, 24-3-33 ; E- Griffiths, 62S3148 L/Cpl. W. Cox, “B,” promoted Corporal, 29-1-33. 28- 3-33 ; W. H. Payne, 29-3-33 ; T. Robertson, 7-4-33.

Course—Results. Appointments. 6281909 L/Cpl. H. Hall, “C,” attended 1st British Short Course S.W.B./3903335 C.S.M.I. J. Moore (A.P.T.S. attached), appointed at the A.S. of P.T., Ambala, from 31-12-82 to 11 -2-33 and awarded Quartermaster-Sergeant Instructor, 1.3.33. a “ Qualified ” Certificate. 6281692 L/Sgt. J. Dlxey, “H.Q.,” attended a course of instruction P ostings. at the Army Signal School, Poona, from 13-10-27 to 12-12-27 and 6282090 Pte. J. Crowley, re-posted to 2nd Battalion The Buffs obtained “Distinguished.” on completion of tour of duty, 20-3-33. 6284145 Pte. T. Petley, “A,” attended 1st Course at the Army 6284959 Pte. P. Smith, re-posted to 2nd Battalion The Buffs, School of Cookery, Poona, from 9-1-33 to 18-2-33 and obtained a 1-4-33. “ Good ” Certificate. 6284763 Pte. G. Lancaster (2nd Battalion The Buffs), posted to E ducation Awards. Depot for a tour of duty, 21-3-33. Awarded 3rd Class Certificates of Education a t an examination held 6284782 Pte. R. Atkinson, posted to Depot for a tour of duty, at Rangoon on 4-11-32 :— 1-4-33. 6283533 Pte. H. Bailey, “A” ; 6284111 Pte. IL Brvan, “A” ; Disembarkation. 6283566 Pte. F. Hesmer, “A.” 7007219 Sgt. J. Curliss (1st Battalion The Buffs), disembarked at Southampton 27-3-33 ex-H.2’. Dorsetshire, accompanied by family. Joined Depot same date. Posted for a tour of duty. Strength—Decrease. The undermentioned embarked at Bombay en route to U.K. per Transfer to Army reser v e. H.T. Dorsetshire on 5-3-33 and struck off strength 26-3-33 :— 7007219 Sgt. J. Curliss, “A” ; 6282917 L/Sgt. F. Fox, “M.G.” ; 6282702 Pte. F. Leggett, transferred to Army Reserve under para. 6282784 L/Cpl. F. Howe, “C” ; 6281965 Pte. J. Green, “H .Q ."; 369 (i), K.R.’s, 28-3-33. 6282341 Pte. J. Taylor, “B” ; 6282702 Pte. F. Leggett, “B” ; Discharges. 6282796 L/Sgt. C. Woolf, “C” ; 6282756 L/Cpl. J. Michell, “C " ; 6396885 Pte. C. E. Carter, discharged under para. 370 (xviii), 6280742 L/Cpl. G. Ireland, “H.Q." ; 6282531 Pte. F. Sims, “B“ ; K.R.’s, 16-3-33. 752822 Pte. A. Taber, “H.Q.” 6285290 Pte. W. C. Davies, discharged under para. 370 (vi) (a), K.R.’s 21 3 33. 6285413 Pte. F. J. P. Lynch, discharged under para. 370 (vi) (a), E xtension of Service. K.R.’s, 21-3-33. The undermentioned extended term of service to complete 12 years with the Colours on 20-2-32 :— The 4th Battalion. 6282987 Cpl. J. Taylor, “C” ; 6283219 Cpl. A. Tolhurst, “C” ; 6283162 Cpl. F. Hogben, “M.G.” ; 6282996 Pte. R. Howard “C” • Territorial Efficiency Medal Clasp and E ffiency Medal. 6283071 Pte. S. Bone, “C” ; 6283091 Pte. W. Brittain, “M.G.” ' 6280845 Sgt. C. Coombs, “B” (C), awarded 1st Clasp to Territorial Efficiency Medal. Awarded Efficiency Medal.

The 2nd Battalion. E nlistments. Appointments. The undermentioned recruits have been attested, taken on the strength and posted to companies as shewn:— The following were appointed Unpaid Lance-Corporals :— Pte. S. Warman, “D” (F), attested 27-3-33; Pte. B. McLeland, 6281543 Pte. W. Bell, “C," 14-3-33; 62S5202 Pte. W. Bird, “C,’ “A” (M), attested 3-4-33 ; Pte- A. Lewry, “B" (C), attested 4-4-33 ; 20-3-33 ; 6285264 Pte. M. Hamlyn, “C,” 10-4-33. Pte. B. Supple, “A” (R), attested 28-3-33; Pte. H. Philpott, “A” (R), attested 28-3-33; Pte. A. Pike, “D” (D), attested 3-4-33 (T.M. on enlistment). Discharges. 6284518 Pte. A. Ransley, "C” (C), discharged on joining Regular 4th Battalion— continued. Army (Suffolk Regt.), 16-11-32; 6284088 Pte. G. Milliner, “C” (C), discharged on ter. of eng., 26-3-33; 6284089 Cpl. A. Tolhurst, “D” The Rifle Club is holding an Easter meeting on Thursday, 13th (F), discharged 27-3-33 ; 6284888 Pte. W. Moore, “A" (R), discharged mid it is hoped that we may be able to say in the next number o under para. 199-6 (a), T.A. Regs,. 27- 3-33; 6283258 Pte. S. Crimes, The Dragon that it was better patronised than our Christmas Evi “C” (H), discharged under para. 199-3, 1-4-33; 6283936 Pte. V. meeting. Whorlow, “ B” (W), discharged under para. 199-3, 1-4-33 ; 6283946 “D” Company Club held a smoking concert on Friday, April 7tl Pte. J. Swain, “A” (R), discharged on ter. of eng., 2-4-33 ; 6282849 which provided distinctly an even better evening’s entertainment thai Pte. E. Parsons, “C” (C), discharged on ter. of eng., 2-4-33 ; 6282837 usual. Ouce again, as at our detachment games night, we were pleasec Cpl. T. Dunster, “A” (S), discharged on ter. of eng., 6-4 -33. TxrC??me’cin ad d -o n to Captain Sherwood and Sergeant-Majo; MacWalter, four officers from the Field Battery and their P.S.I. Th< Adjutant also visited us on that evening, but was unfortunately unabli to Stay for the concert. The Club also had a games night against the Past and Presen °n Tuesday, April 11th, and not having been able to be present I rathe A Buff wants work. wonder what was Die position of those members of either organisatioi who are also members of the other. As F r e n c h P o l is h e r .— C. Webb (Single), 39 Hartley A.C.R Street, Durham Hill, Dover. Post free— Ireland & Abroad. 8- per annum. 4/- 6 months. 2 -3 months. Write:-Editor, Depot, The Buffs, Canterbury 15 - ) ^rondegrit Telephone: 513.

BCCieb 'gtecjimente. Queen’s nm ^ItfCes of Cpctnaba. ^^e ^Tancouner Regiment. 3vb ^ attaC ion (g8evi-ttt>a gn fan fr#) B usfraC icm fo r c e s .

No. 403. June, 1933. Price Sixpence. Personalia. rPHE Colonel of the Regiment attended the We congratulate the 1st Battalion polo Ladies’ Festival of the London Branch team very heartily on winning the Gordon on May 6th ; accompanied by Captain Rose Smyth Trophy at Maymyo. Fox 1, Jelf 2, and Mr. Jack Williams visited the R.M.C., Hill 3, Hammond-Davies 4. Final score, Sandhurst on the 8th to interview candidates 5—2. for the Regiment; and accompanied by Colonel Burns visited the 4th Battalion in camp at The following additional acceptances have Crowlink on the 19th attended the Kent T.A. been received for the Dragon Club Dinner on meeting in London on May 25th, and was the 13th instant:— present at the twenty-first anniversary cele­ Major-General J. Kennedy, Brigadier- brations of the London Society on May 30th General A. J. Whitacre-Allen, Colonel E. T. in which the 2nd Battalion Band took part. Buttenshaw, Lieut.-Colonels F. W. Bradley Dyne, R. S. I. Friend, R. E. Power, Majors H. de R. Morgan, D. A. Wilkins, Brevet-Major N. D. Rice, Captains E. H, Allen, E. B. The High Sheriff of Kent (Mr. F. Leney) Backhouse, N. E. Hoare, H. C. C. Morley, gave a garden party at his beautiful Garden T. N. Penlington, A. F. St. A. Turner, R. M. House, Saltwood, on May 19th. Amongst the Watson, R. W. M. Webster, C. E. Wilson, many guests we noticed the Hon. Lady Lynden- Lieuts. C. Haggard, K. M. C. Mallam, T. H. Beli and Miss Lynden-Bell, Colonel H. and Spear, J. R. P. Williams. Mrs. Findlay, Mrs. Crookenden, Lieut.-Colonel the Hon. P. G. and Mrs. Scarlet, Brevet-Lieut.- Colonel A. B. and Mrs. Thomson, and Major We hear from Lieut.-Colonel H. F. Sparrow, F. W. Tomlinson. who has recently been staying at Windsor, that he met Brigadier-General E. H. Finch- Hatton on several occasion and the latter is We very much regret to announce the death very well. of Colonel G. Gosling, late 4th Battalion, which occurred oh May 19th. Lieut.-Colonel J. Crookenden was present The 4th Battalion, though in camp at at the Annual Conference of the Royal Cam­ Eastbourne, sent a party under Captain J. bridge Home on the 23rd ultimo, when H.R.H. Sherwood to the funeral at Sandgate on the The Duke of Connaught took the Chair. 23rd ultimo, and the 2nd Battalion were represented by Captain R. Tuke and Lieut. T. H. Spear. Mrs. Crookenden escorted a party of twenty- six ladies, members of the Guild of St. Helena, to town and the Military Tournament on Sir Arthur Jelf is due to arrive home from May 27th. We understand it was a most J ajnaica this month. successful outing. 180 T H E DRAGON

We congratulate the Hon. Mrs. Scarlett R.S.M. W. J. Stewart has arrived home on on starting at Shorncliffe a library for the leave from Nigeria and is taking his discharge children of the 2nd Battalion. We under- ■ on the expiration of his leave. We are glad stand that gifts of suitable books will be most to know that Sergeant-Major Stewart has acceptable. secured a position in civil life. Colonel C. P. Hawkes, so well-known to Buffs as an “ Old Stager,” has just had pub­ Included in the Rifle Team from Canada lished by Messrs. Methuen and Co., “ Heydays, which is touring to Bisley are three members a Salad of Memories and Impressions. Here of The Queen's Own Rifles—C.S.M. Borman J. is set out the recipe of a varied life : Cam- McLeod, C.Q.M.S. Charles W. Morrish and Sgt. ' bridge, North Africa, and the Continent; Ernest G. Stock. We wish the team every London Society and Clubland, Letters and success and hope to see the above at Shorncliffe Soldiering, the Bar and the Stage (both amateur and Canterbury. and professional) ; with a piquant seasoning of impressions of men who mattered—and of women who mattered even more.” We congratulate Sgt. Edward Swendell, Ramsgate Police (late The Buffs) on having We are very glad to hear from Major Norman been promoted to the rank of Inspector. Hart that both he and Mrs. Hart are very happy in Edinburgh, where of course they have made many friends. We congratulate the following on having obtained good permanent employment through We congratulate Major Wilkins on being the Association :—Sgt. J. Cross, Messrs. A, J. appointed to the Army Cricket Selection Steel, E. H. Chambers and W. G. Oliver. Committee.

Captain H. H. C. Baird has, we regret to Another old Buff has joined the happy say, had another accident, this time a broken throng at the Royal Hospital, Chelsea, wrist. No. 1042 Pte. George Askew. Date of attest­ It really is time Captain Baird had a winner, ation, 28/9/1883 ; date of transfer to Reserve, perhaps this year's Derby. Anyway, we hope 27/9/1895. so. No one would grudge him a first prize in the Dublin Sweep. We regret than an error occurred in last We are very sorry to hear that Lieut. J. month’s obituary notice. Mr. J. Rylott was Atkinson has had to be operated on for R.Q.M.S. to the l/5th Battalion, not 1st appendicitis, but we understand he is progress­ Battalion. ing satisfactorily. We congratulate the undermentioned on We are glad to hear Mr. B. Collier, who was having been awarded the Long Service and Good No. 6278570 Bandsman 1st Battalion, 1916- Conduct Medal, Warrant Officers Class I. :— 1925,. is doing extraordinarily well with Roy 6280267 Ransley, P. W., Depot. Fox and his band, who play at the Kit Cat Warrant Officers Class II., Non-Com­ Restaurant, London, besides regularly broad­ missioned Officers and Men. With gratuity :— casting and recording for gramophones. We 6279941 Burt, T., W.O. Class II. 1st Battalion. understand he played before Their Majesties 6278391 Fawcett, G.S., W.O. Class II. 1st at the Command Variety Performance on 6279053 Ricketts, G. A., W.O. Class II. 2nd May 22nd. He wishes to be remembered 6278427 Shoobridge, C. S., W.O. Class II. 4th to his old friends in the 1st Battalion Band 6191498 Williams, h. J., W.O. Class II. 2nd 6278747 Crump, H. T., Col.-Sergeant. 1st and hopes they are doing as well as he is. 6279138 Ravenscroft, R., Col.-Sergeant. 1st 6279142 Baker, H. E., Sergeant. 2nd „ 6278360 Clover, W. A., Sergeant 2nd 6278901 Faulkner, F. C., Sergeant. 1st „ The 1st Battalion sent a cable of remem­ 6279242 Stace, W. C., Sergeant. 1st „ brance to the Colonel of the Regiment on 6278375 Ingram, C. E., Corporal. 2nd Albuhera Day. 5943490 Gentle, A., Pte. 6278846 Knight, H. R„ Pte. Depot. 5610356 Baker, J., Pte. We congratulate the London Branch on 6905849 Sharp, J. A., Pte. 1st 6278804 Stone, P. E., Pte. 1st the great success of their annual dinner and 6335611 Wallaker, W. G., Pte. 1st dance (Ladies’ Night), held on May 6th. THE DRAGON 181

Births, Marriages and Deaths. Obituary. The late Colonel G. G. Gosling. Bir t h s. Commanded 4th Buffs duking War. C arr.—6283358 Cpl. W. Carr, “B,” a son, jyTEMBERS of the Past and Present Asspciation of Colin, born at Shorncliffe, 24/3/33. The Buffs attended the funeral at Sandgate on Ju ry .—6281749 Pte. E. Jury, "H.Q.,” a son, Tuesday of Colonel G. Graham Gosling, O.B.E., T.D., late 4th Battalion The Buffs (T.), who died at his John Henry, born at Shorncliffe, 7/4/33. residence in Castle Road the previous Friday, aged 62 years. The late colonel, who was a bachelor, had not enjoyed Marriage. the best of health for some months, but his death was nevertheless unexpected. Kendall^—Lawrence.—6282051 L/Cpl. C. G. A native of Folkestone, Colonel Gosling was formerly Kendall, married at Canterbury on 1/5/33 a captain in the old 1st Volunteer Battalion. The Buffs, to Phyllis Agnes Lawrence. with which unit he served in the South African cam­ paign. At the outbreak of the Great War he was in command of the 4th Battalion The Buffs, and in October, 1914, took the battalion to India. In the E ngagem ents. following year he commanded the battalion on active service in the Aden Hinterland and after incessantly Mr. V. Boucher and Miss P. Symns. arduous duties in Arabia he accompanied them back to The engagement is announced between India and handed over the command to Colonel (then Major) F. Mainwaring Dunstan, T.D., upon returning Mr. V. Boucher, The Buffs, third son of Mr. and home in April, 1919. An elaborate send-off, planned Mrs. Boucherj “ The Vines,” Rochester, and at Multan—where the battalion was then stationed— Pamela, second daughter of Mr. J. M. Symns, had to be abandoned owing to disturbances among the Indian Educational Service, and Mrs. Symns, natives. Colonel Gosling commanded the battalion from 1913 to 1919 and in the latter year was created an of Rangoon. O.B.E., and promoted colonel on being gazetted out of the battalion. Captain D. S. Lister and Miss Johnston. It is interesting to note that on July 28th, 1914, before the actual declaration of war, and while the The engagement is announced between battalion were on annual training, the brigade major Captain Dudley Stuart Lister, M.C., The Buffs, entered the officers' mess and asked for a confidential interview with Lieutenant-Colonel Gosling. In con­ only son of the late James Oswald Lister and sequence of this, special service sections of the battalion Mrs. Lister, of 44 Clanricarde Gardens, and were moved to Dwnpton Gap and the North Foreland Barbara Carol, eldest daughter of the late and these were probably the first men in the Empire Major Ernest Johnston, D.S.O., The Seaforth to be mobilized. Their duties were to protect the cable Highlanders, and of Mrs. R. W. Ryan, 4a and wireless stations. The Mansions, Earl’s Court Road. Colonel Gosling was Chairman of the Mansions Syndicate, Ltd. (Grand Hotel) and a director of the Burlington Hotel and of Messrs. D. Baker and Co., contractors, of Folkestone, in which town he took a great interest. Mr. E. Knight and Miss Williams. The first part of the burial service was conducted by the Rev. H. G. Blackbume in Sandgate Parish The engagement is announced between Church. The coffin was draped with the Union Jack, Edward Knight, eldest son of the late Lieut.- whilst Buglers of The Buffs sounded the Last Post and Colonel C. E. Knight and Mrs. Lionel Knight, Reveille over the grave. Among those attending were of Chawton House, Alton, Hants, and Mary Captain J. Sherwood and a number of N.C.O.'s from the 4th Battalion—who came from their annual camp Currer, only daughter of Dr. and Mrs. H. Currer near Eastbourne—and officers representing the 2nd Williams, of Alton, Hants. Battalion. It was the wish of the late colonel that there should be no mourning or flowers. Kentish Express. D eaths. Gosling.—On May 19th, 1933, at 20 Castle Road, Sandgate, Kent, Colonel Graham Gosling, O.B.E., T.D., late 4th Battalion SOME 1933 FIXTURES. The Buffs, aged 62. June 11. March to Cenotaph. Sim pson.—Mrs. Simpson, wife of 6278352 L/Cpl. Simpson, at Military Families „ 13. Dragon Club Dinner. Hospital, Shorncliffe, On 10/5/33, Aug. 5—11. Canterbury Cricket Week, Smith.—6285050 Boy R. Smith, “H.Q.,” died 1st Match—Kent v. Hants. at Royal Herbert Hospital, Woolwich, of 2nd Match—Kent v. Derbyshire. Otitis Media, on 26/4/33. „ 13. Service of Remembrance. m TH£ DRAGON Memories of an Old Buff. An Ostrich Farm. puzzled look in his face and then he shouted for PETE, AN enterprise that relies entirely for its success the hottentot boy and some very heated conversation on the ladies’ fashions of the moment must, in Taal took place between them from which it appeared of necessity, be of a speculative character. But in the that Pete had changed the birds about that very far-off days, when I was first in South Africa, an ostrich morning, but had forgotten to tell his Baas about i t ! farm was a very paying concern. When the time comes for laying, the hen bird just Fashion, since then, has, however, decreed that scrapes a hole in the sand and lays anything up to 60 ostrich feathers should no longer be worn, and the men, eggs in it, in a season. They are arranged symetrically, and there were many, who had put their Capital into in rows, on the pointed ends and covered with a layer ostriches, were practically ruined, as land, which was of sand. suitable for ostriches, was not necessarily adaptable The ostrich has a curious habit, not common to to other kinds of farming. other birds, for she leaves a certain number of eggs lying outside in the open and these are not sat upon, Curiously enough, whilst from time to time other but are kept in reserve for feeding the chicks for the first fashions have come back again this particular one has fortnight after they are hatched as the little birds at never done so ! If a mere male may be permitted to this stage are too delicate to tackle the ordinary food express an opinion, on such a delicate subject this seems which mainly consists of mealies, in the domestic state, to be rather incomprehensible, as there is little room or the tops of the various succulent shrubs which usually for doubt that the plumes of the ostrich are most grow in desert places. They are particularly partial becoming and there is something about them which it is to the Karoo bush and if this is plentiful the ostriches difficult to describe, but which gives the wearer a subtle can subsist almost entirely without water. The eggs distinction which is absent in any other head dress. weigh about 3 lbs. each and the hen bird sits on theih In the course of our travels we visited several farms during the day, though not at all closely when the stin and saw quite a number of these birds in a domestic is hot as this in itself, out there, is almost sufficient for state, and I came to. the conclusion that, although, their incubation. as in everything, some experience is necessary, they The cock bird, however, always sits on the nest at were not difficult to rear, though the first stocking nights as a measure of protection against marauding of the farm was expensive. This was, however,’ to animals such as foxes, jackals and hyaenas against some extent, compensated for by the fact that the whom he is perfectly capable of putting up a fight if poorer land, and land with a shortage of water which required. was not so suitable for other kinds of farming, could The period of incubation is between 30 and 40 days. be utilized for this purpose. The ostrich chicks grow very quickly when once The ostrich, though rather an ungainly bird to look they start and reach full maturity in three years, by at, is so fleet of foot that the fastest horse is unable to this time being as tall as an ordinary man. Until that overtake him. At most times of the year he is very time their feathers are a dirty, grey colour and have docile, but during the mating season the cock birds little market value though used in making cheap become very pugnacious. They have only two toes, trimmings. The plumage of the hens always remains shod with horn, rather like hoofs, more than nails, grey, but ostrich feathers take most dyes extremely and with these they are able to make a forward kick well, so they are usually dipped. The really valuable which will inflict a serious wound, and their strength is feathers are the black and white feathers, from the enormous. Should you have strayed too near a nest wings and the tail of the cock bird. and be caught by the male bird the only thing to do is It is not the practice to wait for the feathers to be to throw yourself flat on the ground as he cannot kick molted naturally as there would be a danger of their you with his full force if you are in that position. being trampled on and spoilt, but just before the molt When the right time of year comes round they are a linen bag is slipped over the head of the ostrich and the penned up, usually in pairs, though in the wild state, principal feathers are pulled out whilst he is blind­ they mate with from four to six hen birds to one cock. folded. An ostrich cannot jump, so fences made with alloes, I don’t think the process is cruel, any more than or prickly pear, not higher than three feet, are sufficient the practice of plucking the breats of geese, or Angora to keep them in the enclosure which is usually "about rabbits, or shall we say, the present fashion that is five acres. prevalent with the other sex of having their eyebrows On one occasion which I remember, when we were plucked o u t! But all these operations must be carried travelling in our wagon, we camped out for the night out with knowledge and in moderation, and in the case close to an ostrich farm, not far from Graafranet, which of animals, just before the time of casting the coat! belonged to a Dutchman. As regards values, to the best of my recollection He was a big, heavy man and in the course of con­ in those days, the eggs were worth ^10 a piece and a versation had spent some time in emphasising the fact, pair of breeding birds from ^150 to ^250. that even at this time of year ostricnes had their likes The ostrich is an omnivorous feeder and will swallow and dislikes, and in conclusion he pointed to a pen of almost anything that sparkles, but, in domestic life birds not . far oif and explained that they were his staple foods are mealies (Indian corn). They make accustomed to him, but that they would not let his no difficulty about swallowing a mealy cob whole Hottentot boy go near them—and thereupon he opened and as their wind-pipes are spiral it is curious to see the wicket gate and walked boldly into the paddock. one travelling down, round and round, the neck. The moment the . cock bird saw him, however, with At another stage in our journey we had an flapping wings and outstretched neck he came full opportunity of seeing the ostrich in a wild state though tilt for him. Our Dutch friend, after one hasty glance, they were getting scarce even .then—and also the native took to his heels and ran for all he was worth, and was method of h u n tin g him, for a Kafir brought word that only just in time to clear the alloe fence in a bound or there were some in our neighbourhood and that a .hunt the ostrich would have got him. For the moment an was being organised. ex-champion .over hurdles could not have done better. All the boers in the neighbourhood collected together When he had reached safety it was amusing to see the and formed an enormous circle round the spot which TH E DRAGON 183

