October 2017 THE ROYAL BRITISH LEGION

CAMBRIDGESHIRE & HUNTINGDONSHIRE NEWSLETTER

EDITOR’s NOTE: I will continue to provide this Newsletter, but I do need help from you with contributions towards the publication. For it to be a success then I need articles, news, stories and details of events from Branch level and Members.

Advertising your event within the Newsletter, hopefully will help you have a larger attendance, the Newsletter is not only seen by Members. 2017 will bring more WWI Commemorations & Remembrance,

Over the Next few months I will try to pass on as much information as possible so that Members are aware of what is happening. However for those of you who have not visited the Legion website, there many items of information and news available on the site www.britishlegion.org.uk

CITY of ELY BRANCH CHAIRMAN RAISES FUNDS for POPPY APPEAL

City of Ely Branch Chairman David Martin took part along with 30 other riders in the Royal British Legion’s cycle ride from London to Ypres, Belgium, in aid of the Poppy Appeal.

During the 4 Day 319 mile cycle ride the cyclists and support team visited many Military Cemeteries, including the Thiepval Memorial, Tyne Cot and their final destination the Menin Gate in the town of Ypres.

The cyclists, it is hoped will have raised more than £18,000 in total. David raised more than £900 with great support of the people of Ely, Lloyd’s Bank (Ely), The Kings Arms and Little Print shop.” He wishes to say thank you to all who supported him.

1 World War 1 Recipients

3 May – 6th May 2017 Robert Grierson Combe VC - was 36 years old, and a in the 27th Battalion, Canadian Expeditionary Force. On 3 May 1917, south of Acheville, France, Lieutenant Combe lead his company under intense fire through the enemy barrage reaching their objective with only five men. He proceeded to bomb the enemy, inflicting heavy casualties and then, collecting small groups of men, they succeeded in capturing the objective, together with 80 prisoners. He repeatedly charged the enemy, driving them before him, but while personally leading his bombers he was killed by a sniper.

John "Jack" Harrison VC MC - was a 26-year-old in the East Yorkshire Regiment. On 3 May 1917 with the rest of his brigade, he was ordered to attack a wood near Oppy, Pas-de-Calais, his platoon became pinned down by machine gun fire. Owing to darkness and to smoke from the enemy barrage, and the fact that the objective was in a dark wood, it was impossible to see when our barrage had lifted off the enemy front line.

Nevertheless, 2nd Lt. Harrison led his company against the enemy trench under heavy rifle and machine-gun fire, but was repulsed. Re-organising his command as best he could in No Man's Land, he again attacked in darkness under terrific fire, but with no success. Then, turning round and single-handed made a dash at the machine-gun, hoping to knock out the gun and so save the lives of many of his company.

His disregard of danger was an inspiring example to all. (he was reported missing, believed killed.)

George Jarratt VC – was 25 years old in the 8th Battalion, The Royal Fusiliers. On 3 rd May 1917 near Pelves, France, had together with some wounded men, been taken prisoner and placed under guard in a dug- out. The same evening the enemy were driven back by our troops, the leading infantrymen of which commenced to bomb the dug-outs. A grenade fell in the dugout, and without hesitation Cpl. Jarratt placed both feet on the grenade, the subsequent explosion blowing off both his legs. The wounded were later safely removed to our lines, but Cpl. Jarratt died before he could be removed.

Michael Wilson Heaviside VC – was 36 years old, and a in the 15th Battalion, The Durham Light Infantry. On the evening of 5 May 1917, the battalion returned to their barricades on the Hindenburg Line, near Fontaine-les-Croisilles, France. The next afternoon, 6 May 1917, a sentry noticed movement in a shell hole about forty yards from the German barricade. A wounded British soldier was desperately waving an empty water bottle. Any attempt to help this soldier in daylight would result in almost certain death for the rescuers. Michael Heaviside, however, said that he was going to try. Grabbing water and a first aid bag, the stretcher bearer scrambled over the barricade and out into no-man’s-land. Immediately, he came under heavy rifle and machine gun fire from the German positions and was forced to throw himself to the ground. He then began to crawl sixty yards across the broken ground from shell hole to shell hole to where the wounded soldier was sheltering.

