THE CASTLE i 11 THE CASTLE THE CASTLE 111 i V ______THE CAST LE______THE CASTLE

T h e J o u r n a l o f T h e R o y a l A n g l i a n R e g im e n t

Vo l . 1. No. 3. J a n u a r y , 1966 p r ic e 2/6d. (postage extra)

Colonel-in-Chief: HER MAJESTY QUEEN ELIZABETH THE QUEEN MOTHER Deputy Colonels-in-Chief: HER ROYAL HIGHNESS THE PRINCESS MARGARET, COUNTESS OF SNOWDON HER ROYAL HIGHNESS THE DUCHESS OF GLOUCESTER Colonel of The : LIEUTENANT- SIR REGINALD F. S. DENNING, K.B.B., C.B., D.L. Deputy C o lo n e l: LIEUTENANT-GENERAL SIR RICHARD GOODWIN, K.C.B., C.B.E., D.S.O. BRIGADIER R. H. L. OULTON, C.B.E. BRIGADIER C. M. PATON, C .V .O ., C.B .E. D.L. -GENERAL J. M. K. SPURLING, C.B., C.B.E., D.S.O. REGULAR

1 s t (N o r f o l k a n d S u f f o l k ) B n . T h e R o y a l A n g l ia n R e g im e n t 2n d (D u c h e s s o f G l o u c e s t e r ’s O w n L incolnshire & N orthamptonshire ) B n . T h e R o y a l A n g lia n R e g im e n t 3rd (16TH/44TH F o o t ) B n . T h e R o y a l A n g l ia n R e g im e n t

4th ( L eicestershire ) B n . T h e R o y a l A n g l ia n R e g im e n t TERRITORIAL BATTALIONS 4t h B n . T h e R o y a l N o r f o l k R e g im e n t (T .A .) T h e S u f f o l k a n d C ambridgeshire R e g im e n t (T .A .) 4TH/6TH B n . T h e R o y a l L incolnshire R e g im e n t (T.A.) 4TH/5TH B n . T h e N orthamptonshire R e g im e n t (T .A .) 1 s t Bn. The Bedfordshire and (T.A.) 4TH/5TH B n . T h e E s s e x R e g im e n t T.A.) 4TH/5TH B n . The R o y a l L eicestershire R e g im e n t (T.A.) ALLIED

C anada The Lake Superior The Sherbrooke Human The Lincoln and Welland Regiment The Essex and Kent Scottish Regiment

A u s t r a l ia The Royal Tasmania Regiment N ew Z e a la n d 3rd Bn. (Auckland (Countess of Ranfurly’s Own) and Northland) Royal Regiment P a k is t a n 5th Bn. The Frontier Force Regiment M a l a y s ia 1st Bn. The Royal Malay Regiment C o l o n ia l F o r c e s The Regiment The Regiment

R e g im e n t a l H eadquarters an d D e p o t : Blenheim Barracks, Bury St. Edmunds, Suffolk. Tel.: Bury St. Edmunds 2394 R e g im e n t a l C o l o n e l : Colonel J. C Denny, O.B.B., M.C. C o m m a n d in g O f f ic e s , T h e D e p o t : L l-C o l. H. W. Clark R e g im e n t a l S ec r et ary : Lt.-Col. C. R. Murray Brown, D.S.O. (Retd) Assistant Regimental Secretary: R e g im e n t a l S e c r e t a r ie s : Norfolk and Suffolk H.Q.: Colonel W. A. Heal O.B.E. (Retd.) Major W. G. Cripps (Retd.). Duchess of Gloucester’ s Own Lincolnshire S ' Northamptonshire H.Q.: Maior D. Baxter (Retd.), Major P. H. Segon, M.B.E. (Retd.) 16th/44th Fool H.Q.: Major T. R. Stead (Retd.) Major D. T. Tewesbury, M.B.E. (Retd.). Leicestershire H.Q.: Lt.-Col. P. G. Upcher D.S.O.. D.L. (Retd.) Major J. T . Dudley (Retd.). 158 THE CASTLE

C o n t e n t s

P a g e P a g e

E d i t o r i a l ...... 159 T h e S u f f o l k R e g i m e n t O l d C o m r a d e s ’ A s s o c ia t io n ... 199 Honours and A w ards ...... 159

I t e m s o f R e g im e n t a l I n t e r e s t ...... 161 2n d ( D u c h e s s o f G l o u c e s t e r ’s O w n

E d it o r ia l N o t e s ...... 162 L incolnshire a n d N o r t h a m p t o n ­ s h i r e ) B a t t a l io n ...... 200 R e g i m e n t a l R e c r u it in g ...... 164 Letters to the Editor ...... 16 6 4t h / 6 t h B n . T h e R o y a l L in c o l n ­ s h ir e R e g i m e n t ( T . A . ) ...... 205 P e r s o n a l ia ...... 170 4TH /5TH B n . T h e N o r t h a m p t o n ­ E n g a g e m e n t s ...... 1 7 1 s h ir e R e g im e n t (T.A.) ... 207 B ir t h s ...... 1 7 1 R e g im e n t a l A s s o c ia t io n — L in ­ M a r r ia g e s ...... 172 c o l n s h ir e W i n g ...... 2 10 D e a t h s ...... 17 3 T h e R o y a l L incolnshire R e g i m e n t O b it u a r ie s ...... 17 4 M u s e u m ...... 2 12 T h e O f f ic e r s ’ P e n s io n S o c i e t y ... 175 R e g i m e n t a l A s s o c ia t i o n — N o r t h ­ A r m y B o y s ’ E x p e d it io n ...... 1 7 6 amptonshire W i n g ...... 2 12

S .O .S . o r S e r v in g O l d S o l d ie r s ... 1 7 7 L incolnshire A r m y C a d e t F o r c e 2 13

E x c h a n g e O f f ic e r , U .S .A ...... 178 N orthamptonshire A r m y C a d e t M e F in g e r D o n e G o ...... 180 F o r c e ...... 2 14

A V i s i t t o E l A l a m e in W a r C e m e t e r y 18 1 3RD (16TH/44TH F o o t ) B a t t a l i o n ... 2 15 R a n g e r ’65 ...... 182 1 s t B n . T h e B edfordshire a n d A cknowledgement ...... 185 H ertfordshire R e g t . (T.A.) 222 R e g im e n t a l H eadquarters a n d t h e 4TH/5TH B n . T h e E s s e x R e g i m e n t D e p o t ...... 18 7 (T.A.) ...... 225 1 s t ( N o r f o l k a n d S u f f o l k ) B a t t a l io n 190 T h e B edfordshire a n d H e r t f o r d ­ 4 t h B n . T h e R o y a l N o r f o l k s h ir e R e g i m e n t A s s o c i a t i o n 228 R e g im e n t ( T .A .) ...... 196 T h e E s s e x R e g i m e n t A s s o c i a t i o n 230 T h e S u f f o l k a n d C ambridgeshire T h e E s s e x A r m y C a d e t F o r c e ... 232 R e g im e n t ( T .A .) ...... 19 7

T h e R o y a l N o r f o l k R e g im e n t 4 t h ( L eicestershire ) B a t t a l i o n ...... 233

A s s o c i a t i o n ...... 198 4TH/5TH B n . T h e R o y a l L e ic e s t e r ­

T h e S u f f o l k R e g im e n t O l d s h ir e R e g i m e n t (T.A.) ... 2 3 7

C o m r a d e s ’ A s s o c ia t io n ... 198 R o y a l T ig e r s ’ A s s o c i a t i o n ...... 239 THE CASTLE 159

EDITORIAL

Three letters are published in this number Membership of the Regimental Association from readers who have clear views of what form is going well. With a new Regiment, however, the Journal should take. Generally speaking it the Association Funds take a long time to build is fair to say that the suggestions made conform up. Association news comes from the former with the ideas of most of us. The material is Regiments and will do so for some time yet. there, plenty of it, but the presentation is dull But we are growing fast and will have held our and lacks the style which invites a reader to first Annual General Meeting by the time you read on. When a change is made it must be receive this issue of the Journal. complete. There is no point in attacking this problem piecemeal and it is your Editor’s in­ It is with great regret that we have lost tention to put the matter in hand as early as Mervyn Reynolds, our first Regimental Sec­ possible. Much consideration has already been retary. After putting Regimental affairs firmly given to the form that future Journals should on the map he has had to retire owing to illness. take and the old soldier may rest assured that Morrell Eliot has been working single-handed he will not be forgotten. Indeed, he will find for several months. Now he too has left Regi­ reading about the activities of The Royal mental Headquarters. The Regiment is well Anglian Regiment interesting and exciting. pleased with the splendid work they have done.

HONOURS AND AWARDS

AWARDS FOR GALLANTRY Elba-Porter was exemplary and enabled the The Queen has been graciously pleased to cordons and blocks to be quickly established. approve the award of the British Empire Medal Pte. Elba-Porter only agreed to be relieved for Gallantry (Military ) to the under­ of his duties when all communications were mentioned : working properly again and Sgt. Smith's injuries had been attended to. Very shortly 23945091 Pte. Jenner Victor Elba-Porter, 1st afterwards he was removed to hospital. (Norfolk and Suffolk) Bn. The . 23921727 Pte. Anthony David Kent, 1st (Norfolk and Suffolk) Bn. The Royal Anglian On March 12, 1965, Pte. Elba-Porter was on Regiment. Internal Security operations with a Headquarters of “ B " , 1st Royal On March 12, 1965, Pte. Kent was with his Anglian, in the Police Station at Sheikh Oth- Platoon carrying out duties in aid of the civil man. He was the signaller on duty in the power based on Sheikh Othman Police Station. operations room when the room was struck by Although trained as a stretcher bearer, he was a Blindicide missile. The other occupants of a normal member of a rifle section. the room were the Platoon Commander, 2/Lt. At about 20.30 hours a terrorist rocket ex­ Copping, and the Platoon Sergeant, Sgt. Smith. ploded in Platoon Headquarters wounding the The latter was seriously wounded in the face Platoon Sergeant and the radio operator. The and Pte. Elba-Porter also was wounded in the Platoon Sergeant, Sgt. Smith, received ex­ eyes and shoulder. The explosion of the missile tremely severe facial injuries, the front of his caused havoc in the room, the telephone being face above the lower jaw being blown free and destroyed and the wireless set wrecked. attached only by a skin flap. In spite of his wounds which temporarily Pte. Kent immediately gave first aid to Sgt. blinded him in one eye, Pte. Elba-Porter Smith, who was bleeding profusely and for the attempted to repair his wireless set. Finding next twenty minutes prevented him from either this impossible he fetched another set and re­ choking or bleeding to death. It is the opinion established communications, passing instruc­ of Wing Commander E. R. Griffiths, the con­ tions for the redeployment of the Platoon so sultant in Orthopaedic Surgery at the Royal that effective counter measures could be taken. Air Force Hospital, Steamer Point, who saw The determination and bravery shown by Pte. Sgt. Smith on admission, that the first aid l6o THE CASTLE

Left to right •' Pte. Elba- Porter, Pte. A. D. Kent, B.E.M., 2/Lt. B. Copping, Queen's Com­ mendation for Brave Con­ duct.

treatment given by Pte. Kent was a major personal safety under fire. This combination contribution towards his survival. made a most valuable contribution to the suc­ On December 31, 1964, Pte. Kent had also cessful completion of the operational tasks set been present immediately after a mine exploded to the Company. in the Wadi Taym, killing Pte. Frazer, gravely wounding Cpl. Andrews and seriously injuring 23778918 Pte. Richardson, M. Pte. Barrell. On that occasion also, Pte. Kent administered first aid and treatment to both On June 19, 1965, Pte. Richardson was driving the living until skilled medical assistance 2/Lt. W. E. Hawkins, when he chased and arrived. captured the terrorist after the grenading of the Seamen’s Mission Pte. Richardson’s splendid QUEEN’S COMMENDATION FOR driving during the pursuit through the Crescent BRAVE CONDUCT and the back streets of Tawahi was rewarded when the terrorists’ car was eventually forced The Queen has been graciously pleased to to a halt. Pte. Richardson showed skill and give orders for the publication of the name determination of the highest order during the shown below as having received an expression chase of the terrorist, and also later when he of Commendation for Brave Conduct: was despatched to get assistance. 2/Lt. Brian William Copping (477749), 1st (Norfolk and Suffolk) Bn. The Royal Anglian Commander-in-Chief’s Regiment. On the night of March 12, 1965, in Aden, Commendations 2/Lt. Copping’s Platoon Headquarters suffered severe casualties, following a bomb explosion. The following members of the Special His quick presence of mind and high qualities Branch Squad were also awarded the Com- of leadership undoubtedly saved an N.C.O.’s mander-in-ChiePs Commendation for con­ life and resulted in some one hundred and tinuous hard and dangerous work by day and twenty dissidents being apprehended for night on operations in Aden State: questioning. Capt. H. R. Horrex 14638096 W.O.II Holden, W. E. 23873239 Pte. Cox, M. E. From April 1964, W.O.II Holden was con­ 23967501 Pte. Mieszek, R. stantly on operations in the Radfan, at Mukayras and in Aden. In spite of the 23853663 Pte. Sergeant, H. extremely arduous conditions encountered 23853651 Pte. Sands, B. W.O.II Holden set the highest standards. His 23933628 Pte. Shinn, L. drive, example and leadership were remark­ able. He added to those qualities a wealth of 23869674 Pte. Wayman, M. experience and a total disregard of his own 23708544 Pte. King, S. THE CASTLE 161

Items of Regimental Interest

The Regimental Week-end, 1965 Dates for your Diary The Royal Anglian Regiment held its first Regimental Week-end at Bury St. Edmunds on July 16-18. The Massed Bands and Drums of 3rd and 4th Battalions and the Junior Soldiers’ Officers’ Dinner Clubs Wing beat Retreat prior to the Officers’ Cocktail Party, which was attended by over 400 officers and officers’ guests. The Warrant Officers and 1st Friday, October 7 Sergeants entertained many Old Comrades and 2nd Battalion Friday, May 20 friends after the Retreat and later in the Mess. 3rd Battalion Friday, April 29 The 4th Battalion Friday, May 6 Northamptonshire Regiment Comrades Association Regimental Associations Annual Reunion, 1966 Information regarding meetings, dinners and The dates of the reunion have had to be other functions w ill be found on other pages changed and it w ill now take place on Satur­ under the appropriate Association notes. day and Sunday, July 16 and 17, 1966.

Memorial, after renovation, with C.S.M. Holland, Regimental Memorial in Crater Cemetery before whose father-in-law was present when the renovation. Memorial was first erected. 162 THE CASTLE

G olf Alliances There was a very good entry for the annual On formation of The Royal Anglian Regi­ meeting of the Golfing Society. Twenty-eight ment Her Majesty the Queen has been graciously officers competed and once again Flempton pleased to approve alliances between it and Golf Club offered us every facility. regiments of countries of the British Common­ wealth as stated below: — Results: Inter - Battalion Cup C anada The Lake Superior Scottish Regiment. Winners Tigers The Sherbrooke . Runners-up Vikings The Lincoln and Welland Regiment Scratch Competition The Essex and Kent Scottish Regiment.

Winner Lt. J. B. Winckley A u st r a lia Runner-up Lt.-Col. A. G. R. Noble, The Royal Tasmania Regiment. M.C. Pompadour Cup N e w Z ealand Winner Lt.-Col. A. L. Novis, M.C. 3rd Bn. (Auckland (Countess of Ranfurly’s Runner-up Lt. H. T. Hutley Own) and Northland) Royal New Zea­ land Infantry Regiment. Suffolk Cup Winners Lt.-Col. D. F. Coburn, D.L. P a k ist a n Lt.-Col. A. L. Novis, M.C. 5th Bn. The Frontier Force Regiment. Stableford M a l a y s ia Winners Lt. J. B. Winckley 1st Bn. The Royal Malay Regiment. Lt.-Col. A. G. R. Noble, M.C. C o l o n ia l F o rces Runners-up Lt.-Col. J. E. Fletcher The Barbados Regiment. Major R. M. Williams, M.C. The Bermuda Regiment. On the Saturday morning the Annual Rye Foursomes match was played against the Flemp- These alliances replace those of component ton Golf Club. It was a good fight and the regiments of The whose Club won for the second year running. former alliances are now cancelled.

EDITORIAL NOTES

The Editor’s apologies to “ Tiger” readers in 1966 will be reduced to two instead of three. for the standard of the Tiger badge appearing Issues will be in the Spring and Autumn. in The Journal. It had been hoped to put this Dates by which copy is required will be notified right in this issue— and also reverse the badge through Regimental Secretaries. which seems to have passed unnoticed by most. Unfortunately there are too many covers already printed to warrant making a new block. Subscribers’ Notes It is probable that later issues of The Journal All articles and notes for reproduction in may appear with a complete change of cover. The Castle should, if possible, be typed on one side of the paper only, with double spacing. The Castle, 1966 When photographs are submitted for repro­ duction, please state whether permission to Owing to rising costs and in accordance with reproduce has been given by the owner of the the unanimous wishes of Officers commanding copyright of the photograph and what caption Battalions the number of issues of The Castle is required. THE CASTLE 164 THE CASTLE

On leave in Fakenham (left to right): Pte. B. E. Francis, Royal Anglian Regiment; Jun. Pte. R. B. Warnes, All Arms Regiment; Pte. B. J. Bear and Pte. D. A. Perry, Royal Anglian Regiment.

total of 605 men enlisted, the Regiment showed REGIMENTAL a manpower profit of only 92. We must main­ tain our efforts at the present level if we are to RECRUITING ensure that Battalions are kept up to strength In what is increasingly proving a very with the consequent interesting postings to mediocre year for Army recruiting generally, good and worthwhile stations overseas. In this the Regiment is succeeding in keeping its head connection, we emphasise that it is up to every above water. We have, however, continued to man in the Regiment to help the Regimental drop well behind the high intake rate of 1964. family— and thereby himself— by fostering By the end of October 1964 the Regiment had enlistment into his Regiment. He can do this enlisted 542 men. This year’s figure of 479 best by talking about his life in the Regiment compares not at all welL The Third Battalion to friends and relations in the U.K. and, when area continues to be the most productive with the occasions arise, by filling in the introduc­ 136 enlistments by the end of October. Of tion cards and posting them to the Regimental the rest, the Second Battalion area produced Recruiting . 119, the First Battalion area 94 and the Fourth Battalion area 87, leaving a total of 43 who The Regimental Recruiting team has been enlisted in offices outside our eleven counties. active again in the month of October. They The effect of having the First and Fourth carried out a ‘ follow-up ’ tour in the steps of Battalions on leave in the U.K. has been dis­ the Third Battalion KAPE teams with the aim cernible but we hope that the main harvest is of providing a second quick impact which yet to be reaped. might convince any interested waverers of the benefit of a career in the Regiment Another The Third Battalion KAPE tour of their tour in Norfolk and Suffolk is being planned area went off very successfully and the system for the months of January and February, 1966. they adopted of visiting many small towns and large villages with small well equipped display teams is the pattern that might also be adopted by future KAPE tours. It cannot be too strongly stated that there Have you placed a regular order must be no slackening of our recruiting efforts. for a copy of the Journal ? Why The fact that by the end of the year all Bat­ talions will be up to establishment is irrelevant not do so now ? when it is remembered that in 1964, out of a THE CASTLE 165

FROM THE A.C.F. TO THE ARMY

In these days when nearly every village and small town has its youth centre, equipped, often lavishly, by a generous County Education Committee and run by a paid Youth Leader, the task of the local Army Cadet Commander is not an easy one. He has at his disposal a not too large building, which he has to keep clean and in good order with the help of his Cadets. It has to serve as a drill hall, recreation room, class room, canteen and “ Q ” stores. It must be warm in winter and ready two or three times each week, to be use for any of these functions. The members of his detachment are issued with a battle dress which, though cleaned, is often secondhand and which becomes too small for them in a matter of a month or two. They are told to get their hair cut and not wear pointed shoesj in fact, generally disciplined into doing everything which their mates at the Youth Centre do not like doing. Yet they respond in a quite remarkable manner. With encourage­ ment they make the building their own build­ ing. They organise their own fund-raising functions and buy their own recreational equip­ ment. This, indeed, means far more to them than a free issue. They develop not only a pride in their detachment but a pride in being a soldier and, without any coercion they often decide to make the Army a career. Here are some of the Cadets from the Fakenham Detach­ ment, 1st Battalion. Norfolk A.C.F., who have done just that: Cpl. L. George, . Gdsm. M. Neale, Grenadier Guards. Pte. M. Debbage, R.E.M.E. Pte. D. A. Perry, 1st Bn. Royal Anglian Regi­ ment (now home from Aden). Pte. B. King, 1st Bn. Royal (stationed in Indonesia). Pte. B. J. Bear, 1st Bn. Royal Anglian Regi­ ment. Pte. B. E. Francis, 1st Bn. Royal Anglian Regiment. Pte. D. Hall, 1st Bn. Royal Anglian Regiment. Junior C.S.M. David McDowell, All Arms Junior Leaders Regiment, Tonfanau. Junior Pte. P. Wade, All Arms Junior Leaders Regiment, Tonfanau. Junior Pte. R. B. Warnes, All Arms Junior Leaders Regiment, Tonfanau.

Have you placed a regular order for a copy of the Journal. Why not do so now? 166 THE CASTLE

Letters to the Editor

The Castle Let us assume the customer recently com­ pleted recruit training and is therefore likely Dear Sir, to read Depot Notes: this will now give him altogether a mighty 21 pages out of the Journal’s In your last Editorial you asked for sug­ 69 pages. Now this is surely all wrong, and I gestions by readers on making the Journal believe it is precisely why the first two issues more interesting. have not been exactly “ smash hits ” with I’m afraid I believe the two Castles issued so far have been rather dull. That, however, is 3,000 soldiers. hardly the point, since I am one of the 340 or In order to make the Journal more interest­ so Officers of the Regiment, not one of our 3,000 ing to our soldiers, the following action is soldiers. After all, The Castle is surely to be suggested. aimed at interesting the soldiers, not the Officers. Firstly, cut down the officers share of the If The Castle provides entertaining, vital and seven Personalia and Births, Deaths, etc. pages. “ with it ” reading aimed at capturing the Let us hear more about our soldiers. support of our soldiers and they queue up to Secondly, have more articles of general buy it, then the Journal must clearly be a interest. A competition with cash prizes might success. stimulate the idea of soldiers writing articles. Yet this is not the case at the moment, and it is partly because the aim is wrong: too much is Thirdly — and this is really needed— The devoted to the interests of the Officers both Castle must have a host of small, interest- retired and serving. Let me give examples from arousing features such as cartoons, crosswords the last issue. with a Regimental flavour, photographic com­ There are 37 items on the “ Personalia ” pages. petitions, lucky number copies of the Journal, No less than 28 of these items concern Officers, deliberate mistakes, limerick-completing com­ 12 of which are retired officers. Now while it is petitions, letters to the Editor (both series and well known that old soldiers never die, surely it facetious), perhaps with a small cash payment for is ridiculous to suppose our young soldiers are those published (!), an advice column written also misogynists. by someone with a big tongue-in-cheek in It takes seven pages, or a tenth of the Journal answer to mythical problems from soldiers, not counting the advertisements, to chronicle wives and girl-friends. There are surely many the above items of minority interest. This does such ways of livening up the pages of The seem to me a little hard on the majority, since Castle without turning it into a comic. If every I don’t believe the majority could really care item is written or presented from a Regimental less where Major So-and-So is now living or or Battalion angle, purpose and dignity is re­ indeed if he is living at all. tained. What precisely, apart from his own Battalion I do see that to include anything now along Notes, has the soldier got left to read? In the these lines means a Castle with more pages. last issue he had 14 pages on Regimental This may be impossible. However, there will Associations and Cadets, of which perhaps four be blank pages in the future where at present pages may interest him, being of his own Bat­ we have notes and features from our T.A. talion area. He has 16 pages on T.A. Battalions, Battalions. of which for the same reason he will possibly You said in your last Editorial “ the form care to read four. He is left with 32 pages of and presentation of The Castle has inevitably advertising and three pages of articles. followed much the same lines as its four pre­ Assuming, therefore, that the present Royal decessors.” With all respect to you, M r. Editor, Anglian Regiment Journal ever finds its way I think this inevitably was a bit overdone. Now into a barrack room, just what does the is the time for changing things, before they be­ customer get for his money? I suggest the last come traditional. issue gives him: Let us have a Journal our soldiers will buy, On Average read, enjoy, and keep as a memento to browse Editorial, etc...... 3 pages through in old age. Such a Journal will, in Own Battalion ...... 5 pages addition, be of tremendous value to our Re­ Own T.A . Battalions ...... 4 pages cruiters. If the Parachute Regiment can double Own Association and Cadets ... 4 pages the circulation of their magazine inside 12 months by adopting the use of cartoons, articles Total 16 pages and competitions along with the normal Battalion features, there is no reason why The THE CASTLE 167

Castle should not also succeed. We are the up-to-the-minute information in simple pungent first Large Regiment, and rightly believe we terms. are slap-bang up-to-date. Let us therefore The Leicesters are probably in now, get up-to-date with our Journal. but while they were in England who told them Yours faithfully, about their next posting? Why are there no P. W. E d w a r d s , Capt. photographs and brief descriptions to tell the men where they were going to soldier and the Dear Sir, women where they were going to live? DOES MUSSOLINI STILL INVADE? The school magazine approach must go, to be replaced by a positive, excited style. “ Sgt. Reading The Castle is like reading a school Jones gets B.E.M. ” is far more useful to Regi­ magazine with strong military bias. The im­ mental morale than the present style. Whilst on pression was so strong when I first flipped the question of morale, surely it would be far through the pages that I was reminded of my better to make the most of regimental traditions school C.C.F. training: of misty days on soggy instead of trying to play them down? I want fields where we attempted to master military to know about the “ Poachers ” and the methods. “ Tigers ” and not about the 2nd and 4th “ In Italy Mussolini Always Invades ” was Battalions. the vital clue for issuing orders. Information, No-one is going to treasure each Journal for Intention, Method, Administration . . . ? They life, so you might just as well make it dis­ did introduce a new-fangled system which in­ posable, perhaps more in the style of the week­ cluded “ command and logistics.” I never felt end newspaper magazines. happy about it because neither I nor anyone else ADMINISTRATION, ETC. seemed to know what a logistic was. This I leave to you. It seemed appropriate to apply the old Yours faithfully, system to the questions posed in August’s P. L. F is h e r edition of The Castle. [P. L. Fisher was a National Service Officer INFORMATION in the Royal Leicestershire Regiment]. The Castle lacks appeal. INTENTION EXTRACTS FROM SOME SUGGESTIONS This is not merely a question of desiring to FROM MAJOR K. J. T. HOILE, increase circulation, but of deciding what part 3rd BATTALION The Castle should play in the life of the Regi­ Too many of the soldiers say that it is a ment. magazine for the Officers and Old Comrades. The Journal is a means of communication, In order to prevent this, a form of newspaper but what do you wish to communicate, and to supplement should contain such things as T.A. whom? notes, Personalia and obituaries. In the first place, but the least important, Births and marriages should be in the you should let us civilians know what is going magazine if they affect Battalion personnel, in on. order to maintain wife interest. These should Secondly, you must provide information to be in short form rather like the Daily every man in every Battalion and, most im­ Telegraph. portant, to their families, too. Every Officer and Warrant Officer in each of METHOD the Battalions must be able to tell at least six anecdotes of an amusing nature. Let’s have Those of us in “ Civvy Street ” need “ back­ a page on the line “ It happened in the Regi­ ground information” about the tasks that the ment.” Battalions are performing and the nature of Filler material, i.e., little stories included their location. It is pointless of the Leicester­ after articles to fill the pages and neaten the shire Battalion correspondent to remark “ the layout could also be on an informative basis. pattern (of I.S. duties in Aden) is too familiar “ Do You Know ” might be a good title for to most people” if we don’t know the first the group. Example: — thing about I.S. and have no conception of the nature of Aden. How about a panoramic colour On completion of their tour of duty in photograph of the Radfan Mountains on the Aden the — Battalion was presented with a cover, with the banner “ Tigers" Country” ? ----- by the ----- . This is now held in the This would at least replace the present format, Officers’ Mess and is displayed in special which has little information and no interest. occasions such as ----- . To “ reach” every man and family in the Taking the 3rd Battalion at the moment, Battalions, you must provide not only the in- the following articles could be produced almost formtaion, but also the interest. How do the immediately, and I can dream up at least an­ newspapers do this? By giving their readers other ten. 168 THE CASTLE

C.O.: Shooting a lion in Kenya Colour and picture is far more attractive. Even good poster Pageantry with the Guards. work is better than a sterotype cover. We do not really want the list in the front of all the M a c k i n -B r e m n e r : Beagling as a sport. battle honours and who the Regimental Banker Running the Army Beagles. is. Ho ile : Diving in the Mediterranean Sea. We must not shy at controversial subjects Underwater archaeology. and articles. These cause argument and lead to letters to the Editor and also stimulate B a c o n : In Korea with the Glosters. interest. As with the Review, L u c a s : In the Congo with the Nigerians. we can always make it clear that these are the A picture of life in Nigeria. views of the individual. R.S.M. Jenns: Life with the Chindits. Conclusion

D o d d : Trekking in the Himalayas. SAS We are the first of the Big Regiments and patrols in Borneo. should think big. In modem terminology, we have got to “ get with it.” We are a new S t y l e s : In training with the SAS. Regiment in a new era. To my certain know­ ledge, the format of the magazine has not P t e . P e a r c e : Golfing in the Army as a changed since I got my first copy of The Eagle . in 1948. This makes us seventeen years out- of-date. Furthermore, we must not, with all Any R e a s o n a b l e C o r p o r a l : Adventure due respect, allow long-established custom in training in Norway. this field to be continued by the older genera­ tion of officers and men. Cpl. M a h e r : Opportunities for free travel in B.A.O.R. Today we must cater for the “winkle-picker” shoed soldier who likes beat music, and unless we do, the magazine will never be financially R e c c e P l a t o o n S g t .: Berlin Border Patrol. sound. In addition, we are going to lose a YO U SIR! : The task and problems of the chance of building a tremendous amount of Brigade Colonel. The men know who Regimental pride and spirit. you are, but how many know your task I further feel that if we can make the maga­ and difficulties? zine a really great success, we may be able to expand its sale to such people as school cadet S t a f f O f f i c e r s : Why you may not get a forces and youth organisations in our counties, quarter if you go to B.A.O.R. Notes on and this will be a terrific boost to recruiting. new equipment— AFV 432. Why you should try for your 1st ACE. [The writer is no doubt insured against legal action by persons mentioned by name. Articles W i f e I n t e r e s t : The odd interesting tour by and stories of this kind are just the sort of a wives’ club. Two articles a year would thing around which can be built up a readable suffice. A good line might be an article and interesting picture of Battalion activities.— by a wife serving in a theatre to which Editor], a Battalion is moving, giving a few hints on costs, what to bring in the way of clothes and lists of good shops, etc. Adventure Training From: Lt.-Col. J. K. Arthur, Material from Affiliated Units Northamptonshire Regt. (1928-45) We have lots a affiliated units. The U.S. Infantry produce a very good magazine, and S ir, I am sure would let us use their articles, pro­ After 25 years away from regimental soldier­ viding we give credit. We could get some good ing, one inevitably recognises only a few of the up-to-date material from U.S.S. Essex, The personalities reported in our magazine, but this R.A.R., the Essex Scottish of Canada, and our adds to the pleasures of search and discovery. other affiliated units. If they each gave us one However, having just, in May, given up article on their country it would make good Chairmanship of the Mountain Rescue Com­ reading. mittee in , I cannot let the 4th/5 th adventure training report Design (Vol. 1, No. 2, page 140) get away with sup­ “ Soldier ” is an excellent example. Let us posing Capel Curid is, at 3,560ft., the second break from the conventional cover. An action highest peak in the British Isles! THE CASTLE 169

