Welsh Guards Magazine 2020

105 years ~ 1915 - 2020

WELSH GUARDS REGIMENTAL MAGAZINE 2020 WELSH GUARDS REGIMENTAL MAGAZINE 2020

Cymru Am Byth

Welsh Guards Magazine 2020_COVER_v3.indd 1 24/11/2020 14:03 Back Cover: Lance Sergeant Prothero from 1st Battalion Welsh Guards, carrying out a COVID-19 test, at testing site in Chessington, Kingston-upon-Thames.

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1. Gdsm Wilkinson being 7 promoted to LCpl. 2. Gdsm Grifﬁths being promoted to LCpl. 3. LSgt Sanderson RLC being awarded the Long Service and Good Conduct Medal. 4. Sgt Edwards being promoted to CSgt. 5. Gdsm Davies being promoted to LCpl. 6. Gdsm Evans 16 being awarded the Long Service and Good Conduct Medal. 7. LSgt Bilkey, 3 Coy Recce, being promoted to Sgt 8. LSgt Jones, 3 Coy Snipers, being promoted to Sgt 9 9. Sgt Simons being awarded the Long Service and Good Conduct Medal. Front Cover: 1st Battalion Welsh Guards Birthday Tribute to 10. LSgt Lucas, 2 Coy being Her Majesty The Queen, Windsor Castle, Saturday 13th June 2020 10 promoted to Sgt

Welsh Guards Magazine 2020_COVER_v3.indd 2 24/11/2020 14:04 WELSH GUARDS REGIMENTAL MAGAZINE 2020 COLONEL-IN-CHIEF Her Majesty The Queen COLONEL OF THE REGIMENT His Royal Highness The Prince of Wales KG KT GCB OM AK QSO PC ADC REGIMENTAL LIEUTENANT COLONEL Major General R J Æ Stanford MBE REGIMENTAL ADJUTANT Colonel T C S Bonas BA ASSISTANT REGIMENTAL ADJUTANT Major M E Browne BEM REGIMENTAL VETERANS OFFICER Jiffy Myers MBE ★ REGIMENTAL HEADQUARTERS Wellington Barracks, Birdcage Walk, London SW1E 6HQ Contact Regimental Headquarters by Email: [email protected] View the Regimental Website at: www.army.mod.uk/welshguards View the Welsh Guards Charity Website at: www.welshguardscharity.co.uk Contact the Regimental Veterans Ofﬁcer at: [email protected] ★ AFFILIATIONS HMS Prince of Wales 5th Battalion The Royal Australian Regiment Régiment de marche du Tchad

©Crown Copyright: This publication contains official information. It should be treated with discretion by the recipient. The opinions expressed in the articles in this journal are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the policy and views, official or otherwise, of the Regiment or the Ministry of Defence. The Editor accepts photographs for publication on the understanding that those submitting them have, where required by data protection legislation, obtained consent to publication from those depicted. Anyone who believes this is not the case or has a DPA related concern should contact the Editor.

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Welsh Guards Fourth Regimental Council Meeting Clarence House, London Wednesday 19th February 2020

Left to Right: Lieutenant General Sir Ben Bathurst KCVO CBE, Lieutenant Colonel HS Llewelyn-Usher, Field Marshal the Lord Guthrie of Craigiebank GCB GCVO OBE DL, His Royal Highness The Prince of Wales KG KT GCB OM AK QSO PC ADC, Major General RJÆ Stanford MBE, Major General RH Talbot-Rice CBE, Colonel TCS Bonas

2 CONTENTS Forewords Battalion Golf ...... 92 Memorial ...... 170 Regimental Lieutenant Colonel ...... 4 Regimental Golf ...... 92 Welsh Guards Professional Golfers ...... 173 Commanding Officer ...... 7 Association Golf ...... 93 The Regimental Archives ...... 175 Rugby ...... 95 The WG Ethos Booklet ...... 177 1st Battalion Welsh Guards Polo ...... 97 The New WG Memorial ...... 179 The Prince of Wales’s Company ...... 9 Boxing ...... 98 Assistant Equerry to Their Number Two Company ...... 12 Royal Highnesses ...... 181 Number Three Company ...... 15 Battlefield Tours and Remembrance Reflections of an Exchange Support Company ...... 18 Wrexham Annual Falklands Officer in the US ...... 185 Headquarter Company ...... 20 Memorial 2020 ...... 102 Regimental Remembrance 2020 ...... 104 Regimental Charity, welfare Regimental Band ...... 31 Arras 2020 under Covid-19 Restrictions ... 107 and Regimental Veterans Distribution of Officers ...... 36 Association Battlefield Regimental Veterans Officers Report ...... 188 Distributions of Warrant Officers ...... 38 Tour/Hechtel 2020 ...... 108 WRU Regimental Debentures ...... 192 Honours and Awards ...... 39 Rhosgadfan Hero awarded the DCM ...... 111 How to Donate to the A Tribute to Her Majesty The Queen ...... 40 Veterans Visit the Falkland Islands Welsh Guards Charity ...... 193 38 years on ...... 113 Not Just a Conflict - A Memoir by Training and Exercises WG Distinguished Conduct Brigadier JF Rickett CBE ...... 193 Jungle Warfare Instructors Course ...... 45 Medals of WW1 ...... 119 1WG Bonfire Night 2019 ...... 194 The Leuchars Cup ...... 48 In Memoriam John (Jack) Perkins South Wales Police Boxing Fundraiser 2019 ...... Ex MAYAN WARRIOR (Belize) ...... 49 (2735449) ...... 125 195 St David’s Day Charity Concert and Dinner . 196 Belize Short Term Training Team (STTT) ...... 51 In Memoriam Sid Elsbury (2734113) ...... 126 Falkland Islands Roulement Infantry WG Fundraising Coins ...... 196 Company - Part 2 ...... 52 Unit Welfare Officer Report ...... 197 Recruiting, Cadets, Infantry Training Centre (ITC) Catterick ...... 54 Community Engagement Mortar Platoon Cadre ...... 56 Welsh Guards Association Berkhampsted Collegiate School ...... 129 Anti-Tank Platoon Cadre ...... 57 Secretary General’s Foreword ...... 198 Parliamentary Reception 2020 ...... 130 Battalion Sniper Cadre ...... 58 Cardiff Branch Report ...... 201 Royal Visit to 1WG 2019 ...... 131 Op RESCRIPT - Covid-19 response ...... 60 East Glamorgan Branch Report ...... 202 Defeat Don’t Repeat Update ...... 133 Reconnaissance Patrolman Cadre ...... 62 Llanelli, Cardiganshire and Recruiting Team Report ...... 134 Machine Gun Platoon Cadre ...... 63 Pembrokeshire Branch Report ...... 203 The Livery Company of Wales Grant ...... 136 Cayman Islands Short Term London Branch Report ...... 206 Training Team (STTT) ...... 64 Merthyr Tydfil Branch Report ...... 209 Individual Articles Royal Military Academy Sandhurst ...... 66 Monmouthshire Branch Report ...... 211 HMS Prince of Wales ...... 137 Montgomery, Shropshire and Midlands Sports and Adventure Training 5th Battalion The Royal Branch Report ...... 213 Ex FROSTED BLADE ...... 67 Australian Regiment ...... 139 North Wales Branch Report ...... 215 Officers’ Mess Ski Trip 2020 ...... 69 German Armed Forces Staff College ...... 141 North of England Branch Report ...... 218 Ex RACING ICE ...... 71 Christmas in a Day - 2019 ...... 145 Ogmore Branch Report ...... 219 Battalion Ski Trip 2020 ...... 73 A Borderlands Guardsman ...... 147 Swansea and West Glamorgan Ex TELEMARK TITAN ...... 75 Chaplaincy in 1WG ...... 150 Branch Report ...... 221 Officers’ Mess Shoot ...... 78 1WG St David’s Day 2020 ...... 152 Welsh Guards Reunited Branch Report ..... 222 British Army Warrior Fitness (BAWF) ...... 80 Deer Stalking in Scotland ...... 154 Welsh Guards Collection Oswestry ...... 225 Battalion Enduro ...... 81 Lockdown Leadership ...... 156 St David’s Day Windsor 2020 ...... 227 Fishing ...... 82 An introduction to Combermere Association Darts & Football ...... 83 Barracks ...... 159 Shooting Competition ...... 231 Racquet Sports ...... 85 Mrs Yvonne Brown 40 years with RHQ ..... 161 Memories from Members ...... 232 Running ...... 86 A Unique Event in 2020 ...... 163 Zoom Conferencing ...... 234 Sailing ...... 87 A Punishing Experience ...... 165 3 Peaks Challenge ...... 89 The Guards Parachute Platoon ...... 166 Forecast of Events ...... 237 Wakeboarding ...... 91 The Guards Parachute Association In Memoriam ...... 238

CONTENTS 3 Major General R J Æ Stanford MBE, Regimental Lieutenant Colonel FOREWORD The Battalion has been extensively involved in running COVID-19 testing stations and other support to the civil authorities and veterans have come together to offer support to those in need and who had to isolate. It is good to see that in times of need the Welsh Guards has provided support across a spectrum of needs. The family spirit within the Regiment continues to be alive and well.

The impact of COVID-19 has demonstrated, once again, how the Army is able to respond quickly and with its usual professionalism to the unexpected. The Battalion was heavily involved in running COVID testing centres during the spring and summer, mostly in London but also as far away as Portsmouth and Grantham. Operation RESCRIPT, the name given to the task, has given junior non-commissioned ofﬁcers and guardsmen responsibility and the chance to demonstrate how good they are.

There was a life before COVID and I am delighted that No 2 Company had such a successful deployment to the Falklands at the end of last year and the The Prince of Wales’s Company deployed to the jungles of Belize for six weeks in late January. Both companies performed very well and gained a lot from the respective experiences.

Amidst the gloom of COVID there was a highlight for the Nation in the form of a Birthday tribute to Her MajestyThe Queen. With the opportunity to Troop our Colour in front of Her Majesty on Horse Guards cancelled it was decided to mark Her Majesty’s birthday with a egimental plans for 2020 included Trooping our Colour on the tribute in the quadrangle at Windsor RQueen’s Birthday Parade, a review of The Prince of Wales’s Castle on 13th June. In a unique parade Company and a battleﬁeld tour to Arras to commemorate the the Queen’s Colour was Trooped in front of Her Majesty by a small contingent from 80th Anniversary of the defence of the city, however, corona virus the Battalion supported by a composite put paid to those plans. Since the virus began and the world Household Division Band. New drill changed so much there has been a constant; Welsh Guardsmen, movements were required to maintain the required distance and the challenges both serving and retired, have stepped forward and responded of parading on grass were mastered. The magniﬁcently to the challenges we have all faced. end result was watched by millions and

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those on parade did the Regiment proud David’s Day concert held in the Guards in all areas to support our charitable with glowing feedback from Her Majesty Chapel which was very well attended objectives. In Financial Year 2019/20 the downwards. again. They have also participated in the Charity expended some £553,653 on VE Celebrations at Buckingham Palace on supporting the charitable objects. Full As I write the Battalion’s programme 8 May and the VJ Commemorations on details of the Charity and its workings for the remainder of the year is being Horse Guards on 15th August, the 50th are set out in the Charity’s Impact Report developed and is likely to consist of Anniversary of the King’s Royal Hussars which is circulated widely throughout platoon and company training as well as held at the Royal Hospital Chelsea and the Regiment and can be viewed on the State Ceremonial and Public Duties. The the City of London Police Parade at the Charity’s website. It is packed with a variety focus will soon shift to the operational Guildhall in London. Undoubtedly one of of up-to-date information on the Regiment deployment to Iraq next summer. The the highlights was the recording of the and charitable activity. My thanks to the Battalion remain in excellent form, are Birthday Tribute to Her Majesty for 13th Assistant Regimental Adjutant who does extremely well led at all levels and morale June and many were on parade as part such a good job running the website. I high under the dynamic leadership of of the Household Division Composite remain extremely grateful to the many the Commanding Officer. We continue to Band. My sincere thanks to all the Band who continue to donate to our Charity. have some superb officers and Warrant for being such fine Ambassadors for They are in many ways our life blood Officers who continue to occupy key the Regiment, the variety and quality of and, without them, our Charity would appointments across the Army. My their music and to our inspirational and not be able to operate as successfully it congratulations to WO1 Dean Morgan dynamic Director of Music, Major Stewart does. There are far too many to mention 10 for his appointment as the Command Halliday individually but on behalf of the Regiment, Sergeant Major for Home Command and and personally, my warmest thanks for to Lieutenant Colonel James Aldridge Association activities have inevitably been your support. I would also like to thank for being selected to command the Irish restricted this year with many events the Battalion for the magnificent Guards. Just two examples of the quality cancelled or postponed. In spite of all support they give to the Charity amongst our ranks. the restrictions there was a really good through the Days Pay Scheme which Association attendance for St David’s Day has very close to a 100% subscription I covered recruiting quite extensively in in Windsor with the Battalion. My thanks rate which is an amazing achievement. my foreword last year. In spite of COVID go to the Regimental Sergeant Major These subscriptions form a large part delaying the process manning numbers for opening his Mess up for Association of our income and it helps enormously are improving steadily and there appears members the evening before and again in reinforcing the Charity’s success. to be no shortage of men and women for the lunch on 1 March. I am particularly who want to join the Army. Thanks to pleased that the Falklands Cross, made Our Charity continues to employ Jiffy the efforts of the Battalion and better, in 1982 in theatre by members of No 2 Myers as our Regimental Veterans faster and more streamlined recruiting Company, was re-dedicated during the Officer. The links and liaison he has now processes there are grounds for Service in Holy Trinity, Garrison Church, established with other Service Charities optimism. There is still a lot of work to do Windsor. The Association continues to and the wider welfare community both and full manning is unlikely to return until communicate and thrive through social in Wales and elsewhere is extensive. He next year, but the direction of travel is media and, as already mentioned, has does an excellent job in helping those in set. As all will know females are now able come together to help those in need need and signposting them to where they to join the Infantry and I am delighted during the pandemic. As always I would can receive help. He remains incredibly that two are now in the Battalion, having like to thank all the Secretaries, including busy and although for much of this year joined in May from Catterick. An historic the Secretary General and Assistant he has been unable to personally visit moment for the Regiment and we extend Secretary General, for their hard work veterans and families, he has maintained a warm welcome to Guardsmen Morgan and effort for all Association and Branch close links through social media. Mental 35 and Williams 64. members. health issues, many not related to PTSD, continue to remain a constant in his cases The Regimental Band continues to remain The Welsh Guards Charity continues to and we may see a spike after we emerge front and centre of the Regiment but be a force for good in so many areas. from the pandemic. The RVO remains due to COVID they have been a little less Through the careful management of totally committed and our veterans are visible. They were involved in some key funds, the Regimental Trustees have been much better supported thanks to his events including St David’s Day held able to fulfil all spending requests and efforts. He again deserves our thanks and with the Battalion in Windsor and the St authorise substantial funding and grants recognition for being so key in supporting

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those in need which ranges from those qualified group of Trustees who all who have recently left service to those bring their own areas of expertise who fought in World War 2. such as financial, legal, commercial and experience of the Regiment to We have not been able to do as much the table. They do so much behind with our ‘Friends of the Regiment’ this the scenes, whether in or out of year as we would like but we do remain committee. They work tremendously in touch with them and they continue to hard for us and without them the support us. A very successful charity fund Charity would not be in such a good raising dinner was held at the Cavalry and position. They have my unfailing Guards Club following the St David’s Day gratitude and thanks. Band Concert at the Guards Chapel on 6th March which raised £20,000. The dinner Regimental Headquarters continues as generously sponsored and organised to provide the foundation stone for by Colonel Alan Peterson who does so all Regimental activity. A happy and much for the Regiment, the Charity and dedicated team serve the Regiment in the Cadet movement in Wales. We look all its guises so very well. My thanks to forward to welcoming our ‘Friends of the Colonel Tom Bonas for all he continues Regiment back to London, Windsor and to do from overseeing young officer other places as soon as it is safe to do so. recruiting, to running regimental events and corralling so much activity in so The Drapers Company affiliation goes many areas. I must also record my back to 2007 and is one we cherish. The sincere thanks to Yvonne Brown who Company’s benevolence to so many marks her 40th anniversary of unbroken causes, including the Welsh Guards, is service in Regimental Headquarters. Her very generous. The Company supplied anniversary is covered by an article in this free meals to NHS Staff in local hospitals issue. She has been an important part of during the worst days of COVID which the Regiment over so many years and was a great support to those who were I know many will testify to her friendly, on the ‘front line’. helpful and warm manner.

Our heritage remains an important part Subject to the situation with COVID, we of our charitable objectives; we must have a lot of catching up to do in 2021 on keep our history alive and relevant to new the Regimental front. The freedoms of generations of Welsh Guardsmen. Most Pembroke Dock and Ceredigion have to be of the events planned for this year had accepted as well as the freedom of Arras. to be cancelled but fortunately all was On current plans we will see the Battalion not lost at Hechtel as Lieutenant General deploy to Iraq in company strength in the Sir Ben Bathurst, as the UKMILREP in summer of 2021. This will hopefully allow Brussels, represented the Regiment at the Regiment and the Battalion to carry the commemoration on 13th September out a variety of other activities along with and lay our Regimental wreaths. He also the Band, our Cadet afﬁliated schools represented the Regiment in Brussels on and detachments, the Association, our 3rd September to remember the 76th afﬁliated Military Units, our Friends of anniversary of the liberation of the City by the Regiment and the Drapers Company. the Welsh Guards. I hope you will enjoy the many varied articles in our 2020 Regimental Magazine Our Regimental Trustees remain at as much as I did. the core of our Charity in supporting the Regiment and our charitable objects. We are really lucky to have a very dynamic, engaged and highly

6 FOREWORD Lieutenant Colonel HS Llewelyn-Usher, Commanding Ofﬁcer 1st Battalion FOREWORD

And yet it was not to be. As with so many members of the Armed Forces and public alike, all serving Welsh Guardsmen have had to overcome extraordinary uncertainty, disappointment and a recalibration of expectations as the COVID-19 global pandemic drove a proverbial ‘coach and horses’ though what was a meticulously planned, and signiﬁcant year. Yet from adversity comes advantage, and throughout the year, every element of the Battalion has risen to the challenge. From the most junior Gdsm upwards, this attitude has prevailed throughout the year; we have seen junior leadership ﬂourish and are better prepared for Operations as a result.

We rounded off the last year conducting Public Duties over the Christmas period, and began 2020 in precedential style, with our bourgeoning ski team doing well in Val d’Isere, while the Austrian Alps resonated with the sound of Welsh Guardsmen learning to ski, furthering their off-piste abilities and expanding their apres ski experience. Demonstrating a truly diverse career, soldiers from Number 2 Company rapidly swapped their ski boots for desert boots, and helmets for bush hats as they joined the Guards Parachute Platoon on Exercise ASKARI STORM in Kenya. We continue to invest into the strong ties between the Household Division and Parachute Regiment, with several Welsh Guardsmen already serving with the PARAs and many more set to follow; of this relationship n normal circumstances I would have been writing this we continue to be extremely proud. The Iforeword at the tail end of the Battalion’s two-month exercise in Prince of Wales’s Company were also able Kenya. As it transpires, I look from my window across a wind and to hone low-level soldiering skills in the Jungles of Belize; once again capitalising rain swept Combermere Barracks to see prospective Household on the fantastic opportunity that this Cavalry Troopers being carted around the riding school, being environment provides to test ones urged to “sit-deep” by their instructors; it couldn’t be a more soldiering ability, and in turn to set the foundations for training and preparation analogous way of describing how 2020 has unfolded. When one for Operations to follow. viewed the prospects for the Battalion at the start of the year from the serene surrounding of the Austrian Alps on a visit to With a relentless tempo of State Ceremonial and Public Duties at the the annual ski trip, 2020 presented one of the most exciting and start of the year, while seeking every varied years that many of us could remember. opportunity to conduct ‘green training’, St

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David’s Day proved welcome respite. This taking place on Horse Guards this year, our junior leaders are more empowered being the Battalion’s first celebration of indeed if at all; which was a difficult pill to train remotely and deliver output at our Patron Saint since moving to Windsor, to swallow for a Battalion whose turn it reach; we have had time and space to the occasion was marked with suitable was to Troop our Colour in front of Her train both live and blank, which – crucially gravitas; the commemorative cross from Majesty. Yet the opportunity that resulted – has enabled us to identify and manage the Falkland Islands was rededicated in was truly unique, and an exceptional weaknesses early. The Battalion is in a the Windsor Garrison Church, spiritually privilege. To become the first Battalion to strong position to re-enter the Field Army marking our new home. Yet soon after Troop our Colour at Windsor Castle since on the 15th February 2021, and embrace this poignant day, where the full breadth 1895 was an extraordinary experience. the challenges that lie ahead. of the Regimental family was able to It also came at a time of crisis, where gather together in one place, the impact the nation’s spirit needed raising; it was Cymru am Byth. of COVID-19 began to manifest itself. our pleasure to provide this service, Shortly after the Government imposed and to pay tribute to Her Majesty for ‘lockdown’ restrictions, I dispersed her leadership during this strange the Battalion to their homes in order period. To me it underpinned the true to protect the force and ensure we essence of being a Welsh Guardsman; maintained the capability to provide comfortable with uncertainty, able to Military Support to the Civil Authorities deliver above the standard expected (MACA) at short notice. With the Battalion when asked, to maintain a sense of dispersed for almost 4 months, a number humour, and above all to do so with of teams were generated to help critical great pride. tasks Under Op RESCRIPT, the MODs response to providing support to the NHS In the wake of this successful parade, and emergency services. Initially, the we shifted focus to developing the Battalion were tasked with establishing Battalion’s conventional capabilities. The Regional Testing Centres at Chessington, Specialist Weapon Platoons conducted Milton Keynes and Portsmouth; we also selection Cadres, and the Companies contributed towards the development of have benefitted from an unprecedented Mobile Testing Units, capable of directing amount of time to invest in training. This testing efforts to local ‘hotspots’. In all, is another opportunity that has arisen we were present at over 50 sites and from the pandemic; while we have lost enabled upwards of 15,000 people to our opportunity to deploy on Exercise be tested. The Battalion provided liaison ASKARI STORM in Kenya, never has a to Other Government Departments and London District Battalion ever had more civilian agencies alike, demonstrating a time away from Public Duties to train. truly integrated approach to managing With our priority shifting in preparation the national response. All the while, those for our re-subordination to 11th Infantry not on duty quickly learnt to deliver and Brigade early next year, we have been participate in virtual training, adapting blessed with time and training estate new technologies to ensure maximum to deliver our own Battlegroup exercise output was achieved. Through these in November, with the Companies endeavours, I saw junior commanders conducting preparatory training in stepping to the fore and demonstrating Pirbright, Brecon and Castlemartin some excellent initiative and leadership throughout October. to train and look after their people, even at reach. This was an unexpected and With 2020 drawing to an end, I reflect unconventional opportunity to prepare upon the balance between what has for Operations, one that was capitalised been taken away from us this year, and on at every level. what we were able to achieve; I believe we are in a better place for it. We have It became very clear in April that the developed our capability in planning Queen’s Birthday Parade would not be and adapted to changing circumstances;

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

Maj Starkey COLDM GDS LCpl Collins Gdsm Grifﬁn Gdsm Nabukebuke Lt Leonard LCpl Divavesi Gdsm Gurung Gdsm O’Connor 2Lt Syms LCpl Jackson 59 Gdsm Harrison Gdsm Osborne-Keddy 2Lt Phillips LCpl Roberts 72 Gdsm Hewitt Gdsm Ryan WO2 Scarf LCpl Thomas 76 Gdsm Howarth Gdsm Ryder CSgt Cunningham LCpl Phillips Gdsm Howells Gdsm Sandall Sgt Hiscock Gdsm Armstrong Gdsm Hunt Gdsm Smith 35 Sgt Rutledge Gdsm Aylott Gdsm Jacobs Gdsm Suleman Sgt Braithwaite Gdsm Blake Gdsm Jackson 09 Gdsm Thomas 59 LSgt Noyes Gdsm Campbell Gdsm Jones 78 Gdsm Thomas 83 LSgt Lovell Gdsm Cleave Gdsm Jones 71 Gdsm Underhill LSgt Okeke Gdsm Davies 12 Gdsm Kinsey Gdsm White LSgt Pritchard Gdsm Dean Gdsm Lias Gdsm Wannell LSgt Williams 70 Gdsm Deemer Gdsm Lewis-Webb Gdsm Williams 30 LCpl Viavialevu Gdsm Evans Gdsm Mclean Gdsm Williams 93

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he last 12 months could not have been Tpredicted by anyone, even members of The Prince of Wales’s Company. Whilst the start of the year was unscathed by the global effects of COVID-19, it completely changed the shape of everything the Company has conducted since March 2020.

Back in November the primary Needless to say, the jungle task for the Company was environment is a physically balancing the delivery of Public and mentally demanding Duties and preparation for the one, which the Company challenges of the Jungle. met head on. The training involved a full transition from The Company Second in both the initial acclimatisation Command, Lt Jonny Leonard, to the heat and humidity, and LSgt Williams 70 spent enabling individuals to live 2 the end of 2019 in the jungle and administer themselves of Brunei on the Jungle in the jungle environment, Warfare Instructors Course. all the way up to a complex This enabled them to return company attack. This was to Windsor and help plan overseen by a visit from the and deliver the preparatory Commanding Officer and training for Ex MAYAN Regimental Sergeant Major. WARRIOR in Belize. Alongside this programme the Company also conducted 2020 began with members of live firing, culminating in live the Company enjoying the cold Platoon jungle camp attacks. of Alpendorf on the Battalion ski trip. This quickly switched to As well as training to fight warmer training in preparation in the complex jungle for Ex MAYAN WARRIOR which environment, The Prince saw The Prince of Wales’s of Wales’s Company also Company being augmented helped give something back by Guardsmen from across to the Belizeans with wider the wider Battalion making the Community Engagement. Company Group 120-strong. This included giving the Pre-deployment training was Dorothy Menzies Orphanage a conducted under the watchful ‘face-lift’ to help improve the eye of the Jungle Warfare quality of life of the children 3 Instructors and included a live who reside there, as well as firing package at Lydd and building shelters for a school periods of dry training and putting up mosquito in Pirbright. curtains in an elderly people’s home. Thankfully the training and preparation, including The tough jungle exercise a mammoth logistical was rewarded with a period effort led by the Company of rest and recuperation in Quartermaster Sergeant, CSgt San Pedro and Caye Caulker; Cunningham 89 and his stores a part of the world that most second in command LCpl would not have had top of Collins, was not in vain as the their holiday list outside of departure of the Company was a visit with the Army and all just ahead of the issues that enjoyed. COVID-19 brought to training delivery, especially outside of There is no doubt that The 4 the UK. Company returned from

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Belize better soldiers, but with forward his Defeat Don’t a very different task ahead. Repeat (DDR) initiative that continues to gain considerable Upon return from Belize the traction outside of the Welsh Company was restructured as Guards, more recently even personnel were released back gaining very positive national to their parent companies. press coverage. There was not a lot of time to settle back into life as a As ever the summer period new look Company or to has seen a further change of readjust to the battle rhythm personnel across the Company, back on the ‘Blue Line’ due to including the departure of COVID-19 taking a hold across Major Davies and more recently the UK. the arrival of 2Lt Syms following a COVID-delayed Platoon The change of circumstance Commanders Battle Course in resulted in an adjustment to Brecon. training delivery, seeing all members of the Battalion Shortly after the Company conducting dispersed training. returned to work in Windsor, Facilitated through Zoom they were rapidly tasked to led lessons, physical training support the COVID-19 testing programmes being given to at various locations across individuals to carry out at London; including parks, car home and an opportunity to parks and other Local Council deliver some more cognitive areas. The task was a busy and education training. This 24/7 commitment which was was a difficult and uncertain delivered faultlessly by the time for all but reinforced the Guardsmen, who used all of importance of regular contact their communication skills and 5 across the Company and the good humour to ensure that maintenance of some form of this vital testing was carried formal routine. out in a manner that saw the Welsh Guards’ reputation The green light was given enhanced further. to the Company to return to some form of normality in Once the testing had been mid-June, as elements rotated handed over to civilian before Christmas in Otterburn, back through camp. It was organisations, there was an under the direction of Bn HQ, clear that the majority were opportunity for the platoons to operate as a Company. happy to be back, exchanging to get back together and re- Complementing this training the Zoom screen for the bond as formed teams again. effort is the ever-improving more familiar muster parade. 1 Platoon, led by Lt Phillips inflow of guardsmen from the The customary low level and Sgt Hiscock, strapped in Infantry Training Centre, of physical training and basic for some competitive socially which 11 have arrived over the soldiering skills were quickly distanced go-karting and 2 past couple of months to be 1. Jungle lessons delivered by reintroduced to blow away Platoon, led by Lt Burfiend and taken under the Jam Boys wing. Lt Leonard. any cobwebs. Sgt Braithwaite, practiced their 2. POW’s Company Platoon HQ in Belize. Standing: Lt amphibious skills at a waterpark Flexibility remains key for Anscombe-Bell, Lt Burfiend, The Prince of Wales’s in Datchet. all member of The Prince of 2Lt Phillips. Kneeling: Sgt Company provided a number Wales’s Company moving Rutledge, Sgt Braithwaite, of Guardsmen to support The focus for the Company forward into an unpredictable Sgt Hiscock the unprecedented Queen’s after supporting COVID testing Christmas period and New Year. 3. Belize. Company move into Birthday Parade in the has quickly switched to more However, the Company are in jungle post drop off. quadrangle of Windsor Castle; conventional soldiering high spirits, are looking forward 4. International 7’s Competi- Sgt Rutledge provided further pre-Christmas. Preparation is to returning to conventional tion at Price Barracks, Belize. POW’s Coy Support Team. Jam Boys presence as a key being conducted close to home training and testing ourselves 5. Lt Burfiend and Sgt member of the escort. before the Company deploys to in the winter months; all in Braithwaite presenting the Sennybridge to conduct both preparation for what is more lead care worker of Dorothy Sgt Rutledge has also Dry and Live firing up to Platoon than likely going to be a very Menzies Orphanage with continued his work driving level. Training will culminate busy 2021 for 1WG. ‘something for the wall’.

THE PRINCE OF WALES’S COMPANY 11 NUMBER TWO COMPANY Gwyr Ynys Y Cedyrn - The Men of the Island of the Mighty

Maj Fenton LSgt Roberts Gdsm Hamer Gdsm Olsen Lt Haines-Henderson LCpl Dean Gdsm Heffernan Gdsm Owen 56 Lt Powell LCpl Grifﬁths Gdsm Herbert Gdsm Owen 97 Lt Richardson LCpl Kemp Gdsm Hughes Gdsm Owen 98 2Lt Haynes LCpl Lucas Gdsm Johnson Gdsm Osman WO2 McEvoy LCpl Patel Gdsm Jones 36 Gdsm Phillips CSgt Edwards LCpl Thapa Gdsm Jones 46 Gdsm Podmore-Criddle Sgt Ducie LCpl Wilkinson Gdsm Jones 73 Gdsm Roberts Sgt Parry Gdsm Blackstone Gdsm Jones 90 Gdsm Scott 01 LSgt Burrows-Jones Gdsm Boland Gdsm Jones 94 Gdsm Scott 82 LSgt Bond Gdsm Coles Gdsm Krajewski-Moore Gdsm Stringfellow LSgt Forde Gdsm Craig Gdsm Lamond Gdsm Warrender LSgt Jones 91 Gdsm Davies Gdsm Marshall Gdsm Williams 64 LSgt Jones 88 Gdsm Dowdeswell Gdsm McBride Gdsm Williams 93 LSgt Love Gdsm Edwards Gdsm Miles Gdsm Williamson LSgt Macaulay Gdsm Fury Gdsm Moore LSgt Moriarty Gdsm Greenaway Gdsm Morgan LSgt Prothero Gdsm Grifﬁths Gdsm Murphy

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he men and women of the Island of the TMighty have proved their ﬂexibility and professionalism during a year of unexpected opportunities and disappointment.

We finally had the chance to training resulting from to unpack our boxes from the onset of COVID-19 hasn’t Elizabeth Barracks upon helped with the development returning from the Falkland of our relatively inexperienced Islands in early Nov 19, some Company, but it did provide five months after the rest of us with some unexpected the Battalion had completed opportunities. their move. We departed on Christmas leave proud of our Having been directed to achievements in the Falklands, disperse the force, training of our second place in the programmes were hastily Leuchars Cup, and of LCpl Brace re-written to allow training to and LCpl Tucker for winning continue at reach. The soldiers the best Guardsman and took it all in their stride Leadership awards respectively. and soon became used to delivering presentations over Following a well-earned rest, Zoom or competing on Strava. the Company returned to an It was humbling to see the intense three-month period effort and imagination that of State Ceremonial and Public went into some of the online Duties (SCPD); there were lessons and presentations. though plenty of opportunities Our experience of dispersed 2 for travel and adventure as training has certainly changed well. A lucky few deployed with and improved how we will the Battalion’s ski team on Ex conduct training once back in FROSTED BLADE. A composite camp. section of volunteers led by LSgt Burrows-Jones deployed Some respite from the online with the Guards Parachute lessons was provided in Platoon on exercise in Kenya. the form of Op RESCRIPT. Most of the Company went Following a couple of potential on the Battalion ski trip to tasks that didn’t materialise, Alpendorf and three members we were directed to provide of the Company managed to a small team to become get out to Belize: 2Lt Haynes as COVID-19 testers. Under the part of a Short-Term Training guidance of Sgt Potts (Corps Team; along with Lt Powell of Drums), an initial team of and LSgt Forde (the Company’s four were sent to the testing Jungle Warfare Instructors) site at Chessington World of who helped deliver the Jam Adventures. The commitment Boys’ exercise. steadily grew and by the end of our support to RESCRIPT No sooner had the troops almost everyone from the 3 returned from Belize than Company was supporting the the Battalion undertook COVID testing commitment In the midst of the Sergeant Major McEvoy who a significant re-OrBat. 17 across the Greater London national lockdown and our assisted Drill Sergeant Heath members of our Company area. All who participated commitments to Op RESCRIPT in getting those taking part up departed to join Specialist must be commended for came the welcome news that to the required standard; Lt Platoons in Number 3, Support their professionalism in there would be a Birthday Richardson who had the honour and Headquarters Companies. completing an unfamiliar and Parade for Her Majesty the of being the Ensign; LCpl Our manning level has since sometimes unpleasant task; Queen. Number 2 Company Griffiths 86 and Guardsmen recovered, but it will take several compliments were were well represented on Heffernan, Qumivudia, Owen some time to make-up for the received from members of parade; some might even say 97, Rokovadu, Jones 73 and loss of their knowledge and the public complementing our we were key to its success! We Morgan 35. experience. The disruption Guardsmen. were represented by: Company

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Members of the Company have Ward who moved on to the creatively and proactively made temporary role of Battalion the most of the unexpected Media Officer; Sgt Langley who time on our hands. Sgt Brown (5 has taken over as the Guards Pl Sgt) organised and completed Parachute Platoon Sergeant; a virtual 7 Half Marathons in Sgt Brown who took over the 7 Days raising an impressive Machine Gun Platoon; Sgt Ducie, £2,910 for NHS charities. Sgt SG, who has returned to his Ducie (4 Pl Sgt) planned and parent unit after a memorable led a team over the 3 Peaks two years as 4 Platoon Challenge – scaling the three Sergeant; along with LSgt Jones highest peaks in the UK in 91, LCpl Dean and a number less than 24 hours – raising of others who have left the £1,520 for Combat Stress in the Army, or who have transferred. process. LCpl Lucas deployed We are grateful for their with a composite Foot Guards contributions to the Company Short-Term Training Team to and wish them every success in the Cayman Islands to train their new roles or careers. their new Defence Force. Most recently Lt Haines-Henderson As the year draws to a close, has led a team of novices from the Company’s focus is on the Company in the Infantry green training in preparation wakeboarding championships. for the Battalion’s battle camp Thank you to all of you who in November. We have a lot of have supported our fundraising cobwebs to blow off but are efforts this year. We have excited by the prospect of three started planning our challenges months of green soldiering 4 for 2021 and will keep you whilst still officially on the informed via the Battalion’s Blue Line. The deployment on social media accounts. Op SHADER still seems a long way-off, but preparation has As ever, there has been a great certainly started. change in personalities in the Company. Upwards of 36 Guardsmen have joined, most directly from Catterick, but we have also benefitted from the addition of some more experienced Guardsmen from across the Battalion. We have welcomed and said goodbye to Sgt Davies 83, our stand- in Company Quartermaster Sergeant who handed over to CSgt Edwards. Other new arrivals to the Company include: Sgt Parry 26 who has taken over as 5 Platoon Sergeant after returning from the Infantry 1. Some of the 2 Company Training Centre (ITC); LSgt Love personnel on parade for Her who has returned from MPCT; Majesty’s Birthday. LSgt Jones 88 who joined us 2. Members of the 3 Peaks from the Jam Boys; and LSgt Challenge Team (L-R LSgt Roberts who has spent the Prothero, Gdsm Owen and last four years with the Guards LCpl Griffiths). Parachute Platoon. 3. Platoon level training in Pirbright. 4. Platoon level training in With sadness we said goodbye Pirbright (Gdsm Morgan). to some familiar faces and 5. LCpl Lucas leads a CASEVAC long-serving members of during Platoon training in 5 the Company, including: Capt Pirbright.

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

Maj Young LSgt Haines LCpl Phillips Gdsm Morgan 05 Capt Scott-Bowden LSgt Howells LCpl Watters Gdsm Newth Capt Anderson LSgt Morgan 14 LCpl Williams 88 Gdsm O’Brien Capt Vincenzini LSgt Moseley Gdsm Cattell Gdsm Perring WO2 Evans 31 LSgt Retallick Gdsm Cauﬁeld-Dollard Gdsm Podmore CSgt Cummins LSgt Roos Gdsm Dade Gdsm Roberts 28 CSgt Evans LSgt Sandison Gdsm Davis 82 Gdsm Seward Gdsm Sinclair CSgt Crew LSgt Williams 91 Gdsm Davies 37 Gdsm Taylor Sgt Bladen LCpl Bilkey Gdsm Downes Gdsm Toombs Sgt Browning LCpl Ceesay Gdsm Emanuel Gdsm Valentine Sgt Brown 68 LCpl Davies 14 Gdsm Green Gdsm Walker Sgt Doyle LCpl Duval Gdsm Graham Gdsm Watson LSgt Buretini LCpl Dyer Gdsm Hender Gdsm Wilkinson LSgt Chambers LCpl Goodwin Gdsm Hoyle Gdsm Winney LSgt Davies 47 LCpl Goss Gdsm Hughes 92

LSgt Everett LCpl Jones 71 Gdsm James LSgt Forgan LCpl Jones 13 Gdsm Lee

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his year has been full of ‘firsts’ and seminal lessons conducted at delivered by LSgt Sandison, Tevents, many of which will continue to home. The successes and LCpl Bilkey, LCpl Jones 13 and achievements of the cadres LSgt Watters all completing influence and affect us all going forward. are testament to the pro- the Section Commander’s active nature of all ranks Battle Course. At the time However, during the initial to rapidly become competent and the willingness to learn of writing, LSgt Morgan weeks and months of this and creative in continuing and improve at all levels. To is attending the Platoon year the Company’s attention training at reach, whilst also summarise, the Little Iron Sergeants Battle Course remained on State Ceremonial monitoring fitness, the welfare Men continue to provide and I am confident he will and Public Duties, with many of the men and keeping key capabilities to the continue the successful streak looking forward to a change morale high. The wonders of Commanding Officer through set by others! We also made of pace and focus towards modern technology forced us the provision of trained and our presence known at the the training of the specialist into the twenty-first century qualified battalion assets. Support Weapons School platoons which together and many of the practices as the second in command, make up The Little Iron adopted during dispersal have In line with our role as Captain Scott-Bowden Men, namely: Anti-Tanks; been retained, to enable us specialist, battle winning attended the Anti-Tanks Reconnaissance and Snipers. for more efficient working assets, the Company Course. practices. supported a number of The change in focus, however, key activities this year. The LCpl Davies 14 not only came due to the most On return from dispersal Reconnaissance Platoon completed the gruelling All disruptive single external the specialist Platoons deployed to the Belizean Arms Pre-Parachute Selection factor of the year, namely commenced the practical Jungle with The Prince of Course (aka P Coy) but was COVID 19. The Little Iron elements of their cadres, Wales’s Company Group, also awarded top student, no Men were dispersed and which had been prepped demonstrating their expertise mean feat! In a similar vein, commanders at all levels had through extensive theory and competence in operating LCpl Phillips 65 is currently in challenging environments. undertaking selection to The Company shared its join the Pathfinders having jungle warfare knowledge on already passed and promoted the exercise with four Jungle from the HDPRCC (Household Warfare Instructors; WO2 Division & Parachute Regiment Evans (the CSM, previously Combined Course) Tac Course Recce 2ic), Sgt Bladen (Recce (for promotion to LCpl) this 2ic), Sgt Browning (Sniper year. Platoon Commander) and LSgt Morgan (Recce), deploying The headquarters team has to Belize. seen much change with a new CQMS, CSM and Company In other theatres, Sgt Brown Commander all moving deployed on a long term into post this year. All three training team task to Tunisia have previously been Little and LCpl Bilkey to the Cayman Iron Men in various posts, Islands demonstrating but notably the Company the continued and varied Commander is the first Welsh opportunities available to Guards Officer since Maj members of the company Badham left post in 2016. where they can employ their skills and qualifications. Less glamourous but also vital, LSgt Watters has been seconded to the Infantry Training Centre, Catterick to teach new trainee Guardsmen during a recruiting surge, from which the battalion continues to benefit.

1. The Recce Platoon at the end Success on courses (beyond of their cadre. the cadres) peppered the year 2. The Anti-Tank Platoon at the for many Iron Men. Excellent end of their cadre. performances on Infantry 3. The Sniper Platoon at the 3 Battle School courses were end of their cadre.

NUMBER THREE COMPANY 17 SUPPORT COMPANY NAC OFNA OND GWARTH - FEAR NOTHING BUT DISGRACE

Maj Charles-Jones LCpl Gassama Gdsm Davies Dmr Roberts Capt Minihan LCpl Morgan Gdsm Davies Dmr Roberts Lt Wilkinson LCpl Siwale Dmr Evans Gdsm Richards WO2 Johnson LCpl Todd Gdsm Evans Gdsm Rowlands DMaj Rees LCpl Waqanisaravi Gdsm Green Gdsm Rokovada CSgt Qaimuri Dmr Hillman Gdsm Healy-Roberts Gdsm Stott Sgt Brown Dmr Jones Gdsm Jones Gdsm Sherlock Sgt Grifﬁths Dmr Hughes Gdsm Korosaya Gdsm Smith Sgt Lewis Dmr Price Gdsm Lewis Gdsm Turner Sgt Potts Dmr Parry Gdsm Lynch Dmr Trematick LSgt Davies Dmr Roberts Gdsm Mitchell Gdsm Tennant LSgt Lewis Dmr Sarpak Dmr Maund Gdsm Thomas LSgt Matthews Dmr Thomas Gdsm Milne Gdsm Woosnam LSgt Price Dmr Woodward Gdsm Namakadre Gdsm Willaims LSgt Skates Dmr Brain Gdsm Nightingale Gdsm Willaims LSgt Van Eyssen Dmr Bowden Gdsm Pilcher Gdsm Williams LCpl Burchill Gdsm Bastable Gdsm Parry Gdsm Williams LCpl Dennis Gdsm Cobb-Evans Gdsm Qaranivalu Gdsm Winnan LCpl Durkin Gdsm Cadd Gdsm Qumivutia

18 SUPPORT COMPANY WELSH GUARDS REGIMENTAL MAGAZINE SUPPORT COMPANY

t has been an extraordinary year for Support man 6 SF role GPMGs, the ICompany full of unprecedented challenges. As Mortar Platoon can bring 4 barrels into action and the ever the men of the Company have risen to the Assault Pioneers are qualified occasion and excelled themselves across the and ready to support the broad spectrum of specialist tasks that they have Rifle Companies. With a well-planned and executed been directed to master. physical training program working alongside a military 2020 kicked off with support deliver support to the Rifle skill development program to State Ceremonial and Companies on exercise and Support Company is in a Public Duties and the Corps operations. The Commanding strong position as we move of Drums, led by DMaj Rees, Officer gave out Machine towards the prospect of collecting a large amount Gun and Mortar badges on Operations next year. I will go 1. The Machine Gun Platoon of Forecourt time as they parade and acknowledged as far as to say that the men of at the end of their cadre. accompanied the Queen’s the exceptional performances Support Company need Fear 2. Gdsm Healy Roberts on Guard and Windsor Castle of Gdsm Davies 60 who won Nothing but Disgrace. the cadre. Guard to their posts. All of Best Mortarman and Gdsm this hard work paid dividends Qumvutia and Healy-Roberts when the heavily adapted for best machine gun pair. Queen’s Birthday Parade took place at Windsor Castle Soon after leaving the cadres with DMaj Rees, along with 6 behind Support Company was Drummers, were on parade tasked to conduct Military made conspicuous by their Aid to the Civil Authority tunics at the rear of the (MACA) tasks in support of the massed bands. Their turnout COVID-19 testing program. Sgt and performance on the day Potts volunteered to become brought praise from all who the first man in Battalion to saw them, both live and on qualify as a ‘trained trainer’ the television. Special mention and then took the rest of the must go to LCpl Siwale who Battalion through the training was the Lone Side Drummer required to complete the for the Troop and is the testing. During the month long Welsh Guards Cutlers’ Sword task the Company carried out entrant for 2020. At the time testing at sites across South of writing the results had not London. This culminated with been published. the testing teams training the civilian contractors before As well as putting the Corps handing over to them and of Drums through their paces heading back to Wales for a in the public eye, they had well-earned summer leave. 14 Drummers competing for the Battalion’s Silver Bugle. Focus for the Company is now In a close run competition on sharpening our skills and it was Dmr Thomas 75 who drills ready for a Battalion emerged victorious taking exercise at the end of the year home the Bugle and a cash which will lead us into the prize presented by the move to 11 Bde in 2021. The Commanding Officer. keystone to this will be the Company’s ability to perform As soon as tunics had physically while carrying been hung up and the final our specialist weapons. The note petered out, Support Company PTI, LCpl Dennis, is Company where back in instrumental to this and has belt kit and on the training been working hard to write area running cardres for the and run a PT program focused Machine Gun and Mortar on operational output. Platoons. On successful completion of the cadres both With our cadres complete, Platoons are up now able to the Machine Gun Platoon can 2

SUPPORT COMPANY 19 HEADQUARTER COMPANY Ofna Dduw, Anrhydedda’r Brenin - Fear God, honour the King

Lt Col Llewelyn-Usher SSgt Kittle REME LSgt Putty Gdsm Arnold Maj Spencer-Smith CSgt Marsh LSgt Rana RLC Gdsm Asamoah Maj Butler SSgt Nukutabu AGC LSgt Roberts 25 Pte Baker RLC Maj Campbell Sgt Cardin AGC LSgt Sanderson RLC Gdsm Boswell Maj Knight Sgt Davies 83 LSgt Smith 18 Gdsm Clarke Capt Becket Sgt Davies 83 LSgt Stirling Gdsm Collins Capt Bowen Sgt Davis RLC LSgt Tsorme REME Cfn Davies Capt Byrne Sgt Frowen LSgt Watts RLC Gdsm Doyle Capt Clarke Sgt Hillier LSgt Williams 60 Cfn Durrant REME Capt Elletson Sgt Jakes RAMC Cpl Weedall RAMC Gdsm Evans 16 Capt Evans Sgt Limbu RLC LCpl Brace Gdsm Faulkner Capt Grifﬁths Sgt Lucas LCpl Brophy REME Gdsm Fitzgibbon Capt Limbu AGC Sgt Morgan 65 LCpl Butler Pte Gurung RLC Capt Parkinson Sgt Pienar LCpl Clarke AGC Gdsm Hughes 61 Capt Taylor Sgt Richardson AGC LCpl Francis Gdsm McGlauchlin Capt Ward Sgt Simons LCpl Grant RLC Gdsm Openda WO1 RSM Parry 19 Sgt Soko LCpl Howells 27 Gdsm Powell WO2 RQMS(M) Peters Sgt Stallard R Sigs LCpl Jones 73 Cfn Rai REME WO2 RQMS(T) Cope Sgt Thompson REME LCpl Lewis Gdsm Roberts 300 WO2 AQMS Carlin REME LSgt Adams LCpl Mason Cfn Slevin REME WO2 RAWO Coﬁe AGC LSgt Asare-Bediako LCpl Messam-Green RAMC Cfn Thomas 10 WO2 RCWO Moffat RLC LSgt Ceesay AGC LCpl McCarthy REME Gdsm Thomas 500 WO2 DSgt Heath LSgt Clowes LCpl McKay REME Pte Usiagwu RLC WO2 DSgt Walton LSgt Edwards LCpl Mjungu RLC Pte Valentine AGC WO2 (Master Tailor) Wilks LSgt Evans 94 LCpl Phombo AGC Gdsm Ward WO2 Lewis 29 LSgt Horrell LCpl Pun RLC Gdsm Williams 07 WO2 CSM Hughes 39 LSgt Jones 89 LCpl Regan RAMC Gdsm Williams 93 WO2 CSMiM Green LSgt Jones 78 LCpl Rowlands-Bell CSgt Bick LSgt Lewis 51 LCpl Siviter CSgt Cunningham LSgt Martin LCpl Sullivan CSgt Evans 88 LSgt Mottram LCpl Tucker SSgt Foody RLC LSgt Muteti LCpl Wiffen RAMC CSgt Fuller LSgt May LCpl Wonnacott RAMC CSgt Jones 73 LSgt Pickersgill-Jones Gdsm Adekoya

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1 1. The Company Commander and Company Sergeant Major at the new Welsh Guards Memorial, Combermere Barracks.

his year has most definitely not played out training programme. That being transferred from the Grenadier as we thought it would, although starting as said, all departments were soon Guards and took up the role T conducting valuable training of Drill Sergeant. WO2 Hughes we expected, the last 6 months has seen a lot of over the internet. moved over from 3 Company changes to the programme. As the enablers of to become the Company the Battalion this has had its challenges in some Our main excitement over Sergeant Major. CSgt Jones 73 Summer was the Queen’s has taken over as Company places but has mostly given us the opportunity to Birthday Parade where we had Quartermaster Sergeant after show in each department that we are a flexible troops on parade in Windsor completing his assignment in group of experienced Welsh Guardsman, and Castle celebrating Her Majesty’s Kenya. Gdsm Ward has left Official Birthday. Backstage the Tailor Shop for Company attached units, who’s aim is to facilitate the we had troops supporting Headquarters. Departing the rest of the Battalion. the event too; a large amount Company recently was CSgt of planning was involved in Buller who was assigned We have had members of deployed to Belize to take part getting the Guardsman to to Warminster as Company Company deployed all over in Ex MAYAN WARRIOR and parade as we were very much Quartermaster Sergeant. the world, firstly at the tail end we were just preparing for Ex in the public eye, we had to be Now, towards the back end of of the FIRIC (Falkland Islands ASKARI STORM in Kenya when seen to be leading by example the year, we are again planning Roulemont Infantry Company) lockdown was enforced. when it came to all of the social for an exercise in Otterburn deployment this time last year distancing measures. which will see all elements of with some HQ Coy elements During Lockdown we started to HQ Coy tested as we make up still out in the Falklands. trial ‘working from home’ which There have been numerous for not deploying to Kenya. It Shortly after Christmas we was easily achievable with changes of personnel in the has been a full-on year, full of had members of the Signals certain more senior members Company, some of which surprises but we have handled platoon, Quartermaster’s of the Company but took a little include Capt Griffiths taking everything thrown our way and (QM’s) department, Light Aid experimenting for everybody over as RCMO after successfully can’t wait to see what the next Detachment (LAD) and Medics to get to grips with the virtual commissioning. WO2 Walton year brings us.

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The Signals Platoon Update by Captain GF Elletson, Regimental Signals Ofﬁcer

he last year has been centred around one Ttheme for the Signals Platoon; re-establishing the ability to operate as a dismounted Battlegroup in a conventional war ﬁghting environment.

Previously we had been uplift in manpower saw a pool focussed on Op TORAL 6 of experience and talent enter (Afghanistan post 2014) where the Platoon, and after a couple the focus was manning Ops of weeks all the new members Rooms, whereas this year we had come to understand their were planning on deploying to novel role in Battalion. Kenya for a Battlegroup exercise and so had to change the way The role of a member of the we were doing business. Signals Platoon is to enable communications up and The first realisation of this down the chain of command, was the significant uplift in understand what is going manpower we received in on in the battle space and January. The Commanding to help enable commanders Officer instructed each make informed decisions. We Company to give the Signals have been focussing on firmly Platoon two of their finest establishing this in the mindset Non-Commissioned Officers of the Platoon and building a (NCO’s) in a clear display of cohort of Welsh Guardsmen intent to show the Signals who are able to transition Platoon as a career enhancing between the Rifle Companies opportunity for intelligent and and the Signals Platoon. The 1 keen Welsh Guardsmen. This intention of this is to create NCO’s who can both be Section Commanders/Platoon Sergeants in a Rifle Company but also have a much greater understanding of the bigger picture having spent time in the Signals Platoon.

COVID-19 has put the brakes on our training, but we have been able to achieve a lot remotely, and since coming back to work, training in camp and a cadre in July. On top of this we have sent our maximum allocation of troops on every course in Bovington to get qualiﬁed, and even though Kenya has been cancelled we are hoping to be put through our paces on the 1WG Battle camp in November.

1. The Signals Platoon setting up Battle Group Headquarters 2. Battle Group Headquarters set up on the Signals 2 Platoon Cadre

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The Training Wing Update by Captain JW Parkinson, Training Ofﬁcer

ince the return from lockdown the training Swing has been keeping itself busy, whether this be planning and conducting Battalion Screening Cadres, managing the ever-changing Battle Camp or providing advice and guidance to the companies during the Platoon and Company level training.

The Screening Cadre is there was plenty of training designed to give students, and estate to play with. A short time their Chain of Command (CoC), after, the Battalion and the rest 1 an understanding of their of the army returned to work, suitability prior to attending and it didn’t take long before the Household Division & all for the training area bids the Parachute Regiment Combined Training Wing had summitted Course (HDPRCC) Tac course started to get cancelled to and HDPRCC pre-courses. At facilitate other operational the end of each cadre, students training. At the time of writing are given individual feedback the Battalion is currently set to on their performance and conduct an exercise in Nov with a report is sent to their CoC. the hope of conducting LFTT Individual training plans are shortly after. then produced and given to those who require them and are managed by Platoon HQ. Students can attend the screening cadres as often as they require.

Shortly after returning from lockdown the Battalion was given the unfortunate news 2 that Ex ASKARI STORM was cancelled due to COVID-19. However; the Battalion still needed to train in order to deploy on Op SHADER (Iraq) in Jul 21. The training wing was given the responsibility of planning and conducting CT2 (Collective Training Level 2) exercises as well as conducting Live Firing Tactical Training (LFTT) up to Company level. Initially this was a relatively straight forward task, this was soon to change.

Prior to the main body of the Battalion returning to work, the 1. The current training wing 2. Sgt Simons teaches Training Wing started booking subtends on a Screening training estate to allow it to Cadre how to improve achieve its aim of achieving two their navigation skills. CT2 Exercises and Company 3. Gdsm on a Screening Cadre level LFTT. During that time listen in on a set of orders. 3

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Regimental Administration Ofﬁce (RAO) Department Update by Lieutenant RJ Drury, Detachment Commander he last twelve months has seen the detachment Tsettle nicely into Windsor and continue to support the Battalion both in camp and deployed during what has been an unusual and uncertain year to say the least!

The detachment has said In June 2020 Sgt Cardin and farewell to some great LCpl Fitch had the honour of members of the team such representing the AGC(SPS) as SSgt Woodhouse, Sgt at Her Majesties Ofﬁcial Naicobo and Cpl Wells but has Birthday Parade held in the welcomed new members Sgt grounds of Windsor Castle. Cardin, Sgt Richardson, LCpl It is a great privilege to part Phombo and Pte Osei-Owusu. of these events and is just an example of what is available The start of the year saw to a member of the AGC(SPS) three members of the attached to the Battalion. detachment deploy to support The Prince of Wales’s Company in Belize. WO2 Coﬁe, LSgt Gurung and LSgt Macaulay all deployed 1 to provide administrative support to the Company. The deployment allowed the members of the Detachment to experience operating in the jungle environment all be it for a much shorter period than their infantry brethren.

Spring 2020 brought along new challenges as the detachment were dispersed across the UK and had to develop new ways of working and training. This allowed the detachment to demonstrate their adaptability and continue to deliver ﬁrst class administration as they supported the teams deployed as part of Op RESCRIPT in support of the COVID-19 effort.

It hasn’t been all work though! The detachment has had multiple members represent both the Corps and the Battalion. LSgt Macaulay and Pte Reynolds have been invaluable to the football 1. LSgt Macaulay - Belize 2 team. 2. Sgt Cardin & LCpl Fitch – QBP

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Regimental Aid Post Update by LCpl Messam-Green RAMC

t has been a busy year for the Regimental Aid IPost (RAP). In the past year we have seen Medics deploy with Number 2 Company to the Falkland Islands and with POWs Coy to Belize on Exercise MAYAN WARRIOR.

