100 years ~ 1915 - 2015 REGIMENTAL MAGAZINE 2 0 1 5

Cymru Am Byth 1st Welsh Guards Troop photo 2015

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by kind permission of Tempest Photography WELSH GUARDS REGIMENTAL MAGAZINE 2015

COLONEL-IN-CHIEF Her Majesty The Queen

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

REGIMENTAL COLONEL R J Æ Stanford MBE

REGIMENTAL ADJUTANT Colonel (Retd) T C S Bonas BA

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

1 2 WELSH GUARDS REGIMENTAL MAGAZINE CONTENTS Foreword Freedom Parades Regimental Foreword ...... 4 ...... 90 Commanding Foreword ...... 6 Newport...... 92 1st Battalion Welsh Guards Powys ...... 94 The Prince of Wales’s ...... 8 Battlefield Tours Number Two Company ...... 12 Welsh Guards Association BFT ...... 96 Number Three Company ...... 16 Conegliano 2015 ...... 98 Headquarter Company ...... 18 Falklands 2015 ...... 100 Support Company ...... 28 Other Articles Welsh Guards Choir ...... 32 In the Beginning There Was Caterham ...... 104 Regimental Band Living in , Lcpl Duffell ...... 106 Welsh Guards Band Tour of South Wales ...... 34 Living in Pirbright, Lcpl Jones 57 ...... 106 6 Nations ...... 37 Monmouthshire Branch Trophy ...... 107 Jordan Short Term Training ...... 38 Imber Court ...... 107 Welsh Guards Centenary Concert ...... 41 Eric Jones 100 Years ...... 109 Forging Links ...... 110 Distribution of Officers ...... 42 Monte Cassino ...... 111 Distributions of Warrant Officers ...... 44 GSM (WO1) Mott ...... 111 Honours and Awards ...... 45 Rugby, Courage and the Welsh in War ...... 112 Training and Operations Two Generations of Welsh Guards ...... 115 Welsh Guards Collection ...... 116 OP TORAL ...... 46 Return to the Falklands ...... 118 Battalion Sports Regimental Affiliation with HMS Prince of Wales ...... 120 Welsh Guards Rugby ...... 48 Remembrance Sunday ...... 121 Welsh Guards Boxing ...... 50 Welsh Guards Football ...... 56 Welsh Guards Association Branch Reports Welsh Guards Polo ...... 56 Secretary General Report ...... 122 Welsh Guards Cricket ...... 58 East Branch ...... 122 Welsh Guards Motor Sports ...... 59 Branch ...... 123 Welsh Guards Enduro Ex ...... 62 London Branch ...... 124 Welsh Guards Sea Fishing ...... 65 Merthyr Tydfil Branch ...... 124 Welsh Guards Sailing ...... 66 Midlands Branch ...... 125 WG100 ...... 67 Monmouthshire Branch ...... 125 Montgomery and Branch ...... 126 Centenary Events North Wales Branch ...... 128 State Ceremonial ...... 70 North of Branch ...... 130 Presentation of New Colours ...... 71 Branch ...... 131 Centenary Book Launch ...... 75 Ogmore Branch ...... 131 Remembering the Early Days of the Regiment ...... 76 and West Glamorgan Branch ...... 133 Sgt R Bye VC ...... 78 Welsh Guards Reunited Branch ...... 135 St David’s Day...... 79 Welsh Guards Association Darts and Shoot ...... 143 St David’s Day in Jordan...... 81 Welsh Guards Centenary Golf...... 82 Welsh Guards Association AGM ...... 145 Laying up of Old Colours ...... 84 Forecast of Events ...... 148 Peterson Family Events ...... 86 In Memoriam ...... 149

Front Cover: The Queen blessing the New Colours. Back Cover: The Old Colours on the altar of St Mary’s Chapel, Caernarfon.

CONTENTS 3 WELSH GUARDS REGIMENTAL MAGAZINE

Major General R J Æ Stanford MBE, Regimental Lieutenant Colonel FOREWORD

t gives me great pleasure to write this Foreword for the Regimental grateful for all that they have done for us. I Magazine my first as Regimental Lieutenant Colonel. I would like to pay would also like to thank the many who had Itribute to the significant achievements of my predecessor in his five and a half a considerable hand in planning and year tenure. There are too many to list; the establishment of the Welsh Guards executing our Centenary Year; including Charity, the reorganisation of Regimental funds, the Centenary Book and the Trevor Royle and the Regimental Centenary planning and execution of the Centenary year are but four of them. As a Book Committee, Regimental Regiment, we have much to thank him for. Headquarters, the Battalion, the Band, the Association Secretary General and not granted the Freedom of the City of Our Centenary year has, of course, least, Major Chris Davies and Mrs Melanie Newport on 1 October was a great honour, dominated 2015. Many who read this will Lewis, the Centenary Project Officers, the in our Centenary Year, preceded by a have participated in some, if not all, of the former for the Battalion, the latter for the commemorative match the evening before events that have taken place this year. Regiment. Without the huge amount of between Newport Rugby Football Club and There are a raft of articles in the magazine help from so many, the Centenary year the Regiment. It was also good to see two that cover in detail the many events that would not have been the success it has Regimental battlefield tours, back to back, have taken place. St David’s Day in the been. the first by the Association, an annual Millennium Centre in Cardiff, with event, and the second from a Regimental The Commanding Officer will report on the approximately 2,500 attending from across group drawn from the Welsh Guards Club, Battalion in his Foreword; they have had a the Regiment, must have been one of the the Battalion and some members of the tremendous year, busy, varied, and best ever, iconic and a very appropriate Drapers Company. Both took place in early successful. They have been unstinting in location. The New Colours at Windsor on September and were very successful. Our their support of Centenary events and the 30 April was an immensely successful day Centenary year has been one of Welsh Guards Charity throughout the year helped by the weather and everyone in a celebration, commemoration and and have to be congratulated on their very upbeat mood. It was a day that will education for us all about our history. excellent standards achieved on State not be forgotten for some time nor will the Writing about our Centenary would not be Ceremonial and , as well as at Battalion’s performance on the Queen’s complete without thanking some key the Presentation of New Colours and then Birthday Parade, which was superb. The people. The Peterson family have done so Trooping in June. Aside from taking part in laying up of Old Colours on 24 September much to support the Regiment by their all the Centenary events, they have also in St Mary’s Church in Caernarfon was organisation of four high profile events, marked the year in their own special way another special day, as were the Freedom raising substantial funds for the Welsh with “Welsh Guards 100”. This was a Parades held in Powys County (at Brecon) Guards Charity and further raising the remarkable and ambitious project; I and and Carmarthen the following week. Being profile of the Regiment. We are deeply others, are full of admiration for what they

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achieved. In between Centenary events Very similar to my predecessor, I too am Adjutant, continues to make a great many and ceremonial duties, the Battalion have enormously grateful to the Association for welfare grants to former Welsh also had to retain their “green” skills all that they do for the Regiment. Whilst Guardsmen in need and the Appeal also throughout the year, especially in the activity varies from branch to branch, we continues to make numerous grants to autumn, with a number of battle camps in had an excellent turnout from the those affected by operations, bereaved or Thetford and Sennybridge and throughout Association for St David’s Day, New Colours wounded. The Regimental Casualties the year, training men in their dozens in and the Queen’s Birthday Parade. They Officer, former WO2 Jiffy Myers, is doing order to achieve Category C driving remain a valuable source for welfare superb work in reaching out to former qualifications which is required for their referrals. I am all too conscious of the Welsh Guardsmen and their families and is new role in the Foxhound vehicle. The voluntary time Branch committees give in making a significant difference since he Prince of Wales’s Company deployed to the sustaining their branches and I am hugely started in February 2014. in mid-October and are appreciative of the work they do, not least 2016 will see a total gear change for the due to return in time for Christmas, a great that of the Secretary General and his wife, Battalion as it assumes the light protected training opportunity for them. who supports his work so well. The Association remains a force for good and is mobility role with 11 Brigade from January The Regimental Band, under the Senior a vital component of the Regiment and it for at least five years. We are not sure what Director of Music, Lieutenant Colonel Kevin must be sustained in whatever form suits lies ahead albeit excellent training Roberts, remain at the forefront of its members. opportunities will be had. One certainty is Regimental activity and despite being part that they will remain as busy as ever, if not Although the Welsh Guards of the Corps of Army Music, remain at the busier. heart of the Regiment. It goes without Appeal remains alive, in that donations can Every year in the life of a Regiment has saying, they have had an enormously and are still being made to it, our variety and different experiences depending challenging year but their dedication, Regimental focus has shifted these last on role, theatre and events. But 2015 has to enthusiasm and high standards continue couple of years to the Welsh Guards be both a unique and special year in terms to earn them plaudits from many, Charity, established in June 2013. The of events, achievements and the manner in including myself and the Defence Attaché Charity continues to benefit all corners of the Regiment and welfare support very which it has brought the Regiment together. in Jordan, who could not have been more much part of this. The Assistant Regimental Long may we sustain this. impressed by their two weeks there in September training Jordanian Army Bands. We have much to thank them for and they The Association remains a force for good and is a have produced their own Centenary Book, vital component of the Regiment and it must be having been raised in September 1915. sustained in whatever form suits its members.

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LT Col GR Harris DSO MBE, Commanding Officer 1st Battalion FOREWORD

his time last year the battalion was emerging from a year of intense Public Duties successes over the last few activity: we had seen deployments to the Falklands, and , years, a fitting complement to the concurrent to a full-fat ceremonial season and followed quickly by a move of Battalion’s high operational standard of Tbarracks from Hounslow to Pirbright. recent times. However, what has been special about this centennial year is the At the time, there was a sense of relentless The Centenary has also provided a huge opportunity to reflect on the battalion’s tasking but without the resource or time to opportunity for us to invest in our people recent achievements in the context of the necessarily do it all justice, or to invest and reconnect with the wider regiment. regiment’s activity since 1915. We re-role more in our people. Thankfully, we have The battalion’s centenary project, ‘Welsh into 11 Brigade next year with a had a year of consolidation without over- Guards One Hundred’ or ‘WG100’, has seen sense of consolidation, and a job well done extension in training; we have instead nearly five hundred Welsh Guardsmen or that our predecessors would have been been able to ensure our mandated ‘front of associates conduct well over a hundred proud of; and we do so in anticipation of marathons across seventeen countries house’ events have gone well while some novel operational challenges to add where the Welsh Guards have won battle bedding into our new home and investing honours or served on active duty since to our regimental legacy. in sport and adventure training. 1915. The WG100 supplement to this year’s As for 2016, once our and tunics As a result, we have paraded in style at magazine tells the story, but for the are put away we are set to send the Prince Windsor, Whitehall, Horse Guards and battalion it has served a great purpose: we of Wales’s Company to on an urban along high streets across Wales, and seen have educated a generation of serving warfare exercise, Number Two Company to an unprecedented amount of sporting and Welsh Guardsmen about their heritage Kenya as a light role infantry company, and adventure training activity from all ranks. while developing the junior leadership in Number Three Company will complete its planning and delivering complex projects. We have kept our green training ticking transformation into the new mobile WG100 has also been a recruiting vehicle, over of course, but with a focus more on Information, Surveillance and raising our profile in Wales and refreshing career courses and building niche Reconnaissance Company. The Battalion links with cadets, veterans and families. It capabilities such as sniper, assault pioneer Headquarters will deploy to Slovenia to has been a huge amount of fun and, I and anti-tank platoons. Our overall goal develop its operational and tactical hope, set a precedent in mixing sport and has been to raise morale after a gritty few planning ability as part of a NATO exercise, adventure training with commemoration, years in scarlet and reshape for our next and between all these deployments the engagement, and education. big challenge: conversion to Light companies will train with their new Mechanised Infantry in 2016, and our As we look forward to our last Queen’s mechanised vehicles. It will all come readiness year and possible operations in Guard in February 2016 I think we can be together in early 2017 for a major 2017. justly proud of our State Ceremonial and Battlegroup validation exercise on Salisbury Plain after which the 1st Battalion “The Centenary has also provided a huge Welsh Guards will once again be on the opportunity for us to invest in our people and rosta for overseas operations. reconnect with the wider regiment.” Cymru Am Byth.

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FOREWORD 7 WELSH GUARDS REGIMENTAL MAGAZINE

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

Maj Aldridge Gdsm 15 Frost Lt Clarke Gdsm 93 2Lt Evans Gdsm 04 Felton 2Lt Gill Gdsm 87 Hall 82 WO2 Peters Gdsm 91 Hawkridge 32 CSgt Bick Gdsm 85 Hackney Sgt 36 Evans Gdsm 85 Hopkins Sgt 79 Howells Gdsm 09 Jackson Sgt 22 Qaimuri Gdsm 23 Jones LSgt 30 Skitt Gdsm 60 Jones LSgt 80 Divers Gdsm 71 Jones LSgt 63 Greenman Gdsm 13 Jones LSgt 57 Rutledge Gdsm 66 Knill LSgt 51 Sale MC Gdsm 45 Kropaceck LCpl 68 Brown Gdsm 66 Lambrick LCpl 13 Carr Gdsm 44 Lapping 1 LCpl 70 Edwards Gdsm 22 Lewis he last twelve months have been as busy as any LCpl 87 Forgan Gdsm 01 Little other year, and have seen the Prince of Wales’s LCpl 19 Harris Gdsm 41 Lovell Company go full circle through the spectrum of duties. LCpl 35 Harris Gdsm 89 Lucas T LCpl 83 Henneberry Gdsm 54 Morgan We finished the Battalion-level habitat afforded in the rolling, LCpl 91 Jones Gdsm 80 Morris Exercise ASKARI STORM (in bracken-covered countryside LCpl 12 Lodwick Gdsm 26 Morgans Kenya) in Oct 14, then went of . Elizabeth Barracks, I LCpl 36 Moriarty Gdsm 04 Murphy through an intense period of am told, has barely changed State Ceremonial and Public LCpl 94 Mottram Gdsm 21 Namakadre since the Battalion was last Duties (SCPD) during based here, but it offers good LCpl Roberts Gdsm 09 Petrakis spring/summer 2015, and are facilities, especially the access LCpl 35 Purvis Gdsm 65 Philips now fully immersed back in to ranges and training areas. LCpl 20 Pickersgill-Jones Gdsm 93 Rees operational soldiering poised Going for a run or a tab LCpl 73 Coy Gdsm 70 Rice to deploy to the Falkland through the woods, rather LCpl 70 Williams Gdsm 61 Richards Islands. than down the pavements LCpl 01 Whiles Gdsm 75 Rowlands along the A315 is a refreshing The first challenge the Gdsm 55 Beesely Gdsm 15 Rowlands change, although not everyone Company faced on return from Gdsm 24 Bamsey agrees while going up 10- Gdsm 73 Rodgers Kenya last year, along with the second hill…! Gdsm 08 Boswell Gdsm 30 Slowman rest of the Battalion, was the Gdsm 58 Campbell Gdsm 87 Singleton move from Cavalry Barracks, The first four months in Gdsm 69 Charles Gdsm 69 Sture Hounslow to Elizabeth Pirbright were mostly spent Gdsm 45 Collins Gdsm 76 Thomas Barracks, Pirbright. However, conducting Public Duties, but Gdsm 29 Duval Gdsm 07 Thomas the move was very welcome as during this time there was Gdsm 48 Dudley Gdsm 93 Tavaga we exchanged the built-up scope for individuals to Gdsm 76 Durkan Gdsm 22 Ward constraints of Hounslow for undertake courses or the infantry soldiers’ natural Gdsm 55 Dyer Gdsm 68 Watkins adventurous training. Gdsm 35 Evans Gdsm 43 Watson Gdsm 76 Evans Gdsm 25 Williams Gdsm 37 Evans Gdsm Williams

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1. Mexican President Enrique Peña Nieto inspects the , accompanied by the Company and HRH The Duke of Edinbugh. 2. The Prince of Wales’s Company with The Colonel of the Regiment following the Presentation of New Colours. 3. The Ensign, Lt Clarke, flourishes the Colour as The Escort marches past during the Queen’s Birthday Parade.

THE PRINCE OF WALES’S COMPANY 9 THE PRINCE OF WALES’S COMPANY WELSH GUARDS REGIMENTAL MAGAZINE

CSM Peters briefing Service Support in the Company Orders Group.

14 of the Company went on the Gdsm to be able to drive HGVs. The peak of the ceremonial in running, cycling, sailing and Battalion Ski Trip in January, season, though, was clearly the tabbing over 2,000 miles, and As the year went on the State and a further 30 conducted a Queen’s Birthday Parade on 13 Ceremonial commitments conducting battlefield tours variety of adventurous training Jun 15, and the Prince of grew in magnitude. The first around 16 Regimental battle activities in Capel Curig during for the Company was to Wales’s Company had the honour sites from the First the spring. 12 Gdsm passed the provide a large guard of honour of providing the Escort World War. JNCO Cadre run next door to honour for the State Visit of the to the Colour. Elizabeth Barracks in HDPRCC, In August the Company took President of Mexico, Enrique During the two month period and have now been promoted some well deserved summer Peña Nieto, on 3 Mar 15. of preparation for ‘The Troop’ to LCpl. In addition to this, with leave, but this break was also the silhouette of conversion to Next up was the Presentation the Company’s PT focus had significant in marking a Light Mechanised Infantry of New Colours from Her been on long-distance complete switch from SCPD (driving Foxhound vehicles) Majesty The Queen at Windsor running, as we conducted our rising above the horizon, Castle on 30 Apr 15. It was a Leg of the WG100 event in July. back to operational soldiering, attention was also given to glorious day, and one of the More detail on what the in preparation for deploying as getting people qualified to highlights for the Company Company did is given in the the Falkland Islands Roulement drive. By the time we convert, was having a photograph with supplement to this magazine, Infantry Company (FIRIC). The we will need two thirds of the Colonel of the Regiment. but 74 Jamboys were involved pre-deployment training saw the Company dive straight into “In fact, it was so warm at one stage, that 2Lt Gill a two-week range package on return from leave, followed took an impromptu bath up to his neck in a puddle immediately by a 10-day that was bit deeper than expected!” exercise in Sennybridge.

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The exercise was a great physical to conceptual months each, Lt Webster will consist of six weeks of chance to dust off the cobwebs development, in the form of a moved on to ITC Catterick, and platoons rotating through after about 10 months without Falklands Study Day, the CSgt (now WO2) Owen 75 three tasks – Patrols, provision conducting ‘green’ training, highlight of which was a handed over as CQMS to take of a Quick Reaction Force, and and, apart from a couple of presentation from Col over as CSM 2 Coy. We ranges. These will be torrential downpours, the Bodington on his experience welcomed into the Company interspersed with the Brecon weather was relatively as a platoon commander WO2 (CSM) Peters from RMAS, opportunity to conduct kind. In fact, it was so warm at during the 1982 . and 2Lts Gill and Evans, as well adventurous training, one stage, that 2Lt Gill, while as Sgt Howells and LSgt Sale battlefield tours, and Over the last year the Company leading 1 Platoon towards the MC, who both transferred in interaction with RN and RAF has bid farewell to several FUP on the 6km insertion from the R WELSH. units. The deployment will march for the final attack, took people, most notably WO2 culminate with a week-long an impromptu bath up to his (CSM) Parry 19, who has At the time of writing the company-level exercise, and if neck in a puddle that was a bit moved back to RMAS as a CSM. Company is in the final everything goes according to deeper than expected! On Capts Birrell and Major served preparations before flying to plan, the Jamboys will be return we switched from the Company as 2ics for six the Falklands. The deployment home in time for Christmas!

CQMS (CSgt Bick), 1 Pl Comd (2Lt Gill), QM (Maj Pridmore, HQ Coy) and RSDC (LSgt Divers) on the recce to the Falkland Islands in June. Hoping for better weather in November-December!

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

Maj Mathieson Gdsm 50 Howard Lt Alsop Gdsm 27 Howells Lt Martin Gdsm 03 Imarhiagbe 2Lt Campbell-Schofield Gdsm 81 Jawara 75 WO2 Owen Gdsm 80 Jenkins 15 CSgt Scarf Gdsm 31 Jones Sgt 91 Bennett Gdsm 73 Jones Sgt 83 Hedges Gdsm 68 Kalis Sgt 66 Marsh Gdsm 46 Kissiedu LSgt 65 Davies Gdsm 29 Koranteng LCpl Jones 57 instructs his section on range cards. LSgt 88 Deeks Gdsm 22 Logan ince returning from Exercise ASKARI STORM in LSgt 34 Hughes Gdsm 06 Matthews November 2014, Number Two Company has settled LSgt 09 Knill back into the routine of public duties and state Gdsm 83 Matthews S LCpl 90 Campbell ceremonial. However, before this started, the main focus Gdsm 24 Mortlock in the run up to Christmas 2014 was the move from LCpl 35 Davies Gdsm 32 Moyo Cavalry Barracks, Hounslow to Elizabeth Barracks, LCpl 44 Davies Pirbright, a considerable task! Gdsm 27 Mulready LCpl 81 Duffell Gdsm 24 Murton Green and leafy Surrey in place New Colours in the former and LCpl Everett of West London and the escape forming Number Two Guard in Gdsm 81 Mwelwa LCpl 57 Jones from under the Heathrow the latter. Gdsm 40 Nagata flight path was a welcome LCpl 04 Siviter Around this Herculean effort, change. The Company has Gdsm 47 O’Leary the Company Shooting LCpl Williams settled quickly and now enjoys Competition was revived, Gdsm 10 Patel access to the training facilities Gdsm 90 Adamson bearing witness to a spectrum of the Army Training Centre Gdsm 80 Pickering of marksmanship skills. Gdsm 70 Bamsey Pirbright, the amenities of Support to other units’ training Gdsm 28 Prothero Woking and Guildford and Gdsm 26 Carter continued apace with tasks as easy links to London and Gdsm 99 Collins Gdsm 41 Robinson varied as assisting with the crucially the M4 motorway. running of the Platoon Gdsm 41 Coombs Gdsm 10 Roe 2015 has focused on manning ’ Battle Course in Gdsm 02 Couling Gdsm 14 Rowlands-Bell the Blue Line and fitting in Brecon to providing Gdsm 82 Davies Gdsm 38 Self green training, career courses, manpower for Special Forces adventure training and a anti-terrorist drills in Dunsfold. Gdsm 84 Edwards Gdsm 99 Smythe multitude of other tasks where In late July the Second in Gdsm 32 Evans Gdsm 36 Sullivan possible. The Presentation of Command ran a Company New Colours and the Trooping training event on the local area Gdsm 54 Foley Gdsm 07 Williams of the Battalion’s Colour which culminated in an Gdsm 23 Guest Gdsm 77 Wright became the focus from March extended platoon attack 2015. The Company played its commanded by 2Lt Campbell- Gdsm 48 Hewitt Gdsm 70 Twose part by providing Lt Alsop and Schofield. Opportunities such 2Lt (now Lt) Martin to carry the as these have had to be

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Major Mathieson leads the New Guard out of Wellington Barracks on his first Queen’s Guard mount 16 July 2015. snatched wherever possible made by our forebears over of personnel. Major Salusbury from Number Three Company and adjusted to meet the wider seventy years ago. More detail handed over to Major in July. There are now two needs of the Battalion, with a is contained in the standalone Mathieson and departed to Englishmen in Number Five particular focus on freeing up articles explaining each leg. take up post as Officer Platoon! people to attend driving Commanding the Senior WG100 meant that the Company Sergeant Major courses. Division at the Infantry Battle Company experienced Morgan moved to become the School, Brecon. Lt Alsop St David's Day was especially staggered summer leave and Drill Sergeant, handing over to handed over to 2Lt Campbell- poignant this year as the were not back together until Company Sergeant Major Schofield as Officer Company contributed to the the middle of September. We Owen, fresh from the Prince of Commanding Number Four Battalion and Regimental moved straight back into Wales’s Company stores. Platoon in May and has gone centenary celebration and public duties with the highlight on to become Company Sgt Marsh, previously a section reflection. This being the Guard of Honour Second in Command. In commander in Four Platoon commemoration continued provided when the Chief of the Number Five Platoon, 2Lt (Now has now taken over as Platoon over the Battalion summer Defence Staff hosted his Lt) Martin took over from Lt Sergeant from Sgt Johnson leave period as Number Two Egyptian counterpart on Horse Evans and Sgt Grieves moved who has moved to the newly Company began its Guards. deployment on WG100. on to the Infantry Training formed Pioneer Platoon. Many Allocated North-West Europe 2015 also saw the Company Centre Catterick, making space congratulations to him for his during the Second World War undergo significant movement for Sgt Bennett, who came over distinction gained on the Drum the three legs offered the chance for most of the Company to sweat their way “The three legs offered the chance for most of the Company to sweat through a marathon and learn their way through a marathon and learn more about the sacrifices more about the sacrifices made by our forebears over seventy years ago.”

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Major course! LSgt Lewis 88 at either fly-half or fullback. departed to join the Anti-Tank His impressive performances, Platoon and Sgt Hedges took with the exception of his over as Six Platoon Sergeant. normal aversion to passing the ball, have led him to be LCpls Everett and Jones 57 have selected for the Army under both been on driving and twenty-three side, an excellent maintaining courses in achievement. Gdsm Nagata anticipation for the conversion has also been involved with to Light Mechanised in 2016 the Battalion side, playing at and LCpl Williams 43 has prop as has Gdsm Buretini, on successfully completed the his return from long-term Section Commanders’ Battle injury. LSgt Davies 65 has also Course, setting himself up well become a key player in the for promotion. Battalion’s Fishing Team, and LCpl Evans 08 and Gdsm was involved in a successful Robinson and Smith 70 have summer sea-fishing trip to taken the plunge and joined Southampton. In August 2Lt 1 Mortar Platoon and Gdsm Campbell-Schofield organised Harding has moved to the an unusual trip to Gravity Machine Gun Platoon as part of Force in Camberley where the the ongoing Battalion move Company discovered that an from three rifle companies to hour of non-stop trampolining two with an Intelligence, is a lot harder than it looks! Surveillance and At the time of writing, Gdsm Reconnaissance Company. Buretini and Koranteng are LCpl Okeke took up post with doing well on the TAC Course the Regimental Police and and Gdsm Carter, Jones 73, LCpls Kigotho and Roberts Hewitt and Matthews 06 have have moved to the Signals and just started the pre-TAC Course Motor Transport Platoons to compete for one of the next respectively. Future moves, Battalion slots. The Battle Camp specifically involving our and Leuchars Cup in November trained machine gunners, are will immerse us in the basics of anticipated as the green soldiering again and Commanding Officer reinforces ensure we are also ready to the Battalion’s crucial support assume the lead for Operation elements and shapes us for the TEMPERER when called upon. 2 Light Mechanised role. The Company has had a busy As well as the routine moves year but is well positioned to mentioned above, we must start conversion at the head of also recognise the service of the Battalion in 2016 and make members of the Company who itself the company of choice have made the move to the when we are fully operational civilian world. These include on Foxhound vehicles next LCpls Edwards 27, Williams 83 summer. and Woosnam plus Gdsm Cole, Foley, Hughes 29, Moyo and Prigg. We wish them well with their new careers. “...The Company Members of the Company have discovered that an continued to throw themselves into various extra-curricular hour of non-stop activities. Most notably, Gdsm trampolining is a Groves has made himself a valuable member of the lot harder than it

3 Battalion Rugby team, playing looks!”

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1. Number Two Company enjoying Gravity Force, Camberley. 2. Number Two Company (Sgt Bennett as Senior Sergeant) forms up as the New Guard, Windsor Castle. 3. Gdsm Buretini leads the way on the pre-TAC course. 4. 2Lt Campbell-Schofield checking his bearing during a tab while mentoring the Armed Forces of Kosovo.

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

Maj Badham 77 Gdsm Divavesi Capt F Wright 56 Gdsm Fisher Lt Farmelo 21 Gdsm FitzGibbon 2Lt Lewis 55 Gdsm Foster 2Lt McNeill Love 55 Gdsm Garvey WO2 Griffiths 12 Gdsm Godsall CSgt Cope 53 Gdsm Harding 89 Sgt Cunningham 77 Gdsm Hemming 54 Sgt Vuevueika 23 Gdsm Heeps 33 Sgt McEvoy 79 Gdsm Hunt 28 Sgt Pearce 20 Gdsm James No 9 (MG) Pl live firing in Kenya 07 LSgt Evans 22 Gdsm Jones he last year for Number 3 Company has been a busy 10 LSgt Bladen 97 Gdsm Jones 38 LSgt Doyle period that has seen the Iron Men survive (and excel) 72 Gdsm Keane in the field, on state ceremonial and in sport. We have 62 LSgt Langley 56 Gdsm Koch Perry Tdeployed on Exercise Askari Storm in Kenya, moved from 79 LSgt Millins 56 Gdsm Kelly Hounslow to Pirbright, produced Number 3 Guard for the 44 LSgt Morgan 24 Gdsm Korosaya Queen’s Birthday Parade, cycled and run our way around 91 LCpl Allport 15 Gdsm Lamb Italy and even managed some parachuting. 47 LCpl Davies 39 Gdsm Lewis 01 LCpl Dimmock This year has encapsulated the saw the Company tested 62 Gdsm Lewis considerable variety that is during a series of 48 hour 08 LCpl Harris 23 Gdsm Locke expected of Guardsmen and it battle runs. The exercise 28 LCpl Howells has been a challenge that No 3 culminated in a week-long 60 Gdsm Miotti 28 LCpl May Coy has met head on. Battlegroup level TESEX 10 Gdsm Mitchell 52 LCpl Millins In September of 2014 the exercise. Kenya is a challenging 60 Gdsm Morgan theatre to operate in. The heat 41 LCpl Noyes Battalion deployed to Kenya to 74 Gdsm Moseley participate in a light role, and topography combine to 91 LCpl Parry make simply working as a 38 Gdsm Murphy battalion level exercise. Having 54 LCpl Williams flown into Nairobi we quickly company demanding. Layered 30 Gdsm Nabukebuke 39 Gdsm Allport moved up to Nanuki training on this was a free play enemy who often knew the ground 76 Gdsm Brown 89 Gdsm Openda area and the first phase of this 19 Gdsm Payne six-week deployment. better than we did. Despite 78 Gdsm Buxton these challenges the Iron Men 76 Gdsm Prudham Essentially the exercise was 78 Gdsm Campbell broken down into three parts. quickly realised the 09 Gdsm Caswell 20 Gdsm Robins The first phase focused opportunities this exercise 47 Gdsm Ceesay 29 Gdsm Skibniewski-Woods primarily on basic skills and afforded and threw saw us move into a harbour themselves into the battle. 09 Gdsm Ceesay 17 Gdsm Turner area from where we practised There were stand out 94 Gdsm Walker 80347 Gdsm Ceesay our section and platoon levels moments of course: the live 64 Gdsm Crannage 36 Gdsm Waqanisaravi skills. For the majority, this was firing and final attack in 51 Gdsm Danquah 62 Gdsm Weaver their first time in Africa and for particular are worthy of note. a few it was a first time out of During the LFTT many of the 74 Gdsm Davies 03 Gdsm Williams the UK. The second phase then Company had their first 37 Gdsm Dean 55 Gdsm Williams 17 Gdsm Dennis 45 Gdsm Williams

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experience of working with the Ex Askari Storm was everything artillery and mortars. This overseas training should be; it capability gave a realism and was hard, fun and bought the intensity to the package that very best out of our few had properly felt before. guardsmen and JNCOs. We The machine gun platoon learnt some tough lessons, but impressed, with Sgt Bennett came back a far more and LSgt Evans 07 steering the confident and assured unit. Company onto the multitude of Following in the footsteps of depth positions that we Kenya, the Company then encountered. The CASEVAC began a unit move. CQMS chain was equally as tested; Lewis 29 and his team sometime real other times coordinated and organised us exercise play. CSM Griffiths, Sgt down to Pirbright; a very Cunningham 89 and Sgt Evans welcome move. Since then we Number 3 Company in Venice mid marathon 31 working tirelessly to get have been very much in the physically hard, as anyone who More importantly we are grips of state ceremonial. The men back whilst maintaining has cycled 80 miles in one day looking forward to the move to summer saw the Battalion the tempo of our fight. This across Italian roads will testify 11 Infantry Brigade and our troop its Colour and we took was training of the very to, but also great fun. Many of the prestigious role of No 3 new role as a Protected Light highest quality and was a the Guardsmen have gone the Guard. The CSM must take Mobility Battalion. We shall challenge that the Guardsmen extra mile to push themselves much credit here, corralling look quite different in 2016 but rose up to. The final exercise and raise money for the Welsh and leading us through this we have no doubt that 3 then saw Iron Men deploy on Guards Charity. Gdsm Harding training and producing an (ISTAR) Company will retain the the left flank of the immaculate guard. Of course even decided to run a Battlegroup, fixing and Iron Mens’ good humour, this is a team effort and the marathon on the morning of defeating the enemy preseen. stoicism and professionalism. stoicism and good humour of the event and came third with As always this is easier said the guardsmen must not be an impressive time of 3:52. The Finally, we would like to say than done and a number of forgotten. event has also been an farewell and thank you to: Capt hard days ensued pursuing the opportunity for the Iron Men to Interspersed in this drill has Felix Wright, Sgt Pearce, LSgt enemy across Lodiga training learn more about our been a healthy amount of Owen 84, LCpl Strinati, Gdsm area. When one considers that forebears in the Eighth Army. ‘extra curricular’ activity. Our Slocombe, Roberts 55, Lloyd- only a month before we were Visits to Monte Cassino, Monte contribution to WG100, the Neal, Hughes 24, Mortimer – on state ceremonial duties the Battaglia and the Florence War Battalion’s marathon (quite guardsmens’ ability to switch Rees and Bailey. We also wish literally) commemoration of Memorial drew into stark focus was humbling. Moreover, the very best to Lt Adam Smith our centenary year, has been reality the cost and effort of they were quick to welcome who is now at the Infantry to cycle across Italy. This has this oft forgotten campaign. our attached arms: engineers, Training Centre Catterick, Sgt been an extraordinary We still have much to look Evans 31 who is training our gunners and our Royal opportunity for the 40 Bermudan Regiment second in forward to. We are sponsoring next generation of JNCOs at participants. Organised by the Welsh Guards surf trip to command were quickly made CQMS Lewis and Mr McNeill HDPRCC and LSgt Haines at the , an event that to feel at home. I think few of Love, this has involved cycling Regimental Recruiting Team. promises to test our balance us will forget the last position and running from Naples, and (I suspect) surf ‘street cred’. Major T J Badham of the exercise that Number 3 through Rome and Florence Company took; an imposing and finishing in Venice. It has “This was training of the very highest defensive feature that we been no small feat and those assaulted head on, much to participating have been drawn quality and was a challenge that the the enemies surprise. from all standards. It has been Guardsmen rose up to.”

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

Lt Col Harris LSgt Obrian Maj Smith LSgt Pienaar ATTACHED Maj Dawson LSgt Robinson Maj Johnstone LCpl Blyth Maj Pridmore LSgt Rowlands Capt Butler LCpl Broome Capt Beare LSgt Stevens Capt Foster LCpl Brown Capt Birrell LSgt Tancock Capt Grierson LCpl Che Capt Campbell LSgt Williams (Revd)Capt Gillham LCpl Emmings Capt Figgures-Wilson LCpl Bishop 2Lt Richardson LCpl Gabriel Capt Hughes LCpl Glanville WO1 Stephens LCpl Jayes Capt Wright LCpl Jones WO2 Edwards WO1 Dunn LCpl May LCpl Kuchu WO2 Harriman WO2 Geen LCpl Nuku LCpl Lipita SSgt Campbell WO2 Griffths LCpl Price LCpl Lowther W02 Bowen LCpl Roberts SSgt Douglas LCpl Mahlangu SSgt Rogers WO2 Morgan LCpl Roberts LCpl Mclenahan Sgt Bentley WO2 Parry LCpl Roberts LCpl Moreau Sgt Gautam WO2 Ridgeway-Buckley LCpl Selby LCpl Ratchford WO2 Williams LCpl Smith Sgt Gurung LCpl Rudd CSgt Hughes Gdsm Adekoya Sgt Lewis S LCpl Seruvatu CSgt Hughes Gdsm Ankhra Sgt Lyall LCpl Smith CSgt Obrien Gdsm Arnold Sgt Small LCpl Tamale CSgt Parry Gdsm Butterfield Sgt Townsend LCpl Thomas Sgt Abraham Gdsm Evans Sgt Wadsworth LCpl Townsend Sgt Buller Gdsm George Sgt Wainwright LCpl Williams Sgt Davies Gdsm Hathway Sgt Wallace LCpl Williams Sgt Evans Gdsm Hawkridge LSgt Budhathoki Sgt Hemmings Gdsm Hindley Cfn Lill LSgt Coldrick Sgt Wilks Gdsm Mclaughlan Cfn Smith LSgt Foody LSgt Barnes Gdsm Rowe LSgt Montgomary Pte Arthur - Nyarkoh LSgt Cunningham Gdsm Theophilus LSgt Morris Pte Francis LSgt Davies Gdsm Toomey LSgt Ramsay Pte Gurung LSgt Duffy Gdsm Wannell LSgt Rowland Pte Hannah LSgt Grindley Gdsm Williams Cpl Dennis Pte Perks LSgt Jones Gdsm Williams Cpl Gurung Pte Williams LSgt Morgan Gdsm Williams

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HEADQUARTER COMPANY Maj K Dawson

015 has been a year of great expectation, with the Battalion settling into Elizabeth Barracks Pirbright, and the keen anticipation of the many celebrations of our Centenary Year. Headquarter Company has thoroughly enjoyed the ride, delivering 2seamless support to the Battalion with an enthusiastic approach, as befits this important anniversary.

The focus has been on State Wales, has been a driving factor to the MT, is managing the Ceremonial and Public Duties, towards our fitness. The Wales enormity of demand from at the same time as Leg has been an enormous across the Battalion - a very transforming into a Lt achievement for all; you can impressive performance. It only Mechanised Logistics Company not imagine the pain teams feels like yesterday that I was since we lost the Signals and individuals have been writing the 2014 article for this Platoon to Support Company. subjected to while participating magazine and I was describing Pirbright has revitalised the for the first time in marathons the demand placed on aspiration to get fit and the on the Brecon Beacons and departments. I’ll state it again - culture in the company has Snowdonia National Park, or their performance is quite changed hugely. Facebook has cycling long distances outstanding. Evidence of high been amusing to monitor, throughout Wales. It was a output, sustaining, managing reading comments on PT twice humbling experience to see the and leading by example are a day and individuals grit and determination to traits we maintain across the discussing the 30mile bike rides succeed displayed by all - in Battalion.We look forward to they accomplished on a particular, the effort made by leaving scarlet behind, and Wednesday Sports Afternoon – Gdsm Hawkridge, Rowe and being an influential driving how often can you recall sports Hathway to burn out the Coy force in 11 Brigade. We have afternoons! Sport is now more Comd during Exercise CYCLE been seen as best practice in diverse, with individuals HARD - Day 4, cycling from London District during participating in numerous Haverfordwest to Brecon. Much equipment care and logistic activities. Mountain bike to my delight, they failed! inspections, not to mention the downhill, triathlon, hockey, added weight of preparation Switching attention to Light cross country and fishing are whilst settling into Pirbright, Mechanised, a lot of investment some of the sports attended and concurrently providing has been made towards driver which you would not normally support to SCPD. training in preparation for the associate with this company. forthcoming role. For example, It is a privilege to command LSgt Grindley is a strong the QM(T) Capt Hughes’ this company. competitor in the Army diligence in planning the Downhill Mountain Biking procurement of the equipment Team and Capt Robinson and platforms we will use, the (Army Triathlon) completed “I’ll state it again - their performance Transport Officer Capt Milly the Ironman France challenge Butler getting to grips with is quite outstanding. Evidence of high in June this year. Foxhound and WIMIK running output, sustaining, managing and Welsh Guards 100, with the Driver Maintainer Instructor Company’s mission of Courses. Sgt Evans 88, newly leading by example are traits we completing 20 marathons in promoted to Sgt and assigned maintain across the Battalion.”

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QUARTERMASTER’S DEPT Major DW Pridmore, Quartermaster nce again so much has happened in the last year that I almost have too much to write about. I thought the previous 12 months were busy with overseas Oexercises to Belize and Kenya looming and the deployment to the Falklands, the reality since then has been beyond our expectations. I can safely say, I have never home in Elizabeth Barracks, seen a department worked so Pirbright. The then RQMS (Now hard with so many different RSM) Dunn had been busy with tasks almost all at the same the newly promoted CSgt Parry time. 64 preparing Cavalry Barracks, Hounslow for hand over to the Whilst in Kenya Capt Hughes Defence Infrastructure and RQMS Griffiths 50 were Organisation (DIO) and also visiting one of the Company preparing Pirbright for our admin areas, both looking arrival, this while we were forward to seeing the wildlife. away in Kenya. At last Capt Hughes spotted a herd of elephants. They didn’t The move was conducted stay long as they were charged seamlessly with an advance at and the RQMS, after all that party welcoming the Battalion waiting, wasn’t allowed to look headed up by the QM and WO2 at the elephant, as he was busy (RQMS (T)) Griffiths 50 in 50 and LSgt Barnes in their cave, Archers. driving for his life! Pirbright and the move out of Hounslow by the QM (T) LSgt Cunningham got the Alan Hughes 32 and nickname of Lt Col ‘Nicky’ Mott WO2 (RQMS (M)) Dunn. due to the amount of white boards that we had in the Elizabeth Barracks has been stores in Nanuki, and SSgt overhauled and was well Douglas (RLC) had the honour overdue modernisation; it is of being appointed Camp now a functioning, compact Sergeant Major on the first but welcome change from phase of the company training Hounslow. Having the training but was only interested in area on our doorstep is an getting to fire a GPMG, his added bonus for our soldiers working day revolved around although thankfully, the sisters his need to get behind the seem a little smaller than I weapon, he was desperate; remember 29 years ago when I sadly he didn’t get the chance first got rifted in the front gates although almost everyone else of the Guards Depot! did! The G4 team were No sooner had we settled in to exceptional and nobody went our new surroundings, with without, special mention goes the handover of Hounslow to to the catering department, DIO complete, we had a sharp who with only 12 chefs intake of breath and started the managed to feed over a 1000 preparation for the close down personnel, in 5 different for Christmas leave with the locations, concurrently!!.. a knowledge that we had lots to truly fantastic achievement. do in the New Year. We returned from Kenya in We were now racing headlong October 2014 and within 5 days into the run up to the start of started moving to our new our Centenary celebrations, The two

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were in shorts, trainers and small daysack’s...everyone was looking a bit funny at them. All I have to say is admin!