Here are some in quite different parts of Scotland, apart from Ben Nevis: — Kanchanaburi War Braeriach (4,248ft.) Cemetery Ben MacDhin (4,290ft.) Cairn Gorm (4084ft.) Extract from a letter received from Capt. R. L. Beinn Chiochan (Lochnagar) (3,786ft.)— Trevethick, Royal Anglian Regiment Balmoral “ On a recent visit to Thailand and the Creag Meagaidh (3,700ft.)— Lochaber Burmese border, I took the opportunity of Ben Alder (3,757ft.)— Badenoch visiting the War Memorial at Kanchanaburi, where, regrettably, many dead of the former Ben Lawers (3,984ft.)— Loch Tay Regiments of the Royal Anglian Regiment lie Ben More (3,843ft.)— Crianlarich buried. Ben Cruachan (3,689ft.)— Loch Awe “ I am glad to report that the Memorial is incredibly well cared for— flowers are well Main Soul (3,862ft.)— Glen Affric maintained and not a blade of grass is out of place. Those responsible for the upkeep really If the same adventurers want to try any of do a magnificent job of work and I duly re­ these districts, I will gladly put them in touch corded our thanks in their visitors’ book. with experts, but avoid the winter, unless highly-skilled and well-equipped. Yours sincerely,

J. K . A r t h u r , Lt.-Col. (Retd.) R . L . T r e v e t h ic .”

Armadale, The writer enclosed some photos of indi­ S. Beach Lane, vidual graves, which are being passed to the Troon, Ayrshire. next-of-kin.— Editor. 170 THE CASTLE

Personalia

Congratulations to Colonel Arthur Noble, An invitation to join 10th Essex (1914-18) Honorary Colonel of 4th/5th Bn. The Essex at their Annual Dinner in 1966 is extended to Regiment (T.A.) who received a well merited all who served in a Service Battalion of The “ C.B.” in the Birthday Honours List. Essex Regiment during . Please * ★ * see 10th Battalion Notes on another page. Colonel A. J. Bennett, M.B.E., T.D., has been appointed County Cadet Commandant for Mr. A. G. C. Parker, former National Service Lincolnshire on relinquishing command of Officer of the 10th Foot, and his wife are living 4/6th Royal Lincolns (T.A.). for the next two years in Nassau where Mr. Parker is employed with Shell Bahamas. Congratulations to Lt, (Q.M.) J. W. Denny on the award of the L.S. and G.C. Medal. L/Cpl. Dennis Hall, who was the 3rd Battalion bass drummer for a long while, has Congratulations to Major P. F. Walter, now left the Army. He and his wife, Mary, are M.B.E., M.C., 3rd Bn. The Parachute Regiment now managing Bay’s Wine Vaults in Queen and late of the Royal Lincolns and 2nd East Street, Peterborough. Bay’s serves coffee, Anglian Regiment on the award of a bar to lunches, caters for parties and has a well-known his Military Cross for gallant and distinguished bar, and the Hall’s would welcome any visitors from the Regiment. services in the Radfan Area of Southern * * * Arabia. A most successful Reunion Dinner of the Essex Home Defence Battalions was held at The following cablegram was received by a Chelmsford in October. The gathering was young officer on leave before attending a course: “ engineered” by Major H. J. Young, T.D ., “ You are accepted for Hythe but not yet for who enjoyed a personal celebration during the War Minister.” same month— his 81st birthday. * * * Another Reunion at Chelmsford is planned During a recent duty visit to Libya, Lt.-Col. for next year. W. R. Chambers, Commanding Officer of the * * * 2nd (Duchess of Gloucester’s Own Lincoln­ 2/Lt. G. K. Armstrong relinquished his shire and Northamptonshire) Bn. The Royal commission on August 15, 1965. Anglian Regiment, had an opportunity to see the British War Cemeteries at Tobruk and Lt.-Col. W. R. Chambers takes over the Knightsbridge, where he found a number of appointment of G.S.O.1 53 (Welsh) D iv./ graves of Officers and soldiers of The Bedford­ District, Brecon, in January, 1966. shire and Hertfordshire and Essex Regiments. He reports that he found the graves in very Major G. S. Drew took up a Grade II well kept order. appointment at the Ministry of Defence in A list of the graves is held at 16th/44th Foot December, 1965. H.Q., Warley, and Bedford. * * * * * * Major R. C. C. Greener retired on retired The Immortal Seventh Division Survivors pay, May 28, 1965. His address is now 181, held their Final Reunion on September 25, Grange Lane, Boreham Road, , 1965, at Lyndhurst. It was from here that the Wilts. Division left for France in October 1914. The * * * following representatives of the 2nd Bn. The Major J. P. Growse left the 2nd Battalion in Bedfordshire Regiment were able to attend: January, 1966, and is relieved by Major G. R. Mr. T. Farmer, Mr. R. A. Foster, Mr. W. Yates. Major Growse is taking up an appoint­ Scrivener and Mr. J. H. Selby. ment with the . * * * * * * Major-General H. Essame writes to invite Lt. H. M. P. Halcrow succeeds Capt. K. G. readers’ attention to the book “ Battle of Ford as of the Bermuda Rifles in Normandy” written by Mr. Belfield and him­ January, 1966. self. This account of the battle, published by Batsfords, is of military and regimental interest. We welcome Capt. J. W. Hayton to the Regi­ THE CASTLE 171 ment from the Buffs. He is serving with the Regiment, and Jill, youngest daughter of Mr. 4th/6th Royal Lincolns (T.A.). and Mrs. J. S. Goodwin, of Frome, Suffolk.

Major J. A. Hughes takes up an appointment M r . J. A. V a r l e y a n d M i s s R. J. B a r b e r as D.A.A. and Q.M.G. with 20 Armoured The engagement is announced between John Brigade Group in February, 1966. Anthony Varley, Royal Anglian Regiment, elder son of Capt. J. D. Varley and the late Mrs. W. Capt. R. F. Kitchin took up an appointment Varley, of Camberley, Surrey, and Rosemary as G.III (Air) with H.Q. 3 Division in January, Jane, elder daughter of Colonel L. A. Barber 1966. and the late Mrs. H . M . B . Barber, of 8, Upper Montagu Street, W .i, and of Thurston, Suffolk. Major B. S. Lee retired on August 6, 1965. His address is now 53, Windmill Rise, York. * * * Births Lt. N. T. P. Mayhew leaves the 2nd Battalion in November, 1965, and is relieved by 2/Lt. AN K ER.— On May 6, 1965, at Bury St. R. L. Hazan. Lt. Mayhew is now serving with Edmunds, to Pte. and Mrs. C. Anker, a son, the Junior Leaders Battalion at Oswestry. Michael.

Lt-CoL H. H. Moore has succeeded Lt.- BU RLEY.— On May 10, 1965, at Swindon, Col. A. J. Bennett, M.B.E., T.D., as C.O. of to Pte. and Mrs. P. Burley, a son, Richard 4th/6th Royal Lincolns (T.A.). Congratulations David. to him on his promotion. BURW OOD.— On June 27, 1965, at Lowestoft, to Pte. and Mrs. O. Burwood, a daughter, Capt. P. H. Surtees, M .C., transferred to the Mandy Elaine. C.R.M.P. on March 29, 1965. C O L L IN G S .— On August 3, 1965, at Aden, to L/Cpl. and Mrs. D. Collings, a son, We welcome 2/Lt. G. Symonds to the Regi­ Stephen James. ment from the Glosters. He is serving with C O U L SO N .— On April 27, 1965, at Aden, to 4th/6th Royal Lincolns (T.A.) Cpl. and Mrs. D. Coulson, a daughter, * * * Barbara. Capt. G. W. R. Terry has been appointed GREEN.— On July 3, 1965, at King’s Lynn, Chief of East Sussex. He served in to Pte. and Mrs. R. Green, a daughter, the 5th Bn. The Northamptonshire Regiment Helen Elizabeth. during the Italian Campaign. * * * HERD.— On June 3, 1965, at Mansfield, to Major E. T u rnill is now Brigade Major with L/Cpl. and Mrs. R. T . Herd, a daughter, 8th Infantry Brigade. Mandy. PARRY.— On July 14, 1965, at Ipswich, to Pte. Major J. P. Wetherall has assumed the and Mrs. R. Parry, a son, David Charles. appointment of Training Major of 4th/5th P A U L.— On July, 25, 1965, at Aden, to Cpl. Northamptons (T.A.) vice Lt.-Col. H. H. Moore. and Mrs. E. Paul, a daughter, Susan Ann. JOBES.— On June 16, 1965, at Bradford, to Lt. M. S. Wright joined the 2nd Battalion L/C pl. and Mrs. M. Jobes, a son, Neil. in November, 1965. REEVE.— On July 30, 1965, at Zomba, Malawi, to Capt. and Mrs. W. Reeve, a daughter, Engagements Emma Kathryn Mary. SM ITH .— On August 25, 1965, at Aden, to Pte. M r . G. A. B a r r e t t a n d M i s s J. D . H a g g e r and Mrs. D. Smith, a daughter, Valerie Ann. The engagement is announced between Graham Andre Barrett, the Royal Anglian THOROGOOD.— On August 30, 1965, at 8, Regiment, and Juliet, daughter of M r . and Mrs. North Road, , to Susan (n£e Taylor) T. A. Hagger, of Mildenhall, Suffolk. and Capt. David Thorogood, a son, Simon Julian. M r . R. S. C o n d e r a n d M i s s J. G o o d w i n W H ITE.— On June 27, 1965, at B.M .R , The engagement is announced between Dhekelia, to Capt. and Mrs. J. G. P. White, Rupert Stewart Conder, The Royal Cypher a daughter, Sarah Louise Purcell. 172 THE CASTLE

REYNOLDS—CASTLE. — On October 2, Marriages 1965, quietly, Colonel Mervyn L. Reynolds to Mrs. Nyra Castle. Address: Woodlands, BEATON—CHAPLIN.—On August 21, 1965, Lodden Close, Camberley. at Walson, Suffolk, Pte. F. Beaton to Miss VEITCH—GLASGOW —On August 28, 1965, Ann Frances Chaplin. at Windsor Presbyterian Church, Shankhill, , Capt. Alastair Robert Aydon Veitch, HOWE—MARSH—On September 25, 1965, The Royal Anglian Regiment, eldest son of at St. James’s Church, Bulkington, near the late Mr. and Mrs. W. Aydon Veitch, of Nuneaton, Lt. R. Howe, The Royal Anglian Clavering, Essex, and Rosalind Prior, eldest Regiment, to Barbara Florence Marsh. daughter of Mr. and Mrs. W. B. B. Glasgow, of Lisbum Road, Belfast. ISLES—BERNARD—On July 31, 1965, at WOODROW—HARRIS.—On August 14, 1965, Aden, L/Cpl. W. Isles to Miss Agatha at Church Brampton, Northampton, Kerry Bernard. Woodrow, The Royal Anglian Regiment, son of Mr. and Mrs. S. B. Woodrow, of Wolla­ MONIER-WILLIAMS—SOUTHERN. — On ston, Northamptonshire, to Susan Mary, September 29, 1965, at Lowestoft, Lt.-Col. younger daughter of Mr. and Mrs. A. N. H. B. Monier-Williams, O.B.E., M.C., to Mrs. Harris, of Church Brampton, Northampton­ Madeline Southern. shire.

Mr. and Mrs. Kerry Wood- row with members of their . Fraa left: Lt. A. Amos, Lt. H. W. E. Steadman, Lt. P. B. Light, Cape V. J. Gee, Capt. A. B. Veitch, Lt. C J. Brock, Capt. W. R. W. Pike, Groom and Bride, Lt. R. D. Campbell • Lamerton, Capt. J. E. Hutchings, L t J . Eldar, Capt. I. Hillis, L t C. B. Jones, Capt. J. D. Drum­ mond.

that there is a branch of this organisation You can always get the address of your operating in the locality of your home? Area Jobfinder from your local Post Office or from your Regimental Association. It is only waiting for a personal call from Regular Forces Employment Association, 4, you, or a ring on the telephone or a postcard, Buckingham Palace Mansions, Buckingham to get busy with your employment problem. Palace Road, , S.W.i. THE CASTLE 173

Deaths

ATKINS.— On October 8, 1965, at Stretton PIG G .— On September 2, 1965, at Royston, House, Hinckley, Leicestershire, Major A. Mr. William Robert Pigg, ex-L/Cpl. No. H. Atkins, late The Royal Leicestershire 8059, 1st Bn. The Bedfordshire Regiment. Regiment. PORTER.— On July 26, 1965, at Stoney BOTT.— On June 30, 1965, at the General Stanton, Leicestershire, No. 8373, ex-Pte. S. Hospital, Burton-on-Trent, No. 22220976 ex- K. Porter, late The Royal Leicestershire Bdsm. W. Bott, late The Royal Leicestershire Regiment. Regiment. ROBINSON.— On September 23, 1965, in BOUTWOOD.— On September 15, 1965, Capt. hospital, ex-Cpl. (7473) J. W. Robinson, late F. W. Boutwood, M.B.E., late The Bedford­ The Bedfordshire Regiment, aged 86 years. shire and Hertfordshire Regiment, aged 53 SEE.— On August 10, 1965, at Hertford, after CARTER.— On May 2, 1965, Mr. A. W. a long and painful illness bravely borne, Carter, former Signal Sergeant, The Bedford­ Mr. W. C. (“ Jack ") See, former R.Q.M.S., shire Regiment. The Hertfordshire Regiment. CLARKE.—On September 3, 1965, at Kirkby- SM ITH .— On June 10, 1965, at the Notting­ in-Ashfield, No. 4850620 ex-Pte. J. Clarke, ham General Hospital, No. 4971137 ex-Sgt. late The Royal Leicestershire Regiment. A. W. Smith, late The Royal Leicestershire COCKSEDGE.— On September 4, 1965, at Regiment. Torquay, Lt.-Col, F. A. Cocksedge, M.C., SM ITH — On August 22, 1965, at Hillcrest M.M., late the , aged Hospital, Leicester, No. 200735 ex-R.Q.M.S. 71. J. H. Smith, late The Royal Leicestershire HALE.— In February, 1965, Mr. A. W. Carter, Regiment. former C.S.M., The Bedfordshire Regiment. SPENCER.— On October 7, in Rochford HOLLAND.— On May 24, after a long illness, Hospital, ex-Sgt. Stanley Spencer, D.C.M., No. 302070 ex-Pte. John Henry Holland, late 6th Bn. The Essex Regiment, aged 74 late 2nd/7th Bn. The Essex Regiment, 1915- years. 1919, and also the . W A LLA CE.— On July 4, 1965, at Aden, South HUBBARD. — On November 16, 1965, at Arabian Federation, Pte. L. Wallace. Norwich, Capt. Jesse C. Hubbard, late The Royal Norfolk Regiment, aged 60 years. W ATERM AN .— On October 10, 1965, at the Infirmary, Royal Hospital, Chelsea, In-Pen­ MABBOTT.—On August 24, 1965, at Bed­ sioner Cyril Charles Waterman, former ford ex-Cpl. (574274) A. J. Mabbott, late The Private No. 3694 The Hertfordshire Regi­ Bedfordshire Regiment. ment, aged 89 years. MAXW ELL.— On August 28, 1965, in a Lon­ W H EATLEY.— On October 14, 1965, at 76, don Hospital, Brigadier R. H. Maxwell, C.B., Bradford Crescent, Sunderland Road, Estate, late The , aged 66. Durham City, ex^Cpl. T . E. Wheatley, late MORGAN.— On August 10, 1965, at 41, Rosa­ The Royal Leicestershire Regiment. mund Avenue, Leicester, No. 4849271 ex-Pte. J. S. Morgan, late The Royal Leicestershire Regiment. Notification has also been received of the PALMER.—On September 21, at Clacton-on- deaths of the following former members of Sea, ex-C/Sgt. E. (“Pedlar”) Palmer, late The Royal Lincolnshire Regiment: The Essex Regiment, aged 74 years. Ex-R-S.M. J. Danvers, ex-C.S.M . J. B. PELL.— On September 27, 1965, at Royston, Jones, Lt. W. H. Geiger, ex-C.Q.M.S. C. Mr. William James Pell, ex-Private, No. Redmile, ex-Cpl. T. W. Lincoln, ex-L/Cpl. 2103, 1st Bn. The Hertfordshire Regiment. F. Hibbs, D.C.M., ex-Cpl. Albert Brooks, Band- PICKERING.— On September 9, 1965, at 16, Sgt. Percy Acres, and of Canon John Porter, Hillary Place, Leicester, No. 6006, ex-SgL W. Hon. Life Member and Chaplain of the 10th E. Pickering, late The Royal Leicestershire Foot Royal Lincolnshire Regimental Associa­ Regiment. tion. 174 THE CASTLE

Obituaries

he was appointed to the R.A.O.C., with whom BRIGADIER R. H. M AXW ELL, c.b. he remained until the end of the war. Brigadier Richard Hobson Maxwell died on He will be missed by his many friends in August 28, 1965. the old 16th and the 44th/56th, and we extend He was commissioned into The Suffolk Regi­ our sympathy to his widow and daughter. ment in August, 1918, and served with the 2nd Battalion in , , Shanghai and CAPTAIN F. W. BOUTWOOD, M.B.E. India. Frank Boutwood enlisted into The Bedford­ In 1934 he became an instructor at Sand­ shire and Hertfordshire Regiment in 1932. At hurst, and, after a period as Brigade Major of the outbreak of the war he was serving in 161 Infantry Brigade (T.A.), he joined the 1st the Middle East with the 1st Battalion, with Battalion of the Regiment in Malta. whom he remained on active service until After Dunkirk, he formed the 7th Bn. The 1943, when he was posted to The Royal Welch Suffolk Regiment, which was converted to 142 Fusiliers in the . He took part Regiment, Royal Armoured , in 1942. He in the D-Day Landings with that Regiment, assumed command of 25th Army Tank Brigade being severely wounded. in 1942 and commanded it during the last five He returned to his Regiment in Greece at months of the . He the end of the war and then followed a number was evacuated to the United Kingdom after of Permanent appointments with our being wounded by an anti-personnel mine. Territorial Battalions. In 1953 he was com­ After a period in command of Infantry missioned as Quartermaster of the 5th Battalion, Brigades, he spent fifteen months in command with whom he served until his retirement in of districts in Palestine during the closing stages 1960. In recognition of his services he was of the British mandate. For his services there appointed an M.B.E. After retiring he became he was awarded the C.B. Quartermaster to Bedfordshire Army Cadet He was appointed Inspector of Physical Force and later to the Territorial and Auxiliary Training in 1948 and was Provost Marshal from Forces Association, an appointment he was 1952-1955. holding at the time of his sudden death. He was A.D.C. to The Queen from 1952-1955 With his keen sense of humour, Frank had and retired from the Army in 1955 to become many friends who enjoyed being in his com­ the Secretary of the Royal Tournament. pany. They also learned to respect him for his In 1957 he became Colonel of The Suffolk loyalty, his willingness to offer his help in so Regiment, and became Colonel of the 1st East many ways, and his unfailing loyalty to his Anglian Regiment when the Royal Norfolk and Regiment. He will be sadly missed by us all. Suffolk Regiments were amalgamated in 1959. The Parish Church at Biddenham was filled He relinquished this appointment in 1962. He to capacity for the funeral service, on September was also Honorary Colonel of 23rd (City of 21, which was conducted by the Rev. V. J. London) Regiment (T.A.) for six years. French, and later the cremated remains were His many friends in all walks of life feel a scattered in the Garden of Remembrance at very deep personal sense of loss at his death. Kempston Barracks. His great personal charm and complete honesty We offer our deepest sympathy to his widow endeared him to all who knew him. and young daughter.

LT.-COL. JOHN W. HURRELL, M.C. SERGEANT E. PALMER Lt.-Col. John W. Hurrell, M.C., late R.A.O.C., Sgt. Palmer died at Clacton-on-Sea on died at his home at Great Shelford, Cambridge­ September 21, 1965, aged 75 years. He shire, on May 9, 1965. enlisted in The Essex Regiment in January, He was first commissioned in The Bedford­ 1906, and served with the Colours for 22 years. shire Regiment prior to the outbreak of the Almost all his service was with the 1st First World War, in which he served with Battalion of the Regiment, and he was their distinction and was awarded the M.C. Provost Sergeant for many years. Towards the He continued to serve with the Regiment end of his active service he was a P.S.I. with after the war and was appointed Brigade 4th Essex at Southminster. He was a fine Major of the newly-formed 163rd Infantry boxer and represented the Regiment on many Brigade shortly before the outbreak of war occasions in the light heavyweight division. in 1939. He later commanded the 2nd/4th Bn. After his discharge in 1828, Sgt. Palmer was The Essex Regiment, until May, 1942, when employed for many years at the Ilford Post THE CASTLE 175

Office, and in 1939 he joined the 7th Home De­ fence Battalion, with whom he remained until ill-health necessitated his resignation. He will be affectionately remembered by his many friends in the Regiment.

CAPT. J. C. HUBBARD Jesse Hubbard enlisted in The Norfolk Regi­ ment in 1924 and very soon made his mark as an outstanding athlete. In addition to hold­ ing various regimental championships over a number of years, he represented the Army in the one-mile, three-mile and cross-country events. He specialised as a machine - gunner and reached the rank of P.S.M., before being granted an emergency commission in 1941. He served as an instructor to the Home Guard and in the 70th, 30th and No. 2 Holding Battalions, reach­ ing the rank of Captain. He retired in 1945. In 1949 he was appointed Officers’ Mess Steward at the , a post he held until amalgamation in 1959. Since then he had been actively associated with the Officers’ Mess of the 4th Battalion, and, although working virtually single-handed, did much to maintain a high standard of comfort in the Mess. “ Mr. Hubbard,” as he was generally known, will be remembered by many serving and re­ tired officers as one who was always willing to attend to their needs, both in the Mess and at various regimental functions held elsewhere. The funeral service was conducted by the Rev. W. Blathwayt, Chaplain of the 4th Battalion, and attended by the Honorary Colonel, Brigadier F. B. Barclay, serving and retired officers and a number of Mr. Hubbard’s other regimental associates.

The Officers’ Pensions Society

Attention is invited to this Society, whose President is Field Marshal Sir Francis Festing, and Chairman is General The Lord Bourne. Its objects are to procure improvements and increases in the retired pay and pensions of officers and widows of the three Armed Ser­ vices, and to promote their interests in every way. There are now over 26,000 members, which number is increasing every day. The annual subscription is only £1 for retired officers and serving officers’ wives, and 5/- for widows. So many useful concessions are available to mem­ bers that they can save far more than the cost of subscriptions. Full details can be obtained from the General Secretary of the Society at 137, Victoria Street, S.W .l. 176 THE CASTLE Army Boys Expedition, 1965

B y L / C p l . J. A s p e l l , 4TH B a t t a l io n

On the bright sunny morning of Tuesday, pitons and karabiners. I think the bigges August 10, 1965, thirty boys from different feature was the Macinson mountain stretche. Army units, including myself, left Dover by which the expedition had. cross-Channel ferry. With us went nine quali­ With the expedition being self-supporting, we fied mountaineering instructors. All were under provided our own mountain rescue team, which the leadership of Major Warrick (Royal was put to use on more than one occasion Engineers). during the fortnight. The object of this expedition was a fortnight’s It took the best part of a day’s slog over the mountaineering in the French Alps. Having reached Boulogne, the party under­ hills in heat that was almost unbearable, and took a long, tiring rail journey to our destina­ it was like this until we got to an altitude of tion, Begneres-de-Luchon, at the foot of the some 12,000ft. Once we had established a camp Pyrenees? On our arrival, on Wednesday morn­ in the mountains, we were all above the snow ing, we found ourselves in a very pleasant line. We were not affected so much by the atmosphere which helped to rid us of the sun but by raging thunderstorms and torrentia fatigue of the journey. After a couple of hours’ rain. Many of us were amazed at the astonish­ wandering through the streets of Luchon and ing changes in the weather due to altitude stocking up with rations, we proceeded on a Although the sun did not affect us as it did in long walk over the mountains to our base camp. the valleys below, the ultra-violet rays affected The scenery was absolutely breathtaking. Snow­ some of us while we were ice climbing. capped mountain peaks and the country around During the four days we were up there, us surely could be a naturalist’s paradise. We experience was gained by all, not only on rock learned during our first day that the heat was but on snow and ice as well. I, for one, gained almost overpowering . . . most of us were brown much experience which will prove of great or red by the end of the day. value to me in future expeditions. Our base camp was situated in a very plea­ When it was time for our descent, the number sant valley. The valley of Oo. It stretched out two climbing party had come up to take our from a small village of the same name and place. At this stage the walking party was not lay among the Pyrenees. The village was 9 kms. required as all the equipment was needed for from Luchon. The advance party had travelled the second lot of climbers. Once we reached the through France by mini-bus with the majority bottom and got back to base, we were pretty of the expedition’s climbing equipment. They wet and hungry. A good night’s sleep was had pitched the base camp by the time we had followed by a rest day. During this we stocked arrived down off the mountains that evening. up with rations from Luchon, while others During the first week several of the expedi­ scrubbed clothes by the waterfall. Having tion’s instructors had been doing a reconnais­ restored our energy we finished off our walking sance for rock-climbs and snow and ice-climb­ programme. This consisted of two separate ing, while the rest of the expedition party had day’s walks. been mountain walking in the area. Unfortunately, we learned from our tired in­ One of the walks took us for quite some structors on returning to base that all the good distance to visit part of the Spanish border. and relatively safe climbs were miles away over We took crampons and ice axes with us because the mountains. This called for a long confer­ we knew some ice work would be required ence between the Major and the instructors, before we reached the border height. Stretch­ the conclusion of which was an expedition away ing down each side of the ridge were gigantic from the base. glaciers dropping for thousands of feet on the We were all split into three groups. Numbers Spanish side. Once we reached the border we one and two climbing parties and a walking learned that there was some resemblance be­ party. These groups were arranged according tween this ridge and the Crib-y-Ddisgle ridge to our experience. in North Wales, or as often called the Snowden Myself, being in No. 1 climbing party, we Knife-edge. Many of the peaks we could see left base camp early on the morning of August resembled the jagged Dolomite peaks in Italy. 13. The walking party came up behind us with Our second day’s walk took us on a very all the climbing equipment, which we were to interesting mountain forest walk. We proceeded put to use during the course of the next four at a recognisable mountain pace up the steep days. This equipment included some of the side of the Oo valley. Soon we met deep forest newest designs of ice axes, crampons, ropes, country, the colours were magnificent, some of THE CASTLE 177

the things we saw around us were very interest­ did. In the sun the deep green waters looked ing. There were gushing waterfalls every­ very calm and cool, but I was soon to learn where, which produced the scent of French that they were not cool but ice cold. The whole Alpine waters. The Falls glistened in the thing was one big shock. After a while we made scorching sun as the ice-cold green waters our way back to base camp by a different swept in torrential force over the green slippery route. rocks beneath. We were up early next morning with a feeling Many animals and insects showed themselves of disappointment. We were going home. to us from time to time. Large brown deer August 22 had arrived. After a few hours were darting through the trees every now and working as a team we had struck base camp then, and a few snakes gave us a scare but they and were making for London. struck us as very interesting. Alpine butterflies It was certainly an expedition which we shall were numerous and very colourful. One thing all remember. Should any of us meet in the we realised was that there were few birds Himalayas in the future for instance, memories although we were only 6,000 feet up. and experiences will come flooding back. When we reached the top of the front line The Army Boys’ Expedition, 1965, was a we were absorbed with the wonders of nature. wonderful opportunity to take part in the After a tiring climb in scorching sun we rewarding experience of being a member of a reached a large lake, Lac d ’Oo by name. Those great team. Everyone who took part is grateful of us who were brave enough to go for a swim to those who made the experience possible.

or Serving s.o.s. Old Soldiers B y C a p t . N . M c C o l l , 4TH B a t t a l i o n

When do you actually become an old soldier? ment in which I have at sometimes or another It used to be said that you were never an Old served in. It makes a formidable list. I have Soldier until you had served in India, but those served in nine units of the Regiment. They days (some will say, unfortunately) have gone. are: 1 Hertfordshire T.A., 1 Bedfordshire/ Hertfordshire, Depot Bedfordshire/Hertford­ I suppose that you are an Old Soldier, in shire, 1 Suffolk, 4 Suffolk T.A., 1 Royal Norfolk, your own opinion, when you have finished your 1 East Anglian, 1 Royal Leicesters, and 4 Royal recruits training, or when you get that first Anglian, and I have served under no less than magical stripe; or even when you have finished twenty Commanding Officers of those Units. your first seven days jankers— and that word (Does this make me the most Anglian of the seems to be fast disappearing! You might feel Royal Anglian?) an Old Soldier when you complete your first course away from your unit. You will certainly To be an old serving soldier today is a very feel that you are an Old Soldier when you good thing to be. You can look back on some complete you first stint of active service. And wonderful memories and marvellous times spent then there is that proud moment when you in the company of some stalwart friends. qualify for your “ roti-gong.” But there always Memories? Of Christmas 1940, when all the seem to be other soldiers knocking about your sang “ Oh, Johnnie, Oh ” when the C.O. Unit. came to the dining hall. The day that I knew, without doubt, that I A war-time trip to India in a very old was an Old Soldier, was the day that I met a trooper. retired Lieutenant-Colonel who was first com­ missioned when I was a Lance-Sergeant; and The row when some one robbed the safe at I am still serving! Brigade H.Q. in Ranchi. The Sergeants’ Mess caterer who smuggled I find it very hard to believe, when I look the “ hooch” out of the State of Bombay around my battalion, that I am the oldest man in it. It horrifies me, because I don’t feel old. camouflaged as “ ecclesiastical stores.” But it does make me think, sometimes very The glorious time we had in Bangalore when nostalgically, of some of the Units of the Regi­ we came out of Burma. 178 THE CASTLE

The day that we arrived in Dehra Dun, and Active Service in all parts of the world. And it snowed! travel such as we could never have imagined The V.J. rehearsal parties we had in the only a few years ago. In the course of one Sergeants’ Mess and in the wet canteen. month recently, I found myself in such places as Nice, Malta, Tripoli, Benghazi and even The time when we got our War Gratuities at Rome, all at Army expense! Kempston Barracks, and the Passing Out Parades with “ canned ” music. So, summing up, I don’t know when you The first post-war T.A. camp at Landguard actually become an Old Soldier now-a-days; I only know that I have lived a full and enjoyable Fort. Malaya 1950/53. Who amongst those who life in trying to become one— and I have still were there could ever forget that stupendous some nine years to do! Minden Day of 1951. Remember the bogus I might add, and it is no small thing, that Brigadier? And that moustachioed R.S.M. since August 1941 I have been married, so my being thrown fully clothed into the swimming wife perhaps, is also “ and old soldier,” and has pool at H.Q. Malaya! served with me on active service in Malaya Then 1953— glorious Trieste. and in Cyprus having joined me in 1950, and Memories of Germany and of Berlin. except for some very short periods due to the And even memories of a Sergeants’ Mess various moves of the Battalion, has served with accepting the freedom of Fingering Ho Camp! me continuously since then, successfully “ bringing up ” two children in the process. But memories after all are only memories. Strange, she never got a medal! But she, too, In addition to the memories, the Old Serving has enjoyed her Army life. Soldier of today takes part in the very exciting times being experienced by the Army of today. It’s not a bad life in the Army. Realistic exercises in England and overseas. P er pe tu u m M obile Exchange Officer U.S.A.

