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Newsletter – March 2012
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Welcome to this edition of the Regimental Family Newsletter. There’s a lot going on in this issue including information on Gunner Sunday and final reminder about booking your place at the RA Assembly. A report on the Regimental Parade through Esher and information on how to get your hands on tickets for our Grand Draw.
A host of reunions is kicked off with details of the Commando Gunners 50th Anniversary.
There are many more interesting articles for you to read including two exciting projects at Firepower, our regimental Museum where there are live links for you to use if you want to get involved.
Gunner Sunday
This year Gunner Sunday will take place at the Royal Hospital Chelsea on Sunday 22 April. Branches and regiments are most welcome to attend. So that we can have some ideas of numbers attending, please call the RAA Membership Secretary on 01980 845362 or 845233 if you intend to attend.
Timings are:
10.00hrs Assemble in the Octagon Colonnade 10.30hrs Latest arrival time 10.40hrs Pensioners and RAA Standard Bearers form up and parade * 11.00hrs Service begins.
After the service the club will be open for you to meet the pensioners and have a drink.
Dress:
Suits or blazers with Gunner tie. Only Standard bearers should wear medals. Parking is very limited and further details can be obtained by calling 020 7881 5298. We regret that lunch cannot be provided and you should consider this when planning your visit.
Branch Standard Bearers are strongly encouraged to attend and support our In-pensioners and for this Standard Bearers will receive their travel expenses back under the normal rules.
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Royal Artillery Assembly 2012
The Royal Artillery Assembly will take place at the Norbreck Castle Hotel, Blackpool, over the weekend 18 to 20 May.
Details have already been sent to Branch Secretaries and RSMs.
This is the major event of the year in which the RAA is involved and to recognise its significance we are promising to reimburse 90% of the travel costs incurred by branches that travel to the event in a full coach or minibus.
The RA Assembly provides a great opportunity to come and enjoy the company of hundreds of Gunners from all over the country in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere. There will be an update on the current situation of the serving regiments, including a report from a regiment recently returned from operations in Afghanistan.
As well as all this, you will be treated to a fabulous marching band display and then invited to relax and enjoy our Gala Dinner with live entertainment.
With all of this and the chance of a 90% travel subsidy it’s certainly a weekend not to be missed!
To avoid disappointment book today using the official booking form available to download at: Book My Room
Details from your local RAA branch secretary or by phoning 01980 845233 or 845362.
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Esher Parade – 17th February 2012
On Friday 17 February, 7 Parachute Regiment Royal Artillery marked the end of their latest operational tour of duty in Afghanistan by marching through Esher. As the troops marched down Esher High Street, they were accompanied by their guns, the King's Troop Royal Horse Artillery, the Royal Artillery Band, the Royal Artillery Pipes and Drums, Standards from the Royal Artillery Association and local Cadet Troops. Taking the salute from the 200 participants was the Master Gunner St James's Park, General Sir Timothy Granville-Chapman GBE KCB, joined by the Deputy Lord Lieutenant of Surrey, Brigadier Graeme Bartlett MBE DL, and the Mayor of Elmbridge, Councilor John Sheldon.
The Mayor said: "It is good news that the Army march-past through Esher, now in its third year, looks to be an established tradition. It is a marvelous show, giving us an opportunity to show our appreciation of the brave men and women who daily risk injury and loss of life in the defence of the realm. It also heightens the occasion of the Royal Artillery's Gold Cup Steeplechase, run annually at Sandown Park. That is a fun day out for the military, with huge attendance by serving soldiers, in which anyone can join and enjoy. I am confident that the citizens of Elmbridge share my warm feelings for these special visitors, and will welcome them for as long as they continue to come."
