August 2015 www.londonscottishregt.org THE LONDON SCOTTISH REGIMENTAL FAMILY Contents APRIL 2015 Honorary Regimental Colonel Lord Robertson of Port Ellen KT GCMG FRSE PC 44 Colonel’s Notes

45 1 Platoon Notes

46 2 Platoon Notes Regimental Colonel Brigadier Alastair Bruce of Crionaich OBE ADC DL 47 Welcome to Our Newest Members The Toronto Scottish The London Regiment 49 Platoon Comander’s Battle Course G 1/51 Highland The Gordons merge Volunteers becomes 50 Open Day at Horseferry Road with the Queens Own A Company, in 1992 Officer Commanding Highlanders to form as part of the newly “A” (London Scottish) Coy The Highlanders under formed London 55 Pipes and Drums the SDR of 1994. Regiment. Major N Storey The Highlanders 60 In the News

The Highlanders become 64 Did You Know the 4th Bn Royal Regiment of (4 Scots) and Company Sergeant Major wear the new cap badge 66 Cadets “A” (London Scottish) Coy worn by all the Scottish The Highlanders Regiments. CSM Ian Dawson (4 Scots) 67 Regimental Noticeboard AFFILIATIONS 70 Scottish at Hooge

72 Toronto Visit Regimental Secretary London Scottish Regiment 75 Regimental Shop Major SG. Young TD [email protected] The opinions expressed in the articles of the London 81 Regimental Association Notes Scottish Regimental Gazette are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the policy and views, official or Editor/Production of the Gazette other wise, of the Regiment or MOD. 83 London Scottish Golf Society Rob Blackledge The Gazette contains official information which should be Editor-in-chief treated with discretion by the reader. 85 Letters to the Editor Major Stuart Young TD Published at Headquarters Submissions to the Gazette via email: 95 Horseferry Road 86 Obituaries [email protected] London SW1P 2DX

Member of the Association Tel: 020 7630 1639 Front Cover: HM The Queen arrives at 95 Horseferry Road, greeted by The Regimental Colonel Alastair Bruce. of Service Newspapers. Fax: 020 7233 7909 © Crown copyright.

42 London Scottish Regimental Gazette London Scottish Regimental Gazette 43 REGIMENTAL COLONEL’S NOTES 1 PLATOON UPDATE

As your Colonel, it was the most I always start this article with a soldiers ample opportunity to excel in the reintroduction of First Tuesdays has become enormous honour and privilege to statement about how busy the platoon field—Pte Squire showing his dab hand at the perfect backdrop for their Hodden Grey welcome The Queen and The Duke of York has been. Sticking with the status quo, this CBRN techniques a particular highlight! patch presentations. I would urge all ex- to 95 Horseferry Road on Monday 20th time around is no different. In June, the Regiment had a range Jocks to come down for one if you’re in July. 1 Platoon has been busy across the board weekend which was well received and we are London—if only for free food and a chance It was a pleasure to then present Her and continues to take full advantage of the looking forward to this month’s weekend, a to catch up! Majesty and His Royal Highness to Major opportunities on offer for Reservists. There’s public order training exercise. It’s certainly Nic Storey, who had obtained leave from been a return to the traditional company- a chance to exercise any frustrations. Some 1 Platoon continues to go from strength Warminster to depart early from an exercise led training weekends, fostering competitive ceremonial duties are coming around again to strength, full of vibrant individuals and in order to welcome the Sovereign to his spirit and more chances to represent the and it was a pleasure once again to see the committed soldiers. The more time I spend Company location. I am so grateful to Major London Scottish traditions as part of the Jocks well represented at the Armed Forces in post the more I realise that it truly must Nic Storey and to his course commander wider London Regiment. Through March, Flag Raising Parade in June. be the best Reserve platoon in the country. for granting this leave of absence because April and May, 1 Platoon took part in a We are also finally beginning to see the it was imperative to me that the incumbent structured weekend programme with two fruits of Capita’s efforts and the Army Strike Sure, commander should be there for this duty. Company-level field exercises (Ex Jock Reserve recruitment drive. We have Her Majesty had never been to our Warrior I and II) building up to a welcomed a number of new recruits to 2Lt Kaj J Scarsbrook Headquarters before and was fascinated to level exercise. All were testing and gave the platoon in recent months, and the 1 Platoon Commander see the building that Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother had known so well. Her Majesty and His Royal Highness stayed for dinner. The Queen thoroughly enjoyed the piping afterwards, led by the Pipe Major, with Pipe Sergeant Parsons and Piper Young. As I was giving the quaich, in accordance with the London Scottish Regimental custom, Her Majesty told the Pipe Major that two of the tunes they had played were her favourites, so I salute his choice for the evening’s piping programme. After dinner, I escorted The Queen and the Duke of York, with Admiral Sir Tim Laurence, to an exhibition of memorabilia of Queen Elizabeth, our venerable Colonel. The Regimental Secretary, Major Stuart Young, told them the stories associated with each item and they left with a very clear understanding of why Her late Majesty was HM The Queen about to sign the Officers’ Mess Guest Book so adored by the London Scottish Regiment and that her spirit very much lives on in our pleasure the Queen got from her visit to I look forward to the centenary in 2017, culture and ethos. 95 Horseferry Road and from seeing how when the two regiments mark their shared After signing the Officers’ Mess Guest fondly remembered is her mother. Strike identity and hope to be present to salute our book and looking once more around the Sure. Canadian cousins then. Drill Hall, its memorials and pictures, which This has also been an important period My very best wishes to all our serving Major Nic Storey explained, Her Majesty for our fellow soldiers of The Queen, The members of the Regiment, who have had a took leave. Lined up to say farewell were the Toronto Scots. Albeit their loyalty is bonded tough six months of training this year and Pipe Major and his fellow pipers and Laura to The Queen of Canada, we share the I hope that you all gain some well deserved Truman, who had done so much to prepare most important symbols, semiology and leave with your family and friends before the visit, in her usual way: I have seen customs. This is the 100th anniversary of the the exercises call you to duty and I hope countless curtseys but Laura’s was the most formation of The Toronto Scots antecedent that you are all able to do this important elegant I have yet seen. identity, the 75th Missasaga Regiment. This training. From the start to the finish of the visit, regiment was formed on July 1, 1915 and Thank you so much for all that you do Lance Corporals Holbrough and Dingley it was six years later, in 1921 when they to serve the nation on top of meeting your held the ground and stood to attention to adopted the name, The Toronto Scots and employment demands and, for once, I can salute the arrivals and departures. Within a the Hodden Grey. directly pass on how interested the monarch few days of her visit to the London Scottish, Sadly I was unable to attend the events is in The London Scottish and all that you The Queen of Scots went home to Scotland in Toronto but Colon-el John Clemence do for the defence of Her Realm. and is now resident at Balmoral. Hopefully, was good enough to represent me, and Strike Sure. all members of the Regimental family other members of the London Regiment Col Alastair Bruce 1 Platoon on parade during a First Tuesday will take pleasure in knowing how much are due to be there for events later this year. Regimental Colonel

44 London Scottish Regimental Gazette London Scottish Regimental Gazette 45 of Catterick! Saturday afternoon consisted of a pistol having a re-cap on the pistol. After more The completion of the qualifying shoot familiarisation lane, with expert tuition ‘dry’ practising, the jocks’ anticipation was prompted the arrival of B (Queen’s) provided by Sgt Cue. Every soldier took to rewarded with several shoots at 25 metres. 2 PLATOON UPDATE Company who had conveniently arrived the training well, and before the Company A small competition shoot run by Sgt Cue with ‘the Guns’, just in time for some of smoker commenced, all had resulted in our three newest members, Ptes our jocks to have a go! Test firing on the conducted and passed their handling test Carr, Orlowski and Healy-Rinder, firing The aim of mortar fire is to support carry heavy loads over long distances. of the Battalion Fire Support. guns complete, it was back to the rifle and on the service pistol. more rounds than anyone else! friendly forces, by killing the enemy, (Speak to Capt Wickmen and Pte Lam It is hoped that by the time I am posted under Capt Denman, firers had a chance The evening saw A Company hosting a A great welcome for them and well neutralizing his fire power and denying about their Out-of-Body Experiences). the platoon will be fully self-contained, to practice some snap-shoots, some from successful BBQ cooked by WO2 (CSM) done to all of A Company who attended, him the use of the Ground. It takes roughly three months to able to man three mortar barrels and man interesting start positions! Dawson, where stories from the range and for making Ex Cockney Crack-Shot a complete as reservist (one Training Night a full Command Post. We are currently After a long but productive day of 2 Pl’s mortar cadre were swapped late into rewarding, enjoyable and different training As you read this, the mortar numbers a week, and two weekends). A regular unit three quarters of the way there. If anyone firing a number of different shoots from the evening – nothing like a bit of healthy weekend. cadre will have just finished. does it in three weeks. wants to come and visit or have a chat a variety of firing positions, the range was ‘inter-Coy’ competition. This is the first time the LONDONS It is hoped that all nine members of the about becoming a Mortar Man, please handed back and we made our way back to Sunday’s activities started with 2 Pl firing Strike Sure have conducted their own cadre in seven platoon will pass and be able to be classed come and speak directly to SPSI CSgt Brunswick camp for the next phase of the their qualifying shoot on the rifle at Ash Capt J R Barklem years and Live Fired unsupported by any as Mortar Men. Steele. exercise. Ranges, with the remainder of the Company Company Second in Command regular units.The aim of the cadre is to Those that complete and pass the cadre teach the basic skills in all areas of the are allowed to wear the Mortars ‘M’ badge Remember: “All men are created equal 81mm Medium Mortar, from setting up on their No 2 dress. These men now then some become MORTAR MEN!” to maintenance and, most importantly, become an 11 Brigade asset and are the only WELCOME TO OUR NEWEST MEMBERS learning to fire it safely. indirect fire support that the Commanding CSgt Steele (SPSI) Also, there is an element of being able to Officer can count on. Mortars provide 80% Recruitment is looking up and 1 Platoon has welcomed a number of new faces recently, Ptes McColl, Lister, GLOCKS, JOCKS AND MORTAR BARRELS Russenburger, Orlowski, Carr, and Healey-Render. The latter three passed CIC very recently Ex Cockney Crack-Shot, A Company’s and were welcomed into the Company June range weekend, was an opportunity and awarded their headdress by the new for A Company to conduct a range Commanding Officer, Col Tim Smart, on a package early on in the training year, First Tuesday. KS whilst providing soldiers with some interesting and different training in the Introducing Pte Dylan Healey-Render process. I have already met a number of you, but Range packages often receive ‘bad press’, here’s a little more about me, Dylan Healey- namely due to their association with the Render. I moved to the UK 4 years ago to rush to complete MATTs before the end see more of the world and experience life of the training year, so Ex Cockney Crack- on the other side of the globe. Originally Shot was designed to provide soldiers with from Auckland, New Zealand, I used to something a little different. The weekend work as a fitter welder on an oil refinery also saw 2 Platoon’s mortar cadre kick called Marsden Point. Most of my spare off, under A Company’s SPSI, CSgt Steele, time was spent pig hunting, fishing, off- where training was conducted in Pirbright Sunday, and A Coy soldiers fire their pistols on the 25m range roading and pouring endless amounts of from 0600 on Saturday morning (no doubt my hard earned cash into one of my many more of the training conducted will be motors, never to see a return. revealed in the SPSI’s article!). I now work as an Account Manager for Having occupied Brunswick lines anIT/Communications company called on Friday evening, and conducted the Arkadin in Hammersmith. Time outside necessary collimating and revision of the work is split between traveling as much as marksmanship principles, we occupied Ash I can, live music, making new friends and Ranges on Saturday morning, where we working & training for Her Majesty every Three new Jocks on parade: Carr, Orlowski and Healy-Render were joined by D Company. The weekend chance I get. was started off by some compulsory Having spent most of my time training can now call my own. have come this far in such a short amount grouping and zeroing at 100 metres, alongside and making great friends of both of time is nothing short of a miracle and followed by LF3, the qualifying shoot for Carr and Orlowski, I’m sure they both Introducing Pte Elias Orlowski has to be credited to the quality of training soldiers’ annual certificate of efficiency. As share the same sentiment. Being presented It has been a long road to get here, I have received and the people who gave it ever, A Company proved to have plenty of with my Hodden Grey patch has been the although seemingly not as long as it has to me. “crack-shots” amongst its ranks, and for highlight of my time with the Army so far. been for other people as I managed to get Although there have been times when some of the more recently trained soldiers, The ceremony and turn out of both the through the training system in around 6 it has been tough and the people training it was a good opportunity to develop their serving and ex-servicemen really made me months. Coming from a background with me have had to be tough on me (and even marksmanship skills outside of the confines London Jocks out in force on Ash ranges to pass their LF3 feel as though I have joined a Regiment I no previous military experience, the fact I a few times when I have asked myself what

46 London Scottish Regimental Gazette London Scottish Regimental Gazette 47 choice. Plus the bagpipes have a special to make the trip from Scotland - I do like a which baffled us a bit but it was all good place in my heart.” bit of pageantry. natured. I was also pleasantly surprised by On being presented his headdress, Tom “Everyone at Horseferry Road has been the Hodden Grey whisky, I’ve had much said: “It was an honour to be welcomed incredibly welcoming. The RSM did quiz worse.” into the Company by the CO. It was a me and one of the other new Privates (One might even think Pte Carr writes great occasion and my parents managed on the history of the London Regiment for a living! KS)