It has also seen the RAP take enable me to best support the part in Her Majesty The Queen’s soldiers on the ground. I really Ofﬁcial Birthday Parade, enjoyed working as a lone selection support in Nepal and medic and felt that I was able supporting the Battalion during to be a force multiplier and the COVID pandemic. became an asset to the Coy.

As part of the Battalion’s role I spent the first week working in the Falkland Islands the RAP in the Medical Centre running deployed both LCpl Wiffen and sick parades, being duty medic LCpl Wonnacott. During their and on standby to receive any time there, both Medics found patients from the HLS point themselves split between and transporting them to either Onion Range, providing medical the hospital or back to Camp. support to Live Fire Tactical To do this I needed to have a Training and Mount Pleasant. thorough knowledge of the When back in Mount Pleasant Medical Plan. 1 they also conducted activities like training the local Scout Working in the Medical Centre group in first aid, providing enabled me to carry out my medical cover for sporting own professional development events like rugby matches and such as practicing gaining half marathons. IV access and using DMICP (Defence Medical Information There was also the chance Capability Programme). I also to show what they do in an gave a lesson on snake bites interactive medical stand to 26 Engineer Regiment who on the Capability Day. Whilst were also deployed in Belize.” deployed, both LCpls Wiffen and Wonnacott received a On the 13th June 2020, Maj Commander’s Coin for their Knight, LCpl Regan and LCpl excellent work with the Wiffen had the honour of Company and community represent the Royal Army engagement. Medical Corps by taking part in Her Majesty’s Official Birthday Ex MAYAN WARRIOR was a big Parade. task for the RAP, deploying Maj Knight, Cpl Weedall, LCpls Regan COVID-19 has represented its and Messam-Green in support own unique challenge to the of POWs Coy RAP. However, we are striving to play our role and ensure that LCpl Messam Green said about everyone remains safe and can this task: access the same medical care as before. “I deployed to Belize on Ex MAYAN WARRIOR as a Coy 1. The RAP on Exercise Medic. This was my first time MAYAN WARRIOR working in jungle conditions, so 2. Major Fenton speaking I was keen to conduct as much to local scouts in the clinical training as possible to Falkland Islands 2

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Quartermaster Department by Major A Campbell, Quartermaster

very unusual but challenging year in the ADepartment. Early November saw the department have a full LSA&I (Logistic Support Assurance & Inspection) and this was Major Campbell’s ﬁrst as the new Quartermaster.

1 After returning to work to Kenya for a “Wildlife after Christmas leave, the safari trip” and for a recce department prepared The in preparation for 1WG’s Ex Prince of Wales’s Company ASKARI STORM. The recce for their deployment to Belize went well, and 3 PARA were on Ex MAYAN WARRIOR for great hosts and the team a six-week. This consisted of found their experiences on obtaining, sorting and issuing the 3 PARA exercise a great all items required for them to platform for 1 WG to have train and have a successful a rewarding exercise also. exercise and this was WO2 But unfortunately, due to Cope’s first experience, as COVID-19, our exercise to an RQMS, of preparing a Coy Kenya was cancelled. 2 to deploy overseas - suffice to say, it all went without a In April the department and Catering Department Update hitch. The department also Battalion was stood down supported the overseas as part of the UK lockdown by Warrant Officer Class 2 Moffat, exercise by deploying Sgt directed by HQ Land and in Regimental Catering Warrant Officer Lucas as the ammunition line with the government storeman. guidelines. Nevertheless, he move from Pirbright to Windsor has been it saw the department, as Challenging for the Catering Department, In February, Maj Butler always, sorting admin for the T (BGLO (Battle Group Logistics Coy’s to deploy Mobile Testing changing contractors from Sodexo to Aramark Officer)), Capt Bowen (QM(T)), Units in and around the SW and all that entails has not been easy, Capt Evans (Ops Offr), WO2 of England. The department particularly for the young chefs, however each Cope (RQMS) all travelled used the time wisely and of them has taken it in their stride and has overcome several hurdles.

Along with the Battalion move team joined together to raise the Catering Department have £2,314.50 for the NHS by also deployed on the Grenadier completing an in-camp Lands’ Guards Ex MAYAN STORM End to John O Groats challenge, in Belize, feeding in excess which was a run, bike, run of 300 Service Personnel. challenge set over 4 days. We have also seen 4 chefs’ They did not stop there and complete short deployments went on to have the privilege to the Falklands sporadically of catering for Veterans Aid throughout the last year, whilst Charity for lunch and dinner. also supporting the COVID-19 Mobile Testing Units (MTUs) All in all, a great year for the by ensuring they had their 3 department supporting the meals a day at whatever time Battalion. they required them.

The catering team’s selﬂess 1. All Chefs completing commitment was also at the the event after 4 days forefront of the department of hard work and every member of the 2. The catering team 1

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2 conducted extra education inspection with flying colours Looking forward will see and gained civilian recognised and for the first time with no the department support qualifications whilst stood non-conformances and no the Battalion battle camp in down and after a long three non-compliances. November and facilitate the months, the department preparation leading up to returned to work, in a August saw the battalion battle camp in Otterburn and somewhat different socially tasked with a Short-Term future operations in Iraq on distancing workplace. Training Team (STTT) Op SHADER. tasking to train the Cayman No sooner had we returned Island’s Defence Force. As a to work and we were department we had to receive straight into a full LEA (Land all the kit resourced by AHQ Equipment Assurance) (Army Headquarters) for the 1. Ex Askari Storm Recce organised by Capt Bowen, STTT tasking in a very tight 2. The Prince of Wales’s WO2 (RQMS) Cope and WO2 time period to enable the kit to Company freight inspection (AQMS) Mott. WG passed the deploy with Support Coy. at South Cerney

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These plans were short lived in what has become a very and few courses took place congested training pipeline. due to COVID-19 restrictions. General Service (GS) courses Vehicle maintenance are running internally back to continued which would see back under the watchful eye the highest availability of task of Sgt Pienaar; Quad Courses worthy Green Fleet vehicles are on the horizon under the in a considerable amount of leadership of Sgt Hillier and time. This was thanks to LSgt driver training has seen Sgt Williams and his team in close Davies deliver more Theory conjunction with AQMS Mott and Practical tests than in and his team in the LAD. any single month before. We 2 are anticipating a very busy Due to the pandemic taking autumn to get us back on Motorised Transport Platoon (MT Pl) hold in late March, the Green track and put the lockdown Fleet played second fiddle to behind us. by Captain R Beckett COLDM GDS, the sheer amount of White Motor Transport Officer Fleet that we had to either hire in or request from other fter a long and memorable (busy) final London District units. LSgt quarter to 2019, the MT Pl settled into 2020 May was working flat out A throughout and consistently planning driving courses and training which delivered what was needed, would see the outputs met for the forthcoming even within the constraints Op SHADER 2021 tour. of some very short notice periods. At times we had over 60 extra platforms to either deliver what was required of the Battalion or in anticipation of what could be asked of us. 1. GS Course Vehicle Recovery September has brought new 2. Op RESCRIPT planning and more training Vehicle Uplift

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1 2

Light Aid Detachment (LAD) by Warrant Officer Class 2 Carlin, Artificer Quarter Master Sergeant aving completed a unit move and all the Hsubsequent fall out work that resulted, the LAD was looking forward to some routine, however this was not to be the case. With most of the Battalion stood down due to COVID-19, the LAD continued our work to keep the vehicle fleet roadworthy and weapons available.

Should the Battalion have also minimising the risk of been called to assist the UK the virus spreading in the in any way, the equipment workshop. We also provided would be ready for use 3 tradesmen to provide camp immediately. The LAD also security. continued to complete online training with use The vehicle ﬂeet had been of DLE (Defence Learning assigned to Op RESCRIPT, Environment) and Open meaning all our vehicles were University. at readiness for tasking. This was especially important The LAD tackled social to us because it gave us as distancing in work by splitting a LAD a high priority for down into three two man spares, meaning items can working teams. This meant take less than 4 days to arrive. that tradesmen could continue This in turn shortened the to service and maintain the time a piece of equipment is vehicles in order to keep the unserviceable and unavailable Battalion BUF (Basic Unit Fleet) to the Battalion. As a result, above 85% readiness, whilst the availability of the Battalion 3

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time in preparing the vehicle fleet for the Battalion Battle Camp in Otterburn. From MEI’s (Mandatory Equipment Inspections) to services and fitting new parts, the LAD has made sure everything will be ready for Battle Camp. We had some excellent news, with two members of the LAD being selected for promotion to Corporal. We would like to congratulate LCpl Rob Brophy and LCpl Charlie McKay on achieving their promotions and thank you in advance for the doughnuts. Unfortunately, LCpl Brophy will be leaving the LAD in May 2021 to continue his career with 4th Battalion the Rifles based in Aldershot, whilst LCpl McKay will be staying with the Welsh Guards and will promote in post with 4 effect 1st October 2020.

ﬂeet increased to 93%, the In all a busy 12 months for highest it had been for 18 the LAD, seeing members months. deployed to Belize, Falklands, being part of The Queen’s During the working week, Birthday Parade, raising the tradesmen within the money for Charity, providing LAD had been forced to Equipment Care lessons and become inventive with their effective Equipment Support PT sessions, using items to the Battalion whilst still within the workshop as gym managing to have some fun equipment. For example, along the way. using toolboxes as deadlift weight and a gantry crane as a pull-up bar. This is not the usual way of doing physical training but has still been 5 effective in keeping the LAD’s ﬁtness to a high standard. We have also been involved with the HQ Coy WG1000 challenge completing 1000 miles in a week for charity.

Since June, the LAD has said farewell to WO2 (AQMS) Terry Mott and welcomed WO2 (AQMS) Chris Carlin. From all of us here at the LAD, we would like to wish WO2 (AQMS) Mott 1. LCpl Thomas keeping us safe all the best as he continues 2. Cfn Strutton “OP Massive by any means necessary” his career with 128 Field 3. Cfn Sleven feet up on the job Company 103 Battalion REME. 4. Cfn Rai learning twice as fast with 2 screens After returning from summer 5. LCpl McKay loving the leave, the LAD has wasted no 40mile point

30 HEADQUARTER COMPANY BAND OF THE WELSH GUARDS

MAJ HALLIDAY LSGT GURNEY LCPL COETZER MUSN HERMAN WO2 LAWRENCE LSGT WING LCPL ARMSTRONG MUSN MUSTO WO2 GRIMWOOD LSGT COLE LCPL AUSTWICK MUSN WATSON CSGT HOLT LSGT ELLEN LCPL COOK MUSN GRAHAM CSGT EVANS LSGT ELDER LCPL ELDER MUSN BUCKNEL CSGT SMOUT LSGT LACEY LCPL SHEPHERD MUSN SMITH CSGT BLUE LSGT LOVELL LCPL HOWARD MUSN COX SGT FOMES LSGT MASON LCPL OYENIRAN SGT MERCER LSGT SHELLARD MUSN PHILP SGT BARNETT LCPL LOCKWOOD MUSN COLEMAN SGT CLARK LCPL LIBBY MUSN STOWELL SGT MILWARD LCPL RAMPLIN MUSN MILES SGT LIGHTFOOT LCPL HIRST MUSN FINNEY LSGT WILCOX LCPL DANN MUSN LAWLOR

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Band of the Welsh Guards home, some of those that This included administrative by Musician J Lawlor remained in Central London work for senior officers and were able to contribute general driving duties where directly to Op RESCRIPT - the necessary. One project in uring these unprecedented times our normal military operation providing particular involved distributing Dwork routine has changed dramatically. assistance to help tackle thousands of chocolate bars With State Ceremonial events on hold and a ban COVID-19. Lance Corporal to key workers across London (LCpl) Emma Dann and after a generous donation on public audiences, we have been unable to Musician (Musn) Stephen from Their Royal Highnesses perform our traditional role. Bucknell were part of a team Princesses Beatrice and tasked with providing laundry Eugenie. As the rest of the country chance to play to a live audience services for key military started to conduct their online on a regular basis. This personnel during this time. This year would have seen the business online, the Band of has been a valuable opportunity For nearly four months their 1st Battalion Welsh Guards the Welsh Guards followed as it allows us to replicate a duties involved driving all over Troop their Colour in front of suit. Virtual performances performance environment. Central London delivering Her Majesty the Queen. Due continue to take place each This is so important to ensure clean laundry to those to the devastating effects of week using a range of video that the Band of the Welsh working on the operation. the COVID-19 pandemic, the sharing software. This has been Guards continue to deliver the Lance Corporal’s Adam Hirst parade was sadly cancelled. beneficial for all musicians, highest standards of musical and Melissa Ramplin were Throughout 68 years of Her especially those in preparation performance. In addition to stationed at London Central Majesty’s reign the parade for their Career Employment music, the band have been Garrison Headquarters at had been cancelled just once Qualification (CEQ) tests. The fortunate to receive physical Horseguards as part of before, this was due to the opportunity to record oneself training and yoga sessions the G4 welfare team. Their national rail strike of 1955. enables one to self-evaluate and online. role was to assist military thus take the necessary steps personnel working at the Fortunately, a Tribute to Her for improvement. Furthermore, Whilst the majority of the NHS Nightingale Hospital Majesty the Queen was able to it has given musicians the band have been working from in Stratford, East London. take place on the Quadrangle

32 BAND OF THE WELSH GUARDS WELSH GUARDS REGIMENTAL MAGAZINE BAND OF THE WELSH GUARDS

3 at Windsor Castle. On the been held at Windsor and was cue to end the live stream, a part of the celebrations on 13th June a detachment from thus an historic moment for first for all on parade. BBC1, musicians from the 1st Battalion Welsh Guards those involved. In what was Household Division Bands Trooped their Colour whilst her first public appearance A few weeks later, on 17th and the Countess of Wessex’s supported by a massed of the lockdown period; Her July the band travelled to String Orchestra performed at band from the Household Majesty observed from the the Guildhall in the City of Buckingham Palace alongside Division. The massed band dais with a beaming smile London to provide musical singers Katherine Jenkins was far smaller than what alongside senior officers in support for a pass-off parade OBE and Beverly Knight MBE is traditionally seen on what was a very personal and for the City of London Police. to name a few. It was a truly Horseguards Parade and unprecedented affair. Both parades adhered to marvelous performance in a included some of the finest Government guidelines spectacular setting conducted musicians from the Household This year marks the 50th and social distancing was by the Commanding Officer Division. For those from the anniversary of HRH the maintained throughout. Household Division Bands, Band of the Welsh Guards, Princess Royal as Colonel in Lieutenant Colonel Haw. A it was a particularly proud Chief King’s Royal Hussars. On 8th May 1945 at 15:00 proud evening for Britain, moment to be part of such a To mark this celebration the BST, Prime Minister Winston The Corps of Army Music and significant moment in history. band were thrilled to provide Churchill addressed the nation indeed the Band of the Welsh Although a smaller event musical support for a short to announce Nazi Germany’s Guards with Sergeant Andrew physically, the occasion lacked parade that took place at the surrender to the allied forces, Mercer, Lance Sergeant Robin no sense of grandeur as the Royal Hospital Chelsea on 23rd thus marking the end of World Cole, Lance Corporal Andee highest standards of personal June. Princess Anne was not War 2 in Europe. This year Birkett and Musician Ben Smith drill, discipline and turnout present at the event but was marked the 75th anniversary. all playing in the orchestra. was viewed by millions able to watch the parade live Naturally, large-scale around the world - all whilst via video link. As the parade celebrations were unable Some three months later on adhering to social-distancing came to a close, The Princess to take place amongst the the 15th August 1945, Japan guidelines and on grass. It Royal chuckled as she was lock-down measures however surrendered to the allied was the first time in 120 years asked for “leave to log-off some commemorations were forces, commonly known as that Trooping the Colour had Ma’am please”, which was the still able to go ahead. As Victory in Japan Day and the

BAND OF THE WELSH GUARDS 33 BAND OF THE WELSH GUARDS WELSH GUARDS REGIMENTAL MAGAZINE

4 official end of the Second a part in the celebrations the Director of Music, Major Royal British Legion Festival World War. After weeks of alongside the Band of the Stewart Halliday, played in of Remembrance and Scarlet preparation, musicians from Brigade of Gurkhas and the a magnificent venue and a and Gold to name a few. the Household Division Bands RAF in what was an impressive personal favourite of many in Warrant Officer Class 2 (WO2) came together once more to marching display flanking the the band. All recordings can (BM) David Hatton joined the join the Countess of Wessex’s orchestra in symmetry. be found at https://www. Band of the Welsh Guards in String Orchestra for another householddivision.org.uk/scm March 2017 as Bandmaster. wonderful evening of music, In August the band were During his time in the band commemorations and an thrilled to be given the The band would like to wish WO2 Hatton completed a opportunity to reflect and to opportunity to record some Lance Corporal Andee Birkett master’s degree in Symphonic remember those that served of our favourite Welsh music. the very best of luck as she Wind/Brass Band Direction in the Far East and indeed the After months of solo practice leaves the band to begin the with the London College of Second World War as a whole. and online sectionals the British Army Bandmaster Music and also passed the The BBC’s VJ Day: The Nation’s band were elated to finally be course at Kneller Hall; an FRSM (Fellowship of the Royal Tribute was an emotional yet able to perform together in incredible achievement and Schools of Music) inspirational performance person at the Royal Military we wish her every success for which saw Horseguards Chapel (The Guards Chapel); the future. After 4 years of examination in Brass Band Parade illuminated with the first time since the Saint exemplary service in the band, Direction. WO2 Hatton’s spectacular light effects and David’s Day Concert. Sir our Principal Trumpet player most memorable moments projections as they illustrated Edward German’s Welsh Sergeant (Sgt) Dan Evans include leading the band the personal accounts of the Rhapsody features a selection leaves the band on promotion during several concerts over Veterans. Soloists included of Welsh Classics such as Men with a posting to the Band the years and performing on the likes of Sheridan Smith, of Harlech and David of the of the Household Cavalry. the Trooping of the Colour. Nicola Roberts and Sir Bryn White Rock which cleverly Sgt Evans joined the army Bandmaster Hatton leaves the Terfel. With the orchestra transitions into Mae Hen Wlad aged 18 and has performed band on a posting to Kneller centre-stage, the Band of the Fy Nhadau. A true Welsh in all State Ceremonial events Hall as the Training Design Welsh Guards also played masterpiece conducted by including concerts such as the Warrant Officer.

34 BAND OF THE WELSH GUARDS WELSH GUARDS REGIMENTAL MAGAZINE BAND OF THE WELSH GUARDS

It gives us great pleasure the Band of the Coldstream was selected to undertake to welcome our new Guards. We would also like a Masters in Performance Bandmaster, WO2 Claire to welcome our new Band degree with Salford University Lawrence who brings a wealth Sergeant Major, WO2 Neal which he passed with a 1. The Household Division Band of experience in military music Grimwood. In 1993 WO2 Merit. In November 2017 and Countess of Wessex’s also having served in the Grimwood joined the Band of WO2 Grimwood was the String Orchestra performing on Horseguards Parade for Central Band of the Royal Air the Scots Guards, serving for Unit Welfare Senior Non- VE Day celebrations Force. After graduating from 27 years and travelling all over Commissioned ofﬁcer at The 2. During the VJ Day the Royal College of Music, the world. Highlights include Royal Military School of Music, celebration, the main WO2 Lawrence spent 9 years the handover of Hong Kong Kneller Hall. A successful building at Horseguards as a freelance professional to China, two 3-month tours two and a half years in a role Parade was used as a violinist. She played with of North America and Canada which he is very passionate projection screen, showing orchestras, opera companies and the Edinburgh Tattoo in about, caring for others. images and videos all and touring shows, including Australia and New Zealand. In September 2020, WO2 related to VJ Day 3. The famous spin wheel, on a a 4-month trial with Welsh His time with the Band of the Grimwood joined the band as smaller scale, still featured National Opera, and work Scots Guards included several Band Sergeant Major Band of in this year’s Birthday with Bournemouth Symphony tours of Europe taking part in the Welsh Guards. Tribute whilst socially Orchestra, Royal Philharmonic a variety of State, Public and distanced and on grass! Orchestra and London Regimental Engagements. The Band of the Welsh Guards 4. The Tri-Service Marching Philharmonic Orchestra. In addition, WO2 Grimwood look forward to the future and Band and the ﬂy past Following a multitude of played at the Queen’s Golden are excited to resume State featured on the VJ Day awards whilst studying on and Diamond Jubilees, the Ceremonial duties in the new celebrations on Horseguards Parade the Student Bandmaster funerals of both The Queen year. Cymru Am Byth. 5. Major Halliday leading the Course, WO2 Lawrence was Mother and Baroness Thatcher Band at the Holy Trinity assigned as Bandmaster of and the Royal Wedding of Parish and Garrison Church, the Countess of Wessex’s The Duke and Duchess of Windsor as part of St David’s String Orchestra and later Cambridge. In 2007 he Day celebrations

BAND OF THE WELSH GUARDS 35 DISTRIBUTION OF OFFICERS DISTRIBUTION OF OFFICERS as at 1 January 2021 REGIMENTAL HEADQUARTERS Colonel-in-Chief Her Majesty The Queen Colonel of the Regiment His Royal Highness The Prince of Wales KG KT GCB OM AK QSO PC ADC Regimental Lieutenant Colonel Major General R J Æ Stanford MBE Regimental Adjutant Colonel (Retd) T C S Bonas Assistant Equerry Captain C W A Ross Assistant Regimental Adjutant Major (Retd) M E Browne BEM Director of Music Major S Halliday MA BA(Hons) LRSM ALCM 1st BATTALION Lieutenant Colonel HS Llewelyn-Usher Commanding Officer Major TC Spencer-Smith Second-in-Command Major CEB Starkey COLDM GDS Officer Commanding The Prince of Wales’s Company Major CSN Fenton Officer Commanding Number Two Company Major JM Young Officer Commanding Number Three Company Major D Pridmore Officer Commanding Headquarter Company Major GCF Charles-Jones Officer Commanding Support Company Major A Campbell Quartermaster Major K Knight RAMC Regimental Medical Officer Captain WD Clarke Adjutant Captain TWJ Evans Operations Officer Captain MRC McNeill Love Operations Officer B Captain GF Elletson Regimental Signals Officer Captain OA Clarke Intelligence Officer Captain J Brown SG Technical Quartermaster Captain R Beckett COLDM GDS Motor Transport Officer Captain JW Parkinson Training Officer Captain AL Griffiths Regimental Careers Management Officer Captain J Byrne GREN GDS Unit Welfare Officer Captain EWD Andersen Officer Commanding Reconnaissance Platoon Captain TS Minihan Officer Commanding Mortar Platoon Captain LMF Vincenzini Officer Commanding Anti-Tank Platoon Captain SA Ward Media Officer Captain EJ Scott-Bowden Second-in-Command Number Three Company Captain C Jones RAChD Battalion Padre Captain DC Williams AGC(SPS) Regimental Administrative Officer Lieutenant JDG Leonard Second-in-Command The Prince of Wales’s Company Lieutenant OMF Powell Second-in-Command Number Two Company Lieutenant J Wilkinson Officer Commanding Machine Gun Platoon Lieutenant T Haines-Henderson Platoon Commander Number Two Company Lieutenant JJD Phillips Platoon Commander The Prince of Wales’s Company Lieutenant TRP Haynes Platoon Commander Number Two Company Second Lieutenant FWP Syms Platoon Commander The Prince of Wales’s Company Second Lieutenant CG Clarke Platoon Commander The Prince of Wales’s Company Second Lieutenant RMJ Cross Platoon Commander Number Two Company Second Lieutenant G Cadogan Platoon Commanders Battle Course Second Lieutenant T Brown Platoon Commanders Battle Course Second Lieutenant O Fiddes Gap Year Commission Second Lieutenant R Flaherty AGC(SPS) AGC Detachment Commander

36 DISTRIBUTION OF OFFICERS EXTRA REGIMENTALLY EMPLOYED

Field Marshal the Lord Guthrie GCB GCVO OBE DL Former CGS, CDS and Gold Stick Lieutenant General Sir Ben Bathurst KCVO CBE UK Military Representative, NATO HQ, Belgium Major General RJÆ Stanford MBE Senior British Liaison Officer, Oman Brigadier GAJ Macintosh CBE Special Advisor to UN Special Envoy, Yemen Colonel GR Harris DSO OBE Chief of Staff, SPO EURO Atlantic Colonel BPN Ramsay OBE DA Training Lieutenant Colonel GCGR Stone Brigade Major, HQ Household Division Lieutenant Colonel DWN Bevan MVO Asst Joint Forces Attaché, British Embassy, Washington USA Lieutenant Colonel JD Salusbury Commanding Officer Yorkshire Officers’ Training Regiment Lieutenant Colonel ML Lewis SO1 Plans in 3 (UK) Div Lieutenant Colonel CT Sargent MBE MNC NE J5 SO Plans Land Szczecin, Poland Lieutenant Colonel TA Smith Commanding Officer, Specialist Weapons School Lieutenant Colonel TJ Badham SO1 Doctrine, ACSC, Shrivenham Lieutenant Colonel AF Bowen DCOS Sandhurst Group Lieutenant Colonel JD Livesey SO1 HST, MOD, London Major AJ Salusbury Academy Adjutant, RMA Sandhurst, Camberley Major ES Mathieson Instructor, Maneuver Captains’ Career Course, Fort Benning, USA Major CJP Davies EFPC, EDF HQ, Op CABRIT Major CHL Beare SO2 Strategic Engagement, Army Staff (London) Insert: Major AJH Dunlop OC No 1 Coy 1 COLDM GDS Major BJ Figgures-Wilson SO2 Junior Staff Centre Warminster, RMAS Group Major AL Hughes SO2 Tactics, Infantry Battle School, Brecon Major MJ Wright SO2 KSQA Loan Service Dhofar, Oman Major ER Emlyn-Williams Intermediate Command and Staff Course (Land) A/Major AW Budge SO2 CBM Infantry Trials and Development Unit A/Major JR Farmelo SO2 J5 HQ European JSU Casteau, Belgium Captain D Luther-Davies SO3 ISTAR, HQ 16 Air Assault Brigade, Colchester Captain JP Marsden Assistant CI Senior Term, RMA Sandhurst Captain JO Dinwiddie-Choat SO3 Operations, Deployments and Commitments, Home Command Captain AJN Smith Adjutant, ATR Grantham Captain JP Gill AMA to Commander 16 Air Assault Brigade, Colchester Captain OFA Alsop MOD Captain TR Campbell-Schofield PCBC Instructor, Infantry Battle School, Brecon Captain PDE Razzall Linguist, Op SHADER Captain FFB Ruscombe-King Terminal leave Captain JJ Jones Second in Command, Chavasse Coy, 1 ATR, Pirbright Captain E Griffiths Second in Command, W Company, AFC Harrogate Captain SG Bowen Awaiting assignment order Captain CA Taylor Intermediate Command and Staff College (Land) Lieutenant JH Anscombe-Bell Platoon Commander, ATR Pirbright

INFANTRY TRAINING CENTRE, CATTERICK Lieutenant WOdeR Richardson Platoon Commander, Guards Training Company Lieutenant G Davidson Platoon Commander, Guards Training Company Lieutenant S Burﬁend Platoon Commander (Standby Training Team), Guards Training Company

*This list is not complete as one Ofﬁcer has declined to share his appointment.

DISTRIBUTION OF OFFICERS 37 DISTRIBUTION OF WARRANT OFFICERS AND BATTALION STAFF

DISTRIBUTION OF WARRANT OFFICERS AND BATTALION STAFF AS AT 1ST JANUARY 2021

REGIMENTAL HEADQUARTERS Regimental Quartermaster Sergeant 25079695 WO2 RW Parry

REGIMENTAL BAND Band Master B8515599 WO2 C Lawrence Band Sergeant Major 24899542 WO2 N Grimwood

1ST BATTALION Regimental Sergeant Major 25067519 WO1 ME Parry Regimental Quartermaster Sergeant (Main) 25088682 WO2 S Peters Regimental Quartermaster Sergeant (Tech) 25102725 WO2 DP Cope Drill Sergeant 25122844 WO2 RJ Heath Drill Sergeant 25171950 WO2 D Walton Recruiting Warrant Officer 25141529 WO2 DR Lewis CSM The Prince of Wales’s Company 25189789 WO2 K Cunningham CSM Number 2 Company 25188733 WO2 J McEvoy CSM Number 3 Company 25176931 WO2 DLR Evans CSM Headquarter Company 25124239 WO2 DT Hughes CSM Support Company 25157883 WO2 RJ Johnson Company Sergeant Major In Musketry 24963177 WO2 G Green Master Tailor 25095800 WO2 LC Wilks Regimental Catering Warrant Officer 25130865 WO2 P Moffatt RLC Artificer Quarter Master Sergeant 25179263 WO2 C Carlin REME Regimental Administrative Warrant Officer 25120131 WO2 SA Coffie AGC(SPS) Drum Major 30035357 Sgt C Rees

EXTRA REGIMENTALLY EMPLOYED Home Command Sergeant Major 25044310 WO1 DS Morgan Royal Military School of Music RSM 25061898 WO1 M Ridgeway-Buckley Honourable Artillery Company RSM 25106903 WO1 J Davies Royal Military Academy Sandhurst RQMS 25036627 WO1 G Williams Validation Warrant Ofﬁcer ATC(P) 25102911 WO2 RS Young Infantry Battle School Junior Division 25114097 WO2 M Jefferies Sergeant Major Infantry Battle School Covid WO 25085915 WO2 CD Scarf

38 DISTRIBUTION OF WARRANT OFFICERS AND BATTALION STAFF HONOURS AND AWARDS 2020

OFFICER OF THE MOST EXCELLENT ORDER OF THE BRITISH EMPIRE (OBE) Colonel GR Harris DSO MBE

MERITORIOUS SERVICE MEDAL (MSM) 25067519 WO1 (RSM) M E Parry 1st Battalion

LONG SERVICE AND GOOD CONDUCT MEDAL 25031018 Sgt PA Duffy 1st Battalion 25191316 Gdsm PS Evans 1st Battalion 25150034 SSgt MAJ Foody RLC att 1st Battalion 25198891 LSgt P Gurney Regimental Band 25098448 Sgt GI Lucas 1st Battalion 25196299 Sgt LA Rowlands Infantry Training Centre 25197481 Cpl (LSgt) Sanderson RLC att 1st Battalion 25196352 Sgt PAE Simons 1st Battalion 25200727 Sgt B C Thompson REME att 1st Battalion

CLASP TO LONG SERVICE AND GOOD CONDUCT MEDAL 25032608 Sgt L Fomes Regimental Band

GENERAL OFFICER COMMANDING LONDON DISTRICT COMMENDATION Mrs Yvonne Brown Regimental Headquarters

COMMANDER HOME COMMAND COMMENDATION 25133076 CSgt A M Cunningham 1st Battalion

HONOURS AND AWARDS 2020 39 THE QUEEN’S BIRTHDAY PARADE 2020

The Queen’s Birthday Parade 2020 by Lieutenant WO de R Richardson, Ensign he Queen’s Birthday Parade was well and truly Tin line with the surprises that 2020 has offered us so far this year.

The decision was made at the Parade format. Due to the start of lockdown that Her risk of COVID-19 the Battalion Majesty’s Birthday Parade would now be conducting a would not be going ahead unique and bespoke Trooping due to the risk of COVID-19. of the Colour at Her Majesty’s Naturally the Battalion home in Windsor Castle. A was disappointed not to buzz of excitement swept be Trooping their Colour through the Battalion, as the on Horse Guards Parade. appropriate preparation of However, no one predicted kit and parade choreography the alternative that would be was assembled. The Battalion offered. would now be the ﬁrst of the Foot Guards to Troop their Shortly before the 13th June, colour in Windsor Castle since the Battalion was told that 1895, and it had to be perfect. their Troop was on, but that it would not be held in the COVID-19 threw several traditional Horse Guards large spanners in the works

40 THE QUEEN’S BIRTHDAY PARADE 2020 WELSH GUARDS REGIMENTAL MAGAZINE THE QUEEN’S BIRTHDAY PARADE 2020

during the preparation for crews present and endless the parade. The Regimental interviews taking place for all Sergeant Major (WO1 Parry) involved. and Drill Sergeant (WO2 Heath) had their work cut On the morning of the parade, out, creating a parade that there was a buzz of excitement adhered to social distancing around camp, with the BBC guidelines but was still cameras present, interviews in keeping with the long- happening in the Ofﬁcers’ standing traditions of a Troop. Mess and the coaches ready This feat was not without it to take the Guard to Windsor challenges, having to create Castle. As we entered the castle new drill movements as well the crowd and press outside as marching in ‘open order’ was building up trying to catch to keep 2 meters apart whilst a glimpse. The Parade itself on grass, was not as straight ran like clockwork and will go forward as the Guardsmen down in the history books. I am made it look on the television. sure it will never be forgotten make a tribute to Her Majesty past and we can proudly be We went down the road to by all those involved. and to raise the nations’ spirit back in front of our friends, Elizabeth barracks, the home in a time of crisis. family and the Sovereign on of the Coldstream Guards to By the look of the expression Horse Guards. rehearse for up to 6 hours a on Her Majesty’s face, she The Battalion are very much day, as they have a perfectly thoroughly enjoyed the parade looking forward to 2023 when sized lawn. For the two weeks and was grateful for the effort it will be our turn to Troop our leading up to the Troop there the Battalion had put in. It was Colour again, when hopefully were numerous camera a privilege for the Battalion to COVID will be a thing of the

THE QUEEN’S BIRTHDAY PARADE 2020 41 THE QUEEN’S BIRTHDAY PARADE 2020 WELSH GUARDS REGIMENTAL MAGAZINE

A BIRTHDAY TRIBUTE TO HER MAJESTY THE QUEEN WINDSOR CASTLE - 13 JUNE 2020 The following members of the Welsh Guards took part in the parade

Lieutenant Colonel GCGR Stone Lieutenant Colonel HS Llewelyn-Usher Colonel TCS Bonas Brigade Major Commanding Ofﬁcer Regimental Adjutant Field Ofﬁcer in Brigade Waiting

Major JW Aldridge MBE Regimental Sergeant Major ME Parry Captain EJ Clarke Captain O Clarke Second in Command Conducting Warrant Ofﬁcer Adjutant ADC to the General Ofﬁcer Major of the Parade Windsor Castle Guard Adjutant of the Parade Commanding The Household Division

Drill Sergeant RJ Heath Guardsman G Openda Company Sergeant Major J McEvoy Regimental Sergeant Major’s Orderly Senior Sergeant Windsor Castle Guard

Sergeant R Rutledge Lieutenant WO de R Richardson Sergeant R Brown Sentry Ensign Sentry

42 THE QUEEN’S BIRTHDAY PARADE 2020 WELSH GUARDS REGIMENTAL MAGAZINE THE QUEEN’S BIRTHDAY PARADE 2020

Lance Corporal C Siwale Drum Major C Rees Sergeant S Potts Drummer P Hillman Lone Drummer Garrison Sergeant Major’s Scribe

Drummer A Trematick Drummer L Price Drummer J Bowden Lance Sergeant R Jones 89

Lance Corporal J L Siviter Lance Corporal R J D Dennis Lance Corporal Phillips 65 Lance Corporal L T Tucker

Guardsman R T Morgan Guardsman S Suleman Lance Corporal J Mason Guardsman C R Jones

THE QUEEN’S BIRTHDAY PARADE 2020 43 THE QUEEN’S BIRTHDAY PARADE 2020 WELSH GUARDS REGIMENTAL MAGAZINE

Guardsman J N I K Qumivutia Guardsman B N Rokovada Guardsman M Roberts Guardsman A L Smith 85

Guardsman D Grifﬁths 86 Guardsman M C White 72 Guardsman L D Walker Guardsman S D Morgan 05 Guardsman M L Jones 14

MEMBERS OF THE REGIMENTAL BAND OF THE WELSH GUARDS ON PARADE

Major S J Halliday Director of Music

Colour Sergeant JA Smout Sergeant AP Mercer Sergeant AW Lightfoot

Lance Corporal SMO Shepherd Lance Corporal A Hirst Musician S Miles Musician B Coleman

44 THE QUEEN’S BIRTHDAY PARADE 2020 TRAINING AND EXERCISES

Jungle Warfare Instructor’s Course 2019 by Lieutenant OMF Powell, Number 6 Platoon Commander

he need for maintaining our ability to Toperate in the Close Country Tropical Environment (CCTE) as an army and a battalion is undoubtable. In a world of everchanging circumstances and uncertainty the next theatre we ﬁnd ourselves operating in could be anywhere and in a number of different terrains.

As history has shown, to be 14 hours later we arrived in a unprepared to operate in stiflingly hot Brunei, average the tropical jungle is to be at temperature of 35C and 1 a severe disadvantage. The humidity of 90%, all quite jet Household Division has been lagged but keen to get started at the forefront of jungle with the course. warfare and particularly in the Welsh Guards we are proud to We then travelled about an be one of most experienced hour and half west to the and current CCTE units within town of Seria, the location the Army. With The Prince of of Medicina Lines which was Wales’s Company deployment to be our home for the next to Belize in February it was 2 months. The town itself vital that the Welsh Guards provided all that we needed, had a number of up to date with tailor shops to do any and qualified Jungle Warfare adjustments to clothing Instructors (JWI) to ensure that and kit, hardware shops to that hard won reputation was purchase various items to maintained. I counted myself make our lives easier whilst very lucky to be chosen to living in the Jungle and a great complete the Jungle Warfare choice of restaurants when Instructors Course (JWIC) as there was a call for something 2 the majority of those on the different from the excellent course were vastly more food provided. experienced with the likes of Sgt Bizzle a fully qualified Medicina Lines is ideally suited recce platoon sergeant. to its purpose, with 20-man rooms to ensure cohesion We arrived at Gibraltar Barracks amongst are newly formed numbering 10 from the Welsh sections and platoons and Guards and were met by a the lack of air conditioning to further 45 from various other enable us to fully adjust to our infantry battalions Royal new climate. Marines and 2 from cavalry regiments. There was the The first 8 days of the course obligatory kit check to ensure were fairly low tempo that our kit was clear from due to the compulsory all weapons and ancillaries, acclimatisation program. that would cause havoc in the Therefore, the days airport, sat a quick competency were taken up with early test which all passed and set off morning PT, lectures on the 3 to the airport. environment that we would

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deployed by helicopter and where dropped into the middle of the Labi Jungle. Another highlight of the course, seeing the jungle from the air you are able to get a feel for the sheer enormity of it and the topography underneath the thick vegetation. Miles of a sharply undulating green ocean spread as far as the eye could see.

The exercise was broken down in to 2 phases the first of which being section-based tactics. Tracking, navigating, fighting and surviving in 8-10 men groups, it was during this phase that the 4 majority of the casualties of the course happened, with a be operating in and the tactics total of 15 men being taken that we would be using in of the ground due to the hard that environment, coupled terrain and testing climate. It with practical sessions out on was the first time operating the ground, applying those in the CCTE for many of us lessons learnt. and it became apparent why the jungle was treated with During this phase there was a such trepidation and respect. survival day, one of the many Your ability to manoeuvre is highlights of the course. It severely compromised due introduced us to the jungle for to the thick vegetation and the first time. This satisfied the steep terrain it covers. We the Robin Crusoe in all of us quickly found that moving and reassured us that we along the ridge lines was the could survive in the jungle best way to get around the alone if the worst came to the jungle but even so covering worst. Stands were set up 4km took all day when moving 5 ranging from what you could tactically. Nights in the jungle eat and how to prepare it, to at this stage were for rest the construction of what some and recuperation. At last light would describe as luxury stand too would be called and make shift shelters. once that was over hammocks were erected in the pitch black After the acclimatisation phase and you were surrounded by there was a further week the sounds of the jungle (to based out of Medicina lines. By some an interesting lullaby day the majority of the time but to others a great irritant). was spent in the Jungle honing our newly learnt jungle tactics, The second phase of the navigation and tracking skills, exercise was platoon based then returning to the lines by which brought us back night to prepare for the next to a more familiar way of day’s training. operating with the tried and tested platoon harbour The hard work started when coming into play. Over the we embarked on our first week a number of Close jungle exercise. 14 days Target Reconnaissance (CTR) 6 straight in the field. We where sent out coupled with

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7 patrols to locate the enemy challenge of working out of which all culminated in a boats coupled with operating platoon camp attack. in the jungle made for very hard, realistic and enjoyable Returning to Medicina lines, training. post exercise administration was conducted as quickly as The final exercise was an possible as all were keen to 8-day stint in the jungle get away on a long weekend. operating at company level. The majority of the course It was the culmination of all headed to Kuala Lumpur for we had learnt and the final 8 some well deserve R&R. On test to ensure we met the the return to Medicina lines standards to be JWIs. The final enemy was hard graft but the 1. LSgt Morgan (centre) happy well rested we were met 24 hours of the exercise was best exercise that I have been to finish Riverine Ops with a savage PT session on spent in preparation and the on so far. 2. A well-deserved swim after the beach at 5am Monday execution of the final camp 3 hours of camp attacks 3. Ready to set off for morning which blew the last attack. Orders were given All in all, the experience of Riverine Ops of the weekends beer out of and then we moved off to operating in the jungle and 4. Welsh Guards Survivors: our systems and refocused us a lay-up point for the night. completing JWIC has been (left to right) Lt Powell, on the job at hand. The attack went in at first amazing, at times very hard Sgt Browning (1GG), light and was an explosion of work but overwhelmingly LSgt Morgan, LSgt Williams, Two weeks were then spent in gunfire with an area the size positive. Of the 10 Welsh Sgt Bladen, Lt Leonard camp, where live fire tactical of a football field packed with Guards that were loaded on to 5. Members from the training (LFTT), instructor bunkers, trenches, fox holes, the course 6 completed it and Household Division on the final day of Exercise qualification and riverine spider holes and tunnels the other 4 where unlucky to 6. Lt Leonard blending into operations were conducted. being cleared by those left on have to withdraw due to injury. the Jungle Another highlight of the the course in under an hour. 7. Lt Leonard stopping course has to have been the A week’s worth of locating, for a water halt. riverine operations as the closing with and defeating the 8. Seria town at sun set

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The Leuchars Cup (10th December 2019) Although not an annual event Each platoon worked hard by Warrant Officer Class 2 D Evans (31), because of varying Battalion throughout every stand and Company Sergeant Major in Musketry commitments, the Leuchars produced some excellent Cup is always fiercely contested results. The competitiveness he Leuchars Cup is an inter-company and is an excellent vehicle between platoons was fierce for testing soldiering skills, and the scores at times Tpatrolling competition set up by Major teamwork, endurance and were very tight with only a General Peter Leuchars when he was the above all, company and platoon point between each other. Commanding Officer in the early sixties as spirit. Throughout the competition the guardsmen showed some a means of preparing the Battalion for its In the summer of 2019, the good tactical awareness and operational tour of Aden. Training Wing was tasked demonstrated a thorough with planning The Leuchars knowledge of communication Cup competition to be held in systems and medical treatment December 2019. During the when given a realistic scenario. initial planning, consideration During the physical stands all was taken to ensure that the those participating showed competition was challenging great determination and but also testing and enjoyable robustness when tackling the by all taking part. Firstly, it was obstacles on the assault course agreed that the format would and the casualty extraction over be no different to previous two miles carrying full combat years where the foundation equipment fighting order would be an inter platoon and a simulated casualty on a competition focussing on core stretcher. military skills. The military skills being tested would be relevant As ever the smooth running to today’s modern soldiering of any competition does not and realistic to simulate future happen without the help scenarios that Guardsmen of certain key personnel. would face in real time. Headquarter Company must 1 be thanked for providing all Brunswick Training Camp in the directing staff and subject Pirbright was the ideal location matter experts to facilitate the to conduct the competition, it stands and bring some realism had all the facilities on hand to the content being tested. and would allow the stands to be rolled into a realistic This Leuchars Cup was as scenario. The military skills competitive as any other. It gave tested were based on physical the Guardsmen the opportunity fitness, marksmanship, medical to get out of barracks and training, communications and compete in a challenging military knowledge. environment amongst each other. At the same time, it The competition was held allowed everyone to stay 2 over two days and saw six current in areas of soldiering platoons put through in total. that will be relevant to Exercise Each platoon was structured ASKARI STORM in 2020. the same with a platoon headquarters consisting of With the results being very the Platoon Commander and close, a well done must be given Platoon Sergeant and three to all platoons that took part sections commanded by Junior and many congratulations must Non-Commissioned Officers. go to Number Three Company Day one saw The Prince of who won the competition. Wales’s Company go up against 1. Medical skills were tested. Number Two Company, and day 2. A challenging CASEVAC stand two Number Three Company 3. Honing our marksmanship against Support Company. on the ranges 4. Demonstrating teamwork 3 4 on the assault course.

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Exercise MAYAN WARRIOR by Second Lieutenant JJD Phillips, Number 1 Platoon Commander

ebruary saw The Prince of Wales’s Company Group deploy to the jungles of Belize for 6 weeks Fon Exercise MAYAN WARRIOR. After much anticipation the Jam Boys left the UK on 3rd February. Following a short stopover in Kingston, Jamaica, the Company arrived at Philip S W Gordon International Airport. We were met on arrival by Captain Andersen, Recce Platoon Commander, and RQMS Parry who had led the pre-deployment party.

The Jam Boys operated out of and focused on the basic practised Platoon level actions was given an ops box to clear, British Army Training Support soldiering skills that were including the camp attack and with the BDF as a free playing Unit Belize (BATSUB), using needed to operate in the the ambush on a two-day enemy. It was up to the the Gallon Jug training area in jungle environment. This rotation. You could start to Platoons to decide how they the West of the country only covered everything from see the sections bonding would find and destroy the a few miles from the border putting up a hammock, to and working together during enemy threat. Each Platoon with Guatemala. During the navigation in the jungle this more challenging phase, chose a slightly different exercise, we worked closely and allowed everyone the understanding each other’s way of achieving this, but with the Belizean Defence opportunity to get used to strengths and weaknesses the training delivered by the Force (BDF) and the Belizean sharing their new home with and working more and more Jungle Warfare Instructors Special Forces who were some large snakes, spiders closely as a team. was second to none and all attached to our own recce and scorpions to name just a ops boxes were cleared. section. The exercise was few. This stage also included After the second phase of divided into four main stages: an excellent survival day led the exercise we had the The second part of the final basic, intermediate, live firing by local trackers. They took opportunity to put the skills stage was a full Company level and the final exercise. Each time to teach us how to collect learnt in the first two stages operation with the Company Platoon was assigned three water, hunt for food and to the test with a week of working out of a Company Jungle Warfare Instructors subsequently kill it. We were live firing. The ranges were harbour to destroy an enemy (JWI) who have completed also taught how to create designed and run by Capt jungle base camp. Each the JWI course in Brunei shelter and fire with Gdsm Andersen and allowed all Platoon moved to a Company (see separate article). This Winney winning the title of members of the Company RV, negotiating an obstacle included two Grenadier best fire starter. to improve their skills in crossing on the way before Guards instructors who kindly the extremely challenging linking up with the Recce joined us. The second phase allowed environment. Section to take us onto the sections to get out into ‘the target. For this final stage, the The basic stage allowed us trees’ and operate as a patrol, The final stage of the exercise Recce Section, commanded by time to acclimatise to living testing their leadership and was split into two parts. In LSgt Brown, had been on task and operating in the jungle cohesion as a fighting unit. We the first part each Platoon for 5 days, conducting Close

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Target Reconnaissance (CTR) show off the skills they had school, 2 Platoon painted in return to the UK and some on a complex jungle camp, learned during the first three an orphanage and 3 Platoon well-earned leave. building up a picture of enemy intensive phases. put up mosquito nets in an strength and routine as well old people’s home. It was a All in all, everyone had a great as their weaknesses in order Throughout the exercise good opportunity to give back experience. It was a really to help identify courses of the signals detachment to a country that had hosted productive exercise with a action for the Company attack. from Headquarter Company us for the past month and to good deal of learning and new After a jittery night in the FUP provided communications help in a country that is so skills acquired, setting The only 60 meters short of the in the extremely difficult much poorer than the UK. For Prince of Wales’s Company enemy camp the attack was jungle conditions for the the final 3 days of the trip the up excellently for a busy year sprung at first light - a bold Company Group, having boys were let out on R&R, split ahead in preparation for our two up, simultaneous attack to fight for comms and, at between Caye Caulker and San deployment to Iraq. Engaging to overwhelm the enemy. The times get creative to ensure Pedro. A team led by Sergeant with a local community in attack went smoothly with the Company had the vital Rutledge and his ‘Defeat Don’t a very different part of the the positions taken quickly. communication it needed. Repeat’ scheme also visited world, physically, culturally The REORG was challenging Medical support was provided the notorious Belize Central and economically provided us due to the density of the by the Unit Aid Post, headed Prison, known for being the all with a real insight into the jungle, making moving kit up by Major Knight. Medics 4th most dangerous prison in roles and responsibilities that and equipment even a short deployed on the ground with the world. The visit provided 1WG and the British Army have distance time consuming the Platoons throughout the the opportunity to see what in enabling the world to be a and tiring. Making your way exercise providing the medical prison life was like on the other safer, more collaborative place. through the jungle is difficult support needed in such a side of the world and allowed at the best of times but doing challenging environment. Sergeant Rutledge to share his this carrying a casualty is story with prisoners of all ages, near impossible. The way On returning from the showing them that there is 1. Gdsm Green providing around this was to hang the jungle we hosted a 7s rugby more to life than a life of crime. protection on the reorg 2. Working hard to CASEVAC stretcher on a log that was on tournament. We entered 4 casualties after the the shoulder of the two men teams, along with 2 teams The way back was as final attack doing the CASEVAC (Casualty from the Royal Engineers who challenged as the journey 3. Capt Harris, LCpl Regan Evacuation); think 19th- were also on exercise and two out. Due to COVID-related and LCpl Messam-Green century colonial hunters and local teams. The final, between delays we had to fly via treating a casualty you won’t be far off! the Jam Boys’ A team and the Bermuda for a 24 hour 4. Guardsman practice Engineers team, was won stopover in a very pleasant their marksmanship skills The Commanding Officer and conclusively by The Prince hotel, the perfect final stage on live ranges 5. The Belize High Regimental Sergeant Major of Wales’s Company. During for recovery following our Commissioner tasting some came to see the final stage this post-exercise period jungle exploits. After gorging of Gdsm Nabukebuke’s of the exercise. This provided we also took part in some themselves on steak and coffee. (L-R; 2Lt Phillips, Sgt a great opportunity for the community engagement; 1 sitting by the pool for a day Hiscock, LSgt Jones 88, Gdsm Company at every level to Platoon built shelters in a local the Company was ready to Green, CSM Scarf)

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Teaching Field Firing Awareness in Belize by Second Lieutenant T Haynes, Number 6 Platoon Commander etting out with The Prince of Wales’s Company deployment for Exercise MAYAN WARRIOR, our SShort Term Training Team (STTT) consisted of Capt Greene from the Small Arms School Corps (SASC), with 2Lt Haynes and Sgt Hughes from the Battalion.

After a series of delays at beer. Other stops included had run through the basic was definitely a lucky start. Brize Norton and a few hours Bacab, Old Belize, Belize City, theory of safe training, we Other excursions took us to spent on the airport tarmac in Gumbo Limbo, Belie Zoo, Rio were able to progress onto the Turneffe Atoll, the Blue Kingston, Jamaica we arrived Grande pools and Caracol. trace work. Despite many Hole and Half Moon Caye. in Belize City in the early hours The highlight for us all was being largely unfamiliar Diving 40m down into the of 4th February. After settling Caracol, although this entailed with this we were pleasantly 100m deep Blue Hole was into our basic accommodation an 8-hour round trip along surprised by the seamless way unique and very much worth at Price Barracks, our base for some particularly basic jungle in which the students picked the dizzy ride there. the next month, we set about roads, it was worth it. It is up a thorough understanding preparing for the arrival of our difficult to truly capture the of what was required of them. It was a very rewarding four students. The course included imposing scale and eerie feel The final days of the course weeks. The course material a total of 18 personnel hailing of Caracol, which is widely entailed some welcome time was dry, but teaching it from Monserrat, Guyana, regarded as one of the most away from the classroom, was a pleasure. There were Jamaica, Grand Cayman and impressive pre-Hispanic sites whilst we practiced the many memorable characters Belize. Most of the group in Mesoamerica. We returned practical aspects of range amongst the students, they served in their respective to Price Barracks exhausted, safety around Price Barracks all managed to retain a good Armies, but we also had fulfilled and excited about or on Hattiville Ranges. sense of humour throughout representation from the what more this beautiful and were all keen to learn. It Belize Defence Force Airwing, country had to offer. The course was stood down was fitting that we were able Belize Coast Guard, Belize each weekend giving the to share a Belikin, or two, with Special Boat Unit and the Royal The three-week Field Firing students a well-deserved the students on the last day Cayman Islands Police Force. Awareness course was largely break from the unrelenting before the closing address based around the SA (A) 18 trace work and providing and presentation ceremony. Having settled the final range qualification, typically the instructors further All students passed the course details before the STTT awarded at the Infantry Battle opportunities to explore and the Belizean Defence began, the three of us took School Brecon. The aim was this beautiful country. With Force very kindly presented the opportunity to get out of to improve the students’ some previous scuba diving the three of us with a token camp and do some exploring understanding of how to plan experience between us of appreciation in the form of of mainland Belize. With a safer and more rewarding live we sought out dive trips a rather stylish personalised couple of days to play with we fire training. The course began departing from the nearest plaque each. As may be well covered some serious miles in earnest with introductions islands. We began with a apparent from this write up, I and managed to visit many of and several hours spent few local reef dives only would thoroughly recommend Belize’s ‘must see’ attractions. cutting, snapping and sanding 15 minutes from the San the Belize STTT, and Belize in First stop was Altun Ha, an down plastic templates. Pedro shore. We considered general, to anyone reading! ancient Mayan site where a Although some students had ourselves very lucky being 5kg Jade head, now prized experienced similar courses able to spot, amongst many 1. Price Barracks, Belize. as a national treasure, was previously, it was the first time other sea critters, sharks Our base for the four-week deployment. found by archaeologists for most. With this in mind, of the hammerhead, nurse 2. Sgt Hughes sharing in the 1960s. Atlun Ha the course was designed to and Caribbean reef variety. some wisdom also happens to feature allow time for the students We were not armed with a 3. The author overseeing safe on every bottle of Belikin, to digest the information at a GoPro so sadly do not have template construction. Belize’s ubiquitous national manageable pace. Once we photographic evidence but it 4. The last day of the course.

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The Final Weeks of the Falkland Islands Roulement Infantry Company (FIRIC) Lieutenant S A Ward, Number 2 Company Second in Command ur tour of duty as the FIRIC from August 2019 to November 2019 overlapped the production of Othe 2019 Regimental Magazine and so this article (Part 2) covers the period after the October 2019 magazine submission deadline.

