DOCSLIB.ORG

The Supreme Military Order of the Temple of Jerusalem

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
The Supreme Military Order of the Temple of Jerusalem The Victor newsletter The Supreme Military Order of the Temple of Jerusalem http://www.grandprioryofthescots.org/ Balgonie Castle, Scotland July 2017 Vol 5 Issue 2 _________________________________________________________________________ H.E. Dame Patricia Tennyson Bell, GCTJ, GMTJ Grand Bailiff - Grand Bailiwick Summer is upon us again, time just seems to fly by Treasurer Robin Price and his wife Kimi, and Cheryl very quickly. Not too long ago, it was Christmas and the Cook, the new Prior of the Priory of Robert the Bruce, New Year, and here we are putting our winter clothes and my many friends in the Southern California area. I away and bringing out summer outfits. Please be safe also attended their investiture and convent on May 6 in wherever you travel over the next few months on vaca- Anaheim. Our new member Kevin Conquest is very tion or other activities. proud to be part of our Order and it was a pleasure get- ting to know him. Two new members At the end of August, I will be in were assigned into the Garde Ecosse. Scotland at Balgonie Castle visiting with I want to thank everyone responsible the Grand Prior. Every four years since for putting on the event as it was done 1997 a large contingent from the United very professionally. States has been present and anywhere from four to ten new members have The week before going to Los Ange- been invested. This year is an excep- les, I travelled to Minneapolis for the tion as we will not have an investiture, convent of the Priory of St. Columba. instead we will have a small service at Here again, a lot of work was dedicat- 4:30 p.m. in the chapel followed by a ed to making this event very memora- buffet. This will take place on August ble and we had seven guests at the 29th. There will definitely be three dinner. Again, many thanks to all who members from the United States with participated. Next year, the Priory will the possibility of four more as they have hold an investiture in Springfield, Mis- expressed great interest. Hopefully in souri, around the first weekend of 2021, we will get back to having a much March. Details will be sent later this better turn out. I appreciate that we at year. least can continue with the interest of On June 16 and 17, I will be travel- visiting Balgonie Castle and the Grand Prior on a contin- ling to Sacramento for the Commandery meeting of St. uing basis. Cuthbert’s. The Commander, Mark Peterson, and his My New Year’s resolution was not to travel too much team, schedule their convent each year somewhere in in 2017, but, so far, I haven’t spent a lot of time at home Northern California and Southern Oregon. A silent auc- and have been driving and flying to and from Medford tion is held during the dinner and quite a lot of money is and Southern California on Templar business. Believe collected for various charities in those two areas. me, I am not complaining as I spent time with our new Continued page 2 Vol 5 Issue 2 The Supreme Military Order of the Temple of Jerusalem Page 2 Continued from page 1 - and phone number for the roster. In October, I will be attending the Seaside Scottish I have been a member of this Order since 1991 and Games in Ventura, California. Barbara and James know practically all current members, those who are in- Sharp will be travelling from Arkansas to these games active and those who have left us. A big regret is that I and I look forward to seeing them again. Barbara was at cannot keep in touch on a regular basis with everyone Springfield a year ago March, but it has been quite a few even though I do try to call various members at least years since I last saw James. once or twice a year. When I lived in Southern Califor- nia, it was somewhat different as I attended many Scot- Charity is our primary function and your Priors, Com- tish events where a lot of Templars would also be pre- manders and Preceptors will appreciate your help and sent. Since moving to Medford, I am lucky in having presence in whatever they arrange for the year. If you members of the Order living not too far away, but I do are in doubt as to what is on the calendar, please contact miss more interaction on a regular basis. your commanding officer for further details. The next Privy Council will take place on July 22nd. Chevalier G. Allen Cummings is very grateful to re- ceive updates for our website. Chevalier Robert Ryder God Bless, looks forward to receiving pictures and data for each edi- Patricia tion of the newsletter. Chevalier Dan Philbrick needs to receive changes regarding addresses, e-mail addresses Website News for The Victor Chev. G. Allen Cummings, KCTJ – Webmaster Mon Confrere, Our website is a good example of those that are Sincerely, strictly an information one. The purpose of information- Chev. G. Allen Cummings, KCTJ al websites typically is twofold. 