B y L t .-C o l . R . H . M e d l e y , R o y a l A n g l ia n R e g i m e n t

M y posting as an Exchange Officer to H.Q., how the craftsmen used to work. At the U.S. Army Continental Command, at Fortress armoury the local load and fire their Monroe, in Virginia, placed me within but a pieces, the printer pulps his paper, the silver­ few miles of the place of the original landings smith makes his cutlery. On the village green of the first English settlers at Jamestown, and a cricket match was in progress. On enquiry, the historic Yorktown battlefield. The settle­ it transpired that this was a serious match be­ ment at Jamestown is commemorated today by tween a British Commonwealth team from an exhibition, which includes actual size Washington down to play against William and replicas of the three ships in which the settlers Mary College. Cricket is becoming popular crossed the Atlantic. On seeing them, one is in parts of the States, so perhaps it will not be amazed that they even survived the English too long before a test team may visit England? Channel. Prominently displayed in a craft shop were The original party were decimated by a set of four prints of British Infantry in 18th disease, so it was not long before they moved century attire, and two of these depict officers inland to Williamsburg, to escape from the and men of the 44th and 48th Foot. malarial swamps alongside the early township. Only twelve miles away from Williamsburg This new town was to become the centre of is Yorktown, the scene of the defeat of British government as the colony expanded. Today Arms under Lord Cornwallis in 1781. The Colonial Williamsburg has been rebuilt and old British earthworks at Yorktown were reconstructed in the style of the 18th century, strengthened by the Confederates in the Civil and depicts life in America as it was prior to War. Now the battlefield area is a national and at the time of the War of Independence. park— old artillery pieces and mortars are on There is so much to see at Williamsburg that the ramparts. The Union Jack flies over the many visits are required to absorb all the British positions. A museum portrays the detail. We have been eight times so far, and actions leading up to the final British defeat at still have much to see. The people in the re­ — the end of an era— the beginning of a nation. constructed part of the town wear period The lists of regiments taking part reveals large costumes, depict the ancient trades, and explain numbers of Germans fighting for the British, t h e c a s t l e 179

Historic Ships on View. Moored at Jamestown Festival Park, Virginia, art full-size reconstructions of the " Susan Constant," “ Godspeed ” and “ Discovery," which brought Americas first permanent English settlors to Jamestown in 1607. Here visitors view them before going aboard the “ Susan Constant ’’ for a tour. These and other exhibits are offered by the State of Virginia all the year round. Photograph: Virginia Chamber of Commerce. and equally large number* of French on the ampton, , Gloucester, Warwick and American side. This explained the comment countless others, as a perpetual monument to when I first announced my intention of visiting those early settlers. The Commonwealth of Yorktown by one of my American friends: Virginia, more than any other State, provides “ Oh that’s where the French defeated the the English visitor with the best possible back­ Germans.” Strange in some ways that the final drop to American history. I hope to be able debacle should take place within a few miles to continue my studies during the rest of my of the first landings of 174 years before. Yet, stay here. on reflection, not so strange, as this land held the very core of those who had left England to seek more freedom and independence. The events which led to taking separate paths are now history. To the Americans this was the step forward, the time when the grown child OUR ADVERTISERS set forth on hit own. The Commonwealth of Virginia is very proud Would readers very kindly mention of its ancient traditions, and its links with the Home Country are treasured and well loved. " The Castle " when purchasing from Annually, the early landings are commemor­ ated formally, and revered for their achieve­ or communicating with the firms who ments. The link with England is a close one, advertise in these pages. and the bonds are remembered with pride and affection today. Virginia is a state of nostalgia, with names like Richmond, Norfolk, South­ 18o THE CASTLE

ME FINGER DONE GO

B y L ie u t .-C o lo n el H. H. M o o r e , R o yal A n g l ia n R e g im e n t

“ Another cup of tea, dear?” “ Yes, please,” person would imagine the radio could work I said, as I watched the Moa river gurgle past from that tree! You may, of course, have & the sitting room window and noted the forma­ C.O. (white or black) who doesn’t believe in tion of white egrets beginning their evening devils; but he probably doesn’t climb trees flight up river. As rivers go in Africa, this one either, so how can he know? He may be the is small, just about 150 yards wide at Daru. type that demands his sitreps on time when The few crocodiles left there are well behaved you’re in the bush and will only misunder­ and our main problem was the “ devil that stand you if you explain its non-arrival by lived on the railway bridge.” However, it was saying that it has gone to the devil. still daylight. My C.O. was three hundred My wife always follows the drum, and once miles away, in Freetown, with the rest of the she found herself commanding the barracks. It Battalion, and the radio linking us had closed happened this way. The Battalion was three down for the day. hundred miles away and stretched to the limit There was a quiet tap on the door and Koin- on internal security commitments. My Com­ kordhu, our steward, walked softly in leading pany was in barracks north of the Male river a rather frightened-looking youth. “ Sah,” said and contented with its peaceful role, when our Koinkordhu, “ his finger done go,’’ and grinned peace was rudely shattered by our being ordered widely. The youth, who was one of our grass- up-country to a place about eighty miles away. cutters, had his left hand tucked into his skirt. Lots of feverish activity. The C.O. flew in for With his right hand he passed me a piece of twenty minutes and gave me orders. No time dirty cloth, roughly rolled. I took it on my for any questions. lap, put down my tea cup and unfolded the We were to leave the next morning at six. cloth. Inside was one black finger neatly One officer was to stay behind and run the severed. My wife by this time was examining camp. This chap had a date the night before the stump on the left hand, which the lad with one of the very few unattached white girls had choppered with his langa-langa. This is in the area. She lived a mere ten miles away. a crude, home-made knife, about 2ft. long. The road was tolerably good, but either covered Well, one has to do something in such situa­ in dust or mud, several inches deep, depending tions, so we gave the boy a cup of tea. on the season. There was a bridge at one point In the Camp M.I. Room there was a case where a really bad devil lived, who repeatedly of instruments for just such occasions as this, wrecked motor cars and lorries at the site. It but no anaesthetic. One shuddered at the wasn’t difficult for the devil to do this, as the thought of surgery. It was bad enough dealing road bent sharply and there were no sides with snake bites. We had nothing, however, to the bridge at all. As soon as this young to deal with devils and they were the real officer had taken his girl home, this devil problem. Perhaps we had better prepare for hopped into the cab of the (fortunately) bor­ surgery and give the boy a large brandy. rowed Land Rover and pushed him straight We were saved by the arrival of little Sgt. into the river when they reached the bridge. Thomas, our smiling medical orderly, bringing The officer went to hospital, and that’s how with him a real live missionary doctor who my wife commanded a barracks for a week. wanted tea and a swim. The doctor very soon “ Don’t worry,” I said, “ you can always get did a neat bit of sawing and stitching and me on the radio.” I am told that tattoo, roll- put the boy to bed. I still had the dirty cloth call, lights out, etc., went on just the same, and and the severed finger and it seemed sad to that was very well executed. chuck it into the river. The boy was back at Even the “ in-tray ” was empty on my return. work next day looking as happy as ever. The funniest thing I remember during my There is no point in going “ bush-whacking ” tour in Sierra Leone occurred about a week unless you are prepared to come to terms with after the country became independent of devils. These beastly creatures never read the Britain. In the company of a rather serious- Secondment Manual and they have a total dis­ minded official, I called on a chief living in a regard for the British Army way of doing remote village. We arrived to find that the things. What is easier than telling a soldier Union Jack was still flying from the village to climb a tree to hang the radio antenna? It flag pole. “ Where’s that fine new flag?’’ may be the only tree you have; but if a devil stormed the official. The chief, sitting crossed- gets there first the soldier will explain to you, legged on the floor, blinked and said mildly : with grave patience, that only a very stupid “ We like dis colour de best.” / THE CASTLE 181

A Visit to the El Alamein War Cemetery

B y L t .-C o l . C . A . B r o o k s, O.B.E., T.D., D.L.

Calling at Alexandria on a cruise, I decided Remembrance and the Cross bearing its Sword, to try and visit El Alamein, where the fallen of which are a feature of all British War 2nd/5th Bn. The Essex Regiment who died Cemeteries. Passing through these arches, the at Deir el Shein on July I, 1942, lie buried or atmosphere is much as in every war cemetery; are commemorated. one of beauty and peace. There is the cloisters Immediately on docking, I hired a car with with the names of the thousands who have an English-speaking driver and set off on the no known grave, and there are the serried rows 65-mile journey by the coast road bordering of silent headstones, all so well tended. But the desert. there expectation ends for, though walled in, it is all part of the desert, gaum and bare, After about two hours the gaunt water towers maintained free from scrub and with a few and squat buildings of El Alamein Station came flowering plants spaced out among the graves. into sight. The road rose a little higher to­ They are tended and watered with care by wards a few houses. A memorial stone was the staff, but are obviously struggling hard to passed and the driver pulled up where a survive in the harsh climate. Even though smoothed path to the south led down between care and memories bring peace to this hallowed agaves to the Cemetery, which blends so well spot, it still remains, and should remain, a into the landscape with its walls of local stone, part of the desert where they fought and fell. that I had not noticed it before. Actually, Standing under the arches, such was my im­ where the road is nearest, it has dropped out pression, but then wandering forward to ex­ of sight. On walking the 150 yards or so down plore the cloister, which, by reason of the fact the slope to the entrance, there lay the desert that at the entrance it has been set back, pre­ stretching away to the skyline, where the low vents a view along its whole length, I suddenly Ruweisat Ridge lies some seven miles off. Deir saw, stretching to right and left from its ends, el Shein, which is a depression, of course, was vistas of lawns and flowering shrubs trained not discernable, but vivid memories flooded on the walls leading to small arbours, each with back into my mind. a shady seat. I chose the western one in which Through the three arches which form an to sit and contemplate whilst I consumed a impressive entrance, I could see the Stone of few sandwiches. Green lawn, flowering shrubs

The Alamein Cemetery as seen from the Memorial. THE CASTLE on the wall; even some rose bushes— bare, but so it was not possible to check that all names putting out new shoots— and sparrows with of the Regiment were recorded. other small birds hopping about. Truly a After taking some photographs and one last miracle and a fitting one to conjure up a vision look round, I walked a few hundred yards of England and home. direct across the desert to the “ Rest-House,” But the backcloth to this vision— this tiny where I shared a large beer with my driver, vision— remains the desert; the desert among who was partaking of a meal. I had been the graves and beyond the walls, stretching over two hours at the Cemetery and he was down to El Alamein Station and away to the hungry. Through the large windows there was far horizon. Whilst I sat, a growing roar and a splendid view down to the sea and along the streamer of dust heralded the approach of a coast to the west, where the German and train from the east, which halted at the station. Italian Memorials were visible a few miles off. After a short interval another arrived from the As we left on our drive back, I stopped at west, and in due course they departed again the Memorial stone by the road which had on their journeys. Further memories flooded caught my eye just before reaching the path into my mind of that day in late June, 1942, to the Cemetery, and found that it bore a when 2nd/5th Essex detrained at that very simple inscription in English and Afrikaans, spot. recording that on their trek to Germany in 1939-45 the South Africans passed this way. The time for contemplation had passed and I took a last look out towards Deir el Shein I checked the registers and found the few and recalled that Von Mellenthin, the German graves and the larger number of names in the Panzer Commander, wrote of it : “ On the after­ cloister. It was not surprising to me that so noon of July 1, the Afrika Korps broke into few of the fallen had been found. Under the Box and after very severe fighting, destroyed conditions of the battle it was impossible to 18 Indian Brigade. But we lost eighteen tanks mark their immediate resting places, and no out of fifty-five, and the fighting edge of the systematic search of Deir el Shein could have Afrika Korps was finally blunted . . . Looking taken place for several months. T h e names at the battle in retrospect, it seems that our on the cloister wall are arranged in panels by prospects of victory were hopelessly prejudiced Regiments, so all those of The Essex Regiment on July 1 . . . ” With this warm tribute In were all together. my mind to all those of 2nd/5th Essex com­ There were two or three names on my list memorated there, I said farewell to El Alamein. of 2nd/5th casualties which I was unable to By the time I reached Alexandria the sun discover and which must be taken up with the had gone and the lights were coming on. I Commonwealth War Graves Commission, but returned to the ship with a sense of satisfaction apart from this, all was in good order. I had no at having made the pilgrimage and in what I lists with me of the fallen of other Battalions, had found.

RANGER ’65 May 6 to July 16

B y L t . D . M . F . G o o dale, 2 n d B attalio n

There were three of us— Capt. John Wilsey, reservation itself covers some 200 square miles. from The Devon and Regiment; Sgt. As Allied Students, we came under the Allied Wilson, from The , and myself. Liaison Section, which was responsible for all Our flight to America and subsequently to Fort our administration during out twelve-week stay. Benning, Georgia, was uneventful but rapid, There are a large number of Allied Students with an overnight stop in Washington for on post— mostly South Vietnamese, but we were briefing and documentation by the British all extremely well looked after by the A.L.S. Army Staff. staff, who were also very adept at dealing with Fort Benning is the home of the U.S. the problems that inevitably crop up when one Infantry, in fact their Infantry School. Un­ is in a foreign country. like us, they have centralised all their wings Two days after our arrival at Fort Benning into one vast school. Here, all O .C.S., basic, and after a fearsome medical test, the fateful signals, airborne, ranger and support weapons morning arrived when the bus from the Ranger training is carried out. On post there are some Department came to pick up three British, four 150,000 soldiers and dependants, and the Canadians, one Turk, two Malaysians, one THE CASTLE 183

Philippine and two Thais. At that moment we quite a number who decided either for physical forgot our nationality and rank and became or other reasons that this was not the life for members of the 1st Ranger Company. We were them. Of the 170 who enrolled on the course now Rangers! 110 graduated at the end. The U.S. Army Rangers have had a varied After ten days of this hell, we all marched and chequered life. Originally formed during up to Camp Darby, some eight miles from the Second World War and trained by British Main Post, but still on the Reservation, where Commandos in Scotland, they performed we were introduced to patrolling— “ Ranger gallantly in North Africa, Normandy and Style.” Here was our first introduction to the Burma. Most of them were disbanded after Georgian countryside of scrub oak, slashed the war, and it was not until the outbreak of pine, swamp and impenetrable scrub of palmeta, the Korean War that regular training of wait-a-minute vines and ty-ty bushes. We were Rangers started up again— this time at Fort also introduced to the grading system, which Benning. was to hang over our heads for the whole of They were organised into companies and the course. were to be used for intensive patrolling opera­ The course is intensely competitive, and tions behind enemy lines. Unfortunately, whilst we co-operated together, there was no infantry commanders considered Ranger units doubt that everybody wanted to be number one. assigned to their units as supermen and used Throughout the course we were graded on them as ordinary infantry, expecting them to everything we did in public and private. Re­ hold or attack a front normally held by a ports were written by both the staff and your battalion or more. As a result, they were buddy at the end of each phase. You were massacred, and so it was decided to disband also graded on the patrols you led and given all regular Ranger units and concentrate on bonus points for any outstanding work, for training individuals who could go back and example, carrying a machine-gun for three train their own men, thereby making it possible days or for good compass work! At the end for the unit to carry out Ranger-type opera­ the Ranger with the most points became Hon­ tions. This is how it is today. ours Graduate. The Ranger-trained soldier is held in very Camp Darby lasted for a further ten days, high respect by the U.S. Army. After the nine- and, having mastered patrolling, “ Ranger - week course he is considered to be an expert style,” we marched back to Fort Benning, in conducting Commando-type raids and those where we completed the second of two con­ operations for which our own Special Air Ser­ fidence tests, which are prerequisites for gradua­ vice is trained. He is, in American eyes, the tion. complete professional soldier, and ranks second The first was a suspension traverse of some only to the Airborne Forces and perhaps the 75ft., which proved no great difficulty. The Special Forces who, since the death of President second was slightly more complicated, consist­ Kennedy, and now, during the Johnson ad­ ing of a climb of 35ft. up a pole, a walk along ministration, have found official enthusiasm a six-inch wide plank, then a monkey-crawl waning somewhat. along a rope and request permission to drop The Ranger course lasts for nine weeks and into the water 50ft. below. No one “ funked” is divided up into three equal phases. Phase these obstacles and, with a certain amount of 1 is conducted at Fort Benning, Phase I I at gritting of teeth and the Ranger “ growl,” they Dahlonega, Northern Georgia, and Phase I I I can be crossed without much trouble. The at Eglin Air Force Base, Florida. Ranger “ growl,” incidentally, is part of you for Phase I is considered the weeding-out period. nine weeks, you growl everywhere you go and A large number of officers and men on the whatever you do. It is supposed to promote course have come straight from O.C.S. or basic esprit and give you some sort of “ Dutch training and have limited or no com­ courage,” but, in fact, it gives you an in­ mand experience. For the first ten days we credibly sore throat and makes you feel rather went through pure unadulterated hell, or stupid. “ harassment ” as the Americans call it. Physic­ This marked the end of the first phase and ally and mentally it was shattering, with little or we were let out on the town for one night no sleep, regular early morning P.T. periods, before travelling up to Dahlonega and the periods of up to two hours at a time in the Mountain Ranger Camp. Dahlonega is situated unarmed combat pit and constant shouting and in the mountainous region of Northern kit inspections from the staff. We had little or Georgia. The mountains are not very high, no time to ourselves and any free moments rising only to about 4,000ft. The main terrain we did have were spent in a deep sleep. feature is the Tenessee Valley Divide. The This treatment was designed for those who initials “ T.V.D.” are engraved on every really wanted to be Rangers and there were Ranger’s heart. 184 THE CASTLE

The training at Mountain Ranger Camp that it is difficult to make fair comparisons. introduced us to long-range patrols and a What suits them obviously does not suit us. I certain amount of anti-guerilla warfare. The do think that the Ranger Course is over­ “ harassment ” ceased, but in order to simulate rated by the Americans, and any fit, “ on the combat conditions, patrols lasted three to four ball ” British officer or N.C.O. could get days, with perhaps six or seven hours’ rest through the course without much trouble, pro­ before going out again. Also during this period vided he was carefully briefed on what to expect we were introduced to military mountaineering beforehand. This is most important, since the techniques which entailed five days’ very “ harassment ” at Fort Benning is “ something interesting work in rock climbing, abseiling and else,” as the Americans say. As one British casualty evacuation from mountains. The in­ N.C.O., who had been on the staff at Col­ structors during this phase were quite excellent, chester M.C.T.C., said: “ We don’t even treat some of the best I have ever met. the prisoners like this.” Above all, one must By now we were getting to know each other not lose one’s sense of humour. fairly well, and I made a number of firm The training we received was good, and I friends. More than ever we had to rely on personally learnt a great deal, especially on the each other during this three-week period be­ survival side. It differed little from our own cause of the extreme tiredness which the patrolling techniques. One point that the staff majority of us had never experienced before, tried to hammer home was that Rangers do and the exacting schedule that the staff planned not need rest and sleep, and therefore is bottom for us. priority when planning a mission. All students The three weeks went quickly, and we were took great delight in proving them wrong. soon on our way back to Fort Benning for an­ We spent a further two weeks at Fort Benn­ other night of abandon before leaving the next ing as guests of the American Army, and man­ day for Eglin Air Force Base and the Florida aged to meet people and see normal training Ranger Camp on the Gulf of Mexico. without the restrictions of Ranger School. Eglin A.F.B. is the largest base in the world We spent about ten days visiting an Infantry and is engaged mostly in development work. It Battalion and an A.P.C. Battalion, which were is covered for the most part by cyprus and part of the Demonstration Brigade permanently savannah swamps, both of which we were to based at the School. Everybody, from the know intimately by the end of three weeks. Colonel downwards, made us extremely wel­ The final phase of the course was taken up come and gave us a free rein to see anything by swamp operations, seaborne raids and anti­ we liked. The mind boggles at the amount of guerilla work. Here we spent three or four equipment that an Infantry Battalion carries days waist-deep in stinking slime, making eyes into the field. In Battalion T A C H.Q. alone at rattlesnakes and alligators, who were just there are three vast teleprinters. as frightened of us as we were of them. Perhaps the biggest difference between our Perhaps the most interesting part of this two armies is in the question of unit morale. phase was the survival training. Here we were Most American officers we met, especially those taught how to live off the land, catch and who had come into contact with British units, cook snakes, racoons, opossums and other such felt that the lack of the regimental system made delicacies. The climax to this was a superb it difficult to build a really good unit morale. meal called a “ Survival Banquet,” which con­ It must also be remembered that the majority sisted entirely of food found in the Eglin area. of the U.S. Army is conscripted and is not held Fried rattlesnake and alligator, oysters, dogfish, in such high regard by the rest of the com­ crabs, roast hog, and salad from assorted weeds. munity as is the British Army. This was one of the best meals we had during Before we left Fort Benning we had an the course. This is no reflection on the mess- opportunity of visiting the famed 1st during our stay; by and large, the few times (Air Mobile) Division. A large number of its that we did spend in camp the food was plenti­ platoon commanders had been on the Ranger ful and varied. course with us. They were destined for Suddenly, it was all over— one moment we Vietnam and were packing up ready to go. were in a swamp and the next walking up to It was a most impressive unit and we spent a the dais to receive the Ranger tab from the wonderful day flying in helicopters of all shapes Assistant Commandant of the Infantry School. and sizes, firing the new Armalite Rifle, and As we came back we passed the Fort Benning finally saying goodbye to a large number of Ranger Camp and saw the next Ranger Class friends who had undergone the rigours of hard at it in the unarmed combat pit. I thought Ranger training with us and who were soon to myself “thank God it’s all over.” to put it into practice. Those are the facts. What about impressions? Thus our stay at Fort Benning came to an First, the American Army is so different to ours end. By a fantastic stroke of luck one of our THE CASTLE 185

Ranger buddies asked John Wilsey and myself if we would mind driving his Austin Healey 3,000 miles across the States to his home in Acknowledgement San Francisco. “ Not at all,” we said! The Editor thanks all those who have sub­ This was a wonderful trip, with visits to New mitted articles for inclusion in The Castle. Orleans, Dallas, the Grand Canyon, two fabu­ lous night in Las Vegas (it’s what everybody It has proved impossible to include them all says about it, and more, much more) and then but it is hoped to publish more of them in on the Los Angeles for stops at Disneyland and a film studio. On then to San Francisco and subsequent issues. a couple of brushes with the law— a slight dis­ Further contributions will be gratefully agreement over what constituted the speed limit! The car stood up to the trip extremely received. well, considering the distance of some 3,000 Two typed double spaced copies should be miles was covered in 10 days. submitted. We stayed two days in San Francisco, taking in the Golden Gates, Alcatraz Prison Island, a large hotel and sundry night clubs, and then hitched a lift with the Military Air Transport • Would subscribers report their change of Service to Washington D.C. address as soon as possible to the Secretary After a few days in Canada, visiting rela­ concerned so that their journals can be tions, I arrived back in England at the end of addressed correctly. fourteen action-packed weeks. I made a lot of friends and learnt a great deal. I strongly • All articles and notes for: the May number recommend anyone who has a chance to go on an exchange or just a visit to a U.S. Army of The Journal should be sent to the Editor unit in U.K. or Germany. by not later than March 15, 1966.

IS THE PICTORIAL HISTORY OF THE REGIMENT UP TO DATE?

We can commission first-class artists to depict the Regiment’s actions in the last war, its overseas service since and other momentous occasions, so that future generations may visualise the life of the Regiment in our time. If your existing collection needs restoration, our expert restorers are at your service. Our large and ever changing stock of military prints, paintings, curios may contain some items of particular interest to your Regiment.

THE PARKER GALLERY

2 ALBEM ARLE STREET, f o u n d e d Art officer o f the 17th Regiment of Foot 1800. PICCADILLY, LONDON, W.1 N ow the 4th Leicestershire Battalion Royal Telephone: GROsvenor 5906/7 Anglian Regiment.

O u r latest military catalogue is note available

B 981

(Back rote): Copt. (Retd.) F. Turnbull, Lt. J. A. Verity, Lt. T. H. English, Lt. J. R. Elder, Lt. B. Prosser, Colonel (Retd.) J. F. Wilkins, Major (Retd.) M. G. Eliot, M.B&. (Middle row): Major (QJA.) C. E. Heuard, Lt. P. B. Light, Lt. J. B. Winkley, Capt. P. W. Edwards, Capt.J. Robinette, Lt. N. S. Wright, Lt. T. H. Hutley, La. R. W. Fry, Major J. C. M. Bullen, (From row): Major G. N. Dean, Major P. G. B. Cobbold, Major W. K. Pool, Brigadier R. H. L. Oulton, C B E ., Lt.-Col. H. VP. Clark, Her Royal Highness The Duchess of Gloucester, Colonel J. C. Dermy, O.B.E., M.C., Mrs. Barbara Holland (Lady-in-Waiting), Capt. A. R. A. Veitch, Major A. B. Honex, M.C., Major P. P. Young. THE CASTLE 187

Regimental Headquarters and The Depot

The Regimental Depot was honoured by a the first day of term. A week later seven visit from our Deputy Colonel-in-Chief. Her Juniors were transferred to the Junior Trades­ Royal Highness The Duchess of Gloucester, on men’s Regiment at Rhyl for training as clerks July 22. Her Royal Highness arrived by a heli­ or driver/operators. copter of the Queen’s Flight at 12 o’clock. She A new system of handling new intakes to the was received by Brigadier R. H. L. Oulton, C.B., J.S.W., to ensure correct “ streaming,” has Deputy Colonel of the 2nd Battalion, on behalf resulted in the addition to the J.S.W. staff of of the Colonel of The Regiment. After intro­ Sgt. Knowles. ductions to the Regimental Colonel, Mrs. Denny The Depot was sorry to say farewell to Mr. and the Commanding Officer of the Depot, she Smyth, Bandmaster here since 1960, who has was presented with a bouquet by seven-year-old retired to Stanford. T o him and Mrs. Smyth Julie Clark, the Commanding Officer’s daughter. we wish the best of luck. Mr. Smyth has been Her Royal Highness was then introduced to replaced as Regimental Bandmaster by Mr. Officers, Warrant Officers and their wives before Blackburn, who, with his wife and family, we being conducted to the Sergeants’ Mess. Here offer our welcome. she talked informally to members of the Mess. During the summer term both the Band and Her Royal Highness then took lunch in the Drums were kept very busy on parades and Officers’ Mess. Unfortunately, space in the other duties and reached a creditable standard. Mess precluded Officers’ wives from this. Apart from the many passing-out parades, they After lunch, group photographs were taken of were proud to be able to play alongside the Her Royal Highness with Officers and Regular Bands at the Beating of Retreat in July. Sergeants. Her Royal Highness then departed The Junior Bandsmen played at a guest night for another engagement at Felixstowe. in the Officers’ Mess, after which the Com­ The Regimental Week-end was held in the manding Officers of the Regular Battalions were Depot on July 17/18 and prior to and during able to meet their future Bandsmen. this the Depot staff and facilities were, as usual, Mention must be made of J/Bdsm. Cooke fully stretched. and Paulley, who gained distinctions in their Training of recruits at the Depot has con­ senior music tests. tinued apace, although are slightly The Junior Band and Drums paraded for our smaller than last year, due to a slight slowing Colonel-in-Chief, Her Majesty The Queen down in the recruiting rate. Mother, at Watford, in June on the occasion of The G.P.M.G. has now replaced the Bren in the opening of the new T.A. Centre there. the training syllabus, although we are still short Shortly after this the Wing provided a contin­ of the new weapon. This results in the weapons gent to visit Northampton in order that the being constantly in use. Regiment should be represented when Her During week-ends the camp at Buckenden Majesty The Queen paid her visit to North­ Ferry has proved popular and a number of ampton. Members of the Wing, mostly Junior soldiers prefer a week-end on the Broads to Privates, helped to line the route outside the going home. Guildhall. As a reward for the hard work of A number of changes in Depot staff have the term a party of Junior Soldiers visited the taken place. Notable among these are Major Royal Tournament. Young’s departure for Borneo, Sgt. Stoves’ Command of the Junior Privates Platoon has (A.P.T.C.) departure to the 4th Battalion, Sgt. now devolved on Lt. English, who has replaced Leatherland, Sgt. Sainsbury, C/Sgt. Childs and Lt. Hutley. We extend our good wishes to Mr. Cpls. Wadlow, Taylor and Groom; we wish and Mrs. Hutley, who have now joined the 4th them all luck in their new stations. Battalion. We also welcome Sgt. Everitt as The Junior Soldiers’ Wing has been stirred Platoon Sergeant, who has replaced Sgt. Tucker. by an intake of 36 new Juniors in September. A number of Juniors have left and a number This brought the Wing strength up to 116 on joined, but the Platoon goes on, we hope, for 188 THE CASTLE