When Private Heaviside reached the soldier, he found the man nearly demented with thirst for he had been lying badly wounded in the shell hole for four days and three nights, without any food or water. Michael Heaviside gave the soldier water, dressed his wounds and then promised that he would return with help. That night, Michael Heaviside led two other stretcher bearers out across no-man’s-land to the wounded soldier and carried him back to safety. Without doubt, he had saved this man’s life.

2 POP IN CENTRES The Cambridgeshire RBL Advice and Information Daniel (Dan) Francis has in the last month started up two Pop In Centres, initially they will open once a month, see below. You may wish to Pop In youreslves and speak to Dan or possibly look to help out. Would your location benefit from having a Pop In Centre? If so contact me and I will speak to Dan reference discussing it with you.

DO YOU REQUIRE YOUR MEDALS TO BE COURT MOUNTED I recently decided that my Service medals were starting to look a little shabby and needed a good overhaul and re-court mounting.

After shopping around, I decided upon using someone locally Tim Pidoux an Ex RAF SNCO MT, who started up his business TFPCOURTMOUNTING on leaving the Service a number of years ago. Based in Bury near Ramsey he is definitely local.

I was very pleased with the Service I was provided, professional work that was carried out extremely prompt and at excellent Value for Money (VFM). As seen above , Tim can also mount and frame prints, photographs, cross-stitch, Tower of London Poppies and posters. Click on the link: www.tfpcourtmounting.co.uk to see more. If you are not on internet and require some information the contact Tim on Mobile: 07826856345

3 Paddy and the mirror . “There was a ghost in the accommodation”. That was the belief by the local population. We were in Sabah, Borneo just outside Jesselton (now Kota Kinabalu) the state capital. The living accommodation was a building made up of two large flats. We lived in the upstairs flat and the work area and stores were down stairs. Prof Jones (called that because he had slight greying of the hair at the temples and his name was Jones) the Troop Staff Sergeant had an Indonesian/Malayan princess as his wife. Through her nationality he could purchase property in Malaysia which foreign nationals could not normally do.

The story of the house was that; when it was being built one of the workers put a curse on the wall inside the house then plastered over it. The locals would not have anything to do with the house and the owner wanted to get rid of this brand new building. Prof picked it up for a song and rented it out to the troop. Of course nothing ever happened except that some of the lads kept the occasional story going of noises in the night but none of us really believed in them.

One day one of my friends; a ruffty tuffty broad accented Irishman, Sapper ‘Paddy’ Macaulay, was alone in bed in the upper flat when he heard a noise. He got up to investigate and got as far as the door. The stories of the ghost came into his mind; he went back to bed. He did this a second time after the same noise. The third time he was determined to prove to himself, that he was not afraid and did not believe in ghosts. He searched the entire building starting on the ground floor and working up. He did not turn on any lights, out of bravado. Of course there was no ghost but also no explanation of the noise. So at the last room which was the upstairs accommodation bathroom he decided to relieve himself before going back to bed.

The small strip light on the top of the mirrored medicine cabinet had a dodgy connection; it sometimes worked and sometimes not. As Paddy opened the door, still in the state of diminishing adrenalin, he was facing the mirror when the light decided to illuminate of its on volition. Paddy stared at the Mirror and his own reflection, scaring the life out of himself. Story by Jack Crompton – Ramsey & District Branch

QUIZ TIME: The Silver Screen - Answers Page 6

1. Which was the second of the Star Wars films? 9. In which city does Judge Dredd work? 2. Who played the title roles in “When Harry met 10 . Which “Top Gun” star married Nicole Kidman? Sally” 3. Who was the baby’s voice in “Look who’s 11 . What were the Christian names of the Talking”? Blues Brothers, in the film the Blues Brothers? 4. Which was the first Bond movie ? 12 . Who won the Oscar for best actor in 1993 and 1994? 5. Which film starred Harrison Ford as an ex CIA 13 . What is the name of the singin g bear in man? Disney’s Jungle Book? 6. Which tough guy was the star of “Kindergarten 14. Whose heroes were Clint Eastwood and Telly Cop” Savalas in1970? 7, Which Hollywood film studio had a lion as its 15. Which 1963 film about allied POWs st arred symbol? James Garner and Steve McQueen? 8. Which actor talked to a six foot high, invisible rabbit in the film “Harvey”?