PLATOON COMMANDER’S BATTLE COURSE

The latest Reserve Platoon sunshine the weather had turned, and heavy elements of FIBUA. Memorable moments Commanders Battle Course (PCBC(R) rain set in. After 12 hours of trench digging included a demonstration of explosive entry 1501) was the 2 weeks from the 29th of in stony ground our morale (and our on some cardboard and a flying visit from May to the 12th of June. trenches) had hit a rock bottom, and the the AAC, who landed an Apache during This officer rite of passage was non-arrival of promised JCBs did nothing our lunch break and brazenly attempted to be the first of a new generation of reserve to help either problem. It was a relief to go to poach officers. The exercise then training, one that would see the integration out onto the first serial, a dawn ambush. moved into a test phase, with each platoon of hopeful candidates into 2 weeks of the As we returned the rain stopped and after conducting house-clearing operations. At Regular PCBC (weeks 4 & 5). This move a period of administration we were ready this point my own command appointment away from the previous reserve-only model to continue with the construction of came around, which was conducted in reflects the closer integration of the Reserve our swimming pool/trench. As the week full CBRN suits and respirators (much to and Regular force throughout the Army. As progressed we conducted several defensive everyone’s bemusement). Thursday saw a luck would have it the course started 4 days serials, including FIWAF, fighting and superior enemy force attack the village, with after my final exam, so whilst my classmates standing patrols and an area defence, with our company extracting back into a nearby celebrated I found myself arriving at the exercise culminating in a dawn raid woodblock. From there, we launched a Coy Derring Lines one Friday afternoon. on a farm complex on Friday. It had been night counterattack back onto the village, A proud moment for Pte Carr a challenging introduction to IBS, but the making full use of the new night vision That evening I met the other 4 reservists serials had been excellent and the Regular equipment. This proved to be the swansong possessed me to join), overall my experience as we moved into our rooms, and chatted students had accepted us into the fold of both the exercise and the reserve course. getting here has been one of the most to the few regular students who had stayed without a murmur. We retired for some I can reflect back on a tough couple of rewarding and life-changing things I have the weekend. Saturday and Sunday saw us well-earned sleep and a much needed weeks, but one where I learnt a lot. The ever done. It has put me into contact with meet some of our DS, who gave us lessons weekend off. integration with the regular course was a some of the most interesting people I have on defensive operations in preparation for Monday came around, and with it the highlight. The students were friendly and ever met, both Regular and Reserve, pushed the first exercise, Ex. Dragons Claw. urban operations exercise, Dragons Tooth. helpful, and with the Regular and Reserve me to do and try things I would never have A hectic Sunday evening saw kit issue on Refreshed from a weekend enjoying the force working together more often in the thought I could, and leaves me in great the return of the Regular students for the dubious pleasures of Brecon town, we future it will provide a lot of useful contacts anticipation for the next challenge I will be O-groups prior to deployment early next deployed to Cellini Village and set about and insight. presented with. I am looking forward to my morning. Monday at 0900 we deployed fortifying our platoon building. This week future with the London Scottish. onto the training area, near Dixie’s Corner. was to be more training focussed, and for 2nd Lt Daley Coming to join A Coy, no longer After a cruelly misleading weekend of the first few days we received lessons on the OC, RR&TT a recruit, is a great feeling although I understand that this in no way means my training is over. In fact far from it—I still have so much to learn and was delighted BATTALION SIGNALS COURSE to find on my arrival to Horseferry Road I was instantly being given the opportunity to take my training to the next level with For the First Tuesday training nights course was varied, with instruction ranging or another have looked at the signals tent new challenges and new places to visit. over the past six months, the Training from the assembly and use of the 354 and thought, “I wish I was in there in the Having been through Litchfield, Pirbright Wing at RHQ at St. John’s Hill has put and 355 radios, the application of correct warm with a brew, and not tabbing around and Catterick, I look forward to wherever I on Signals training for members of the call-sign and Voice Procedure and the with a weighted pack in the rain and snow.” go next and whatever challenge waits there. Regiment, and it was Pte Squire and assembly of the GSA. The course allowed Well, I had the chance to find out what myself who were put forward from A us to properly familiarise ourselves with the the green box of tricks does and over the last five months I’ve been completing a signals Introducing Pte Tom Carr Pte McColl receives his TOS with Hodden Grey patch Company. radio systems and procedures for their use Private Tom Carr joins A Coy from a The training covered all aspects of and this will undoubtedly prove useful, not course over at the Hill. It was interesting career in the civil service and takes on degree in Immunology and Microbiology My father-in-law was a Lieutenant Colonel the Bowman communications system, only for ourselves in the expansion of our and I have learnt many new things, the the mantle of the token Scottish private and black belts in several martial arts. in the Canadian Army ( and in the section level ‘Portable Radio own military skill set but for the Platoon problem now is that I have no excuse not in the London Scottish. Hailing from Tom explained his reasons for joining Airborne regiments). Joining the military Communications’, or PRC, 354; the and Company as a whole. to carry the green box of tricks and spare Kirkcaldy in Fife, Tom is 35 and works the Reserves: “My Grandfathers were a is just something that I have always wanted company level PRC-355; the use of the Pte Jonny Lister batteries! in communications for the Crown Naval Commander and Lance Corporal in to do, the family links are strong, and the Ground Spike Antenna, or GSA; as well as “This is one-three Delta out.” Prosecution Service. He has an Honours the Fife and Forfar respectively. London Scottish seemed to be the obvious the H4855 Personal Role Radio (PRR). The Most of us squaddies would at some time Pte Mark Squire

48 London Scottish Regimental Gazette London Scottish Regimental Gazette 49 LMG, LSW and SA80, plus Osprey body armour, webbing and a CFT-ready bergan. OPEN DAY AT HORSEFERRY ROAD The stand attracted much attention with the weapon systems with many also showing interest in the Guards Division connections The main effort this year has been of the regiment. Many of those went on to listed as Recruitment, just as last year complete personal detail forms, and we look was retention due to a lot of A company forward to building on that initial interest by soldiers being away on operation on getting boots through the door at Horseferry TOSCA. Recruitment is the main life stay Road. Indeed, that was the case at 1 Platoon’s of the Army. It provides an avenue for own open evening on Tuesday 23rd June acquiring the numbers necessary to carry (read more about that in Sgt Oyalegan’s out the tasks set the regiment. main article). It is an interesting and exciting time in As 2015 progresses, so members of the A Company, the Officer Commanding – RR&TT look forward to further spreading Major Storey instituted a new recruitment the word of The London Scottish and team to ensure A Company meets and rallying new recruits to wear the Hodden surpasses its recruitment potential. The Grey, as well as inspiring retention among 23rd of June 2015 marked the first open day the old sweats, to build 1 Platoon back up to the team would ever put together. a strength enjoyed before recent operations. There was a weeklong leaflet campaign The team looks ahead to plentiful before the day covering the local train recruiting opportunities over the Summer, stations (Westminster, Victoria, St James’s including July’s ‘Get Active Wandsworth Park, Waterloo), as well as the local shops June’s Open Evening gets underway at Horseferry Road Festival’ (pictured). around HFR by 2Lt Daley, LCpl Bance, Pte Stevenson, Pte Mboyo and myself. There corresponding LMG. The doors opened at 1800hrs with all Strike Sure was a lot of interest when we engaged 3. Adventurous training (AT) and stands ready to go, it was a slow start but LCpl Dingley people on the streets, though the interest fitness training: conducted by LCpl the attendees started trickling in soon after. Recruit Reception & Training Team The London Regiment recruiting team (including members of the new RR&TT Dixie. This was setup to show interested Once we welcomed a number of attendees, did not translate into the expected numbers cell) at work in the grounds of Armoury House on the night. There were five stands on the individuals the types of adventure training 2Lt Daley took them upstairs for a briefing night: the Reserve Army gets to do as well as a about the Army and what it takes to join 1. Regimental History: conducted by few physical exercises for those intending the Reserve, including the commitment LCpl Holbrough and LCpl Parsons. This to join the Army, bold enough to engage in required. LONDON REGIMENT VS CORINTHIAN CASUALS touched on the history of the regiment taster sessions of the push-ups and press- It was a successful event with nearly including some of the missions and tours ups as displayed by the PTI. Unfortunately twenty attendees, and five expressions of we have been involved in such as the South no one took up that challenge on the night. interest as well two online applications. Lt Scarsbrook, 1 Platoon Commander, (six minutes, but who is counting!) silence to the ankle which made me wary to go Africa (1900 – 1902), the First World War 4. Recent Deployment (Op TOSCA): The next recruiting event will be reports: “On 2nd May 2015 the London for the fallen. Ironically the bugler played anywhere near him on the pitch! I noticed tour between 1914 to 1919, the Second conducted by LCpl Dingley. This stand happening at our Catford ARC soon. It is a Regiment football team took on the the last post in some form of modern art several of the opposition were not keen to World War between 1939 and 1945 as well displayed the time the London Regiment more residential area and we are hoping to Corinthian Casuals, a club playing in the struggling to hit some notes so we got a get in any close proximity to him. He was as the history of the Tam O’Shanter (TOS). soldiers spent on TOSCA last year, the get more attendees and more expressions Ryman League, in commemoration of a feeling of the pain and suffering endured on the left which caused them to switch all 2. Fieldcraft: conducted by Pte Squire. types of activities they got involved in on of interest and joiners. We will continue to match played between the Casuals and by the fallen. their attacks up the right side (I prefer to This showed life on the field for a typical their tour (patrols of the green zone, sentry urge all to help in advertising the A (The soldiers stationed at Aldershot on the eve We won the toss (the only thing we won think this was because I, at right back, went combat soldier. The display included duties, public order duties etc) as well as London Scottish) Company as the Army of the First World War. that day!) so we decided to kick off. This off – KS). Our fresh attacker was given a a weighted Bergen, webbing and body adventure training available on their day Reserve unit to join as it is simply the best The London Scottish were represented went well—well we did successfully pass the chance to shine when their team parted, armour for people to try on, a display off and the delights of Cyprus and the there is. particularly strongly in the starting XI, initial ball. Minute one passed and it looked allowing him to have a free shot at close system showing a setup sleeping system various training available to soldiers. with Capt Adam Greenwood as the team like we were going to give them a game. range. The only thing close was a close with a poncho, sleeping bag, sleeping 5. Signals: conducted by Pte Lister. Yours aye, captain. The match was well supported and Three minutes in and reality reappeared shave for a plane flying at altitude as the ball mat under a basher, a table showing This displayed the communication system Sgt Oyalegan without further ado, I am pleased to hand with them scoring. Our only chance was was skied well over the crossbar! the content of a commanders Bergen, used by the normal infantry soldier, the Recruiting and Mentoring Team over to Sgt Cue for a match report”: our Italian stallion, Sidonio, who, even However after several similar chances, including the CBRN kit and another individual PRR as well as the commanders’ Fourteen men turned up and the team with some extra natural padding, was still practice making perfect, he did find the display table showing the SA80 A2 and the Bowman communication system. needed a starting eleven. Capt Greenwood agile and had the silky skills he had been back of the net at least once! Overall it was took control and the men were grouped on blessed with as a child. One shot from the a great day out, and it was definitely “the their preference – goal, defence, midfield, halfway line was denied by their catlike participating and not the winning that and attack. Capt Greenwood had the keeper; another, an overhead kick, shaved counted.” A COY’S RECRUITING TEAM DRUMMING-UP INTEREST knack to whittling these down further… the crosshair. Halftime gave us some respite a simple question and his eagle eye on from the onslaught which had given them Sgt Gary Cue each individual would be enough to pick a bagful of goals. Platoon Sergeant, 1 Platoon The Honourable Artillery Company’s event attracts a good number of civilians the HAC Corps of Drums. the best for each position. The process Second half gave the disgruntled three Finsbury Barracks open evening was held keen to learn more about a career in the A Company’s newly re-organised started–“How confident are you playing in substitutes a chance to show the officer that (I note Sgt Cue modestly fails to mention on Tuesday 12th May this year with The reserves. Arena displays included a war-y Recruiting and Recruit Training Team, led this position?”—Sandhurst teaches them his system of picking was flawed. Sadly it several rampaging runs he made out London Regiment well represented among demo by the HAC active unit, a parachute by CSgt Evans and Sgt Oyalegan, were on well as this process seemed to pick the best was reinforced! One was having flashbacks of defence, usually accompanied with a the region’s Army Reserve units. drop from Chinook by the RAF Falcons site with other LONDONS recruiting staff XI (well, I did get picked on this premise from and his mission was to bloodcurdling shout. The match ended Always an enjoyable evening at the HAC’s team, the Royal Signals’ White Helmets to answer questions about the benefits of so I fully support this form of the black kill or maim the opposition players, and 8-2 (or was it 9-2?). KS) impressive HQ, Armoury House, the annual motorcycle display team, and music from the infantry life, with demonstrations of the arts!) Before the start we had two minutes in places our own. I received a karate kick

50 London Scottish Regimental Gazette London Scottish Regimental Gazette 51 GOC SPORTS COMPETITION EXERCISE JOCK WARRIOR II

The London Regiment went from Ex Jock Warrior II was a testing field the previous position, just as they opened harbour area for admin and scoff, a few unranked in 2014 to a 2nd place finish weekend examining a great many different fire on 1 Section. minutes of checking ones eyelids for holes in 2015, just a few points behind the Infantry skills and drills. Cpl Davey, who With no time to properly brief the Boss and then some lessons on ambush drills winners 106 RA. has recently re-joined the regiment from of my plan due to the necessity of keeping and detention ops. We moved harbour area The teams were heavily supported by A the RMP Reserve, gives his view of events: the speed and momentum going, I brought later that day and commenced battle prep Company with Pte A Norris taking home Having returned to the Regiment 2 Sect forwards to a marginally better fire for an ambush whilst the Boss prepared his the most medals of any competitor on the after serving elsewhere for the last twelve support position and took Pte Lister on an orders. After a rather good model had been day and Capt A M Greenwood leading years I deployed on my first FTX, Ex Jock assault straight up the left side of the hillock built by LCpl Morton, we were ordered by the football team in their first round of Warrior II. Battle prep and ‘O’ group was which was slightly steeper than it looked. Zero to move to their location where we matches since playing the Corinthians conducted at HFR on the Friday and the Using some wide trees at the top of the were informed that due to an act of arson Casual in May. platoon deployed straight into the field. hillock as cover, Pte Lister and I breached on another part of the training area and the Held at the barracks in We patrolled through the night towards the summit (for want of a better word). Pte potential for a large field fire it was decided Woolwich, the tournament has a long our FUP where the sections shook out Lister ran forwards emptying a full mag into to recover to HFR. Here Saturday night and routed history of sporting competition straight into our respective tasks, 1 Sect the enemy and took their position under my Sunday were used to complete a number of between the London Reserve units. on a deliberate attack to assault an Enemy covering fire. MATTs before the ‘endex’ was called. This includes the likes of 151 Transport position and my section on the left flank to Pte Lister and I occupied the perimeter of I must say that LCpl SL was a brilliant 2iC Regiment RLC, 106 RA, 4 RMP, the HAC provide fire support. the hillock top and after a quick assessment and I couldn’t have done my job without and 3 MI. The units compete against each After locating the enemy with our night I called a re-group and began compiling his boundless energy. I think a little less other in football, basketball, squash, tug of vision equipment I initiated the attack by my sit-rep as LCpl S-L cut around getting sugar next time S-L. I am glad I returned to war and cross country relay. The successful LONDONS team at this year’s GOC Competition opening fire on the enemy position and ammo/cas/pers states. Hooped wasn’t the the London Scottish and have been made Having won the football tournament in 1 Sect moved straight into their assault word but my ‘run’ up the hill (a run that to feel one of the guys again and welcomed 2014 expectations were high this year squash teams, both finishing a respectable significantly ‘lighter’ team than many of the with some fantastic control over fire and wasn’t a run), was mentioned to which very quickly. It is nice to be back in a TOS and the London Regiment were firmly 3rd place overall. non-Infantry Regiments the LONDONS manoeuvre. LCpl S-L was all over the fire I replied “Sir, that wasn’t a run, that was after twelve years as a dirty monkey and I the favourites. Despite going unbeaten The cross country brought the only gold took the competition to a final pull before control of our section and upon ordering plodding with style”. Still, it gave the platoon am looking forwards. and scoring over 20 goals in 5 matches, medal of the day for the LONDONS led missing out on an overall victory to 106 RA. switch left we located a further enemy a few moments of mirth. a 2-2 draw to 3 MI cost the LONDONS by Capt C Gilmore and Pte A Norris. The On the whole, a large medal haul for the position in depth on a hillock overlooking After a re-org the platoon moved to a Cpl Barry Davey the chance of retaining the cup, having other Regiments were left significantly Regiment which will leave the LONDONS to settle for the silver medal. This run of trailing throughout. The final event of the optimistic about winning the whole bad luck continued for the basketball and day was the tug of war. Despite having a tournament next year. EXERCISE COCKNEY BASELINE GUILDHALL FLAG-RAISING CEREMONY

