November 2014 THE ROYAL BRITISH LEGION CAMBRIDGESHIRE & HUNTINGDONSHIRE

NEWSLETTER

EDITOR’s NOTE: 2014 has been a noteable and busy year in many respects, WWI Centenary Commemorations, D- Day 70 Anniversary and of course the normal everday activities of the Royal British Legion.

2015 will bring more WWI Commemorations & Remembrance more specific to Battles. There will also be 70th Anniversary Celebrations for VE day and VJ day.

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

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

Cambridgeshire Festival of Remembrance 2014 Cambridgeshire County Committee I would like to say a huge thank you to all who supported the County Festival of Remembrance at The Robert James Hall, Comberton, on 25th October 2014. Hall Manager Richard Brown and his team (who are all students of the college), nothing was too much trouble and they did so much towards making the evening run smoothly. The venue and the facilities are wonderful

The RAF Wyton Area Voluntary Band under the leadership of Graham Sheldon and the Military Wives Choir were superb. Our Legion, Association and Cadet Standard Bearers, as always, did us proud,

1 Major Martin Whybrow – our County Padre, for conducting the Drumhead Service . the Poppy Drop was amazing!

Andrea and her sister under their mum’s direction kept the Band and workers fed and watered during the afternoon set‐up;

Squadron Leader Mark Williamson of the Beds & Cambs Wing ATC – many thanks for sorting the drums, and to Commanding Officer Andy Freestone, Cambridge Sea Cadet Unit, many thanks to you both for bringing along cadets and your Standards for the evening; they are a credit to you

Michael Lewis, 2nd Battalion Parachute Regiment, a pleasure to meet you and your family and we send our best wishes to you in your new job with the Legion as Community Fundraiser

And a very special thanks to all those who bought tickets and attended the evening. After wrestling with the decision of whether the event should go ahead, due to the low numbers of advance ticket sales, we are so glad we did. The attendees on the night, though not as full as we had hoped, were very complimentary, we had so many positive comments from people after the event about the venue, the content and the running of the evening it was definitely all worthwhile.

World War 1 Victoria Cross Recipients ‐

OCTOBER 1914

Pte Henry May VC ‐ On 22 October 1914 in action at La Boutillerie France, May rescued the then Lieutenant (who later achieved rank of Major General), Douglas Alexander Graham. May dragged him 300 yards whilst under fire. Earlier in the same day May had voluntarily attempted a rescue of a heavily wounded man, who died before May could reach him.

Drum Major William Kenny VC ‐ On 23 October 1914 near Ypres, Belgium, Drummer Kenny rescued wounded men on five occasions under very heavy fire. Twice previously he had saved machine‐guns by carrying them out of action, and on numerous occasions he conveyed urgent messages under very dangerous circumstances over fire‐swept ground

2 Sergeant John Hogan VC Captain James Edgar Leach VC

Hogan was 30 years old, and a sergeant in the 2nd Battalion, The Manchester Regiment.

Leach was 22 years old, and a Second Lieutenant in the 2nd Battalion, The Manchester Regiment, British Army

On 29 October 1914 near Festubert, France they performed their deed.

Their citation reads: "For conspicuous bravery near Festubert on 29 October, when, after their trench had been taken by the Germans, and after two attempts at recapture had failed, they voluntarily decided on the afternoon of the same day to recover the trench themselves, and, working from traverse to traverse at close quarters with great bravery, they gradually succeeded in regaining possession, killing eight of the enemy, wounding two, and making sixteen prisoners

Lieutenant Colonel Arthur Martin‐Leake VC & Bar Martin‐Leake was the first of only three men to be awarded the VC twice. He was 27 years old, and a surgeon captain in the South African Constabulary attached to the 5th Field Ambulance during the Second Boer War on 8 February 1902, at Vlakfontein when he won his first VC. He won his second VC, aged 40 years, during the period 29 October to 8 November 1914 near Zonnebeke, Belgium whilst serving with the Royal Army Medical Corps. For most conspicuous bravery and devotion to duty throughout the campaign, especially during the period 29th October to 8th November, 1914, near Zonnebeke, in rescuing, whilst exposed to constant fire, a large number of the wounded who were lying close to the enemy's trenches

Captain James Anson Otho Brooke VC ‐ Brooke was a 30‐year‐old lieutenant in the 2nd Battalion, Gordon Highlanders, at the First Battle of Ypres for which he was awarded the VC.