4 6 May - 19 May 1917 George Julian "Snowy" Howell, VC, MM – was 23 years old Corporal Infantry. Battalion Australian. Imperial Force On 6 May1917 at Bullecourt, during operations which culminated in the capture of an important position, Sergeant Ormsby, acting as company sergeant- major showed complete indifference to the heavy machine-gun and rifle fire and set a fine example. After clearing a village he pushed on and drove out many snipers from locations further forward. When the only surviving officer was wounded he took command of the company and led them forward under heavy fire for 400 yards to a new position, holding it until relieved.

Tom Dresser VC – was 24 years old, and a private in the 7th Battalion, The Yorkshire Regiment (Alexandra, Princess of Wales's Own). On 12 May 1917 near Roeux, France, Pte Dresser, in spite of having been wounded twice and suffering great pain, whilst on the way to convey an important message from battalion headquarters to the front line trenches, which he eventually reached in an exhausted condition. His fearlessness and determination to deliver this message at all costs proved of the greatest value to his battalion at a critical period

Rupert Theo Vance "Mick" Moon, VC – was 24 years old, and a lieutenant in the 58th Battalion, Australian Imperial Force. On 12 May 1917 near Bullecourt, France, Lt Moon's immediate objective was a position in advance of a hostile trench, and then against the trench itself, after the capture of which it was intended that his men should co-operate in a further assault. Although wounded in the initial advance, he reached the first objective, but was again wounded in the assault on the trench. He nevertheless continued to inspire and encourage his men and captured the trench, but was again wounded when consolidating the position. It was not until he was severely wounded for a fourth time that he agreed to retire from the fight.

Joseph Watt, VC - was a 30 year old Chief Skipper in the Royal Navy. On 15 May 1917 Skipper Watt and his crew of eight men and a dog were patrolling peacefully in the Otranto Strait in HM Drifter Gowanlea on the lookout for any suspicious activity following an increase in submarine sightings.

Gowanlea was confronted by the Helgoland, which demanded the surrender of the tiny ship and ordered the crew to abandon ship prior to sinking. Instead, Watt ordered his crew to open fire on their large opponent with the drifter’s tiny 6-pounder guns. Gowanlea was quickly hit by four heavy shells, seriously damaging the boat and wounding several crewmen. The other drifters around Gowanlea followed her example but were also subject to heavy fire, three sinking and the last lurching away seriously damaged. The Austrian cruisers headed for home but were engaged on their return by British, Italian and French units and became involved in the inconclusive battle of the Otranto Barrage.

For Watt and the survivors on their battered boats and in the water the fight now was with the sea, as Gowanlea, despite her own heavy damage and casualties moved amongst the wreckage, rescuing wounded men and providing medical attention to those in most need. In particular Watt saved the wounded crew of the sinking drifter Floandi who otherwise may have drowned.

Albert White VC – was a 24 years old, sergeant in the 2nd Battalion, The South Wales Borderers. On 19 May 1917 at Monchy-le-Preux, France, Sergeant White, realising during an attack that one of the enemy's machine- guns, which had previously not been located, would hold up the whole advance of his company, dashed ahead to capture the gun. When within a few yards of it, he fell riddled with bullets, having willingly sacrificed his life in an attempt to secure the success of the operation.

5 RBL YOUTH MEMBER PRESENTED WITH PRIDE OF SOHAM TOWN AWARD

On Monday 11th September Morwenna Woodbridge, who is one of the Soham Branch RBL Youth Members was presented with the Pride of Soham Award by Soham Town Council

Morwenna was selected by the Chairman of the Town Council for all that she has achieved in the short time as a Royal British legion Youth Standard Bearer and the work she has done promoting the Legion at the Police Cadets. Morwenna also does Police Cadets, Army Cadets as well as ballet

Morwenna demonstrated what she had to do in the competitions she has entered and then she spoke about what she has

done including taking the standard to Branch Functions, Funerals and Standard Dedications.