The march started at Esher Police Station and continued down the High Street to Sandown Racecourse, where the feature race of the day was the Royal Artillery Gold Cup, one of Sandown Park's oldest and most prestigious races, having first been run in 1863. HRH The Duchess of Cornwall was in attendance. Also appearing at Sandown Park was the chart- topping Military Wives Choir, a puppet from the renowned War Horse West End production and a guest appearance and book signing by War Horse author Michael Morpurgo.
Her Royal Highness heard the wives sing their number one hit, Wherever You Are, and met the group and service families during the tour in Esher. The Duchess also chatted with War Horse author Michael Morpurgo and was introduced to Topthorn - one of the puppets from the stage show.
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ROYAL ARTILLERY ASSOCIATION GRAND DRAW 2012
The RAA Grand Draw will take place at Larkhill on Wednesday 15 August 2012. Prizes consist of £1,000, £500, £150, £100 & 10 prizes of £50 each. Tickets cost 25p each. All proceeds go to the RAA charities. To be in with a chance of winning send your order to: Membersip Office or phone 01980 845233 then return the stubs with your payment to Artillery House
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The Last Voices of Alamein
The 70th anniversary of this great battle will be marked by a special day at the Royal Artillery Museum, a day when those Gunners voices will not only be heard but recorded for posterity. “The Last Voices of Alamein” celebration will allow the museum to preserve the thoughts and stories of those Gunners who were there that day.
Each veteran, amidst a day of battle gun drills re-enactments, films and the ubiquitous “tea and a wad” will be interviewed by volunteers and museum staff to capture the moment in time when the guns opened fire that October day in 1942. Each veteran is also asked to bring with them a photograph of themselves, hopefully in uniform; a photograph on the day will complete the interview. The stories will then be collected into a booklet and the spoken record of the last Gunner veterans of the greatest Gunner Battle will be placed for ever in the archives of the Royal Regiment, excerpts from the day will also be available on the museum website with photographs and the stories.
If therefore you are a veteran of the Battle of El Alamein or indeed any of the Desert Battles of 1942 Please contact Mark Smith the Curator on 0208 312 7120 or 0208 312 7129 or [email protected]
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Fighting Talk
Your chance to join an exciting opportunity at Firepower:
PARTICIPANTS NEEDED FOR FIREPOWER ORAL HISTORY PROJECT
Firepower, the Regiment’s museum, is seeking Gunners both serving and retired to take part in an oral history project funded by an award of £48,000 from the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF). Firepower in Woolwich wants to hear from any Gunners who would like to be considered to become one of the fifty men and women whose stories will be preserved for posterity. Entitled Fighting Talk, the project will gather and preserve the memories of men and women who have served in the Royal Artillery, as well as their families, from the immediate post-Second World War period to the present day. The Museum is especially keen to hear from Gunners who have served in the Falklands, Northern Ireland , The Balkans, Iraq ( First Gulf War and more recently) and Afghanistan . The project team are keen to stress that they wish to hear from all ranks who have served or are still serving.
Eileen Noon, Chief Operations Officer at the Museum says “The Lottery-funded project will ensure that those human stories behind increasingly technologically complex conflicts are recorded and preserved for future historians. The oral histories collected for Fighting Talk will become a valuable historical asset of national significance and the recordings will also be used for education and community outreach activities by the Museum.”
The Fighting Talk project is part of Royal Artillery Museum ’s commitment to telling the story of Gunners in post-Second World War conflicts. Readers won’t need to be reminded that Gunners have participated in every conflict involving the British Army since the Second World War and these veterans have a unique and numerically significant role in Britain ’s history. Since the 1982 Falklands conflict for example, over 50,000 Gunners have served in the Royal Artillery.