On 29 October 1914 near Gheluvelt, Belgium, Lieutenant Brooke led two attacks on the German trenches under heavy rifle and machine‐gun fire, regaining a lost trench at a very critical moment. By his marked coolness Lieutenant Brooke prevented the enemy from breaking through the British line at a time when a general counter‐attack could not have been organised. Having regained the lost trench, he went back to bring up supports, and while doing so, was killed. Lieutenant Brooke was posthumously promoted to captain, effective to September 1914

Khudadad Khan, VC - Khudadad Khan was a Sepoy in the 129th Duke of Connaught's Own Baluchis, The battalion formed part of the Indian Corps.

In what came to be known as the First Battle of Ypres, the newly arrived 129th Baluchis were rushed to the frontline to support the hard‐pressed British troops. On 31 October, two companies of the Baluchis bore the brunt of the main German attack near the village of Gheluvelt in Hollebeke Sector. The out‐numbered Baluchis fought gallantly but were overwhelmed after suffering heavy casualties. Sepoy Khudadad Khan’s machine‐gun team, along with one other, kept their guns in action throughout the day; preventing the Germans from making the final breakthrough. The other gun was disabled by a shell and eventually Khudadad Khan’s own team was overrun. All the men were killed by bullets or bayonets except Khudadad Khan who, despite being badly wounded, had continued working his gun. He was left for dead by the enemy but despite his wounds he managed to crawl back to his regiment during the night. Thanks to his bravery, and that of his fellow Baluchis, the Germans were held up just long enough for Indian and British reinforcements to arrive. They strengthened the line, and prevented the German Army from reaching the vital ports. For his matchless feat of courage and gallantry, Sepoy Khudadad Khan was awarded the Victoria Cross

3 Colours of the 31st Foot (Huntingdonshire Regiment) “The Young Buffs”

Brought “Home” by Colonel D H Bristow OBE DL ‐ President Huntingdonshire Royal British Legion.

The Colours were presented by Prince George the Duke of Cambridge in Dublin on the 19th May 1848 and were hung in St Mary’s Church in 1867 because they constituted one of the few links with the County of Huntingdon whose name was added to the Regimental Line Number in 1782. All regimental Colours had been taken down during redecoration of the church in the 1970s and it was not intended to have them hung again.

Fortunately CSM Paddy Ryan of the 1st Queens Regiment visited the church and removed, restored and framed the Colours giving them pride of place in the Warrant Officers and Sergeants Mess. The Queens Regiment was eventually succeeded by the Princess of Wales Royal Regiment and the Colours are now in their custody.

I made contact with the PWRR and they agreed to loan the Colours to Huntingdon whilst the Regiment was deployed to Cyprus. The custodians would be Huntingdon Town Council who offered to display the Colours in the reception of the Town Hall on the Market Square Huntingdon together with several other artefacts of the 31st Foot loaned from the Regimental and local museums.

The 31st Foot arrived in the Crimea in May 1855 and the Colours were carried into action at the first battle of Sebastopol a month later. The Regiment also served in the Mediterranean, South Africa and India and saw action in the fighting leading up to the capture of the Taku Forts in China in 1860 and against the Taiping rebels in 1862. They were retired in 1864.

The Colours have the centrepiece “Huntingdonshire” and many famous battle honours some of which have local connections. Aliwal is one such example. It was at Aliwal that General Sir Harry Smith, born in Whittlesey distinguished himself.

King George at the battle of Dettigen mistook the 31st for the 3rd Regiment of foot (The Buffs) because of the buff facings on their uniform and he cried “Bravo the Buffs Bravo” When his mistake was pointed out he cried “Bravo the Young Buffs Bravo” and the name stuck with the 31st.