The Town Councillors were very impressed by what Morwenna has achieved in the last 18 months of being a youth member and said she is a good example of what a Youth Member should be to represent the Royal British Legion

Morwenna was presented with a Pride of Soham Award and a gift to help her at Sixth Form College

QUIZ ANSWERS 1. The Empire Strikes Back 9. Mega City 1 2. Billy Crystal and Meg Ryan 10. Tom Cruise 3. Bruce Willis 11. Jake and Elwood 4. Dr No 12. Tom Hanks 5. Patriot Games 13. Baloo 6. Arnold Schwarzenegger 14. Kelly’s 7. MGM 15. The Great Escape 8. James Stewart

6 The Melbourn Detachment, Cambridgeshire ACF

Has reformed re-opening last month to welcome thirteen new recruits. The Detachment Commander Lt Simon Wright gave a presentation on what cadets can expect from being an Army Cadet this was combined with a tour of the Detachment building.

The Royal British Legion-Riders Branch attended the opening providing support and also giving a talk on the work of the Riders Branch and explain the close links it has with Cambridgeshire Army Cadets particularly with the “876 Remembered Project” – remembering the 876 Cambridgeshire Regt soldiers who died in WW1.

The purpose built Detachment Hut is located opposite the Village College. Anyone interested in joining must be at least aged 12 and in year 8 at school to join. Uniform is provided free of charge (except for boots) and cadets are free to leave at any time.

Anyone interested can just pop along on any Tuesday evening, ideally with their parent to have a look at what’s on offer.

Being a member of the Army Cadet Force offers Cadets challenge, fun and adventure with a strong focus on community sprit and confidence building. External qualifications such as the Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme and First Aid are also on offer. One of the best ways of seeing what is on offer is to visit https://armycadets.com/join-cadets/

Detachment Parade Times: Tuesday evening from 1915-2130hrs The Detachment address is: Melbourn Detachment Melbourn Village College, The Moor, Melbourn, Herts SG8

Bells for St Georges Memorial Church - Ypres

Three huge Battles were fought around Ypres in World War One but the town was never captured by the Germans. The town's St George's Memorial Church was built to honour the dead but funds ran out before bells were fitted. New bells made in Loughborough left the factory on the 22 August for carried by two WW1 veteran lorries from the era. The Bells which will be rung to remember tens of thousands of British and Commonwealth servicemen killed near the Belgian town for years to come.

7

2 June - 7 June 1917 William (Billy) Avery Bishop, VC, CB, DSO & Bar, MC, DFC, ED – was a 23years old Canadian flying ace. He was officially credited with 72 victories, making him the top Canadian ace of the war. On 2 June at Cambrai France, Captain Bishop, who had been sent out to work independently, flew first of all to an enemy aerodrome; finding no machines about, he flew on to another aerodrome about three miles southeast, which was at least 12 miles the other side of the line. Seven machines, some with their engines running, were on the ground. He attacked these from about fifty feet. One of the machines got off the ground, but at a height of 60 feet, Captain Bishop fired 15 rounds into it at very close range, and it crashed to the ground. A second machine got off the ground, into which he fired 30 rounds at 150 yards range, and it fell into a tree. Two more machines then rose from the aerodrome. One of these he engaged at a height of 1,000 feet, emptying the rest of his drum of ammunition. This machine crashed 300 yards from the aerodrome, after which Captain Bishop emptied a whole drum into the fourth hostile machine, and then flew back to his station. Four hostile scouts were about 1,250 feet above him for about a mile of his return journey, but they would not attack. His machine was very badly shot about by machine gun fire from the ground.

8 Thomas Harold Broadbent Maufe VC - was 19 years old, and a second lieutenant in the 124th Siege Battery, Royal Garrison Artillery. On 4 June 1917 at Feuchy, France, Second Lieutenant Maufe, on his own initiative and under intense artillery fire repaired, unaided, the telephone wire between the forward and rear positions, thereby enabling his battery to open fire on the enemy. He also saved what could have been a disastrous occurrence by extinguishing a fire in an advanced ammunition dump caused by a heavy explosion, regardless of the risk he ran from the effects of gas shells in the dump.

John Manson Craig VC - Craig was 21 years old, and a second lieutenant in the 1/4th Battalion, The Royal Scots Fusiliers. On 5 June 1917 in Egypt, an advanced post having been rushed by the enemy, Second Lieutenant Craig immediately organised a rescue party and after tracking the enemy back to his trenches, set his party to work removing the dead and wounded under heavy rifle and machine-gun fire. An NCO was wounded and a medical officer who went to his aid was also wounded. Second Lieutenant Craig went out at once and got the NCO under cover, but while taking the medical officer to shelter was himself wounded. Nevertheless, the rescue was effected, and he then scooped cover for the wounded, thus saving their lives.