1) Provide information to current and potential members, and, 2) promote the organization. With regards to the same, the Upcoming Events and Priory News pages promote our organization about what we do and who we are. The last couple of years it was nice to see the Priory of Robert the Bruce listing it’s involvement with the Ronald McDonald House and the Food Bank on the Upcoming Events page. This shows others viewing our website that we are involved with charity and the community. Please let me know if you have additional information that can be posted or should there be a desire for additional features. [email protected] There are changes the archived newsletter page on the website. It only displays the last three years. I did, http://www.grandprioryofthescots.org/ however, make a link on that page that facilitates news- letters greater than 3 years old. The Grand Priory of the Scots Vol 5 Issue 2 The Supreme Military Order of the Temple of Jerusalem Page 3 The Grand Bailiwick of the Scots - Privy Council H.E. Dame Patricia Tennyson Bell, GCTJ, GMTJ H.E. Chev. Mark C. O’Dell, GCTJ, BMTJ Grand Bailiff - Grand Bailiwick Deputy Grand Bailiff - Grand Bailiwick 2984 Siskiyou Blvd. Hardecke House, 3235 N. Pickwick Medford, OR 97504 Springfield, MO 65803 Home: 541-690-1871 / 626-664-3830 Cell: 417-425-6873 [email protected] [email protected] Chev. Harrison Dan Philbrick, KTJ Executive Officer - Grand Bailiwick 109 Farm Road 1110 Cassville MO 65625 Home: 417-847-2353 [email protected] Dame Nellie G. Lowry, DTJ Chev. Robin John Price, KTJ Supply Officer - Grand Bailiwick Treasurer -Grand Bailiwick 9654 Kessler Avenue P.O. Box 291120 Phelan, CA 92329 Chatsworth, CA 91311 Home: 760-868-6369 Home: 818-886-4968 [email protected] [email protected] Dame Anita Scott Philbrick, DTJ AMERICAN LEGITEE Secretary - Grand Bailiwick H.E Chev. J. Connall BELL, GCTJ. GMTJ 109 Farm Rod 1a110 2984 Siskiyou Blvd. Cassville, MO 65625 Medford, OR 97504 Home: 417-847-2352 (626) 664--3912 [email protected] [email protected] The Grand Bailiwick of the Scots - Priories Dame Cheryl Armstrong Cook, DCTJ Chev. Robert C. Buie, GOTJ Prior - Priory of Robert the Bruce Prior - Priory of St. Columba 6691 Park Avenue 15331 Jeffers Pass NW Garden Grove, CA 92854 Home: 714– 608-3554 Prior Lake, MN 55372 [email protected] Home: 952-440-5510 [email protected] ————————————————————————————————————————————— Chev. Allen Cummings, KCTJ Chev. Robert E. Ryder, KCTJ, BMTJ - Editor Webmaster Secretary for the Priory of St. Columba 7409 Jessica Way 2852 S. Planter Rd 255 Rowlett, TX 75089 Brookline Station, MO 65619 Home 972– 412-3660 Cell: 417- 496-8610 [email protected] [email protected] Vol 5 Issue 2 The Supreme Military Order of the Temple of Jerusalem Page 4 Priory of Robert the Bruce by Prior Dame Cheryl Cook, DCTJ Greetings from the Prior, Priory of Robert the Bruce... I would like to thank all of those who were in attend- Warmest greeting to everyone. I am writing to let you ance and those who were part of the ceremony, it was know about the most recent event in the priory. On thanks to all of you that the event went so well. May, the 6th at 11:00 am we had my first Conclave with This event was also attended by guests and one of Investiture as Prior, at the First Presbyterian Church in them who had never been to an event before was kind Anaheim California. enough to let me know that she found it to be a very We started the event on time and it was a busy day warm and welcoming event as well as a look at our his- as we had many events that took place within the time tory as Templars and rich heritage that we all share as we were there. We brought in a new member Chev. Scots persons. She was grateful for the opportunity to Kevin Michael Macheffner Conquest, KTJ. share in it and that makes me very proud of all of you and the way you so warm and willing to share who we This was my first knighting and was a pleasure to wel- are. come in such a nice young man that I feel is a powerful addition to the Templars. I hope that as each of you are After the event, we all went out to Mimi’s Restaurant have an opportunity to meet Kevin, that you take a few for a great lunch and fellowship.