H.M. Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother inspecting the Corps of Drums of the Junior Soldiers Wing, at Watford, 3rd July, 1965. ever. The Junior Privates are frequently called Such are the problems of Depot cricket. on to represent the Regiment as a body of A disappointing feature of the cricket season troops. In recent months the route lining at was the lack of Officers from the Regiment for Northampton, the participation in the Battle of the Regimental Week-end fixtures. We are Britain parade, and more recently the provision grateful to Major David Thorne and Capt. of a Guard of Honour at the Nurse Edith Cavell Lewis, who did us very well, but the Week-end memorial service at Norwich Cathedral. In fixtures are Regimental and not Depot ones, such ways does the Wing play its part in the and the Depot side is not strong enough to large Regiment and we are proud to be able to compete against Ampton or represent the regiment throughout the counties. . We hope that next year we will be Junior Soldiers’ camp was once again held in able to produce a strong Regimental team to Cumberland at the end of summer term. avenge this year’s defeats. On the sporting side, the Depot cricket team Visitors to the Officers’ Mess in recent had an enjoyable though not very successful months will have noticed that the alterations season. Up to August we had failed to win a have now been completed. The porchway match, but then came three resounding victories, planned early in the year was completed by including two against R.A.F. Honnington and July and is a great improvement. Among our R.A.F. Stradishall, both of whom had defeated visitors to the Mess for Passing-Out Parades us earlier in the season. are included the Lord Mayor of Leicester, the There were some outstanding individual per­ Mayor of Bury St. Edmunds, the Mayor of formances, notably Capt. Veitch’s century Cambridge, the Mayor of Sudbury and the against 8 Infantry Workshops; Capt. Parker, Mayor of Southwold on the civilian side. Cpl. Warrington and Pte. Boughton also had a Military Inspecting Officers have included our good season. We had a fortunate spell in G.O.C., Major-General F. A. H. Ling, Colonel August when Capt. Bowling, R.A.D.C., was Atkinson, A.I.O. Cambridge, Lt.-Col. Barstow attached for a short time. He had played for and Lt.-Col. Howgego. We welcome the oppor­ Lancashire 2nd XI, so was welcomed to the tunity of entertaining civiliandignitaries on these side. Major Pool captained the side throughout occasions, since in doing so we are able to main­ the season and others who played regularly were tain the Regimental link with the distant Capt. Hiney, Capt. Veitch, Lts. Varley, Hutley counties and thus, we hope, assist recruiting. and Light and Cpl. Tidman. The rest of the Readers may be interested to know that team was made up of recruits under training. planning of Blenheim Barracks, Bamham, is now THE CASTLE 189 well under way. It is still in the planning stage The Wives’ Club now meets twice a month and it will be a year or so before any activity in a thrift shop which we hope will be better is seen on the ground. A conservative estimated patronised than the evening meetings of last completion date would be 1969. In the mean­ year. They have set their sights at raising money while we are grateful to the M.P.B.W. who con­ for the Regimental Benevolent Fund, a worthy tinue to maintain and improve the present cause. We hope that more and more of our barracks. Next year we expect to sec a large wives will attend our meetings. number of huts lined with false ceilings and the change to strip lighting. The coal stoves, un­ happily, will remain. The Sergeants’ Mess, like the rest of the Depot has suffered the turbulance of member­ ship so common these days. Departures have been already mentioned. Mr. Blackburn, C.S.M.I Tarpley (A.P.T.C.), Sgts. Hansley, Wright, White, Ball and Knowles have joined. Many pleasant social evenings organised by Q.M.S.I. Wight, S.A.S.C., have been held, and the Suffolk Constabulary, off-duty, are frequent guests. Finally, no notes are complete without men­ tion our loving and faithful wives. Last winter we formed a ladies’ shooting club which, in com- petitition with Wives’ Clubs from seven other Depots, ended the season in second place. Shooting has again started this season and we look forward to many enjoyable Wednesday evenings. Mrs. Wright has started the season well with a “ ton ” and several others are showing good form. 190 THE CASTLE

1 s t (Norfolk and Suffolk) Battalion The Royal Anglian Regiment

BATTALION REVIEW men got out and ran off. The officer managed During the period, The Battalion has been to apprehend the driver and despite a hostile fully committed by day and night on I.S. duties crowd detained him until assistance was fetched in Aden State. The only break was a three week by his driver, Pte. Richardson. The car proved tour of duty in the Radfan from July 28 to to be that used by the grenade throwers and the August 22. arrest of the driver later led to the arrest of Operation requirements have been heavy and the other terrorists. This event led to the first at the best men have only been able to have significant break through into the N L F one night in four off duty. Therefore, spare organisation. time has been spent in catching up on sleep The Battalion’s sixth and last tour in the rather than indulging in sporting and social Radfan was from July 28 to August 22. Initially, activities. Battalion H.Q., and “A” and “ B ” Companies Despite long hours on routine IS duties we occupied Sapper camp in Habilayn. “ C ” Com­ have had our rewards. The major one being pany was in the Danaba Basin; Company H.Q. the arrest of four terrorists after a grenade and two platoons being at Monks Field and a attack on the Seamens’ Mission. On June 19 platoon each at and Piccadilly (H.10). and officer was returning from visiting guards in Tasks were very much as usual, area proscrip­ Steamer Point, when he heard two grenades ex­ tion in 'the Danaba Basin and the provision of plode in the area of the Seamen’s Mission. a large number of ambush patrols to protect our Seconds later, as he approached the Mission in camps and roads by night. For the first time his vehicle, he saw a car move slowly away from since June 1964 we had a reserve company which it and two men run out and get into it. Ordering operated from Habilayn south, down the Dhala his driver to give chase they followed the car Road to Nowbat Dukaym. into the back streets of Tawahi. After a chase Minden Day was celebrated in the field. “ C ” round several blocks, the car stopped and three Company began the day by releasing red and

C.-in-C. talking to men of “ C ” Company during his farewell visit. THE CASTLE 191

Representative Party after Memorial Service at Maalla Cemetery. Left to right ' R.S.M. Hazelwood, Lt.-Col. Creasey, Major Palmer, Capt. Barnes, Rev. W. J. Stanley.

yellow smoke from Coca Cola, a dominating Special Branch Officer and of the Legislative feature near Monks Field, which could be seen Council Speaker, a dusk to dawn curfew was throughout the Battalion area. Minden Roses imposed on September 2. This placed a greater were worn by all ranks all day, much to the load on the Battalion, which was fully com­ amazement of the local Arabs. The day ended mitted day and night. This was aggravated by with “ C ” Company firing red and yellow our movement to U.K. starting on September 8, pyrotechnics on Coca Cola. which mean that as our numbers grew smaller There were two attacks on our positions the already intense burden was increased. “ C ” during the tour. The first on August 3 when Company spent their last four days in Aden the Political Officer’s house and Sapper camp on continuous duty. were shot at with small arms and rockets. There The C.-in-C., Lieut.-General Sir Charles was a sharp fire-fight and the dissidents with­ Harington, K.C.B., C.B.E., D.S.O., M.C., and the drew, leaving behind an L M G barrel, some G.O.C., Major-General J. E. F. Willoughby, grenades and ammunition. It was later con­ C.B.E., paid formal visits to the Battalion on firmed that that three dissidents had been September 2 and 13 respectively. They both wounded and that two of them had subse­ spoke to a large number of men and congratu­ quently died of their wounds. lated us on a most successful tour and a job well The second occasion was on August 12 when done in South Arabia. The G.O.C. said that the “ B ” Company Platoon on Cap Badge was in his opinion he regarded us as having a know­ fired on. This attack was carried out at close ledge and experience of IS duties second to range by dissidents using L.M.G.s and rocket none. launchers. They withdrew when engaged by Before leaving Aden a memorial service was artillery fire from Monks Field. held in St. Martins in the Sands to com­ “ C ” Company carried out a four-day patrol memorate all those who were killed or died in support of the Political Officer in the Wadi during our tour in South Arabia. After the ser­ Taym going as far as Blairs Field. An account vice a representative party led by the Com­ of this appears elsewhere. manding Officer went to a Maalla Cemetery and On August 24 two days after our return from laid wreaths or flowers on all Battalion graves. the Radfan, the Band and Drums Beat Retreat We handed over operational command to the in Waterloo Barracks, to mark our departure 1st Battalion The Prince of Wales’ Own from the Command. A large number of guests Regiment of Yorkshire at 1200 hours on attended the ceremony and were entertained by September 21. the Battalion afterwards. We reassumed our IS tasks in Crater on OFFICERS’ MESS August 25 and continued until relieved by 1 Due to operational committments, social acti­ PWO on September 21. vities have been confined to occasional lunch This was a most intense period of operations, parties squeezed in between our Internal because as a result of the assassination., of a Security duties. 192 THE CASTLE

Berlin, and congratulations “ Sir ” on your forth­ coming promotion. We understand that some­ one has already tried to dispose of R.S.M. Fowler by hurling rocks at him whilst on a Cordon and Search operation — whoever was responsible was unsuccessful — welcome back after your sojourn with 4 R. Norfolk. We have recently returned from a trip up country which was celebrated by a Beating of the Retreat followed by a cocktail party and social which was attended by friends which Mess members have acquired since arriving in Aden. We sincerely hope that they all enjoyed themselves. Our celebration of Minden Day had to be a little premature as a direct result of the trip up country— but it did not prevent all who attended Capt. H. H. Norman, M.B.E., meets his son, 2/Lt. Norman, 45 Commando, R.M., at Habilayn. from enjoying the festivities. Our apologies to some Mess members who had to wear IS kit over their Mess dress? As usual our Master On July 3 we had a curry lunch for twelve Cook gave us an excellent buffet— thank you officers from H.M.S. Ark Royal who were en very much, John and all your cooks for all your route for the Far East. The G.O.C., Major- hard work. Not forgetting, of course, the General J. E. F. Willoughby, C.B.E., lunched in “ Grafters ” on the entertainments committee. the Mess on July 17 after conducting an IS Congratulations must be extended to C/Sgt. discussion period with officers of the Battalion. “ Bert ” High on his recent promotion to We also had the officers of the Crater Division, W.O.II. We understand that until he arrives Aden Police, to lunch on July 22. in Celle he has the unique title of Mogul. To mark the Battalion’s departure from Aden Farewells must be said to C.S.M . “ B ill” the Band and Drums Beat Retreat on August Holland on posting to 4 Royal Norfolk, S/Sgt. 24. This was followed by a large cocktail party “ T iffy” Ridout who is returning to R.E.M.E. held on the Mess patio and in the Mess garden. fold after many years with us, and Sgt. Rack- Principle guests included the G.O.C., A.O.C. ham who has left for civilian life. T o you all and the Commanders of Aden and 24 Brigades. we say “ Good Luck” for the future. This party went off very smoothly and the Mess We understand that C/Sgt. (Petrol Feet) staff are to be congratulated for their hard work Bates, B.E.M., did pay us a short visit but we which ensured the success of the occasion. aren’t quite sure whether or not he intended to The following have arrived during the stay— welcome back, John; another newcomer period: Arnold Palmer from the Army Air is Sgt. Sainsbury recently joined from the Depot, Corps and Peter Williamson on commissioning a happy stay to you both. from Cambridge University. As we close these notes our first flights have Departures have been Ken Lywood to an already left Aden and those that are left are appointment in U .K., Patrick Stone off as watching the flight plans in case of change. To A.D.C. to General Kendrew in . Bill quote the Beatles, ‘ It’s been a hard day’s night,’ and Deidre Deller to Washington, Frank and which just about sums up our tour in Aden. Priscilla Fleming to the Ministry of Defence, Anyone who has any ideas about setting up road Jimmy and Betty Hughes to 20 Armoured Bri­ blocks in East Anglia should ensure that they gade, Hugh Horrex has joined the staff at the have the right kit. — you never know where Depot, and Brian Copping has left for The East “ Sunray ” is. See you all in Celle. Anglian University.

SERGEAN TS’ MESS INTERNAL SECURITY IN ADEN To get our order of priorities right we must “ It is beyond the capacity of my policemen start off by saying a big welcome to R.S.M. I request the military take over! ” “ No 2 Rifle­ Fowler who has flown out to have a look round man — the man in the green turban — one before he takes over from R.S.M. Hazelwood. round fire! ” It all seemed so simple and By 'the time these notes are published the hand­ straightforward when we saw the film and over will be compete and both R.S.M.s firmly practised our drills in an icy December wind placed in their new jobs. To R.S.M. and Mrs. in Felixstowe in 1963. It didn’t seem all that Hazelwood we say all the very best of luck in different in Aden when we arrived — we still THE CASTLE v

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Telephone 51241 vi THE CASTLE THE CASTLE practised our drills but apart from one or two half-hearted cordon and searches nothing really really happened until the beginning of 1965 when the Egyptian-financed and inspired National Liberation from began to step up its terrorist activities in Aden. The Battalion really became involved heavily in IS in late January 65 and has gone on getting steadily more deeply committed until at the time of our departure here we are working at an intensity that no one thought possible six months ago. We have done everything envis­ aged in “ Keeping the Peace ” with the excep­ tion of dispersing a hostile crowd. Curfew, cordon and searches, road blocks and checks, foot and mobile security patrols, VP guards and so on have all been our task at one time or another. It would have to be an unusual IS task to catch the Battalion unawares now. The IS task in Aden grew from a one batta­ lion task which we discharged for eight weeks January/March 65, to a three-battalion task in September, 65. Aden naturally divides itself up into three areas— the old town of Crater, the new residential area and business section of Maalla and Steamer Point, and the military can­ tonment of Khormksar. T h e latter is a smallish area and is coupled with the entirely Arab township of Sheik Othman. Each battalion has Men of “ A” Company on a cordon in Crater. an area. As always in his sort of situation the initiative is in the hands of the terrorist, and the role of the security forces is one of prevention in bed by midnight and on duty at 0700 hours and reaction. Short of a 24-hour curfew and the next day for a further 24 hours. many more soldiers to enforce it, nothing can For most of the time the Battalion has been prevent the terrorists creating incidents and responsible for the Crater area of Aden. With doing their worst. This has taken the form of its rabbit warren of backstreets and a fringe of grenade throwing at mobile and foot patrols, modern buildings now occupied by service fami­ shooting at families’ flats with rocket launchers, lies at the eastern edge it is a terrorists’ paradise. blowing up the pipe Line with PE, sabotage of To go into the backstreets except for a specific government buildings and installations with purpose would be giving hostages to fortune and timed explosive devices and assassination of pro­ the terrorist has a ready-made hideaway there. minent officials and local police officers. Gener­ To keep this area quiet— and it has been quiet ally speaking the assassinations have been the more often than not— one company has been work of imported and specially trained gunmen deployed there each night with assault pioneers, who are obviously very efficient. The other mobile searchlight vehicles and mobile patrols tasks have been the work of poorly trained of the Recce Platoon to assist it. This force has local malcontents and have been added for maintained road blocks on the entrances to their bungling execution. In Aden the situation Crater, roof top OPs and foot patrols in the has been complicated by the lack of racial splits streets, and has mounted snap “ seal and search” in the population which could be exploited for operations on the likely approaches used by intelligence purposes, and the declared intention terrorists. A reserve has always been main­ of ending British rule in 1968. This last political tained to deal with the incidents that have act has made anyone who has to live or work in occurred. On top of this nightly programme, Aden after 1968 very wary about being thought daylight road blocks, vehicle checks, and mobile of as a “ friend " of the security forces. patrols by the Recce Platoon have been carried Against the background of poor intelligence, out. A second company has, as a rule, been lack of local assistance and with the initiative committed to guards, the third company has with the MLF the load on the security forces been what is jokingly referred to as “ reserve.” has been a heavy one. One night in bed in When a maior curfew has been ordered all three three is normal, and for long periods the “ night companies have been involved in one way or in bed ” has meant leaving duty at 2300 hours— another. 194 THE CASTLE

Statistics can prove anything but in the period even more so. The Wadi Salul provided the February - September of this year some 35,000 local political officer with one of his greatest Local Nationals have been searched at one time triumphs; when having fed a VIP visitor on or another; 8,000 vehicles checked and searched; frozen trout he persuaded him to bring his rod 13 cordon and searches have been carried out with him on his next visit, as the trout fishing and an incalculable number of hours spent on in the Wadi Salul is second to none. In spite guard. All this has yielded 12 grenades; 1 mine; of the bitterly cold nights in winter Mukayras 6 pistols and other odd items of intelligence is a haven in a troubled South Arabia and very value. It has caused a great deal of loss of sleep few soldiers leave there without wishing they and provided some very amusing moments. could stay longer. It is rarely an exciting and satisfying task and Aden has been no exception in this respect. A l M ilah However, the Battalion has earned high praise Approximately 40 miles north of Aden on the from all directions for its work here and always Dhala Road is the village of A1 Milah in the seems welcome wherever it goes. That and the foothills of the Radfan Mountains. An engineer continued safety of the Service and European camp was established there to grade and tarmac families in Aden must be our reward. various stretches of the road. As with any camp in this area it drew its share of dissident fire ON DETACHMENT IN SOUTH ARABIA and the Battalion periodically had to provide a Support Platoon to strengthen its defences. South Arabia is a great place for company and platoon detachments which are invariably The temperatures at Al Milah are extremely popular, being away from the immediate eyes high as the camp is at a low altitude and the of ‘ Big Brother ’ as they are. Generally speak­ surrounding features form a sun trap. It is also ing, such detachments are in isolated localities very dusty as the heavy engineer equipment has and any visitor must arrive by air giving due churned up the area. Support Platoons generally notice. The three most common detachments enjoyed their three weeks detachment there as for sub units are at Mukayras, A1 Milah and they were able to train realistically and fire Perim Island. operationally. “ C ” Company killed at least three dissidents on one such occasion. “ A” and “ C ” Companies used Al Milah as M uk ayras a base for operations while the Battalion was Approximately 100 miles to the north-east of operating in the Radfan during August 1965, Aden on the border between the Yemen and sending out virtually the whole Company each South Arabia, the mountains rise precipitously night on ambushes and either resting or to a plateau 8,000 feet above the arid desert and piqueting the Dhala Road by day. wadis below. The first thing the visitor from Aden notices is the crisp mountain air, fresh and invigorating after the enervating humidity P e r im I sl a n d of Aden. Another marked contrast is the At the southern end of the Red Sea and 97 genuine friendliness of the local inhabitants, miles west of Aden lies Perim Island. The the Audalis. Many years ago the Yemeni tribes island is within four miles of the Yemen and occupied the Mukayras plateau and it was the therefore Army and Armed police detachments British who had driven them out. Thereafter from Aden are stationed there. Dakotas fly in there has always been an excellent relationship three times a week with supplies for the ‘ locals ’ between the British and the Audalis. and the Army detachment. When the operational situation permits Although only three and a half miles long Mukayras is a first class training area, having a and two miles wide it has been an island of some good classification and field firing range close importance. At the end of the eighteenth century by. At present the camp is shot up periodically a British Force occupied the island to prevent by bands from across the border using all kinds the French Fleet sailing to attack India. They of weapons ranging from the rifle to the mortar did not stay long because of the lack of a water and even occasional self-propelled Russian supply. medium gun. This means that a large propor­ Water was soon made available when Perim tion of the detachment is always occupied became a coaling station in 1883. The advent of patrolling and in guarding the camp. oil burning ships brought the downfall of the Only a mile from the camp is the fertile Wadi coaling station and today all that remains are Salul where the soldiers are able to enjoy a the derelict buildings, a water distillation plant, Sunday afternoon stroll (in threes) and an hour which are still in use, and a graveyard. or so away along the dusty track is the famous The attraction of the place is not in the Thirra Pass where the view over the 3,ooo-foot island but in the sea around it. Here is some escarpment is breathtaking and the climb up of the best fishing in the world. Smaller fish THE CASTLE vii viii THE CASTLE THE CASTLE 195 are easily caught from the shore, even by be­ Ibdali Sheik who immediately gave information ginners, and the Baracuda and Tuna abound in of a dissident base some 7,0 0 0 metres from the deeper waters. Sharks, too, abound and Table Top and north of Blairs Field. This base unfortunately make swimming in the sandy bays was said to be occupied each evening and after dangerous. further discussion with the Political Officer an There is no doubt that Perim Island with its air strike was requested for that evening. This, few and friendly people is the most popular of however, was refused. In the meantime, platoon all detachments in South Arabia. strength patrols were sent out in daylight to Blairs Field and north and south of Table Top. OPERATION “ BOAT HOOK” At night ambushes were laid on the approaches to the Company Base. RADFAN The next day, a similar programme of patrols A u g u s t 1965 was carried out. As a result of more informa­ During the Radfan Operation April-June tion about the dissident base, the air strike was 1964, the area east of the Aden Dhala road was requested again. This time it was approved for occupied and area proscription enforced. In 17 .3 0 hours August 1 7 . 1 1 Platoon under Sgt. November 1964, after surrendering hostages and Finn was sent to Blairs Field during the after­ proclaiming loyalty to the Emir of Dhala, the noon in an attempt to draw fire and to locate tribes were allowed back, and the Army with­ the enemy position accurately. Capt. Ross, the drew to the present position in the Dhala Basin F.A.C., moved out to an operation position with and at Habilayn. his wireles sets carried on a camel, under cover When the tribes returned to their areas, of a heavy rainstorm. government sponsored rehabilitation began. At 17 .3 0 hours two Hunter aircraft carried This consisted of digging wells, supplying out a most spectacular and accurate strike with materials for the construction of catch­ rockets and cannon which lasted for half an ment dams in wadis, supply of tractors, hour. During the strike 11 Platoon withdrew and the building of schools in particular areas. from Blairs Field to Table Top. The scheme was administered by the Political That night the dissidents fired heavily on Officer at Habilayn, who because of the size of Blairs Field with L M G , rocket launchers and the area was only able to inspect progress an 8 1 mm mortar, presumably thinking that it occasionally. was still occupied. “ C ” Company had a grand­ Shortly after the Battalion’s arrival at stand view from their ambush positions around Habilayn in August, it appeared that dissident Table Top. activity in the Wadi Taym was increasing. The Company remained unmolested in the After a clash between a dissident gang and the area all day on August 18. A detachment of Ibdali Tribal Guard, the Political Officer Federal Guards arrived during the afternoon to decided that a military show of force was assist the Ibdali Tribal Guard in the event of required in the Wadi Taym, and the Battalion further dissident attack. was asked to carry this out. The Company set out for Habilayn that night, Operation “ Boathook” was the result and led by Ibdali guides to the top of the Rabwa “ C ” Company with an OP party from 67 Bty Gorge. The main reason for these guides was 19 Light Regiment R.A. and a Forward Air to avoid being shot up by friendly tribesmen. Controller was detailed for the task. The The Company arrived at Habilayn at 05.30 Political Officer with his Federal Guard escort hours on August 19 , weary, footsore, but in accompanied the Company Group. Because of good spirits having accomplished a worthwhile mining in the Taym the operation was carried task. out on foot and the Company carried 24 hours Operation “ Boathook ” showed that fit supply of ammunition, food and water. The acclimatised soldiers can carry out such tasks Support Platoon manpacked their 81 mm with the minimum warning. Twenty-four hour mortars and ammunition to provide immediate supplies can be carried easily and if local wells support should it be necessary. A daily heli­ are used the only requirement is for the re­ copter flight was allotted for re-supply of rations supply of rations and ammunition. A Support and ammunition. Water was to be obtained Platoon can carry its mortars— sufficient am­ from wells in the area. munition for emergencies. 12 Platoon are to be During the afternoon of Sunday, August 15, congratulated on their achievement and can the Company moved from Habilayn to the head claim to have carried their mortars further than of the Rabwa Gorge. They then laid up for the any other Support Platoon. night and moved into the Taym before first It is hoped that the operation by showing the light on the 16th, arriving at Table Top by flag to the resettled tribes has encouraged 09.00 hours. The Company base was established them to keep the peace and reassured them there, within range of the guns at Monks Field. that military assistance can be provided quickly T h e Company was warmly welcomed by the if it should be necessary. THE CASTLE 195 4th Battalion The Royal Norfolk Regiment (TA)

BATTALION REVIEW major prizes. We were pleased to have their This review covers the period from June- entries and hope next year that more will enter. September. Battalion Champion shot fo r I965 is Cpl. Activities in Territorial Units are always Banthorpe. taking place but the summer months are par­ Lt. P. Darley took a team of 12 men to ticularly active—T.A.E.R. to Germany— Bat­ Holland to compete in the N ijm egen Marches talion Camp— Nijmegen Marches— Rifle Meet­ in July. All, including the cy cle orderly (on ing— Band Camp— to mention but a few, all foot) completed the course a n d have returned interwoven around the routine Battalion with their medals. Our congratulations to them training programme. all, not forgetting C.S.M. Banthorpe who, The T.A.E.R. element of the Battalion had a deciding at the last minute to enter, still man­ very profitable fortnight in Germany with the aged to complete the course. N ext year it is 1st Bn. The Royal Warwickshire Fusiliers. hoped to send more teams to compete in this They were encamped in a Field Firing area and very worthwhile international event. were able to do some realistic training. They The Divisional Rifle m eeting has just taken returned fit and confident and by all account place, we were placed 3rd o u t 17 major units enjoyed themselves. competing. Individual successes were : The Battalion annual camp was held in Dib- 1. Individual Rifle: 2nd, (W .O./Sgt.) Sgt. gate area, Folkestone, this year. Our members Slaughter. were somewhat depleted owing to the separate 2. Young Soldier Com petition: 2nd, 2/Lt. camps for the T.A.E.R. and Band. Nevertheless Shepheard, O/Cdt. Springfield, Pte. Walker, the camp at Dibgate was a success. A great deal Pte. G. Mason. of live firing including support weapons was 3. L.M.G. Pairs (Reg. P .S .): 1st, W .O.II carried out, emphasis throughout was on indi­ Hiscock, Sgt. Cocksedge; 2nd, 'W.O.II Bullock, vidual training. At the end of the last week C/Sgt. Bullock. Exercise “ Checkmate” provided the Battalion 4. LM.G. Team, ‘ Essex County Shield ’ : with an opportunity to pursue subversive W.O.II Hiscock, W.O.II Pillar, Sgt. Cocksedge, elements across the pleasant fields and woods of Cpl. Turvey. the North Downs. During the mid-weekend The next events on the calendar are the Band of camp a number of the Battalion visited and Drums competition and th e Brigade Tactical France and happily returned, present and Competitions to be held in Colchester. Both correct, for the second week! events we look forward to w ith confidence and The Band and Drums this year camped the reports on them will be published in the separately in Colchester with the other musical next issue. elements of units in 161 Infantry Brigade. On August 31, 1965, we reluctantly said fare­ The second week of this camp was phased to well to Lt.-Col. “Joe” Joanny, w ho retired from coincide with the Colchester Military Tattoo. the Army after some thirty-three years’ service The T.A. Bands and Drums joined together to with the Regiment. form a massed Band and Drums Unit of 161 “ Joe ” served us well in th e 4th Battalion as Infantry Brigade. They achieved a high standard Q.M. for two and a half years, during which in the Tattoo, and considering the amount of time he managed to attune h im self to the way time available for rehearsal, their performance of Territorial soldiering and still keep his stores was very creditable. intact. “ Joe ” has now entered the wine busi­ Two Small Arms meetings were held in July. ness in Norfolk and we wish him well in his The Sergeants’ Mess shoot was held first and, new career. provided with good weather and support from We welcome Major (Q.M .) Bill Moody, 3 the families, it was a successful meeting. The Royal Anglian as successor to “ Joe,” and hope champion shot was W.O.II Banthorpe, and the he has an enjoyable tour with th e 4th Battalion. proud owner of the celebrated wooden spoon is R.S.M. Fowler has com pleted his tour with C/Sgt. Barnes. The Battalion’s Small Arms the Battalion and is succeeded b y R.S.M. Veitch meeting was held three weeks later and ran well. whom we welcome to the Battalion. We shall Outside T.A. and A.C.F. units entered teams miss R.S.M. Fowler and M rs. Fowler, who and although acquitting themselves well they, have both served us well. W e wish them every fortunately for us, did not take away any of the success with the 1st Battalion in B.A.O.R. SUPPLEMENT—PA G E ONE SUPPLEMENT-PAGE TWO Printed in G reat THE CASTLE 19 7

The Suffolk and (TA)

BATTALION HEADQUARTERS October 30/31, using the rivers and Broad- In the last issue of The Castle the Battalion waters of Norfolk. was about to receive a new Commanding Officer. Lt.-Col. G. C. Howgego has now taken over and is wrestling with the problems surrounding the OFFICERS’ MESS proposals for the re-organisation of the T.A. These notes were last prepared at the begin­ The Battalion was visited by the Under­ ning of camp, when we were looking forward secretary of State for Ministry of Defence, Mr. to a hectic Mess programme. The 14 days G. W. Reynolds, M .P . The meeting took place fulfilled their expectations in this direction. at “ D ” Company Headquarters, Lowestoft, on Since camp it has been personalities rather July 16, 1965. A simple demonstration was than activities that have proved notable. Lt.-Col. arranged on Pakefield rifle range after which G. Howgego took over command of the he was entertained in the Company Officers’ and Battalion from Lt.-Col. Wells, who has been Sergeants’ Mess. By all accounts the Under­ appointed Deputy Brigade Colonel Designate. secretary was suitably impressed by what he The interesting feature of the take-over was its saw. coincidence in time with the announcement of Brigadier N. St. G. Gribbon, O.B.E., has the Government’s proposals for the re-organisa­ recently handed over the command of H.Q., tion of the T.A. Colonel Howgego is no 161 Infantry Brigade, T.A., to Brigadier M. E. stranger to the Unit or the Mess, so that we M. MacWilliam, D.S.O., M.C., T.D. look forward with confidence to one or two The Battalion is now on the eve of the excellent evenings during his period of com­ Brigade competitions and as last year’s winners mand. We almost succeeded in “ dining out ” is very much on its mettle to regain the cup Colonel Wells in his absence, but having dis­ again this year. covered that the guest would not be present, The anti-tank competition was held at Lydd it was possible to postpone the dinner until on September 4/5, 1965, and as the holders October 22 at the Depot Mess. 1964, the cup has been retained for 1955. Marriage seems a popular pastime this year. At the recent Divisional Rifle Meeting the In a previous issue we mentioned that Major Regiment obtained no singular success, although Walker, our Medical Officer, had achieved this those taking part displayed great keenness. happy state, but now the infection has spread The next major event of any interest is to two of our most established bachelors— Exercise “ Broadbent,” organised and run by Capts. Bill Keatley and Brian Marshall. In O.C. “ C ” Company, Major G. M. Wilson. The the face of this, it is not surprising that eyes Exercise, an ambitious one, is to take place on are turning in Major Henry Garood’s direction.

Members of "A" Com­ pany, seen here by Rud- yard Reservoir in Staffordshire, during an Adventure T raining Canoeing W eek - end. From left to right Ptes. K. Bouch, R. Bales, B. Woodbndge, T. Callaby, R. Bruce and B. K. Brammer; behind them is C .S.M . B. Emmerson. 198 THE CASTLE

For the first time in many years the strength Sgt. J. Burgess and Mrs. Burgess are very of the Mess is increased by the membership of happy at the birth of their daughter and to Officer Cadets. We welcome them and trust them we send our heartiest congratulations. they will acquire skill at some military arts by The Battalion shooting team was strongly Mess membership. represented by the Sergeants’ Mess at the We extend our congratulations on promotion Division/District shoot held at Colchester. to Major (Q.M.) Morgan and Lts. Latchford Sgt. Pollen was at the prize table to claim the and Patterson. Veterans’ Cup. Well done ! Next year we Our monthly lunches have now been hope to see many more members of the extended and in July it took place in Cam­ Sergeants’ Mess at the prize table and con­ bridge. The experiment was so successful that gratulate all those who took part this year. this will now become a regular feature. Most of the P.S.I.’s were published for the new G.S.M. Clasp “ Radfan” and even one SERGEANTS’ MESS P.S.I. (no names, no pack drill) wonders what he got it for. The first time he saw the Before the next publication of The Castle we “ Radfan ” was when he came home from Aden will have attended our quarterly Mess meeting and saw it on the “ telly.” and dinner at Newmarket on November 7. We were very sorry to see Colonel Wells, R.S.M. Parrott decided to leave the Army and T.D., leave on relinquishing command of the try his luck in “ C iv ie Street.” We hope he Battalion and wish him all the best in his new makes a success of this and wish him good luck, appointment. In his place we welcome Lt.-Col. also our best wishes to Sgt. Barrell (R.E.M.E.) G. C. Howgego as our new Commanding on his transfer to 4 Royal Norfolk (T.A.). Officer and wish him a happy tour.