John Carroll, VC - was 25 years old, Private in the 33 th Battalion, Australian Imperial Force. On 7–12 June 1917 at St. Yves, Belgium, during the Battle of Messines, Private Carroll rushed the enemy's trench and bayoneted four of the occupants. He then noticed a comrade in difficulty and went to his assistance, killing another of the enemy. Next, he single-handedly attacked a machine-gun team, killing three of them and capturing the gun. Later, two of his comrades were buried by a shell; in spite of heavy shelling and machine-gun fire, he managed to rescue them.

Samuel Frickleton, VC - was a 26 year old rifleman in the 3rd Battalion, New Zealand Rifle Brigade. On 7 June 1917, Frickleton participated in the Battle of Messines. His battalion was attacking the edge of Messines village when it was slowed by two machine gun posts. Although slightly wounded, Lance Corporal Frickleton dashed forward at the head of his section, rushed through a barrage and personally destroyed with bombs an enemy machine gun and crew, which were causing heavy casualties. He then attacked the second gun, killing the whole of the crew of twelve. By the destruction of these two guns he undoubtedly saved his own and other units from very severe casualties and his magnificent courage and gallantry ensured the capture of the objective. During the consolidation of the position he suffered a second severe wound.

Robert Cuthbert Grieve, VC – was 27 year old Captain in the 37th Battalion, Australian Imperial Force. On 7 June 1917 at Messines, Belgium, during an attack on the enemy's position, and after his own company had suffered very heavy casualties, Captain Grieve located two hostile machine-guns which were holding up his advance. Under continuous heavy fire from the two guns, he succeeded in bombing and killing the two gun crews, then reorganized the remnants of his own company and gained his original objective. Captain Grieve set a splendid example and when he finally fell, wounded, the position had been secured.

William Williams VC, DSM & Bar – was 26 and was serving as a seaman in the Royal Naval Reserve. On 7 June 1917, HMS Pargust (a Q ship) was out in the Atlantic Ocean when her engine room was damaged by a torpedo fired from the U-boat SM UC-29. The explosion loosened the gun covers and Seaman Williams, with great presence of mind, took the whole weight on himself and physically prevented the covers from falling and betraying the ship to the enemy. In the case of a gallant and daring act in which all men are deemed equally brave and deserving of the Victoria Cross a secret ballot is drawn. The crew of HMS Pargust selected William Williams to be the recipient of the award due to a rating in the action.

Ronald Niel Stuart, VC, DSO, RD, RNR - was 31 year old Captain in the Royal Naval Reserve as above action in which all men are deemed equally brave and deserving of the Victoria Cross a secret ballot is drawn. The crew of HMS Pargust selected Captain Stuart to be the recipient of the award due to an Officer in the action.

9

10

Tarantula Loo by Jack Crompton – Ramsey & District Branch.

As a Land Surveyor whilst in Guyana, South America, working by a fair sized river as British rivers go, medium small by Guyanese standards. We had set our equipment up and simply waited for the satellite data to be collected. There was a small village on the other side of the river and we were in a clearing fairly close by. The villagers had a toilet on our side of the river about fifty yards in. Without being crude I will describe this toilet as it is important for this story. This type of toilet was commonly known to the Army and Scouts as a “thunder box”. It was a large deep hole in the ground with a tall thin shed like wooden structure about three and a half to four feet square, in plan view, over the top. The front was all doors. Inside the back half of this structure was built up to a box with a hole in it and a loo seat to sit on. The top of this sitting box jutted out about three inches more than the front of this box and that allowed the user to have their heals back. This was more comfortable for the primary purpose. The reason for this description was that at either side of this jutting out top piece of the box was a three inch corner. The point of this story is that as one sat down; the corner to the left had a grey kneed Tarantula living there. This could be a little disconcerting at first for the average British person never having experienced these conditions. It was unsettling to us who were accustomed to these surroundings until we got used to having this rather large spider there. We always looked at that corner to see the spider but had no intention of disturbing it. After a short time we got complacent and it stopped worrying us, as it never moved. What worried us more, in the end, was the day when the Tarantula was not there. Siting down then, wondering where the spider had gone, really was disconcerting.