Round About Europe on a Bicycle. 'J'H IS article is produced in the hope that it may be of bicycle from one country to another without paying assistance to anyone who may wish to make any deposit or duty. a journey in the same way. The writer cannot claim The first bound was to Strasbourg whither I sent my to have seen the whole of Europe, but at least he saw suitcase on landing in France. Next day I bumped a good part of it in a leisurely maimer and also got some away along the road to St. Omar. It was a hot exercise. summer’s day so that I was soon in a sorry state and It was while home on leave last year, the 27th of wondering why I had ever come to be doing this. The August to he exact, that I landed at Boulogne with the usual excellent lunch put a better face on things, but following equipment. A good bicycle with new tyres the first 50 kilometres were more trying than the runs and spare clothing and washing implements attached to of 80 to 100 kilometres which I normally did later in either end in waterproof haversacks : one suit case the run. containing spare clothes, maps, guide-books, etc., The route went from St. Omar through B.ethune, which was to proceed by train from one large town to Arras, Cambrai to Caudry where I took a day’s rest another. I also had the membership card of a big walking the battlefield of Le Cateau. The country German Cycle Club, which enabled me to take my round here is not suitable for cycling as, although hills are few, the roads are parked very roughly with stone and so are most uncomfortable to ride on. Nearly every town and village that one passes is a household word so that one has the uncanny feeling that one has been there before. The most beautiful things in a somewhat ugly countryside are the British cemeteries, at that time in the fully beauty of their flowers. Vimv Ridge is still pock-marked, otherwise only a few pill boxes are left to remind one of the War. After Le Cateau the country changes and becomes much closer and more wooded and I was glad to note that the cobbles had given way to a most excellent road. It was very pretty country and fruit, in the shape of peaches, plums and pears, was plentiful and very cheap. It was here that I noticed a peculiarity in the transport of the country ; instead of horses drawing the carts the peasants come to the market in little carts drawn by dogs who seem to enjoy the work. Sedan was reached after two days’ journey, and was followed by a stiff 80 kilometres up the Meuse Valley against A German Cycle Rally, Augsburg. a strong head-wind to Verdun. The hills above the town have, for many miles, been left as they were when the War ended as a perpetual reminder of the gallant, Memories of an Old Buff — continued. struggle which took place there. The road is bordered gradually closed in. As soon as the ostriches saw them with notices warning passers-by against unexploded they started running and trying to break through the bombs and shells which may still lurk in the now over­ circle of mounted men, but were each time headed grown trenches. The ride from Verdun to Metz is most back, and during the whole time one horseman after interesting as the road passes through the battlefields another took up the running inside the circle and kept of the last war and also the scattered graves of 1870. the ostriches at full speed. The ostrich, though fast, It is a good object lesson in the reason for French is not a stayer and in course of time they fell down policy. Throughout tins part of France and also hi exhausted and put their heads hi the sand and one of Southern Germany the roads are lined with fruit trees the horsemen only had to ride up and knock them on which at this time were covered in fruit. The suitcase the head. turned up safely at Strasbourg and I had a very pleasant The flesh of the ostrich is quite good to eat, but three days’ rest in that nice old town. Food and wine curiously enough in Asia, I have been told, where were excellent. • • ostriches are also found, the Mahomedaus are pro­ hibited from eating it, for according to the Mosaic law, it is unclean. I am inclined however, to think this is wrong and that the reason is really that they have not been killed according to their priestly rites—that is bled to death ! The Hottentots and Kafirs, when they find a nest, abstract one or two eggs at a time with a long stick so that the ostrich, when it. returns, shall not smell their hands. They then place the egg on the broad end, in hot ashes, after having bored a hole in the top of it, and having put a stick through the hole, keep on stirring the contents of the egg while it is cooking. . I have made a good meal off an ostrich egg, cooked in this way which, with pepper and salt added, made an excellent om elet. ■' I believe the ostriches at our London Zoo have not bred in captivity, but knowing the habits of these birds I can understand this as they are not good sitters and depend far too largely on the sun for incubation for our clim ate. 184 TH E DRAGON

Although no one understood what I said, a little School French gave considerable confidence, but as I crossed the Rhine I was entering a country whose language was a closed book to me. However, a phrase- book proved to be an invaluable ally and I was usually able to get whatever I wanted in a reasonable time. I also found in most of the small hotels in Germany and Austria waiters who had worked in England before the War. To see the Black Forest country properly I think that one should hike across the hills covered with the dark pine trees which give the country its name : one must walk among the great trees and on the hilltops where the cattle graze in the summer and small boys endlessly practice cracking stock-whips. Down in the valleys, where the roads run, one can only hear the deep notes of the cattle-bells and the crack of the whips in the distance.

I have never seen a science museum so fine as that in Munich ; it is a marvel of German efficiency. There The Danube, near the source. is also a very fine picture gallery, but I am afraid I was more interested in the great annual fair that was being On the 3rd of October I set off for Budapest in held during the time I was in Munich. It is called the Hungary. It rained hard for the first time during the October-fest, and great numbers of the country folks, journey, so that I was not very presentable when I many of them dressed in their Bavarian costumes arrived at the frontier and it was not very surprising came in to the town to partake in the festivities. An that the guard should hold me up. It seems that I ox is roasted whole and there are three huge temporary should have had a special visa for my passport, but after beer-houses each of which would have accommodated a long delay they allowed me to pass after I had paid a couple of battalions. When I saw them the jollity about a pound. Both in Austria and Hungary there was at its height with a baud in each of the beerhouses ; are very strict regulations regarding the export of both the heat and the noise were terrific. After four currency, so that one can take very little out of the days in Munich the cycle was on the road again and country. I had the traveller’s cheques and the making for the Austrian frontier and Salzburg which money I had with me entered in my passport so I was allowed to take this out. It is not advisable to be left with much Austrian or Hungarian currency as I found that one does not get the rates quoted in The Times when one converts it back into pounds. In fact I had some difficulty in getting anvone to take the stuff at all. Many Hungarians do not speak German, so that the language question was rather difficult and it also seemed that they were a little suspicious of me. Contrary to expectations the road was excellent, but after a while I left the river and cut across country to see some of the more out of the way parts. The people seemed to be very primitive with stolid faces, but towards night­ fall they appear to wake up a little and make a wild sort of music. The villages are all the same as are the cottages, each with its gable end towards the road. Everything is whitewashed including the church, but I saw no signs of any shops. Polo is very popular and I saw a game in progress quite close to the main road and later a very fine ground at Budapest. In the Austrian Lakes. was reached on September 23rd. The roads round the Austrian lakes are hilly, but the effort was worth while as the views are glorious. In the beautiful days of the late summer the waters of the lakes were like glass reflecting the surrounding mountains. The road joined the Danube at L,inz. I had passed the source of the Danube in the Black Forest, but from an in­ significant trickle of water it had now become a great river. The road to Vienna was very hilly and the surface was bad and the inhabitants and their dwellings looked miserable and poor. Vienna is a city of palaces, but now all former glories have departed and they are either empty or used as museums. Although the streets and gardens were very fine I found the atmosphere rather depressing as Nazie activity was prevalent at the time. However, sight of the Schonbrunn and the Belvedere palaces with memories of Maria Thereas and Eugene of Savoy and the trotting races in the Prater provided consolation. A view across the Danube, Budapest. THE DRAGON 185

I reached Budapest on October 6th and crossed the river to the Northern bank to reach lie hotel I had NOTICE. selected, (out of the guide book) to stay at. When in the middle of the bridge I noticed that numerous Remembrance Day, 1933. policemen were running towards me and gesticulating wildly and I soon realized that I was once more in the EMEMBRANCE Day is on August 13th, wrong. I continued to the end of the bridge where R 1933. The Service will be held as usual I dismounted and was soon surrounded by the local in Canterbury Cathedral at 12.15 p.m., parade constabulary. On finding out that I was only a poor at Barracks 11.15 a.m. mad Englishman who had been unable to read the notices they saluted smartly and allowed me to proceed. It must be realised that the seating in The Hungarians have very charming manners! It the Cathedral is limited by the number of was interesting to walk the streets and notice the chairs that can be placed in the Nave, and uniforms of the troops, the great boots and cloaks allowing for the usual numbers that are on trimmed with fur and braided fastenings of the Cavalry parade only 650 are available for those not officers made me green with envy. There were also naval officers although I failed to detect the fleet in the marching. Danube. Everyone has a sword, a nice shiny clanky It is proposed this year to give allotment one for preference, and a smart, well-cut uniform. The situation of the city on both banks of the Danube in the first instance to relatives of deceased is magnificent and much finer than that of Vienna Buffs, and to applications from members of which is not actually built on the banks of the Danube. the Past and Present Association and the There are, however, no buildings or streets to compare Eadies’ Guild of The Buffs. Application will with those of Vienna. Budapest is very clean and well- kept with pleasant gardens and generally with a more therefore be made as follows :— prosperous look than the Austrian capital. I did not O.C. Depot for invididual applications notice any meetings there other than the Salvation by relatives and officers, also bulk application Army and some patriotic processions, nor did I notice any Nazies. by Regular and Territorial units for officers Seven days were spent in Budapest and much time and their families. in considering my next move. A vague plan to ride across to Trieste was shelved owing to the unsettled To Secretary Past and Present Association condition of the country. At length on a suggestion by Secretaries of Branches, who must include from home I got into a train with all my equipment their Eadies’ Guild’s requirements. Applic­ and went to Dresden. Dresden was once a great ations should show whether for officers or other resort of English people and was one of the nicest towns I found on my journey. The picture gallery is world- ranks. famous and I also found an excellent state opera where All the above applications must reach I was able to see and hear everything perfectly for Canterbury by August 4th. After that date about half-a-crown. I was now time to head for home as winter was coming on an although the weather was applications can only be dealt with if still fine there was a distinct nip in the air and the beech accommodation is available. woods had assumed a glorious copper colour. This part of Germany is covered with beech woods, which Applications from past and present Buffs were truly lovely, as were the inhabitants, the red not members of the Association should be squirrel, now, alas, seldom seen in England. submitted to O.C. Depot, but in any case not The suitcase went direct to Ostend and in two days later than August 4th. I was at Eeupzig where I attended a rehearsal for the famous Gwandhaus concert. The place was packed It is hoped that for Branches whose and the performance of course magnificent. It rained applications are submitted by August 4th next day so I walked out to the huge and hideous to reserve blocks of seats so that these seats monument which stands on the hill from which Napoleon Bonaparte watched his defeat in the Battle of the are altogether. Nations. Admission without tickets will be by the Another three days and I was in Kassel having passed through beautiful hilly country and quaint old Dean’s Steps to the Choir, and no passage towns and villages. The. first day out of Kassel marked from the Choir to the Nave will be permitted. the end of the summer when the dear cool weather Branch Secretaries.—Please note the gave way to a strong head wind and pelting rain. For three days I struggled against the elements amongst date, August 4th, for ticket applications forest-clad hills and rushing rivers and was thankful to reach the Secretary. when I crossed the watershed and ran down into the narrow crowded streets of Cologne. Next morning I caught a train to Ostend and on the 30th October I crossed to Dover and so home across the downs on the Round About Europe on a Bicycle—continued. old cyde. I must say I was very glad to get there. Germany were all very clean. Everywhere, and Thus ended a journey which was singularly free from especially in Germany, I found the people very friendly adventures. I did not even have a puncture although and helpful and it cannot have been for the sake of many of the roads were very bad. Generally speaking money for I did not have the appearance of having I think that food on the Continent is more expensive much. Germany at the time of my journey was about than in England, but it is generally better cooked. to hold a general election and there was considerable Dodging is a good deal cheaper, but this of course excitement and Nazie activity, but it did not interfere depends on the class of “ pubs ” one stays at. On the with my movements. whole I found that the roadside inns of France and B.H.C. {Continued at foot of next column). [We thank you Mr. Craig.—Editor.] 186 TH E DRAGON

Matters of Interest. Territorial Army. O v e r 4,800 R e c r u i t s o b t a i n e d d u r i n g M a r c h . The latest official returns show that during the month of March last, 4,828 recruits were finally approved for the Territorial Army. This is an increase of more than 1,600 recruits compared with February, and is the largest number of recruits obtained in any month since May, 1925. The number of recruits obtained in the three months January to March was 9,664, which compares with 2,815 obtained in the first quarter of last year. The total strength of the Territorial Army (other ranks) on 1st April was 122,735, the net increase during March being 2,205. The numbers of recruits obtained in each Command were as follows :—Eastern Com­ mand, 598 ; London District, 394 ; Northern Command, 919 ; Scottish Com­ mand, 1,052 ; Southern Command, 712, and Western Command, 1,153. Three Divisions obtained over 400 recruits during the month, viz : 52nd (Lowland) Division, 472 ; 42nd (East Lancashire) Division, 445 ; and 50th (Northumbrian) Division, 422, and three Divisions obtained less than 200 recruits, viz : 44th (Home Counties) Division, 171; 56th (1st London) Division, 169; and 47th (2nd London) Division, 133. The strengths of the 14 Infantry Divisions on 1st April were as follows :— 51st (Highland) Division, 8,509 ; 50th (Northumbrian) Division, 8,346 ; 46th (North Midland) Division, 7,802 ; 42nd (East Lancashire) Division, 7,752 ; 53rd (Welsh) Division, 7,378 ; 52nd (Lowland) Division, 7,311 ; 49tli (West Riding) Division, 7,243 ; 43rd (Wessex) Division, 7,117 ; 44th (Home Counties) Division, 6,922 ; 55th (West Lancashire) Division, 6,875 ; 48th (South Midland) Division, 6,869 ; 54th (East Anglian) Division, 6,720 ; 56tli (1st London) Division, 5,951 ; and 47th (2nd London) Division, 5,492. The number of officers of the Territorial Army on 1st April, was 6,941 : this is an increase of 27 during the month, but is still 1,171 sh o rt of th e establishm ent. The Annual Dinner of the 2/5th Battalion The Buffs was held at the Windsor Castle Restaurant, Victoria, S.W., on Saturday, 29th April. General Officers Commanding-in-Chief Aldershot The Chair wras taken by Viscount Goschen. The and Northern Commands. guest of the evening was the Colonel of the Regiment. The War Office announces the following appoint­ Sir Arthur Lynden Bell, in replying for “ The m ents :•— Visitors,” said that he hoped in future to attend the Lieutenant-General The Honourable Sir J. Francis diimer, not as a guest or a visitor, but as one of their Gathorne-Hardy, K.C.B., C.M.G., D.S.O., to be General number, a sentiment which was received with great Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Aldershot Command, applause by all those present. with effect from 12th October next, in succession to Ninety-three members sat down to an excellent General Sir Charles Harington, G.C.B., G.B.E., D.S.O., repast, followed by a musical programme which left D.C.L., whose appointment as Governor and Com- little to be desired and in which many old Buffs mander-in-Chief, Gibraltar, was announced recently. assisted. Lieutenant-General Sir Alexander E. Wardrop, At 11 o’clock the evening closed with the singing K.C.B., C.M.G., to be General Officer Commanding- of “ The King ” and Auld Lang Syne. The 2,/5th can in-Chief, Northern Command, York, with effect from be congratulated on their attendance and upon an 12th October next, in succession to Lieutenant-General exceptionally enjoyable and well-organised gathering. the Honourable Sir Francis Gathorne-Hardy. 'THE ; DRAGOtf 487

Association of Men. of Kent and Kentish The Officers ’ Advisory Society. Men. Co u n c il. The Annual Dinner was held at Folkestone on Mav Chairman : 10th. Field -Marshal Sir Claud W. Jacob, G.C.B., G.C.S.I., The following are extracts from an account published K.C.M.G. in th & Folkestone Herald i— Admiral Sir H. W. Richmond, K;C.B. Air Vice-Marshal C. A. H. Uongcroft, C.B., C.M.G., New Glo r ies to Co m e. D.S.O., A.F.C. (R.A.F.) “■It is up to us,” continued Alderman Stainer, Colonel R. F. H arvey.' “ to have a good conceit of ourselves, to know that the Uieut.-Col. II. C. Stevens. brain and brawn that raised the towers of Canterbury A. Barnard Cowtan, O.B.P. Cathedral shall have their counterpart in our own day Hugh Beaver, Assoc. Inst. C.F)„ and in the days to come, and that alongside of the Secretary : monuments of the past shall spring up, while there is heart and soul in the men of Kent, new glories in our D. Knight, A.I.A.C. county that shall be the pride of generations yet in ­ The Society’s Objects. born. (Applause). 1. —-To bring about the unity of all serving and retired ‘ ‘ Perhaps it is the trifles and little incidents of life Regular Officers, so that the interests of any that in the mass make up our love of our locality even individual officer may be adequately protected in more than its illustrious history." any civilian transaction. Captain The Hon. W. S.- Cornwallis referred to the presence of the Commanding • Officer of The Buffs, 2. —To assist Officers in avoiding the difficulties and and said he had been asked if a man who was not- bom pitfalls associated with civilian matters by in Kent was entitled to memberships As Colonel of offering them free advice, and, when necessary, The Buffs, the proud leader of the Kent Regiment, the services of a civilian expert at reduced fees. he was entitled to membership. Anyone who bore 3. —To provide officers with all possible information, the proud title of an officer and gentleman in The Buffs free of charge, regarding all civilian matters. was entitled to membership ; and anyone bearing the 4. —To assist retired Officers in connection with their equally proud title of a private and gentlemen in The entering civilian life, and to co-operate with all Buffs. (Applause). He hoped; to see every officer in schemes which assist them to find employment. both the county regiments in their Association, keeping 5. —To study civilian subjects from the aspect of the touch with the county when they were abroad. officer and to introduce any benefits within the The Mayor of Dover, in giving the toast, of “ The institution of the Society which shall be calculated Folkestone Branch,” coupled with the toast the name of to assist him financially. Colonel The Hon. P. Q. Scarlett, and referred to the 6. —To accumulate funds which shall be utilised to the claim of The Buffs, that they were the oldest regiment advantage of all members and for any individual in the country, a claim also made by the Royal Scots. officer who is unable, owing to financial cir­ The speaker dealt exhaustively with the early history cumstances, to protect his interests, in connection of the regiment, which started, he said, in 1572, and with any civilian proceeding. said that on the facts and figures he had given, The (Funds available do not permit of this Clause Buffs were justified in claiming to be the oldest regi­ operating to any great extent at present. It ment. is the Society’s intention, however, to allocate Lieut.-Col. the Hon. P. G. Scarlett, in responding, definite funds to this purpose ; success depending said those of them who were bred and born in Kent on the support received from the Services). must be proud of their heritage. Those who were adopted sons of Kent must be proud to enter such a Membership and Subscriptions. fa m ily Those of them who were neither could only envy the traditions they held, and seize the hands of The following are eligible for membership : All welcome they held out to them. Officers, both serving and retired, holding Regular He had had the privilege of commanding men of Commission in H.M.* Forces ; widows and unmarried Kent and Kentish men for 28 years. He had known daughters of such Officers deceased ; Naval C adets; their comrades at play, at work, at peace and in war. Cadets of the Royal Military Academy, the Royal He thought they were something to be proud of, and Military College, and R.A.F. Cadets on recommendation he could only describe the Kentish man as loyal to the from their Commanding Officers. backbone, brave and bold, and the more one knew him L ie e Me m b e r s. the more one loved him. Subscription, £5. Payable,, if desired, in five He also spoke of the history of the regiment and instalments of ^1 Is., the first payment due on joining, supported Councillor White’s figures, and referred to the other four on March 1st of each succeeding year. ceremonies observed by the regiment to keep contact On the death of a Life Member, the membership with the memory of the county. He paid a tribute to is automatically transferable to the widow without any the Territorial Units raised in Kent, and expressed the further payment. hope that that work would continue to flourish. t Finally, he accepted the invitation of the President An n u a l S u b sc r ib e r s. to become a member of the Association, and said he Ten shillings per year and entrance fee of 10s. hoped other officers would also accept that invitation. payable on joining, and renewable March 1st of each (Applause.) year. To Members joining before September is/, 1933, the annual subscription is 7s. 6d. per annum without payment How to get “ The Dragon.” of entrance fee. p o r those wishing to receive the Paper direct through the Further information can be obtained from :— -• post each month, the rates of subscription are :— The Secretary, 1 year, 8f~, 6 months, 4j-, 3 months, 2}-. Officers’ Advisory Society, Remittances should be sent to the Editor, Depot The Buffs, Roy^l United Sendee Institution, Canterbury. Whitehall, London, S.W.l. i88 'THE d r a g o n