Our final weeks in the persistent Islands weather. However, having successfully brilliant speech about what the Falklands were the Having started off very beaten our exercise enemy, conditions on the ground were culmination of our promisingly with a night we went straight into a like for Argentinian soldiers. 6 deployment, with big ticket attack onto Pleasant Peak, week of Battlefield Studies, Platoon, led by Lt Joe Wilkinson events such as our final just north of Mount Pleasant, organised by the Platoon and Sgt Andrew Shapland, exercise, Remembrance the Company settled into Headquarters and delivered hosted the Company for a walk Week (including a Battalion defensive positions on top of by the Guardsmen and over Mount Harriet. 6 Pl, made Remembrance Service at the hill. The weather closed Lance Corporals of Number up of Machine Gunners and Fitzroy), Battlefield Studies in with fog, wind and rain 2 Company and Support Mortars, talked vividly about and a rugby match. Buoyed hammering down and we Company. 4 Platoon, led by the effects of support weapons by friends and colleagues soon started losing men to Lt Tom Haines-Henderson in this battle, amongst the from The Prince of Wales’s signs of cold injuries and and Sgt Stewart Ducie (SG), eerily abandoned and rusting Company, Number 3 Company exposure. The decision was delivered a brilliant and Argentinian mortar barrels and and Battalion Headquarters made to collapse back into evocative tour of Mount machine gun legs. coming from the UK to Mount Pleasant, where Tumbledown. Sgt Ducie, a truly support our exercises for we continued to mount proud Scots Guardsmen, was The main event however, a few weeks, and with our actions from for the rest of in his element as he blasted was the Welsh Guards return home creeping closer the week – live advance to bagpipe tunes from his large Remembrance Service at every day, we launched into contacts, blank defensive man packed speaker system, Fitzroy, where the RFA Sir our busy final stint with verve actions and deliberate whilst his Platoon recreated Galahad with half the Battalion and vigour! attacks on the infamous the Scots Guards taking of was sunk. It was brilliantly Onion Ranges. Operating in the famous hill. 5 Platoon, led orchestrated by Company Exercise CAPE BAYONET, such bleak conditions was a by 2Lt Billy Richardson and Sergeant Major Jay McEvoy, our final exercise, had harsh reminder of what our Sgt Craig Brown, organised a who worked tirelessly to been long in the planning predecessors went through study of Goose Green, where involve Welsh Guards and but unfortunately quickly in 1982. 2 Para had their famous battle. other veterans, locals and fell victim to the grim and Gdsm Williams 21 delivered a families of those who died

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on the RFA Sir Galahad. It Our final hurrah was a hugely started off with a lecture anticipated rugby match from ‘Sharky’ Ward, a Royal between the Welsh Guards Naval Warrant Officer who, and the rest of the tri-services amazingly, was still serving in Mount Pleasant and British and on his third tour of the Forces South Atlantic Islands Falklands – his first being in (BFSAI). Despite 1 WG only 1982, where he worked on being able to select a team a hospital ship transporting from 100 or so men compared Welsh Guards casualties to to the riches of the Mount hospitals in South America. Pleasant BFSAI side (with a Sharky’s address was brilliant. population of 1000 or so), the He humorously and emotively Welsh Guards put on a heroic brought to life the events performance, led by LCpl 5 of 8 June 1982 to everyone Lucas. Shoulders were being in the room – there were popped back in (LSgt Retallick many tears of laughter and dislocated both shoulders, sadness across all ranks and put them both back in and ages. After Sharky’s talk and continued playing!), blood an address from Maj Fenton was flying, fingers and knees and Company Sergeant Major were being strapped up, but McEvoy, the Company left for unfortunately the relentless Fitzroy. The wind was vicious, pace and power from the but the service, overlooking Mount Pleasant Fijian players the bay where the RFA Sir was too much, and the Welsh Galahad went down and Guards narrowly lost. where many casualties were brought ashore, went ahead. The last few weeks in the Dedicating a cross to each Falklands were the busiest, Welsh Guards casualty, singing most fulfilling and interesting Welsh hymns and listening weeks of our tour. We said to poems of Remembrance, goodbye to the South Atlantic 6 the service was incredibly with green soldiering, poignant. It finished with 2Lt battlefield studies, services Billy Richardson releasing of remembrance and of a wreath into the icy black course, a rugby match – all waters to remember all those key components of the who died. We must thank the quintessential Falkland Islands locals who hosted us in the experience, with a Welsh Fitzroy town hall afterwards Guards twist! for lunch, as well as for being so accommodating throughout our deployment. 1. Number 2 Company With our return home now Group gather round the firmly in our sights, we hosted Welsh Guards Memorial 7 a drinks party in the Falklands at Fitzroy for our Island Defence Force Hall Remembrance Service. 2. ‘Sharky’ Ward reads a poem in Port Stanley, inviting all of remembrance on the the local islanders that had beach at Fitzroy. been so welcoming to us 3. The BFSAI Padre reads throughout our stay in the a prayer before the Falklands. It was far better Remembrance Rugby Match. attended than we anticipated, 4. Lt Wilkinson anticipating with people coming from far the contact. and wide to say goodbye, 5. The original Battalion Flag from 1982, flying proudly and it was heartening to see over Fitzroy once again. Guardsmen greet landowners 6. Practising casualty drills. who had hosted them whilst 7. Operating in Built-up Urban they were on patrols with Areas (OBUA) training. hugs and laughter. 8. Mid attack. 8

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Guards Company Infantry Training Centre (ITC) Catterick by Captain G Davidson

n a year that has been dominated by Brexit negotiations, COVID and much more Guards Training ICompany seems to have successfully found the calm amidst the chaos.

Despite the ITC Catterick to the hardworking staff up the URBAN exercise but it However, this has pushed us pausing training for the here, the streamlining of the has not hindered the key to move with the times and months of April and May, recruitment process and the training outputs that ensure make the most of numerous Guards Training Company will strong recruiting draw of the our Guardsmen are at the online tools used for distance soon be as busy as ever with Household Division. standard to join the field learning and online meetings ten platoons of 48 Trainee army as professional soldiers. which have proven to be very Guardsmen in training from Instructors and recruits Unfortunately, it has meant effective. As a Company we September. The introduction have had to adapt training that many of the Trainee have taken this in our stride of a tenth training team to accommodate all of the Guardsmen (TGdsm) have and the standard of training means that the Company Coronavirus mitigation missed out on visits such as has only improved and it will will be able to hit its end of measures. This has proven the Week 5 Parents’ Day and continue to do so. year target of Guardsmen challenging in many of the the Week 4 London visit where Passing Off the square in training aspects in particular the trainees get an insight In recognition of the unusual just 10 months, a testament the field exercises, especially into life in London District. situation that the Company found itself in, with limited chances for TGdsm to leave camp until mid-course leave, the Major General and the Regimental Adjutants sought to mitigate the impact that this might have had with an additional welfare grant from both the Household Division Funds and Regimental Funds to purchase a number of table tennis tables, computer games and board games in order to limit the impact of this COVID mitigation measure on morale and to provide some in house entertainment for the Platoons in training in their downtime. This will have a lasting impact on our TGdsm and is a good use of charitable funding to achieve the stated aims of the Household Division Charities at a difficult time.

The ever-evolving Combat Infantryman’s Course (CIC) has been very successful over the past 2 years and further developments have been made to see the introduction of the CIC 21 in the new year. The structure of the CIC 18 will remain, but the new course will pay more attention to current operational outputs, for example instead of just conducting the pistol weapon handling test, recruits will 1 receive further training on

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1. Gds 16 on the first day of the weapon system and submission of a Regimental representation is CSgt Greaves the arduous 4-day DEFENCE conduct the Annual Combat Preference Proforma is as the Training CSgt delivering Exercise in Thetford can Marksmanship Test. This new now in full flow and has oversight of all training be seen learning how to course will see our Guardsmen resulted in a good balance of on behalf of the Company dig, prepare and sustain even more ready for the Guardsmen joining the five Commander with Sgt themselves in a 4-man Army’s future operations than regiments ensuring that all Rowlands providing welfare trench. they already are. Trainee Guardsmen go to the support as the Regimental 2. Gds 17 at the end of the regiment that is best for them Shepherd. Capt Davidson Urban Exercise week commanded by Capt G Last year we saw the first and The Household Division and Capt Ruscombe-King are R Davidson of the Welsh females joining Guards currently the Welsh Guards Guards. Training Company and their To provide some statistics Platoon Commanders with Sgt 3. TGdsm Dowdeswell out on success in passing out into the for those currently in Guards Small as Platoon Sergeant. patrol as the sun is setting Welsh Guards has seen more Training Company, The Welsh on Catterick Training Area, join this year with almost all Guards currently have 15 As the year comes to an end, TGdsm Dowdeswell has Foot Guards regiments having members of permanent staff we say good-bye to Maj now successfully passed out female recruits in training ranging from LCpl to Capt and Budge WG and welcome in of training and has joined Number Two Company. at the moment. This year roughly 70 TGdsm who are all Maj Morrell COLDM GDS who 4. Sgt Rowlands, Gds Trg Coy has also seen an increase in due to join the Welsh Guards will lead the Company into a Regimental Shepherd, joins Foreign and Commonwealth over the next 9 months busy and exciting year with some TGdsm for a game recruits joining the Company – which I am sure will be changes to the course and us of table tennis at one of including countries such as incredibly well received news operating at full capacity. the tables purchased with Malawi, Fiji, India and Ghana. for those currently serving Household Division and The new ‘Divisional Loading’ in Battalion. In Company Regimental charity funding. scheme which involves a Headquarters Welsh Guards

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Mortar Platoon Cadre (June to July 2020) by Captain T Minihan n late June, the Mortar Platoon returned to Windsor from a long period of dispersal, ready to Iconduct their Distributed Training Cadre (DTC). For all support weapons platoons, a cadre is an essential opportunity to train those who have recently arrived into the Platoon and develop the skills of its mainstays. The Gdsm were enthusiastic and ablutions phased no one with which all Gdsm took on The cadre was a resounding upon their return to work and and the Platoon made the the lessons and their desire success, with all Gdsm passing looking forward to a change most of the acres of space to improve as the first week their assessments and to the routine of lockdown. around them and the warm went by. receiving their service dress Having been dispersed to summer evenings, training badges from the Commanding our homes since early April, late into the night each day. Our second week consisted Officer upon their return to the Platoon had had ample The lessons delivered by both of live firing, both day and Windsor. Freshly trained and opportunity to develop their LCpls and LSgts were of an night, building up to an annual bolstered in numbers, the physical fitness and mortar exceptional standard. Having marksmanship test. As the Platoon will go from strength knowledge and were relishing recently been bolstered by confidence of the mortar to strength for the remainder the chance to put this into the addition of twelve Gdsm, detachments grew, it was of 2020, with an opportunity practice on Salisbury Plain. the platoon looked healthy clear to see the enjoyment already in place to live fire in numbers and bonded well the Gdsm were taking from again in December. For just over two weeks, the as a team. This was clear to firing live rounds. A visit from platoon based themselves out see as Gdsm Cadd celebrated the Commanding Officer 1. A mortar operator firing an area illumination plan. of a newly refurbished New his 20th birthday in the field, proved to be an excellent 2. The moment a mortar Zealand Farm; a large urban sharing his cake with the opportunity for the Platoon to is fired. training complex in the heart platoon as they sat around demonstrate their skills and 3. Gdsm Smith 85 and Gdsm of the Plain. The absence of cot beds in the evening. It proficiency. Jones 14 prepare to drop running water, warm beds was excellent to see the ease an illuminating round.

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Anti-Tank Platoon Cadre by Captain LMF Vincenzini, Anti-tank Platoon Commander very year the Specialist Platoons conduct cadres to train new Emembers the skills required to operate within them.

They are also used as a Phase 2: In-camp skills and introducing them to what they complete without a casualty remind and refresh for current drills. As soon as we were would call home for the rest of extraction thrown in. members and following on able to get the Platoon back their career: the sub-surface from a condensed cadre in the into camp we started getting Observation Post. After a Despite the year providing summer of 2019, the Anti- hands on the equipment. week of consolidated learning peculiar circumstances the tank Platoon were excited to Luckily, the majority of the and refining their drills we cadre was a success and blow off the cobwebs and to information had stuck and the moved onto a gruelling five- the new members have get back up to the standard new members of the Platoon day test exercise, designed confidently earnt their place required. Fortunately, we had took to operating the Javelin to push the Platoon to their in the Platoon. The hard work been joined by twelve new with ease, allowing them to limits. We were lucky enough put in on the cadre has set members in March fresh from progress quickly onto the to have the opportunity to the conditions for the Platoon the Rifle Companies, giving us Indoor Trainer. The Indoor observe Challenger 2 and moving forward and will put a largely blank canvas to work Trainer makes up one of the Warrior platforms race across them in good stead for the with. The ‘obvious’ presented most important parts of the the plain on one of the nights, upcoming Battalion exercises. us with a few challenges yet the cadre as it replicates the bringing some realism to the cadre went ahead; spanning operation and firing of the role of the Anti-tanker. The 1. Gdsm Walker behind the across a period of three months Javelin. Just as airplane pilots exercise culminated in a delay Javelin Weapon System. it was largely broken down into spend hours in a simulator back to the Main Defensive 2. Constructing their first OP. three phases. before actually flying a plane, Position and in true exercise 3. Casualty extraction on the the new members of the fashion it wouldn’t have been final serial. Phase 1: Remote learning. Platoon must prove they Whilst the Battalion were on can handle a multitude of lockdown due to COVID-19 the scenarios before they are Platoon made the most of the qualified as Javelin Gunners. opportunity to cover off the The sections also had the theory side of the cadre. This opportunity to come together included Armoured Fighting for the first time and revise Vehicle (AFV) Recognition, the their standard operating Javelin weapons system and procedures before deploying how the Platoon operates onto the exercise phase. within the Battle Group context. It is safe to say that Phase 3: Exercise. The exercise the instructors within the itself was broken down Platoon are now experts in into two phases. Firstly, a video conference calls and consolidated learning phase. the likes of Zoom as much as The job of the Anti-tank they are on the Javelin. This Platoon is so different to that period, although novel and of a Rifle Platoon it was crucial at times difficult, set a strong to get the new members of foundation for the Platoon the Platoon used to operating going onto the next phase of the kit in slow time both the cadre. during the day and at night. We also had the pleasure of 1

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Sniper Platoon Cadre by Sergeant J Browning, Sniper Platoon Commander t’s been a year like no other for the Sniper IPlatoon, with a global pandemic ripping across the world, every man has had to get creative and to adapt in more ways than one.

April has seen the Platoon The first time firing the growing in size, as four young weapon system for some of individuals from across the the younger members gave Battalion were selected them a good understanding to join the Sniper Platoon, of correctly applying the having displayed to the Rifle marksmanship principles, Companies the requisite skills and we worked back out to and mindset to [potentially] 600m. If the position and become a sniper. hold wasn’t firm enough the shot was certain to miss the The Platoon was due to target. Time on the ranges start their Cadre in April but is seldom wasted and with with the country going into practice, we were getting a nationwide lockdown it consistent hits on targets at was not possible. Following the furthest ranges. lockdown, the Battalion was dispersed to the four corners It was then time to make a of Wales and remote online start on the sniper rifle itself! training began. A big focus The wind was kind and the 1 for us was on the theory temperatures high! The first side of all things sniping practice was for troops to get and personal fitness. The a feel of the weapon. With no section commanders gave suppressor fitted it gives an PowerPoint presentations almighty bang as the round and the LCpls headed up breaks the sound barrier into discussions. Each week supersonic flight, the recoil is was concluded with a short unlike any other weapon they exercise testing what was had fired to date and there taught that week. were definitely a few sore shoulders in the morning! We June saw the return of the progressed through the live Sniper Platoon after two fire shoots, firing in different months of being in lockdown firing positions and moving and we started planning further back. 900 meters was behind the scenes to re-book the furthest we went back to all ranges and training areas at which a sniper should be so that we could still conduct able to achieve a first round the cadre. hit at this distance. The target (which is barely visible to As a sniper you need to be the naked eye at this range) a marksman with all your comes up and you can see personal weapons. We the sniper identify it through headed to the Ash Range their scope. The snipers complex where we started take their time to settle with the Army Combat their breathing, taking wind Marksman Test (ACMT) on the measurements and applying SA80. With no hiccups, every the correct adjustments to man achieved the required their scope. It will take an Marksmanship score. This 8.59mm round 1.3 seconds allowed a seamless transition to cover the 900m to hit the to the Sharpshooter Rifle. target, which leaves a lot of 2

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3 4 factors that can change the so that we could move on members going to attend flight of the round once it has to section and platoon level the Household Division left the barrel of the rifle. The taskings. The final stage of and Parachute Centralised 1.3 seconds feels like eternity, the cadre was to test them Courses (HDPRCC) Sniper then the target drops. on what they had learnt. It Operators course and with would be four days of skills the rest of the Platoon With all the Live Firing under test conditions, exactly continuing with Platoon and complete it was time to get how it would be done on the company level training in the into the nitty gritty training. Sniper Operators Course. We build-up to the Battle Group Over the next ten days the needed to cover five skills exercise. Platoon went through the each day, judging distance, remaining Sniper skills. observation, stalking, static There are seven skills at map and navigation at night. the core of being a sniper; All needed to achieve 70% or Marksmanship, Observation, more to pass each skill, which Navigation, Judging is no easy task. Distance, Sniper Knowledge, Camouflage and Concealment All in all, it had been a and Stalking. The theory had successful Sniper Platoon already been covered while cadre. Having taken young we were in lockdown, so it guardsman with zero sniper was now time to put the meat experience and getting them on the bones, by applying up to the required standard what they had learnt. It was where they are cable of a tough ten days. Late nights attending and passing the 1. A sniper pair observe navigating over Salisbury Sniper Operators course the enemy on the Sniper Platoon cadre Plain and early mornings which give them the Sniper 2. Practising marksmanship practicing judging distance or qualification! skills on the ranges observation, but they were 3. Practising marksmanship grasping the fundamentals The Sniper Platoon now looks skills on the ranges of the Sniper skills enough to the future, with three 4. Sketching enemy positions

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Welsh Guards Contribution to Op RESCRIPT by Lance Corporal Griffiths 86, Number 2 Company he British Army is all about remaining flexible. This has never been so important as this year. TThis year should have seen Welsh Guardsmen exercising in Brecon. This year should have seen us Trooping our Colour on Horse Guards Parade. This year should have seen us deploy and exercise and conduct adventurous training in Kenya, on Exercise ASKARI STORM. However, 2020 had different plans and we, typically, showed just how flexible we can be.

In January, the first case of check-ins, and online pub under the guidance of Sgt The commitment we gave to COVID-19 was identified in quizzes until things finally Potts (Corps of Drums), were Chessington was soon upped. the United Kingdom – it feels went back to normal. sent to Chessington World of Suddenly there were more like a lifetime ago. Ever since, Adventures to be trained by testers trained, members of it seems as though Army life There are a few of us staff from Boots to become all Companies of the Battalion has been dominated by the for whom Combemere COVID-19 Testers. What were soon swabbing noses virus and how we deal with Barracks is home and, followed was a day or two of and throats. We undertook it. Initially the Battalion took after volunteering to take a intensive training, learning our task with enthusiasm and safety measures, much like greater role in Op RESCRIPT about the virus and its vigour and more than once the rest of the country, until (Op RESCRIPT is the military effects, how it’s transmitted, were presented with gifts the announcement came, operation to assist the UK’s and what we had to do to and thanks. outside Company Offices, efforts to tackle the COVID-19 not only test people, but that we would be sent home pandemic in the United to ensure our own safety After about two months or “dispersed”. What followed Kingdom), myself and a health and hygiene were of testing members of the was weeks of Zoom lessons, small team of Guardsmen, paramount whilst doing so. National Health Service, and

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then the general public, 2Lt Haynes ( 2 Coy), was to enablers, allowing members of Colours, “true and valiant we were stood down from deploy a testing unit to Hyde of the general public to sons of gallant Wales.” our testing commitments Park, in Central London. We test themselves, within the and, for a brief period, sent set off early in the morning privacy of the gazebos. Both Cymru Am Byth. back to work before being and arrived at a long road tasks took pride of place for tasked again, this time to near Marble Arch where we us. We saw ourselves in the provide Mobile Testing started to set up. Within a papers, online, and some Units in and around London half hour we had a gazebo of us (Gdsm Evans, Corps of District. Though our previous good to go, a welcome Drums), on the cover of the experience was beneficial stand handing out leaflets, Guards Magazine. As ever, to us, and set us in good and members of the public where the nation needed the stead, once again we found already queuing to test. Army, the Welsh Guards led ourselves in need of new the way. 1. LSgt Prothero leaning training. What followed was The difference between this in for a swab a two-day package set up by and our previous task was We found ourselves once 2. Gdsm Davies testing a the Grenadier Guards to teach that our new-found skills again in a privileged place, member of the public 3. Dmr Evans, this photo us the necessary skills to set – testing members of the as Welsh Guardsmen were was used on the cover up our mobile testing units. public – were no longer called able to serve the nation and of the Guards Magazine for. Instead of swabbing show ourselves, as King earlier this year Our first tasking, under the mouths and throats we found George V called us on the 4. LSgt Prothero in command of Sgt Forde and ourselves acting merely as day he presented the first set action again.

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The Reconnaissance Patrolman Cadre 2020 by Captain EWD Andersen, Platoon Commander ach year the Recce Platoon conducts a Ecadre to bring the newly joined members up to the high standard required of the Platoon and to remind, revise and update existing members on the standard operating procedures of the Platoon.

This year’s cadre was On returning to Windsor from 1 2 conducted in a rather dispersal the Platoon readied unusual fashion given the itself once again to deploy ever-present pandemic. to Salisbury Plain, this time The cadre was due to go deploying with the remainder ahead in March, but with of the Battalion’s Specialist COVID-19 cases rising and Weapons Platoons. The the prospect of a national June weather was kind and lockdown becoming an provided excellent conditions ominous rumour, there were for the initial skills phase of growing concerns over how the cadre which covered feasible an exercise would navigation, patrol skills and be. The Recce pamphlet did contact drills. This phase also not provide much guidance introduced the new members on how best to construct a of the Platoon to digging sub-surface observation post subsurface OPs: the ideal whilst conforming to social means from which to observe distancing guidelines, given an enemy position without that occupants are usually being compromised. living, quite literally, on top of one another. The cadre’s final phase saw the Platoon deploying Fortunately, the Platoon into a screen to find and was well placed to take on track the enemy. The patrol such a challenge with all commanders displayed 3 the key members of the a great deal of skill by commander’s team having maintaining constant successfully passed the observation on a mobile demanding Light Close enemy across challenging Reconnaissance Commanders terrain. The final hurdle course, something that has for the Platoon tested their not been achieved for several ability to accurately back- years. Owing to this wealth of brief information obtained experience the Platoon was over days of observing the able to cover all the theory enemy. The cadre culminated for the cadre through lessons in a dawn raid on the enemy conducted via video calls. farm and a rather unpleasant casualty evacuation up one of While this approach was the Plain’s steepest slopes. far from ideal it did allow a greater period of time to go Following the successful into depth in areas which are completion of the cadre 4 usually only glanced at on a the Platoon has welcomed conventional cadre, especially seven new Guardsmen to 1. Recce soldiers in the 3. I see you.... when scheduled around its ranks. As a result, the early stages of digging 4. A drawing used to back a sub-surface OP. brief a Recce target to the a very busy SCPD (State Platoon is now manned to a 2. LSgt Morgan teaching chain of command. Ceremonial and Public Duties) sufficient strength to operate principles of navigation to a calendar. as the Battalion’s primary hopeful young Recce soldier. surveillance asset.

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Machine Gun Platoon Cadre by Lieutenant J Wilkinson, Platoon Commander alisbury Plain has long been the spiritual home of the Specialist Weapon Platoons. Its vast Sexpanses of sky lines and myriad of rolling hills make it a perfect location for the Machine Gun Platoon Cadre.

The Platoon, newly in Battalion on the battlefield Cadre, which took place in replenished with a fresh stock - up to 65 kilograms - so early September, provided of Guardsmen, is the largest it a steady progression of this opportunity. For many in has been for some time. Both training was needed to get the Platoon this would be the new and old to the platoon used to carrying this weight. first time they had fired the were thrilled to be out on the GPMG in its SF role, firing at area learning new skills and Once the Platoon had nailed a rate of up to two hundred honing established ones on down their drills on the rounds a minute. It is for this 2 the General Purpose Machine gun itself, they moved onto reason that the Platoon is Gun (GPMG) in its sustained developing their wider set such an effective asset on the fire (SF) role. of skills required to be a battlefield. The culmination of member of the Platoon. the ranges saw all members The first part of the Cadre One such skill is that of passing their GPMG SF ACMT consisted of dry training panoramic sketching. Varying (Army Combat Marksman which saw the Platoon get levels of artistic flare were Test) at the first attempt as back to the basics of the exhibited, but all did well to well as taking part in a full GPMG. As with any military recognise and understand gun line section shoot. 3 training, repetition is key, why such a skill is necessary. and especially when it comes The dry phase of the Cadre The Guns Platoon has more to carrying out drills on the culminated in a 5-day blank live firing to look forward GPMG in the SF role. The fire exercise on the area, to and the opportunity to Platoon spent the first few which gave the Platoon its continue to hone and refine days perfecting these skills first real taste of the tactical their skills on the Battalion’s in several different tactical environment. After tabbing winter Battle Camp. The locations, occupying gun large distances across the Platoon looks set to continue lines both in the day and at area, the Platoon carried out to grow as Guardsmen realise night, before tabbing back several tactical actions under that the opportunity to be to New Zealand Farm which their Section Commanders part of such an effective and was home for the Platoon and performed well across all robust Platoon is not one to before the exercise phase areas they were tested on. be missed. of the cadre. Of course, it was a big learning curve for Having now experienced a 1. A Machine Gunner in the SF role. all the Platoon getting used taste of what being in the 2. LCpl Dennis gives Gdsm to the carriage of their kit Guns Platoon is about, the Lewis and Healy Roberts and equipment again. The Platoon were eager to get some direction. Machine Gun Platoon carry some live firing under their 3. All over the gun! some of the heaviest weight belts. The second half of the 4. Gdsm Healy Roberts. 4

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Cayman Islands Short Term Training Team (STTT) August 2020 by Lance Corporal Bilkey, Number Three Company

hen the opportunity presented itself to go to the Cayman Islands as part of a STTT W(Short Term Training Team) to help set up their new Defence Force, I was extremely eager to put my name forward.

I am always one for seeing period as we were each The first morning of training Towards the end of the a new part of the world and in our own rooms and not saw over 50 new recruits training package the recruits this was going to be my first allowed out at all, not even eager to start their new were sent on an exercise to time as part of a training at mealtimes. But there could part time role. They were test what they had learnt so team. The Cayman Islands be worse places to isolate! sworn in by the Governor far. The sections put their up until now had no Army or We tried to make the best of the Cayman Islands, His skills to the test with a night Defence Force to speak of so out of the time by preparing Excellency Martyn Roper navigation serial alongside we were effectively creating for the task ahead. Names and then the training could numerous challenging HADR a small piece of history. were put to task and lesson begin. This incorporated a scenarios which involved The instructors comprised plans created so that when variety of different subjects casualty evacuations. The mainly of members of the we were eventually released, including navigation, weapon local authorities keenly Household Division with five we could get stuck straight handling, first aid, drill, supported the exercise with Welsh Guardsmen, four from into it. basic communications and both the Red Cross and the the Grenadier Guards, three of course LSgt Williams 70’s new Cayman Islands Police from the Household Cavalry After two weeks of isolation gruelling PT sessions in the helicopter taking part. Once Mounted Regiment alongside and countless COVID tests we 30-degree heat. A large part the exercise was completed two Royal Marines. were eventually given the all of the training focused on the main effort turned clear to go to work. Before the teaching of Humanitarian towards the passing out Our trip started off at more of the training could begin Assistance & Disaster parade which took place on a walk than a run, as we were there was the small matter Relief (HADR) techniques. the Islands major sporting required to isolate for a week of sorting out all the kit and These lessons could prove venue: The Truman Bodden in the UK’s Defence Academy equipment that CSgt Qaimuri invaluable and save lives in Stadium. Friends and family in Shrivenham before flying worked tirelessly behind the the future if a large hurricane were invited alongside the direct to the Cayman Islands scenes to organise and fly to were to impact the islands Governor and the Cayman for a further week’s isolation. the Caribbean. again, as it did with Hurricane Islands Premier who It was quite a frustrating Ivan in 2004. both gave congratulatory

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speeches to their new mettle: LSgt Williams shook Regiment. Following this off a ferocious stingray bite the training team were and the mere sight of the very kindly invited back to terrifying creatures sent LCpl the Governors beach side Lucas running for the boat! Residence for refreshments. Being able to help in the Once the training for the forming of the Cayman Cayman Islands Regiment Islands Regiment and visiting was complete we had a few such a fantastic place was days to get to see a bit more a real honour and privilege of the island and experience for all involved, and I look the Caribbean at its ﬁnest. forward to the next STTT. Despite heading into hurricane season the weather remained scorching, which was very welcome indeed. Members of our group 1. Members of the STTT with headed out on a helicopter His Excellency Martyn Roper ride, deep sea ﬁshing and 2. LCpl Lucas inspects the jet skiing. We even managed new Cayman Islands Regiment recruits a boat trip to a place called 3. Found something! Stingray City where you 4. The recruits receiving a can swim with and feed the lesson in the sunshine stingrays. It was here that the 5. Recruits receiving some navigation tips training team showed their 3

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Royal Military Academy, Sandhurst by Captain James Marsden Welsh Guards - Assistant Chief Instructor (Tactics) of the Senior Term

hat a difference a year makes. The last report from the Royal Military Academy, WSandhurst (RMAS) was one which concerned reﬁnement and incremental change to the delivery of training.

Today, the home of the and, by the following term, delivered virtually. Paper two lieutenant colonels (one British Army officer faces the Blues and chargers had handouts are becoming a of whom is in command), challenge of COVID along thankfully returned to Old thing of the past and the new the Academy Adjutant, two with the rest of the nation. It College Square with a socially generation of officer cadet captains in Chief Instructor is the officer cadets who are distanced picnic on the polo is arguably more conversant capacities, and Assistant disproportionately affected; pitch (perhaps something that in doctrine and theory than Instructors within the they now undergo ‘Controlled might become the default for their forebears. The challenge colleges. We are fortunate Monitoring’ (quarantine) for summer Sovereign’s Parades) for permanent staff has been to have a steady flow of two weeks at the start of term hinting at a new normality to translate effectively this senior non-commissioned and subsequently operate beginning to emerge. theoretical knowledge into officers attempting the RMAS in platoon family groups practical application within Cadre and hope for good without the option to leave While the nation was in the constraints imposed by representation early next year. the Academy throughout the lockdown, RMAS as an social distancing. This has led The quality of officer cadet standard fourteen-week term. institution continued largely to rapid and significant work to who pursues a commission While the training objectives unabated. However, the balance transmission risk and with us remains exceptionally have remained the same, there continuing pandemic has important public perception high; it is as competitive as ever have been significant changes forced the pace on innovation considerations against the to gain one of the five available in the delivery of the course in our methods of instruction. need to produce operationally spaces in the battalion each itself such as the final exercise The University Officer Training capable young officers on year. With national restrictions taking place in Thetford Corps (UOTCs), which are commissioning. The Academy affecting the ability of officer instead of Germany, Exercise the units largely responsible has taken the now hackneyed cadets to visit the battalion, LONGREACH taking place in for the Academy achieving phrase ‘Build Back Better’ to its the superb work done by Dartmoor instead of the Black its necessary inflow, have logical extension with much Regimental Headquarters to Mountains, and Commissioning proven to be at the forefront opportunity to improve how point the very best of those Course 192’s Commissioning of experimentation and we deliver training in ‘normal’ interested in a career in the Parade being a much lower the Academy has, while times identified and baked into Army in our direction remains key affair: Multi Terrain Pattern having its own fair share of the standard Commissioning as impressive as ever and uniform and with a simpler innovation and novel ideas, Course programme. makes the job of the cadet- format to allow two-metre learnt much from the wider facing staff in Sandhurst distancing throughout. The Group. The modernisation Welsh Guards representation Group, and the Academy, that provision of junior officers to process is now in full swing in the Academy and the wider much easier. the Field Army has continued with much of the course being Group remains healthy with Despite the disruption, Sandhurst rumbles on. Welsh Guards stock remains very high and the battalion continues to receive, we believe, the highest quality young officer.

Cymru am Byth.

1. From left to right: OCdt Rob Cross, Capt James Marsden, Maj Austen Salusbury, and OCdt Cameron Clarke (appearing a bit slow to get 1 the cameraman’s joke)

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Exercise Frosted Blade by Lieutenant T Haines-Henderson, Exercise Second in Command

xercise Frosted Blade (Ex FB) is the Infantry EAlpine Skiing competition. Run yearly, at the French ski resort of Val D’Isere, Infantry Battalions from across the Army select a team of 8 to compete.

The teams then receive groups according to previous 4 weeks of high-quality experience. The Welsh Guards, instruction from the evolution offering a mostly novice team, 2 French ski school before added a healthy population spending two weeks battling to the lower groups. This it out on the different courses. contributed great comedy to All of this is leading towards the nightly team meetings a top group being selected to as we heard stories of Gdsm represent the Infantry at the Sherlock snapping his ski Divisional, Army and then Tri- in half after careering off Service Championships. the piste and Gdsm Smith spending most of the first day This year Ex FB was run by going backwards downhill. the resident battalion skier, Lt Seb Ward. In his life before As the training continued, the the Army, Lt Ward spent boys became more confident numerous winters running and capable on their skis and university ski trips to the Alps, the team began to take shape. spent a season in Whistler as They made excellent progress, an instructor and has even going from putting skis on sampled Japan’s legendary for the first time to learning powder! Credit is due for his to race within a few weeks. organisational effort as he Race training started with the managed to put the entire slowest but most technical exercise together from behind discipline; slalom. Slalom 1 a computer on the other side of the world, while deployed to the Falkland Islands.

Following a rigorous selection process, Lt Ward set off with his new ski team on 6 Dec 19. The journey over to Val D’Isere went smoothly and the team arrived in one piece the following day. The exercise immediately got into full swing with a logistical puzzle that two DE (Direct Entry) ofﬁcers just about managed to resolve, with the issuing of 243 pairs of skis, boots and helmets to the exercise. We were then ﬁltered into new 2

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consists of 30-75 sharp turns ‘race suits’ (very ﬂattering down a short course and is after an indulgent Christmas), particularly challenging due and edging/waxing their skis to the irregular spacings and in the evenings. They were timings of the turns. Once split down into A and B and they had a good grasp of this, commenced ‘Race Week!’ they were moved up to Giant Slalom training. As the name Race week consisted of the suggests the course is simply four members from each team a faster, wider version. competing against the other infantry units for places on On the 22 Dec the boys had the Infantry team. The B team earned a well-deserved break competed valiantly with some after skiing almost everyday of the members placing in the since their arrival. Lt Ward top third of all results. The A decided to head home for team lead by Lt Ward achieved the Christmas break and so excellent results, managing the author was left to see the to secure a place at the next team through the Christmas stage of the competition. break. This was an excellent opportunity for the team to get out and do some slightly Lt Ward once again proved more relaxed skiing and his worth at the Div Champs allowed them a little more placing in the top 15. While time for social activities. the author and Gdsm Richards To make-up for not being adopted an all or nothing race at home for Christmas, we ethos, which, unfortunately gathered on Christmas Eve for saw them not placing highly a hearty family meal at a local enough to qualify due to restaurant and exchanged some truly biblical crashes. gifts before getting up nice Lt Ward continued his streak and early for a big Christmas and represented the Battalion day ski. at the Army Champs. On his return to the UK, Lt Ward Returning from leave the team constructed a 5-year plan prepared their kit for race that should see the Welsh 3 week. Donning skintight lycra Guards winter sports teams develop and challenge for Army representation more frequently.

1. Gdsm Richards at the start gate of the downhill course. He will reach speeds of 110kph+ 2. The Welsh Guards team sporting leeks for the fancy dress Slalom competition 3. Lt Ward attacking the slalom course 4. Gdsm Sherlock enjoying 4 the views

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1 Officers’ Mess Ski Trip 2020 by Lieutenant LMF Vincenzini, Anti-tank Platoon Commander he Officers’ Mess once again returned to the TFrench Alps for its annual ski trip, this year being the fifth of its kind.

Despite a change of resort and means it is perfectly placed and a change of faces, the to access the entire resort. trip still provided an excellent opportunity for the mess to The resort itself offers 225km relax, catch up and enjoy each of marked pistes, catering other’s company. for all levels of skier. This was perfect for the trip, allowing As the Christmas holidays came the twenty-four to break up to a close, twenty ofﬁcers and into smaller groups of equal four partners set off for the ability. Those who demanded mountains from Combermere speed and adrenaline could Barracks. Their destination head up over the towering was Belle Plagne, a small Roche de Mio onto the pedestrianised village within Bellecôte Glacier for steep the resort of La Plagne. It is one black runs and off-piste of eleven villages that make up opportunities. Whereas, La Plagne and although smaller the area surrounding Belle and quieter than the others, Plagne offered those with it is tucked away high up in less inclination for danger a the mountains. This affords it plethora of gentle blue and fantastic views over the ski area red runs. 2

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With three days of sunshine the bonds between the group. and blue skies, the groups All credit goes to the wives were able to scatter across and fiancées for booking and the resort and sample all the organising the evening. slopes that were on offer. I distinctly remember trying After three full days of skiing to reconvene with another and socialising, the group group and quickly deciding it wrapped up what was another wasn’t feasible when, in the immensely successful mess space of forty minutes, they trip. The trip allowed the mess had ended up four miles away. to enjoy each other’s company Understandable when the likes outside of the confines of work of Helen Llewelyn-Usher, the and afforded the opportunity Commanding Officer’s wife, to integrate wives and fiancées clocked up a speed of 111km/h into the fold – a testament to 3 down one particular run! the family regiment that we are. The Officers’ Mess would Despite all the separation, the like to extend their extreme groups always found the time gratitude to the Regimental to co-locate for lunch on the Trustees and Regimental mountain, providing the perfect Adjutant, Colonel Tom Bonas as opportunity to share tales of without their support this trip daring on the slopes. This was would not be possible. repeated every evening when the group dined together in the hotel’s restaurant. On occasion, the dinners spilled out into town to sample what the local ‘après-ski’ had to offer – normally resulting in some good breakfast gossip. 1. The entire group. 2. Major Tom Spencer-Smith A particular highlight of the and Capt Joe Dinwiddie. trip included an evening spent 3. Maj Ben Kendal, Maj Tom at the bowling alley, a strange Spencer-Smith, Lt Col Henry addition to your typical ski Llewelyn-Usher, trip. Nonetheless, teams were Mrs Llewelyn-Usher and Capt Tom Evans. created and armed with velcro 4. Capt Scott Bowden aka the bowling shoes the group’s Milka cow, and Capt Elletson competitive spirit took over. enjoying themselves. An immensely fun evening 5. The view from the 4 ensued and further reinforced accommodation.

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1 Exercise Racing Ice by Second Lieutenant SP Burﬁend, Number 2 Platoon Commander xercise Racing Ice is a week-long exercise run by Ethe Army Winter Sports Association which aims to introduce willing participants to ice sliding sports.

Each participant specializes in higher up the track the more a particular discipline. With confident one gets. Until Welsh Guards covering all three eventually you reach the top of sports; Bobsleigh - where the track and begin working on you are inside the sled with a sprint starts by the end of the driver and brake man, Luge week. The luge and skeleton - feet first on a toboggan and had the morning sessions, Skeleton - headfirst on a tea- with the bobsleigh taking the 2 tray style sled. afternoon session as they are more aggressive causing the Five members of The Battalion ice to churn up. were fortunate enough to find themselves boarding an early To start with we began morning flight from Gatwick from the Kinder start. With to Innsbruck, Austria. With instructions to lay perfectly everyone settled into the still and count the first six accommodation, fitted for the corners and maintain track alarmingly small amount of awareness as we wouldn’t be protective gear, and sized up going fast enough to warrant for sleds. We were moved off any steering. Much easier said into our respective disciplines than done. With everything and put our lives in the hands happening extremely quickly of the experienced instructors. even from a quarter of the way up the track, it is easy to The progression with all lose your bearings. However, three disciplines was fast and everyone made it down essentially involved moving unscathed. With everyone 3

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quickly becoming accustomed showed in abundance. to the pace of around 81kph Watching them all hurtling and looking forward to down the track at great speeds progressing further up the was fantastic to see. track. In the evening we made the most of being in a Winter The skeleton had progressed Olympic host city and were onto sprint starts from the able to watch the Innsbruck top which was a new element Ice Hockey team play. It was thrown into the already great to experience the lively complex track. However it atmosphere and see the pace allowed racers to really push of the sport. their limits of skill, technique and courage (aka stupidity). The luge and skeleton 2Lt Burfiend performed well progressed further up the finishing in the top two on track to meet the bobsleigh every run. racers on day three which meant plenty more speed Finally the Bobsleigh racers for the morning and more went down the track. Lt corners to commit to memory Wilkinson had a change of as the track became ever break man which didn’t seem more complicated. There 4 to slow down his rapid pace was a good show from the as driver. Reaching top speeds three Guardsmen on the luge. combined weight of racers and (as the instructors like to say) of over 110kph Lt Wilkinson Clocking very respectable top bobsleigh of 400Kg. They both ‘taps’ - hitting a wall at 105kph glided his bobsleigh down speeds and times, and most performed very well over the is more like a slam! the Olympic track with great importantly no crashes. four runs and were in-fact the skill and certainly finished the only pair not to crash. Lt Wilkinson with his partner in week on a high recording the With the lugers having cleared the Bobsled were once again fastest time of the week on a vast majority of snow from Great conditions prevailed for the only team to make it down the bobsled. the ice the skeleton racers sliding on day four. Very cold without a crash and were took to the track. Starting weather with temperatures in good competition for the Being an introduction to sport from higher up the skeleton dropping to -4c and clear fastest runs of each session. exercise the aim was to spot racers would now have to blue skies. All three disciplines Bodies across all disciplines potential racers for the Army contend with the infamous moved further up the track were certainly beginning to Championships in January Kriesel corner, which is like a with the bobsleigh and feel slightly worse for wear in 2020. Four members of the swirling vortex that pins you to skeleton now setting off from the evening. Fortunately there Welsh Guards who took part a vertical wall. One advantage the top which would add was an abundance of ice and were invited to come back and for the Welsh Guards racers further complexity to runs. The a very busy physio on call to represent the Welsh Guards was that a key technique for luge seemed to have the most tape everyone back together in the Army Championships. tackling the corner is to give crashes which is played for all again. Which is testament to the it an ‘eyes left’ on entry, thus to see on big screens around effort and hard work put in by preventing the G-force from the track. However the Welsh The final day was a culmination all Welsh Guards participants planting your face firmly Guard racers managed to hold of all the lessons learned across the week. Fully against the ice for the duration their nerve and made it down throughout the week. Pulling embracing the opportunity to of the corner (which I can the track without too many together all of the knowledge throw themselves into a new confirm does happen). 2Lt hiccups. from our daily track walks, exciting sport that generally Burfiend posted some strong video review sessions and wouldn’t be very accessible. times, clocking speeds of For the bobsleigh and skeleton personal tweaks to technique. Let us hope this has started a 91Kph on the fastest part of disciplines starting from the long tradition in sending Welsh the track. top changes every corner The progression on the Guardsmen hurtling down you thought had already luge since day one is very precarious tracks of ice. Lt Wilkinson in the bobsleigh been mastered. Although evident to see. With the luge was on the evening session. the corners at the top of the being the most technical of With the temperature dropping track are inevitably slower it is the disciplines any minor significantly and the snow amazing the knock-on effect adjustment can have big 1. Lt Wilkinson driving his Bobsled on the fall ceasing, conditions were a poor corner up high can consequences. Therefore infamous Krisel corner. set for some fast runs. Lt have further down on the fast going from the higher start 2. Spectacular views which Wilkinson was partnered up part of the track. 2Lt Burfiend point takes real skill, focus and surrounded the track. with a Coldstream Guards made it down in one piece courage which Guardsmen 3. 2Lt Burfiend on the skeleton officer which resulted in a (just), suffering from a few Roberts, Valentine and Tennant 4. Gdsm Valentine on the luge

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Welsh Guards’ Ski Trip – January 2020 by Captain TS Minihan

nce again, this year the Welsh Guards Odeployed to Alpendorf, Austria for their annual ski trip. Sixty members of the battalion took part in Exercise COCKNEY FROSTED LEEK, which ran for two weeks between 18 Jan and 1 Feb.

Alpendorf has become hit the slopes. The novice a familiar destination for groups, instructed by Lt Chris our battalion ski trips, Beek (R SIGNALS) and Sgt this being the fourth time Joe Richter (REME), came on the Welsh Guards have in bounds throughout the visited. It was wonderful week. It was brilliant to see to see the excitement of their confidence grow as they many Guardsman who had tackled fun parks and slalom previously participated on courses towards the end of the Battalion ski trips to return week. The intermediate and to Alpendorf, and their advanced groups undertook 1 enthusiasm to impart some Ski Foundation 2 (SF2) and ‘local knowledge’ on their SF3 respectively. Both courses friends who had not. With entailed day long ski tours, their excitement in tow, a first testing physical robustness group of thirty officers and and mental will. The reward for men departed Combermere a day of back country touring Barracks Windsor on a rainy were some superb untouched Friday afternoon for the first descents; well worth the week of the trip. physical effort of the climb up the mountain. Their arrival in to Alpendorf the following morning coincided The second week of the trip with heavy snowfall, setting coincided with a visit from the scene for a great first week the Commanding Officer of skiing. Even novice skiers who was delighted to see the 2 could be heard commenting, ‘yes, fresh powder’, as they stepped off the coaches. With the necessary administration completed on day one, the group settled down to supper and drinks in the hotel on the first night. We were hosted superbly throughout the trip in a quaint and homely hotel that was quintessentially Austrian. We were served hearty and traditional Austrian food, washed down with local beer. Venturing towards the wine list proved less fortuitous however.

The snow continued to fall that evening and conditions could not have been better for our ﬁrst day. With groups having been assigned, two novice, two intermediate and two advanced groups 3

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pleasure on the faces of the Guardsmen taking part in the exercise. Week two also saw a trip to Schladming, an hour from Alpendorf, to watch some Olympic Slalom night racing. This was a great opportunity not only to see skiing at the highest level, but also to enjoy the atmosphere of a forty-thousand-person crowd gathered on the sloped to enjoy Austria’s national sport.

The trip was a resounding success. For the novice skiers it was clear to see that a spark had been ignited in them to pursue skiing further through their Army careers. For those who had skied before, their ability was brought on massively in only a week and there was real interest to continue their journey to 4 becoming qualiﬁed military ski instructors. It would be wonderful in the future to see Welsh Guardsmen teach one another to ski and we will continue to develop the obvious skiing talent we have within the battalion.

5 6 1. Capt Minihan ski touring 2. Members of the Ofﬁcer’s Mess and the ski instructors 3. Sgt Richter (REME) stops with his group on a snowy day 4. World Cup Night Slalom competition at Schladming 5. Lt Haines Henderson sporting an icy moustache 6. A group follows their instructor to ﬁnd some powder 7. A ski instructor talking up to his group with Alpendorf in the background 8. A group ski touring off piste 9. A group resting at the top after a tough climb on 7 8 touring skis

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TELEMARK – (The Free Heel Life Part 2) Ex TELEMARK TITAN, Ex TELEMARK TROJAN and the Inter Services Snow Sports Championships by Captain AJN Smith, Adjutant Army Training Regiment Grantham anuary 2020 saw this year’s iteration of Ex JTELEMARK TITAN (Ex TT) form up once again in Pralognan-la-Vanoise (PLV), France.

This is the Army, Navy and should have a basic grasp of British National Telemark alpine, allowing the individual Championships rolled up into to grasp with slightly greater one. This year it attracted close ease the graceful style that is to 150 competitors from across the tele turn. The Camp takes the Services and the civilian the shape of a week of training world. under the expert tutorage of some of the best telemarkers Telemark skiing is the only in the world before a week of winter sport to be named racing commences. The racing after the area from which it is split into 3 different forms was started. Hailing from the (please see TELEMARK – THE Telemark region of Norway, FREE HEEL LIFE article from last this unique form of skiing year for an introduction to the has carved out a niche within different races). This year it the winter sports world and had been hoped to also add a 1 is enjoying something of a fourth discipline, the parallel renaissance as skiers look to sprint. Sadly, due to poor snow try something new and test conditions the additional race themselves. had to be abandoned.

Combining elements from both Ex TT has a very relaxed feel the alpine and Nordic forms of about it thanks to the inject of skiing, telemarking is a unique, civilians into the mix. It creates multi-purpose, multi-limbed a very different atmosphere vortex of chaos. It differs from to most exercises run by the its newer and more popular military and the feel around – and some might say more the small village of PLV is very practical – alpine cousin by friendly, with many of the binding the skis at the front villagers coming out to watch only, freeing the heel to be the races. raised on turns. But to free the heel, you must ﬁrst free The racing is split into two 2 the mind. Mastering the tele groups; the Championship turn technique is a challenging (which is also the British process. New telemark skiers National Championships and with weeks of alpine skiing was formed of 70 racers, experience are forced to betray including 10 Team GB racers) the natural parallel turns they and the Development races. mastered years ago. Luckily my success of last year meant there was no Ex TT is a two-week long race need for me to take part camp in PLV with many of in the qualifying event as I the instructors coming from had automatically qualiﬁed the World Cup Circuit and is for the Championship. This open to all levels of skiers. It allowed me to form part of is recommended that those the hill team for the race and wanting to take up telemark experience being a gate judge. 3 4

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After all the downhill racing is this is an area that can make complete there is one further or break a run and proficiency challenge conducted at Ex in skating is not something TT, the Mountain Race. This concentrated on when learning is compulsory for all military to alpine. As an alpine instructor competitors of Ex TT but most with 6 seasons under my belt, I of the civilian competitors also can safely say I had a lot to learn take part. The mountain race about skating technique. is a team (3 persons) relay race, requiring the racers to attach As we conducted the short skins to the bottom of their skis move to Méribel for the start and complete an uphill climb of the ISSSC we were confident before then removing them, that we had closed the gap on skiing back to the start and the Navy team, mostly made handing the baton (race bib) to up of Royal Marines. The the next team member. This ISSSC takes place in February year 28 teams competed and each year in Méribel. It is the team I joined finished 9th. an outstanding event and The Mountain Race does not I commend anyone who count to the overall rankings aspires to competitive snow from the other races but is sport competition (alpine, more a demonstration of telemark or snowboard) to the adaptability of telemark, fight to get there. The event its utility in the mountain takes over Méribel, with huge environment and the lung infrastructure put up, the racing capacity of the competitors. and freestyle parks/slopes rented and massive social After the three Championship events to thank the sponsors races were completed, I was - it really is a spectacle. With placed 4th overall in the Army over 150 competitors from on points, secured my place across the three Services, the 5 on the Army Telemark Race ISSSC covers all telemark, alpine team and was awarded my and snowboard (including More importantly because of me last year but who had Combined Service Sports slope style, parallel GS and of my success last year I was seemed unreachable. After a Colours. boardercross) disciplines. This selected to form part of the rest day while the Development year 23 telemarkers took to Combined Services team races got under way, it was The Army Team Captain, Lt Col the slopes (10 from the Navy, 7 (made up of Army and Navy then time for the sprint race. Daz Howells, had managed to from the Army and 6 from the skiers) to compete as the The sprint is again completed secure funding for a training RAF). military team within the British over 2 runs and by the end I camp. This was a first for the Championships. I am sorry was in 18th place (3rd in the Army Telemark Team and The race slope in Méribel is to say that we came second Army and 8th overall from the brought us in line with the Navy significantly bigger, longer, behind Team GB – although military) and right on the heels and RAF teams (although we steeper and more challenging in reality, if we had beaten of one of the stalwarts of Army are still a smaller team by 2 than the one in PLV but this Team GB, they may have been telemark from the last 8 years, individuals due to funding). year I was better prepared and selecting the wrong skiers over Cpl Henry Munns. The final hoping to build on the success the years! downhill race of the week for The training camp, Ex of Ex TT. The snow and weather the Championship race series TELEMARK TROJAN, saw the conditions this year were the The first race of the week was was the Classic, the longest and Army team remain in PLV under complete opposite of last year. the GS, competed over two runs toughest race in telemark. It the mentorship of Phil Lau. Unlike last year where there I was placed 20th overall (4th in is raced over just one run with Phil Lau comes from a skiing were huge amounts of powder the Army and 11th when Team the run time to be around 2 dynasty in Méribel and we were hampering gate training on the GB were removed from the minutes total but approximately very lucky to be able to have hill, this year it was rain and a mix). This result left me with one third of that time is to be him instructing us. This 8-day lack of snow (meaning a huge high hopes of not only being made up of a skating section. I, training package really pushed amount of rocks) that hampered reselected for the Army team being better prepared this year the Army team to new levels. the training and almost ruined to compete at the Inter Services (as I was racing with skating Daily we were completing not the racing. Luckily the hill team Snow Sports Championships poles rather than regular length just gate training, but also start at Méribel did an incredible job (ISSSC), but also that I might poles) finished in 14th place training and skate training. and racing was able to take be able to knock off some of overall (3rd in the Army and 5th With 2 out of the 3 telemark place and everything planned the people who were ahead overall from the military). races including a skate section, was achieved.

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The telemark races included the race was nevertheless a solid including a jump, banked turn My thanks go to both the same three as PLV but with the start. The Army team were and skate it is mostly done Regimental Trustees and added extra race of the parallel packing the top of the leader in the face of the crowd and the Battalion for continuing sprint. The level of racing was board, split by only a couple the atmosphere was electric. to support me in this most much more intense in Méribel of Navy racers. I finished Sadly for the Army, the Navy challenging of sports. Also, my but living in the same chalet the day in 9th place overall pipped us on the day leaving thanks to Army Telemark which as the Navy team meant the (5th in the Army). Although us in second place overall for has seen fit to invest in me and same friendliness and relaxed disappointed with my team the team event. again invite me onto the team atmosphere that was present placing, I was pleased with to compete at the ISSSC. Bring in PLV endured in Méribel my overall placing for the day. The ISSSC was a great finish on 2021! amongst the telemarkers. This The Classic race came next to the racing season and was especially evident on the and with only one long run, it personally it has seen a good race slope when all telemarkers is always a challenging race. progression on my first season would urge on all racers (no Sadly the Navy started to pick last year. Last year I was matter what colour their up their form and placed a few awarded my Army Colours, and 1. Capt Smith finishing the uniform) especially during the racers further up the leader this season, as I mentioned, banked turn and moving long skate sections, running board. In the Classic I placed I was also presented with into the skating section. 2. Capt Smith gate judging for alongside them urging them to 10th overall (4th in the Army) Combined Service Colours. the qualification race. the finish line. but overall it was very tight. The prospect for the Army 3. Capt Smith racing. The Sprint was up next and team next year is good, with 4. Early morning race course The first telemark race of the my 8th place overall (5th in increasing levels of competition set up in Pralognan-la- week was the GS. Due to the the Army) had left the overall for places within the Army Vanoise. poor weather conditions this team event between the Army team. Last year I was the lone 5. The race slope in Méribel. was also the first time that and Navy very close, leaving infanteer competing at Ex TT, 6. Team brief (clockwise from we had been allowed onto the parallel sprint the decider but this year saw me joined top Lt Tom Atkins (RE), Lt Ben Atkinson (2 RGR), Lt the race slope as all practice for the team event. The by a 4 man team from 2RGR in Robbie Houstoun (Scots runs had been cancelled. parallel sprint always provides Belize. I remain hopeful that I DG), Lt Col Daz Howells (RE), After starting as the last a lot of entertainment for the will be able to lead a team of Sgt Danny Johnson (RE), Cpl racer, thanks to a terrible crowd at the bottom. Raced Welsh Guardsmen to PLV to Henry Munns (Int Corps), bib draw by myself, my GS over a short distance, but compete on Ex TT. Capt Adam Smith (WG)).

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Ofﬁcers’ Mess Shoot - Eynsham Park by Major BM Kendall COLDM GDS Ofﬁcer Commanding Number Three Company

ith Plus Fours donned, albeit rather more Wﬁtting after the Christmas Break, ten members of the Ofﬁcers’ Mess convened under overcast Cotswold skies at Eynsham Park, courtesy of an exceptionally kind invite from David and Robert Mason, both former members of The Welsh Guards.