Load more

Recommended publications
  • AQUILA BOOKS Specializing in Books and Ephemera Related to All Aspects of the Polar Regions
    AQUILA BOOKS Specializing in Books and Ephemera Related to all Aspects of the Polar Regions Winter 2012 Presentation copy to Lord Northcliffe of The Limited Edition CATALOGUE 112 88 ‘The Heart of the Antarctic’ 12 26 44 49 42 43 Items on Front Cover 3 4 13 9 17 9 54 6 12 74 84 XX 72 70 21 24 8 7 7 25 29 48 48 48 37 63 59 76 49 50 81 7945 64 74 58 82 41 54 77 43 80 96 84 90 100 2 6 98 81 82 59 103 85 89 104 58 AQUILA BOOKS Box 75035, Cambrian Postal Outlet Calgary, AB T2K 6J8 Canada Cameron Treleaven, Proprietor A.B.A.C. / I.L.A.B., P.B.F.A., N.A.A.B., F.R.G.S. Hours: 10:30 – 5:30 MDT Monday-Saturday Dear Customers; Welcome to our first catalogue of 2012, the first catalogue in the last two years! We are hopefully on schedule to produce three catalogues this year with the next one mid May before the London Fairs and the last just before Christmas. We are building our e-mail list and hopefully we will be e-mailing the catalogues as well as by regular mail starting in 2013. If you wish to receive the catalogues by e-mail please make sure we have your correct e-mail address. Best regards, Cameron Phone: (403) 282-5832 Fax: (403) 289-0814 Email: [email protected] All Prices net in US Dollars. Accepted payment methods: by Credit Card (Visa or Master Card) and also by Cheque or Money Order, payable on a North American bank.
    [Show full text]
  • Notes from the Chairman
    Spring 2011 Issue 12 Registered Charity No 271943 THE LION AND THE DRAGON NEWSLETTER of THE Friends of Cumbria’s Military Museum The Border Regiment, King’s Own Royal Border Regiment & Duke of Lancaster’s Regiment CONTENTS Notes From The Chairman ...................................... Page 1 The Alma Project ........ Page 2 The Biggest Meccano Kit In The World ............................ Page 2 Notes from the Chairman The Heritage & Archaeology of Alma Block ................... Page 3 Museum Jottings ......... Page 3 Despite the fact we have experienced one of the most severe winters Metal Detecting Rally, Underley for many a year with snow, ,ice, freezing temperatures, airports Park, September 2010 Page 4 closed, rail and road networks paralysed, the flu virus rampant, all Bonfire Night on The this and much more did not dampen the enthusiasm, dedication and commitment for the move of the Museum currently located in Queen Battlements .................. Page 4 Mary‟s Tower to Alma block in the Outer Ward of Carlisle Castle. Catching Culture & Inspiring Imaginations ................ Page 4 There will be a number of events organised by the Friends and the New Booklet ................. Page 5 Museum Support Group in 2011 to support fund-raising for this Who Do You Think You Are? essential move. The Museum Appeal still has to raise considerable ……………………….. .... Page 5 match funding and I appeal to all our readers to spread the news What’s In A Name?.. .... Page 6 throughout the county and beyond; any donation large or small will The 55th (Westmorland) be gratefully received and faithfully applied. The Museum is also trying to build up a pool of volunteers for a variety of tasks.