REGIMENTAL ASSOCIATIONS

The Royal Norfolk Regiment S t . L ég er S w eepstak e Magnificent support of this venture resulted Association in the sum of over £211 being paid into the Regimental Association Benevolent Fund. The gross receipts totalled £276, of which F o rthco m ing E v e n t s the London Branch collected more than £63, January 7, 1966 Regimental Ball at the Nor­ while 4th Battalion raised nearly £25. Mr. wood Rooms. B. R. Fitt sold well over 400 tickets. Prizes amounted to £30 and the other expenses for printing, postage, etc., came to £35. April 24, 1966 Regimental Commemoration Prizewinners were: Service in the Regimental Chapel, Norwich Cathedral, 1. Mr. V. Atkinson, of Nottingham. £20 a t 10 a.m. 2. Brigadier F. W. Clowes, of Acle, Norfolk. £5 3. Mr. G. Chaplin, of Stow- R e u n io n D inner at N orwich market, Suffolk. £3 All post-war attendance records were broken Mr. W. Robinson, of Nottingham, sold the when 340 sat down to dinner on September 25. ticket which secured first prize. His reward A very warm welcome was given to Lt.-Col. was a special prize of £2. T. M. Creasey, the Commanding Officer, and The Committee are most grateful to all those a good number of Officers and men of the 1st who gave support to the sweepstake, which, it (Norfolk and Suffolk) Battalion just home from has been decided, is to become an annual Aden. The opportunity was taken to present fixture. ex-C.S.M. Holden and Pte. King with Certifi­ cates for Good Service in Southern Arabia, B enevo lent W ork which they had been awarded by the Com- Nearly £1,000 was expended on the relief of mander-in-Chief, Middle East Command. distress among former members of the Regi­ Brigadier Barclay, who presided and made the ment, their widows and dependants during the presentations, congratulated the 1st Battalion on year ended June 30, 1965. Of those who their stout work under trying conditions during received help, more than half were over 70 years their recently completed overseas tour. of age, many of them widows. Assistance was THE C A STLE 199 given to a widow living in Bangalore and to a The Suffolk Regiment Old married man with two children in the troubled city of Saigon. The Association received grants Comrades Association totalling £265 from the Army Benevolent Fund.

M e m b e r sh ip ANNUAL REUNION Fifty-five new members were enrolled during The annual reunion of the O ld Comrades’ the year. Of these 45 were Officers and men of Association was held at Blenheim Camp on the 4th (Territorial) Battalion. Sunday, July 18. We were especially favoured b y the weather A n n u a l M e e t in g o f th e G en e r a l C o m m it t e e and the success of the occasion w as ensured by The annual meeting of the General Com­ a warm day and brilliant sunshine. mittee was held on September 25, with The programme opened w ith a church Brigadier Barclay in the chair. Apart from the service, attended by a congregation of about normal routine business transacted at these 120. The service was taken by Canon Godfrey, meetings, revised rules of the Association were Vicar of St. Mary’s Church, and the Lesson approved. was read by Lieut.-General Sir Richard Lt.-Col. W. D. Flower was elected to fill a Goodwin. vacancy for a trustee caused by the death of After the service General Goodwin spoke of Lt.-Col. A. B. Floyd. the future of the Old Comrades’ Association, urging all concerned to give it their fullest M e m o r ia l S e r v ic e f o r N u r s e E d it h C a v e l l support and to encourage their friends to attend To mark the fiftieth anniversary of the the annual reunions. execution by the Germans in Brussels of Nurse He also mentioned the high praise he had Edith Cavell a Memorial Service was held in had of the 1st Battalion in Aden from a number Norwich Cathedral on October 12. The of sources. service, which was conducted by the Dean, was The Band of the Suffolk and Cambridgeshire attended by a large congregation, which included Regiment played at the service and later played the Lord Mayor of Norwich and representa­ a selection of music. tives of military and nursing organisations in Norfolk. Bandmaster Baker, of the 4th During the day there was a great coming and going of members of the Association, ranging Battalion, sounded the Last Post and Reveille and Miss Anna Neagle read extracts from from one who enlisted in 1898 to some who are still serving. In all, about 500 attended the letters written by Nurse Cavell. After the reunion at some time or another during the day. service the traditional wreath laying ceremony It would be invidious to pick out individuals, took place in the Cathedral Close at the grave but I will mention a few names to give you a of Nurse Cavell. The Regimental wreath was laid by Colonel J. H. Jewson in the absence of cross-section of those present, such as ex-R.S.M. Brigadier Barclay, who was in Scotland. J. Chalk, M.B.E., M.M., ex-C.S.M. A . W. Leather- head, D .C .M ., two Mortlocks, ex-C/Sgt. Barrett, Moore, who was groom at the Depot, Good- child, Collen, J. Doughty, C.S.M.s Evans and Drew, both still serving and on the Depot staff, Majors Aldred and Williams, Lt.-Col. Bevan, Capt. Harris, who was Adjutant of the Depot during the War, Capt. Smith, late 8th Battalion in Jamaica and so on. The proceedings ended with the Beating of Retreat by the Band and Drum s of the Suffolk and Cambridgeshire Regiment. A successful reunion of this type would not be possible without the assistance of the Com­ manding Officer and staff of the Depot, The Royal Anglian Regiment, and w e are all most grateful for the help and co-operation they have given us.

Have you placed an order for a copy of the Journal? Why not do so N O W 200 THE CASTLE

2nd (Duchess of Gloucester’s Own Lincolnshire and Northamptonshire) Battalion The Royal Anglian Regiment

BATTALION REVIEW island must be relieved of duties for their own training. This may sound arduous, but is The period covered by this review, from June seldom so. “ B ” Company enjoyed their two to September, coincides with the period of weeks at Episkopi and found fewer guards for extreme heat when Cyprus changes from a a battalion there than for a company in picturesque Mediterranean island to a parched Dhekelia. It was a good opportunity to catch desert country. There has been no rain since up with individual training and education. April— which may be news to those of our “ C ” Company, too, found time for education readers who have spent the summer in during their fortnight at Nicosia. Platoons of England! In spite of the heat the Battalion “ A ” and “ C ” Companies have also had spells has maintained its readiness to carry out its at Nicosia and enjoyed the change of scene, operational tasks should the need arise, sent though it was very hot there in August. two Companies to train in Libya, and at the The next aims for training are the District same time taken the lead in every Garrison Rifle Meeting in November and Trooping the activity. Colour in December, and Dhekelia rings with As par: of his drive to stamp out the tendency the unfamiliar cries of the barrack square and among Officers in Cyprus to “ shop in the “ Watch your front.” N.A.A.F.I. on Saturday and clean their car on The main social events have been the cele­ Sunday,” the G.O.C. directed that Platoon brations for Ta'avera Day, which started with Commanders should be given the opportunity a swimming gala and ended with a very to get away with their Platoons. Each of the successful fair and barbecue on the Battalion Rifle Companies was given a fortnight free of beach. During the evening entertainment the all duties and the resulting platoon camps were Corps of Drums paraded and Drum-Major probably the most enjoyed training of the year. Scotney received from the Commanding Officer Unfortunately, one is severely restricted in a new Drum-Major’s mace, which has been Cyprus; one can only train, or even camp, in presented to the Battalion by the members of one of the three recognised training areas. the ’ Mess. The previous Saturday There is one in each Sovereign Base area and the Sergeants’ Mess held a magnificent also the peninsular called Akamas, at the Talavera Ball. The Officers celebrated Talavera western extreme of the island. in the usual way on July 28 with a Dinner Although two or three Platoons elected to Night in the Mess, when the junior subaltern camp at Episkopi, the popular choice was to have the privilege to drain the Talavera Cup Akamas. This is a bare, mountainous and rocky was 2/Lt. Bob Marshall. spit of land some four miles long and three The P.R.I. has organised two picnic trips by miles wide at the base. In summer it is “ Z ” craft to Fig Tree Bay, a beautiful sandy uninhabited and there is plenty of scope for beach not easily approached by road, and Mrs. field firing, navigation training, rock climbing, Lane, of W.V.S. regularly takes small parties at swimming and canoeing. Water is in short week-ends to various places of interest on the supply and countless bottles of “ pop ” were island. sold by platoon canteens. Most Company Dances and socials in the Junior Ranks’ Club accounts now include columns for platoon have become a regular feature and one evening funds generated at the platoon camps. the Officers and Sergeants accepted a challenge Guard duties have mercifully been consider­ to play indoor games against the Junior Ranks. ably reduced, with the result that one Company We never found out who won ! can cope with almost all of them for a week. The Battalion played a major part in the This normally gives two weeks’ training out of organisation of a very successful Horse Fair three, which is much better than before. How­ held by the Dhekelia Saddle Club to raise ever, there are often times when others in the money. The Battalion was represented in the THE CASTLE 201

2/Li. Marshall, Major Francis, 2/Lt. Waller.

winning tent pegging team and our dog Adem by Major Francis and set off on a three- handlers, attached to No. 3 War Dog Training hour drive to Bomba, a camp on a peninsula Unit, put on a good demonstration of their just off the coast road to the east of Dema. dogs’ capabilities. C/Sgt. Naylor and the drivers, who had gone The Battalion Band has steadily enhanced its to Libya by sea a fortnight before, had set up reputation and took part in an impressive Beat­ the store tents and bivouacs and the Company ing of Retreat by the massed bands in Cyprus, settled into one of the dustiest camps we have under the direction of Bandmaster Blackburn. ever experienced. When the wind turned to During the past four months we have been the north it was like living in a permanent visited by Sir Geoffrey de Freitas, Member of sandstorm. Fortunately, the sea was only 100 Parliament for Kettering, General Sir Reginald metres away and it was possible to wash off Hewetson, the Adjutant-General, General Sir some of the dust occasionally. John Anderson, the Military Secretary, Major- In Libya we were attached to the 1st Bn. General P. G. F. Young, the Director of Royal Ulster Rifles, with whom we worked as Infantry, Mr. John Bryce, the producer of the one of their Companies. We also renewed Television show Red Cap, and Lt. Terry acquaintance with “ A ” , 16/5 English, on leave from the Depot. Lancers, who had shared the barracks in We bid farewell to Major Teddy Tumill, who Osnabruck. has been appointed Brigade Major to 8 Brigade The discomforts of Bomba Base Camp were in Catterick, to Capt. Bobby Hastie, who has no great problem, for an intensive training pro­ gone to Hythe as an instructor, and to Band­ gramme took us out into the desert for most of master Blackburn and C.S.M. Rogers. Band­ the fortnight and the desert was found to be master Blackburn, who leaves the Band after preferable. We were surprised to find how nine years, has been appointed Regimental good the going was on the desert, although the Bandmaster at the Depot. stony surface and many, many punctures slowed We are pleased to welcome Lt. John Tyzack down vehicles considerably. Pte. Livingstone from the 4th Battalion, who has joined the Air will surely never forget having had five Platoon; to David Goodale, who has returned punctures in one day. to the Battalion from the post of O.I.C. Army We quickly mastered the use of the sun Youth team in Northampton; and Bandmaster compass and soon Sgt. Worley was leading his O’Connell, from Kneller Hall. mortar section on an independent mission to plot landmarks accurately in the open desert. TRAINING IN LIBYA Elaborate precautions were taken to avoid getting lost and, although sometimes it was Early on Sunday morning, September 5, necessary at night to use the radio to contact “ C ” Company, together with an anti-tank errant vehicles which had struck impassable section from “ A ” Company, travelled by ’bus ridges or stony areas, no navigator lost his group to Akrotiri to board an R.A.F. Britannia for at any stage. In particular, Lt. Thompson, Pte. El Adem. Despite the Corporals' Summer Ball, Hall, his driver, and Pte. Hill, his signaller, are which had ended in the small hours, the right to be congratulated on navigating the Company number of soldiers were collected together to on a four-hour drive across unknown, rough agree with the numbers on the many flight desert at night. The three-tonner towing documents. The Company was met at El Atkinson’s Landrover, carrying C.S.M. Smith, THE CASTLE 202

was very careful to follow H all s tracks, but Hall an alertness of mind and a deeper awareness of must have had some nasty moments as he found life. We are not fanatics, but we do appreciate himself on or in various obstacles. the value of a somewhat neglected side of Sgt. Barnes, of the anti-tank section, was military training. fortunate in having a Coles compass fitted on We have no intention of making this an his Landrover, but navigation was much more editorial column, but our preamble does serve difficult for 9 and I I Platoons mounted in three- the purpose of introducing our headline story: tonners. The Platoon Commanders and Sgts. Gooch, Sutton and Robinson had to jump out of their vehicles continually to use their DRAMATIC AIR-SEA RESCUE prismatic compasses. There was indeed a lot of driving to be done, but there was time for Canoeing is generally accepted to be a placid some foot soldiering too. One interesting and Sunday afternoon pastime. However, if you very enjoyable day was spent on platoon field venture to the open sea and begin racing against firing, when the mortars “ shot in ” each platoon the clock, the tides and the wind it becomes a in turn on to a big, rocky h ill near the sea. much more exciting prospect. Our “ summer There was also a day when sections set out madness” began about June when six bright independently to cross a strip of desert con­ and light two-seater canoes were acquired by taining a huge wadi, about 300 feet deep, with the Battalion. almost sheer walls. The wadi made one of the Not being Marines, our in itia l outings on the anti-tank groups footsore, but they found a way high seas (there are no rivers in Cyprus), were out in the end and the Company was able to rather like a child’s first venture into the deep sangar up for the night near an oasis. end of a swimming pool. But confidence On the one day off, one group went to visit increased, as did our ambitions. We were really the British, Free French and German war beginning to enjoy our new found form of memorials and cemeteries near Tobruk and physical exercise. another group visited the ruins in Cirene and We began racing across the six-mile stretch Appollonia. of Larnaca Bay. The first time it took us After a short Battalion Exercise,during nearly two hours, but with more knowledge of which the enemy seemed to avoid us, we currents and winds and, of course, canoe- returned to Bomba, cleaned up and prepared to fitness we cut the time by half. This, we move back to Cyprus. The flight home took prided ourselves, was quite an achievement and place on two nights in R.A.F. Argosies and we so threw the gauntlet down to other organisa­ were able to greet “ A ” Company and Cpl. tions. But before any really serious contenders Palmer’s mortar section, who boarded the came along our seafaring activities received same aircraft when we left them at Akrotiri. rather a jolt. Our stay in Libya, although short, was a very The jolt happened on a morning in pleasant change from the routine in Cyprus and September, which to all intents and purposes we hope that more m ilitary excursions of this was the same as most of the summer mornings nature await us. in Cyprus. The sky was clear and the sea calm. A light sea mist made it comparatively cool, although we knew that w ithin half-an- SIGNAL PLATOON hour it would all have vanished in the hot sun. A “ goon-sounding ” running (seven miles), Mens sano in corpore sano is the well-known canoeing (six miles) and swimming (one mile) m otto of the Army Physical Training Corps. medley race was our challenge for the day. We might well regard it as our own. Rather That was the intention, but the non-arrival of as our forebears looked upon manoeuvres on the swimmers’ escort boat made a quick altera­ the parade square as an essential part of tion of programme necessary. The first leg military training, we believe that physical fit- between the runners and canoeists began and ness incorporates many vital aspects of present- ended with the runners slightly ahead. The day soldier requirements. Indeed, they are the second was about half completed when one of hallmarks of a good soldier. the canoes with its two occupants vanished The requirement of physical fitness by about two miles out from Larnaca. A thorough soldiers is unquestionable. However, there arc binocular search revealed nothing. And then many other aspects which come to light when the drama really began. the value of fitness is examined. It instills into Fortunately, we were well prepared for such men a pride of bearing in themselves and in an eventuality. Within 15 minutes two Auster the team to which they belong. A hard physical aircraft were sweeping across the bay and Land- challenge disciplines both the mind and body to rovers searching along the coastline. The air- go on when every aching muscle shouts “ stop.” sea rescue organisation was alerted and our two And perhaps even more important it gives men water-ski speedboats put to sea. The drama THE CASTLE IX X THE CASTLE THE CASTLE mounted as negative reports were received over by spraying it a mottled green on the one side the radio nets. Faces began to reflect the only. This was found to leave the “ sand ” side anxiety. The air-sea rescue were asked to join unmarked, whilst the reverse offered excellent the search and w ithin half-an-hour a helicopter cover against the semi-green background, often appeared over the bay. False alarms added to encountered in the Cyprus season. the tension. And then the two canoeists were Individual training has seen more drivers take seen and lost again. W ith the aid of coloured advantage of furthering their knowledge and verey lights one of the Austers was able to pin­ skills by attending upgrading courses run by point the two life-packeted figures for the heli­ R.C.T./R.E.M.E., and the four recent successes copter. They were winched aboard from the of Ptes. Stanley, Hunt, Lunn and West brings now choppy sea and were back with us in more our total of Class I/Standard I drivers up to 26. friendly surroundings after their two-hour ACE III is still required by a reluctant half- immersion. dozen, whilst ACE I I is the target of ambitious Perhaps the original concept did go astray, Corporals, and the S/Sergeant is a “ cert” for but it provided us with the finest combined his final two First Class subjects this October! operations radio exercise we have ever done. Cpls. Mitchell and Piper have been on courses “ All’s well that ends well.” at the Army School of M.T. and both obtained We have been doing other things too! very good results. Cpl. Cooper is there at pre­ sent sweating out his M .T. Sergeants’ course. Credit now to Cpls. Fisher and Waite, both M.T. SECTION of whom have been promoted to appointments of M .T. Sergeants, the former to 145 T.A. A t the time of writing it is just 12 months Brigade and the latter to the Borneo Forces. since we were in the middle of that dreadful Ptes. Taylor, Mathers and Stamps have also period of upheaval, when the motor transport placed their feet on the first rung of the pro­ was being handed over between relieving motion ladder and we congratulate them on Battalions. On reflection, it is felt that the year their Lance- appointment. has been a very rewarding one, especially for Sadly we shall miss Cpls. Whitelock, Robins those on tour in a hot climate for the first time and Johnson, who have been released from the and whose job of work is directly concerned Army, all of whom have been M .T. Section w ith M.T. The often used tow chains for those members of many years standing. awful nearly morning details in Germany have not exactly been put into retirement, suffering as THE AIR PLATOON we do now from the heavy dampness of living alongside the Mediterranean. W ith the arrival of L t. John Tyzack from Rapid deterioration in the vehicle bodywork the Army Aviation Centre in September the is very much in evidence, due, of course, to A ir Platoon can claim to be the first of the being permanently exposed to all weathers, as Army’s integrated flights to possess its full the M.T. park has no overhead cover. The establishment of regimental pilots. rough terrain causes some new headaches on Over the past eight months the Platoon air­ the maintenance and spares replacement side of craft have flown a total of 710 hours in support the section, but to name the greater problems of H.Q., Cyprus District, and our own probably carries a security risk. Battalion. I t is true to say that a good 70 per Training-wise we have enjoyed the thrills of cent of these hours have been spent on sorties being airborn with our Landrovers in their asked by the D istrict H.Q. and vary in details airportable state after painstaking hours of pack­ from passenger/liaison between the two ing and weighing. The latter, often taking place Sovereign Base Areas of Episkopi and Dhekelia, on scales borrowed from the bathroom, which including the R.A.F. base of Akrotiri and R.A.F. are usually returned w ith the most alarming Nicosia, together with visual and proto recces, inaccuracies. Great frustration in the world of scheduled SDS runs, search and free-falling. camouflage was met when on field training, in Possessing the only light aircraft (Auster AOP that there are two definite backgrounds to M k. 9s) w ith the Sovereign Base Areas, the compete against. One which calls for the close Platoon maintains an essential communications meshed “ sand net ” and the other suitable for link between these Base Areas and is prepared the “ woodland, garnished” type. Within a for any immediate emergency recce that it may space of a few hundred yards the requirement be called upon to perform, working either in can alter and leave the supposedly “ cammed- direct contact w ith the D istrict H.Q. or any u p ” vehicles exposed as a sore thumb. Cur­ U n it nominated by D istrict. tailed, both by weight and space, it is im­ During the period March to July, 1965, the possible to carry nets of both varieties. Platoon flew no fewer than nine different Experiments were made on the “ sand net,” V.I.P.s (Lieut.-General or above), including the 204 THE CASTLE new Chief of Defence Staff, Field-Marshal Sir REGIMENTAL WATER SKI-ING CLUB , G.C.B., D.S.O. At present our Water ski-ing is a rich man’s sport and the records show a neck-and-neck race between the reasons for this have become very clear to 2 G.O.C. and Deputy Commander, for since Royal Anglian. Who would expect that in two January, 1965, they have each completed over short mornings two engines can drink 30 gallons 60 flights. of petrol at over 4 /- a gallon, that a tow rope costing £3 can break with the sound of a bow Every opportunity is taken to work with our string, or that a boat can suddenly begin to own Battalion, whether it be supply drops to sink because a split a foot long has suddenly Company Exercises, message pick-up, recces or materialised in the fibre glass hull; not to local familiarisation flights to N.C.O.s cadres mention the propellor of the other craft striking a submerged barrel of concrete placed in the or individual platoons. The latter proves sea and promptly forgotten by some misguided invaluable in introducing the A ir Platoon cap­ m ilitary organisation. abilities to members of the Battalion, who In spite of these crises, the Battalion has a because of the three-mile distance between our thriving Water Ski Club, consisting of two own airstrip camp and the Battalion barracks Italian fibre glass boats, two good American out­ see little of us except as a speck in the sky. board motors— one 75 h.p. and one 40 h.p.— and one engine that workshops have been un­ The strength of our members has now enthusiastically looking at for some time because dropped below our establishment, for we are it is so ancient; all of these presented by the now a total of 15. This total includes the three Nuffield Trust over a period of time. regimental pilots, Capt. David Smith, O.C., Lt. We ski four times a week, starting at 0600 John Everitt and L t. John Tyzack, along with hours on weekdays. Nobody has yet reached S/Sgt. Rix, R.E.M.E., N.C.O. i/c Aircraft the standard you see on news reels, but we Workshop element, Sgts. Reading, Turner and progress; someone the other day even lifte d Cpl. Webb, all Aircraft Technicians A. and E., one ski out of the water and saluted— how about Cpl. Potter, R.E.M.E. Radio Technician, Cpls. that for military devotion ? Dillingham, R.E.M.E. G1098 Storeman and The smooth running of the Club depends Accountant, and Herron, R.A.O.C. Aircraft entirely on the few who are prepared to give up Spares Storeman, along with L/C pl. Drake, a great deal of their spare time. An outboard R.E.M.E. Technical Control Clerk and typist motor is decidedly temperamental and it needs for all. T h is Workshop element, together with a skilled and patient hand to get the best out of Sgt. Neal, the Platoon Administrative N.C.O., it. The Battalion is lucky to have such a helpful Cpl. Sargent, Royal Anglian, and L/C pl. Searle, and energetic crowd as our own R.E.M.E. Royal Anglian, all of whom are trained in air­ A word of advice to others who want to start craft ground handling, with the latter two now a club; get two mechanically-minded men fully qualified light aircraft observers, forms our trained on an outboard motor course in little “ Teeny Weeny Airlines ” team to run and England. You w ill find Perkins Diesel in maintain our three aircraft. Peterborough most helpful.

The start of a morning water ski-ing, 06.15 hrs.! THE CASTLE 205 . 4th-6th Battalion The Royal Lincolnshire Regiment (TA)

OFFICERS’ MESS and Colonel Jack for defeating all challenges on the social net, not withstanding a bold As the Sobraon Barracks T.A. Centre had attempt by Peter M errikin during the last night recently been opened the social activities at of camp. We send Colonel Jack and Wynn our camp were restricted. The usual Guest Night best wishes in their semi-retirement and hope was held, at which we were most pleased to to see them often in the future. Tom and entertain Brigadier J. M . Spencer-Smith, Audrey take our best wishes to . Colonel F. C. L. Bell, Major The Lord Worsley and A ir Commodore M cK. Nelson as our guests. In addition, at the request of our WARRANT OFFICERS’ AND Divisional Commander, we had an informal SERGEANTS’ MESS supper and were pleased to have Major-General C. M. M.. Man, Lt.-Col. A. G. Way, Brigadier The annual camp at Devizes was enjoyed and R. H. L. Oulton and Lt. C. G. Reeves with us. although life socially was restricted we were able This turned out to be a splendid opportunity to hold the Mess dinner and to be visited by for some of the subalterns to brief the General the Corporals and Lance-Corporals. during the course of the meal. The annual Mess dinner was its usual On the second Monday we were guests at the success and our guest of honour was Lt.-Col. W.O.s’ and Sergeants’ Mess and they, as usual, A. J. Bennett, M.B.E., T.D. It is with our were most excellent hosts to us. We returned sincerest regret when we say this was his last their hospitality later in the week. camp with us as our Commanding Officer. We After camp, the Battalion Rifle Meeting was congratulate the Band on their fine performance held at Beckingham and we again had a during dinner, which was thoroughly enjoyed marquee, where a buffet luncheon was served to by all members, and may we add, we all feel some 50 Officers, families and guests, despite that the “ Toast” procedure should now be the atrocious weather. well-known by all. We were able to commence holding Mess The Mess were well represented at the Regi­ gatherings again in July and four have been held mental Week-end at Bury St. Edmunds in July, to date; the attendance has been somewhat dis­ when six members and their ladies undertook appointing, but we are seeking ways of improv­ the long journey. This was the first time the ing the occasions. invitation has been accepted and we trust that A ll too swiftly September 30 arrived and the it w ill become an annual event. change of Command took place. We held our annual dinner on Friday, October I, for the Congratulations to C/Sgt. T. W. Grocock on first time in the T.A. Centre, and 41 Officers his promotion and appointment to H.Q. attended; the Band played during the dinner. Company as C.Q.M.S. We feel that this was Major B. S. Foster presided and welcomed the very well deserved, following many years’ loyal guests, who were Lt.-Col. A. J. Bennett, Lt.-Col. service to the M .M .G. and Recce Platoons. H. H. Moore, Brigadier R. H. L. Oulton, Major- C/Sgt. Grocock takes over his duties from General Sir Christopher Welby-Everard, C/Sgt. B. Plumley, who has gracefully resigned, Colonel F. C. L. Bell, Major P. H. Segon and and we all wish M r. and Mrs. Plumley the very Major T. H. Styles. We later presented a best of luck for the future. tankard to Tom Styles and a silver cigarette case We welcome Sgt. Ryles to H.Q. Company j to Colonel Bennett on behalf of the Officers. We and Signals Platoon on his transfer from are indebted to Judith Foster and Mrs. Clarke 4 D .L .I., and we hope his stay w ill be a happy for the floral decorations on this occasion. one. We welcome to the Mess Lt.-Col. Harold W .O .II J. F. E. Rogers has arrived from 2 Moore, John Hayton, Phillip Dew, George Royal Anglian and to whom we extend a very Sykes, Roger Kenyon and Roger Pritchett, and warm welcome. He w ill be relieving W .O .II sadly say farewell to Colonel Jack and Tom W. H. L. Thompson as P.S.I. of “ A ” Company Styles— both have left their mark. Tom for the at Stamford. We hope to see more of the enjoyment he gave to “ A ” Company Officers, latter, who w ill be close to us w ith the A.R.O. and failing to attend camp for the full period, at Scunthorpe. 206 THE CASTLE

“ A” COMPANY capture and treat your prisoners. No further comment from the Company Commander. The Battalion Rifle Meeting occupied us last Congratulations to 2 /L t. R. Phillips, who July and for us it was most successful, as we recently completed his Mons O.C.S. cour won Match 1 and the Inter-Company Cup and successfully and also to Sgt. Brett on his pro- the S.M.G. Cup with our “ A ” team, and the motion to that rank. “ B ” team took the Falling Plate Cup. In addition, Capt. Batten won the individual Class A shot award and Pte. Dixon the individual Class B award. The rifle team followed this “ D ” COMPANY up, producing half the Battalion team for the Divisional Rifle Meeting, Major P. M. Merrikin, Within the Company there have been sever Capt. D. O. Batten, Ptes. E. W. Smith, D. M. changes. Lt. Mike Gregory has left to take over Dixon, J. T. Wilson representing the Battalion. the Signals Platoon, and in return we have two We had a most successful water Exercise on new Officers. We welcome 2/Lts. Pritchett and the River Nene, under the expert guidance and Kenyon to the Company. organisation of C.S.M. D. C. Barsby, which was The Company Second-in-Command, Cap enjoyed by all, and a number of the Company John Gleadell, duly attended the altar, and h took part in the Exercise “ Retiring Poacher ” drill attendances have dropped off noticeably on Stanford P.T.A. This was again a great The guard of honour voted it the wedding of success. the year. Finally, we welcome to the Company W .O.II The Battalion Rifle Meeting was a great J. F. E. Rogers, Sgt. Taylor (on a temporary success, although marred slightly by the basis) and Pte. Pte. Jarvis, and say farewell to weather. Again, the Company could only make W .O.II W. H. L. Thompson with a very runners-up, but this was sufficient to secure for worried look to our bar profits in the future. us the Grinling Cup and Champion Company for the year. We have now returned to the position we held for many years and intend to “ C” COMPANY stay there. During the year C.S.M. Ingall has spent time and energy in working for the The emphasis on training since annual camp Grinling Cup, and without his efforts we would has been on range classification and preparation not have been successful. for the Battalion and Divisional Rifle Meeting. Exercise “ Retiring Poacher ” was a great Unfortunately, we did not win any trophies, success and very enjoyable into the bargain. It but hope for a change of fortune next year. marked the retirement of our Commanding Saturday, August 14, saw most of the Officer and the success of the Exercise somehow Company out on a night map reading Exercise summed up and reflected the success of his tour in the Horncastle area. Most of the starters in Command. The Exercise showed that basic completed the course (a few in a champ) and ally the Company spirit and training is it is obvious that we need some more training. excellent, although we must devote more time Full marks to Cpl. Hardy’s team, who com­ to self-discipline. It also proved that M r. Dev pleted the course first, even though they were has fantastic powers of relaxation, even unde the last to start. Who was it that took a short the most adverse conditions, and to Pte. Harris cut and walked round the course again? valour comes before discretion, and that to Pt( On Friday, September 17, most of the Com­ Nicholas sentry duty comes before food pany, with their wives and girl friends, were on poisoning. parade at the Company annual dinner and Following the Exercise, Lt.-Col. Bennett paid dance in the Tudor Cafe, Grimsby. Lt.-Col. his last visit to the Company. His tour had and Mrs. Bennett were the principal guests and been a most happy one for us all— we wish him it was on this occasion that we were able to bid every possible success as County Commandant farewell to the C.O., who was presented with of the Cadets. an engraved pen and pencil set by Sgt. Brett on behalf of the Company. The Entertainments Committee worked very hard to make this such a success. Advertisements We had a very good turn-out on Friday, September 24, for Exercise Poacher, on the All applications for advertisement space Stanford P.T.A. Apart from a few showers should be made to the Advertisement everybody thoroughly enjoyed the Exercise. Managers, Service Newspapers Ltd., The Parachute Regiment proved to be a very 67-68 Jermyn Street, St. James’s, difficult enemy and some of the Company London, S.W.l (Tel. Whitehall 2504) gained some first-hand instruction on how to THE CASTLE xi Xii THE CASTLE THE CASTLE 207 4th-5th Battalion The Northamptonshire Regiment (TA)