For more information on how to become a Fighting Talk participant contact Nigel Clifton on 020 8312 7130, email [email protected]
Firepower, The Royal Artillery Museum , Royal Arsenal, Woolwich, London , SE18 6ST
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COMMANDO GUNNERS 50th ANNIVERSARY
This year marks the 50th Anniversary of the formation of the Commando Gunners. The anniversary will be celebrated through the publication of a historical brochure which seeks to reflect on the last fifty years through the eyes of those that have served in one of the Royal Artillery’s commando units. 29 Commando Regiment Royal Artillery and the Commando Gunner Association will host a commemorative weekend in Plymouth over 21/22 July 2012 which coincides with the final performance of Music of the Night on Friday 20th July. The format for the weekend will be a service of thanksgiving in the Minister Church of St Andrew on the morning of Saturday 21st July followed by the Regiment exercising its freedom to parade its colours through the City of Plymouth. A regimental families’ day will take place in The Royal Citadel followed by the Band of the Royal Artillery beating retreat at 5.30pm. An All Ranks’ reunion will begin at 7pm with a service of remembrance the following morning at the Commando Gunner memorial outside the gate of the Royal Citadel
Former members of the Regiment who would like to attend the weekend are invited to contact the Commando Gunner Association via their website or through the Music of the Night Project Office at their email address at [email protected]. Details for the weekend are published on the CGA website: http://www.commandogunner.com.
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RA BOYS, ARTIFICERS AND JUNIOR LEADERS ASSOCIATION
The 2012 reunion of the Royal Artillery Boys, Artificers and Junior Leaders Association will once again, by popular demand, be held at the Holiday Inn, Walsgrave Road, Coventry CV2 2HP over the weekend Fri 20-Sat 21-Sun 22 Apr 2012. Full details, programme, costs etc will be published in the January edition of The Trumpeter. For further information please contact Ted McKenzie on 07900 806235 or email: [email protected]
FALKLANDS WAR 30TH ANNIVERSARY DINNER
The 30th anniversary of the Falklands War will be marked by an anniversary dinner for all serving and retired RA officers who served in the war in May-Jun 82. It is to be held at the RA Mess Larkhill on Fri 1 Jun 12. Please spread the word and contact the event secretary, Lt Col Peter Bates, by email to: [email protected]
YOS’ COURSE AUTUMN 1961
A reunion lunch to mark the 50th anniversary of the YOs’ course held in the autumn of 1961 (RMAS Intake 27 + Mons) will be held in the RA Mess, Larkhill on Wed 25 Apr 12. The event will start at 1100 hours and ladies are warmly invited. Would any ex-YO who wishes to attend and has not been contacted please contact either Stuart Severs by e-mail: [email protected] or Nigel Bladon by telephone on 01300 341375.
32 REGT RA
32 Regt RA will be holding a reunion at the Doric Hotel, Blackpool from 17 to 21 May. Further information from Tug Wilson on 01928 712948.
FALKLANDS WAR 30th ANNIVERSARY DINNER
The 30th anniversary of the Falklands War will be marked by an anniversary dinner for all serving and retired RA officers who served in the war in May-Jun 82. It is to be held at the RA Mess Larkhill on Fri 1 Jun. Please spread the word and contact the event secretary, Lt Col Peter Bates, by email to: [email protected]
1942 UNIVERSITY ENTRANTS
It is planned to hold a final reunion lunch on the 70th anniversary for the 1942 university entrants into the RA. The lunch will take place in the RA Mess on Tue 3 Apr. Those interested should contact Lt Col Leslie Addington at The Old School House, Heytesbury BA12 0EG. Tel: 01985 840202.
1 RHA ADEN VETS REUNION
The eighth annual reunion for 1 RHA Aden vets will take place at the Paragon Hotel, Birmingham over the weekend 25-26 May. For further informatiion please contact Dave Rogers. Tel: 01159 637073 or 07956 344357. Email: [email protected] BARBADOS BRITISH MILITARY VETS
The Barbados British Military vets invite you to their 50th anniversary gala ball on 19 May. 1900 hours to 0100 hours at International Banquet Hall, Casa Grande. Formal and best dress uniform. BDS $135 pp all inclusive. Contact William Osbourne by email to: [email protected]
WOOLWICH & INDIA WARTIME BOYS BTYS
The 45th annual reunion dinner for the Woolwich and India Boys Btys RA 1151 -1157 India will take place in the WOs’ and Sgts’ Mess, Larkhill, on 26 May. Further information from Jenny Lynch, 21 Wollaton Road, Chaddeston DE21 4HX. Tel: 01332 674344.