    [Show full text]
  • The Semaphore Circular No 680 the Beating Heart of the RNA June 2018
    The Semaphore Circular No 680 The Beating Heart of the RNA June 2018 Shipmate Richard Shenton – Area 3 competing in the Novice National Standard Bearer’s Competition. He came a creditable 2nd. BZ! This edition is the on-line version of the Semaphore Circular, unless you have registered with Central Office, it will only be available on the RNA website in the ‘Members Area’ under ‘downloads’ at www.royal-naval-association.co.uk and will be emailed to the branch contact, usually the Hon Sec 1 Daily Orders (follow each link) Orders [follow each link] 1. National Standard Bearers Competition 2. RNVC Commander Robert Ryder VC 3. Joke – Another old Golfing 4. Charity Donations 5. Guess Where 6. RM Band Scotland Belfast Charity Concert 7. Hospital and Medical Care Association 8. Conference 2019 9. Military Veterans – Burnley FC 10. RNAS Yeovilton Air Day 11. Royal Navy Catering Services Recruitment 12. Can you Assist – S/M Tim Jarvis 13. OAP Alphabet 14. RN Shipmates Information Glossary of terms NCM National Council Member NC National Council AMC Association Management Committee FAC Finance Administration Committee NCh National Chairman NVCh National Vice Chairman NP National President DNP Deputy National President GS General Secretary DGS Deputy General Secretary AGS Assistant General Secretary CONA Conference of Naval Associations Throughout indicates a new or substantially changed entry Contacts Financial Controller 023 9272 3823 [email protected] Digital Media Assistant [email protected] Deputy General Secretary 023
    [Show full text]
  • The Supreme Military Order of the Temple of Jerusalem
    The Victor newsletter The Supreme Military Order of the Temple of Jerusalem http://www.grandprioryofthescots.org/ Balgonie Castle, Scotland Jan 2018 Vol 6 Issue 1 _________________________________________________________________________ H.E. Dame Patricia Tennyson Bell, GCTJ, GMTJ Grand Bailiff - Grand Bailiwick YEARLY REPORT I travelled to Scotland in August to meet with our Grand Here we are again at the end of another year. Believe Prior, his son Stuart and his wife, Kelly. I went to Bal- me, after 25 the years go very quickly. We are financially gonie on a Monday just to meet with our Grand Prior as I in good shape. Our Treasurer.0 Chev. Robin Price is do- had many issues which needed to be discussed and ing a splendid job. He is working diligently with a CPS in spent two hours with him. Everything was positive, and I order get up to get the books in order, so things will run am glad to say he listened and responded favorably. One more smoothly for him in 2018. of my questions was about Balgonie appointing his heir and I was diplomatic in saying this per- At the end of April, I flew to Minneap- son will only take over when Balgonie olis to attend the Convent of St. Colum- wishes to retire. Anyway, I told him I ba where I met with possible future would like Stuart to follow in his foot- postulants and am glad that I received steps and Balgonie told him he would Information Sheets from one couple. give me an answer the next day. The weekend was very enjoyable, the convent was dignified and the dinner On Tuesday, Robin and Kimi Price quite hilarious from beginning to end and myself attended dinner at Balgonie and over $800 was collected for the Castle and had a short service in the Breast Cancer unit in Minneapolis.
    [Show full text]
  • In Focus December 1963 S.Pdf
    ARMY SIGNAL CORPS MY PICTORIAL CENTER ". • In• Deus Vol. 8 No. 10 LONG IS~~ND CITY NEW YORK December 1963 ~uletibe This is the second holiday season it has been my pleasure to extend to all o~ you at the Army Pictorial Center, and to your ~amilies, my greetings and best wishes ~or a very happy and joyous Yuletide. "Peace on Earth," now more than ever before, conveys the spirit of the occasion, and reminds us that our tasks here at the Center are designed to keep America strong and thus pre­ serve the peace. As we prepare to end the old year we should examine our achievements and defeats, our accomplishments and deficienc­ ies, our joys and sorrows and particularly the great loss we all feel in the untimely death of President Kennedy. Then, and only then, can we be prepared to enter the New Year det­ ermined to do our best. Please accept my sincere thanks for the excellent support you have givenme during 1963 and. for your steadfast devotion to duty. Mayall of you enjoy a delightful holiday season and have a happy and rewarding New Year. H.L. PATTESON Colonel, Signal Corps Commanding Page 2 InFOCUS December 1963 CERTIFICATE OF ACHIEVEMENT FINANCE OFFICER REGO inFocus TO SP5 NIGEL J. GRANDFIELD PROMOTED TO CAPTAIN Vol. 8 No.l0 December 1963 35-11 35th Ave. Long Island City. New York Col H. L. Potteson Commanding Officer George B. Schuyler Information Officer In FOCUS is an authorized, monthly publication prepa~ed under the super­ vision of the APC Information Office by and for the military personnel of the Army Pictor ial Center in accord­ ance with AR 355-5 and Changes.