With little to no kit packing required bouncing, open and close order. batons. Then came the missile-throwing. on the Friday evening at HFR, we loaded The temperature on Saturday mixed with Thankfully the disorderly crowd could onto the minibus along with the XO and the absolute pleasure of wearing thermal only find expended baton rounds. The riot departed extraordinarily quickly, arriving top, long-johns, two sets of MTP shirts and quickly escalated from there and the rioters at Lydd at around 22:30 hrs. As ordered trousers, body armour, shin, arm, thigh began testing the shield wall with barges, we drove up to ‘Tin City’ and waited at the and upper arm padding made for a rather punches and one or two attempted shield gate whilst the XO wandered off and were warm day. It was hotter than [censored snatches during which the shield men put left there. – KS!]. After lunch we launched straight their batons to good use. The commander Once we got to our accommodation into full practice of all lessons taught maintained a 360 degree situational we bedded down quite quickly. A short during the morning. As the first syndicate awareness of our battle space, deployed us powerpoint presentation in the morning to go through, the Syndicate Commander into close order, and after a few bounces we and briefing in the lecture studio took place briefed us and we deployed onto the mean began to take back the city. and then we were issued the Public Order streets of Tin City to quell the rioting As with all hands on physical training PPE. Sgt Cue and I cut around the Ptes, second syndicate. We were deployed in one or two on both sides did get tunnel showed them how to put on the kit and open order, turned into the high street and vision and had to be reminded gently by DS ultimately ended up having a ‘hot bed’ on quickly identified two burning vehicles and to calm down, maybe not that politely but helmets and shields due to missing, broken a rowdy mob roughly 30 men strong. ‘words to the effect of’ as they say. or damaged parts. Once kitted out the Our commander tried to quell the We were sent through twice in total and, lessons began in earnest with the exercising situation but the rioters were having none although the first time through was quite troops being split into two fairly equal sized of it. We went through the escalation drills good considering our syndicate of 30 only On 24th June, members of The London Regiment paraded in the yard of the Guildhall, City of London, for an Armed Forces Day flag- squads and the youngsters began to learn with professionalism and confidence from had myself and two others that have either raising ceremony. The Lord Mayor was in attendance to deliver a speech. The location is familiar to LONDONS troops as the scene of many the joys of showing batons, raising shields, raising shields to showing and loading done the training before or done it for real medal-giving ceremonies from past operations.

52 London Scottish Regimental Gazette London Scottish Regimental Gazette 53 PASSING THE BATON … THE VIEW FROM OTHERS HOLDING THE LINE PIPES AND DRUMS

Who would have thought that you “I don’t know what effect the British could get an all-inclusive weekend of Army has on the enemy, but by God, they uncontrolled violence, get paid in the terrify me.” process and not have to get on a plane! These ‘Band Notes’ open with a quote Welcome to public order training, what an attributed - although this is often disputed opportunity to have. This was one training - to The Duke of Wellington. However, as weekend that I wasn’t going to miss. As we this edition of the Gazette coincides with all know, on normal training weekends the 200th Anniversary of the Battle of we simulate violence but for public order training you are activity encouraged to let go Waterloo, it was appropriate to start with and get stuck in. the sentiments of Field Marshal Arthur Wellesley, 1st Duke of Wellington, KG, GCB, The training involved being dressed in two GCH, PC, FRS (1769 - 1852). I must say layers of clothing plus protective equipment, that, having spent a considerable amount shield and baton. Whilst we got taught how of time, over the past four months, with to manoeuvre and control the public, it was my fellow troubadours in Hodden Grey, the petrol bomb inoculation that got most I can understand the Duke’s sentiments people’s attention. It’s funny how real fire completely! can make people very attentive! As usual, my interpretation of the diverse activities of the Pipes & Drums, Pte Squire since the previous Gazette, is catalogued 1 Platoon here, for your edification, education and entertainment, in chronological order; so, as the Iron Duke is also alleged to have said, I shall herewith “publish and be dammed”! The London Scottish Regiment at the Caterham Recruiting Day Parade on 14th April 1915 CATERHAM RECRUITING DAY 1915 COMMEMORATION On Sunday 12th April, Pipers Stuart volunteers and conscripts in the first World visited 95 to film the Ps&Ds for part of a Nicholson, Calum Galleitch and David War. permanent display they were compiling Stewart were asked to play in Caterham, Incidentally, I’m sure that I can recognise regarding the international reach and Surrey, at a Commemoration Parade to my in the above photo!! influence of the . mark the 100th anniversary of a March As this was a regular practice evening, through the town to help the recruitment CALEDONIAN SOCIETY OF LONDON there wasn’t too much of a drama, with drive for the first World War. Serving On the evening of Thursday 23rd April most of us remembering to arrive with soldiers and the Pipes & Drums of The a mini-band comprising Pipers Stuart our Full Dress Uniform! In return for a London Scottish were part of the original Nicholson, Hamish Young and David generous spread of sandwiches and bottled parade a century ago, so it was especially Stewart, and Drummers Steve Hill and beer, the crew duly captured the Band relevant for the Regiment to be represented Andy Withers turned out at the Caledonian marching and playing a static set, as well as at this act of remembrance. Club in Halkin Street, for a Dinner of the accompanying some Highland and Scottish The Commemoration Parade marched Caledonian Society of London. The guest Country dancers. The museum’s display through the town to the Square, where the list included the family (wife, children and will be explain how the Army has been salute was taken by Colonel A P Guthrie, grandchildren) of Sir Tommy McPherson, instrumental (geddit??) in encouraging TD, DL, representing the Lord Lieutenant and the guest speaker was Richard Bath, the playing of the bagpipe around the Pte Squire gets dressed to kill The red mist descends! of Surrey. A short service was then held co-author of ‘Behind Enemy Lines’, Sir world, leaving a legacy of Pipe Bands and Tommy’s autobiography. The Regiment was competitions in every continent. Facing a crowd of people who, essentially, inoculation at the end of the exercise outside the local church, with Piper well represented amongst the assembled I must say that I always thought that most want to hurt you was certainly a new certainly kept the adrenaline flowing but also Nicholson playing ‘Flowers of the Forest’, experience for most of us. Lining-up against singed the boots and trousers. and the ‘Last Post’ being sounded. guests and, after dinner, the Bass Drum of us would eventually end up in a museum, an enemy launching barrages of baton During the speeches after the service, one which was very generously presented to so do go along to the National Army rounds and rugby charging the shields must The weather was hot, the protective kit of the senior officers present mentioned that the Band by the Caledonian Society a few Museum when it reopens, after an extensive be the closest thing to medieval warfare that didn’t allow for much movement, and we are the number of men who had volunteered years ago was put on display, so that newer refurbishment, in 2016 and catch a sight of we can get nowadays. still nursing some mean bruises. Having said for the Surrey Regiments during WWI members who had not yet seen it could a living exhibit! that, we all really enjoyed the training, and was numerically equivalent to the current admire the art work of the emblazoned The early morning work around how to more than a few of us found that we have a establishment of the regular British crests and battle honours. BEATING RETREAT take impact on the riot shield and how to slightly worrying aptitude for rioting. Army; a sobering statistic and, indeed, the In early June, after weeks of move as a team paid off when it came to force Surrey History Trust hold details of about NATIONAL ARMY MUSEUM communication, preparation and musical on force work in the afternoon. We practiced Pte Carr 85,000 men who signed up for service in On Thursday 14th May, a team from cooperation, the Ps&Ds joined the Pipes advancing in open order and bouncing, Things heat up in the thick of the action Surrey between 1908 and 1933, including the National Army Museum in London, and Drums of 1 Scots Guards and the Pipes snatch and casualty drills. The petrol bomb adjacent to The Royal Hospital Chelsea, and Drums of the Scots Guards Association

54 London Scottish Regimental Gazette London Scottish Regimental Gazette 55 for joint participation in Beating Retreat on Horse Guard’s Parade. It was a pleasure to catch up with many old friends from both bands, and, this year, the Retreat took the form of a commemoration of the 200th Anniversary of the Battle of Waterloo, with a representation of the events leading up to the confrontation and a recreation of the battle itself. On this occasion, instead of the usual single slot, there were three shorter contributions from the Massed Pipes and Drums. First was a solo march on, into a thistle formation, for a static set, which gained much appreciation from the audience - even a brave few who attempted a standing ovation ….. although they might have just been standing up to leave! The second serial was a recreation of the Duchess of Richmond’s Ball, which entailed a march on in syncopation with the Massed Military Bands as they marched off, for which the Senior Director of Music provided all the Ps&Ds with concert pitch chanters for harmonisation with Sgt Harman and fellow help recreate the Duchess of Richmond’s their instrumentation. The Duchess of Richmond’s ball was held in Brussels on Ball for the film ‘Waterloo’ 15th June 1815, the night before the Battle of Quatre Bras, by Charlotte, Duchess of Richmond. Her husband, Charles Lennox, 4th Duke of Richmond, was the commander of reserve forces stationed in the city in case Colonel Richard Holliday displays his pipe banner, being flown by Piper Tommy Johnston of invasion by Napoleon Bonaparte. The Ball was certainly a society affair, at which, Needless to say, participation in Beating a very appreciative audience – in between north. it was said that “with the exception of three Retreat, alongside the Household Division, courses. Our destination was Berkhamsted generals, every officer high in Wellington’s was an honour and a privilege and exceeded Another guest at the dinner was Colonel School in Hertfordshire where WO2 army was there to be seen”. Lady Louisa, expectation, and we have received several Richard Holliday (4th/7th and 3rd Gordon Steve Carter, recently departed CSM of A one of the Duchess’s daughters recalled later nice letters of congratulation. Drum Highlanders and Past Regimental Colonel (London Scottish) Company, is involved in that: Major Mo Brown, from the Guards, was The London Scottish). Fortuitously, the Combined Cadet Force. The School’s “I well remember the Gordon Highlanders an inspiration, and worked extremely hard Colonel Holliday’s banner was being flown CCF was holding an Armed Forces Day dancing reels at the ball. My mother thought to ensure that performance of the Massed from Piper Tommy Johnston’s pipes, and, Dinner for former pupils who had been it would interest foreigners to see them, which Pipes and Drums was of a calibre and relaxing between sets in the Club’s ‘Long commissioned into the three services, it did. I remember hearing that some of the professionalism suitable for the occasion. Bar’ with the ‘girls behind the scenes’ who and the guest list included an impressive poor men who danced in our house died at had organised the evening, there was an sprinkling of Generals, Brigadiers and other Waterloo. There was quite a crowd to look at ‘IN & OUT’ WATERLOO DINNER opportunity for Colonel Richard to pose for brass. the Scotch dancers.” On Thursday 18th June, a mini band, the following photograph. Berkhamsted School is an independent It may seem incongruous to us that, formed of Pipers Stuart Nicholson, school, formed in 1997 by the amalgamation literally hours before two such decisive Hamish Young and Tommy Johnston and BERKHAMSTED SCHOOL of the original Berkhamsted School battles (Quatre Bras the following day, Drummers Steve Hill and Nick Gair, turned COMBINED CADET FORCE founded in 1541, Berkhamsted School for and then Waterloo three days later), the out at The Naval and Military Club (better With Saturday 27th June 2015 being Girls established in 1888, and Berkhamsted commander of the allied army and his staff known as the ‘In & Out’) to provide support National ‘Armed Forces Day’, the Ps&Ds Preparatory School. The new merged school would spend much of the night at a social for their Waterloo Dinner, which was being had agreed to support a CCF Dinner that was initially called ‘Berkhamsted Collegiate function. The Duchess of Richmond’s Ball The mini-band strut their stuff at the In & Out Waterloo Dinner (photo: Philip held exactly 200 years after the battle, which evening, and it was decided to have a ‘Band School’, but reverted to Berkhamsted School was, of course, featured in the 1970 film McCarthy) had been fought on Sunday 18th June 1815. Practice Day’ beforehand. This was really a in December 2008. Famous former pupils ‘Waterloo’, directed by Sergei Bondarchuk poorly disguised excuse to escape the usual (known as Berkhamstedians ) include and produced by Dino De Laurentiis, to amaze me how, if you scratch the surface the parade ground as the battle unfurled. It The guests of honour at the dinner were domestic weekend obligations of shopping, Clementine Churchill, Graham Greene and which starred Rod Steiger as Bonaparte of so many things, the London Scottish are was actually quite exciting to be in amongst Admiral of the Fleet Lord Boyce, KG, GCB, washing the car or mowing the lawn. Sir Robin Knox-Johnston. and Christopher Plummer as Wellington. involved somewhere! the re-enactors firing muskets and cannon, OBE, DL - a former Chief of the Defence Instead, we had lattes in paper cups from Interestingly, the motto of the Boy’s The film also features our very own Bob The Beating Retreat finale was a cleverly with the Rifles jogging into position, Staff - and General Helge Hansen - a the corner caff, a cheeky lunchtime drink at school is “virtus laudata crescit” (Latin for Harman (1 Gordons, 1 London Scottish choreographed tableau of the battle of and the Band of the Das Musikkorps der former Inspector of the German Army and the Barley Mow, and made squeaking noises “greatness increases with praise”), and that and Past Regimental Secretary) and a few Waterloo itself, with each of the participating Bundeswehr from Germany representing Commander Allied Forces Central Europe on plastic chanters and went tap-a-tap on of the Girl’s school is “festina lente” (Latin of his fellow Gordon Highlanders who bands providing a representation of Prince Blucher’s Prussian Army, which within NATO. The dinner was obviously rubber placemats for a couple of hours. for “hurry slowly”), both of which resonate - with historical accuracy - provided the the various forces deployed during the arrived on the battlefield just in time to save a most enjoyable affair, and the Ps&Ds In due course, the ‘transport’ arrived late with the Pipes & Drums. I wonder what the dancing described above. It never ceases hostilities, moving in stops and starts across the day. provided a couple of musical interludes – to afternoon, and we loaded up and departed Latin is for “hurry up and hang around”???