Correspondence The Buffs Golfiing Society. Victoria Memorial Home, The Army Meeting. Maritzburg, Natal, S.A. A FTER the defeat of the Grenadier Guards in the The Editor, " The Dragon," 4th round by 10 holes to 8 by our Regimental The Buffs Depot. side, hopes ran high that the Inter-Unit Competition Dear Sir, would come our way, as the Guards were equal favourites Please find enclosed programme and report of the with our team. I t is no secret th at a prominent golfing Service held at the Military Cemetery, Port Napier, correspondent did not trouble to watch the semi-final Pietermaritzburg, on the 23rd April. I was present to match in which we were pitted against the Lincolnshire answer to the call of the Regiment, the grand old Buffs. Regiment, believing this would be a walk-over for u s; You will see a mark on the enclosed print where I am nor is it a secret that some of our followers refrained standing in the shade of a tree. from watching this event, preferring to see us engaged in the final in the afternoon ! But then the crash The ceremony was most impressive and the address came ! Thanks to a brilliant display by Lieut. C. E. H. and roll-call were thrilling. Dolphin (3) of The Lincolns, who defeated Noel Reeves I was stationed at Pietermaritzburg from March, (-f 1) by no less than six holes, and an equally fine 1877 to the latter end of 1878, then went to the border performance of Major R. B. Leslie (7) in halving his of Zululand to await orders for the Zulu War, 1879. match with Eric Scott (1), The Lincolns defeated us I am now seventy-seven years old, keeping fairly by 6 holes to 2, and ultimately won the final against well and living in Maritzburg. The Royal Warwickshire Regiment by 7 holes to 5. I am, Sir, Here again Dolphin distinguished himself by gaining Yours faithfully, 6 holes against Captain A. C. Giles. (701) George Davis, “A” Company, The win by The Lincolns is a fine example of the 2nd Battalion The Buffs. value of concentrated training. For some time prior P.S.—I receive The Dragon monthly from Captain to the Meeting, they lost no opportunity of practising Barker, late The Buffs. G.D. every department of the game at Royal St. George’s, under the guidance and tuition of Fred Whiting. It was by this means that a team none too strong on paper were able to attain their victory, for which they deserve Celebrating St. George’s Day. full credit. Hundreds in City Pilgrimage. In the Individual Championship, Noel Reeves, Memorial Service at Cemetery. with a score of 158 was runner-up to Lieut. H. S. Mitchell of The Green Howards, who returned a score of 155. Hundreds participated in the annual St. George’s Again Reeves failed in his first round with a score of Day pilgrimage of the Sons of England Patriotic and 81 to Mitchell's 76. This proved too great a deficit Benevolent Society to the military cemetery at Port to make up, and though he struggled nobly he could Napier, Maritzburg, where a commemoration service not do better than a 77 giving him an aggregate of 158. was held at three o’clock yesterday afternoon. The service was held in the centre of the cemetery, The other returns made by our representatives which is evidently being well cared for. On each grave w ere:— there were bunches of flowers placed there for the occasion. Lieut. C. T. Kenward 83+81 = 164 On one side of a Union Jack were drawn up squads Lieut. Eric S. Scott ... 89+77 = 166 of Boy Scouts and Cubs, and a squad of the St. John Lieut. H. C. F. Harwood 86 +84 = 170 Ambulance Brigade. Lieut. G. L. Walker ... 89+86 = 175 The proceedings opened with the singing of the hymn, “ O God, our help in ages past,” to which the Lieut. J. E. King 89+88 = 177 accompaniment was rendered by the Natal Carabineers’ Lieut. F. G. Crozier ... 94+95 = 189 band conducted by Mr. J. Kielly. Lieut. C. Haggard — 80 Following the Lord’s Prayer the roll was called of regiments late members of which are interred in the In The Argyll and Sutherland Cup, our team, though cemetery. There were many gaps between the ” Here, beaten by 13 holes to nil, did remarkably well against Sirs,” indicating the presence of one or more members a much stronger side. It looks as if The Black Watch of these units, but nevertheless there were responses must retain this Cup for some time, now that Colonel to the names of 38 regiments. W. Green has re-inforced their side, making the second ex-Army Champion to do so, Lieut.-Colonel P. G. M. The roll call was followed by sounding of the Last Skene being the other. In Ids match against Captain Post, and then the Rev. E. G. Mitchell gave a short Terry, Colonel Green holed the course in 75 to gain 9 address. holes. Here are the full results of the several team Spirit they R epresented. matches :— “ The spirit they represented is the spirit that stands 1st Round. nearest to the hearts of Englishmen,” he said. In judging those men by the spirit that they had The Ru l e B rig ad e beat The Bows II. by 12 holes to 2. shown they found that the men had lived by the simple Rifle Brigade. The Buffs II. creed that the Empire was worth fighting and dying Lieut. A. C. Gore ...... 9 Lieut. C. Haggard ...... 0 for. The flag under which they stood represented Capt. C. Hosldus ...... 0 Lieut. G. L. W alker...... 2 the best men had ever known and it had taken freedom Capt. J. Newton ...... 2 Lieut. E. G. Crozier...... 0 wherever it had gone. Capt. W. P. S. Curtis...... 1 Lieut. J. E. King ...... 0 The present generation had to renew their memory Total of the highest things these men stood for. THE DRAGON 189

2nd Round. Foursomes. Reeves & Scott (2 & 1) ... 2 Stroyan & Sword ... 01 The Buffs I. beat Royal Army Medical Corps (No. 3 Unit) by C. T. Kenward & Whitfield 19 holes to none. (4 & 2) ...... 2 Govett & Edward ... 0 The Buffs. R.A.M.C. (No. 3 Unit). Harwood & Haggard ...... 0 Morrison & Baucher (3/1) ... 2 Bieut. N. R. Reeves ...... 6 Major P. E. D. Pank ... .. 0 Walker & Trevor (2/1) ... 2 Spring-Rice & Stuart...... 0 Bieut. E. S. Scott ... 5 Major A. Hood .. 0 Crozier & Greenwood (1 up) ... 2 Huttenbach & Allen ...... 0 Bieut. C. T. Kenward ...... 4 Major B. J. Daunt .. 0 Crookenden & Dewar (2/1) ... 2 Fitzgerald & Pember ...... 0 Bieut. H. C. F. Harwood ... 4 Major J. Gaunt .. 0 Howard Smith & Morgan ... 1 Ravenhill & Pattison ...... 1 Thomson & Rose (6/4) ... 2 Winkworth & Marshall ... 0 Total ... 19 Total ... 0 Total ... 23 Toial ... 8 3rd Round. v. Royal St. George's. Played May 15th. The Buffs beat The West Yorkshire Regiment I. by 14 holes to none. Here again the Society was most fortunate in The Buffs. W. York. R. finding perfect weather to welcome them, and a most Bieut. N. R. Reeves ...... 4 Capt. M. E- Kerr ...... 0 enjoyable day was spent as the guests of the Club. Bieut. E. S. Scott ... 6 Capt. J. A. Barlow ...... 0 Bieut. C. T. Kenward ...... 2 Bieut.-Colonel H. F. C. Hobbs 0 The result was a win for Royal St. George’s by 10 Bieut. H. C. F. Harwood ‘ ... !2 Major E. B. Hawkins 0 matches to 2, with two halved, but except for one or two runaway victories, tin 2 majority of matches were Total ... 14 Total 0 very evenly contested, no less than six of them being decided on the last green. 4th Round. The Buffs G.S. Royal St. George’s. The Buffs I. beat the Grenadier Guards I. by 10 holes to 8. N. R. Reeves & Eric S. Scott Major W. H. Callander (2/1) & (Scr.)...... 0 M. F. Ramsay (9) 1 The Buffs I, G.Gtfs. I. J. Eaton Monins & J. E. Ring A. ’P. W. Bowley (6/5) & Capt. Eieut. N. R. Reeves ... 4 Eieut. P. D. Miller ...... 0 (14) ... 0 R. Gordon Canning (10) ... 1 Eieut. E. S. Scott 6 Eieut. J. E. Harrison...... 0 Et.-Col. F. Bradley Dyne & Col. Bt.-Col. Eord A. Innes-Ker & Eieut. C. T. Kenward... 0 Bieut. D. Fisher Rowe ... 1 W. H. Trevor (16) ... 0 Capt. A. M. W. Saunders EieUt. H. C. F. Harwood 0 Bieut.-Colonel J. S. Hughes ... 7 (9) (1 up) ...... ,1 Capt. H. S. Greenwood & Maj. G. F. Mappm & Capt. Total 10 Total ... 8 M. P. D. Dewar (20) ... 0 T. E. J. Bigg (1 6 )...... 0 Et.-Col. B- Howard Smith & Bt.-Col. G. A. McB- Sceales & Major F. W. Tomlinson (36) 0 Bt.-Col. H. W. Archer (21) (3/2) 1 Semi-Final Round. Major G. T. D. Hickman & F. Dr. C. E. Murphy & A. F. W. B. Parry (36) (3/2) ... 1 Beach Eewis (24) ...... 0 The Eincolnshire regiment beat The Buffs I. by 6 holes to 2. Bt.-Col. A. B. Thomson & Et.-Col. W. V. E. Prescott- Lincoln R. The Buffs. Brig.-Gen. R. McDouall (36) 0 Westcar & Eord Hawarden Bieut. C. E. H. Dolphin 6 Eieut. N. R. R eeves...... 0 1 hole (30—) 1 Major R. B. Eeslie 0 Bieut. E. S. Scott ...... 0 Bieut. R. H. X,. Oulton 0 Bieut. C. T. Kenward ... 2 Total ... 1 Total ... 5 Bieut. C. A. R. Johnson 0 Bieut. H. C. F. Harwood . ... 0 Afternoon. Total ... 6 Total ... 2 Reeves & Scott (Scr.)...... 0 Bowley & Admiral S. St. J. Farquhar (9) (3/2)...... 1 Monins & Ring (14) 0 Callander & Ramsay (9) (2/1) 1 Argyll and Sutherland Challenge Cup. Bradley Dyne & Trevor (16) ... 0 Mappin & Bigg (16) (1 up) ... 1 Greenwood & Dewar (20) (6/5) 1 Innes Rer & Saunders (9) ... 0 lsf Round. Howard Smith & Tomlinson (36) 0 Prescott Westcar & Hawarden (30) (5/4) 1 The Buffs walked over; Scots Guards scratched. Thomson & Parry (36) ... 0 Sceales & Archer (21)...... 0 The Black Watch beat The Highland Bight Infantry by 35 Hickman & McDouall (36) ... 0 Murphy & Beach Eewis (24) holes to none. (1 up) ...... _1 Final Round. Total ... 2 Total ... 10 The Black Watch beat The Buffs by 13 holes to none. Black Watch. The Buffs. Colonel W. Green ...... 9 Capt. C. E. A. T erry...... 0 v. Queen’s Own Royal West Kent Regiment. Eieut.-Colonel P. G. M. Skene 0 Colonel W. H. Trevor...... 0 Bieut.-Colonel W. D. Allan ... 1 Blent.-Colonel F. Bradley-Dyne 0 Played May 20th. Capt. D. S. Gordon Brown ... 3 Eieut.-Colonel J. Crookenden 0 This annual event was again played at Deal and Total ... 13 Total ... 0 this year we were fortunate in finding a priceless day to await us. The result was a handsome win for the Matches. Society by 18 points to 6, the foursomes counting two points for each win. v. Old Harrovians. Played May 5th. I/ieut.-Colonel W. K. Tillie again proved too much This annual event was played in perfect weather for Ifieut. Reeves, winning his match by 1 up, as against at Prince’s, resulting in a win for the Society by 23 4 and 3 last year. points to 8, each foursomes win counting two points. The Buffs. Old Harrovians. The full results were :— N. R. R eeves...... 0 R. Stroyan (3 & 2) .. 1 Eric S. Scott (1 up) ...... 1 J. N. S w o r d ...... 0 The Buffs. Royal West Kent Regiment. H. F. Whitfield (1 up) ... 1 F. R. Govett...... 0 Bieut. N. R. Reeves ...... 0 Bt.-Col. W. K. Tillie (1 up) ... 1 H. C. F. Harwood (3/2) ... 1 A. A. Edward...... 0 Bieut. Eric S. Scott (3/2) ... 1 Maj. G. E. Wingfield-Stratford 0 C. Haggard ...... 0 R. E. Morrison (5 & 3) .. 1 Bieut. C. T. Kenward ... 0 Col. H. D. Buchanan-Dunlop G. E. W alk er...... 0 J. B-Baucher (4/3) ... .. 1 (5/4) ... , ...... 1 Col. W. H. Trevor (5/4) ... l A. N. S t u a r t ...... 0 H. F. Whitfield ...... 0 Bt.-Col. N. E Whitty (3/2) ... 1 F. G. Crozier (5/4) 1 N. H. Huttenbach .. 0 Et. H. C. F. Harwood (5/4) ... 1 Capt. F. C. Eovett ...... 0 Capt. H. S. Greenwood ... 0 S. E. Allen (3/2) .. 1 Bieut. C. Haggard (2/1) ... 1 Capt. G. J o e l...... 0 Bieut.-Col. J. Crookenden (4/3) 1 C. Spring-Rice .. 0 Bieut. G. E. Walker (2/1) ... 1 Brig.-Gen. P. M. Robinson ... 0 M. P. D. Dewar (6/5)...... 1 Sir jbhn Fitzgerald ... .. 0 Bieut. J. E. Ring (3/2) ... 1 Bieut. J. H. W h itty ...... 0 Et.-Col.B.Howard Smith (3/1) 1 G. Ross Pember .. 0 Capt. J. V. Hitchcock ... 0 Capt. W. M. Ogle (2/1) ... 1 Maj. H. de R. Morgan (4/2) ... l M. H. Ravenhill .. 0 Bieut. F. G. Crozier (6/4) ... 1 Capt. B. Howlett ...... 0 Et.Col. A. B. Thomson (9/8) ... - 1 E. Pattison ...... 0 Bieut. M. P. D. Dewar (2 up) 1 Brig.-Gen. T. R. Price ... 0 Capt. A. J. D. Rose ...... 0 E. H. E. Winkworth (3/1) ... 1 Bt.-Col. B. Howard Smith (5/4) 1 Et.-Gen. C. Bonham-Carter ... 0 Total ... 10 Total .... Total ... 8 Total ... 4 190 TH^ DRAGON South African War. ^LTHOUGH duty was hard and strenuous at is not forgotten—his old pals still think and speak of Balmoral it was more than compensated for by him as a fine Buff who died with a broken heart. His the facilities now available for replenishing the inner crime was being found in the possession of some rum man with food and drink. It was not long before which he had purloined without permission—a terrible Colonel Hickson established a wet and dry canteen crime in South Africa. which was opened for a short time twice each day. The general supervision of this regimental store was I venture to think what the result of the war would under R.S.M. Barton who had taken the precaution have been without the Mounted Infantry; this force of placing in charge a very hefty man named Billy was comprised of picked officers and other ranks from Williams who was fully six feet in height and weighed all regular battalions and who had been trained during about sixteen stone; moreover, I believe, before peace-time in mounted duties. I think The Buffs section "D" was called up, he was a member of the supplied two companies to the 1st and 5th M.I. Kent County Constabulary and hailed from Ashford. respectively and a few names I can recall of those who All the eatables, likewise beer, was purchased in Pretoria served are Captain A. Lynden Bell, Lieut. Gregson, and the N.C.O. responsible for the regular supply was Lieut. Findlay, Lieut. Knight, Sgt. J. Waters, Sgt. Corporal Ted Lamb, who never failed in producing Coveney, Cr.-Sgt. Hopps, Corporals Woolley and Haw­ the goods. Travelling to Pretoria and back to Balmoral kins, Ptes. Cobb, Harman, Field, Foot, Roadley and in a coal truck two or three times each week was quite C. Atkins. Of this few, four were killed in action a genial occupation; trains were being continually and only one or two escaped wounds. It is pleasing, blown up, derailed, sniped at continuously and on many however, to know that Capt. A. Lynden Bell’s name occasions these affairs developed into serious fighting subsequently became famous throughout the Army and engaging artillery, mounted infantry and other troops he rose step by step to the greatest honour that can in order to drive off the Boers and save the train and befall a soldier, i.e.. Colonel of his Regiment. He supplies. I forget the price of beer per pint, but when once -wrote to the Kid “ there are many Generals in’the the canteen opened and the precious liquid was issued, British Army and also many to be found belonging there always seemed plenty of money available for old to individual regiments—but there can only be ONE soldiers to purchase the normal issue which youngsters Co e o n e i, o f a R e g im e n t .” Lieut. Findlay also did not want. One pint per man only was allowed attained high distinction for after yeoman service and it was quite a profitable business therefore, for a he is now a Colonel (retired) and the mainstay of man who did not want his pint to line up on the queue the organisation of Past and Present members of the with his canteen and barter his allowance. By this Association. Furthermore, no less than seven of the time the “ Kid ” had learned the fact by past experience names given belong to the London Branch. that “ Man cannot live on bread alone " and that a good pint of beer was a vital and necessary means of physical The Mounted Infantry was the backbone of every­ salvation. I remember one evening, just as it became thing. The fellows were always having a warm time— dusk, poking my head timidly round the corner of the particularly at Balmoral. Reflecting back over a period canteen—just to see if Billy Williams was about— of about 33 years, I can visualise once again those when suddenly, there was a roar like a peel of thunder stout men of the 8th King’s Liverpool Regiment whose which shook the very ground; I turned in my fright M.I. Company was at Balmoral with us. Sgt. Knight, and behold—oh the gods—the Regimeutal-Sergeant- V.C., Corporal Judd and the 50 men of the 8th King’s Major making a “B” line straight for me. The skin were not only brave and venturesome—they had no nearly fell off my poor unliardened bones. “ If you’re fear and many a quick saddle-up and a gallop across not out of this in two shakes I'll...... " the veldt was made to save a Buff post which had been and he yelled a lot more than that. The “ Kid ” fled attacked in force or to rescue the occupants of some and did not stop vibrating for nearly a week. blown-up train. To see these men trot out in a body ; Punishment for crime was severe; a man who to see them extend and spread themselves into a vast had done wrong knew he deserved punishment no screen ; to see them disappearing at; the gallop over a matter how hard, but in the days of South Africa it distant ridge in the mist of a sultry mom. To listen— gave punishment to the victim’s truest friends. All the sound of rifle fire comes over the ether and grows I have to say is “ thank God there is no such punish­ louder and louder, but eventually dies down and dis­ ment now in vogue, as the tied crucifixion of a man to appears. It is now nightfall, and we see them return ; the wheels of an ammunition limber in full view of his into camp they come and one observes here and there a comrades. It no more is part of that dreaded Field rider with a comrade laying across the saddle, also punishment known as No. I. I shall remember so long two or three spare horses mixed up with the troop. as 1 live the terrible look on the face of Private...... The wounded are taken to hospital, but perhaps there as he stood with humiliation and disgrace tied up with is also a dead comrade—he is buried. This example outstretched arms; he knew he was deserving of of the work of the Mounted Infantry is typical of what punishment for his crime—but not like this. Anyhow, this splendid force was doing all over South Africa. the body of poor old — lies buried at Waterval Onder in the Kumati Valley where he died later. He Last month I mentioned the necessity of a nightly patrolling of the railway East and West of Balmoral. About two miles West of the garrison was a large Ganger’s hut capable of holding about a dozen people ; The Buffs Golfiing Society—continued. as the patrol, consisting of a N.C.O. and two men passed Foursomes. the building several voices were heard chattering inside Reeves & Scott (3/2) ...... 2 TiUie & Wingfield-Stratford ... 0 in Dutch. It was full of Boers. The patrol silently Kemvard & Whitfield (6/4) ... 2 Robinson & Buchanan-Dunlop 0 Harwood & H aggard...... l> N. Whitty & I,ovett (2/1) ... 2 went on as if nothing had been noticed and after report­ Walker & King (2/1)...... 2 J. Whitty & Ogle ...... 0 ing the event to the patrol from Wilge River two or Hitchcock & Crozicr (5/3) ... 2 llowlett & Joel ...... o three miles further on, returned and skirting the hut Dewar & Howard Smith (4/3) 2 Bonham-Carter & Price ... 0 halted about 200 yards on the East or Balmoral side Total ... IS Total ... (i and opened fire for about one minute. The Boers immediately rushed out and fled -towards the farm THE DRAGON 191" A Visit to the 4th Battalion at Crowlink. By Major-General Sir A. Lynden-Bell. E have all heard of the battle which has camp after a tiring day. The 4th Battalion W been raging between various public had had a very long morning and I was there­ bodies regarding the establishment of a fore very interested to see how they would Territorial camp at Crowlink, which, it may march into camp. They did so splendidly, be explained, lies between Eastbourne and headed by the Drums under Drum-Major Seaford. When, however, I arrived there on Rich, and, as Sir Henry Streatfield remarked August 19th accompanied by my friend Colonel to me, " They couldn't have done it better. Burns to visit the 4th Battalion, it was difficult What a fine spirit the Battalion obviously to imagine that such a delightful and. peaceful has.” I agreed, but pointed out to Sir Henry spot could in any way be connected with that the Battalion had exceptional advantages quarrelling and bitterness. in having Colonel Collard as C.O., Captain Having seen many camps, I have no Wilson as an outstanding Adjutant, and a hesitation in. saying that Crowlink Camp is fine lot of officers with an admirable R.S.M. in a class by itself. The actual site of the in R.S.M. Shoobridge. Further, the battalion camp Was, I understand, chosen by Mr. had the inestimable advantage of the services Verlander to accommodate not only the 4th of Major Morgan and Messrs. Haggard and Battalion but the 59th Field Artillery Brigade Tuff from the 2nd Battalion to assist in training. whose camp is alongside that of the 4th We visited the men at dinner and also the Battalion. Mr. Verlander could not, by general Sergeants’ Mess, where I was glad to meet admission, have chosen a better site. In many old friends. Sgt. Ditton has obviously connection with the 59th Brigade, which has lost none of his skill, for the food he produced just been mechanised, it was amusing to hear made our mouths water and was highly the officers envying the officers of the 4th appreciated by the men, but unfortunately Battalion for still having horses ! there could be no " second helpings.” The 4th Battalion is apparently in for a By this time we felt it was about time to busy time in the matter of visitors. Visitors have some food ourselves, and so to lunch. are billed for practically every day of the The battalion has an excellent Officers’ camp, and on the occasion of our visit, Colonel Mess, which is not surprising in view of the fact Sir Henry Streatfeild, the Chairman, and that Mr. Goodwin is Mess Steward. The Mess Captain Stopford, the Secretary of the Kent President is Major Dean, who has instituted an T.A., also arrived in camp. admirable system as regards “ complaints.” Sir Henry accompanied me during my Anyone wishing to make a complaint has to tour round the Battalion and expressed his deposit half-a-crown with the Mess President great pleasure at all he saw. The first thing which is only returned in event of the Mess that struck his Guardsman's eye was the Committee finding the complaint to be well magnificent quarter guard which we found founded. I recommend this plan for the consisted entirely of Whitstable men under consideration of other Mess Presidents. I wish Sgt. C. Turner, “B" Company. Whitstable I had thought of the idea when I was a harried had obviously a day out, for I was supplied Mess President. • with a very smart Orderly, Pte. S. Rigden, We sadly tore ourselves from that happy “B” Company, from the same place. family at Crowlink about 3 p.m., realising It is a military axiom that if you want to that however pleasant the surroundings, we get a good idea of what a Battalion is like, must get .a move on, in view of our long journey see how they march back into barracks or home. Everything goes excellently well with the 4th Battalion. They only lack one thing, and South African War—continued. that is those extra 65 recruits to make them on the hill some 3,000 yards North. Returning to once more the strongest battalion in the 44th Camp the incident was reported and a section of M.I. was sent out. They reported all clear, but stated Division'—an honourable position which, until a dead Boer was found in the hut. The better action recently, they have held for many years. possibly, might have been to have sent one of the patrol bade to camp with the information, but in such circumstances it is dangerous to waver over what Visitors to the Camp. might or might not be best. The golden rule of making General Sir Cyril J. Deverell, Major-Generals Sir up the mind quickly and to see it through whether A. Lynden-Bell and J. Kennedy, Brig.-General R. right or wrong appears the only „ course available; McDouall, Colonels Sir H. Streatfeild, J. Body, E. B. half measures never succeed. Burns, H. Findlay ; Lieut.-Colonels L. Hovard-Smith, 192 T H E DRAGON

Past and Present Association.