Sadly the QM had to fly to the Falklands for the recce and missed the race...he was bitterly disappointed!

I cannot finish without some other great news for the department, WO2 (RQMS) Griffiths was successfully selected to promote to WO1. He takes post as the RSM of the in October; this clearly shows the calibre and standard of our senior WO2’s in the Battalion.

With the Prince of Wales’s Saint David’s Day, Major But we couldn’t rest on our the G4 team in the background Company’s deployment to the General’s Inspection, laurels as the Major General’s making sure we never went Falklands, Battle Camp and Presentation of New Colours inspection was taking place without. (PONC) and the Queen’s before we could be presented Christmas just around the After the QBP, which again for Birthday Parade (QBP). Lurking with our new Colours. As ever, corner, I can safely say we have the department was such an in the background was the the tailor shop, under the new been tested, as a department, honour to be part of, we ambitious task of the Welsh Master Tailor Sgt Abraham, kept this last 12 months…..but continued with the planning Guards 100 marathons and all our heads above water with his never found wanting. The for the next events including the training we would need to team, LSgt Jones 09, the newly dedication and enthusiasm to the Welsh Guards 100 do in-between these tasks, and promoted LCpl Roberts and get things done, however marathons. The QM another deployment to the Gdsm Bisp. difficult, is inspiring and makes Falklands and a Battalion Battle department entered a team As the rehearsals and me proud to be not only the Camp to plan for. into the WAAT4 challenge. Of all reconnaissance for the the places that we could have Quartermaster but more With Dai’s Day coming fast the Presentation of New Colours done a marathon, we had the importantly a Guardsman in admin behind the scenes started, I can not state enough Brecon Beacons! Everybody this, our Centenary year. started in earnest with how proud myself and the else had France, Italy, Gibraltar confirmatory recces to the Technical Quartermaster were and sunnier climes. We were Millennium Centre and then the when we ‘talked’ our way into the lucky ones!!! setting up the staging post in being selected to present the Maindy Barracks and the New Colours to Her Majesty the The weather was fine at the Centre itself. This was a great Queen for her blessing during beginning of the event but as way to start our centenary the Parade. Seeing the Battalion the team left the last check celebrations meeting up with formed up with the correct point, the weather closed in Gdsm who I personally hadn’t equipment, in immaculate upon them. They were seen in 25 years, it was a truly tunics, transport, feeding and however a great advertisement great weekend, made all the weapons in place, made the for the Welsh Guards, running better by a very well rehearsed day so much more enjoyable past the civilians who were team behind the scenes for us as we knew we were wearing full waterproofs, and making it all happen. being looked after so well by mountain equipment and they Get a hair cut Quartermaster! “I can safely say, I have never seen a department worked so hard with so many different tasks almost all at the same time.”

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MOTOR TRANSPORT PLATOON Captain Butler, Motor Transport Office

“ we’ve got a drama, but don’t worry, it’s getting sorted”

he ability to remain calm, flexible, re-active, pro- active and the need to possess a great sense of humour when all else fails are just a few of the traits Trequired from your average member of the MT; something that dawned on me whilst taking over as MTO.

There has also been the small All of this whilst being intimately matter of the public duties to involved in supporting both add to the mix with most being WG100 and the centenary involved with the Queen’s celebrations’. Birthday Parade. With this in Overall this has been a very mind the Platoon has satisfying year for the Platoon, performed to an extremely high although it has meant that LSgt level passing ECI/LSI during the Davies has never had to work so year earning high passes on hard in the last twenty one both. The Platoon was also years! Sgt Harris has now come awarded a ‘green’ for its fuel down from planet Mars since and lubes inspection. the announcement of Tranche 4, The Platoon has seen its fair (Yes, you still owe me 4 years). share of courses this year with LSgt Horrell is still the RCMO’s the MTO down gaining busiest customer trying to 1 qualifications within the driving escape the servicing bay on a world. The busiest on courses daily basis (not happening), and has seen Gdsm Mclaughlan we welcome back Gdsm Rowe going from a B licence to C&E who continues to please those and also gaining ADR and B he works with on a daily basis maintenance course, all this with his charming sense of within 5 months of joining the humour. Platoon. The Platoon is soon to There has been plenty of DIY see an uplift to fit with the new going on. A new road circuit Orbat with 9 plan was implemented for Guardsmen eager to gain traffic moving around the further licences during the next vehicle park, clearance of twelve months. parking areas for white fleet and ‘The Platoon has regularly had restructuring all available space to swap tunics and bearskins into vehicle teaching bays. All for green kit over the last year, self generated and executed again showing its flexibility. with the intuition of Sgt Evans Having successfully moved from 88 and his team of workers. The MT building was next; a huge delivered its transport role for spring clean took place in order the Battalion whilst in Kenya, the to make it look less like a Kwik-Fit Platoon moved to Pirbright with garage. All of which was the Battalion and then switched necessary in preparation for its focus on to receiving the new conversion. vehicle platforms for the Light Mechanised role and preparing In between a very busy the lengthy process of delivering summer; members of the the conversion training in 2016. Platoon managed to excel in the 2

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sporting arena. LSgt Grindley represented the Army Downhill Mountain Biking Team. He has been placed 2nd in his age category and 4th overall at the inter service champions race. He has caught the selector’s eye on more than one occasion and is a strong contender to be the Training Officer for the team next season. LSgt Robinson, Gdsm Theophilus and Gdsm George tried their hand at the art of boxing. After many weeks of training, sometimes twice a 3 4 day, they were selected to represent HQ Company in the Inter Company Boxing event. After a good gutsy display during the preliminary bouts they all made it through to the finals. A very competitive and hard night of boxing; Gdsm George walked away the victor and was awarded the new 1WG Bantamweight Champion Belt. A great deal of commitment and sacrifice was made by all 4 sportsmen. The Platoon has said goodbye to LSgt Davies 84 after 22 years 5 6 service and will soon be saying farewell to the MTWO CSgt Hughes 87 after his 26 years of service. We have also received some young blood into the ranks. LCpl May who has successfully passed the DMI course, will take over the stores and deliver instruction on the FHD platform during conversion. LCpl Roberts who will be the understudy to LSgt Robinson and 2IC in the Servicing Bay. LCpl Roberts will run the green fleet and put his PTI skills to good use to ensure 7 8 the Platoon is fit, healthy and 1. Gdsm Williams 62 and Gdsm Williams 07 preparing for spot of Gorge Walking. able to compete with the best of 2. Sgt Evans 88 taking control of the situation, when our coach broke down he took control of another, them. getting the Green Arrows Display Team to London on time. 3. Gdsm Rowe putting in a shift. Finally, a good year had by all 4. The lads taking a break. and the Platoon are preparing 5 Sgt Evan 88, LSgt Peinaar and Gdsm Williams 62 on the MT stand during Open Day. 6. LSgt Grindley competing at Pearce Cycles Bucknell. for the number of new 7. Slugger Roberts ready for action. challenges that lie ahead. 8 Gdsm George the victor.

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1 2 TRAINING WING WELFARE OFFICE Capt E Birrell Training Officer Capt N Grierson (SG) UWO

t has been a busy year for the training wing with next can’t believe I am writing the next article for the 2015 year already promising to be even more so. The main regimental magazine already as it has been such a focus for the wing has been the running of four internal busy year for the Welfare Team and the Battalion. Ipre-courses for those attending HDRPCC courses and I Junior Brecon; however the commitments don’t stop there. First of all I would like to wish see some families making the CSgt (Gaz) Evans 62 all the best effort to travel the long Of note has been the Jordan’s Honour Guard some in ‘Civilian Street’ and to thank distance from Wales for the preparation for the Battalion drill. They were able to him for all his support and day. I hope the Battalion can CT1 Battle Camp on the overcome the language barrier dedication during his 5 years make this a yearly event for all Thetford training area which and a ‘beautiful’ division into in the Welfare Office. Sgt to enjoy. will then lead straight into the column was formed on the (Leighton) Wilks has joined the As I mentioned it has been a Leuchar’s Cup. The Leuchar’s parade square in front of the team and he has settled in very busy year for the Battalion so Cup promises to be challenging King himself in celebration of well. far. After a very enjoyable competition which will see all the Great Arab Revolt 100 years The families are now firmly Exercise in Kenya then moving platoons from across the ago. Battalion compete in a patrol settled into their new homes. to Pirbright it was bearskins competition around the entire On the horizon is the Battalion’s We have around 80 families back on with a very successful Brecon training area, conversion to the light living in the Pirbright area and St David’s Day parade in Cardiff completing various stands protected mobility role. The they have all been able to which was enjoyed by all both along the way. training wing has been enjoy Surrey’s fresh air and past and present. Soon after sunshine over the summer that parade was the CSgt Hughes 39 along with working closely with the MT period. The welfare team have Presentation of New Colours in DSgt Bowen joined a short department in following the organised some very Windsor, followed up the term training team sent out to progress of 3 Rifles as they go successful events since we Battalion Trooping the New Jordan, meeting up with W01 through the process first. This have settled in Pirbright. We Colours for Her Majesty which I Taylor (Cermonial Advisor to is to be able to devise a CT1 had days out at Marwell Zoo am sure you will all agree, was the King of Jordan) and Major training program for the and Alice Holt Forrest which a fantastic parade. Charles-Jones (attached to the Companies using the new was thoroughly enjoyed by Jordanian Army as S02 Foxhounds in the lead up to In amongst all that the those families who attended. Training), to teach the King of Wessex Warrior in 2017. Battalion was getting ready to “They were able to overcome the language The main event was the participate in the WG100 to Battalion Open Day on the 11 celebrate the Centenary Year. I barrier and a ‘beautiful’ division into column July 15 which had a fabulous though it would be only right if was formed on the parade square...” attendance and it was great to we could get some of the wives

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3 involved with one of the ran a few fundraising events Testing times ahead for some Christmas leave. The Battalion events. After some gentle and helped to raise around of the families as a Company are certainly looking forward persuasion I managed to get £1,400 for the WAAT4 and the plus will be deploying to the to hanging up their tunics and some budding volunteers to WG charity which was a great Falklands for 6 weeks in late getting rid of the bearskins participate in the Wales Leg achievement by all those Oct and the rest of the Battalion early next year and preparing and take part in the WAAT4 involved. going on Exercise in November the conversion to the new challenge. This is a prestigious to Thetford. We are planning a vehicle mobility role. navigation event in Wales’ We also ran a separate WG100 trip to Winter Wonder Land in As ever I would like to thank beautiful Brecon Beacons event for the families in July Hyde Park late November and you all for support you have National Park covering either outside the Sainsbury’s store in then the wife’s Christmas party shown throughout the year 30 or 40 km route. The wives Knaphill. We had a running and early December after which the and may it continue for the entered 2 teams along with the cycling machine set up and the Battalion will then go on challenges that lie ahead. welfare staff and we should challenge was to run 1 have completed the 30km marathon on the running route. However due to LSgt machine and 2 marathons on O’Brian’s hasty navigation the cycling machine. It was a route selection we ended up very warm day but we covering around 40km. The achieved our aim and thanks main thing is after a few tears 1. The Welsh Guards Drill Instructors in Jordan, and plenty of laughter we all to the generosity of the public, Far Left – DSgt Bowen, Middle – W01 Taylor, Far right – CSgt Hughes 39 got round and it will be an we raised around £474 for the 2. ‘Sgt Wilks is enjoying playing Captain America for the day as is experience the girls will never WG Charity which was a LSgt O’Brian relishing the challenge of being Pepper Pig! However I think they should stick to their day jobs.’ forget or let LSgt O’Brian forget fantastic achievement from all 3. ‘The team looking happy at the top of Pen Y Fan but there were for a long time. The ladies also those that were involved. testing times ahead.’

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Members of the LAD have been In conjunction with the many LIGHT AID DETACHMENT (LAD) attached to several units to courses that are running for WO1 (ASM) A Stephens gain vital experience on the the members of the LAD we vehicles the Bn are expected to have managed to find time to t seems less than 12 months since I last wrote in this receive. As is with most celebrate the Welsh Guards publication yet as I look outside I see the trees shedding military courses a student only Centenary alongside the their leaves as quickly as the OC LAD is shedding his hair, truly learns the skills, in this Battalion, supporting the St Iwhich must mean it is nearly Christmas leave. case trade, by getting “hands David’s Day parade in Cardiff, on” experience. With this in the troop and many other It has been another busy year working understanding each mind members of the LAD events which enabled the for the Light Aid Detachment other’s roles, limitations and were slowly rotated through junior members of the LAD to and we have grown yet again experience which has led to a Land Training Fleet experience what the Welsh now having a large presence far more efficient support Warminster, LTF(W), to work Guards do best. Three SNCO’s within Headquarter Company capability within the Welsh alongside seasoned civilian from the LAD entered the and there are more yet to Guards. This is down to the mechanics on the PMV Annual Pace-Stick competition, come, eventually we will hard work of everyone within platforms. Other tradesman for those who have worked number 1+28 in anticipation their respective departments travelled to 1st Battalion Royal alongside the REME you will of the new Light Mechanised including the Rifle Companies. Irish in Ternhill to work alongside appreciate just how unusual it Role we are to adopt. Last year This year has seen the focus their LAD on Foxhound. 1R.Irish is to see two Vehicle Mechanics and a Recovery Mechanic the focus was on supporting turn to ensuring the LAD is are coming to the end of marching across the square numerous Bn exercises around best equipped and trained to Conversion training so they with pace-sticks, but Sgt the world and I am pleased to deal with the Re-Role and were able to give real time Bentley, Sgt Lyall and Sgt report that all our aims from Conversion that is upon us as feedback on issues that have Townsend ably “driven” by Sgt last year were achieved with this article goes to print. Aside occurred for them during this Small (Medic) did a ‘sterling the Bn having achieved a from the usual Equipment period. The information gained job’, with only a few hours Green in the Equipment Care Support on Land Rover and meant we have adjusted our practise between them, Inspection and the LAD Support Vehicles the Bn are working practices to hopefully beating the Officers of 1WG successfully completing the now taking on Protected enable the Bn training to run and Support Company B team. Engineering Management Mobility Vehicles (PMV) such as smoothly and efficiently. These System rewrite in time for Husky, Foxhound and RWMIK+ experiences were invaluable We also took part in many of TECHEVAL which is the external which entails a whole plethora and will come into their own as the Welsh Guards 100 (WG100) assessment of all our of maintainer courses before we ramp up Bn Collective Wales Leg events with every Equipment Support processes. the vehicles arrive so that we Training towards the end of member of the LAD taking part There have been huge steps can support the Bn during 2015 and Conversion the start in at least one event for the made with collaborative training and into the future. of 2016. WG100. Sgt Tim Townsend arranged entry to the Midnight “The second day was a more physical affair Mountain Marathon, Sgt Bentley organised a Canoe with the obligatory log run and command tasks such as marathon, Sgt Lyall led Gorge getting the ammo tin casualty from the trolley “helicopter” walking and, finally, Sgt that had crashed into a ravine of crocodiles using only a Wainwright and Sgt Wadsworth organised the epic blunt pen knife and a piece of string.” Ex Cycle Hard which saw

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members of 1WG and 1WG Quieter and more reflective LAD complete a gruelling 300 moments have included mile cycle event from Conwy sharing acts of Remembrance Castle to Brecon. Other across Europe in both small sporting events this year have and large groups, pausing at seen the LAD fielding teams gravesides and monuments to for, amongst other things, our forbears; whilst I’ve also Orienteering and Cross- had the privilege of walking Country at all levels and beside those having a tough representing the Corps, Bn and time and marvelling at their LAD very well in District and courage and resilience. The life Army championships. shared in-between has taken in the everyday joys of work – It is sometimes easy to forget both in camp and out, on the moto “soldier first, ‘Army business’ and on ‘church tradesman always” especially business,’ serving the with such a high tempo of SHARING THE JOURNEY congregations of the Guards work but that is why time was The Rev’d Catherine Gillham CF Chapel and some of our more set aside early on in the year local garrison churches. for an LAD Leadership Package. The chaplain’s role is a whilst endeavouring to be Sgt Townsend was tasked with privileged one… We get to available for the moments in Recent events have highlighted organising the event which walk alongside a community between. for me this mix of marking was designed to test the junior individual achievement and individuals for a period of Times of celebration have ranks resolve, intellect and alongside the shaping of the time, and to share the ups and taken me from the pride of leadership skills under both community. Those of us who downs of life with them – this watching the Trooping of the mental and physical pressure. gathered to bury an unknown often means being able to new Colours to the laying up of The event was spread over two Welsh Guards soldier from the celebrate the grand events as the old; from praying prayers days with day one focussing on First World War can testify to well as more personal of protection over those academic skills such as the honour that was paid to moments; it also means that running, walking, and cycling debates, essay writing and that individual life and the we may draw alongside the marathons on WG100 events, problem solving. The second sacrifice that he made. Battalion, but also individuals, through to helping individuals day was a more physical affair However, as members of this as they walk through more look to the future as they plan with the obligatory log run and Battalion also took time to pay difficult and challenging times; weddings and Christenings. command tasks such as respect to the example of Sgt getting the ammo tin casualty VC we were from the trolley “helicopter” reminded that our actions as that had crashed into a ravine individuals have the power to of crocodiles using only a blunt shape for good, or ill, the lives pen knife and a piece of string. of those around us. And finally, It gave the CoC an opportunity as we recently took a moment to see how the JNCO’s operated to lay up our Colours before under increased pressure and God, I reflected that we serve everyone gained from this in the shadow of one whom I event with some of the more believe cares deeply for each junior members showing their individual, but also cares about true worth and others learning how we act towards those more about themselves and around us. I consider myself areas that would benefit some blessed to serve in such a attention…which is ultimately community and look forward the aim of such events. with anticipation to whatever the future may hold. Looking ahead there is much work still to be done and 2016 is going to be an extremely “Those of us who gathered to bury an unknown busy year which will test all of us to the limits of our expertise Welsh Guards soldier from the First World War can testify but we are in a very strong to the honour that was paid to that individual life and the position after all the hard work of 2015. sacrifice that he made.”

HEADQUARTER COMPANY 27 WELSH GUARDS REGIMENTAL MAGAZINE

SUPPORT COMPANY Nac Ofna Ond Gwarth - Fear Nothing but Disgrace

Maj Dunlop LSgt Sterling Dmr Armstrong Gdsm Msibi Capt Budge LCpl Adams Dmr Asamoah Gdsm Mitchell Capt Luther-Davies LCpl Agu Gdsm Bodden-edwards Gdsm Mitchell Capt Marsden Gdsm Carter LCpl Assare-Beddiako Gdsm Mooney WO2 Davies LCpl Burnett Gdsm Cutajar Dmr Njie WO2 Lawman LCpl Butler Gdsm Davies Dmr Parry CSgt De WIT LCpl Bond Gdsm Dade Gdsm Picton CSgt Green LCpl Chambers Gdsm Davies Gdsm Poole CSgt Griffiths LCpl Crowley Gdsm Davies CSgt Deren LCpl Davies Gdsm Davies Gdsm Pugh CSgt Treharne LCpl Dunn Gdsm Davies Gdsm Qaranivalu CSgt Young LCpl Evans Gdsm Ebeso Gdsm Riby Sgt Crew Gdsm Edwards LCpl Evans Dmr Roberts Sgt Davies Gdsm Emmanuel LCpl Forde Gdsm Robinson Sgt Evans Gdsm Evans LCpl Harvey Gdsm Roos DMaj Johnson Gdsm Faulkner LCpl Hughes Sgt Simons Gdsm Gassamas Dmr Sarpak LCpl Hughes Sgt Soko Gdsm Glasby Dmr Self LCpl Kigotho Sgt Lewis Gdsm Harty Gdsm Shields LCpl Kirumira Sgt Thomas Gdsm Hibben Dmr Siwale LCpl Love Sgt Urch Dmr Hillman LCpl Morris Gdsm Skates LSgt Biggs Gdsm Hudson LCpl Oxtoby Gdsm Smith LSgt Clowes Gdsm Jobarteh LCpl Martin Gdsm Soko LSgt Griffiths Dmr Jones LCpl Moriarty Gdsm Sweetman LSgt Hill Dmr Jones LCpl Parry LSgt Hillier Gdsm Jones Gdsm Thomas LSgt Horrel Dmr Price Gdsm Kennedy Dmr Thomas LSgt Jones LCpl Reeves Gdsm Lewis Gdsm Trow LCpl Retallick LSgt John Gdsm Morgan Gdsm Watts LCpl Sanderson LSgt Lewis Gdsm Macedru Gdsm Webb LSgt Parry LCpl Smith Gdsm Mason Gdsm Williams LSgt Parr LCpl Van Eysen Gdsm Manfield Gdsm Woodman LSgt Parfitt LCpl Viavialevu Gdsm Matthews Gdsm Woosnam LSgt Rees LCpl Williams Dmr Maund LSgt Rowlands LCpl Williams Gdsm Meredith Sgt Bereton LSgt Powell LCpl Wolfendon Gdsm Muteti Cpl Williams LSgt Sheppard-Smith LCpl Worthington Dmr Msibi Pte Lotter

28 SUPPORT COMPANY WELSH GUARDS REGIMENTAL MAGAZINE SUPPORT COMPANY

Guard of Honour for the State Opening of Parliament.

his year has been an extremely eventful one for the privilege of being the himself landing the CSM job in Guard of Honour for the State Support Company, hopefully Support Company. We have been involved with Opening of Parliament and the for longer than 6 months! numerous State Ceremonial Public Duties (SCPD), Guard of Honour for the Laying T Mortars incorporating the CIS platoon into the company, up of the old Colours in generated manpower for the Assault Pioneer Platoon (AP), Caernarfon castle. With Captain Ben Figgures- received multiple RAAT tasks, individual trawls, planned Wilson moving into Battalion Away from SCPD and Battalion and executed VIP visits, run cadres and finally like the rest Headquarters as the Ops directed training, the Company officer, CSgt Deren had to step of the Battalion completed several WG100 activities in has been busy with platoon up and has been running the celebration of our centenary year. specific training, validation Platoon on his own for the best cadres, Adventurous Training 2014 closed with the Company focused on SCPD and driving part of the year. This is no (AT) and getting over a dozen returning from Kenya and qualifications in preparation mean feat when you consider Guardsmen and JNCO’s conducting the move from for our new role as a Light the amount his Platoon has through their promotion Cavalry Barracks, Hounslow to Mechanized Battalion, moving taken on in 2015. The Platoon courses. The hard work Elizabeth Barracks, Pirbright. from under LONDIST to 11 has been split into two entities provided by the Training Wing Around the same time the Brigade in early 2016. Amongst pretty much the entire year. in generating qualified JNCO's Company said goodbye to CSM the SCPD we joined the rest of Half have been committed to did not go unnoticed and Bowen and welcomed CSM the Battalion on three very SCPD while the rest have been when CSM Williams 27 had to Williams 27. This was the first special occasions, St David’s deployed on numerous RAAT move on for career progression of many command Day Parade in Cardiff at the tasks (there are too many to appointment changes that Millennium Centre, the reasons, CSM Davies 03 found have taken place over the last Presentation of our New 12 months, including Major Colours (PONC) from HM The “Support Company had the privilege Tom Spencer-Smith heading Queen in Windsor Castle and of being the Guard of Honour for the State off to ICSC(L) and my arrival supplying manpower to the Opening of Parliament and the Guard of after Christmas leave. The main rifle companies for the efforts for the majority of the Trooping of the Colour. Added Honour for the Laying up of the old Colours year have been very much to this, Support Company had in Caernarfon castle.”

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mention) that have required a stand-alone platoon and cease Mortar capability. CSgt Deren to be dual rolled as Drummers. and his men have been The AP would be restructured praised for their competency and take on the COD as a dual and professionalism when role. Captain Alex Budge supporting exercises for arrived from Catterick to take organizations such as the over the Anti-Tank Platoon, Support Weapons School thereby inheriting the task of (SWS), the Infantry Battle overseeing this transformation School in Brecon and the within the Platoon. He is Guards in Kenya on supported by the new DMaj Sgt Askari Storm. This year will Johnson who will run the AP finish as 2014 started for the Platoon. Fortunately for DMaj Mortars with the return to the Johnson the COD has proven to Falkland Islands, only this time be a very tight group with over they will be supporting The 70% wanting to re-role into the Prince of Wales's Company. As AP platoon. Captain Budge will the reader or a member of the have the lions-share of work to Mortar Platoon, I will forgive do in rebuilding the Anti-Tank you for feeling like Bill Murray Platoon, but he has good in Groundhog Day as 2015, commanders and enough time although eventful and exciting, to achieve this before Wessex has been pretty much a repeat Storm in 2017. of 2014 for the Mortars. Reconnaissance Platoon The , and Sniper Platoons Anti-Tank Platoon CSgt Treharne moved early in and Assault Pioneers the year into Coy HQ and took The Corps of Drums (COD) over as the CQMS. He was continued where they left off replaced by a welcomed rejoin last year on SCPD with nothing in the form of Sgt Davies 96, shorter than the highest otherwise known as the standards of drumming every 'Asset'. This has been a smooth time they went on parade. The transition with both men COD's main event this year was settling into their new 1 the Troop of the Colour, not assignments. Captain David only because it is our Luther Davies took the lead for centenary but it was also DMaj the two 1WG teams competing De Wit's last official duty with in the LONDIST Operational the Battalion before retiring Shooting Competition. 1. Insertion TAB on Mortar Platoon Cadre. from the Army. I am grateful Unfortunately, neither teams 2. ‘LSgt Rees leading the Corps of Drums off the forecourt at for his efforts to ensure the took the top spot, however, . COD and Anti-Tanks continued LCpl Sandison from the Sniper 3. ‘Welsh Guards sniper pair providing over watch for the to progress throughout the platoon won the best shot on their Ex Askari Storm, Kenya. year and his energy in looking prize in the competition. Both out for his men during the start the Recce and Sniper Platoon of a transitional period. Away cadres overlap in late October from the COD side of life, the and the Recce Platoon have the Platoon faced a huge change additional task of the Cambrian with the restructuring of the Patrol. Although the whole Assault Pioneer Platoon (AP), company was involved with which at first unsettled the the VIP visits the planning lay Drummers and created with the Snipers and Recce uncertainty amongst the Platoons. They did an excellent ranks. This was resolved once job hosting over a dozen it was made clear that the Anti- members of the Drapers’ Tank Platoon would become a Company, taking them 2

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3 through a day of stands CIS Platoon personnel, both Captain James to locations across the globe explaining our specific roles Marsden and CSgt Griffiths 42 where the Welsh Guards have For the Alumni readers or and capabilities. The two have taken over as RSO and served post WW2. These stories Welsh Guardsmen serving RSWO. They have been busy will be highlighted in the platoons also had to put on a away from the Battalion and running BRU and IPRO courses, Battalion sports teams’ reports ‘look at Army Life’ experience not aware of the change this is as well as preparing for the and WG100 articles. Towards for eight junior employees not a printing error and is in Battalion Battle Camp in the close of the year, Sp Coy will from Deloitte UK. They spent 24 the right place. CIS platoon November. The addition of the see the Mortar Platoon hours on the training area have binned their black t-shirts top third LCpls sent across from deploying to the Falklands, each sharing a shell scrape for the more vibrant Canary the Battalion has assisted the returning in time for Christmas with a Guardsman from the yellow! Platoon in joining in with the and with that bring the WG100 Recce or Snipers. The weekend This has been a good move for healthy inter-platoon rivalry effort to a close. We will involved the Deloitte guys the Platoon and makes sense and competitive nature held conduct additional CT1 training getting stuck into harbour as they operate in a similar within the Company. The aside from our cadres and routine and learning about the fashion to the other Support whole Platoon are often seen generate three rifle platoons to different types of patrols an Platoons. They require on PT trying to show up the compete in the Leuchars Cup. Infantry platoon would Guardsmen and junior ranks Recce Platoon! Right across the As the SCPD draw to a close conduct. They closed the that have the aptitude to learn company individuals from and we prepare for the move weekend with a good old an additional skill, be able to each of the platoons have been to 11 Bde, the focus will remain fashion dawn attack and then operate individually as a involved in various WG100 on conversion, driving enjoyed a BBQ lunch before subject matter expert events, AT and Sports trips qualifications and planning dispersing. These VIP visits providing an additional which have seen Sp Coy travel cadres for spring 2016. were enormously important as capability to the rifle it was our opportunity to thank companies, whilst still organisations such as the maintaining the basic CIS Platoon have binned Drapers Company and Deloitte standards required of an their black t-shirts for the UK for their generosity to the Infantryman. The CIS Platoon Regiment. has also had an influx of new more vibrant Canary yellow!

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WELSH GUARDS CHOIR

THE REBIRTH Battalion community. So, combination. This was, for 99% RQMS Williams whilst in Kenya on Exercise last of us, the first time we had year, myself and CSgt O’Brien read music. We did reasonably he choir has been missing from Battalion life for a got together to come up with a well at our first performance in few decades. Last known performance was in the plan. First of all we agreed we front of the whole Battalion. Royal Albert Hall back in 1991, although some of the required an Officer to help out, T preferably someone who knew Then with the centenary year Companies have had a little flutter during Operations starting we got together to over the last decade or so. something about music. At that moment, Capt Felix Wright produce a scheme of manoeuvre for the choir. The This was the case for Number With manning a constant issue walked in the Ops room. So big events that stood out on Three Company during Herrick on the blue line a small with a ‘name drop’ in front of the horizon were St David’s Day 16. We used to get together number of the Company went the Commanding Officer, he Cardiff and Presentation of when operations would allow to a recording studio in West became the choir Officer. New Colours. We and sing for 30 minutes. London. We all felt like Our first task was to perform Everyone bought into it after a recording artists for the day. acknowledged that our at the Christmas Carol service. experience was limited - CSgt while. With a variety of We also performed at the We had a great response for nationalities singing Welsh Welsh Festival of O’Brien became the Music volunteers from the hymns out in Afghanistan, it Remembrance in St David’s coordinator because of his Companies so practice began. was quite surreal. Hall, Cardiff with Russell and Corps of Drums background; Capt Wright had a link with the enjoyed his company Capt Wright whilst at Downside After we got back from head of music at Downside throughout the experience. was in the school choir; I like a Afghanistan, Maj Llewellyn- School, who kindly took us good sing song in the rugby Usher had a conversation with So the Commanding Officer at through our paces in the club after a game. Lt Col Tony Davies regarding a this stage was keen to reform morning. We then helped out project that was on the horizon the Welsh Guards choir and with cadet training in the So we went in search of working with Russell Watson. open it up to the wider afternoon, a perfect somebody who was willing to

“Jeff Hudson thrashed us for 6 hours in Maindy Barracks (I’d rather do battle PT twice over than that again!)”

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help. We had a Welsh man We have also performed at the RQMS Williams Choir Officer living in East London called Bn Boxing night, Sgt R Bye CSgt O’Brien Music Coordinator Iwan for a couple of months memorial, Regimental Lt Capt Campbell HQ Coy who helped set the Colonel (Maj Gen Talbot-Rice) 33 Sgt Crew Sp Coy foundations. Then after a dining out, Laying up of Old 22 Sgt Quaimuri POW’s conversation with my wife, her Colours in Caernarfon, and the 90 Sgt Thomas Sp Coy co-worker volunteered her WG100 cross-brief. The most 18 LSgt Duffy HQ Coy services. Alison Lewis has been pleasing part for me is the 51 LSgt Jones Sp Coy with us since April and we are development. Every time we 39 LSgt Rowlands HQ Coy all grateful. She is a semi- have performed we have 97 LCpl Kemp 3 Coy professional Soprano singer improved. Who would have 69 LCpl Jones HQ Coy and brings great knowledge thought back in Downside 55 Gdsm Beesley POW’s earlier in the year that we into the choir. We had a choir 58 Gdsm Campbell POW’s would sing with 4 parts to a camp in Cardiff recently when 55 Gdsm Dyer POW’s piece? Jeff Hudson thrashed us for 6 22 Gdsm Lewis POW’s hours in Maindy Barracks (I’d It was unfortunate that Capt 09 Gdsm Jackson POW’s rather do battle PT twice over Felix Wright left the Army in 13 Gdsm Jones POW’s 06 Gdsm Knill POW’s than that again!). This is the July. I have now taken on the 80 Gdsm Morris POW’s man who conducts the task of Choir Officer. I would 61 Gdsm Richards POW’s Treorchy Male Voice Choir, and like to thank Capt Wright for his 41 Gdsm Coombes 2 Coy has worked with all the stars enthusiasm which helped with setting the conditions for the 02 Gdsm Couling 2 Coy including Bryn Terfel, Katherine 82 Gdsm Davies 2 Coy choir. Hopefully I have Jenkins and Only Men Aloud. 32 Gdsm Evans 2 Coy maintained and carried on Who would have thought that 10 Gdsm Patal 2 Coy with the development. singing could take so much out 38 Gdsm Phillips 2 Coy of you? Looking back at what we have 70 Gdsm Ramsey 2 Coy St David’s Day passed with the achieved so far gives me great 14 Gdsm R-Bell 2 Coy pride. We have grasped a 38 Gdsm Self 2 Coy choir a little bit rusty but in fine problem (not understanding 70 Gdsm Twose 2 Coy form. Then, with a lot of hard anything about music for one) 56 Gdsm K-Perry 3 Coy work from every member, we added a good Welsh Guards 62 Gdsm Weaver 3 Coy performed at the Presentation flavour to it and have grown 87 Gdsm Macedru Sp Coy of New Colours in Windsor. The into a respectable choir. It’s improvement was clear to see. great that we have had a Even the Director of Music chance to give birth once again agreed. There would be, I to this great Welsh Guards Iwan, Alison and Jeff we are Hall. We are looking for more imagine, a lot of choirs who tradition. At times it has been grateful and looking forward events to help with gaining would do anything to perform hard, 10 members turning up to the future. more experience. It has been in front of the Colonel of the due to State Ceremonial, RAAT, apparent speaking to Regiment. He complimented us courses and everything else What of the future? Well, I am association members of how and asked if we could perform that gets thrown to Battalion. I pleased to say that it is looking proud they are of being part of again before he went. At this am grateful for the bright. We have 20 members the choir. We have a lot of stage we also had good understanding that the about to go to Cardiff on the young members who, on a feedback from members of the Companies have shown, 31st of October and sing in the future St David’s Day, will be Battalion with regards the especially the CSMs. With the Welsh Festival of able to say that they were once development of the choir. help we have received from Remembrance in St David’s in the Welsh Guards Choir.

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BAND OF THE WELSH GUARDS

Lt Col Roberts LCpl White

WO1 Burton LCpl Llewellyn-Jones

WO2 Bailey LCpl Judd

CSgt Hancock LCpl Libby

1 CSgt Hunter LCpl Dilley

CSgt Gregson LCpl Walkley Sgt Farnworth LCpl Bannister TOUR OF SOUTH WALES 28th September – 1st October 2015 Sgt Fomes Musn Porter Musn Ben Coleman Sgt Gardner Musn Morgan

Sgt Johncock Musn Watt he Band of the Welsh Guards is currently celebrating its centenary with a number of exciting events in LSgt Mercer Musn White Wales. Earlier in the year, the Band had the opportunity Tto perform at the opening game of the '6 Nations' Rugby LSgt Blue Musn Owen Union Tournament between Wales and England at the , as well as at a memorable concert LSgt Wilcox Musn Geldart at the College of Music and Drama hosted by Eddie Butler. LSgt Llewellyn Musn Laws The tour in September saw the Carmarthen. To start the LSgt Williams Musn Philp Band return to the Principality evening off in style, the Band and, in particular to, South marched into the Church to LSgt Dawson Musn Coleman Wales. This included a concert 'The Welshman', resplendent in in Carmarthen and a number full Tunic and to an LSgt Chilvers Musn Stowell of Freedom Parades with the incredibly receptive audience. 1st Battalion Welsh Guards, A varied music programme LSgt Browett Musn Hirst making this one of the many was performed, ranging from highlights of the year. Slavonic Rhapsody No. 2, to the LSgt Smith Musn Miles On the 28th September, the wonderful clarinet solo LCpl Lightfoot Musn Mason Band embarked on a journey 'Viktor’s Tale' performed to St. Peter’s Church in excellently by LCpl Andy LCpl Wing Musn Johnston “Amongst these crowds were children waving Welsh flags, a testament to the ethos of 'family' that has been sewn deep into the Welsh culture and Welsh Guards history.”

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Lightfoot. The band was The Prince of Wales’s Company supported by Haverfordwest from the barracks in Picton Male Voice Choir whose Terrace through and into chairman Colin Hancock is a Guildhall Square, where they brother of CSgt Charles were met by cheering crowds Hancock, who sang potent in their hundreds. Amongst tributes to traditional Welsh these crowds were children Hymns and compositions. waving Welsh flags, a Vocal soloist Mark Llewellyn testament to the ethos of Evans also made an 'family' that has been sewn appearance, beautifully deep into the Welsh culture singing an emotional rendition and Welsh Guards history. In of 'Tell My Father', last Guildhall Square the Town performed on stage with the Mayor, Barry Williams and 2 Band in 2011. Mark was to other councillors and return later to sing with both dignitaries greeted the Band the Band and Choir in one of and the Welsh Guards, our finale pieces 'Songs from followed by the Mayor’s the First World War'. The 700 inspection. strong audience donated The Band then travelled from generously following the Cardiff up through South Wales concert, the proceeds totalling to Brecon, with many on the over £4,500 will be split coach taking in the beautiful between the Welsh Guards and picturesque landscapes. It Afghanistan Appeal and St. was the 30th September and, Peter’s Church. accompanied by Number 2 The Prince of Wales's Company Company, they were exercising exercised the Welsh Guards’ their Freedom of Brecon, Freedom of Carmarthen on received on 10th May 2011. 29th September; the march The Band of the Welsh Guards was part of the Regiment's led the parade once more, centenary celebrations and from the barracks of 160th marked their first return since Infantry Brigade and 2013 following their Headquarters Wales and up 3 Afghanistan tour the year through the town centre. After earlier. The Welsh Guards had inspecting the troops, the been presented with the Chairman of Powys County freedom on 30th April 1982, Council, Councillor Paul Ashton just a few days before sailing to remarked: "It gives me great war in the South Atlantic. pleasure to welcome the Crucially, this was in fact the Battalion to Powys. I'm first time the Battalion had extremely honoured to be a paraded their new colours in part of today's Centenary Wales since they received them celebration here in Brecon. from Her Majesty The Queen in The wide range of activities April this year. The Band led undertaken by the Welsh

1. The Band having marched into St Peter’s church playing ‘The Welshman.' 2. Lt Col Roberts conducting the Band during the concert. 3. The Band and Choir combining for a rousing finale.

4. Marching through the streets of Carmarthen. 4

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1

Guards reflects the busy and had another chance to Battalion’s history. The Band you, Mr. Mayor, and the varied nature of the modern- entertain the public, this time were leading once again, from Council for extending this day Army, so important in this at a rugby match held Cambrian Road down through privilege to us and, of course, uncertain world. The support between Welsh Premiership the High Street and halting at we gladly accept." shown here today in Brecon side, Newport RFC and the the D-Day memorial. Councillor This tour epitomises the bond demonstrates the great Welsh Guards Rugby Team. The Bob Bright led a short service affection and respect in which scores may not have been in of friendship between the there and presented the the , and in the Welsh Guards’ favour but Band of the Welsh Guards, the Freedom Scroll to Colonel Tom particular the Welsh Guards, the sport was played in good Bonas who said "The links and Welsh Guards and the people are held". Following this the spirits nevertheless. of Wales, from the concert in St. Regimental Adjutant of the bonds between us have The final day on this Peter’s Church in Carmarthen Welsh Guards, Colonel Tom always been great. I remember memorable tour brought the to all of the Freedom Parades. Bonas spoke and particularly the warmth and reception we band back to Newport where noted that "a considerable received when we last This clearly demonstrates the Number 2 Company Welsh amount of activity has taken marched through the city on close relationship that still Guards paraded with bayonets place, both to celebrate our our Homecoming Parade in exists between us and, in unfixed and the Colour cased, centenary and to also March 2010, following the particular, the willingness of as the freedom of Newport had remember that almost 1,500 the thousands of people, to not yet been received. Newport battalion's tour to Afghanistan Welsh Guardsmen have fallen City Council decided to grant in 2009. The granting of the travel far and wide to support in battle since 1915", which the Freedom of the City to the Freedom of Newport the many events which the brought the parade to a Welsh Guards to show their formalises and cements an Band has had the honour of poignant close. admiration and support in the already close association and participating in over this very That very evening the Band traditions upholstered in the the Regiment is very grateful to special centenary year.

1. The Band performing before the match between Newport RFC and the Welsh Guards Rugby Team. 2. The Band marching through Brecon.

“ The support shown here today in Brecon demonstrates the great affection and respect in which the British Army, and in particular the Welsh Guards, are held" 2

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1

stadium to be interviewed by join the Band in singing along THE 6 NATIONS Wayne Evans at The Angel to Welsh classics Sospan Fach, CHAMPIONSHIP RUGBY Hotel, which was being Green Grass Grass and Cwn broadcasted live on BBC Radio Rhondda, waving their flags TOURNAMENT Wales that afternoon. and showing their support. LCpl Elizabeth Libby Rehearsals were soon under After stirring rendition of the way with the Band and National Anthem, God Save the riday 6th February 2015 will stand out as a Pontarddulais Male Voice Choir, Queen and the National Song, major highlight for the start of our centennial in preparation to entertain a Hen Wlad Fy Nhadau, the Band year of celebrations. television audience of tens of marched off the pitch to the F millions. With the roof of the thunderous applause of the The Band of the Welsh Guards On arriving in an atmospheric stadium open, an emotional Millenium Stadium so the and members of the 1st Cardiff, the Band eagerly crowd awaited the start of the game could get under way. Battalion Welsh Guards awaited what lay ahead, match. Nothing could have participated in the spectacular especially as for some of the prepared the Band and choir The Band were honoured to opening of the 6 Nations newest members of the band for the crowd’s response when have been involved in such a Championship Rugby this was to be their first big the Band finally stepped out historic moment with the 1st Tournament between Wales stadium performance. LSgt into the electric atmosphere of Battalion Welsh Guards, shared and England at the Millennium Llewellyn and Musn Watt were the packed stadium. They by thousands of supporters, Stadium, Cardiff. whisked away from the needed no encouragement to Welsh and English alike.