56 London Scottish Regimental Gazette London Scottish Regimental Gazette 57 transfer of colour into the cotton wrapping. blagging a full cooked breakfast; top marks over the dulcet tones of the great highland After the butter was unwrapped, the for initiative! However, given the contents bagpipe, and invited the submission of muslin was no longer required. Instead of of said ‘storeroom’, I couldn’t help thinking suitable captions. it being discarded, it was often taken home that only the Ps&Ds would take an ironing In response, the following possible captions where, after washing, the material made an board and steam-iron to a four star hotel!!! were submitted: excellent dusting cloth. As the delivery of As can be seen from the accompanying butter in bulk using this method declined, photo, the wedding was very much a “Black Watch Museum Exhibit” enterprising weavers in the UK fulfilled Regimental family affair with the OC, (Dave Campbell, A Coy 1960 - 64) the demand with custom made products CSM, Regimental Secretary, and many of and, to maintain some degree of continuity, the senior NCOs and serving company and “That woolly D doubling made Stuart a they dyed the cloths yellow. This tradition Ps&Ds in attendance ….. I’m not sure that bit sheepish” of dusters being yellow continues today, Kate really knows what she’s letting herself (Chris Oldroyd) although the decline of the British weaving in for! However, it must be a relief that Dan industry has resulted in this particular was not bound by the following section “That’s not a blowstick!!!!” product being largely produced in the Far from the Standing Orders of the Norwich (Anonymous) East. So now you know! (or 106th) Regiment, published in 1785: Many thanks to those who took the trouble to write, and this new feature seems to have COURT & SOCIAL “Marriage is to be discouraged in the generated enough interest to warrant ….. It is a pleasure to record, although no Regiment as much as possible. A regiment has doubt reported elsewhere in this Gazette, generally more women than can possibly be that L/Cpl Daniel Holbrough married Miss allowed to embark on foreign service. Two or Katharine Griffiths on Saturday 9th May three women per company may do very well; 2015 at Albright Hussey Manor Hotel in if they are industrious - when there are more Shrewsbury, Shropshire. It was a delightful they are often much distressed. Officers must occasion, with a significant representation explain to the men the many miseries women from ‘The Scottish’, as befits Dan’s active are exposed to, even in England, when there involvement with all aspects of the are too many of them, particularly on service Tenor Drummer Holbrough is inducted into the Ps&Ds! Regiment; the serving Company, the Lodge - and by every sort of persuasion prevent their and the Band. It was also nice to see two marrying if possible” generations of Bar Steward in attendance, as Ron Younger was there disguised as John Brown! It appears that it’s a military custom to ‘promote’ the Groom on his wedding day, thus Corporal Dan was suitably decorated CAPTION COMPETITION # 2 with his second stripe; so I now know how So, here is this edition’s photograph, which a senior Naval officer acquaintance of mine, is allegedly of Piper Hamish Young in with five wives (in succession, not all at Uzbekistan, whilst the rest of us slaved away once), has reached the rank of Admiral. on Horse Guards for Beating Retreat ….. The Ps&Ds ‘entertained’ wedding guests what is it with Pipers and animals??? before the ceremony, and then played a static As has now become a Ps&Ds tradition (ie, set during the drinks reception immediately we’ve done it twice), all suggestions for a afterwards. Unbeknownst to Kate, Dan had suitable caption should be emailed to: learnt some flourishing, and appeared with [email protected] the Band as a surprise Tenor Drummer, as - luckily - we had packed a spare drum and Any entries printable in a family-orientated leopard skin. journal such as this will be published in the A memorable Wedding Breakfast was next edition. followed by a cèilidh - with a musical interlude from the Ps&Ds, which went down ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS well considering the levels of imbibing - and As always, these ‘Band Notes’ rely on the then a DJ and dancing until late. As usual, assistance of a number of aspiring cub- the Best Man’s speech revealed hitherto reporters and paparazzi, who provide text unknown facts about the Groom, including and photos - for no other reward than Dan’s near obsession with a well-known informing the readership and potentially science fiction TV show; which leads one to humiliating their colleagues. So I would The Groom is the one wearing Hodden Grey! wonder whether, when Dan completes his like to thank Piper Stuart Nicholson, Piper David Stewart, Drummer Iain Withers and As usual, any significant amount of time the retort to the Drum Major’s standard dusting many years ago were recovered PhD, he will be known as ‘Dr Who’?? Bob Harman, who have all contributed spent in the parallel universe, spanning rhetorical statement “Any questions?”, from material used to wrap blocks of butter Other highlights of the weekend included towards this edition. the space/time continuum, of the Ps&DS - at the conclusion of his serious and very (you will probably have heard of butter Piper Rob ‘Justin’ Green dossing in the hotel CAPTION COMPETITION # 1 which is known affectionately as ‘the Lion, military briefing and ‘walk through’ prior muslin). As most butter is dyed using a room which Dan had kindly booked to store Our regular reader will remember that the So, until next time! the witch and the drum store’ syndrome - to our performance, was; “Why are dusters natural food colouring called Annatto, there the drums, uniforms and other Regimental last edition of ‘Band Notes’ contained the yields answers to questions you didn’t even yellow?” would, over the period of time in which the property, and then taking the key with him following photo of Piper Stuart Nicholson Bass Drummer Nick Gair know you needed to answer. In this case, Well …… it seems that cloths used for butter was wrapped in the muslin, be some to the dining room on Sunday morning and and friend enjoying an afternoon of bonding

58 London Scottish Regimental Gazette London Scottish Regimental Gazette 59 Her Majesty The Queen has presented Weighed down by over 60 lbs of equipment, the , Britain’s highest order he ran to the bottom of the hill, picked up IN THE NEWS... of gallantry, to Lance Corporal Joshua the second machine gun and climbed back Leakey of the 1st Battalion the Parachute up the hill again: a round trip of more than Regiment for heroic action in Helmand 200 metres on steep terrain. Drawing the Province, Afghanistan. majority of the enemy fire, with rounds Only three Victoria Crosses have been splashing around him, Lance Corporal awarded for the Afghan campaign and Leakey overcame his fatigue to re-site the Lance Corporal Joshua Leakey, 27, from gun and return fire. This proved to be the Hampshire, is the only living recipient, the turning point. Inspired by Lance Corporal others having been awarded posthumously. Leakey’s actions, and with a heavy weight of Lance Corporal Leakey was the first of fire now at their disposal, the force began to today’s recipients to receive his award from fight back with renewed ferocity. Her Majesty in the Waterloo Chamber, a Lance Corporal Leakey said that he stateroom decorated with royal military had been “reasonably aware” of the bullets portraits and dominated by an heroic image landing all around him, “but you focus on of the Duke of Wellington, former head of the the job at hand”. He said: “If you spent your British Army. Music throughout the service whole life wondering what was going to was provided by the Countess of Wessex’s happen, what could happen to you, then you String Orchestra from the Corps of Army wouldn’t get out of bed in the morning, you wouldn’t get anything done.” Music. The young soldier from Hampshire Lance Corporal Joshua Leakey with his Having regained the initiative, Lance was accompanied at the investiture at Victoria Cross. Windsor Castle by his family, parents Corporal Leakey handed over the machine Rosemary and Mark, younger brother Ben, gun and led the extraction of the wounded and his grandparents. accurate machine gun and rocket propelled officer to a point from which he could be Following the investiture parents grenades’ fire resulting in the Command safely evacuated. During the assault 11 Rosemary and Mark Leakey said: “It’s been Group being pinned down on the exposed insurgents were killed and 4 wounded, but very emotional, a very moving occasion. forward slope of a hill. The team attempted to the weight of enemy fire had effectively We’re just so delighted that Josh is here in one extract from the killing zone for an hour, their pinned down the command team. piece to receive the honour with his family efforts resulting in their officer, a US Marine Displaying gritty leadership well above and all the Paras, especially when you hear Corps Captain, being shot and wounded, that expected of his rank, Lance Corporal that so many VCs are awarded posthumously. and their communications being put out of Leakey’s actions single-handedly regained The investiture was a wonderful experience: action. Lance Corporal Leakey, positioned the initiative and prevented considerable Her Majesty just a few yards away from us, on the lee of the hill, realised the seriousness loss of life, allowing a wounded US Marine handing out the awards, in this magnificent of the situation and with complete disregard officer to be evacuated. For this act of valour, setting. We’re particularly pleased his for his own safety, dashed across a large area Lance Corporal Leakey is highly deserving of grandparents were able to be here too - of barren hillside which was now being raked significant national recognition. three generations together and representing with machine gun fire. As he crested the The Queen with the Colonel and Company Commander during Her Majesty's visit to Horseferry Road on 20th July 2015 all three services: Royal Navy with his hill, the full severity of the situation became Lance Corporal Leakey insisted the grandfather, RAF father and Josh the Army!” apparent: approximately twenty enemy had award was for everyone in his regiment and Lance Corporal Josh Leakey said: “It’s such surrounded two friendly machine gun teams battalion. “It was a memorable patrol in that a great honour and massively humbling to be and a mortar section rendering their critical a lot happened, but that’s what it was, another put among all those people who have received fire support ineffective. patrol.” the VC in the past. My family are very proud Undeterred by the very clear and present “You don’t really think what could happen and happy but the lads in the battalion know danger, Lance Corporal Leakey moved to yourself, you think ‘how is what I’m doing this isn’t something you seek out. You just down the forward slope of the hill, and gave now going to improve the situation?’ It’s part do what you deem necessary on the day and first aid to the wounded officer. Despite of the very nature of being in the Army, and anyone of them could be standing where I am being the most junior commander in the especially the Parachute Regiment, that we t o d ay.” area, Lance Corporal Leakey took control have to adapt to situations you don’t expect Between May and December 2013, Lance of the situation and initiated the casualty to happen”. Corporal Leakey was deployed in Afghanistan evacuation. Realising that the initiative was The Victoria Cross is not the first in Lance as a member of a Task Force conducting risky still in the hands of the enemy, he set off back Corporal Leakey’s family. His second cousin, daylight operations to disrupt insurgent safe- up the hill, still under enemy fire, to get one twice removed, won a posthumous VC while havens and protect the main operating base of the suppressed machine guns into action. serving with the King’s African Rifles in in Helmand province. During what should On reaching it, and with rounds impacting Abyssinia in WW2. Sgt Nigel Gray Leakey have been a routine patrol on the 22nd on the frame of the gun itself, he moved it leapt on an Italian tank, wrenched open the August 2013 with joint UK/US forces, the to another position and began engaging the turret and shot all the crew during a battle in 27-year-old single-handedly turned the tide enemy. May 1941. He was shot dead as he tried the of a vicious Taliban insurgent attack and This courageous action spurred those same manouver on another tank. prevented considerable loss of life by taking around him back into the fight; nonetheless, Joshua Leakey’s father Mark is a former the initiative and repeatedly running through the weight of enemy fire continued. For RAF Air Commodore and his uncle is heavy fire to man machine guns. the third time and with full knowledge of Lieutenant General David Leakey, who is Members of A Company are the winners of The London Regiment Pace Sticking Competition 2015. After dismounting from their Chinook the extant dangers, Lance Corporal Leakey now Black Rod, the Queen’s representative in helicopters, the force had come under exposed himself to enemy fire once more. Parliament. Picture shows them completing their return run and victory.

60 London Scottish Regimental Gazette London Scottish Regimental Gazette 61 A historic parade took place which saw soldiers from The Dragoon Guards (Carabiniers and Greys), The Highlanders, 4th Battalion The Royal Regiment of Scotland and 2 Close Support Battalion The Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers march through the town of Fallingbostel in Northern Germany. The parade was supported by music from The Marching Band and Bugles of the Rifles Band and the Pipes and Drums of The Royal Scots Dragoon Guards and The Highlanders. It was particularly poignant as it signified the end of the British Military’s association with Fallingbostel that had existed since British units liberated Stalag XIB, Prisoner of War camp, and captured the town 70 years earlier.

For those watching, the British Army were a familiar and accepted addition to the area with close friendships made and many soldiers settling in the area and becoming The combined Pipes and Drums march the troops away an integral part of the local community. Upon completion of the inspection by the reviewing party each of the units were presented with the prestigious Federal Fahnenband, a ribbon of honour, Monty d’Inverno and guests at his wedding in recognition of their service in and to Germany. The inspection was led by Major General John Henderson former Commander British Forces Germany and the Burgermeister (Mayor) of Fallingbostel. Reflecting on the closure of Fallingbostel Station Colonel Andy Reynolds, Commander Bergen-Hohne Garrison, said: “Following 70 years of tremendous support it is with deep regret that we leave Fallingbostel this summer - what began in war is ending in peace and enduring friendship. We take this opportunity to celebrate those friendships and thank our German hosts who have supported us in our time here. “It is also a huge accolade for the units represented here today to receive the Federal Fahnenband, the highest honour awarded The Royal regiment of Scotland march on by the Federal Ministry of Defence.” A historic parade took place in Fallingbostel dancing. This was then followed over the horse and cart. It concluded with an Anglo- A weekend of events followed the parade weekend with the units hosting an Open German church service and Families Day beginning with an evening reception and Day, where visitors were entertained with hosted by Fallingbostel. then a Beating the Retreat and Highland various displays and tours round camp by Congratulations to LCpl Andy Parsons and Wife Catherine on the birth of baby Seen at 95 on First Tuesdays: Alex Callender, Arthur Fenwick, Bill Parr, Bob Blackledge, Brian Sivyer, Brian Walsh, Bryan Alderson, Clem Webb, D Roper, David Franklin, David James, Jim Barnard, John Hudson, The colonel looking for his Guarads Clean prior to the Queen’s visit. John Spoore, John McCormack, Mick Mulvaney, Mickey Powell, Nick Tuckey, R Olly, Rod Brewster, Roger Glancefield, Ron Younger, Steve Lovelock