D onation. The party, having done full justice to an excellent tea, then pro­ ceeded to our range at the Drill Hall where a shooting match had been During the period 18/4/33 to 18/5/33 the following arranged, the Shoot taking the form of 8 targets aside, the best six to count, Ashford running out the winners by the narrow margin of 6 donation has been gratefully received :— points, Capt. Hallam making the highest score for Dover with 94, £ s. d. and Mr. Rambkin the highest for Ashford with 93. G. W. Rivaz ...... 2 2 0 The total scores to count were as follows :— Ashford. Dover. Mr. Elvy Chambers ...... 81 Capt. Hallam ... 94 Mr. W. Elkington ... 80 Mr. Mead ...... 84 DlS BURSEMENTS. Mr. Harrison...... 87 Mr. Coucliman (Sec.) ... 79 Mr. Salm ons...... 83 Col. Crookenden ... 72 During the period 18/4/33 to 18/5/33 the following Mr. R. Rambkin (Sec.) ... 93 Mr. Barker ... 88 disbursements have been made :— Mr. H. A d e s...... 80 Mr. Evans ...... 81 £ s. d.- April 22. Grant 1 10 0 504 498 26. Grant 1 13 0 After the Shoot was over the party returned to Headquarters 29. Grant 2 0 0 where an excellent Musical Programme had been arranged by Mr. 29. Grant 0 11 4 Cecil Partis. In the absence of the Chairman, Mr. J. King (Vice-Chairman), ' 29. Grant 1 0 0 presided, supported by Colonel Crookenden (Chairman of the Dover May 1. Grant 0 5 0 Branch), Capt. A. C. Crothall (President of the Ashford Branch), 1. Grant 0 15 0 Capt. Hallam (Dover), Mr. E. H. Chambers (Secretary), Mr. C. Marsh 2. Grant 3 0 0 (Assistant Secretary). The Pianists for the evening were Mr. N. 2. Hamblin (Ashford), and Mr. Wakefield (Dover). Roan 2 0 0 The Chairman, in declaring the meeting open, called upon Capt. 4. Grant 2 0 0 Crothall, who extended a hearty welcome to the visitors, stating that 4. Grant 2 0 0 it gave him great pleasure to have the company of Colonel Crookenden 5. Grant 2 0 0 and his party, and concluding with the toast of the Dover Branch. 9. Grant In reply, Colonel Crookenden thanked the Ashford Branch for 1 0 0 their kind hospitality and stated that he hoped to have the pleasure 9. Grant 2 0 0 of meeting the Ashford Branch at Dover on some future occasion. 10. Grant 1 0 0 Colonel Crookenden then gave the toast of the Ashford Branch which 11. Grant. 0 18 0 was accorded musical honours. 11. Grant 0 5 0 Capt. Crothall, rising, stated that he had now a very pleasing little duty to perform in the nature of extending a hearty welcome to two 13. Grant 0 18 0 new members of the Ashford Branch, the first being Mr. Perry who 16. Grant ... 0 5 0 has recently left the 1st Battalion to take up residence in the Ashford District and the other being Mr. J. Gates (late Sgt. of the 1st Battalion), and in presenting them with their badges Capt. Crothall stated that he hoped that they would both attend the Branch Meetings regularly Ne w Mem bers. and take an active interest in the activities of the Branch. Captain Hallam next addressed the meeting and thanked the Life Members.—Sgt. Cross ; R/Cpls. H. Carmichael, Ashford Branch for all that they had done, paying special tribute to G. Kelly; Privates G. Constable, T. Ravery, H. Mr. R. Rambkin for the arrangements that he had made at the range. Mr. R. Rambkin suitably replied. Pinnock, Songhurst, Kennaird, Fuller, Gorse, F. The following artistes contributed to the Musical Programme H ayter; Messrs. G. Boumer, H. C. Dunk, A. Nailor. Messrs. Smith (Yonkey), Page, Goldup, Hale, Harris and C. Parris Life Associate Member.—Rieut.-Colonel C. E. Baynes. (Ashford). Messrs. Evans, Wakefield and Moore (Dover). The result of the Booby Prizes were as follows:—1st (No. 674) Annual Members.—Privates S. Burton, A. Collins, Mr. Ross; 2nd (No. 793) Capt. Crothall, kindly given up to the next W. Cuttridge, F. Fagg, R. Frye, R. Golder, J. Goulding, number 794, Mr. Blackford ; 3rd (No. 717) Mr. C. Parris; 4th (No. 996) Mr. C. Martin. A. Harrison, R. Holness, G. Johnson, W. Rister, H. A very enjoyable evening terminated with “ The King.” Moore, S. Proctor, E. Robertson, N. Rutter, B. Rix, We regret to have to record the passing.of one of our Members, R. Snook, J. Swaine, J. Wame, T. Ward, W. Warre- Mr. J. E. Dungate, on May 6th, after a somewhat lengthy and painful Dymond, G. Wight, T. Williams ; Messrs. H. F. Curling, illness. The deceased was laid to rest in Ashford Cemetery on Wed­ S. B. Dyer, T. W. Martin, W. G. Prince, W. H. Richards, nesday, May 10th, the Branch being represented by the Chairman, Mr. F. C. Stoker and Mr. Keeler. The Branch also sent a floral tribute. H. T. Taylor, F. C. Pearce, B. W. Fagg. To his relatives we tender our deepest sympathy in their sad bereave­ ment.

Ashford Branch. London Branch. On Saturday, May 13th we were delighted to extend a hearty The 76th Monthly Meeting was held at “ The Prince of Wales” welcome to the Dover Branch. The party, numbering about 30 mem­ Restaurant,” Great Queen’s Street (Corner of Drury Rane), W.C.2., bers, including Colonel Crookenden and Capt. Hallam, arrived about on Saturday, May 20th, 1933. 5 o clock and partook of tea at the “ Market” Hotel. The Chairman, Captain Enright, who, in addition to Major Keown, M.C., our President, Captains Smith, Johnston, Carter and Messrs. Neale, Dalton and Gordon Rindley, had a bumper attendance. D e c e a se d .—Mr. A. J. Hill was reported to have passed on and the meeting stood in silence for one minute in remembrance of him. Visitors to the Camp of the 4th Battalion—cont. Correspondence.—Retters and telegrams were read from the following :—Major-General Sir Arthur Ryndeii Bell, K.C.B., K.C.M.G., and the Hon. P. G. Scarlett; Bt. Rieut.-Colonel etc., Colonel of the Regiment conveying greetings and best wishes ; Messrs. Guy V. Man tiering, Cecil Harvey, C, D. Sheryer; Telegram A. B. Thomson; Majors G. Hickman, N. D. Rice, from Major James stating how sorry he was not to be with us, and from J . Whitacre-Allen; Captains D. V. Coote, J. North- Captain T. O. Cook, M.B.E., regretting inability to attend and send­ cote (Staff Corps, Australia), A. J. D. Rose, C. A. ing best wishes. Winch; Messrs. H. G. Mount, E. J. Mount, J. Reid, Employment.—'The Chairman reported that employment had been D. B. Hitchings; Mesdames R. Peacock, R. M. A. found for Mr. W. Burly. He hopes if any vacancies were known by anyone they would communicate same at once to him (Ring Battersea Hardcastle, H. G. Mount, N. Mount, M. C. Tassell, 2657). He has the right man to fill the post. P. Hitchings, S. R. Geering, D. Coote, D. M. Bacon and In H o s p ita l.—Messrs. Tom Burt and W. J. Simmonds were Miss N. Bacon. reported sick in hospital. THE DRAGON 193

F ull-Time Secretary.—Considerable discussion took place as to T h e L a d i e s ’ G u i l d . tlie possibility of employing a full-time paid secretary for the Brandi. The steady flow of voluntary sums for various purposes and the The usual monthly tea meeting was held on May 3rd at The Prince Christmas Draw with donations for various work was thought suflieient of Wales, Great Queen Street, when it was gratifying to see several to pay a small salary. The conversations brought the following old members. proposition : “ That this Branch appoint a member as a full-time paid Min u te s.—The minutes of the previous meeting were read and Secretary to do the whole of the work of the Branch under the super­ confirmed. vision of the Chairman and Committee at a salary of £104 per annum Correspondence.— Letters were read from Mrs. Bonnard, Mrs. and that applications should be called for in our next notice, the business B. G. T aylor an d Miss R edm an. of selection being carried out by the Committee and the President. R eg rets. Regrets of absence were received from our Vice- The questions of possible future income was fully explained by Presidents, Mrs. Crookenden, Mrs. Guy Lee and Mrs. Neale Dalton, Captain Smith. Messrs. .Short and Philpot pressed questions, the also Mrs. Gordon Lindley, Mrs. Marshall, Mrs. Hill, Mrs. and Miss former as to whether the wage or salary was intended to include any R edm an. pension the holder might have ; it would, even if it meant £2 per week, Sic k . The Chairman (Mrs. Spinner) announced that the following in addition, be underpaid for a Secretary with a thousand members members were sick :—Mrs. B. G. Taylor in her home and Mrs. Wall in to deal with and the latter said he thought our present Chairman, Kingston Hospital, rt was also mentioned Mr. Roullier, husband Captain Enright, should be asked here and now if he would accept the of a member had met with a serious accident and was lying in The post as our first Secretary. Royal Free Hospital. To those mentioned the Guild Members Mr. Wiekiugton asked if, as we had £145 in hand now, would the expressed their sincere wishes for a quick return to health. Mrs. Christmas Show guarantee us £217 odd as suggested. Captain Johnson Roullier expressed her thanks for the sympathy extended to her in thought he was safe in supporting the motion. He felt certain that reference to her husband’s accident. the suggested first secretary would see that the branch was not let Gu ild R u les.- Owing to so many new members, the Chairman down in that respect. The Vice-Chairman felt he might suggest an read out “ The Rules of the Guild.” It was also explained how the amended motion :—“ That tills Brandt appoint a member as a full­ London Branch of the Guild came to adopt “ The Lily of the Valley ” time paid Secretary to the whole of the work of the Branch under the as their emblem ; it was at the request of The Guild President, The supervision of the Chairman and Committee at a salary of £104 per Hon. Lady Lvuden-Bell. annum and that this meeting ask Captain Enright if'he would be Cenotaph Sunday. Members were requested to be present on prepared to accept the position of Secretary.” June 111th on The Horse Guards Parade at 2.15 p.m. and to wear the Major Keowu, M.C., the Branch President, then put the motion em blem . to the meeting and it was carried unanimously. Election of Officers. The Chairman announced the election of Major Keown then asked Captain Enright if he would accept the olficers would take place at the Annual General Meeting on July 1st. post as suggested and Captain Enright stated he was willing to be at All nominations for Officers and Committee must be sent to the Hon. the service of the Branch. He outlined a reply to some of the .Secretary (Mrs. Lamb) by June 17th. questions regarding the income and he felt that it would be a matter Wrotham Sunday.- The Annual Family Outing and Picnic to for him to realize the amounts suggested to ensure the work continuing. Wrotham on Sunday, June 25tli, was brought to the notice of members He thanked the Branch for their confidence in electing him. (Loud who were requested to make an effort to take part in this annual outing Applause). to the home of The Colonel of the Regiment and their Guild President. Mr. Short proposed and Mr. Borland seconded “ That the salary- Whist Drive.-—The W hist Drive, arranged by Mrs. Carter and Mrs. should come up for review next year.” Carried. Philpot, was a great success. Prize-winners : 1st, Gent : Airs. Dicker; 2nd, Gent. : Mrs. Austin; 1st, Lady: Mrs. Tamblin; I,adiks’ F estival and D inner.—Captain Carter gave a statement 2nd, Lady : Mrs. Field. Our thanks to both Mrs. Carter and Mrs. on behalf of Mr. Waters of the Financial result of the Dinner and Philpot for providing the prizes. showed that only £1 19s. 8d. was necessary from the funds. This The social part of the evening was kept going by The Misses Odell result brought a very hearty and well-applauded vote of thanks to and Mr. Ward of The London Branch, who kept the keys of the piano­ Mr. Waters for the excellent show, which was the first he had run forte on the move. Mr. Harman, Junior, rendered a cornet solo and in and they hoped he would run many more. addition to Community Singing, songs were sung by Mrs. Coley. New Members.—The following members attending for the first time were introduced to the Branch President :—-Mr. Bonrnan, Mr. Wenhatn from Eastbourne, Mr. Chris. Tozer, by Mr. Borland ; Mr. Russell, of M.I. fame, by Mr. Coveney ; Messrs. Diplock, McEeonard, Manning, Proctor, Lever, Smith, all of the 2nd Battalion ; Messrs. Wandering, Pritchard, Humphreys, of the 1st Battalion and Lakemore of the 8tli Battalion. London Branch Annual Dinner and Major Keown said he noted that there are some very old members and some very young ones. You have been and seen us once now and Ladies’ Festival. some are not so well-known, but if you come again you will soon find you all have your friends here and will be quite as welcome by them as by me and "you will soon know them. QNCE again the above event was celebrated with Cenotaph March on J une 1 1th.—The Chairman explained that that brilliance, dignity and social comradeship one Representative of each battalion would attend as escort for the which makes the occasion one of the best—if not the wreath :—1st, Mr. Thomas ; 2nd, Mr. Knight; 3rd, Mr. Hovey ; best of all similar functions held in London during the 4tli, Mr. Sorrel; 5th, Mr. Preston, 2/5th ; 6tli, Mr. Williams; 7tli, Mr. Debbenham ; 8th, Mr. Devlin ; 9th,— ; 10th, Capt. Bingham. season. Close upon 250 sat down to a really excellent Markers:—1st, Preston; 3, 4 and 5, Devlin; 6, Harrison ; 7, menu which was served up with that speed and care Darvil; 8, Dalton. so characteristic of the house of Lyons. The orchestra Escort to The Colonel of the Regiment:—Captain E. A. Carter, M.C. a n d liis escort. was under the direction of Mr. H. Manning, the son The march would proceed on after leaving the Cenotaph to Messrs. of our one and only “ Snowball ” and splendidly did Hills in Tothill Street, where tea, etc., lias been arranged, and no one he uphold the family reputation. The Chair was taken to leave the ranks. by the Colonel of the Regiment and the company took Wrotham.—1The Branch would visit the Colonel of the Regiment at his invitation, on the 25th June. Everyone to give names in, as their seats to the music of “ The Men of Kent.” Miss soon as possible, to Capt. Enright, fares 3/9 ; Children, half-price. Irene Smith, the daughter of Captain and Mrs. Smith, It is hoped to have a good muster. who are so well known to old wallahs, -walked down the Canterbury Memorial Service.—Details left over till next meet­ centre of the room and gracefully presented the Hon. ing. Lady Lynden-Bell with a charming bouquet of Buff E lection of Chairman. Captain Enright lianded over the Chair Roses and Blue Irises. to Major Keown as he said he was now the Secretary. Mr. Borland moved and Mr. Clarke seconded that Captain Smith, our Vice-Chair­ Speech-making was cut down to a minimum and the man, be elected to the position of Chairman ; no better or worthier only Toast other than “ His Majesty ” was member could be found to take Captain Enright’s vacated Chair. Carried unanimously. The new chairman said he would have nothing to do now we had a “ O ur F amily-—T h e Bu ff s .” paid Secretary (laughter). Major H. G. James, in proposing this Toast, Colonel Guy L ee then entered the meeting and was received mentioned the fact that our Buff family had been in in real London Branch style—and pressed to make a speech. He said it was quite unfair to expect a speech spontaneously, but he told existence since the 1st of May, 1572 or for a period of us of the very useful private and excellent Cook in Aden who wanted 351 years ; an unbroken period of faithful service and to go on the Hinterland Expedition mounted so he bought a donkey— loyalty to the Crown of England which no one can amid roars of laughter. Major Keown then thanked Captain Enright for his services as deny ; even during the years The Buffs were known Chairman saying tliat he knew lie did not like boquets, but he voiced as the “ Holland ” Regiment and fought in that the sentiments of the meeting and they thanked him very much. country—-it was and still remains British. At no Mr. Waby, our Hon. Secretary, then endorsed the remarks and said he felt sorry for Captain Enright in his new undertaking. time throughout the long history of the regiment The meeting then closed. can it be said that it turned its back on this beautiful H.A.S. old Country. 194- THE DRAGON-

aii present that evening were carrying on in The Branch owes to Colonel Scarlett a sincere the same grand spirit; carrying on under the apology in overlooking his response which was due to father of the family, our beloved General Sir Arthur a speeding up process and slips of paper being passed Lynden Bell, who was Colonel of the Regiment and up with the words ” what about the dance ? ” It was father of us all. He was not a father only in name ; intended, notwithstanding, to have the Commanding he was a real father of the family in every sense of the Officer of the battalion address, us—and his not doing so word. His thoughts for a dying comrade in a distant was due to an oversight. Dancing was kept up until hospital; that cheery letter enclosing a sprig of heather; just on midnight when one of the happiest of nights his work on behalf of those unemployed stamp him as was brought to a close by the singing of ' ‘ God save our a father any family "would be proud to have. Continu­ King.” Telegrams of regret were received from Colonel ing, the speaker told us how the great Buff family Thompson, Mr. Gordon Lindlay, Mr. Gid Cook (from was made up of sons and daughters of the regiment West Coast), Sailor Cooper, Geo. Brown, Colonel Guy all banded together in the common fellowship of the Lee and Ben Inglis. Past and Present Association and Ladies’ Guild. It is a very large family ; the London Branch was 850 in strength and when one considers there are fourteen Dover Branch. branches one marvels at the total the whole makes. The task of compiling these notes is a particularly pleasant one Major James paid special tribute to Colonel Findlay this month partly because there are several enjoyable functions to for his untiring work in handling so many so successfully report, but chiefly because we are at last able to give publicity to the and to Capt. Enright for his work on behalf of the doings of our excellent branch of the Indies’ Guild. Hitherto their London Branch. In conclusion, he gave two' stories good work has gone unrecorded. In the branch itself a very important development has taken place. to show the family spirit of the Buffs. He mentioned We have started an employment bureau for members who are seeking how an old officer once heard that his old batman was employment. Mr. F. Evans has kindly agreed to run this and names having a very rough time and .so came to London to can be given in on branch meeting nights, the -second Friday in each month. One thing is necessary to make this a success. Members find' him. After a search, the man -was found sleeping who have registered their names must inform Mr. Evans as soon as on the Thames Embankment; his officer took him they get a job. It is only a question of a post card, a penny stamp and away to his home and looked after him until he—the a minute’s writing. If this is not done a vacancy may be notified to a man who now is in employment. This means delay to the employer officer—died. The name of that officer was the late and the next time he wants a man he goes somewhere else. Time, Captain Bobby Child. On another occasion he was in tide and jobs wait for no man these days. London and met two or three members of the Ladies’ On April 28th the Friendly Societies’ Club entertained us to a games Guild loaded up with parcels. They were visiting some tournament and a jolly evening it'proved.. Our hosts were the victors Buffs in hospital. It was this sort of comradeship the total points being F.S. Club, 15 ; P. and P., 9. which made us all proud to belong to the family. He However, this is no slur on our prowess as The Friendly Societies’ then gave the Toast after which the orchestra played Club are the champions of Dover at indoor games. At our monthly meeting on May 12th we had the pleasure of seeing the Regimental March whilst all stood to attention. Mr. Scrivener and Captain “ Jerry ” Cole back with us again after their The Colonel of the Regiment was given a great recent illnesses. The former looks wonderfully well. “ Jerry,” though a lot better, is not quite fit yet, but we hope that by next month he ovation on rising to reply and it was a minute or two will have quite recovered. before he could get moving. After complimenting We had also the pleasure of welcoming a new life member, Mr. C. Major J atnes on the eloquence in which he had proposed Cox, late No. 6280879 1st Battalion. We offer him a hearty welcome the Toast lie said-that many thought the-great revival • and hope to find in him a real “ live ” member of the branch. Further, Colonel Findlay wrote promising to be present at our June meeting, of our Association—our family was due to him. It an announcement -which was received with-loud applause. was not; it was due to the Executive Committee, At the conclusion of business Mr. Wakefield took his accustomed Colonel Findlay and to the Executive of the branches; seat at the piano and we indulged in a little harmony, the contributors it was also due to that wonderful family spirit Major being Mr. Wakefield himself, Sgt. Steel, Mr. Evans and Mr. Moore. James had spoken about. He had many times told- The following day our miniature rifle club (known officially as Colonel Findlay he was working too hard and urged him , The Dover Dragons) went to Ashford to fire a match against the Ashford - Branch and a party of us accompanied them. With to take a rest, but it was always a case of carrying on characteristic Buff hospitality our Ashford comrades decided to give in the interests of our Association. We had now us a real day of it and invited us to arrive in time for tea and finish up 8,000 members to look after and many more were com­ with a smoking concert. There was nearly a disaster at the start. We had almost cleared the outskirts of Dover when we discovered that ing in. The London Branch was not only a large Mr. Wakefield had been left behind having been delayed by business. show, but it was always willing and ready to help any As no party would be complete without the genial “ Thomas” we other branch. The Ladies’ Guild of the Regiment, returned to the rendezvous where we found him anxiously straining which was founded by Mrs. Spinner whom all were his eyes for a sight of us. The joyous whoop with which he dived into the bus amply repaid us for the slight trouble occasioned. pleased to see back restored to health, had now spread In connection with this outing we again have to express our from London to Dover, Folkestone, Canterbury and gratitude to Colonel Crookenden who came all the way to Dover on Deal. It did a splendid work and he should like to his way from Barham to Ashford to pick up in his car three members thank both Mrs. Smith and Mrs. Lamb for their work of the branch who otherwise could not have gone. Our hosts entertained us to a most excellent tea and we then whilst Mrs. Spinner was ill. After the Colonel of the adjourned to the miniature range where, after an interesting struggle, Regiment had spoken the whole assembly again stood they proved victorious by the narrow margin of 504 against our 498. up and sung with gusto After that we returned to their dub room and settled down to a most enjoyable smoking concert to which Messrs. Smith, Page, Galop, Paris “ Comrades, Comrades—ever since we were boys.” and Harris (all of Ashford) and Messrs. Evans; Moore and Wakefield which was immediately followed by cheers for our Colonel of Dover contributed. Mr. Wakefield again gave proof of his powers at and the singing of “ He’s a jolly good fellow.” improvising and expressed our gratitude to our hosts in-song. During the evening Captain Crothail, President of the Ashford Branch, made Then followed the presentation of the Gold Medal to a kindly speech of welcome to which Colonel Crookenden, our Chair­ the 2nd Battalion. The Branch President, Major R. W. man, and Captain Hallarn replied, the latter expressing the thanks of the Dover riflemen to Mr. Dambkin, Secretary of the Ashford Branch Keown, M.C., in handing the trophy to Colonel, The Rifle Club, for the excellent arrangements made on the range. Hon. P. G. Scarlett, M.C., with the best wishes of the In the near future we hope to entertain Ashford to a return match. London Branch, asked the Colonel to accept it as a We shall try to beat them on the range, but we know that we shall not small token of our esteem, affection and appreciation be able to beat their kind hospitality. However, we Shall try to equal for many acts of kindness shewn by the 2 ikT Battalion, it. One more sporting event. Wc learn that a few days back a mem­ particularly by R.S.M. Vaughan when members have ber of the brandi, finding himself in a certain hostelry, thirsty and visited the Mess. After giving a record of the magnifi­ out of funds, proceeded to. raffle the fish he had brought all the wav cent successes in sport obtained last year, he con­ from Folkestone for his supper. We understand that the effort was . gratulated B.-M. Foster on winning the Gold medal successful despite the fact that it was discovered, too late, that some fiend in human form (yet to be identified) had paid for his chance with for the best all-round athlete. a Shove Ha-penny disc. THE DRAGON 195