The period following annual camp is usually more shopping, and early to bed. On Tues­ regarded as a period of calm in between the day and Wednesday, the first two days of the storm of annual camp and winter training and march were carried out in cold, windy weather. administration. Thus, since the last publica­ For the Thursday, the longest and hardest day tion, we have only sent a party to visit the of the march which took in the seven hills, Royal Northumberland Fusiliers in B.A.O.R., it rained. For practically the whole day it came taken part in the Nijmegen Marches, fired at down relentlessly. However with the aid of Bisley, held a Battalion rifle meeting, taken part the occasional “ nip ” of cognac, the day’s march in the Divisional rifle meeting, and spent a finished up in fine style— as a certain lady from week-end firing Battalion weapons at Stanford Sheffield w ill verify. In the early hours of the P.T.A. In addition, both the Northampton­ morning of the last day it came down in torrents shire Regiment reunion and the Royal Anglian but the rain gradually died away and by noon Regiment Reunion were held in July. The the sun was out. For the final march in the Band and Drums performed at the annual weather was glorious and the Dutch people show at Peterborough, and, very creditably, turned out in their tens of thousands to clap us paraded 35 strong, out of a total of approxi­ in. As befits a unit who had probably more mately 100 at the Brigade massed band Retreat experience both collectively and individually of at Chilwell in September. the Nijmegen Marches than the other teams, a The only change in our regular contingent large number of bouquets were received on has been the departure of the Training Major, the march in. However, flowers held in the left Major H. H. Moore, lured by promotion to a hand parallel with the seam, a smart eyes right rival concern. We wish him the best of luck was given when passing the saluting base, and with his command, 4th/6th Royal Lincolns so to Wedren Plain, the receipt of the team (T.A.) His replacement is Major J. P. medal, and the distinction of the individual Wetherall, also of the 2nd Bn. Royal Anglian awards. Apart from the usual crop of blisters, Regiment, who, until recently, has been this year was the first for some time when we propping up the Berlin wall. did not have a member who had to be assisted. Success was celebrated that evening by team members with their various Dutch friends. T h e N i j m e g e n M a r c h e s , 196 5 There was an early Reveille on the Saturday This year the team shared a coach with the morning for bedding to be handed in, tents Oundle C.C.F. team, led by Capt. Hogg, of this cleaned, and then to the railway station for a unit. Twelve men of “ B ” Company, and final meal in Holland. Departing at 10 a.m. for C/Sgt. Jackson of “ H.Q.” Company, left lunch in Antwerp about midday and to reach Corby at 11 a.m. on Friday, 23rd July. After Ostend at 4 p.m. Several members bathed their picking up the Oundle Continent, Dover was “ poor feet ” in the sea, and swore that they the next stop. The ferry departed at 7 p.m. could see them go down in size as they watched. arriving at Boulogne just after 9 p.m. Inexperi­ The ferry left Ostend about 11 p.m. hours and ence with continental signs brought its inevit­ arrived in Dover at 5 a.m. on the Sunday morn­ able results, and a dinner booked for 11 p.m. ing. After unloading the coach for the Customs, at Ostend, turned into a hurried, packed meal the officials took a long look at the amount of at midnight. Nijmegen was reached at 8.30 baggage we had, could not believe that it came a.m. the next morning; breakfast was eaten at from just one coach, thought of their Sunday the station and then to the tented camp at dinner— then waved us on our way. A t London Heumensoord. True to pattern, the camp staff the Oundle Cadets, who had also been 100 per was not expecting us— even though notification cent successful, departed their various ways. had gone out “ through the normal channels.” What have we to show for our endeavour? However, we booked in, drew blankets, had a The satisfaction that once again we have couple of hours’ sleep, then a wash and brush achieved our aim, that the Northamptonshire up and into Nijmegen souvenir hunting and Regiment has again shown the flag and given a present buying. On Sunday, the majority of good impression to other competing units, both the team went to Arnhem, the war cemetery British and of other nationalities. We have and the zoo being the main attraction. renewed our contacts with old friends in par­ On Monday there was briefing, kit assem­ ticipating units of earlier years, and above all bling, packing and checking for weight, then met our Dutch friends and made more. A t the 208 THE CASTLE time of w riting these notes, one member of future of the T.A., everyone hopes a satisfactory the team is spending his annual holiday back in solution w ill be found to the problem. Mean­ Nijmegen at the home of Dutch friends made while social events follow their usual pattern. during the marches. We were strongly represented at the Regimental Weekend at Bury St. Edmunds, when the A n n u a l R if l e M e e t in g R.S.M. and twelve members and their ladies The annual Rifle Meeting was held on attended and we would like to express our Saturday and Sunday, September 4 and 5, gratitude for the grand way we were enter­ 1965, at Grafham Range, near Huntingdon. tained by the Depot Mess. The meeting was blessed with sunshine for Sgt. Capstaff has been promoted to Staff both days, giving ideal conditions to the large Sergeant (filling the Assault Pioneer W.O. number of competitors and visitors. vacancy) and Sgt. Knight, (PSI “ D ” Coy.) to Guests invited for lunch and tea included Colour Sergeant. The latter, together with the Mayors and Mayoresses of Peterborough C.S.M. Cheshire, C.S.M. George, Sgt. Evans and Huntingdonshire, the Chairmen and ladies and Sgt. Crawshaw, are our present PSIs and of Wellingborough, Corby, Rushden, Oundle their calibre can be measured by their per­ and Fletton U.D.C., Brigadier J. M. Spencer- formance on courses they have recently attended, Smith, O.B.E., M.C., Brigadier D. E. Taunton, where they gained no less than eight “ B’s ” C.B., D.S.O., Colonel R. K. McMichael, O.B.E., between them! Perhaps it was as a reward T.D., J.P., D.L., and Colonel J. C. Denny, O.B.E., that Sgt. Evans was allowed to go on the M.C. “ Swan ” with Oundle School CCF to Osna- The shooting was of quite a good standard; bruck? congratulations to the Champion at Arms and C.S.M. “ Bernie ” Wolfe, late of the 2nd Runner-up, C/Sgt. J. Capstaff, “ D ” Company, Battalion, is now firm ly entrenched as C.S.M. and J/Bdsm K. S. Pilgrim, “ H.Q.” Company. of “ C ” Company, the position vacated by The Commanding Officer’s wife-, Mrs. F. G. C.S.M. Sambrooks. “ Sam ” did very well, and Barber, kindly presented the prizes. we are most pleased he is staying on. Champion at Arms: 1, C/Sgt. J. Capstaff, “ D ” Coy.; 2, Y/Soldier K. Pilgrim, “ H.Q.” “ H.Q.” COMPANY Coy.; 3, Pte. R. G riffin, “ H.Q.” Coy. We have been concentrating on the tests for Officers’ Class: 1, L t. F. Streek, “ H.Q.” Coy.; classification, and a trained soldier weekend 2, Major H. H. Moore, Bn. H.Q.; 3, Major J. has helped us in reaching the necessary W. H. Green, T.D., Bn. H.Q. standards. It seems likely that it played its part Warrant Officers’ and Sergeants’ Class: I, in the Company’s performance at the Battalion R.S.M. R. Pond, Bn. H.Q.; 2, Sgt. J. Evans, Rifle Meeting, culminating in the winning, yet “ H.Q.” ; 3, Sgt. R. Sambrook, “ C ” Coy. again, of the China Cup. Other trophies gained by members of the Company included the Corporals’ Class: I, Cpl. T. Turner, “A” Young Soldiers’ trophy by Y/S Pilgrim who Coy.; 2, Cpl. J. Jordan, “ D ” Coy.; 3, O/Cdt. was also runner-up to the Champion at Arms, B. Freeman, “ H.Q.” Coy. and the Officers’ Cup by L t. A. F. Streek. Privates’ Class: I, Pte. L. Burgess, “ D ” Coy.; Additionally, Pte. Griffin gained third place 2, Pte. D. Green, “ A” Coy.; 3, Pte. R. Fox, “ D ” in the Champion at Arms competition. Coy. We have been pleased to welcome back to Young Soldiers: 1, J/Bdsm. K. Pilgrim, Peterborough Lt. N. Hargreaves, who has been H.Q.; 2, Pte. R. G riffin, H.Q.; 3, Pte. W. Ball, away at Birmingham University and has H.Q. returned to work again in the city. Inter-Company Championship China Cup: I, “ H.Q.” Coy.; 2, “ A” Coy.; 3. “ D ” Coy. M.T. PLATOON Invitation Falling Snap: Depot Royal Pioneer Several summer weekends have seen the Corps. M.T. Platoon out on the roads of Northampton­ Comrades’ Competition: I, Mr. G. Tyers, shire, improving their driving techniques and Mayor of Peterborough; 2, Mr. E. Turner and v raising their navigational standards. Practice in Councillor N. Hutchings; 3, Major P. F. Keily, vehicle concealment has made the game of M .c. “ hide and seek” very popular, with drivers Ladies’ Match: I, Miss J. Barber. hiding vehicles and the M.T.O. seeking them. Children’s Match: 1, Master J. Clarke. On one of these exercises, the M.T.O., with Cpl. Gulson, who had devised their own J.E.W.T. (jungle exercise without tracks) dis­ WARRANT OFFICERS’ & SERGEANTS’ covered why the police constable who asked MESS where they were going, raised his eyebrows at Although the period of the last few months the answer, and were saved only by a timely has been fraught with uncertainly regarding the warning shout from a householder from driving ’printed in Great Britain SUPPLEMENT—PAGE THREE SUPPLEMENT-PAGE FOUR Printed in Gi THE CASTLE 209 over a cesspool. As Cpl. Gulson remarked at the “ C” COMPANY time, “ nearly in it again.” The day of the Battalion Rifle Meeting saw At camp, two members of “ C ” Company the M.T. Platoon at times responsible for the distinguished themselves in the two cross­ operation of the donkey rides, and the well- country runs. Pte. P. Brown won the first race known donkey drivers, Ptes. Burton and Win­ and Pte. D. Betties the second. The Battalion field certainly passed their test that day. teams put in a very creditable performance, Since Pte. Winfield joined the M .T. earlier as did the rest of the Company in the major this year, Ptes. Ward, Smith and Painter, all exercises. In the final exercise, our Company from the same village, have enlisted, and the Commander was seen to be moving mysteriously words “ take-over bid ” have been heard in from “ Hooton’s Hotel ” to the area of the the T.A. Club. Space Vehicles, from which poisonous fumes and rays were emitting. He was protected by “ I ” S e c t io n a respirator and a white armband, but umpired The “ I ” Section, who, in addition to work­ out anyone who dared to get close enough to ing with the Recce Platoon on several exercises, see the “ Medusa.” have been frantically producing visual aids for Although the weather was not perfect, every­ the recruits cadre week-end in mid-September. one enjoyed themselves at camp and the end-of- Sgt. Watts, who has been lately in the com­ camp party, held at The White Swan, Hythe, pany of members of the local constabulary, was regarded as the best in recent years. denies rumours that he may be leaving us, and says that all he did was to instruct them on Among 20 soldiers from the Battalion who the miniature range. visited the Royal Northumberland Fusiliers in B.A.O.R. in July were 12 members of “ C ” R e c c e P l a t o o n Company. We hear that they all behaved them­ In July, a training week-end took the Platoon selves and put some of the regulars in the shade to Morston, in Norfolk, where the opportunity on the range and on manoeuvres. was taken to meet C.S.M. Beale’s relations, who On August 19, “ B ” Company visited us to live there. The rest of the time was spent on claim the shield for the Brigade tug-of-war reconnoitring routes in that area. One result championship, which a joint team from “ B ” was that one Land Rover found itself out to and “ C ” Companies won last year. Although sea with no navigation lights. Cpl. Deacon, the night was mainly a festive occasion, both by virtue of his experience of driving a Land teams demonstrated their physical prowess by Rover along the top of the sea wall is now avail­ challenging each other at basketball, darts, able with his wire balancing act for church dominoes, cribbage and skittles. fetes and bazaars. C.S.M. Clarke provided the food, which was reckoned to be at least up to The Rushden Detachment of our Company normal Recce Platoon standards. has received visits from the local Youth Club and the Round Table. Both events did a great “ Q ” B r a n c h deal to enhance our reputation in the area. Cpl. Gowler has recently left us for further Our team for the Northern Command Night service with a London Unit. We thank him March are busy training, and we hope that for his service and loyalty over a number of their efforts will be well rewarded later in the years. year. Major F. W. Gascoyne, the Quartermaster, will be completing his tour of duty in January, The Junior N.C.O.s are undertaking a 1966. He hopes to settle in Peterborough, so course of advanced training which w ill in ­ we shall still see him around and about. Our clude methods of instruction, map-reading, best wishes for the future. first aid, pioneering and, we hope, some canoe­ We have, unfortunately, been depleted in ing. the strength of our cooks, but all is well, as The emphasis seems to be on physical fitness, the remainder are still as keen as ever, under and in this sphere, “ C ” Company has been the supervision of W .O .II Clarke and Sgt. doing well, but we do not intend our training Fensome. to exclude brain entirely in favour of brawn.

Note to Contributors If you have done something interesting why not write about it for THE CASTLE. Please submit any photographs to the Editor for the next edition.

D 210 THE CASTLE

REGIMENTAL ASSOCIATIONS

Lincolnshire Wing Sgt. Leadbeater’s medals were being offered for sale, by a very distant relative, quickly At their annua! general meeting, held at the bought them for the Regimental Museum, Town Hall, Grimsby, on Saturday, October rather than let them fall into the hands of a 16, 1965, members of the 10th Foot Royal collector. Lincolnshire Regimental Association unani­ mously approved a proposal that their Associa­ tion should be affiliated to the Royal Anglian R e g im e n t a l A s s o c i a t i o n A n n u a l Regimental Association. Also, that any soldiers R e u n io n of the Royal Anglian Regiment on leaving the Unfortunately, we were unable to hold our Army for civilian life, if not already members reunion at Skegness, and arrangements had to of the 10th Foot Royal Lincolnshire Regiment be made for it to take place at Grimsby on Association, be permitted to become honorary October 16. The distances having to be members of it, and could, by so doing, if they travelled were greater and accommodation more so desire, join any of the Association’s branches expensive; nevertheless, thanks to the work of and attend their social functions. A cordial members of the Grimsby Branch, who organised invitation is extended to all such soldiers. the accommodation, the dinner and dance, everyone present was full of praise for that branch in making it a most memorable occa­ 5TH B a t t a l io n V e t e r a n s sion. The spacious banqueting room of the Grimsby Town Hall, in which the 255 people World War I veterans of the is t/s th Battalion sat down to dinner, provided a beautiful setting Lincolnshire Regiment, as is their custom, had for an excellent dinner. their annual reunion dinner in one of the Brigadier Oulton, our President, after giving County towns with which the Battalion was all news of the “ Duchess of Gloucester’s Own,” formerly associated. informed us that early in 1966 he would re­ The date chosen is nearest to that which linquish the office of President of the Regi­ commemorates the battle of the Hohenzollem mental Association, and his successor, who was Redoubt, near Loos, in which the Battalion present at the dinner would be Major-General fought. Sir Christopher Welby - Everard, K.B.E., C.B., Gainsborough T.A. Centre was the venue now retired and resident in Lincolnshire, the for the dinner, and the date, October 9. Brigadier county of his birth. H. W. Clarke, m .c , who presided, stated in a Major P. M. Segon, M .B.E., Secretary and speech that the only absentees from the dinner Treasurer of the 10th Foot Royal Lincolnshire were those who had died since the last re­ Regimental Association, paid a tribute to the union, and those whose health would not Brigadier, who had travelled in his car no permit their attendance. fewer than 90,000 miles in the service of the Among the guests were Brigadier R. H. L. Regiment and Regimental Association, and no Oulton, Deputy Colonel, The Royal Anglian doubt, as the Brigadier had expressed, would Regiment, who responded to the toast of the continue his close association with the 10th and Regiment, and E. Emerson, Chairman of the Royal Anglian Regimental Association. A Gainsborough Urban District Council, a former standing ovation was given to the Brigadier, member of the 5th Lincolnshire Regiment and we record our appreciation of his tremend­ (T.A.) and later, for 16 years, a regular soldier ous work over a period of seven years to further and bandsman of the Royal Leicestershire Regi­ the interests of the Regimental Association and ment. Regiment. A ll former members of the 10th On display, before their presentation to the Foot will be delighted to know that Major- Regimental Museum of The Royal Lincoln­ General Sir Christopher Welby-Everard is to shire Regiment were the medals, copy of Cita­ be our new President. tions and Commission of the late Sgt. Conrad Among those present at the dinner were the Leadbeater, D.C.M ., of the 1st/5th Bn. Lincoln­ Deputy Mayor and Mayoress of Grimsby, Lady shire Regiment, who, in World War I was Welby-Everard, the Chief Constable of Grimsby awarded the Distinguished Conduct Medal and (J. Angus Esq.) and his wife, Alderman Major two bars for gallantry. On being commissioned A. Cox (fomer Mayor of Cleethorpes— in office he served as an officer in the Lincolnshire Regi­ when the Freedom of Cleethorpes was con­ ment T.F. and rose to the rank of Captain. ferred on the Royal Lincolnshire Regiment), The Veterans, on receiving information that the Rev. Canon D. G. Hawker, m .a . (Vicar of THE CASTLE 211

Grimsby), and J. Hopper, Esq. (representing th e Editor of the Grimsby Evening Telegraph). Congratulations to the London Branch, who le ft on Friday night to travel by road in order to arrive on time, also the comrades from Dover, Bournemouth and Warwick; distance is no object if it means meeting an old friend at least once a y e ar. Capt. C. G. M iller, for 40 years Secretary of the 5th Bn. Veterans, handed to Brigadier Oulton, Chairman of the Royal Lincolnshire Regiment Museum Trustees, the gift of the late Conrad Leadbeater’s medals, commission and other documents for the Museum, which the Brigadier gratefully acknowledged.

S u n d a y , 17TH O c t o b e r By kind permission of Lt.-Col. H. H. Moore, the Band of the 4th/6th Battalion Royal Lincoln­ C hildren 's outing to Wicksteed Park. shire Regiment (T.A.) headed the march of the 10th Foot Comrades to St. James’s Parish Capt. Lewin, our Secretary, and his good lady, Church for Divine Service. The Branch for the untiring effort, work and time they de­ Standards were received at the Altar prior to vote to the branch— running the bar, keeping the service, during which, the President read accounts, etc., etc.— a thousand and one things. the second Lesson and later placed a poppy Without them what would we do? wreath in the Memorial Chapel of the 10th Thanks, too, to all members of the com­ Chums Battalion. After the service, the parade mittee for the way that they have organised moved from the Church to the Town Hall, the entertainment and branch functions during under the command of our President-elect. The the past year, the proof of their success lie* Mayor of Grimsby, Alderman D. E. Petchell, in the fact that no one wants to change the C.B.E., and the Mayoress were present at the committee. service. The Mayor, attended by Brigadier

Oulton, took the salute at the march past. S o c i a l E v e n t s The weather was perfect, and all the “ old sweats ” were pleased to march behind the Social events during the past three months excellent band of the 4th/6th Battalion to the have been many, but amongst those high­ strains of “ The Poacher." lighted was the children’s outing. I use this term loosely, because although there was a fail share of children, there were plenty of Mums R e u n i o n , 1966 This will be held at the Derbyshire Miners’ and Dads present as well. The visit was to Holiday Centre, Skegness, on Saturday, Wicksteed Park, Kettering, on June 27, which October 1. was a tremendous success; it was a beautiful day and we had a lot of fun, a picnic lunch and refreshing drinks. Two coach loads attended, LINCOLN BRANCH and the outing proved so popular that we hope The Lincoln Branch annual general meeting, this w ill become an annual event. A ll the men held on August 30, 1965, was well attended, agreed it was the best children’s outing they in spite of the fact that several members were had ever been to. still on holiday; this was very encouraging, as it There was a visit paid by members of our shows renewed interest in the branch. branch to the Green Room Club, Lincoln, on There was only one change made in the May 18, which was very well attended, and a present committee, and we welcome Lance return visit to our club by their members on Halliwell to the General Committee, having September 17. This was for us a grand event, been elected to fill the vacancycaused by the as the members of the Green Room Club are resignation of Tommy Bentley, owing to ill all local talent associated w ith the Theatre health, who is still a regular visitor to the Royal, Lincoln, and for our enjoyment, put on club; the committee and members join in thank­ a complete show of “ Old Time Music Hall.” ing him for the keen interest and help he gave We are extremely fortunate in having them as during his long term of office as a committee our friends. member, and hope that his health w ill now A visit to Manchester was well attended by improve. Best wishes, Tommy. our members, and planned to enable the ladies The Chairman and committee members take to go shopping and the men to attend the this opportunity to place on record thanks to soccer match between Manchester United and 212 THE CASTLE

Stoke. This outing was a great success, and Healing, Grimsby, four photographs relating the subject of much animated conversation in to H . Brereton, formerly of the Lincolnshire the club. Regiment. I t is planned to make many visits to local places From ex-Sgt. F. Spriggs, 39, Charlotte Road, of interest, two that are already arranged are to Sheffield I, of an electric battery lamp, salvaged the local steelworks at Scunthorpe, where we from a dugout in the Hohenzollern Redoubt. hope to meet some of the lads from our branch From Mrs. R. W. Cave-Orme, a Treatise on who work there, also a visit to the local police M ilita ry Finance, 1797. headquarters. We hope that such visits w ill be From World War I Veterans of the 5th Bn. a means of creating more interest for our Lincolnshire Regiment, T.F., their gift of the members. late Conrad Leadbeater’s Medal of the D.C.M. with two bars, his other War Medals, com­ A n g l i n g S e c t io n mission parchment and relative documents. The Angling Section has opened again this season with a fu ll membership, under the guidance of Reg Burman, who has appealed to me to express through the medium of The Northamptonshire Wing Castle that the anglers of our branch are looking further afield for fishing waters, and asks that NORTHAMPTON BRANCH if any other branches have anglers who wish M e m b e r s ’ O u t in g to arrange a match with us, or any reader who may be lucky enough to own a stretch of water On Sunday, August 22, members and their they would be willing to let our lads fish, wives and children filled two coaches for a he would be most grateful if they would drop trip to Alton Towers. A half-way stop was a line to Mr. R. Burman, of I I I , Addison Drive, made in the morning for turkey sandwiches Lincoln. and the usual liquid refreshments, then on to the Towers for lunch, after which members Indoor games competitions are in full swing found the activities which suited them best. again this year, winners’ names w ill appear in The weather was kind until 4.30, when rain the next edition. drove us back to the buses, where another attack was made on the beer. We then rode on to the Jaguar Social Club, at Coventry, The Royal Lincolnshire where the evening was spent with bingo and dancing. Regiment Museum The Museum Trustees gratefully acknow­ W e l f a r e ledge the following gifts to the Museum: The collecting tins at the club are providing From Miss M. Davy, 45, Edward Street, a steady contribution to the Association funds, Grimsby, various pieces of stained glass and and several grants have been made to indi­ bell-ropes which were souvenirs collected by vidual members during the quarter. the late Sgt. Tom Spence, 10th Battalion, of various churches which were demolished by enemy shell fire in France during World War I. HUNTINGDON BRANCH From Miss I. Clark, 34, St. Leonard’s Street, Steady progress continues to be made in Stamford, her brother’s medals, the late Cpl. this comparatively new branch, our membership Ralph Clark, which were the 1914/15 Star and increases all the time and the monthly meetings the Victory Medal. throughout the summer have been fairly well From Mrs. Plumb, 21, Yew Trinity Road, attended, in spite of so many other demands East Finchley, London, N.2, W.O.’s sashes worn on people’s time at this period of the year. by her grandfather over 100 years ago, in the Matters of welfare and sick visits have been 10th Regiment of Foot, and a piece of em­ ably handled by the Branch Welfare Officer, broidery made by her brother, the late Drum- Mr. C. E. Lees, but fortunately we have no Major A. A. White, during the South African serious cases at present and we sincerely hope War. this situation continues. Taking a leaf from the book of our com­ From Miss V. Scaffham, Albert Street, Brigg, rades at Peterborough Branch, we held our Lincs., photograph and Queen’s South Africa October meeting at St. Neots. By this arrange­ Medal with Five Bars, originally presented to ment we hoped to extend our membership in 813, Pte. H. Scaffham of 2nd Lincolnshire the area, apart from the added facility to our Regiment. existing St. Neots members by having the From M r. A. E. Kitchen, 77, Station Road, occasional meeting in their own town. t h e c a s t l e 213

W ith these notes we take the opportunity to delighted to entertain members of The Royal say au revoir to Major Peter Strickland (O.C. Lincolnshire and Royal A rtillery Associations. “ D ” Company, at Huntingdon). We are ever grateful for his assistance to us in the early Major H. H. Moore has now left the 4th/5th days of formation, and we wish him well in his Battalion to take command of the 4th/6th new post as Company Commander at Corby. Royal Lincolns. We thank him most sincerely A welcome, too, to Capt. Ted Overall, who for the interest he has taken in our branch takes over at Huntingdon as Company Com­ activities. A farewell party in conjunction with mander. We hope this w ill only be the be­ the W.O.s’ and Sergeants’ Mess took place on ginning of what promises to be a very happy September 19, at which there was a very good association. attendance. We send our best wishes to both I t is pleasing to report on the support and Major and Mrs. Moore, and we welcome their encouragement given to this branch by our successors, Major and Mrs. J. P. Wetherall. Vice-Presidents, who have not been mentioned Quite a number of our members attended in any earlier notes. Mrs. C. C. Green (St. the Regimental Week-end at Bury St. Edmunds Ives) whose late husband, Lt.-Col. W. E. and enjoyed the very pleasant evening and the Green, once commanded the 5th Battalion, hospitality afforded us. was the first to accept this office. Major The branch annual outing took place on J. G. (Guy) Fisher and Major W. V. (Bill) August 28. This was a most enjoyable trip Marshall have since accepted, and, apart from to Great Yarmouth. The weather was excellent the support they give us, we, in turn, hope until departure time, when the rains fell, which their association with our activities w ill keep did not at all dampen the “ spirits.” them in touch with many old friends. We regret to record the death of M r. C. W. PETERBOROUGH BRANCH Fincham. The branch was represented at the funeral. After some delay, our branch social evening eventually took place on June 23. We were Best wishes to all branch members.

LINCOLNSHIRE The 49th (W.R. &N.M.) Division/District available at the camp and a fu ll classification Army Cadet Force Rifle Meeting took place range at Bellerby, about 20 miles away. on Beckingham Range on Sunday, September Although the weather was not too kind, the 12, 1965. camp was thoroughly enjoyed by all. The train­ The team match was won by Northampton­ ing was quite successful and a very good Certifi­ shire “ C ” Team and the Individual Competi­ cate “ A,” Part I, examination was carried out. tion was won by Leicestershire and Rutland Duke of Edinburgh’s adventure training was with Northamptonshire as runners-up. The also carried out by a number of those at camp. Falling Plate Competition was won by Derby­ The Lincolnshire Army Cadet Force will shire “ A” Team. The 148 Infantry Brigade camp in 1966 at Crookham, Hampshire, when Shield was won by Lincolnshire, Grimsby “A” it is hoped that all w ill attend. This is a very Team, Sgt. McCall, L /B d r. Munday, Sgt. well equipped camp and is all-electric. Train­ Brameld and Cadet Ferrier. ing areas and ranges are plentiful. Our teams shot quite well, but were no match for Northamptonshire, who have come along A p p o i n t m e n t —C o u n t y C a d e t C o m m a n d a n t 100 per cent since last year’s shooting. It has now been confirmed by M.O.D. that Lt.-Col. A. J. Bennett, M.B.E., T.D., lately Officer Commanding 4th/6th Battalion Royal A n n u a l Camp, 1965 Lincolns (T.A.) has been appointed County The Lincolnshire Army Cadet Force camped Cadet Commandant of the Lincolnshire Amy at Deverell Barracks, Ripon, Yorkshire, from Cadet Force with effect from November 20, July 24 to August 7. Twenty-seven officers, 1965, in the rank of Acting Colonel. 32 S.M.I.s/S.I.s and 250 Cadets attended the We all welcome Colonel Bennett and hope camp. that he w ill have a happy and successful The accommodation was excellent, the food tour as County Cadet Commandant. was very good and there were plenty of stores He w ill relieve Colonel G. M . Sanders, T.D., and offices and a large cinema or lecture room. D.L., who has spent three years as Commandant. The training areas were very good and some We would all like to thank Colonel Sanders for good training was carried out, culminating in al that he has done for the Cadet Force of a Platoon Competition. This was won by No. Lincolnshire during his tour and wish him all 1 Battalion. There were two 30-yard ranges success on his retirement. 214 THE CASTLE NORTHAMPTONSHIRE ARMY CADET FORCE

3RD/4TH (Cadet) Bn. The Northamptonshire evident that more of this type of scheme must R e g im e n t be done at future camps. After some 20 years of residence at Lincoln Unfortunately, like all good camps, this one Road D rill Hall, Battalion Headquarters, Walton drew to a close all too soon, and on the final and Peterborough Detachments, finally moved Saturday, all Battalions amalgamated for a out. Headquarters are now at London Road Drumhead Service and march past, led by the T.A. Centre, Peterborough, and the Peter­ combined Corps of Drums of the 2nd and borough and Walton Detachments are at West­ 3rd/4th Battalions. wood. To some of us it is a sad wrench, as many a happy hour had been spent at Lincoln During the course of this parade S .M .I. J. Road. F irth was presented w ith his Cadet Force On August 1, 61 Officers and Cadets started Medal for 12 years’ exemplary and devoted annual camp at Westdown Camp, Tilshead, on service. Salisbury Plain, and were fortunate with the On Saturday, August 28, our Corps of weather after the first two days. Drums, under the command of Bandmaster The training this year was well organised and S.M.I. J. Firth paraded at St. Neots carnival went well. A ll were kept busy and benefited together with a contingent from our Huntingdon greatly from the instruction. Visits were made Detachment. All were complimented on their to Stonehenge, Devizes and Salisbury, and the turnout. R.A. arranged a demonstration for us at Lark- h ill which was most impressive. On September 19, this Battalion, together The Senior Cadets had a four-day scheme w ith other local pre-Service units, participated and went trekking and bivouacking on the in the local 23th anniversary of the Battle o f Chiltern Hills, spent a few hours at Cheddar Britain. Our Corps of Drums, led part o f the Gorge and managed to call at the coast on parade to and from Peterborough Cathedral. their last day. By their enthusiasm, it was I t was a solemn but impressive affair.