1. During the spectacular opening of the 6 Nations Championship Rugby Tournament . 2. The Band at the Millennium Stadium, Cardiff.

“Nothing could have prepared the Band and choir for the crowd’s response when the Band finally stepped out into the electric

2 atmosphere of the packed stadium.”

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JORDAN, SHORT TERM TRAINING TEAM

1 Musn Natalie White he Band of the Welsh Guards were honoured to be the first ever Band to be invited to take up residence as a short term training team with the TJordanian Armed Forces (JAF) in September 2015. This was all down to the vision of our auspicious Director of Music, Lt Col Roberts.

In 2011, Lt Col Roberts was keen to take a whole band over selected to join the British to work with the JAF, and Military Advisory Team in the finally on the 3rd September Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan 2015, that dream was realised. to develop the musical capabilities of the Jordanian This project was to be tied in Armed Forces. Whilst there, he with the commemoration of redesigned the musical the 1916 Arab uprising, courses available, as well as consisting of major events teaching his revised courses to throughout the country, the Jordanian musicians. He endorsed by the King of 2 worked closely with Lt Col Jordan. Our main event was to Muhammad, a graduate from be our participation in a Kneller Hall, to achieve these held in front of changes and firmly establish a King Abdullah and his Royal more dynamic and robust musical syllabus. At the end of Court, a huge honour. As one two years Lt Col Roberts was of the finest Bands in the conscious that short term British Army, we also hoped to training teams of 5 or 6 would inspire and develop musical not have a significant impact skills by supporting and on the new systems created. encouraging the musicians of However, he was extremely the JAF to fulfil their potential. “For the females of the Band it was even more challenging as the ladies of the JAF had only been learning their instruments for a month prior to

3 our visit.”

38 BAND OF THE WELSH GUARDS WELSH GUARDS REGIMENTAL MAGAZINE BAND OF THE WELSH GUARDS

4 It was in the early hours on the LCpl Judd was in her element diplomats, at the British site of the Baptism of Jesus, 3rd September that the Band coaching the string orchestra, Embassy in Amman. Our with the majority of the Band landed at Queen Alia whilst many of the senior display was very well received visiting the Dead Sea and the International Airport. We were members of the Band had the by those who attended, the the ancient city of Petra, and greeted by Major Mathews, chance to conduct full band Band performing well despite rejuvenating ourselves before currently serving a two year sessions with the newly the hot conditions, our static the second week’s work posting with the JAF and a formed female Band. It was pieces 'Post Horn Gallop' and began. former Bandmaster of the very rewarding to watch the 'James Bond' proving determination and fast During our second week we Band of the Welsh Guards, who especially popular with the progress that many of the started rehearsals with the JAF was an informative host for our audience. Jordanian Musicians displayed massed bands towards our time in Amman. After two days in our coaching sessions, as The end of the first week saw main event, the Beating of acclimatisation, in which a well as a chance for the junior the Band taking time off to Retreat, to be held in the desert group from the Band took the members from the Band to explore the fascinating culture near Azraq. We would take part opportunity to visit the Amman lead coaching sessions, of Jordan. A small group visited in the massed bands finale, Citadel which comprised of enhancing their leadership the River Jordan, at the claimed which also included the some Roman ruins. We were skills immensely. At the end of keen to start our work with the our two weeks with the 1. Members of the Band at Amman Citadel. Jordanian musicians in their musicians we all felt a great 2. Rehearsing with members of the Jordanian Army. barracks on the outskirts of deal of satisfaction in the part 3. LCpl Lucy Judd rehearsing the Jordanian String Orchestra. Amman. we played to nurture these young musicians, as well as 4. The Band with Officers and members of the Jordanian Army during the official presentations before the parade in Azrak. On arrival, each member of the fostering deeper relations 5. Rehearsing with members of the Jordanian Army. Band was assigned a small between two very different class of musicians that we military cultures. would work with for the duration of our stay. We were Our first marching band tasked with bringing on the display took place during our technical abilities of our first week, and for many it was students, which was made their first encounter performing in Tunic and even more challenging with Bearskin in temperatures the language barrier. For the exceeding 38 degrees. females of the Band it was even more challenging as the We were very honoured to ladies of the JAF had only been perform a short display for the learning their instruments for a British Ambassador and his month prior to our visit. guests, including many 5

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1

Jordanian pipes and drums as familiar repertoire in a well as many of our students relatively small room at the JAF from the JAF bands. Rehearsals barracks, when all of a sudden ran very smoothly, this was several musicians from the JAF despite the fact that during one started to filter into the room. of the rehearsals a sand storm Totally absorbed by the music came in within minutes and which they were hearing, no everything halted as people translation of language was were running for cover, required as the smiles whether it be the bus or an beaming across their faces said aircraft hangar. However, the it all. The ensemble was Band continued to consistently rehearsing for a performance show off its fine drill and at the British Ambassador’s professionalism despite, the Residence, the following difficult desert conditions. evening, for guests at a business event. The Band’s Brass Quintet, led by LSgt Mercer, had been busy The main event of the tour rehearsing some new and began with a Presentation of 2

40 BAND OF THE WELSH GUARDS WELSH GUARDS REGIMENTAL MAGAZINE BAND OF THE WELSH GUARDS

Colours to three squadrons of Parade was reconvened half an fighter jets, in recognition of hour later and we marched their ongoing roles in the area. and splashed our way through We also had the chance to our display. A small but officially thank the officers in appreciative audience watched WELSH GUARDS Jordan for kindly hosting us as we executed a very and making our trip so professional marching display, CENTENARY CONCERT, memorable. The sound of before joining the massed helicopters heralded the arrival bands for a memorable end to ROYAL WELSH COLLEGE of King Abdullah to the parade the parade. The British OF MUSIC AND DRAMA ground, which was now full Ambassador then formally with a capacity crowd of thanked the Band for their part 7th March 2015 soldiers, dignitaries and our in the Retreat and commented Musn Natalie White friends the female band. on the positive impact the Band had made on the Jordanian First there was a Presentation Armed Forces during our two he Band of the Welsh Guards were honoured to of Colours to King Abdullah week residence. present a Centenary Concert to mark the formation of from the massed JAF bands the Welsh Guards Regiment. before the start of their display. The Band of the Welsh Guards T gained a huge amount from The newly built Dora Stotzker diverse sets of music. The Band However, all was to change as their time as a short term Hall at the Royal Welsh College enjoyed showing their the skies started to grow dark training team in Jordan. We of Music and Drama (RWCMD) versatility with both traditional and we were suddenly hit by a were extremely proud to act as provided a fitting backdrop for marches like Arms Park and freak downpour; the worst rain ambassadors for the British a concert that involved not just that had been seen in the the Rising of the Lark, to music Army, and to bring the music, but acting, poetry and desert for 20 years. We such as Where Eagles Dare and professionalism of the Bands song to evoke the proud watched as the monsoon rain Catskills. Wen of the to history of the youngest of the Gregson performed a stunning desecrated the parade ground the musicians of the Jordanian five Foot Guards . with a flash flood. Army. We hope that this is a arrangement of Benedictus by Unfortunately, the parade was precursor for other bands to Compered by Eddie Butler, Carl Jenkins to an enraptured then called off, King Abdullah follow in our footsteps and former Wales and British Lions hall, portraying the conflict deciding to depart, leaving a experience such a mutually rugby player, the concert gave section of the concert with small entourage behind. The beneficial experience both brass players from the RWCMD high emotion. Band were relieved when the musically and professionally. the chance to both play with the Band and open the concert Two musicians from the with a stunning piece for Brass College then performed a “Rehearsals ran very smoothly, this Ensemble, Processional. beautiful arrangement of Suo was despite the fact that during one Following this, the Band Gan for harp and voice, to the of the rehearsals a sand storm came in marched onto the stage delight of . playing The Welshman, Everyone stood for The Last resplendent in bearskins, within minutes and everything halted Post before the Band before sitting down to play our as people were running for cover.” performed their final piece, opening piece, Triumph, from Men of Harlech, a final address Day of the Dragon. by Eddie Butler drawing an Four young actors from the enjoyable evening to a close. College then interspersed our music with moving dialogue, The evening raised over weaving tales of honour, loss, £100000 in total for the Welsh conflict and friendship into our Guards Charitable funds. 1. During the Band’s marching display at Azrak 2. The Brass Quintet at the British Ambassador’s Official Residence, Amman.

BAND OF THE WELSH GUARDS 41 WELSH GUARDS REGIMENTAL MAGAZINE

DISTRIBUTION OF OFFICERS

DISTRIBUTION OF OFFICERS as at 1 January 2016

REGIMENTAL HEADQUARTERS Colonel-in-Chief Her Majesty The Queen Colonel of the Regiment His Royal Highness The Prince of Wales KG KT GCB OM AK QSO PC ADC Regimental Lieutenant Colonel Major General R J Æ Stanford MBE Regimental Adjutant Colonel (Retd) T C S Bonas Temporary Captain M J Wright Assistant Regimental Adjutant Major (Retd) F K Oultram Director of Music Lieutenant Colonel K F N Roberts MMus FLCM LRSM psm CAMUS 1st BATTALION Lieutenant Colonel G R Harris DSO MBE Commanding Officer Major T A Smith Second-in-Command Major J W Aldridge MBE Officer Commanding The Prince of Wales’s Company Major E S Mathieson Officer Commanding Number Two Company TBC Officer Commanding Number Three Company Major K Dawson Officer Commanding Headquarter Company Major A J H Dunlop Officer Commanding Support Company Major D W Pridmore Quartermaster Captain C H L Beare Adjutant Captain B J Figgures-Wilson Operations Officer Captain J P Marsden Regimental Signals Officer Captain A L Hughes Technical Quartermaster Captain D Luther Davies Officer Commanding Reconnaissance Platoon Captain A W Budge Officer Commanding Anti-Tank Platoon Captain M Butler IG Motor Transport Officer Captain N Grierson SG Unit Welfare Officer Captain A Campbell Regimental Careers Management Officer Captain T A G Evans Light Role Recce Commander’s Course Captain J J Jones Training Officer Lieutenant E J Clarke Second-in-Command The Prince of Wales’s Company Lieutenant O F Alsop Second-in-Command Number Two Company Lieutenant J R Farmelo Second-in-Command Number Three Company 2nd Lieutenant J F Z Martin Platoon Commander Number Two Company 2nd Lieutenant T R Campbell-Schofield Platoon Commander Number Two Company 2nd Lieutenant T W J Evans Platoon Commander The Prince of Wales’s Company 2nd Lieutenant J P Gill Platoon Commander The Prince of Wales’s Company 2nd Lieutenant M R C McNeill Love Platoon Commander Number Three Company 2nd Lieutenant J Lewis Platoon Commander Number Two Company 2nd Lieutenant G Elletson Platoon Commander – Number Two Company 2nd Lieutenant C Ross Platoon Commander – The Prince of Wales’s Company

42 DISTRIBUTION OF OFFICERS WELSH GUARDS REGIMENTAL MAGAZINE DISTRIBUTION OF OFFICERS

EXTRA REGIMENTALLY EMPLOYED Major General R H Talbot Rice Head, Armoured Vehicles Programme, Defence Eqpt & Sp Major General B J Bathurst CBE Royal College of Defence Studies Major General R J Æ Stanford MBE GOC Regional Command Colonel R H W St G Bodington LVO MBE Chief of Staff London District Colonel G A J Macintosh OBE Advisor Royal Jordan Army Lieutenant Colonel B P N Ramsay OBE Commanding Officer 2nd Infantry Training Battalion, Catterick Lieutenant Colonel G C G R Stone Commanding Officer ATR Grantham Lieutenant Colonel M Cooling Commander Episkopi Station Lieutenant Colonel D W N Bevan SO1 Capability, Directorate of Capability, Army HQ Lieutenant Colonel N Mott MBE Staff Quartermaster, ITC Catterick Lieutenant Colonel H G C Bettinson Military Assistant to Senior MOI Mentor, Kabul Lieutenant Colonel J D Salusbury SO1 Op SHADER, PJHQ Lieutenant Colonel M L Lewis Student ACSC Major C T Sargent MBE 2IC, 1 COLDM GDS Major E N Launders SO2 FGen Army, Operations Directorate, MOD Major H S Llewelyn-Usher SO2 CONTEST, Operations Directorate, MOD Major T J Badham MA to DComd, CJTF Kuwait Major A J Salusbury OC Senior Division, IBS Brecon Major J D Livesey MOD A Block Major N R K Moukarzel Military Strategic Plans, MOD Major T C S Spencer-Smith SO2 Def Pol, APC Glasgow Major C J P Davies ICSC (L) Major A F Bowen Desk Officer (S) PPD, Programme Development DIO Major G C F Charles-Jones British Advisory Training Team Jordan Captain C S N Fenton SO3 G3 Plans, Force Troops Command Captain E R Emlyn-Williams SO3 G7, Anti Tanks, Sp Wpns School, Warminster Captain J M Young SO3 J7 OP BACKWELL, Somalia Captain A L Major Adjutant ITC Sp Bn Captain T W J Hutton Extra Regimental Duty Captain E Birrell Resettlement Captain M Pollard MTO, 1RRF Captain A Plewa 2IC 160 (Wales), Personnel Recovery Unit Captain M J Wright Assistant Equerry to HRH The Prince of Wales Captain J O Dinwiddie 2IC Pathfinder Company, 16 Air Asslt Bde 2nd Lieutenant P Razzall Infantry Battle School, Brecon INFANTRY TRAINING CENTRE CATTERICK Captain A J N Smith Platoon Commander Lieutenant J Webster Platoon Commander

DISTRIBUTION OF OFFICERS 43 WELSH GUARDS REGIMENTAL MAGAZINE DISTRIBUTION OF WARRANT OFFICERS

DISTRIBUTION OF WARRANT OFFICERS AND BATTALION STAFF AS OF 1 JANUARY 2016

REGIMENTAL HEADQUARTERS Regimental Quartermaster Sergeant 25028703 WO2 SJ Boika

REGIMENTAL BAND Band Master 25085276 WO1 R Burton Band Sergeant Major 24710515 WO2 K Baily

1ST BATTALION Regimental Sergeant Major 25015807 WO1 P J Dunn Regimental Quartermaster Sergeant (Maint) 25040205 WO2 C Williams Regimental Quartermaster Sergeant (Tech) 25061898 WO2 M Ridgeway-Buckley Drill Sergeant 25007191 WO2 SG Bowen Drill Sergeant 25044310 WO2 D Morgan CSM The Prince of Wales’s Company 25088692 WO2 S Peters CSM Number Two Company 25105675 WO2 Owen CSM Number Three Company 25096596 WO2 A Griffiths CSM Headquarter Company 25038700 WO2 M Parry CSM Support Company 25106903 WO2 Davies CSMIM 25075959 WO2 J Geen Drum Major 25157883 Sgt R Johnson Machine Gun Platoon Commander 25062354 WO2 N S Lawman

EXTRA REGIMENTALLY EMPLOYED British Embassy Washington DC 24520588 WO1 Mott OBE MVO RSM Honourable Artillery Company 25026698 WO1 LM Ryan RSM (Designate) London Regiment 24921250 WO1 E Griffiths RSM SO3 Military Ceremonial 25050230 WO1 CA Taylor RQMS OPTAG 25036627 WO2 G Williams Drill Sergeant ATC Pirbright 25066690 WO2 A Davies Royal Military Academy Sandhurst 25067519 WO2 M Parry Regimental Recruiting Warrant Officer 25014288 WO1 M Topps

LONG SERVICE LIST ACIO Wrexham 24623898 WO2 Brace

44 DISTRIBUTION OF WARRANT OFFICERS WELSH GUARDS REGIMENTAL MAGAZINE

HONOURS AND AWARDS

COMMANDER OF THE ORDER OF THE Major General B J Bathurst

OFFICER OF THE ORDER OF THE BRITISH EMPIRE Lieutenant Colonel B P N Ramsay

MEMBER OF THE ORDER OF THE BRITISH EMPIRE Major J W Aldridge

MEMBER OF THE Lieutenant Colonel D W N Bevan

NATIONAL DE LA LEGION D’HONNEUR Arthur Bland 2WG Ray Cumbley 2WG

LONG SERVICE AND GOOD CONDUCT MEDAL 25048992 CSgt Lias 25102911 CSgt Young 25086085 Sgt K Jury 25118754 Sgt Vuevueika 25085915 Sgt Scarf 21170329 Cpl Gurung (REME)

HONOURS AND AWARDS 45 WELSH GUARDS REGIMENTAL MAGAZINE

TRAINING & OPERATIONS

number of different roles from EF 1: Multi-year Budgeting OP TORAL - BRITISH FORCES advising, mentoring, providing and Execution of Programs IN KABUL 2015 security across Kabul and EF 2: Transparency, flying. These forces are spread Accountability, and Oversight Capt E Birrell – ADC to MG Bathurst CBE across the city at three (prevent corruption) (SBMR A and Deputy Advisor to the Ministry of Interior) locations: Headquarters EF 3: Civilian Governance of Resolute Support Mission the ASI (ANSF as servants of n the 27 October 2014, newspapers reported that all (HQRS), the New Kabul the people) British Forces had conducted a ‘tactical withdrawal’ Compound (KNC), Hamid EF 4: Force Generation (recruit, Karzai International Airport from Camp Bastion in Helmand Province. The British train, and equip the force) Opublic’s general understanding of the situation was that (HKIA) and the Officer Academy EF 5: Sustainment (supply and the 13 year war had come to an end and all of our Armed maintenance) Forces had now left Afghanistan. (ANAOA). EF 6: Strategy and Policy HQRS is still the command Planning, Resourcing, and In fact, over 400 British troops ended and OP TORAL began. centre for all NATO involvement Execution (plan, resource remained in country in Afghanistan. NATO forces At present the NATO campaigns) supporting the NATO have split their efforts in Headquarters is commanded EF 7: Intelligence Afghanistan into the five Train Headquarters in Kabul. The 1 by General John Campbell (US Advise Assist Commands EF 8: Strategic Communication December 2014 saw the Army) and is situated within (TAACs) or ‘spokes’: TAAC North, change of ISAF mission from the Green Zone in the north of These eight areas provide the TAAC South, TAAC East, TAAC Enduring Freedom to the Kabul, neighbouring on a framework and guidelines that West and TAAC Central. The Resolute Support Mission, number of different embassies will enable Afghanistan and its Resolute Support (RS) mission bringing with it the agreed as well as the Afghan security forces to sustain their has moved away totally from drawdown of coalition forces Presidential Palace. British efforts and guide Afghanistan the combat role and focuses from across the country. Or in forces currently deployed in hopefully into a brighter exclusively on the training, British terms, OP HERRICK Afghanistan are conducting a future. advising, assisting and development of the Afghan Coalition forces have “By 2016 the plan is to have moved National Security Forces established themselves on the away from a mentoring role (being (ANSF). The mission focuses it’s north side of the HKIA, sharing efforts on eight key areas, the main runway with the proactive in giving advice) and called "Essential Functions" commercial planes (Turkish downsized to an advising role.” or EFs. They are: Airlines and Emirates being the

46 TRAINING & OPERATIONS WELSH GUARDS REGIMENTAL MAGAZINE TRAINING & OPERATIONS

two biggest). This is the entry cadets and those Afghans and exit point for transiting training them will be of the British Forces as well as the highest quality, helping to location of the British National sustain the progress made in Support Element (NSE) and building a capable and TORAL Aviation Detachment professional military force after (TAD). the transition of security responsibility to the Afghan The 1 April 2015 saw the RAF government. By 2016 the plan Chinook force make its last is to have moved away from a flight in Afghanistan, having mentoring role (being flown over 41,000 hours and proactive in giving advice) and extracted 13,000 casualties downsized to an advising role over 13 years. The upgraded (waiting for the Afghan Puma 2 took over the British instructor to ask for advice). flying task in Kabul, making its operational debut. The TAD is a The Kabul Security Force (KSF) key asset to the Resolute at New Kabul Compound (NKC) Support Mission, flying up to is made up of British, 10 hours every day American, Danish, Australian Flying over the city of Kabul. transporting personnel (can be and Mongolian troops up to 2,400 pax in one month) commanded by a British 2015 agreed to keep 10,000 With this decision by the and equipment around the Brigadier. The KSF is troops in Afghanistan until the Americans and a British 2* (Lt city, ensuring all routine responsible for the security of end of 2016. This decision Gen Tim Radford DSO, OBE) movement is kept off the all Resolute Support mission followed a successful visit to taking over the role of Deputy roads. The withdrawal of all personnel in Kabul, providing the US by Afghan President Commander to the Resolute the ground holding American force protection and guardian Ghani who argued the point Support Mission, there is likely forces, that had surrounded angels, improving the Afghan home that with $60bn to be a British forces presence Kabul in a ‘ring of steel’, has Security Forces’ command and (£40.37bn) having been up until 2016. This will be in the seen a significant rise in the control within the city and invested in his country's form of a small support team number of complex attacks, providing response and military so far, a slower (NSE), possible helicopter roadside bombs and vehicle- consequence management withdrawal would allow assets and advisors based out borne improvised explosive when needed. The Kabul Afghan forces to be better of HQRS and ANAOA as well as devices (VBIEDs) within the city. Protection Unit (KPU) sits trained, equipped and ready to Special Forces advising Afghan within the command chain of Located in Camp Qargha at run the country themselves. Special Operations. the KSF, a British force that ANAOA on the north-eastern consists of a battalion outskirts of Kabul, there are headquarters and one rifle around 70 British officers and company. The KPU utilises the NCOs working alongside Foxhound armored vehicle coalition partners from around the streets of Kabul to , , provide force protection and Denmark and Norway. British guardian angels for the NATO forces are mentoring, assisting advisors as well as a QRF for and advising Afghan the Resolute Support Mission in instructors to run courses and around Kabul. based around the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst The future and numbers of model, designed to teach British forces in Afghanistan is Afghan National Army (ANA) likely to follow that of the officers key leadership and Americans. Despite President tactical skills over 42 weeks, Obama promising to cut the US split into three terms. This will troop presence to 5,500 by the help ensure the Afghan officer end of 2015, the US in early A puma coming into land at ANOA.

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BATTALION SPORTS

1

the squad wish him well as are welcome additions to the WELSH GUARDS RUGBY one of the most successful Squad….we have ‘missed’ Maj Darren Pridmore, Quartermaster Welsh Guards coaches with seeing any officers in the Rugby Officer, 2014/15 two Army Cup wins under his squad for many seasons. belt. But we have also gained some his has been a difficult season for the Bn and my The season has had its ups and real stars in the making; Gdsm second stint as Rugby officer, the first being in downs with many players and Wright, Meredith and Pugh 2012/13 when we won the Army Cup, it has been an T our head coach leaving, the have been real finds, LSgt elusive chase since. coaching gap was very quickly Matty Dwyer continues to impress with the and I took over from Maj Alun on my return to the Bn in filled by Capt Andy Campbell, Gdsm Gavin Bilton has signed Bowen on his return from March 2014 I took over from who stepped in to the gap left for the Ravens. Afghanistan in 2012 but I was Capt Brian Baldwin, who had by Brian and he took the team posted just after the win in ably held the reins for the year I through the Quarter and Semi We have had our end of season April 13, so only spent a short was away. This freed Brian up Finals, a challenge he rose to dinner where we presented time with the squad for my to focus on being head coach immediately, already coaching several awards to both players first ‘term’ as Rugby Officer. and take us in to the 2014/15 the Army A and Under 23 sides and management; Capt Andy season, hungry for a famous and his civilian club in Campbell, CSgt Dai Scarf, CSgt But I had the taste for it and I 14th win and in our Centenary Chobham. We said goodbye to Dai Lewis and Maj Andy was already managing the year. That sadly was not to be, many established players, LSgt Infantry Rugby Squad, which I reaching the Semi Final and Steve George, LSgt John continue to do with the losing to a well-drilled Royal Sanigar, and Gdsm Scott addition of the newly formed Welsh side. Walters to name a few, they are Household Division RFC (in our sadly missed and the positions first game against , 13 It also signalled the departure Welsh Guardsmen represented of Brian who has left the Welsh they left are hard to fill. We the HDiv in a squad of 25!), so Guards for pastures new and welcomed back Maj Andy Dunlop from a two year absence in America and to a “...we have ‘missed’ seeing any officers few other Officers, Lt Oscar in the squad for many seasons.” Alsop and James Martin, who 2

48 BATTALION SPORTS WELSH GUARDS REGIMENTAL MAGAZINE BATTALION SPORTS

3 4 5 6

7 8 9 10

Dunlop all received Caps for The players’ player was LCpl also won the Prince Of Wales their significant service to Coy who was simply Cup, after I re-instated it after a Welsh Guards Rugby. magnificent all season, he has gap of almost 16 years. We made a massive impact on the used it to select players from The Clubman of the year was field in every game he has across the Division for the WOII (CSM) Dai Davies 03 played in, he is very modest newly formed Household whose support behind the and humble, but ferocious with Division RFC. As I have said scenes has been immense, ball in hand. The coach’s player above, 13 players represented without his commitment we was Gdsm Bilton, who this new team against the would not have been able to skippered the side throughout Rifles. We have also started turn out with style…he takes the season; he has also been actively competing in 7’s 1. The 2015/16 Squad care of all the kit, equipment, selected for the Army Squad in competitions around the 2. Some of the Old and Bold feeding and Nif-Naf and trivia the International Defence country and beat the South at the , in that all clubs have to deal with, the New Centenary Strip World Cup so will hopefully Wales Police at the Cardiff Arms he is my right hand man! 3. Maj Dunlop join the growing list of Army Park when we played for the 4. Capt Campbell The most improved player was Cap wearing Welsh ‘Falcon Dragon’ Trophy in Gdsm Pugh, who we Guardsmen in the near future. Memory of LCpl Dane Elson, an 5. CSgt Lewis 6. CSgt Scarf discovered playing in the ‘300 As I said at the start, this has annual fixture since 2010. We Cup’, he has been a fantastic now look forward to the 2015/16 7. Gdsm Bilton, Coaches been a difficult season but with Player of the Year find and was exactly what some success, we won the season with a renewed hunger, 8. Gdsm Pugh, ‘300’ had in mind when he Nanuki 10’s competition in a new coach and new players, Most Improved Player presented the trophy….. new Kenya. This was after a six we could still win the Army Cup 9. CSM Davies 03, talent spotted in competitive week exercise, no mean feat in our Centenary year, as it is still Clubman of the Year inter company rugby. for a tired group of players. We the 2015/16 season after all!!!! 10. LCpl Coy, The Players’ Player

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were soon put through their for additional training and WELSH GUARDS BOXING paces working hard on skills, expertise came in the shape of Captain Butler, Boxing Officer techniques, fitness, controlled Turners Boxing Club. This local aggression with complete club based in Camberley t was very clear on arrival at the Battalion that there commitment. What was even provided boxers and coaches was plenty of appetite for boxing. Routinely Gdsm more impressive is that training with knowledge, experience punching the bag and working each other hard on the took part on an evening after and competitive edge. Turners work each day concurrently Ipads around the gym floor every day. Boxing Club gave the Gdsm an with preparations for the opportunity to socialise and Queen’s Birthday Parade. engage with the wider All those interested in boxing CSgt Derren and CSgt Young community. Turners coaches, were asked to assemble in the got to work quick and soon we Progress and momentum was staff, boxers and their families NAAFI to help assess the had those with previous gaining; we needed something had huge admiration for the possibility of reviving Welsh experience away on their Level to work towards, Inter Company Competition soon lads and were very impressed Guards Boxing. We were all 1 Coaching Course in became our focus. watching them on TV Trooping pleasantly surprised by the Hounslow, courtesy of the the Colour. number of Gdsm that had Micks. Those who were keen to Due to the pace of life, some turned up. learn the old art of combat boxers missed training. A need The Inter Company Boxing was

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soon upon us. Newly He was Master of Ceremonies supporters. More importantly, appointed RAPTC SSgt Rogers for the evening and ensured each boxer delivered a immediately got to work with that everything would be performance to be proud of preparing the gym for the executed in fine Welsh Guards and left the ring with their event. He excelled himself; he tradition. head held high. ensured his wealth of The preliminary bouts Number 3 Company were experience was put to good produced some great results triumphant on the evening. use by creating the perfect and the boxers demonstrated Gdsm Thomas POW Company environment for a great night great technique and skill; the was the rightful winner of The of boxing. Dr Siddiqui had bar was set high. Jenkins Cup. The Jenkins Cup is worked hard to ensure each awarded to the boxer deemed “Cometh the hour, boxer was safe to box and to be the best on the night. The cometh the man.” provided us with excellent award for best coach was “The preliminary medical care throughout the On the evening an electric given to Gdsm Dennis Number competition. bouts produced atmosphere was created by 3 Company. His hard work and No sooner had the Queen’s the performances of the Welsh commitment was very some great Birthday Parade finished; Drill Guards Choir and Drums. The impressive. His constant drive Sgt Morgan had rolled up his supporters of each boxer could and enthusiasm rubbed off on results and sleeves and got stuck in. He be heard at Brookwood Train his Company’s boxers. Station. Each boxer had added plenty of weight behind Huge thanks goes LSgt Lucas the boxers confirmed his place in the final the event and gave us all that and Gdsm Harding Sp Coy for and was hungry for victory. demonstrated extra drive. His passion and organising the attendance of Each bout was a display of expert eye for detail provided our guest Andrew Selby. Gdsm sheer guts, determination and great technique us with quality assurance. If Harding promoted the evening fighting spirit. and skill; the bar this was not enough expertise, to such an extent, Andrew was we were soon joined by the The boxers had impressed all willing to take timeout from his was set high.” Regimental Sergeant Major. the officials, guests and training to attend the event.

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1

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So impressed with the effort and commitment of the team, ISS have agreed to sponsor Welsh Guards boxing. We are grateful for the support given to us by Paul Stevens and his team from ISS on the evening. Their service and contribution was much appreciated by all. 3 4 1WG boxing is back. Hard work, passion and commitment from coaches and admin support have made it all possible. The last word must go to all the boxers. They have demonstrated real grit, heart, determination and bravery. It is very fitting that during a year of celebration for the Regiment’s Centenary, the boxers displayed passion, pride and true Welsh Guards fighting spirit. Captain Butler Boxing Officer

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1. The pain train is approaching the station 2. Commanding Officer presentation to Andrew Selby, current British and European Amateur Champion. 3. Guardsman Adamson, Lightweight 4. Guardsman George, Light Welterweight 5. LSgt Evans, Welterweight 6. Gdsm Hemmings, Middleweight 7. Gdsm Campbell, Light Heavyweight 8. LCpl Harris, Heavyweight 9. Gdsm Thomas, Super Heavyweight 9

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The Welsh Guards Football Team 2015 1 WELSH GUARDS FOOTBALL WELSH GUARDS POLO BATTALION FOOTBALL TEAM 2014-15 SEASON Maj Christopher Davies Captain A Hughes uch was the enthusiasm for polo at the end of last season that we decided we could not wait the fter an extremely successful 2013-14 season, seven months for this summer’s polo season. Plans were winning the LONDIST League, Cup and six aside Stherefore made to carry on playing over the winter season. competitions, the Battalion’s football team has had a Atransitional year, welcoming new players to the squad. This took the form of arena Cup. The team was Maj Gen polo which is played in a much Talbot Rice, Maj Tom Parsons, The team has continued to be hard fought, but played within smaller space, enclosed by Maj Chris Davies and Capt coached by Sgt Wilks, LSgt the spirit of the Household walls and on an earth, rather James Marsden. We won our than grass, surface. The ball is first silverware in recent years Cunningham and Gdsm Division, 2-2 after full time with also much larger. Arena polo as Division III victors. This was Woodman. goals from LSgt Parfitt and LCpl gave us the opportunity to an excellent start to the season Broome, the game went to The football team was entered keep improving our skills over however it was followed by a into 3 competitions - Infantry extra time with both sides the winter months and to set lull as our key players were cup, LONDIST League and Cup, having the opportunity to win ourselves up well for the first pulled away on other due to a lack of pre season the game, however after a military tournament of the commitments. This was training and the deployment to tense 30 minutes the game season, the Cup. particularly evident when we Kenya, the team was narrowly ended in a draw. The final of were unable to field a team for As well as arena polo Capt Alex beaten by 2 Royal Anglian on a was decided on penalties with the Captains’ and Subalterns’ Major and I decided to spend wind swept pitch at RAF tournament, which is our main the winning 5-4. our Easter holidays in the Cottismore, home advantage focus each year. Nevertheless mecca of polo – Argentina. certainly played its part. The league competition went we rallied towards the end of down to the last game of the It was a fantastic insight into the season and took part in The team grew in confidence season. After the how fast and skilfully polo can several matches over the final throughout the early part of disappointment of losing a be played, given that most of bank holiday weekend of the season picking up victories close final, the team had picked the local players we joined in August. in the league and cup themselves up and were with had been playing the competitions against strong Our first match that weekend game for many years. sides from the Coldstream and confident going into the game, was on Sun 30 Aug at Guards Unfortunately we didn’t return Irish Guards, progressing to the opportunity for revenge Polo Club, the home of British as semi-pros but we were even the final of the LONDIST Cup against the Irish Guards polo. The match was arranged more enthused than before. where we were pitted against inspired the team to a 2-1 on the occasion of the Major a strong Irish Guards side, as victory with goals from LCpl The first tournament of the General’s Cup, a civilian you would expect the final was Broome. season was the Royal Artillery tournament at the club.

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As part of Guards Polo Club’s matches over the last few chukkas each were played. for the next few years is to intent to strengthen the links years. General Sir Redmond Unfortunately the team lost to develop our pool of players. with its roots it generously Watt, as Chairman of Army the but The main way to do this is to offered to host a match Polo, presented the prizes at succeeded in winning against play in tournaments. There are between a the end. It is hoped that this the Adjutant General’s Corps. plans afoot to entice a sponsor team and a Foot Guards team. fixture will now take place each Once again there was which will make playing in The Foot Guards team wore year although there is scope tremendous support from more tournaments a likelier the Welsh Guards colours and next year for more teams, friends and families. prospect. In the meantime we consisted of a squad of five generated through individual will carry on encouraging They key to the continued Welsh Guards and one Irish Foot Guards teams. members of the Battalion to Guardsman, Lt Mossie success of the club is to ensure take up and to play a sport Hamilton. The Welsh Guards The following day, on the Bank that we improve our current renowned for skill, courage players were Maj Henry Holiday Monday, a squad of players and introduce new and teamwork. Llewellyn-Usher, Maj Chris Welsh Guards players ones to the game. Ideally we Davies, Capt James Marsden, consisting of those who played would also recruit someone the day before as well as the who can already play the game 1. Royal Artillery Cup, Division III Capt Alex Major and Gdsm winners: Maj Gen Talbot Rice, Mark Thomas. Although we Commanding Officer, well. This year Colour Sergeant Maj Chris Davies, Maj Tom lost to a strong Household descended on Tidworth Polo Deren attended a beginners’ Parsons, Capt James Marsden. Cavalry team it was a great Club for the Adjutant General’s course, supported by the 2. Adjutant General’s Corps Cup: occasion which saw our Corps Cup. Despite the Regiment, and Maj Henry Capt James Marsden, Capt Alex Major, Maj Henry supporters numbering in the miserable weather play went Llewelyn-Usher independently Llewelyn-Usher and Gdsm fifties – a record for any of our ahead and two matches of two took up the sport. The ambition Mark Thomas exiting the field.

“They key to the continued success of the club is to ensure that we improve our current players and introduce new ones to the game.”

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a strong start with LSgt Anderson and Sgt Brereton striking up an excellent partnership only for LSgt Anderson to lose his to a speedy yorker from the Adjutant. Now came for the moment that both sides were waiting for. With a change in bowling attack and the arrival of the new batsmen at the crease, both sides could hardly believe their luck. Cap handed to the , the Commanding Officer marked his run up just as at the other 1 end, a “middle please” boomed punditry like only the great from the Sarn’t Major. Lasting WELSH GUARDS CRICKET Richie Benaud could. several overs of spin at one OFFICERS v OTHER RANKS MATCH end and pace at the other, the With the coin toss conducted Sarn’t Major looked Lt E J Clarke and the Adjutant, Captain C comfortable until on the n Wednesday 17 June the fearsome Officer’s Mess Beare, choosing to bat, the Commanding Officers final Other Ranks side took to the Cricket Team took to the field against a highly over, the wicket-keeper, field and began an admirable competitive if not slightly nervous Other Ranks side. Captain M Wright, started to O uphill struggle against a quiz the batsmen on a number competent, assured and With the Queen’s Birthday for the big match day and that of trivial matters, hoping to relaxed Officer’s Mess batting exploit a lack in concentration. Parade now complete; the the provision of food was up to line up. With Captain M Foster Sure enough, the Commanding camaraderie, teamwork and the very highest of Cricketing cruising to a glorious half Officer capitalised and the bails bond developed between the standards. With the sun the remaining Officers flew off, marking the end of Sarn’t Major and the Ensign shining, a superb spread ready relaxed and enjoyed the sun. the battle all had come to see. for tea and a bar established was very much cast aside as However, as Captain M Wright The Other Ranks concluded by WO1 I Milton - our ‘man on the day dawned and both regaled stories of his their innings at 154, an the inside’ with Pirbright CC - teams realised the sheer ‘Bradmanesque’ glory days, impressive tally against the there was only one thing magnitude of what was at Sgt Brereton upped the ante might of the Officer’s Mess. lacking. Stepping in to the void stake. with a series of superb , came the Battalion Second-in- Thanks must go to WO1 I causing great angst on the LCpl Kuchu and LSgt Anderson Command, Major T Parsons, Milton of Pirbright CC for boundary. Batting through to of HQ Company, with the help who with microphone and allowing us the use of his clubs number ten and through all of the RCWO, worked tirelessly amplifier managed to balance excellent facilities and also to twenty overs the Officer’s Mess to ensure that all was in place commentary, analysis and the RCWO for the provision of retired to tea with a perfectly the match tea. It was the first acceptable 175 on the board. “...the Sarn’t Major looked comfortable of, I hope, many annual Cricket until on the Commanding Officers final over, Following on from a veritable games to be played within the the wicket-keeper, Captain M Wright, started feast, it was the Other Ranks Battalion, but for now, the turn to relax in the sunshine as trophy is kept safe in the to quiz the batsmen on a number of trivial the Officer’s Mess took to the Officer’s Mess. The neutrality of matters, hoping to exploit a lack in field. With a very strong run the author ends here when I concentration.” rate, the Other Ranks ensured say, “long may it stay there”.

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WELSH GUARDS MOTORSPORTS CSgt D T Hughes

his year has been a great year for the Welsh Guards, we have now grown and branched out to include Track Racing under our Motorsports umbrella. The Enduro Team have been Tbusy with numerous training days, overseas tours and races.

The initial part of the year saw the Expert Class, CSgt Scarf and us searching for sponsors and Hughes both riding well in the deals on tyres and equipment, Clubman. It was also nice to many retailers offered to help see some friendly faces as we and we decided to start our put our bodies and bikes season with Endurotyres.com 2 through the tough event. and Off Road Only as our main Battalion support always sponsors. We have also been makes us ride faster and is lucky enough to receive always welcome. sponsorship from Rip’n’Roll goggles and Dave Clarke Later in the year the team Racing. hosted all of the Army Enduro Teams at Rogershill raceway, With the team now reunited this is a first for any Infantry and moved to our new camp in Team. We were lucky enough Pirbright, we set up shop in the to have World Championship garages kindly provided by the Rider Daryl Bolter on board to Sergeant’s Mess, although help with suspension set up leaky they have given us a hub and some coaching. A great to which we can condition our day was had by all and we are bikes pre and post racing. It looking forward to hosting also gave us a secure location more events like it. to store bikes and equipment. This year’s Welsh Two Day 3 We received a new edition to Enduro was held in the the team; LSgt Divers began summer in mid Wales. The the switch from road bike team entered 3 Welsh Guards riding to the world of Enduro. riders and also invited Dinger His first real attempt was our Pring from the 22 SAS team to Over seas trip to Spain. Since race with us. A legend in the SF Spain he has come along way. world and the longest serving He did however provide a soldier in the SAS at the age of spectacular crash for the 55 he joined the team and did families to see on the Family us proud as we battled Day this summer. through 2 days of riding. The The team has been involved in link between the Pilgrims and numerous races this year; all of TeamWG remains strong and our riders have progressed we look forward to riding with from Sportsman to Clubman them in the future. and are now riding at a much Also worth mentioning this 4 more competitive level. Our year was the team success in first event of the season was the Dawn Till Dusk 24 hr the RAF Ardura, with a slight Enduro, held in Walters Arena, advantage from helping set up South Wales. We entered a 3 1. Both teams at the end. the track, 3 of our riders man team into the 24 hr and 2. The winning team captain (Captain Charlie Beare) entered and all finished in the also Sgt Simons entered the receives the trophy from the CO (also his team mate!). top 5 of their class. Sgt Simons 6Hr Iron man. A long hard 24 3. The winning team (Officers’ Mess). rode very well in his debut in hours saw some broken bits of 4. A scene of action on the Pirbright Village Cricket Pitch.

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bike. Luckily, Mr Mike Scarf, The newly formed Track Racing father of CSgt and former LSgt Team is doing well in its early Scarf were on hand to fix, fuel days of formation, Sgt Evans 36 and repair the bikes, also on and LCpl Evans 08 are flying hand to provide the sought the Welsh Guards flag high at after Scarf Spag Bol. The Team track race events and training finished 4th in the 24Hr, a days around the UK. In its early great achievement, pushing us days they are hoping the team up 11 places on last year’s can grow and get more riders/ standings. Sgt Simons finished support on board for their first 9th in his class, still fighting an full season next year. injured hand. Next season will be a busy one Sgt Simons also entered the for both teams with the Track famous Natterjack Enduro, run Racing playing a key part in the by Team REME, this event Army Endurance Team race forms one of the British Enduro series and the Enduro Team Championship Rounds. A Hopefully, competing in every tough 2 day event, riding the round of the British Enduro sandy area of Bordon. He did Championships, we will also be us proud managing to finish in moving our overseas tour from the top third of his class. The Spain to Romania in the team looks forward to hopeful build up to attending competing in all 8 round of the Red Bull Romaniacs in the BEC next year. forthcoming years. We are always looking for more riders With the Army Championships and would like to get some on the horizon, we are still younger riders involved. conducting training most 1 Anyone interested in riding or Wednesday afternoon’s when supporting, please get in touch work permits, Capt (retd) Ray with CSgt Hughes or CSgt Scarf. Warwick from defence estates has kindly allowed us use of As ever, the teams are very the off road driver training grateful for all the support we area. We will enter 4 riders into receive, not only from Battalion this year’s race, hopefully Headquarters, the MT and the coming away with the top Quartermaster but also from infantry riders award. As we the chain of command; always push hard to get more riders freeing our riders from duties involved, not only in battalion where possible, to allow us the but across the Infantry, the time to train and race. We look news is spreading fast with forward to our next season riders from ITC Catterick and and to continue to be the best the Irish Guards both joining us Infantry Enduro Team in the for training days. British Army.