L a d ie s ' Gun,!). This branch of the Tadies’ Guild has not had any news in T he The 1st Battalion. Dragon for some time, but we are still very flourishing and have good meetings on the third Thursday in each month. In April the newly- formed Deal Tadies’ Guild paid us a visit which we much appreciated E A D E R S of The Dragon. and we hope that in the near future we shall see more of other branches, as, apart from trying to help our less fortunate friends, we do exist take note if you will— to keep in touch with all our old friends. particularlyR those who still We all. deeply sympathise with Mrs. Fennell on the death of her husband. Mrs. Iverson has been ill, but is gradually getting stronger forward our letters to and we hope to see her again next month. We hope to have our outing in June or July to Margate where we shall pay Mrs. Hogben a Rangoon—that we are at visit. Maymyo in Upper Burma. Mrs. King and h e T energetic entertainment committee got up a dance in April which proved a success despite the fact that there were No umbrage taken and no several other dances on in the town that night. . intent to give it ! At Ran­ We held a jumble sale on May 6th and made £6. We thank all those who kindly sent us “ jumble." goon you will: know what goes on at noon from . Mr. Medway Branch. Noel . Coward,, if not at Minutes of a General Meeting held at the Headquarters, Chatham, other, hours from our on 29th April, 1933. The minutes of the previous meeting were read and passed as correct previous despatches.. At, on the motion of Mr. G. H. Mills, seconded by Mr. Cooper, Sen. Maymyo of late, it is now. The Chairman read a letter from General Sir Arthur I.ynden Bell, wishing the branch many happy returns of the day, and sending them, for us to relate how it has a box of heather, sprigs of which were distribued among those present. It was unanimously decided to record the branch’s appreciation of the been the vogue to "beat gift in the records of the proceedings. A letter from the Condon Branch it up.” We use the expression advisedly, was read in which he asked for numbers of those who proposed to attend the March to the Cenotaph. inasmuch as it appeared recently in. an The Honorary Treasurer then presented the accounts for the past adjutantal letter. The principal excuse has year. He explained the various items in the balance sheet and in the Branch Funds account, and invited -comment and questions. Mr. been "Maymyo Week”—-a term used to T. M. .Wheatley moved the adoption of the accounts and in so doing expressed his thanks and those of the members. This was carried. embrace a hectic programme of . events, out­ He then went on to make a few remarks on the recent sweep on the door and indoor, for the amusement of the F.A. Cup. He said that although there was not any great surplus, they had the satisfaction of knowing that -the money that they had members of the Maymyo plub extending for subscribed had gone to a good home where it would mean a great deal. The Chairman then gave an account of the sub-committee meeting a. period of considerably more than a week. held at Canterbury. The question of rounders instead of cricket was Individual " beating up ” may remain a memory discussed as well as that of the banners and the position of associated members. happy or even regrettable, perhaps, to the individuals concerned. But for the battalion Folkestone Branch. as a whole, and indeed to the Regiment, we The Folkestone Branch paid a visit to the Cheriton Branch of the British Tegion on Tuesday, May 9th and spent a most enjoyable feel that there should be a suitable record evening. A Games Tournament was held, the British Region winning made of the " Retreat Beating ” of the Band by 12 points to 6. The return match will be held in the Autumn. and Drums on the Polo Ground on April 20th, 1933. Although we must admit that the Deal, Walmer and District Branch. local press of Burma, in their account; referred The First Annual Dinner of the Deal, Walmer and District Branch of the Past and Present Association, The Buffs, was held at Gordon to the “ string orchestra and pipes of The Blain’s Restaurant, Deal, on Tuesday, 11th April last. It was attended Buffs,” we do not hesitate to claim that the by fifty-nine Members and their Guests, who under the Chairmanship of the Branch Chairman spent a happy evening. performance was as martial as it was Among the Guests who kindly honoured the Branch with their presence were His Worship the Mayor of Deal (Councillor E. Cavell), magnificent. It was magnificent, not only as Colonel and Mrs. Findlay, Miss Backhouse (Chairman of the Indies’ a production of military music on the part Guild); Mrs. Hulke (Vice-Chairman of the Tadies’ Guild), Mr. and Mrs. H. Taylor (Representing the Sandwich Branch), and D. A. Daniels, of the Bandmaster (Mr. Salmon) and Drum Esq. (Town Clerk of the Borough of Deal). Major (P. MacDonnell), but.also as a spectacle After the Toast of “ The King,” a number of musical items were given, interspersed with other Toasts. The list of these were :— evocative of the Regiment’s pride in their 1. Past and Present Association, The Buffs. His Worship the Mayor. scarlet uniforms, which was being, worn for Replied to by Colonel Findlay. the first time in the battalion for nineteen 2. Deal, Walmer and District Branch of the Association. D. A. Daniels, Esq. years. Replied to by Hon. Secretary of Branch (C. H. Wynn Kenrick, Esq.) 3. Our Guests. The Chairman (I,- B. Watson, Esq.) " Maymyo Week,” 1933 will also be Replied to by Miss Backhouse (for the Tadies) and H. Taylor, Esq. remembered with no less pride in our polo (for the Gentlemen). 4. The Chairman. victory. More details will follow, but' suffice The Vice-Chairman (Major B. H. Russell). it for the moment to say that The Buffs won Replied to by the Chairman. Those who so very kindly rendered items during the evening were the Gordan Smythe Polo Trophy and that Miss Joyce Dunster (Songs and Dances), Mr. E. A. Hodges (Banjo Solos), Mr. J. Smith and Mr. G. Marsh (Songs). the team consisted of No. 1, Captain Fox ; THe singing by everyone of Auld Tang Syne brought a very enjoy­ No. 2, Lieut. Jelf ; No. 3, Lieut. Hill ; No. 4, able evening to a close. Captain Hammond-Davies. L a d ies’ Gu it d . During . the same week, or more, the The Monthly Meeting, held on May 10th at Spero, 145 Beach Street, was well attended ; twenty-two members being present. W.A.D.S. (the Wing Amateur Dramatic The Minutes of the last meeting were read and confirmed. At the conclusion of business a whist drive was held,: five tables Society) again distinguished themselves, both being in play. A gift,, kindly given by Mrs. Hill, was raffled, the sum at .the Club and in our new Regimental Theatre, of three shillings and one penny being realised. Our next meeting takes the form of a garden party to be held in the Chairman’s garden.. which, for an . “ Outpost of Empire,” is. a . lb e THE DRAGON

remarkably fine building. Here we feel it enjoying themselves. Like Mr. Salmon, Mr. Green was able to say some nice things in the soldierly way it can is only appropriate to " mention ” the name be done. of the tireless if not dynamic producer, Lieut. The next speech was by Mr. Kidson who had come Boucher, who has made the W.A.D.S. precisely up to the Rifle meeting to try his luck once again. “ what-a-dam-fine-show " they are. The fact He did say when he first came up for it, but still that of his having gone home on leave and having does not matter. After his usual yams he told us how also handed over the Sub-Editorship of The it was in this Mess that he said good bye to his Regi­ ment 20 years ago and that he knew exactly how Jack Dragon enables us to break through the felt; as far as I can remember this ended the speeches.' barriers of his modest nature. Some Sub- You must excuse me for not mentioning it before, but Editors are like th at! our thanks are due to our Songsters, etc., who gave us of their best in between times. This evening ended We welcome most heartily to the battalion, somewhere round about 1 p.m. and I think can be Lieut. R. E. Parry and Lieut. J. G. Nicholson. voted a huge success. Before I close about this night I might mention S.S.I. Tutt was present who had come We wonder, in passing, whether the custom up to Maymyo with his Wife for a spell of fresh air as is not firmly established for ex-Adjutants, well as Dental treatment. as a matter of expedience, to change battalions Our next event was a “ Tennis At Home ” which was on the expiry of their appointments ! attended in full swing. Tea being served on the Verandah. Not remembering the scores, etc., I am As we go to press, or rather as we are about afraid I cannot say too much about this event, but to close the envelope to be marked “ Air Mail— I can assure you that all that attended had a good Rangoon—Calcutta—Bombay—England,' ’ we evening’s Tennis. learn that “B” Company has won the Harris The next event on my list was not exactly a Mess Shield. Details will appear next month, but event, though quite a number of the Members and their Wives took part in it. It is the W.A.D.S. Concert our congratulations are extended to them on which was held in the new Regimental Theatre and their achievement and we wish them the was a great success and all who took part in it are to be best of luck on detachment in Mandalay in complimented on their efforts. Still, I suppose I must relief of “A" Company, which is due in the not pinch another's efforts because I am sure this event next few days to re-join the battalion at will appear in some other column. Maymyo. Both these companies in the Another Mess event should have appeared before circunistances have been “ excused notes ” the previous event which was another night of Good­ byes, etc. It was a Social to the 52nd Light Infantry for this month. on their last night in Maymyo. I don't know about the Social. I think it was a night for filling up Cups, etc., which had been won at the Burma Rifle Meeting. This year the tables were turned; we won the Dyer Cup Sergeants’ Mess. and the 52nd The Barnes Cup; but it did not matter Once again it appears I am to be the “ Onion ” to which Cup it was from, it was all practically the same ; endeavour to give a bit of news concerning the Mess, you ask “ Dolly.” etc. Anyhow, to start off with, we said good-bye to Easter Monday was picked for the day 6f our Mess bur Guests, the 52nd Light Infantry, also S.S.I. Cross Shoot. Though at first it appeared that the weather or as he is better known, J ack and Mrs. Cross, and Mr. would not be kind to us it did eventually turn out Josh Kidson. On the 3rd April a large number O.K., so of course we all had a day out, (the usual on assembled for “ the Quarterly Dinner ? ? ? This was Easter Monday you know). Lunch and Tea was served the occasion to really say goodbye to the above, though on the Range, Being as it is the days of strict economy, of courise, like all send-offs this was the only time. it was decided to cater for this event ourselves. To As I have already mentioned, we had quite a number the best of my knowledge it was O.K. of guests present so of course quite a number were asked to give “ Speeches,” the first one was by Mr. Evans, At the last minute a certain person suggested that on behalf of us all to S.S.I. and Mrs. Cross who, I might we hold a Cake Competition and that the cakes be mention, came up to meet her better half; naturally eaten for Tea, the winner of this event to be presented she was called in for a short space of time. After with a Silver Spoon kindly given by the person who hearing Mr. Evans tell us of the History of J ack and his suggested the event. Wife we were allowed to have a few minutes to our­ The Cakes were judged by the Single Members and selves. All of a sudden the “ Gong ” sounded (now after testing I think the lot decided that the cake don’t think I have gone astray), it was to let us know that won it was made by Mrs. Gillett who was after­ that Jack had jerked his speech up and was about to wards presented with the Spoon. enlighten us in his usual spirit. The Shoot this year was extended somewhat in Our. next speech on the programme was by our that the Ladies had a shoot which was won by Mrs.. Bandmaster, Mr. Salmon, on behalf of our guests. Hubbard after, I believe, firing off. The day came to Of course quite a lot of kind things were said, etc., a close with the Commanding Officer presenting the including about us being the 3rd Foot and them the Cups to the Winners. 52fld. After a short period Mr. Green, R.S.M. of the Winner of The Hamilton Cup : C.S.M. Fawcett. 52nd appeared in the doorway ! Oh, yes, he had been into Dinner, but I rather fancy he went out to think Winner of The Paget Cup : C.Q.M.S. Pratt. things out, anyway, it was his turn next. Winner of The G.C.B. Cup : Sgt. McNulty. ! Mr. Green, on behalf of the Members of the 52nd The proud winners of these Cups presented their Mess, thanked us all for the way we had received them bodies at the Mess that evening so once again it was a and he was sure .that all of them that were with us were night of filling, etc. H DRAGON THE

1st Battalion—Band and Drums 198 THE: DRAGON-;

-Just - at -present-we~have-a-Temus-Tourrrameiit -iitr -— -4— T hree- Lightning P lays,- Trifling;- tragic- and full swing and I am glad to say we have plenty of entries. trenchant. As it is not time for me to give any results now I will 1. Gin and it. leave it till next month or hand it over to be done. 2. Wrong Number. Once again we shall soon have “A” Company back 3. Marriages and Modes. in the fold after their strenuous time at Mandalay. 5. L/Cpl . Clegg in “ Songs Sophisticated.” They are to be relieved by “B." Company. 6. C.Q.M.S. P ratt introduces the “ Military The last item I have is the presentation of a Cup to Mo tif.” The Drums Golf Club. This was carried out after a , 7. A series of Military Sketches “ Tommy’s little day.” strenuous afternoon jumping over the ditches, etc. You think we do no work we’ll show you. The Drummers are to be congratulated on their efforts Interval. of a Golf Course and I might mention that the Mem­ bers of the Mess have spent some good afternoons with (The bar is placed in bounds for the occasion). them and hope to enjoy some more in the near future. 8. We introduce our ” Grand P astern E p is o d e ” Onio n . (at enormous expense of course)—T he Company. 9. Are you slimming ? If so, we recommend this Corporals’ Mess. " E ccentric Dance ” by P t e . Clements. 10. Standard 2. A Scholastic I nterlude by Trust in Allah, but keep your eye on your memo pad Cpl. W ild and L/Cpl . Sovico. (Arabian Proverb) and following the excellent advice given by this philosopher, I find a little'reminder 11.. They've been making such a din in the Dressing (sandwiched between quarter-day and full moon) Room that-we've got to let our H ik ing Girls | which says “ Dragon notes," and I get ' strumingl’ on—Mrs. Holman, Mrs. Hall, Mrs. Marsh, and Mrs. Hubbard. We are getting a bit settled after our return from 12. A/S/Sgt. Hubbard in the same sort of thing as Wetwyn. The Billiard Table has been done up and is Item 2. vastly im proved; the Mess Library, undfer the able management of L/Cpl. Sovico, forms a welcome 13. Music Lovers, don't stop! An alleged vocal attraction, a fresh contingent arriving every month, quartet Cpl. Dudman, L/Cpl. Clegg, Bds. Davis and not many fail to take advantage of the opportunity and Bds. Golding. of reading good books. 14. N.B.G.—a terrible interlude by Ptes. Tritton and Hodgson. We played the B.D.O. at Billiards during the month, but only managed to win 2 games against their 5. 15. If there is any audience left—Closing Chorus— It was a very enjoyable evening, nevertheless, and a T he Company. return match will be played in the near future. The above whs received enthusiastically by a large audience in barracks, and on the following night at the We lose "B” Company Corporals next month when Maymyo Club. Well done ! W.A.D.S., and our con­ they proceed to Mandalay to relieve "A.” In this gratulations to their live wire producer, Lieut. V. connection, I understand th at the Mess Door at -Manda­ lay is being raised two feet to allow for Tiny's arrival. Boucher, who proceeded on a well-earned six months' A social is being held on the 28th as a send-off to the leave immediately after the Club Show. "B” Company Corporals, but since there is no stop The Company Sports were a huge success and some press in this journal this must be left over fill our next of the times augur well for the Battalion Individual month’s notes. Sports and the Harris Shield Team events. Two cadre courses are being held at present in ‘ I hope to publish a complete list of the results of which our members delve into the mysteries of Gas, the Company Sports in the next issue of The Dragon. Drill and P.T. It was intended to publish a few photos Stop P ress.—-Bds. Satterley has just broken the of the local P.T. experts, but in the interests of our Battalion High Jump Record with a fine jump of personal safety. we have decided to omit it. There's 5 ft. 6£ ins. Well done, Satterley ! much truth in the old saying : No man is a hero to his T h e Old 'u n . P.T. Instructor. The Corporals' Club at Mandalay held a Dance on the 26th which I believe was very successful. The; Band. Company Sports are over and Battalion Sports half over and we Bearer—Oh, Bearer. have every reason, to.be proud of. our successes. In the. Company I come—I come, sahib. Sports we carried off the majority of prizes1 as usual, and a pleasing Yes—So does Old Age. feature was, that, in addition to-our usual successes,.“.Garry ” Meld won the Putting the Weight, and Boy. Holloway and “Pip” Luscombe J.G.W. came 1st and 2nd respectively in the Pole Jump. This last being a new event in our sports,, caused, much laughter. Porky Hotness did very well, but his weight was -too much for-toe crossbar.’ Headquarter Wing. The B.M. made his debut in Battalion Cricket this month in the.' match Officers v. Sergeants, but his magnificent batting, brilliant April has passed peacefully with but little to disturb fielding and googly bowling were of no avail against the luck of the Officers. His circular motion stroke at a wide-ballreceived an ovation the monotony of the daily round, the only events of from the crowd. any importance being the W.A.D.S. Concert and the In the Battalion Individual Sports' we must compliment Bds.‘- Company Sports. Satterley on winning toe High Jump; Eke toe 440 yards and Bill Longman the 880 ; all. the . aforementioned - were placed-.-in; other: The concert claims our attention first and the follow­ events. We are still bewailing'toe fact of Dixon, our solo clarinet ing are extracts from the Programme :— breaking his arm for the second time in three months, as in toe Company Sports he won toe Long Jump.with l9\ft.9 ins. and this 1. Audience permitting. T h e Opening Chorus— jump repeated would have won toe battalion event. - T h e Company. We take this opportunity .of complimenting ' “ Archie ” Mealdn, our erstwhile Band Sergeant, on his promotion to C.Q.M.S. ' 2. Bds. Davis in “ Songs prom his R epertoire ” Things we want the world to know Our famous violinist-vocalist- (sounds aU right anyway). bombardon player has been seen to leave his bed this month to.partake of Rugger knoidr-about. So come to: Maymyo where;wonders -never - 3. A N autical I nterlude (not so naughty) by Cpl . cease. W ild and L/Cpl . Sovico. “H arrassed.” THE DRAGON (199

The Drum s. Clements has hidden himself away as “ Signal Storeman.” I t is rumoured that the “ Guards ” have been instructed to “ turn out ’’ Here we are again! At last we have managed to get our notes the next time that he does a parade as “ an unusual occurrence.” in on two successive months and everything is “ Hunky Dory." The Drummers have had quite an exciting month, what with a marching Barbara has taken Eovatt’s place as Signal Clerk and is seen going display on the Polo Ground during Maymyo 'Week, practising for the about with an armful of books and a worried look. troop, and being invited out to tea by Sir Henry Pratt. O.S. The first event went off very well and both Band and Drums were congratulated on a good show. A few days later we went to tea with Sir Henry Pratt, and a very nice tea it was, too. I t was followed by “C” Company. Burmese dances which were thoroughly appreciated by the audience. “ The trivial round the common task,” how true it all is ? The The inimitable Dick gave us a new dance of his own and we are wonder­ monotony^ of duties, drills and fatigues have been broken by The ing if he had rehearsed it beforehand. Burma District Rifle Meeting and our Company Sports. We will During the week we held a Whist Drive in aid of the funds- of the leave the Rifle Meeting to other capable hands. We had no individual Golf Club and this proved to be a great success. At the conclusion of successes from the Company in this meeting although our No. 12 Section ' the Drive C.Q.M.S. Meakin, on behalf of the Sergeants’ Mess presented Uewis Gun composed of E/Cpl. Fattenden, Pte. Austin, Fte. Holness, the Drums with a Challenge Cup to be competed for monthly on the Pte. Hubbard, Pte. Kennedy and Pte. Jarvis were second to the 52nd Golf Course. Eight Infantry in the Eewis Gun Match. Before closing we should like to welcome Ptes. Smith and Hodgkins Our Company Sports were held on the 8th and 9th April, the first to the ranks and hope they will be happy in their new sphere. day being heats, etc., and the second day finals. The first four com­ Sea. petitors in each event scoring scoring 4, 3, 2, and 1, points respectively for their Platoons, the Platoon with the most points winning the Inter- Platoon Athletic Cup. We congratulate No. II. Platoon on their achievement, this Cup previously being the acknowledged property Signal Section. of No. 10 Platoon. “H.Q.” Wing Sports. On the day of the finals we had tea under the trees on the edge of the sports ground. A great many ladies turned up, and it was quite On the 30 tli and 31st of March, the Sports took place on the Foot­ a family gathering. After tea, just to get the ladies going, we had a ball Ground. Our entries were rather small compared with the other Eadies’ Race. This was won by Mrs. Hall with Mrs. Meakin second. Groups and we did not figure in the winning list, except for the Inter- Mrs. Glazier’s high-heels failed her at the first obstacle (a fair-sized Group Tug-of-War, which we won fairly easily. The following, is tuft of grass) and she fell. Rumour has it that the Company has been a short account of our efforts in the inter-group events, names appear sued for a pair of stockings, damaged, it is said, in the exigencies of the in the order in which they ran. Service. 100 Yards Relay.—Finnigan, Hoare, Clements and Harrad. Unfortunately Finnigan made a bad start and lost about two yards. The results of events were as follows :— We eventually finished third. 100 Yards.—1st, Pte. K ettell; 2nd, Pte. Mahoney; 3rd, Pte. 880 Yards Relay.—King, Clements, Wilson and White. The Eott. Time: ll-l/5thsecs. Band teams were far superior to any others in all events and in this event gained a big lead to start with in this race. King ran well in 220 Yards.—1st, Pte. K ettell; 2nd, Pte. Mahoney; 3rd, Pte. the first lap of 440 yards, but was badly puffed at the finish of the Holloway. Time : 26 secs. second and lost some ground. Clements pulled up some of the lost 440 Yards.—1st, Pte. Venes; 2nd, Pte. A. Reynolds; 3rd, Pte. ground, but Wilson (Wedgwood) lost it. Chalky White ran well in Dixon. Time: 57-4/5th secs. the final lap. Mitchell of The Drums nearly passed him, but he managed to put on a sprint and gave us third place. In the Medley 880 Yards.—1st, Pte. Venes; 2nd, Pte. Bone; 3rd, 1,/Cpl. Ford. Race we came last. Hoare (Rabbit) ran first and kept up well in the One Mele.—1st, Pte. Hoyle; 2nd, 1,/Cpl. D. Reynolds; 3rd, Pte. 220 yards, but I.arkin lost us a good bit of ground in the 440 yards Upton. Time: 5 mins. 33-l/5th secs. which it was impossible for Wilson and Clements to pick up in the 880 yards and final 220 yards. Three Miles.—1st, Pte. Hoyle; 2nd, 1,/Cpl. D. Reynolds; 3rd, Our first pull in the 'fug-of-War was against The Drummers, in- Pte. G. Skinner. which we pulled them over in two consecutive pulls with ease. In Eong Jump.—1st, Pte. Mahoney; 2nd, Pte. Flowerdew; • 3rd, the finals we were up against No. 3 Group, who had beaten the Band Pte. Venes. Length: 18ft. 6J ins. the previous day, after some hard pulls. No. 3 Group looked to be the heavier team and we expected some hard pulling if we were to win. High Jump.—1st, 2/IJeut. H. R. Grace: 2nd, (Eieut. R. F. Parry However, after some good hard pulling we won the first pull and after and Pte. Venes) tied. Height: 5 feet. a little rest, we proceeded to pull them over on the second pull. This Putting the Weight.—1st, Pte. Eam burth; 2nd, Pte. Vasey; was mainly due to good team work and good coaching on the part of 3rd, Pte. Sales. Distance : 28 ft. 7$ ins. Cpl. Bridgman. Our team was as follows:—E/Cpl. Rogers, (ancor- inan), E/Cpl. Paramore, Ptes. MacKay, Coles, Gore, Sgt. Dixey, Ptes. 120 Yards Hurdles.—1st, Pte. Kennedy ; 2nd, Pte. Holloway: George, Pearson,-Byrne and Bedford. Time: 21 secs. The points Towards the Platoon Cup were obtained as follows:—

Long Jump. ( Putting High Jump. 880 yds. 3 Miles. 1 Mile. 220 yds. 100 yds. 120 yds. 440 yds. Total points. Place. the weight. hurdles. ... No. 9 Platoon 0 | 2 4 0 2 2 0 1 2 0 13 4th No. 10 Platoon ■ 4 1 0 24 0 0 1 2 2 3 2 164 3rd No. 11 Platoon 6 1 34 10 3 3 7 7 4 5 494 1st. No. 12 Platoon 0 i 7 0 0 4 4 1 0 0 3 19 2nd The Harris Shield Sports have just commenced-and we hope to be able to give a good account of ourselves next month. In addition we have had a game or two of Football by way of practice. ., Q.E.D.