The Colours have attracted great interest and many people have visited the Town Hall to see them. On the 17th September HRH The Duke of Gloucester visited the Town Hall to view the Colours. This was a model example of the Covenant in action bringing the military to the heart of the community. Above. Colonel D H Bristow OBE DL, HRH The Duke of Gloucester with the Colours

Left: Cadets from Kimbolton CCF and Cambs ACF are introduced to HRH

Right: HRH The Duke of Gloucester with Standards from Huntingdon Branch., Women’s Section Huntingdonshire, and Huntingdonshire Royal British Legion.

4 QUIZ TIME: WILDLIFE - ANSWERS ON PAGE 9 1. At what age does a baby kangaroo, or joey, leave 6. What is the name given to the nesting site of its mother's pouch because it has grown too big? penguins? 2. Which animals have species known as Burchell's 7. Whales live in groups of 20 to 50. What are the and Grevy's? groups called? 3. Gorillas and Chimpanzees are found in Africa. In 8. The Kinkajou Bear has acquired a popular name which continent would you find gibbons and because of its fondness for a certain type of food. orangutans? What is that name? 4. In which country can wild budgerigars be found? 9. Which animal has species called elephant, crabeater and fur? 5. Which is the only mammal able to kneel on all 10. The roadrunner, found in the stony deserts of fours? North America, is a member of which bird family?

atten‐shun! Bakers from Lancashire were commissioned by Cake Masters Magazine to make a 7ft Grenadier Guard out of cake to raise money and awareness for this year’s Poppy Appeal.

MARCH ROYAL BRITISH LEGION

Wish to thank all who attended the

BAND CONCERT and FESTIVAL of REMEMBRANCE

On Friday 31st October 2014 at St Peter’s Church March

The event raised over £1300

5 ACTS OF REMEMBRANCE ‐ Peter Baker The Civic Society of St Ives

A year ago I took my family to visit the War Graves of my genetic forebears, all buried in Belgium and France following their deaths in the two World Wars. This journey was partly inspired by an earlier St Ives Civic Society project to restore the names on the Cross of Sacrifice standing on Market Hill. The Society raised over £3000 in a very short time and the restoration was completed for Remembrance Day.

On return from our family trip to the Continental graves, my daughter, Helen, suggested that we should do something special to commemorate those from St Ives who had fallen in World War 1. She did all the research. I merely organised the production of two books. One Book of Remembrance commemorates details of the names on the panels beneath the Cross (including World War 2). However, we also wanted to honour those who have, or still serve, in HM Armed Forces regardless of whether they are still alive or dead.

Thus we thought of a Book of Honour which would be placed alongside the Book of Remembrance. The Book of Honour would have empty pages inviting all to make their own entries for their relatives and friends wherever they came from. My family do not come from St Ives. So we proceeded with the backing of the Civic Society and the Royal British Legion. The financial target of £1800 was quickly reached through the generosity of the public.

Two identical sets of Books were produced; one set for the Parish Church Memorial Altar and the other to be kept in the Norris Museum. The choice of the Museum was made on grounds of opening hours and accessibility. All these Books are now in place. Should you wish to honour a friend or relative from Her Majesty’s Armed Forces just go along to the Museum and ask to see the Book of Honour. What you write will be professionally installed in the master copies held by the Church.

As a final point, the Cross of Sacrifice has recently been awarded the status of a Grade 2 Listed Building – this should keep it safe for all time.

WW1 WEEKEND AT COLNE

A World War One weekend was held at Colne over the weekend of 20th and 21st September. On Saturday 20th the Village Hall was decorated and decked with an impressive display of memorabilia from the war including medals and awards given to the men who served. Guest speakers gave an

6 interesting insight into the local Hunts Cycle Regiment, war medals and some stories of real life events that happened to the Colne men. The book ‘From Orchards to Poppy Fields’ written by Steve Dighton was re‐launched at the event. The book contains many more photographs, stories and information on the men of Colne who gave their lives and served during the war. The book is priced at £7.00 of which £1 from each copy sold will go to the British Legion Poppy Appeal. Anyone wishing to purchase a copy should contact Steve Dighton at [email protected].