4 REGT RA G (RADAR) TROOP (ALDERSHOT DAYS) REUNION
Did you serve in G Troop 4 Regt RA in Aldershot? If so a reunion is being held on Sat 7 July at the National Memorial Arboretum. This ties in nicely with the RAA Remembrance Parade and 30th anniversary of the Falklands War celebrations. Following the NMA, dinner and drinks will take place at The Stanhope Arms next to the Premier Inn (A511), Ashby Road East, Burton on Trent, DE15 0PT (Sat Nav - DE15 0PU). Big John Malley is flying in from Australia for this event, so please let’s make it even more memorable. For further information please contact, Maj Fred Greenhow on 07563 618725 or by email to: [email protected]
25 REGT RA
A reunion will be held for all ex-members of 25 Regt RA in the WOs’ and Sgts’ Mess, Larkhill, over the weekend 22-24 Jun. Further information from Steve Russell. Tel: 01985 214376. Email:[email protected]
21(GIBRALTAR 1779-83) AIR ASSAULT BTY REUNION &FALKLANDS 30TH ANNIVERSARY
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A FORECAST OF EVENTS
2012
22 April Gunner Sunday Royal Hospital Chelsea
18 - 20 May RA Assembly* Blackpool
19 May NEC Meeting Blackpool
29 May RA Board of Management Meeting Larkhill National/Local Events 30 June National Armed Forces Day (Plymouth will host national event) 7 July RAA Service of Remembrance* NMA, Alrewas, Staffordshire
15 August RAA Grand Draw Larkhill
20 September NEC Meeting TBC
8 November RBL Field of Remembrance Westminster Abbey
11 November RA Ceremony of Remembrance* Hyde Park Corner
2 December St Barbara's Day* Larkhill
Events marked * will attract a transport subsidy for branches travelling by coach or minibus
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OBITUARIES
BARBER – Raymond Barber of Peak Dale, Derbyshire, died on 7 February, aged 82. He served in 26 Regt RA in the late 1940s in the Malayan emergency. Sadly missed by family and friends.
BRANTON – Maj Thomas Branton died peacefully at the Royal Gwent Hospital on 3 February, aged 91. Devoted husband of Florence and dearest father of the late Richard, much loved father-in-law of Jenny and grandpa of Alex and Patrick.
CLARK – WO2 Nelson James (Nobby) Clark died on 11 February, aged 66. He served for 22 years in the Gunners, his last regiment being 40 Regt RA. He will be sadly missed.
GRIBBIN – Gnr Dennis A Gribbin, late 176 Fd Regt RA, died recently. A retired Gunner he became a lay preacher in Perranarworthal, Cornwall and was a member of his local RBL Branch.
MITCHELL – Edward Mitchell, who fought with the Surrey Yeomanry during World War Two, sadly died on 4 February. He saw action in North Africa, the invasion of Sicily and on the Italina mainland, where he was wounded.
SPENCER – Maj Peter Anthony Houghton Spencer died on 26 January, aged 80. He served with the Royal Artillery and the Sultan of Oman’s Artillery.
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ROYAL SALUTE
Behind high wrought-iron gates in a North London side street, overlooked by high-rise luxury flats and elegant Georgian terraces, is hidden a small military barracks. For -more than 130 years it has housed the saluting battery of the sovereign's household troops, and since 1947 has been the home of the King's Troop, Royal Horse Artillery.
Royal Salute, extensively illustrated with unique and insightful photographs taken mainly from the regimental archives, tells the story of the Gunners and horses who have served over the years in this leafy and still tranquil part of London.