1. The End of the 24 Hr CSgt Scarf, CSgt Hughes and Former LSgt Scarf enjoying a well earnt beer. 2. Sgt Simons and CSgt Hughes bring the team over the finish line at the 24 HR. 3. Dinger Pring, former LSgt Scarf, CSgt Hughes and CSgt Scarf on the start line, Welsh Two Day. 4. CSgt Hughes, Calm before the storm before the 24Hr. Note TeamWg Graphics. 5. Welsh Guards Open Day . 6. Sgt Evans 36 with brother LCpl Evans 08 training for their first full season next year. 2

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truth be told, if it had not been to busy work commitments, I WELSH GUARDS for CSgt Hughes’ hard work, think that’s what made it all the EX ENDURO 100 - SPAIN this trip would not have taken more exhilarating. flight. CSgt Scarf Having landed in Spain, we With the go ahead from the were met by one of our hosts, ith the remainder of the Battalion deep into the Battalion Second in Command, Kaz, who provided us with a we started planning but also quick brief and some good planning for the year’s WG100 events, the 1WG decided to open the trip up chuckles on the way to the Enduro Team sat down and planned an overseas trip. With W and ask if any other service hotel. The hotel was nice and it a few options on the table, we went with the package that riders wanted to attend at their was located in the heart of a we considered suited this year’s riding the best. own unit’s cost. Out of all the town called Mijas in southern service teams we asked, there Spain. First thing was first it’s We knew basics done well are We chose the Adventure Rider was surprisingly little interest always nice to be riding the difference between Centre (ARC) based in Malaga, as it was such short notice. But, someone’s bike with no worry finishing and not finishing a Spain for our annual training race. With a relative novice exercise. ARC came high up on with all that said, we ended up of damaging it and the follow joining the team (LSgt Divers the lists of recommends from with two extra riders on the up costs. So it was to ARC’s HQ POW’s Coy), we knew we had other service teams who had trip, Cpl Jonny White (RAF) and where we could pick from a to set the training at a level used them, so without delay former LSgt Christopher Scarf. brand new range of top spec Husqvarna motorcycles. With that would enhance the skills CSgt Dean Hughes started the Sat in the airport terminal on all of us riding different sized of the more experienced riders process of applying for funds the 6th April was exciting to bikes in the UK, this was an but not make it too hard for the and everything else that comes say the least. We had to keep ideal opportunity for us to try less experienced among us. with an overseas exercise. If telling ourselves that it was not different sizes than what we a dream and there was no way were used to, which was a real it could be taken from us at “As we upped the tempo throughout challenge in itself. the day, it became increasingly that point. With our years served ranging from 10 to 16 On the first day riding, Baz our frustrating when the back tyre years, trips such as one like this instructor, asked us what we would not give you the grip.” are few and far between due would like to do. Choices were

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2 take it easy, find some upright and on two wheels. minds the conversation over In summary, after serving challenging stuff or go full out The bikes were performing dinner was dramatically less many years in the Welsh extreme! As it was our first day brilliantly, however there was then the night before. Guards I have only a handful of and with a varying degree of one drawback. Because the times been on a such Our final day was met with abilities among us, we decided bikes were covering such a rewarding trip, and it has to be both joy and anticipation, Baz to go for the middle option of vast amount of miles per day said without the support of the was taking us to some extreme the three, hard but not so hard ARC could not put normal off Battalion the Welsh Guards hills and terrain some of which that we would not enjoy the road tyres on their bikes as Enduro Team would not be other service riders had failed first day. We covered around they just would not last. So the able to function let alone go on to get up or complete, this was 100 miles on the first day with rear tyres fitted to our hire a training camp like this. With our bragging right the next the weather being kind to us bikes were more suited to an the team going to Wales for time we met them. I just and not soaking us in sun all on the road bike that some big events in 2015, this remember standing at the day but with warm overcast sometimes goes off road. Not would only bolster the stories bottom of some hills thinking conditions akin to the UK. After at all what we are used to we tell the young men that we how on God’s green earth was speak to of the sporting 10+ hours riding, as we got fitting to our bikes back home. I getting the bike and myself to opportunities within the Welsh back to ARC’s HQ we were a As we upped the tempo the top. In the end we just Guards. little fatigued to say the least, throughout the day, it became stopped looking at the hill for With the bikes cleaned and increasingly frustrating when any length of time and hit it flat serviced by the staff, we had the back tyre would not give out, hoping for the best, such very little to do which was you the grip we were used to were the size and complexity unusual and hard to get used on our bikes back home. We of some of the hills presented to over the three days. So back found ourselves looking at hills we would fly up normally but before us. After a long hard to the hotel for some dinner forgetting the tyre we had on day we were all in agreement and a good night’s sleep. the back was not that good, we this day would rule them all. So, Day 2 started with the weather often struggled. With the end back to ARC HQ where awaiting 1. The Team of Teams . being the same as day one and of day two upon us, this was us was a cold beer and a well 2. From left to right – CSgt Scarf, CSgt Hughes, us upping the technical ability no picnic/sightseeing tour, done from our instructor on a LSgt Divers, Cpl White, needed to keep yourself with battered bodies and well fought, hard day. Sgt Simons, LSgt Scarf (Ret).

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1. As the days got harder, teamwork became more vital. 2. LSgt Divers (POW’s Coy) gets by with a little help form his friends. 3. LSgt Scarf making his way up to a nasty hill that everyone else managed to get up. 4. CSgt Scarf looking for a less challenging way down. 3

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WELSH GUARDS SEA FISHING Sgt N Hemmings

n July the Welsh Guards Sea Fishing Team headed down to sunny (but very windy) Browndown Camp, near Portsmouth. The team spent an excellent week shore Iand boat fishing, all brilliantly organised by LSgt Davies 65.

After battling the elements we trip which enabled myself and managed to pitch our tents on 7 others to set sail in calm and the Monday morning and sunny weather and push out begin the shore part of our past the Isle of Wight and into fishing competition the Channel. We were a lot immediately. The shore more successful this trip due to competition (who can catch the access to deeper water and the biggest fish from the LCpl Okeke drawing in the beach) ran over the course of 2 fishes for 7 hours straight by days with most people fishing not being able to hold down through the nights in order to his breakfast! The day finished make the most of the tides. off on an exciting climax with There were a number of different species caught but myself clinching a win in the the competition resulted in Biggest Boat Fish Competition RSM Dunn catching the by hooking a 15 pound winning fish (a 4 pound underlet ray. smooth hound) and myself The Welsh Guards Sea Fishing 1 again blanking, Club has had a particularly On Tuesday, the first half of the competitive year, with Gdsm group went off on the first Collins and Gdsm Foley chosen boat trip from Portsmouth and to represent the Battalion and spent the day in the Solent. the Army in a Tri-service fishing Choppy waters resulted in a competition that was held in poor catch for the boat but August. The Sea Fishing Club is Gdsm Adams still managed to growing every year with more pull in a 13 pound conger eel and more keen anglers signing and set the bar for the biggest up to take part in the trips. 1. RSM P Dunn ‘Size isn’t everything!’ boat fish competition. There is even a plan afoot to 2. Sgt N Hemmings The conditions were much try and find some off finally catches himself better for the Thursday boat New Haven next year. a stingray 2

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HDSA Yacht Gladeye. The trip was interesting as they spent two thirds of the crossing to France in fog, which sharpened everybody’s minds to the task in hand. The return leg was a very fast run back and allowed the Guardsmen to experience the exhilaration of sailing across the channel and seeing the bright lights of the Isle of Wight rise up from the horizon.

The second adventure was to Gibraltar with Support Company. This had all good intentions to sail to Spain and transit around the Mediterranean. However, this was scuppered by the Spanish police who decided to infringe The sailing team’s mascot, Darcey, surveys the competition in the Household Division Regatta in Seaview. the waters of Gibraltar, as a result confining the yacht to entered one boat skippered by Sovereign waters. This WELSH GUARDS SAILING Capt. Figgures-Wilson with a however was not a great issue, Capt Ben Figgure-Wilson very competitive crew of Maj the skipper worked the crew Aldridge and 2Lt Evans. The hard and by the end they were keen eye for wind from Maj ailing for the Welsh has never been a national sport a very capable team who knew Aldridge allowed the skipper to despite having a very significant coastline. I suppose how to handle the very fast make some slightly bold Élan 37, in all types of wind. the only place to go would be Ireland so the enthusiasm tactical calls that resulted at The trip has enthused a Sand success of the Welsh Guards sailing team in 2015 can the end of the day with the nucleus of young members of only be commended. crew being 1st equal on points the Battalion and hopefully this with the HCR boat. The annual Divisional Regatta to get young Guardsmen Unfortunately, due to the will be built on and held in Seaview unfortunately involved in sailing and show racing rules, we were not encouraged by all. was during post troop leave them how to have a fun time presented with the Princess The aim for 2016 is for the on the water. Elizabeth Cup. Next year, this year and as a result the team to enter the Household however, the hope is to enter Battalion entered only two The second Regatta entered Division events, look towards another one or two boats and helmsmen and had the crew was the Household Division the Combat Arms Sailing ensure we win the Cup. made up from HCMR troopers. Yacht Club Rally. This is an Regatta and the Army Offshore Despite this handicap the two annual event hosted by the The Club has also facilitated a Regatta. The main drive will be Helmsmen came second and HDYC in Cowes and is a very couple of WG100 legs. The to get young members of the third out of seven boats. This well run and competitive Prince of Wales’s Company Battalion qualified to lead regatta is really the key event weekend. The Welsh Guards crossed the Channel in the expeditions in the offshore “The return leg was a very fast run back side. This will hopefully allow more involvement by the wider and allowed the Guardsmen to experience the Battalion and may even lead to exhilaration of sailing across the channel and seeing the some inter Company Offshore bright lights of the Isle of Wight rise up from the horizon.” racing in 2017?

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April 1939, 1st Battalion Welsh Guards deploying to Gibraltar. No. 3 Coy clearing WW2 Tunnels, 2005.

interest for sailing across the At first the boys just seemed WG100 GIBRALTAR Battalion. happy to be out of their Tunics and not too fussed about Off Shore Sailing and Rock Marathon It being August we were sailing, especially LCpl Smith blessed with fantastic weather, who was extremely quiet on n the 9th August 2015 the Welsh Guards returned to which made it that much easier the first and quite nervous Gibraltar to conduct a week’s off-shore sailing and to encourage the novice run a marathon around and up The Rock to celebrate 100 members to throw themselves moving around on the Yacht. Oyears of Welsh Guards history. into the training. They All 6ft 7ins and 16+ stone of developed the necessary skills him definitely seemed more at The sailing was led by Yacht and sunbathing on the two required quickly and had the home in the line out for the Master Captain Ben Figgures- beaches available. opportunity to experience rugby team than on a boat, Wilson, who taught nine swaying back and forth. After Number Three Company then varying conditions over the novices from the Battalion the throwing up and taking some returned to Gibraltar in 2005 to week. skills required to operate as sea sickness tablets, he soon provide replacements for the part of a crew on board a The crew used an Elan 37ft , started to enjoy himself and yacht. Yacht called ‘Pickle’. She is an joined in with the rest. whilst they were on exercise on eight berth yacht that is built Jebel Sahara in Morocco. The In addition to the adventure for speed, with a fairly The weather and water Company took part in several training activities, the crew comfortable cabin. Her berth is conditions around Gibraltar activities which included the undertook what has been one in the Joint Physical provide an ideal training ceremonial guard mount at the of the toughest marathons Development Unit’s (JPDU) ground for novice sailors. The Convent, an exercise inside the completed in all of the Welsh harbour. The JPDU provides an Rock itself creates a wind break WW2 Tunnels and a variety of Guards 100 (WG100) events. array of water based activities on the western side which adventurous training exercises allowed the crew to learn the This was the third time in 100 primarily to the services on (AT). ropes in fairly calm conditions. years of Welsh Guards history Gibraltar, but to also that members of the Rgiment On this occasion, it was accommodate AT expeditions Around the southern tip and visited Gibraltar. Support Company who had the from the wider British forces. out of the bay the wind would honour of returning to They are manned by Tri-service pick up and the strait became The 1st Battalion Welsh Guards Gibraltar for WG100. The aim PTI’s that fall under the choppier. This is a result of the had been posted to Gibraltar in was two-fold. Firstly, to Commander British Forces, Mediterranean colliding with April 1939 and spent eight conduct a physical challenge, Gibraltar. the Atlantic. It made for some months under the Gibraltar in the form of a marathon, to Command before sailing to commemorate the efforts of “All 6ft 7ins and 16+ stone of him France in November 1939 to the brave soldiers from the 1st join the War effort. They spent Battalion that deployed from definitely seemed more at home in their time in Gibraltar on the Gibraltar into the Second World the line out for the rugby team than ranges, building up defences War and secondly, to grow the on a boat swaying back and forth.”

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seriously challenging sailing Thursday 13th August. We for a novice crew and allowed liaised with QMSI Arlow from them to push themselves and the Royal Gibraltar Regiment test what they had learnt for a reconnaissance of the throughout the week. route and confirmed the logistical support required. By the end of the week the Due to the size of the Rck we guys had developed their were restricted to a lap based sailing skills and in particular they loved ‘tacking’ and marathon. This meant we had enjoyed it when Pickle started to run the perimeter of The ‘heeling’. All wanted the Rock three and a half times bragging rights of being the before ascending to the top of most competent on the winch. the Rck. They also enjoyed moving to Whilst on the confirmatory the stern of ‘Pickle’ to watch practice lap a few days before the abundance of dolphins that the run, Captain Ed Birrell and I would swim alongside Pickle seriously questioned our on a daily basis. intention of finishing the During downtime from sailing marathon with a 3 mile climb and marathon preparation the from sea level to the top of The crew had the opportunity to Rock, which peaks at 1,398ft. visit the WW2 Tunnels, This was because of the several Commonwealth War graves hills throughout the perimeter and several museums and laps that we would be historical sites of importance to climbing. However, the British Forces. The stubbornness prevailed and education piece of the trip decided we would go with the observed the historical plan. importance of Gibraltar, rather This marathon was executed than focusing on Welsh Guards as a team effort with everyone history as the 1st Battalion had finishing together. We started such a short stay on The Rock. the marathon at 0400 to avoid At the back of everyone’s mind the summer heat which can during the first few days of get up to 32°C by midday. The sailing was the marathon on plan was to finish the three

“LCpl Crowley overtook those of us still jogging and said “Come on guys…, just walk I am overtaking you!”

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and a half laps by 0800 and We intended to keep these last then climb the 1,398ft up The few miles above a walk, but in Rock over the remaining 3 reality sections where so steep miles. We were aiming for it prove quicker and more anything between four and energy effective to power- five hours. walk. This was highlighted The first lap was completed in when LCpl Crowley overtook the early morning darkness those of us still jogging and with the street lights lining the said “come on guys…, just route. Once the first lap was walk I am overtaking you”! As a over, the nerves started to precaution we took the settle and we started to enjoy opportunity to run across to the run. As the darkness faded the southern peak before and the sun came up, we heading to the higher northern managed to enjoy the views peak just in case we were across the strait to Spain and scrutinised for not going to the

Morocco and looking up at The highest point. Some will argue 2 Rock itself with all the tunnels it was merely a navigation and observation points. error, but they would be wrong! We arrived at the finish We finished our last ½ lap at line approximately at 0915 around 0820 and then began the ascent to the top. Everyone completing the marathon in was extremely tired but in just over five hours. All were good spirits. Our support crew suitable exhausted and (made up of some family enjoyed riding the cable car to members on holiday) made the bottom. sure we had the reserves to Overall the WG100 visit to finish the marathon, by Gibraltar was a huge success. supplying us with plenty of Those that took part completed energy boosting liquids and a marathon, learnt a new skill foods. and have all expressed an The route to the top was an interest in completing the extremely steep zigzag road Competent Crew sailing that weaved its way to the top. course. 3

1. 3 mile climb to the top of The Rock, 1,398ft. 2. Marathon runners at the top of The Rock. From left to right: Comd Offr, Gdsm Picton, Gdsm Glasby, LCpl Smith, Maj Dunlop, Capt Figgures-Wilson, Capt Birrell, LSgt Griffiths, LCpl Crowley, RSM. 3. Sp Coy sailing South with Gibraltar in the background. From Left to right: Capt Figgures-Wilson, Gdsm Glasby, LSgt Griffiths 04, Capt Birrell, Maj Dunlop, LCpl Crowley, Gdsm Picton, LCpl Smith.

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to get a workable area. I must add that I was very proud of the men as they entered Windsor for the Parade. In my 23 year service the feeling of pride and commitment I could feel from the Men pays true testament to the Officers and Guardsman. You could hear a pin drop as we entered; you were up close and personal to a very high profile crowd. The strike of the rifle, and smile displayed by our Colonel in Chief made a truly special occasion worthwhile in every aspect. Watching the Old Colours going under the arch brought a huge lump to my throat as 1 many of the boys on parade had fought and died under the STATE CEREMONIAL EVENTS 2015 disappearing Colours. W01 (RSM) P J Dunn The consecration phase went he Battalion entered our Centenary year after 2 years Seniors in the first instance. We effortlessly and marked a new of already producing World Class ceremonial events. felt that it was hugely era for our great regiment as W01 Topps has ensured the Battalion was fully prepared important we were set before we enter another 100 years. A Tfor what this special year when he handed over the Sarn’t the boys joined in on the special mention must go to Major’s appointment on 02 March 15 to me over a beer rehearsal programme. W02 (DSgt) S Bowen for his support throughout the event post Dai’s Day in Cardiff. Windsor Castle Quadrangle and not forgetting all the ranks provided a stunning setting for As soon as I was in the chair it Presentation of New Colours who definitely pulled it out of the parade. However, as it is was clear a lot of planning and 30th April 2015 the bag! rehearsals needed to be only a small piece of real estate We knew that this event was a conducted to ensure both the our measurements had to be The Queen’s Birthday Presentation of New Colours very special day to the precise. However, no plan Parade 2015 regiment. After plenty of input on the 30th April 2015 and the survives contact! And as ever We hadn’t even got out of tunic from the Quartermaster Maj D Queen’s Birthday Parade on on D-1 at 0500hrs the Sarn’t before DSgt Morgan 10 had the 13th June were delivered to Pridmore (DSgt in 2006) DSgt Major and the DSgt hot footed issued all ranks clear direction a truly exceptional standard. Bowen began the difficult task back to Windsor as the events on what needed to happen for Both Myself, W02 (DSgt) S of writing a parade that all company had built the stands this year’s Birthday Parade Bowen and W02 (DSgt) D parties were content with. on our markers. The area regarding the procedures. A Morgan 10 then went to work After over 90 drafts the parade already very congested just got very complex programme was with a main effort of ensuring was set and we had a smaller! We then set about then put together by me to that in this special year that the workable plan which was run trying to fit the Battalion into a ensure that the training Battalion delivered. through with the Officers and 90 pace area. After 2hrs of programme was workable, not early morning pace sticking just for the Welsh Guards over a “After over 90 drafts the parade was which Her Majesty’s corgis busy Public Duties period, but set and we had a workable plan...” seemed to enjoy we managed we had to ensure the

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Incremental Companies could back right up to the Colonel’s join us on the hallowed turf of review on Winston, but the old D Lines and deliver a good charger didn’t like to play ball. standard of training However, the Commanding Officer persevered and The D Lines period leading up Winston soon started to show the Guard Mount from Horse why he is an excellent charger Guards 1 went extremely well and a credit to the Divisional with all Guardsmen from the Stables. Division showing a good standard from the beginning. The day soon arrived and as With this in mind and due to the boys finished on D Lines the Division’s commitments, the Friday before the QBP, we wanted to maintain myself and DSgt Morgan both momentum and not over train agreed over a quick brew that The Battalion getting ready for The Presentation of New Colours. thereby losing the enthusiasm. everyone from The Guard Mount from Horse Commanding Officer to the Guards 1 quickly arrived and Junior Guardsman in the PRESENTATION OF NEW our feedback from the London Battalion had given 100% into COLOURS BY HER MAJESTY District Team was excellent, we the training. The parade itself were in a good place. However was well covered on BBC and THE QUEEN GSM Mott, The Sarn’t Major and the amount of cameras now Windsor Castle, Thursday 30 April 2015 DSgt Morgan all agreed that on parade was something not Colonel T C S Bonas, Regimental Adjutant we did not want to “Peak too seen before. Parade level Early”. walking cameramen captured aving been presented New Colours by The Queen in every fine detail. We found the season of May 2006, the Regiment was again honoured to rehearsals a good chance to The feedback we had on the receive from Her Majesty its eighth set of New Colours at bond with our fellow parade was fantastic from the HWindsor Castle on Thursday 30 April. Guardsman from the Division. Royal Family and a huge We found time for the spectrum of spectators. On a Despite eighteen months of Battalion, the Band, the WG Guardsman to have a BBQ to personal level, I knew we had planning, the one thing that Club, the Association and the relax and the Mess Members delivered and the boys could not be guaranteed was 200 or so Regimental guests enjoyed a traditional Guard’s deserved all the praise. the weather and in the run up who the Regiment were either Happy Hour. This all helped Particularly DSgt Morgan to the day, nearly all forecasts affiliated with or who build the team as we neared whose eye for detail definitely were not user friendly. The supported us in some way. the main event. contributed to a World Class morning saw heavy clouds Many, as in 2006, took the over Windsor and option of having a picnic with The Commanding Officer was event, achieving our aim in this temperatures fresh, given a family and friends on the Long still trying to tackle the rein special year. stiff breeze. The latter Walk or enjoyed a good lunch remained for the rest of the day in Windsor or elsewhere. but the clouds broke up as the By 2 pm all was set, everyone 1. The Colonel in Chief congratulating the Sarnt Major. day progressed and with it, seated and the Battalion 2. The London District Training Video catches the Escort pass temperatures as well. Thus, in marched into the Quadrangle Her Majesty (13th June 2015). the end, we either struck and onto the beautifully cut incredibly lucky or someone grass. had heard the many requests The parade went like for a fine day. We were blessed! clockwork, the Battalion Perfect conditions. faultless and the Arms Drill and Just under 1,700 were present “3 Cheers” exceptional. One at Windsor including the sensed a huge amount of pride

“One sensed a huge amount of pride both from those looking on, as well as those on parade, and it would not be

2 misplaced to say also some emotion.”

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both from those looking on, as marquees were empty, where well as those on parade, and it only minutes before they had would not be misplaced to say, been filled with laughter, good also some emotion. After all, cheer and fun. many who served under the Old Colours had seen action It all went by in a flash but at with them and comrades least we have our thoughts fallen or wounded. The same and photographs to remember can be said of those who had it by. I am so pleased that served under our previous everyone seemed to enjoy Colours, history repeating themselves and had a fabulous itself. And some singing from day. The New Colours was the the Association stands, when Regimental main effort for our the Anthems were played, Centenary Year and it was gave the parade an even important for the day to run greater feel. smoothly. This is not the place to thank the many involved in 1 And then, down Frogmore organising the day, there are Walk to the Sports Ground with simply too many. But the Lord conversation and banter Chamberlain’s Office and the mainly focussed on the parade, Superintendent and staff of weather, the beautiful views Windsor Castle were superb and setting and what to come and the Regiment’s thanks with huge white marquees in must also go to Mrs Melanie the distance. 220 people Lewis, Mrs Belinda Butcher, formed up in the Royal Lanes Major Chris Davies and my and The Queen’s arrival small team under RQMS Boika, sounded by the Band of the Irish Guards with the National all were dedicated throughout. Anthem. The Royal Party were Of course, without the simply marvellous in meeting Battalion and Band we would so many on the day and for be nowhere. staying with us for so long. It is unlikely we will receive The Tea Party was as good as New Colours again for some the Parade, but of course in a time to come. The Battalion different way. Event Oracle come under 11 Brigade for provided us with an abundant approximately six years from array of delicious sandwiches 2016, then a few years back on and cakes as well as tea and State Ceremonial from Victoria Barracks, and then back to the 2 soft drinks and later the bars opened and re-hydration Field Army. But regardless, I am achieved with a different sort sure the memory of the 30th of liquid. With long journeys April 2015 will last till for some, people started to whenever we receive our ninth drift away and by 6.30 the set of Colours.

1. Presentation of New Colours inwards dress. 2. Band and Battalion on Parade. 3. The Queen inspecting the Battalion. 4. The Queen ,The Duke of , The Prince of Wales and The Duchess of Cornwall photo with Officers and Warrant Officers. 5. The New Colours on Parade. 6. The Queen blessing the New Colours. 7. The Queen accompanied by the Regimental Lieutenant Colonel meeting Major Chris Davies and RSM Paul Dunn. 3

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6

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1. The Battalion Choir. 2. The Queen meeting Mr Eric Jones who turned 100 on the day of the Presentation of New Colours. 3. The Queen at The Garden Party meeting The Mayor of Hechtal.

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1 2 BOOK LAUNCH OF “BAYONETS, BEARSKINS AND BODY ARMOUR” at the Royal Hospital Chelsea, 26 February 2015 Colonel T C S Bonas, Regimental Adjutant fter three years of work by the author, Trevor Royle, and the Regimental Book Committee it was only fitting that our Centenary Book was officially launched on Athe day the Royal Warrant was signed to raise a Welsh 3 Regiment of Foot Guards.

Thanks to General Sir Redmond Lieutenant Colonel, introduced Watt, Governor of the Royal the book and spoke about our Hospital, we could not have formation, history, and our asked for a better setting than Centenary Year and Trevor the State Apartments at the Royle also addressed all those Royal Hospital in which to assembled. launch it. We have a very fine book and About 150 people from across one to be proud of and it is the Regiment, along with some something we also give to guests, attended the launch. every officer being This included all those who commissioned from were involved in producing the book and the launch was a Sandhurst. And it was very 4 means of thanking them for special to be able to officially the considerable amount of launch it on the day the work that had been carried out Regiment was founded and in by them over such a long such a wonderful setting. It period of time. Major General was an evening greatly Talbot Rice, the Regimental enjoyed by all.

1. Major General Talbot Rice speaking about the Centenary book. 2. Trevor Royle saying a few words about the Centenary book. 3. Trevor Royle signing a Centenary book. 4. Maggie and Alan Peterson & Lieutenant Colonel Dino & Sam Bossi.

5. Colonel Tom Bonas and Captain Beryn Lewis and Tamzin Lewis. 5

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with fag at the ready. The party most importantly a passable REMEMBERING EARLY DAYS made its way with a minimal bar. number of navigational OF THE REGIMENT IN On the second day, Friday 11 embarrassments to the Eastern September, the Group had the NORTHERN FRANCE Dock at Dover and caught the honour of participating in the Ferry over to Calais, passed the Regimental Battlefield Tour funeral service for an unknown 10 -13 September 2015 sprawling refugee camp and soldier of The Prince of Wales’s endless hypermarkets heading Lieutenant Jack Farmelo Company, who fought and towards . died during an offensive action he Regimental Battle Field Tour contained a certain We stopped on the way at Vimy in Ginchy, Flers-Courcellette, resonance this year running almost exactly one Ridge captured by the Morval. The service itself was hundred years after the two battles which would be the Canadian Corps who slogged moving, well attended and hit Tfocus of our excursion to the continent. through rain, mud and even a the right note between snowstorm early in April 1917 gravitas and dignity. The Group military history but also A mixed group formed up at in order to capture strategically along with our continental energy, passion and oratory to Wellington Barracks first thing vital ground. Hill 145, the compatriots, belted out the deliver truly first class tuition. on Thursday 10th September highest point on the ridge, hymns with perfect pitch and But we were also most enjoying a coffee and the last ground crested by the 4th harmony. Once the Service had fortunate in having Brigadier dregs of summer warmth. Our Canadian Division, is now concluded the Group Peter Williams, our longest group, 33 in total made up marked by a magnificent remounted the coaches for serving Welsh Guards officer in from past and present Officers Canadian National Vimy transport to a splendid picnic the group, who was able to as well as a good number of Memorial. An enormous at Delville Woods and a couple add a great deal of Regimental Sergeants’ Mess members. We edifice constructed of a of glasses of rosé provided by and other historical ranged from very senior, brilliant luminous Croatian our guides splendid support recollections and stories, all Major-General Talbot Rice limestone, it commemorates staff, Wren Vaughan and Alison adding to our understanding. Pritchard-Barrett. Although a down to the very junior, myself, the 11,169 missing dead from jolly lunch, our mood changed as well as a healthy scattering Our transportation arrived who fell in France, only a fraction as we toured the of Drapers who added depth roughly on time equipped with a fraction of those who lost South African Memorial at and diversity to the group. This a jovial and incredibly helpful their lives fighting in the Delville Woods where they expedition was to be run by driver (Mick) who had Canadian Corps during the war suffered heavy casualties two ‘vintage officers’ of the managed to perfect the art of (estimated at 60,000 fatalities). during the intense battle there Regiment; Tim Pritchard- lodging a cigarette into the The group continued onwards, lasting over six weeks. The Barrett and Rhydian Vaughan space where one of his front ending up at what was to be remainder of the afternoon who proved to possess an teeth used to be enabling him our base camp for the took in the cemetery at Carney encyclopaedic knowledge of to speak, eat, drink and drive remainder of the trip, the (a battlefield casualty clearing “The highlight of a day, both humbling and Holiday Inn, Arras. This proved station), the cemetery near to be an unpretentious and Guillemont, Ginchy where the impressive in equal measure, was our visit to comfortable harbour within Prince of Wales’s Company the Thiepval Memorial, dedicated to the easy walking distance of Arras’ were sent to consolidate missing of the Somme.” many bustling squares and positions and which they

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captured at great cost and to lay huge mines, a task which finally to the Memorial to the must have involved Guards for their efforts in unimaginable horrors; Lesbeoufs (different to the opposing tunnelling parties Guards Cemetery at often digging into each other Lesbeoufs). and having to resort to desperate hand to hand The third day, Saturday 12 fighting in the pitch black. The September, was always going crater was created by a huge to be a busy day with a lot to explosion detonated by the cover concentrating on the 179th Tunnelling Company of Somme battlefield. Rhydian the , designed 2 and Tim took us through to blow a particular German moving cemeteries. Rows and strong hold to pieces as the rows of understated white British troops went out ‘Over headstones stretching off into the Top’ at the start of the the distance commemorating on 1st July the RN Division at Ancre Valley 1916. At around 1700, and and those at Gommecourt and after a long day and with the Serre. We were told the story of rain beginning to arrive, the the Newfoundland Regiment at decision was made to head Newfoundland Park, the back to camp to prepare for the woodblock at Mametz which Gala Dinner which was held at swallowed up whole Hotel de L’Univers in Arras spitting out only a couple of (much recommended) which Platoons days later. We visited was a great opportunity to 3 the ‘Sunken Lane’ made socialise and it was clear that famous by the Geoffrey everyone enjoyed the day and Mallins’ film showing men of evening very much. the 1st Battalion, . On the morning of 1st Somehow, all made it to the July 1916, just minutes before bus on time for the departure The Fusiliers clambered over from Arras the focus of our the ridge towards the German final day was the 3rd (Guards) lines the mine at Hawthorne Brigade attack and in particular Ridge was detonated. The the 1st Bn Welsh Guards highlight of a day, both actions at Loos in 1917. Our humbling and impressive in guides brought home not only equal measure, was our visit to the wider context but the the Thiepval Memorial, magnitude of the individual dedicated to the missing of the acts of bravery that day leaving 4 Somme, a breath taking piece all of us with a profound and humbling appreciation for the of architecture in both size and 1. Our group at Loos. significance. Chiselled into its heroics and sacrifices made by so many 2. Burial of Unknown Welsh Guardsman. walls are over 73,000 names of 3. Known unto God those who were never found This was the first battlefield 4. Carnoy Military Cemetery. after the battle. The day tour that I have attended with concluded with a visit to the the Regiment (although I had largest man-made crater on the privilege of representing make it hard to beat. I feel formed a reputation and an the Western Front, situated on the Regiment at Monte extremely lucky to have been ethos which was to be the Somme battlefield just Battaglia in Italy in 2014 in able visit the places the continually built upon for a outside the village of La commemoration of the 70th Regiment fought its first major century. The men who fought Boisselle. The Lochnagar Crater anniversary of our battle engagements, earned its first there set an example which owes its existence to the honour received by the 3rd medals and won its spurs. The continues to be an inspiration strategy of attempting to Battalion in 1944) and both the conduct of the Welsh Guards into the modern era and tunnel under enemy trenches calibre and enjoyment of it will during the First World War beyond.

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2 3 Mary Moody, now of Warsop him as Bob Bye VC – I thought near Mansfield, spoke of her the VC was part of his name! pride during the emotional Only later did I realize the tribute. She said: “It was significance of it. It’s amazing absolutely wonderful, very to think that the Welsh Guards moving. I live in still remember him, and new Nottinghamshire so I won’t be recruits are still told about his able to see it every day, but actions today.” people in my father’s home Lieutenant Colonel Giles Harris, town will. “The ceremony was of the Welsh Guards, laid a rose 1 beyond my expectations – it at the The following article was first written by Mr Sam Tegeltija of was absolutely perfect and I memorial.He said: “Sgt Bye behalf of Media Wales. Permission has been given to publish this feel very, very proud. My father was one of only two Victoria article in the Welsh Guards Magazine. was very brave in his life, a Cross recipients of the Welsh great man who didn’t take fools Guards and an iconic figure. SGT ROBERT BYE VC – gladly. He was a good dad.” The Welsh Guards is still a WELSH GUARDS Gillian James, of Pontypridd, young regiment, and proud of London Branch Jeff Heenan was accompanied by her son, who we are and our history. grandson and nephew.She We were born out of the First he daughter and niece of a Welsh war hero and said: “Today was especially World War and have served in recipient have proudly attended an important for me because almost every conflict since. We intimate ceremony recognizing his achievements. Mary could come – there’s always remember Sgt Bye as T been a lot of events recently an example of what we stand Sergeant Robert Bye was German machine gun posts. for Uncle Bob and this is the for 100 years on since we were honored in a ceremony at Sgt Bye, then aged 27, crawled one she could be here for. founded. I had never been to Ynysangharad War Memorial close to the posts, ran forward I keep telling my family how the war memorial in Park in his home town of and managed to get behind important he was and that he Pontypridd and I would Pontypridd, in the presence of enemy lines and force them to should never be forgotten, and definitely urge people to go his daughter Mary Moody, 87, surrender. now it’s wonderful that the there and reflect.” and niece Gillian James, 69. people of Pontypridd can come He was decorated on the here, as they can to his old Mayor Cllr. Barry Stephens said: Sergeant Bye, who grew up in forecourt of Buckingham “It is an honour for us to Penrhiwceiber in the Cynon house in Graig where there is a Palace by King on remember and celebrate the Valley, was awarded the VC in blue plaque, to remember my September 5, 1917. life and outstanding bravery of July 1917 for his bravery and relative. Sgt Robert Bye in the presence leadership in the third Battle of In later life, Sgt Bye became a My father was the youngest of of his descendants and serving Ypres on August 31, 1917. Sgt coal miner until five boys, and he was so members of his former Bye is one of only two Welsh pneumoconiosis forced him to extremely proud of his brother regiment.“We will forever be Guards to have received the retire. He died on August 23, and spoke about him all the in awe of his bravery and it is medal, of which 628 were 1962, aged 72. Friday’s time. Uncle Bob moved to fitting that we are able to lay a awarded during . ceremony, organized by RCT Nottingham and on the one commemorative stone in his Twice during the Battle of Council and the Welsh Guards, occasion I met him was the name in a park which meant a Ypres, attacks by British and saw a commemorative paving first time I saw my father in lot to him and was a place he French troops were halted by stone unveiled. tears. As a child, I only knew liked to visit.”

1. Sgt Robert Bye.VC. “As a child, I only knew him as Bob Bye VC – 2. Mary Moody and Gillian James I thought the VC was part of his name!” 3. Memorial to Sgt Robert Bye.VC.

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1 SAINT DAVID’S DAY Sunday 1 March 2015 Colonel T C S Bonas, Regimental Adjutant

t was only fitting that in our Centenary Year, Saint David’s Day was held in our capital city, Cardiff, and no better place to hold it than the iconic Millennium Centre. IThere had been a buzz about the day for many months before, particularly from Association members, and so many were determined to make a weekend out of it booking hotels well in advance. 2 Planning for the event started the mix but this would have some two years earlier with required enormous various options on location infrastructure and discussed. With the expected unnecessary cost. And thus numbers, Elizabeth Barracks, our attention re-focussed on Pirbright and City Hall in Cardiff the Millennium Centre which, were discounted and with the in the end, proved to be the Six Nations in full flow the perfect location given its Millennium Stadium was not setting in Cardiff Bay and the an option. Cardiff Castle was in facilities it offered.

1. The Battalion marching onto Parade for St David's Day. 2. The Commanding Officer saluting Lord Guthrie on parade.

3. The Band, Battalion, Association and Cadets on Parade. 3

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“It was so good to see so We decided not to alter the well was so good to see so many established and successful members of the Association many members of the Association format of a Church Service a attend and these were by far attend and these were by far Parade and then lunch. But the biggest grouping. 800 what was clearly not usual crammed into the Millennium the biggest grouping.” were the numbers that Centre theatre for the Service attended, nearly 2,500! I do and what a wonderful one it not have the historical was with the Battalion Choir in expertise to be able to claim tremendous voice and the 1. Association Members march pass led by Brigadier J F Rickett. that this was the biggest Battalion Padre, Revd Andy 2. Welsh Guards 100 Team. turnout for a Saint David’s Day Harding giving a hugely 3. Field Marshal the Lord Guthrie talking to the runners in Regimental history but it appropriate and, at times, just before he set them off. must be close to a record. It highly amusing sermon. It all

2 3

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proved to be very moving. the Millennium Centre, we had to make a few compromises And what about the parade? but everyone got fed and Despite a fair wind, the sun watered and there was shone and you could not fit considerable coming and another person on the parade going between floors and ground. The Battalion and locations and there was a lot of Band looked immaculate in catching up to be done their greatcoats and bearskins, between all ranks over so the huge and proud many generations. The Association Contingent led by atmosphere was further Brigadier Johnny Rickett and enlivened by a burst from the for the first time, a massive Battalion Choir and the various contingent of Welsh cap performances the Centre had 1 badged cadets from across organised for the day. Wales, all adding to a fine spectacle not least given the And before we knew it, it was packed rows of Welsh all over. Well, not quite, as Guardsman and their families many drifted off to hotels, looking on. It was a great pubs and restaurants to honour that our most senior continue the movement. It soldier in the Regiment, Field would be remiss of me not to Marshal the Lord Guthrie, thank the staff of Cardiff City presented the leeks and took Council who were tireless the Salute. The Regiment were supporters of the event from also delighted to welcome the start, all those at the Councillor Margaret Jones, the Millennium Centre who made Lord Mayor of Cardiff on the it happen and not least the dais and who inspected and Battalion and Regimental Band 2 presented leeks to the Cadets who gave it their all. Thanks also to my small RHQ team for St David’s Day also saw the manning a stall all day with formal launch of the Battalion the Centenary Book, PRI project and initiative, Welsh articles and so on. Last but not Guards 100 with the intent of least, a general thank you to running or cycling and sailing everyone who came. I always 100 marathons in a hundred say that people made a party days spread across all the and whilst we could not locations and theatres the describe St David’s Day as a Welsh Guards had served in party, it was certainly a since 1915. Field Marshal the memorable day which all Lord Guthrie set the marathon seemed to enjoy. A great start off. for our Centenary Year for the 3 And then it was time for lunch. whole Regiment and ultimately With the numbers attending illustrated what we are all ST DAVID’S DAY IN JORDAN and the resources available to about, family. The Welsh Guards formed their Three Welsh Guardsmen are first King’s Guard on St David’s currently serving in Jordan: Day 1915, making this their Colonel Alexander Macintosh Centenary Year. The bond OBE, Major Guy Charles-Jones between the Hashemite and Warrant Officer Class 1 Carl Kingdom of Jordan and the Taylor. To mark the Centenary is historic and His Majesty King Abdullah II “A great start for our Centenary strong, not least in terms of graciously agreed to present Year for the whole Regiment military cooperation. (silk) leeks to these Guardsmen. and ultimately illustrated 1. Colonel G A J Macintosh OBE, late WG. 2. Major C G F Charles-Jones. what we are all about, family.” 3. WO1 C Taylor.