    [Show full text]
  • Key to Castello Plan . Description of Plates
    C.PL.82e. KEY TO CASTELLO PLAN . DESCRIPTION OF PLATES 8~-82-e C. PLATE 82 AFBEELDINGE VAN DE STADT AMSTERDAM IN NIEUW NEEDERLANDT (The Castello Plan) Manuscript in pen and ink and 25 x 18§1l Date depicted: Summer of water- colours on paper, 1660. mounted on canvas. Date of drawing: Probably 1665-70. Artist: Copied by an unknown draughtsman from an original drawing by Jacques Cortelyou. Owner: The Italian Government; preserved in the Villa Castello, near Florence, Italy. The following French inscription (partly torn away) in the right-hand lower margin of the view is evidently in a later hand. It is the only suggestion of a possible provenance other than that suggested in the Introduction: Vue dIe Nieu] Amste[rdam au] Canada [aujour d'hui] Appel [Ii New] Yorck A similar but less complete inscription on the Castello copy of the Manatus Map is preceded by the number 74. Similar inscriptions are found on many of the other drawings in this series. Two water-marks are vaguely discernible: the first, just to the left of the Fort, a crowned shield and fleur-de-lis; the second, outside of the wall near the third bastion, the monogram I HS. Reproduced and described here for the first time. A careful study of the Castello Plan, in comparison with the Nicasius de Sille List [1], which is dated July 10, 1660, has led to the conclusion that most of the data embodied in the Plan were compiled before this List was made, but that the actual draughting was not completed until some time afterward; or, in other words, that the Castello Plan is based upon the Cortelyou Survey ordered on June 7, 1660, and completed just in time to be despatched in the ship which carried Stuyvesant's well-known letter of October 6th of that year, addressed to the directors in Amsterdam, and containing the words: "After ['1 "List of the survey (or census) of Houses on the 10 July 1(60: within this town Amsterdam in N: Neder­ iant," by Nicasius De Sille.
    [Show full text]
  • At H L E T I Cs
    S C R A N T O N ATH L E T I C S Care y , a native of Old For g e Along with Wall of Fame UNIVERSITY INDUCTS SIX MEMBERS and a graduate of Scranton inductees Sue (Cately) Kelly TO THE WALL OF FAME Prep a r a t o r y School, was a four- (Class of 2000) and Holly year letterman on the golf team. Spiech (Class of 2001), she led Three all-Americans, a sity’s athletics program. The A three-time NCAA Div i s i o n the Royals to a four-year over- two-sport standout, a history- Wall now has 155 members. III championship qualifier, he all record of 54-28-6 (.648), making wrestler and a coach Bochicchio took over the ca p t u r ed medalist honors at the which included two Middle ranked among the nation’s Royals’ women’s soccer pro- 1988 Middle Atlantic Confer- Atlantic Conference champi- best were formally inducted gram in 1984 and has built it ence tournament as the Roya l s onships (1989, 1990) and into the University’s presti- into a national power. His won the team championship for three NCAA Division III gious Wall of Fame on 8 Feb- current overall record of 246- the fourth time in Uni ve r s i t y tournament appearances ruary at the John J. Long, S.J., 119-25 (.662) includes eight hi s t o r y. He also finished run n e r - (1987, 1989, 1990). Center. NCAA Division III tourna- up at the 1985 MAC champi- Monica and her husband, The Class of 2002 was ment appearances (1987, onships.