On Easter Sunday afternoon the Drums invited us to pick a team of six to play them golf on their famous golf course. Our team was Machine Gun Company. represented by Sgt. Dixey, Cpl. Bridgman, 1,/Cpl. Paramore, Ptes. In these days of training one sometimes thinks it would be a good Stocken, Harrad and Barbara. We all lost, but no doubt it was a lot iuea to engage a few reporters to collect notes, as it is impossible for due to the ‘ course ” being strange to our players and the cunning one person to be in so many places at once. position of the " greens.” Bill Bridgman was hitting stray trees and his ball was rebounding in anywhere, but the right direction. Bill - On Saturday,-April 1st the A.R.A. Team-fired off for the A.R.A. Paramore was feeling too strong and driving well beyond the “ Greens.” competition, ami scored -510 points, which I am given to understand is Basil Stocken occasionally drove his ball about three yards instead of a fairly good score. On the same evening we were visited by the three hundred. Nevertheless, everyone enjoyed themselves and thank “ Hollywood High Eights ” and under existing conditions we saw a the “ Alexandra Golf Club ’’ for their kind hospitality. very good performance. The next important event was the District Rifle Meeting, for which PERSONAIffA. our Rivals, the “ 52nd Eight Infantry,” have been attached to this battalion and accommodated in our Bungalows. Ptes. Johnson and Harrad have left us to proceed to Rangoon on a Vocational Course. We wish them luck and hope they will enjoy their In the Harcourt Butler Cup the 52nd E.I- coming 3rd, had to hand six months " scrounge ” away from " things military.” over to our "A” Team the Macliiue Gun Trophy of- Burma, Thf. H arcourt Butler Cup. E/Cpls. Rogers and Eovatt have just completed a short course on F.T., Drill and Gas. Whatever else they learnt, they certainly were In the Machine Gun Cup (Burma) (this is a different Cup, frprn (he told how to make people sweat, as the Signals have found out on their ' Harcourt Butler Cup) we were extremely unlucky, our "A” Team recent P.T. parades. - winning by a-score, and were then disqualified and the Cup was taken 200 THK DRAGON

by the 52nd E.I. More about tins Meeting -will no doubt be given in the Battalion Correspondent’s Notes, so I will leave the subject except to mention that some of the Gunners took part in the Rifle Competitions 2nd Battalion. for the battalion, and to these we offer our congratulations. The next event was the Eoed Harris Shield Company Sports, rP H E art of writing an which were won by No. 6 Section, with No. 5 Section a good second. editorial is acknow­ On behalf of the Company I would like to thank Mrs. Willows for so kindly presenting the prizes. ledged by those unfortun­ We welcome to the Machine Gun Company, X4eut. J. G. Nicholson, ates who have had anything who has just come from that land called “ England,” who, if Dame Rumour is to be true, will be a great asset to our Rugby Team, which to do with it as being a very is going into strict training as soon as the rains start. (For the benefit tricky business. Every­ of those who have never left England “ I said Rain.”) thing has to be condensed The Annual Turnover is drawing very near and from remarks heard in the Barrack Rooms, it seems that the turnover this year will be 99% to appalling brevity though of the Company instead of about the 50% which is laid down in S.A.T. nothing must be left out. Our Company Commander and Second-in-command are at present My task this month has not undergoing “M.G.” Training in preparation for a holiday at the Small Arms School, Ahmednagar, and we hope that when they return they been made easier by the will have gained the elusive “D.” action of a well-meaning Our Football Team have played one or two Friendly Games and batman who, in his zest although the team is not a certainty, we hope to see them take five points for the Harris Shield. for tidiness, has destroyed J.H. a most comprehensive cal­ endar of events during the last three weeks. This month marks the anniversary of the appointment of H.M. the King of Denmark Correspondence. as Colonel-in-Chief of the Regiment and his accession to the throne of Denmark on the 12th 8 Charlton Avenue, and 15th May, 1914 respectively. To honour Dover, the occasion the Headquarter Guard turned 24*A April, 1933. out at 10 a.m. on these dates and gave a Royal Dear Sir, Salute while the Band and Drums played the I can hardly find words to thank you for the way Danish National Anthem. The Danish flag yon have come to my assistance and the interest you was broken and flown for the remainder of the have taken in my case. day. I can assure you that it will he my earnest endeavour to pay back all that money as soon as I possibly can. The Divisional Commander, to whom we I don’t think I can say any more now. Sir, as I am offer our congratulations on his recent too full, so thanking you once again, promotion, inspected the battalion on May 2nd, at the conclusion of which he was enter­ I remain, tained to lunch in the Officers’ Mess. Yours very grateful, On May 4th a party of five Japanese Secretary, officers, who are visiting the country to inspect Past and Present Association. various units in the Army, were entertained to tea in the Officers’ Mess. During tea the Drums played in the Mess garden. Cricket is now in full swing and early results forecast a successful season. The battalion should be able to field a stronger Regimental Museum. side than for many years if a " Earwood ” 'THE totally unexpected fine weather has had its can be found. Most of our batsmen seem to natural reaction of stemming the flow of exhibits, have got their eye in already. only one has been received this month, but this is of unusual interest. It was a great disappointment that our Headdress and uniform formerly belonging golf team failed to carry off the Army Inter- to Lord Congleton who, as the Hon. H. Parnell Unit Championship, played at Deal. After commanded 2nd Battalion The Bufis. disposing of such a strong team as the Grenadier Presented by the Hon. Mrs. Howard. Guards it was confidently expected that we An interesting feature of this is the Shako which would reach the final. However, that was not differs in some minor points from that already in the to be, for The Eincolnshire Regiment beat us Museum, in that the width of braid is different, and there is no plume. The state of preservation, however, by a narrow margin in the semi-final and went is excellent, and it might have come from Messrs. on to win the championship at their first Hawkes and Co. for an officer joining to-day. attempt—a fine achievement on which we T h e Cu r a t o r . offer our hearty congratulations. THE DRAGON 201

Congratulations also to Lieut. Reeves on The cricket prospects of the battalion can seldom have been brighter. We have lost Lieut. R. F. Parry, his great effort to win the Individual Champion­ 2/Lieut. H. R. Grace and Pte. Jack to the 1st Battalion, ship for the third successive year. where we shall watch their cricket activities with interest. But Lieut. J. H. N. Foster, who has played Major Morgan, Lieut. Haggard and Lieut. for Kent, has returned home to strengthen our batting Tuff are now in camp with the 4th Battalion and we also hear very good reports of 2/Lieut. P. J. at Brighton, whilst Captain Sandilands and Lewis, Ptes. Casano and Warre-Dymond. C.S.M. Captain Rose have taken to the air (a short Williams and L/Cpl. Dawson have also been posted to course at Manston with the R.A.F.). the Battalion from the Depot. As usual the difficulty will be the bowling, but We welcome 2/Lieuts. Prescott, Roberts 2/Lieut. G. L. Walker should be a great help in this and Mathew of the Supplementary Reserve respect. who are both doing an attachment to the The Battalion Fixture List this year is a; lengthy one, 24 first eleven matches being arranged. And this battalion. year the "A” Team, under the able leadership of Captain R. W. M. Webster, has 12 matches. The “A” Team is having some difficulty over finding bowlers, and we understand that anyone who can bowl a ball straight will be welcome. Cricket Notes. So far each team has played two matches, the out­ FIXTURES. standing event being the first eleven’s win over St. Lawrence Cricket Club. Besides congratulating Major 1st E leven. D. A. Wilkins and Bandmaster Foster on their respective scores, we have to congratulate the former on what DATE OPPONENTS. GROUND must be an almost unique bowling performance. We understand that Major Wilkins, with three balls to go May in the last over of the day, performed the " liat trick ” Thur. 4 11 ever ley Cricket Club ... Napier to win the match. Wed. 10 St. Lawrence Cricket Club ... Napier Besides the Battalion Cricket, it appears that several Sat. 13 2nd Bn. East Surrey Regt. ... Away of our players will be called upon to assist the Garrison. Mon. 15 Dover College...... Napier Also, the Company Cricket draw has taken place and Wed. 17 The Army School of Education Napier the 1st round matches will be played shortly. Sat. 20 St. Edmund’s School, C’bury. Napier Wed. 24 2nd Bn. East Surrey Regt. ... Napier Sat. 27 The Queen’s Bays ...... Away 1st XI. Matches. Tues. 30 St. Lawrence College...... Away June 2nd Battalion The Botes v . B ev erley C ricket Club. Thur. 1 Depot, The Buffs ...... Away Sat. 3 Hythe Cricket Club ...... Napier Played on 4th May at Shomcliffe. Thur. 8 Beverley Cricket Club ... Away Tues. 13 The Queen’s Bays ...... Napier Result: won by 87 runs. Wed. 14 1st Bn. Seaforth Highlanders Napier Beverly C.C. Mon. 19 The Small Arms School, Hythe Away Nash, lbw, b 2/Lieut. Walker...... 17 July Gillett, b 2/Lieut. Walker...... 4 Sat. 8 Blue Mantles Cricket Club ... Napier Hills, b 2/Lieut. Walker...... 0 Stringer, lbw, b Major Wilkins...... 5 Wed. 12 2nd Bn. Royal Berkshire Regt. Napier Cripps, b Major Wilkins...... 33 Sat. 15 Heme Bay Cricket Club ... Napier Stuport, b Major Wilkins...... 0 Thur. 20 1st Bn. Seaforth Highlanders Away Sandy, c Sidwell, b Major Wilkins...... 7 Sat. 22 Hythe Cricket Club ...... Away Kemp, run out...... 6 Forward, c Casano, b 2/Lieut. Walker...... 2 Mon. 24 2nd Bn. Royal Berkshire Regt. Away Ward, not out...... 2 Wed. 26 Depot, The BufEs ...... Napier Anderson, b Major Wilkins...... 3 Sat. 29 The Army School of Education Away Extras...... 7 August Tues. 1 East Cliff Lodge Cricket Club Away Total...... 86 Bowling Analysis. Overs. Maidens. Runs. Wickets. Average. Nelthorpe ... S 1 14 0 — 2/Lieut. Walker 8 1 13 4 3*25 "A ” Team. Major Wilkins 9*3 2 21 5 4'2 May Lieut. Tuff ... 4 0 21 0 — Sat. ' 6 Hawkinge Cricket Club ... Le Quesne Sparkes ... 2 0 10 0 — Mon. 8 R.A.S.C...... Le Quesne 2nd Bn. The Buffs. Thur. 11 2nd Bn. Royal Berkshire Regt. Away Lieut. Tuff, c Gillett, b Sandy...... 4 Tues. 16 2nd Bn. East Surrey Regt. ... Le Quesne 2/Lieut. Walker, c Forward, b Sandy...... 40 Sat. 20 Aldington Cricket Club ... Away C.S.M. Sidwell, c Kemp, b Sandy...... 17 Major Wilkins, c Cripps, b Sandy...... 30 Sat. 27 Aldington Cricket Club ... Le Quesne Lieut. Harwood, b Sandy...... 42 Wed. 31 R.A.S.C...... Away Pte. Casano, lbw, b Nash...... 7 June Bdsmn. Nelthorpe, b Nash...... 5 2/Lieut. Craddock, c Gillett, b Sandy...... 10 Sat. 3 Hawkinge Cricket Club ... Away Pte. Sparkes, c Cripps, b Nash...... i...... 6 Wed. 17 The Queen’s Bays ...... be Quesne C.S.M. "Williams, c Kemp, b Sandy...... 3 Sat. 17 2nd Bn. Royal Berkshire Regt. Le Quesne L/Cpl. Baker, not out...... 0 Fri. 30 2nd Bn. East Surrey Regt. ... Away Extras...... 3 August Total...... 167 Wed, 2 The Queen’s Bays ...... Away 202 T H E DRAGON

'A” Team. 2nd Battalion The Bxjefs v. St. Lawrence Cricket Club. Pte. Casano, c Lamb, b Brislay...... 68 L/Cpl. Baker, c Rye, b Brislay...... 18 Played at Shorncliffe on May 10th. Capt. N. E- Hoare, c Lamb, b Brookes...... 27 Result: Won by 63 runs. Lieut. J. E- King, not out...... 59 Bdm. Rayment, b Brett...... 5 2nd Battalion The Buffs. Lieut. F. W. B. Parry, b Brislay...... 1 Major Wilkins, c Vaugh, b Stephen-Jones...... 70 Capt. R. W. M. Webster , 2/Lieut. Walker, c Jones, b S. A. N. Watney...... 0 L/Cpl. Bloomer | Bandmaster Foster, not out...... 79 Pte. Walton VDid not bat. Sgt. Watts, st Biggleston, b Ffrench-Blake...... 42 L/Cpl. Dawson | Pte. Casano, not out...... ,...... 13 L/Cpl. Boorman ) Lieut. King • Extras...... 2 2/Lieut. Craddock Capt. Hoare Total (Declared)...... 180 Bdmsn. Nelthorpe bDid not bat. Major Morgan Hawkinge C.C. Pte. Sparkes F. Brislay, c Capt. Webster, b Rayment...... 44 Extras...... 4 A. Baker, b L/Cpl. Dawson...... 11 Total...... 208 E- Brookes, run out.;...... 1 F. Hobbs, lbw, b Casano...... 2 St. Lawrence. N. Fry, b L/Cpl. Dawson...... 0 A. Brislay, c Capt. Webster, b Walton...... 27 D. N. Watney, c Craddock, b Nelthorpe...... 68 J. Rye, c L/Cpl. Bloomer, b Casano...... 0 W. Stephen-Jones, c Foster, b Nelthorpe...... 3 W. Brett, b Casano...... 5 G. C. Hirsch, c Morgan, b Walker...... 6 D. Lamb, not out...... '...... 5 G. A. Simpson, b Walker...... 0 M. Ward, c L/Cpl. Dawson, b Casano...... 0 A. Waugh, b Nelthorpe...... 8 R. Lamb, c L/Cpl. Baker, b Walton...... 0 A. S. P. Mason, c Walker, b Sparkes...... 15 Extras...... 27 Biggleston, b Walker...... R. Le May, c King, b Wilkins...... 29 Total...... ,...... 122 S. A. N. Watney, b Wilkins...... 4 J. N. Pew, not out...... 0 Bowling Analysis. Col. A. N. Ffrench-Blake, b Willdns...... 0 Extras...... 12 Overs. Maidens. Runs. Wickets. Average. Walton ... 7-3 2 27 1 27 Total...... 145 L/Cpl. Dawson 7 1 22 2 11 Casano ... 12 3 25 4 6‘2S Bowling Analysis. Rayment ... 3 * 21 1 21 2/Eieut. Walker ...... 3 for 44 Pte. Sparkes ...... 1 for 17 Major W ilkins...... v ... 3 for 34 2nd Battalion The Buffs “A” Team v. 2nd Battalion Pte. Nelthorpe...... 3 for 38 Royal Berkshire Regiment. Played on Be Quesne Ground, Shorncliffe, on 11th May, 2nd Battalion The Buffs v. Dover College. 1933. Played at Shorncliffe on 15th May, 1933. Result: 2nd Battalion The Royal Berkshire Regiment Result: Won by 46 runs. won by 81 runs. Dover College. Royal Berkshire Regiment. j. D. Low, b Major Wilkins...... 28 L/Cpl. Dyson, b 2/Lieut. E- S. Scott...... (J C. R. Stewart, run out...... 0 Sgt. Lickman, c L/Cpl- Dawson, b Sparkes...... 25 P. D. Gauge, c Capt. Hoare, b 2/Lieut. Walker...... 6 L/Cpl. Benn, c L/Cpl. Baker, b Sparkes...... 19 J. M. Benbow, c Brigstock, b 2/Lieut. Walker...... 0 Cpl. Harvey, b Sparkes...... 0 D. J. Weymouth, b 2/Lieut. Walker...... 1 L/Cpl. ThurgaT, hit wicket...... 52 D. K. Huxley, b Major Wilkins...... 2 Lieut. Helby, b Sparkes...... 15 R. W. Stanway, st Brigstock, b Major Wilkins...... 9 Lieut. Moore, b Sparkes...... i 17 P. R. Wood, c Casano, b Major Wilkins...... 3 2/Lieut. Morris, b Sparkes...... 0 C. H. Clarke, c Capt. Hoare, b Major Wilkins...... 2 Sgt. Dennis, b 2/Lieut. Scott...... 7 L. D. White, st Brigstock, b Major Wilkins,...... 7 L/Cpl. Ward, not out...... 7 N. J. F. Gibbs, not out...... 1 L/Cpl. Parminter, c Capt. N. E. Hoare, b L/Cpl. Lawson...... 3 Extras...... 10 Extras...... 8 Total...... 69 Total...... 153 Bowling Analysis. 2nd Battalion The Buffs “A ” Team. Overs. Maidens. Runs. Wickets. Average. Pte. Girling, c and b Lieut. Moore...... 10 2/Lieut. Walker 14 3 32 3 10.6 L/Cpl. Baker, c Benn, b Lieut. Moore...... 1 Major Wilkins 8’3 2 14 6 2-3 Lieut. J. E. King, b Ward...... 3 2nd Battalion The Buffs. 2/I4eut. E. S. Scott, lbw, b 2/Lieut. Morris...... 18 Major Wilkins, eand b Gibbs...... 13 Capt. N. E. Hoare, b Lieut. Moore_...... 5 2/Lieut. Walker, c and b Gibbs...... 11 Bdsmn. Rayment, b 2/Lieut. Morris...... 17 Sgt, Watts, c Gauge, b Weymouth...... 4 Sgt. Banks, c Ward, b Parminter...... 9 Pte. Casano, c Wood, b Huxley...... 37 Pte. Sparkes, b Parminter...... 0 Cpl. Fox, b Gibbs...... 0 L/Cpl. Dawson, b Parminter...... 4 L/Cpl. Dawson, c White, b Gibbs...... 9 L/Cpl. Kille, c and b Benn...... 1 Capt. Hoare, st Low, b Gibbs...... 0 Bdsmn. Ratdiffe, not out...... 0 Capt. Webster, c Weymouth, b Gibbs...... 11 . Extras...... '...... 4 L/Cpl. Hainlyn, not out...... 19 Pte. Sparkes, c Gibbs, b Weymouth...... 0 Total...... 72 L/Cpl. Brigstock, c Huxley, b Weymouth...... 6 Extras...... 5 Bowling Analysis. Overs. Maidens. Runs. Wickets. Average. Total...... 115 2/Lt. E. S. Scott 10 . 52 2 26 L/Cpl. Dawson 8T5 1 23 1 23 Pte. Sparkes 14 5 28 6 4*5 “A” Team Matches. 2nd Battalion The Buffs "A” Team v. Hawkinge 2nd Battalion The Buffs “A” Team v. 2nd Battalion C.C. The E ast Surrey Regiment. Played on the Be Quesne Ground, Shorncliffe, on 6th Played at Shorncliffe on 16th May, 1933. 6th May, 1933. Result: 2nd Bn. The Buffs "A” Team won by 5 wkts. Result: Won by 7 wickets. TH E DRAGON 203