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and a presence that must have from the Association, former WELSH GUARDS been so reassuring to all ranks officers, the Battalion and CENTENARY GOLF DAY during his two tours of Peter’s guest ‘All Stars’ team. Afghanistan. The ball sailed, Peter rightly decided on the Army Golf Club, straight as an arrow, down the Stableford scoring system September 17, 2015 fairway. It was now my turn which, according to Wikipedia, Paul de Zulueta and as I walked up to the tee, I was first used at the felt the RSM’s gaze fix upon me Glamorganshire Golf Club in as though I were a young , Wales in 1898. In How straight it flew, how long it flew cadet at Sandhurst hurrying essence, this means if you start It clear’d the rutty track onto the parade ground with a having a ‘bad hair day’ at one A glorious, sailing, bounding drive blob of ice-cream on his boots. hole, you can press on without completing the hole as the That made me glad I was alive What a wonderful Welsh scoring is based on the (John Betjeman) Guards day. Peter Richardson, number of shots taken at each the Captain of the Army Golf hole. s Frank Ward struck his drive from the first tee, my Club at Aldershot, and a mind drifted back almost 40 years to the Battalion’s former Battalion intelligence On the face of things, and tour in when Frank, then a Colour Sergeant, led and Sergeant and Superintending based on just a brief snapshot Acoached the Battalion’s shooting team to victory in the Clerk to a Field Marshal, a four of each team’s individual golf Army Cup for three glorious years. and a three star General had handicaps, the honours should lost none of his organizational have gone to the Association. Frank had lost none of his fizz recognition of the passing flair and attention to detail. We But the Duke of Wellington had or accuracy and the ball flew years. Next up to the first tee played a four ball competition it right when he said, “All the straight and true, a few yards was RSM Martin Topps, smart with each four ball team business of war, and indeed all short perhaps in quiet as a carrot, with a ready smile comprising one player each the business of life, is to guess

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what was at the other side of the pin”, I overhead Martin the hill.” And here, Peter Topps remarking to Frank Richardson’s All Stars had the Ward. Frank, who knew a thing competitive advantage. David or two about judging distance, Harrison, a former Brigadier nodded sagely saying, “Good and Chairman of Army Golf call, Martin, so it will be a five and the All Star member of our iron slightly lofted then.” quartet, playing with me, Frank As the autumn light began to Ward and Martin Topps knew fade, and the last foursome exactly what was ‘on the other made their way to the pin on side of the hill’. “Lovely drive, the 18th hole, watched with a Paul,” he would say, gently critical eye by the rest of us tapping the side of his pipe, downing 'Gunners'( ginger “the trouble is, you would have beer, ginger ale and angostura done better to lay up about 50 bitters),we looked forward to yards short, I fear you might that old golf ritual, the '19th have just ended up in what we hole'. Peter Richardson and old timers call ‘The Kaiser’s David Harrison did us all proud bluff’, maddening trench with as good a dinner as we running from left to right, full could hope for. We should not of water, dug by the Royal forget the true purpose of the 2 Engineers.” day which, apart from enjoying the companionship of old Still if the All Stars won the day, Peter Richardson, during his And golf, for all its friends, was to raise money for the day’s outstanding closing speech, said there was eccentricities and eye to the Afghanistan appeal. performance fell to L/Cpl Jamie no such thing as an ex Welsh etiquette, is as fine a sport as Jones (83), a serving member Peter’s Vice Chairman, the Guardsman, or a former Welsh any to bring people together, of the battalion. L/Cpl Jones engaging club Vice Captain, Guardsman, and that whatever where age and physical looked and played the part of a Andy Needham, acted as someone’s age or length of prowess play so little a part. future army champion auctioneer as dinner service may have been, he This will become an annual watched on by the meandered to its close. The would always enjoy the event and we should raise a Commanding Officer, Giles Battalion’s Adjutant, Charlie accolade of being a Welsh glass to Peter Richardson and Harris, and the Adjutant, Beare, showed early promise of Guardsman. his wonderful initiative. Charlie Beare, who both played high rank by outbidding for the Battalion’s team. Jamie everyone by some margin, for Jones reminded us all that, an 18 year old bottle of malt 1. L/Cpl Jamie Jones "Man of the Match" receiving his prize from Captain Richardson and Colonel Bonas. through sport and education, whisky. As he did so, I noticed 2. L/Sgt Ashley Cunningham "Lowest score of the Day." the army remains an the Commanding Officer taking receiving his prize from Captain Richardson and Colonel Bonas. outstanding vehicle for out his notebook. There were 3. Captain Richardson addressing the teams at the dinner! personal development. perhaps too many offers of 18- Golf, with its studied rituals hole rounds for two people on golf courses in remote and and companionship, will barely accessible parts of always appeal to servicemen Wales. On one such course, you and women. All golf courses had to complete the round by have markers which let you December 31st, 2016. As one know how many yards to the wag remarked at dinner, pin, and most golfers find that sufficient. But it was ‘It would take you that long to entertaining to see how many find the course’. But the end of my fellow golfers had range result was a heart-warming finder binoculars. “173 yards to £1,500.

...”through sport and education, the army remains an outstanding vehicle for personal development.” 3

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Topps and members from the With Caernarfon’s steep Welsh Guards recruiting team history, with connections to were preparing the Welsh the military and the Royal Guards recruiting office for its Household there really could official opening later that not have been a better location morning as we arrived. chosen to lay up our Old Exhausted from the early start Colours. and a long coach journey the After the chapel service GOH engulfed the sports hall, rehearsal, we returned to the dropping off their HSC on the TA centre, where the Regt Lt Col chairs provided and heading Maj Gen Stanford MBE and the straight for the Norwegians for Comd Offr Lt Col Harris MBE a caffeine injection. DSO officially opened the Welsh 1 Sgt Crew, the two Ensigns, Guards recruiting office. This their Escorts and I then drove office is now one of the hubs LAYING UP OF THE OLD to St Mary’s Chapel to see the for recruiting more North COLOURS, CAERNARFON route for the first time and to Walians into the Welsh Guards, Major Andrew JH Dunlop rehearse the proceedings therefore in addition to the inside the chapel. This was my ribbon cutting, the office n the 30 April 2015, the Battalion once again was in first time visiting the Royal would not be complete the Inner Quadrangle of Windsor Castle being town of Caernarfon, which is a without the mandatory poster presented with our New Colours. The Old Colours were stunning and beautiful town in of our rugby superstar LSgt the Gwynedd County. I was Dwyer, who ironically is Omarched off in slow time, before HM The Queen impressed by the medieval wearing uniform. presented the New Colours to the Battalion. architecture and at its centre Prior to stepping off for the the Castle, which was After nine years in service, the Company to organise, however parade and church service, it constructed in 1283 following Old Colours left the the 48 rank and file was was impressed upon the GOH the English conquest of Quadrangle for the last time predominately made up of that they had to be at their Gwynedd. Within the medieval and were bound for St Mary’s North Walians from across the absolute best for this special walls of Caernarfon, St Mary’s Chapel in Caernarfon. The Battalion. We conducted a few day. This was followed by a few Chapel was erected in 1307 to Presentation of New Colours rehearsals prior to the day words highlighting the recent serve as a church for the was a fantastic day for all those itself and I felt extremely at history forged under these Old garrison of Caernarfon Castle. present whether you were a ease with this task as of all the Colours, which saw the part of the parade, those GOH duties, this was the In 1911, David Lloyd George, Battalion deploy on operations detached from the Battalion, simplest parade. Although very then a Member of Parliament to the , and the Association or family simple, I had underestimated for Caernarfon Borough Afghanistan. You could sense members watching. Everyone the emotional significance of agreed to the British Royal in the atmosphere that those enjoyed themselves and would this day! family's idea of holding the reflecting over the last nine acknowledge that this day We departed from Elizabeth investiture of the Prince of years were looking at the would be one of the highlights Barracks for Caernarfon on the Wales at Caernarfon Castle. Colours and thinking of our of the Centenary year. 24th September 2015 at 0200 This was then repeated for our brave brother Officers, Non- The Guard of Honour (GOH) for and arrived at the 3 Royal current Colonel of the Commissioned Officers and the Laying Up of Old Colours Welsh’s TA centre in Regiment HRH The Prince of Guardsmen that paid the was entrusted to Support Caernarfon at 0830. WO1 Wales in 1969. ultimate sacrifice whilst

“...you could feel the mixed atmosphere of sadness and pride was getting stronger and stronger as we marched through Caernarfon.”

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serving in the Battalion. and the Comd Offr. Major General Stanford and Lt Col At 1100 we stepped off, led by Harris then handed the Old Sgt Crew (acting DMaj for the Queen’s and Regimental day) and the Band. As the TA Colours over to Padre centre was in the middle of a Catherine Gillham and quiet residential area, we Reverend Canon respectively. initially stepped off without Maj Gen Stanford had been in any music. As we started to Lt Col Harris’ shoes nearly nine descend from the outskirts of years earlier as the Comd Offr Caernarfon into the centre, the Laying up the Old Colours in Band suddenly kicked in and Bangor Cathedral. threw me off (and probably out The Colours were draped over of step) as I was preoccupied 3 with my own thoughts. As I the Altar and Padre Gillham led had mentioned earlier, I was a wonderful service. Her not prepared for how sermon was excellent, whilst emotional I would feel and remembering our fallen it also whilst marching in silence allowed all those present to found myself drifting away reflect over the last nine years with the fairies thinking of the and the individual parts we all played in making that history. guys we lost during our Herrick The recently reformed Welsh deployments. I know I was not Guards Choir helped close out the only one and you could feel the service with great passion the mixed atmosphere of as they led the singing of the sadness and pride was getting National Anthems. stronger and stronger as we marched through Caernarfon. Afterwards the Congregation The Band’s music, the sound of moved to the Celtic Royal Hotel 4 the GOH marching over the for the reception and a cobbled streets and the strike fantastic buffet lunch. There of the rifles during the multiple was a good crowd of Welsh ‘change arms’ added to the Guards families, serving electric atmosphere as we soldiers and Gwynedd County made our way past the Castle. local Officials present. The Mayor of Caernarfon and Maj The GOH was dismissed Gen Stanford both addressed outside the front of St Mary’s the crowd and thanked all Chapel to join the those involved for a very congregation for the church successful and special day. service. The Escort for the Huge thanks must go out to Colours and the Ensigns the people of Caernarfon for marched the Old Colours their support and the Officials towards the altar under the for allowing us to lay up our direction of RSM Dunn, in order Old Colours in such a to pass them to the Regt Lt Col magnificent location.

1. Guard of Honour Marching through Caernarfon town centre. 2. Caernarfon Castle. 3. Guard of Honour giving an eyes right for the Regimental Colonel and VIPs whilst passing Caernarfon Castle. 4. The Regt Lt Col and Comd Offr handing over the Old Queens and Regimental Colours to be laid on the altar. 5. The Old Colours on the altar of St Mary’s Chapel, Caernarfon.

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Hywel proposed that they the incredible support of the THE PETERSON FAMILY IN wanted to continue to support Welsh and its OUR CENTENARY YEAR the Regiment in its Centenary Chief Executive, Roger Lewis, Year by organising four events, and the very close relationship Colonel T C S Bonas, Regimental Adjutant three in Wales, one in London. the Petersons had with the n late 2012, Alan Peterson and his son Hywel, These would not only help WRU, the Regiment turned out approached the Regiment with regard to their raise funds for the newly in force for the game. The established Welsh Guards sponsorship of ’s Testimonial Year in 2013. Regimental Band provided the Charity, but also help to raise IThey wanted, with Ryan’s full approval, to choose the music for the game, both the profile of the Regiment in Welsh Guards Afghanistan Appeal as the chosen charity national flags were carried and this unique year. The Regiment unfolded by the Battalion who for his Testimonial year. gladly accepted knowing that also lined the outside of the these events would also prove After a meeting in Regimental the Regiment, and at the end pitch wearing tunic and enjoyable for Battalion Headquarters, it was obvious of 2013, Ryan graciously bearskin. It was an incredible members supporting them. that this could be an exciting donated £75,000 to the Welsh spectacle with images beamed and mutually beneficial Guards Afghanistan Appeal. The first of the four events took to millions in Wales and partnership and the rest is place on 26 February at the around the world. The history. The Testimonial year The relationship between the Millennium Stadium when Commanding Officer and was a huge success and the Petersons and the Regiment Wales played England in the Regimental Sergeant Major Peterson family and Ryan was such an excellent one that opening game of the 2015 Six were interviewed on the pitch Jones became good friends of Alan, and his wife Maggie, and Nations Championship. With before kick-off and a video on

“It was an incredible spectacle with images beamed to millions in Wales and around the world.”

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2 the Regiment/Battalion was The next event, very different, played on the 400 TV monitors took place on Saturday 7 March within the stadium throughout at the Royal Welsh College of the game as well on the big Music and Drama Cardiff. screen at half time. I am not This became a joint venture sure we could have asked for between the College and the better coverage. Although the Regiment with the Peterson result went against Wales, it family again at the heart of all was an incredibly successful the planning. There were a night and over a thousand number of components to pounds was also raised for the again a very successful Charity. Our thanks must go to evening at which some 300 the WRU and the Stadium’s attended. The event kicked off 3 staff who could not have been with drinks and canapés in the more supportive in involving College Hall but surrounded by us on the night and indeed to an exhibition of uniforms and Warren Gatland and Sam artefacts drawn from our Warburton and the team, Regimental history. A whom members of the significant amount of effort Battalion had the pleasure of went into this exhibition and meeting earlier in the day Stan Evans, Curator of the

1. The Peterson family ( on the left ) at Presentation of New Colours 2015. 2. The Regimental Band at the Millennium Stadium. 3. The RBS Six Nations Trophy flanked by Welsh Guards. 4. The Regimental Band and College students acting as Welsh Guardsman. 4

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Welsh Guards Collection, was a are the main drivers behind persuading guests to support The last event took place where leading light on what should the Regiment – family, our Charity. All in all, it was a we started, the Millennium be portrayed and put on professionalism, humour and brilliant evening much enjoyed Stadium. And what a night it display; with many items our Welshness. Four students by all. proved to be with 250 including a WW1 Vickers from the College each attending on 19 November. Machine Gun, coming from his represented a period of our The third event switched to Bruce Guthrie was again Collection. But the College also history dressed in the uniform London for a fund raising Artistic Director. The evening built a number of bespoke of the time, the Great War, dinner in . was kicked-off by a Reception designs, including a Sentry Box WW2, the Falklands/NI and But before this the Curator of in the International Players identical to those found at the Afghanistan. Another student, the Guards Museum gave a Lounge and then a Royal Palaces! The exhibition wearing frock coat, acted as guided tour of both the presentation by Ryan Jones was a scene setter for what the Commanding Officer. The Museum and Guards Chapel. and the Commanding Officer was to follow, an hour long images, the play and the music In addition, Bryn Terfel on “Leadership and play with music played on were a triumph leading to a Motivation” and how they accompanied by Hannah stage by the Regimental Band. standing ovation from the achieved this in their respective Stone, the Royal Harpist gave The play was written by Bruce audience. The play was professional fields, both us all a Recital in the Chapel Guthrie, an acclaimed theatre followed by a fund raising presentations being conducted director, and who had been dinner during which students immediately followed by a in the players changing rooms hired specifically by the from the College played rousing display of music from –as was a reprise of the play Petersons to produce the various pieces of music. This the Regimental Band in front of performed in March. There show. It depicted our hundred was followed by a successful the Chapel. The dinner and then followed a pitch concert year’s history and very auction led by Eddie Butler auction again proved to be a with, of course, the Band successfully got across what who was quite superb in big success. centre stage, followed by

“It depicted our hundred year’s history and very successfully got across what are the main drivers behind the Regiment – family, professionalism, humour and our Welshness.”

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1. The fund raising dinner at the College after the concert/play. 2. The Regimental Band playing to guests in the Guards Chapel square. 3. The fund raising dinner held at the Guards Museum. 4. The President's Lounge set for dinner. 5. The Band performing to the 250 guests attending on 19th November.

fireworks, before heading off causes. The planning and to dinner in the Presidents execution of these four events lounge. Entertainment was has consumed a considerable 3 provided by West End stars amount of time and effort from David Thaxton and Ria Jones, them as well as considerable supported by students from personal expenditure. It has the Royal Welsh College The been a wonderful journey, the auction was a considerable Battalion and Regimental Band success and included a star magnificent in their support prize of a Mercedes Smart and enthusiasm, and aside Carin red, the nearest we could from the additional significant get to Blue Red Blue! exposure we have had, the Attending the evening were a Welsh Guards Charity has considerable number of men received significant funds from from the Battalion. the four events amounting to a total of £40,000. We are The Regiment are enormously incredibly fortunate to have 4 grateful for all the support the had them alongside us and we Peterson family have given us, will continue to keep alive the both in 2013 and in 2015. They bond that has been cemented lead busy business lives and between the family and the are unstinting in their support Regiment and which will to other charities and good include Ryan Jones.

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CARMARTHEN FREEDOM MARCH taking a break from their day appreciating the fantastic at work. In the centre of welcome from the large crowd. 2Lt Tom Evans Carmarthen the Company, led Upon completion the Company was invited to the Carmarthen n the 29 September The Prince of Wales’s by the Company Commander Major Aldridge, paraded in Quins Rugby Club for lunch and Company had the honour of exercising the freedom front of the Mayor, local celebratory drinks hosted by of Carmarthen, and marching through the town. dignitaries, Welsh Guards the Mayor. The whole day was O an ideal way to finish three This was to mark the end of The Company, with the veterans, the Regimental Adjutant and Major General intense years of ceremonial The Prince of Wales’s support of the Welsh Guards Talbot-Rice. The Colour stood at duties for the Company and Company’s State Ceremonial Band, set off from the Army the front of the Company who marked a clear transition and Public Duties Reserve Centre, marching were warmly welcomed to the before deployment as the commitment, with the towards the centre of town of Carmarthen. Falkland Islands Roulement Company’s focus shifting to Carmarthen at 11 o’clock on a Infantry Company. deployment to the Falklands beautifully sunny day. The Having been inspected by the for two months from October streets were lined with a Mayor and the Lord Lieutenant, and the Battalion’s conversion supportive crowd rows deep, the parade proceeded to Pictures: to the Foxhound in the New Year. from school children to those march through the town, The Carmarthen Journal.

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Dragons. The disappointing Colonel Bonas and the THE FREEDOM OF NEWPORT result did not dull enthusiasm Commanding Officer of the 1st 1 October 2015 for the main event. Battalion, Lieutenant Colonel Harris DSO MBE. After On the morning of 1 October, Major E S Mathieson, Officer Commanding, honouring the Mayor with a Number Two Company, 1st Battalion Welsh Guards. sizeable crowds gathered general salute, the parade was throughout Newport, sporting he Battalion has not marched through Newport since inspected and the Leader of red, leeks and in Newport City Council, 2010, following its return from 10. abundance, lining the route Councillor Bob Wright read out So in the Regiment’s Centenary Year it was a great honour T from the bus station to the D- the Freedom Scroll. The to be invited to return and receive the Freedom of the City. Day Memorial. Regimental Adjutant responded to the kind words, The City Council resolved to At the memorial, the Company the next phase of its service to accepting on behalf of all those bestow the privilege in 2014 was met by the 383rd Right the country. present and then national and through consultation with Worshipful Mayor of Newport, anthems were played. Regimental Headquarters it As part of a week of activity in Mr Herbie Thomas, worked out well to formalise the Principality, the night accompanied by his partner With the formalities complete, the new status in the year that before the march, the Jackie and the Lord Lieutenant the Company marched back the Regiment celebrated its Company travelled to Rodney of Gwent, Sir Simon Boyle. down the hill, taking a slightly history, commemorated its Parade to watch the Battalion Representing the Regiment different route through the fallen and looked forward to Rugby Team play the Newport was the Regimental Adjutant, centre of the city and gave an “With the praise of an entire city ringing in their ears, the Company embarked on a well deserved long weekend...”

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3 4 eyes right to the assembled The event was completed by dignitaries before halting in the presentation of a framed front of cheering crowds on miniature version of the New 1. Company Sergeant Major Owen dresses Commercial Street. This was Colours to the Mayor. With the the front rank of the right half division. followed by a reception in the praise of an entire city ringing 2. The Company Commander, Major Mathieson and right marker, Company Quartermaster Sergeant, Kingsway Sports Centre, during in their ears, the Company Colour Sergeant Scarf, lead the parade through the crowds. which the troops enjoyed a embarked on a well deserved 3. The Mayor inspects the front rank, accompanied by the curry lunch, conversation with long weekend, glad to be Company Commander, Major Mathieson. veterans and local politicians starting on the right side of the 4. Guardsmen Mwelwa and Nagata, with Sergeant Marsh escorting the Colour, exercise the freedom Newport with and free drinks! Severn Bridge! drums beating, bands playing, Colours flying and bayonets fixed.

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The crowds clapped and cheered as we came into sight and halted in front of the dignitaries. The strike of the rifles echoed as we presented arms and Major Dawson asked permission to accompany the Chairman of Powys County Council, County Councillor Paul Ashton to inspect the Guard. Following the inspection the Chairman addressed the parade, thanking the Welsh Guards for all their service and endorsing the Regiment’s future links with Brecon. The Regimental Adjutant, Colonel Bonas, responded with heartfelt thanks and kind words to the town before both national anthems were played. Once the formal proceedings were complete we marched through the town paying our compliments to the dignitaries as we passed. Following this we were graciously hosted by Powys Council at the Infantry Battle School's Officers’ Mess where a wonderful spread had been laid out and presentations were made to various members of the town council. It was a truly memorable 1 parade and day and the Regiment could not have asked THE FREEDOM OF THE COUNTY OF POWYS for more in the way they were 30 September 2015 looked after or hosted. The turnout from both the people Lieutenant J F Z Martin, and children of Brecon as well Officer Commanding, Number Five Platoon, the Mayors from across the Number Two Company, 1st Battalion Welsh Guards. County was truly touching and we are incredibly grateful to n our Centenary year it was a privilege again for the the centre of the town. School both Powys County Council Regiment to exercise its Freedom of the County of children lined the streets with and to the Mayor of Brecon, Powys in Brecon. their Welsh flags, leeks were Councillor David Meredith for I worn proudly and a spattering making it such a special day for The importance was two-fold. Company. Secondly, Dering Lines of red dragons were held up us Cymru Am Byth! Firstly, Brecon has always been is the physical and spiritual high. As we stepped off from a key hub for the recruitment home of the Infantry, from The Barracks the band kicked in and all ranks began to 1. Major Dawson brings the of guardsmen, with Major where all potential Infantry march a little taller as the parade to attention. Dawson testament to that fact; commanders test their mettle on importance of the parade hit 2. Brecon shows its appreciation the hills of Sennybridge. for the Regiment. rising through the ranks from home and Major Dawson Guardsmen to Major and now On the morning of 30 bellowed the words of 3. The Chairman of Powys County Counci and the Mayor commanding Headquarter September crowds amassed in command. of Brecon take the salute.

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Before covering the main detail. But what a day as WELSH GUARDS elements of the tour, it was a always with the Sherman Tank ASSOCIATION delight to have with us again in the Memorial Square two well known veterans, Ray refurbished and painted BATTLEFIELD TOUR Cumbley and Arthur Bland, the surrounded by flags with the 5 – 9 September 2015 former now 95 and the latter Union flag, the Welsh flag and 96. Both served in the 2nd that of the Household Division Colonel T C S Bonas, Battalion and fought from fluttering in the wind. After the President of the Welsh Guards Association Normandy up to Hechtel and formal proceedings we all beyond. Their presence added retired to the Town Hall for a ver 40 Association members and friends of the huge poignancy to our tour very splendid lunch provided Regiment gathered again on Saturday 5 September and they are sharp enough to by the Council. Inevitably, after for the annual Association battlefield tour. recount many of their actions a few glasses of wine, our band O in 1944/1945. Mention must of singers let rip and a singing Nearly all those on the tour had the ferry from Dover to Calais, also be made of two new ping pong then commenced been on the 2014 tour and new noise levels increased suitably comers to the tour, Doug between us and the Council attendees, including the and remained a constant for all Richards, aged 88,who joined and locals, with much President of the N Wales our remaining journeys in the Regiment in 1944 and who merriment and laughter in Branch and his wife, Captain Belgium and later France. In ended up guarding Field between. By a whisker, it was Chris & Ann Hopkins, were this respect we were very Marshal Kesselring after the deemed that the Mayor and war in London. The other was Hechtel had just edged it and warmly welcomed. fortunate to have again on the tour, Captain Lyndon Davies Walter O’Sullivan who joined in were announced the winner! The journey from the early 50’s. It was good to (an Associate member of the After recovering from lunch we have them both along. Cardiff/Pirbright to Hechtel Cardiff branch) and the former proceeded to the Resistance went without a hitch but with long standing secretary of the The tour kicked off, as it always Cemetery near the town to pay many used to the “routine” of N Wales branch David (Spider) does, in Hechtel on the Sunday, our respects and lay a wreath our tours, it was not long for Webb, who both have 6 September. I have written as well as doing the same at the coach to resound to songs magnificent voices and led us about our day there in previous Leopoldville Cemetery where old and new. After the all with passion, enthusiasm editions of the magazine so I 34 Welsh Guardsmen are laid purchase of suitable liquids on and great gusto. will not go into enormous to rest. Arthur Bland and Ray “Their presence added huge poignancy to our tour and they are sharp enough to recount many of their actions in 1944/1945.”

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were delivered by qualified barristers with us on the tour, meant for a very entertaining drama. Whatever will happen next year! Of course, these tours do not just happen and first and foremost we must thank all those who came. Some, like Dave Lehec, Beryl Arnold and 4 Liz Howells and of course our veterans, have attended since the early 90’s. Tribute has to be 3 paid to our singers who greatly enlivened the trip and Chumbley laid wreaths. commanding views of the our core Cardiff group (most of surrounding countryside The next day, Monday, saw us whom are Associate members) including the Ancre Valley. journey to Arras in Northern who have given the tour added Another must see and the France and on the way impetus. Significant thanks Memorial has an excellent stopping at Vimy Ridge to see must go to Hechtel for once museum which through a the magnificent memorial again hosting us so well. Of pictorial exhibition, explains there erected in memory of the course without the work and 5 Canadian Corps who took the the Great War very simply but organisation of the Secretary ridge in April 1917 and in very well. It also has an General. Brian Keane and his memory of all members of the excellent bookshop and wife, Sandra, the tour simply Canadian Expeditionary Force entrance is free. would not happen. So, our killed during the First World As always, our last evening biggest thanks to them for all War. It is a must see to anyone saw us all descend on a local their dedication and in the area. restaurant in Arras, where meticulous planning. The main highlight for the aside from enjoying a fine The tour was another Tuesday was the visit to the dinner and good wine, allowed undoubted success. Thiepval Memorial erected in us all to reminisce on the tour. Thoroughly enjoyed by all and memory of the 72,194 officers And, of course, the evening so appropriate in our 6 and men of the UK and South could not end without another Centenary Year that we were African forces who were round of songs and a play able to remember Welsh missing from the Somme based on some of the Guardsmen who had fallen at battlefield and who have no experiences of the last few Hechtel and on the Somme. known grave, including many days but largely based on a We hope to return next year to Welsh Guardsmen. Our wreath courtroom drama with our Hechtel but also visit different was laid by Andy Morgan, a coach driver in the dock places. If you are interested in former Welsh Guardsman and wrongly accused of illegally attending please contact the a great supporter of the acquiring some maize at one of Association Secretary General, Regiment in Wales. Thiepval, our stands. The fact that both Brian Keane on a battle in itself, has very the prosecution and defence [email protected]. 7

1. Our WW2 veterans with RQMS Boika. 4. Association Choir in action at the Hechtel lunch. 2. From L to R at Hechtel, Kim Hibberd, Adrian Morgan, Lyndon Davies, 5. The Mayor, Council Members and locals in song at the Hechtel lunch. Andy Morgan, Will Vickery, Huw Jones and Ray Cumbley seated. 6. Laying a wreath at the Resistance Cemetery. 3. The Tour group at Thiepval Memorial. 7. Wreath laying at Leopoldsville Cemetery.

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1 2 Luigi and Laura Trevisan also he was to be able to welcome BATTLEFIELD TOUR the Hotel team. Mindblowing the Welsh Guards the liberators CONEGLIANO 2015 Prosseco and wine flowed in of Conegliano in 1945 to good Welsh Guards style commemorate the 70th 70th celebrations to mark the end before we made the effort to of World War 2 Anniversary. After my reply, find our rooms. Quick unpack, which brought the house shower and out to meet a 95 down as I did it in Italian, we he Sindaco (Mayor) of Conegliano Florentino year old Captain of the Alpini’s then presented the town with Zambon invited the Association to celebrate the end Nino De Marchi at his home a Welsh Guards Plaque also a of WW2 when the 3rd Battalion liberated the town on the climbing upward towards the wonderful Cross Stitch T5th May 1945. Castle to our left was this remembering the 70th quaint little farmhouse massive Anniversary. Kindly made by a Lt. Col. Rose Price assembled baggage, (Standard packed in pergola and table set out with a very talented young lady the Battalion in the main a Fishing Bag) and a lovely Irish feast of wine, oh and also food. Anneka Langley, the wife of square to inform everyone that attendant saying I will let it go We spent 3 hours listening to L/Sgt Luke Langley 3 Coy it was the War had ended and told this time Sir!! We arrived on stories of Welsh Guards in 1945 a huge hit with the crowd. I everyone to enjoy the time and were met at the and listening to what was said managed to dip the Standard celebrations of the day as they airport by the taxi to take us makes you wish you had been twice, once on the Parade and had earned the rest and the 45 kilometers to there to enjoy the warmth of once to retrieve my relaxation which started in Conegliano driving along the these wonderful Italians in 1945. out of the fountain much to the North Africa 1943 with many flat basin with the towering After a good night’s sleep we amusement of Lyndon, Kelvyn bloody battles causing many mountains of the Alps on our togged up ready for the parade and Helen. When we dispersed deaths and injuries 1000 left left. As we approached the at 1100 hrs making our way it was over to Bar Italia for a England and only 300 plus of town it was quite a modern out of the old town towards well earned Prosecco and food you who started the journey place with industrial the town hall and boarding a where we cranked up the are here today. buildings!! Not what we bus which took us up to the celebrations and singing. Our journey started more expected then within seconds Alpini memorial in a small easily meeting up with Captain we went through an archway village set in a picturesque part Sunday morning was a Lyndon Davies, Kelvyn Jenkins into a haven of cobbled streets of the vineyards. After a short struggle getting up but with a and Helen Furnell at East in the Old Town where our ceremony of laying laurels it full day ahead it had to be Midlands Airport for our flight hotel was situated. We were was back on the bus to done!! We were picked up by to Treviso courtesy of Ryan Air. welcomed at the hotel like Conegliano and the Main Luigi’s father from the hotel A slight hiccup with the royalty by the Mayor our hosts Parade. We stepped off from and taken to his house where Town Hall marching through lunch was waiting. My word “... Luigi Senior decided to race the town which was lined with what a spread! After lunch it locals watching to the main was into Luigi Senior’s car and a Ferrari which overtook his Memorial the North Wales a 90min drive to Padua War modest Ford Escort we laughed Standard was given Pride of Cemetery to lay a wreath at the place on the steps. The Mayor grave of 2736782 William uncontrollably, out of fear I think.” in his speech said how proud Everard Morris from

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Shrewsbury the day before the uncontrollably out of fear I 70th anniversary of his death. think. He stopped just outside In my research into his death, the town to show us the John Bonnewell informed me Hanging Gate were the that his father was with him Germans hanged the and was never the same resistance Alpini, 2 a day as a afterwards as they were big warning to others if they are friends in the Mortar Platoon it caught. We arrived back happened 8 days before the around 1900 to another spread end of the war, a tragic story. of food, time to say our There were also hundreds of goodbyes soon came around RAF war graves. Luigi senior Lyndon broke out into explained they were shot Myfanwy which reduced Luigi down around Noela the Senior’s wife to tears,saying birthplace of Mussolini which she remembered hearing it as was heavily defended. As the a little girl in 1944 MAGIC!! That Germans retreated, they also is one for the Memory Bank. blew the bridges up across the 4 River making the allies go 80k We rounded the day off back at to the next crossing. Our visit Bar Italia chatting with the over the long trek back to locals and a very happy owner Conegliano when Luigi Senior showing us the local Sunday decided to race a Ferrari which paper with our pictures and overtook his modest Ford singing in his pub!! CYMRU AM Escort we laughed BYTH Grazzi Arivedeci.

1. Kelvyn Jenkins, Helen Furnell, Fiorontino Zambon, Spider and Lyndon Davies. 2. Laura, Spider and Helen reproducing the iconic “On the Town” Poster. 3. Captain Davies, Kelvyn Jenkins and Spider, Padua, Northern Italy. 4. Captain Lyndon Davies, Signor Trevisan, Kelvyn Jenkins, Spider. 5. Anneka Langley’s Cross Stitch presented to the Mayor. 6. Mug made for the visit.

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although it has to be said that many of the islanders do miss the opportunity to house veterans as they did in the early days of veterans returning to the islands. Day 3 - RAF Mount Pleasant Saturday 28th February After an early "Full Welsh" breakfast we moved self contained in our three 4x4s ably driven by the author, Steve Radford and Ken Lane, all volunteers of course! We pulled out of Stanley past and headed for the Mount Pleasant Complex where the Royal Air Force were hosting the group with a view 1 to recruiting some extra pilots they had not seen for thirty for the new Typhoons, VETERANS VISIT THE three years, there was a mix of however they were FALKLAND ISLANDS banter, discussion to identify disappointed when they the features on route and quiet couldn't find any aircraft with 33 YEARS ON contemplation whilst realising XXXX Large cockpits. Charlie Carty MBE that we have at last arrived on The morning spent with the n late February 2015 a group of twelve Welsh Guards the islands which were to have Royal Air Force at MPA was veterans made a return visit to the Falkland Islands for such an effect on us in one way exceptional, with hosted visits I or another for the rest of our the first time since the conflict of 1982. The visit was and demonstrations to the lives. We arrived at the organised and administered by the author during the Typhoon hangers, Fire and fantastic Liberty Lodge and Rescue Services, Control Tower, Welsh Guards centenary year and included Karl were met with a welcome from Air Sea Rescue Hanger and the Trenchard, Steve Radford, Ian Austin, Knocker Knowles, the lodge manager Ellen Davis. Operations Room where a Gwyn Evans 09, Mike Coleclough, Kenny Lane, Mark No one could have missed the computerised "scramble" Watson, Chris Reeks, Phil Smith 61 and Alan Blaikie. aroma of the "All in Stew" she exercise was conducted to had prepared for us. There is show the islands air defence The following is our daily diary. was stood down until the no doubt that the group were capability. After lunch we following day, when with Day 1 - Departure UK taken back by the quality and moved for our first very some relief our journey was Thursday 26th February high standard of the lodge personal and emotional visit to once again going to plan. accommodation which has a Fitzroy and the Welsh Guards Regrettably our planned After a good evening meal at commanding view over the Memorial, here we also took departure from RAF Brize the RAF Gateway House and all inner harbour. All credit must the opportunity to visit all the Norton was delayed 24 Hours the usual formalities were go to the Falklands Veterans other memorials in the area due to severe cross winds at completed, we were embarked Federation founding related to the bombing of the RAF Mount Pleasant in the and on the first leg of our flight committee for their inspiration RFA Sir and Sir Tristram. On our Falklands. Not the most to Ascension Island and when planning its inception, return to Stanley we stopped welcome start to our long thereafter Mount Pleasant awaited journey, so, having Airport in the Falkland Islands. frantically made contact with everyone including Gwyn Day 2 - Arrival Evans 09 who had travelled Friday 27th February from Canada and was On arrival at Mount Pleasant somewhere in the North of Airport our transport collected England, also Alan Blaikie (ACC) the group for the journey to who was already on route Stanley and for the first time from Scotland and had a night since 1982 everyone was at RAF Brize Norton everyone getting a feel of the terrain 2

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Back Row: Phil Smith 61, Ken Lane, Steve Radford, Karl Trenchard, Charlie Carty , Gwyn Evans 09, Front Row: Dennis Knowles, Mike Coleclough, Mark Watson, Ian Austin, Alan Blaikie, Chris Reeks. to visit and pay our respects at Guards) Charlie Carty (22 SAS) our journey in our three 4x4s. moved on to the location of the LCpl Thomas 03 (Bowsers) Alan Blakie (ACC) and Mike On reaching San Carlos and in old company positions, to find memorial at Minefield 60. Our Coleclough (REME). On a plot of overlooking the sea in some of the trench imprints final appointment of the day completion of our service we this windswept land is the now well grown over, it was was the France v Wales Six were all invited to the wedding British Military Cemetery, a now a clear sunny but windy Nations match over a curry of Carol Green (sister of Paul carefully constructed and day which is a stark difference supper in the lodge. Green, Welsh Guards, killed in beautifully maintained to the cold, wet and action 8th June 1982) and Phil Day 4 - Saint David's Day memorial to the dead, of windswept days of 1982, when Ovenden a resident of Fitzroy Sunday 01 March course most British casualties the peat trenches quickly filled after which we attended their were buried at sea. We spent with muddy water. We also A special day for us of course, reception in the Fitzroy some time here and paid our decided at this point to have a and it was particularly Settlement Hall. respects. group photograph taken appropriate that we held our against the backdrop of our Day 5 - Circumnavigation Eating our lunch overlooking Remembrance Service at the landing site in 1982 Welsh in Monday 02 March the now rotting Jetty on which Fitzroy overlooking the We departed Liberty Lodge for the battalion came ashore, the Onward we moved to Goose offshore site of the bombing of a long day in the field and memories rolled back, we Green via the Argentine the RFA Sir Galahad and Sir having loaded all the goodies 1. The 2015 Veterans Group with our officiating Padre (Sqn Ldr) Stewart Tristram. This was held including Flasks and a Shaw RAF at our Service at the Welsh Guards Memorial Fitzroy on virtually in sync with the Nosebag for lunch we planned Saint David’s Day Regiments St David's Day to circumnavigate the Eastern 2. Typhoon Pilot Sgn Ldr Billy Cooper and Mike Coleclough reacting to the Island covering Teal Inlet, San groups rendition of "You’ve got that Loving Feeling" from the movie events 8000 miles away in Top Gun. Cardiff. RAF Padre (Sqn Ldr) Carlos, Darwin and Goose 3. Lunch stop at San Carlos overlooking the Battalion Positions in the Stewart Shaw conducted our Green. Sennybridge and distance. The Landing Jetty is to the right of the road in the low ground. service with wreaths being laid Dartmoor Training Areas came 4. Karl Trenchard at the entrance to BluffCove in the background. by Karl Trenchard (Welsh to mind as we progressed on 5. Area of No2 Coy Posns - Bluff Cove behind in the distant right.

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their home and added greatly with visits in Stanley and with their input on the events personal choices of activity. We involving Battalion HQ and started the day with a visit to Number 2 Company and the Penguin colonies at Gypsy Machine Gun Company Cove followed by visits to the arriving at Bluff Cove in 1982. old Stanley Airport and Museum after which we We moved onward in the congregated at Shorties Diner direction of Stanley to Elephant for lunch which was excellent. Canyon where the Battalion HQ were located and thereafter Suitably fed and watered we the positions of Number 2 moved into the afternoon with Company where many of the a visit to the Memorial Wood old trench locations were which was a piece of unused found by a number of the ground which was landscaped group. We further pinpointed and a tree planted for every the Battalion Start Line and serviceman killed in action. All then moved on foot to the the planning and work carried heights of Mount Harriett out in the making of this where a good view of Mounts memorial was instigated by Longdon, Tumbledown, Tim and Jan Miller with the Wireless Ridge and Mount Kent 1 young children of their cub were seen, all areas of heavy scouts. Successive children cemetary near Darwin greatly appreciated. fighting during the last week of continue to maintain the positioned on a very bleak area the conflict. memorial over the years which Day 6 - No 2 Company Day lacking the well known quality provides peace, Solitude and Tuesday 03 March Our final stop on route was of the War Graves Commission. Sapper Hill from where a Remembrance for all. Here the Today was planned as a Travelling now along the superb view of Stanley was group took the opportunity to Number 2 Company Day as the Southern route towards seen. All our route covered we plant small remembrance Stanley still with some distance majority in the group were returned to Liberty Lodge and crosses for friends and to go on less than ideal roads Number 2 Company and prepared for an organised comrades killed in action. At we eventually reached Liberty Machine Gun Platoon veterans boat tour of the Inner and 1500hrs we are invited to tea Lodge and prepared for our during their advance to Outer harbours. The days at Government House and on dinner invitation with Ian and Stanley. We follow their activities coming to a close we this occasion the Deputy Sheila Stewart whose progress from Bluff Cove to again head back to the lodge Governor is hosting our visit, hospitality was second to Mount Harriett where they for a freshen up and stroll so back to the lodge and dress none. Sheila has been key in were in support of the Marines down to the Waterfront for the occasion after which we helping us with our seabourn and then on to Sapper Hill and restaurant for dinner and a few arrived, as required, five events and Ian played a Stanley. Starting our journey at pints. minutes before parade. The significant part in the building Bluff Cove, we were met by Deputy Governor was very of Liberty Lodge, they both Kevin and Hattie Killmartin Day 7 - Government House accommodating with a warm support our groups on our who as owners of Bluff Cove Wednesday 04 March welcome and talked with every visit which is always Farm made us very welcome at Today has been fairly flexible everyone discussing a variety

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of interesting subjects which morning with a final lunch at the group raised. We took this Shorties Diner with the opportunity to present the remainder of the day being Governor with our newly used for personal activities. published Regimental Book Over the last few days, our "Bearskins, Bayonets and Body resident driver, Ian Austin, has Armour" with an attached roll taken the opportunity to carry of all present. out his passion for Diving with friends on the island. He has Another day nearly comes to enjoyed the opportunity to an end its now back to the carry out several dives in new lodge to prepare for our waters around the Falklands second invitation to dinner at coast. the home of Tim and Jan Millar. 3 Tim and Jan are of course Day 9 - Homward Bound legendary for their support to Friday 06 March Welsh Guardsmen visiting the After a superb visit we are now islands, The amount of work on route for the UK and not they do on our behalf both long after we left MPA the with our visiting veterans and aircraft Captain warned us at Falklands Islands over the intercom that a pair of Government level is massive Jets would be appearing on and there are no words i can the port side, a few minutes put hear which will do them later two Typhoons appeared justice. alongside us they looked as if their wing tips were nearly Day 8 - Final Day touching ours. The pilots Thursday 05 March waved then one Typhoon Our final day on the islands dropped down and re- before we depart at 0530hrs appeared on our starboard tomorrow morning for the wing. After a few minutes they 4 United Kingdom. Brief visits to gave a final wave and with a Cape Pembroke (Atlantic thunderous roar of their Conveyor) and Hookers Point engines and a blast of flame (HMS Glamorgan) in the were gone.