11 HUNTINGDONSHIRE WOMEN’s SECTION

Huntingdonshire Royal British Legion Women’s sections are still going strong Left: Members of Ramsey RBLWS at the Ramsey 40’s Weekend with their stall. Right : Huntingdonshire RBLWS County Committee, the picture is taken after the Annual Conference during the Tea Dance that followed the Conference.

14 June - 27 July 1917

William Ratcliffe VC MM - was 33 years old, and a private in the 2nd Battalion, the South Lancashire Regiment. On 14 June 1917 at Messines, Belgium, after an enemy trench had been captured, Private Ratcliffe located an enemy machine-gun which was firing on his comrades from the rear, and single-handed, on his own initiative, immediately rushed the machine-gun position and bayoneted the crew. He then brought the gun back into action in the front line.

John Spencer Dunville, VC - was aged 21 and a Second Lieutenant in the 1st (Royal) Dragoons. On 25 June 1917 near Épehy, France, when in charge of a party consisting of scouts and Royal Engineers engaged in the demolition of the enemy's wire, he displayed great gallantry and disregard of all personal danger. In order to ensure the absolute success of the work, he placed himself between an N.C.O. of the Royal Engineers and the enemy's fire, which enabled the N.C.O. to complete a work of great importance. Dunville, although severely wounded, continued to direct his men in the wire- cutting and general operations until the raid was successfully completed.

Frank Bernard Wearne VC - was 23 years old, and a Second Lieutenant in the 3rd Battalion, Essex Regiment. On 28 June 1917 east of Loos, France, Wearne, commanding a small party in a raid on the enemy's trenches, had gained his objective and managed to maintain his position against repeated counter-attacks. Then, realising that if the left flank was lost his men would have to give way, he leaped onto the parapet and followed by his left section, ran along the top of the trench firing and

12 throwing bombs. While doing this he was severely wounded, but continued directing operations until he received two more wounds, the second mortal

Frederick Youens VC - was twenty four years old, and a temporary Second Lieutenant in the 13 th Battalion, The Durham Light Infantry. On 7 July 1917 near Hill 60, Belgium, the enemy were preparing to raid the British trenches and Second Lieutenant Youens, who had already been wounded, immediately set out to rally a Lewis gun team which had become disorganised. While doing this an enemy bomb fell on the Lewis gun position without exploding. The second lieutenant picked it up and hurled it over the parapet, but soon after another bomb fell near the same place and again he picked it up, but it exploded in his hand, severely wounding him and some of his men. The officer later died of his wounds.

Thomas Barratt VC - was 22 years old, and a private in the 7th Battalion, The South Staffordshire Regiment. On 27 th July 1917 near Ypres, Belgium, when acting as a Scout for a patrol he worked his way towards the enemy line with great determination, in spite of continuous fire from hostile snipers at close range. These snipers he stalked and killed. Later his patrol was similarly held up, and again he disposed of the snipers. When during the subsequent withdrawal of the patrol it was observed that a party of the enemy were endeavouring to outflank them, Pte. Barratt at once volunteered to cover the retirement, and this he succeeded in accomplishing. His accurate shooting caused many casualties to the enemy, and prevented their advance. Throughout the enterprise he was under heavy machine gun and rifle fire, after safely regaining our lines, this very gallant soldier was killed by a shell.

SAWSTON & PAMPISFORD BRANCH SECRETARY – KEVIN SWANN – Kevin Swann the Branch Secretary at Sawston & Pampiford owns a Steam Engine (picture left), he has plans with it next year, to raise funds for the Poppy Appeal.

The Engine was one of many that were built for Ministry of Munitions for the WWI war effort,

His intention is to drive it from Old Warden, near Biggleswade to Leiston, Suffolk about 100 miles.

The old girl will be 100 year old 1 st October 2018; he thinks it would be a fitting tribute to both the men and woman who did so much in producing artillery and shells, Richard Garrett & Sons of Leiston being one of these companies.

EDITOR’s NOTE - DO YOU HAVE ITEMS TO CONTRIBUTE TO FUTURE NEWSLETTERS IDEAS: Memories from say - Service Life, Schooldays during WWII, Recipes, Branch Events and Awards, Advertise an future event Please send to Bryan Jones – [email protected] Or South Fens Business Centre, Fenton Way, Chatteris, Cambridgeshire PE16 6TT

13