1 It was noted that there was a the Protection of Birds), and light breeze blowing, which we deciding that slightly more lead all agreed would ensure the would be required, we departed birds were largely supersonic, the field of the unfallen for and therefore any brought a further three drives, made down could only be indicative up of both wooded and open of unbelievable shooting country. Snap shooting through prowess. Fuelled thus by pre- the trees proved to be our most emptive excuses for dodgy successful, with one memorable marksmanship, a healthy dose high bird encouraged by of strong coffee and one or two two well placed shots into a purely restorative biscuits, we satisfying swan dive into the loaded into a veritable panoply lake behind. It felt rather apt of vehicles, David’s proudly that, for sporting reasons stickered with unmissable only, the success on this drive sentiment on our relationship should be followed by morning with the EU! refreshments, consisting of a huge platter of bratwurst The first drive offered an proportioned sausages and impressive vista, with the some incredibly fortifying house silhouetted through soup. The less said about the the leafless tress to our rear, subsequent accuracy of the whilst the sloping ground to morning the better, although 2 the front of the pegs provided the Motorised Transport Officer a 300m lead for any pheasants should note that the enjoyment willing to to chance their luck. of removing bogged-in vehicles Sure enough, within minutes, increases in direct proportion the first bouquet lifted off in to the amount of alcohol the distance, quickly gathering consumed in the warmup! speed and height, before losing both as they sailed gently By the time we returned to overhead. A healthy dose of David’s house for lunch, our shot was discharged along zeroing efforts were far behind the length of the line, with us, with the beater’s truck the backstops providing an liberally discharging feathers additional final barrage. It was across the countryside. This was therefore with mild surprise certainly fortunate as it would that, as the whistle blew, there have been difficult, without seemed to be remarkably few having enjoyed a modicum of bodies in evidence, a fact made sporting success, to fully dive more painful by the numerous into such a healthy spread, not running shadows in the to mention the accompanying undergrowth to our rear! gallons of red wine. With the clouds threatening rain, David Having satisfied our debt to called time on our growing 3 the RSPB (Royal Society for indulgence, and we headed off

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4 across the estate in a fashion cup of tea. With wellies finally that would have impressed any stowed and only the occasional eager policeman. unfired cartridge pulled from underneath the clutch, we set The penultimate drive of the off, fortunately on private estate day offered some real shooting roads, for Robert’s farmhouse. highlights, with high and Here we were treated like fast birds scudding across an Kings, with all enjoying a hot open valley, and others lifting bath, before squeezing into vertically from the wooded black tie for a delicious supper. high ground to our front. Our Rather hazy recollection of our eyes were by now fully in, and postprandial activity prevents it was almost every man who me from regaling too many returned with laden arms to the details, suffice to say there were vehicles, now wearing full coats a few rounds of Freda before of Cotswold mud. It seemed bed eventually called. like time had evaporated as 5 we moved into the woods for For such a fantastic day and for a final flourish, accompanied having been such wonderful by the first spatters of heavy hosts, the Mess would like to January rain. Turning out to be thank both David and Robert an amalgam of the entire day, Mason, and of course Monique pheasants were clearly spotted and Karen respectively. in segments of the line, with Thanks must also go to David’s others pulling the Wild Bill fast daughter Katherine, who took draw as forms shot out of the photos during the day, with a trees. Mention must go to the few of the less compromising unnamed optimist who tried on display here! hard to down a number of pigeons, none travelling lower than 500ft. 1. ‘Whose bird?’ From a rather inauspicious start, 2. ‘Finally the Christmas a total tally of 146 seemed a yoga is put to good use!’ fair recovery; I won’t mention 3. ‘Essential practise for future exercises.’ cartridges used! Returning 4. ‘The Mess in the again to David’s house, there countryside.’ was time to catch up on stories 5. ‘Honestly, there is a clause from the Mess of yesteryear, in Driver Standing Orders...... ’ whilst attacking a very welcome 6. ‘Dusted!’ 6

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Battalion British Army Warrior Fitness (BAWF) up training and was key in a key member. SSgt Hammond by Lieutenant JDG Leonard sending out workouts to those is a qualified weightlifting and of us who tried to train “under functional fitness coach, that espite this being a year of two very distinct the canopy”. I can confirm that combined with his can-do halves, British Army Warrior Fitness (BAWF) has burpees are harder to do in attitude is sure to see the BAWF D 100% humidity than they are team hit new heights in the been one of the few Army sports to have survived in the more civilised climes of coming months. contact during the chaos of 2020. Windsor! The team would like to The versatility and adaptability 1WG BAWF and Crossfit Slough. As is typical, once the team congratulate Cpl Messam- of the sport and its participants We hope to be attending the was back in Combermere Greene on her baby, our really shone through. event again this year. Barracks and raring to go, newest BAWF team member! everything was locked down. Mid-December saw Sgt Parry Following a short but well- Despite the closure of all gyms take a contingent of the BAWF deserved Christmas leave during lockdown BAWF team team to Crossfit Slough to open the team were back at it, members still managed to train a 24-hour workout in aid of the 0600hrs workouts are slightly with most of us switching from Make a Wish and Sport in Mind harder after the indulgence of Olympic lifting techniques to charities. In a homage to one Christmas! Late January saw yoga poses. I am personally of our own, the team opened the Jam Boys deploying to quite glad I was forced to the event with the “Birchell” Belize and a number of other practice yoga in private; I don’t WOD, named after Major commitments for the Battalion. think anyone needs to see me Sean Birchell. The gruelling The team’s ability to compete trying to stretch! workout was a testament to a was thus limited, although man whose physical fitness is training did not stop for those With SSgt Dean Hammond, legendary in the Battalion. The on camp. Whilst the normal RAPTC, joining as the day was a real success and has team leads were in the Belizean Battalion’s Physical Training 1. The author and the BAWF cemented the bond between jungle, LCpl Couling, headed Instructor the team has gained 2IC, Sgt Parry

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Enduro by Warrant Ofﬁcer Class 2 D Hughes, Company Sergeant Major Headquarter Company ike most sports, the Welsh Guards Enduro Team Lhas felt the impact of COVID-19 restrictions, preventing us from entering events at both local and national level.

However, this has allowed us to on the motocross track and re-allocate our race entry fee 5 enduro cross country tests, funds to enhance the workshop our recent training at Flackwell and create a safe environment Heath Motocross Track in High where not only can we service Wycombe holding us in good 1 and prepare race bikes, but also stead for top 5 finishes in both learn new skills and pass on expert and clubman levels. knowledge to our members. We now have 2 members enrolled Sunday was the main event in a local college for an NVQ and we eagerly anticipated the in Motorcycle Mechanics and start of the race in the early they will soon begin gaining afternoon. 1300hrs came, the knowledge that can be cross flag went down and chaos decked to vehicle platforms arose. This format was a Hare such as Quad Bikes. and Hound for 2½ hours, the idea being most laps completed Our main achievement this year in 2½ hours wins the event. was entering the World Enduro As both our riders were in the Super Series at Hawkstone upper classes, we were lined up Park. This event is a series against some of the best the UK of 5 events run around the and world has to offer, but the world. This event comes to high quality of racers didn’t stop the UK once a year, and it’s the a multi bike pile up out of the only opportunity that we at blocks, as each rider tried to be club level can ride with world the first to make the first corner. famous riders such as Billy Bolt and Graham Jarvis. After a long and hectic race both riders crossed the line 2 The event this year was no and were happily placed in exception, and we had a brilliant the middle of the pack – a a motorcycle, ably taught and Stop Press. The weekend weekend. We arrived on the formidable achievement assisted by our own qualified 16/18 October saw the Friday and set up camp - our against the world’s best riders. coaches. This is something we Welsh Guards Enduro Team, newly purchased team gazebo It was a great experience to want to continue to provide represented by Lt Haines- offering a great base station watch these professionals ride for the younger members of Henderson, WO2 Hughes and to operate from and making and watch how their support the Battalion - if only we can Sgt Simons, enter the Army us the envy of many civilian crews managed their pit stops get CSM Johnson off the team Enduro Championships, Ex teams. We conducted a track and machines, this is something motorbike for 5 minutes! HARD RIDE at The Defence walk on Friday – a crucial study we have taken away and are School of Transport (DST) of the course which informs our hopeful on building our own As ever we are eternally Leconfield. Sgt Simons did tyre selection for the event. We crew in future races. grateful to all those that make exceptionally well by winning decided on a Michelin star cross riding possible, in particular the Infantry Expert Title tyre that allows grip in sand and With rider development a our ever-generous Regimental followed closely by WO2 most terrains. priority we purchased our first Trustees. Because of them, Hughes. training bike this year - a 2019 we remain the premier After some practice laps Honda CRF 125. This gives Regimental Enduro team and on Saturday morning, the beginners a great platform to are currently helping units afternoon’s event was Sprint learn riding skills and generated including the Coldstream 1. Welsh Guards Team Enduro. This popular format a lot of interest in our sport – Guards, Grenadier Guards, Bike CRF 125 allows time between short Wednesday sport’s afternoon Irish Guards, the Parachute 2. Sgt Simons with his award tests to rest and adjust on the saw many Guardsman coming Regiment and the PWRR to set for being the Best Infantry move. We conducted 5 tests along to try their hand at riding up their own teams. Rider 2020.

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Welsh Guards Sea Fishing Team by Drum Major Rees etween State Ceremonial, Public Duties, BCOVID-19 lockdown and Battalion commitments to the manning of Testing Centres, ﬁshing has unfortunately slipped through the net (excuse the pun) in what has been an extraordinary year.

Once restrictions eased busy. In total there were more however, 12 of us did manage than 40 fish caught between us to get away on a 2-day boat during the 2 days at sea. fishing trip in Hayling Island, Portsmouth. The boat, Kelly’s Next year we are planning a Hero, set sail from Northney 2-day Blue Shark fishing trip Marina on the morning of 15 aboard ‘Anchorman Charters’ Sept 20 and by 0830 we were that sets sail from Cardiff over on our first mark and soon to the Devonshire coast, which after the anchor was set, we should give the team something started catching fish. I was the to looking forward to in these first to bring a fish aboard, a 4lb busy times. Smooth hound. We are all, as ever, very grateful After spending 2 hours on to our generous Regimental that mark we decided to try Trustees for providing grants 1 another area as the fish started enabling us to experience to slow down. On the second these trips which we would not mark, Dmr Jones was kept otherwise be able to attend. busy. He caught an impressive 1. The boat and her owner 8lb Smooth-hound and a and Captain. surprise Tope weighing in at 2. The author with the just over 3lb. first catch of the day. 3. Dmr Jones with his When the tide turned, we 8lb Smooth-hound. moved to the third and final 4. LSgt Roberts with his mark of the day. LSgt Roberts 3lb Spotted-Ray. was first to bring a fish aboard 5. Dmr Jones with his surprise 3lb Tope. this time it was a Spotted-Ray 6. Dmr Roberts with weighing just over 3lb. All another Smooth-hound 12 anglers caught fish and – the catch of the day! although there were no ‘Jaws’ 7. WO2 Wilks with a 2 3 moments, we were all kept Spotted-Ray.

4 5 6 7

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1st Battalion Welsh Guards game was highly competitive debut appearances; 2 of the Football Club (1WG FC) and showed how much the players had been in Battalion team had come along in such only 3 days before both scoring by Colour Sergeant Sgt A Cunningham, a short time. We played some on their debut matches. We Communication Information Systems Platoon impressive football and all the then visited 29 Regiment RLC hard work paid off, we won at South Cerney and again the he last 12 months has been a roller coaster the match and progressed team showed its class in a very Tride for 1WG FC. The Battalion move to Windsor to the second round where open game and another 9 goal and several departures from the team’s old guard we were to face 7 RHA the thriller in which 1WG FC walked following week. A much- away with 3 points in the precipitated the perfect opportunity to rebuild the changed team took to the league, winning 5 - 4. team from the bottom up and the top down. ﬁeld vs 7RHA (a team which boasted 6 Royal Artillery Unbeknownst to us, this was New faces young and old the 1st Battalion Coldstream Corpsplayers). The fresh faced unfortunately the last time bolstered the ranks of the Guards, which saw 12 players 1WG FC youngsters gave a 1WG FC would take to the ﬁeld squad and management make their debut for 1WG great account of themselves for 7 months as the nation the team, and a fresh new FC. Unfortunately, our noisy but that day we came up a went into lockdown. Football squad started to emerge as neighbours took the spoils little short, losing and crashing has only just resumed on the we embarked on the task that day, but we had laid a out of the Army Cup. However, 1st September 2020. of balancing football with solid foundation on which the future looked promising as the Battalion’s commitment we would be able to build on we continued to build… Achievements and to Public Duties and State going forwards. other business Ceremonial and maintaining 2020… What a year! We were our key skills as Infantry. December 2019 saw 1WG off to an amazing start with an 1WG are fortunate in having FC compete in the Army Cup impressive 9-0-win against the some brilliantly talented players We opened the season 1st round against 22 Royal Corps of Army Music. This game and coaches. The last 12 against our new neighbours, Engineers at Windsor. This again saw fresh blood make months have seen 3 individuals

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2 earn a call up to the Infantry Future of 1WG FC Team (Sgt Hughes 34, LCpl Davies 14, LCpl Williams 88). This year 1WG FC will continue The highlight of the year to build on the form and however goes to LCpl Davies momentum we gained pre 14, who was called up to COVID-19. The team will kick represent the British Army off its season in October 20 in Team - a massive achievement the Southern League and will for him and a great example also compete in the Army and to the rest of the team. Infantry cups.

Away from 1WG FC, members It’s also our aspiration to form of the Battalion continue to take a Futsal team and enter a their experience and knowledge 6-a-side league in Windsor, and spread it throughout the strengthening our links with community. WO2 Leighton the local community through Wilks (Master Tailor) continues sport. The highlight of the to show his diversity and talent year should be a football in his roles with the Infantry FC, tour abroad, which wouldn’t the Reading Woman’s Academy, be possible without our and Woking District Girls. very generous Regimental Trustees, who we are WO2 Daniel Cope (RQMS (T)) extremely grateful to for took the leap into the coaching their support. Their ﬁnancial world by achieving his FA backing allows us to provide Level 1 and Welsh FA UEFA the best platform to allow C Licence, which he uses to players to thrive, and the kit coach at St Mellons Rovers FC and equipment we purchase in Cardiff. He will continue in allows us to invest in our 1. 1WG FC Team vs CAMUS, his role as the Football Ofﬁcer players and coaches, letting Rear Row; L-R; Gdsm for the 20/21 season. them reach their full potential McBride, LCpl Goss, Lt Drury, as football players. LSgt Macaulay, CSgt Evans CSgt Ashley Cunningham 88, LCpl Williams 88, LCpl has continued in his role as a Hall, Gdsm Green, Gdsm coach with Non-League side Hoyle. Front Row; L-R; WO2 Eversley and California FC. He Peter, Gdsm Jacobs, LCpl Dean, Sgt Powell, Sgt Bladen, will continue in his current role LCpl Wonnocott as manager of 1WG FC, and this 2. LCpl Davies 14 (middle row season will become a member 3rd from right) Army Men’s of the Army Woman’s Football Squad photo for the 2020 Team staff. Inter service’s.

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Welsh Guards Racket Sports by Captain R Beckett Coldstream Guards, Motorised Transport Ofﬁcer fter a rewarding and memorable (busy) 1 Aﬁnal quarter to 2019, the Welsh Guards Squash Team entered the Household Division Squash Competition (both a team and individual competition) - a 3-day event held at Aldershot Garrison sports centre and hosted by Lt Col Kit Philp COLDM GDS, at the end of February.

The standard was high and that monies normally saved competition strong, and for entry fees could be used to unfortunately the depth of the purchase new equipment for Battalion team was not good the forthcoming season. Squash enough to make the ﬁnals, resumed on the 7th Sept and losing out to the eventual the Battalion are now training winners 1SG in the Semi-Finals. every Wednesday afternoon in The author was successful in anticipation of the new season winning the open competition. commencing. A comprehensive 3-0 win in the ﬁnal ensured that some silverware was coming back to Windsor.

Due to the pandemic taking 1. The author being presented hold in late March, squash with the Household Division Trophy by Lt Col Kit Philp ceased to happen, and squash COLDM GDS courts were left dormant over 2. New Rackets and Equipment the summer. Fortunately, the sourced with funds amount of money saved due kindly authorised by the to zero representation meant Regimental Trustees. 2

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take place across the South East, with the team sometimes travelling up to 2 hours to a race location.

The Battalion running team doesn’t conﬁne itself to these races, however. The runners enter races and events from 5km all the way up to Ultra Marathon and exhibition trail races under the Welsh Guards’ banner.

Never resting on our laurels WO2 Lewis and CSgt Marsh wanted a new challenge and signed up to the Gower 34mile ultra-trail marathon which runs along the rugged Welsh peninsular coastline in November. The course itself was tough, running along some of the most beautiful scenery the country has to offer, along single tracks, sand dunes, beaches and the constant hills of the countless bays. This was the longest distance the pair had run but due to their pre training and dedication they completed the course in a respectable time.

Most unfortunately, with the running season about to hit full swing in March 2020, COVID-19 put an abrupt stop to competitive running. However, we were not phased; the running team particularly saw this as an opportunity to conduct some dispersed and challenging running, all in the aid of charity. LCpl Watters, for example, ran 20 miles a day for 7 days during ‘lockdown’, demonstrating the sheer grit 1 and determination of the Battalion running team. Welsh Guards Running Team Our typical event is the by Colour Sergeant S Marsh Assistant Regimental Wednesday afternoon 10km Careers Management Ofﬁcer cross country race. It takes a particular breed of Welsh Guardsman to take part in a he Battalion running team is made up of all cross country run on a sports Tdifferent ages, ranks and levels of ability, but afternoon, which is a testament what we all have in common is the desire to push to those who take part. The season runs from October to 1. CSgt Marsh and WO2 Lewis ourselves further outside our comfort zones to October where eight races after the Gower 34-mile trail achieve personal goals. are held in total. These races ultra-marathon

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1 Welsh Guards Sailing by Captain LMF Vincenzini, Anti-tank Platoon Commander ith the cancellation of all the events in this Wyear’s sailing calendar, our hope to get out on the water lay in the hands of the organising bodies changing their mind before the end of the year.

Fortunately, as the summer Solent in order to develop junior drew to a close a Household skippers and introduce novices Division led event, Ex TIGER to sailing. Each regiment would WEST EXPRESS, still looked crew their own boat, six in total. promising albeit having been It would be a show of force postponed once. We were and demonstrate the unity and hopeful but remained ready bond of being Blue Red Blue. for the inevitable bad news until ﬁnally we heard that After sifting through a we were good to go. The mountain of COVID-19 exercise premise was simple, mitigation guides and armed a Household Division ﬂotilla with health declaration forms, making its way around the the crew of six (conveniently 2

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our way out of the Solent and up to Poole Harbour before returning to Yarmouth. We stopped for lunch in sheltered bays and were treated to amazing sunsets in picturesque marinas – I promise sailing is tough, as we were soon to ﬁnd out. We heard reports of gale warnings in the South West as the wind started picking up in Yarmouth and soon the waves coming into the harbour were rocking the boat violently. This continued until dawn and it proved to be a night to remember. As the wind gusted up to 30 miles per hour, we were in for some serious sailing and the journey along to Cowes was thrilling to say the least. We spent the last night in Cowes before making the short journey across to Gosport for the ﬁnal day. Luckily, the wind was still blowing strong and the now not-so-novice crew pushed JANTHINA to her limits.

3 The highlights of the trip include Gdsm Caulﬁeld-Dollard catching in line with Government two mackerel off the back of Guidelines) made their way JANTHINA and subsequently to Gosport in mid-September. serving them up for supper, Once down in Gosport, the a memorable trip to Buckler’s morning involved acquiring Hard – birthplace of several of food provisions, safety briefs the warships at the Battle of and most importantly, making Trafalgar and most importantly, sure the novices were familiar beating the Scots Guards with their new home for the crew in a head-to-head race. week, HMSTC JANTHINA (Her The week was an amazing Majesty’s Sail Training Craft experience and, crucially, the Janthina). We set off after Welsh Guards Sailing Team has lunch with blue skies and grown in numbers and are gentle winds. The conditions eager to take on the regattas were perfect to learn the next year. basics of sailing and we were pleasantly cruising along. Unfortunately, our destination was Lymington, a far distance from Gosport and with the tide slowing our progress we had to demonstrate the usefulness of the motor. We arrived in time for nightfall and after a fresh start from Windsor settled in for 1. Gdsm Perring helms JANTHINA an early night on board. 2. The sunset in Poole Harbour 3. The crew enjoy some Blue skies and gentle winds downwind sailing remained the theme for the 4. Gdsm Caulﬁeld-Dollard 4 next couple of days. We cruised showing his catch

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1 Number 2 Company National 3 Peak Challenge August 2020 by Guardsman Dowdeswell

fter unprecedented times over the course of Athe summer months, members of Number 2 Company manged to organise a charity event in order to raise money for Combat Stress, a charity that provides help to veterans and service 2 personnel suffering from mental health problems and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).

As a junior Guardsman I put to go. The plan was to start at myself forward to undertake 1020hrs, as this would see us this event. The challenge was avoid the traffic on the way to cover the highest peaks in south. The first peak (Ben Nevis) Scotland, England and Wales; is the highest in the British Ben Nevis (1345m), Scafell Isles. Our aim was to get up Pike (978m) and Mt Snowdon and down in under 4 hours, (1085m). The aim was to which we did. As it was a bank cover the 23 miles of walking holiday weekend the tourist distance, 462-mile drive and path was packed, which led to 3064m ascent all in just 24 some frustration on the way hours. up. Once we got to the top, we got a quick team picture and The first challenge was to get headed straight back down. to Fort William in Scotland on Before we knew it, we were on Friday 28 Aug 20 - it took us 11 route to Scafell Pike in England. and a half hours in total from Ben Nevis was a success. The our home in Windsor! The next worry was the traffic. As journey wasn’t the greatest, we crossed the border into however the views when we England the weather was still got past Loch Lomond were lovely, however the legs were worth the drive. That, and the starting to seize up! We arrived beers we had on arrival! at Scafell Pike at 2130hrs, in the dark. After a quick brief Saturday 29 Aug 20 came. we were on our way up to The sun was out, morale was the highest peak in England high, and the team were good (headtorches and cyalumes 3

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4 deployed). The aim was to get Next stop, Snowdon! The We arrived at the Pen y Pas Team Participants up and down in 3hrs. As we highest peak in Wales. The plan car park and the finish line Lt T Haines-Henderson stepped off, it was good to get from Scafell Pike to Snowdon at 0916hrs completing the WO2 J McEvoy the blood back in the legs and was to try and get some challenge in a brilliant time Sgt S Ducie morale was still high. sleep, however the constant of 22hrs 56mins. A sense of Sgt R Nelson cramping and the tight space achievement was in the air and Sgt S Parry 26 Half-way up Scafell Pike we in the vehicle made this very morale was as high as it could Sgt A Shapland could hear some climbers on difficult. We arrived at Pen y Pas get. Being a Welsh Guardsmen LSgt B Prothero the rock face shouting “help!”. car park, and dismounted the and finishing in Wales made it LCpl D Griffiths We then decided to phone vehicles like OAPs, with the level even better. LCpl M Wilkinson mountain rescue and give of fatigue high. With 5 hours left LCpl C Wonnacott them guidance as to where the to complete the challenge the We stayed in North Wales that Gdsm R Craig climbers could be as it was hard time was against us. For most of evening and after some rest Gdsm M Dowdswell to identify exactly. This was the team we were on our home we made our way back to Gdsm C Owen 97 headed up by Sgt Parry and his turf and it was the final push of Windsor. A successful weekend Gdsm L Roberts good static nav skills. We left Lt the challenge… in all aspects. We worked hard Haines-Henderson at the point as a team and got through it of hearing the climbers and we First light was encroaching, and together, remembering we cracked on. The team made it to we were on our way up the Pyg were conducting the challenge the top in good order and again, track (headtorches on). The chat for a mental health charity. took a quick picture and headed was limited and a few huffs In total, we raised £1,520 for back down the mountain. and puffs at the beginning. The Combat Stress. On the descent, we could see sunrise came from the east the rescue helicopter helping over the top of the mountain Thank you to the Regimental 1. The team at the summit the stranded climbers and which we had to stop and take Trustees who supported this of Ben Nevis - Legs we felt good as we facilitated a moment to enjoy the view. We event. Cymru am Byth. feeling good! the rescue for the climbers. summited Snowdon at 0730hrs, 2. The team at the summit of Scafell Pike - Legs feeling We completed Scafell Pike in which left us ample amount of less good! 3 hours. As we approached time to get down. Again, a quick 3. The beautiful sunrise Sunday 30 Aug, the end was in picture at the top and we were whilst climbing Snowdon. sight, with 10 hours left to meet on our way down the mountain 4. The team at the summit the target. at a canter. of Snowdon - Legs shot!

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1 2 3 Infantry Wakeboarding Championships (28th September – 1st October 2020) by Lieutenant T Haines-Henderson, 4 Platoon Commander his year the ﬁrst Infantry Wakeboarding TChampionships (IWC) was held at Box End Park in Bedford. Although some of the Army’s top riders come from the Infantry, it is hugely underrepresented at the Army and Interservice Wakeboarding Championships. 4

The introduction of the annual visibly beaming underneath. fit of rage prone to Junior Jefferies and Lt Goble of the IWC intends to redress this Although Wakeboarding is a Officers on the drill square but Irish Guards secured first and imbalance by identifying and technical sport and it can take is instead a backflip landed off second place in the Novice developing talent within the years to develop the finesse a certain aspect of the board. competition. Infantry. required at the top end, the lower end of the technical With a successful day in the Even though they did not Wakeboarding is a sport that scale is ruled heavily by the bag the team began day two return triumphant, waves sees riders towed behind a sports ethos of getting out aiming to create and test their have been made within the cable at 31kph navigating there and ‘sending it!’; and runs for the competition on Welsh Guards Watersports a variety of obstacles such this is exactly what they did. the final day. Coaching was pool. The team are already as kickers, sliders and rails Despite never having ridden offered by the experienced preparing a winter training all with varying complexity. before the four Guardsmen staff at Box End Park and program before the next IWC Riders will hit each obstacle spent the morning getting the Chairman of Infantry in May 21 and will be spending along their course and continually thrashed about Wakeboarding. Four hours as many sports afternoons perform aerial or surface on the water. Whether they later the team was happy and as possible at Liquid Leisure stunts to score points. Points were being ripped out of excited to show off what they in Windsor, the Holy Grail of are awarded based on the their bindings on the starting had learnt. The final day of the cable riding in the UK. flow, style and variation of dock, catching a front edge championships started with a the run. and being introduced to the large bacon roll and a strong 1. Gdsm Dowdeswell on water rather abruptly, or coffee before allowing the one of his first runs. Five members of 2 Company, unintentionally riding towards novice category a short warm 2. The author focusing Lt Haines-Henderson, Gdsm an obstacle and flying over up period. Each competitor (tongue out) on the Marshall, Gdsm Dowdeswell, the top of it, the Guardsmen was given two laps to approaching jump. Gdsm Williamson and Gdsm persisted stoically. By the end demonstrate what they were 3. The author ‘sending it’ Fury have established the of the first day all four had capable of. Unfortunately, the on his way to securing foundations of the Welsh successfully made it around Welsh Guards Wakeboarding trick of the day. 4. The inaugural Welsh Guards Guards Wakeboarding Team. the course in one piece and team did not see a podium Wakeboarding Team With relatively little experience the team captain had won finish, the team captain came (L-R Gdsm Dowdeswell, between them they set off ‘Trick of the Day’ for landing fourth in the open category, Gdsm Fury, the author, for Box End Park with faces a ‘Heelside Tantrum’. Despite but all was not lost for the Gdsm Marshall, and covered but smiles still the name this is not some Household Division as Lt Gdsm Williamson).

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1 2 3 Battalion Golf Team by Colour Sergeant Evans 488 he Battalion Golf Team has gone from Tstrength to strength over the last year. DMaj Rees has gone from taking up the great game and buying his ﬁrst set of clubs at the start of the year, to playing off a handicap of 10 - a clear natural talent!

This has inspired a number package from the Army Golf of the Corps of Drums to Association to help develop starting playing also and has her game and represent the really boosted the Golf Team’s Battalion and the Infantry next numbers. year in the Army Female Golf Team. 4 In early March DMaj Rees, LSgt Price and Dmr Price With the COVID lockdown held in Tredegar. DMaj Rees, or cancelled, the sport is attended an Infantry Golf easing during the balmy Gdsm Morgan 35 and the certainly growing within the Development Package at summer, more members author joined members of Battalion. Development days Upavon Golf Club. This was of the Battalion started the Association and RHQ to are planned for the winter designed to enable individuals playing, especially within the play and represent the Welsh months to continue the strong to have the opportunity of Officer’s Mess and Number 2 Guards in the Colonel in growth and progress the PGA professional coaching Company. The Officer’s Mess Chief’s Cup. 1WG Golf Team has made in the morning and to were taking full advantage of in 2020. The support of the play an 18-hole stableford the Household Division Golf The final outing of the Regimental Trustees is so very competition in the afternoon. Society, and its membership season for the Golf Team much appreciated by us all 40 competitors from across and affiliation to Worplesdon was the Household Division within the Battalion Golf set the Infantry took part and the Golf Cub. This is open to Golf Championships held at up and it enables us to provide DMaj finished runner up with all ranks past and present Worplesdon Golf Club at the opportunities otherwise out of a very impressive 36 points - a and offers a wonderful end of September, with Gdsm our reach. fantastic achievement in his opportunity to play 9 holes in Morgan 35 finishing runner first military golf competition. the summer evenings. up in the singles competition and the author winning the 1. Drum Major Rees, In April, single figure With competitions and events longest drive for the day with Support Company 2. Guardsman Morgan 35, handicap, Gdsm Morgan 35 (2 starting back up in August, the a 330+ yard tee shot. Number 2 Company Coy) joined the Battalion and Battalion team sent players to 3. Colour Sergeant Evans 488 became a great addition to the South East Army Regional Even though the season didn’t 4. The Welsh Guards Golf Team the team. Gdsm Morgan has Championships and the Welsh go fully to plan this year with regulars - Gdsm Morgan 35, been awarded a scholarship Guards Association Golf Day events getting postponed DMaj Rees, CSgt Evans

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Regimental Golf by Lieutenant Colonel Guy Bartle-Jones espite the pandemic decimation of sporting Devents this year the Guards Golﬁng Society was able to hold its main events, namely: The Colonel in Chief’s Cup and the Household Division Championships, albeit delayed and in reverse order.

Unlike most sports, golf The Welsh Guards were is probably one of the represented by: safest around in terms of maintaining social distancing. Gdsm Rhian Morgan (10) Some of the measures /Steve Gelly (11) introduced by golf’s governing bodies reinforce Drum Major Chris Rees (10) 1 this: no raking of bunkers, /Martin Topps (9) pins remain in the hole, and holes raised so golf balls can Robbie O’Rourke (9) be easily picked up; all reduce /Robin Malcolm (5) the chances of spreading Covid-19, and the fact that Reserve: CSgt Gareth you are enjoying wide open Evans 88 spaces and a healthy walk as well. However, this has not The format in the morning been well recognised across was sixsomes with a Welsh the regions, but at least in Guards pair competing England and at Worplesdon with both a Coldstream and Golf Club we have been able Household Cavalry pair. A to host these key events. relatively straightforward scoring system was employed Colonel in Chiefs Cup allowing for no more than 6 points to be awarded per 2 3 On Wednesday, 23 September hole: 4 points for an outright 20 the Colonel-in-Chief’s win, 2 points for second or (CinCs) Cup was finally played 1 point each if second was with each of the Household shared, and none if you came Division’s Regiments providing third; if all halved the hole a team of 6 (3 x pairs). In order then 2 points each. The total to achieve a result in a day points were then added up the 6 Regiments were divided for each pair and combined in to 2 Leagues of 3 teams. for an overall team total. As the losing finalist last year Despite scoring 108 points both ourselves and the Irish and beating the Coldstream Guards were seeded to avoid on 88 points, we ultimately each other in the opening lost out to the Household Round. Instead we drew the Cavalry on 128 points who Coldstream Guards and the qualified for the final against Household Cavalry. For the the Irish Guards as winners first time in the history of the of their group. Despite competition both ourselves, being the strongest team and the Household Cavalry, off handicap the foursome’s had female soldiers playing in format of alternate shots can our teams. be difficult to master but we were just grateful that the whole event could go ahead. However, we were able to field two serving soldiers 4

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in the team, a first for some back to half that match and win the Division but admirably a 4-ball match. With Peter and years and I hope to continue to outright overall. administered by Trevor Gregg I giving away 8 shots to Tom include representation from the (former Irish Guardsman). and Luca it looked distinctly like Battalion in the future. The Cup Household Division The format of the day was they had been taking handicap was eventually won by the Irish Championship (Notes different from previous years advice from Jack Badham Guards in a tight encounter with provided by Peter Richardson) as the foursomes was held in and Martyn Griffiths, as they the Household Cavalry as they the morning and the singles certainly did not play like 23 were 2 holes up after the first The delayed Household Division in the afternoon. The weather handicappers! Though after 10 2 pairs completed, and the last Championship was finally was kind in the morning with holes we remained all square, Mick pair were 3 down with 4 to played on Wed 30 Sep 20, cloud and occasional sun, the and after an entertaining play, and they managed to claw restricted to 38 players across wind was a feature and with the 10th short par 3, in which white tees being moved to their Luca nearly had an expensive fullest length it gave golfers afternoon by almost holing out a tough test. Regrettably the in one but then subsequently afternoon weather wasn’t as missing the birdie putt to allow fortunate with persistent rain. us to halve the hole. However, the wheels finally came off The Welsh Guards were from Hole 11 to 14 where represented with eight players, we left 4 down. At the same a 50/50 mix of serving and time Peter continued to drop former members, and for the fact it was the first time the first time in Regimental in 40 years that he had been Golf history we had a lady dropped from the Regimental Guardsman play, Rhian Morgan, Team for CinC’s and was clearly 5 a very accomplished golfer a factor in us not reaching the who picked up the Runners final! That said by the end of Up prize in the singles scratch 15th hole we were 5 down and competition. CSgt Gareth Evans, comprehensibly beaten with 3 Drum Major Chris Rees and holes to play, thereby justifying Sgt Richard Jones made up the the decision not to play Peter in other serving members with the Regimental Team! CSgt Evans winning the longest drive on the 18th hole at over Dates for your diary in 2021: 300 yards! The retired element consisted of Peter Richardson, 21 April 2021 Household Robbie O’Rourke, Steve Gelly Division Championships (Spring and John Hughes (31). Meeting)

Martin Topps and Martyn 29 April 2021 Colonel-in-Chief’s Griffiths were down to play Cup (1st/2nd Rounds) but unfortunately were held back in Wales due to lockdown 10/12 September 2021 Autumn restrictions. Meeting at Royal St Georges 6 Guards Golfing Society 23 September 2021 Colonel-in- Committee versus Chief’s Cup (Finals) Serving Officers

In recent years the Guards 1. Captains Tom Minihan, Golfing Society has hosted a Luca Vincenzini, Peter day at Worplesdon for Serving Ricardson at Guards Golfing Officers with the purpose of Society (GGS) v Serving showcasing the society and the Officers on Wed 14 Oct 20. benefits of signing up for an 2. Peter Richardson driving. annual fee of £20. On a sharp 3. Luca Vincenzini driving autumn day, Wednesday 14 4. Martin Topps with Col Sean O’Dwyer. Oct 20, and after the traditional 5. Regimental Team for Worplesdon roast lunch, Colonel in Chiefs Captain Tom Minihan and 6. Steve Gelly and Gdsm Captain Luca Vincenzini took on Rhian Morgan 35 7 myself and Peter Richardson in 7. Steve Gelly

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1 Welsh Guards Association Golf Season 2020 By Steve Gelly y ﬁrst year after taking over from Martyn MGrifﬁths as secretary of the Association started well.

Paul Conlon, who is assisting, word is getting out about the had booked some great courses Association and the fun to be with good deals and then had. COVID-19 hit us and one by one we had to cancel the meetings The course was in great as the lockdown restrictions condition despite the previous were brought in and everybody day’s poor weather and had to stay within a few miles we were made to feel very of their homes. So, no meetings welcome by the golf club. this year, or so I thought. But There were some good scores then, a glimmer of hope, when on the day and the results 2 a few of the restrictions lifted were: and we were at last able to have at least one meeting this year Winner: held at Tredegar Park Golf Club Martyn Grifﬁths 36 points on the 26th of August. Runner up: James Adamson 35 points on The meeting was well count back attended with 29 players, 24 3rd Place: of them being past or serving John Badham 35 points members of the Battalion. Nearest the Pin: With regards the serving Martin Topps members, regrettably, due to, Longest Drive: COVID-19 only two members Mike Mowbray of the Battalion were able 2’s: to join us because of leave, Derek Mangan duties, etc being changed at short notice, but it was great Martyn Grifﬁths also won the to see CSgt Gareth Evans John Powell Trophy, which is (Battalion Golf Rep) and LSgt one of the trophies played for Stuart May able to attend. throughout the year - must Also, it was great to see some have been the lack of pressure new faces attending the from not having to organise the meeting and good to see the event! 3

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4 8

I was hoping to arrange possibly one near Windsor and another meeting at Holyhead in get as many of the Battalion October but due to lockdowns along depending on peoples’ having been put in place over interest. large areas of Wales and the restrictions on travel, we If you wish to contact me about decided, regrettably once again the Golf Society please do so to cancel. However, organised my email address is steve@ by Keith Lewis, a group of the boardman-gelly.co.uk, send me North Wales members plus a your details and I will add you few others not on restrictions to my email contact list and you got together and had a smaller will then receive details when I meeting by themselves - which send them out to everybody. given the circumstances, was very well attended and, by all 5 accounts, they had an enjoyable day’s golf.

If you are interested in joining us, you will be made most welcome. The Society welcomes players of all standards, our ethos is, 9 through golf, maintain social 1. The Group at Tredegar contact with ex members of Park Golf Club 2020 the Regiment and also create 2. Mark Adamson (G), ties with serving members. Martin Topps, Martyn The dates for the meetings Grifﬁths and Keith Lewis throughout the year are 3. Gavin Pritchard (G), [normally] the last Wednesdays Richard Tudball, James in May, June, July, and August Adamson and Carl details of which I email out Woodward 4. Guy Bartle-Jones, CSgt before hand to all players. Gareth Evans, John Badham and Danny Williams (G) As this year was such a 5. LSgt Stuart May, Shane disappointing one, we will be Pullen, Mike Mowbray looking into perhaps an extra and Les Peake 6 one or two meetings next year, 6. Derek Mangan, Matthew Glanrit-Jones and Mike George 7. North Wales Golfers Holyhead 8. Paul Conlon, Mark Horwood, Steve Young (G) and Steve Gelly 7 9. Keith Lewis

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Welsh Guards Rugby by Captain EJ Scott-Bowden s is the case with almost all team sports, ARugby has been drastically affected by the government restrictions and COVID-19 as a whole.

With the scrum creating Outside of representative the perfect hot-pot for Rugby the Battalion has viral transmission, Welsh maintained old traditions Guards Rugby has seen a and continued to play Rugby period of stand down - a real during Christmas-in-a- shame given the growing week. This years’ Officers’ momentum and a number vs Sergeants’ Mess was a of key players returning nail-biter of a game with the from external postings. The Sergeants Mess claiming hype was building once victory 7-0. In addition to again about our prospects this, the Mark Evison Rugby in the fiercely competitive sevens tournament was Army Cup. However, despite highly competitive with The COVID-19 messing up the Prince of Wales’s Company season, there have been finishing as the clear winners several success stories. with a rather impressive side that would do well in many Training has been well Army Rugby competitions. attended across all ranks with many having not played much We remain hopeful that we 1 Rugby before. This added a will return to playing matches new dimension to training again in due course, however, and kept the older members current RFU guidelines state we of the squad on their toes. can currently only play touch Coaching has been bolstered Rugby. The Coldstream Guards, with the appointment of our local Windsor rivals, are Major Andy Campbell to head on standby for a friendly as coach, bringing a wealth of soon as we are allowed to play experience from his time with full contact again. So, with the Army U23s Squad, and the all of the uncertainty that we appointments of Sgt Hiscock are facing across the United as backs coach and the author Kingdom the Rugby team is taking over the forwards. remaining positive that once we can play again we will Before the announcement compete at the highest level of lockdown, the Welsh the Army has to offer. Guard’s Rugby team were well represented across the wider Army. Even with Battalion Rugby on hold we have seen four Welsh Guardsmen receiving the call for the Army Rugby team. All four members played against Melrose RFC just outside Edinburgh. The author and Lieutenant Joe Wilkinson in the forwards with Sgt 1. The author and Sgt Hiscock Hiscock and LSgt Putty pulling representing the Army v the strings as the half back Melrose RFC (2020) pairing. It was a hard-fought 2. The author and Sgt Dwyer game in rather miserable representing the Army v Scottish conditions. Coventry RFC (2019) 2

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poised and ready for the found to take those who chance to get out on the pitch are both new to the sport to practice and play, we are and those who are already just waiting for the chance to comfortable in the saddle onto begin. the ﬁeld to begin developing the team for next year. Unfortunately, the summer slipped by in a ﬂash and the Welsh Guards Polo provides team was not even afforded the opportunity to members the chance to stick and ball. of battalion who have never The Army Sports Board heard of let alone played the understandably deemed it sport to experience the rush unwise for the risk to be taken of a highly competitive sport and expose our soldiers to the and surreal feeling working pandemic any more than was with horses. 2 absolutely necessary.

1st Battalion Welsh Guards Polo However, this is not the end of by Lieutenant OMF Powell, Number Two Company the 2020 season as restrictions have now been lifted, to a he 2020 Welsh Guards Polo season was certain degree, and for now at least practices can be held. Tshaping up to be one of the busiest in recent There is also scope for Welsh history, with growing interest from all ranks. Guards Polo to get involved in the arena polo sphere as the 1. 2019 Season - OCdt George The tournament highlights Kirtlington Polo Club). The winter season opens up. Cadogan, Maj Alex Major, of the season were to include Welsh Guards team were set Maj Chris Davies and the The Captain and Subalterns to compete ﬁercely in all. It As the Battalion prepares to Comd Offr at Tidworth for the Captains’ and Subalterns’ (Tidworth Polo Club), The promised to be a summer full step off ceremonial duties and Tournament Major Generals, The Inter- of training and playing. Alas, into 11 Brigade, an intense 2. Photo of the 2019 Guards Regimental (both played at Welsh Guards Polo has been and ﬁeld-based training team winning the Inter Guards Polo Club) and The in suspended animation due programme has been created. Regimental at Guards Thorneloe Cup (played at to COVID-19. We have been However, time will still be Polo Club.

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Battalion Boxing by Major MI Butler Irish Guards, Ofﬁcer Commanding Headquarter Company s is the case with almost all team sports, ARugby has been drastically affected by the government restrictions and COVID-19 as a whole.

Following the Unit move from offered an extremely close Pirbright to Windsor, State fight in which Gdsm Wood Ceremonial and deployment won by a split decision, to the Falkland Island’s on Op presenting an excellent FIRIC, it was finally time for opportunity for a rematch in 1 members of the Battalion to the future. participate in the sporting arena. The date was set for Soon a fresh batch of boxers another great evening of with real potential were boxing. Training soon got identified - Gdsm Jones, Gdsm underway with LCpls Moriarty, Hamer and Gdsm Valentine Woosnam and Williams getting stepping up to the challenge to work on the boxers. Not to all within 6 months of joining be left out, Number 2 Company the battalion. were being put through their paces down in the Falkland Sgt Lucas (team manager) was Islands under the watchful eye busy recruiting new members of LCpl Dennis. - WO2 Parry (RQMS) and Gdsm Ward as team administration We now had plenty of support and LCpl Butler doing great 2 and momentum building work as our team media NCO. behind the event. Dmr Evans had volunteered to fight for The foundations were the London Regiment and set, and all involved were was matched against Gdsm determined to build upon Wood. Previously Number 2 the triumph of the previous Company, Gdsm Wood was boxing event in Pirbright. a former member of the Making this a spectacular Battalion boxing team who night for the boxers, members has subsequently joined the of the Battalion and guests, Reserves after leaving the marking a great end to a very Army in 2017. The match successful and busy year. 3

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The boxers were soon Officer of 1st Battalion Welsh getting light on their feet Guards after its formation in and looking sharp. A huge 1915, were on display at this amount of work put in by both prestigious evening. The belts coaches and boxers working were leant to the Battalion around Windsor Castle, Royal by fellow Welsh Guardsman Guard Duties and routine Stan Evans; the curator of business; a real example of the Welsh Guards Collection commitment demonstrated in Oswestry, who saw active by all. As expected, there was service in Aden in 1965 and no shortage of volunteers to was promoted to Lance get in the ring and soon we Sergeant. had 24 boxers medically fit and registered to fight, a great The belts; engraved with the 5 achievement by the team names of the winners of each coaches, management and weight category throughout administration. the years are now on display in a glass case at the Welsh It is in the blood - there Guards Collection. was a special significance to this event. The Welsh Other artefacts such as the Guards have a fine tradition score card between The Welsh of boxing and we had an Guards and The Parachute opportunity to pay homage Regiment captures the success to all Welsh Guardsman who of the team competing in have stepped into the ring the Army Inter-Unit Boxing through the years and fought Championships Semi-Final, with honour and distinction. 1954. The card shows a Six belts presented to the victory for 1st Battalion Welsh Guards boxing team by Welsh Guards on every bout Colonel Murray-Thriepland in fought, beating The Parachute 6 1940; the first Commanding Regiment ten bouts to nil.

We were joined by a plethora of distinguished guests, Brigadier Wright; Deputy Commander London District, Mr Antony Cotton; Celebrity Ambassador for SSAFA, Mr Sean Molino; Team Sponsor and Major General Pearson; Master of Nights Windsor Castle, who kindly addressed the Battalion and boxers from the ring. The Battalion were extremely grateful for Mr Stan Evans’ attendance and the stories of his service were inspirational to the younger generation and appreciated by all.

One last blessing of the boxers by the Padre and with the Regimental Sergeant Major in the ring as Master of Ceremonies, it was time for the show to begin. The night got off to a great start with the ﬁrst bout between Gdsm 7 Graham; Number 2 Company

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1. Members of the Battalion and LCpl Jones 73; Number and the Curator of the Welsh 3 Company. A real gutsy Guards Collection, Mr Stan performance with both boxers Evans, enjoying the fights setting the bar high for those ringside. to follow. The first half of the 2. Red Corner the winners - evening was a demonstration LCpl Moriarty receiving the of skill, bravery and daring. belts for the team. After a short interval the 3. The Welsh Guards Choir ready to perform “Men of Battalion Choir showed their Harlech” to kick off the 2nd support to the evening, half. singing Men of Harlech and 4. The end of a successful Land of our Fathers. Filling the evening. room with pride it was a great 5. Gdsm Gronow receiving his way to kick off the final half. runner up trophy. The remaining bouts did not 6. Dmr Evans 73 and Gdsm disappoint, full of exhilaration Gronow landing blows. 7. 2Lt Richardson lands a clean and courage. The last fight punch to Dmr Roberts 69 finished in style winning the 8. LCpl Jones 73 receives his night for the Red Corner, winner’s trophy from the coached by LCpl Moriarty. Commanding Officer. 8 Gdsm Keegan; London 9. A display of what’s up for Regiment received the trophy grabs for the boxers. for most courageous boxer 10. Members of the Sergeants’ and Gdsm Winney from The Mess enjoying the evening before the start of the bouts Prince of Wales’s Company was awarded best boxer of the night.

The evening was a great success and enjoyed by all. A huge thanks to Sgt Lucas and the team management, coaches and supporting staff for making this such an entertaining and memorable occasion, a real team effort by all. A special thanks to our team sponsor Mr Sean Molino owner of Forces Fitness who 9 continues to support Welsh Guards boxing.

Welsh Guards boxing, bolstered by new talent, with experience from Welsh Boxing Clubs is growing each year in popularity and ability. A substantial delay in making our return to the ring due to COVID-19; however, once restrictions are lifted and the team are clear to start training again, there will be real purpose and focus towards defending their titles in the Household Division Championships with a view to entering the Army Championships 2021.

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1 Falklands Memorial Wrexham 27th June 2020 By Captain Chris Hopkins, President North Wales Branch of the Welsh Guards Association nfortunately owing to the Covid-19 pandemic, Uthis year’s Falklands Service of Remembrance and Reunion planned for Saturday 27 Jun 20 had

to be cancelled.

However, to ensure our fallen After the parade, with the War were honoured a small group Memorial Club in lockdown of local Welsh Guardsmen and there being no other 2 assembled to pay our respects hostelries open, I produced a on behalf of the Regiment. bottle of Scotland’s finest from the boot of my car in order A short dedication and wreath to make a number of toasts. laying took place followed by For some reason there were the last post. no customers at the “Boot Bar.” Then I noticed a queue On parade were the standards at the Royal Navy car-boot of the Royal Navy Association, where a rum ration was being the Type 42 Destroyer handed out! In the finest spirit Association, the Royal Marines of friendship toasts were Association and the North made with both varieties of Wales Branch of the Welsh firewater. Guards Association. The latter was carried by John Burns, the We look forward to next year

All photographs (less 9 & 10) photo’s courtesy of Gabrielle Davies of https://www.gabrielledaviesphotography.com/ Wrexham, Granddaughter of Alan Loose. 3 North Wales Branch Secretary. and the 39th Anniversary

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service when hopefully things will be back to some kind of normal.

Further, on 4th August 2020 the Falklands Memorial was visited by the Airborne Forces Motorcycle Club (see photo’s 9 & 10). They were touring the country over eight days mapping all of the memorials dedicated to the Falklands war. Henry Vaughan Jones and I met them at the memorial. They looked like a real brotherhood in their club colours, ﬂags, airborne berets and magniﬁcent motorcycles and we sincerely hope some of them will join us in June next year. 4

1. The socially distanced, Covid-19 compliant Memorial Parade. 2. The Standards on Parade. 5 3. L-R: Maldwyn Jones, John Burns, Graham Binnie, Kevin Hackett. 4. L-R: Alan Loose, Captain Chris Hopkins, Glyn Rogers, Mike Edwards. 5. L-R: Henry Vaughan Jones, Maldwyn Jones, John Burns 6. Mike Edwards, Glyn Rogers. 7. Alan Loose at the Bar! 8. Mine hosts at the boot bar! 9-10. The Airborne Forces Motorcycle Club at the Welsh Guards Falklands Memorial, Wrexham, 4 August 2020 7

8 9 10

BATTLEFIELD TOURS AND REMEMBRANCE 103 WELSH GUARDS REGIMENTAL REMEMBRANCE SUNDAY 8th November 2020

Remembrance Sunday 8th November 2020 by Colonel TCS Bonas espite all the restrictions caused by COVID, Dthe Regiment was able to proceed with a small parade at the Guards Memorial in order to mark Remembrance Sunday and to lay our Regimental Wreath.

HRH The Prince of Wales very The photographs will give kindly agreed to take part, as one a good feel of the he always does if he can. The parade and were taken by parade consisted of various Neil Rice the Association moving parts but was based Assistant Secretary General on a rank of six facing the and Sergeant Morgan from Guards Memorial consisting the Battalion. Following the of the Colonel, the Regimental parade His Royal Highness Adjutant, the Commanding took time to speak to all and Ofﬁcer, the Assistant Equerry, as he departed the Regimental the Battalion Padre and the Adjutant presented him with Regimental Sergeant Major. the Ofﬁcers hawthorn stick Padre Colin Jones said a to complement the longer few prayers which included walking one presented to him the Regimental Collect, the on Remembrance Sunday Sergeant Major delivered in 2018. A most memorable the Exhortation and read the parade made more special by Kohima epitaph and Sergeant the presence of the Colonel. Laing played Last Post and My thanks to the Major Reveille. RQMS Parry was on General and Headquarters hand to present the wreath Household Division for to His Royal Highness and allowing us to proceed. Guardsmen Jallow was on bowler hat and umbrella duties.

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1 80th Anniversary of the Defence of Arras by Colonel TCS Bonas, Regimental Adjutant

eaders will know well that 1st Battalion Welsh 2 RGuards, as part of the British Expeditionary Force, defended the City of Arras between 17 – 24 May 1940 and then conducted a ﬁghting withdrawal to the beaches.

Given our now very close Association Battlefield Tours connection with the City, a not least because we were small group from Regimental the last out in 1940 and first Headquarters which included back in 1944. Of course, we myself, RQMS Davies and also helped to defend the Lance Sergeant Laing (to play City in 1918. Aside from the Last Post) were invited by historical link to the City, the Mayor to join in the 80th Arras is of course a delightful Anniversary over the weekend place with two squares, many of 21 – 24 May. Sadly, due fine restaurants and a lot of to COVID-19 and lockdown watering holes many of which we were unable to attend. are frequented when we visit! However, the Mayor and Laurent Wiart, the Director The Regiment have been of Heritage, Archelogy and offered the Freedom of the Tourism, very kindly laid City and subject to Battalion some flowers on behalf of and Band commitments, we the Regiment at our Memorial hope to hold an appropriate Plaque in Arras on Friday parade in 2021. It will be a 21 May. very special day/weekend and I will keep all informed-on The Regiment have been developments. sending a small group to Arras each May for a number of years. These are based on an officer and four to five other 1,2,3. The Welsh Guards ranks from the Battalion, all Memorial in Arras which in Home Service Clothing. is the focal point of Arras is also regularly visited Anniversary by both the Regimental and Commemorations 3

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Welsh Guards Association Battlefield Tour and Hechtel Commemorations by Major Lyndon Davies QARANC Battlefield Tour Project Officer

hen we waved goodbye to the people of WHechtel in September 2019 after a hugely successful 75th anniversary commemoration of the town’s liberation by the Welsh Guards in 1944, little did we expect that the 50 of us who had planned to attend in 2020 would not be returning because of COVID-19 restrictions.

The Association’s Battlefield we all paid our respects to the Tour and visit to Hechtel to 35 members of the community commemorate the anniversary who died. Whilst visibly in tears of their liberation has become at the end of the ceremony he an established annual event. could be heard saying “thank Over the years, a strong bond you Welsh Guards, thank you of friendship has developed Welsh Guards, the Welsh Guards between the Regiment, the saved us”. A couple of months Association and the people after our visit he sadly passed of Hechtel who are eternally away. We remember him with grateful for the bravery and great fondness, and we thank 1 sacrifice of the Welsh Guards him and others like him who in September 1944. The 1st never forgot the sacrifices that and 2nd Battalions fought took place in 1944 to secure there and liberated the people their freedom. Until a couple of Hechtel from a cruel Nazi of years ago, we were blessed occupation. 35 members of every year on the tour by the the community lost their lives presence of Ray Cumbley and at the hands of the German Arthur Bland who were both occupiers and many of us have Welsh Guards veterans from the met individuals over the years battle of Hechtel. It really made who have provided powerful the tour so special having the first-hand accounts of what likes of Ray and Arthur making took place there. that journey every year until they were sadly no longer One of these was a gentleman with us. Those of us who are by the name of Gilbert Van left behind are committed to Goethemd who was an ensure that their legacy lives on Honorary Member of the and that we will forever more 2 Ogmore Branch, Welsh Guards maintain the strongly formed Association. As a young boy friendships with Hechtel. of 16 years old, he looked on as his father and uncle were We are also hugely indebted executed by the Germans on 10 to the Mayor of Hechtel, Jan September 1944. Every year, Dalemans who has truly he would attend the liberation become a great friend to us ceremony proudly wearing all. He ensures that members a Blazer with Welsh Guards of the tour are hosted insignia and a Household exceptionally well and always Division tie. In September puts on a huge spread for lunch 2019 he was aged 91 and where wine and beer flows was looking quite frail in his in plentiful supply. Last year, wheelchair but he made sure we all enjoyed an impressive that he was there at his father’s liberation Tattoo where we 3 graveside in the cemetery as were entertained in beautiful

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weather by different military Belgium. He also remembered bands. In 2018, Jan hosted the terrible loss amongst us in the VIP enclosure at the the Belgium population and massive Sanicole International referred to the bravery of the Airshow where members of the Belgium people who risked Association were introduced their lives to help the British. to the British Ambassador in On behalf of all the members Brussels and where the endless of the battlefield tour, we are bottles of champagne were extremely grateful to Lt Gen Sir enjoyed by all. This year, once Ben Bathurst for maintaining again, Jan had organised for this bond of friendship and us all to be hosted in the VIP continuity with Hechtel and enclosure at the Airshow but for conveying to the local sadly coronavirus put a stop community our warmest of to the airshow. As time went best wishes. He explained that on, we realised that it would were it not for the coronavirus be very difficult to safely run a restrictions, Association tour and it would be a challenge members would have been to maintain social distancing there in good number again this for a long bus journey. With year along with Col Tom Bonas, cases being high in Belgium Regimental Adjutant who’s and the UK Government support and commitment restrictions on travel and to the tour is always hugely 4 quarantine measures, we had appreciated. We all hope that no option other than to cancel things will be back to normal this year’s tour to the huge again next year and that we will disappointment of us all. be back in Hechtel once again to remember and pay respects to The annual commemoration the fallen and to see our Belgian event in Hechtel went ahead friends. albeit on a much smaller scale with Covid-19 precautions and After the ceremonial events social distancing measures in at Hechtel, the battlefield tour place. Whilst the Association moves on every year to another were unable to be there, we area of military or regimental were very fortunate that the historical interest. For the last Regiment’s continuity at the few years we have hugely commemoration remained benefited from the expert unbroken by the attendance knowledge of our battlefield of Lieutenant General Sir Ben guide Allan Wood, who is an Bathurst KCVO CBE who kindly accredited member of the attended with his ADC, Capt guild of battlefield guides. In 5 Nikki Fullwood to lay wreaths recent years, we have been at the memorials and address blessed by his research and the local community. Lt Gen Sir attention to detail, where he has Ben Bathurst is currently the been able to bring Regimental UK’s Military Representative history to life. His delivery and to NATO, Brussels and I know knowledge is always impressive that the people of Hechtel felt and we were all very much hugely honoured and were looking forward to his input appreciative of his attendance. once again this year where we had planned to base ourselves In his address, Lt Gen Sir Ben in Arras, a town where the Bathurst reinforced the strong Welsh Guards have very close bond between the Regiment links from the First and Second and Hechtel and he conveyed World Wars. The theme of our the gratitude of the entire Welsh tour this year was to be the Guards Regimental family for Battle of the Somme, focusing continuing to honour those on the involvement of the from its ranks who lost their Welsh Guards as well as other lives during the liberation of important historical aspects. 6

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1-2. Arthur Bland (2657354) - in Hechtel Commemorations Highlights of recent years and it is pleasing to see a new Panama hat and Ray Cumley 13th September 2020. have focused on the Battle of generation of Welsh Guards (2736858) at previous Cambrai, the liberation of Arras veterans coming along and Battlefield Tours 5. Lieutenant General Sir in 1944, participating in the Last joining other Association Ben Bathurst KCVO CBE Post ceremony at the Menin members who have been 3. Arthur Bland standing on the placing a Regimental wreath Gate, Ypres and visiting the coming on the tour for years. left of the man wearing a at the Memorial Cross in battlefield of Waterloo. It was unfortunate that we white top, with Ray Cumley Hechtel Cemetery had to cancel this year’s tour over his right shoulder. Photo taken around the 6. Lieutenant General Sir Ben The Association Battlefield Tour as we had more Welsh Guards time of the liberation Bathurst KCVO CBE placing a offers excellent value for money Association members signed up of Hechtel. Regimental wreath and we are grateful to the to attend, many of which were at the M4A2 Sherman Trustees for offering a generous coming along for the first time. 4. L-R: Lieutenant General Sir Tank memorial in the town subsidy. We are always Llanelli Branch in particular has Ben Bathurst KCVO CBE, after which he addressed the grateful to Colonel Tom Bonas, supported the tour in numbers Jan Dalemans Burgemeester assembled locals on behalf Major Martin Browne and the over the last couple of years Hechtel-Eksel, Adjt Maj Jacobs of the Regiment. Regimental Quartermaster as well as others from various Armed Forces HQ Brigade, Adjt Vliegen 7-8. Previous Battlefield Tours Sergeant for their support as branches. The tour strikes the (retired) at the Liberation of well as Maldwyn Jones and Neil right balance between the Rice (Secretary General and respectful wreath laying acts of Asst Secretary General) who remembrance (with standard play such an important part in bearers and last post) and lots AIMS OF THE TOUR supporting the tour with Neil of fun and comradeship, both covering the tour as our official of which are hugely important. • To remember the people of Hechtel and Welsh photographer . I would also like Guardsmen who gave their lives for the liberation of to thank Andy Morgan 31 who It is really pleasing that Hechtel and ensure that the spirit and legacy of those works very hard to make sure everyone who committed to veterans who made this journey an annual pilgrimage everyone is well looked after on attend this year has transferred continues into the future the bus and is a huge support to their deposit to secure their me in planning and organising place for 2021 so we can be • To support the Regimental Adjutant and the Secretary the tour. assured that we remain on General in maintaining the strong bonds between the course to fulfil the aims of the Welsh Guards Association and the Mayor and community The tour has grown in tour for the future: of Hechtel number over recent years • To facilitate a learning experience through incorporating an educational aspect to the tour, learning about events in Hechtel and the Regiment’s wider activities, as well as other areas of military history

• To complement the Association’s wider activities through an annual opportunity for members from various branches to spend time together on an organized tour

• To ensure that everyone has an enjoyable experience through great fun and great comradeship and to secure the sustainability of the tour for the future.