On Sunday 21st a commemoration service was held on the village green. Lay Reader Tim Berry addressed the congregation seated around the war memorial where prayers were said and hymns were sung. The first hymn ‘O God our help in ages past’ was the opening hymn sung at the original service when the war memorial was first erected in 1921. During the service Parish Councillor Tony Steward read out the poem ‘In Flanders Fields’ and a wreath was laid by Captain Nick Gunnell of The 22nd Engineering Regiment. Twelve red balloons resembling poppies and carrying a cross bearing each of the Colne men’s name and service details who were killed in action were released by the children of St Helens Church. A thirteenth balloon was also released to represent all the men that served.

The service was fully supported by the Colne, Bluntisham and Earith branch of The British Legion, including a 1 minute’s silence, The Last Post and lowering of Standard. The Exhortation was read by the British Legion Chairman followed by Reveille and the raising of Standard.

David Parsons, Chairman of Colne Parish Council introduced Hugh Duberley CBE, Lord Lieutenant of Cambridgeshire who spoke warmly of his connection with the village and paid tribute to the men of Colne who served. Mr Duberley then went on to present descendants and relatives of the fallen men with commemorative medals and unveil the new commemorative bench on the village green.

After the service the congregation retired to the Village Hall where they enjoyed refreshments kindly provided by the Women’s Institute.

Armistice Day & Remembrance Sunday Littleport ‐ The Armistice Day memorial followed a packed Remembrance Sunday service when St George’s Church was full of more than 400 people who turned out to pay their respects. Parade Marshall Garth McGowen said: “The churchwardens work very hard in making sure everyone has a seat on Remembrance Sunday and can fit into the church for what is always a busy service for which we are very grateful.

It was a very good turn out as usual for Littleport, it is heartening to see the crowds still come for this important day. North East Cambs MP joined the wreath laying parade which involved standard bearers from the Royal British Legion and its women’s section, Scouts, brownies, cubs and Women’s Institute groups. He added that this year’s Poppy Appeal fund raising was looking healthy and thanked everybody for digging deep and being so generous, including many thanks to local businesses who had Poppy Appeal tins in their premises.

7 REMEMBRANCE DAY RE‐DEDICATION CEREMONY AT PURINA PETCARE® FACTORY

WISBECH ‐ The PURINA PetCare ‐ Factory in Wisbech hosted a moving Remembrance Day ceremony to honour and respect those who lost their lives in both world wars.

Factory staff joined members of local Royal British Legion groups and the Mayor of Wisbech, Councillor Michael Hill, to re‐dedicate three bronze war memorials which have been installed at the factory site on Cromwell Road.

The memorial plaques commemorate members of the armed forces and civilians from Spillers Pet Foods UK who died during World War One and World War Two. As Nestlé Purina acquired Spillers Pet Foods in 1998 ownership of the plaques was passed to the company after they were discovered in a derelict building. With the help of the War Memorials Trust the plaques were cleaned and restored. They are now installed outside of reception at the Wisbech factory, which is a former Spillers Pet Foods UK site.

In an emotional ceremony the 145 names on the two World War Two memorial plaques and the one World War One memorial plaque were read out before the last post was sounded. Prayers were said during the service and two minutes’ silence was observed. Plans are in place to mark Remembrance Day at the site each year.

Wisbech Factory Manager Martin Ruepp said; “It was a really special and emotional day for all of us at the factory and the memorials are a fitting tribute to those people who served their country so valiantly. We see these memorials as a chance for us to say thank you to all those who fought to preserve democracy and freedom and we are all honoured to be entrusted with their care.”

Colin Elsden, Cambridgeshire Royal British Legion President said: “I was delighted to be asked to attend the re‐dedication of the memorials at the Purina factory in Wisbech, both as the Lord Lieutenant's representative and as the County President of the Royal British Legion.