When In Lincoln come and see When in Northampton visit

THE MUSEUM THE MUSEUM

O F T H E OF THE ROYAL LINCOLNSHIRE THE NORTHAMPTONSHIRE REGIMENT REGIMENT

IN AT THE KEEP GIBRALTAR BARRACKS SOBRAON BARRACKS BARRACK ROAD THE CASTLE 215

3rd (16th /44th Foot) Battalion The Royal Anglian Regiment

F i l m —T h e P o m p a d o u r s , 19 6 5 The teams, made up from men from all parts During the last few months the Battalion of the Battalion, were as follows: has been making a film in Berlin. This film Team “ A” : Capt. V. J. Gee, Cpl. J. Valentine, shows just how many varied and interesting L/C pl. R. Stocks, Ptes. M. Ratcliffe, P. Ellis, jobs there arc to be done in the Battalion, and M. Bardwell and D. Webb. all the different kinds of weapons and equip- ment an infantry man has to handle. Team “ B Lt. J. E. Bowers, Cpls. M. H ill The cheerful faces of the camera team were and R. Whiting, Ptes. D. Jones, R. Grant, P. a familiar sight in the barracks during July Denny, D. Grant. and early August, and many members of the Battalion found themselves film stars over­ Each team visited a number of small towns night, and immediately demanded exorbitant and villages in their area, spending two or three fees for their services. The film , which is in days at each site. The teams were equipped with colour and lasts for 50 minutes, was made a display caravan together with modem infantry especially for a “ Keep the Army in the Public weapons and equipment, including a Wombat Eye” tour, which visited the small towns and anti-tank gun, Carl Gustav, 81mm. mortar, villages in Bedfordshire, Hertfordshire and GPMG, the most up-to-date radio sets. The Essex from August 16 to September I I . The Battalion’s own beat group, “ The Digits ” team was split into two halves, Capt. V. J. Gee accompanied the team and played to very en­ commanding “ A” team, which toured West thusiastic audiences in the neighbouring large Essex and Hertfordshire, and L t. J. E. Bowers towns. Meetings with many former members led team “ B,” visiting villages in Essex and of the Regiment during the tours proved to be Bedforsdhire. most interesting.

The Battalion own Beat Group, “ The Digits ” (Left to right) P tes. J. Johnson, L. Justice, M. Jeffery and 1. Lent. the c a s t l e 216

Some members of the Battalion KAPE team beside their Mobat anti-tank gun. Back row (left to right) Pte. N. Barduiell, Cpl. J Valentine, Cpl. R. Stock Pie. D. Ellis. Front row (left to right) Pte. D. Webb and Pte. M Ratcliffe

The tour over, the K.A.P.E. team returned a fairly large, and what later proved to be a to Berlin, bringing the Battalion film with very capable team. them. This was shown to the entire Battalion The rally took place at various points be­ on September 17 in the Jereboa Cinema; the tween Alexander Barracks and Paderbom, cheers which greeted the Battalion’s budding passing through some picturesque and difficult film stars could be heard halfway down the counryside. The aim of the rally was to pro­ Heer Strasse! mote efficiency in map-reading, route-finding in difficult conditions, both by day and by night, and skilled driving in general, with the accent Blenheim Day on road safety. The Battalion annual holiday was celebrated The 8oo-kilometre course included day and on August 13 in a most unconventional manner. night sections, cross - country courses, and The morning activities took place at the child­ skilled driving tests against the stop watch, ren’s swimming pool at Brigade H.Q. The which proved most exciting, and no doubt whole Battalion turned out in force to take pan exhausting. Results; in the “ Clacton Capers,” which included pillow 4 1/2-ton Class.—The crew, consisting of Pte. fights in rubber dinghies (the Adjutant, Capt. E. Stockdale, L/CpL F. Juchau and Sgt. M. P. J. Sincock, went under in the final, brandish­ Allen, distinguished themselves by winning this ing his pillow), various sideshows, and a number class by a comfortable margin. Pte. E. Stockdale of other races certainly not listed in the Manual deserves special mention for his magnificent of “ Games and Sports in the Army.” The effort over the skilled driving course. main attraction was the “ crossing of the line” ceremony, with C/Sgt. P. South as “ King Staff Car Class.—Lt. C. Groves, C/Sgt. R. Neptune,” complete with a 3ft. razor, which Templeman and L/Cpl. F. Sykes provided the gave the Second-in-Command, Major J. A. crew for this class and romped to victory with Bacon, the closest shave he has had for some a highly-professional performance. time. The afternoon entertainments included “ foot-in-the-fire-bucket ” races, and 4 1/2-ton 1/4-ton Class.—The crew, of L/CpL S. Little- water trailer races, the trailer being pulled by child, Pte. S. Grimwood and Pte. R. Kendall, Company teams of ten men. The day was finished fifth in this event after suffering some rounded off admirably by an all ranks’ dance map-reading problems during the day event. in the gymnasium; an impromptu cabaret being However, an excellent drive over the night admirably performed by C/Sgt. P. South. section saw them safely home with no points lost. 1 1/2 ton Class.— Pte. M. Coy, Pte. R. Hurlock, B e r l in B r ig a d e R a l l y Cpl. A. Soper, Cfn. F. Noble, Pte. R. West and September 7 saw the start of the Berlin Pte. J. Robinson finished well on the day section Brigade B.A.M.A. R a lly , in which we entered but came to grief on the night course. THE CASTLE 217 218 THE CASTLE

V i s i t s On August 3, General Sir James Cassels, G.C.B., K.B.E., D.S.O., Chief of the General Staff, visited the Battalion in Wavell Barracks. The General watched various aspects of the Battalion training and had lunch in the Officers’ Mess. Another recent visitor to Wavell Barracks was the Mayor of Barnet, Alderman K. G. Pamplin, J.P., on September 3. Together with eight councillors, he toured the barracks and met L/Cpl. Coventry, who also comes from Barnet.

S p o r t Football training began in mid-July in preparation for the Major and Minor League competitions to be held during the first week of September. The Battalion team has so far suffered three defeats, but it is hoped that we w ill improve once the German coach begins training the team on October 14. The Battalion is due to play in the first round of 1st Division, B.A.O.R., and the Army Cup in late October against 7th Armoured Workshops, R.E.M.E. The Companies are doing well in the Minor League, and L /C p l. Musicka is to be con­ General Sir J. Cassels, accompanied by the gratulated on being selected to play for the Commanding Officer, Lt.-Col. P. J. H. Leng, Combined Services Team against the West speaking to Pte. B. Aylott during his visit to Berlin Police at the British M ilitary Tattoo. Wavell Barracks. THE CASTLE 219

Sgt. B . Upson, L/Cpl. S. Frost, Pte. A. Jones and Pte. R. Bishop in their canoes during the Rhone Canoeing Expedition.

C a n o e in g E x p e d it io n Lake Geneva. No longer did we get assistance During early September eight members of from the current, and at times the wind made the Battalion set off on a fortnight’s canoeing progess extremely difficult. Near the end of our expedition down the River Rhone. The team, second day on the Lake a storm rose and, having consisting of Lt. T. D. A. Veitch, Sgt. M shipped a great deal of water and exhausted Howard, Sgt. B. Upson, L /C p l. S. Frost and ourselves in keeping our canoes going through Ptes. R. Bishop, D. O’Brien, L. Lyons and A. the waves, we decided to cover the final 10 Jones left Berlin on September 4 in the French miles into Geneva by hired lorry. Military Train. Lt. T. D. A. Veitch sent us Lake Geneva also defeated any further use­ the following interesting account of his trip. fulness in the recce-boat. It had hindered our We made a start at Brig, not far from the daily progress to such an extent that we finally Italian border, having brought three canoes with decided that it should be sent to Lyon by rail, us and one rather bulbous inflatable recce- Sgt. M. Howard and Pte. D. O’Brien travelling boat. The recce-boat went well over the faster the remaining 100 miles by road. stretches but was very difficult to handle against A day’s rest in Geneva gave us time to recover the high wind, and required someone to stand from the lake and to enjoy such luxuries as up precariously every hour to pump up the food, sleep and wine. So, fortified, we set off front two air-pockets. We were immediately to cover the last 125 miles into Lyon in four shown the potential danger of the swiftly days. The river sped up once more, and the flowing current— two canoes turning over w ith­ only hindrance came in the shape of four vast in the first two hours! hydroelectric dams, which not only stopped the We took four days to cover the 69 miles from current, but demanded considerable portages Brig to Lake Geneva, although we were held each time. up by two dams. One complete day was devoted After our twelfth day on the river we covered to a climb up to 6,000 feet and also carrying our 232nd mile on entering Lyon. Here we out vital repairs on the skin and structure met the two who had travelled by road, found of the three canoes and the recce-boat. the recce-boat, and packed the canoes and our The pattern of our days on the water soon personal belongings. evolved. We would spend about six hours So ended a most enjoyable trip and we re­ paddling each day, this ranging from pure grind turned to Berlin on September 20, having against the wind or a tedious carry around a travelled through some of the most delightful hydroelectric dam, to the faster stretches where scenery in Switzerland and France. we just hoped for the best and bounded from rock to rock— somehow surviving with nothing worse than a boatful of water. The scenery was S o l t a u breathtaking, changing from snow-capped The main body moved down to Reinsehlen mountains in Switzerland to the rolling vine­ Camp on September 21 by road and rail. yards of France. Each night we endeavoured to Having settled in, the Battalion concentrated for find a roof against the rain, and the facility to the first week on company training under per­ buy fresh food and build a fire. fect weather conditions. A party of 24 members On the fifth day we began the battle to cross of 3rd Bn. U.S. Infantry, at present stationed 220 THE CASTLE

Pfc. J. Krpicak, 3rd B n . 6th U.S. Infantry, and Sgt. M. Osborne prepare to repulse an attack during a Battalion Exercise at Soltau.

in Berlin, was attached to us for the duration 28. This will be followed shortly by the arrival of the exercises, and took an active part in all of the Lord Lieutenants of Essex and Bedford­ aspects of our training. On September 24 the shire, Colonel Sir J. Ruggles-Brise and Major Minister of Defence for the Army, The Right S. Whitbread, from November 2 to 5. Honourable Fred Mulley, M .P., visited the Preparation for the Battalion’s Christmas Battalion at Soltau together with Lieut.-General Programme is already under way and there is Sir Richard Goodwin, K.C.B., C.B.E., D.S.O., every indication that our last Christmas in G.O.C.-in-C. 1 Brigade Corps. The Minister Berlin will be a very lively one. watched the Battalion training and had lunch As is customary, we include the names o f the in the Officers’ Mess with the General. Officers, Warrant Officers and Sergeants who The training continued for three weeks, and have recently arrived or left the Battalion. culminated with an Infiltration exercise, which Since our last Battalion notes we have wel­ was thoroughly enjoyed by all. T w o Battalion comed Major J. R. Oldfield, Capt. R. J. Sibley, exercises finishing on October 13 brought our Capt. M. J. Lewis and Sgt. G. Offord back to annual training to a close, and we returned to the Battalion. Berlin on October 15 and 16 to hastily prepare We also welcome 2/Lt. M . H. Bland, 2 /L t. for our role as Duty Battalion. P. Shervington and 2/Lt. T. J. Weall, as well as a number of newcomers from the Regimental V i s i t o r s t o B e r l in Depot. Soltau over, the Battalion now looks forward However we have said goodbye with regret to the arrival of Brigadier and Mrs. C. M. to Major J. F. Bushell, Lt. C. A. Styles, Sgt. Paton, who are visiting us from October 25 to V. L. White and Sgt. P. H. Franklin.

A platoon from “ D ” Com­ pany mount their tank in preparation for an attack at Soltau. THE CASTLE 22I 222 THE CASTLE 1st Bn. The Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire Regiment (TA)

The most important event in a very full pro­ gramme since the last issue, was the honour bestowed on the Regiment by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother, on the occasion of her visit to the Battalion at Watford on July 3, 1965, when the Regiment exercised its privilege of the Freedom of Entry into the Borough. The parade was held in Cassiobury Park, Watford; the setting was delightful, being a natural amphitheatre, surrounded by trees on three sides, under which the guests and public were seated, and by the time the troops arrived a crowd of several thousands guests and public had gathered to watch the ceremony. At 11 a.m. the troops, under the command of Major G. H. Hickinbottom, T.D ., marched into the arena. They consisted of a guard of honour of 100, and the Band and Drums of the Battalion, with two companies of A.C.F. and C.C.F. affiliated to the Battalion. The C.C.F. were represented by detachments from Bedford Modem School and Berkhamsted School and the A.C.F. from detachments from the counties of Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire. As preliminaries to the arrival of Her Majesty there was the arrival of the V.I.P.s. First of all the Honorary Colonel and the Command­ [Photograph: Graphic Photos] ing Officer who, at 11.15, received His Worship Her Majesty inspects the parade the Mayor of Watford (Councillor Leslie C. Wright). At 11.20 the Colonel of the Regi­ ment, Lieut.-General Sir Reginald F. S. Denning, After the inspection, Her Majesty presented k.b.e., C.B., D.L., arrived and received a general decorations and medals to members of the salute from the parade. At 11.25 Her Majesty’s Regiment and Battalion. W.O.II P. Watson, Lord Lieutenant of Hertfordshire, Major- who was the P.S.I. at 1 Company, received the General Sir George Bums, k . c .v.o ., C.a., D .S.O., Long Service and Good Conduct Medal; Cpl. O .B .E., M.C., arrived. At 11.30 those watching R. Day, the Royal Anglian Regiment received the parade knew that Her Majesty was getting the Queen’s Commendation for Gallantry, close, as we could hear the cheers, and just after which he earned in Aden when serving with 11.30 the royal car arrived in Cassiobury Park. the 1st Battalion. Territorial Efficiency Medals were presented to WO.II D. Sharpe (4 Com­ Her Majesty mounted the dais, attended by pany), C/Sgt. E. A D. Baines (H.Q. Company), the Colonel of the Regiment, the Honorary Sgt. J. E. Taylor, Cpl. S. D. H. Mayger and Colonel, the Commanding Officer, and Sir Sgt. W. Wassell (the Band) and Cpl R. R. Martin Gilliatt, and was received by the parade Adams (the Drums). with a royal salute, after which she inspected the guard of honour and also the cadets who After the presentation of medals Her Majesty were on parade. She was conducted round the addressed the parade. She said that it was parade by the Parade Commander, Major G. the first visit to Watford since the Freedom of H. Hickinbottom, and was attended by the the Borough had been bestowed on the Regi­ Colonel of the Regiment, the Honorary Colonel, ment, and said “ this Battalion has always been the Commanding Officer and Sir Martin an integral pan of the Regiment, and I take Gilliatt. the opportunity, as Colonel-in-Chief, of express- The Regimental Officers seated with Her Majesty, Colonel-in-Chief of the Regiment Watford, July 3, 1965

Back Row (left lo right) : O/CdL D. J. W. Browne. 2/LL M. D. Pell, 2/LL R. A. Hall, Lt P. N. King, U . F. Gilfedder, LL J. E. O. Screen. Lt. P. J. Source. L L |Q .M .| P. E. Jones. 2/LL B. P. Holt 2 / L t T . R. P. Moore, O /Cdt E . Rogers. Middle Row : (.'apt. B. C. Wicks, Capt. S. J. Durston-West, Capt. S. F . N. Humbert, Capt. B. J. Townshend, Capt. D. M. Lusty, CapL D. A . E. Finch. Maj. J. D. Blumson. 2/LL R. P. James, Capt J. M. Sambrook, Captain P. S. Dodson. Capt P. Barthorpe. CapL (Q.M.) L C. V. Mckean. Front Row : Maj. H. E. D. Griffiths. R.A.M.C., Maj. E J. Lancaster, Maj. B. J. Elliott. Capt D. J. Thorogood. Brigadier G. V\. H. Peters, C.B.E, D.S.O., M.C. (Hponorary Colonel, Lt. General Sir Reginald F. S. Denning, K.B.E.. CB., D.L. (Colonel of the Regiment), Her Majesty Queen Eliza­ beth the Queen Mother (Colonel-in-Chief), Lt Col. D. W . Browne, M .C . (Commanding Officer), Maj. G . H. Hickinbottom. T.D ., Maj. D. W . F . Willard, T.D.. Maj. R. B. Keatley, Maj. A. S. McCraw, Maj. (Rev.) J. E. Bowers. R.A.Ch.D. 224 t h e c a s t l e____ ing on behalf of the whole Regiment our plea­ sure and pride at this high honour.” Her Majesty also drew attention to the close ties of the Battalion with the town, and the support Parade State the Old Comrades had given in the past and she hoped would continue to do in the future. Commanding Officer: She congratulated the parade on its smartness: L ie u t e n a n t -C o l o n e l D. W. B r o w n e , M .C “ I congratulate you all who are on parade, and not least the Cadets, who performed so valuable a part of the Regiment, on the high Adjutant: standard of your drill, and I offer to each one of you my warmest good wishes for the years C a pt a in D. J. T h o r o g o o d ahead.” The Commanding Officer, Lt.-Col. D. W. Parade Commander: Browne, M.C., in his reply of thanks, assured M ajor G. H . H ickinbottom , T.D. Her Majesty of the loyalty and devotion of all ranks, and expressed their grateful apprecia­ tion of the honour which had been bestowed Lieutenant of the Guard of Honour : on them by Her Majesty’s visit. C apt a in S. F. N. H u m b e r t His Worship the Mayor of Watford, Coun­ cillor Leslie Wright, also made an address of welcome to Her Majesty on behalf of the The Colour Officers: Borough. C a p t a in D. A. E. F in c h A t the conclusion of the parade, military and S e c o n d -L ie u t e n a n t R . P. J a m e s civic dignitaries and their ladies were presented to Her Majesty, who then proceeded to the saluting base, opposite the Town Hall, to re­ Staff Officer to the Colonel of the Regiment : view the march past of the Battalion with M ajor R . B . K e a t l e y bayonets fixed and Colours flying. Further presentations followed, and at 1.15 Officers for the March Past: Her Majesty and party arrived in the main hall to a civic luncheon provided by the Mayor M a jo r B. J. E l l io t t and Corporation of Watford. Present were all L ie u t e n a n t F . G il f e d d e r the officers of the Battalion and their wives, L ie u t e n a n t P. J. S o u r c e and also the ex-Commanding Officers and other Regular personnel connected with the Regiment. L ie u t e n a n t P. N . K in g The Band of the 4th Bn. The Royal Anglian L ie u t e n a n t J. E. O. S c r e e n Regiment played during the meal. After lunch Her Majesty visited the Regi­ ment and Old Comrades at the new T.A. Regimental Chaplain : Centre at Tolpits Lane. A royal salute was R e v . J. E. B o w e r s given and the music was played by the Junior Band and Drummers from the Depot, Royal Battalion Quartermaster: Anglian Regiment, conducted by Bandmaster Smythe. C a p t a in (Q.M.) L . C . V . M c K ean Her Majesty, accompanied by the Colonel of The Regiment, the Commanding Officer, Regimental Sergeant Major the Secretary, The Bedfordshire and Hertford­ W.O.I. A. F. C harlesworth shire Regiment Association and the Mayor, in ­ spected the Old Comrades and then entered Regimental Officers in Attendance : the D rill Hall and met the officers and members of the Battalion and their wives, and also the M ajors J. D . B l u m s o n a n d E. J. L a n c a s t e r Cadets who had been on parade. Photographs C a p t a in s D . M. L u s t y , J. M. S h a m r o c k , P. S. were then taken, after which Mrs. Charlesworth, wife of R.S.M. Charlesworth, presented a D o d s o n , P. B a r t h o r p e , R. H. J. C o l s e y , bouquet to Her Majesty, who took her de­ r .a.p .c , an d S . J. D u r s t o n -W e s t . parture to the sounds of a hearty cheer from L ie u t e n a n t (Q.M.) P. E . Jo n e s all present. I t is regretted that owing to pressure on S e c o n d -L ie u t e n a n t s R . A . H a l l & B . P. H o l t space, our training and other notes have had to be held over. THE CASTLE 225

4th/5th Bn. The Essex Regiment (TA)

ANNUAL CAMP come down for the weekend, the Honorary The Battalion, in good strength and spirits, Colonel presented the Lord Lieutenant’s Certi­ journeyed to Camp at Folkestone on Whit ficates for Meritorious Service to W .O .II C. H. Saturday— an interesting problem in this age Brickstock, C/Sgt. S. W. G. Bolt, Sgts. G. R. of the highly mechanised unit and volunteer. MacNally, S. A. Shoat and S. A. Smith (A.C.C.) We were quickly established under canvas, and and Cpl. S. Ashdown. The camera, given by training by Companies and Cadres produced Messrs. Ilford Ltd., went to Cpl. R. J. Cullum, by the end of the first week a fairly efficient “ B ” Company, who had been judged in com­ Battalion. A fitting climax to this basic training petition the best all-round junior rank of the was the “ Gaza ” Cup Competition, a tactical year, and the “ Gaza ” Cup to “ B ” Company. and endurance event which is the highlight of The remainder of Camp was devoted to the year. A meticulous inspection of all the Company Group and Battalion Exercises in Company teams, each consisting of 11 men of preparation for the Brigade two-day exercise. The latter comprised a surprise move by night varying rank and experience, a tactical shooting and a dawn attack some seven miles away con­ competition and a forced march on a compass ducted in mist and pouring rain, which bearing followed by some energetic handling adequately proved the value of the training and of an assault craft on the Hythe Canal, taxed all the adaptability of the Territorial. the teams, who showed a very high degree of Camp 1965 ended with morale high, despite enthusiasm and ability. One team aggrieved at doubts as to the future and genuine sorrow in losing valuable points through an error in the impending departure of our Regular Com­ compass reading fo u n d the opportunity pre­ manding Officer, Lt.-Col. R. J. Randall, who sented by the canal too tempting, and vented was warmly cheered after his final address. their good humoured indignation on their Team The Band and Drums went to a separate Captain, thus giving the rescue launch a little Camp at Colchester this year, together with practice. their counterparts from the other battalions in The competition was watched by our the Brigade. The Massed Bands Competition Honorary Colonel, Colonel Arthur Noble, who, in which they took part was, despite the poor to the Battalion’s pleasure, had that morning weather, a most impressive performance. been awarded the C.B. in the Birthday Honours The Divisional Band and Drums Competition List. was held on Sunday, October 3, and the results At a parade on Sunday, when the Battalion were most gratifying, the Band gaining second was joined by the Band of Drums, who had place and the Drums third place, especially in

The Honorary Colonel presenting the Gaza Cup to 2/Lt. A. R. Dann, “ B " Company. 226 THE CASTLE

"B ” Company Shooting Team, winners of the Bat­ talion Rifle Meeting.

view of the fact that the Corps of Drums had shooting. In the National Small Bore Rifle only a very limited amount of time for practice Association T.A. match, “ B ” and “ H.Q.” under their new Drum Major, Sgt. D. S. East. Companies got into the final stage. The results Particularly praiseworthy was the Band’s ren­ of this have not yet been received. In the 54 dering of the set piece, “ The Overture to the East Anglian D iv./D istrict League, “ H.Q.” Merry Wives of Windsor ” which gained them Company, “ B ” Company and “ D " Company by far the highest marks in this section of the were each top of their respective divisions, “ C ” competition. Company were second and “ A” Company fifth. Apart from Camp, much of our attention in Altogether a most satisfying small bore season. the past few months has been focussed on The Battalion Rifle Meeting was held at Pur- THE CASTLE 227

T he Old Colours o f 4th and 5th Territorial Bat­ talions The Essex Regi- ment on their final parade. From left: W.O.II C. H. Briekstodt, Lt. I. M. Kennard, L t. P. J. Bris- bourne, C/Sgt. D. C. Halls, Sgt H. Mildren, Lt. G. E. T. Green, 2/Lt. A . E. Davis, Sgt. P. J. Parish.

fleet on September 4 and 5. We were extremely they went out rock climbing and abseiling daily fortunate with the weather and the shooting at Coombes Edge. Strong winds and frequent was of a good standard. showers made conditions difficult for beginners At the Divisional Rifle Meeting, the Battalion but it proved possible to train the party in the Team won the Yorke Cup for the best rifle rudiments of both techniques. team in the Brigade and our Young Soldiers were 3rd in the China Cup Competition. LAYING UP OF THE W.O.II P. A. Stokes was runner-up in the 4th AN D 5th B A T T A L IO N CO LO U R S Veterans’ Match, and WO.11 Potton won the Divisional Championship having won the The Laying-Up of the old Colours of the Regular Rifle Match, Pistol Match and been 4th Battalion, presented at Gordon Fields, runner-up in the S.M.C. Match. We congratu­ Ilford, on June 11, 1910, and the 5th Battalion late all who took part in these two meetings, presented 21 days later at Chelmsford, was and especially those who succeeded in obtaining combined with the annual Service of Remem­ prizes. brance held at the Regimental Chapel in July. In the 161 Infantry Brigade Inter-Battalion The large congregation, which included the Competition, which took place on Sunday, Mayor and Mayoress of Redbridge (formerly October 10, we were narrowly beaten by the Ilford), the Divisional Commander, and men Suffolk and Cambridgeshire Regiment, the who had served with the Colours since their final placing being dependent upon the last presentation, as well as serving members of the result to be announced. The Signals and M.T. Battalion, saw a worthy Colour Party deliver won their sections, the Mortars, Recce, Anti- the Colours of the 4th Battalion to the Colonel Tank and Fighting Patrol were each second in of the Regiment, Lieut.-General Sir Reginald theirs. The Assault Pioneer and First Aid Denning, and of the 5th Battalion to the Deputy Sections, which were composed mainly of Colonel, Brigadier C. M. Paton, from whom scratch teams from “A” Company, entered fully they were received into the Chapel by the into the spirit of the competition, and the great Chaplain General to the Forces, assisted by our deal of training and preparation which had been own Padre. Following the Ceremony, there was carried out was well reflected on the day. a March Past of Comrades led by the Band A party of 12 volunteers under Lt. T. A. and Drums, and thereafter everyone adjourned Nightingale took pan in Exercise “ Getaway to the gardens of the Regimental Headquarters III," an adventure training exercise in the Peak for tea, and a chance to renew friendships in District over the August Holiday, during which the summer sunlight. 228 THE CASTLE

REGIMENTAL ASSOCIATIONS The Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire Regiment Association

The visit by the Colonel-in-Chief of the ensure that we were well provided for. As a Regiment to inspect the 1st Bn. The Bedford­ result, once formal ceremonies were over, we shire and Hertfordshire Regiment (T.A.) at were able to make this also an occasion for a Watford, on Saturday, July 3, is reported else­ happy and memorable reunion of old friends. where in this issue. This occasion, however, The Inter-Branch Shoot took place on Barton provided an opportunity for branches and Road Range, Cambridge, on Sunday, August members of the Regimental Association to give 8, during the Battalion Rifle Meeting. It being their support on yet another memorable day in the holiday period, there were fewer teams the Regiment’s history. than usual, but, thanks to the arrangements We had been privileged to watch the morn­ made by the Commanding Officer, those who ing ceremonies as spectators, but in the after­ were able to attend, enjoyed a sunny day’s out­ noon we were honoured to parade as Old ing. Bedford Branch were again the winners, Comrades of The Regiment for inspection by but by a narrow margin; the runners-up, Hert­ Her Majesty. The stong parade filled the fore­ ford Branch, being only one point behind. court of the T.A. Centre as it formed up in two ranks, with the Branch Standards proudly 1st/5th BEDFORDS (1914-1918) massed on the right of the line. The arrival (“ YELLOW DEVILS ”) O.C.A. of Her Majesty was greeted by the royal salute For many years, on the nearest Sunday to played by the Junior Drummers of The Regi­ August 15, our branch has paid tribute at the mental Depot. The Colonel-in-Chief, accom­ Luton War Memorial to those who fell at panied by the Colonel of The Regiment, The Gallipoli and during the First World War. On Mayor of Watford, and the Secretary of The Sunday, August 15, 1965, it was 50 years to the Regimental Association, then walked slowly day since we first went into action and earned down the ranks, stopping to talk to each be- the immortal title of “ The Yellow Devils.” medalled old soldier on parade. It was indeed In view of this historic date, our President, a proud moment for them all. The accompany­ M r. C. W. Gilder, invited all ex-Servicemen ing photographs recapture this pride as well as who had been at Gallipoli with other units to the happiness inspired by the gracious charm join us in our act of homage. Over forty of of our Colonel-in-Chief. these were able to be with us for the wreath- We very much appreciated all the trouble laying ceremony at the War Memorial. This taken by Lt.-Col. D. W. Browne, M.C., Officer was followed by a Memorial Service at Luton Commanding 1st Bn. The Bedfordshire and Parish Church. Many of us had poignant Hertfordshire Regiment (T.A.) and his staff to memories of the Service held in that same

The Colonel-in-Chief in­ spects the Old Comrades at W atford on 3rd July, 1965. In the foreground is the late In-Pensioner C. C. Waterman.

[Photograph: The Watford P ost THE CASTLE 229

Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth The Queen M other pauses to talk to a group of members of Bedford Branch during her inspection at Watford on 3rd July.

[Photograph The Watford Post

Church fifty years ago, the Battalion parading HERTFORD BRANCH at fu ll strength before its departure overseas O u r other Branch activities have continued It is with deep regret that we have to report during the summer months, a highlight being the death of Mr. W. C. See after the long and our annual outing to Brighton. Mr. J. Ward painful illness which he had borne so bravely. was responsible for the arrangements and, “ Jack ” was taken prisoner with the 5th needless to say, it was another successful day. Battalion at Singapore. After the war he served It is with deep regret that we record the as the Regular P.S.I. at Cheshunt and on his death of Mr. Percy Anderson. We were re­ discharge he joined the Territorial Army, rising presented at the funeral in October by Mr. C. W. Gilder, President, Mr. J. Ward, Secretary, and M r. J . Land.