DETAILS FOR NEXT YEAR

7 The Battleﬁeld Tour dates for 2021 will be 11-15 September. The tour will include the 77th annual liberation commemoration in Hechtel and will then focus on the Battle of the Somme staying 2 nights in Arras. Term of Reference for the tour can be found on the Welsh Guards Charity Website.

Any expressions of interest should be directed to the Battleﬁeld Tour Project Ofﬁcer Maj Lyndon Davies on [email protected] or alternatively via your Branch Secretaries. Please note that spaces are limited and if necessary, a reserve list may be formed. Please do not let this deter anyone from expressing an interest. 8

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Gwyddfan, Rhosgadfan near enemy crashing barrages Caernarfon. Mary died on 25th while passing Boesinghe November 1924 and Lewis on Chateau. A fine example of 10th February 1935. His Father endurance. “ was a deacon at Rhosgadfan Chapel for 25 years. The citation for his DCM posted in the London Gazette on 17th The military hospital records September 1917 said: show that John was wounded the first time just prior to “For conspicuous gallantry his 20th birthday on 10th and devotion to duty in September 1916 during the guiding a platoon of a Battle of Ginchy (the Somme) relieving battalion to the with gunshot wounds to his front line, through a very left arm and buttocks. After heavy barrage, although recovering, John rejoined his wounded in 15 different unit to fight in Flanders at the places early during the Battle of Passchendaele (also operation. He covered in known as the Third Battle of all a distance of over three Ypres). John was awarded miles, and it was entirely the Distinguished Conduct due to his pluck and Medal (DCM) for his actions on determination that a large the 19th July 1917 during this section of the front line battle. In the History of the was relieved. He refused to Welsh Guards by CH Dudley have his wounds attended Ward there is a paragraph until he had carried out his summarizing his actions that duty, after which he was day in Flanders: carried back to the dressing station on a stretcher.” “The battalion took over the front line by Boesinghe Less than two months later Chateau, the line they John was back in action at would attack from. The Bourlon Wood in the Battle Prince of Wales and of Cambrai. This was a very General Gaythorne Hardy costly battle. There were visited the battalion on the nearly 100,000 men on both line, the shelling was heavy sides who shed blood on this 1 and deafening during patch of Northern France their visit which boosted between 20th November Rhosgadfan Hero Awarded the morale. Pte J 0 Pritchard and 9th December 1917. On Distinguished Conduct Medal (DCM) had a nasty experience the day John was killed, 28th during the relief on the November 1917, his unit by 23523061 David (Spider) Webb 19th. The enemy shelling was expecting an enemy had been continuous and counterattack near the village his has been a really horrid year with Covid-19 severe, with frequent of Fontaine-Notre-Dame along Tcausing lockdowns and travel restrictions short, crashing barrages the Hindenberg Line. globally which has meant that the Welsh Guards on all approaches to the line. Pritchard was to act The previous day, 27th Pilgrims had to cancel the annual battlefield tour as guide to one of the November, it snowed and on of Holland, France and Belgium. relieving platoons and had the 28th the enemy rained to meet it at a point some down 16,000 rounds of high It was planned during the action having recovered from two miles away. On his way explosive shells and gas on tour to visit the places where being wounded 19 times in 15 to the rendezvous he was British positions. “Welsh 2361 John O Pritchard DCM months. wounded in fifteen places, Guards suffered enormous had fought, including his final but he completed his task losses as they advanced resting place in Cambrai. This John was one of eight children. and fainted as he led the against heavy firing from is his journey after joining the He had one brother and six platoon into the front La Folie wood and became Regiment on 10th November sisters. He was born on 19th line. He had walked three embroiled in house to house 1915 in Liverpool until his death September 1896 and was the miles from the time he fighting,” said one witness at the battle of Bourlon Wood, son of Mary Anne Pritchard was hit and had to lead the account. “The situation was Cambrai when he was killed in and Lewis Pritchard of platoon through one of the intolerable and by 1300

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hours it was over. Despite great courage and tenacity, the Guardsmen had been overwhelmed by the entrenched enemy in superior numbers.”

Almost 4,000 Welsh Guards saw action in France and Flanders during the Great War and more than 850 died. Twenty-two including John, were awarded the Distinguished Conduct Medal. This award was established in 1854 by Queen Victoria as a decoration for gallantry in the ﬁeld by other ranks of the British Army. It is the oldest British award for gallantry and was a second level military decoration after the Victoria Cross, until it was discontinued in 1993.

John Owen Pritchard’s sacriﬁce is commemorated, along with 7,000 others at the Cambrai Memorial, panel 3. He was just 21. “Gorffwys Mewn Heddwch Brawd”

CYMRU AM BYTH 2 I would like to thank Ian and David Roberts and Jill Thomas for sharing their Great Uncle John’s story.

1. 2361 Pte John O. Pritchard D.C.M 2. English translation: “In Loving Memory of Our Beloved Son” 3. The Rhosgadfan memorial stone situated in the Mountain Rangers Social club where it was moved to when the Old Village Hall was burnt down in 2004. 3

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1. Photograph taken against the backdrop of “San Carlos Water” site of the British Task Force landings on the Falkland Islands which started on the night of 21 May 1982. L-R: Phil Moore, Ian Davies, David Ricketts, Richard Bates, John Criddle, Nigel Miles, Andrew Broad, Paul Fennell, David Lewis 01, Charlie Carty MBE

Veterans Visit the Falkland Islands 38 Years On by Major CGH Carty MBE TD

n late February 2020 a group of ten Welsh Guards Iveterans made a return visit to the Falkland Islands for the ﬁrst time since the conﬂict of 1982. The visit was organised and administered by the author and included Andy Broad, Dave Lewis 01, Richard Bates, Dave Ricketts, Ian Davies 60, John Criddle, Nigel Miles, Paul Fennell and Philip Moore.

The following is our daily diary. minutes or so it felt as if we 2 were all just coming back off a Day 1 - RV at RAF fortnight’s leave with the usual Brize Norton banter kicking off. Wednesday 26th February After a settling in period we After twelve months in the got around the table for an planning and prior to this epic initial brieﬁng as to the way journey, everyone initially met the trip would unfold and this up at the Gateway House Hotel was an ideal opportunity to at Royal Air Force Brize Norton, have a face to face, having for some, a fair journey in corresponded by email and itself from all parts of the text for the previous twelve United Kingdom where our months! All of a sudden, the veterans had settled since trip had become a reality retiring from the Regiment dependent of course on our many years ago. I don’t think friends in blue and zero cross it’s an exaggeration to say winds at Royal Air Force Mount that some had more than a Pleasant (the latter which little difﬁculty recognising could have initiated a 24-hour comrades from over 38 delay) - fortunately lady luck 3 years ago, however, after ten was to be on our side.

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Having found the main dining lodge manager Ali Dodd - no room and devoured a most one could have missed the welcome evening meal we aroma of the “All in Stew” she returned to the Gateway House had prepared for us. Hotel to chill out before being collected by coach for the move There is no doubt that the to the main terminal building for group were taken aback by a four hour wait for departure. the quality and high standard All the usual booking in and of the lodge accommodation security formalities completed which has a commanding we were in the departure lounge view over the inner harbour. awaiting embarkation “with All credit must go to the fingers crossed” for no delays. Falklands Veterans Federation founding committee for their At 0035hrs we began to board foresight and inspiration when the extremely large Voyager planning its inception (although Airbus Military 330-200 and it has to be said that many by midnight we were ready of the islanders do miss the for departure with the crossed opportunity to house veterans 4 fingers loosening slightly! as they did in the early days of veterans returning to the Day 2 - Journey South islands). Thursday 27th February Day 3 - Fitzroy At 0110hrs we departed on Friday 28th February the first six-hour leg of our journey to Cape Verde West We started the day with our first Africa, which is being used, I am very personal and emotional told, for the foreseeable future visit to Fitzroy and the Welsh while the runway on Ascension Guards Memorial. Here we also Island is being repaired. After took the opportunity to visit all a two-hour refuelling stop, we the other memorials in the area were on the second 12-hour leg related to the bombing of the to RAF Mount Pleasant in the RFAs (Royal Fleet Auxiliaries) Sir Falkland Islands. Galahad and Sir Tristram. A final visit to the sheep pens where On arrival at RAF Mount many of us found ourselves Pleasant and not having after getting off the Sir Galahad encountered any delays or and we found them virtually a problems passing through ‘step back in time’ as little had Customs and Immigration, our changed over the years. transport collected us for the 5 one hour journey to Stanley On our return to Stanley we and for the first time since stopped to visit and pay our 1982 everyone was getting respects at the memorial at a feel of the terrain they had Minefield 60 to LCpl Chris not seen for thirty eight years, “Bowser” Thomas 03. there was a mix of banter, kip and discussion to identify the On arrival in Stanley we features on route and quiet sampled an excellent lunch contemplation whilst realising at Shorty’s Diner. Suitably fed that we have at last arrived on and watered we moved into the islands which were to have the afternoon with a visit to such a profound effect on us in the Memorial Wood, a piece one way or another for the rest of unused ground which was of our lives. landscaped, and a tree planted for every serviceman killed We finally arrived at the in action. All the planning fantastic Liberty Lodge in and work carried out in the Stanley and were met with an making of this memorial was 6 excellent welcome from the instigated by Tim and Jan

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Miller with the young children around Stanley and the close of their cub scouts’ group. surrounding areas.

Successive generations of After a light lunch in Shorties children continue to maintain Diner the group tabbed to the the memorial over the Scots Guards Memorial on years which provides Peace, Mount Tumbledown and took Solitude and Remembrance a drink in memory of fellow for all. Here the group took Guardsmen, many who we the opportunity to plant small knew personally who had also remembrance crosses for made the supreme sacrifice in friends and comrades killed in this conflict. action. Day 5 - Memorial Service After a short rest in the lodge Sunday 1st March we were again on the move back to Fitzroy as guests of A very special day for us local inhabitants Phil and Carol of course and we held Ovenden for a presentation by our Service at the Welsh CPO (Chief Petty Officer) Alan Guards Memorial in Fitzroy “Sharkey” Ward RN. overlooking the offshore site of the bombing of the RFA’s Sharkey was one of the last, Sir Galahad and Sir Tristram. 7 “still-serving”, Falklands War The service was also attended Veterans. He was serving on by serving members of the board HMS Herald during the Royal Navy, Army and Royal conflict and was part of the Air Force based at the Mount first aid team who treated Pleasant Complex and a the wounds of the casualties number of local Falkland of the Sir Galahad and Sir islanders. Tristram, although he was not, by trade, a medic. Since then, The Reverend Kathy Biles he has maintained strong ties kindly officiated with the with the Welsh Guards and Welsh Guards wreath being was instrumental in giving laid by Paul Fennell, the his support to No 2 Company Exhortation read by Dave when they were posted to the Rickets, the Kohima Epitaph by Falklands as the Roulemont Andrew Broad and the Names Infantry Company (RIC). of the Lost by Charlie Carty. The companies superb and On completion of our main extremely moving service of service we prepared to Remembrance at the Welsh scatter the ashes of Idwal Guards Memorial continues Bellis (24025082) which was to be remembered and talked his last wish - after a further 8 about to the present day. short service his and his families wishes were carried CPO Ward made a joint out. On completion we were presentation to the Fitzroy invited to the Fitzroy Hall for community and us of a refreshments before returning superb custom-made to Stanley. Many thanks must presentation case of little go to the lovley people in remembrance crosses which Fitzroy and of course Jan and the company placed during Tim who help to organise our their Remembrance Service at visit each year. Fitzroy. After lunch we returned to Day 4 - Stanley Stanley to visit the War Memorial Saturday 29th February and Stanley Museum and in the evening finished the day with Today was a gentle start with a superb group dinner at the a late breakfast and a wander Waterfront restaurant. 9

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Day 6 - Mount part in the building of Liberty Pleasant Base Lodge as well as their ongoing Monday 2nd March superb support to veterans visiting the islands to the After an early “Full Welsh” present day. breakfast we moved self- contained in our two 4x4s Day 7 - Circumnavigation ably driven by the author and Tuesday 3rd March Nigel Miles, both volunteers of course! We pulled out We departed Liberty Lodge of Stanley past Sapper Hill for a long day in the field and headed for the Mount and having loaded all the Pleasant Complex where the goodies including Flasks and a Royal Air Force were hosting Nosebag for lunch we planned us during our morning visit. to circumnavigate the Eastern Island covering Teal Inlet, San On arrival and after the Carlos, Darwin and Goose 10 complexities of signing in at Green. Sennybridge and the main guardroom we were Dartmoor Training Areas came met by our host, the Base to mind as we progressed on Sergeant Major who briefed our journey in our two 4x4s. us as to our visit. We then moved to the Royal Air Force On reaching San Carlos and and No 1435 fast jet flight in a plot of overlooking the where we were confronted sea in this windswept land is by one of the awesome the British Military Cemetery, operational Typhoons and a carefully constructed its crew who then gave us and beautifully maintained various briefings as to their memorial to the dead (of role followed by a detailed course most British casualties introduction to the aircraft were buried at sea). We spent after which everyone had some time here reflecting and the rare opportunity of paying our respects. experiencing the pilots seat for themselves. Timings Eating our lunch overlooking couldn’t have been better as the now rotting Jetty on which we were then taken airside at the battalion came ashore in the runway edge to witness 1982, the memories rolled two Typhoon’s taking off, back. We moved on to the this was a massive once only location of the old company experience where the two positions, to find some of aircraft lifted off the runway in the trench imprints now well front of us, climbed vertically grown over, it was now a clear and with a roar of their sunny but windy day which is 11 engines became two dots in a stark difference to the cold, the sky. What a finish to the wet and windswept days of visit. 1982 when the peat trenches quickly filled with muddy We were then looked water. after royally with lunch in the Warrant Officers and We also decided at this point Sergeants Mess. to have our group photograph taken against the backdrop of The day complete we returned our “Landings” site in 1982. to Liberty Lodge and prepared for our dinner invitation with Onward we moved to Goose Ian and Sheila Stewart whose Green via the Argentine hospitality is second to none. cemetery near Darwin Sheila has been key in helping positioned on a very bleak area us with our harbour events lacking the well known quality 12 and Ian played a significant of the War Graves Commission.

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Travelling now along the second invitation to dinner Southern route towards at the home of Tim and Jan Stanley still with some Millar. Tim and Jan are of distance to go on less than course legendary for their ideal roads we eventually support to Welsh Guardsmen reached Liberty Lodge and visiting the islands, the prepared for a chilled evening. amount of work they do on our behalf both with Day 8 - Bluff Cove our visiting veterans and at Wednesday 4th March Falkland Islands Government level is massive and there are Today was planned as a 2 no words I can put here which Coy/Bn HQ day. We followed will do them justice. their progress from Bluff 13 Cove to Mount Harriett where Day 9 - Government House they were in support of Thursday 5th March the Marines and then on to Sapper Hill and Stanley. Today has been fairly flexible with visits in Stanley and Starting our journey at Bluff personal choices of activity. Cove, we were met by Kevin We started the day with a Killmartin who is the owner visit to the Penguin colonies of Bluff Cove Farm, he made at Gypsy Cove followed by us very welcome and added visits to the old Stanley Airport greatly with his input on the and Museum after which events involving the arrival we congregated at Shorties in 1982 of Bn HQ, 2 Coy and Diner for lunch which was, as 14 the MG (Machine Gun) Pl. always, quite excellent. We visited all the relevant approaches and landing areas At 1330hrs we are invited to in the cove and ended up tea at Government House and sampling Hattie Killmartin’s on this occasion the Deputy delicious cake and coffee. Governor hosted our visit, so back to the lodge and dress We moved onward in the for the occasion after which direction of Stanley to we arrived as required five Elephant Canyon where Bn HQ minutes before parade! were located and thereafter the positions of 2 Coy where The Deputy Governor was many of the old trench very accommodating with a locations have been found. warm welcome and talked We further pinpointed the with everyone discussing a 15 Bn Start Line where a good variety of interesting subjects view of Mount’s Longdon, which the group raised. Tumbledown and Kent were seen, all areas of heavy A farewell evening dinner fighting during the last week at the Malvina Restaurant of the conflict. gave us the opportunity to invite and thank all those who Our final stop on route was support our visits each year, Sapper Hill from where a an excellent evening was had superb view of Stanley was by all. seen. With all our planned route covered we returned to Day 10 – Homeward Bound Liberty Lodge and prepared Friday 6th March for an organised boat tour of the inner and outer harbours. Well, after an early start we are now on route for the Another day nearly comes United Kingdom via Cape to an end its now back to Verde with much to reflect the lodge to prepare for our on during the 18-hour flight. 16

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16. Richard Bates (24520161) We have had a superb trip on the rotting landing Jetty and all are agreed that they at San Carlos- It must have have thoroughly enjoyed and been wider than this? beneﬁted greatly from the 17. At the entrance to Yellow visit. Beach Bluff Cove with farm owner Kevin Killmartin We have also been 18. Andy Broad (24537783) and overwhelmed by the support Dave Ricketts (24498704) being interviewed by and kindness we have been Falklands Radio at shown by everyone we have Government House come into contact with in 19. “Hearts and Minds” in the the Falkland Islands and no Victory Bar 17 feelings expressed here will be able to show our gratitude for a visit never to be forgotten.

2. Memorial to 24454603 LCpl CC Thomas (aka Bowser) 3. Dave Ricketts (24498704) at the Gdsm Gareth Nicholson (24498671) memorial tree in Memorial Wood 4. Paul Fennell (24185199) and Dave Lewis (24260301) laying a cross at the Mal Wigley (24090540) memorial tree 5. CPO Sharkey Ward makes his presentation to Charlie Carty with Carol and Phil Ovenden also present. 6. Andy Broad (24537783) leading from the rear, Richard Bates (24520161), John Criddle (24468837) and Charlie Carty on route to the SG Memorial on Tumbledown 7. Paying our respects to 18 fellow Guardsmen at the Scots Guards Memorial on Tumbledown 8. John Criddle (24468837) taking a drink on Tumbledown in memory of fellow Guardsmen 9. Our Service of Remembrance at the Welsh Guards Memorial 10. Revd Cathy Biles and Charlie Carty - Service and Scattering of the ashes of Idwal Bellis (24025082) RIP 11. Game up for Ian Davies (24513060) - Fitzroy resident Phil Ovenden says four portions!!! 12. Our confrontation with the awesome Typhoon 13. Phil Moore (24394924) on his weekend course to become a Typhoon pilot! 14. Typhoon Scramble at close range! 15. Dinner at home with Sheila and Ian Stewart 19

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Scots Guards and 2 Bars, 78 The first award of the DCM was for the Irish Guards and 6 Bars, to 48 Sergt George Charles 22 for the Welsh Guards and GRANT DCM who enlisted 2 Bars and 22 for the Guards into the Grenadier Guards on Machine Gun Regiment. 4th April 1911 (15214), aged 18 years and 3 months, in Space does not allow for Cardiff. He was born in the detailing all of the actions of Forest of Dean, married and the WG’s DCM recipients, and had two children. He gave his I have therefore focused on occupation as a labourer. details of each individual’s record of service from the Whilst still a Private, (the rank information that I have of Guardsmen replaced that researched. of a Private in all the Guards Regiments in 1919, an honour The Welsh Guards Charity awarded by the King George website have a link to an V in recognition of their great electronic version of the effort during WW1) George History of the Welsh Guards was awarded the DCM for his (HWG) by C.H. Dudley Ward actions at the battle of Loos DSO MC published in 1920, on 28th September 1915. The which details the actions citation for his award gives a of the Regiment in WW1. detailed account of his gallant Welsh Guard Recipients of the Distinguished Included are the relevant page actions on that day, including Conduct Medal (DCM) in the First World War numbers where recipients are carrying in a wounded Officer mentioned, should anyone back to the line. During this by Mr Nick Farr Welsh Guards Association London Branch wish to view further. To find action he received gunshot Associate Member and Welsh Guards Reunited Site Historian the link on the site, navigate wounds (gsw) to the shoulder to the ‘About’ button, then and back. The Distinguished Conduct on 25th March 1916 as an Regimental History and you Medal was instituted by Royal alternative and lower award, will see the link just above the George was evacuated back Warrant on 4th December 1854, with the Distinguished pictures on this page. to the UK and had recovered during the Crimean War, as Conduct Medal reserved sufficiently to be awarded an award to Warrant Officers, for more exceptional acts The recipients are in order of his medal by Maj Gen Sir Non-Commissioned Officers of bravery. Around 25,000 the award being published in Francis Lloyd, General Officer and men of the British Army for Distinguished Conduct Medals the London Gazette. Commanding London District, distinguished, gallant and were awarded during the First good conduct in the field. It World War, with approximately was the second highest award 1,900 during the Second World for gallantry in action after War. the Victoria Cross. An excellent publication A gratuity was provided that ‘Recipients of the Distinguished varied in amount depending on Conduct Medal 1914-1920’ by rank and given on the recipient’s R.W. Walker, first published discharge from the Army. some 40 years ago, lists those awarded during this period to A bar to the medal, members of the British Armed introduced in 1881, could Services and British Dominion be awarded in recognition forces. of each subsequent act of distinguished conduct for It details the Regiment which the medal would have (Force), name, rank and date been awarded. of publication in the London Gazette. During the First World War, concern arose that the high For the Foot Guards, there number of medals being are records of 183 Grenadier awarded would devalue the Guards who were awarded the medal’s prestige. The Military DCM and 1 Bar, 159 Coldstream Medal was therefore instituted Guards and 5 Bars, 92 for the

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and enlisted into the Grenadier Guards (15853). He was aged 20 years and 4 months, was married with two children and gave his occupation as a ‘Fitters Assistant’.

Robert embarked for France on 4th October 1914 with the 1st Bn Grenadier Guards and returned to France on 11th day artillery counter barrage was wounded in action on October 1918 and after acting which had blown the line in. 25th October 1914, with a slight as a CSM from 9th February Both sides were sniping at gsw to the right forearm. 1918 until 11th October 1918 each other and he received a Following his evacuation was medically discharged on severe gsw to his left forearm. back to the UK on 29th October 15th April 1919. (HWG Pages He was discharged on 5th 1914 he transferred to WG on 15,76,84,90,93,99,268) December 1917, no longer fit 27th February 1915 and was for war service. (HWG Pages promoted to Corporal. He 24 Sergt Oswald ASHFORD 14,99,107,114,115,116,119,144) was posted to No 4 Company DCM enlisted into the for the embarkation to France Grenadier Guards (14171), 2541 Gdsn Sidney Trevor with 1WG. He was promoted aged 18 years and 11 months, THOMAS DCM was a butcher Sergt on 30th July 1915. on 14th January 1909 at Bury from Llangyfelach when he St. Edmunds, giving his enlisted. He was 22 years and He was awarded the medal occupation as a gardener. On 5 months old. for his actions at Ypres in transferring to WG he was June 1916 rescuing two men posted to Prince of Wales His gallantry was rewarded for under heavy enemy machine Company. maintaining communications gun fire. On 9th July 1916 during hostile fire. I have been Maj Gen Sir Francis Fielding, unable to ascertain when this Commander of the Brigade was, and there is no mention on 10th January 1916 at the of Guards presented Robert in the HWG of his gallantry. Tower of London. a DCM ribbon in default of a Sidney was transferred to medal. Oswald actions and gallantry Army reserves in September He returned to France and was recognized during 1919 and was discharged on was a member of the party The 1st Bar to the DCM was the Battle of Ginchy on demobilization on 7th March who returned to England on awarded for Roberts’ action 9th September 1916. He 1920. 23rd December 1918 to bring during the raid at Mortaldje, reorganised POW Coy after all out the Colours alongside CSM on 30th June/1st July 1916. the Officers had been killed or 2361 Gdsn John Owen Pearce, also a DCM recipient. On 10th September 1916 wounded, and also carried in a PRITCHARD DCM - see during the battle of Ginchy wounded Officer under heavy the stand-alone article in George was issued a new he fractured his forearm and fire. The war came to an end this publication entitled ‘Army Number’ on 18th was evacuated to the UK on for Oswald at St Pierre Vaast “Rhosgadfan Hero Awarded the February 1919 (2730803) 21st September 1916. He on 5th March 1917, during a 4 Distinguished Conduct Medal following the introduction (DCM)” for the full story on John of Army Order 338 which Pritchard. where issued from one continuous series allocated to an individual Regiment. The WG’s allocation: from 2730000. Following his transfer to Army Reserves on 6th June 1921 he re-enlisted into the 5th Queens Royal Regt on 24th April 1939. (HWG Pages 38,293,297)

The second Gazetted award of the DCM to a Welsh 1209 Gdsn William HUGHES Guardsman was to 114 Sergt DCM was a farmer from Robert MATHIAS DCM & Bangor when he enlisted at Bar. Robert was attested in Aberystwyth on 20th April Manchester on 7th April 1912 1915, aged 26 years and 6

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as an NCO in the line on 17th He was issued a new ‘Army September 1918 during an Number’ on 18th February enemy attack, after a heavy 1919 (2730083) following the bombardment. Although, introduction of Army Order wounded with a gsw to his 338. Arthur was discharged on right leg, and his platoons’ 3rd March 1921 on termination position being in an extreme of period of engagement. location, they were able to (HWG Pages 199) repulse the attack. 1229 Sergt Albert Henry He was discharged on EVANS DCM was one of the 14th December 1918 as many Police Constables who being surplus to military enlisted into WG. Twelve requirements. (HWG Pages enlisted on 20th April 1915 163,210,243) at Newport including Albert months. He was slightly & Bar, MM was 36 years and 7 and 1228 Sergt Christopher wounded on 29th November months old on enlistment at 1663 Sergt Arthur George Londen GLOVER DCM. Albert 1916 and was wounded again Pontypridd. He was married HAM DCM, MM. enlisted on gave his age as 24 years with a gsw to his scalp on 5th with one child and was a 11 th June 1915 aged 20 years and 3 months and was from March 1917. Quarryman. Obadiah had and 8 months at Barry. He gave Marshfield in Monmouthshire. served in the Boer War with the his occupation as a Fireman He was promoted to LCpl on During the 3rd Battle of Ypres, East Lancashire Regt. and was not married. He was 16th August 1915, Corporal on also known as Passendaele, born in Rooksbridge Somerset. 19th January 1916, promoted attacks by British and French He was awarded the DCM for in the field to LSgt on 17th troops faltered because of his actions on 12th October September 1916 and to Sgt on concealed blockhouses which 1917, whilst a Private, when he 24th December 1916. were being defended by was one of a party of four sent enemy machine gun posts. out to examine the ground On 31st July 1917 Sergt Bye was leading up to Houthulst Forest awarded the VC for attacking north of Ypres. The citation these blockhouses. William for his award gives a detailed was awarded his gallantry account of his gallant actions medal for his actions on the on that day. I have been unable to find same day charging at and much information regarding capturing an enemy post. On 31st March 1918 he was Arthur’s service but believe he awarded the MM for his was awarded the MM for his Albert was a Medical Orderly On 13th March 1918 William conduct at Boyelles, France actions to bring in wounded Sgt and his award was for received a gsw to the left leg whilst leading a patrol of men following a trench raid exemplary conduct during which resulted in him being twelve men. He was also on 10th March 1918. I have not an eighteen months period discharged in London on 13th responsible for bringing in been able to ascertain the date performing these duties. On November 1919 as being no two wounded Germans and for his actions, for his DCM 16th September 1918 he was longer fit for war service. (HWG a machine gun and returned award. He received the award mortally wounded with gsw Pages 155,199,200) without casualties for his gallantry in engaging to abdomen, chest, right enemy machine guns during shoulder and left leg. He died 2259 L/Cpl Obadiah A Bar to his DCM was awarded an attack. of these wounds at 5pm on Frederick WADDINGTON DCM for his determined leadership 17th September 1918 and is

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buried at The Sunken Road Cemetery near Boisleux-St. Marc, grave ref. II.C.12. HWG Pages (64,183,243)

1228 Sergt Christopher Londen GLOVER DCM a Police Constable, was another of the twelve Police Officers who enlisted at Newport on 20th April 1915. Two were killed in action and as mentioned 1229 Sergt Evans died of wounds. Leger, in August 1918, when October 1915, LSgt 11th on 1917. The following month Christopher was aged 27 years delivering a message from Bn September 1916 and Sgt on he was appointed LSgt, prior and 5 months, was born in HQ to the leading troops. He 17th September 1916. to being promoted to Sgt, in Cardiff and married with two transferred to Army reserves the field on 29th July 1918. He children. in London on 11th February He had been slightly wounded was badly affected by gas on by a gsw during the raid at 19th May 1918 and promoted Mortaldje on 1st July 1916. to full Sgt on 14th June 1918. Edward rejoined the Bn. in the Edmond was part of a fighting field on 29th July 1918 and was patrol in August 1918 near commended for his bravery at St Leger and received his St Leger in August 1918. gallantry award for carrying in one of the wounded under Whilst leading his platoon intense machine gun fire. during a WG attack a shell landed into the centre of the After being discharged on platoon, killing several and demobilization on 31st March wounding others, including 1920 he re-enlisted on 15th Edward who died of his April 1921 into the Sherwood wounds on 24th August 1918. Foresters. HWG Pages (237, Edward is buried at Bac-Du- 239) Sud British Cemetery near He was appointed LCpl on 23rd 1919 and was discharged on Bailleulval. Grave ref III.E.2 4 April 1916, promoted to Cpl on demobilization on 31st March 823 Sergt Edward JONES along side five other WG who 18th September 1916, LSgt on 1920. HWG Pages (239) DCM was 23 years of age died during WW1. HWG Pages 30th December 1916 and then when he enlisted in Pentre (236,239) Sgt on 2nd October 1917. 408 Sergt Edmond Silvanus on 20th March 1915. He was DAVIES DCM was born in a miner from Rhondala. During a trench raid on 10th Stockport, a miner and single Edward received a severe March 1918 he received a when he enlisted into the gsw at the Battle of Loos on gsw to his right thigh but Grenadier Guards (20314) on 27th September 1915 and was set out again to retrieve 10th November 1914, aged 20 evacuated back to the UK on other wounded and was years and 7 months. Edmond 3rd September 1915. Following commended for his actions. was soon promoted to LCpl his return to active service 668 Gdsn John DUFFY After being transferred to on 16th August 1915 following on 19th February 1916 he was DCM. John was attested on Army Reserves on 13th January his transfer to the WG. He promoted to LCpl and then 22nd February 1915 at Neath 1919 he was discharged on was promoted to Cpl on 29th promoted to Cpl on 5th August with his brother James (669) demobilization on 31st March and both enlisted into the 1920. HWG Pages (79,119,199) WG. Both were married with 3 children. They gave their 1529 L/Cpl George THOMAS occupations as Labourers. DCM enlisted on 29th May 1915, John was the younger brother aged 22 years and 2 months giving his age as 24 years and in Cardiff, where he was 2 months, whilst James was 27 born. A butcher by trade he years and 11 months. was married with 3 children. George was wounded 4 times James received severe gsw during his service in the Bn and to both legs, during a night received two of these wounds patrol on 24th May 1918, during the Bn’s action at St which resulted in them

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to the WG on 27th February and 5 months at Chesterfield. 1915. He gave his occupation as a Miner, and that he was born in Alfred was MID whilst the Bn Stratford. He was married with was in the front line at St Pierre no children on enlistment. Vaast. Amidst heavy shell fire he had great success in sniping at the enemy, alongside Sergt Ashford DCM, who was badly wounded in this action. being amputated. He was by a rock fall in a mine in In February 1918 the Bn were discharged on 1st April 1919. Swansea in 1947; he was 57 holding some two thousand years of age. HWG Pages (199) yards of front line with 3 John was awarded the DCM Companies at Roeux, near for his conduct on 10th March 1185 L/Sergt Frank HALL Arras and were experiencing 1918 when the Bn was in the DCM. Frank was another Police many enemy trench raids. line at Fampoux near Arras. Constable, married, who enlisted During a trench raid the enemy into the WG on 10th April 1915 On the night of 25th February William was promoted to proceeded to bomb the party aged 22 years and 4 months, in 1918 Alfred had the presence LCpl on 18th January 1916, causing some casualties, Cardiff. He lived in Weybridge, of mind to take forward a promoted to Cpl on 3rd May including Lieut Paul Llewellyn Surrey. He was promoted to Lewis gun into No Man’s 1918 and appointed to LSgt who had broken his pelvis. LCpl on 5th October 1917 and to Land. At dawn he opened on 23rd August 1918. He Llewellyn ordered the party LSgt on 7th December 1918 after fire causing such havoc to an received an accidental bayonet to return to the lines but the war ended. His award was enemy machine gun post that wound to his right foot on 23rd John stayed behind to carry given for great courage and they were forced to retire, with September 1916. Llewellyn back to safety and devotion to duty whilst being many shot whilst doing so. then immediately volunteered in charge of the Bn’s observers. Alfred was a member of the William received his gallantry to search in no man’s land for After being transferred to Army party who returned to England award during action at the missing comrades helping to Reserves he was discharged on on 23rd December 1918 to Hindenburg line when his bring in four men. demobilization on 31st March bring out the Colours along- platoon came under heavy 1918. Following the armistice side Sgt Grant, also a DCM fire, and he supervised the John was discharged on Frank suffered a serious bout recipient. collection of the wounded. 31st March 1920 following of pneumonia and, after He was discharged on demobilization and was killed recovering, took up his duties He was issued a new ‘Army demobilization on 31st March as a Police Constable at Penarth. Number’ on 18th February 1920. HWG Pages (-) HWG Pages (-) 1919 (2730005) following the introduction of Army Order 858 Gdsn Treasure THOMAS 6 CSM Alfred PEARCE 338. He was discharged DCM enlisted 29th March 1915 DCM. Alfred enlisted into the at Caterham on 24th aged 28 years and 9 months Grenadier Guards (14084) on August 1921. HWG Pages at Pontypridd. He was a Police 20th November 1908 aged 18 (10,15,80,144,225,293) Constable born in Dudley. years and 11 months in Bristol. Treasure was awarded his He was born in Bedminster, 395 L/Sergt William gallantry medal in recognition Bristol and gave his occupation ROBERTS DCM enlisted into of his devotion to duty, as a labourer. He was posted Grenadier Guards (20312) on particularly on 20th October to 2 Coy as CSM on his transfer 9th November 1914 aged 26 1918 at the crossing of the River Selle. He transferred to Army Reserve on 1st March 1919 and was discharged on 31st March 1920 on demobilization. HWG Pages (-)

23 CQMS Leo HUNTER DCM enlisted into the Grenadier

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open ground before jumping on 14th January 1961, aged into a cutting near the Bavai seventy-eight. HWG Pages railway, which held 30 or so of (5,10,15,222,248,296) the enemy. They started firing at the enemy and accounted for 10 or more before they reached the protection of an adjacent hedge. Ernest received a gsw to his left thigh in this action. This was to be the last action for the Bn as they advanced and entered the town of Bavai the following Guards (13927) on 5th recommended for gallantry day. September 1908 aged 20 for his actions and awarded years and 7 months, in Bristol. the DCM. He was transferred Ernest was transferred to Army He was born in Gravesend, to Army Reserves in London Reserves on 5th December married with 2 children and on 13th March 1919 and 1919 and discharged on gave his occupation as a Tram discharged on demobilization demobilization on 31st March Conductor. Leo received gsw to on 31st March 1920. HWG Pages 1920. HWG Pages (266,281,282) his back on 7th November 1914, (282) whilst serving with Grenadiers 1 RSM William STEVENSON in the first Battle of Ypres. DCM, MM enlisted into the Scots Guards on 9th July 1901, On transferring to the WG Leo aged 18 years, in London. was posted to POW Coy as He gave his occupation as a acting CSM. His award was for Clerk. He married in January gallantry on the night of 5th/6th 1901 and his son, William was November, when the enemy born in January 1911. He was were shelling near the village wounded at Gheluvelt during of Buvignies and the billets, 872 L/Cpl Ernest William the Battle of Ypres in 1914 and occupied by his company, were GORDON DCM, MM & Bar was although transferring to the hit by shell fire. a shop assistant from Bridgend WG on 27th February 1915 aged 24 years and 7 months had not sufficiently recovered Leo was one of 13 warrant when he enlisted on 27th March for active service until 13th officers, non-commissioned 1915 at Swansea. May 1918. He re-joined the officers and men who went Bn at Boyellers, in July 1918 out with the Bn and returned Ernest had been gassed on 2nd and resumed his duties as with it, having served the May 1918 and was awarded Regimental Sergeant Major entire period with the Bn. the MM for his actions during from RCM Walter Bland who He was issued a new ‘Army the advance to St Vaast in had held the position in his Number’ on 18th February October 1918. absence, from October 1915. 1919 (2730010) following the Stevenson remained in that Note: The author has introduction of Army Order The DCM was awarded for his position until June 1928 when interpreted information taken 338 and was discharged on actions on 6th Nov 1918 after he was commissioned. He from the History of the Welsh 5th April 1921. HWG Pages following OC 3 Coy, along with retired from the Army in the Guards by C.H. Dudley Ward (14,79,225,295) LSgt W Jones, over 50 yards of rank of Major in 1937 and died DSO MC, History of the Guards Division 1915-1918 by Cuthbert 3093 Gdsn Arthur THOMAS Headlam, DSO and other DCM enlisted on 19th publications and sources which September 1916 aged 26 years may not mirror the details of and 1 month, at Bangor. He the above individuals action’s was a teacher from Rhostryfan. and dates etc, for their bravery On the 6th November 1918 the awards, that may be held by Bn was in engagement with the Regiment or other sources. the enemy near Bavil with 3 Coy leading the advance to Prehert Farm. Arthur was engaging the enemy with a Lewis Gun and suffered gsw to his face. He was

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In Memoriam John ‘Jack’ Perks Guardsman 2735449 and Prisoner of War number 8027 by Captain Marcus Scriven ohn Perks, always known as Jack, died on J6th October aged 101. He is believed to have been the last surviving Welsh Guardsman taken prisoner at Boulogne.

evacuated the Dutch Royal Family and British Embassy staff in a 48 hour operation. 2

Less than a fortnight later, he At night, they lay down ‘on the attempted to muscle in on was sitting on ‘an iron bench, snow’, too cold to sleep. his patch – and then a bookie with water up to your knees’, himself, Jack flourished. He bound for Boulogne – ‘a bloody After five or six days, he and periodically ‘hauled out’ cock-up’. a fellow Welshman broke troublemakers at Bindles away, expecting to be shot nightclub in Barry as a favour to ‘You could see a tank at each – preferable, it seemed, to management. 1 end [of the street].’ The tanks freezing to death. closed in – ’30 yards, 20 yards’ He outlived both his wives, The penury of his early life – as the Germans ‘searched No shots were fired. After Moreen and Moira, both prepared him well for wartime every house’. Disarmed and half a mile, they came to a his sons, Lance and John, a privations. Blessed with taken prisoner, Jack and the house occupied by men from grandson and his son-in-law, intimidating physical strength, others were ‘knocked around a ‘different mobs – even Germans played golf till 90 – irked to plus instinctive resourcefulness bit’ and taken to a field, fearing who’d run away’. Jack slept in be charged for 18 holes when and an adamantine character, ‘the worst’. a kennel. The Russians arrived playing only 3 or 6 – and Jack Perks was also richly next morning, ‘put a tank barrel reluctantly abandoned driving equipped for challenges which Their misgivings weren’t through a window, glass flying at 98. would prove fatal to others. absurd. Four days later, 80 everywhere. Then one of the prisoners – many from the boys shouted: “American! I’m In the last decade of his Born on 5th July 1919, he grew Royal Warwickshire Regiment American!” That changed it’. life, Jack returned to Stalag up in Penrhiwfer, the second – were massacred after XX-A. Gratitude for survival of five sons of William Perks, surrendering at Wormhout. Faltering progress through competed with frustration a miner, and his Irish wife, Poland followed, on foot, once that he’d been denied the Florence, who took in washing Over the next 48 hours – on a lorry and, at Warsaw, cattle chance to fight – perhaps to help make ends meet. initially on the march, then trucks – 60 men to a truck – explaining why he eschewed consigned to cattle trucks – Jack destined for Odessa. ‘Three Welsh Guards reunions. Yet, Aged 14, Jack joined his father and fellow prisoners went days, three nights. No food, no nearing his centenary, he asked in the pit. In 1934, his first full without food and water: an water.’ Four ‘or five’ were dead his daughter Joy to contact year underground, 122 men appropriate prelude to Stalag on arrival. Regimental Headquarters and lost their lives in Welsh mines. XX-A, 125 miles north-west of was delighted by the party held Jack saw one man have an arm Warsaw. On arrival, they were Weeks later, Jack walked in his honour and his telegram ripped off – and then carry it asked if there were any farmers the final two miles home. from the Prince of Wales. out of the mine in the hand amongst them. ‘I said I was,’ His father, he recalled, had which remained unscathed. he recalled. ‘I wasn’t going to ‘changed completely. I said: Joy survives him, with a tribe say “coal miner”.’ Winters were “Where’s Mam?”’ of grandchildren, great- He worked there until shortly ‘very bad’: rain in October, grandchildren and great-great- before the outbreak of war, turning to snow ‘feet of it’. But His mother, who had saved grandchildren. when he secured a place at he could scavenge for food. every penny of his Prisoner of Bridgend arsenal. Called up War pay, had died weeks earlier. 1. 2735449 Guardsman in January 1940, he joined the In January 1945, the prisoners John (Jack) Perks 2nd Battalion. were ‘kicked out onto the Successively a driver for 2. Gdsm Jamie Smith roads’, alongside thousands of the Control Commission in (2 Coy) and Bob Chambers That May, he was a member civilians, ‘women and kids…no Germany, a bookie’s runner help Jack celebrate his of ‘Harpoon Force’ which clothes, bugger all’. – knocking out a rival who 100th Birthday in 2019

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In Memoriam Sid Elsbury Guardsman 2734413 by Captain Marcus Scriven

id Elsbury, who died on 5th April aged 101, is Slikely to have been the last Welsh Guardsman to have enlisted before the war: he took the King’s Shilling on 10th February 1936, adding a year to his age to do so.

Born on 15th September 1918, where his brother had found he lived initially in Blaengarw, work. north of Bridgend, with his elder brother and mother; His mother urged Sid to join his father, a miner, had died the police; a neighbour, a before Sid’s birth, a victim constable, recommended four of Spanish Flu. There was no years in the Guards ﬁrst. widow’s pension; his mother earned a meagre living as a Joining the Battalion at seamstress.. Wellington Barracks, he proved himself a useful boxer During the General Strike Sid (‘the Blonde Bombshell’) and scavenged slag tips for coal. sent 4/- of his weekly 10/- A year later, he went door-to- home to his mother. Soon, door with a suitcase, selling lured by extra pay, he became surplus cottons. When the a carpenter in the pioneer family moved to Porthcawl, platoon. he was successively a paper- boy, lather-boy, errand-boy In April 1939, the Battalion was and kitchen porter. On his posted to Gibraltar, where the 16th birthday, he and his pioneers adapted tunnels as 1 mother moved to Oxford air raid shelters. Two months later they were transferred to the recently formed 2nd Battalion and were soon sandbagging St James’s and Buckingham Palaces, ‘just like brickwork’.

The following May, the 2nd Battalion – as part of 20th Guards Brigade – headed to Boulogne, ordered to defend it ‘to the last man, the last round’.

It was, Sid recalled, ‘a ﬁasco’. Assigned to Battalion headquarters, he and ten other pioneers dug slit trenches, primed grenades – one of which was his personal weapon – and built barricades from farm carts. ‘We didn’t have any anti-tank mines,’ remembered Sid, who was 2 ordered, with two others, to

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man a Bren gun and ‘cover a ﬁeld beyond a railway line’.

Hours later, they heard ﬁring at the docks; only then did they realise that they were on their own. Quite quickly they found LSgt Benjamin Alexander, critically wounded. Sid Elsbury made his way to three ambulances on high ground. ‘There was nobody there,’ he recalled. He found a taxi, took it ‘up the ﬁeld and on the railway line’ to Alexander and gave him water.

Deciding that Alexander was too severely wounded to be moved, Sid made it back to the Battalion on a BSA motorbike – retrieved from a mass of abandoned vehicles – and reported Alexander’s condition to Battalion headquarters. He was dismayed to hear the orders: ‘Every man for himself!’

He recalled a sergeant kneeling by the bridge to the docks, warning the men that it was under sniper ﬁre and ordering them to sprint across at 5 second intervals. 3 Safely over, Sid watched as a destroyer ‘came in backwards, was also miles away, but where Sid regularly attended ﬁring his gun at tanks on something caused Sid to dive Association events. the opposite side of the under his tank and yell: ‘Take harbour’. He was among those cover!’ An intelligent man of great evacuated. integrity, loyalty and humour, Five of the Welsh Guardsmen Sid Elsbury embodied the By July 1944, having twice were killed by the incoming resilience of his generation. refused promotion, he shell; another, 72 Williams, had Near the end of his long life, was the gunner of a Honey a broken arm. Sid Elsbury’s he was almost completely tank. The frustrations of the legs were shattered legs. blind and deaf. But he 1. 2734113 Gdsm S Elsbury four intervening years had Initially in a wheelchair, then correctly pointed out: ‘I’ve still 2. Lance Sergeant Stuart Laing caused ‘half the Battalion [to on crutches, he recovered to got my marbles’. and Guardsman Amadou Jallow from Regimental volunteer] to be rear-gunners become a Special Constable Headquarters Welsh Guards in aircraft’ – provoking an in peacetime, build his own travelled to Haverfordwest edict those in the Brigade of bungalow and have a long in 2018 to help Sid celebrate Guards could not apply. career in the Civil Service. his 100th Birthday. 3. The Légion d’Honneur medal Days after arriving in He married Kathleen, who was presented to Sid Elsbury Normandy, Sid Elsbury and died 16 years ago, and had by the French Consul of six other Welsh Guardsmen three sons – Richard, John and France in Wales Mme Marie Brousseau-Navarro – ‘miles behind the front line’ Dave – seven grandchildren at his home on Saturday – were listening as a Canadian and six great-grandchildren. In 21st September 2019 talked about the Hitler Youth. the mid-80s, he and Kathleen with RQMS James Davies The sound of enemy shells retired to Pembrokeshire representing the Regiment.

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Berkhamsted Collegiate School, Combined Cadet Force, marked 128 years by re-cap badging to The Welsh Guards in 2019 by Captain (Retired) CJR Fraser-Sampson Welsh Guards want to start by telling the story of two amazing IWelsh Guardsmen who have, between them, delivered a remarkable number of years of exceptional service to Berkhamsted’s CCF and deserve some overdue recognition.

The first is W02 (Retd) Des ‘Des’ as he is affectionately Keoghane, MBE who gave known started the Welsh over 40 years’ service, on and Guards association with the off, to the Corps, arriving in school in the early 1970s. Sadly 1973 and retiring in 2002 but for Des he and his family were still a fixture for the Corps to suffer a tragic loss when his whenever required, including son, Kevin, a Lance Sergeant the preparations for HM The in the Mortar Platoon, Support Queen’s visit to the school in Company, was killed instantly 2016 where an honour guard aboard the Sir Galahad during was inspected. the Falklands war of 1982. One cannot imagine the whirlwind As a not very academic, of emotions that must be fourteen year old, already endured watching with great wedded to the idea of joining pride as your son follows in the Army, he was my first your footsteps joining your experience of a senior non- Regiment, only for that to later commissioned officer and I be shattered knowing that this had no idea at that time 22 would ultimately lead to their years ago, that the standards, death. Worse still Kevin died passion, warmth and humility leaving behind a pregnant wife he showed during my time in and son he’d never know but the school’s cadet force would Des, by all accounts, quickly leave a lasting impression put his emotions to one side which in later years cemented and immediately stepped up my desire to join only one to became that inspirational Regiment. I cannot explain male role model for his new how incredible this man was; grandson. I will always he sadly died in late 2016. I can remember his stoic and proud only picture the smile and pride recital of “For the Fallen” at each that would been on his face had year’s school remembrance he been stood, where I stood, service, in the school chapel, along with my former platoon medals striking, razor sharp sergeant, WO2 RQMS Davies creases in his uniform, his 03, on that glorious clear, sunny eyes slightly misty but never day as the cadets paraded allowing a tear to develop, on the grass quadrangle, in clutching a forage cap with a their brand new Welsh Guards photo of Kevin in the inside. service dress. This was to mark the day that they switched their His sense of humour was classic affiliation, after god-knows how of a man of his generation, with many years, from The Royal obscure expletives and micky Anglian Regiment. taking not heard or experienced

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before by teenagers of the late 90s. When Des handed over in the early 2000s and it was brilliant that he was to be followed by another great Welsh Guardsman; thus carrying on the tradition. WO2 Steve Carter, was a younger and more up to date version of Des and that is in no way, a slight on Des, only that Steve was the perfect replacement for Des because he embodied everything that was Des but just in a newer brand. A Falkland’s veteran himself, with an even more impressive row of medals, it’s fair to say that Steve brings with him experience from nearly every operational theatre from the past 40 years, with the exception of the ﬁrst Gulf War, and that’s only because The Welsh Guards never deployed as a formed body.

Just like his predecessor, Steve is starting to set the tone for long service with Berkhamsted School and in particular the Cadet Force; 17 years now under his belt and no sign of stepping back. He has continued the traditions that Des put in place but also helped modernise the Corps in-line two long standing Sergeant the Regimental Adjutant were relationship between School with the school’s outlook, such Majors with the school, then extremely gracious with their and Regiment. I sincerely as students now attending why is the Corps affiliated to time and their words when hope that when Steve does junior leadership courses as the Royal Anglian Regiment addressing the students, eventually decide to move part of their development and can they re-cap badge parents and teachers at on, another highly capable and promotion. He plans, Welsh Guards? Berkhamsted Collegiate and much liked Welsh Guards organises and runs a number School. Thanks must also go senior non-commissioned of exercises to various training Luckily the right questions were to The Corps of Drums who officer will take up the reins. areas and camps across raised and the right people gave the parade an added As far as I’m aware, I’m the the country throughout the asked, notably, The Regimental spectacle and Welsh Guards only Berkhamstedian to academic year, culminating in a Adjutant, who has experience understated excellence. have commissioned into The summer annual camp, as part in this field with other school Regiment which is pretty of a pretty demanding training cadet forces wishing to It’s in little doubt that the incredible given the number of programme that goes some “Come in from the Cold” and Cadet Force was ever going decent people I’ve known over way beyond what most cadet so on Monday 1st July, 2019, to struggle to continue doing the years who subsequently forces put on. It’s on these the culmination of a great what it’s done so well for joined The Army. It would exercises over the years that deal of administration and generations at the school therefore be brilliant if this Steve and the cadet force have coordination, saw it become with Steve Carter at the new relationship meant that often relied on Welsh Guards official. It must be mentioned wheel. What can’t be denied we see one or two more, support with kit, logistics and that the Commanding Officer, however is that with the young men and of course I importantly manpower. For a importantly took an entire day Welsh Guards affiliation, it should say nowadays, young long time people were saying away from Battalion to attend, should hopefully cement women, through the doors that if The Welsh Guards are to demonstrate the value the the future of the Corps for of Regimental Headquarters lending support in an ad-hoc Regiment places on this sort many more generations but as potential officers in the manner and there’s history of of affiliation and along with importantly strengthen the coming years.

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Welsh Combat Regiments’ Parliamentary Reception 2020 by Warrant Ofﬁcer Class 1 M E Parry 19 Regimental Sergeant Major 1st Battalion Welsh Guards

oldiers representing all three regular Welsh SCombat Regiments met their Members of Parliament in the Attlee Suite of the Palace of Westminster as part of the annual Welsh Regiments’ Parliamentary Reception.

All three Regiments (1st At the conclusion of the Battalion Welsh Guards, Royal reception, the MPs took the Welsh, The Queen’s Dragoon soldiers on an interesting Guards) have been extremely tour of the Houses of 1 busy in 2019 and had much to Parliament, which was much report back to the Members of appreciated by all. This Parliament in 2020. annual event is deemed critical in linking Welsh MPs The MPs were paired to the lives, experiences and with soldiers from their homes of Welsh soldiers; it constituencies, allowing has established personal soldiers the opportunity to relationships that conjoin the discuss issues and concerns rarely proximate political and about their home town. Major tactical levels. 1st Battalion General JFP Swift OBE, Colonel R Welsh Guards are grateful for WELSH said: “While our Regular the continuing invitation and units here today are not based look forward to participating in in Wales, all of the soldiers next year’s reception. pretty much come from Wales, their families are in Wales and their hearts are in Wales”.

Our own Commanding Officer, Lt Col HS Llewelyn-Usher, told MPs that 90 per cent of our 2 Battalion are from Wales and said: “We’re currently on public duties and based in Windsor and some people may think our role is ceremonial and that’s it, but it’s not the case. Those you see mounting Guard are serving soldiers and they play a very active and key role in our war-fighting capability as a nation. We’re currently building up for the Trooping the Colour on June 13 and then we start our progression back into operations. Wales is a key link for us and not just something we pay lip service to. We have 1. Gdsm Osman with Tonia Antoniazzi (Lab) brothers, uncles, sons and MP for Gower fathers serving together in 2. LSgt Bond with Carolyn the battalion, with that strong Harris (Lab) MP for Swansea familial Welsh thread running 3. Commanding Officer 3 right through our lineage”. briefing the audience

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Visit of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex by Captain J Byrne Grenadier Guards, Unit Welfare Ofﬁcer

n late October 2019, the welfare team was Iinformed that a very, very important person (VVIP) would be attending our weekly coffee morning for the wives and families.

This turned out to be a fantastic shock and pleasant surprise surprise to all members of the of everyone, they were met by Windsor Garrison community Mrs Helen Llewelyn-Usher (wife comprising of the 1st Battalion of the Commanding Ofﬁcer, 2 Coldstream Guards, 1st 1st Battalion Welsh Guards) Battalion Welsh Guards and and the Welfare Ofﬁcer for remnants of the Household an initial brief on the current Cavalry Mounted Regiment. tempo of Battalion life, and of the stresses and strains On the morning of 6th experienced by the families November 2019, the wives during a very busy year. Their were at a heightened state of Royal Highnesses were then anticipation wondering who led into the community centre the VVIP would be. The coffee on the Broom Farm Estate morning assembled as usual where they were met by over in the community centre; just one hundred family members. as the usual hubbub of families Having planned to stay for an catching up was spreading hour, the Royal couple enjoyed through the air, in walked the their visit and the opportunity VVIPs: Their Royal Highnesses to speak with the families to The Duke and Duchess of such an extent that they stayed Sussex. To the amazement, for nearly two! They quite 3

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obviously felt comfortable and were able to relate to the stories shared by the families, as their son Prince Archie had only recently been born. Both the Duke and Duchess were very gracious and keen to listen.

The whole morning was thoroughly enjoyed by all who attended and was a fantastic experience for the welfare team particularly. The families still talk about the morning they met the Duke and Duchess of Sussex and will now treasure this lasting memory for years to come.

1. The Duchess of Sussex was spoilt for choice by the families. 2. The Duke of Sussex was on great form for the children! 3. The Royal Pair receive ﬂowers. 4. They made a real impression on our families. 5. The Duchess of Sussex 5 listens carefully.

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Defeat Don’t Repeat by Sergeant R Rutledge, 3 Platoon Sergeant, The Prince of Wales’s Company

came up with the concept of Defeat Don’t IRepeat (DDR) sitting on my cot-bed, which reminded me of my old prison bed, whilst on tour in Afghanistan.

