The Mercian Family Issue 5: November 2014 Newsletter

The Heart of England’s Infantry

News

Regimental News – On Remembrance Sunday, it was the 96th anniversary of the guns falling silent on the western front after over four years of war. From 1919 until 1945, Armistice Day observance was

always on 11 November itself. It was then moved to

Remembrance Sunday. Since 1995 it has become normal to hold ceremonies on both Armistice Day and

Remembrance Sunday. Remembrance Sunday is

held to commemorate the contribution of British and

Commonwealth military and civilian servicemen and women in the two World Wars and later conflicts.

100 years ago today, thousands of soldiers from all antecedent regiments of The Mercian Regiment

were fighting on the western front. The Battle of Nonne Bosschen had just started, involving the 2nd Worcestershire Regiment and 2nd South Staffords. This was the last major German attack on the British lines during the first battle of Ypres. Other battalions of The Sherwood Foresters, The

Cheshire Regiment, The Worcestershire Regiment and The Staffords were fighting all along the western front.

During the two minutes of silence, we remember all soldiers who have been killed in war, whether

in the Great War, the 2nd World War or those wars and conflicts since 1945. We also remember those 32 soldiers who have been killed in action since the formation of The Mercian Regiment in

2007.

Regimentally, battalions have been involved in over 70 events since Sunday. Images and further

information on these will follow in December’s newsletter.

1 MERCIAN – Soldiers from 1 MERCIAN took part in the Army’s most arduous competition during October. The Cambrian Patrol is a challenge that has been taking place since 1948.

It involves patrolling over 50 kilometres in the Brecon Beacons and carrying over 30 kilograms of

fighting equipment. Over 90 teams from around the world entered the competition this year, with

six failing to complete it. No teams were awarded a gold standard medal, and only five teams received a silver medal of which the MERCIAN team was one. The battalion was also rewarded by Commanding Officer,

Lieutenant Colonel Mark Ellwood for its hard work since

formation. Instead of soldiers attending one of their fitness

sessions, they were offered a brew as part of the SSAFA (Soldiers' and Sailors' Families Association) ‘Big Brew Up’ – a charity which supports servicemen and their families.

In a busy month, on the 31st October, 1 MERCIAN soldiers took part in the centenary commemoration for the Battle of Gheluvelt. Further information on this follows later in the newsletter.

2 MERCIAN – At the beginning of October, 2 MERCIAN completed its hand over as the lead infantry battalion for its six month Operation TOSCA deployment in Cyprus. Over 40 soldiers from 4

MERCIAN (Reserve) have also deployed.

Togeth er the battalions have been patrolling the Buffer Zone known as the ‘Green Line,’ keeping a watchful eye over the opposing Greek and Turkish Forces. The Regular and Reserve partnership is being conducted by the Mercian Regiment as part of its new Army

2020 structure.

On shores closer to home, 2 MERCIAN soldiers were called in to drive ambulances during public sector strikes. In total, 20 military personnel from 2 MERCIAN deployed to Greater Manchester to support local civil authorities. Before deployment, the soldiers were trained with this delivered by the ambulance service. It consisted of nine ambulances with specialist trainers to teach different lessons.

4 MERCIAN – Alongside deploying on Op TOSCA, elements of 4 MERCIAN completed their annual two week training exercise on the Salisbury Plain Training Area during early October. Alongside 2 MERCIAN, 11 soldiers from the Mortar Cadre - whose civilian roles range from statistician to electrician - practiced firing live 81mm mortar rounds at targets. The senior members of the platoon have also honed their skills with individual weapons, improving their speed and accuracy.

The Band Of The MERCIAN Regiment – In September, The Band of the MERCIAN Regiment played in Chester to commemorate Mons Day, marching the Regiment up the hill from Chester

Castle to the Cathedral, and again after the service.

In early November, the band played ahead of the Championship match between Wolverhampton Wanderers and Birmingham City FC at The Molineux. This was part of Remembrance commemorations for the West Midlands club. In a busy week for the band, on Remembrance

Sunday it led the parade of Uniformed Service Personnel at Birmingham's Central Remembrance

Service. As Birmingham marked the two minute silence, and the last post echoed around the square, band members were amazed how quiet such a large crowd of people could be.

Cadets – Derbyshire ACF () took over Derby City Centre for the afternoon in late

September to celebrate its annual Cadet Parade. Cadets marched from the Assembly Rooms, through the city centre and entered The Cathedral of All Saints. The service was led by County Padres Major Peter Swales, Major David Truby and Major Kevin Ball. Readings were given by senior cadets including Cadet Sergeant Fretwell and Cadet Sergeant Tymon.

Hereford & Worcester ACF have taken part in WWI Commemorative events throughout the year,

including at Gheluvelt Park in Worcester on 31st

October. This was to mark the 100 year anniversary of The Battle of Gheluvelt.