“I wish to thank all those involved in the project, those from Purina for undertaking the project and the fine restoration work carried out on the three memorials and siting them as prominently as they have. This will ensure the names of these men, who made the final sacrifice, ‘live on’.

“I would also like to thank the Wisbech Branch of the Royal British Legion for the organisation and liaison with the factory. The service of re‐dedication was most fitting to the occasion and I was very honoured to have been a part of it.”

8 REMEMBRANCE CEREMONY - HOUSES OF PARLIAMENT - Representatives from Littleport, Chatteris and Whittlesey Royal British Legions were recently invited by Steve Barclay MP to the Houses of Parliament.

A former Wisbech MP was among those honoured at a special act of remembrance held in the Houses of Parliament, organised by Steve Barclay MP after finding out that one of his predecessors was one of those killed in World War One.

Captain Neil Primrose, a Liberal, was MP for the Wisbech division of Cambridgeshire from 1910 through to his death from wounds received in action at Gezer during the Sinai and Palestine Campaign in November 1917. He also happened to be the son of former Prime Minster the Earl of Rosebery.

His name is among 22 MPs killed during the Great War and remembered on a memorial in the Great Hall at Westminster. It was fitting in the 100th anniversary year of the start of World War One to hold an act of remembrance not just for his predecessor but for all those MPs who lost their lives fighting for their country.

The event was attended by representatives from both, House of Commons Speaker John Bercow, Steve Brine, MP for Winchester, Mark Francois Minister for Armed Forces, Vice Admiral Peter Wilkinson and Winchester constituent Mark Baring whose great great uncle Guy Baring is also on the memorial. Wreaths were laid by Mr Bercow and Mr Francois and the Speaker’s Chaplain the Rev Rose Hudson‐Wilkin lead the act of remembrance and read out all 22 names of the fallen MPs.

Neil Primrose was the youngest son of the Earl of Rosebery and he was a bit of rebel at times and was often critical of the government even though it was his party that was in power. He joined the Yeomanry at the outbreak of war, which was the mounted arm of Territorial Force, and was straight away made a lieutenant. He was promoted to captain in 1915 and was awarded the military cross in 1916. When Steve Barclay MPI was elected heI was not aware that that his predecessor was killed in the First World War. Having researched his story heI was very keen to mark his sacrifice and that of other Members of Parliament who lost their lives fighting for our country.

Quiz – Answers 1. Six Months 6. Rookery 2. The Zebra 7. Pods 3. Asia 8. Honey Bear 4. Australia 9. Seal 5. Elephant 10. Cuckoo

Barrington Branch – Trip To RAF Brize Norton On Tuesday 14th October 2014 – Branch Memebers and friends 33 in total visited RAF Brize Norton in Oxfordshire. The day included a visit to the Parachute Training School, the 47 Air Dispatch Sqn and the Joint Air Dispatch Trials and Unit. They also saw the simulator for the new A400M. It was a great day out.

9 Chatteris Branch ‐ Youth Members

During the Summer months the Chatteris RBL Youth Members painted the Town’s Bus Stop with a WWI scene as part of the WWI commemorations and as part of the Street Pride / In Bloom.

Their efforts were recognised by Fenland District Council and recently they were presented with an award. Best Street Project

The Young Members have begun cleaning the graves and memorials of Chatteris World War I personnel in the town’s two cemeteries. Youth members of Chatteris’ Branch of the Legion and other young supporters have worked with the help of Nicky Stockman of Chatteris Remembers, who has researched and located the headstones and memorials. The teenagers are working their way around the cemeteries to provide some care and attention to the town’s war fallen. So far, the youth element comprising: Kane Seal, Brandon Sharp, Chelsea Bellfield Pearson, Zak Stephens, Sam Stockman and Joseph Templeman, supported by Legion adult members and helpers Leah Templeman, David Seal, Danielle Grange, and Jordan Bullman, have worked on seven memorials, including that of Pte Edmund Cooper (2nd Lincolnshire Regiment).