ISBN: 978-095207-624-7
276 x 218mm
144pp Hardback printed in full colour Price: £15.99 Publication: April 2012
Available to order from:
Major W.G. Clarke, 199 Bulford Road, Durrington, Salisbury, Wiltshire SP4 8HB Telephone: 01980 653426. Email: [email protected]
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KOREAN WAR
BBC Scotland has commissioned a documentary on the Korean War. Part of it entails following the story of a young Scottish Gunner Daniel McCafferty - 22506796 of 14th Regiment Royal Artillery. He was killed in action aged 19. An extract from the war diary shows he was the first regimental fatality and was killed while repairing telephone lines damaged by shell fire. The other members of the line party were Gunner Lewis and Wright - I'm afraid I do not have their first names. Other names mentioned in the extract was the FOO, Lt R Hanna whose bunker was damaged by shell fire on the same day - 18/6/52, and a Captain De Grey.
The director is trying to contact anyone who has any memory of Daniel McCafferty, not just those involved in the incident but perhaps someone who recalls him from training etc, or a senior officer. Please contact Sarah Davies, Membership Assistant at the Royal Artillery Association if you have any information. [email protected] - 01980 845233.
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SURGEON WILLIAM MANLEY
A researcher is chronicling the life of Surgeon William Manley, 1831-1901. He was a remarkable officer who was always getting into the thick of things: Crimean War, New Zealand Wars( in which he was awarded the VC), Franco-Prussian War in which he received decorations from both sides, the 2nd Afghan War and the Egyptian War. I have ample information on all these save the Crimean War.
In the Crimean War he was the RMO to 1st Bty/13Regt (so the RA Museum in Woolwich tells me) but he, Manley, wrote nothing about what he did. He wrote a lot about the other conflicts. If I knew what this regiment did, and where it was at the different stages of the War, I could work out what he was doing. Was it at Inkermann, Alma, and Balaclava? I know he was at Sebastopol and nothing else. Are there casualties, illness and wounded stats available? If you have any information then please contact Sarah Davies, Membership Assistant at the RAA. [email protected] - 01980 845233
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Field Gun Volunteer Royal Gunpowder Mills Waltham Abbey
Do you have experience of the 25pdr Field Gun?
Are you interested in historic artillery?
The Royal Gunpowder Mills is a museum and visitor attraction based at the former Royal Gunpowder Factory (RGPF) in Waltham Abbey, Essex (near J25 of the M25). As part of our displays telling the story of propellants and explosives over the last 300 years, we are about to acquire a blank firing 25pdr field gun/howitzer.
As a result we are very keen to find volunteers to help us display the weapon. In particular we are seeking an individual prepared to be responsible for the gun on a Firearms Certificate in their name. The gun would remain on RGM premises and the volunteer would attend the site on the occasions, mostly summer weekends, when the weapon is fired. If a volunteer could be found with and existing FAC, that would be helpful but RGM would support an application to acquire a new licence for a suitable person. Full training will be provided so no specific experience is necessary.
Apart from the licence holder we are looking for other volunteers to help out on the gun. You would be joining our large and cheerful volunteer team, and in addition to the roles associated with the gun, there are a range of other volunteer activities for which we are always looking for help, ranging from presenting our small-arms and rocketry collections, to staffing other aspects of the attraction, and contributing to the upkeep and development of the site.
For more information, or for an informal chat contact Dr David Kenyon, Armoury Curator, at [email protected] or call 01992 707350. More information about the site and the wider volunteer programme can be found at www.royalgunpowdermills.com .