Here I decided I really wanted DDR is intended to be a vehicle to give something back and for me to tell my story to others help young people who were that might be struggling and unfortunate, as I was, to find give something back. The themselves in a challenging and course I have designed is 1 poisonous situation. intended to give youngsters, who may find themselves I was already selling drugs by drifting astray into a criminal 15, before finding myself in jail life, a second chance. I try to 4 years later for possession of pass on my own experiences to Class A substances with intent help illustrate what can be done to supply. Having served half and how lives can be turned of my 16-month sentence, I around. My story is deliberately was released back into society designed to be raw to veer where I found my life quickly youngsters away from falling spiralled out of control. I into the same traps I did. immediately went back to 2 dealing just hours after walking I piloted this scheme for 13 out as a free-man and also teenagers selected from began taking the drugs. London schools on Longmoor Training Area earlier this year. Having been released I felt I It entailed low-level military was not needed in society and training and challenges thought I was then completely that promote teamwork unemployable. During this and discipline. This includes period my drug debt reached activities such as assault over £15,000 and at my very courses, casualty evacuation 3 4 lowest moment I contemplated exercises and marching drills. suicide. If I had not joined the The syllabus also includes My ambition is to join forces I brief, in the various different Army, I would either be back emergency first aid skills, from with other reformed soldiers prisons, would give their right behind bars or worse six feet tourniquets to field dressings, with former convictions and arm to be where I am now. under. which could come in useful offer the course for up to 40 in the aftermath of gangland teenagers at a time who hail I hope my story can inspire The Army and Welsh Guards battles on the streets of the from deprived and vulnerable teenagers and prisoners not took a chance on me after I UK. In addition to learning new areas across the country. COVID to give up; Life can be turned visited an Army Careers Centre skills, the teenagers are offered has delayed these plans, but around. I am a Platoon Sergeant, in desperation in 2009. This a forum in which to discuss I have been fortunate to still in charge of 20-plus Welsh has turned my life around. The racism, religion and gang have been able to visit prisons Guardsmen: running the training broke me down before culture. across the UK and The Military platoon, orchestrating it and putting all the pieces back Corrective Training Centre looking after every individual. together in the right order. The DDR is not meant to be a Welsh (MCTC), in Colchester to tell my Hopefully I am an inspiration Welsh Guards have offered me Guards recruitment exercise. story to some of the staff and and a role model to those that structure and a routine. This has However, it does show that both inmates. Due to their crimes might need one in their lives. saved me. the Army and Welsh Guards are (enough for them to end up prepared to work very closely behind bars), they realise that 1. The author. 2. The first course, Since joining the Welsh Guards, with youngsters and help point they have messed up and run in Longmoor. I have been fortunate enough them in the right direction. acknowledge the mistakes they 3. Briefing the participants to be deployed to Afghanistan, However, three participants in have made. Speaking to them on the course. the Falklands, Kenya, Romania, the pilot have since sought my after the presentations, I would 4. The participants on the Germany and Belize. advice about enlisting. say 80 per cent of the audiences course enjoying themselves.

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1 Welsh Guards Recruiting by Warrant Ofﬁcer Class 2 D Lewis, Recruiting Warrant Ofﬁcer

aving only recently taken over the role of HRecruiting Warrant Ofﬁcer, I was immediately impressed by the work ethic and resolve of the Regimental Support Teams (RSTs) in both North and South Wales.

Throughout the pandemic from strength to strength, they have worked tirelessly armed with an impressive can- to continue recruiting for do attitude that has not let the the Battalion, despite the pandemic and its restrictions restrictions put in place across hold them back or effect the the country. number of potential Welsh Guardsmen wishing to join us. As a result, both the North and The Regimental Support Teams 2 South Wales RSTs are going currently consist of:

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3 5

WO2 Lewis 29 those wishing to join the Welsh are a testament not only to their the RSTs will continue to nurture LSgt Devine Guards alive; by keeping in own drive and determination, those that show an interest in LCpl Worthington touch through social media, but also a credit to the members becoming a Welsh Guardsman regular phone calls, sending of the RSTs that ensured they and experiencing a life less Sgt Duffy photos, video lessons and Zoom had the conﬁdence and ability ordinary. LCpl Hughes 41 meetings, they have continued to succeed in the demanding Gdsm Hathway to nurture potential Guardsman. challenges that faced them. Number of Welsh Guardsman currently loaded to training at Sgt Shapland As restrictions relax, we will The recruiting future is looking the Infantry Training Centre, LCpl Morgan start to see the RSTs return to good for the Welsh Guards, Catterick (ITC (C)) in 2020 = 63 Gdsm Peacock the Military Preparation and with successful and continued Training Colleges (MPTCs) and support given to the MPTCs, we 1-2. Members of the RSTs LSgt Crowley recruiting events that allow are hoping that the next area teach cadets infantry LCpl Morris them to interact with the public that we look to exploit, which skills and drills Gdsm Williams 45 and potential Guardsmen, is persistent engagement with 3. The RSTs try and integrate something they are all eager for lower level and grass roots as much as possible with the MPCTs LSgt Davies 35 and miss greatly. sports teams, targeting 17 to 4. Cadets are taught the LCpl Oxtoby 24 year olds in Wales, will be as principles of All-Round This year we have seen the successful also. Defence Imaginative and innovative arrival of the ﬁrst female Welsh 5. LSgt Davies teaching ideas have kept the interest of Guardsmen in Battalion. They Whatever the future may hold, a lesson

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Worshipful Livery Company of Wales Grant elsewhere in this publication) our gratitude could not be fully by Captain S A Ward, Battalion Media Officer and the Divisional and Army expressed in person. However, Championships, the Alpine the Alpine team are honoured team were well placed to carry to be chosen to be awarded ounded in 1993 as the Welsh Livery Guild on building a team for the this grant, and grateful to Fto promote education, the arts, science and future in the 20/21 season. the ongoing support the technology in Wales, in 2013 the Guild was At the time of writing, it is Worshipful Livery Company extremely unlikely that Army give to the Battalion. presented with a Royal Charter and renamed the ski racing will happen this Worshipful Livery Company of Wales (WLCOW). winter. However, the grant is still well received, and will be WLCOW is dedicated to The Welsh Guards have been spent on new equipment for helping young people affiliated with the WLCOW for the team – ski goggles and throughout Wales to develop many years and each year is gloves are the highest priority. their talents and skills by fortunate enough to receive means of an annual awards an annual grant. This year, the Unfortunately, plans for a programme of scholarships generous annual £1000 grant presentation and lunch in the • The photographs show the author, a member of the and bursaries to students was kindly awarded to the Officers Mess for the Livery Battalion Alpine Ski Team, in schools, universities and Welsh Guards Alpine Ski Team. Company representatives the worthy recipients of this technical colleges, as well as to Following a successful year at were, as most things this year, year’s generous WLCOW apprentices and young people the Infantry Championships (Ex ruined by the ever-present grant, participating on Ex in the armed forces. FROSTED BLADE, written about COVID-19 restrictions, and so FROSTED BLADE.

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HMS Prince of Wales by Lieutenant R S Statham-Quilty, Combat 2 Systems Ofﬁcer HMS Prince of Wales his has been an exciting year in the generation Tof HMS Prince of Wales, with signiﬁcant change and progress being made onboard since last year’s update.

The ship sailed from Rosyth had worked tirelessly over the in September 2019 for her past few years to bring the Ship initial sea trials off the coast of out of build and into Service. Scotland. The Aircraft Carrier Alliance and Royal Navy crew After a short engineering period tested all systems including the ship went to sea for the first the Gas Turbines, Combat time flying the White Ensign in Management System, Long February 2020 for more tests and Medium Range Radars, and trials along with aviation Pyrolysis System (waste training, prior to a week- long management system) and port visit to Liverpool, one of the General Purpose Machine Guns. Ship’s affiliated cities. During the visit around 20,000 local In November 2019 HMS Prince residents, industry personnel, of Wales made her inaugural school and youth groups, and 3 journey into her home port of affiliates were invited onboard Portsmouth and was welcomed for various tours, reception by thousands of people on the evenings and industry events. It sea front and friends and family was the first time that one of the on the jetty. Queen Elizabeth Class Carriers was open to the general public The ship was formally and a great opportunity for the handed over to the Royal Ship’s Company to enjoy a run Navy in December 2019 with ashore! a Commissioning Ceremony attended by HRH The Prince of The ship returned to Portsmouth Wales and HRH The Duchess just as the UK was entering of Cornwall, who is the Ship’s lockdown as a result of the Sponsor. It was a hugely COVID-19 pandemic. During momentous day for all those that this period some of the Ship’s 4

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1. GPMG shoot at sea 2. during initial sea trials 3. HMS Prince of Wales first entry into Portsmouth 4. HRH The Prince of Wales inspects the Royal Guard 5. The White Ensign was lifted for the first time on 10th December 2020 6. HMS Prince of Wales alongside its affiliated city of Liverpool 7. HMS Prince of Wales Ship’s Company Remembrance Day Service

Company assisted with COVID Amongst the new equipment valuable time with family and testing in the local area, whilst fitted were the three Phalanx friends. Refreshed from leave, the engineers delivered the Close in Weapons System that all are now looking forward to planned Capability Insertion will provide protection against the next period at sea testing Period. With around 40 incoming missiles and fast new equipment, training our significant new pieces of incoming attack craft. personnel and increasing the equipment being fitted to the operational capability of HMS Ship it was one of the largest The time alongside has also Prince of Wales. engineering and maintenance allowed for routine engineering period ever undertaken by maintenance to be conducted the Royal Navy in recent years. and for Ship’s Company to spend

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1 2

5TH Battalion The Royal Australian Regiment – The Tiger Battalion by Lieutenant Colonel Matthew Dirago, Commanding Ofﬁcer RAR started the year somewhat earlier than 5expected assuming Army’s Ready Battle Group (RBG) commitment while our sister battalion, 7 RAR, responded to the bushﬁres that ravaged across Australia.

BHQ was recalled from leave, members of the Battalion, while Bravo, Support, and working alongside state and Logistics Companies were federal law enforcement, NT placed on reduced notice to Government Officials, Royal move throughout Australia. Australian Navy, and Royal This was a great opportunity Australian Air Force partners. to demonstrate what the Tiger The Battalion operated a Battalion can do, particularly forward element in Alice Springs, 3 when combined with the and had teams from Kulgera to disruption of our annual posting Tennant Creek, and from Tanami cycle and efforts to deploy to the Queensland border. These our second Force Protection teams were primarily from Element (FPE-13) to Afghanistan, Delta Coy who had only recently maintain our commitment to returned from Afghanistan and the Task Group Taji (TGT) in Iraq, completed their mandatory and regenerate our motorised quarantine. infantry capability at home. Concurrently, members of Tiger Battalion personnel Bravo Company stood firm in returned from TGT-X and FPE Malaysia completing the 129th 12 in the midst of the COVID-19 Rotation of Rifle Company (RCB) lockdown which quickly become Butterworth. Throughout this the main effort. Domestically, time Charlie Coy has maintained the Battalion was tasked to their role in Afghanistan as Force support the Northern Territory Protection Element -13. This Government’s response to the has been a unique operational pandemic. This mission saw experience for which they have 4

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continually risen to the challenge remaining events. Whilst The and strongly represented the Battalion were overall winners Tiger reputation. Despite such on the day it was a fantastic a busy period and uncertainty, platform for both nations to the Battalion did manage to work collaboratively in a relaxed continue to send members environment; oh –and enjoy on promotional courses and a couple of beers thrown in at continue with our field exercises the end. such as Ex Tigers Run, Ex Buffalos Run and some jungle The efforts of our battalion training for Delta Company. members, both on operations Also, the Battalion participated and at home, have been in Ex Koolendong; a bilateral recognised through a number combined arms training of commendations and soldier’s activity, joint live-fire, high-end medallions. Additionally, the 5 warfighting training exercise support the officers and soldiers with the US Marine Rotational have provided in support of Force - Darwin (MRF-D). COVID-19 continues to receive high accolades from across Away from field exercise, the Australia. The recognition that Battalion were busy with other soldiers received is reflective of commitments such as the their commitment to standards Battalion’s commemoration and values espoused by the of the Battle of Binh Ba via a Tiger Battalion and indeed the series of regimental, social, RAR. We are looking forward to and professional development a busy run to the end of 2020 activities (the Battle of Binh Ba, followed up with a well-earned also known as Op Hammer, Christmas leave. So on behalf of was a victorious battle during 5 RAR, I wish all the officers and the Vietnam War; 5 RAR were soldiers of our sister battalion critical participants). The the 1st Battalion Welsh Guards, commemoration proved to be a a successful and prosperous successful and enjoyable series 2021. A year that will bring you of activities. Also, we conducted triumph in resuming your State the inaugural Kennedy Cup, Ceremonial and Public Duties a Battalion inter-company Guards of the Royal Palaces. Section Skills Competition where soldiers impressively showed CYMRU AM BYTH & Duty First outstanding military skills underpinned with camaraderie and esprit de corps. We were proud to welcome CPL J.J. 6 Kennedy’s eldest daughter Karen to the Battalion to announce the winning section in a close, yet competitive event enjoyed by all.

Continuing with the competitive approach, the Battalion 1. Wearing the 5RAR competed with MRF-D US Badge with pride Marines in an inaugural 2. B Coy Digger enjoying sporting competition. Hosted some K-9 interaction and organised by 5 RAR this 3. Section showing their consisted of a number of MEDIVAC Skills during competitive events ranging Kennedy Cup from Cricket, Soccer, American 4. Covering Fire! 5. Section preforming Football to an agility strength their ﬁrst aid skills race. MRF-D were natural 6. CO & RSM – Binh Ba winners for the American Parade 2020 Football and Basketball but 5 7. Minute Silence Binh 7 RAR swept the board in all Ba Parade 2020

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Mens Agitat Molem – Advanced Command and Staff Training with the Bundeswehr by Major J M Young, Welsh Guards he Clausewitz Barracks, located in the leafy Tand afﬂuent Blankenese suburb in the west of Hamburg, Germany, is the home to the German Armed Forces Staff College (Die Führungsakademie der Bundeswehr or FüAk).

The college runs a number of perhaps this is different within courses, but it’s headlining the Welsh Guards as Major course and the one for Andrew Dunlop (currently which it is best known is the company commanding with the Lehrgang Generalstabs-/ Coldstream Guards) attended Admiralstabsdienst National the course 2017-2019. (LGAN). This two-year course is the highest-level command Officers from the whole Army and staff training conducted may apply. During my two-year in the German Armed Forces tenure (the courses overlap (Bundeswehr). being just over two years in length so I met LGAN 17 and I was immensely fortunate to LGAN 20 students) officers be selected as the only British (students and LOs) came from Army Officer to attend the all three arms (WG x 2, PARA two-year course running from x 2, RSigs x 1, RA x 1, RAMC x Summer 2018 until October 1). Language proficiency is not 2020. The LGAN was taken in required, but skills in any foreign 1 lieu of both the British Army’s language will demonstrate own key command and staff some competency to the board training courses, namely the in this area. Intermediate Command and Staff Course (Land) (ICSC(L)) and The Course Advanced Command and Staff Course (ACSC). The LGAN is the highest and most prestigious command Selection and staff training available to the Bundeswehr (all services, Following selection for not just Land Forces) until promotion to Major in 2017 promotion to Brigadier the jobs list published to cover (though this latter course is not students after completion of attended by all generals). All ICSC(L) contains an additional single-service chiefs of staff as tab for another separate non- well as the General Inspector initial grade two Majors posts. of the Armed Forces (CDS The relevant jobs board sits equivalent) will have attended at the same time as selection this course, as will the vast (and for the Battlefield Technology ever-increasing) majority of Course (BTC) and other foreign German Generals and Admirals. staff college posts, not all of Selection for German students which qualify students for is extremely competitive and ICSC(L) and certainly not ACSC. is made following continuous This makes the German course assessment during a series equal in standing to only of other courses which sit the US staff college. Though roughly in-line in terms of the post is published on the content with JCSC(L) and No 5 Boards (via MS Web), some parts of ICSC(L) or other such opportunities are not single service equivalents. The always well-known. However, decision for a student to attend 2

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3 is made whilst they are senior captains, roughly in line with when the British Army boards it’s captains for promotion to major. Only around 8% of German ofﬁcers are offered a place on the LGAN, effectively singling them out for future ‘General Staff’ level jobs. At this juncture it is worth explaining that ‘where talent endures’ (WTE) posts in the German Armed Forces are annotated im Generalstabsdienst and are reserved for those who have attended the LGAN.

The course takes up to 120 students a year with around 4 20 of those coming from other NATO or ‘Partnership for international students being was allocated to various and far more intensively Peace’ militaries (non-NATO quasi-native speakers, others administration such as discussed than in the UK. countries). LGAN 18 (2018- with 12+ months of formal assistance with banking, 2020, the author’s course) had training and some with very little mobile phones, housing etc as This preparatory course would international officers from 15 training at all. The vast majority well as some sightseeing with serve as good indication of what countries: Austria, Canada, have some previous link with families, issue of military IT, the course proper would be like Finland, France, Greece, Italy, Germany – parentage, work in/ feeding accounts for in camp in terms of breadth of subjects. Lithuania, the Netherlands, with the Bundeswehr or formal etc. The remainder covered Poland, Romania, Spain, education. For some, though vital topics ranging from low LGAN Content Sweden, Switzerland, UK and by no means all international to top level; badges of rank, the USA. Around a third of the students, English is the fall-back terminology, German military The start of the actual course is internationals had already language, meaning native structures and organisation to always 1st October, or the week completed the equivalent staff speakers are certainly well history, doctrine and German where that falls. In German training in their own countries placed here! foreign and defence policy. parlance this is ‘calendar week and were rank ranged Captain The Second World War still 40’. The use of calendar weeks to Colonel, with most being Prior to the course starting plays, both subconsciously and was an early example of cultural Majors. Overall experience levels there are a variety of pre- consciously, a critical role in the differences and practices which are generally significantly higher courses run by single services. way that the German students one becomes accustomed than German students and, on These are only attended see themselves and the to over time. Over the two average, they are older. German by the German students. outside world. Topics such as years, all students will attend language ability however, International students attend tradition, military engagement a single-service phase which was extremely varied at the a five week introduction or the role of the military in is similar to ICSC(L). The phase start of the course, with some course. A week of the course society are both more sensitive starts with learning to use

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the German combat estimate German staff process and which is not supposed to be project management, ethics and used above the tactical level spiritual development. and it has remained largely unchanged since the second Generally weekly throughout world war. Suitable for simpler the course, ‘general-lectures’ conventional actions it lacks a alternating between German systematic approach and it’s Law, History of the Bundeswehr weaknesses are exposed when (generally avoiding mention attempting to plan for more of anything prior to 1955!) and complex modern scenarios. foreign languages permeate the Contrary to expectations, the timetable. process is quite loose, depends a great deal on a small number A comprehensive deep dive into of people (one to three within international relations theory an exercise staff of 20) and at no underpins subsequent large point are ‘effects’ discussed. The blocks of lectures and teaching key command appointments dedicated to wider strategic during this early phase tend studies, alliance security (UN, to go to German students, EU, PfP etc) and political level 5 though internationals are in key security policy. supporting roles throughout. the attack and delay, with main Besides internally conducted Although internationals will Additionally, virtual and practical battle tanks, armoured and exercises many are undertaken not use this estimate process teaching about all major mechanised infantry, overhead with other academies, including in the future once they leave German military commands support, close air support, the Combined Joint Exercise the academy, it highlighted the and TLBs is taken in detail. This aviation support and more. A staff. For LGAN 18 the USA, UK, German mindset and assisted included a week with German week in Berlin visiting the MOD, Italy, Spain took part and each in understanding where our Navy, the highlight being two German Parliament and other academy exchanged students differences lie, ensuring that days at sea being ‘bombed’ by ministries demonstrated the meaning a further opportunity we can be more productive in Tornados, conducting anti- unrivalled access afforded to the to travel, experience other latter phases. The other estimate submarine warfare and firing course. countries, their culture and used on the course (and the only naval guns. Some lucky students militaries and to establish new one used by air and land forces conducted this exercise from The specialist commands working relationships throughout) is Comprehensive aboard a submarine whilst the are also visited with equally Operational Planning Directive remainder were on two frigates. in-depth demonstrations from Advantages for British Officers (NATO’s COPD), which has Air Force week saw visits to the Medical Command, Cyber similarities to our own estimate German and NATO air command Command, Strategic Command Beyond the course process in that it is effects based. centres from where air policing and others. content itself, there exist a Anyone who has experience across Europe is monitored, multitude of benefits to the in a battle group headquarters flights in various airframes Overseas visits are a particular assignment. Though a long or above will find COPD easy to whilst being ‘intercepted’ by highlight on the course. course with an additional apply and the current iteration duty air policing units and an Though for LGANs 18 and 19 12 month language training of JCSC(L) will prepare students impressive live demonstration COVID has impacted on these, requirement prior to the well for this too. showing the Joint Personal some of the visits undertaken start of the course, there are Recovery process. Not to be and planned were: Staff- a number of clear short and Communication and Media left out Land Forces week rides in the Czech Republic long term advantages to be training features regularly, included plenty of time on damp considering the battle of gained. Firstly, the course including during staff training areas with all vehicles Königgrätz; two weeks in qualifies British attendees exercises where those in and weapons systems being New York, Washington DC and to psc(j) which is the same appointments will be pulled paraded in a synchronised field Norfolk (UN Headquarters, qualification as gained on out and interviewed in German demonstration, watching NATO’s German Embassy, site of the ACSC. Attendance on the and English (depending on only amphibious bridging unit World Trade Centers, Pentagon, course negates (but does not the exercise. During NATO or conduct a wide wet-gap crossing think-tanks, NATO Allied preclude) future attendance Joint exercise scenarios, all (which happens to be a joint Command Transformation, on ACSC. It also nullifies the briefings (to staff branches, the German-British Unit) among the Arlington Cemetery to name requirement to attend ICSC(L) commander or the media) are highlights. The Informations- a few); Brussels (NATO); Mons and is effectively an initial only allowed to be conducted in Lehr- Übung (similar to the (SHAPE); a NATO JFC (Brunsum grade 2 post. This offers more English. now defunct (Firepower and or Naples); and a trip to flexibility to career managers Capability Demonstration) another countries capital and also opens the door Early in in the course time is showed the combined arms city, ranging from London to earlier to assignments not set aside for learning about assets of a battle-group plus in Bucharest, Oslo to Rome. otherwise on offer.

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I have built a not inconsiderable network with Germany’s future senior ofﬁcers and of course those from 15 other countries, with whom I was on the course

Those fortunate enough to be selected must however acknowledge their responsibility, which is far more encompassing that their own achievement on the course. For many students at the academy, the first professional and social interaction with the British Army may be during this course and the need to understand the finer 6 points of appropriate conduct should not be underestimated. The opportunity to mix are published up to three Hamburg is well known. The Germans are direct and professionally and socially with years in advance. The course challenging and as an officer the future senior officers of the itself only requires around four British students live in ‘little one is expected to be able to German Armed Forces and the weekends in two years on duty England’ where five family explain the UK’s policy and internationals on the course – significantly less than most of quarters are located. This was reasoning on everything from enables a massive and useful us experience in six months in a hugely beneficial for those with the best planning process, network to grow over the two British institution or posting. families and offered opportunity the acquisition of new vehicle years and surely some friends for child-care to allow couples platforms (including ships for life. Syndicate DS are all past Disadvantages for British to go out independently. To and airframes – not just land students and their post there is a Officers be able to spend so much vehicles) to the UK’s position stepping stone to future higher time during my first year with on key European issues such posts. Mess life within the German the Dunlop family (two doors as migration and international Army is almost non-existent, down) was very enjoyable development aid. The relatively Concurrently with the course indeed meals are taken in and we bought some of the recent commitment to one of the two German Armed cross-rank facilities and 75% Regiment’s traditions to life manufacture and buy BOXER (a Forces universities offers a of German students weekly during the ‘Abend der Nationen’ German design and one they Masters in Military Leadership commute. The British officers or ‘international evening’ where have fielded) combined with and International Security. Much showcased our traditions we showcased British food (pork Germany’s high priority as an of the content of the degree is through the running of formal pies, scones and ale), culture international defence partner, covered on the course, meaning mess functions, an invite to (football final against Germany partnered units (amphibious a large proportion of the credits which was highly treasured by 1966), and indeed the Regiment bridging), divisions (1st Panzer are gained without additional our hosts. (everyone wanted a picture with Division and 3 (UK) Division) study. There are some problems a Guardsmen in home service means that it the two years with UK student attendance due British Army life in Germany dress) abroad will have a long term to differing degree systems, is not like it was in previous impact for all parties and thus it but these can be overcome. decades. British students are Summary is an opportunity to be valued. The Masters is free to study isolated from the Army to a large and is a good opportunity extent with a small footprint I felt a huge responsibility to demonstrate continuous of British officers working in to represent the Regiment, professional development. Germany outside of those in the Army and my country. 1. The author Paderborn. Spending significant Inevitably, this meant frequent 2. Half the course on the Having the opportunity to time away from the UK without attendance at social events (!) Frigate Mecklenburg- think about your own career, being part of a formed British and sometimes exaggerating Vorpomern in the leadership skills, experience and military unit can instil a feeling of the way we do things. Being Kieler Bight knowledge is hugely refreshing dislocation. the ‘foreigner’ wasn’t entirely 3. One of the stands at the ILÜ and is effectively a ‘condor’ new to me as I had previously (Firepower and Capability moment before getting into the This means however, you spent a year attached to Demo equivalent) 4. A further stand at the ILÜ details at subunit command. have a more genuine German the German Fallschirmjäger (Firepower and Capability It is also a great opportunity experience, living in an (parachute regiment) in 2006. Demo equivalent) to spend time with family or international renowned port The opportunity to do again 5. TEWT / lesson underway plan travel in advance as the city with all the cultural and though, was highly prized and 6. The whole course in course dates (including leave) social opportunities for which by partaking fully in everything, Washington DC

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Christmas In A Day (Thursday 12th December 2019) by Padre Matthew Dietz, Chaplain 1st Battalion Welsh Guards

long-held tradition (and deeply loved by all) is Athe madness and mayhem which is ‘Christmas in a Day’ held in the Battalion in the week before Christmas stand-down.

The format is tweaked year- – and it was awesome (well, I’m on-year, but essentially the day biased, I’m the Choirmaster!) comprises the Battalion Carol Royal Albert Hall, watch out… Service, the Soldiers’ Christmas Christmas In A Day had got off to Lunch, some form of sporting a good start... activity in the afternoon, and then the Sergeants to Officers’ Without undue delay, all repaired Mess visit (complete with an to the newly-refurbished alternative Corps of Drums) and, Cookhouse for the Soldiers’ finally, Officers to Sergeants’ Christmas Lunch. Tradition Mess - where the Commanding was the order of the day; from Officer ‘hangs the brick’ - more the menu to the decorations, of which below… all was just as it should be. The Officers and the Sergeants acted Naturally, the morning started as waiters and clearer-uppers, off in relatively formal style. and all passed off wonderfully Under the Regimental Sergeant smoothly. Mention must go Major, the Battalion paraded in to the chefs – not only did they Barrack Dress and the parade prepare an outstanding meal, was handed over to the Adjutant but they also walked off with and, in turn, the Commanding most of the Raffle prizes! Hats Officer. Then, because it was off to them – they worked hard also Election Day (you couldn’t (and bought many of the tickets!) have planned it!), the customary 1 march to Church was forgone After lunch, perhaps as a in favour of a shuttle-run with highlight of the day, the coaches and minibuses. Sergeants v Officers Rugby Match (aka scrum-fest) was Meanwhile, down at the played on a wet and cold sports Garrison Church (Holy Trinity, pitch by Windsor Great Park. The Windsor), the Padre, the Band of Officers fortified themselves the Welsh Guards and the newly with Port beforehand (as is formed Battalion Choir were only right) and Champagne limbering up for the Carol Service at half-time (style), whist the – with the theme of ‘Silent Night’ Sergeants employed ringers like – a re-take on the football match Company Sergeant Major Dai played at Christmas time in the Scarf to bulldoze their way to a First World War. Readers read, well-deserved victory – score Bandsmen played, the Padre 7:0. Roll on the return match preached, and the Guardsmen next year… sang the congregational carols. So far so good. Then, the long- Following some very muddy awaited moment came – the showers back in Barracks, there new draft (less than 6 months) was a bit of a lull (and not a sprang to their feet, from few afternoon naps) before the whichever Company seats they Sergeants made their noisy, were placed, and gathered at nay cacophonous way round to the front to sing ‘Silent Night’ – in the Officers’ Mess to partake in Welsh, German and in English the Officers’ hospitality. Drums 2

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notwithstanding, the Sergeants For some, the remainder of certainly made their presence the evening became a bit of a felt in the Mess, refreshing blur, but for the Padre, just an themselves with gusto. Quite increasing sense of joy and right too! satisfaction that 1st Battalion Welsh Guards has to be the best At exactly 19.15, the Officers place in the British Army to serve made their return journey to as Chaplain – there is no family the Sergeants’ Mess (always like it! a privilege, never a right) and the Commanding Officer was invited to hang the silver Hougoumont Farm brick – at the 1. Enjoying a Christmas appropriate angle – to signify lunch in the cookhouse. that the Sergeants’ Mess Bar 2. The Regimental Band would remain open for 14 days! provide rousing Christmas The citation was delivered with music at the service. 3. The Battalion fills Holy great dramatic affect by the Trinity, the Windsor Signals Warrant Officer (WO2 Garrison Church. (RSWO) Gareth Green) and great 4. The Regimental Band cheers erupted before many keeping spirits high 4 pints were pulled. at lunch.

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2 3

1 A Borderlands Guardsman by Warrant Ofﬁcer Class 1 (Command Sergeant Major) D Morgan (10) n return from Op TORAL 6 in December 2018, OI was fortunate enough to be selected to attend the United States Army Sergeant’s Major 4 Academy (USASMA) at Fort Bliss, El Paso, Texas.

The ensuing months were The food on offer here is out occupied by multiple lines of of this world, everything from administrative effort to ready authentic Mexican cuisine, my family and I for our exciting to “texmex”, and the biggest trip across the Atlantic. At steaks I have ever seen in my the end of April 2019 we left life! The city is an incredible Heathrow for Washington DC place, which has a strong sense to attend the “in brief” at the of community and is home to British Embassy which allowed some of the friendliest people us time to take in the sights of I have met. Class 70 had 65 this great city and to catch up international students attending with Lieutenant Colonel Bevan from countries spread from Mali MVO (who had arrived some to Poland. months before to take up his post), before moving on to International Community. 5 El Paso to start our yearlong Command Sergeant Major adventure living in the heart of Keith Mills (R WELSH) and his an important aspect of life at academic writing and attune the the Chihuahua Desert. family were already in place at the USASMA as it provides the students to writing in American Fort Bliss coming to the end of wives with a “ladies who lunch” psychological association El Paso. El Paso is nicknamed their time and they helped us lifestyle whilst the spouses are (APA) format. This course the sunshine city and lies immensely to settle in when we in class. The Sergeants Major was invaluable, especially for directly on the border with arrived, introducing us to the Course (SMC) is a huge career someone who had only written Cuidad Juarez, Mexico. It is international community that milestone for the US Soldiers academically at comprehensive surrounded by the stunning included our soon to be friends who attend. school level. This was also Franklin Mountains which for the coming year. My family where we met our US Army provide an incredible scene and I made some exceptional SMC. Prior to the SMC all sponsors who would stay with at sundown as the sun melts friendships early on resulting international students us for the rest of the year as we behind them. The mountains in a full and fantastic social undertake the writing for navigated our way through have many trails that can calendar, with most events excellence course which is run the next ﬁve semesters of be explored which provide inevitably revolving around by civilian English teachers. academia. The SMC is spilt into incredible views over New BBQ food and alcohol! The The main aim of this period semesters covering the entire Mexico, Texas, and Mexico. international community is of instruction is to develop curriculum.

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Academia. The sponsors are fellow course students who volunteered to assist international students integrating into the curriculum and the American way of life. Each semester is seven weeks long and is hosted by a different department of expertise. The ﬁve departments are:

The Department of The Department of Joint Interagency, Department of Army Professional Studies (DPS) Intergovernmental, and Multinational Operations (DAO) (DJIIM) The department produces thoughtful and a The DAO is an integral part of the Sergeants well-informed Sergeant Major. It cultivates The DJIIM is an integral part of the SMC Major Course. The DAO uses critical thinking, individual freedom through reflection and foundation for Joint Professional Military analysis, and problem solving to explore the self-awareness. It leads individuals to think Education (JPME). This theme of instruction application of Army operations. By applying critically and make good decisions in the addresses significant portions and objectives these principles to a complex problem set you future. It creates and understanding of the of the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, will continue to develop your perspective of broader context of military issues and the role IAW CJCSI 1805.01B, 15 May 2015. The DJIIM leadership. You will explore Army operations of the Sergeant Major in the Armed Forces. It emphasizes using critical thinking, analysis, and primarily at the tactical and operational levels. leads to more creative, innovative and forward problem solving to explore the application of thinking as a result, of fresh perspectives that Joint doctrine. By applying these principles to the topics present. a complex problem set, students will develop a perspective of leadership at the operational and strategic level. They will continue to The Department of Force explore these concepts and applications in the Management (DFM) Department of Army Operations (DAO). The objective of DFM is to introduce the students on the “how to” and “why” in determining force requirements and alternative means The Department of Command of resourcing Soldier training requirements, Leadership (DCL) in order to accomplish Army functions and missions as related to their unit and Army Instruction in the DCL focuses on the attributes Command (ACOM)-level management and competencies required of an operational positions within Army organizations. DFM and strategic level leader in today’s Armed provides a systemic overview of How the Forces. When students become a Sergeant Army Runs, to include the established force Major their span of control will decrease, management processes, the determination of however their sphere of influence will increase force requirements through to the resourcing significantly. The DCL designed the curriculum of those requirements and the assessment of to enhance their critical and creative thinking their utilization in order to accomplish Army skills so they can effectively maximize that functions and missions. Additionally, the DFM influence and extend it beyond their chain of student will gain an understanding of the command to support the mission and goals of processes and systems to sustain and generate their organization. the force. Lastly, the DFM student will receive an overview in contract support operations. At the completion of the DFM semester, a successful student will be able to define what role the Sergeant Major may have in the force management process.

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The first semester classroom mission station was the scene time we were permitted to I will return a more educated, becomes your core room, which of intense fighting where travel, there were regular long rounded and aware soldier, you return to on the completion Davy Crockett and his band of weekends where we really who can use the exported skills of each department to reflect men tried in vain to ward off used the USA as our back to add real value to the force on the learning outcomes on the attacking ‘Bandidos”. The yard. The road trips to San and do more for our people. the subject matter that has been Alamo still has splash marks Francisco, Monterey Bay, Pismo taught. For each department on the wall from that day and Beach, Los Angeles, Las Vegas, Editor’s Note: The USASMA is you have new classmates that interesting artefacts that were San Diego, Denver, Colorado acknowledged by military and helps build a mass network of salvaged are on display. Springs and more were civilian organizations as the friends from all corners of the US incredible, and my family and premiere non-commissioned Department of Defense. I now The town of Luckenbach is I have fantastic memories and officer education institution in have friends and colleagues that world famous to country music stories for life. the world and Warrant Officer have expertise in all domains fans around the world. This Class 1 Morgan has downplayed of the modern battle space: small town lies an hour outside The whole experience of this his selection to attend. With cyber, space, land, sea, and air. San Antonio and consists of year has been a chance of just one UK vacancy allocated, Each department has a range of a large dance hall, a bar and lifetime not only for me, but Warrant Officer Class 1 Morgan assessment methods from oral a few houses. Austin is the also for my family. There is was deemed to be the number presentations to written essays state capitol of Texas and the considerable focus on the one Warrant Officer in the commonly known as “papers”. fourth largest city in the state. future fight and deep study British Army, was selected for I did find the written elements We were lucky enough to on the countries around the a Commission and will now difficult to begin with, but with visit the state capital building world that make up the four take up his appointment as constructive feedback on each and have a tour of the various plus one threats. Academia Command Sergeant Major evolution, I was able to improve conference rooms, which are has never been my strong Home Command. throughout the course. The rich in history. The Lyndon point and throughout my 23 classroom academia was not B Johnson (LBJ) ranch is years in the Battalion, I only did 1. The author at the the only learning environment, nicknamed the “Little White enough educational courses amous “chevrons” field study trips were also part House” due to the amount of to be “green” for promotion. 2. Sundown in El Paso of the learning experience. time President Johnson spent There are opportunities at 3. Downtown El Paso there during his tenure. The the academy to enroll on 4. A view of Texas, New Mexico and Mexico Field Study Trips. The field ranch has its own airfield, degree programs from BA to including “the wall” study trips are designed to where world leaders used to MA provided by some good 5. International students expose the international fly into to discuss business colleges around the US, I took of class 69 and 70 with students to the American around the famous pool and advantage of this program the British Army Sergeant way of life and culture. The garden area of the main house. and with some extra college Major Gavin Paton, and first trip was a tour through class was awarded a BA in US Sergeant Major of the Texas including San Antonio, The planned field trip to the leadership and workforce Army Dan Dailey Luchenbach, Austin and the eastern seaboard became development. I have 6. The academy has a unique shape which Star Lyndon B Johnson ranch. a victim of Covid-19 so developed a new passion for Trek fans may recognize! San Antonio is an incredible unfortunately, we did not get learning and plan to carry on 7. Core classroom 301 city, which is home to the to visit Gettysburg, Arlington my educational journey once 8. International students famous historical sight of and the Pentagon. The field back in the UK. The whole at the Texas state capital the Alamo. The old Spanish study trip was not the only year has been incredible, and building in Austin, Texas

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1 Battalion Chaplaincy by Reverend Matthew Dietz CF Chaplain to the Welsh Guards (2019-2020)

hat a privilege it is to be the Regimental WPadre of 1st Battalion Welsh Guards! This organisation is unique – I 18 months serving alongside don’t believe there is another you as your Padre. Regiment in the British Army which has such character (and My sadness is that, by the characters), such a positive time you read this year’s attitude to soldiering and Regimental Magazine I shall such a sense of family, so have been posted away from I can genuinely say I have Combermere Barracks and 2 thoroughly enjoyed these last will be freezing my jelly beans

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3 in the wilds of Estonia on Op Secondly, I will take away and for that I thank God. I for the Queen’s Official CABRIT 7, but that’s the way some profoundly moving doubt whether I shall ever Birthday – at social distance. it rolls in the RAChD – you get moments when Guardsmen sing ‘Guide Me, O Thou Great All such conversations speak to know (and love) a unit and have stepped up to the plate Redeemer’ without thinking of the humanity of the Welsh then an Assignment Order in support of Acts of Worship fondly of you all. Guardsman, and I shall pops into your Inbox and it’s I have led. I think of St David’s treasure the words shared, and all change. So, what have been Day 2019 in Brecon Cathedral Thirdly, I will recall the the sentiments expressed. the highlights of my time with with No 2 Company (and profound conversations I have the Welsh Guards? my attempts at a sentence had – some in my study in As I say, it has been a great in Welsh!), and again in Elizabeth, then Combermere privilege to serve with the The first thing that springs to 2020 in the Garrison Church Barracks, but many more out Welsh Guards – all I can say is mind is the healthy banter I have in Windsor, when we re- and about when the good thank you for your kindness experienced as Padre. Across dedicated the Falkland Islands Lord has directed my steps in taking me along for the the rank range, I have received Cross. I think also of the Act to just the right person at journey these past 2 years, and both warm smiles and Welsh of Remembrance at Fitzroy in just the right time. The best may God bless you all as we humour wherever I have been, November 2019, with a fierce bit of advice I was given on go our separate ways… Duw whether it has been in Barracks prevailing wind, but even re-joining the Army, as a bendithio - Cymru Am Byth! or in the field. The ribbing I got more fierce determination to Padre, was from a wise old (from the Commanding Officer honour those who perished in soldier – “Matthew, God has 1. Remembering Guardsman down) when I almost got into 1982. I think of the delegation given you two ears and one Paul Fryer RIP at his the foetal position on Mount from the Corps of Drums who mouth – use them in the graveside in Danygraig Tumbledown in the Falklands observed with me a minute’s proportions he intended…” Cemetery, Risca on 13th (to shield myself from the hail silence at the graveside of - wise words indeed. I have November 2019, 40 years storm, naturally) – was brutal! Gdsm Paul Fryer aged 18, killed heard back-stories and love to the day that he was killed I was merely having a moment by the IRA in Crossmaglen stories, relationship joys and by the IRA in Crossmaglen. with my Maker, but I can see, on 40 years to the day. I think relationship heartaches. I 2. St David’s Day Service at the Holy Trinity Garrison Church, reflection, the photo didn’t look of the Reflections with the have heard of the horrors Windsor, 1st March 2020. great! Welsh Guards know how Regimental Association at the of the Sir Galahad from the 3. With members of Llanelli to ‘keep the Padre humble’ – for Battlefield Tours I joined too. men who were there to the Branch of the Welsh Guards sure – but I am the better man The spiritual heartbeat of the pride of the Windsor Castle Association (WGA) during the for it. 1st Battalion remains strong, Guard, parading the Colours annual Battlefield Tour 2019.

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St David’s Day by Lieutenant W Richardson, Number 4 Platoon Commander

he Battalion celebrated St David’s Day this Tyear at Combermere Barracks, Windsor, with Major General CJ Ghika CBE, General Ofﬁcer Commanding London District and Commander Household Division presenting the leeks and taking the Salute in the presence of Field Marshal The Lord Guthrie GCB GCVO OBE DL.

On the 1st March 2020 the as the Major General took the Battalion celebrated what is salute. Following the parade, sure to be the ﬁrst of many St everyone moved into the sports David’s Day events at our new hall which had been decked out home. The day was particularly with various display stands and 1 enjoyable due to the strong bars, for a few drinks before turnout of spectators from the dispersing to respective Messes Association and families. to continue the celebrations.

The day started with a service at St David’s Day 2020 was an the Holy Trinity Garrison Church, enjoyable and relaxed family led by Reverend Matthew Dietz day, on which we were able to CF. During the service Brigadier celebrate who we are and where JF Rickett CBE (CO 1WG in 1982) we come from, surrounded by and Captain (Retd) J Everett Welsh Guards past and present. (CSM 2 Coy in 1982) carried The celebrations finished the Falklands Memorial cross where they began on the 29th forward for rededication. The February, with friends and Falklands cross; a memorial colleagues sharing stories made in the Falkland Islands over drinks in the WOs’ and at Bluff cove in 1982 after the Sgts’ Mess! bombing of RFA Sir Galahad during the Falklands War. The day wouldn’t have been Hundreds of people fell silent possible without the support within the Garrison Church to from Regimental Headquarters, remember our fallen comrades the Association and various 2 and to welcome the memorial to members of the Battalion. Plans its permanent home at the Holy are already afoot for 2021 and Trinity Garrison Church, Windsor. we look forward to celebrating with you again on 1 Mar 2021. The Battalion was unable to march to and from the church, despite the Adjutant’s best 1. The night before efforts but there was a parade (29 Feb) Sergeants Mess once back in Combermere 2. On Parade Barracks that adhered to the 3. Par of the Congregation, traditional format. The Major Holy Trinity Garrison General presented leeks Church 1 Mar. to all Officers and Warrant 4. Maj Gen CJ Ghika Officers, while the Company CBE General Officer Commanders presented leeks Commanding London District and Commander to their soldiers. Once everyone Household Division presents had a leek on their chest or a leek to Capt Carl Taylor. attached to their headdress, the 5. Marching off parade Commanding Officer marched following the presentation 3 the Battalion off the square of leeks.

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and made up of swathes of rain and snow hampering Deer Stalking in Scotland Caledonian Forest and heather progress in Scotland. When we by Lieutenant LMF Vincenzini, Anti-tank moorland. Here we would finally arrived, temperatures Platoon Commander spend two days rotating were well below zero and between honing fieldcraft the sleet was driving in. We now covered peaks and glacial lochs set the skills around the estate and woke early the next morning, backdrop for a small group from Number 3 going out stalking with the excited for what lay ahead. We S ghillies. The estate itself is one had split down into pairs and Company who were offered the opportunity to go of a kind in Scotland, home the first two headed out with deer stalking in the highlands of Scotland. to large populations of three their respective ghillies. They species of deer: Red, Sika were both heading for the ‘hill’ The group consisted of three the perfect opportunity to put and Fallow. Due to the size and in search of the larger red members of the Sniper Platoon, these skills to the test. of the populations, there is a deer. This would be the real two members of the Recce requirement to cull significant test of our skills - requiring us Platoon and one from the As the pace of life in Battalion numbers of all three species to not only spot the deer from Anti-Tank Platoon. They were started winding down in of deer. This allowed us to pick distance but to ‘stalk’ them accompanied by two officers: preparation for Christmas and choose what we wanted to until close enough to take the the Regimental Signals officer leave, we made the long stalk in order to make the most shot and having achieved all and the author. A diverse journey by car up to the north of the short time we had. of that, not to miss. The pairs range but with the majority of Scotland. Our destination returned empty handed, now specialising in surveillance was the Novar Estate; thirty The outward journey had understanding of the realities and target acquisition, it was minutes north of Inverness proved to be a slow one, with of stalking.

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The ghillies decided to change the professionalism that they things up in the afternoon. One showed towards their job. pair headed into the forests in the hope of spotting some Sika, The trip not only presented an whilst the other pair headed for incredible opportunity to put an area with numerous Fallow our military skills into practice deer. This decision paid off with but it also turned out to be an both pairs returning successful. amazing experience that will With tales of miracle shots from not be forgotten. The group unprecedented distances the are extremely grateful to the group were desperate to get Novar Estate and Mr Elletson back out again. The ghillies for making this opportunity repeated their winning formula possible. on the second day and all four pairs had a taste of the action. 1. The author with a Sika hind. It was evident that the snipers 2. The author and Captain were the masters of their craft; Elletson with one of the ghillies. LCpl Jones had tallied up 5 3. Being rewarded with kills and LSgt Retallick hadn’t an amazing sunrise after missed a single shot. Although an early morning start. they had showed everyone 4. Gdsm Davies 14 with up we were content knowing two Sika calves. 4

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Lockdown Leadership by Guardsman D Grifﬁths, Number 2 Company

s you read these words the lockdown may Awell be relaxing and almost over. But when I wrote them I was, as you probably were, in the sixth week of a lockdown that changed all our lives perhaps more than we thought it would.

It led me to think about the both Junior and Senior, leading leadership I have experienced not from the front but from over the past seven weeks and home. They appear on the how it can benefit me, and us, Zoom calls, smart, presentable, going forward. shaved and with all the keenness you would except in When we were told that we camp. We have transitioned would be dispersing for an from doing Physical Training unknown period, the general in groups, whether section, feeling was uncertainty platoon or company, and now and, I think, probably a little we are expected to conduct excitement. Almost two that on our own, using our months later and we were still own pride as a motivation. adjusting to an environment Again, how easy would it be to that was alien to many of us. fluff it and just say you’ve done it? How easy would it be to lie In terms of leadership, it in bed for another few hours seemed to me that this crisis instead of getting up and out may have been a time when the door and on a run? Easy. the values and principles we But our NCOs are showing that hold ourselves to may have they can do it, and that we can been allowed to slip. But that do it as well. was not what I experienced. 1 Instead, I want to explain what The Zoom conferences are I experienced; the examples new to me, just like they of good leadership that I probably are to you. We are have seen over the past two conducting lessons over video. months, from my low perch as Our leaders are still teaching a Guardsman. what is needed so that we are prepared to go out the door Leading from Home when called. We have had ambush and patrol lessons, Imagine, if you are not already, quizzes on Regimental history, that you are at home and with and the junior soldiers – some your family and perhaps most of them only a couple of weeks importantly, away from work. out of the Infantry Training Like me, you are dispersed. Centre – are delivering their The opportunity, and the own presentations and lessons temptation to switch off is on subjects, both military and greater than ever. It would be personal. The result of this the easiest thing in the world new environment is junior to pull your foot off the gas and soldiers being mentored and stop leading in the same way trained and in delivering their that you would in camp. own lessons and their own presentations. In spite of the But one thing I have not seen lockdown, and thanks to the over the lockdown is leaders leadership of their NCOs, they taking their foot of the gas and are growing both personally switching off. What I have seen and professionally. They are 2 is Non-Commissioned Officers, more confident as soldiers, as

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men and women and, above all, the sections are working better as teams.

Leading in Public

When all this started, I was with my friends and fellow Welsh Guardsmen at Buckingham Palace, forming one of the two detachments needed for Her Majesty’s Guard. We spent every evening in front of the TV or scrolling through the news on our phones, wondering and debating what would happen. Nobody could have foreseen it turning out quite like it has.

Early in the lockdown, word came down our Chain of Command that a group of Welsh Guardsmen were to be trained as testers for the virus. I and a few others volunteered. 3 Before long we found ourselves learning yet another new and displaying all the discipline skill and working with skilled and professionalism that would people who, before now, be expected of British Soldiers. we may never have met. An Leading by example, being role afternoon was spent learning models for the kind of behaviour about the virus and its effects, expected of the nation. learning how to don Personal Protective Equipment, and We had people come to how to swab and take samples the testing booths who from members of the public. were unaware of what an Members of the National uncomfortable procedure it Health Service were ﬁrst to be was to get tested. I witnessed tested: doctors and nurses, them approach the booths porters and paramedics. gingerly and instantly be calmed by the good humour We were positioned in a small and calmness of my fellow hut in a large car park amongst Guardsmen; instantly at members of the National Health ease. What my fellow soldiers Service and staff from Boots. did there was, to me, good Hands washed, aprons on, leadership. They showed masks worn, eye pro donned these members of the National and gloves ﬁtted – we were Health Service, these doctors good to go. What has struck and nurses, paramedics and me most during the weeks we porters, how the British Army have spent testing is how well does things: with a sense we, and members of other of humour and immense regiments have adjusted to that calm in the face of pressure. new role, that new task. Most But not only did they lead of us were Guardsmen, Private worried members of the soldiers and not leaders, at least public through their example, not in terms of rank. There we they led each other, with their were, though, leading in public. positive attitude in a time Delivering a vital service in a where it is was easy to have a way that was totally new to us negative one. 4

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This is, to me, what being a Service charities by walking leadership. People out every video. However it happens, soldier is all about. We are not the length of his garden one week, willing themselves to be leadership is about setting an a mob. When the pressure hundred times, all before his positive in times of darkness, example when times are hard. mounts, we do not look out one hundredth birthday. With willing themselves to see the And that is what I have seen for ourselves, but look to each his Second World War spirit he positive side and to help each these last few months. other, for collective calmness. brought a moment of joy to other. Whether it is helping a nation that was struggling a neighbour who cannot Leadership Elsewhere to laugh and struggling shop for themselves or by to understand its present conducting your own small In amongst all this business it circumstances. That is a part charity event, which lots of has been so easy to get sucked of the leadership I have seen. people including members in by negativity in the press and Leaders showing that we can of my own Regiment have fall into a negative mindset. still smile and be positive. done, getting up and acting Everything on the news seems with calm positivity when the 1. Welsh Guards Covid-19 to be bad news but when the Which brings me to clapping. pressure mounts is leadership. testing at Chessington good news comes, it seems to People have been coming It is being a role model when World of Adventure come with clout. I was struck, out once a week to clap for the going gets tough. It is 2. Covid-19 testing. probably as you were, by our frontline workers. To being there when the people to 3. Gdsm Grifﬁths hiking with LSgt Prothero the immense leadership and shake bells, to say hello and your left and right are getting 4. Training on the area humour shown by Captain to catch up with people on nervous, so that they can look in Pirbright. Tom Moore, the D-Day veteran the other side of the street. to you and gain conﬁdence. 5. In happier, less socially who has raised £30 million Again, showing positivity Normally it happens in person. distanced pre-Covid times! pounds for National Health under pressure is a form of Now it often happens by Skiing with the Battalion.

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1 2 Welcome to Combermere Barracks by Warrant Ofﬁcer Class 2 D Lewis, Regimental Quartermaster Sergeant (Main) 019 saw the Battalion move from Elizabeth 2Barracks Pirbright, where, for many who have served has been known as the “Guards Depot.”

We merry band of brothers anticipated that the locals look forward to starting a might be slightly concerned at new chapter and chase the having two Infantry Battalions Household Cavalry through in Windsor; however, after just the gates of Combermere a few short months the Welsh Barracks, Windsor and return Guards have won over the local to London District with a spring population with their witty in our step. Welsh ways and professional 3 manner. Home to the Household Cavalry for over 200 years, However not all is well and Combermere Barracks, in true “Guardsman fashion” named after Field Marshall the boys will always ﬁnd Lord Combermere, was built something to complain about! to replace the original Clewer Even though they are only 10 Barracks which was deemed minutes from the M4 and close unhygienic following a visit enough to London (you could by Queen Victoria in 1864. A fall off your horse and land riding school was incorporated in Trafalgar Square amongst in 1881 and in 2006 the the pigeons), the 50mph Barracks was renovated to speed restriction between what you see today. junctions 12 and 6 of the M4 is nauseating for the Welsh Although the old “Guards weekend commuter. Depot” for some will bring back fond memories, the Combermere Barracks does new generation of Welsh offer excellent opportunities Guardsmen look forward to for the Battalion. Not only is the experiences that Windsor Windsor Castle a stone’s throw will bring and although we away and a sobering reminder 4

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of the role we play when serving within LONDIST, but we have Windsor Great Park, Virginia Waters, the banks of the Thames and an excellent gym facility offering everyone the chance to shake of an aching back after a day on the square!

The Gdsm and junior ranks have now returned to single man rooms which for them is a huge win, but not so much for the young Platoon Commanders and Sergeants trying to track down those under their command after 1630hrs!

The Sergeants’ Mess have also taken full advantage of the move and made the most of the facilities they have captured from the fleeing Cavalry, who did manage to gallop away with a brick from the pillar in the bar which may need to be recaptured in due 5 course! frequently in this hectic mess Guardsmen and our families As good as the facilities are move which has been likened come and visit to sample in the Mess, there is a slight to ‘herding cats’ – well done what our new home and the worry on the face of the CSgt Evans! The Officers had surrounding area has to offer. mess member that has been a rapid timeline to get the tasked with the planning of mess into a state acceptable Cymru Am Byth. the summer function as all to entertain in, due to a drinks the married quarters overlook party with local Windsor and can see into the mess dignitaries on D+2; they just garden from their bedroom about pieced it together. Now windows! This is not seen as settled, there remains one an issue for many, but in these problem with the Officers’ days of rapid social media, Mess: the Household Cavalry, mobile phone video uploads as old and historical as they this is troubling for some - are, had significantly more nobody, but nobody who is paintings than we, and a much sober needs to see the Signals larger Mess membership also. Warrant Officer doing his best Bare walls are a common Meatloaf impression after a theme that needs addressing 1. One of the SLAM (Single few pints! in the coming years! Living Accommodation Modernization) The Officers have settled well All said and done. Windsor is accommodation blocks into the new Officers’ Mess a fantastic town and has been providing en-suite single but would have struggled the breath of fresh air the rooms for our soldiers. to do so without CSgt Evans Battalion has long deserved, 2. The Guardroom. 88 (the Officers’ Mess CSgt) the Guardsmen and Junior 3. The All Ranks Pay as you Dine (cookhouse) facility who reminded many Junior Non-Commissioned Officers provided by Aramark Side Officers of their Sandhurst days especially. We will continue By Side throughout the move. Work to make it “our own” and this 4. The Gymnasium parades, room inspections will undoubtedly take time, 5. Another SLAM and show parades featured but we hope that past Welsh Accommodation block.

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3 A Special Anniversary by Colonel TCS Bonas, Regimental Adjutant e all enjoy a host of different types Wof anniversaries and they are always special in most cases.

4th August 2020 probably Yvonne has witnessed the fell into the highest group greatest turnover of staff in of anniversaries for both any Headquarters having Yvonne Brown and the served with 9 Regimental Regiment for it marked her Lieutenant Colonels, 7 continual unbroken service Regimental Adjutants, 17 4 in Regimental Headquarters Superintendent Clerks/ for 40 years having started Regimental Quartermaster in August 1980. I would put Sergeants, 11 Directors of a small fortune on betting Music and 17 Commanding that this must be a record Ofﬁcers. Quite a tally! She of continuous employment has also seen the Regiment in the same organisation, serve in Northern Ireland, the indeed almost a lifetime. Falklands, the Balkans, Iraq A remarkable feat where and Afghanistan. she has shown dedication, commitment and enthusiasm Her service to the Regiment, for all across the Regimental London District and The Empire during those years. Household Division was 5 6

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recognised by the award of the recording for Yvonne which General Officer Commanding was played at the lunch. London District and The Major Yvonne was presented with General Commanding The a silver statuette of a Welsh Household Division Certificate Guardsman suitably engraved. for Meritorious Service on 3rd It was a highly enjoyable August when Major General occasion and a fitting way Chris Ghika CBE presented her to mark this very special with her certificate in his office anniversary. HRH The Prince in Horse Guards. Present at of Wales had specially written the award ceremony were also a letter to her, his words were Yvonne’s husband Paul, son incredibly touching and were Leon, daughter Lovenne and hugely appreciated. grandson Nazir, along with myself, Captain Charlie Ross I know Yvonne is highly the Assistant Equerry and the respected and liked across the ADC Captain Orme Clarke. It Regiment and we thank her was a very special occasion warmly for all she has done for and kind of the Major General us since 1980. Of course, her to spend an hour with Yvonne 50th will be even more special! and her family.