1. The Deputy Governor being presented with the Regimental Book " "Bearskins Bayonets and Body Armour" Charlie Carty. 2. The British Military Cemetery and Memorial overlooking Blue Beach at San Carlos. 3. Alan Blakie, Phil Smith 61 and Carl Trenchard on the Harbour Tour. 4. Ian Austin diving in the cold waters of the South Alantic. 5. RAF Typhoon escorting us out of Falklands Air Space. 5

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Our purpose in such a clobbered a IN THE BEGINNING restrictive environment was to sergeant of the guard who WAS CATERHAM get through each day without commented on his Welsh attracting the attention of any ancestry and was promptly 2741392 former Recruit Lewis of them. floored. His assailant found himself in the cells within an 015 was a year of anniversaries, celebrations and Recruits did not get a warm hour of entering Caterham. A welcome, if there had been a nostalgia in abundance. We marked our Centenary record. with parades and gatherings, it was the 200th sign saying “Abandon all hope 2anniversary of the , the 800th of the ye who enter here” it would A Pontypool recruit early in the have been appropriate. Being Second World War recalled signing of the Magna Carta and the 70th of the end of told by a Grenadier Sergeant of Sunday mornings and an NCO the Second World War. the Guard to “get the coal-dust asking if anyone wanted out of your eyes and run down “second breakfasts” which Hidden away were personal outside world was on route that road” was typical and no turned out to be Communion memories and anniversaries marches and runs which were doubt Scots and Irish recruits and an Ebbw Valian years later and mine was the never to be endured at a time when were similarly dealt with. still found pleasure recalling forgotten day in 1945 when I winters were severe. the day when all the Trained entered the forbidding gates of On the few occasions we Church Parade was Soldiers were paraded and the Guards Depot, Caterham, “walked out” into Croydon we compulsory, the Anglicans they lost their names. Surrey a world away from the stood out as Recruits, our went to the Depot Church official rank, because we wore Western Valley of There was the ploughed field within the walls while the more cheese-cutter SD caps, boots for weapon training, wooden Monmouthshire. By choice! fortunate Methodists were and gaiters. Despite securing a beds, the Joliffe Square, drill 2015 marked the 70th marched outside to a local rare pass from the Squad sheds, first Adjutants, shining anniversary of an important chapel where they were given Instructor we could not parades and the dreaded call moment for me and other tea and buns after the service. guarantee getting out on a “outside the non-swimmers” innocents who temporarily left It didn’t take long for the entire Saturday because everything which gave the expression the normal world and formed squad to become Methodist. depended on the mood of the being thrown into the deep Corporal Harding’s squad. Only Sergeant of the Guard end a real meaning. Controlling every aspect of our those who went to Caterham especially if he was not a Welsh lives were Gods beginning Some still think it was all magic, will understand the effect it Guardsman. with a Guardsmen we knew as how else could boys be turned had on our young lives. Trained Soldier. We had to The aim was survival and into Welsh Guardsmen in four The Depot was well known, in stand at attention when he passing the final test, an months? The memories go on hindsight it would be unfair to spoke to us which was often. inspection by the and on, the going in to the call it notorious, but it was a Then came the Squad Commandant. Most squads Depot, the triumphant coming place that enveloped its Instructor, a Corporal, and passed, as did mine, and in the out and the great feeling when inmates totally, it looked like a higher up were the following week we were we left for good. My later prison and inside it was. For Superintending Sergeant and Guardsmen and went to the experiences in the Training recruits the only sight of the the Company Sergeant Major. Training Battalion at Sandown Battalion, Public Duties in Park in Esher. Not far away but Westminster Garrison Battalion a different world for it was based at Wellington Barracks, “Recruits did not get a warm there we got our first leave and the 2nd Battalion in Germany welcome, if there had been a sign wore proper Guards caps. and the 1st in Palestine are still fresh but none are as clear as Over many years I have heard saying “Abandon all hope ye who those of Caterham. many stories of Caterham, one enter here” it would have been 1930s entrant was hardly A squad photograph taken appropriate.” through the gate before he halfway through the sixteen

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week programme shows a Instructor told us his job was group of young men whose not to turn us into soldiers but lives had been changed for into Guardsmen – Welsh ever, still recruits but soon to Guardsmen. He did and “... one 1930s entrant was hardly graduate as Guardsmen from a seventy years later, admittedly through the gate before he fortress in a town they would in the knowledge that we will clobbered a Scots Guards sergeant never forget, Caterham. not have to go through it That was where it all began. again, we would not have of the guard who commented on his That was where the Squad changed a thing. Welsh ancestry...”

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LIVING IN PIRBRIGHT Lance Corporal Jones 30138457

moved to Pirbright in December 2014 as part of the Welsh Guards Battalion move. Elizabeth Barracks will Ibe home for the next six years. Whilst it is a good camp, it is a to know the civilian support lot smaller than our previous staff. The new caterers are a camp in Hounslow, albeit company called ISS and the compensated for by having a food in the cookhouse is at a training area and ranges on very good standard compared our doorstep which is good to to our old caterers. Within improve our soldiering skills fifteen minutes by vehicle, we and fitness. The amenities have Woking and Guildford. ensure that everyone is kept These are nice towns with LIVING IN PIRBRIGHT occupied, making the job very plenty of things to do in the enjoyable and rewarding. evening with friends such as LCpl Duffell 30154781 the cinema, bars and There are also other facilities restaurants. relocated to Elizabeth Barracks, Pirbright in December we have access to at the Army 2014 as part of the Battalion’s unit move from Cavalry Training Centre, such as the I’m housed in the single Barracks, Hounslow. I moved a couple of weeks after the swimming pool and the gym. accommodation. It is pretty Imain body as I was on paternity leave. We have a gym in our camp much the same as we were however it can get crowded in living in before but the rooms I had a lot going on at the time: I away. My wife doesn’t drive so the evenings so it is good to are a bit bigger, with more was on a pre-promotion course this is a big challenge because have an alternative. There is storage facilities and utilities and my wife had just had our she is reliant on me to get out also a small restaurant just such as a larger kitchen and second son. The Welfare Office of the estate. This makes down the road from our camp drying room. Luckily the had sorted out my new quarter juggling work and family life called “Sandes” which is good corridor I’m in also houses whilst we were in Kenya, so I tough as I am often away on to go to for a brew or a bite to colleagues that I get on really had no idea what the new place duty. eat. As much as we have our well with in Number Two looked like and I hadn’t Company so we are always Elizabeth Barracks is smaller own cookhouse it’s nice to researched the area so it was a having a laugh in our down than the old barracks in have a bit of choice elsewhere. tough one to sell to my wife! time. This makes the work Hounslow but it makes up for it Elizabeth Barracks’s intimate place a good environment to The family life in Pirbright is by having a training area and style means that we quickly be in and homely building to pretty good. It is a safe ranges on our doorstep which orientated ourselves and got live in. environment for my kids with we did not have before. friendly people and play parks Between Elizabeth Barracks dotted around the estate and the Army Training Centre which keeps the children next door we have all we need happy. There is a small Spar to carry out our day to day shop with a soft play area but training and gain a lot of time that is about it with that was usually spent conveniences. The Medical travelling. Centre in the Army Training Overall, living in Pirbright has Centre is available to my wife its ups and downs as and children and is far better everywhere does. The best than any civilian practice. The part of it for me is that it is a hardest part of living here is safe environment for my how secluded it is. There is not family. Between the military much within walking distance. community and the Military If you need to go shopping, Provost Guard Service other than Sainbury’s, the patrolling around the estate I nearest sizeable towns are at am assured that my family and least a fifteen minute drive home are safe while I am away.

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IMBER COURT- COMMEMORATION 28TH JUNE 2015 Jeff Heenan - London Branch.

e were informed in 2014 that the Imber Court Commemoration would be the final one, no Wexplanations were given. In discussions with Brian the oval running track. 20 Keane, Howard Main and people were killed, among myself, also discussed with our them 18 Welsh Guardsmen, a Chairman Richard Doughty, Member of the Army Physical Treasurer Doug Wilcox and our Training Corps, and a Member President, Lt-Col Charles of the Auxiliary Training Service. Stephens. I made enquiries regarding the cost of holding Thanks to Ray Ward, the Sports the Meeting at Imber Court, Centre Manager at the time, and was told that there was no and Mounted policeman. charge.Those visiting could Sergeant Christopher Forrester, purchase, food and drink over they arranged for a Memorial the bar. Garden, a plaque, with the names of those who had been We decided that we should killed listed. The late Dick continue remembering those Fletcher and Ken Lewis, that had been killed, as arranged for the Association to reported by Lt.Col. W.J.H. Moss, be informed. The (whose father was one of those Commemoration continued killed, as reported in the 1994 until last year. magazine, during that fatal day in June 1944, when during the It is hoped following this years’ THE 's Athletics Meeting service, when approximately one of Hitler's V1 flying bomb 60 people attended, it will BRANCH TROPHY (doodlebugs) as they were continue as a Regimental known, landed in the centre of Function. he Monmouthshire Trophy awarded to the Welsh Guards Sportsman of the Year was first presented in 1968.

TSince then it has been won by the Army Cup and Infantry Cup. a variety of sportsmen, rugby His citation reads, “During his players, footballers, athletes, time as captain, he has shown boxers and even a tennis all the leadership qualities of player. In a sporting Regiment to win it is a great achievement an SNCO and has commanded and it also brings together respect amongst all the players serving and past serving (including SNCOs. He is not one Guardsmen. for shirking his responsibilities and has led by example, The 2015 award winner was displaying fair play and respect 30075829 Guardsman Martin to officials and opposing Hughes from Llandudno, a players at all times.” footballer who has captained the Battalion X1 in the last two Martin Hughes was presented seasons. Under his captaincy with the Trophy and Certificate the 1st Battalion team won the at the Annual Dinner of the London District League and Monmouthshire Branch at Cup, reached the semi-finals of Abergavenny in October. Miss Doris Goss and Brian Keane prior to laying the wreath.

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incoming calls, wearing the One of our ATS girls was killed mask. Every Wednesday, she she was a girl who had been would beg Ack Harris to let her traumatised in a previous take off her mask, the more she bombing at her home, when pleaded, the move he insisted her sister had died, and she she wore it (and the more the would scream in her sleep at rest of us laughed). He was just night. It seemed to us that she keeping her safe he grinned. had a premonition of her own Frustration for Peggy! death. Luckily for me, my own injury was not severe, just a We learned to march on the shrapnel wound, which soon Parade ground (now the healed, and I returned to my racecourse car park). After a job in the Orderly Room. solemn inspection by the As I write this, it is the 70th Commanding Officer, we Anniversary of VE day, on that proudly swung our arms as we day in 1945, I was one of the half followed the Welsh Guards on dozen ATS girls who took the St David's Day to the tune of train from Esher to London. We The Rising of the Lark – I can were there on the Mall among still hear it today. the huge crowds still being On the 30th June 1944 we were shown in the press Miss Doris Goss. driven to the Police Sports photographs today. We got back Ground at Imber Court East to Esher somehow and spent The service this year was found him living in a stable at Molesley to be part of the the night in the local fire station; conducted by Chaplain Doug the Sandown Park Racecourse, audience at the Battalion Sports I'm not sure how or why! Perkins (Ex Welsh Guards Band) their wartime training centre. Day. The start of another race now a Chaplain with the Royal For me the war continued and I Why were we there? To do had just announced when we Naval Reserve. was stationed in , living office jobs for the running of heard a V1 flying bomb circling in a tent in the desert, and In addition, at last year’s the Battalion. Officers in overhead, the roaring sound running a pool of typists who Commemoration, Miss Doris charge were Lt-Col Tom suddenly cut off (the signal that included 2 German prisoners Goss attended, she was Oakshott, Major F. Ellis and it was falling) and we started to of war. Another elderly German present on the day, and was Captain Dai Llewllyn run. I was running in the wrong prisoner drove me back to my injured: her story follows: I was a shorthand typist and direction as it turned out, and tent, talking of his The Welsh Guards Girls at sat at the third row of desks in one of the guardsmen threw grandchildren, before saying “I Sandown Park 1943-5 the Orderly room, which is himself on top of me to protect wish you a very good appetite” me. By Miss. Doris Goss now at the top end of the Then I was sent to Jerusalem, (ex Sgt Doris Grey W/284167) racecourse grand stand. Then the huge explosion. We to work in the British HQ at the There were a dozen or so of us, The office was controlled by were all numb with shock. I living at the King David Hotel, members of the Auxiliary “Ack” Harris a genial loud voice found blood running down my which was blown up by Jewish Territorial Service (ATS, Warrant Officer who kept an side, and was taken with others terrorists disguised as Arab women's army of World War eye on everyone and to St Peter's Hospital in milkmen. After the war I 2),Stationed there to support everything. On Wednesday Chertsey (not Chelsea, as has became a nun, and much has the Training Battalion Welsh mornings we had Gas Mask been reported elsewhere). happened since. Guards, we lived in a beautiful Drill, when we had to continue I am writing this at the age of house in Esher, which however, on working wearing the big Lying in the casualty ward 90, having just been asked to seemed less luxurious when masks. This was particular hard there, I could hear the soldiers lay the wreath along with Brian the bombs started falling and on Peggy, our telephone being asked their names and Keane at this year's Imber we had to sleep on mattresses switchboard operator, who regimental numbers, maybe Court Commemoration Service. on the ground floor. If we went could neither be heard clearly the last thing some of them home with a guardsman, we herself or understand the said as 20 soldiers died that day. What a life!

“...we heard a V1 flying bomb circling overhead, the roaring sound suddenly cut off (the signal that it was falling) and we started to run.”

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During the war, his talents on Windsor Castle this year, where the rugby field were sought by he was taken by surprise when a touring Australian Forces the Equerry to HRH Prince side. “They were due to play Charles sought him out and Scotland at Murrayfield, and passed on the Prince’s request the Aussies were short of a to meet him in the VIP hooker” he recalled.”I got a call marquee. During their from one of their boys who had conversation, the Prince asked seen me play in a Forces game, Eric if any of his family were and before I knew it, I was on present, and whether he had the train to London to meet the any daughters, to which he team. When I got on the train I replied “yes, one daughter, and was immediately given an that’s enough! (which caused Australian army uniform, and HRH to laugh loudly and say, was told that if anyone asks, “we are hoping for a you say you’re a Bombadier”! granddaughter” !! ) Despite the team losing 8-6, his Eric has been a long standing time in Edinburgh would later member of the Merthyr Tydfil prove invaluable after a chance Branch of the Association, meeting with a South African holding the post of honorary man called Neville Heath. Whilst Vice President for many years. serving later in the Police Force, He still attends monthly he saw a poster of a ‘wanted meetings at the Ex- man’ the police were looking Servicemen’s Club, and can ERIC JONES, for, in connection with the also be found having a pint with his friends in the local murder of two girls in England. BORN 10TH DECEMBER 1914 Conservative Club on a Brian Keane “I recognized him straight away Wednesday evening. – it was Neville Heath” recalls He is due to be featured in the Second World War veteran was given a 100th Eric, “and thankfully they were documentary ‘Heart of the birthday to remember after Welsh Guardsmen able to catch and convict him” Dragon: The Welsh Guards turned up at his house for a surprise party. A I had the privilege of escorting Story, be made to Eric and his daughter to the commemorate the Regiment’s Eric Antwerp Jones, a former 14 and went to work in a coal Presentation of New Colours at centenary. Sergeant in the Welsh Guards, mine for five years. He joined had earlier in the day received a the Welsh Guards in 1934 telegram from Her Majesty The before being discharged, and in “...I was immediately given an Queen but when the three 1938 he joined the Merthyr Australian army uniform, and was told Guardsmen called round to his Tydfil Police Force. He was then home in Merthyr Tydfil, South recalled to the Welsh Guards at that if anyone asks, you say you’re a Wales, with a birthday cake and the outbreak of World War II. Bombadier!” champagne, he could not have In 1941, he was promoted to been happier. Sergeant and served with Eric, who admits to being exemplary conduct until 1945 seldom lost for words, said the when he had an accident with a surprise had left him Bren Gun Carrier and spent five speechless: "I had the shock of months in hospital before being finally discharged. He returned my life when the boys came into to the police force, where he my living room in their tunics. It helped to solve a murder case, takes me back and reminds me and served until 1966 before of the fantastic time in the becoming head porter at St Guards. This has been worth Tydfil’s Hospital, for nine years, waiting 100 years for." and later joining the Hoover Eric was born in Pentrebach, Company in Merthyr Tydfil Merthyr Tydfil, left school aged before finally retiring in 1982. Eric presented with his cake.

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provide support to members and welfare of the Regiment FORGING LINKS and their families. generally.” Roy Lewis A welcome circular to Serving soldiers who attend lanning for the Regiment’s Centenary began several Chairmen and Secretaries of Branch social events are years ago, now we should think of another in 2019 Branches dated 2 June 2015 always welcomed and they when the Welsh Guards Association is a hundred years old. which Regimental Sergeant enjoy meeting fellow P Major Dunn issued was headed Guardsmen from different “Fellow Welsh Guardsmen and eras. The presence of the Its long term future is in the which laid the foundations of a Association on Saint David’s hands of those serving, and we Welsh Guards Comrades Association Members” which in Day, Presentation of New have been given a boost and Association. It was invaluable itself recognised the bond Colours and Battlefield Tours is encouragement by the in the 20s and 30s where between the serving and non- appreciated by the Battalion Regimental Sergeant Major widespread unemployment serving which is so important. and creates a family affected ex-soldiers and those who suggests practical links In it he wrote, “As the atmosphere. still suffering after the Great with the Battalion and Regimental Sergeant Major, I War. Similar problems exist in Branches. Every Welsh would like to create stronger After the Battalion’s the 21st Century. Guardsman, serving or past links with the Association… I Homecoming Parade in Cardiff serving, is a member of the At the Annual General Meeting wish to get your thoughts on a a few years ago there was a convivial gathering at the Arms Association but those in in June 1966 it was agreed serving Warrant Officer or Park of Guardsmen of all ages uniform need to know more “after considerable discussion” Senior member of the Battalion and their families. One who about it, all it stands for and that the name of the Association being affiliated to each of your served in the late Forties the support it can give to those should be changed to Welsh Branches… I think a link man watched the parade and said, leaving the Regiment. Guards Association omitting the from the Battalion will drum “I envy them, they are with word “Comrades” which it was up more support, and try and On May 14th 1919, just four hoped would encourage their mates and I feel a part of capture those younger men years after the Regiment’s younger men to take an interest it.” Later after meeting young who have recently stepped off. founding, our first Regimental in their Branches. men just back from The serving members will be Lieutenant Colonel and Afghanistan he said, “They In the years following the Commanding Officer, Colonel local Welsh Guardsmen and haven’t changed, they may Second World War there were W Murray Threipland DSO will know the recent ex Welsh have different weapons, live in very many Welsh Guardsmen chaired a meeting to discuss Guardsmen who are local to a totally different society but who had served in the three rules of the Association. A your branches.” basically they are the same as Service Battalions and the week later there was a meeting we were and just as proud of Training Battalion and who The Branches must play their of all ranks of the Regiment at joined in the activities of their part too in ensuring the being Welsh Guardsmen.” ’B’Lines, Wimbledon Camp local Branches. When the serving Regiment has a That blending of serving and when sixteen were present Association Biennial Dinners presence in their areas. Those non-serving Welsh Guardsmen including a Sergeant and two began in 1961 several hundred who step off often need help, has to continue. A Regiment Corporals, four Guardsmen attended them, one in Merthyr advice or encouragement and without its Association is only from each of the Companies Tydfil in 1997 attracted four this can be provided by the half a Regiment but there are and a Drummer. hundred and fifty. Branches. The policy of the positive signs that when the Many more attended a The value of the Association is Association laid down in 1919 Association Centenary is meeting in Cardiff in unmeasurable, not just for its is still relevant, “to maintain celebrated our family, in or out November 1919, eighty in all, social importance but the connection between the past of uniform, will still be doing its when it was decided to form presence in Wales and parts of and serving members of the duty to the Regiment and Branches, the first two in England of an organised body Welsh Guards and thereby enjoying a comradeship that Cardiff and Monmouthshire, of Welsh Guardsmen who promote their mutual interest never ends.

“When the Association Biennial Dinners began in 1961 several hundred attended them, one in Merthyr Tydfil in 1997 attracted four hundred and fifty.”

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Cassino was a truly humbling poignant particularly noting VISIT TO MONTE CASSINO experience and one which I the young ages of the fallen JULY 2015 would recommend if at all inscribed on the headstones. possible to anyone who is Bob Chambers (ex POW’s Coy - 24645750) We continued on our journey visiting that area of Italy. I was to Sorrento where we took in pleased that in the centenary n July 21 2015 with my daughter Molly, I flew to the beauty of the Amalfi year of the formation of the Rome at the start of a wonderful holiday which my coastline visiting Portofino, Welsh Guards I was in some parents had given us in belated celebration of my 50th Ravello and Amalfi as well as small way able to remember Obirthday and Molly’s 18th birthday. the sacrifices made at Monte Pompeii and other delightful places in the region. A holiday We stayed in Rome for three Commonwealth cemetery Cassino by those Guardsmen, to remember for lots of nights where we took in all the where I laid a poppy cross in SNCO and Officers of the 3rd sights in temperatures of 40 c memory of the members of the Batt. Welsh Guards. My different reasons before flying and had a very enjoyable visitᵒ 3rd Battalion Welsh Guards daughter found the experience home from Naples. before moving on to spend the who gave their lives there and rest of the holiday in Sorrento. also placed a cross in memory En route south we stopped off of my uncle. The view from the at Monte Cassino a visit I have cemetery looking up the hill long since wished to make. My takes in the site of the father’s brother had served at monastery at the top and gives Cassino with the Royal Corps of a general perspective of the Signals in WWII. Prior to his land fought over. The views death in April of this year and from the Abbey were quite over the years however hard I remarkable as they afford a tried I was never able to get spectacular 360 degree him to talk about his panorama out over the experiences there or of those countryside which brought in North Africa prior to him home the reasons why both landing in Italy. sides in the war found it At Cassino we had a very important to command the interesting tour of the Abbey high ground on the advance to before visiting the Rome. The visit to Monte WO1 (GSM) WDG 'BILLY' MOTT OBE MVO, WELSH GUARDS Brian Keane In June 2015 after Trooping The Bill enlisted into the Welsh Colour, Billy Mott retired from Guards in 1979, thus serving a the British Army, and at the total of 36 years in the Regiment, Presentation of New Colours at and in this time he gained the Windsor Castle on April 30, respect of everyone who came Welsh Guards Association into contact with him. marked the occasion by He has now re-settled in the presenting him with a watch USA, and we wish him and his depicting the Regimental wife a long and happy life emblem on the face, and a together. suitable inscription on the reverse.

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RUGBY, COURAGE AND THE WELSH IN WAR Julian Peel Yates OBE, (Formerly Major, Welsh Guards)

or centuries past, Welshmen have made a formidable humanity and humour’. do not think now, that it was mere coincidence. It is rather contribution to the story of British arms. History tells The book also notes the testament to the virtues which us that it was Welsh archers from Llantrisant near Cardiff quintessential importance of rugby requires, engenders and Fwho played a defining part in victory at Crecy over the the game of rugby union to the inspires. French in 1346 in the Hundred Years’ War. life and spirit of the Welsh Guards from the very Though I come from a family More famous still, we have of arms. But traditions alone beginning. Indeed, it records rugby background I cannot been taught for generations cannot guarantee the first ‘Military International’ unfortunately claim to be a that it was Welsh longbow men performance in war. Any ever played, at Cardiff Arms rugby man myself. I began at Agincourt in 1415, fighting soldier knows it is ultimately Park on 17 April 1915 between playing aged four in under the Red Dragon, whose training and discipline which a Wales XV and the Barbarians Brunswick, was in my first exceptional resilience and skill are key, underpinned by specifically to recruit for the school XV, but was forcibly enabled the young King Henry character and courage. As Sir newly formed Welsh Guards. retired at the age of twelve. I V to triumph against Winston Churchill told us, Held six weeks after the raising was sent on to a school, a well overwhelming odds; and the courage is rightly esteemed of the Regiment, it led to the known four letter word, which heroic defence of Rorke’s Drift the first of human qualities, as enlistment of 183 men. for practical purposes did not in 1879 in the Zulu War by B it is the one which guarantees When I first read the words of play the game. My maternal company of the 2/24th all others. the foreword and the grandfather’s rugby pedigree, Regiment of Foot, later the The foreword by HRH The description of that 1915 rugby however, was quite different. , holds a Prince of Wales to the history of international, I was intrigued. His name was Stanley Williams, unique place in the national the Welsh Guards published for They chimed perfectly with and born at Rogerstone, memory. Perhaps it has even this centenary year, ‘Bayonets, something I had witnessed Newport, he was eligible to played its part in recent times Bearskins and Body Armour’, many years ago in the represent both Wales and in helping to sustain the says this of the Regiment: Falklands War, concerning the England. He played rugby for morale of isolated British army ‘Their valour and resilience in tragedy of the bombing of the Newport RFC from 1904-1911. outposts vulnerable to attack that first action, at Loos in RFA Sir Galahad. Many of those He had a Welsh trial in 1909, in Helmand province in Flanders, demonstrated how, Welsh Guardsmen whose and was vice captain of the Afghanistan. with astonishing rapidity, they names had come to the fore in remarkable 1909-10 Newport From the formation of the had become a formidable force that calamity, and most of team from which 7 players Welsh Guards in February -indefatigably Welsh, defined those who were decorated for including him were chosen for 1915, forged in the Great War, by loyalty to each other and to their gallantry, were rugby the 1910 British Lions tour to the Regiment has naturally country, and sustained in men. Whilst rugby does not of , a record never been entitled to draw strength desperate circumstances by course have any monopoly in since equalled or bettered by a from that fine Welsh tradition their ysbryd, or spirit, and by valour, I did not think then, as I single club side. The Lions of 1910 were the first to be openly and competitively “Many of those Welsh Guardsmen whose names selected from all 4 home nations. He was capped by the had come to the fore in that calamity, and most of Lions at fullback in all 3 Test those who were decorated for their gallantry, Matches of the South Africa tour, and later by England in all were rugby men.” their Five Nations matches of

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1911, before retiring through “...the sheer proportion of rugby names amongst the injury. gallant on the Galahad I think deserves recognition Stanley Williams served in the Royal Field Artillery in World in its own right.” War I. As a Battery Captain on the Somme in the 38th (Welsh) Headquarters, five miles away very difficult conditions people at the time spoke of the Division, he provided gunnery to the east. Close by was the running the field hospital at exceptional contribution of support for 1st Bn Welsh redoubtable WOII Bill Evans 33, Ajax Bay. I also hitched a lift by Capt Glyn White, a great man Guards when they won their of WG rugby fame, in helicopter to the hospital ship of WG rugby and an Battle Honours at Ginchy and command of the Machine Gun thirty miles offshore, ss outstanding former Flers Courcelette in September Platoon, calling his men into Uganda, hiding my weapon, 1916. In 11 months from 1916 Regimental Sergeant Major, immediate action as soon as beret and badges of rank to do to 1917, he was awarded a DSO praised far and wide for his the enemy aircraft were seen. so, but as a combatant and 3 Mentions in Despatches, courage, example and My own role as OC flagrantly against the Articles before being invalided home steadfast leadership in the Headquarter Company was after being gassed twice, at of War. It was vital to know first inferno and mayhem after the largely redundant. It should Ypres and near fatally at hand who was accounted for, bombing. Many singled out the have been to command the Passchendaele. He was lost and who was not. Some of the bravery of Capt Jan Koops, who Battalion’s essential supply overboard from the Royal Mail wounded below decks were had recently captained the WG trucks and vehicles. But in the liner ss Arlanza in 1936, bound recognisable only by voice. The Army Cup winning side shortly Falklands War there were no from Rio de Janeiro to abiding memory, handsomely before leaving for the trucks. A day after the attack on Southampton. There is little endorsed by the medical staff Falklands, and still others LCpl the Galahad the Commanding doubt that at the time he was and especially by Rick Jolly, was David Lewis 01, a rugby man Officer, Lt Col Johnny Rickett, suffering from what is now of the extraordinary calm and too, who despite dreadful wishing to lead the unharmed known as Post Traumatic Stress unselfish stoicism of the injuries, together with Glyn half of the Battalion forwards Disorder (PTSD). Guardsmen suffering from White had saved many lives. towards Stanley but realizing appalling burns and blast PTSD was unknown to those the scale of the loss, sent me injuries. Gdsm , also a serving in the army when the back to do whatever I could to Battalion rugby player, over Falklands conflict erupted in assist in the task of coping with Of the four Welsh Guardsmen and again in the days after the 1982, but it was that war which the aftermath of the tragedy. decorated for gallantry on the tragedy and in the years since brought it to the national Galahad, three were notable Over the next couple of days I has demonstrated his own consciousness. No one should WG rugby players: CSM Brian went hither and thither across brand of courage, doubt the courage required Neck MM, LCpl Dale Loveridge the Task Force, seeking to determination and resilience, day by day to face and MM, and LSgt Dai Graham, clarify who was wounded or and has been a magnificent overcome that brutal and Mentioned in Despatches. Only missing. In the process I met ambassador for the wounded merciless affliction, by those Gdsm Stephen Chapman MM many of the wounded, and generally in conflict since. Only who suffer from it. was not a Battalion rugby heard first hand from their he can say, but perhaps he player. When the bombs struck the medical staff, foremost owes his life to his strength RFA Sir Galahad at Fitzroy on amongst whom was Surgeon As important as those who and scrummaging instincts 8th June 1982, I was at Bluff Commander Rick Jolly, who were honoured were some and skills honed on the rugby Cove with Battalion was doing a magnificent job in who were not. Countless field.

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For the most part it can be flattened at full tilt by any one competence. The men on the In his foreword to the invidious to name names, and of the opposing team, with his Galahad were well trained as Centenary book quoted above, countless acts of bravery go opposite number, the soldiers, but not as marines, HRH The Prince of Wales spoke unheralded in the cauldron of protected species of the for which higher command in relation to the Battalion of war, but the sheer proportion goalkeeper in football. Rugby had made no provision. The 1915 of ‘loyalty to each other of rugby names amongst the and football are both sports first time any of the Battalion and to country, and sustained gallant on the Galahad I think with a mass public appeal, and had set foot in a landing craft in desperate circumstances by deserves recognition in its the great rugby stadia of the was when we had landed at their spirit, and by humanity own right. One may ponder world all have ground San Carlos from ss Canberra a and humour’. I think these why this was so. Rugby has its capacities at least as large as week earlier. Great cruise liners same qualities were amply cultural, almost spiritual side any of the principal football do not provide the ideal demonstrated in the agony of for the Welsh, and of course clubs. There may have been training ground for the Galahad. The remarkable reflects and develops so many instances of serious crowd amphibious operations. So selfless, noble, uncomplaining of the qualities of the fighting disorder at rugby matches when the bombs struck the stoicism of severely wounded man - fitness, resilience, down the years but I cannot Galahad the men were facing Guardsmen, urging the discipline under great duress recall any of significance in my circumstances wholly beyond treatment of their comrades and provocation, obvious lifetime, in stark contrast to the an infantryman’s ordinary before themselves to which courage, teamwork and a story of football hooliganism. experience. It then became at willingness to engage What accounts for this striking Rick Jolly has often attested; once a matter for survival in physically and to throw oneself social difference? I am inclined the sturdy, calm, brave literally bodily into the fray, all to think that it is precisely the the most extreme conditions leadership of men like Glyn for the sake of the team inherent violence of contact in imaginable. White, Jan Koops, Brian Neck around. The inherent rugby that requires a Of the 300 or so Welsh and others, ensuring that comparison with military restraining discipline to keep it Guardsmen and attached somehow the tragedy was not virtue speaks for itself. in bounds, and it is that same embarked on the Galahad, much worse; and the discipline which binds a team fundamental humanity and Rugby is an extraordinary nearly 140 were killed or together, builds exceptional concern for others which sport when one contemplates wounded. Amongst those who comradeship, and creates a imbued so much, reflected the extreme violence on the lost their lives was an reverence for the spirit of the those earliest and highest pitch which the laws of the outstanding rugby player and game which is shared on the traditions of the Regiment. game allow, and for which man with a very bright future, terraces by the watching Running through it all, with the traditionally the only Sgt Cliff Elley, whom I had been thousands. customary protection was an fortunate to have as a section benefit of hindsight, one can optional scrumcap. Compare Training of course is as commander in my first see the subtle thread, spirit the physical and moral hazard, important for rugby as it is for platoon, and who had recently and comradeship of rugby - for example, of the fullback in the military. It is the foundation been part of that WG Army Cup the great game of rugby, so rugby, who can lawfully be of confidence and winning team. much part of the soul of Wales and the Welsh Guards, and such a source in its own right “Rugby is an extraordinary sport when one contemplates of resilience and strength, the extreme violence on the pitch which the laws of the courage and teamwork, and a sense of each man’s game allow, and for which traditionally the only contribution to the greater customary protection was an optional scrumcap.” good.

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TWO GENERATIONS OF WELSH GUARDS Brian Whitehead

rederick Norman Ralph Whitehead, enlisted in to the Welsh Guards on the F3rd April 1915, a month after the Welsh Guards had been formed. He received his Regimental number on enlistment of 928, becoming known as Whitehead. On 17th August 1915 Private Whitehead along with the 1st Battalion Welsh Guards left Waterloo Station for Southampton and the France. On the morning of 18th August 1915 the Battalion landed at Havre. Havre was the big base camp for the British Army and throughout the war was as much English as French. From the time of arriving to about the middle of September, the Battalion remained in the area of Havre, spending their time training with a few sports days thrown in. However, on the morning of 27th September 1915 breakfast was served at 0500 hrs as a precaution against hunger in the event of sudden orders to move. At midday 27th September 1915 orders were received to march to Loos at 1400 hrs. 928 Private Whitehead remained in France for 321 days seeing action in Loos, Laventie, Calais and Ypres. During action in Ypres Private Whitehead received a gunshot wound and as a result was sent back to the UK on the 4th July 1916, Welsh Guards until the 21st returning back to France on the March 1917 when he 19th October 2016. transferred to the Royal 928 Private Whitehead Engineers and received a new Father: 928 Gdsm Frederick N R Whitehead aged 21 years remained with the 1st Battalion number of 306477. Son: 23147944 Gdsm Brian Whitehead aged 21 years

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THE WELSH GUARDS COLLECTION S T Evans, Curator

ESTABLISHED 1995 President: Brigadier J.F.Rickett. CBE Chairman: Col. T.Bonas Treasurer: Mr J.O.Willams Secretary: WO2 RQMS S.Boika Curator: Mr S.T.Evans. Cartref ni, 44 Crossfield Avenue, Over, Winsford, Cheshire. CW7 1EG. Tel; 01606 593953. Mob; 07875638070. E mail [email protected] My brief was to kit out four mistakes that occurred in actors with authentic uniforms rehearsals would be OK veryone connected with the Welsh Guards from each era. No small task tonight. We need not have Collection/Museum, here at Park Hall knew we were considering the actors had worried everything went off in for a very busy year celebrating and commemorating been picked before I had perfectly without missing a E100 years of the Regiment. checked what size uniforms we beat. Who would be a had in stock. This resulting in professional actor? Not me for We had got ourselves ready as as the Irish Guards had used me having to have two sure. we thought for requests to some 14 years earlier. Armed uniforms hand made from With the 1st WW being the supply displays and exhibitions with a van load of goodies, strict instructions which only most publicised event we had wherever they were needed Brian John, John Williams. 83 appeared finished some days seen for years we were throughout Wales and its and yours truly spent two long before. We had never been inundated with requests from neighbouring counties. hard days creating a display involved with anything like this every Association, British we could be proud of and I remembered visiting the and it was left to RQMS Steve Legion and School asking for came away feeling very happy Guards Museum at Wellington Boika to teach the actors foot the loan of items to display at with our efforts. The display Barracks in 2000 and drill and words of command their various productions. will remain there until the end marvelling at the Irish Guards whilst I instructed them how to Amazingly we were able to of the year. display showing items and wear the uniforms correctly. oblige every request. One in information about their Seven days after the St David’s These guys were amazing and particular was at Cardiff Castle formation in 1900. At the time I Day parade at Cardiff`s for those of you who were Museum of the Welsh Soldier. A thought I hope we can do the Millennium centre, Brian, John instructors at the depot you six month display in two same when our Centenary and I were again on our travels will remember how long it was beautiful cabinets with arrived. to the Welsh National Academy before you had your squad of prominent viewing. We were of Music and Drama. They recruits dressed and marching able to supply uniforms from After some meetings with the were staging a play depicting in some kind of order. These assistant Curator Gary Gibbs at the 1st WW right through to the history of the Welsh Guards actors had a couple of days the museum in 2014 I was able the present day which since its formation in 1915. with the Steve Boika and about to secure the very same room included a Drum Major in full 90 minutes with me before State dress, Drums flags and dress rehearsals. Throughout colours too numerous to “These guys were amazing the rehearsals the play directed mention. These displays show by Bruce Guthrie was stopped to the general public just how and for those of you who were over and over dozens of times versatile a Welsh Guardsman instructors at the depot you will until he thought it was right. can be and is in the modern remember how long it was before you Come the night of the actual army. Obviously after these play in the best front row seats exhibitions are over its just as had your squad of recruits dressed and in the house we all waited with much work stripping them marching in some kind of order.” bated breath hoping the down and transporting them

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Known only to God”. May he getting harder every year as now rest in peace I am to be our volunteer staff gets smaller entrusted with some of the every year and the ones that uniform artefacts at a later are here I have to ask to cover time and I feel humbled by this more often than they signed gesture of confidence in the up for. So if you think you have Welsh Guards Museum and the odd day spare and would what it stands for. Photo shows like to help, just give me a call back to Park Hall for a clean-up that my disability at times the brass shoulder numeral and we can soon fix you up. and inventory check ready for make it very limited as to what recovered from the remains. Lastly I have just had another the next time. I can carry and sometimes I request from The National feel I am getting in the way, I recently attended the Welsh I marvel at the enthusiasm that Welsh Academy to help stage but Rob just gets stuck in, Guards 100 de brief at is shown by many members of another shorter version of their cracks on every time without Elizabeth Barracks Pirbright our team and in particular play in November. Could I any complaints and always with the Battalion again those civilian volunteers. When supply the actors with with the same result, success. supplying uniforms of the 1st I say civilian I mean people uniforms and put a display on Thank you Rob and of course and 2nd WW’s for a really who have never served in the in the dressing rooms at the all our volunteers. wonderful day back with the armed forces but just want to boys and I would like to Millennium Stadium in my help out and become part of In March of last year 2014 the acknowledge everyone who home town???? Definitely a what they think is a very War Graves Commission made it possible from The “No brainer” unique Regiment. This year I located the remains of a Welsh Sarn`t Major Paul Dunn who Lastly I would like to thank all have had to call on the services Guardsman who fell in battle made sure I wanted for our Trustees who have shown of one man in particular to look at Ginchy in 1916. I was asked if nothing, to the various such wonderful support. after the Museum and tend to I could help in any way to Company and Platoon Colonel Tom Bonas and all the our visiting public while some identify any information from Commanders, The hardworking staff at RHQ in of us are gallivanting around the remains to see if relatives Quartermaster and lastly the London, who have been so the Country in hired vans full could be found to this man. three Guardsmen who helpful with records and of goodies. That man is Rob Unfortunately the information supplied my transport from resources. The Commanding Andrews a neighbour of one of we had was not sufficient to and to home and were so kind Officer of the Battalion who is our famous former Welsh clarify identification. And in and attentive toward me. I always willing to help in any Guardsmen Lt Col Brian these cases identification has hope that at some point in the way we ask. And our new Morgan MBE. Who sadly to be beyond any question. So future I will be able to repay Regimental Lt Colonel Major passed away some years ago the remains were interred at their kindness and hospitality. General Stanford for the loan now. The both shared the the Guards Military Cemetery of some of his Fathers same watering hole in nearby on the Somme by a full I’m sure as the year draws to treasured war artefacts. With Selattyn. Recently he and I Regimental bearer party who an end and particularly in backing and support like that travelled down to Arborfield performed a rifle salute over November our visiting the Welsh Guards Museum is near Reading to collect three the grave. The inscription on numbers will increase and we here to stay. large display cabinets that his grave will read “An like to stay open to the public were up for grabs. I have to say unknown Welsh Guardsman as often as possible but it is 67

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RETURNING TO THE FALKLANDS Captain (Retd) Jan Koops

were too windy for us to sprang a surprise by taking a continue onward and that we route which took us via Fitzroy. would be staying overnight to As we walked out onto the wait for improved conditions promontory where the the following day. Having memorial stands to our fallen settled into our brothers we all felt a complex accommodation we then stirring of emotions, many of gathered around a table in the which we had not experienced mess where Willo held court either before or since 8 June with a continuous stream of 1982. Walking past the bays stories filled with humour and and coves in bright blue familiar names stretching over sunshine, vivid images of the a lifetime of experience in the packed lifeboats and rafts Welsh Guards. "Swill, tell them coming ashore filled our minds the one about the box factory in and it felt absolutely right to be hilst walking around the Welsh coastline during ...", and so it went on standing shoulder to shoulder the Walk on Wales initiative in 2013 accompanied until we left the next day. in the driving wind at the place of such tragic and painful loss. by so many wonderful people, the subject of returning to As the Falklands and Port Wthe Falkland Islands and re-visiting our battlefield was Stanley came into view there The following day, having paid raised on many occasions. was a tangible increase in the our respects at 03 Thomas' level of anxiety within our (Bowser) memorial, we There were those who did not persuading and signed up to group. With the absence of any returned to Fitzroy for a brief want to go the first time and make the 10 day trip "down threat or physical risk this was a service after which we shared a could therefore see no reason south". As we all gathered at bizarre and new emotion to drink (thoughtfully and to return, and there were Brize Norton for our 19 hour experience, but it was generously donated by Bry others who had made the flight to Mount Pleasant, so the nevertheless very real. Arriving Wigley) with our lost "family" journey to revisit our battlefield banter began to flow with the at Mount Pleasant airport, the and friends. It was a deeply and benefited enormously ease of friends who have small lone terminal proudly charged and poignant from doing so. shared so many varied defines the frontier nature of moment. memories, always managing to The decision to go back is a the Island. As returning find humour even in the In spite of the constant very personal one and cannot veterans, we were warmly darkest moments. The prevailing winds which have be made lightly, but when welcomed through thoughtful assurances of those sculpted the fauna and Adrian Hinder (Swill) put immigration and encouraged who had already been back vegetation of these "frontier together the group of Brian to enjoy our stay. was an invaluable and calming islands" we were blessed with Elliot (Fonz), Jimmy Salmon influence, not only on our Jan and Tim Miller, who over dry conditions and the most (Trout), Tony Willoughby (Willo), journey south, but throughout the years have become generous and warm hospitality Darrell Jones (73) and Henry the length of our visit. honorary members of our from the many islanders we Vaughan-Jones (VJ), all of Welsh Guards family, were had the good fortune to meet. whom had walked with me On arrival at Ascension Island waiting for us as we collected To a man we made the most of along a section of the coastal we were advised that our luggage and stepped out our time and the 4 x 4 vehicles pathway, I took very little conditions at Mount Pleasant onto Falklands soil, bundling us at our disposal, travelling the into two 4 x 4 vehicles for the length and breadth of the “As the Falklands and Port Stanley ride into Stanley to Liberty island taking in an incredible came into view there was a tangible Lodge, the Falklands Veterans range of landscapes and Centre and our home for the memorials. increase in the level of anxiety duration of our stay. On the As we crawled our way up to within our group.” way into town Jan and Tim the peak of Tumbledown it felt

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as if we were taking part in a hope is standing at the foot of In crossing the island to visit the deeply rooted in its heritage. Top Gear challenge. This the mountain alongside other many battlefield sites we On our final day we visited dominating feature is filled memorials. immersed ourselves in the Memorial Wood in Stanley, with craggy outcrops, many of fabric and culture of the On another day as we stood on where a tree has been planted which still shelter discarded frontier population largely the same landing jetty in San for each member of the Task Argentine kit and clothing. As centred around Port Stanley Carlos that we used to Force who lost their life in the we wandered over the feature visiting the museum, disembark 33 years ago, the conflict. Walking amongst the we were reminded of the size courtroom, police station, feelings of nervous tension wide variety of trees in the only and scale of the Argentinian church, shops, restaurant, café, touched us all. Darrell 73 wood on the island, finding defences and the sheer pubs and finally cream tea with and leaving our personal enormity and courage of those captured our sentiments as he the Governor, whose life will memorials to those we knew, involved in re-taking the described the layers of an never be the same following formed a fitting conclusion to hillside as part of the onward onion being carefully opened her visitation from the our emotional journey. We left advance to Port Stanley. and peeled back. The cemetery at San Carlos, constructed by “Magnificent Seven”! Whilst Liberty Lodge with heavy We spent a good morning the Engineers is situated in a there remains a strong military hearts on the start of our traversing the steep slopes of most stunning and beautiful presence at Mount Pleasant homeward journey, all filled Mount Harriet where both Willo location. From here we visited with a Squadron of 4 tornadoes with a deep gratitude and and Fonz, after much banter, the Argentine cemetery where, fully prepared for active service, pride in the outstanding efforts were able to find the ground rather like a visit to a WW1 we were all uplifted by the of Tony Davies for his selfless they occupied during the cemetery, the sheer number of subtle and harmonious work with the Falklands shelling prior to the final crosses served as a harsh and development of facilities Veterans Foundation in turning advance. As we paused for our bleak reminder of the high around the island which have the Lodge into a reality from picnic lunch on the side of this number of casualties suffered produced a vibrant and which we had all benefited dominant mountain, the stories by the Argentinian forces. independent community enormously. continued to flow; in particular the memory of the lone We returned to our standing figure of Christopher comfortable accommodation Drewry (2 Coy Comd) drawing each day to a "smoko" (tea and heavily on his cigarette as cake) as prepared by Ellen, the incoming shellfire fell around most sensitive and wonderful him. This image brought a manager of Liberty Lodge. The smile to our faces and those Lodge contains an extensive who witnessed it described the library seemingly complete calming and uplifting impact it with all published books had on the troops under his relating to the Falklands command. On a previous trip conflict. More importantly, it south, Jim Salmon, among has has enough space to others, had been deeply provide the tranquility needed dismayed not to find any when pausing for a quiet memorial recognizing the moment of reflection. Evening Battalion’s efforts in driving the meals were a moveable feast Argentinian forces from the and on one memorable mountain. So it was that he occasion Jimmy the trout brought with him a wonderful Salmon lived up to his name by piece of Welsh slate engraved disappearing off at twilight and with suitable words in returning with enough freshly recognition of the Battalion’s caught fish from the waters at involvement, which we now Moody Brook to feed us all.