2nd Battalion The Buffs. i ,is t o p W in n e r s o p S h ,v e r B u g t e . 1,/Cpl. Baker, c Wooldridge, b Newman...... 26 1911— 1933. Pte. Sparkes, c Phelan, b Crook...... 13 1,/Cpl. Hamlyn, b Ashford...... 6 1911. 1914. 1926. 2/Tieut. E. S. Scott, b Newman...... 22 Dr. Hannaford. Dr. Penn. Boy Perry. ijeut. J. E. King, c Newman, b Ashford...... 15 „ Firks. „ Stevens. 1927. Capt. N. E. Hoare, b Newman...... 1 „ Holloway. Dr. Whittington. Capt. R. W. M. Webster, run out...... 14 1912. „ Stevens. 1928. 1,/Cpl. Brigstock, c 2jX,t. Wilson, b Crook...... 36 Dr. Holloway. „ Stevens. Dr. Hudson, F. 1,/Cpl. Dawson, not out...... 29 „ Firks. „ Penn. 1929. T/Sgt. Banks, not out...... 4 „ Firks. „ Stevens. Boy Garratt, A. 1,/Cpl. Bryan, did not bat. „ Stevens. „ Stevens. Dr. Pilcher. Extras...... 6 „ Stevens. „ Stevens. 1930. ,, Stevens. „ Stevens. T/Cpl. Banks. Total...... 175 „ Stevens. 1915—1919. Dr. Whittington. „ Stevens. No Contest. „ Pilcher. The East Surrey Regiment. „ Stevens. 1920. „ Pilcher. „ Peacock. Dr. Stevens. 1931. Ashford, c Capt. Webster, b 2/I/t. Scott...... 4 „ Beer. 1921. Dr. Pilcher. Moore, c Dawson, b 2/I,t. Scott...... 24 „ Beer. Dr. Pheasants. ,, Whittington. Newman, b 2/I,t. Scott...... 4 1922. „ Pilcher. Wooldridge, b 2/l,t. Scott...... 4 1,/Cpl. Whittington. „ Stone, P. Allwood, c Dawson, b 2/I,t. Scott...... 2 1913. Dr. Fuggle. 1932. 2/Tt. Wilson, b Hamlyn...... 20 Dr. Stevens. 1923. Dr. Pilcher. 2/Dt. Russell, b 2/Tt. Scott...... 6 „ Stevens. No Contest. „ Pilcher. 2/Tt. Davis, c' and b 2/X,t. Scott...... 0 ,, Stevens. 1924. ,, Stone. Crook, not out...... 6 „ Stevens. T/Cpl. Page. „ Stone. 1,/Cpl. Phelan, c Brigstock, b Hamlyn...... 0 „ Stevens. Bov F. Hudson. 1933. Dieut. Mason, b 2/Tt. Scott...... 0 „ Holloway. 1925. Dr. Stone. Extras...... 10 „ Holloway. Boy Perry. „ Collins. „ Stevens. . Total...... SO „ Holloway. „ Stevens. B o w l in g A n a l y s is . „ Holloway. Overs. Maidens. Runs. Wickets. Average. „ Stevens. 2/I,t. Scott ... 12*6 1 48 8 6 Before concluding I would like to ask one small question (ansr.-cr 1,/Cpl. Hamlyn 1 . 1 2 5 next month). Can anybody tell me how to spell “ Stevens ” ? A.J.B. The Band. Signal Notes. We spent a very enjoyable Easter at Herne Bay and, although the The section notes arc overdue as usual, so we had better try to rake weather was cold, the crowd was warm and that’s everything. out a few of the more presentable incidents from our murky past. I was too early for our many-coloured bathing costumes to appear Everybody got back from heave alright except I,ofty. He missed and we shall have to wait for Curran’s “ special.” the bus and had to wait about six hours for the next. Fancy living in a place like that. Pony came back with a mysterious box which he Poor Henry—he is evidently not too good at the wheel. Perhaps dumped behind his bed where it was discovered a couple of days later the lady on the back was too much for his peace of mind. Quite a by our S.O. and his aid-de-eomp. From the hesitant manner in which new departure this, lady on the back. he produced it when challenged, we rather expected to see a dead The Kneller Hall Inspection will be over by the time these notes body roll out. To our great relief, however, it turned out to contain are being read and there will be more about it anon. two white mice. Several congratulations:— Nasty had a wangy old gramaphone which public opinion caused To Bulgin and the “ Tittle Drummer.” him to replace with a new one. Moe had a broken heart, which he said can’t be replaced. It has been really pathetic to watch him To Birkin and Richards for their successes at the 1st exam. following the post-corporal with mournful eyes. To Gaines for the progress that he is making on the Oboe. The latest rage amongst us is roller-skating. Week-ends find To Spreadbury and Summers. I don’t know how they do it. a crew of nearly a dozen, performing on these treacherous attachments. And to Harding .and Minard for the race they are running on the Some are very skilful and others quite the opposite, but for thrills Trombone. They are both 5 to 4 on. Pugh would have known commend me to the Pride of Westminster. Its worth 2d. to watch him. that term. If only we could persuade a few more to join the happy throng we E nough—Bach (or thereabouts). might think about leasing a rink of our own. The day of reckoning or, in other words, classification, is right here now. By the time these notes appear it will all be past history. That over, our signal Sarge and the majority of the section are going to The D rum s. Olympia to act as gate-ke pers, etc., for the Royal Tournament Our stay at Hythe Musketry Camp was short this year. Neverthe­ Nasty hopes to go because he gets rather shy when a young lady in the less, we found time in which to “ Beat Retreat at the Recreation canteen calls him “ Ducky.” Fairy and Bonce are going with the Ground. As usual, a large crowd had gathered long before the terriers, because neither of them owns a ciwie hat up to Olympia appointed time, showing us how Hythe enjoys our shows. standard. The man who keeps the pawnbroker’s sign is evidently feeling the Colonel and Mrs. Scarlett and Tieut. Craddock were amongst the effect of Spring, that is, looking for a mate, so we hope to make a first arrivals. happy announcement in the near future. This year’s shooting results bring eleven marksmen to The Drums We had a couple of football matches during the month. The one with the Berkshire Sigs. we had better gloss, over in case someone including the Company Shot on Part II. Rifle. This is the third year mentions a cribbage board. We got on better with the Surreys, but that we had held a Company Shot. What about it Band ? We our Teslie, who has a real flair for crashing into the news, got severely noticed that you never ordered any milk this year. bumped and could not remember anything at all. He went out that The Quarterly Silver Bugle Competition was held on 1st of May, evening to meet his young lady, but had forgotten what she looked the result being :—C.O. Bugler : Dr. Collins; Best Young Hand : like. The subsequent happenings are likely to land him in a breach Pte. Epps. Well done, both of you. Whilst on the subject of Silver of promise action. Bugle winners I have at last completed the list of winners’ names This will have to be all for this month, but the tales which that trip promised to be printed some time ago. I hope the Editor will find room to Olympia may provide, will probably be interesting. for them. T u b il l s . On the 4th of May we gave a display of figure marching to a party of Japanese Officers on the Officers’ Tawn. Judging by tlieir big smiles Sergeants’ Mess. they must have thoroughly enjoyed it. A film was taken by one of the Japanese officers, who seemed very pleased with his effort. The " Hiking Season ” is now in full swing. Congratulations to T/Cpl. Stoekbridge on his recent appointment. Already the inhabitants of Hythe, that exclusive We all wish him success. haunt of the “ Wizards of '303 ” have heard the musical The Drummers here are discussing why the G.O.M. was not present clink of our plated footgear, as daily we bowled through to watch the Retreat at Hythe. The only possible reason I can give that way with breasts full of hope, one perfectly good is that a N.A.A.F.I. Concert was given the same night and you know rifle, with which we hoped to disturb that elusive black the rest. G.O.M. front seat “ r e s e r v e d .” circle, sometimes known as the " Bung’s Despair,” The tie for third place of the Athletic Shield was played at Hytlie between “ 24” Company and “A” Company, resulting in a win for “24” and a longing to know if all the markers were kindly Company by 3—0. disposed. 204 THE DRAGON

During the Battalion Rifle Meeting, which was held The “ High and Mighty Sahib ” of the scattered on the 11th and 12th of April, several of our members family had decreed that all members should unite to distinguished themselves by entering that select circle, save evasion of the responsibility of caring for that little known as the “ Brotherhood of Dead Ryes.” Orphan, so tenderly cared for by successive caterers, I saw Trice frequently visit the Accounting Officer but seldom seen by many, except of necessity. in charge of the Pool shoots, relieving him, I believe, Having seen that all competitors had a nice soft of a goodly amount of “ Ackers.” mat to lay on, some nice shiny “ ammo ” with which (P.S.—Bar takings during current month to Spray the butts, or the targets if able, our “ Shooting stupendous.) Boss,” C.S.M. Beasly started off the fireworks. The Officers’ and Sergeants’ Annual Shoot was held The markers evidently thought badly of the music during the first day and was easily the outstanding which the Bandmaster and Drum-Major were making event of the whole meeting. The first practice was on the firing-point for they often showed their dis­ “ deliberate ” at 600 yards, in which the Officers gained approval by wagging that little red and white flag, a slight advantage. to the great delight of the sufferers of the B.M.’s spell Several “ Bungs ” were seen to creep guiltily away of “ windgaugitus,” which had already fetched many from the firing-point before confirmation of scores a sigh of despair from many aspirants to the silver arrived. spoon fame. The Sir of “H.Q.” had quite a group of advisers near him, and, judging by the remarks, was The Bandmaster, who, no doubt thought his under shell-fire as one could see little bursts of shingle “ shooting-rod” was a billiard cue, scored several by that august head. Nevertheless there were some ” in-offs ” (but not on), and, after a “ general salute " who really tried. “ No. 1 ” could be seen caressing by several Dancers, found his lucky number of three, the butt of his primary weapon as if it were the dearest consoling himself with the fact that a certain high and thing on earth, and looking anxiously for a white disc distinguished person had also received a similar that sometimes performed a circular movement (if salutation. you’re lucky). In fact the butts at times looked like Arriving at the 300 yards firing point, the markers a gala day in town, flags being triumphantly waved by very kindly arranged some little “ Jackie Wass’s ” markers who knew not the pain they caused to those along the butts with the invitation to us to do our worst. who lay opposite them, 300 yards away. Our marksmen did and tumbled them down, only to find that the markers had a set of smaller ones ready, The practices were as follows :— which were popped up invitingly. They also met the 5 rounds deliberate at 300 yards ; 5 rounds snap­ fate of the previous ones, being replaced by a set of shooting 3 secs, up ; 3 secs, down ; 10 rounds deliberate Peter Pans,” just about large enough for one bullet at 500 yards. to go through without fraying the edges. One little The first two practices were for the Paget Cup and fellow was still defying our team when the supply of were won by Sgt. Bills with a score of 41 ; 2nd : Sgt. “ fireworks ” ran out. Johnson, 38 ; 3rd : Sgt. Dee, 37. Nothing daunted, the Officers went into action and The combined scores of the three practices decided raked the butts from end to end. Targets fell fast and the winner of Worthington Cup, the winner being :— furious, three little fellows in the final episode, however, Sgt. Trice, with a score of 79 ; 2nd, Sgt. Johnson, 70 ; refused to admit their superiors, and were mentally 3rd, Sgt. Bills, 70. Court-Martialled on the spot. The spoon winners were decided by : (1) the highest Result: Officers, 159 ; Sergeants : 149. total score of the shoot, plus the number of the check Our team was composed o f:—R.S.M. Vaughan drawn in the lucky dip in the bag, these being numbered (team captain), Bandmaster Foster, R.Q.M.S. from 1 to 16, for the silver spoon. (2) The lowest Ricketts, C.S.M.’s Ongley, Williams, Beasley and Sgts. score including check qualified for the “ Wooden-Un.” King and Good. Sgt. Trice, with a score of 85, won the Silver Spoon and Bandmaster Foster with a score of 28, became the Scribe’s Comments :— possessor for one whole year of the sacred emblem of (1) Commanding Officer on parade, Officers went all hard luck, and a diminished banking account (if any). out to evade extra instructions. (2) Joe Richards’ tonics upset the equilibrium of our Mess Team. Heepkui, Suggestions. About 120 guests, who took part in the “ Open Match " were entertained in our Mess Tent to lunch. (1) Date :—3rd May. C.Q.M.S. Diamond is to be congratulated for a first- Scene :—Sir John Moore’s Plain. class spread, which made one forget that camp life is Weather Condition :—Heavy Rain. not always unconventional. Vision :—Scribe proceeding across aforementioned The battalion was under canvas from 18th to 28th plain, espies one umbrella advancing, with a small April, during which time we experienced all four pair of puttied legs twinkling beneath. seasons combined—snow, frost, wind and occasionally Close inspection proved that it was the Drum- a little ray of sunshine. Major going to parade, and not the outcome of excessive Sgt. Bell, as camp caterer, certainly did not require " Jars ” overnight. May it be respectfully submitted an ice chest to keep his stock-in-trade from bursting; that an Army issue be made of the following :—" Brellas- more often than not he was seen doing muscle exercises, Uin,” Khaki, Mk. 1, G.S. with piling swivel, Drum swinging a brazier, to make it glow and thereby gladden Majors, for the use of, as those of the Female Variety the hearts of two-score shivering mortals. are not considered adequate for this purpose. On April 27th a goodly company of crack-shots, (2) Regimental Detail be posted in the Sergeants' “ cracked ” shots and “ bung ” shots assembled on the Mess, with a view to coaxing many lost Brethren to 300 yards firing point on “A” Range, to fire off for the spend at least 30 seconds a day in our midst. Worthington and Paget Cups, and the Shooting Spoons (3) That " cushions air ” are fitted to top bars of Silver and " Wooden-un.” hurdles, with a view to making things more comfort­ "Y ea,” even and verily, there were amongst us able for Sirs of “M.G.” Companies who persist in sitting strangers, their faces having been forgotten in the long on, instead of clearing the aforementioned contrivances. intervals between Mess Meetings. Touchstone. THE DRAGON 205

Corporals’ Room. L/Cpls. Chapman and Castle have elected to take After spending five happy days of Easter Leave we a Vocational Course commencing in June. We shall returned to Barracks and marched straight into Camp be sorry to lose these two as they were footballers of at Hythe for the Annual W.T. Course. We left barracks some note, both having played in the Regimental Team. in a fairly warm atmosphere but there is left in the We hope they will make a success of the course and minds of some old campaigners the memory of a really have a very successful return to " Civvy Street.” cold night under canvas. Everyone shivered and On Sunday, the 7th May the Gunners leave for Lydd the sound of Reveille was in a good many cases a relief. to fire the Annual "M.G.” Course. The “ Admiral ” Congratulations are due to Corporal Tracey on said ” Peace and Quietness once more.” Anyway, attaining the Championship of the battalion in the the weather looks very promising and we hope it holds Rifle Meeting. This was a very close contest and the out for them. nerves of several were all tuned up and speculation ran Last month we lost L/Cpl. Rackley, posted to the very high. We are glad to say, however, that honours Depot for a tour of duty. He will be well received, came to the Corporals’ Room although the Sergeants we feel sure, and not be amongst strangers. ran a very close second. Then came the actual firing of Part I., the only consolation about this being if one This concludes the stock for May. failed to “ Get Out ” he still had Part II. to assist him Mo n t y . including the “ Beach Stone Derby." In some cases this was carried out in the same manner that the French Transport Section. Foreign Legion carry out marches, march a 100 yards Here we are again, crashing into the columns once more after and double a 100 yards. Providing one has the wind many months of literary inactivity, and teeming over with news. So of a horse and little weight to carry he finishes up fairly dear the decks for action and give us all your available space. fresh, but----- ? To wind up the Course we held a First of all I must congratulate Pte. Gardner on his recovery from Spoon Shoot and were pleased to see the Commanding his accident, and I am sure all the section will join me. He had the Officer on the firing-point during the whole of the shoot. misfortune to break his leg whilst going through young hands training The practices were 5 rounds application at 300 yards with the R.A. His sixty-one days sick leave should, however, be some and 5 rounds snap-shooting practice at 300 yards under consolation. We have had our annual sort-out, and the section is now settling N.R.A. Rules. By arrangement, the Corporals and down to a few months’ really hard work. Our ranks have, recently, Sergeants marked for each other. (No wangling in been swelled by the arrival of six rollickin’ rollin’, hard-boiled rangers the BUTTS). Cpl. Banks was in charge of the firing- who have just completed their training at Bar 20, over the next ranch. point assisted by Cpls. King and Turmaine. The Ptes. O’Donnell and Burrows have left us for a Vocational Training result of the shoot was L/Cpl. Scurfield of "M-G.” course at Chiseldon. We wish them the best of luck and hope they make a successful entry into civil life. Pte. Burrows is a great loss to Company (winner), with a score of 48 (the familiar cry us as he brought the heavyweight championship of the battalion to of " Come on the Gunners ! ! ! ” was not heard on this the section. We have, however, in Pte. Berry another contender for occasion. Well done, Scurfield. The other end the title. He has been doing some stiff training recently, under the champion was L/Cpl. Skeet of "A” Company with a watchful eyes of those two great veterans, Catlin and Goodall. score of 2 (accident or design ?) This N.C.O. wins the Congratulations to Pte. Gorse on his appointment as regimental Wooden Spoon and the punishment will be awarded saddler. by the R.S.M. at the next Mess Meeting. Thus finished I am afraid I cannot write much about sport, as the section does not go in for it much. This is not because we are no good at it, but the Annual Course, one that was not blessed with double sets do take a long time. However, we must see what we can brilliant weather, until we came to Hospital Hill on the do during the cricket season. march back. Pte. Milieu reverted, this week, from L/Cpl. at his own request. Preparations are now being made for a very busy We hope this is only a temporary move as he is popular with all. collective season and one that will want some contend­ We still have some good shots in the section, as was proved by the ing with, but all’s well that ends well. battalion rifle meeting. Our worthy sergeant set a fine example by winning silver and bronze medals, spoon and not a small amount of the We congratulate L/Cpl. Boorman and L/Cpl. Stock- “ root of all evil.” Other winners were L/Cpl. Barningham, Ptes. bridge on their first appointments. Reekie, Leadbeater, Cooper anti Palmer. Next year all money won is going to be pooled and sent to the Chancellor of the Exchequer as L/Cpls. Calloway and Port have returned for the conscience money. P.T. Course, both having been awarded Certificates. I have not, now, written all I might, but we are under the watchful Port (Zip) is at present employed in the Garrison eye of the O.G.P.U. so must be careful. Gymnasium and should get his Certificate endorsed. In conclusion, a short poem entitled Several Cricket fixtures have come in and we are forming a team and a report of matches will be recorded A n O dk to ” T h e Cham p." from time to time. or We learn that Cpl. Twyman, L/Cpl. Jones (Depot) Cpl. Fox (Our Dick), L/Cpl. Jolley and Port are holding F id d l e P la y F id d l e . themselves in readiness for drafting during the forth­ The section mourn their awful loss, coming trooping season. Although a little premature They slink around in shame, we convey our best wishes to all of these and for what No more they heed the barking “Boss.” the future may hold for them. “ The Butcher ” was his name. Astounding feats of strength and skill, Cpl. Cannon and L/Cpl. Hunt have left us for a In boxing were as naught, vocational course. Flash having gone to Chisledon To “ Butcher Bill ’’ the human mill on a chauffeur-gardener course, the gradient of the Who only slept and fought. approach to the Martello Tower will no longer worry Now others hear his gentle voice, him, but the destruction of insects may test his powers And benefit thereby, of patience at times. “ Old Hughy ” still can have his choice, Congratulations to L/Cpls. Jolley, Edmond, Lacey His deena, or goodbye. Perhaps some day we’ll hear with awe, and Heather on obtaining their 2nd Gass Certificates, His meteoric rise, and to Paddy McCorkell on Mathematics only to Of how he progressed more and more. complete. As Jolley said, " It’s the ackers that Through dishing out black eyes. matters.” Now tell me this, you clever guys We notice that four members of the Mess have Oh Please ! Oh Please ! don’t rush. How can a man become a champ been selected to represent the battalion at Cricket, Just losing to one mush. and hope to see them all capped this season. B s h w n . 206 THE DRAGON

Boys' Notes. Our congratulations are extended to Sgt. Trice who obtained the distinctions of being Company Shot and also the Best Shot of the Sling up I Here we a re ! Having taken over the position of Sergeants in the Battalion Shot Competition which was held on the Scribe for the Boys I must apologise for the absence of notes in past 27th April. months. We have heard unofficially that L/Cpl. Carmichael obtained two We welcome to our fold the Brothers Dicker from Adisham. We “D’s ” in the subjects he took for the First Class Examination and hope their stay with us (although short) will be a pleasant one. During that Pte. Stevens obtained his First Class Certificate. We offer con- last month we lost one of our boys through Pneumonia, Boy Smith. graulations to these and hope that they will continue as they have We send our sympathy to his Mother and Father. started. We would like to hear from the Boys of the 1st Battalion. We were very glad to read that Lieut. D. Coates has been discharged We are getting our eyes down to cricket at present; to-morrow from hospital and we trust that he will return greatly benefitted by the we play the Boys of the Royal Berkshire Regiment. sick leave that he is now enjoying. We hope that the Boys of the 1st Battalion will let us know when A warm welcome is extended to L/Cpl. Davis, Pte. Haynes (the new Father Christmas (Escott) readies Burma, as he started to swim it on company groom) and Pte. Kemp, the first-named having returned Friday last, from the Hythe Canal. We hear he did well on the Ranges; from the Depot and the last two named being transferred from “H.Q.” I think he managed to get a bull and had his photo taken standing Wing. beside it. Our Scribe sends his best respects to the Drums of the 1st Our best wishes go with Pte. O’Donnell who has been the Company Battalion. groom for the past five years and who has left us for a vocational train­ We have our Inspection by the “ Director of Music ’’ on 16th and ing course. We shall all miss Pte. O’Donnell very much—none more so the Boys’ Room is like a Fish Market “ all scales.” Well, Cheerio, than the company charger—Lady-be-Good—and we trust that he will till next month. be fortunate in obtaining employment. We shall be glad to hear from Q.A.O.R. him at any time. Sgt. Tiinkwon has left us again, this time for a gas course a t Forton. We hope that he will come back bursting with knowledge and with a “A” Company. very large D. A warm welcome is extended to Ptes. Collins, Goulding, Proctor, At last May has dawned upon us once again and our minds, now Ward, Fagg, Johnson, Rutter and Wight who have been posted to having forgotten all our worries concerning shooting, must be turned the company from the Regimental Depot. We hope that they will to such matters as the King’s Birthday Parade and Training. soon settle down and prove helpful in the Sports field. Our football season closed whilst we were in Camp, with a Company According to programmes of work and other little notices, this Shield match in which we opposed “ 24” Company. Here we had hopes year promises to be a very busy one. We are at the moment rehears­ of gaining a coveted point towards the Harris Shield, and our hopes ing for the King’s Birthday Parade and also for an historical' display went even higher when the game had progressed for 80 minutes with to be given at Maidstone and other County towns. A period of no score recorded. They were soon dashed when 3 quick goals were Brigade and Divisional Training at Colchester is also in store for us, scored by “24” Company. R esult:—“24 ’’Company, 3, “A” Company, and next Monday, the 15th May, we commence Platoon and Section 0. Our team w as:—1,/Cpl. McGinley, Sgt. Cross, Pte. Atkinson, Training. All this, I hope, will not curtail our sporting events and L/Cpl. Axford, Pte. Leadbeatter, Pte. Woodage, L/Cpi. Dumont, I hope to be able to record some interesting items next month as we are Pte. Wright, Pte. Bryant, Pte. Gower and L/Cpl. Dawson. We must to hold an Inter-Platoon Sports Meeting. all congratulate L/Cpl. Mc.Ginley on playing such a splendid game as The draw for the Inter-Company Cricket Shield is out and we have goalkeeper. been drawn against “C” Company, the match to be played on the 18tli We congratulate the undermentioned on attaining their Educational May. A full report of this match will appear in our next notes. Certificates:— Seconds.—L/Cpl. Jolley, Pte. White, Pte. Tookey, Pte. Carter, L/Cpl. O’Leary and L/Cpl. Arnett. Thirds.—Pte. Mills and Pte. Harris. Our stay in Camp although somewhat damped by the weather was “ C” Company. quite enjoyable. The shooting of the Company was not quite so good as last year, but nevertheless, we reached a good average. The The month opened with very fine weather which put everyone in Company finished up as follows :— high spirits for the Easter leave period. Marksmen, 16; 1st Class, 12 ; 2nd Class, 11; 3rd Class, Nil. After five pleasant days holiday we arrived back on Tuesday, the L/Cpl. Jolley is our Company Shot for the ensuing year with a score 18th April, at “ noon,” and by 6 o’clock we were on our way down of 57. to Hythe to complete the Annual Weapon Training Course. As a result of their shooting the following are practicing to represent On Thursday, the 13th the Battalion Rifle Meeting was held and the battalion at BisleySgt. Bills, Ptes. Brown and Dudley. The the shooting was a sight for sore eyes, according to the marking and latter two are young soldiers who in Table A achieved the following:— scores. Pte. Brown :—Best Rifle Score, 94 ; Pte. Dudley :—Second Best We entered a number of teams for the Company Match, Knock-Out combined score Rifle and L.A. 213. Competition, Lewis Gun Match, Young Soldiers’ Team, and Paget Cup. The following of the Company represented the battalion in the The results were as follows :— Inter-Unit Bayonet Fencing :—L/Cpls.. O’Leary, Mc.Ginley, Axford Company Match:—4th, with the score of 141; Lewis .Gun and Dumont. Match, 1st and 2nd :—No. 12 Platoon Winners and No. 10 Platoon, On the 10th of May a Draft from the Depot arrived, and to the Runners-up; Young Soldiers’ Match :—2nd, with the score of 84 ; Company we welcome the following':—Ptes. Burton, Golder, Moore, P aget Cup :—3rd, with the score of 134. Swain, Cuttridge, Holness, Robertson and Warre-Dymond. In the Individuals for Class "C,” Pte. Pugh was 2nd with a score of Might I draw the attention of the Company in General to the near­ 35. ness of the Battalion Athletic Meeting, also the Inter-Company Cricket. Corporal Eley won the Battalion Shot with L/Cpl. Brigstock a close Up to the present very little has been done in the way of training, second. L/Cpl. Blake (the holder) did not compete. but a glance around the battalion will see how other Companies will L/Cpl. Racklet has left us for a Tour of Duty at the Depot and we in all probability produce far better results than ourselves. wish him the best of success. T.C.H. We extend a hearty welcome to Pte. Crowley who has joined the Company from the Depot. Congratulations to L/Sgt. Lee on obtaining A.Q. “ Certificate ” on his Course at the A.E.C. “ B” Company. “ Darkie ” has gone to Lydd with the “M.G.’s” as “ Post Corporal ” The past month has concluded with, I think, very few regrets from and we trust he will come back feeling well rested. anyone. There was no sport of any description. The main feature Sgt. De Vroome has left us for a Course at the A.E.C. and we wish of the month was the Annual Musketry Course which commenced on him the best of success, and trust he will gain a “ Certificate ” to be the 18th and finished on the 27th April. For this period the Battalion proud of. were encamped on Hythe Ranges and for the whole of the period the Cpl. Cannon, L/Cpl. Tofts and Pte. Pugh have left us for their weather was extremely bad. This quite naturally made firing rather Vocational Courses before entering Civil Life, and we wish them the more difficult than it would have been had the weather been fine, best of success, and trust that they will not forget us when they enter but taking everything into consideration the results of the Company their new sphere of life. were very encouraging, for at the moment we are leading in the tussle With the Cricket Season started we anticipate having some good for Best Shooting Company. I believe I am right in saying that it matches for we have an excellent team. is some years since the Company has done so well and great credit Section and Platoon Training are now in full swing and everyone is is due to all concerned. Some statistics are shown hereunder giving as busy as bees. some idea of the shooting. C.E.C. Tabus B. (Rifle). Reclassified Marksmen. Marksmen. 1st Class. 2nd Class. 6 11 15 11 “ M.G." Company. T able B. (L.G.) “ Spring,” for the gunners, heralds in the “ Hiking Season,” boots 6 3 11 12 that have adorned magnificently polished boxes during winter are Table A. (Rifle). 14 10 pressed into service, thereby gladdening the heart of the “ Master- T able A. (L-G.) 18 14 Shoemaker.” Anti-Aircraft. On the 13th and 14th of April the Company “ Hiked ” it to Hythe 3 4 for the purpose of expending a few thousand rounds of 303, puncturing R evolver. All qualified. targets whenever possible, and finding work for an unemployed Our figure of merit for the whole course was 77.108, the individual “ Range-Warden.” As per book, of course, it is shown as exercising figures of merit being Rifle 78*997 and Lewis Gun 75*0. troops by firing Part I. TH E DRAGON 207