62 London Scottish Regimental Gazette London Scottish Regimental Gazette 63 Lockie was buried in the Toronto Necropolis in a plot owned by John Lang DID YOU KNOW? Blaikie, a wealthy and prominent Toronto businessman and a man, who like Lockie, had immigrated to Canada from the small The Battle of Ridgeway, June 2 1866, uniforms in a modern battle probably The Globe of Oct 21, 1867 stated: Scottish shire of Roxburgh. While the was probably the first battle fought sensitized Wolseley to the presence of the “DEATH OF A VOLUNTEER- Mr connection between Blaikie and Lockie is entirely by members of the Volunteer Hodden Grey on the battlefield. T. E. Lockie, a member of the Highland not clear, one may assume that Blaikie had Movement in either Britain or Canada. It There is a photo of No 10 Company Company of the Queen’s Own Rifles, died known Lockie’s family in Scotland and had was also the last battle fought in Canada taken at Stratford where the British and in this city on Saturday, and will be buried most likely mentored the young Lockie on against a foreign invader. Canadian forces regrouped after the battle today with military honours. The deceased his arrival in Toronto. But for those who value the London under the command of Col. Wolseley. prior to his arrival in this country, was a The Department of Militia and Defence Scottish Regiment it has an added The muster roll shows three official member of the London Scottish Regiment in Ottawa also recognized Lockie’s distinction – arguably the first time that Volunteers in the company, including of Volunteers, and, during his connection contributions. There is a post in the a London Scot entered a battle in the Lockie, discharged from strength by June with the Queen’s Own, experienced all Canada Gazette on June 1, 1868 noting that distinctive Hodden Grey uniform. 6. He could be the man in the photo as the hardships of their Fort Erie campaign, Thomas E. Lockie, “Queen’s Own Rifles, Thomas E. Lockie, - a Volunteer from it would be of those who had fought. Of and there contracted a disease which died of disease contracted at the Battle of the London Scottish. In June 1866, the note is how the civilian dress in grey of the accelerated his death. At the Battle of Ridgeway” and that his widow had been Governor General presented to both houses one Volunteer stands out against the rifle Ridgeway, he appeared in the grey kilt awarded a gratuity of $200. Curiously, of the Legislature the Adjutant-General green tunics and Black Watch trews and hose of his former regiment, and at Lockie lies in an unmarked grave belonging of Militia in Canada’s report on the state of the Highland Company supporting the the retreat his conduct was marked by to someone else - suggesting either his of the Volunteer system in the Province comment in the Adjutant-General’s report. bravery. After the fight, the behavior of the widow was inconsolable and couldn’t deal of Canada (note Confederation was yet The Hodden Grey uniform of the London peculiarly-dressed individual, as he was with the situation; or the marriage was not to come in 1867). It makes special note Scottish would have been similar. styled, elicited the admiration of even the successful and she ran off with the funds of the presence of young Thomas Lockie Thomas Eman Lockie was born 6 Fenians. He, while the retreat was going of the estate. The Queens Own Rifles, Highland Company - 1866 who fought in the Battle of Ridgeway with January 1838 in Kelso, Roxburghshire to on, having remained so far behind as to What had started out with such promise the true martial spirit of the British and Andrew Lockie, a wealthy farmer with be under the fire of both sides, while his ended in the bitter loss of a brave and Canadian Volunteer Movement. 800 acres of arable land and 100 acres of cool and collected behavior during the promising young man so soon after his (with no field guns), were to protect the ‘cavalry’ alarm caused the Canadians to “It would be impossible to detail the grass employing 13 men, 8 women and 3 engagement was a source of encouragement moment of glory. railway line leading west to Port Colborne form square (a Napoleonic War tactic many individual instances of devotion to boys. Thomas spent his formative years to his comrades-in-arms. He was secretary and the southern entrance to the Welland still in the British Drill Book) in front of Canada which have been afforded by her in a boarding school and, by 1861, he was of the Toronto Steel and Iron Works since The 1866 Fenian Raid Canal. trained American infantry, resulting in sons; but the behavior of a stranger not a merchantile clerk living in Lambeth. the opening of that establishment, and For a young man with military Despite a massive call-out in March many fatalities and injuries. Nine men long arrived in the country from England Although his name has not been found conducted himself there to the satisfaction experience, Thomas E Lockie’s arrival 1866, preparations were inadequate for an died that day from the QOR with others should not be left without notice. Mr. on the muster rolls of the London Scottish of his employer.” in Canada was opportune. With the attack. in the weeks following. Perversely, the Lockie, a young gentleman of the London Volunteer Rifles, he was most certainly conclusion of the American Civil War, Ammunition ration for target practice error in command probably saved lives Scottish (Lord Elcho’s Regiment), who a member since the regimental uniform The Globe of Oct 22, 1867 stated: the Fenian Society decided to organize was limited and few Militiamen had ever since the QOR and the 13th Battalion had distinguished himself at Wimbledon, plays such an important role in his story. “VOLUNTEER FUNERAL- The disbanded Irish soldiers from both the fired their rifles. The Militia units had no were just about to engage the Fenian main came to Canada 18 months ago. When the He arrived in Canada in late 1864 or early funeral of the late Corporal Lockie, of Union and Confederate Armies into knapsacks or water bottles to campaign force with insufficient ammunition. The Fenians landed at Fort Erie he had only been 1865 but returned to England to marry the Highland Company, Queen’s Own Volunteer units for the invasion of Canada. with. This wasn’t as obvious a problem until experienced and well-supplied Fenians a few weeks returned from England with a Janet Eman in Lambeth in the first quarter Rifles, took place from the residence of The intent was to secure a piece of Canada the QOR went into battle unfed, with no would have cut them to pieces. The battle young bride. He immediately fell into the of 1866 (curiously a woman with the same the deceased to the Necropolis yesterday by force that could be traded for the water and only 20 rounds of ammunition – at Ridgeway was a tactical defeat for the ranks of the Queen’s Own as a private, and surname as his mother and most likely his afternoon. The deceased was buried freedom of Ireland. Some 1500 Fenian sufficient for about seven minutes of heavy Canadians, yet a strategic victory, since fought at the Battle of Lime Ridge, where cousin). Within a matter of weeks, Lockie with full military honours. A firing party troops crossed the Niagara River north of fire! No fear – they proposed to bayonet the Fenians withdrew back to the USA the the grey colour of his uniform, that of the and his bride made the long voyage back to from the company to which the deceased Fort Erie with many more waiting to cross. the Fenians, a tactic almost unheard of next day after the US Government cut off London Scottish, exposed him particularly Canada and a new life in Toronto. Despite belonged, headed the funeral cortege and The campaign was the first to be fought in the American Civil War. Many soldiers reinforcements and supplies to the Fenians. to the fire of the enemy. His coolness and his young age, he must have had both immediately in rear was the regimental under the flag and title “Irish Republican drank ditch water because of the lack of bravery were conspicuous, and during strong qualifications and good connections band of the battalion, the hearse, a number A r m y ”. waterbottles and possibly this was the The Canadian Volunteer Militia the retreat he was always seen in the rear, as, in short order, he became the secretary of the , and friends of the The British forces mobilized to fight reason for Lockie’s disease. The March The Volunteer Movement in England encouraging his comrades and leading and for the newly founded Toronto Steel, Iron deceased in carriages, bringing up the rear. this Fenian incursion were split into call-out had been a ‘cry wolf’- nothing had produced many fine including firing with as much deliberation as if on a and Railway Works. The young couple’s On their arrival at the ground, a volley was two. Included in the northern force were happened and nothing was done to correct The London Scottish Volunteer Rifles field day.” domestic tranquility, however, was short- fired over the grave by his comrades, and elements of the 16th and 47th Foot of deficiencies. Many small businessmen and and also influenced the creation of many Col. Garnet Wolseley, Deputy Adjutant- lived and within a few days of arriving the earth closed over a volunteer whose British Infantry, a battery of Royal Artillery, students suffered commercially and time- Volunteer regiments in Canada that in General of Militia in Canada, had arrived back, Lockie was volunteering to fight the record in our force was honourable, and along with local companies of Volunteer wise such that many did not report for time became the majority of the Canadian on the battlefield on June 3 and took Fenians. whose memory deserves to be warmly Militia from the Niagara area. Their the June call-out. The shortfalls allowed Army. Many were called out in March and command of the British forces in the area. Serving as a Private in the Queen’s cherished.” objective was to protect the railway routes Thomas Lockie an opportunity to serve as June 1866 and at other times up to 1870 In all probability, it was he who placed Own Rifles, Lockie fought at the Battle of “Aperture Sight”, the columnist in the north to Niagara Falls and the only bridge a trained soldier. in response to the three pronged planned the glowing praise of Mr. Lockie in the Ridgeway on June 2 1866 near Fort Erie Volunteer Review and Military and Naval to the USA and west towards the Welland The Fenian intelligence was excellent. Fenian attack. The western attack from Addenda to the Militia Report. Wolseley in the Niagara peninsula. He survived Gazette of October 28 credits both reports Canal. The southern force, consisting of the They knew that the northern force was Detroit never happened. The eastern attack had served in the 84th Regiment in the the battle but just over a year later, he above originally to Lt. Col. Gillmor, O.C. Queen’s Own Rifles of Toronto (QOR), the mainly British regular soldiers while the into Quebec was effectively a police action Indian Mutiny with Lord Elcho’s brother- died of liver failure, a disease contracted the QOR. As an aside to the battle report, 13th Battalion Canadian Volunteer Militia southern force was untried Canadian while the central attack through Fort Erie in-law Major Augustus H.A. Anson V.C., during his military service. His fate and his many southern Fenians wore their ex- (later The Royal Hamilton Light Infantry), Militia. They chose to attack the 841 Militia was an actual battle involving the Queen’s M.P. They were both best friends with Lord connection to the London Scottish were Confederate States’ grey uniforms with the Caledonia and York companies of at Ridgeway first, then the British regulars. Own Rifles. Elcho. Their reports back to Lord Elcho of again duly reported in local and national green facings in the battle, which was why Militia, the Dunnville Naval Brigade, the The ill equipped and relatively untrained The 2nd Battalion, Volunteer Militia the unsuitability of scarlet, blue and green newspapers and by the QOR. friendly forces would shoot at Lockie. Militia troops attacked aggressively. A Rifles of Canada was formed April 26, 1860 WellandCadets at Canalthe service Field Artillery Battery

64 London Scottish Regimental Gazette London Scottish Regimental Gazette 65 in Upper Canada from four independent remaining regular regiments. By 1866, the Harbottle. Lt. Col. CC Harbottle later rifle companies in Toronto and a company QOR consisted of 10 companies solely commanded the 75th Battalion in WW1 each from Barrie and Whitby. The ‘Queen’s from Toronto including No. 10 (Highland) and The Toronto Scottish Regiment after REGIMENTAL NOTICEBOARD Own Rifles of Toronto’ title was given in Company. The Highland Societies of the war. The London Scottish Regiment March 1863 when they became part of the Toronto formed the Highland Company has deep and abiding connections with Service Militia of Canada with a role as a in 1860, similar to the foundation of the Canada and now one more can be added to fighting force in contrast to the remainder London Scottish, but disbanded it in 1868. the roster- the story of Thomas E. Lockie, UPCOMING EVENTS: of the Volunteer companies that acted Later the Highland Societies raised the the first to wear the regimental uniform in generally as military police / Frontier 48th Highlanders of Toronto in 1891. a Canadian battle. Constabulary. The impetus in Upper and The 48th Highlanders contained a Lower Canada was the American Civil number of expatriate London Scots who Strike Sure and Carry On 29TH AUG – 13TH SEPT ...... ATC War with numerous small raids by Union corresponded with the London Scottish or Confederate forces across the border Gazette for many years and who were Anthony Partington and the desire by Britain to withdraw the known to Lt. (later Captain) Colin C. MON 31ST AUG ...... AUGUST BANK HOLIDAY

TUES 1ST SEPT ...... FIRST TUESDAY LONDON SCOTTISH CADETS TUES 1ST SEPT...... BEN FUND AGM

Army Cadets from 95 Cadet Detachment London Scottish and 96 SAT 19TH SEPT ...... TBC LSGC 15OTH DINNER Detachment Royal Artillery at Grove Park, and Air Cadets from 56 Woolwich Squadron, represented Cadets from 25 – 27 SEPT ...... RA VISIT TO LOOS South London as they took part in the commemorations of the Centenary of the Gallipoli Landings. MON 5TH OCT ...... ANCIENTS DINNER The Service held at the Holy Trinity Church in Eltham also marked the restoration of the only memorial in the UK TUES 6TH OCT ...... FIRST TUESDAY to the Gallipoli Campaign. The restoration of the Chapel has been ongoing for 5 years and the service held at the Holy Trinity on THURS 15TH OCT ...... CALEDONIAN SOC DINNER SW1 Saturday 25 April, marked the hundredth anniversary of the Allied Landing on the Gallipoli Peninsular during World War 1. THURS 15TH OCT...... TBC REGIMENTAL TRUST MEETING Holy Trinity Gallipoli Chapel was created in 1917 by Henry Hall, then Vicar of the parish, who had served as Chaplain to the MON 26TH OCT ...... GLENWORPLE MEETING British Army 29th Division. He returned safely and created a permanent memorial SAT 31ST OCT ...... HALLOWE’EN DINNER to all who served and lost their lives in the 235 London Scottish Cadets at Holy Trinity Church campaign. SUN 8TH NOV ...... CHURCH PARADE If you know anyone who would like to join the London Scottish cadets, there are three detachments in London: SAT 14TH NOV ...... LORD MAYOR’S SHOW 235 (Westminster) London Scottish Cadets Tuesday & Thursday 7.30pm - 9.30pm THURS 19TH NOV ...... CALEDONIAN SOC DINNER 95 (Eltham) Detachment, London Scottish Tuesday & Thursday 7.30pm - 9.30pm LONDON SCOTTISH CHRISTMAS FAIR 102 (Bromley) platoon, London Scottish MONDAY 30TH NOVEMBER (ST. ANDREW’S DAY) Wednesday 7.30pm - 10.00pm TUESDAY 1ST DECEMBER Visit: www.londsottishregt.org/cadets.cfm for contact details.

66 London Scottish Regimental Gazette London London Scottish Scottish Regimental Regimental Gazette Gazette 67

The London Scottish Regiment is organising London Scottish Regiment Benevolent Fund NOTICE OF MEETING THE SCOTTISH The 75th Annual General Meeting of the London Scottish Regiment Benevolent THE SCOTTISH Fund will be held at Regimental Headquarters on Tuesday 1st September 2015 at 18:45hrs. CHRISTMASCHRISTMAS FAIRFAIR AGENDA 1. Apologies for absence.

All monies raised go to The Queen Mother’s Charity 2. Minutes of the 74th Meeting held on 2nd September 2014. 3. Matters arising from those Minutes.