On the actual day of her anniversary, 4 August, Yvonne was hosted for lunch in the Cavalry and Guards Club by all RHQ personnel including the 1. Yvonne being presented former Regimental Adjutant with her Certiﬁcate for Lieutenant Colonel Charles Meritorious Service by Major Stephens. The Regimental General Chris Ghika CBE, Lieutenant Colonel, Major Major General Commanding General Richard Stanford, The Household Division was sadly unable to attend 2. L-R; Colonel TCS Bonas, being based in the Oman Paul, Yvonne, Leon, Lovenne 7 but made a special video and Grandson Nazir standing in the fron 3. The Socially Distanced scene in the Major Generals Ofﬁce. 4. Anniversary Lunch in the Cavalry and Guards Club. L-R; Vivien Bonas, Yvonne, Colonel Tom Bonas. 5. Yvonne Reading out her personal letter from His Royal Highness The prince of Wales. 6. Laptop viewing of the special video recorded message from the Regimental Lieutenant Colonel. 7. Presentation of Silver statuette on behalf of the Regiment. 8. Private anniversary lunch in the Cavalry and Guards Club.

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1 A Unique Event in Regimental History by Colonel TCS Bonas, Regimental Adjutant 2 n Friday 14th August at the Royal Military OAcademy Sandhurst, a unique event may have occurred in the Regiments history. Every Regiment in the British Army has seen generations of family members passing through its ranks and the Welsh Guards is no exception to this.

Indeed, the list of names and handing over as Adjutant to families in this century would William. No pressure on the fill many library shelves. There younger brother to follow in are also countless examples their footsteps! of brothers serving in the Regiment at the same time, Due to COVID-19 restrictions, currently the Salusbury and we were sadly not able to Clarke brothers. Although watch Officer Cadet Cameron there are more knowledgeable Clarke pass out on the parade Regimental personnel than ground in front of Old College I, I am not sure we have ever but were permitted to hold a had a trio of [officer] brothers picnic lunch afterwards. With serving at the same time and, if the rain holding off we all so, this unique event occurred enjoyed the special occasion when Officer Cadet Cameron until 3pm where stumps were Clarke commissioned into the drawn with cadets having Regiment on 14th August to to depart by 6pm and sadly join his brothers, Edward and no Commissioning Ball in the William with Edward recently evening. 3

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for ½ of Roberts platoon in their home that evening with all of them wearing their Regimental Mess Dress. I am told it was a great night and all behaved impeccably!! Style indeed!

We have for some time now been blessed with a hugely strong cohort of ofﬁcers commissioning from Sandhurst and I don’t see this changing. They all bring something different to the table, but all absolutely share what we stand for as Welsh Guardsmen and the ethos and customs that have been our benchmark since our formation.

1. Off the parade ground (L) 4 Cameron Clarke, (R) Robert Cross Commissioning with Cameron 2. A happy Robert Cross Clarke was Officer Cadet with his proud parents. Robert Cross, a member of 3. The Clarke Family L-R: the Sovereigns Platoon and, Capt Ed Clarke, 2Lt Cam like Cameron, had done Clarke, Mrs Amanda Clarke, Capt Will Clarke excellently at Sandhurst. A 4. The Clarke Family with grade 8 pianist and with Grandmother music and singing running 5. The Clarke Brothers L-R; through the family DNA, Robert Ed, Cam and Will sang to his whole intake 6. WO1 Command Sergeant in the field on completion Major (Home Command) of the final exercise, an Dean Morgan 10 with impromptu moment which I Capt Ed Clarke 7. WG Officers at the am told all present will never Commissioning Parade L-R; forget. Bodes well for the Capt Ed Clarke, Capt James Battalion Choir! In lieu of a Marsden, Col Tom Bonas, 5 Commissioning Ball, Roberts Capt Will Clarke, Capt Ed parents hosted a dinner party Anderson

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Memoranda, A Punishing Experience by Roy Lewis (2741392)

n his book “An Undistinguished Life” Andrew IGibson-Watt refers to the habits and conventions of the Regiment many of which he says were inherited from the Grenadiers who before we were formed recruited in South Wales.

One is Memoranda which he punished by Extra Drill or Extra describes as ‘legal business Parades. There were fines for sessions of Commanding drunkenness beginning with Officer, Adjutant and Company 10/- (50p) for a first offence Commanders.’ Those who and although very few had had lost their names and were cars there was a charge for marched in to answer for their “Dangerous driving and all misdeeds would describe it as offences against the Road judgement day! Traffic Act” and “Being involved in a traffic accident.” Officers who took Memoranda had a Regimental Scale of The Commanding Officer also Punishment which listed dealt with those who “Altered almost a hundred offences clothing without permission,” beginning with “Absence” and “Being in possession of an ending with “Wrong order for article the property of a parades or fatigues.” The Scale comrade” and “Borrowing used in the 1940s includes or buying an article of kit or “Allowing a prisoner to escape” equipment without permission” and “Being in a public house but the offence which we now or property out of Bounds to find the most amusing and Troops” and those found guilty inexplicable is surely “Being in of “Committing a nuisance bed without leave.” after lights out” were confined to Barracks for five days. A Editor’s Note. The Powers man found guilty of having a and Scales of Punishment bruised face had to “Remain in issued in 1940 were updated until well.” and incorporated into the provisional Regimental Those showing rifles during Standing Orders issued by a dust storm in Transjordan Colonel Sir Alexander Stanier Bt thought it unfair to be given an DSO MC on 1st March 1946 and Extra Drill for a “Dusty Rifle” but then later incorporated into no-one could be charged with Regimental Standing Orders Commanding Officers being “Improperly dressed published and approved by memoranda taking place in the streets” because there His Royal Highness The Prince twice a month following the weren’t any! Extra drills were Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, age old tradition of marching the punishment for inattentive Colonel Welsh Guards on 1st in, marking time and asking drill or fatigues and being March 1966. Interestingly the for permission to speak but idle on sentry but “Irregular offence of “Grumbling when adapted for the modern era conduct on sentry, being off warned for duty” survived by the inclusion of an Accused his post, sitting down etc.” was edit although the maximum Advisor (normally a Pl Comd dealt with by the Commanding punishment was reduced or Coy Comd) who is there to Officer. from a set 3 day’s Confined to advise the accused of his rights! Barracks (CB) to a punishment “Making a reply in the ranks,” at the Commanding Officers “Not shaved for a parade” and discretion! “Using obscene language” were dealt with by a Company Today discipline remains Commander or Adjutant and as important as ever, with

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The Guards Parachute Platoon “We ought to have a Corps A quick blast on google search by Sergeant LB Langley Welsh Guards, of at least 5,000 Parachute will reveal various theories troops”. These famous words associated with how the 6 (Guards) Platoon Sergeant in a letter dated 22nd June 1940 colour was selected for the 3rd Battalion The Parachute Regiment from Sir Winston Churchill to Parachute Regiment beret, but his chief military assistant, our preferred version, which General Hastings Ismay, were is invariably true is; When the beginning of the British the colour of the Parachute Airborne capability that would Regiment Beret could not be fight in every battle from the decided, Generals decided to Bruneval Radar Station raid ask the first Private soldier they (Op BITING) in 1942 to the came across. The man they Mountains of Afghanistan (Op asked was a former member of HERRICK) today. Number Two Company Welsh Guards and he suggested the Although all of this is well Company Colour, Maroon. documented, it is perhaps Maroon is now intrinsically less well known that it was linked with the Paratrooper not the Household Division that just in the UK but in a multitude answered the call and the of nations across the globe. Welsh Guards sent their fittest and most experienced Gdsm, At the end of the Second World NCO’S & Officers from across War, the Guards Parachute the Battalion to take part in Battalion was formed, serving 2 Pre-Parachute Selection. in Palestine before being

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disbanded and reduced to Company strength in 1948. The (Guards) Independent Parachute Company was formed to be the Pathfinder Company for 16th Parachute Brigade. Members of the (Guards) Independent Parachute Company were deployed to a number of operational theatres including Op MUSKETEER in 1956, jumping into Egypt, as well as working alongside 22 SAS in Malaya. When the unit was disbanded in 1975 many members of the Company went on to form G Squadron 3 22 SAS. Europe Since World War 2, to In 2001 the Guards Parachute deploying to America’s Joint Platoon was formed and Readiness Training Centre placed in B Company, 3rd (JRTC) with the 82nd Airborne Battalion the Parachute Division. Regiment (3PARA). Within 18 months the Platoon was 1 October 2019 saw me return spearheading the assault to the Guards Parachute into Southern Iraq on Op Platoon as the Platoon TELIC 1. Three years later 3 Sergeant. During my time PARA was in Helmand on here our focus has very much Op HERRICK 4, with some been preparing for Very members of the Platoon High Readiness (VHR) which going to Easy Company in included deploying to Kenya Musa Qala which saw some on Ex ASKARI STORM, Riot of the fiercest fighting of the Training and a Battalion Urban whole Afghan campaign. The Warfare Exercise culminating 4 Guards Parachute Platoon in a Night Attack on Eastmere deployed three more times to Village at Stanford Training Afghanistan. Area (STANTA). All this has been carried out within I completed my All Arms Pre- the context of the Covid-19 Parachute Selection (AAPPS) in pandemic, demonstrating October 2015 and was posted both 3PARA and 16 Brigades to the Guards Parachute commitment to deliver an Platoon on 1 January 2016 as a Operational Output in all Section Commander. Postings circumstances. are normally for 2 years during which time I enjoyed the best On Ex ASKARI STORM seven 2 years of my Army Career to members of Number 2 date. This was due mainly to Company Welsh Guards several factors; the grown- formed a Section under up working environment LSgt Burrows-Jones and which prevailed, working attached themselves to the with soldiers that have high Guards Parachute Platoon. It personal standards of fitness, was a great opportunity to professionalism and drive to demonstrate to the rest of better themselves and finally, the Battalion what life is like the exposure to high levels for members of the Platoon. of soldiering is unparalleled, They fully integrated into ranging from the largest the Platoon and performed Airborne Jump in Western well with Gdsm Hamer and 5

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all your training into practise are few and far between, but in the next 6 months the Guards Parachute Platoon will have Gdsm and NCO’s in two Operational theatres, while maintaining readiness to deploy anywhere in the world if required. An opportunity not to be missed and not matched anywhere else in the British Army.

The Guards Parachute Platoon currently consists of:

Captain F Wellesley HCR

Sgt Langley WG

Cpl (LSgt) Porter GREN GDS

Cpl (LSgt) Williams 32 WG

6 LCpl Coy WG

Gdsm Williamson recording LCpl Jones 50 COLDM GDS the highest TES (Tactical Engagement Simulation) kills LCpl McGovern IG in the Company. Tpr Grinstead HCR Since returning from Kenya the Guards Parachute Platoon Gdsm Bayley IG has welcomed LCpl Coy from No 2 Company and Cpl (LSgt) Gdsm Barnard COLDM GDS Williams from Catterick, another Number 2 Company Gdsm Forrest COLDM GDS man. Cpl (LSgt) Roberts has returned to Battalion and the Gdsm Goold GREN GDS Platoon would like to thank him for his 4 years of service to Gdsm Holland GREN GDS the Guards Parachute Platoon 7 as a LCpl and as a Section Commander. We wish him all the best for the future.

Currently, the Guards Parachute Platoon is hugely undermanned and has 14 vacancies for Guardsmen. The Welsh Guards have always been ready, willing and able to volunteer to serve with Airborne Forces and if you complete the AAPPS then you will be posted to the Platoon and be exposed to a unique soldiering experience like no other. We currently serve in an army where the opportunity to 8 deploy on operations and put 9

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1. Members of the Guards Parachute Platoon about to Jump in America 2016. Standing L-R; Wint (GREN GDS), Langley (WG), Martin (SG), Mclure (HCR), Brown (COLDM GDS), Celia (COLDM GDS). Kneeling; Pringle (HCR), Marchent (HCR) 2. Guardsman Goold (GREN GDS) walking off the Drop Zone (DZ) having just completed a parachute jump 3. Guards Parachute Platoon with 1WG Section attached on Ex ASKARI STORM 20, Kenya 4. Cpl (LSgt) Roberts (WG) ove taking members of the Household Division during a 3 miler in Pirbright 5. Sgt Langley (WG) on a visit to the Household Division All Arms Pre-Parachute Selection (AAPPS) Screening in Pirbright 6. Guards Parachute Platoon Having just completed Live Firing Tactical Training (LFTT) in the USA in 2016 7. Sgt Langley (WG) LSgt Burrows-Jones(WG) and LCpl Ryan (IG) Ex ASKARI STORM 20 8. Platoon Commander 10 11 Capt FC Wellesley (RHG/D) and Platoon Sergeant Sgt Langley (WG) after completing the pairs ﬁre manoeuvre lane During LFTT in Kenya 9. LCpl McGovern (Right) about to conduct a Parachute Jump with a Polish parachute earning his Polish Wings 10. Sgt Langley the ﬁrst Welsh Guards Sergeant to take over the Guards Parachute Platoon in 12 Years 11. Cpl (LSgt) Roberts (WG) about to conduct his last Parachute Jump before returning to the Welsh Guards 12. Jordanian Blackhawk - The Guards Parachute Platoon about to carry out an Air Assault Operation, Jordan 2018

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erect a GPA Memorial at the In September 1945, the National Memorial Arboretum 6th Airborne Division was (NMA), Staffordshire. deployed to the Middle East. Within a year the This plan being agreed, steps Division was reduced to were taken to: submit an two Brigades and during application to the Memorial and that change the 1st Guards Landscapes Committee; apply Parachute Battalion was to the Charities Commission for formed and saw active charitable status for the project; service in Palestine. design a suitable statue, base and surrounds for the memorial; In 1948 the Battalion was and consider how to raise funds disbanded as the formation to cover the obvious costs. to which it belonged was reduced to a Brigade, the To date the Memorial and 16th Independent Parachute Guards Parachute Association (GPA) Landscapes Committee at Brigade. The battalion Memorial to Guardsmen who have the Arboretum have agreed contracted to a company, and a site has been allocated, the 16th (later called the served in Airborne Forces appropriately adjacent to 1st) Guards Independent by Major ADI Wall MBE The Household Division Pathfinder Company, Memorial and The Parachute assuming the role of he Guards Parachute Association was formed Regiment and Airborne Forces pathfinders for the Brigade. in 1975 following the disbandment of the National Memorial. In the 1950s, 60s and 70s T the Company saw service Guards Independent Parachute Company, as Charitable Status for the in the Canal Zone, the Suez part of the defence cuts. project has been agreed by the Canal operation, Cyprus, Charities Commission and the Jordan, Borneo (in the SAS Originally membership of Guardsmen currently serving Association has been granted role) and Northern Ireland. the Association was limited in airborne forces are in the Gift Aid by HMR&C. to those who had served in SAS Regiment and 6 (Guards) Following the the Company but this was Platoon, attached to 3rd A design for the Memorial has disbandment of the 1st later extended to include Battalion The Parachute been made and agreed (see Guards Independent Guardsmen who had served Regiment, formed in photo 1). The Memorial will Company, several in the Guards Parachute March 2001. incorporate a bronze statue of members of the Company Battalion, or who were just over life size proportions, volunteered for Selection parachute trained and were In 2019 the Chairman of modeled on a photograph and transferred to 22 serving or who had served in the GPA, Jim Heycock, who of a member of the Guards SAS, joining the many airborne forces, thus including joined 1WG in 1969, followed Independent Parachute Guardsmen who were those in 5 Airborne Brigade or by service in the Guards Company leaving a drop serving and who had in 22 SAS Regiment. Parachute Company and zone, following a parachute served in The Regiment in then in 22 SAS, retiring as a jump. The statue will stand many theatres around the The first airborne members Lieutenant Colonel, realized on a Scoutmoor stone plinth world. of the Household Division that, other than a window in mounted on a base, also of were those who, during the Guards Chapel, which was Scoutmoor stone. In 2001 No.6 (Guards World War 2, served with in commemoration of all those Parachute) Platoon was 11th Special Air Service who had served between 1946 On the front of the plinth there formed, becoming a part of Battalion, which subsequently and 1975 with the 1st (Guards) will be a brief history covering 3rd Battalion The Parachute became 1st Parachute Parachute Battalion and the those airborne units in which Regiment. Members of the Brigade in September 1941, Guards Independent Parachute Guardsmen were involved, Platoon have seen service in and those in the 1st and 6th Company, there was no other their roles and the theatres Afghanistan. Airborne Divisions. Post war memorial which recognized in which they operated. In reorganizations led to the all those Guardsmen who had outline these were as follows: One side of the plinth will show formation of 1st (Guards) died when serving with the the mottos of the Household Parachute Battalion in 1946, wider Airborne Forces. During the 2nd World War Division and The Parachute later reestablished as the the 1st and 6th Airborne Regiment, with another side Guards Independent Parachute Following further discussion Divisions were involved in describing what the statue Company in 1948, and in 22 within the GPA, it was decided major operations in Europe depicts. Another side of the SAS Regiment when it was that to meet this requirement and the Middle East. plinth will show a part of a formally established. it would be a fitting tribute to poem.

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There will be a display of the COVID-19. The completion date the Saturday nearest 3. The commemoration cap badges of the 7 Household and the date of the unveiling the date of the 1975 and remembrance of those Division Regiments, laid out in ceremony cannot yet be disbandment of No1 members of the Household a half moon on the front of the confirmed, but it is hoped that (Guards) Independent Division who have served in bronze statue. The Pegasus, the this will take place in 2021. Company, The Parachute airborne forces and who have Household Division Star and Regiment, which was the died while in service, by the the cap badge of the Parachute Field Marshal the Lord Guthrie 24th October,1975. erection of a memorial at the Regiment will be laid out on of Craigiebank has agreed to National Memorial Arboretum the rear of the base. be the Patron of the Guards • Providing a welfare (NMA) and to educate the Parachute Association network for members public and serving soldiers and An information plaque will Memorial project. HRH The who may have fallen on veterans from all regiments be placed at the entrance Prince of Wales, the Patron hard times, or for their and corps, on the long- to the GPA Memorial site, of the Guards Parachute wives, widows, and established and cherished displaying the Memorial name Association, has been invited children, at the discretion traditions and the history of and showing when and by to carry out the unveiling of the committee. Guardsmen in Airborne Force whom it was unveiled and of the Memorial but again, and the sacrifices made by dedicated. The whole site will his acceptance cannot be • Organising and Airborne Guardsmen in conflict be accessible by wheelchair; a confirmed until dates for the encouraging members in the service of their country. path will take visitors around unveiling can be decided. to attend other functions, the whole memorial, to whether social, military enable it to be studied from all The Charity Objectives or commemorative, as aspects. of the Guards Parachute representatives of the Association Memorial Association. Fund raising has begun and Project are as follows: generous donations have • Supporting and 1. The Memorial will incorporate a bronze been made by The Household The Association is established encouraging, in every statue of just over life size Division, each of the seven to further the following 3 way possible, Guards proportions, modeled on a regiments of the Household purposes: units and individuals photograph of a member of Division, the SAS Association serving in the airborne the Guards Independent and the SAS Clocktower Fund, 1. To preserve and foster role. 2. Photo courtesy of Sgt Luke The Parachute Regiment, comradeship between serving Langley, Pl Sgt Guards the Remembrance Trust, and retired members of the 2. To relieve need, hardship, Parachute Platoon - and members of the Guards Association by: and distress amongst past and Airborne Glider Troops from the Welsh Guards Parachute Association. present members of Guards Normandy 6th June 1944 • Providing an opportunity Airborne soldiers and their WG Cap Badge can be seen At the time of writing this for members to meet dependents by making grants drawn on the Glider to the article, work had begun on the at an annual dinner, and providing such support as left of the door with the site, slightly delayed because of normally to be held, on the trustees deem appropriate. words Cymru am Byth.

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Professional Golfers who Died in the Great War By Nick Farr Welsh Guards Association London Branch Associate Member And Welsh Guards Reunited Branch Site Historian

ollowing the declaration of War against the FCentral Powers, Germany, Austria-Hungary, Bulgaria and the Ottoman Empire on the 4th August 1915, Lord Kitchener the Secretary of State for War, appealed for an additional 100,000 men to enlist into the British Army 3 days after war was declared.

Within 8 weeks nearly 750,000 Matthew’s entry into golf is not men from various peace time known but records confirm occupations had responded that he joined the Professional to the call to arms to fight for Golfers’ Association in 1909 in King and Country. These men the Northern Section. included Professional Golfers. Matthew enlisted into the Extensive research, undertaken Grenadier Guards (No 20934) on 1 by former Professional Golf the 30th November 1914 aged 27 Association (PGA) chairman of years and 1 month at Windsor. 25 years, Dr Phil Weaver OBE He transferred to Welsh Guards has revealed the identities of on the 27th February 1915 116 PGA professionals who and was issued with a new answered this call but never service number of 502. He was returned from the conflict. appointed unpaid L/Cpl on the The PGA had 840 members 30th April 1915 and promoted in 1913, this relates to 14% of to Corporal and unpaid L/Sgt the membership who became 30th July 1915. fatalities in WW1. He married Plesance Rabina These include the fate of the Reed on the 14th August 1915 Cottrell brothers from Guiseley just 3 days before embarkation in Yorkshire. All four were to France with 30 Officers professional golfers but three and 1,107 other ranks on the of them were killed in the 17th August 1915. conflict. Matthew was killed in action My own research has on the 27th September 1915 at identified two PGA members the Battle of Loos alongside 51 who were to serve in the Welsh other Welsh Guardsmen just 6 Guards; sadly both were killed weeks or so after his marriage. in action. He is commemorated on the Loos Memorial and also at the In 1911 Matthew Owen was Tynemouth Golf Club. The single, age 23, residing as a general committee at the time of 2 boarder at 19 Wigshaw Lane, his death recorded: Culcheth, Warrington and listed as a Professional Golfer. “All must have been struck with He was the Golf Professional at Owen’s singularly sweet and Leigh Golf Club and remained happy disposition, all deeply there until 1914 after which regret his death and the loss he secured the post of thereby sustained by the club” Professional at Tynemouth Golf Club, North Shields, Tyne & In 1911 Douglas Terry Mabitt Wear before his enlistment. was aged 16 living at ‘Holmlea’

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7, Junction Terrace, Radyr and Private Ernest John Williams, was an Assistant Professional (56680) “C” Coy. 10th Battalion Golfer. He served initially Welsh Regiment, attached under Harry Marjoram the 38th Bn. Machine Gun Corps Professional at Radyr Golf (Infantry) killed in action 19th Club before moving to Morlais April 1918 age 24 years old. 3 Castle Golf Club as Assistant to David Tate. May their sacrifice Douglas enlisted into the Welsh Guards (824) on the 19th March 1915 in Cardiff. He never be forgotten gave his age as 20 years and 3 months and his occupation as a Professional Golfer. He was appointed an unpaid L/Cpl in the ﬁeld on the 8th August 1916. He was amongst the 72 Welsh Guards men killed in action on the 10th September 1916 at the battle of Ginchy.

Douglas is commemorated on the Thiepval Memorial to the missing.

3 other Golf Professionals who enlisted into other Welsh Regiments died during WW1.

Private Cecil Ewart Griffiths, (285129) 2nd. Battalion 1. Press death notification Monmouthshire Regiment. of 502 LSgt Matthew Owen Died of Wounds. 25th August 2. Press death notification 1917, 23 years of age. of 824 LCpl Douglas Terry Mabitt 3. Commonwealth War Graves Lance Corporal Ernest Lewis, Memorial Certificate for (18745) 9th Battalion Royal 502 LSgt Matthew Welsh Fusiliers. Died (most 4. Commonwealth War Graves likely through sickness) 29th Memorial Certificate for 824 4 July 1918. LCpl Douglas Terry Mabitt

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Welsh Guards Regimental Archives by Mrs Vivien Bonas ack in January 2017 my husband mentioned Bto me that he was going to ask Captain Marcus Scriven to look at the archives section at Regimental Headquarters with a view to updating this and he wondered whether I would consider helping out with this task as “his assistant”.

With the move of all individual went well and we embarked service records to “Restore on our “updating plan”! Records Management” in October 2017, it seemed the To my mind there were many perfect opportunity to organise items that could be put in the regimental archive a black sack but Marcus correctly in the space they had thought otherwise and vacated. Not knowing too spent many hours ploughing much about this I ventured through personal accounts down to the bowels of the and other “real” archive building to see exactly what I material whilst I tried to might be letting myself in for. make sense of photographs, What I encountered was about minutes of meetings, dinners, 16 huge ﬁling racks with a Remembrance Sundays, myriad of papers, photos and St David’s Days and other other memorabilia stacked minutia. We enjoyed our on the various shelves. Gosh meetings and made huge what was I letting myself in for! progress, thanks to Marcus’ Well I agreed to meet Marcus diligence and careful and discuss the whole task. All inspection of everything. We

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found so much of interest that personal belongings, medals, connected to the Regimental Unfortunately we forgot to it was hard to drag oneself diaries, war accounts, passports, Adjutant, the Battalion, WW1, photograph what we had away from one thing to look letters home and so much WW2, Berlin, Northern Ireland, originally taken on! but the at another. There were so more. Also probably about 100 Cyprus, The Falklands and photographs which accompany many personal accounts of mounted squad photograph then finally Bosnia, Iraq and this article show how well battles, the situations they dating back to the early 1900s. Afghanistan. Sadly, after about organised we are now, they found themselves in and a year Marcus had to give up give examples of the indexing what they were thinking at the It was decided that we would all the wonderful work he had system being used, what sort of time and also a huge amount name all the filing racks from left done and return to his full items we hold and the storage of photograph albums and to right starting from everything time-time job. It was a hard task systems we now have in place. taking over what he had done so meticulously. I amalgamated boxes, built new ones and slowly began to make some sense of it. I kept the naming of the filing racks that we had agreed to and eventually managed to arrange the boxes in the various order that seemed to be the best. Then came the numbering from 1 to 170 and the logging on the computer so that hopefully when someone was looking for a specific item it would be reasonably easy for them to find it. It was a fun, if somewhat challenging, three years but so worth it to see the transformation of the “archives” as it is today.

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Our Particular Way of Doing Things The Welsh Guards Ethos Booklet by Captain JO Dinwiddie he secret behind many successful businesses, Tteams and indeed military organisations is a clearly deﬁned shared sense of identity, a set of clear collective values to live by and high standards to ensure collective performance.

Recently, 1st Battalion have set else the pursuit of excellence about defining and recording on operations, on the parade its own corporate identify. square, in training, in barracks This piece of work has been and off duty. informed by the Regiment’s heritage and the values we wish Our personal discipline acts as to project into the future. The the backbone of our endurance, project has produced an Ethos fortitude and courage. It Booklet; a bound A5 hardback inspires confidence in those to be presented to every serving around us and makes us utterly member of the Welsh Guards. dependable. Our personal discipline therefore forms the The ethos booklet is split down foundations of our personal into several sections: ‘Who we reputation and is developed are’, ‘Our particular way of doing through individual pride and things’, ‘Our Identity’, and ‘Our leadership at every rank. Heritage’. These chapters seek Leadership underpins our 1 to record and communicate ultimate principle of excellence; the essence and strength of it is nurtured through our the Welsh Guards, it should personal discipline and pride in become a source of reference our standards, across all ranks: and a baseline of standards for Officers, Warrant Officers, Non- future generations of Welsh Commissioned Officers and Guardsmen to aspire to and Guardsmen alike. In the Welsh uphold. Guards we must all set the right example; we should nurture Our Ethos itself is a set of and develop those around us collective attitudes, which we and we should empower others apply in our approach to life on to use their initiative. and off duty; it informs how we conduct our tasks and should Our Ysbryd is perhaps the be instinctively understood by most unique characteristic of all. The booklet champions five the Welsh Guards; humour, key principles: ‘Excellence by humility and compassion are as nature and through nurture’, natural to a Welshman as the ‘Guards discipline at our core’, love of gold is to the dragon. ‘Leadership and initiative at The Welsh Guards are blessed to the lowest level’, ‘Our Ysbryd: have these attributes coursing our spirit’ and ‘Patriotism and through our veins. It is evident loyalty’. These five principles are in everything we do; it brings a briefly explained below with light-hearted attitude towards extracts from the booklet: our work, it enables us to learn and adapt and forges strong Excellence is our ultimate working relationships. principle, the foundation of our ethos; it is applied daily Loyalty and patriotism are at by all. Our ethos, taught in the heart of our fighting spirit, it training and nurtured in is our ‘indomitable will to win’. Battalion, demands above all Winning is achieved through 2

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selflessness to combat elitism. people in the Welsh Guards. Fortunately, these attributes The Ethos booklet is written for are natural for a Welshman all those who seek to uphold and instinctive for a Welsh excellence by nature and Guardsman. through nurture and ultimately, it attempts to build a collective It is only when one leaves spiritual bond between a family the Battalion that we fully of warriors, promoting unity appreciate the value of the of effort through our personal Welsh Guards culture; the discipline and strong selfless Battalion is our workplace, but it leadership. is also our family and our home. It is easy to critique the internal The Ethos booklet is due to be workings of an organisation printed and presented before 4 from the inside, but looking the end of the year. from the outside-in, it is very loyalty to each other, to our Team of Teams talks about evident that the Welsh Guards families, to our Regiment, to the creation of a shared is a unique Regiment. It is the Wales and to our Monarch. consciousness or shared sense spirit and familiar compassion Our loyalty is our conscience, it of purpose to generate trust of those serving that one misses drives us to do the right thing and effective teams. The Ethos so greatly that makes the Welsh 1. Capt John “Jock” Steel Lewes, and it gives us the courage to be booklet seeks to build a shared Guards such a formidable co-founder of the Special Air utterly selfless for one another sense of belonging and purpose fighting force and special home. Service, Libyan Desert 1941 in the face of adversity. to provide meaning to our role 2. Our dual-role, encapsulated and pride in our standards. I cherish the formative by Regimental Sergeant Simon Sinek’s book on years of my career with the Major Parry 3. Members of The Prince of leadership impresses The booklet praises the Battalion, but it took a period Wales’s Company on patrol the importance behind performance and competence of comparison outside the in 2018 at the famous understanding why we do of those who serve in the Battalion to acknowledge the Bala Hisar keep, Kabul, things rather than what we Battalion, but it also promotes depth of experience, strength Afghanistan. do; whilst Stanley McCrystal’s personal humility and of leadership and quality of our 4. On parade.

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The Welsh Guards Memorial Stone at Combermere Barracks Windsor by Warrant Ofﬁcer Class 2 D Hughes (39) Company Sergeant Major Headquarter Company

ith 6 unit moves in the last 17 years we Whaven’t exactly had anywhere we could call home, until now.

On moving into Combermere The Commanding Officer took 1 2 Barracks, Windsor it was clear the idea to the Regimental that this was to be our new Trustees, to seek funding home and somewhere we and they generously agreed could invest time and effort wholeheartedly with the idea. into making ours. We then began to design what would be a fitting lasting When the Household Cavalry memorial for us as a Regiment. departed, after nearly 200 We toyed with the idea of years(!), they (quite rightly) having the names of our fallen took with them numerous inscribed on the stone but items of history, including decided a regiment with a their historical vehicles that full and eventful history like were dotted round camp. ours this would be a huge task 3 They also took their memorial and one that wouldn’t be cost to their fallen soldiers that effective or able to fit on the was situated near to the slate. Guardroom and which was commonly referred to as The Warrant Officer fraternity “The Gate Guardian”. This put forward 3 designs and it gave me an idea, as I had was decided to settle on a slate visited numerous camps over with our Regimental Crest and the years, including various the words engraved either training regiments and tri side would be ones known service stations, all of which by all soldiers from every had a memorial near their generation, the poem “For the entrance. A place that could Fallen” by Laurence Binyon - be the focal point for events They Shall Grow Not Old……. such as Remembrance Sunday but also somewhere soldiers Keen to enhance our Welsh could go to reflect on their heritage, we decided it was fallen comrades. important to have the wording in Welsh as well as English and I began to investigate what our design was born. sort of memorial would suit not only us that are serving Obviously COVID-19 influenced but also our veterans. I also the production but the small wanted a piece of Wales here company from the welsh in Windsor and coming from town had the piece blown a small mining town in North out of the mountain and on Wales, Welsh slate was an the table in a matter of days. obvious choice. I decided to The process started with 3 of propose we purchase a slate the edges being straightened memorial from the largest with a giant slate saw, the mine in the world in Blaenau front was smoothed by hand Ffestiniog, crowned the town and this gave the perfectly flat that roofed the world; the slate surface that the design could has a certain shade of grey be sandblasted onto. Once that is only found there. proofread the design was stuck on and the sandblasting 4

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took a full 3 days work. your eye on entering our home Concurrently on the other is our memorial, a ﬁtting 2 ton side of the workshop the lump of Welsh slate detailing completely square steps and not only our Welsh heritage sills were being created. These but also a solid and permanent would act as a plinth to box in feature in our identity that will the design and complete the outlive us all. perfect grey colour.

After 3 weeks work the stone was ready and was delivered on the 18th of September, 2 1. How it all began. 2. Cut and smoothed. days later it was fully installed 3. Stencil, Sandblast and and cleaned ready for all to painting the detail. see. Spotlights will be fitted in 4. Nearly finished due course which will ensure 5. Final masterpiece, the Welsh that the first thing that catches Guards Memorial Stone.

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1 Assistant Equerry to Their Royal Highnesses The Prince of Wales and The Duchess of Cornwall by Captain C W A Ross s many a fellow Welsh Guards ofﬁcer Areading this will have been fortunate enough to have experienced themselves ﬁrst- hand, serving Their Royal Highnesses The Prince of Wales and The Duchess of Cornwall as the 2 Assistant Equerry is a huge privilege and an absolutely fantastic opportunity.

Having been handed the As the Assistant Equerry, we baton back in December 2018 are seconded to The Royal by Captain Jack Farmelo, the Household in support of The past two years have ﬂown Equerry, which is a tri-service by and I now look forward to competition posting. The role of handing over to my successor the Assistant Equerry involves (whoever that maybe) in May a variety of tasks, however, the 2021, so that they can create key aspects include; assisting their own memories of working in managing and maintaining for and supporting Their Royal The Prince of Wales’ military Highnesses (TRHs). portfolio, leading on any 3

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On a Welsh Guards basis, I was hugely lucky to be able to visit Battalion with our Colonel at Elizabeth Barracks Pirbright for the Op TORAL 6 Medals Parade in February 2019. In addition to this, now that His Royal Highness is Senior Colonel to The Household Division, we as the Assistant Equerry are responsible for organising and delivering the Senior Colonel’s Conference. This is without a doubt one of the most surreal memories that I will take away from my time in this role, as it is not often one finds themselves having supper with six members of The Royal Family! Unfortunately, with no thanks to COVID whatsoever, The Prince of Wales’s Company Review that was planned for May 2020 and Trooping the Colour, as we are usually used 4 to delivering, were respectively cancelled and altered business relating directly to significantly; meaning neither the Welsh Guards, managing event involved our Colonel. Her Royal Highnesses military affiliations, being the interface With regards to Royal for all Welsh Guards officer Household duties, the vast recruiting and to fulfil the majority of the Assistant variety of duties required of Equerry’s workload, is the Assistant Equerry whilst up concentrated on supporting in Birkhall. Her Royal Highness. In my time thus far, there have been ten One of the most rewarding audiences and eight visits to aspects of the role is the deliver. These have covered planning, preparation and the bulk of The Duchess of delivery of engagements, Cornwall’s military affiliations, whether that be on a national including the likes of HMS 5 scale or, more frequently, on ASTUTE, 4 RIFLES and RAF a smaller scale with one of Halton. In July 2020, Her Royal TRHs affiliated units. Whilst Highness’s military portfolio in this role, I have been grew significantly when The privileged to be involved Duke of Edinburgh handed over directly with national events Colonelcy of The Rifles to Her such as D-Day 75 in Bayeux Royal Highness. This took place and VJ-Day 75 at The National in the shape of two separate Memorial Arboretum, as well yet succinct COVID restricted as assisting in the delivery of parades at both Windsor Castle the Commissioning of HMS and Highgrove. PRINCE OF WALES. I have also taken the lead, on behalf of In addition to managing and the Equerry, at the Cavalry planning engagements for Memorial Parade in Hyde Park affiliated units of HRH, there and 1st The Queen’s Dragoon tends to be a small number of Guards 60th Anniversary other events that the Assistant Memorial Dedication Service at Equerry is required to either 6 Llandaff Cathedral. organise or support. Examples

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of these include when The Duchess of Cornwall was invited to be the Reviewing Ofﬁcer at The Royal Hospital Chelsea’s Founder’s Day Parade, which despite being postponed due to COVID, was executed in a very joyful socially distanced manner on the 15th July 2020. On a non-military theme, every year The Duchess of Cornwall hosts what is known as ‘the dressing of the Christmas Tree’. This is an incredibly moving little engagement at Clarence House, which involves the Assistant Equerry donning tunic and bearskin in order to welcome and help children from Helen and Douglas House 7 and Roald Dahl’s Marvellous Children’s Charity dress the Christmas Tree before being served lunch in the Clarence House Dining Room.

The one rather unique and timely event that I was asked to attend, as it required ‘working’ on a Sunday, was the ICC Cricket World Cup Final at Lords! Her Royal Highness kindly supplied the Test Match Special (TMS) team with an elderflower and lemon sponge cake and, being the only cricket enthusiast within The Duchess of Cornwall’s office, I took the heavy burden of having to deliver the cake to Jonathan Agnew (a.k.a. Aggers), whilst then watching the mesmerising final from the TMS box with the legends that are Aggers, Tuffers 8 and Jimmy Anderson!

With COVID impacting virtually all aspects of life, the Assistant Equerry secondment to Clarence House was put on hold and I returned to London District in order to support the General Ofﬁcer Commanding (GOC) in Horse Guards, as SO3 Visits. At the beginning of this role, I must admit that I didn’t necessarily foresee the need for a visits ofﬁcer, given the entire country was in lockdown, but there is a reason I am a 9

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10 14

mere Captain and the GOC is a a period of approximately General, as before I returned to ﬁve weeks, whilst the deer Clarence House, Joint Military stalking is every day for Command (London) had been two to three weeks. For the visited by both Chief of the grouse, the key role is setting General Staff and the Secretary up the ‘infamous’ gazebo in of State for Defence! preparation for the shooting parties’ lunch, whereas for The ﬁnal aspect of the role, the stalking it is ensuring the which is probably the most guests are prepared and ready intriguing and spoiling, is for their day out on one of the supporting both TRHs whilst beats with their ghillie. If one up in Birkhall for the grouse is incredible lucky, His Royal shooting and deer stalking. Highness could well generously 11 The role is hugely diverse, with offer a day’s stalking, which, the grouse shooting requiring like having supper around the the Assistant Equerry to be table, is a memory I imagine in Scotland from Sunday’s most Assistant Equerries will through to Wednesday’s for remember!

1. Joint Military Command 4. The Riﬂes New (London) - (JMC(L)) Op Colonel-in-Chief - Jul 20 RESCRIPT Equerry 5. A very lucky and memorable Support - Apr 20. day out on Whitemounth Standing (L-R): Capt Ed Beat - Oct 19 Keith (Equerry to Her Royal 6. Queen’s Dragoon Guards Highness The Princess Royal); (QDG) 60th Anniversary Capt Robbie Thompson Service - Jul 19 (Assistant Equerry to His Royal 7. JMC(L) Op RESCRIPT Highness The Duke of York); Secretary of State for 12 Capt Charlie Ross (Assistant Defence visit - May 20 Equerry to His Royal Highness 8. Decorating the Christmas Tree The Prince of Wales) Capt Tom at Clarence House - Dec 19 Melville (Assistant Equerry to 9. HMS Prince of Wales Recce Her Majesty The Queen) - Oct 19 Seated (L-R): Capt Orme 10. ICC Cricket World Cup Clarke (ADC to the GOC); Maj Final - Jul 19 Gen CJ Ghika CBE, General 11. Whitemounth Beat Team back Ofﬁcer Commanding London at Glas-allt-Shiel - Oct 19 District and Major General 12. Her Royal Highness showing Commanding the Household RAF Halton how it’s done Division, Lt Col Nana Twumasi- during the Station’s Ankara (Equerry to Her Centenary visit! - Jul 19 Majesty The Queen) 13. Her Royal Highness visits the 2. A Royal Picnic with a Royal Royal Hospital Chelsea-Jul 20 View - Sep 19 14. D-Day 75 Commemorations 3. The Assistant Equerry’s at Bayeux Cemetery - Jun 19 13 Scottish Home!

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Reﬂections of an Exchange Ofﬁcer in the US by Major E S Mathieson Welsh Guards Small Group Leader Maneuver Captains’ Career Course Maneuver Center of Excellence Fort Benning Georgia, USA

ast year’s article covered the administration Linvolved in moving my family overseas. With the arrival process out of the way, we quickly settled in, I achieved certiﬁcation as an instructor 2 and taught a complete 6-month course.

As the students of Class 20-01 One of the main topics which I graduated in late March, have been asked about here is COVID-19 impacted and Fort our Regimental system. Most Benning implemented measures US Army officers have had some which changed life substantially. exposure to the British Army. This is usually through operating After almost 18 months in post, alongside a British battalion in this article takes the form of Afghanistan or Iraq, a Sandhurst reflection on the differences exchange or a training event between the British and US in Europe or one of the US Armies, focusing specifically on collective training centres. Most organisation, training delivery remember tactical recognition and outlook. flashes, specific headdress, 3

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customs or accents, even if they PADs estate split. The US Army forget exact battalion names. provides a monthly housing When I explain our Regimental allowance which can be used system, the contrast with the to pay for on-post privately run US structure is immediately housing or off-post housing obvious. provided by private landlords in the local economy. The There are no capbadges in the size of the country and the US Army so an officer or soldier expectation of active spouse simply joins a branch, for support means that serving example: infantry, armour, field married unaccompanied is artillery or military intelligence. extremely rare. The default Where they are posted does not setting is that your life is based depend on any affiliation. Once around the location you are in the infantry, they can move currently serving at, with no with relative ease between accommodation for anyone armoured infantry, airborne attempting to weekly commute. or advisory units. On their left sleeve they wear the patch of US Army officers never live and the unit they currently serve eat together in the way that with. Their right sleeve remains our subalterns do when they blank until they deploy. After commission. Furthermore, that they can choose to wear there is nowhere for officers to the patch of any unit that they routinely socialise, bump into have deployed with. Owing to each other as they go to and the size of the US Army, these from events during the working patches are usually divisional day and enjoy unplanned or brigade level but there are discussion of important work many exceptions to this. The (and non-work!) issues. This British concept of belonging translates into far more formal to a home regiment which relationships across officer influences every aspect of ranks and makes me even more military life is intriguing for grateful for the second family my US counterparts. Their that the Welsh Guards has personnel management is provided me with. 4 considerably more formalised and rigid and as a result less Culture, our shared national open to adjustment based on histories and politics form the various layers of influence the basis for the second which we are subject to most popular category of as careers progress. They question, specifically: Brexit, find it fascinating that each gun ownership, the US War regiment within the infantry of Independence, freedom has its own dress standards, of speech and the pros and methods of addressing each cons our respective leaders other across the ranks and and the structures they sit ways of approaching the same atop to govern. Additionally, fundamental tasks. Seniority, a significant number of people based in part on complex we have met here can claim UK regimental histories, is also ancestry, with many focused a goldmine for conversation, on their Irish, Scottish or Welsh alongside explaining examples heritage. However, this is not of British Army slang such as the forum to expand upon horror bag and hexi-TV. these subjects. Suffice it to say that US views are a lot more One of the consequences nuanced than they are often of not having a Regimental perceived to be back home. system is that messes don’t exist. This is also because the I have also found it interesting military housing system is to experience the detail of how 5 different to our in-barracks/ the world’s most powerful army

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conducts training. My course uses a near peer leadership model and so captains and majors train captains and lieutenants with very little chain of command involvement. My directorate has a lieutenant colonel as chief of training and a colonel as director of training. However, they provide top cover and course oversight rather than inserting themselves into the routine of course delivery. We are afforded a lot of scope and ﬂexibility to deliver the training objectives.

This means that instructors can adjust the schedule at very short notice to meet the needs of our specific seminars. Furthermore, students are expected to demonstrate peer leadership from the outset. They are put into course appointments (with progressively more responsibility) to undertake a lot of the routine processes that we may be more accustomed to specialist support personnel undertaking: organising physical training, completing G1 returns, supporting trawls for manpower and drawing training resources. Students 6 are expected to prepare themselves for imminent sub- between minimising the threat interesting to observe the unit command by “figuring to individuals while maintaining way in which individuals stuff out” and not relying upon core outputs. Fort Benning’s wrestled with situations which the course chain of command main focus is training, deemed challenged their normal outlook to do it for them. vital to ensuring the ongoing and approach to life while still 1. A very wet staff ride to operational effectiveness of recognising the requirement Horseshoe bend, Alabama, Students are also encouraged the US Army. To sustain a force to adhere to direction from site of an 1814 battle - part of to be active and frequent close to half a million strong, multiple layers of the chain of the War of 1812 professional writers for a range the decision was made to keep command and government. 2. Capts Otobo and Bature of publications and expected to going with instruction and to (Nigerian Army) being take part in regular discussion continue to load courses of new We are now in our final 8 promoted to Major by their forums with senior officers recruits, unlike basic training months of our time in Fort respective instructors, Maj Mathieson and CPT Harris and supporting agencies from units in the UK. The restrictions Benning and COVID-19 3. Maj Mathieson with a mixed outside the course. Both of in place to allow this were restrictions are gradually group of US Army officers and these initiatives seek to enable extensive in scale and coverage, easing. We will be very sad soldiers, a Jamaica Defence them to constructively share including families. These eased to move on. It has been Forces SSgt and a Department views on their profession, over time but required extensive a fantastic experience - of Defense contractor on the analyse how they are and frequent briefing to ensure professionally challenging Fort Benning Armor School developing as leaders and understanding and compliance. and fulfilling as well as a Tank Park contribute to improving ways of The response to COVID-19 wonderful opportunity to 4. Preparing practice tank rounds for a US Army Armor doing things across the force. served as a demonstration embed ourselves in a unique School demonstration of potentially conflicting US culture and work at the heart 5. Tank loading drills with the US When the reality of COVID-19 traditions: personal liberty of the most influential Army Army Armor School hit, the installation’s leadership and duty to country. As the in the world. 6. Team 3 instructors at the had to strike a delicate balance pandemic evolved it was Australian dinner night

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The Welsh Guards Charity and Regimental Veterans Ofﬁcer by Jiffy Myers MBE

Welsh Guards Charity be received. Thankfully, immediate response to following the Welsh Guards the COVID-19 Pandemic lead, the Government eventually put various As the UK went into lockdown schemes in place to help on 21st March 2020, the people and we only had to RVO received several calls react to 5 calls for help and from Veterans, concerned offers of support were put in about the delivery of food place. and medication for their families. At the time, the The Welsh Guards Government hadn’t set out Charity – Welfare Grants 1 its plan to cover this aspect of the lockdown and so the RVO During this reporting period, sent out a request on social the Welsh Guards Charity media for help from all Welsh has received 61 requests Guardsmen, past and present, for ﬁnancial assistance with to assist. It was hoped that over £25,000 approved and about 20 Welsh Guardsmen or provided in individual grants so would volunteer to assist to directly support our serving around Wales and be ready to Soldiers, Veterans and their react, at short notice, to a call families. for help. Some examples of how the Within a matter of hours, Welsh Guards Charity has the volunteers came rolling provided support with grants in from all corners of the are as follows: UK (also Malta and Tenerife) and the response was · A grant to purchase truly unbelievable, clearly specialist equipment demonstrating a family for a serving Regiment in action and soldier’s disabled looking out for their own. child. Veterans, family members, friends and serving members · Funding to build of the Battalion stepped a disabled access up to offer their help. In home adaptation all 216 people offered to for a Veteran, help and were included on seriously injured in 2 our database should a call Afghanistan.

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· Funding towards funding for a disabled access the cost of a stair porch, so that he is able to lift for a disabled transfer from his wheelchair in elderly Veteran. inclement weather. The Welsh Guards Charity and BLESMA · Several grants provided a grant totaling to assist with £9,000 to cover the cost of this the purchase of adaptation. furniture and white goods for Veterans Case study 2. A serving moving into a soldier asked for help to new home, when purchase some specialist no other means pieces of equipment, to of funding was improve the quality of life of available. their disabled child. The Welsh Guards Charity provided a · Funding to assist grant to cover all of the costs with the purchase of the equipment required. of an EPV (electric powered vehicle), Case study 3. An elderly for a disabled Widow of a Welsh Guards Veteran. Veteran contacted SSAFA for help with some home · A grant to fund heating. Her boiler had been private therapy condemned, which left her for children of a with no way to heat her Veteran, after a home. SSAFA contacted the series of traumatic RVO with an urgent request events. for funding, due to the slow pace of Local Authorities. · An emergency An immediate grant was grant for an elderly provided to purchase some Widow to purchase temporary electric heaters. heaters and fuel for Further funding was then her home during provided to have her boiler the winter months. replaced and fuel provided. This request took a matter of · Funding for a hours to resolve. disabled Veteran to be able to attend a Welsh Guards Para Championship Charity website sports event. The Welsh Guards Charity · A variety of grants website provides up to date to assist with information on the various priority debts. aspects of the Charity’s work, including; How support is Case study 1. A Veteran, provided to the Battalion, seriously injured in Band, Association and Afghanistan, asked for Museum, the work of the support with home Regimental Veterans Ofﬁcer adaptations. The ﬁrst course and details on how money is of action was to apply for and can be raised. For those a Disabled Facilities Grant who are still serving, the from the Local Authorities. “Service Days Pay Giving” The grant provided, in this scheme is explained in case, covered some interior full with examples of how adaptations to the Veteran’s payments are made. new home. When this grant was exhausted, the Veteran Each year a Charity Impact still required help with Statement (photo 1) is 3

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compiled and published on Royal British Legion, Army the website for all to read Benevolent Fund, SSAFA, Help giving in-depth reviews and for Heroes, Woody’s Lodge costings on the Charity’s and BLESMA. When a grant support throughout the year. is requested, the RVO will approach all relevant charites The following extract from the on behalf of the individual. Charity Impact Report gives you an idea of the funding required to enable the Welsh Guards Charity to fulfill its 1. Charity Impact Report charitable objectives in the 2019/20 areas of Espirit de Corps, 2. Adam Hobbs meeting HRH Heritage and Welfare and Duchess of Gloucester at clearly shows the various the Buckingham Palace sources of income and Garden Party 3. Dale Leach discussing home expenditure. As well as all adaptations with the RVO the wonderful individuals 4. Serving Soldiers of the who donate and fundraise for Battalion deployed on our charity, we are indebted operations who are supported to all our serving personnel by the Welsh Guards Charity who continue to support 5. Serving Officers, Soldiers 6 us through the Day’s Pay and some of our younger Scheme. Never has the uptake Veterans, all supported by he Welsh Guards Charity been so good (close to 100%) If you know of someone, who maybe in need 6. The RVO presenting Adam and we all owe them a debt of Hobbs with two tickets of some support, please contact the RVO on: gratitude. for the special wheelchair enclosure for the Wales v Italy Email: [email protected] The Regimental six nations match in Feb 20 Mobile: 07456 985729 Veterans Officer courtesy of the Welsh Guards Charity Facebook: Welsh Guards Regimental The RVO is the single point of 7. The Welsh Guards Charity Veterans Officer or Jiffy Myers Christmas card 2020. contact for all Welsh Guards Changing sentries at King Veterans and family members, George IV gate Windsor WhatsApp: 07411 950784 who require welfare advice or Castle in the 1960’s. From support. Calls and messages an original picture by Website: www.welshguardscharity.co.uk are received 24/7. The RVO Sean Bolan 2020 is able to provide advice and signpost to a relevant organization, charity or specialist group. Referrals can be made to provide support with mental health issues, debts, substance addictions, housing support, benefits/ PIP (Personal Independence Payment) applications, war pension applications etc.

Regular calls have been made throughout the pandemic, especially to those most vulnerable. Some have been for mental health referrals, others just for a friendly chat. When possible, home/local visits are conducted, following strict COVID guidance.

The RVO works with all major Service Charites including the 7

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2 Welsh Rugby Union (WRU) Debentures by Major (Retired) M E Browne BEM Assistant Regimental Adjutant nce again, the Regiment has been able to Oprovide, completely free of charge, two tickets for each of the Wales home games at the Principality Stadium, Cardiff. These are then presented as decided by the Commanding Ofﬁcer to worthy individuals.

In addition to the tickets Wales v Barbarians – 30 Nov purchased using the debentures 19 (name of recipient not know 1 owned by the Regiment, we at time of going to press for have also been able to register 2019 magazine) for and purchase a special Sgt Lucas enclosure wheelchair ticket (and one for a companion) which Wales v Italy – 01 Feb 20 was presented to Adam Hobbs LSgt Davies 35 (RST) by the RVO (see RVO report for photo). Wales v France – 22 Feb 20 WO2 (DSgt) Heath With the Principality Stadium being converted into a Wales v Scotland temporary hospital (Ysbyty – 14 Mar 20 Calon y Ddraig – the Dragon’s LSgt Mottram - Unfortunately, Heart Hospital) to help ﬁght this game was postponed the Coronavirus pandemic due to Covid-19 and has been in Wales all events at the rescheduled to be played on 31 stadium have been cancelled Oct 20 at Parc y Scarlets, Llanelli until further notice and so our two debenture seats cannot be used until we are advised 1. WO2 (DSgt) Heath being further. The WRU very much presented his two tickets by hope it will be available in time the RSM. for the 2021 Six Nations home 2. The Regiments two new “Issue of Year 1969 games - but only time will tell. Debentures” extended until 31st August 2050. Tickets throughout 2020 3. LSgt Davies 35 being have been presented to the presented his two tickets by 3 following: the Commanding Ofﬁcer.

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Welsh Guards Charity Different ways to make a donation The Regiment is always grateful for those who continue to make donations to the Regimental Charity and in particular thanks all serving personnel for their huge contribution via the Days Pay Scheme. However, the The Welsh Guards Charity needs of the Regiment continue to grow, so any further is pleased to be able to donations would be gratefully received. offer, free of charge to each There are many different and easy ways to make member of 1st Battalion Welsh a donation to the Welsh Guards Charity and these are Guards who took part in the list so that sufﬁcient can be all contained on our charity website at Falklands War, a copy of the ordered. His email address www.welshguardscharity.co.uk. They are: recently published book by is; secretary.general.wga@ Brigadier JF Rickett CBE gmail.com Direct To obtain your free copy Anyone wanting to purchase please pass your details to a copy (cost £7 incl postage) You can make a direct donation by the Welsh Guards Association can do so by registering their sending a cheque made payable to Secretary General, Maldwyn requirement through the “Welsh Guards Charity” or “WG Lt Col Jones 92 who is compiling a Association Secretary General Fund” and send it to the Regimental or by contacting Regimental Adjutant at RHQ Welsh Guards Headquarters. All proceeds Payroll Giving will go to the Welsh Guards Charity. You can make a regular tax-free donation through Payroll Giving at www.givingonline.org.uk/welsh- Guards-Charity_3374/index.html

Paypal Giving Fund Visit the Welsh Guards Charity Paypal Giving Fund page and donate, charge free, direct via paypal

Amazon Smile Donate without knowing through Amazon Smile. Once signed up, Amazon will donate 0.5% of the net purchase price of eligible items to the Welsh Guards Charity. Charity Aid Foundation You can make a one-off donation or set up a regular donation to the Welsh Guards Charity campaign via the Charity Aid Foundation website

JustGiving You can make a donation or process your fundraising on the Welsh Guards Charity Just Giving page at: www.justgiving.com/ welshguardscharity

www.welshguardscharity.co.uk

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2 Bonfire Night 2019 by Captain J Byrne Grenadier Guards, Unit Welfare Officer emember, remember the 5th of November. RThe gunpowder treason and plot; I know of no reason why the gunpowder treason should ever be forgot. 1 The 5th of November 2019 gave Once the bonfire was finally the Battalion Welfare Team the lit there was a roar from the opportunity to run a community crowd and a sigh relief from the event for all those soldiers and welfare team that it had finally their families of the Household caught alight. Then it was time Cavalry Mounted Regiment, 1st for the main event, the fireworks Battalion Coldstream Guards display, which shot into the and of course, 1st Battalion nights sky sending colour and Welsh Guards to come together noise through a crisp November and enjoy great company evening. The smiles and cheers with fantastic food, drink and coming from the children and entertainment. This was the first even the partners were a joy to opportunity for all those living in hear. the Windsor area to form a close bond with other serving soldiers Bonfire night will become and their families from multiple one of the main events in the units. Battalion’s welfare calendar and this year was a huge success. In The evening started with some the spirit of bringing the families children’s entertainment from together from three true family the Army Welfare Service and a Regiments. small funfair to keep the children busy. Before long the BBQ was The evening was thoroughly fired up, so all could enjoy a enjoyed by all who attended hearty burger and a drink from and was a fantastic journey the bar to warm themselves up of discovery for the welfare on a cold November evening. team and all the families. I look All that could be heard was forward to seeing all serving laughter and enjoyment being and ex-serving soldiers and their had by all. It was then time for families from across the Welsh the bonfire to be lit and to roar Guards this November. through the evening. However, this proved to be a little harder than expected! Fortunately, CSgt 1. Sgt Lucas and his son, Thomas, enjoying Bick and LSgt Morgan came the show. up with an ingenious way of 2. The bonfire is lit, with families lighting the large bonfire in front grateful for the heat! of them and the waiting crowd, 3. An impressive fireworks 3 which will be kept a secret! display.