We had the usual bickering with the “ lancers ” who would persist occasionally in appearing over the butts, when, by all rules of aiming, a white disc should have appeared. Beneath Bell Harry. Some of the young hands did remarkably well and with practice, should develop into crack shots. During the Battalion Rifle Meeting all tire Company proceeded to AST month found the Range and indulged in a little care-frec sniping. the Army In­ A few of the dead-eyes were seen frequently reporting to Mr. L Haggard (O.C. “Ackers”) with little tickets which entitled them to dividual and Team various am ounts; in fact, one certain N.C.O. (no names no Tracey’s) was indifferent about drawing any pay that week. Golf Championships Cpl. Tracey is to be congratulated on winning the Battalion the absorbing topic of Championship. B/Cpl. Scurfield won the Corponds’ Shoot. We offer our con­ conversation in the gratulations. This again disproves the old saying that a married man is a soldier lost. intervals between From the 18th to the 28th April we were detailed for “ Base ” duty, work. We all nour­ while the rest of the battalion was at Hythe. Our C.S.M., who did Detachment S.M. could be seen daily strutting ished a secret hope around, complete with “ Sticks Pace G.S. MKI,” Monarch of all he that the Individual surveyed, while the C.Q.M.S. was noted bobbing in the Sergeants’ Mess Bar and asking if there was anything to go to the P.R.I. Championship Cup Anyhow, no burglaries, minders, fires, or even marriages occured during the absence of the battalion, anil we handed bach the Fort which we have gazed complete on the 28th, on so long would again The 7th of May, being a Sunday, and a wet one at that, saw us strolling gently in the direction of Bydd (16 miles) for our “ Annual return to us to adorn V acation.” We arrived in Camp about 2.15 p.m., slightly wet, but otherwise our Mess table, and the only casualties were three blisters, six pairs of worn-out socks, that Reeves would set and Sgt. Saunders suffering from the effects of petrol fumes. The scribe, who was also mechanized for the journey, escaped that up a new record by winning it for the third complaint owing to being smothered under coir, blankets and various year running. Our hopes were not to be other necessities. If we were damp physically we were not so in spirit for the Company realised, but whilst sympathising with him in soon got down to it. At the time of writing, although we have completed classification, his disappointment, we offer him our sincerest the final results are not available ; these must appear later. congratulations on being runner-up to a very Pack-saddlery was used in camp, and for a start bucking brouc could be seen giving fine exhibitions round the Camp, with Beeching worthy champion. playing tug-of-war with them. It is being used extensively during the forthcoming collective After our narrow victory over The Grenadier training season, so we shall probably be the witnesses of many amusing sights. Platoon Sergeants are very grateful for the kind thought of Guards in the fourth round of the Team withdrawing mules from “M.G.” Companies, the long-eared chums not Championship, we had high hopes that the being popular. We return to Barracks on the 18th, then off we go again to Netfier- Regiment would be successful in this event, avon on the 24th, to delight the villagers there with exhibitions of stalking, hiking and fireworks. but we were again doomed to disappointment. B/Cpl. Hunt proceeded to A.V.T.C., Aldershot on the 1st of May Golf is a game of surprises and only those to accumulate, we hope, enough knowledge of “ Work ” to get a situation in civilian life in the near future. who have played through a week of competition We also lose B/Cpl. Castle and Pte. Catliu on the 1st of June ; they are also going to A.V.T.C. golf know the strain and uncertainty of it. Cpl. King became a select member of the “Q” Society on obtaining We offer our warmest congratulations to The a "1” at Netlieravon ; we congratulate him on his success. The following have proceeded to camp at Crowlink, to assist in Lincolnshire Regiment on their victory. the training of the 4 th B attalion, from 14th to 28th May.:-—Mr. H aggard, Sgt. Bartlett, B/Sgt. Blanch and Cpl. Tracey. As we were favoured with the most perfect We hope that they enjoyed the “Holiday Camp.” “ Better late than never.” We offer our heartiest congratulations of perfect weather on Albuhera Day, it was to Mr. Crozier on acquiring a son and heir on April 12th. As a gunner decided to hold a Recruits’ Sports Meeting officer we trust that his firstborn has been issued with cans condensed one, in lieu of rattle, and pins joint cross-head in lieu of teething ring. during the day. The preliminary heats were Knowing babies, I am correct in reporting that id ready he can adopt the lowest position. On the Company A.F.B.293, as taken on strength, held in the morning and the finals and the he is shown as :—Babies 1, Male, MK1 No. 1, G.S., complete with potato, sack and wheelbarrow races in the lungs and vocal chords. Touchstone. afternoon. The performances throughout the meeting were well up to standard. None of the competitors had trained for the events, and rubber-soled shoes on a grass track are not conducive to record time. The squad which obtained most points won a supper, which was heartily eaten on Thursday after Our Contemporaries. the sports. acknowledge with thanks the receipt of the The cricket season has opened and the nets following journals :— are full in the evening. We have not yet “ The Tiger and Rose.” " Aldershot Command News.” ” The Die-Hards.” “ The Queen’s Own Gazette.” played a match as our first one against “ The Green Howards' Gazette.” “ Our Empire.” Tankerton was scratched owing to rain and the “ St. George’s Gazette.” “ The Snapper.” “ The second had to be cancelled as our opponents Covenanter.” “ The Dion and The Rose.” “ One were unable to raise a team. and All.” ‘ The Sapper.” “ The Regimental Chronicle of The Prince of Wales’s Volunteers.” “ Journal of Having been practicing in the cricket nets, the Hon. Artillery Co.” “ The Rondon Scottish Regtl. I was somewhat surprised the other day to find Gazette.” " The Suffolk Regtl. Gazette.” “ The Hampshire Regtl. Journal.” “ The Lancashire Lad.” a game of football in progress in an unusual “ Journal of the Royal Army Service Corps.” place. I was unable to discover whether 208 Tim dragon it was rugby or association, but the game Event. T im e, etc. W inners. Squad. Points. ultimately came to an abrupt conclusion Sack Race ... Pte. Faulkner, G. “C” — Pte. Bragg, W. “A” — when one of the players punted the ball high Pte. Dale, P. “B” ■-- into the air and when it again touched terra Pte. Stupples, F. “B” — firm a with a resounding crash in the near vicinity of a certain house, the players all Summary of P oints a w a rd e d to S quads. disappeared quant alerrime to their various nooks and crannies. Squad. ©& £ Placing. Tug-o'- Total Putt. Points. war. Shot Long Ju m p . M ile. H igh J u m p . 880x. We congratulate Captain D. S. Lister, "Cranford” ...... 1 5 1 3 41 3 10 - 171 1st. M.C., and Lieut. V. Boucher on their respective “Burton” ... 2 — 3 1—23 6 17 2nd. "Amherst” ...... 3 — 2 2 — — — — 7 4th. engagements and wish them the very best 3 9* 3rd. of luck. “Style” ... — 1 — — n i s

Obituary. It is with deep regret that we have to note the Sergeants’ Mess Notes. death of Mrs. Simpson, wife of L/Cpl. Simpson, so well- Like Currency Notes, the current Notes are scarce. known to all post-war recruits. We have had one Quarterly Spoon Shoot which resulted She had not been well for some months and had as follows :— never fully recovered from an operation last year—so Sgt. Wickham—Silver Spoon. that we were all shocked when we heard she had been Sgt. Hoy—Wooden Spoon. admitted to Hospital again. The practices fired were—5 rounds Grouping; Mrs. Simpson will be greatly missed at the monthly 5 rounds Snap ; 5 rounds Timed. A sweepstake on Depot tea parties for the married families, where the winner was arranged by the Regiiiiental-Sergeant- her cheery presence and ready help made her a favourite Major who, funnily enough, drew Sgt. Wickham. Now with everyone. we are all waiting for the other Sweepstake. On Albuhera Day most of the Members assisted with the Recruits’ Sports Meeting, details of which will Inter-Squad Athletic Competition, Albuhera Day, be published elsewhere. In the evening we held a 1933. very successful dance. The Commanding Officer kindly gave us an extension till 2 a.m. One or two new novelty Event. Tim e, etc. W inners. Squad. Points. dances were introduced which appeared to be much 100 Y a rd s ... 11‘6 secs. Pte. Haylam, J. “A” 3 appreciated. Pte. Burns, D. "B” 2 Our first Cricket Match of the season ended in a loss. Pte. Mitchell, D. "C” 1 The Record and Pay Office C.C. turned out a formidable Pte. Nelson, C. “C” - side, so the final result was not too bad. 440 Y a r d s ... 1 m. 1*8 secs. Pte. Illingworth, P. “C” 3 • Pte. Bignell, J. “C” 2 Se r g ea n ts’ Me s s . Pte. Barnsley, W. “S” 1 Pte. Livemore, P. “B" “ C.S.M. Farrow, c Target, b Malpass...... 6 Sgt. Jonas, c Hughes, b King...... 11 880 Y a rd s ... 2 tn. 23 secs. Pte. Wilson, E. “B” 3 Sgt. Smith, b Malpass...... 0 Pte. Priddle, J. “A” 2 Pte. Bradford, J. “C” 1 Sgt. O’Donnell, c Targett, b Chandler...... 4 Pte. Quinton, R. “B” - Sgt. Wickham, lbw, b King...... 7 R. Q.M.S. Mould, c Targett, b Soper...... 1 Onb Mnjj ... 5 m. 21‘2 secs. Pte. Miles, D. 3 Pte. Priddle, J. “A” 2 Q.M.S. Shorter, run out...... 1 Pte. Leeds, A. "B” 1 L/Sgt. Sivers, c Chandler, b King...... 1 Pte. Bradford, J. “C” - Q.M.S.I. Moore, c and b King...... 0 Sgt. Turner, b King...... 0 H igh Jum p ... S' 4' Pte. Mitchell, D. ‘‘C’' 3 5' 2" I _. Pte. Faulkner, G. "C” H Sgt. Miles, not out...... 0 S' 2' Pte. Knowles, J. “S” H Extras...... 3 Long Jump ... 15' 9' Pte. Mitchell, D. “C” 3 15' 4" Pte. Burns, D. “B” 2 Total...... 34 i s ' r Pte. Jones, R. “S" 1 14' 4' Pte. Skudder, J. “S” - P a y an d R ec o rd Of f ic e . Shot P utt. ... 27' e r Pte. Jones, R. “S” 3 Mr. Amos, lbw, b O’Donnell...... 15 25' 11' Pte. Bums, D. “B” 2 Sgt. Bamshaw, b O’Donnell...... 10 24' i o y Pte. Livemore, P. “B” 1 24' 5 Pte. Jarrett, A. “S” - Cpl. Soper, b Wickham...... 5 Q.M.S. Scott, c Jonas, b O’Donnell...... 1 T ug-of-w a r ... 2 Pulls. “ Burton ” Squad. 6 Cpl. Targett, b O’Donnell...... 5 Nil. “ Style ” Squad. 3 S. S.M. Wilson, c Turner, b Wickham...... 10 P otato Race Pte. Faulkner, G. 4|£>» _ Captain Malpass, b O’Donnell...... 0 Pte. Dale, P. “B” _ Sgt. King, b O’Donnell...... 0 Pte. Miles, D. “C” — Sgt. Chandler, not out...... 3 Pte. Sharp, K. “B” — ' Colonel Paynter, c Moore, b O'Donnell...... 12 W heelbarrow Pte. Mitchell, D. & Mr. Hughes, run out...... 0 Race Bignell, J. “C” — Extras...... 7 Ptes. Faulkner, G. & Clarke, W. “C” — Ptes. Davidson, D. Total...... 68 & Marshall, W. “A” — Ptes. Davidson, J. & Cox, S. “C” We offer our condolences to L/Cpl. Simpson in his — grievious loss. THE DRAGON m 4th Battalion. TYTE should like to tell We entered a team for the 44th Divisional ’ ’ our readers all about Cross-Country Run this year for the first time. camp in this month’s Quite a good gathering of Buffs came over Dragon, but as the latest to watch the race, among whom were General date on which the Editor, Sir Arthur Eynden-Bell, who drove over with who is a very fierce man Colonel Burns, Colonel Collard, Major Allen and must be obeyed, says and Captain Bacon. We did not win, but we he can deal with notes have made a start, and we share 2/Eieut. comes in the middle of Johnson’s confidence that we shall be more camp, we shall have to nearer first place next year. write up our doings after it is all over. The fact is it needs many cold towels Cross - Country Running. for the head and a lot of The outstanding feature' of last month’s activities for the team was the 44th (H.C.) Divisional Cross- (Grt»t >

one of the colliding cross-channel boats in the fog on May 9th. Calm F o l k e s t o n e d e t a c h m e n t . as the sea was, they were grateful that it was not a serious enough affair to necessitate floating about in life-belts in mid-channel for a few hours. For all the prevalent excitement, these notes might have been No doubt Captain Sherwood and some of his gallant men would soon written on the eve of Quatre Bras. Camp is a present fact, and, let us have been on the spot to haul them out had it been so. As it was he hope, with one of 11 Buchan’s Cold Spells” terminating on Saturday, was there to welcome them on the quay. the last day of the Little Blackthorn Winter, it will be as enjoyable A.E.L.H. as its anticipation, but without the fever of preparation. On Friday, 21st April we had our first Games’ Night against the “D ” Company. 234th Battery R.A., who proved rather too strong for us in every respect, especially at billiards, and defeated us by 27 games to ,14. D over D etachment. We hope to meet them in a return match on Tuesday, 6th June and, with the addition of more simple games we hope to turn the tables. By the time that these notes appear in print we shall have com­ Though even with an increased programme which includes community pleted our Annual Training for another year. At the present moment singing it would be a hard job to beat the battery for hospitality. all ranks are earnestly praying for fine weather which is so essential The detachment also hopes to meet these gunners in various contests to a successful camp. {Shades of Worthing 1931 3! 11). in camp, so we may get the better of them some day. The major portion of our Annual Machine Gun Course has been completed and a marked improvement is shown; the Anti-Aircraft As regards paper results, the placing of the detachment in the Lewis Gunners have also fired their course and are looking forward to inter-detachment league are not encouraging, but members of the the possibility of seeing the ground from the air whilst at Camp as detachment will be grateful to remember that we have never employed arrangements are being made for them to be taken up by 500 Squadron, permanently hired “ gladiators,” but that “ the first man up has been R.A.F, who will be at training at Tangmere Aerodrome. the first man down " to fire for us on every occasion. This has at least We extend to 2/Lieut. Johnson and his Cross-Country Running had the effect of levelling and raising the general standard of shoot­ Team our congratulations on their efforts at the Divisional Cross- ing, and it is to be hoped that this general interest will not slack off Country Run at Sevenoaks during April. This was the first time that in the summer, as the rifle club is essentially a “ civvy ” one. We they have taken part and we fed confident that next year they will were tenth out of twelve in the League with 6 points. finish farther up the list. On Friday, 28th April, “D” Company Club entertained the detach­ We had the pleasure of a visit at Dover from Capt. Hardcastle ment to a games night at which apparently, as the local papers say, on his trip to Ostend and back; these visits of his are all too infrequent. a happy time was had by a ll; but, not having attended myself, I am On his return trip, the ship on which he and his family were passengers, at a difficulty to translate the breathless reports of others into any­ came into collision with another Ostend Boat going in the opposite thing very dear in the way of scores or results. direction, but thanks to the “ sangfroid ” and presence on board of Finally, the team to represent the Detachment in the T.A. Machine Capt. Hardcastle, no one was injured and both ships made port. Good Gun Cup Competition to be fired at Lydden Spout on Sunday, 6th old “C” Company ! 1!!! August, is to be chosen from the following :— The final shoot of the Dover Detachment Rifle Club on the Sergeant Harthill; L/Cpl. H all; L/Cpl. Elson; L/Cpl. Sm ith; Miniature Range was hdd on Thursday, 27th April. This was to Ptes. Brown; Deane; Harman, H .; Godden j Doughty, C.; mark the close of the winter season and before we start settling down Doughty, A. to the “ h e-m an stu ff on the open range. Scores are as follows :— A.C.R. Gun score. Handicap. Total. Pte. Phillips... 92 Plus 10 102 Dmr. Osborne 93 8 101 C.S.M. MacWalter ... 97 2 99 The Regimental Gazette. L/Cpl. Tripp, R. 96 3 99 D/M. Rich ...... 93 6 99 Sgt. Gilligan... 92 5 97 Officers. C/S. Collins ...... 79 15 94 Regular Army. L/Cpl. Dixon 88 „ 4 92 Unfortunately only a few took part in this event and Pte. Phillips The Buffs. -Capt. W. H. Rowe is seed, for serv. under the Colonial is to be congratulated in winning the Spoon. The presentation took Office (Feb. 10th). place in the Recreation Room after the shoot, and the winner’s health Territorial Army reserve of Officers. was toasted with the usual “ Gall of hops.” 4th B n. The Buffs.—Capt. H. L. Smith having attained the age In the Dover and Folkestone Rifle Deague our “A” Team did not do so well as expected, mainly because other teams are improving also, limit relinquishes his commn. and retains his rank (May 10th). and a certain amount of lack of experience on the part of our firers The 2nd Battalion. in this type of shooting. I t is hoped that the next season, with a better class of rifle, we will manage to get somewhere near the top of Educational Awards. the league. Our “B” Team, unfortunately, were not always able to turn out the same men every time and substitutes had to take their The undermentioned are awarded 1st Class Certificates of Educa­ place, at times rather disastrous to the team’s score. The shoot takes tion as a result of an examination held at Sborncliffe during March, place at Dover and Folkestone Drill Halls, three at each place, and 1933. Certificates will be dated as having effect from 22-3-33 :— starts in November, one shoot per month. 6281709 Sgt. G. Saunders, “M.G.” ; 45041 L/Cpl. G. Kelly, “H.Q.” ; Results as follows;— 6285231 Pte. L. Stevens, “B,” Distinguished in Mathematics; 6285239 Total score for 6 sh o o ts. Pte. A. Benz, “H.Q.” ; 6285007 Pte. J. Paine, “H.Q.,” Distinguished H.P.S. 3600. in Mathematics; 6284480 Pte. W. Joynson, “H.Q.,” ; 6284786 Pte. R. Griffiths, “A.” Buckland Paper Mills Rifle Club (Winners of 6195168 L/Cpl. C. Davis, “B,” passed in English towards the 1st Cup) ...... 3490 rintc Certificate of Education at an Examination held at Canterbury Dover & District Rifle C lu b ...... 3449 in March, 1933. Date of award, 22-3-33. Dover Co-Op. Rifle Club ...... 3407 Dover Postals Rifle Club ...... 3403 Folkestone Rifle Club “A” Team ...... 3355 168th Heavy Battery R.A. Rifle Club ... 3344 Dover Detachment, 4/The Buffs “A” Team 3313 FOR :: Dover Tramways Rifle Club 3300 Dover Police Rifle Club ...... 3235 Cinque Ports (Fortress) R.E...... 3189 ACCURACY i n DISPENSING Dover Dragons (P. & P. Association) ... 3109 Folkestone Rifle Club “B” Team ...... 3070 Dover Detachment, 4/The Buffs, “B ” Team 2921 A N D :: Folkestone Detachment, 4/The Buffs ... 2472 Winners of the “ Dams " Silver Spoons. (For highest aggregate in team). i n a w , medical Dover Detachment, 4/The Buffs, “A” Team :—C.S.M. MacWalter. RELIABILITY Dover Detachment, 4/The Buffs, “B” Team.—Drmr. Osborne. Folkestone Detachment, 4/The Buffs.—C.Q.M.S. Ranson. a n d surgical goods The scores made by our “A” Team are as follows:— Total score for 6 shoots. ------:-o -:------JLP.S. 600. C.S.M. MacWalter ...... 567 Drummer Marsh ...... 562 WALKER & HARRIS, L T D . C.S.M. Maskell...... 558 Drum-Major Rich ...... 557 Sun Street and Northgate Street, Drummer Tripp, R ...... 545 Sgt. Gilligan ...... 528 Drummer Osborne (“B” Team )...... 534 CANTERBURY. J.S.