4. Accounts for the year 1/4/2014 to 31/3/2015 and Treasurers Report.

MONDAY 30TH NOVEMBER 1800HRS – 2200HRS 5. Chairman’s Reports. ST ANDREW’S DAY CELEBRITY OPENING 6. Election of Officers and Committee. TUESDAY 1ST DECEMBER 1000HRS – 2000HRS 7. Appointment of independent examiners. 8. Donations to other Charities The Committee will propose the following: RHQ, The London Scottish Regiment. £250 to London Scottish Regimental Trust 95, Horseferry Road, £1,500 to Help for Heroes Westminster. £1,500 to SSAFA Forces Help London. SW1P 2DX Tel : 0207 630 1639 £1,500 to Army Benevolent Fund, The Soldiers Charity Email [email protected] £1,500 to Combat Stress £1,500 to Poppy Scotland £1,500 to BLESMA WANTED £1,500 to Erskine Hospital, Scotland • Business stall holders to rent tables to sell their Scottish Christmas products. £1,500 to Royal Caledonian Schools Trust £1,500 to Blind Veterans UK Sponsorship of programme, food and drink, administration and utilities. • £1,500 to Scottish Veterans Residences • Regimental members to support this event as their £1,500 to Haig Housing Trust Christmas shopping MAIN EVENT. 9. Any Other Business.

All past and present members of the Regiment welcome to attend

68 London Scottish Regimental Gazette London Scottish Regimental Gazette 69 LIVERPOOL SCOTTISH AT HOOGE

At 4.15 a.m. on the 16th June 1915, Their role was to follow the Fusiliers; remain there suffered heavy casualties. battalions of the , once the German first line was taken, the Others moved on the third enemy line, Northumberland Fusiliers and Royal Scottish and the Lincolns were to pass but were eventually overwhelmed – with Scots Fusiliers climbed out of their through and take the second position. flanks in the air and communication trenches near Hooge to assault Once this was done and the trenches trenches blocked, casualties mounted. German positions on the Bellewaarde consolidated, the Fusiliers would pass Eventually, the German first line Ridge, overlooking . through and complete the capture of the was held, but the Scottish had suffered The ridge had been taken from the enemy third line. terribly. Out of 24 officers and 595 men British during the recent Second Battle This was not the Scottish’s first who went into action, only 3 officers of Ypres (which had seen the first use action. They had been the second and 217 men returned. 11 officers and of poisonous gas); to recapture this territorial infantry battalion (after the 198 men were killed or missing. important stronghold would greatly London Scottish) to go to France, and For the Scottish it was a day of sorrow improve conditions for the overlooked had been in and out of the trenches but also of pride. Despite the losses, the British. At the same time, an assault since late November 1914; however, it battalion was the only one to achieve would help take German attention from was to be their first offensive – the first all its objectives (along with parties French attacks further south. opportunity to properly get to grips of the Scots and Northumberland The three Fusilier battalions, together with the enemy. Fusiliers). They did not withdraw with a battalion of the Lincolnshire Soon after leaving their trenches, the until circumstances were beyond any Regiment, composed the 9th Brigade. Scottish came under heavy shell and alternative: although at sever cost, the One other battalion stood alongside machine gun fire, but they attained Scottish had made a glorious name and these four regular units: the 1/10th their objective with limited casualties. shown that they could more than hold (Scottish) Battalion, The King’s However, the trenches were very shallow their own with the Regular Army. (Liverpool) Regiment – the Liverpool and those who followed orders to This action – officially known as the Scottish.

Martin Felstead with The London Scottish Wreath First Attack on Bellewaarde – is known undertaken to the strains of the Pipes evening and we were at the Menin as the Battle of Hooge to the Scottish and Drums at the memorial sited at the Gate, having made the decision to and takes the same place in their history peak of the ridge. mark the Silence while at attention in as Messines does to us. On 16th June Tour finished, we assembled for front of the London Regiment panels, this year, five of us – Martin Felstead, a service of commemoration, led by commemorating the men of all the Mark Ormiston, Mark Randall, Tony Captain Sandy Ellis (who told us that his London Regiments who died in the Rycyk and I – were privileged to take first visit to the site had been 65 years Salient and who have no grave. Again we part in the Centenary Commemoration, ago) and wreath-laying. Martin Felstead were treated to the Liverpool Scottish and what a day it was. laid a wreath on behalf of the London rendition of the lament. Events began with assembly at Scottish (and, allegedly, took centre It was a truly moving experience, and the Hooge Crater museum and café, stage in the footage on Liverpool’s we were all honoured to be able to take followed by a ride in the tourist road local TV coverage of the event). A part, if only in a small way. It was also train (complete with Belgian police truly moving finish was provided by a great to meet up with old faces (some 30 outrider!) to the start line of the rendition of Flowers of the Forest by the years older than last time we saw them) attack. There we broke into groups attendant Pipe Major. and chat over a few beers. Although for an excellent guided walk across We were then invited to join the the Liverpool Scottish may have gone, the battlefield. A beautiful sunny day Scottish for lunch (and a free beer) at it is certain that the traditions built at meant we could stop and see exactly the the Hooge Crater café, before having Hooge one hundred years ago live on. London Jocks join the Liverpool Scottish in progress of the attack. Much of this was the afternoon to ourselves. Come the

70 London Scottish Regimental Gazette London Scottish Regimental Gazette 71 COL. CLEMENCE’S VISIT TO CANADA

When I went to Toronto as a member Colonel Gil Taylor read out greetings from occasion for both Hugh and me and it was of the Regimental party in 1965 for their Brigadier Alastair Bruce. This was greeted great to renew old friendships. 50th Anniversary, I did not think that I with the warmest applause. There were On the Monday we flew to Calgary and by would be treading the same path for their also messages from Colonel Lord George road to Banff for 2 nights. We then boarded Centenary celebrations this year. Robertson, Stephen Lovelock, on behalf the Rocky Mountaineer to Vancouver with As a young captain I met Captain Hugh of our Association and from CO Londons an overnight stop at Kamloops. This was an Stewart and we have remained close and OC “A” Company. The parade passed amazing experience with stupendous views friends ever since. off extremely well and some photos are of mountains, lakes, rivers, torrents, wild Our Regimental careers moved pretty attached. life and freight trains up to 2 kilometres much in parallel and we have exchanged After the Parade a family BBQ for long – all from the luxury of the domed a number of visits since that time. We families of all ranks was provided. viewing coaches with service with which correspond a lot always signing off “Strike Unfortunately because of his serious skin one cannot find any fault. Sure and Carry On” in my case and the condition Hugh could not stay out in the My sister Anne has lived in Garden reverse in his. I have been a member sun so 8 of us went for lunch to a Swiss Bay north of Vancouver for many years of their Officers’ Mess for many years Chalet restaurant. and we travelled to her dock by Harbour and a life member of their Regimental On Sunday we had lunch at Tim Hortons, Air seaplane which was another great Association. I also received the honour a new chain which is all over Canada now. experience. We stayed 6 nights with her of being appointed a Companion of In the afternoon we were taken for a tour of and flew home arriving on Friday 26th their Order of the Hodden Grey which the countryside north of Toronto including June. recognises service to their Regiment Unionville, a historic town much used by The Regimental Colonel is writing about We have both had health problems but the film industry and a Heritage Centre the importance of our relationship with the we agreed that it would be a “blast” (his where a large number of historic buildings Toronto Scottish which has certainly given word not mine) if we could attend the have been re-erected as a living museum of me many happy and memorable occasions. 100th celebrations. historic Canadian architecture. So it was that Heather and I set off for It was altogether a very poignant John Clemence The Pipes and Drums march the Toronto Scottish onto parade Toronto on June 10th by Air Canada and spent the next 5 days with Bev and Hugh Stewart at their home, meeting up again with our mutual old friends Fred and Penny Moxon. It was with Fred that I plotted a surprise visit in 2002 to attend Hugh’s retirement as Honorary Colonel, who knew nothing of the plan. On Friday 12th I hosted a dinner at the newly rebuilt Royal Canadian Military Institute. The old building has been demolished and there are now 38 floors above the Club accommodation. At ground level the original façade has been replicated. That was very similar what we had wanted to do at 59, Buckingham Gate in 1985, but were unable to for a variety of reasons. On Saturday we motored down to the Captain Bellenden Hutcheson VC Armoury. The occasion was to be marked by a Trooping the Colours parade and the inspecting officer was Colonel Dwayne Hobbs CD, a former Toronto Scot and now commander of 2 Canadian Brigade Group. It was a hot day and the parade was in the open air on the grass outside the Armoury. I was very proud to be our Regiment’s official representative and an announcement of this was greeted with very loud applause. Their Honorary The Colour Party The Colour Party with Commanding Officer

72 London Scottish Regimental Gazette London Scottish Regimental Gazette 73 London Scottish The Pipes and Drums march off First World War LONDON SCOTTISH BOWLS CLUB 100th anniversary statues. The collection of WW1 London I bet this is a new one! It certainly he is an ex Scots Guard, who joined the a Whisky tumbler engraved with their was for me, until they turned up in Guards on call up for National Service badge and the name of the President Scottish Regiment cold cast bronze force to play a friendly game last in 1953, when living where he was in this year who is Bob Guthrie. figures to commemorate the centenary evening, against Maxwelltown Bowling Kirkcudbright. At 18 and a half decided In turn I will be forwarding to the Club that I belong to in Dumfries, and to become a regular soldier and served Regt Shop a request that one of our of the start of hostilities in 1914. I am pleased to say that it was a really in the Regt until 1986, finishing as a Tumblers engraved with our Cap badge good event, enjoyed by all who took C.S.M. is sent to him as a mark of our meeting part. The background to all this is very Nearly all the members in the tour and Assoc of the 2 Regiments who have All figures can have a base, with or interesting. who we played against, had like me and known each other for quite a few years! There is of course no connection to us others, all undergone National Service It would now appear that we have three without an engraved plaque. They at all, except that this year the President and it was interesting to catch up again sporting contact links, The London is a former CSM Scots Guards, who on who had served where. When I was Scottish Rugby Club, and (when I can all be made in hall marked knows all about us and has visited 59, in BOAR Germany in 53-54 I came into played there Col R.T.S Macpherson was silver plate. Call Laura on 0207 630 and knows the former Pipe Major from contact with the 2nd Bn Scots Guards, playing and Col Duggie Lyall Grant was the Scots Guards who lives in Dumfries, who were stationed near to the Dutch the President, who my father served 1639 at the Regimental office for and who I see every now and again. Border at Kreffel, as they were 2 Div under) and of course the Golf Club that Basically just on 100 years ago an and I was in REME then, also in 2Div. I plays on Wimbledon Common, and now a quote. individual from Scotland living and had reason then to visit them, and later a Bowling Assoc. working in London decided to ask caught up with them at the BOAR battle Bob Guthrie, asked if there is any similar individuals if they would like training establishment in a place called way that LSR Association members to form a Bowling Group and tour a Senelager, where being REME we had to who might have lived and worked in district in Scotland in the summer. The look after not only the Black Watch but Scotland and who are members of a stipulation for membership was and still also the H.L.I. Try keeping those two recognised Bowling Club in The Home is – you have to be either born and lived apart! Counties might like to join their ranks? in Scotland or worked and of course A nightmare bar none. What I have (Contact Bob Guthrie 18 Frensham lived in Scotland, and the crowd that done is to now firmly establish that Close. Yateley Hants GU46 6QA). arrived at Maxwelltown yesterday were The London Scottish Regt, and its I am pleased to say that my bowls from just about all stations in The Home Association has a contact with the now sport a London Scottish B.A sticker Counties! Bowling Association, and as a memento to show that The London Scottish Regt In my rink they came from of their visit and because of my being a is known in Dumfries. After all a Bn was Basingstoke, and three of them from former serving member of the London stationed at Thornhill towards the end Hayling island, others were from Scottish Regt the President presented of WW2, and we are listed and shown parts of Surrey and Essex, and all had me with one of their Association ties, on The Dumfries War Memorial. been working in London in various which is the MacDuff tartan, named occupations, including this year’s after the founder of the Association 100 Yours Aye President Bob Guthrie. As mentioned years ago. Also I am to receive shortly Derek Carr Officer WW1 Private WW1 51st Highland Div Palestine Jock

74 London Scottish Regimental Gazette London Scottish Regimental Gazette 75 30577 Scots Guards Xmas Card 2013_Layout 1 16/10/2013 07:12 Page 1 Regimental Christmas Card Limited edition canvas print of “The Stand of the London Scottish at Messines Ridge”

To commemorate the centenary of The Battle of Messines a limited run of 50 A3 canvas prints of the newly restored painting will be produced.

They are sized at A3 on an SRA3 canvas with professional lightfast inks designed not to fade even in direct sunlight.