    [Show full text]
  • The True Story of the Legendary Raid on Saint-Nazaire Free
    FREE INTO THE JAWS OF DEATH: THE TRUE STORY OF THE LEGENDARY RAID ON SAINT-NAZAIRE PDF Robert Lyman | 368 pages | 26 Jul 2016 | Quercus Publishing | 9781782064473 | English | London, United Kingdom Into the Jaws of Death | Bookshare This is the true story behind 'The Greatest Raid of All'. It is the night of 28 March Royal Navy and British commandos are poised to assault the German-held port of Saint-Nazaire in what will be one of the most audacious and daring raids of the Second World War. The plan is simple: to drive an old destroyer, packed with three tons of explosive, at full speed into the outer gate of the Normandie dock. The aim is to destroy the base from which the formidable battleship Tirpitz would be able to devastate the convoys supplying Britain from the United States. Fewer than half the men who went on the mission returned. In recognition of their valour, eighty-nine decorations were awarded, including five Victoria Crosses. Into the Jaws of Death is the true story of how the decisive courage of a small group of men changed the course of the war. Slim, Master of War: Burma, Evelyn Waugh: A Life Revisited. The Hairy Dieters: Fast Food. My Life with Wagner. Guide To Better Acol Bridge. The Hairy Dieters: Good Eating. Engineering in the Ancient World. Carl Rogers: A Critical Biography. The Carl Rogers Reader. Your cart Close. Go Search. Into the Jaws of Death: The True Story of the Legendary Raid on Saint-Nazaire Image Download Image. Imprint Quercus Quercus.
    [Show full text]
  • Otterbein Towers December 1944
    IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENTS TO REMEMBER THE SECOND SEMESTER ALUMNI DAY AND COMMENCEMENT The second semester will begin cn January Alumni Day will be Saturday, May 5, with all fifteenth, which is earlier than usual. Arrangements the old'time traditions plus the possible May Day can be made for students to enter later if necessary. activities. There will be a banquet as usual and a Alumni are invited to send the names of young play to follow. people who should enter college at mid-year. May 6 will be Baccalaureate Sunday. Com' mencement will be the following day. May 7, which WINTER HOMECOMING will certainly make a big week-end. Perhaps this Otterbein has net faihd to observe the special earlier date will make it possible for a larger num- days and observances which have become traditional. ber to attend as it will not conflict with other school While not attended as largely as in pre-war years, commencements. everyone is agreed that such days as homecoming should not be discontinued. February 10th has been CLASS REUNIONS designated as Winter Homecoming. To date the The following classes will have reunions on queen has not been elected but there will be a queen Alumni Day, May fifth: ’85, ’95, ’05, ’15, ’20, ’25, —and a game with Wittenberg. So — ’35. Presidents or secretaries of these classes should “Come on down to Otterbein contact their members soon and make plans for a You’ll find a place to warm your heart and mine.” reunion. Your alumni office will be glad to futnish names and addresses to class secretaries if desired.