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REGIMENTAL AFFILIATION WITH HMS PRINCE OF WALES Colonel T C S Bonas

am sure all members of the Regiment, past and up to 36 F-35B aircraft and 4 present, will be delighted to know that The First Sea CROWSNEST helicopters Lord has kindly agreed that the Battalion should be aboard. The ship’s Iaffiliated with HMS PRINCE OF WALES. complement is normally 672 staff but up to 1600 can live This is really excellent news commissioning in 2020. Initial aboard – perhaps the whole coming as it does in our Operating Capability is Battalion and Band at the same Centenary Year, a year also expected in 2023. Along with time! Seven previous ships marking the 40th anniversary HMS Queen Elizabeth, HMS have been named after The of The Prince of Wales as our Prince of Wales is the largest Prince of Wales. Colonel. and most powerful warship I am sure that this very exciting HMS Prince of Wales is the UK has ever built. It will affiliation will bear enormous currently under construction weigh in at 65,000 tonnes, will fruit and benefits for both the and is planned for launch in be 277 m long and 73 m wide. crew and the Battalion in 2017, fitting out and then It will have the capacity to have future years.

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all, especially for the way they Finally, as always, my sincere WELSH GUARDS ASSOCATION look after the veterans on tour. thanks go to all Branch I must mention Ray Cumbley, Secretaries for their continued President: Colonel T C C Bonas age 95, who travelled from support. I appreciate it gets Vice Presidents: Brigadier J F C Rickett CBE difficult to sometimes instil R Lewis Esq. Hale in Cornwall to join the some enthusiasm in aging Treasurer: Major K Oultram coach in Cardiff, and Arthur members, but with holding Secretary General: B Keane Esq. Bland, age 96, who joined us at small events like lunches, day Maindy Barracks, Whitchurch Road, Dover. With the aid of trips and other social events, Cardiff CF14 3YE wheelchairs and many helping you are helping to keep the Telephone: 029 2072 6196 hands, these two stalwarts Association alive. E-mail: [email protected] were able to visit individual graves of their lost comrades Best wishes and good health An unforgettable Centenary year for the Regiment at War Cemeteries as well as to everyone in 2016. and Association! having the opportunity to join Brian Keane Members of the Battalion have be cancelled due to an in the evenings’ entertainment. Secretary General experienced non-stop extremely poor response, not Well done guys. Welsh Guards Association activities and events just from the Association, but throughout the principality, also the Welsh Guards Club and even Europe in their and Officers affiliated to EAST GLAMORGAN BRANCH celebrations, amassing vast Branches – so what went (Formed 1920) sums of money for their wrong ? Are we now charities and promoting the becoming a species who President: Lt. Col. D C Macdonald-Milner Welsh Guards. WELL DONE TO prefer to sit in the comfort of Chairman: Howard Main (23577106) EVERYONE INVOLVED. our own homes in front of a Treasurer: W John Hooper (24364279) Secretary: Ken Haines (23523287) computer screen instead of Many events have taken place Trevone, Duffryn Road enjoying face to face in Wales, and Association Rhydfelin camaraderie of our fellow members have been proud to Pontypridd CF39 5RU support them wherever and Guardsmen ? Telephone: 01443 492316 whenever they could. I hope In order to survive we must this will help to form closer ties have support from everyone. The Branch had a very slow start to the year until St with the Guardsmen, and A tremendous amount of work David’s Day where the Battalion and Association bring to the forefront the went into the organization of celebrated the day in Cardiff. importance of the Association this event, enabling the costs I met a lot of old friends, like ‘Ex Para’ and local Fireman, to them when they leave the to be kept to a minimum, and I works tirelessly for the Branch Regiment. apologise sincerely to those Peter Door, John Harding and numerous others who served year in and year out, and we The main events for few members who planned to in the Regiment at the same shall be forever grateful. Association members were St attend, but were disappointed time. It was a good day to David’s Day celebrations at – and also lost the deposit on A few of our members Cardiff, The Presentation of their hotel rooms. reminisce and ‘catch up’. managed to make it to London to enjoy ‘’ New Colours at Windsor Castle We experienced (and The Branch has held numerous by our own Regiment. Some and the Laying Up Of Old survived!) another highly activities throughout the year Colours at Caernarvon, had never been before, so had successful Battlefield Tour to at the Institute Club in enabling as many members as an unforgettable experience. Hechtel and The Somme this Pontypridd, the venue of our possible to be in driving year, thanks mainly to the monthly meetings, thanks to We managed to fill a coach for distance of one of these. younger element that have Terry Steve and Peter Mann, our annual trip to Imber Court Sadly the Centenary Dinner at now joined forces with us. but the mainstay has been Bob with Branch members and Swansea in September had to They are an inspiration to us Kennely, who even though an their partners as well as some

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Treasurer Vernon Jones with a £350 to Treasurer of the copy of the Colours for his Ghurkha Association at the stalwart service to the Branch. Royal Naval Club Llanelli. We were then sadly let down As ever in this Centenary year by the Millennium Centre, we remember those comrades which spoiled the rest of the that have gone before, and day. made it possible for us to For the Presentation of New celebrate this Centenary. To Colours at Windsor, the Branch our Branch members who are had a full coach, and all who on the sick list, we wish you all attended agreed this was a a speedy recovery. To all those Coach party awaiting bus to Imber Court superb day all-round. It was that have worked so hard made extra special for the behind the scenes for the from other Branches, although, the Shooting as well as the Branch with a night stopover in Centenary a since thanks from due to severe traffic individual ‘over seventies’ so the ‘Marriott Windsor’ courtesy all at Llanelli Branch. congestion a few miles outside we have to make sure we are of All Wales Big Lottery Grant. Esher, we ended up at our up to speed in 2016 in order to To all out there in Llanelli & destination an hour late. retain these titles. Dai Gaul had Sadly the Branch has not been area who has Because of inclement weather, a field day in the darts, starting involved with WG 100 up until been pondering about joining it was decided to hold the and finishing with a ‘double’, this point for various reasons. the Branch, we would love to service indoors, which was so he is going to be difficult to Again the news of cancellation see you. Our meetings are held appreciated by everyone live with until next year!! of the Biennial Dinner causes every 2 months (beginning deep concern and should be February) on the second present. Our return journey Finally I would like to take this thoroughly debated at the next Wednesday of the month at the took us back to Wotton Bassett opportunity to thank a few RNA Club, so come along and where we enjoyed a carvery people for all their help over Secretary’s meeting. enjoy some banter. If you wish lunch and a few drinks. the years, namely Brian Keane, The Branch meanwhile held a further information then Major Keith Oultram and the BBQ at The RNA club where we Our thanks as ever go to Jeff please do not hesitate to get in Chairman of the East hold our meetings, and monies Heenan and Richard Doughty touch with me, by phone or Glamorgan Branch, Howard raised was split between the of the London Branch for all email. their hard work in organizing Main. If it wasn’t for Howard Branch and the Nepal Disaster we would be in dire straits, but the day. fund. On 17th September To our fellow Branches around now stand as strong as ever. Officers and members of the the Country we send our best The Branch experienced great Last but not least, ‘Mr Reliable’, Branch presented a cheque of wishes for the coming year. success at the Darts and namely Dai Gaul our Standard Shooting Competition this Bearer, available for anything year, being team winners of we throw at him.

LLANELLI BRANCH (Formed 1974) President: Mr John Harding Chairman: Keith Horrell (24838137) Treasurer: Vernon Jones (22217890) Secretary: Alan Cunningham (24125105) 19 Alden Drive, Cockett, Swansea SA2 0FH Telephone: 01792 554151 (Home) Mobile: 0797 1229 465 E-mail: [email protected]

It only seems like yesterday we were preparing for the Centenary events, and now the year is almost over. The Branch attended the St service, followed by a cracking David’s Day Celebration at parade. We also watched with Cardiff, and the day started off pride as Field Marshal the Lord well with a touching church Guthrie presented our Cheque for £350 being presented to the President of the Ghurkha Assoc.

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Oultram in Maindy Barracks, The Trooping of our Colour was and RQMS Steve Boika and his excellent, and the Battalion did staff in RHQ, not forgetting us all proud. Yvonne, who is always very helpful. We all thought that The Presentation of Colour’s at Our attendance at Imber Court Windsor was a fantastic day was appreciated by all those with the Regiment who attended. It is not known why it was cancelled last year We do need more support by RHQ. It will be discussed at from our Members to assist in the AGM in February 2016. keeping London Branch going, Many members were we understand of the high cost disappointed with St David's of travel etc. but it would be Day Parade in Cardiff, the excellent if more members Members of London Branch visited , to view the statue of Lt John could attend our “Jock” Lewes. Welsh Guards. His story is fully detailed in his nephew's location, many thought was (also named John Lewes} book, “Co-Founder of the SAS”. The statue is a too small, and the lunch was Remembrance Day Parade, fitting tribute to an incredible man. not up to standard. and our meetings.

LONDON BRANCH (Formed 1926) MERTHYR TYDFIL BRANCH (Formed 1953) President: Lieutenant Colonel C F B Stephens Hon Secretary: Jeff Heenan, Esq President: Captain Harry Legge-Bourke 27 Mount Gardens, HARROGATE HG2 8BS Chairman: Tom Peters (23523035) Tel: 01423 879326 Treasurer/ E-mail: [email protected] Secretary: Errold Jones (24581438) 18 Marshall Crescent Penydarren A quiet year for London Branch, we have restricted our Merthyr Tydfil CF47 9JA meetings in London because of the high cost of Telephone: 07903 417048 travel/hotels etc, we only had 3 meetings during 2014. E-mail: [email protected]

In 2015 our First Friday was 6th The 2015 year has been dogged Another reasonable quiet year for the Branch. February, 2015, which was our by ill health by your Chairman, We ended last year with a Annual General Meeting, 2nd Treasurer and even your dressed in Tunic Order, and wonderful celebration to mark October 2015 is our Monthly Secretary, all have made several posed for photographs with the 100TH birthday of Mr Eric Meeting, and of course our trips to local hospitals, some Eric. It was a fantastic event. Jones (2733754) which took Annual Christmas Lunch is on even staying in for a rest!!. place in Merthyr Tydfil Christmas and the New Year 5th December 2015. This year’s However all are now on the Conservative Club and was an were quiet for the Branch, but entertainment is ABBA. Tickets mend. In addition, several of excellent night from start to quite a few members attended our members have followed are £25 each, cheques made St David's Day with the these 3 in enjoying ill health. We finish. Serving Welsh payable to London Branch. Battalion in Cardiff. The Church wish them all speedy recovery. Guardsmen were present, Our Annual General Meeting 2016 will be on Friday 5th We continue to receive February 6pm, meet in RHQ donations for Welsh Guard meeting room lower ground Funds from Mrs. Cynthia floor at 6.30pm. (Dates are Gribble, widow of George subject to confirmation) It Gribble, former secretary of would be helpful if we had East Glamorgan Branch. your email address or Cynthia keeps knitting away. Her contributions are most telephone numbers).We appreciated. welcome as many members as possible to attend, looking We also have excellent support for new faces to take an active from our Secretary General part on the Committee. Brian Keane, Major Keith

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Service and the Parade were Abercynon Primary School and and their partners who help to the Midlands Branch, and excellent and went on in good obviously The Welsh Guards swell our numbers. decided we would soldier on humour and bad jokes. I Choir were outstanding and a until we all turn to our right Three members of the Branch personally met up with two fitting Memorial Service for attended the Presentation of and dismiss. There seems to be very good mates from our such a Brave Welsh New Colours at Windsor Castle no other solution to this, since, days at Guards Depot Pirbright, Guardsman. in April, which was a very as with other Branches in the which I hadn't seen since early As a Branch once again we are memorable occasion, Association, we are finding it 80s. A few beers and stories difficult to recruit the younger were swapped and the time disappointed with the fact that especially since the Regiment is generation. flew past. The Centenary Dinner had to celebrating its 100 years this be cancelled. We feel so sorry year. The weather was Our thoughts and good wishes In April we took a bus down to for Brian and Major K Oltram extremely kind to us for this go to all our members, Windsor for The Presentation momentous occasion. for all their running about and especially those in poor health, of New Colours. It was a great hard work behind the scenes day with good weather and I have had discussions with our and wish you a healthy and and with no event as an end the Parade was ‘spot on’ The President about the future of happy 2016 result. Battalion looked good especially as some of the This year personally I am newer members hadn't worn hoping for a better response MONMOUTHSHIRE BRANCH Tunic Order that often. from the Branch to the Darts (Formed 1920) and Shoot in Cardiff as myself Another catch up with some President: Captain D M Davies good friends afterwards and and our Chairman Mr Tom Chairman: Mervyn Delve (22831721) another great occasion. While Peters were the only members Treasurer/ at Windsor we had a chance to to take part last year. Hopefully Secretary: Steve Liversage BEM (24141822) pay our respects to John this year at least we can field a 7 Shaw Close, Ebbw Vale , NP23 6QQ Williams who is buried there team. Well here's hoping Telephone: 01495 302567 In July The Branch attended the With what looks like being a E mail: [email protected] Civic Service for the incoming quiet end to the year we are hoping to attract new Mayor of Merthyr Tydfil. It is When the Branch celebrated its 50th anniversary in 1970 nice for the Branch to be members. membership was high and boosted by those who served included in these occasions Our thoughts and condolences and a good day was had by all. in the three war-time Battalions. go to the family and friends of A few days later members our sadly missed members. We It was also a time when leisure Guardsmen to meet. It followed attended the Memorial Service would also like to wish a was not confined to television Saint David’s Day held in Cardiff for Sgt Robert Bye at speedy recovery to all those watching and traditional when the entire Battalion were Ynysangharad Park in members that are not in the events like annual dinners and on parade in Wales a rare Pontypridd. The children from best of health. outings were still supported occurrence and the first since and enjoyed. Society has we celebrated the Patron Saint changed, everyday life is so at RAF St. Athans. The trooping MIDLANDS BRANCH different but the Branch still of our Colour was simply survives thanks to the work superb, millions watched (Formed 1953) and dedication of those who around the world and shared President: Captain T Macdonald-Milner are determined to keep it the highspot of the Centenary Chairman: K Bartlett (23523202) going. Some traditions are well with those fortunate to be Treasurer/ worth keeping and our Annual there. Secretary: Jonathan Bayliss (23523208) Dinner is one, an event that we 2 Weston Court, Long Compton While we celebrated the have enjoyed for over fifty Shipston on Stour Regiment’s 100th birthday we years and will continue to do Warwickshire CV36 5JX also remembered those who so. Tel: 01608 684834 fell in both world wars and the Email: [email protected] The Regimental family was conflicts that followed in , the Falklands, The Midlands Branch is struggling to survive and there seen at its best at Windsor in April when New Colours were Iraq and Afghanistan. We held are very few members who are active. presented to the 1st Battalion, a simple but very moving We still endeavour to meet lunch. They tend to be very a day of great pride and an Sunday service in a chapel in occasionally throughout the informal, and fortunately we opportunity for past and Tredegar in September in their year, which is usually a carvery have three or four present serving Welsh memory and it was appropriate

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that it was conducted by the success. There were several MONTGOMERY/SHROPSHIRE BRANCH Reverend Cornlouer who serving Welsh Guardsmen served in the Merchant Navy present and the attendance (Formed 1950) during the Falklands campaign. was the highest for some President: Mr R G P Plowden considerable time, a reward for On a sunny June day a Chairman: Mr B John (23523171) the hard work put in by the ceremony took place in Treasurer/ Branch officers and the beautiful Ynysyngharad Park, Secretary: Mr J O Williams (23860183) support they get from loyal Pontypridd when a 83 Balmoral Crescent members. They are already Commemorative Stone was planning the 2016 Dinner! unveiled in memory of Shropshire SY11 2XH Sergeant Robert Bye who was In 1968 the Monmouthshire Telephone: 01691 653244 awarded the Victoria Cross in Branch Trophy was first E mail: [email protected] the First World War. Association awarded to the Welsh Guards members and Standard Sportsman of the Year and it In Remembrance Pryce took part in the Bearers, including Steve retains its importance in Normandy Invasion as part of Liversage, and a large Regimental life. The 2015 the Guards Armour Division. contingent of the Battalion winner was 30075829 He recalled that on one took part in a very emotional Guardsman John Hughes of occasion when they were event. It was another Llandudno, the captain of the under bombardment he took opportunity for serving and very successful 1st Battalion cover in a corner of his trench. former serving Welsh football team. He was the He had his head down but Guardsmen to meet and to youngest Guardsman at the heard this voice above the honour one of the Regiment’s Dinner which covered all ages trench and looked up to see famous sons. from the 273 and 274 era to Officer Hugh Lister standing those with numbers beginning The 95th year of the Branch above the trench reciting a with 300. was celebrated by simply Mr Pryce Davies 1915 – 2015 poem written by Shelly, “but doing what we always do After three very successful and little motion in the air except every year, hold two Sunday well supported major events Pryce, originally from the mill wheel’s sound” lunches, the first in May at the we can look forward to Welshpool in Powys, joined the During the advance he was Maes Manor Hotel, Blackwood keeping up the standard in the Welsh Guards in January 1936 detailed to assist a Sergeant in and the other at Ebbw Vale Regiment’s 101st year, and and after touring the the Military Police to guard Rugby Club just before hope more will attend the underground eventually German prisoners. They were Christmas and the Annual monthly meetings. We do not arrived at Caterham Guard instructed to hand over their Dinner at the Angel Hotel, expect members in such a Depot for his basic training prisoners to the Coldstream Abergavenny in October. huge catchment area to attend before joining the 1st Battalion every month but appeal to Guards who were following up There were Annual Dinners in at Wellington Barracks. everyone to come as often as the line and were then to rejoin the 1930s but too often they they can. Meetings are held on Price was part of the the Battalion. Once he had were called off because of the the second Thursday of every Expeditionary Force and had done this Price jumped on his economic situation which month and there is a slight numerous experiences in motorbike and drove in the affected so many in the change in the following France and Dunkirk where he direction of the Regiment but industrial areas of the Branch. schedule from January 2016:- was posted missing. He had unfortunately he was diverted The Dinner was revived in 1961 been separated from the a few times en route and at Ebbw Vale and since then The Angel Hotel, Abergavenny Regiment and was making for eventually found himself in a has been a regular feature, one - January, April, May, July, Dieppe before joining up with deserted town square where change being the inclusion of August, October, November a Grenadier Officer (who knew the town’s residents, realising our ladies last year. Perhaps and December; The Town Hall, the area) and they made their he was a British Soldier, rushed the secret of its longevity and Abergavenny - February (the way to Cherbourg leaving on out to greet him with hugs and continuing success is that we AGM); The Capel Hotel, kisses. He recalled that they have always held a Dinner and Bargoed March, June and the last boat before it was occupied by the Germans. were standing on his have the enthusiasm and September. motorbike and was worried determination to keep to On his arrival back at the about the damage they were tradition. Battalion he was asked by an doing to the bike! Then they The 2015 Annual Dinner was Officer “and when did you heard the rumble of tank tracks the 35th at The Angel Hotel, cease firing?” his response was and disappeared as quickly as Abergavenny and was a great “never started Sir too busy they had arrived to greet the running!” tanks! They were the tanks of

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the 2nd Bn Welsh Guards, Price sampling his favourite tipple had drifted into town (whisky) and, I’m told, square. developed a particular liking for Calvados from his trips to This event was witnessed by a Normandy. Madame Brusselmans MBE, who later published her Diary In October 2014 he decided to ‘RENDEZ-VOUS’ and on page move to Briarfields Care Home 168 she wrote on September in as he needed 3rd in the following way more care. Sadly, after a short “Down the street, at 6.30 pm illness Price was admitted to precisely, a despatch rider rode the Royal Shrewsbury Hospital nonchalantly and easily and on the 15th April 2015 he Trooping the Colour towards us and past us. He was passed away peacefully with the first British soldier and his family at his side. He would was no exception with 64 followed. It was relaxing and victory was with us at last.” have celebrated his 100 years guests attending. was enjoyed by all. We would In 1943 Pryce met a young lady on 30th August 2015. Next years’ St David’s Day lunch like to congratulate the Battalion and RHQ for all the in Scarborough, her name was I would like to thank his will be held at The Henllan on hard work that went into Iris and this was the beginning daughter Elizabeth for helping Sunday 21st February 2016 organising the day. It made it a of a long and happy marriage. to give this tribute to her timed with a 12.30 for 13.00 very memorable one. After the war they lived in Father’s memory. Pryce was a start. where his first daughter Trooping the Colour founder member and a highly Presentation of New Elizabeth was born and they Saturday 13th June 2015 respected branch member. Colours, 30th May 2015 later moved to Shrewsbury at Windsor Castle where their second daughter ‘Gone but not forgotten’ For those of us who attended the Trooping of the Colour at Elaine was born. Presentation of New Colours Branch St David’s Day Lunch Horse Guards or watched the In 1950 Price worked with Henllan Nr Welshpool. Branch members who made parade from the comfort of other Ex Welsh Guardsmen in The branch has held its St the journey by coach to their home, I’m sure they the area assisting Brigadier Sir David’s Day luncheon at the Windsor enjoyed a comfortable would agree with me that it BT DSO, MC Henllan for a number of years. journey. We arrived in plenty was one of the best, if not the to form the Montgomery and The venue is in the middle of of time, and were stress-free, best Troop we have seen. The Shropshire Branch of the Welsh the welsh country side, (the thanks to our coach driver “Dai Battalion should be Guards Association He served luncheon is held early so that the Bus” (Booth). The booklet congratulated on all the hard as Branch Secretary, a position members wishing to attend St provided with their tickets work that went into achieving he held for 35 years before David’s Day with the Battalion containing all the information such a high standard. The retiring to care for his wife Iris can do so) As it is to celebrate they needed including the area Regiment, as always, did us when she became ill. Iris sadly St David’s Day it is a set meal of they had to be at a particular proud. passed away in 1987. time. It meant they could relax Leek Soup and a Lamb dinner Branch Annual Lunch and enjoy the day. The Pryce attended branch followed by a sweet. The Lamb at the Wroxeter Hotel Regiment, as always, gave a meetings and functions up to a is cooked to perfection and is good display of drill (on grass) The Luncheon was held on few years ago. He loved his the main reason we have such which was first class and we all Sunday 19th July 2015. The sport and doing the cross- a good turn-out of members enjoyed the reception which weather was good as was the word and would relax and friends. This years’ lunch

Branch Members arriving at Windsor Castle Laying up of the Old Colours at St Mary’s

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turn-out of 72 members and were in fine voice. The Service NORTH WALES BRANCH guests including the members was followed by a Reception at of the Telford Brigade of the Celtic Royal Hotel, a short (Formed 1936) Guards Club (who also had a distance from the Church. President: Captain A.C. Hopkins good day with the raffle Chairman: G. Binnie (24060777) It was a fitting end to a lovely prizes!) The Guest Speaker was Treasurer: H .Mears (2740728) day. Major Llewellyn-Usher, who Secretary: M. Jones (24263892) introduced himself and gave Lieutenant General Sir Bulkeley Arms an update on the Battalion’s Francis Lloyd GCVO, KCB, Menai Bridge move to Pirbright and their DSO of Aston Hall, North Wales LL59 5DF new role as a mechanised Oswestry, Shropshire. Telephone: 01248 712715 E-mail: [email protected] Battalion. The speech was well As we approach the end of our received and enjoyed by all. Regiments 100 years’ Having taken over as Branch Secretary at the AGM in Next year’s Lunch is booked for anniversary celebrations and August 2014, in extremely good health from David Spyder the 17th July 2016, timed with all the hard work that made it a Webb, I generally got a feel of where we were as a Branch a 12:15 for 13:00 start. year to remember, we take and sought at looking at ideas in moving us forward. Laying up of the Old Colours time to remember Lieutenant Since been a member of our old Colours in Caernarfon as at St Mary’s Church General Sir Francis Lloyd GCVO, sister online Branch, Welsh well as our Christmas dinner. Caernarfon. 24th September KCB, DSO. who, on the 6th Guards Reunited, I immediately 2015 , was instructed The sections continue to meet updated my details on there by Lord Kitchener to raise the on a monthly basis: St Mary’s Church was built in Regiment of Welsh Guards, a and decided to set up a 1307 and was erected within in Regiment that can stand proud Facebook page, in order to The Wrexham Section meets the Town walls to serve as a of its record and achievements have real time communication on the first Thursday of the Garrison church of Caernarfon in its 100 year service. with the younger branch month at the Ex Serviceman’s Castle. Due to the size of the members and also serving Club at 19:00hrs. Lieutenant General Sir Francis North Walians, who are church the seating limited the Bangor continue to meet on attendance to the service. Lloyd who died in 1926 was welcome to join the page. buried in the family graveyard the 3rd Monday of the months Those of us who made the To date the setting up of this adjoining the Chapel at Aston at the Waverley Hotel, and journey to Caernarfon were page has worked in the Hall, Oswestry. thanks to Social media and fortunate to take part in a bi- Branch’s favour, younger Facebook, we have regular lingual service carried out by I would like to take this members are now more impromptu ‘meetings’ in the the Reverend Canon RF opportunity to say a big thank involved with the Branch than Colwyn Bay/Llandudno/Rhyl Donaldson and The Reverend you to branch members, ever. Through it, I managed to areas. The lead on this is Catherine Gillham CF, Chaplin associate members and organise our trip to Cardiff for Marcus ‘George’ Townley, and to the 1st Bn Welsh Guards, friends for all their support and St David’s Day: the branch have these evenings are always well supported by the Welsh wish you all a Merry Christmas conquered Snowdon, and at attended, with many a tale Guards Band and Choir who and a very Happy New Year. the time of writing plans are being told. Likewise on afoot for the laying up of the Anglesey, Mike Mowbray, often

Lieutenant General Sir Francis Lloyd GCVO, KCB, DSO Bus to St David’s Day Parade. of Aston Hall, Oswestry, Shropshire.

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close relationship with the Mike Mowbrey decided to take Mayor of Wrexham, and he a walk up Snowdon. I thought was so impressed with our aha, let’s make it a bit of a get camaraderie and hospitality together, so through Facebook during the memorial service, it was advertised and a date he wished to thank the Branch was set. Unfortunately we by organizing a buffet and couldn’t appease everyone drinks at the Civic Centre. A since ‘Wild’ Bill Jones 30 and great night was had by all Steve ‘Billabong’ Williams 41 despite a clash of the had already booked their Handbags involving Linda holidays and were unable to Loose & Barbara - Chris join us. (I am sure they will (Splash) Phillip’s other half!! make it to the top one day.) On The next event we had to look the day, we were accompanied forward to was the by Sgt Kieron Cunningham Presentation of New Colours in from the Battalion, who fully Windsor. There was a great appraised us with Battalion life, deal of interest from the (thank you Kieron,) also Ex Lsgt Clash of the handbags branch re attendance, but Mark “Covi” Owen, our newest sadly because of the Branch member on his first rallies the ‘Jam boys’ together what we all felt ‘the first time’! uncertainty of ticket allocation branch outing - welcome to at the Bulkeley Arms in Menai It was as if we were only with it was difficult to arrange a the branch Mark. Bridge - obviously with it being each other the day before since coach and accommodation. my Pub, it is open to all of So on Saturday 25th July, a that family ethos, camaraderie Nevertheless the branch was course, and these events are lovely sunny day (at the bottom well represented by its and banter never leaves you. I of Snowdon) 21 of us including advertised via Facebook so find members, and it was great to am sure Welsh Guardsmen as a our still very fit President, set of me on the page and join us. see John ‘Yukka’ Youd in whole that weekend tried their up the PYG track heading for attendance. He thoroughly With it being the centenary of best to drink Cardiff dry, and the summit, Will Kevans split enjoyed himself meeting up the Regiment, St David’s Day probably almost succeeding! A from the main group and took with so many, welcome on 2015 was obviously special, I thoroughly great time was had his experienced intrepid board Yukka. applied for ‘visas’ to allow 50 by all, and a special mention walkers along the difficult Crib North Walians to venture south must go to RHQ Staff for Continuing with the centenary Coch route, an excellent effort. of Llandrindod Wells, and making is such a special day, theme, we as a branch were The youngsters of the bunch thankfully we were granted thank you. keen to get involved with made it to the misty chilly two days in order we could WG100. Mathew Cobley and summit in 2 hours, and the relax and enjoy ourselves. The Following St David’s Day, in coach and accommodation March, the Wrexham section was duly booked and there was invited to a reception at was no problems filling them. the Mayor’s Parlour as a thank For many it was the first time you. Over the years, through being back with the Battalion the Falklands Memorial since stepping off, and they felt Committee, we have built up a

Members of the N.W. Branch at the Wrexham Civic Centre. Sgt Cunningham.

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NORTH OF ENGLAND BRANCH (Formed 1946) President: Major K Oultram Chairman: John Harding (23879339131) Treasurer: Arnold Brassey (24125038) Secretary: Keith Bonehill (22831043) 5 Halls Place, London Rd, Northwich, Cheshire, CW9 8BA Telephone: 01606 41317 E-mail: [email protected] North Wales Branch members on the summit of Snowdon. Here we are again, another 12 months have gone by so author, struggling with his putting the Colours to rest in fast one has difficulty in catching up. what is traditionally a Royal arthritic hips, made it in two We have sadly lost a number of Patricia Harding and Mrs J and a half which was pleasing Welch stronghold. The weather members this year up to now! Monteith. We would be but painful. Taking into gods were on our side and a Six members ex – Welsh struggling without their support. consideration the different fantastic day was had by all, Guards, three who were Very many thanks Ladies. routes and the number of (followed by a heavy evening branch members and three The highlight of the year for the walkers/climbers, we at the author’s pub.) made known to us and we Branch was the presentation of managed a healthy distance attended their funerals. In I could not write this article the National De La Legion equating to 6.4 marathons. particular I mention 22217099 without congratulating RSM D’Honneur to Deryck Fairhurst Thank you all who attended, it Kenneth Foulkes served 1948- WOI Paul Dunn, from Gaerwen (ex Irish Guard won’t hold that was a fantastic day, and the 51, aged 86 years. Kenneth on Anglesey on his promotion against him) by an official of ‘after party’ was even better. (I attended Branch meetings, to WOI and appointment as the French Embassy, Madame am still to pay my bar tab, so driving regularly to Chester RSM 1WG, taking over the Auclair, on Saturday 28th need to arrange a sponsored from Macclesfield. He gave responsibility of discipline and February 2015, at the Town hall walk to raise funds for that!) numerous donations to the morale of the Battalion from Chester followed by a From the time of writing we Cadet Force Bands, British RSM Martin Topps of Aberfraw reception. The Branch attended have plenty to look forward to. Legion, and Anglesey. RSM Topps, I en-block as it were and the We are looking forward to our Branch. Despite becoming understand, will become a full Irish Guards who were in hosting Colonel Bodington ill two years ago he still took an branch member in 2016, when attendance gave a recital or and his team who are cycling interest in the Branch. he completes his time in the two. Lord Mayor of Chester Wales in a clockwise direction Army. We look forward to you We have had hot-pots on three attended and along with to raise awareness for joining us Martin. occasions and our monthly families and friends and this homeless Welsh veterans, social meeting go down very made for an excellent through the Welsh Veterans The Branch, at present, has an well, especially with afternoon. Deryck has been a Partnership, and a number of excellent relationship with the refreshments provided Branch Associate Member for Branch members hopefully will Battalion through the RSM and monthly by the reliable Mrs some time and attends all accompany them en route. we hope to continue building on this. It is amazing how In September the Branch much has changed in turned out in numbers for the Regimental life, and without a ‘Laying up of the Old Colours’ doubt for the better. It is also in Caernarfon. A branch pleasing to see that there is centenary luncheon had been strength in the numbers of arranged for the day before to North Walians, many of whom I tie in with the Band concert have met. To those of you which had sadly been reading this article, you are cancelled. We always look welcome to join us at any of forward to welcoming the our meetings formal or Regiment to North Wales, informal, but one word of especially for such an warning - don’t try and out- important event in the drink the old and bold, you Regiment’s calendar, and WILL fail, believe me. Keith Bonehill, Deryk Fairhurst, John Harding.

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meetings. The above I would like to thank staff at the Branch at every wishes go to them – if only we photograph taken on the RHQ for prompt replies to my opportunity. were younger and fitter ! following Sunday at the Branch queries, Brian Keane for his In October we competed in the At the time of writing, we meeting, shows Chairman John much valued assistance and Darts and Shoot at Maindy approach the time of year Harding, Deryck and myself. Major Oultram, our President, Barracks. Even though we when we will shortly be paying for advice and support Members also attended the didn’t come home with any our respects at the Cathays throughout the year. We, the Presentation Of New Colours silver, it was great fun, and our Park Falklands Memorial and Branch wish all our and attended the Laying Up Of Guardsmen past and present thanks go the Brian Keane and also the National Memorial Old Colours at Caernarvon, for the very best for the coming members of the Recruiting Remembrance ceremony. those of you who didn’t go Team for all their hard work in year, 2016. On behalf of our President , missed a good do. making it such a success committee members and Sadly we were unable to give members of the Cardiff Branch, CARDIFF BRANCH much support to the Battalion I wish everyone in the Welsh (Formed 1919) in their endeavors to raise Guards family a Merry money for their charity this Christmas and a Happy New President: Colonel C J Dawnay year, but our thoughts and best Year. Chairman: David W Parry (22831847) Treasurer: Bill Morris (22217619) Secretary: Terry O’Shea (24047142) 43 Pwll Evan Ddu OGMORE BRANCH Coity (Formed 1982) Bridgend CF35 6AY President: Major A. Denman Telephone: 01656 655889 Chairman: Mr Richard Morgan (23877388) Email: [email protected] Treasurer/ Our centenary year started with an invitation from Secretary Mr Mike Jones (23523201) Colonel Tony Davies MBE to team up with some Welsh 40 Garfield Avenue Litchard Guards Reunited members at the United Services Mess in Bridgend CF31 1QA Cardiff on the evening prior to the St David’s Day Parade. A Telephone: 01656 – 650367 most enjoyable time was had by all, and a great way to E-mail: [email protected] start our special year. We warmly welcomed our recently appointed President St David’s Day gave us a special depicting the Welsh Guards and Chairman to their posts, Mr Richard Morgan of course opportunity to join the emblem on its face) as a had held the post of Vice Chairman for many years Battalion’s parade in Cardiff retirement gift from previously. and meeting up with members Association members. Bill was far and wide, especially those lost for words, but extremely At our February Meeting we (2741097) also retained his long lost friends from the touched by our kindness and had the pleasure of BBC Radio position as Vice President. Regiment so many years ago. thoughts. Wales and Simon Weston. OBE The Secretary attended the June saw the Welsh Guards who visited us to interview At the end of April we were Branch Secretaries Meeting in invited to Windsor Castle to trooping their New Colours at members about life in the Maindy Barracks on 10th watch the ‘Presentation of New the Queen’s Birthday Parade in Regiment, good or bad! February. As ever he found it Colours’ by Her Majesty the London. A few members were However it was quite an an informative meeting with Queen. The parade by the lucky enough to attend, while entertaining evening listening much discussion between the Regiment was outstanding, the rest of us stayed at home to members relate to their days various Branch Secretaries on and will be talked about and and watched the spectacle on in the Welsh Guards. We later remembered for many years to the television. It maked us feel received a CD of the domestic matters and the come. so proud to be part of this proceedings, plus a very handy Battalion dignitaries outlining wonderful Regiment. cheque for the Branch for our the plans for the Centenary Later in the day, following the efforts. Year activities. Our thanks to departure of the Royal family, Branch members have also Brian Keane as ever for the Our AGM took place in March Brian Keane managed to track supported many other events meal arranged afterwards. down GSM Billy Mott, and in that were held around Wales 2015. Once again for the the middle of his busy schedule during the year, and a special umpteenth year the Branch St. David’s Day saw a our President Colonel Bonas thanks must go the Terry Evans, Officials and Committee delegation from the Branch presented him with a watch our Standard Bearer, who Members were re-elected attending the festivities in (suitably inscribed, and works so hard in representing unopposed. Mr Albert Burd Cardiff Bay, and it was a great

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Again it was an informative and meal at a Carvery outside Royal entertaining day, nearer by far Wootton Bassett on our way than London for the majority of home - not to be missed!! As I our Secretaries but one must stated last year, East applaud the efforts of others Glamorgan Branch should be not so lucky to get to Cardiff. applauded for keeping this Congratulations to Brian Keane going although numbers for arranging the grub at the inevitably dwindle in the pub across the road. passing years. Those who had tickets and On Friday 18th September we were able to attend the held our second Fund Raising “Queens Birthday Parade” in “Quiz Night” with members of June and those back in Wales the Bridgend Town Twinning watching on TV witnessed an Committee and ourselves, outstanding performance on followed by a Fish & Chip the Horse Guards as the Supper. Our contact being Battalion “Trooped” their New Hechtel with whom they Colours. I am sure we all agree signed “A Certificate of it was a memorable parade Friendship” last year when they and upheld our tradition as visited Hechtel with us. It was a Visit to the Branch by BBC Radio and Simon Weston OBE. highly as ever. good night with friendly banter between our local day for meeting and greeting wound its way up the M4 to On Monday 22nd June the politicians and us. Thanks to old friends. Despite all the Windsor Castle for the Branch was again represented Roy Poland (22831222) for valiant efforts by RHQ, the “Presentation of New Colours” at the “Flag Raising” Ceremony setting the “brain teasers”. Secretary General and staff to the Battalion by HM The outside Bridgend County We turned up this year for the some “glitches” took place Queen. One cannot praise Borough Offices to signify the Darts and Shooting which irritated some highly enough all those, opening of Armed Forces Competitions on 10th October members, however such is the probably too many to name, Week. in Maindy Barracks full of way of life, not everything goes for the marvellous day enjoyed On Saturday 27th June 2015 we optimism but sadly light in to plan with outside agencies by everyone. The Battalion took part in Armed Forces Day numbers. Due to the physical involved. A pity really, as the performed brilliantly in the with the Branch Standard on condition of some of our facilities were superb. Quadrangle, the Catering parade. The parade was led as regular but aged members, we arrangements were superb We held our Dinner Dance on usual by the Corps of Drums were unable to field a full team Saturday 11th April, again in and thanks to the myriad of and a Marching Detachment of eight, first time in my the Masonic Hall in Bridgend drivers skittling around in the from the Welsh Transport memory. Needless to say we and once again there was a “Buggies” no-one had any Regiment RLC (TA). These were didn't reach a final or come healthy attendance. The Guests trouble in getting around, able followed by the Welsh First near the prizes/trophies. of Honour were the Mayor and bodied and disabled alike. Minister, County Mayor and Nevertheless, it’s the taking Mayoress of Bridgend County Everyone was able to have a other politicians from part that counts! Borough and Captain J.M. chat with various members of Westminster and Cardiff Bay, Bridgend Town Twinning Young and Escort, the Royal Family due to the Service Veterans and Committee hosted a 6 person representing the Regiment. We excellent shepherding to the Combined Cadet Forces. When delegation from Hechtel from must thank our Ladies Section sites laid out. Whilst there, a the parade ended we retired to 12th to 15th October 2015. On for their help in setting up the few of us were also lucky the Recreation Centre for Tuesday a party of us took Hall prior to the event and also enough to meet up with the refreshments and a Concert. A them on a trip to the Brecon the Manager and Chef for Presiding Mayor of Hechtel and good day experienced by all Beacons and Brecon Town. On doing us proud in the Catering his predecessor who were ages. the way we called in at Storey department. We enjoyed the guests of the Regiment, and Once again this year we were arms, the Mountain Centre and rest of the evening dancing to whom we had met whilst in extended an invitation from the SWB Museum in Brecon the music of our musician Dave Hechtel last year. the Secretary of the East followed in the evening by a Escott. He has attended at least Congratulations to all for a Glamorgan Branch to attend meal in a Bridgend Public twelve of our last Dinners and wonderful day. the Commemoration Service at House hosted by Bridgend has never let us down, brilliant. On Tuesday 12th May 2015 the Imber Court on Sunday 28th town Council. Again a chance On Thursday 30th April 2015 a 2nd Association AGM was held June 2015 which we gladly to strengthen our ties with full coach of our members in Maindy Barracks, Cardiff. accepted. We stopped for a Hechtel.