Edmund was recently brought back to life as the central character in a play performed by Kingsfield Year 6 The organiser, Leah Templeman, has had donations of equipment and materials from both Chatteris and March store including: The Cheap Shop, Travis Perkins, The Co‐op, Budgens, Pete’s second hand shop and Chatteris GarageDonations of items and vouchers in March were from West End DIY, Tesco and Sainsbury’s.

The most significant donation came from the March branch of Ridgeons, who provided over 20 bags of gravel, weed suppressant liners and equipment to enhance and protect the memorials once the clearing work is completed.

This work is likely to be ongoing over the next couple of years due to the number of memorials and graves that need to be tended. This voluntary work runs alongside the short services that the youth members are orchestrating to commemorate the death of Chatteris’ WW1 servicemen. focusing on lives of Chatteris soldiers during the war.

10 The group have been overwhelmed by the support of local businesses for this project, highlighting the respect that still exists for the war dead.

The first service was held on August 26 to remember Pte Tom Seekings (2nd Suffolk Battalion) and the next will be fo Pte George Palmer of the 1st Grenadier Guards. This will take place at Chatteris War Memorial at 11 am on October 26. All are welcome for more details or if you wish to get involved with these activities, visit the Chatteris Remembers Group Facebook page

Chatteris Remembers Chatteris parish church was packed on Remembrance Sunday for the town’s annual Remembrance Day parade and service with more than double the normal turnout this year.

Hundreds of people watched the parade led by the band of March Air Training Corps and made up of representatives from the Royal British Legion, the town council, all the schools, cubs, scouts and guides as well as representatives from numerous other organisations.

Thirty‐five wreaths were laid by dignitaries including Col Roger Herriot, Deputy Lord Lieutenant of Cambridgeshire and local MP Steve Barclay. This year the Indian flag flew alongside the Union Flag at the war memorial as part of the town’s continuing tradition of recognising the contribution made by other nations. A contingent from the Indian community in Peterborough attended and also laid wreaths. India lost a total of 1.2 million men in both the First and Second World Wars with a total of 49 Victoria Crosses (the highest bravery award) awarded to its service personnel.

Norman Larke, chairman of Chatteris Royal British Legion, said: “There were at least twice as many people as normal there this year. It was absolutely packed around the memorial. I think the 100th anniversary of the First World War has inspired more people to take part. Chatteris lost 160 men in WW1 that was 12 per cent of the population at that time.”

The church collection raised £523.83 for the Royal British Legion.

World War 1 Victoria Cross Recipients ‐ NOVEMBER 1914

Spencer John Bent VC, MM ‐ was 23 years old, and a drummer in the 1st Battalion, The East Lancashire Regiment. On the night of 1/2 November 1914 near Le Gheer, Belgium, when his officer, the platoon sergeant and a number of men had been struck down, Drummer Bent took command of the platoon and with great presence of mind and coolness succeeded in holding the position. He had previously distinguished himself on two occasions, on 22 and 24 October by bringing up ammunition under heavy shell and rifle fire. Again, on 3 November, he brought into cover some wounded men who were lying, exposed to enemy fire.

11 John Franks Vallentin VC ‐ Vallentin was 32 years old, and a captain in the 1st Battalion, The South Staffordshire Regiment, On 7 November 1914 at Zillebeke, Belgium, when leading an attack against the Germans under very heavy fire, Captain Vallentin was struck down and on rising to continue the attack, was immediately killed. The capture of the enemy's trenches which immediately followed was in a great measure due to the confidence which the men had in their captain, arising from his many previous acts of great bravery and ability.

Lieutenant Colonel Walter Lorrain Brodie VC MC ‐ Brodie was 29 years old, and a captain in the 2nd Battalion, The Highland Light Infantry.

On 11 November 1914 near Becelaere, Belgium, Captain Brodie led a charge to evict the enemy from a portion of British trenches which they had succeeded in occupying. He bayoneted several of the enemy himself and relieved a dangerous situation. As a result of the captain's prompt action, 80 of the enemy were killed and 51 taken prisoner.