    [Show full text]
  • 45' Teak Ketch 1933
    HERITAGE, VINTAGE AND CLASSIC YACHTS +44 (0)1202 330 077 45’ TEAK KETCH 1933 - SOLD Specification TAI-MO-SHAN 45’ TEAK KETCH 1933 Designer H S Rouse & E Cock Length waterline 44 ft 3 in / 13.5 m Engine Hyundai 85hp Builder Hong Kong & Whampoa Dock Beam 12 ft 2 in / 3.7 m Location Turkey Date 1933 Draft 9 ft 2 in / 2.79 m Price Sold Length overall 53 ft 10 in / 16.4 m Displacement 26.65 Tonnes Length deck 0 ft 0 in / 0 m Construction Teak These details are provisional and may be amended Specification BROKER'S COMMENTS Designed by HS Rouse and built out of teak at the Hong Kong and Whampoa Dock Company Yard in 1933, TAI-MO-SHAN’s story is incredible – massively built for the 5 Royal Naval Officers to sail around the world on their grand tour; which, more recently, was revealed as part espionage, on the behalf of the Admiralty. Enjoying the same ownership for over 40 years, TAI-MO-SHAN is wonderfully original, partly due to her immense and high quality build – both on deck and below there are reminders of that pre-war Utopia of white cotton, sunshine and yacht club parties! • SANDEM AN YACHT COMPANY • • Brokerage Of Classic & Vintage Yachts • www.sandemanyachtcompany.co.uk © Sandeman Yacht Company Limited 2021. A member of the ABYA. HERITAGE, VINTAGE AND CLASSIC YACHTS +44 (0)1202 330 077 45’ TEAK KETCH 1933 Specification HISTORY In 1932, in a Hong Kong that still dressed for dinner, 5 British naval officers approached the yacht designer HS Rouse and commissioned a 54ft ocean During the war, it was almost as if the crew worked to repay their nation and racing ketch – their intention to sail the 16,000 miles back to Britain.
    [Show full text]
  • Lord Ashcroft's Victoria Cross Collection to Go on Public Display At
    Lord Ashcroft's Victoria Cross collection - the largest in the world - is to go on public display following his £5 million donation to the Imperial War Museum" The world’s largest collection of Victoria Crosses (VCs), belonging to the Michael A Ashcroft Trust, is to be displayed publicly for the first time in a new gallery at Imperial War Museum London The 152 medals, which range from the Crimean to the Falklands wars, will be displayed alongside the 50 VCs and 29 George Crosses (GCs) already held by the Museum. The medals to go on show in the new gallery are the result of a collection of VCs first started 22 years ago by Lord Ashcroft, the Tory peer, international businessman and philanthropist. The new display, in what will be called the Lord Ashcroft Gallery, is due to open in the autumn of 2010. It is estimated the new gallery will cost £5 million and the project has been made possible by a donation from Lord Ashcroft. The collection of VCs is also worth several millions of pounds. Among the medals to go on display are the VC awarded to Lieutenant (later Rear Admiral) John Bythesea, who during the Crimean War became only the second man to earn and receive the award; the medal to Lieutenant (later Captain) William Leefe Robinson, who shot down the first Zeppelin over British soil during the First World War; and the posthumous medal to Sergeant Ian McKay, of the Parachute Regiment, which is one of only two VCs awarded during the Falklands War. The new gallery will examine the creation of both the VC and the GC, and the personal stories behind the award of the medals.
    [Show full text]
  • Reluctant Hero of St Nazaire
    feature Reluctant hero found peace in Norfolk village He was one of the greatest naval heroes of the second world war, but Robert Ryder fought shy of publicity before finding contentment in the peaceful seclusion of a Norfolk home by the shores of the Wash, writes Steve Snelling. s naval heroes go, Robert ‘Red’ Ryder was a man cast in the classic mould. Brave almost beyond belief, he was as resolute as he was reserved and relentlesslyA self-effacing. Devotion to duty was not so much an aspiration as a way of life. Master and hound: ‘Red’ Ryder VC in peaceful retirement at Wolferton with one of his beloved springers. His adventures in war and peace read like a real-life ripping yarn. From steering a ketch on a year-long voyage half way I didn’t mean to…” Indeed, he proved himself remarkably round the world to captaining a tired old For the rest of his life he doggedly shied adept in avoiding the doldrums of routine schooner through three hazardous years away from unwanted attention, even to service life by embarking on a series of of Antarctic exploration and leading one the point of doing his level best to write adventures which marked him out as a of the most audacious raids of the second For the himself out of the story of the raid he’d mariner of exceptional skills. world war, his exploits surpassed even the planned and led with such distinction. The first of these came seven years after most outrageous of fictional escapades. Commenting on his post-war account, joining the navy and just six years after In the course of two amazing years, he rest of his a reviewer described it as “almost being awarded the King’s Dirk as the survived, by some miracle, being cast irritatingly self-effacing”, adding: “the outstanding cadet of the year.
    [Show full text]