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Our Branch Annual year: 222217935 Mostyn Remembrance Service was Adams. 22472431 John held in Nolton Church, Burnard. 2735253 Charles Bridgend on Sunday 18th Kendrick. 21010029 Haydn October 2015 when we again Thomas. paid homage to the fallen Welsh Guardsmen from the Branch Meetings continue to Borough. A good turnout, be held in the Caefatri Public which was much appreciated House, Bridgend on the 2nd by the Padre. Monday of the month and if you are in the area please do On Remembrance Sunday the Branch will again be call in. represented on the Parades in Our AGM will be on Bridgend and Maesteg. Our Monday14th March 2015. If Branch Standard will again be you are able to attend please on parade and Poppy Wreaths do come along. Major G White (RTD) MBE from the Regiment and the Branch will be laid on the War The Chairman, Secretary and this made it difficult to find our informed it was going to Memorials as usual. Committee would like to thank old friends. Also, the catering happen on that day. Many of all the members for their We shall end the year in left a lot to be desired. us only found out after the support throughout the year December with a Social night event and would have liked to We then had the Presentation instead of an official meeting and especially the Ladies be present as it was a gift from of the New Colours by Her for what promises to be a good Section at all our meeting and the Association. Majesty the Queen, in April at night. Food as ordered by functions. Windsor. Everyone present The Trooping of our New members will be served and We wish everyone a Merry Colours in June was the last followed by an entertainer for thought it was a tremendous Christmas and a Happy New parade for GSM B Mott OBE the rest of the evening. spectacle and the garden party Year and send our thanks and afterwards that was so well MVO. The feeling of pride never Sadly we have lost the Best Wishes to all at RHQ and organised no one could fault it. leaves you when you see your following members this last the Cardiff HQ. It was an honour once again Regiment on parade and in our for my wife and I to be centenary year. presented to HRH Prince As a Branch I must pay tribute SWANSEA & WEST GLAMORGAN Charles together with Mr and to the wonderful organisation Mrs Roy Bennett, from the of the all the other events that BRANCH Branch. The only thing that I took place all over Wales and in (Formed 1927) and many members of the Europe, a truly remarkable year President: Major Charles Carty MBE TD Association were disappointed and to all those who took part Chairman: Bryn Pennock (23877288) in is that the presentation of and the wonderful people Treasurer/ the gift which was a watch to behind the scenes, thank you Secretary: Peter Williams (23877300) GSM B Mott OBE MVO for his so much for such a great effort 12 St Peters Avenue retirement, which no one was on behalf of us all. Cockett Swansea SA5 5BX Telephone: 01792 416010 E-mail: [email protected] Our centenary year 1915 - 2015, what a fantastic year it has been for the Battalion and all members of the Association.

St David’s Day in Cardiff: the over 5 levels was not quite Church service and parade right as venue as it was were a great success, to see difficult to meet up after the old friends and comrades on event, plus as members of parade was wonderful, but the Association we would many members thought that have had friends spread over the Millennium Centre split all levels of the centre and 300 Williams MT Edminton Canada 1964

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At Branch level earlier in the social event every couple of year with the help of our local month, but not to dwell on our paper the South Wales Evening laurels we are still looking to Post and report Chris Peregrine increase the membership of we did a small recruiting drive the Branch and by further which was a great success and articles in our local paper and we have had many new word of mouth we would like members join our Branch. We old and new member to join us have also we opened up our at the St James Club, St James meetings to wives, girlfriends Gardens, Uplands, Swansea, and partners who are all now every 3rd Monday of the Associate members. month from 7pm, look forward to seeing you there. I must mention three of our oldest Branch members, Bill I would like to thank once Dyer 94, Bill Cleary 92, and again our President Major Hubert Butt 92, Billy Dyer and Charles Carty (Rtd) MBE TD, Hubert Butt still support the Chairman Mr Bryn Pennock, Branch although they don’t the Committee and all our come to meetings due to their members for their support to age, I speak to them often and which without I could not do keep them up to speed with this, and the hard work that Branch News. Billy Cleary is they put in to make the Branch now in a Nursing home and what it is. see him as often as I can. 1 Also I would like to thank Major Also we have a new Deputy G White (Rtd) MBE for all his Standard Bearer Amy John, help and advice he has given Amy kindly volunteer to carry me over the last few years and our Standard after being a for supporting the Branch, and bearer for the ATC and British his wonderful wife Sue who Legion, She and her family has never fails to turn up and close ties with the Regiment as support all the Branch social her brother is a serving events with her best friend, member of the Welsh Guards. our Chairman’s wife Sylvia, Amy and her parents Steve and who is also magnanimous in Carol have also become supporting the Branch. associate Members of the And last but not least, thank Branch and are also active you to my Wonderful Wife members. Pauline and my Daughter Nicky Our Sunday lunches again this for all their continued help and year have been well attended support with the Branch, where and have become a great would I be without them?

1. Happy Valley Calgary 1964, George Allen, Atkinson, 300 Williams. 2. Pirbrite 1962, Tommy Kendle, Bailey, Johnston, 300 Williams. 3. Major C Carty (Rtd) MBE TD, 300 Williams a Social Pint Swansea 2014. 4. Falklands Memorial St Marys Church Swansea. 5. Me and my Princess, Branch Sunday Lunch. 6. Lt Col Tony Davies OBE presenting Maj David Woods with a gift from the WGR Branch on relinquishing the role of Branch President – United Services Mess Cardiff 28 Feb 15. 2

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WELSH GUARDS REUNITED (Formed 2006) President: Lieutenant Colonel (Retd) Tony Davies OBE - England Chairman: Major (Retd) Martin Browne BEM - Spain Secretary: Dennis (Knocker) Knowles (24122474) – Wales 197 Bryntirion Matthewstown Mountain Ash Rhondda Cynon Taff CF45 4EX Treasurer: Mike Cummins (24472964) - Wales Webmaster: Allan Rogers (24220048) - England Technical Support: Mike Cummins (24472964) – Wales Vice Presidents: Albert Richard Lewis (2734395) served in 1WG 1938 - 1946 Alan Parry-Booth (22326094) 3 served in 1WG 1950 - 1952 Ray Skinner (22329571) served in 1WG 1950 - 1952 Mike Wakely (24076183) served in 1WG 1968 - 1977 Larry John (24141857) served in 1WG 1969 - 1982 David Woods (23879346) – served in 1WG 1962 – 1977, served AAC 1977 - 2003 As we celebrate the 100th formation of our great Regiment, WGR very much continues as it left off last year; going from strength to strength.

Certainly a significant event for popular, well liked and WGR was the appointment of respected by all. We are now our new branch president. Our very proud as a branch to have branch president, Major (Retd) such an esteemed president as David Woods, in an attempt to Lt Col Tony Davies (22) OBE aka raise the profile of the branch Dinky Do. Tony is fully involved further in the centenary year, in the day to day use of the 4 unselfishly arranged to hand website, contributes greatly over the presidency to and is a wealth of regimental somebody known throughout knowledge and information. the Welsh Guards, who is We wish him well in his tenure.

5 6

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We very much hope that Tony The WGR Galleries, which are will feel supported by a well added to on a daily basis, really organised, proactive and have become a huge WG forward thinking Branch resource and with over 14,000 membership. We continue to images held there is see a constant growth in something for everyone from membership, even if just every generation of Welsh simply people joining and not Guardsman. particularly taking part in the Split into individual galleries, it forums, at least they have has to be the biggest single made the first step and are collection of Welsh Guards interested enough to join. Our photographs anywhere? With members have a wealth of your help we could easily get Regimental knowledge and to the 20,000 image point by cover many generations of this time next year? Just a 1 Welsh Guardsman from WW2, sample selection of through National Service right photographs from the galleries up to date with members accompany these branch notes. serving today. The branch continues to One significant area in which support all WG events, and took WGR has come into it's own a full part in the St David's Day this year is the rapid celebrations in Cardiff on 1st communication (on Facebook March, with an informal branch and the website) of Welsh get together organised the Guardsmen in hospital or in night before at the United need, requiring visits or help. Services Mess (USM), Cardiff in On several occasions tandem with the Cardiff Branch information has been received of the WGA. As a branch we and rapidly passed on via support the wonderful WG100 these two mediums, enabling 2 initiative through advertising the WG cogs to start turning on our website, Facebook page, more quickly than might be Facebook group and Twitter expected. Long may it continue account and many WGR and long may Welsh members have shown their Guardsmen everywhere avail own individual support also. We themselves of this support wish the WG100 team best network. Thank you to wishes for their endeavour. everyone that responds to a comment or post and actually We have also supported, along gets on the ground to make a with the Swansea Branch, SAMA difference. Wales and many other Welsh

1. Lt Col (Retd) Tony Davies OBE (aka 22), Lt Col Mark Cooling (aka Fridge) and Kevin Collett (aka Mem) enjoying a beer in Cyprus, where Mark Cooling is Commander Episkopi Support Unit, Kev Collett has recently settled after completing 30 years in WG and Tony Davies was on holiday! 2. Andy Brinkworth (24388552) chatting with Allan Rogers (24220048) WGR Webmaster at the USM Cardiff. 3. Simon Skinner headstone. 4. POWs Coy Group in Wrexham, L-R; Phil Moore, Big Ed 53, Phil Wright, Gareth Gibbs 90, Richard Jones 29 (aka Joskin), Loshin Lloyd, Martin Browne, Bob Griffiths 45, Mark Davies 57 (aka Beans) 5. POW Coy Crossmaglen 1979/80 L-R; Thomo, Kev Hammond 20, Steve Bartlett, Ray Owen 14, Simon Skinner RIP, Paul Cunliffe. On shoulders; Johnny Walker 04 and Steve Matthews 6. Just one of the many old photographs from the WGR galleries. L-R;Richard Pritchard 15, N/K, Munro, Ray Castle, REME, Evans, Tom Morris, Derek Parry 38 3

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4

Guardsmen, the initiative to such a memorable and special fund a headstone for Simon occasion each year. It does the Skinner (ex POW Coy 1WG), who class of 82 good to get together, sadly passed away in January with Welsh Guardsmen from 1995 but until now has had no other generations, to headstone. remember those that never made it home. We do not His family, driven by Paul underestimate the hard work Summers (ex Parachute you put in each year Chris, so Regiment) were keen that a thank you for your efforts. headstone be erected and many of our members With the Presentation of New contributed to the cause. The Colours, Queen's Birthday website and Facebook Parade and a whole host of page/group publicised as other Centenary celebrations widely as possible and Neil Rice organised, WGR really is the go very kindly produced publicity to place for the latest up to date material for the headstone information. We are very 5 which was used to good effect grateful to the Regimental across many Facebook groups. Adjutant for allowing us to Sufficient funding was publish his Welsh Guards Club forthcoming and Simon's update on our website as it headstone has now been keeps the membership erected in Morriston informed and updated on Crematorium, Swansea and Regimental goings on. For was dedicated during a service those that are unaware, the WGR website has a separate on 17 October 2015. Rest in area which is only accessible by Peace Simon. Branch Members (so they must WGR was also well represented be either ex Welsh Guardsmen at the Wrexham Falklands or voted in associate members), reunion on 20 Jun and thanks this ensures that all the other and gratitude must be given to “site” users do not have access Chris Hopkins for arranging to the, sometimes, sensitive 6

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information which is published Debra Verrill, daughter of in the branch business area Mervyn Evans (23057617) aka (Regimental Adjutant's update, Yanto, joined the site looking for AGM business etc). This works photographs and memories of well and ensures a good her Father. She of course degree of control for the branch received a warm welcome (as committee and site does anyone who joins WGR) administrators. There is also an with many WGR members area set aside for each WGA remembering Mervyn Evans 17 Branch to use to communicate from his time in 3 Coy, the branch business to their Battalion rugby team, as a PTI members. Currently only really and his talent as a singer. She used by the North Wales and explained that her Dad was ill in Cardiff Branches, it is hoped hospital, and although he could that other branches will see the not get to a computer, she real benefit of communicating would print off all the through WGR and use their comments from his many allocated branch areas also. friends and give them to him. The WGR site relies solely on Sadly Mervyn passed away, in voluntary donations from site hospital, in , on 30 May. members, through Paypal, to Mervyn's family requested, maintain the site infrastructure, through a friend and ex Welsh licenses, hosting etc and with Guardsman; Roy Hill 1 no branch subscriptions, the (23294675), a WGR Branch WGR branch relies on member, who lives in Norfolk, donations, as and when that if possible they would like a required also. The branch is military funeral. very fortunate to have a nucleus of members that can always be This was no problem for either relied upon to assist should it be Roy or WGR and with a bit of necessary. We have an ageing logistical planning, the WGR population of Welsh Standard and funeral pack was Guardsmen and the call for a delivered to Roy in Norfolk by WG Standard at funerals will, in courier and he arranged for a our opinion, increase bugler, coincidentally, a Mr significantly over the coming David Woodrow, who had years. Our Branch Standard himself been trained at Bearer (coincidentally the Caterham by Mervyn and had 2 Branch Secretary also), Dennis ended up in the Irish Guards “Knocker” Knowles (24122474), Band! is probably the most proactive As per other WGA branches, and supportive Standard Bearer WGR is also allocated two you could wish for. He will wreaths each year, but unlike always attend a funeral if geographical branches, WGR requested to ensure a Welsh has no one particular town, Guardsmen is given a fitting village or memorial to support. send off and even stepped in as The placing of the wreaths is the North Wales Branch voted on each August at the Standard Bearer at the AGM and in 2014 it was decided Wrexham reunion (as the WGR that one wreath would be given Branch Standard was being to Eric Padmore (24125015) for used at the funeral of Mervyn he and his wife, Lyn to lay on Evans 17 in Norfolk) - fancy that, behalf of WGR at the grave of Knocker an honorary North Christopher Charles Thomas Walian for the day! (24454603) - aka Bowser (killed A good example of the real during the Falklands Campaign) value of WGR occurred when at the Brookwood Military

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3

Cemetery and the other would popular event attracts over be given to an Associate 20,000 people and, since it member, Mr Jan De Wilde for started in 2002, has raised over him to lay at the two Welsh £320,000 towards the upkeep Guards graves in the Sittard War of the NMA. Some of the WG Cemetery, Netherlands gang from last years RTTW are belonging to WO2 (2734194) shown in the picture above (3). Edward Victor Addis and Gdsm The WGR website really does (2739033) Kenneth Jack attract all kinds of people, for Edwards. instance in April this year Eric For the 2015 wreaths, one will Heijink from Enschede, the be held back to June 2016 to be Netherlands joined WGR whilst laid at the Falklands Memorial looking for information on during the Wrexham reunion Welsh Guardsmen killed in his weekend with the other being town. He is looking for laid in memory of all Welsh information on Guardsman 4 Guardsmen at the National (2738136) Morgan Douglas Memorial Arboretum (NMA) by Jones and Lance Corporal WG “biker” members who join (2737965) Garfield Hopkins. the Ride To The Wall (RTTW) on Anyone with any information Saturday 8th October. This whatsoever on these two Welsh

1. Dennis “Knocker” Knowles (24122474) 2. Trebor Jones 22 and Mervyn Evans 17 3. L-R: Colin James Dowle, Kevin Sincock, Maldwyn Jones 92, Rob “Scouse” Jones 88, Keith Smith, Neil Rice, Steve Bartlett, Kevin Jones and someone's friend not WG (but if he was he would surely be 3 Coy!) 4. Roy Hill 75 with the WGR Standard, Adam Frater 21, George Frater and Mr Peter Whitwell with the Sprowston Branch RBL Standard normally carried by Roy Hill. 5. Jan De Wilde laying wreath at WG graves in Sittard war cemetery, the Netherlands 5

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1

Guardsmen please contact two's, three's or larger groups, WGR, who can put you into ease and speed of direct contact with Eric. communication makes it so much simpler to arrange With all the WG Centenary meetings with old pals. Even events this year there has been just a couple of beers in the no specific organised WGR reunion (other than the get local pub with a few WG mates together the night before St constitutes a meeting of sorts. David's Day at the United WGR is doing exactly what it Services Mess in Cardiff). was established to do; maintain communication, reunited old Having been involved in the pals and be a focal point for all very successful Porthcawl things WG on the World Wide reunions in the past, Paul Web. Morgan (24578071) aka Flicker, is organising a reunion for 2016. Mention must also be made of Nick Farr, one of our few, but 2 This time the event will be held very valued Associate Members. at a location in Stafford near to Nick has continued to support the National Memorial us in his position as site Arboretum (NMA), which will historian and continues to hopefully be as attractive to provide the quarterly prize in those living in North Wales as memory of his uncle (1038 Cpl well as those from the Midlands Stanley Kiernan WG who was and South Wales. The reunion is KIA on 1st July 1916 during the planned for the weekend 26 raid at Mortaldje) which is Mar 16. Anyone interested in awarded to a member as attending is asked to contact decided by the Branch Paul Morgan 71 (aka Flicker) President – thank you Nick, your through WGR. support and friendship really is But of course WGR members very much appreciated and meet all the time, whether in valued by us all on WGR. 3

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4

The very existence of the Welsh The team consists of: Guards Reunited Branch (WGRB) Webmaster: is owed to the Welsh Guards Allan Rogers (24220048) Reunited (WGR) website which Administrator: hosts it and so it would be Martin Browne (24433673) remiss of us as a Branch not to Technical Support: thank the people that enable Mike Cummins (24472964) our Branch to function correctly, Moderators: the people that run the website Dennis (Knocker) Knowles for us. The site Management (24122474) Team are purely responsible for Neil Rice (24446066) the day to day running of the site, ensuring adherence to a WGR Facebook: very simple set of guidelines Jack Jones (24076011) which ensure the site is a happy, safe and friendly place 5 to visit.

1. Another from the galleries – Aden? Anyone recognise anyone? 2. Eric Heijink and Ray Cumbley. 3. L-R; Robert Roberts (24400031), Dave Roberts (24220169), Andy Brinkworth (24388552), Alan Parry-Booth (22326094), David Webb (23523061) at the USM Cardiff 28 Feb 14. 4. Intake 50 -02, L-R; Back Row: K Hague, J Herd, F Merton, D Joyes, JStewart, Middle Row: D Champion, G Mitton, J Davies, W Ollerenshaw, Cpl W Williams(P.T.I.), A Davies, B Jones, Rev Ray Skinner, T Forbes, Front Row: K Tees, A Parry-Booth, Sgt J Jones, Cpl M Roberts, TSH Lamalle, G. Shann, L Dickens. 5. Recognise anyone from Aden? 6. L-R: Adrian Legg, Mike Cummins and Julian Jones, Benodet, France, Summer 2015. 6

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You can find Welsh Guards Reunited at one of the following: WGR website: www.welshguardsreunited.co.uk Earl Haig called out for volunteers WGR Facebook Group: And Robert Bye was willing www.facebook.com On the April third nineteen fifteen /groups/welshguardsreunited He took King George’s shilling. WGR Facebook Page: In Cardiff, on the dotted line ww.facebook.com/pages/ His signature he put welshguardsreunited/ WGR Car windscreen stickers And Rob became a Guardsman 109019635828553 still available, free, through In the new formed Fifth of Foot, WGR - just ask. WGR Twitter: Follow us at; The Welsh Guards life was very hard @WelshGuardsWGR Rob faced it without gripes And then, within a year or so He earned his Corporal’s stripes. In what has quickly become On Fri 10 Jul 15 this poem was Soon, promoted Sergeant Bye the traditional ending to our read out during the ceremony He led his band of snipers branch notes, an excellent and memorial service for Sgt Against a fortified redoubt poem from one of our Vice Robert Bye VC, when a In the Belgian town of Ypres. Presidents and wonderful commemorative paving stone A nest of German H.M.G’s contributor, the very talented was unveiled in the Memorial Were firing from a tower Mr Alan Parry-Booth (sat front Garden, Ynysangharad War And holding up our troops advance row, second on the left, as you Memorial Park, Pontrypridd. For hour after hour. look at photograph 4, previous Robert didn’t hesitate page). He crawled up to the guns And lobbed a brace of hand grenades In amongst the Huns. THE BOY FROM PENRHIWCEIBER The survivors shouted Kamerad Robert Bye was born in Pontypridd And raised their hands on high A boy of valleys fibre Escorted back to British lines He spent his youth in Woodfield Street By Sergeant Robert Bye. In nearby Penrhiwceiber He fought his way through Langemarcke He went to school in Aberdare At the head of his platoon An education sound The enemy was routed And at the tender age of fourteen years By Friday afternoon. Young Rob went underground. His bravery was recorded In Dyffrin Deep Colliery Despatch lines they did ring He worked behind the drams And Sergeant Robert Bye – Welsh Guards Watched by his father Martin’s eye Was summoned by the King. The apple of his Mam’s All the fact were published His labours brought promotion Papers signed and sealed Rising up the miners table Rob was awarded a Victoria Cross And in nineteen twelve he fell in love “FOR VALOUR IN THE FIELD”. And married lovely Mabel. Army ways have changed since then They raised a healthy family But as the years go by Two daughters and two sons Every new recruit still learns But at this time war was declared Of Sergeant Robert Bye. And Britain faced the Huns. A.P-B 6.4.14

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DARTS AND SHOOTING COMPETITION

DARTS AND SHOOTING COMPETITION 2015 Brian Keane

he annual Association Darts and Shooting Competition took place once again at the Sergeants’ mess RRW, Maindy Barracks, Cardiff, on Saturday 10th TOctober. Sadly, out of a total of 75 members who originally registered to attend, only 51 turned up on the day. Nevertheless the competitions went ahead and proceeded with the usual banter and lots of laughs.

A big ‘thank you’ goes to members for this wonderful Sergeant Kevin Jury and his gesture. Recruiting Team who controlled 1 We were extremely fortunate the Shooting competition with this year to have Lieutenant their usual professionalism and Colonel Tony Davies (22) at the good humour, and without event, who very kindly agreed whose help the day would to present the trophies. I am have floundered. sure Tony enjoyed catching up During a lull in the with old mates as we were proceedings, I was suddenly with him, and sincerely hope to presented with a wooden see him at future Association plaque depicting a Welsh functions. Guards badge and motto, from Another great day for Steve Liversage, the secretary renewing friendships, and of the Monmouthshire Branch, thank you to those who made in recognition of my work for the effort to attend – even the Association. This came as a though Wales were playing 2 complete surprise, and I wish Australia in the Rugby World to thank Steve and all his Cup on the same day!

RESULTS

DARTS Welsh Guards Association Cup: East Glamorgan Abertawe Shields (Runner-up) Cardiff Highest Individual Score D Gaul (East Glamorgan)

SHOOTING 3 Leatham trophy: Llanelli Team 1 1. Brian Keane being presented with a plaque by Steve Liversage, Aberdare Cup Champion Shot: Chris Reeves (WGR) on behalf of the Monmouthshire Branch Gerry Greenstock Cup: Ken Haines (East Glamorgan) 2. Winners of the Welsh Guards Association Cup, East Glamorgan. 3. Winners of the Abertawe Shield, Cardiff Branch, (Darts). William Burman Cup: Not competed for, Swansea Branch not present. Photographs courtesy of Neil Rice ([email protected])

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DARTS AND SHOOTING COMPETITION 2015

1 2

3 4

1. Highest Individual Score, (Darts), Dai Gaul, East Glamorgan Branch. 2. Winner of the Gerry Greenstock Cup (Shooting), Glyn ‘SS’ Jones. 3. Winners of the Leatham Trophy, (Shooting), Llanelli ‘A’ Team. 4. Winners of the Abedare Cup, ‘Champion Shot’, Chris Reeves, W.G.R.

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WELSH GUARDS ASSOCIATION AGM

MINUTES OF THE 85TH ANNUAL forward to deployment in the be addressed in the coming Falklands and Afghanistan. year. GENERAL MEETING OF THE Also, there may be a possibility Item 2 – Minutes of WELSH GUARDS ASSOCIATION of the Battalion tying up with previous meeting Held at Maindy Barracks Cardiff, at 1100 hrs Tuesday the Ghurkas later in the year to 12th May 2015 visit Nepal. Confirmation of the minutes of the Annual General Meeting Brigadier Stanford has been President: Colonel T S Bonas held 14th May 2014 was promoted to Major General, Vice President: Brigadier J F Rickett CBE proposed by Mr A Cunningham which now makes a total of Vice President: R E Lewis Esq ( Llanelli Branch) and seconded three Major Generals from the Treasurer: Major K Oultram by Mr J Bayliss (Midlands). Welsh Guards. In RHQ, Yvonne Secretary General: B Keane Esq There were no points arising. and RQMS Steve Boika are still in position, together with Sgt Item 3 – Present: In Attendance: Gwilym and Gdsm Jallow. Sgt New Constitution/Accounts. Laing will replace Sgt Clowes Captain A C Hopkins, President Major K Dawson, 1st Btn Welsh The new constitution has after the QBP. North Wales Branch: Major A Guards: RSM Topps, 1st Btn previously been discussed in Denman, President Ogmore Welsh Guards: Very positive feedback was full, and now finally rubber Branch: Major C Carty MBE TD, Apologies for Absence: received after the PONC, from stamped. Association funds President Swansea & West Her Majesty, right down to are now in a separate account, Glamorgan Branch: Mr M Brigadier J F Rickett CBE, Vice Association members, and with the Trustees being: President WGA: Colonel C Williams, Secretary Aberdare thanks were extended to Colonel Bonas (President) , Stephens, President London Branch: Mr T O’Shea, Secretary everyone in helping to make Brigadier Rickett (Vice Branch: RGP Plowden Esq. the day such a success. President), Mr Roy Lewis (Vice Cardiff Branch: Mr K Haines, President President), Major Keith Secretary East Glamorgan The Laying Up Of Old Colours Montgomery/Shropshire Oultram (Treasurer), Mr Brian Branch: Mr A Cunningham, takes place on September 24th Branch. Major I B Ramsden Keane (Secretary General). in Caernavon, and the Secretary Llanelli Branch: Mr R MBE, President Pembrokeshire Battalion are planning to hold The total cost of changes Doughty, representing London Branch: Branch: Mr E Jones, Secretary a couple of concerts resulted in the Association Item 1 – President’s Address Merthyr Tydfil Branch: Mr J throughout the principality as paying £5000 and the well as a possible rugby match Regiment £30,000. Bayliss, Secretary Midlands The President opened the against a Welsh team towards Branch: Mr S Liversage BEM, meeting by welcoming Major Oultram reported on the the end of the year. Secretary Monmouthshire everyone, especially Major Karl accounts, and even though Branch: Mr J Williams, Secretary Dawson and RSM Topps from Book sales have been they showed a deficit, this Montgomery/Shropshire the Battalion. He brought with extremely disappointing to would be a ‘one off’ due to the Branch: Mr Keith Bonehill, him photographs of the PONC date, and the President initial constitution and Secretary North of England prepared on individual discs requested that Branch registration fees. (These for Branch Secretaries, and Secretaries promote it at their Branch: Mr M Jones, Secretary accounts were made available reminded the meeting that meetings. Purchases can be immediately after the meeting North Wales Branch; Mr M photographer, Andrew made directly through RHQ at a for anyone to scrutinize.) Jones, Secretary Ogmore Errington had reproduced cost of £15. At this point Major Oultram Branch: Mr P Williams, many more on the web site, In conclusion, the President informed the meeting that the Secretary Swansea & West which was easily accessible. Glamorgan Branch; Mr D thanked the Branches for all Battalion were ordering tee Knowles, Secretary Welsh He went on to report that the their hard work. He accepted shirts to promote the Guards Reunited. Battalion was in good order, that due to various factors, centenary, which will be open with morale high. They are some Branches are finding it for sale to Association There were 5 other Association busy with Public Duties this more difficult to carry on than members. They can be ordered members present. year, as well as looking others, but hopefully this can in blue or khaki, and the price

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will be dependent on the the President promised he Item 8 – Laying up of Old that the Battalion will be able amount ordered. Anyone would do everything possible Colours to send representation from interested should contact him. to get the Dinner heavily the Battalion to some Branches This will take place in subsidised. The venue, again this year, particularly Item 4 – QBP Caernavon on Sunday 24th Brangwyn Hall, Swansea, has Freedom Towns. September 2015. There will be The Secretary General reported been extensively refurbished, a service in St Mary’s Church, Mr R Doughty (London Branch) that all requests for tickets had making it a spectacular venue. followed by a reception. An enquired whether Welsh been satisfied, and thanked Peter Williams (Swansea idea of numbers are needed, Guards Cadets would be RHQ for all their endeavours in Branch) volunteered to help in therefore an application form welcome on the parade in such a special year. finding accommodation in the will be printed in the Summer London, and the President had area for anyone wishing to Since the QBP would be the last Newsletter together with no objection to this but pointed stay overnight. official function the Garrison further information. out there would be no financial Sergeant Major would carry assistance available. Transport will be down to North Wales Branch are out, an opportunity arose at individual Branches. the PONC to present the planning to hold a Dinner on Item 11 – Christmas card Association gift of a watch to Item 6 – Association/ the evening prior to 24th if 2015 there is sufficient interest. him there. The original plan Regimental Battlefield Tours The artist is putting the final Please contact North Wales was to give him the watch at St touches to the card, and a copy The Association tour to Branch Sec for details. David’s Day, but sadly his Belgium and France is fully will be available to include in mother died, and he was booked, with a ‘reserved list of Item 9 – Darts and Shooting the Summer Newsletter. The unable to attend. 6 – 8 people. The Regimental Competition. cost is 60 pence which includes postage. There were difficulties in tour is also popular, and they To take place on Saturday 10th getting a ‘window’ in Windsor plan to give ‘Full Military October 2015 at Maindy Item 12 – Newsletters/ whereby the President, GSM Honours’ to an unidentified Barracks. This has proven to be Regimental magazine and Association members Welsh Guardsman from WW1 a very popular venue in the Hopefully the Newsletter will were present, and sadly, after whilst they are in France. past, and hopefully the searching around, only a few be sent out by the beginning of Alan Cunningham (Llanelli) Recruiting Team will once members were available to June. Branches should submit asked the Sec Gen. permission again be given permission to witness the presentation. their Newsletters ASAP to the for some members of his help. There will be no Nevertheless, Bill was hugely Sec Gen in order to allow time Branch to tag on to the accommodation available, but appreciative and appeared to for printing / copying. Association tour using their Major Oultram stated that B/B be genuinely moved: hopefully in Cardiff works out cheaper With regards to the magazine, there will be a photograph of own coach (14 – 16 people.) The Sec General had no than the Barracks. the Sec General was extremely the event for the Regimental (accommodation is also disappointed that a few magazine. problem with this but pointed out that they may have available at The Heath Pub – Branches did not submit a Item 5 – Centenary Dinner difficulty in booking opposite the Barracks.) report from their Branch last year. He pointed out that this is accommodation. He agreed to It was pointed out that there is The Sec Gen. previously sent a ‘must’ from Secretaries in out a questionnaire asking for contact the Water Molen hotel an international rugby match order to keep their members views of Branches towards a to check on availability. on the same day, so it is hoped informed, and hoped it will be ‘mixed’ rather than ‘stag’ that the bar will remain open Item 7 – Imber Court ratified this year. Photographs Dinner for the Centenary Year. until the final whistle. The Sec should also be included if Not all Branches responded, Commemorations takes place General will make the possible, with suitable captions and for those who did, it was a on Sunday June 28th. Further necessary enquiries. and Regimental numbers if mixed response. It was details available from Jeff Item 10 – Remembrance applicable. therefore decided to take a Heenan (London Branch) and Service vote at the meeting, the result Ken Haines (East Glam Branch). Major Oultram, editor of the being that the Dinner be The coach will be subsidised by Commemorations will take magazine, also reiterated the ‘mixed’. It will not solely be for the Association but there will place on Sunday November need for clearly labelled wives and partners, but also not be a free buffet. 8th, and further details will be photographs, as well as open to friends and family. Sandwiches will be available to announced in the Summer instructions where the Because of the centenary year, purchase from the bar. Newsletter. The Sec Gen hopes photograph should be placed

146 WELSH GUARDS ASSOCIATION AGM WELSH GUARDS REGIMENTAL MAGAZINE WELSH GUARDS ASSOCIATION AGM

within the submitted articles. stood in the foyer or outside Item 14 - Date of next for most of the day, enabling Annual General Meeting The President is hoping for a him to meet old mates. bumper edition for this, the The date and venue of the next centenary year, and the more (Other) AGM will be decided at the articles the better. Secretaries meeting in London: February 2016. Please note: Branch reports are R Doughty referred to the sent to the Sec General and minutes of 2014 with Welsh Guards 100 magazine articles to Major regards to closer links with Before the meeting was Oultram. Welsh Guardsmen at brought to a close, Major Karl Item 13 – Points raised at Catterick (Darren Pridmore Dawson requested to speak to Secretaries Meeting was to lead on this). Sadly those present about the Welsh when Darren left there was Guards 100. Information has (St David’s Day) no continuity. Major Karl already been sent to all Branch East Glamorgan: Dawson stated that recently, Secretaries, outlining various Members were out of 91 Welsh Guardsmen, plans and events in Wales, and disappointed with the food only 10% ‘passed out’ and briefly explained what input at St David’s Day, which was thought that both Guardsmen Association members could served up in a burger box. and Association members have when Welsh Guardsmen The President explained would benefit from closer passed through their towns that compromises had to links and to be able to share and villages. He also stated that they were prepared to be made due to the amount experiences. He will look read a citation to any Welsh of people present, and into this. personally found the food Guardsman who may be OK but not ideal. Ogmore: buried in the area as they pass Major Alan Denman through. Llanelli: announced that if any The beer at the Millennium If Branches wishes to run member wished to attend events themselves, the Centre worked out at over Garter Day celebrations at £7 per pint (based on small Battalion will support them as Windsor Castle on Monday much as possible. bottles of Italian beer) and June 15th, to contact him. not £3 as promised initially These events will be a great since there was no draught Swansea: opportunity to reach out to the beer available. Peter Williams referred to younger generation who have the Welsh Guards programme left the Regiment, and Monmouth: filmed for S4C and enquired hopefully form bonds with the Many members including whether there was anyone Association. women had to sit on the in the Battalion from South floor because there were Major Dawson is planning to Wales who could speak insufficient chairs available. keep the Association closely Welsh, since everyone informed and will be sending The Sec General thought it interviewed was from the out more information shortly. was wrong that everyone north! He was also ashamed was segregated, and to hear that a Welsh Finally, the President and consideration to this should Guardsman who planned Secretary General thanked be taken into account at to attend a rugby match in everyone for attending and contributing to an excellent future venues. At events like Cardiff, boasted that he constructive meeting. this members look forward would sing only the Welsh to meeting people they National Anthem but Not served with including God Save The Queen. (this Officers and NCOs. statement was allegedly Major Oultram enjoyed the said in front of the television day considerably since he cameras)

WELSH GUARDS ASSOCIATION AGM 147 FORECAST OF EVENTS WELSH GUARDS REGIMENTAL MAGAZINE

FORECAST OF EVENTS 2016

JANUARY

FEBRUARY 5 London Branch AGM, RHQ Ground floor Conference Room. (TBC) 10 Llanelli Branch AGM, RNA Club, Swansea Road, Llanelli 21 Montgomer/Shropshire St David’s Day Lunch, Henllan

MARCH

1 ST DAVID’S DAY PIRBRIGHT

APRIL

MAY Association Race Day (TBA) 28 Trooping The Colour - Major General’s Review

JUNE 4 Trooping The Colour - Colonel’s Review 11 THE QUEEN’S BIRTHDAY PARADE

JULY

17 Montgomery/Shropshire Annual Lunch, Wroxeter Hotel, Shrewsbury

SEPTEMBER 10 – 14 Association BFT Belgium, France.

OCTOBER 4 London Branch meeting 4.30pm (venue as for AGM) Association Darts and Shooting Competition (TBA) 29 Monmouthshire Branch Reunion Dinner, The Angel Hotel, Abergavenny

NOVEMBER

13 Remembrance Day

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

148 FORECAST OF EVENTS In Memoriam - Êr Côf

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

24141890 Gdsm LJ Phillips 22217426 Sgt F Wells Died: 3rd November 2014, Aged: 61 years Died: February 2015, Aged: 82 years Served: 1970 – 1975 Served: 1951 – 1973

2471787 LSgt A Williams 23523384 Gdsm B Hughes Died: 21st November 2014, Aged: 85 years Died: 18th March 2015, Aged: 73 years Served: 1947 – 1952 Served: 1960 – 1963

22831280 Gdsm NK Smith 22472431 Gdsm J Burnard Died: December 2014, Aged: 78 years Died: 18th February 2015, Aged: 80 years Served: 1955 – 1977 Served: 1953 – 1956

22217094 Gdsm D Allen 4191741 Sgt Pryce-Davies Died: 30th December 2014, Aged: 83 years Died: 15th April 2015, Aged: 99 years Served: 1948 – 1953 Served: 1936 – 1945

22217099 Gdsm K Foulkes 22217306 Gdsm AG Edwards Died: 5th December 2014, Aged: 86 years Died: 5th April 2015, Aged: 85 years Served: 1948 – 1951 Served: 1950 – 1972

22217060 Gdsm S Evans 22749251 Gdsm JS Reid Died: 21st May 2015, Aged: 84 years Died: 15th March 2015, Aged: 84 years Served: 1948 - 1953 Served: 1952 - 1954

22217949 Gdsm G Williams 22217846 Gdsm IO Williams Died: 29th January 2015, Aged: 81 years Died: 29th April 2015, Aged: 79 years Served: 1956 – 1959 Served: 1953 – 1956

24076155 LSgt P Blake 22217718 Maj IG Jones Died: 24th January 2015, Aged: 65 years Died: May 2015, Aged: 79 years Served: 1967 – 1980 Served: 1952 – 1974

22217502 Gdsm R Caswell 23523066 Gdsm D Williams Died: 14 December 2014, Aged: 80 years Died: 21st May 2015, Aged: 77 years Served: 1952 – 1955 Served: 1958 – 1964

23523038 Gdsm BC Roberts 22217391 Gdsm R Curtis Died: 18th January 2015, Aged: 70 years Died: 23rd May 2015, Aged: 82 years Served: 1958 - 1964 Served: 1950 – 1953

2738910 Gdsm DS Brown 23057616 Csgt MV Evans Died: 11 January 2015 Died: June 2015, Aged: 79 years Aged: 89 years Served: 1954 – 1977 Served: 1944 – 1947 2741735 LSgt FJ Petty 22831400 LCpl C Jones Died: 1st May 2015, Aged: 90 years Died: 10th February 2015, Aged: 79 years Served: 1946 - -1950 Served: 1957 – 1966 507233 Lt P M M Bevan 23019252 Gdsm KJ Raffaelli Died: 23th June 2015, Aged: 59 years Died: 6th June 2014, Aged: 82 years Served: 1978 – 1981 Served: 1954 - 1956

IN MEMORIAM 149 In Memoriam - Êr Côf

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

24498079 Sgt A Manning Died: 21st June 2015, Aged: 53 years Served: 1978 – 1993

2738603 Gdsm R Bailey Died: 16th June 2015, Aged: 94 years Served: 1939 – 1946

24125032 Gdsm P Taylor Died: 19th June 2014, Aged: 65 years Served: 1968 – 1977

23523369 LSgt M Turner Died: 20th June 2014, Aged: 74 years Served: 1959 - 1965

22831542 Maj M Butler Died: 12th October 2014, Aged: 75 years Served: 1958 – 1980

22831238 CSgt D Greathead Died: 15th January 2015, Aged: 79 years Served: 1955 – 1977

2741797 Gdsm GT Evans Died: 13th February 2015, Aged: 85 years Served: 1947 – 1952

2739971 Gdsm L Eade Died: 27th July 2015, Aged: 94 years Served: 1940 – 1946

23333319 Gdsm IP Davies Died: 18th June 2015, Aged: 76 years Served: 1956 – 1958

22217512 Gdsm DD Jones Died: 18th July 2015, Aged: 81 years Served: 1952 – 1964

22217420 Sgt R Smith Died: 2nd October 2015, Aged: 79 years Served: 1950 – 1961

427271 Lt RM Salter Died: 20th September 2015 Served: 1953 – 1957

150124 IN MEMORIAM

152 ADCs Dinner with General Reddy and Lady Watt

Back row (l to r): Rupert Forrest, Nick Ulvert, Lt Col Guy Stone, General Sir Redmond Watt, Lt Col Giles Harris, Major Ed Launders. Front row (l to r): Lt Col Mark Lewis, Lady Watt, Major James Aldridge, Major Tim Badham. . 100 years ~ 1915 - 2015 WELSH GUARDS REGIMENTAL MAGAZINE 2 0 1 5