Staffordshire & West Midlands ACF deployed on

its annual camp, with just under 600 Cadets,

Officers and Adult Instructors travelling to Warcop Training Area in Cumbria. The cadets aged 13 to

18 years old, took part in a variety of challenging military exercises. They practiced their first aid skills, map and compass reading, rifle shooting and military knowledge, despite torrential rain which threatened to affect the training programme.

This year’s 143 (WM) Brigade Military Skills Competition was held at Swynerton Training Camp during October. An opportunity for cadets to bring together all their knowledge,

the competition is meant to test the cadets to the limit physically and mentally in a non-stop 48 hours. Staffordshire

and West Midlands ACF excelled, with C Company also

finishing first in a brigade orienteering competition.

Prince Of Wales Division - The Prince of Wales Division completed a week of Adventure Training in Newquay at the start of October. Based at RAF St Mawgan, Cornwall, the five day course provided a fantastic opportunity for personnel from across the division to try their hand at surfing and mountain biking. Members of 1 and 2 Mercian, the MERCIAN Regimental Support Team, 1

Royal Irish and 1 Royal Welsh took part. The Adventure Training was led by Lieutenant Colonel Smallbone, providing a welcome morale boost for all involved, and an opportunity to increase the team bond between the different Regiments within the division.

Infantry Training School - MERCIAN recruits from 4

Platoon of the Prince of Wales' Division Company fundraised for ABF, The Soldiers Charity in October, raising over £3000 from bag packing, car washing, and the general public’s kind donations. The month ended in superb style, with all of the MERCIAN fundraisers passing out from the Infantry Training

Centre at Catterick. They now begin their challenging career within the Regiment.

Battle of Gheluvelt Commemorations – Almost 100 soldiers from 1st Battalion, The Mercian

Regiment paraded through Gheluvelt Park, Worcester on 31st October. They were led by the Commanding Officer of 1 MERCIAN, Lieutenant Colonel Mark Ellwood, and joined by the regimental mascot Private Derby XXX, the Colours of 1 and 4 MERCIAN, and the Worcester branch of the

Worcestershire & Sherwood Foresters Associations. This was to mark the centenary of the 2nd Battalion, The Worcestershire Regiment’s victory against the Germans at the battle of Gheluvelt.

On the morning of 31 October 1914 near the small town of Gheluvelt in Belgium, the Germans broke through the Allied defensive line. With an easy route to the Channel ports and 13 German Battalions on the charge, The Worcestershire Regiment’s 2nd Battalion were called to counter attack.

Elsewhere across the Allied line, orders were issued to prepare for a general retreat. Already down to half of their capacity due to 10 days of hard battle, against overwhelming odds the 2nd

Worcestershire showed immense courage, pushing the Germans back and plugging the gap in the Allied defensive line, saving the Channel ports in the process.

The march stopped for the unveiling of a memorial stone to commemorate those from The

Worcestershire Regiment who fought and died for their country. It then continued to the park’s

First World War memorial sculpture. The names of the 34 soldiers that were killed during the Battle of Gheluvelt were read out, followed by the laying of wreaths, and the playing of the last post and national anthem.

In the evening, the Worcester branch hosted a dinner at the Guildhall, High Street for the

Regimental family. During this, Professor Hew Strachan of All Souls, Oxford University talked about “The First World War: Commemoration or Celebration?” A new website containing further information on the battle can be found here.

Awang Anak Raweng – On the 29th October, Lieutenant Colonel Bill Temminck, Through Life Care

Officer for The Mercian Regiment met Mr Awang anak Raweng, who was awarded the George Cross (GC) whilst serving with The 1st Battalion, The Worcestershire Regiment in Malaya in 1951.

Awang was in the UK after he was invited by the & George Cross Association, attending a reception at Buckingham Palace where he met Her Majesty, The Queen. Awang has asked that his best wishes are passed on to all our veterans from The Worcestershire Regiment.

Part of Awang anak Raweng GC citation is: “Awang anak

Raweng GC, an Iban Scout from Sarawak in Borneo, won

the George Cross for gallantry as recorded in the London

Gazette on 20 November 1951.

“He was attached to 10 Platoon, 'D' Company, 1st Battalion

Worcestershire Regiment in Malaya when their jungle patrol was attacked by 50 communist terrorists in Johor, Malaya. Two members of the platoon, the leading scout and the section commander, were killed while Awang was wounded

in the thigh. Despite his injury he pulled Private G. Hughes to cover. Awang returned fire, repulsing every attempt by the bandits to advance, despite suffering a severe wound to his right arm. As the bandits surrounded the injured pair, Awang clasped a grenade in his left hand and dared the bandits to attack him. He held off the communists for forty minutes, forcing them to withdraw and saved Private Hughes's life.”

Regimental Christmas Cards - Mercian Regiment Christmas cards are now on sale and cost £3.50 for a pack of ten. They can be purchased from RHQ Mercian, , WS14 9TJ. Funds raised from the sale of the cards are donated to The Mercian Regimental Charity. For enquires/further information, please email [email protected].