BEDFORD BRANCH The sudden death of Capt. F. W. Boutwood, on September 15 has overshadowed all other news since our last report. Frank Bout- wood served his Regiment in many capacities, from regular soldier to Quartermaster, with the Army Cadet Force and the Territorial and A uxiliary Forces Association; in addition we have lost a staunch friend who was a well- beloved Vice-President of the Branch. To­ gether with so many of his friends from afar, the Branch provided a guard of honour at the funeral service at Biddenham Parish Church on September 21, and later that same afternoon when his ashes were laid to rest in the Garden of Remembrance at our Regimental Memorial A team consisting of the late Capt. F. W. Boutwood, M .B .E ., Capt. W. D. Folds, Mr. J. Willmott and Mr. C. C. Wells represented us in the Inter-Branch Shoot on August 8. Our expectations proved justified when they again brought the trophy back to Bedford. Con­ gratulations to our secretary, “ Buster ” Wells, [Photograph by The Hertfordshire Mercury on winning the Bronze Medal for the runner- Mr. and Mrs. C. Mansfield, taken on their Golden up in the Individual Score. Wedding Anniversary, 2$th May, 1965. 230 THE CASTLE to the rank of R.Q.M.S. At the time of his well and is maintaining its place amongst the death he was employed in the Q.M.’s Department leaders in its division of the Hertfordshire at Hertford. He had served as a Com­ County League. We are only too willing to mittee Member of the Branch for the past accept a challenge from other Branches or fourteen years and had taken an active part in interested teams. all our affairs. He w ill be greatly missed by us all. On May 25, 1965, our popular secretary, On Sunday, August 8, we sent a team to “ Charlie” Mansfield, and his wife reached Cambridge to represent us in the Inter-Branch their Golden Wedding Anniversary. At a cele­ Shoot. After a keen and exciting contest, we bration party held at the St. Andrew Street lost by one point to Bedford Branch. In con­ Headquarters on Saturday, May 29, his family, solation, however, we were able to congratulate many friends and Old Comrades were present M r. Game on being presented with the Silver to offer their congratulations and to pay tribute Medal for the highest individual score. to a grand couple who have done so much for Our Small Bore Rifle Team is still doing the Branch.

The Essex Regiment Association

BRIGADIER C. M. PATON, Any Members of the former Essex Regiment C.V.O., C.B.E., D.L. who are interested may obtain further details of these proposals from the Regimental P r e s i d e n t , T h e E s s e x R e g im e n t A s s o c ia t io n Secretary, 16th/44th Foot Headquarters, Warley, Brentwood, Essex. AN APPRECIATION Brigadier Charles Paton relinquished the ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING Presidency of The Essex Regiment Association W a r l e y J u l y 4, 1965 in November. He first became President in 1950 when he was appointed Colonel of The S u m m a r y o f t h e M i n u t e s o f t h e M e e t in g Essex Regiment, and since that time he has The Annual General Meeting for 1965 was worked unceasingly to further the interests of held at Regimental Headquarters, Warley, at the Association. His experienced guidance and 5.30 p.m. on July 4, during the Regimental wise counsel have been of inestimable value Reunion celebrations. during a period which has seen great changes The President of the Association, Brigadier in the m ilitary structure, and his efforts have C. M. Paton, C.V.O., C.B.E., D.L., took the chair, ensured that despite the many difficulties the and 94 members were in attendance. affairs of the Association have continued to During the Meeting, Brigadier Paton an­ prosper. nounced that Lieut.-General Sir Reginald F. Although far from fit, Brigadier Paton has S. Denning, K.B.E., C.B., D.L., would relinquish for many years now combined the duties of the appointment of Colonel of The Royal Deputy Colonel with those of President of the Anglian Regiment, probably early in 1966, and Association, and The Regiment owes to him that it was likely that Lieut.-General Sir Richard and Mrs. Paton who is always by his side, a E. Goodwin, K.C.B., C.B.E., D.S.O., would succeed great debt of gratitude. him. Brigadier Paton referred to the great ser­ It is with appreciation and pleasure that we vices rendered to the Regiment by General record that the Brigadier is to continue as Denning. No Colonel of a Regiment could Deputy Colonel, The Royal Anglian Regiment. have shown greater understanding of difficulties We extend a very warm welcome to Colonel encountered during amalgamation and the Peter Franklin, D .L ., our new President. subsequent formation of The Royal Anglian Regiment, and it is under his skilful and inspired leadership that all obstacles have been THE REGIMENTAL CHAPEL successfully overcome. WARLEY The members present were unanimous in The future of the Regimental Chapel at expressing their appreciation of General Warley has been under earnest consideration by Denning’s great work as Colonel of The Regi­ the Regiment, and after long and very full ment, and requested the Brigadier to convey investigation certain proposals have been put to the General the most sincere gratitude of The forward for approval. Essex Regiment Association for the way in THE CASTLE 231 which he had always guarded the interests of CHELMSFORD AND DISTRICT BRANCH The Essex Regiment, and for his successful The past year has been a very successful one preservation of “ Warley,” in spite of all for the Chelmsford Branch. A Families’ Day difficulties. was held on September 12 at Pointwell M ill, Brigadier Paton next referred to his own Coggeshall, the home of our President, Major position as President of The Essex Regiment D. J. Jarvis, T.D. In an atmosphere of old-world Association, and said that he felt the time was charm, children were able to enjoy the pleasure now approaching when he should hand over of fishing in a private stretch of river, where the reigns to a new President. He had accord­ one fortunate youngster landed a roach well ingly approached Colonel Peter Franklin, T.D., over a pound, or a swim in the pool. There the present County Cadet Commandant, who was also a bar and a barbeque. was prepared to take over in the near future, at The A.G.M. was held the following day on a time to be agreed. Members received with September 13, Members welcomed Major D. regret the news that Brigadier Paton wished to J. Jarvis, T.D., as the new President of the retire from the Presidency, but unanimously Branch and paid tribute to the retiring Presi­ endorsed his proposal that Colonel Franklin dent, Lt.-Col. C. A. Southey. Colonel Southey should succeed him. Brigadier Paton stated who was the founder President now becomes that he would shortly seek the final approval Vice-President. Membership of the Branch is of the Colonel of The Regiment for Colonel still increasing and is steadily approaching the Franklin to be officially appointed. 300 mark. On October 2 a dance was held in the Social WARLEY REUNION Club Hall at the works of Crompton Parkinson Ltd. Dancing was from 8 p.m. to midnight to The 1965 Annual Reunion of the Essex the music of the Phil Scott five. Among the Regiment was held on July 4, and the Service 300 dancers were members of Crompton Parkin­ of Remembrance was on this occasion combined son’s management, including Mr. Budd and Mr. with that of the Laying Up of the old 4th and Dancer and their wives. Jack English was an 5th Territorial Battalion Colours. excellent M.C., who really kept things moving, The joint ceremony caused considerable and a special thanks must go to B ill Bridgeman administrative problems, but the impressive for all the work he put in and for organising Service and the Reunion which followed all such a splendid raffle. went off very smoothly. A total of some 600 Our first Annual Dinner and Dance was held were seated in the Regimental Chapel and the at the County Hotel, Chelmsford, on Friday, “ annexe” erected at the West End, probably October 15, when a party of 75 members and the largest congregation ever, and the majority their wives enjoyed a very happy evening. Our stayed after the Service to watch the March new President, Major D. Jarvis, was present Past of old comrades, and to enjoy tea and and the Guest of Honour was Colonel Arthur refreshments in the R.H.Q. gardens. Noble, the Honorary Colonel of 4th/5th Bn. A very happy Reunion for all present. The The Essex Regiment ( T .A.). Laying Up of the Colours is reported in the Finally, we would like to thank 4 th /5th Bn. 4th/5th Battalion notes. The Essex Regiment (T.A.) for the interest that they take in the Branch and for all the help they are always w illing to give when it is SAFFRON WALDEN BRANCH required. The Branch continues to flourish, and fortunately we have been able to help a number 10th (1914-18) BN. THE ESSEX REGIM ENT of our members who have fallen on hard times. The “ Talbot ” London Wall was again We never lose an opportunity of building up invaded by the old 10th Essex on September our funds, and on August Bank holiday we held 25, when close on 50 old soldiers met at the a very successful fete on the ground of the Annual Dinner. Members came from many Saffron Walden Town Football Club, when we parts of the country and spent their customary made a profit of £60. We are most grateful to happy evening under the Chairmanship of the Committee and supporters of the Club for Colonel Randall Chell, their old C.O. the use of their ground. The date was that of the 50th anniversary On September 18 we held our annual social of the , and 11th Essex, who which, as always, was a great success, thanks to suffered so badly at that time, were remembered our President, Major J. Lipscombe, and his during the toasts. wife, and all our Committee members. We also Commencing with 1966, The Tenth is to wish to thank the ladies’ section, whose services extend an invitation to welcome to its Annual always prove invaluable. Dinner on September 24 all members of the I t is hoped to run a Christmas fair and other (1914-18) Service Battalions of The Essex rummage sale on November 27. Regiment. Any member wishing to attend 232 THE CASTL E should write to the Honorary Secretary of The J. E. Fuller, Mr. A. E. Wain, Mr. F. Vere, Tenth— Mr. L. W. Bird, M.C., F.C.A., 38, M r. A. E. Mount, M r. E. Palmer, M r. F. Worrin Road, Shenfield, Essex. Turner, M r. J. J. Steele and Mr. T. R. Usher- wood. 29th DIVISION" ASSOCIATION Major Andrew also attended the Officers’ Dinner on the Saturday evening. Farew ell Parade The final Reunion of the 29th Division Association took place on Saturday and Sun­ Essex Army Cadet Force day, A pril 24 and 25 last, and once again the weather was good. As the date coincided with Annual Camp the official Anzac Day celebrations, the Parade Annual Camp this year took place in August on Sunday, A pril 25, was a joint one, and it at Dibgate, near Folkestone. The weather was was particularly fitting that this 50th Anniver­ for the most part excellent and the morale and sary should be marked in this way. training was of a high standard. Each Regiment A loyal message was sent to H.M . The Queen did their period of day and night exercises conveying assurances of our loyalty and involving sleeping out in bivouacs and doing affection, and the following reply was received: their own messing away from the permanent Please convey my warm thanks to all camp. Varied training included watermanship Members of the Twenty-Ninth Division w ith assault craft at Hythe and shooting on the Association for their kind message of loyal Hythe ranges. Army demonstrations were assurances which I deeply appreciate. On the enjoyed, as were the visits to Hythe M ilitary 50th Anniversary of the Gallipoli landings Museum and Dover Tattoo. and their final Reunion I send them all my The Tetrathlon Competition, a strenuous warm good wishes. test, was won by 2nd Essex Cadet Regiment. E l iz a b e t h R. The Guard Mounting Contest for the Waller Trophy was won by 3rd Essex Cadet Regiment. The Parade was a first-class event in every way and the impressive turn-out and bearing Swimming Championships of the Members was well in keeping with the The Essex Army Cadet Force revived its tradition of The Twenty-Ninth. Despite the Individual and Inter-Regimental Swimming lapse of half a century we had between 200 and Championships in the Hornchurch Baths on 300 on parade, whose red triangles and medals Saturday, July 31. made a great impression on all present. The The prizes were presented by Colonel P. H. Australian and New Zealand contingents of ex- A. L. Franklin, D.L., County Cadet Commandant. Servicemen marched w ith us and the whole The results of the Team Competition were parade was led by the Band of the Royal as follows: — Artillery. Wreaths were laid on the Cenotaph by the President for the 29th Division Associa­ 1st 3rd Essex Cadet Regiment (R.H.Q. Brent­ tion and others representing Regiments and wood), 28 points Units. Buglers of the R.A.F. Band sounded 2nd 7th Essex Cadet Regiment (R.H.Q. South­ Last Post and Reveille. We much appreciated end), 21 1/2 points. and were grateful for the friendly co-operation 3rd 2nd Essex Cadet Regiment (R.H.Q. Dagen­ of the Anzac authorities at the Cenotaph. ham), 18 1/2 points. On returning to the Horse Guards Parade ground, the 29th Division Association advanced .303 Rifle Meeting in Review Order and dismissed, whereupon the The annual .303 R ifle Meeting was held on Anzacs called for “ Three Cheers for the 29th Middlewick ranges, Colchester, on Sunday July Division,” to which we responded. This 11. A strong gusty wind made shooting difficult. spontaneous and moving exchange of cheers Six Regiments took part and the results were provided a most fitting end to a memorable close. The trophies and prizes were presented parade. by Colonel P. H. A. L . Franklin, D.L., County Some 200 members then assembled for lunch Cadet Commandant. at Lyons Comer House, the Roll of Honour The results for the Inter-Regimental Trophy was read, and during this final party we sang were as follows: — the famous song of the 29th Division. This 1st 6th Essex Cadet Regiment (R.H.Q. Chelms­ was followed by the Annual General Meeting. ford), 445 points. Though we had regretfully lost a number of 2nd 8th Essex Cadet Regiment (R.H.Q. Col­ the old Essex Regiment who had previously chester), 433 points. regularly attended this annual parade we 3rd 7th Essex Cadet Regiment (R.H.Q. South­ managed a fair muster for this final day. Those end), 421 points. who attended were: Major S. H. Andrew, 5th Cadet Regiment won the Falling Plate Major H. J. Staff, Mr. A. S. M. Prideaux, Mr. Competition. THE CASTLE 233 4th (Leicestershire) Battalion The Royal Anglian Regiment

G o o dbye t o A den a “ B ” Company ambush based on Monks Our last notes took us two-thirds of the way Field, in the Radfan, opened fire on four through our tour in Aden. The remaining few dissidents who were laying a mine. In the fire months were to be no less busy than the first fight which followed Pte. Ryder was severely four, with one or two outstanding incidents wounded in the chest and abdomen by grenade perhaps worth noting. With the 1st Battalion fragments. Helped by a carrying party from living a very similar life to ourselves, a recital the Company base the remainder of the patrol of conditions and operations in Aden would be carried Ryder back under cover of mortar and superfluous and probably dull, so we shall try artillery fire to Monks Field. Here Ryder was to deal broadly with one or two particular undoubtedly kept alive by the skill of the events which affected the 4th Battalion. R.A.M.C. Lance-Corporal attached to “ B ” Although our camps were only a few miles Company, and it was not until first light the apart we did not see half as much of the 1st next morning that a helicopter was able to reach Battalion as we would have liked. But we were Monks Field and evacuate Ryder to Aden both in the same Brigade, and it was soon very where he was operated on at about 07.30 hours. clear that everyone else in Aden knew what the Despite the very serious nature of his wounds Large Regiment stood for. In conversations we Ryder was on his feet in five days and finally were always referred to simple as “ The 1st evacuated to England after three weeks. During Battalion,” or “ The 4th Battalion.” There was this time his mother had been flown from Eng­ no need to mention the Regiment; to talk merely land to be with him, and had lived with Cpl. of “ The First Battalion” in Aden could not and Mrs. Goodfield of the 1st Battalion, to possibly have referred to 1 Royal Sussex, 1 whom we were very grateful. K.S.L.I., or anyone else. “ B ” Company returned to Aden on June 23 At the same time we all got on extremely from Monks Field, where they had had a very well with 1 Royal Sussex, who came to share exciting time under command 2 Coldstream our camp towards the end of A pril, and we are Guards. They were not to be left alone for looking forward to serving alongside them again very long, for three days later they took part in in Malta. a very successful cordon and search of a house Perhaps one of the most noteworthy events in Aden, which resulted in the recovery of a during this time was the incident in which pistol, ammunition, gelignite, and other terrorist Pte. Ryder of “ B ” Company was severely equipment. The official Secrets Act prevents wounded. Shortly after 22.00 hours on June 11 us saying in detail where the information on

The Commander - in - Chief, Middle East, Lieut. - General Sir Charles Harington, talk­ ing to Pte. Berry of “ C " Company. T h e Com­ manding Officer and the Second - in - Command listen attentively. 234 T H E C ASTLE______

C/Sgt. “ D o c " Hobday and his son, Cfn. Bruce Sgt. Brenner and Pte. Williamson, of “ B " Hobday, R.E.M .E., both strung with the Battalion. Company during a cordon and search. which this operation was based, came from, but of our last six weeks in Aden. It is interesting an officer of the 1st Battalion was directly to reflect a little on what we had achieved since concerned, and so with some justification per­ January. As we found in Borneo, the young haps we reckoned this was very much a Royal soldiers and junior N.C.O.s in particular grew Anglian “ family affair." up quickly. The days were very long and Although “ B ” Company had returned to usually monotonous, but morale remained high. Radfan Camp it was now the turn of “A” Everyone made the best of the not very good Company to be detached. Their Support conditions in Radfan Camp, and learned to Platoon was sent to A1 Milah, a Camp on the live with those restrictions on movement and road to the Radfan, where they remained until life in general which IS operations always the end of July, supporting the Sappers who bring. “ Flexibility ” had become our watch­ were based there for road maintenance. They word. Platoons and Companies learned to react had their share of excitement, notably when a to the unexpected (which became the rule white phosphorous shell landed on Lt. Daven­ rather than the exception!) with great speed, port’s tent, which he had left only minutes energy and enthusiasm. “ C ” Company proved earlier. Unfortunately it did not destroy his this perhaps as well as any on August 16, as stock of long playing, always playing, “ Pop ” the following story shows: records. 2 Platoon was sent to Perim Island, The Commanding Officer had handed over some 200 miles west of Aden, but on the same operational command to 1 KOYLI, and 9 day 1 Platoon returned from Mukayras, an up- Platoon was in camp with no planned opera­ country station. tional duties, and at no degree of notice. It was due to fly out to the U.K. on August 17 and During this period we continued to develop therefore had packed all its uniform. It had no our road block organisation and methods. Road blocks, either of a semi-permanent nature or weapons or equipment, these all having been “ snap ’’ from vehicles, had become a major handed over to 1 KO YLI. At 19.30 hours, after pan of the Aden Brigade campaign against the a series of three incidents in Aden town, the terrorists. A number of good ideas and refine­ Brigade Commander asked for this Platoon to ments to our blocks came from those private be put at immediate notice. Within about 45 soldiers whose job it was to man them night minutes the whole Platoon was fully dressed in after night. Those who remember our two or uniform, had drawn weapons, ammunition and three coils of dannett wire which made a road radios, and was sitting in a vehicle ready to block in Cyprus would be amazed at the lights, move. Everybody regarded this as a perfectly notices, fluorescent sleeves, and battery operated reasonable hazard of military life in the aircraft handlers’ wands which became standard Battalion in Aden. equipment of a road block in Aden. Arab soldiers from the Federal Regular Army took R eturn T o W atch et over some of them from us on one or two occasions, and we were impressed by their From the beginning of July, starting with the smartness and the way in which they carried Advance Party which had left Aden on June 29, out this, to them, strange task. as they were relieved by Companies of 1 KOYLI, Companies began to return to England. And so July came, and with it the beginning Everyone was given eight weeks’ leave, with Lt. Martin Romilly briefs a patrol from “A" Company.

the Advance Party assembling again in Watchet As always after a major move there is a at the end of September. With the help of the considerable amount of reorganisation to be Rear Party already there Company Offices, carried out. The Battalion Order of Battle, Stores and Messes were opened and prepara­ published in this issue shows how different the tions for our move to Malta in November ‘ Management * in Malta w ill be from that which begun. During this ‘ staging’ period we hope came back from Aden. to fit in three weeks shooting, education and It would be wrong to continue without some fitness training. We also hope to get sport appreciation of the work done by the Rear going again in the Battalion. This has rather Party under Major Dick Graveston, Major lapsed during the last three years. Peter Philcox and C/Sgt. Welch. Nor should

The last parade in Aden, with some in civilian clothes, ready for the flight home. Brigadier R. L. Hargroves, Commander, Aden Brigade, presented the Battalion with a plaque as a memento of their six months’ tour, and Lt.-Col. Cowan presents him with a Battalion one. 236 the castle the efforts of those officers’ and soldiers’ wives who stayed in Watchet to visit, advise and ORDER OF BATTLE generally look after those families who needed help be forgotten. It is easy to record the deeds 4TH (LEICESTERSHIRE) BATTALION of the soldiers of the Battalion in Borneo and Battalion H eadquarters Aden. We do not, however, remember so Commanding Officer: Lt.-Col. J. A. C. Cowan, readily the wife, on her own, who apart from M.B.E. her own house and children to look after, is Second-in-Command: Major T. Holloway probably running around caring for some less A djutant : Capt. R. H. Robinson fortunate family. This Battalion has good Assistant Adjutant: Capt. A. T. Amos cause to remember with gratitude the efforts of Regimental so many of its wives during the past three years. Sergeant-Major: R.S.M. N. Jenks, M .M . Orderly Room Quarter­ Happily too, in Watchet we have always found master Sergeant: W.O.II M. J. Rigley the local doctors, SSAFA and other welfare agencies ready to give their help and advice. H e a d q u a r ter C o m p a n y Major Graveston is now on a GLO’s Course Officer Commanding : Major R. E. J. Gerrard- and w ill not be coming to Malta with us, but Wright, m .b .e. his welfare work in Watchet during the last six Battalion Paymaster : Lt. P. B. J. Carr months w ill not be readily forgotten. Quartermaster : Capt. (Q.M.) N. McColl Tech. Quartermaster : Capt. (Q.M.) E. P. Kelly, D.C.M. Signal Officer: L.t R. Howe C o m in g s an d G o in g s Mechanical Transport O fficer: Lt. J. E. Tilley Major Peter Philcox is fit again, and will be O.C. Reccc Platoon : Lt. M. J. Peele, m .c. going to Malta before any of us, as Families O.C. Army Youth Team Liaison Officer. He has bought a cottage in and Recruiting Team Dunster, and I suspect, a new hat to go with it. Officer : W.O.II D. Grove Regimental Quarter­ Capt. David Hickman has gone to ; master Sergeant : W.O.II R. E. Sprason Capt. John Heggs goes there later in the year, Company and with Major B ill Brown already there, we Sergeant-Major: W.O.II L. Grant shall be well represented in the Far East. From Weapon Training Malaysia we welcome Major Bob Godfrey who Warrant Officer: W.O.II L. MacDonald is to command “ C ” Company. “ A ” C o m p a n y Capt. Neil Crumbie goes to Shrivenham and Officer Commanding: Major K. Burch, M .B.E. then on to Camberley very soon, and Capt. Dick Second-in-Command : Capt. F. L. B. Vigers Robinson is leaving “ C ” Company to become Support Platoon Adjutant. C om m ander: Lt. B. H. M. Davenport Platoon Commanders : Lt. A. T. Hutley From the Sergeants’ Mess R.Q.M.S. Veitch 2/Lt. M. K. Goldschmidt has gone, as have C.S.M. Murray, Sgt. Taylor, Com pany S.I. Carr, A.P.T.C., and Sgt. Stewart, and, Sergeant-Major: W.O.II G. Wood almost difficult to believe, Sgt. Simms. L/Cpl. McKenna liked Aden so much that he stayed :

Our annual camp, spent at the Army Home Defence Centre, Devizes, ended in torrential rain, which caused the cancellation of the main exercise, not, however, before the Battalion had immersed itself waist deep in the grey chalk mud of W iltshire. Righteous disappointment was soon washed away with the mud in the efficient washrooms of the centre, and by the following Sunday the transformation from soldier back to civilian was complete. Thus ended a camp which w ill long be remembered for the excellence of both instruction and accommodation. Amongst our distinguished visitors at camp were Major-General J. M. K. Spurling, C.B., c.b.e., D.s.o., now Deputy-Colonel, Lieut.- General Sir Colin Callander, k.c.b., k.b.e., m.c., and the Divisional Commander, Major-General C. M. M. Man, o.b.e., M.c. Colonel Guy German, our Honorary Colonel, as always, spent several days with us, and we were de­ lighted to entertain Colonel R. A. St.G. Martin, O.B.E., J.P., the Lord Lieutenant of Leicester­ shire. Although the climax of any training year is camp, several events of great importance have maintained a high interest throughout the Battalion. The annual rifle meeting at Kib- worth, in August, was preceded by intensive [Courtesy : Territorial Magazine range work by all the Company teams, and the Cpl. C. Burrows and Sgl. S. Copland at Aden. resulting high standard was clearly visible. H.Q. Company, as Champion Company, won Battalion are in B.A.O.R., where they are under­ the Burnaby Shield, and Cpl. Burton, of “ A ” going a fortnight’s training with 1 R.N.F. The Company, became Champion Shot, after a good selection of men for B.A.O.R. was conducted last practice. Although the weather was not per­ over several week-ends’ training, and the end- fect, many families enjoyed the fun of the fair, * product was a smart, well-drilled platoon, which included Pte. Gurdial Singh, of “ A ” which paraded at Proteus Camp before leaving Company performing oriental magic, to the for Germany, via Harwich. On arrival, the men astonishment of many. were posted to their various employments w ith­ The Divisional Rifle Meeting followed our in the host unit, where they took part in a own, and again the greatly-improved standard Divisional exercise as well as undergoing the was evident, when we gained fourth place. normal day-to-day training in a regular Pte. Bozzoni, H.Q. Company, firing in the Battalion. Young Soldiers’ Competition, leu all the way, An event of some significance was the Com­ but was beaten on the last practice. To R.S.M. mand Selection Board in September, at which Benham must go much of the credit for train­ six officer cadets were granted provisional com­ ing the team, among whom C.S.M. Brunskill missions. We would like to congratulate 2/Lts. (“ D " Company), Cpl. Hall (H.Q. Company) Cole, Cronin, Frost, Hampton, Kelly and Lane. were the highest scorers. Personalities within a T.A. unit are for ever The Battalion M .T. Rally, held on October changing, and to the Battalion we welcome 2 and 3, was a realistic test of driving skill, W.O.II Murray, Sgt. Morris and Sgt. Stewart, H.Q. Company again being the winners, with who, respectively, took over as P.S.I.s to “ B ” “ D ” Company placed second. and “ C ” Companies and the M .T. Platoon. At the time of going to press, L t. Trevor Sgt. Cook took over as P.S.I. of “ A” Com­ Holroyd and 24 N.C.O.s and men of the pany in early October. As a result of the 238 THE CASTLE

ORDER OF BATTLE 4th/5th ROYAL LEICESTERS (T.A.) Battalion Headquarters Commanding Officer: Lt.-Col. J. P. N. Creagh Second-in-Command : Major R. G. Wilkes, t .d . Training Officer: Major J. Hartley A d ju tan t: Capt. A. J. G. Pollard Intelligence Officer : Capt. J. G. M. North Assistant I.O.: 2/Lt. R. C. Latve R.S.M.: W.O.I Benham O.R.Q.M.S. • W.O.II Agar

H.Q. C o m p a n y Officer Commanding : Major G. W. E. Wootton P.R.I.: Capt. G. B. Lodge Officer-in-Charge Estab­ lishment G rant: Major J. F. M. Wilkes U.P.M.: Major J. T. Dudley, R A P C Quartermaster: Major'(Q.M.) J. M. F. Leeson M.T.O.: Lt. J. Underwood R.S.O.: Capt. J. F. Hampson Assistant R.S.O.: 2/Lt. C. H. Cole C. of E. Padre : Capt. I. J. Phelps R.C. Padre: Capt. J. T. Jones Assault Pnr. Platoon : Lt. R. H. Must C.S.M.: W.O.II Boning P.S.I.: W.O.II Clarke P.S.I. (M.T.): Sgt. Stewart

“A” C o m p a n y changes we now lose W.O.II Buxton, C/Sgt. Officer Commanding: Capt. W. G. Wallace Grice and Sgt. Freakley. While the others Second-in-Command: Capt. M. I. M. Joule return to 4th Royal Anglian with our best Platoon Commanders : Lt. A. A. J. Pryce-Howells 2/Lt. W. E. Cronin wishes; unfortunately, C/Sgt. Grice has left 2/Lt. J. A. Kelly the Arm y, and we sincerely hope that he soon C.S.M.: W.O.II Rowlatt recovers his good health. P.S.I.: Sgt. Cook Other changes include Capt. Jeremy North, recently granted a T .A . commission, who takes “ B ” C o m p a n y over the Intelligence and Recce Platoon from Officer Commanding: Capt. M. A. N. Clarke Capt. Brian Lodge, who undertakes the rigours Platoon Commanders : Lt. T. M. Holroyd of the P.R.I.’s calling. 2/Lt. G. J. Morgan The training year is now drawing to a close, 2/Lt. C. W. Hampton and preparation for the Northern Command C.S.M.: W.O.II Parker P.S.I.: Night March is much on everyone’s mind. “ A” W.O.II Murray Company march the highways of Leicester­ shire, while it is rumoured that “ D ” Com­ ‘ C ” C o m p a n y Officer Commanding: Major W. G. Dawson pany, also hard at training, intend to win both Second-in-Command: Capt. A. A. J. Wilson t .d . the Battalion and the Command Competitions. Platoon Commanders: Lt. T . J. Lant Let us hope that the strenuous training pro­ 2/Lt. J. E. Daly grammes which all the teams have set them­ 2/Lt. P. R. S. Frost selves are fully rewarded. C.S.M.: W.O.II Sowter, M.M. P.S.I.: Sgt. Morris, m .m .

“ D ” C om p an y Have you placed a regular order Officer Commanding: Major R. D. F. Bream Platoon Commanders: Lt. W. G. Lewis for a copy of the journal ? 2/Lt. J. R. Ward C.S.M.: W.O.II Brunskill Why not do so now PS.I.: C/Sgt. Hill THE CASTLE 239 Royal Tigers’ Association

Capi. “ Bill “ Knight, who has served at Regimental Head­ quarters for the last tw elve years, photographed at a recent reunion with Capt. Harold Schuldt, M.B.E., M.M., ED . It was good to see C apt. Schuldt over here again and in such good form. Many will remember his last visit in 1958, when he presented a clock for the pavilion of the Regimental Depot at G len Parva Bar­ racks from many O ld C o m ­ rades of th e 32nd Battalion City of Pootscray Regiment, Victoria, Australia, which be­ came 58/32 Infantry Battalion The City of Essendon Regi­ ment, which was affiliated to The Royal Leicestershire Regi­ ment. We are so very sorry that this fine R egim ent is now no more and also our affiliation with it.

(fly courtesy of The Leicester M ercury ].

We axe all so very sorry that Major-General Week-End will be similar to this year’s event, Sir Douglas Kendrew has resigned as our and w ill be on June 25 and 26. President and Deputy Colonel of The Royal Next year’s annual sweepstake in aid of Anglian Regiment. As Governor of Western Royal Tigers’ Association funds, will be run Australia, he has not been able to get home as on the Derby. often as he had hoped, and has actually not been back for over two years. We are, how­ We congratulate M r. A. Arnold on his new ever, delighted that Major - General John job at Taunton. We are, however, sorry that Spurling, who represented General Kendrew at he w ill have to resign as a member of the Royal Tigers’ Week-End this year, has agreed General Committee. We are also sorry to hear to succeed him. that the London Banch w ill not be seeing M r. This is a period of reunions. The 7th Battalion C. S. Stevens for a year or two, as he is joining are holding one on October 9; the 5th Battalion his daughter in America. on October 16; and the 8th Battalion, that be­ The best of luck for 1966 to all serving and came the ist Battalion, on October 30. retired Tigers and all members of the Royal The programme for next year’s Royal Tigers Anglian Regiment Association. THE CASTLE THE CASTLE xv the c a s t l e __ THE CASTLE Xvii x v iii TH E CASTLE THE CASTLE xix TH E C A ST L E XX THE CASTLE xxi THE CASTLE xxn Produced (or the Editor, “ The Castle," the Regimental Journal of The Royal Anglian Regiment, by Combined Service Public*bon*. Ltd., 67-6S, Jermyn Street, St. James's, London, S W.i. and printed in Great Britain by P. J Parian* Ltd., The Adelphi, John Adam Street, London. W.C.2, and “ Observer” Buildings, Hatting*. Advertisement Managers: Service Newspaper* Ltd.. 67-6!. Jermyn Street. St. James's. London. S.w.i. (Telephone Whitehall 2504).