Each canvas will have a numbered certificate for authenticity. Price £45 inc. P&P Proceeds from the sale of this card go to Regimental Charities www.londonscottishregt.org Available from RHQ pack of 6 for email [email protected] to order telephone 0207 630 1639 for £12 or £14.40 inc P&P additional info 76 London Scottish Regimental Gazette London Scottish Regimental Gazette 77 Volunteers Wanted! WYNDHAM PARK WAR MEMORIAL After reading an article regarding UK War Memorials in the Gazette’s last edition (April 2015), I accessed the website & although there is lots of information on the site, there’s nothing that relates to my local War Memorial. So, I thought that readers might be interested as it’s a quite different memorial in comparison to others. We’ve all seen the war memorials, normally made of stone & sculptures usually placed in the centre of towns, villagers, etc commerating the fallen, however the war memorial in Grantham, Lincolnshire, is a park with open land, river flowing through it alongside the ducks, tea room, children’s play area, tennis courts & bowls pavilion which is frequented & enjoyed by everyone November 6th 1914 was briefly described fitting commemoration of the passing of in the town & visitors alike. on The Western Front as - Ypres: Fierce the Captain The Hon. William Reginald Wyndham Park is dedicated to the German attacks repelled: heavy fighting Wyndham at the 1st Battle of Ypres. memory of WYNDHAM, Lt. Hon.1st Life round Klein-Zillebeke Grantham College art student & Flight Guards. Killed in action 6th November He received the Victory, British and Sergeant (QJL) 47 F Air Cadets (Grantham) 1914, aged 38. Third son of Henry 14 star medals. He is buried in Zillebeke Daniel Fay won the competition for his Wyndham, 2nd Baron Leconfield 1830- Churchyard, Belgium, which is known as design to be made in the park, inspired 1901 (grandson of 3rd Earl of Egremont The Aristocrats Cemetery. Unfortunately by the local Machine Gun Corps, whose who was MP for West Sussex and lived at the cemetery was shelled & his grave blown training camp was a mile away & the FOR THE SCOTTISH Petworth House. up. He is now remembered on a special thousand of soldiers who would have Reggie (as he was known to all) memorial occupying an area around the marched through the park on their way to Wyndham was born in Petworth, West perimeter of the cemetery, which was the Belton Park. Sussex the son of Lord and Lady Leconfield. custom during time of war. Buried within It features two machine guns, a crown CHRISTMAS FAIR 2015 He was the third youngest of seven the cemetery is a London Scot – Private and a religious cross with a soldier’s hat children. Reggie served in the 17th Lancers William Gibson 743, died 11th November representing different aspects of mourning and fought in the Boer War from 1899 to 1914, age unknown. and memorial, alongside at the base WHEN 1902 and was awarded the Queen’s Medal In his will Reggie left £3000 to the officers poppies, barbed wire & sandbags, all made Monday 30th November – 1600 hrs – 2200hrs with three clasps. of the 17th Lancers for the promotion of of recycled metal materials. He only left the army after a riding sport in the regiment, and his collection of On the morning of November 6th Tuesday 1st December – 0900hrs – 2200 hrs accident in 1903. He farmed in East Africa, stuffed hunting trophies to the Borough of 2014, one hundred years to the date then moved to the Rockies, USA eventually Grantham. when Reginald Wyndham died in action, WHAT returning to England, spending his winters In 1920 Dowager Lady Leconfield of the design entitled Memoria in Selerno in Grantham where he hunted with the 12 Great Stanhope St., London, donated translated as: In Everlasting Remembrance Main security centre, bucket collecting, ticketing, guiding Belvoir hounds. £1000 towards a memorial to perpetuate was unveiled by Her Majesty’s Lord- When war broke out he was gazetted as a the memory of her son. The town war Lieutenant for Lincolnshire Mr Tony WHY Captain in the Lincolnshire Yeomanry and memorial, Wyndham Park, was begun Worth CVO. later attached to the Household Cavalry under a scheme in 1922 for the unemployed Father Stuart Cradduck from St To raise funds for the queen mother’s charity (the ls 1990 fund) which supports First Life Guards. He was sent to France on paid by the Board of Guardians. Men were Wulfram’s Church led a short service the serving soldiers with benevolence and adventure training please sign up to help; 8 October 1914. paid the standard unemployment rate of 1 before wreaths were laid by the Royal all funds raised will benefit the serving company directly! Reggie was killed in action at Ypres, near shilling (5p) an hour. About 400 men were British Legion, Machine Gun Corps Old to Sanctuary Wood on 6 November 1914 found temporary work under the scheme Comrades Association and Wyndham Park aged 38, following a dismounted cavalry that cost about £5,000. Forum at the park’s memorial plaque and You will be provided with a rest room (The Queen Elizabeth Canteen Bar) where light action to plug the gap & succeeded in a In July1924 The park was officially the new dedication. refreshments will be available round the clock, and given personal London Scottish ID. bayonet charge to uproot the Bavarians opened by Lady Leconfield. Several The sculpture is a fitting addition to the who had occupied previous allied positions thousand spectators turned out to watch the park named after one of the thousands of & was a threat to the line. He was very parade and the opening, and a service was men and women who gave the ultimate AND 2 FREE TICKETS FOR THE FAIR! much respected by his fellow soldiers, who led by Canon Hancock of St Wulfram’s and sacrifice during World War One. during the hours of darkness ventured onto the Reverend Mahon of the Congregational Daniel, has a connection to The Scottish the battlefield to recuperate his body. It’s Church. as his Father (Stephen) & Uncle (Allan) not known if he saw action on the night of Moving on to May 2014, when a world both of served in G Coy (London Scottish) PLEASE COMPLETE THE PROFORMA WITHIN THIS GAZETTE Hallowe’en alongside the Scottish. wide competition was held to design a 1/51 Highland Volunteers. WHAT DID THE REGIMENTAL REGIMENTAL ASSOCIATION NOTES ASSOCIATION EVER DO FOR US? The Regimental Association AGM Association members from across the at the Piping Centre for Saturday 14th was held on Tuesday 7th April 2015 generations. Hopefully it is now well May 2016. It is hoped that the lunch at RHQ. The meeting followed the and truly established as an annual will attract a bumper turnout. If you traditional agenda and all present event and will continue for many, have yet to attend this lunch I really do REUNION DINNERS observed the customary silence in many years. This years chairman was commend it to you. With cheap flights memory of those members who have L/Cpl Danny Holbrough, representing and advanced rail fare offers why not REUNION LUNCHES passed away since the last AGM. the Serving Coy. Following the meal treat yourself to a short break? Apologies were received from 17 we were entertained to a fine musical members, including the Regimental programme of classical singing and Next the Federation of London Old ANNUAL CEILIDH Colonel, the President of the traditional piping. Conversations then Comrades Association’s Annual Parade Association. The OC, Major Nic Storey, continued long into the late afternoon and Service of Homage held on Sunday BATTLEFIELD TOURS in his capacity as Vice President thus and by common consensus a fine time 7th June 2015. Representatives from (Belgium, France, Italy) gave an account of both the Regiment was had by all. It was good to see some over 20 different Reservist Associations and the Serving Company, which new faces attending the lunch for the formed up in Lothbury, behind the was very well received. Discussion first time, including those wives who Bank of England, for the short march CENOTAPH PARADE then took place about proposed rule have not been before. Very good to see to the London Troops Great War changes granting free membership of you ladies, make sure your husbands Memorial at the Royal Exchange for LORD MAYORS SHOW the Association to all serving A Coy bring you next year. Many thanks again the wreath laying ceremony. This year as well as our veterans over 80. Both to Arfa Fenwick for organising a first we had 12 London Jocks on parade, proposals were passed unanimously. class event, ably assisted by Martin which is not only our best turnout KEEP IN TOUCH WITH OLD PALS Felstead. since rejoining the Federation but (Old? Some are ancient!) Following my account of Association also put us amongst the strongest activities the election of executive The 79th Annual Reunion Lunch marching contingents. Tony Rawlins officers and committee members took of the Scotland Branch of the was amongst the 15 standard bearers FIRST TUESDAYS (CHEAP BEER) place with the following results: Association was held on the 16th on parade. Tommy Johnston, clad in May. After many years at the Western Hodden Grey, piped the lament during REGIMENTAL GAZETTE Chairman – Steve Lovelock Club this year’s lunch was held in the the wreath laying. Once again I had (3 times a year) Hon Secretary – Martin Felstead splendid surroundings of the National the honour of laying our Regimental Hon Treasurer – Steve Broomfield Piping Centre in Glasgow. Those wreath. The parade then continued in Asst Hon Secretary – Mark Ormiston attending early had a chance to visit glorious sunshine to Armoury House, MONTHLY ELECTRONIC Asst Hon Treasurer –. Brian Welsh the piping museum whilst enjoying the HAC HQ, culminating in an NEWSLETTER Stuart Batchelor a complimentary pre-prandial glass. inspection on the parade ground. To Bob Blackledge Grace was said by David McArthur commemorate the 80th anniversary of Murdo Durrant followed by a fine lunch before the the founding of 600 (City of London) GOLF Nobby Foulis Scotland Branch secretary, Ken Squadron, Royal Auxiliary Air Force, Alan Nathan Duncan, read apologies and gave the their Honorary Air Commodore, The DISCOUNTED PRICES Andy Parsons – Serving Coy rep silent toast followed by the toast to the Viscount Trenchard, grandson of the Regiment. I was then invited to update founder of the RAF, was our inspecting IN REGIMENTAL SHOP Tony Rawlins presented the accounts our members north of the border with officer. He took particular interest in for the last time before standing down a resume of recent Association activity the London Scottish and the London as Treasurer, a position he had held for and an account of planned events. The Regiment, being a former Greenjacket. AND GET TO MARCH IN 7 years. The chairman presented him piping that followed was of the standard He was delighted to be piped to his REGIMENTAL COLOURS BEHIND with a Regimental ice bucket as a token one would expect at such an auspicious place on the top table by Tommy. of appreciation and thanked him for all venue. Then across the road to a local THE ASSOCIATION STANDARD he has done for the Association, The hostelry to continue conversations This year the ceilidh was held on the meeting concluded with refreshments before the die hards retired to our 13th June. Numbers were slightly down THROUGH THE being taken and informal chat resumed. second home, the Counting House at on previous years but this didn’t stop STREETS OF LONDON, George Square. A most enjoyable day those attending from having a most Now in its 3rd year the Annual with members travelling from across enjoyable evening. Once again our old MESSINES, YPRES and LOOS Regimental Association Lunch was Scotland joined by a fair few of us friends from the Dalcassion Scottish held at RHQ on Saturday 18th April. from the smoke. Next year is the 80th Country Dance Band performed all With over 90 in attendance, ranging anniversary of the Scotland Branch the old favourites. Despite some initial from old 1st Battalion to current (formerly the Glasgow Branch) and hesitancy from those attending for serving company, the lunch has in keeping with the occasion Ken has the first time, Jimmy the caller soon ALL FOR JUST £12 A YEAR succeeded in our intention of attracting already secured the upstairs Great Hall had people on the floor gently taking

80 London Scottish Regimental Gazette London Scottish Regimental Gazette 81 the event to later in the year and maybe civic reception hosted by the Mayor also to the afternoon. If you have a of Loos-en-Gohelle. It is anticipated particular preference, which would there will be a good number of more likely result in your attending, other Regiments represented there, please let me know. including the London Irish. Following Due to the drill hall not being the reception we will continue on our available on the first Tuesday in own battlefield tour which will take June we agreed to congregate the in our private act of remembrance at following Tuesday, the 9th June. The Dud Corner British Military Cemetery OC, Major Nic Storey, used this night where most of our fallen are either to introduce his plans for boosting buried or have their names inscribed attendance on ‘First Tuesdays’ and upon the memorial wall. I know of better integrating both the serving several London Jocks who are making coy and the Association. At the end of their own way out there for the the drill night all present were invited anniversary. All are welcome to join in onto the galleries to witness cap badges the official events. There will of course being awarded to the next generation be a full account of this trip in the next of London Scots. All then retired to the gazette. bar where sausage and chips were freely Having been invited as an London Scots at the Guildhall for Armed Forces Week flag raising. available. The new CO LONDONS, Association to march for the first time Lt.Col Tim Smart, was present and was at the Cenotaph on Remembrance be the week following Remembrance from the serving coy Major Nic Storey able to see the Regimental family at Sunday last year I am told we will be Sunday on Saturday 14th November. (OC), Ivan Cook, Scott Dingley, Callum its best. This is likely to be a regular automatically included in this year’s Once again we will be invited to march McColl and Hannah Richardson. Members of the Association after the Annual Parade of the Federation of London feature of 1st Tuesday’s in the future so parade on 8th November. Last year we OCA’s. in the ranks of the Federation of please feel free to join us. You will be in were allocated 30 places and I expect London OCA’s on the return leg only. If you are on e-mail and do not very good company. the same this year; already I have had I will be putting out a notice receive the electronic newsletter and Wednesday June 24th was the several members contact me wanting to regarding all these events once I have other communications please send designated day for the Armed Forces be included on the parade. The parade full details. your e-address to me at the below Flag to be raised at the Guildhall to finishes in plenty of time to make our address. mark this years Armed Forces Week. own Church Parade in the afternoon. Finally the following new members We were represented by 6 Association I will also have a limited number of have joined the Association since Yours aye members and took our place on places for the Lord Mayor’s Service of the last gazette: Rob Bray, Tom Carr, Steve Lovelock the parade amongst other veterans. Remembrance at St Paul’s Cathedral in William Carr, John Johnston (NZ), Chairman – London Scottish Tony Rawlins was amongst the 12 the morning. John McLintock, Margaret Myles, Regimental Association. Regimental Association Standard This year The Lord Mayor’s Show will Andrew Smith, John Wilkinson and [email protected] Bearers who marched onto the parade followed by the guard of honour for the Lord Mayor of London, which The gift to all who attended the G Company Dinner contained a good representation of A LONDON SCOTTISH GOLF SOCIETY Coy, clad in Hodden Grey. Serving Coy and Association combined gave the London Scottish the best turn out of In the immediate years after its himself a keen golfer, encouraged golf that they may have something to do any Regiment. Afterwards we retired formation in 1859 members of the on the Common. A few holes were besides rifle shooting when they come to the splendour of the Guildhall for a London Scottish Regiment would laid there to practice on and by 1865 to Wimbledon’. Elcho had not just fine afternoon tea. regularly train on Wimbledon a golf course and adjoining club had the sporting interests of his men at Now to the future. The next big Common. Prior to the National Rifle become established for members of heart, he shrewdly realised that having event in the Association calendar is Association moving to Bisley in 1889 the Regiment. This was formalised in its own golf club would be a great our pilgrimage to France over the the Common was also used for rifle Regimental Orders of 2nd May 1866 ‘recruitment and retention’ device for Dr. Iain Nicholson (wearing LS cap badge and , Regimental tie and HG hose) weekend of 25th/27th September shooting. To while away the time there ‘sanctioning’ a “London Scottish” golf attracting émigré Scots missing their after laying a LS wreath at the ANZAC Day 2015 memorial service in Sale, Victoria. 2015 to commemorate the centenary members of the new-formed Regiment club. The President of the Club was to golf. Elcho was the true controlling Alongside him is Able Seaman Christopher Adams ( Royal Australian Navy) . of the battle of Loos, our principle also took the opportunity of hitting a be Lord Elcho himself and a governing presence at the Club. He remained of 1915. In addition to few golf balls on the Common. This was committee was formed comprising Pte President until 1881 when, no longer them through the steps. Ok what if up again and the merriment continued visiting the battlefield area we have not as strange as it might seem for at A.G McKenzie (the clubs first captain), CO of the Regiment, he became club we did get it wrong sometimes we until late. A wonderful time was had by been invited to participate in the the time there was only one golf club in Lt. Fisher, Pte R.E. Dudgen MD, Pte captain. Notwithstanding that hitherto still had a damn good time. A set of all, just a shame we didn’t have a few official commemorations on Saturday London, at Blackheath. Golf in the mid R.H. Usher and Sgt J. Kerr, Treasurer. captains served just one year in office, first class piping from the Regimental more present. Next year perhaps? It 26th September, including a drumhead 1800’s was not considered a suitable Elcho (subsequently the Earl of Pipers marked the interlude and is only with your support that we can service and wreath laying in the main pastime for English gentlemen, in Elcho was quoted as saying that Wemyss) remained captain until 1894! then everyone took advantage of the keep this one evening of true Scottish CWGC British Military Cemetery in stark contrast to its status as Scotland’s the Club was intended ‘simply for excellent hot and cold fare prepared by entertainment going in our annual Loos, followed by a parade and then national game. Thus Lord Elcho, the London Scottish Regiment, so A full 18 hole course was laid in 1871. Barbara Blackledge. The band struck calendar. We are considering moving