Upcoming Events

Regimental & Association Events

Monday 17th November – Great War Commemoration – This Monday at Coltman VC Peace

Wood, Mill Hill Lane, , Burton-upon-Trent, the general public is invited to attend a commemoration for all local men killed during World War One. Attendees are requested to arrive at 1030 hrs. The event falls on William Coltman’s birthday. William Coltman was a stretcher bearer from WW1 who won the Victoria Cross, and was the most decorated other rank of the Great War, despite not firing a single shot. Coltman was from 1/6th Battalion, The North Staffordshire Regiment.

th st Friday 28 November – Monday 1 December – Mercian Regiment KAPE Tour – The Mercian Regiment will conduct a number of parades at the end of November. Further details will be released on the Regimental Facebook in due course.

 28 Nov 14 –  29 Nov 14 – Derby  30 Nov 14 – Kidderminster  1 Dec 14 – Widnes

Friday 5th December - The Friends of The Mercian Regiment Speaker Event – At Walsall Town

Hall from 1930 until 2100 hrs, The Friends of The Mercian Regiment are holding an event, with guest speaker Karl Hinett. Karl was serving with the Staffordshire Regiment in Iraq in 2005, when he was caught in a terrible incident whilst supporting the rescue of two captured British soldiers. His vehicle was caught in a riot situation and petrol bombed, resulting in substantial burn injuries.

Karl has made a remarkable recovery, and has now run over 120 marathons and attempted ascents of Everest and other mountains. He has raised over £30,000 in aid of Queen Elizabeth’s Hospital Birmingham and is studying for his civilian pilot licence. If you would like to attend the event please email [email protected]. There is no cost for the event, however your name must be on the guest list.

Other Events

Sunday 16th November – Screening Of 'Operation Oman - The War in Dhofar' – A screening of the film will take place at Nottingham, the 'Broadway' cinema at 1215hrs. Several Worcestershire and Sherwood officers served with the Sultan's Armed Forces during the conflict. Tickets cost £8 and can be bought on the day or from the cinema. Proceeds are donated to The Royal British Legion.

Thursday 20th November – Musical Traditions Of The Cheshire Regiment – This talk from Major

Eddie Pickering will look at the musical traditions of the Cheshire Regiment. It begins at 1400 hrs.

Tickets cost £4, and include entrance to the Museum and tea and biscuits. Booking is essential, so please call 01244 327617 or email [email protected].

Saturday 13th December - Carols in the Trenches - Carols in the Trenches is a re-enactment of the 1914 Christmas Truce. Held at Staffordshire Regiment Museum, it is an evening of Carols set in the Museum’s WWI trench system. It concludes with a re-enactment of the Christmas Truce where British soldiers emerged from the trench to shake hands with their German counterparts who were dug in just yards away. Tickets and further information can be found here.

Fundraising/Charity Update Mental Health Information - Combat Stress is the principle Veterans Metal Health Charity that is able to offer confidential help to personnel who may be experiencing problems. People react to traumatic experiences in different ways, here are some of the symptoms:

• Work related problems • Nightmares/flashbacks/insomnia

• Feeling numb and empty • Feeling isolated

• Feeling suicidal • Frequent periods of withdrawal into oneself • Self harm or self destructive tenancies • Anger or aggressive behaviour • Being easily moved to tears • Feeling distrustful/suspicious/blaming others

• Avoidance of people and places • Misuse of alcohol/drugs/gambling/food • Panic attacks/anxiety/mood swings • Seeking out high risk/dangerous pursuits

Often it can be your partner or children who can see these symptoms. Combat Stress has a 24 hour help line for the military community and their families which can advise on various issues from mental health to practical support. Please call 0800 138 1619 if you (or someone you know) needs help or support. You can also e-mail them on [email protected] or visit their main web site for more information at www.combatstress.org.uk.

Tony Millward Donation - An Ashbourne man has donated £4500 to The MERCIAN Benevolent Fund. During the last two years, over £11,000 has been raised for the fund by Tony Millward. He has raised it through a charity mobility scooter ride and numerous collections in the local area.

To recognise his years of selfless work, the

former mayor met Derbyshire's Lord Lieutenant

William Tucker at the Ex Servicemen's Club at the beginning of October, to receive his British

Empire Medal (BEM).

The charity supports soldiers, veterans and their families who find themselves in ‘need, hardship or distress.’ The MERCIAN Regiment would like to extend its thanks to Tony, and all those who unselfishly fundraise and donate to the Benevolent Fund.

Honours & Awards

The Colonel of the Regiment would like to congratulate the following Warrant Officers on their Late Entry Commissions:

 WO1 P S Muckle (2 MERCIAN)  WO1 R G Page (1 MERCIAN)  WO1 S L Viveash (DSTL LAND BATTLESPACE SYSTEMS (PDW))

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