Lieutenant Colonel John Henry Stephen Dimmer VC MC ‐ Dimmer was 31 years old, and a lieutenant in the 2nd Battalion, The King's Royal Rifle Corps, and was awarded the VC for his actions on 12 November 1914 at Klein Zillebeke, Belgium.

This Officer served his machine gun during the attack on the 12 November at Klein Zillebeke until he had been shot five times ‐ three times by shrapnel and twice by bullets, and continued at his post until his gun was destroyed. Dimmer later achieved the rank of lieutenant colonel. He was killed in action at Marteville, France on 21 March 1918.

John Fitzhardinge Paul Butler VC, DSO – Butler was 25 years old, and a lieutenant in The King's Royal Rifle Corps, attached to Pioneer Company, Gold Coast Regiment, West African Frontier Force. For most conspicuous bravery in the Cameroons, West Africa. On 17th November, 1914, with a party of 13 men, he went into the thick bush and at once attacked the enemy, in strength about 100, including several Europeans, defeated them, and captured their machine gun and many loads of ammunition. On 27th December, 1914, when on patrol duty, with a few men, he swam the Ekam River, which was held by the enemy, alone and in the face of a brisk fire, completed his reconnaissance on the further bank, and returned in safety. Two of his men were wounded while he was actually in the water Thomas Edward Rendle VC ‐ He was 29 years old, and a Bandsman in the 1st Battalion, The Duke of Cornwall's Light Infantry, British Army during the First World War when the following deed took pl ace for which he was awarded the VC. On 20 November 1914 near Wulverghem, Belgium, Bandsman Rendle attended to the wounded under very heavy rifle and shell fire and rescued men from the trenches in which they had been buried from the blowing in of the parapets by the fire of the enemy's heavy howitzers.

12 Darwan Singh Negi VC ‐ He was approximately 33 years old, and a Naik in the 1st Battalion, 39th Garhwal Rifles, British Indian Army For great gallantry on the night of the 23rd–24th November, near Festubert, France, when the regiment was engaged in retaking and clearing the enemy out of our trenches, and, although wounded in two places in the head, and also in the arm, being one of the first to push round each successive traverse, in the face of severe fire from bombs and rifles at the closest range.

Frank Alexander de Pass VC ‐ He was 27 years old, and a Lieutenant in the 34th Prince Albert Victor's Own Poona Horse, and was awarded the Victoria Cross for his actions on 24 November 1914 near Festubert, France. He was killed in battle the next day, 25 November. Lieutenant de Pass entered a German sap and destroyed a traverse in the face of the enemy's bombs. Subsequently he rescued, under heavy fire, a wounded man who was lying exposed to enemy bullets in the open. Lieutenant de Pass lost his life in a second attempt to capture the sap which had been reoccupied by the enemy.

Henry Peel Ritchie VC – Ritchie was awarded his VC for most conspicuous bravery on the 28th November 1914 when in command of the searching and demolition operations at Dar‐es‐Salaam East Africa Though severely wounded several times his fortitude and resolution enabled him to continue to do his duty inspiring all by his example until at his eighth wound he became unconscious The interval between his first and last severe wound was between twenty and twenty five min utes

SKYLARK’S GARDEN CENTRE LORD KITCHENER WW1 MAIZE MAZE The County Chairman Chris Ginn was presented with a cheque for £520 which will go towards the Poppy Appeal. The money was raised from proceeds of the sale of maps for the WW1 Lord Kitchener Maize Maze.

The Cheque was presented by Mr Edward Gowler owner of the Garden Centre

DO YOU HAVE ITEMS TO CONTRIBUTE TO FUTURE NEWSLETTERS IDEAS: Memories from say - Service Life, Schooldays during WWII, Recipes, Branch events and awards or advertising upcoming events Please send to Bryan Jones – [email protected]

13 South Fens Business Park, Fenton Way, Chatteris, Cambridgeshire PE16 6TT

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