82 London Scottish Regimental Gazette London Scottish Regimental Gazette 83 backdrop of the Club Captains board held in the US. The following year the as a lasting and enduring reminder Todays course is pretty much the same, bearing many illustrious names of competition became the ‘US Open’ of the historic links between us. The with just 4 holes moved in 1901, laying which Lord Elcho’s/ Earl of Wymess one of the 4 great golf tournaments in putter will take pride of place on the claim to the club being the joint oldest was most prominent, Then a superb the world today, Young Willie was the clubhouse walls, alongside the portrait in England still playing on its original dinner of roast pork followed by a very runner up. Young Willie’s son was N.W. of Lord Elcho, Regimental plaque and course. To grow as a club private fine cheese board. The evening was ‘Dicky” Dunn, a keen amateur golfer copy of the Halloween painting. members had been encouraged to join rounded off in a fashion most fitting and honorary member of the club, who since 1870, though only members of such a unique occasion with more had served as private soldier in the N.b. We will return to Wimbledon the Regiment could continue to hold piping by Andy Parsons. A superb end Regiment, going to France with the 1st Common to compete for the office and have a say in the running of to a most magnificent day. Bn in 1914. Young Willie gave Dicky his Regimental Autumn Foursomes trophy the club. From 1877 to 1880 arguments putter, whether it is the one he used at on 11th September. To keep this unique raged between regimental and non- *Young Willie Dunn’s father ‘Old the US open is open to conjecture, but relationship going the Regimental Golf regimental members of the club. This Willie’ came from an illustrious family use it he certainly did. Dicky presented Society needs golfers. If you play come led to an acrimonious split with the of Scottish golfers and had been asked this putter to the Regiment in 1962 and and join us. You will be part of living latter leaving to form their own club by Lord Elcho to design the first course it remains a much prized Regimental history! on the common, which in time became in 1865. His other son, Tom, was the artefact. The only other ‘Wiilie Dunn’ ‘Royal Wimbledon’, still very much club’s first professional. Young Willie putter known to be in existence is Strike Sure in existence today. A rump of just 30 thus learned his golf on Wimbledon in the Royal And Ancient HQ at St. Steve Lovelock – Secretary – London Regimental members remained. The Common. In 1894 Young Willie won Andrews. It was with much pride that I Scottish Regimental Golf Society. Regiment, under Elcho, continued to the very first Open Golf tournament presented the replica putter to the club control The ‘London Scottish’ Golf London Scottish Regimental Golf Society captain Stewart Petty presenting the inter Club. Over time though it became London Scottish Regiment/Club trophy to Noel Browne, LSGC captain for the day. In unsustainable to remain open only the background the Young Willie Dunn putter and a bottle of Hodden Grey. to members of the regiment so non regimental members were again LETTERS TO THE EDITOR allowed in and in time took over the club. The unique relationship between Please send your letters to, The Editor, The London Scottish Gazette, Regimental Headquarters, 95, Horseferry Road, Club and Regiment remained though Westminster, London. SW1P 2DX, or email to [email protected] Only letters with names and addresses will be printed. with members of the Regiment continuing to be members of the club and the CO being invited as a guest Hello, I’m french and me and Dear Christian, to the annual club dinner. Indeed my family are living in a small the CO of the old 1st Bn was invited village in the East of France, Thank you for your kind offer of to the Centenary celebrations of the my son find something in sending the badge, it will be most club in 1965. There then followed an the garden, I think that it’s welcome in our museum and we can impasse in the relationship until the a badge of your regiment; if add the story of your son finding it 125th Anniversary when the Regiment you give me a email adress i in your garden. I have tried to find was approached to enter a 4-ball team can send you a photo; out when our regiment was in your in the celebratory events of that year. the name of our village is area of France but there is nothing The then PSAO, the late Captain Terry PLANCHER BAS, we don’t in the official history. What I can tell Nolan, duly accepted the invitation and know if your regiment was in you is that it was our 1st Battalion upon learning of the Regiment’s golfing this place... and probably 1917-1919 as they were history set about re-establishing the if you give me an adresse i elsewhere at the start of WW1, the ‘Old Comrades’ golfing society which Members of the London Scottish Regimental Golf Society joined by Noel Browne and can send it to you. 2nd Battalion was in Mesopotamia had flourished until the late 1960’s. John Downs (past captains of the LS Golf Club) after the 150th Anniversary challenge 1915-1917, and the regiment was in match. Since then the reformed (now styled) Christian Martinez Scilly and Italy in WW2. London Scottish Regimental Golf Society has played its matches back at Regiment on Wimbledon Common traditional motif designed more years Please send it to me at the address its true home on Wimbledon Common. faded many years ago and we lost by ago than anyone can remember. Our below. Could I ask you to take a This year as part of the 150th 4 matches to 2 (the pairings of the 2 Captain, Stewart Petty, presented Noel photograph of your son with the Anniversary celebrations the Regiment Steve’s (Lovelock and Hill) and Colin Browne (LSGC captain for the day) badge, so we can write a small story was invited to take part in a challenge Granger and Bernie Duffy emerging with the impressive Club/Regiment in our regimental magazine?? match against the Club. Thus on Friday victorious). Still all’s fair in love and golf trophy. On behalf of the Regiment 26th June 2015 12 members of the and we were soon swapping tales over Steve Lovelock then presented former With best wishes and many thanks, Regimental Golf Society (well eleven a pint in the sun drenched courtyard captain John Downs with a true replica plus one guest) competed in a match of the clubhouse. Then a welcome of the ‘Young Willie Dunn’ putter (see Stuart play competition against 12 members shower and change into formal clothes below*) which had been specially of the club including 2 past captains. with members sporting the Regimental made for the occasion. Andy Parsons Major Stuart Young TD (Ret’d) Alas the dominating influence of the Golf Society tie, still bearing the then piped a superb set against the Regimental Secretary

84 London Scottish Regimental Gazette London Scottish Regimental Gazette 85 JAMES MALPAS James Malpas, who has died of a cerebral OBITUARIES haemorrhage aged 56, was an art historian with a broad knowledge of western art, literature, history, music, eastern arts and 1534139 ERNEST “BENNY” NOWELL spirituality. He was a virtuoso lecturer and educator at galleries including the Benny Nowell died in April aged 96. Tate, Victoria & Albert and Hayward, for In 1940 , along with several other the National Association of Decorative & South Yorkshire coal-miners, Benny Fine Arts Societies and the National Art was called up from his home in Collections Fund, and on BBC Radio 3 and 4. Barnsley and came down to London He lectured without notes and with seamless to join the London Scottish. He was unpredictability. The structure was in his posted to the newly formed 319 Battery head: a mesh of narrative connections. On of our 3rd Battalion (97th H.A.A. Regt air, he spoke without hesitation, almost as if R.A.) and served with the Regiment competing on Just a Minute. No repetition, in the defence of London during the plenty of surprising, long-jump deviation. He was keen that people should monitor blitz. In December 1942 the Regiment their responses to art, not become stuck in a was shipped overseas firstly to North single way of looking. Talking about Caspar Africa and then onto Sicily and finally David Friedrich in 2012, he even appeared to mainland Italy until the end of the war. be doing himself out of a job, suggesting the The bonds of friendship that had “interiority” of Friedrich’s painting was best matter what the next day’s schedule might be. an eastern-inflected garden at his home in formed during the war were clearly very appreciated in solitude, without commentary. He lectured on topics as various as 19th- south London with ponds in which to keep strong and Benny regularly attended Picture taken at a 3rd Battalion Reunion at 59 Buckingham Gate in the late 1950s In Realism (1997) – his study of Walter century German romanticism, Hogarth, late amphibians – another enthusiasm. An affinity or early 1960s. Benny is seated at the table third from right, next to his great friend the post-war reunions of the 3rd Bn at Sickert, the social realists, the German 19th-century Scandinavian artists, Japanese with Scandinavia (he was working on a PhD Joe Checkley (in glasses). both 59 and 95. expressionists and the pop artists Richard art, camouflage, alchemy and William Blake. on the painter Akseli Gallen-Kallela) prompted Hamilton and Andy Warhol – he wrote: “The Above all, he resisted typecasting. The BBC him to add birch trees to the plot. Anglo-Saxon world … is fascinated by things, producer Abigail Appleton remembers not Malpas was a member of the Territorial Army ERIC JAMES LEACH had a motor bike and sidecar. In 1966 this. He was also a committee member not ideas. A painting is a gadget, just as a story only his art historical broadcasts but riding and served The London Scottish Regiment in Eric Leach had suffered with he was promoted to Corporal along for the local Royal British Legion for is.” Malpas enjoyed such provocations, yet was on the back of his bike to a small airfield 1 Platoon with Lt Robbie Robinson and Tom Alzheimer’s for many years but it was with Phillips and Maskell. He was the many years. on the artist’s side – alive to the challenges where Malpas did a parachute jump and Hallett from 1995-97. He transferred in to The kept under control with medication. He Treasurer of the Corporals’ Mess until Eric had long ago planned his own they faced, an ally. He wrote with wit and had described how it felt (the monologue was London Scottish from the Parachute Regiment had a stroke 2 years ago after which his its demise in 1967 when the 1st Bn was funeral that took place on 9th June at an ear for puns (one Tate lecture was entitled broadcast as a concert interval on Radio 3). A in which he served during the First war condition deteriorated and he had to disbanded, reorganised and became G Irvine Crematorium. He was quite an Life in the Roar: Edward Burra). set of samurai armour, a dashing exhibit at his as a weapons instructor, and became owner be admitted to a Care Home where he Company. Eric was very much involved authority on Spiritualism and the service He wanted art to be accessible, and it seems home, must have sharpened his contribution of the only Ferret armoured car in Southwark passed away on 23 May 2015 at the age with the Regimental Association and was conducted by members of the Irvine appropriate that he was author of the 1994 to Understanding Art Objects: Thinking Bridge Road. Occasionally, action man and art of 84. He was born on 31 May 1930 in was Honorary Secretary from 1976 until Spiritualist Church which he and Gwen Radio 4 documentary Of Muck and Magic, an Through the Eye (2009). His chapter was historian collided. During a weekend with the Rotherhithe. During the Blitz he was 1981. had attended for the past 28 years. The exploration of the role of clay in the history Realism and Authenticity in Ceremonial TA on Salisbury Plain, Malpas was summoned evacuated to the Sussex Countryside and After many years of loyal service with service was well attended by many friends of art and ideas, in which the white clay of Samurai Armour 1450-1800. to the CO’s tent. The radio was on – a R4 then to Devon. the London Scottish TA, he joined the and family, plus representatives from the Cornwall, Christian theological references He reviewed for the Observer, the Art broadcast in which he was attempting to make Eric carried out his National Service in ATC as a WOI Instructor, and in 1972 Glasgow Branch, including Ken Duncan and Greeks smashing plates in restaurants all Newspaper, Poetry Review and the London sense of Edward Munch’s The Scream. the RAF and spent most of his service in he joined the London Scottish Cadets as who I have to thank for the Scottish part turned on his potter’s wheel. Review of Books. He was an occasional poet “Is that you?” Egypt. On returning home to Rotherhithe a WOII Instructor until he left in 1974. of this information, The Royal British Son of James, an oncologist, and Joyce (nee and frequent letter-writer, and kept diaries “Yes, sir.” he married Gwen, and they had one Eric was very proud of his TA and Cadet Legion and Eric’s local Masonic Lodges. Cathcart), Malpas was born in London and on a Pepsyian scale. He had an etching press “Crikey. Well done, Malpas! At ease.” daughter Linda. He joined the Post Office service. His coffin was carried in by members educated at St Dunstan’s school, Catford. in his garage and latterly took up ceramics. He is survived by his parents, and his brother, where he ended up as the manager of the In 1967 Eric joined the Regimental of these Lodges to the sound of ‘The On the back of a degree in English literature He had a flair for garden design, creating Tim. St. Jame’s Park Branch. Both he and Lodge and was a very knowledgeable and Cockney Jocks’ on the pipes played by and art history from Cambridge (1981) and Gwen were keen on caravanning which enthusiastic Freemason for all his able an Irvine Royal British Legion piper with an MPhil in Renaissance studies from the they kept up for as long as they were able. life. He was responsible for me being an escort of RBL colours. Adorning the Warburg Institute in London (1984), from Eric joined the London Scottish in initiated into the Lodge in January 1970, coffin was his RAF beret, his London 1986 Malpas earned his living teaching BA JOHN FIELD STALLEY. 1922 - 2015 1958 in time to go on the 1958 Scottish and for proposing Charles Redman to Scottish Tam o’ Shanter, the Regimental and MA students at Sotheby’s Institute in It is with great regret that we have to inform you of the death of John Field Stalley, on March from Elgin to Aberdeen. After join the Lodge in 1983. He became the Poppy Wreath and his masonic regalia. London, before moving in 2012 to Christie’s the 28th March 2015, at the age of 93 years. the completion of his basic training Worshipful Master in 1980. There were many tributes to Eric during as their short course director. He joined the London Scottish Regiment at the early age of 18 and fought extensively he was posted to Support Company in In 1986 Eric and Gwen moved up to the service clearly showing he lived Being a teacher of art history was more than a through Europe and Africa, ending up finally in Australia. The London Scottish was 1959 where he joined the Anti-Tank Irvine in Scotland where he joined the respected and died regretted. day job – a keen motorcyclist, he encouraged the only Regiment he ever wished to join, and he was loyal and supportive to the end, Platoon. He then joined the famous Irvine Lodge No. 1662 and Dreghorn Eric was always immaculately turned biker friends to drop in on art galleries. He attending as many dinners and events as he could. MMG Platoon where many well-known Lodge No. 549 and became very involved out and was a stickler for getting things also put his bike to use as a volunteer blood London Scots served, too many to with local Freemasonry. In 1990 he right throughout his military service, his runner, delivering to hospitals at all hours A devoted and true London Jock. name in case I leave anybody out. This resigned from the London Scottish masonic life and everything else he came of the night to help in emergency cases, no We send out deepest sympathies to his widow. converted to the Recce Platoon in 1963, Rifles Lodge as he could no longer into contact with, and he will be sorely along with our Vickers Machine Guns, attend meetings. Eric became an active missed by all those who knew or came where Eric became a Lance Corporal, member of the London Scottish Glasgow into contact with him. He was a proud the same year he passed his driving test Branch, and both he and Gwen regularly London Jock until the end! Submissions for the December Gazette should be sent by no later than with lots of help from yours truly! Before attended the reunion dinners until the the 10th November 2015 for inclusion. All submissions are gratefully accepted. that time he was a motor bike fan, and deterioration of his health prevented Ken Phillips

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