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The Long March
On the 18th April 2012 a six man team of mainly Ex Servicemen, will embark on a charity bike, canoe and walk from Three Pagoda Pass and over seven and a half days travel the 300km to arrive at Kanachanaburi War Cemetery for the ANZAC day services on the morning of the 25th April. Not only are we doing this challenge for three great charities, but more importantly it is to remember the men of all nationalities who worked on the Thailand - Burma railway and to commemorate the 70th Anniversary because their strength and courage should never be forgotten For full details log on to: http://the-long-march.com/
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DIAMOND JUBILEE PAGEANT
http://www.diamond-jubilee-pageant.com/
The Diamond Jubilee Pageant is a major event marking The Queens Diamond Jubilee in the presence of Her Majesty. The event takes place in the private grounds of Windsor Castle on the evenings of the 10th, 11th and 13th May 2012. Welcome The Diamond Jubilee Pageant is a major event marking The Queen's Diamond Jubilee in the presence of Her Majesty. The event takes place in the private grounds of Windsor Castle on the evenings of 10th, 11th and 13th May 2012. Dancers, musicians, military and equestrian displays from around the world will come together for three nights in a performance to pay tribute to 60 spectacular years of Her Reign. Programme Around the World in 60 Years and 90 minutes Visitors will be treated to a spectacular journey around the world, reflecting The Queen's State and Commonwealth visits during the course of Her Reign. Starting from London the journey goes West visiting The Americas, Australasia, Asia, The Middle East, Africa, Europe and finally Great Britain. At each stop indigenous dancers, musicians, military personnel and horsemen will join together in a scene full of movement, colour and sound that culminates in a spectacular demonstration of the culture of their country. Tickets Tickets can be purchased by telephoning: 0844 581 4970 Group Bookings: 0800 358 0058 Tickets can also be purchased in person from Windsor Information Centre, located in Windsor Royal Shopping Centre. Or you can telephone the Information Centre on 01753 743900. Ticket Prices;
Thursday 10th and Friday 11th May: - £30, £40, £50, £60, £80 Sunday 13th May: - £40,£50,£60, £70, £100 Tickets also allow access to The Jubilee Royal Windsor Horse Show which takes place in the same showground during the day. Over 200 shops, cafes and bars are available for your enjoyment. You will also be able to view the action in the outside competition rings (three in total). Should you wish to view the competition in the Main Arena you will need to purchase Horse Show tickets separately by telephoning 0844 581 4960. Disabled Facilities: A wheelchair platform and seats for the walking disabled are available. Please telephone the box office for more information.
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Diamond Jubilee Events
Official celebrations for The Queen’s Diamond Jubilee will take place over a central weekend between Saturday 2nd June and Tuesday 5th June 2012.
Saturday 2nd June
The Queen will attend the Epsom Derby – an avid racing fan. The Queen has been attending the Epsom Derby for eight decades.
Sunday 3rd June
The Big Jubilee Lunch – people will be encouraged to share lunch with neighbours and friends as part of the Diamond Jubilee celebrations.
The Thames Diamond Jubilee Pageant – up to 1,000 boats, assembled from across the UK, the Commonwealth and around the world, will sail down the Thames. The Queen will lead the flotilla in the Royal Barge.
Monday 4th June
A BBC Concert at Buckingham Palace – a televised Diamond Jubilee Concert held at Buckingham Palace, with tickets available to UK residents and public ballot.
The Queens Diamond Jubilee Beacons - 2012 beacons will be lit by communities and individuals throughout the United Kingdom, as well as the Channel Islands, the Isle of Man and the Commonwealth.
Tuesday 5th June
A Service of Thanksgiving and Carriage Procession – the service will take place at St Paul’s Cathedral, with a formal carriage procession by The Queen.
Aside from the official celebrations lots of different activities will be happening across the UK and the Commonwealth.
To mark this historic moment in time we would very much like to get involved and contribute your event events and ideas.
If you would like to tell us about a Diamond Jubilee celebration you are planning please email [email protected] with the ideas.
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FORCES DISCOUNT LINKS
1,000s of serving and ex-service personnel are taking advantage of 100s of great discount offers. You could join them now.
Just go to: http://www.forcesdiscounts-mod.co.uk/
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