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South Wales Police Charity Boxing Event – 16 November 2019 by Warrant Ofﬁcer Class 2 RJ Heath, Drill Sergeant

he annual South Wales Charity Boxing TEvent was held at the Vale Hotel, Cardiff on Saturday 16 November 2019.

LCpl Dane Elson was a Welsh Police provide these amazing Guardsman who paid the events for which the Regiment is ultimate sacrifice and sadly extremely grateful. lost his life whilst serving in Afghanistan on Op HERRICK 10 I was honoured to be asked to in 2009. For the past 10 years his go into the centre of the ring at family have remained close to the end of the night to say a few the Regiment, holding a charity words about the Welsh Guards boxing event to raise money for Charity and how it gives support the Welsh Guards Charity. The to both serving and ex-serving event has grown from a small members of the Welsh Guards crowd in St Athan to packing and their families. It was also a out a large hall in the Vale Hotel pleasure to give an overview of in Cardiff. Dane’s father Stuart what the Battalion has been up Elson has competed in the ring to for the past twelve months. at the event every year. Last year was meant to be the final time I would like to say a big thank he stepped into the ring but he you to Stuart and Alison Elson, continued to fight on this year along with the wider South due to a last minute pull out Wales Police community for 1 of one of the boxers. This was their continued support to the impressive to see and at 60 years Regiment. It really does mean a young he fought as though he great deal. A cheque for £1,500 was half that age, putting in a was presented to the Welsh great performance. There were Guards Charity; for this and their no losers on the night, everyone continued support we are both received prizes for fighting grateful and humbled. and the overall standard was high from all boxers. Real grit, determination and spirit was demonstrated, earning the full respect of the audience, and displaying the values and standards that are expected of Welsh Guardsmen like LCpl Elson.

Stuart made it clear that this event is (deﬁnitely) the last time he will be competing and he will now sit back and enjoy the event as a spectator from now on. We are hoping to support the next event with two of the Battalion’s boxers to take part in an exhibition bout. 1. The author with the event organisers, including Chief Constable Matt Dukes The event not only supports 2. The author steps into the the Welsh Guards Charity but ring to talk about the Welsh also Cancer research Wales. The Guards Charity, and the Elson family and South Wales Battalion. 2

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Welsh Guards Fundraising Coins The talented and very generous Mr Alan Parry-Booth (22326094) who served in 1WG in the 1950’s and who is now a Vice President of the Welsh Guards Reunited Branch, produced, at his own personal cost, these fabulous Welsh Guards collectable coins to raise funds for the Welsh Guards Charity.

There are just a few sets left of these superb coins, so please support the Welsh Guards Charity and order your set today. St David’s Day Charity Concert and Dinner Friday 6th March 2020 Typically, Alan did not want to delay making his promised by Colonel TCS Bonas, Regimental Adjutant donation to the Welsh Guards charity and so took the opportunity to present the cheque to his friend and the or some years now the Regimental Band have President of the Welsh Guards Reunited Branch, Lieutenant held a St David’s Concert in the Guards Chapel Colonel Tony Davies OBE (aka 22) when Tony visited Alan at F his lovely home in Holmﬁrth, West Yorkshire. Tony gladly inviting members of the general public and accepted the cheque on behalf of the Welsh Guards Charity. others to attend.

This year was no different West End and not surprisingly except that Colonel Alan the Band (and others) a huge Peterson suggested that fan. A very special addition to we might like to go further a fabulous concert. by holding a Welsh Guards 1. Lieutenant Colonel Tony Davies OBE Charity fund raising dinner in Following the Concert over 60 accepting a cheque the Cavalry and Guards Club Friends of the Regiment and donation of £1,000 on following the concert. This Regimental hosts proceeded to behalf of the Welsh idea was warmly welcomed, the Cavalry and Guards Club for Guards Charity from and planning started afoot. dinner. Those attending paid 1 Mr Alan Parry-Booth a generous price for the dinner As usual, the St David’s Day in order to support our Charity Concert was a huge success and the evening introduced and all those who were by Major General Richard to attend he dinner were Stanford, the Regimental present. We were treated to Lieutenant Colonel. Fine food a wonderful array of different and wine were enjoyed by all music and the Regimental with the evening ending in a Band performed at their usual silent auction of two superb excellent level with a variety prizes donated by the Peterson of pieces that demonstrated family, one for top tickets to the their exceptional ability. Wales Rugby Autumn Series Performing with the Band was and an evening at the Royal Danny Jones of the Royal Welsh Opera House to see Madame College of Drama and Music Butterfly. The dinner and the who played a solo piece during auction raised over £20,000 “Concerto for Euphonium” for the Welsh Guards Charity, which was quite magnificent a fantastic achievement and and his presence confirmation our warmest thanks to all our of the strong links between the “Friends of the Regiment” and College and the Band facilitated the Peterson family who made through Colonel Alan Peterson this possible. and the Principal Helena Gaunt and other key staff at A truly memorable evening the College including Lucy and thankfully just in time with Stout and Kevin Price. Also lock down coming into force a accompanying the Band and couple of weeks later. singing two songs was Lucie Jones, a musical star of the

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1 Welfare (COVID-19) 2020 by Captain J Byrne Grenadier Guards, Unit Welfare Ofﬁcer

020 has been a very unusual year for all Welsh 2Guards personnel and their families, who have experienced signiﬁcant changes to the status quo. 2 Consequently, the Welfare team have had a busy year reacting to the changing requirements and delivering as much support as we could.

We have had to engage with During the lockdown period all serving soldiers and their we laid on events such as families in new and inventive fancy-dress, ‘Virtual Bingo’, ways, both by reaching ‘Virtual Horse Racing, and a families in Wales, and those VE Day picnic on the doorstep. who live in Windsor, Aldershot We also delivered Easter Eggs and Pirbright. for all our serving soldiers, as well as birthday cakes. We started the year in normal Crucially, we all came together fashion with St David’s Day as on a Thursday evening to the Battalion’s first main event show our support for the of the year, bringing the wider NHS. Key to making all this Welsh Guards family together. happen was CSgt Douglas Bick To help kick start the day and and LSgt Chris Morgan who to ensure the families felt part tirelessly worked through the of the celebrations, the Welfare lockdown period supporting team had an early 0400hrs the soldiers and their families. 3 start, delivering a small gift to To show appreciation, the every married quarter, which wives bought a small gift for was well received. the Welfare team. Looking to the future, we anticipate the 2020 was a year that had Battalion deploying in guise been well planned, with on OP SHADER in 2021, where several high-profile events substantial welfare efforts to help bring the Regimental will be made to ensure the family together. As with many wellbeing of the families. walks of life, COVID-19 drove a coach and horses through these plans, the Welfare team 1. Sgt Gareth Lucas and family decided that it would support Welsh Guards Families the soldiers and their families Celebrate VE Day 75th in a more unique fashion by Anniversary: 2. Commanding Officer laying on virtual events to help and Family create a sense of community 3. LSgt Mathews, Jasmin and to remind everyone that and baby during lockdown the Battalion 4. LSgt Sanderson and family hadn’t forgotten them. with Gdsm Cleave and family 4

RCF, W & RV 197 BRANCH REPORTS Welsh Guards Association President: Colonel T C S Bonas Vice President: Brigadier J F Rickett CBE Vice President: Captain A C Hopkins Treasurer: Major M E Browne BEM Secretary General: Mr Maldwyn Jones Email: [email protected] Assistant Secretary General: Mr Neil Rice Email: [email protected]

1 2 Secretary General’s Foreword t’s that time of the year already where articles Ifor the Regimental Magazine are due for submission and I have my opportunity to let everyone know of all the wonderful activities the Association has been up to over the last 12 months.

But this year has been like General has submitted a no other and we have been comprehensive report, sufﬁce hit hard, as has everyone, to say, the day was enjoyed by the COVID-19 pandemic by all, we were welcomed and which has swept the World looked after immaculately - thankfully by the time it by the Battalion, and we are struck, all branches had at looking forward to doing least managed to celebrate something similar in 2021 Christmas together which is (COVID-19 permitting). I most apparent in the branch must add it was wonderful reports. to see Harry Holland MM in attendance this year, I suspect As an association we had a the ﬁrst time he has visited busy year to look forward since he left, and it was a to, starting with celebrating pleasure introducing Harry to St David’s Day with the RSM Michael Parry. Battalion in their new home of Combermere Barracks in I was particularly excited to Windsor. The turnout from attend St David’s Day this the Association was excellent. year, not only to meet up with We laid on Coaches from old friends and the Battalion, North & South Wales, branches but to witness the fruition of were responsible for their own a plan hatched some years accommodation which did not ago. Whilst I was Secretary of put people off and, in addition the North Wales Branch, I was several members made their approached by fellow Falkland way to Windsor under their Veterans with regards to the own steam. wooden Falklands Memorial Cross which I along with a I won’t dwell too much on the team of volunteers from 3 3 day as the Assistant Secretary Coy, under the guidance of

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LSgt Shaun Jephcott built as a the Barracks is a few minutes’ Memorial for our friends lost walk from the town centre on the Sir Galahad (the Cairn and a short drive to the M4 remains in Place overlooking and M40 making journey time Port Pleasant). shorter for North and South Walians to get to Wales and Once it was replaced by home to visit their families. a lasting memorial in the Falkland Islands, the simple So, during St David’s Day wooden cross was brough celebrations in Brecon in 2019, back to the UK and ensconced I seized the opportunity and in the Chapel at the Guards cornered the Battalion Padre, Depot at Alexander Barracks, Captain (Reverend) Matthew Pirbright where veterans Dietz, over a couple of drinks would often visit with their and discussed the cross, thoughts and have private it’s significance to Falkland times of reflection. As we Veterans and how we felt. He all know the ‘Guards Depot’ quickly agreed that it should (as those who trained at and be moved, and he got the ball loved to hate), ceased to rolling. I was included in all exist in 1993 when Infantry email traffic, so was aware training moved to Catterick of every stage of progress 4 and Pirbright became home and it became apparent that to the Army Training Centre facilitating the move wasn’t (ATC) responsible for phase as straightforward as I first 1 training for non-infantry thought! elements of the Army. Permission had to be When I first phoned to initially sought from the Chain of check with the Chapel at ATC Command, particularly the to establish that the cross Commanding Officer of ATC was still in situ, the scripture Pirbright and the Senior reader I spoke with was Chaplain at Headquarters actually looking at the cross London District. The usual when I called - clearly an ’property’ transfer forms had omen? I promptly contacted to be completed, transport the Battalion Padre, at the arranged and of course a new time a Major (Reverend) home identified and cleared. Catherine Gillham, to ascertain Having done everything if the move was possible, needed the Battalion Padre however during this early took possession of the cross discussion stage the Battalion and had all the required were posted back to Elizabeth permissions to re-home it Barracks, just down the road at the Holy Trinity Parish & from the Chapel and so the Garrison Church in Windsor need for the cross to be re housed was negated. The cross was re-dedicated with kind permission of Of course, over the last few the Commanding Officer years with the many changes Lieutenant Colonel Henry in Army systems, defence Llewelyn-Usher, during the reviews, the various changes St David’s Day service at the of roles, new equipment and Garrison Church on 1st March sizes of units, part of these 2020 - a very moving and changes meant yet another emotional day for many of us. move for the Battalion, this time to where we understand Sadly, we were forced to is now their permanent home cancel the Association AGM in Windsor. Having visited the scheduled for 19th May, hence Battalion there it is easy to see the absence of minutes in why it is such a great posting, this year’s magazine. The 5

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Association Race Day lunch on ensure that all requests would out his grandparents’ were again and once more become 10th May at Ludlow could not have been met. Thankfully the the local Postmaster and the great Branch it has always take place as all racing was Battalion had the opportunity Postmistress when I returned been in the past. Thank you to stopped and of course our to “Troop” on a much reduced, from the Falklands in 1982 and all involved. Biennial Lunch scheduled for more personal scale in front his father was a good friend 30th April in Wrexham could of Her Majesty at Windsor of my brother - a very small With being introduced not take place either - we Castle, with the occasion being world to online presentations, very much hope that both televised. It was probably Swansea branch took this events can resume in 2021? It one of the best parades ever, At the Secretaries meeting in a ‘stage further’ and have quickly became apparent that with the socially distanced drill 2019, it was sadly announced held an online meeting we would not be meeting up and challenges of marching that the committee for the which I understand was very again in person throughout on grass mastered by every London and District Branch successful., well done Jock 2020, which meant of course single person on parade. Even were standing down. A on leading the way. By the that the annual Darts and ever critical non-Guardsmen combination of an ever-aging time, this magazine has been Shoot competition would and civilian friends were committee and dwindling published and distributed, need to be cancelled as well suitably impressed, praising numbers in the branch (it was we as an association will have as the Battlefield Tour, which the performance of all those thought that fewer and fewer held our annual secretaries was once again fully booked. involved - just the lift the Guardsmen, on retirement meeting which will, for the Such is the popularity of the nation needed under the were settling in the Branch first time ever, be held online Battlefield Tour that every circumstances catchment area) and it looked via zoom - hopefully with single person that had paid as if the branch would have some success. a deposit to attend in 2020 The links between the to close. As an Association wished for their deposit to Battalion and the Association we really did not want to lose I wish you all the safest of be retained and carried over are getting stronger and our London Branch which New Years and look forward, for them to secure a seat stronger. RSM Mike Parry had been around since 1926 COVID-19 permitting, to for 2021. Many thanks and has re-introduced the linking and had provided Welsh meeting with as many of you congratulations to Steve Gelly of Mess Seniors to their Guards camaraderie and as possible in 2021. and Paul Conlon for managing affiliated branches who in comradeship for those settling to organise one of the four turn will be linking them in London and the home annual WGA golf competitions up with serving personnel counties after serving nearby. in between Covid-19 spikes, from their respective branch Volunteers were quickly lockdowns and restriction, areas. Sadly, due to present sought and came forward they did a cracking job and restrictions this initiative has in the guise of; Tom Thorne the day, held on 26 August yet to get off the ground, (24125065) who volunteered at Tredegar Park Golf Club is but the intent is there, to become Chairman and 1. Harry Holland MM - St covered in a separate article. and it will happen. During stand in Treasurer, Allan David’s Day Windsor 2020 this difficult period, the McCleod “aka Dusty” Miller 2. Harry Holland MM (from the Probably the biggest RSM has organised online (24185069) stepped forward 1966 Regimental Magazine) disappointment was the presentations by members as the Branch secretary and 3. The Holy Trinity Parish and cancellation of the Queen’s of the Battalion which have Lieutenant Colonel Ray Evans Garrison Church, Windsor Birthday Parade, where it was proved very interesting and MBE stepped forward to 4. Memorial Cross in situ in the the Battalions turn to Troop Neil Rice has expanded on become Branch President. Falkland Islands 5. Memorial Cross having been their Colour. It goes without this in a separate article. I They have very quickly re-dedicated in the Garrison saying that I was inundated had a brief chat with Gdsm established a Branch Facebook Church with requests for tickets to (now LCpl) Griffiths 86 before page which already has 74 6. Association Members “on attend and understand that he started his presentation members and are determined parade” - St David’s Day wheels were in motion to on Leadership and it turns to see London Branch rise 2020

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Cardiff Branch (Formed 1919) President: Lieutenant Colonel CJ Dawnay Chairman: David W Parry (22831847) Treasurer: Tony Fundell (22831629) Secretary: Terry O’Shea (24047142) 43 Pwll-Evan-Ddu Coity

Bridgend CF35 6AY 1 Telephone: 01656 655889 or 07973 255527 Email: [email protected]

n Remembrance Sunday 2019 members of the OBranch paraded in Cardiff to lay our wreath at the Falklands Memorial, prior to the Service of Remembrance at the National Memorial.

In October 2019 Mr Bill Morris mark the occasion and Mo (22217619) and members of was presented with a lovely his family were invited to the Bouquet of flowers. The United Services Mess in Cardiff evening continued with an 2 to celebrate Bill’s appointment excellent buffet laid on by as Vice President of Cardiff the Mess which was enjoyed On a sad note, in March 2020. Branch of the Welsh Guards by all. Malcolm Smith (a former Association in the Branches Master Stitch) sadly died Centenary year. In December we held our following a long battle with ill 1. Branch members present Christmas Lunch in Cardiff, health. Malcolm had been a at the presentation to Bill For over 25 years Bill has enjoyed by all those attending. good and supportive member Morris. L-R; Dave Parry worked as both the Secretary of Cardiff Branch for many (Chairman), Clayton McCann, Terry O’Shea and Treasurer of the Branch, With other members of years, as is his son Simon, (Secretary), Graham Boston, supported throughout by his the association the Branch a Falklands veteran. Our Bill Morris, Bill Milton, wife Maureen. The members was invited to a 2-day visit condolences to Simon and all Chris Powell. of the Branch expressed their to the Battalion at their his family. 2. Presentation of bouquet of gratitude to them both for all new home in Combermere flowers to Mrs Mo Morris by their hard work and support Barracks, Windsor. On the The Darts and Shooting day Mrs Noreen Woodfield to the Branch. Bill was Saturday members enjoyed was to be held at Maindy 3. Terry O’Shea, Branch presented with a certificate an invitation to the Sergeants Barracks in September - but Secretary presenting Bill Morris with his tankard and engraved tankard to Mess or to the Garrison was cancelled because and certificate signed Church (or both!) for a concert of lockdown. Situation by HRH the Colonel in performance given by the Unchanged. recognition of long and Band of the Welsh Guards, outstanding service to the both being much appreciated As I am writing this in Welsh Guards Association. and enjoyed. October 2020, I am reflecting on preparing for the On the Sunday we attended Remembrance events in the Garrison Church service, Cardiff which will shortly take returning to Combermere place with the involvement of Barracks for the Parade, and Branch members. presentation of Leeks. Next stop the gymnasium where We extend to Welsh Guards the members of the Battalion everywhere our Best Wishes had laid on a display of for Christmas and the New Year weapons, followed by further hospitality before our return journey to Wales. 3

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Stone could not happen for the same reason and the fear of attracting onlookers congregating together.

We could of course not let the occasion pass without some form of remembrance so John Hooper, along with Warren Williams 25, socially distancing themselves of course, attended at the stone to remember the fallen. Under the circumstances, this was a more solemn event than ever but we could not let this day pass without some sort of a 1 remembrance for these sons of the borough that we could The evening was attended not bring home. by the Branch members, the Branch President Captain We look forward to 2021 when Tommy Macdonald-Milner, we can all hopefully get back associate members and to some kind of normality (be invited guests which included it a new normality or the old councillor Maureen Webber normality) and meet up with from Pontypridd Council, who friends and comrades once has supported the branch again. in the past and donated the venue fee. Guests and members enjoyed a sit down 3 course meal and the evening was enjoyed by one and all. The Branch is grateful to the Association Trustees for providing a generous grant to offset the cost of the celebrations. 2 We thank the Branch Chairman David Gaule East Glamorgan Branch and welfare ofﬁcer Robert (Formed 1920) Kennally who organised the President: Captain TC Macdonald-Milner whole evening. On the 8th June the Branch Chairman: D Gaule (24141887) normally hold a parade Treasurer: WJ Hooper (24364279) of Remembrance at the 1. Warren Williams (25) Falkland memorial stone in and John Hooper, Branch Secretary: Ken Haines (23523287) Treasurer lay ﬂowers at Ynysangharad Memorial Park Trevone, Dyffryn Road the Falkland Memorial for the Falklands fallen from Stone in Ynysangharad Rhydfelin Rhondda Cynon Taff borough Memorial Park for those Pontypridd CF37 5RU area. This is usually very well Welsh Guardsmen, from attended by various veteran the Rhondda Cynon Taff Telephone: 01443 492316 groups and dignitaries from borough area, killed in the the area but this year, due to Falkland Islands in 1982. n the 14th March 2020 the East Glamorgan the COVID-19 restrictions, it 2. The Falkland Memorial Stone in Ynysangharad Memorial Branch celebrated its one hundredth was a bit different. We were O Park listing the names of the anniversary. To mark this occasion the Branch unable to hold the normal six Welsh Guardsmen from parade, as large groups were the Rhondda Cynon Taff celebrated with a formal dinner held at not permitted and the normal borough area killed in the Pontypridd Rugby Club. service at the Memorial Falkland Islands in 1982.

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1 Llanelli, Cardiganshire & Pembrokeshire Branch (formed 1974) President: Major JGR Harding Chairman: Mr Keith Horrell (24838137) Treasurer: Mr Rob Rees (RAF) Secretary: Mr Alan Cunningham (24125105) 19 Alden Drive Cockett Swansea SA2 0FH 2 Telephone: 01792 554151 Email: [email protected] Members, as always, gave us COVID-19 hit us like a ton of a warm and friendly welcome bricks and has altered nearly 020 started relatively normally for the Branch. and it was good to once again every aspects of our daily lives. be among our Welsh Guards Events cancelled, meetings 2We had good support for attending St David’s friends, both serving and from with friends not possible and Day in Windsor with the Battalion and with a coach other Branches. The night was hibernation in our “bubbles” funded by the Association, we managed to fill it over all too quickly as we retired has become the new normal to the Hotel ready for the big for most people? We relish the with members from Llanelli, Swansea, Cardiff and day, which is covered in greater time when we can meet up other areas along the M4 corridor in South Wales. detail in an article here, so I will again and will never take for not repeat here what you will granted the great friendships We headed to Windsor on 29th concert, we headed, en masse, read there! Suffice to say, it was we have across the Association February, booked into our hotel for the Sergeants Mess in a superb day and left us already and the freedoms we have to in the centre and then enjoyed Combermere Barracks, our first looking forward to 2021. enjoy our lives. the Welsh Guards Band concert ever visit there, but hopefully at The Holy Trinity Parish and not our last. The Regimental Of course, like everyone else With very little to report from Garrison Church. Following the Sergeant Major and his Mess across the Country (and World) within the Branch for 2020, I

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have instead concentrated on Jones 22 (aka Druid), I returned telling a few little-known facts to 1WG at Chelsea Barracks of one of our Branch members, and was sent to HQ Coy under Mr John Croft, who sadly died CSM Dai Davies 21 (aka Grab a on 17 May 20 and a story from Brush). my own back catalogue which gets told occasionally! I was immediately asked to join the Cpl’s Mess entertainment Mr John Croft (22079206) committee who were preparing sadly died on 17 May 2020 aged to arrange a social to welcome 90. John served in 1WG from back the Coldstream Guards 1948 until 1960 (see photo’s 1 from Northern Ireland. They & 2) and was a member of the were discussing having a disco Llanelli Branch and before that (as was always the case year the North of England Branch after year) when I suggested (he had resided in Scotland for that with all the theatres in and many years). He told a story of around London and close to the time he was on guard duty the Barracks why don’t we do at Buckingham Palace when he something different and special made a challenge to an intruder - I was immediately given the three times with no response job of arranging that! and so he hit the person with the butt of his rifle! He was So, a few days later I went to the told he would be facing a Court palace Theatre stage door and, Martial for his actions, but after introducing myself, asked instead was given an award for to speak to Mr Max Bygraves his actions - an unsubstantiated, and was told to come back in but nonetheless quite probable the interval - this I did, and I was story from the 1960’s. taken to Mr Bygraves’ dressing room to meet him. I explained On leaving the Regiment John to Max Bygraves what we worked in construction and was wanted to do and thanked in charge of the construction of him for his time. He told me the highest university building to return a few days later to in Europe, the Arts Tower at discuss it further. the University of Sheffield. The 22-floor building took In the meantime word had three years to complete and spread around the Battalion was finished just one hour that Max Bygraves would be before the deadline. John was performing at our Cpl’s Mess presented to HM The Queen function (!) Nobody really Mother when she opened the believed this and I had the building on 23 Jun 66 (see press mickey taken out of me for a cutting at photo 3). few days and was given the nickname Bernard Delfont of Where is Bernard Delfont! In London Palladium fame, as well closing this much-diminished as other non-printable names branch report for 2020, I might also. I was ribbed on Adjutant’s take a moment to tell a tale Memoranda and by many of my claim to fame whilst SNCO’s, including the RSM, WO1 3 serving as LCpl A Cunningham Reg Coe. 05 entitled “Where is Bernard Delfont”! I returned to the Palace Theatre as arrange to see Max and he In the early 1970’s after told me that he wanted me to finishing my second tour of ensure before discussing any duty recruiting, first with the further, that we would have a Household Division Recruiting good microphone and sound Team and then with the system and a car standing Regimental Recruiting Team by to take the Kaye Sisters to under the leadership of Trevor Victoria Station. At this stage I

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was getting a little concerned about cost and interrupted Max, saying “sir, we only have £60 in our Cpl’s Mess fund” - he just laughed. The show he had put together for us included himself, the Kaye Sisters and Larry Parkin. I was over the moon and reported all this back to the Mess Entertainments Committee.

Then, whilst waiting for the show to take place I was promoted to LSgt, put in charge of the Regimental recruiting Team and posted out of the Battalion! As it was such a special occasion, which I had 4 5 largely arranged, I was given an invite and dispensation to attend as a LSgt and on the day I had a very good friend (LCpl Hugh Purcell Jones pick me up from North Wales and drive me direct to Covent Garden, where I hired an evening suit and, accompanied by a young lady from the WRAC, I walked down the red carpet to a tremendous welcome.

It was a wonderful evening and a complete success even though I do say so myself. I know that Major Glyn White often laughed at this story and would often get me to repeat it over the years at Branch gatherings and events.

1. Gdsm John Croft in his Guards Depot Squad photo February 1949. 2. Gdsm John Croft in the all-conquering Number 8 Company Welsh Guards squad 1948/49, 3. Newspaper cutting from 1966. 4. Dai Thomas laying a Red, White and Blue ﬂower Wreath at the Welsh Guards Memorial in Llanelli in memory of VE Day 2020 5. Andrew Brown 16 at the Welsh Guards Llanelli Memorial VE Day 2020 6. Flowers laid at the Welsh Guards Memorial Llanelli in memory of all those lost in the Falkland Islands 1982. 6

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London and District Branch We would like to thank the The aims, ambitions and (Formed 1926 renamed 2020) former Board and Vincent timetable of the new team have Jones, Malcolm Smith, and Nick been thwarted by Covid-19 President: Lieutenant Colonel (Retd) D R Evans MBE Farr for their outstanding work and the necessary restrictions Chairman: T D J Thorne (24125065) in holding the branch together. imposed. That said, more so Treasurer: Tom Thorne (Until a permanent Treasurer Going beyond the call of duty in than ever, in these strange the work they have done, over circumstances there is a can be recruited) the many years. We would also need to ensure that all Welsh Secretary: Allan McLeod Miller (24185069) like to thank the many branch Guardsman are in contact with 125 Benhurst Avenue members for their help, with the Association - membership their attendance and of the is free. We must look after each Elm Park selling of raffle and tombola other. The branch members Hornchurch tickets over the years. have pulled together to help Essex RM12 4QN each other within the vast Telephone: 07885 736566 The Christmas lunch which has geographical area the branch been a feature these recent covers. They were asked to Email: [email protected] years has, along with most phone or get in touch with other events, been cancelled, members who had fallen however, we still managed through the cracks in their t an Extraordinary General Meeting of the to send out our raffle tickets area or who had symptoms. ALondon Branch Welsh Guards Association held and hold the Christmas Draw We managed to contact 94 on 22 January 2020 the President of the Branch thanks to the support and members who thought they encouragement of you the had been forgotten. We had Lieutenant Colonel CBF Stephens stated that after membership. At the time of members in London, Kent, many years of service he wished to stand down. compiling the branch report Surrey, Sussex, Essex, Norfolk, (October) it is too early for Hampshire, Devon, and In addition, the Branch Branch Treasurer Douglas me to know who has won, Cornwall and many others all Chairman Richard (Doc) Wilcox left the Branch without but by the time you read this helping to bring those forgotten Doughty BEM and the Branch Officers. Following a discussion report (December) you will back into the fold. We would Secretary Jeff Henan also led by the President of the have been informed - so very like to name the members wished to stand down, this Association, Colonel TCS Bonas many congratulations to the who volunteered to phone or along with the death of the a new Board was appointed. winners! visited the forgotten few, they

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London Branch Committee Members. We have asked for volunteers to join the Committee and help us in organising future events, parades, and outings. We welcome one and all and should you be interested in helping please do speak or contact Allan Miller so that we can capture you - What’s that never volunteer?

Branch members are asked to let us know of any improvements, or for any suggestions which the Branch can adopt and put into practice in the months ahead? Please do remember that we are here to support the Regiment but also ourselves and nothing demonstrates it more so than at present with this horrid virus.

We have sadly said farewell to a number our members this year and their details are recorded in the In-Memoriam section of this publication. Our Condolences to their loved ones, families and friends, you will never be forgotten.

2 Do take care of yourselves and please, please make are: Kim Burnell, Steve Charles, Guard for which she received in the company of other contact if you believe we can David Evans 33, Peter Foulkes, the Meritorious Service Award Branches, we have bought assist. I hope you had a very Graham Larman, Allan Miller, In excess of 40 years of direct a new Standard Bearers nice Christmas, and we look Colin Monument, Gren Morgan, service to the Welsh Guards and Pole and leather support forward to seeing you all in Tim Plowden, Malcolm Smith providing assistance and help pouch in readiness to receive the New Year. MBE. Well done everyone. Life to many of the other Regiments our new Branch Standard is difﬁcult for everyone. The within the Household Division which we understand will branch membership now also, we look forward to being be forthcoming in the New stands at 155 members with able to celebrate this milestone Year? Standard Bearers more to be contacted and in with Yvonne in the not too were sought, and I am writing this, we would like to distant future. The separate delighted to announce Kevin thank them all so very much. article suitably records this Jones and Steve Gelly have momentous occasion. volunteered to become our Regimental Headquarters has Branch Standard Bearers. We been of enormous support Our current Branch Standard thank them very much for in helping us settle in and we and items of uniform for use volunteering and look forward thank them all for their help on special occasions is showing to making use of their services, 1. Lt Col Charles Stephens and guidance. Especially Chris its wear and tear - Bobby on parade in the New Year. and Richard Doughty being Hibberd in the stores and Joyce no doubt would have We would also like to have a presented with engraved glasses (courtesy of Christopher Enraght-Moony us believe it ﬁt for purpose member volunteer who lives Mr Nick Farr) digging into the archives on for at least another 50 years North of the Watford Gap so 2. Lt Col Charles Stephens our behalf. A special thank you (Seconded by Blackwhack)! that we cover the North of our presenting Jeff Heenan however is reserved for Yvonne In order to have the London Branch area also. Volunteers, with a Print of Presentation our longest-serving Welsh Branch stand out at our best please let us know. of New Colours

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1 2 The Tragedy at Imber Court, Surrey Dick Fletcher wrote of his men in PT shorts and vests remember she screamed, “God! We would like to thank Ray experience of the events of began running for cover but, I am going to die!” Isaacs for the way in which that day: not knowing which way to go, he has steadfastly kept the even passed each other in their The Guardsman soothed her Memorial Garden in such good In Early summer 1944 the Welsh bid for safety. with encouraging words - but condition. We would also like to Guards Training Battalion was she died on the way to hospital. thank the staff of Imber Court, stationed at Sandown Park The thing landed and exploded I watched my friend, little 32 the Manager, Michael Kerslake, Racecourse, Esher. An athletics almost exactly in the middle Stephen Jones of Merthyr, in and his Deputy Simon Berry for meeting was planned for the of the “Island” of the running death, without a mark on his there help over the years and Battalion for the 29th June at track. Following the inevitable pale and smooth face, only their help for the future. Imber Court, the Metropolitan silence there were a few the tell-tale ﬂecked bubbles Police Recreation Ground in East screams and moans but almost blocking his mouth. In all, Molesey. On the 28th having drowned out by the shouted twenty soldiers lost their lives learned that it would probably commands. Dead bodies that day and 105 were injured, rain on the 29th, it was decided seemed to be everywhere and some of them seriously. that the event would be some of them were merely postponed to the 30th. mounds of burning ﬂesh. Most people were in shock, The day was, indeed, sunny but the natural leaders took and the meeting in full swing over: a Drill Sergeant - I think during the mid-afternoon his name was Fitzgerald - with At the going down of the sun when the dreaded sound of his eyes weeping blood, swept an approaching German V1 a 6ft table clear of food to use And in the morning “Doodlebug” was heard by the table as a stretcher and We will remember them many, although music from staggered to assist a wounded the band drowned the sound man. A fellow guardsman for others. As people gazed - maybe it was Gdsm into the sky, to our horror the Waddington – and an ATS girl 1. The Memorial Plaque at Imber Court missile’s engine cut off. As the lifted a badly wounded ATS girl 2. Ray Isaacs, who looks after and tends so well, the Imber Court bomb began to fall to earth into a makeshift ambulance. I Memorial Garden

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1 Merthyr Tydfil and Our branch had to be split Branch clubbed together and down the middle in early funded the Stone for Sgt Robert Aberdare Branch November as our Chairman Bye VC, I looked for it on the day (Formed full status 1957) Tom Peters and members and it looks quite superb. local to Aberfan attended the President: Captain HR Legge-Bourke Aberfan Remembrance Parade. The following week was as Chairman: Tom Peters (23523035) A good turn out as always and busy as it normally is with Treasurer/ well attended by locals and our Remembrance Parades dignitaries. The rest of the throughout the Valley. The Secretary: Errold Jones (24581438) branch attended the opening final and biggest Parade in 18 Marshall Cresent of the Remembrance Garden in Pant was again a huge event Penydarren Aberdare on 3rd November. and with our President Captain Harry Legge-Bourke unable to Merthyr Tydfil CF47 9JA A fantastic Military Turnout and attend our new friend of the the Parade was set off by Welsh branch Captain Tom Campbell- Telephone: 07903417048 Guards CSM Scarfe who halted Schofield stood in and enjoyed e-mail: [email protected] us by the dais where local the branches hospitality school children from the Valley afterwards (see photograph). read accounts from each War ell where to start for what has been a terrible and Conflict corresponding to We had a quiet Christmas and each bench around the Garden. were looking forward to a busy Wyear for all. Our branch finished off 2019 on The Welsh Guards are well New Year which started off a high with very good turn outs at various parades represented there in the sunken well. The branch was invited and, like everyone else, was brought down to memorial stones on the floor (with Branch Standard) to take with names of the fallen from part in The council’s re-signing earth with a bump with the Covid-19 restrictions different conflicts. Our Branch of The Armed Forces Covenant early in 2020 together with East Glamorgan which was a good event. It also

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Then came the Covid-19 lockdown which has affected every aspect of our lives. As a branch, unable to meet physically, we have been trying our best to keep in touch through various other ways, although passing news and thoughts between members in our geographical area isn’t easy at the best of times - but we managed the best we could.

We had our ﬁrst meeting at the earliest possible time in September which was well attended and things seemed to be getting back to some kind of normal, when here we go, as I write these notes in October, we have a second lockdown to contend with - ﬁngers crossed that this will not last too long and certainly not as long as previously

Our thoughts as a Branch as always to the families and friends of our late members -you are always in our thoughts. Also, our best wishes go to those who haven’t enjoyed the best of health throughout the past year and we wish them a speedy recovery.

The Branch meetings when back to “norm” will be held on the first Monday of the month at the Ex Servicemen’s Club, 2 Lower High Street, Merthyr Tydfil at 2000hrs. Old and gave me the opportunity to put events and outings and a good present Merthyr Tydfil Mayor in new members are more than a plan to the branch which has partnership is beginning to attendance and everyone has welcome. been hatching into progress - so develop so we look forward to said what a fantastic afternoon watch this space when we try seeing where this might take us it was. Afterwards of course a The Branch is looking forward and get things near to normal in the future. few of us “F TROOP” continued to a better 2021 - well, hopefully again. the motion and turned it from it surely cannot get any worse. We were all looking forward to a “good afternoon” in to a “late LOOK AFTER YOURSELVES In January I was lucky enough St David’s Day but when put to night” (mostly the “class of 82”)! EVERYONE STAY SAFE. to have been invited by the our members, the overnight Royal Welsh Association stay in Windsor, long return Myself and my lovely lady had to a Luncheon to mark the travel etc did not appeal and a wonderful evening on 14th Rorke’s Drift Anniversary in I was asked by the branch March with East Glamorgan Brecon Barracks. The event members to “sort something Branch to celebrate their 1. Merthyr Branch after was organised superbly, and local” which I duly did! We hundred years and I would like Remembrance Parade with our new Branch everything went off without a had a wonderful branch to thank them for the hospitality friend Captain Tom ripple. There were around 150 luncheon and afternoon out shown, it was a pleasure to Campbell-Schofield of us seated for Lunch and me with thirty members and wife’s attend and meet up with some 2. The Combined services and five or six Branch Members in attendance. We also had old mates once more. Memorial Garden stones have attended a few of these two ex-Mayor’s as well as the in Aberdare

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Monmouthshire Branch Branch Secretaries later in the Indian Army in Italy. He was (Formed 1920) year in Cardiff. an Honorary Vice President of the Branch and when the President: Captain MGA Scriven The proposal was not 1973 Biennial Dinner was held Chairman: Mervyn Delve (22831721) welcomed by every Branch in Chester was Director at Secretary/ but Colonel C A la T Leatham, Shotton steelworks nearby. President of the Association, He invited us to a reception in Treasurer: Steve Liversage BEM (24141822) supported it and as a result the works along with Welsh 7 Shaw Close, Ebbw Vale NP23 6QQ the ﬁrst Biennial Dinner was Guardsmen employed there Telephone: 01495 302567 held on 17th March 1962 at and we had a most enjoyable the Brangwyn Hall, Swansea. pre-Dinner gathering with E Mail: [email protected] Despite a smallpox epidemic members of North of England in South Wales over 350 and North Wales Branches. 020 was not the Centenary year we had members attended, it was a great success and achieved Among our annual events 2hoped for but contact between members its aim of bringing together in the Eighties was a short and their families continued by telephone, post members who had not seen ride over the Severn to the and e-mail. Communication is so important in each other for a long time. White Hart in Brislington near Bristol where we met our a Branch such as ours with members scattered Biennial Dinners covered west country members and over a very wide area. the country, six were held those of the London Branch. in the Brangwyn Hall and We were always ready to try With numbers declining It was posted or distributed also the City Hall, Cardiff, something new and on one throughout the Association by hand and within a short two in Chester and Ludlow occasion went to the Forest the Branch has had to work time brought Guardsmen Racecourse and others in of Dean where we had a harder and depend on a of all ages and periods of the City of London, Pirbright, member and played skittles in loyal membership and the service to events like Annual Shrewsbury, Wrexham, his local pub against the local cancellation of what was to Reunion Dinners. We visited Llandudno, Aberdare and champions! have been our Centenary other Branches and took a Merthyr, the latter attended Reunion Dinner was a great step further by suggesting by 450. Of recent years our links disappointment. But the a reunion of all Welsh with other Guardsmen over anniversary is also a time to Guardsmen everywhere. The Branch when its the Bridge has increased look back to the history of the We proposed a Biennial headquarters were in Ebbw thanks to the Grenadiers and Branch formed in 1920 but Association Dinner at the 1961 Vale was supported by the Coldstreamers who play us at inactive until 1961 when it Annual General Meeting when General Manager of the skittles every April as near as sprang to life and a monthly it was agreed to discuss the steelworks, John Powell possible to Saint George’s Day. Branch Newsletter was issued. matter further at a meeting of MC who had served in the We are the current holders of

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2 the very impressive St. George’s to members to contact Steve of many who have given much and congratulate them for Day Cup and intend to arrange Liversage our Secretary for of their lives to the Branch all they have done for the another match as soon as we all news and dates. Regular and other organisations, Regiment and the nation. can. From their inception we meetings, lunches and the supported as always by their have strongly supported the Reunion Dinner will return and wives and families. Association Darts & Shooting a telephone call, letter or e-mail competitions and look forward to the Secretary will be greatly Like millions who watched to the next time they are held appreciated. the Birthday Tribute to Her when we will defend two Majesty at Windsor we were trophies, the Association Cup During the year we very impressed and as Welsh in Darts and the Aberdare Cup mourned the passing of Guardsmen very proud of the for Best Shot won last year by two very loyal members, Battalion. The Castle brought Gareth Liversage. both from Abergavenny. memories back to those who John Stockham (22217741) paraded there, especially In 1967 another proposal by served in Egypt in 1953/56 survivors of the 2nd Battalion the Branch was an award to and was Standard Bearer which in June 1947 went into the Welsh Guards Sportsman and Chairman of the Branch Suspended Animation and 1. The Annual Reunion with West country members of of the Year and since then the as well as holding those in a ceremony in the Castle the London Branch at The Monmouthshire Branch Trophy positions in the Abergavenny handed the Colours it received White Hart Inn near Bristol, has been presented at the Branch of the Royal British in 1938 back to the King for September 1994. Seated in Annual Reunion Dinner. The Legion. Mick Knight was safe keeping. the centre Major General Branch has kept the tradition the only Lifeguards Trooper Peter Leuchars. of holding the Dinner since the in the Branch and a regular There being no Reunion 2. Branch members at the ﬁrst in 1962 at the County Hotel, attender at meetings and all Dinner in 2020 we missed Association Biennial Dinner Ebbw Vale and since 1980 it has our functions. In recent years our annual get together with in Llandudno, September 2004. Left to right Alan been held in The Angel Hotel, he did volunteer work for serving Welsh Guardsmen Mountjoy (23929747), Roy Abergavenny. the Borough Council and was who we greatly admire but Lewis (2741392), Harry Derrick always present when we held hopefully both halves of the (23523219), Malcolm Davies We will continue to meet when our Annual Meeting in the Regiment will meet again (24185100) and Tommy and where we can, and it is up Town Hall. They were typical soon. We enjoy their company Webber (23523339).

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Montgomery-Shropshire & Midlands Branch (Formed 1950) President: Captain BMH Branston Chairman: Mr J Bates (23952205) Treasurer/ Secretary: Mr J O Williams (23860183) 83 Balmoral Crescent Oswestry Shropshire SY11 2XH Telephone: 01691 653244. Mobile: 07860 829206 e-mail: [email protected] 1

Colonel DRP Lewis. menu. All food was served nice It was with great sadness and the club has a well-stocked, that the branch received the well manned bar available. news of the sudden death of Colonel David Lewis on the St David’s Day at the 28th October 2019. Colonel Henllan 2020. David had supported the The Branch held their Annual Branch for many years and St David’s Day Luncheon was a regular attendee, along on the 23rd February at with his lovely wife Mrs Sue the Henllan Restaurant Nr Lewis, at our Branch annual Welshpool. We traditionally luncheon at the Wroxeter Hotel. hold our celebrations a week 2 Colonel and Mrs Lewis invited prior to the actual date to members to their lovely home allow Branch members to in Leintwardine for a day of fun attend both the Branch event and games followed by lunch and the main Association on Armed Forces Day 29th celebrations with the Battalion June 2019. It was a nice sunny if they wish to do so. day which was enjoyed by all with wonderful food and much 2020 was the 22nd year that laughter, a full report appeared we have celebrated St David’s in the 2019 Magazine. Colonel Day at the Henllan, something David will be sadly missed but we felt could not be ignored fondly remembered as a true and so to commemorate the 3 gentleman. occasion the Branch Chairman, Mr John Bates, presented a Due to Covid-19 the memorial Welsh Guards Wall Plaque to service which was being the Henllan Restaurant and arranged for Colonel David had Mrs Diane Parry presented a to be cancelled but plans are bouquet of flowers to Ms Mai afoot for it to take place in 2021. Breeze the Henllan Chef. Mai’s Welsh Lamb is the best in the Christmas Luncheon 2019. area and is served up by her The 2019 Branch Christmas first-class friendly staff who Lunch was held at the really do make the day (even Shrewsbury Beaconsfield Club, coming around with second an ideal location as it is just a helpings for those that want it!) short walk from the bus and This year’s attendance was 43 railway Stations, and it has a (with a few cancellations due to small car park also. It has a sickness and floods). superb reputation for food, and we were not disappointed - Brian L John (23523171). there was a good choice on the On Wednesday 27th May I 4

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received the sad news that due to Covid-19 restrictions it Brian had died earlier that day. was not possible for Branch Brian stepped down as Branch members to attend. His family Chairman after six years at intend to arrange a service of the last AGM (in May 2019), remembrance early in 2021 in due to Ill health (he had been his honour. diagnosed as being in the early stages of Dementia). The Brian was a proud Welsh decline in his health meant he Guardsman who will be had to be admitted to the Royal sadly missed but never ever Shrewsbury Hospital in early forgotten. April and he sadly died on the 27th May. Trooping the Colour. 5 It was nice to see the Battalion Brian joined the branch shortly perform a mini Trooping of after stepping off in 1962. the Colour in Windsor Castle His Father Tom John was a with very short notice, limited founding member of the time for rehearsals (as well branch and was the branch as manning Covid-19 test treasurer at the time. Brian stations) and having to observe was a regular committee social distancing and master member and fully supported marching on grass! They gave the branch throughout the a brilliant display of drill, only years. He worked for a local the second time the Trooping of Coach Company in Whitchurch the Colour has been carried out and would organise the hire at Windsor Castle and made us of coaches, often driving the all extremely proud of them all. coach himself to save the 6 branch costs! He still did the Branch odd job collecting or delivering vehicles for the company for a Information long time after his retirement for 2021 and for a number of years volunteered at the Welsh Branch Committee meetings. Guards Collection at Park Branch Meetings will be held at Hall Oswestry, again driving the Shrewsbury Beaconsfield a vehicle to displays like the Club, but no dates have been Family weekend in Wellington agreed as yet. Bks, and when the Collection had a display at the Cardiff St David’s Day Lunch, Castle Museum and the Guards Henllan. Museum London. He would Sunday 21st February 2021. always help out with the Welsh 7 Guards Photograph collection Wroxeter Hotel at Park Hall as Photography Annual Lunch. was one of his hobbies. Sunday 11th July 2021 (Due to the current situation the Hotel He was presented with the has not confirmed the booking). Branch Loyalty Service Statuette Hopefully, this will be done early by the then Branch Secretary in the new year. Captain Ben Parry, following 1. Colonel D R P Lewis in the footsteps of Price Davies I would like to take this 2-3. Branch Members with and Norman Edwards, and in opportunity to thank the their wives and friends July 2019 was presented with Branch President Captain BMH enjoying their Lunch the Certificate of Merit by the Branston and the committee 4. Members and friends enjoying Branch President Captain BMH members for their support their Christmas Lunch Branston at the Wroxeter Hotel throughout 2020 with a special 5. Presentation of Wall Plaque and Flowers to Ms Mai Breeze Luncheon. word of thanks to all our 6-7. St David’s Day Lunch members and their friends for at the Henllan Brian’s funeral took place on supporting the branch. 8. Brian L John (23523171) 8 Friday 5th June and sadly

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North Wales Branch due to the COVID pandemic Campaign Medal for Cyprus. (Formed 1936) lockdown. Pall, Standard Bearer; John Burns and a Guard of Honour President: Captain ACD Hopkins Our last normal meeting took provided by Graham Binnie, Chairman: Graham “The Bear” Binnie (24060777) place a week after the St David’s Jiffy Myers and Tim Ryan Treasurer: Captain ACD Hopkins Day celebrations, with a socially attended the Church Service. distanced meeting taking place In a definitive and final show Secretary: John Burns (24823395) just recently at the beginning of of respect for our Welsh Guard 45 Bangor Road October which was only hours brother the Standard and Johnstown before the renewed restrictions Guard of Honour lead the were implemented placing the funeral procession along with Wrexham majority of North Wales once the vicar on foot, for the half LL14 2SR again into lockdown. mile route from Hope Parish Telephone: 07758 074189 Church to the Cemetery in the Email: [email protected] Again, our members have torrential rain. regrettably found themselves attending the funerals Barrie’s daughters Tania, Branch Activity. first few months of 2020 of several of our veteran Melanie, Tracy and brother 2020 got off to a good start however, events along with brothers, notably our first Gareth were extremely for the North Wales Branch the optimistic intentions to socially distanced funeral for grateful for the turnout from with Branch members increase branch awareness as Barrie Moulton who joined the Association donating the attending many of the well as grow branch numbers the Welsh Guards in 1956 very generous collection to forecasted events towards for regular attendance were having served seven years the Association as a thank you. the end of 2019 and into the soon brought to a standstill as well as being awarded the Barrie’s Campaign Medal for

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Cyprus which is on display can Shropshire & Midlands be viewed at the Welsh Guards Branches to travel down to Collection in Park Hall. Only Windsor to join the Battalion in 734 of these medals have been Combermere Barracks for St awarded. David’s Day.

2019 Wrexham Branch With pick-ups from Bangor Christmas Meal. along the North Wales coast This took place at the Nags branch members travelled with Head in Wrexham; it was a only a slight diversion to the 4 well attended successful night planned route due to recent with eighteen members which storm ﬂooding. included partners who have also supported the branch We took a stop off near one throughout the year at various of our old postings at Tern events. A great time was had Hill Barracks for lunch and by all. refreshments then onto Windsor to drop off at the two 2019 Bangor Branch hotels. Everyone enjoyed the Christmas Meal. journey down. The Sgt’s Mess This took place at the Waverley kindly put on a curry night Hotel in Bangor; it was well on the Saturday night which attended by the regular branch was well attended as was members who meet up at the Church Service concert the Waverley Hotel on the 3rd provided by the Welsh Guards Monday of the month. Again, a Band at the Garrison Church. great time was had by all. The Sunday was an amazing St David’s Day. and very emotional day starting This year the North Wales with the church service again Branch arranged a coach for at the Garrison Church in the North Wales, North of Windsor led by the Reverend 5 England and the Montgomery- Matthew Dietz CF, chaplain to

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the 1st Battalion Welsh Guards amongst the veterans who had It is fair to say that the Battalion has provided a detailed article as well as Field Marshal Lord a bit of banter during the wait. did us all proud, the hospitality on this year’s event. Guthrie. Where finally 10 years We couldn’t help but feel sorry shown to the branch members of hard work from Maldwyn for the serving Guardsmen on was wonderful. Every member Darts & Shoot Competition. Jones came to fruition with parade waiting quietly from all ranks within the North Wales Branch had a the Falklands Wooden Cross and patiently - been there, Battalion made us feel special. good response to creating a that was originally erected in done that! We extend our thanks and team to enter into this year’s 1982 was dedicated to its new appreciation to the effort put competition, but unfortunately and permanent home in the Leeks presented, march past into accommodating us be it COVID put a stop to any Garrison Church. Not a dry eye completed then once fallen from the chefs, cleaners, bar practice sessions as well as in the house could be seen out everyone headed over to staff, display stands and the QM resulting in the event being during the ceremony, a very the Gym where the Battalion for protecting that nice new cancelled IN ANY CASE. We fitting and emotional tribute to provided company display Gym floor! look forward to representing our brothers who did not return stands, refreshments and a the branch at the next from the Falklands war. band which went down a treat It sincerely was a remarkable competition hopefully in 2021. with the members. It was weekend which we will A quick session of “On the great to pull up a sandbag continue to promote within the bus, off the bus” followed and chat with the serving North Wales Branch to increase just to remind us what it was members of the Battalion, awareness and numbers for like when we served as some catch up on progress with attendance next year. 1. Bangor Branch Meeting, piled into coaches in a mass the ever-evolving technology, L-R: Graham Binnie, David evacuation from the Church check out the latest hardware 38th Falklands Morgan, John Jones, Gwyn back to Combemere Barracks, and catch up with old friends. Memorial Service. Williams, Ifor Williams, Brian the remainder of us took to Due to the lockdown restrictions Williams, Gary Glyn Jones, the good old LPC (Leather Dinner was then served the usual well planned and Gwyndaf Williams, John Burns Personnel Carriers) for a short in the Sgt’s Mess for the attended annual service at St 2. 2831467 Barrie Moulton RIP sharp quick tab back to camp! branch members many of Giles Church including a Choir 3. Wrexham Branch whom stayed until late in and memorial parade had to Christmas Meal 4. Saint David’s Day - Coach On return we all piled onto the the evening. On the Monday be replaced with a discrete Journey Down to Windsor drill square for a bit of a wait for morning there was a few tired socially distanced memorial 5. Saint David’s Day - Coach the presentation of the leeks, heads who slept most of the service which took place at the Journey Down to Windsor luckily the weather remained way home to North Wales on Welsh Guards Falklands War 6. North Wales Branch - good and spirits were high the coach. Memorial. Capt Chris Hopkins Falklands War Memorial

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North of England Branch (Formed 1946) President: Captain J W Daniel Chairman: Post Vacant Treasurer: Mr Arnold Brassey Secretary: Mr Stephen Ollerhead 10 Penfold way Dodleston Chester CH4 9NL Telephone: 01244 661091

ell what a year it has been so far! After our Wexcellent Christmas Dinner at the Green Oak Pub and Restaurant at Ellesmere Port on 1st December 2019 (see photo’s) where we had a good attendance and a wonderful time with all our ladies present. Our numbers have dwindled quite severely now, due in main to age or ill health as we suspect is the case in most branches.

We still have a regular (01244 661091) beforehand hardcore of six or seven to confirm the date and time. who attend our monthly We try to keep the meeting as meetings but once again have near to the end of the month had to change our regular as possible. venue from the Tudor Rose 1 Hotel to the Green Oak Farm Lastly to end this very strange Public House and Restaurant, year I would like to pay Rossmore Road, Ellesmere tribute to; Arnold Brassey, Port. Paul Liddy, John McGuiness, Peter Oldfield, Billy Kelly, Terry We are unable to set a regular Evans, who along with myself monthly date/time for the make up our magnificent meeting due to availability 7 without who this Branch of members, so anyone would no longer be able to wishing to attend is asked exist. to contact me by telephone

1. L-R: Arnold Brassey, John McGuiness, Peter Oldﬁeld, Alan Turner (at the back) and Bob Harper (on the right) 2. L-R: Sue Ollerhead, Gill Evans RIP, Steve Ollerhead, Terry Evans, 2 Jack Traynor, Annie Dimmock-Liddy and Hayley Mathews.

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1 2 Ogmore Branch (Formed 1932) President: Major AL Denman MVO MBE Chairman: Mr Paul Mockett MBE (22217125) Treasurer/ Secretary: Mr Mike Jones (23523201) 40 Garﬁeld Avenue Litchard Bridgend CF31 1QA Telephone: 01656 650367 E-mail: [email protected]

3 aving been asked to compile the Branch Hnotes in a year which, for obvious reasons, Duty is done”. has been particularly void of any activity On Saturday 13th June 2020 whatsoever both in the Branch and in the wider I am sure we were all glued Association, I (that is Bob Chambers (24645750)) to our TV screens to witness have decided to go “off piste” a little and in part a wonderful, spectacular and unusual Queen`s Birthday 2 of the report relate my experiences whilst on Parade at Windsor Castle put secondment in the Cayman Islands in 1994. on by 1st Battalion Welsh Guards and composite Band Part 1 What a year 2020 has turned of the Household Division out to be - hopefully 2021 will in front of HM The Queen 4 As we all are too fully aware, be a lot kinder to us all. whilst adhering to social due to the recent outbreak distancing measures. To second Monday of every of that nasty virus which Over the period covered say it was outstanding is an month at the Bridgend Ex I’m sure you’re all fed up by this report the Branch understatement, it gave the Servicemen’s Club (Covid 19 of hearing about and the has sadly said farewell to entire nation a lift and was restrictions permitting) and restrictions imposed on the two Branch members; LSgt performed magniﬁcently by as a Branch we welcome All whole population, it has not (22217605) Roydon Leslie the young men and women Welsh Guardsmen or Women been possible to hold any Price (Roger) who died on 9th of the Welsh Guards and who will be made extremely Branch meetings this current February 2020 aged 87 years Household Division Band and welcome. year. Branch members have and Gdsm (23550192) Richard we congratulate them all on a managed the best they can Taylor who died on 13th job well done. Season’s Greetings for the whilst adhering to the rules and December 2019 aged 80 years end of the year and a Happy have carried out welfare checks after a short illness. Rest in A reminder that we hold our Prosperous Covid free 2021 via telephone with each other. Peace Welsh Guarsdmen “Your monthly meetings on the New Year.

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Part 2 career finishing as a Detective Inspector on Special Branch`s I read with interest on social Welsh Extremist Counter media of the formation of the Terrorism Unit, working Royal Cayman Islands Regiment alongside Specialist Units and in September 2020 and Special Forces. remembered back to the time I spent there in 1994. It was pleasing to be informed that in September 2020 the In 1994 I was fortunate to be newly formed Cayman Islands selected to go on secondment Regiment`s recruits were for two years to the Royal being trained by a Short Term Cayman Islands Police Service Training Team (STTT) consisting where I served three months of personnel from the Welsh carrying out local community Guards, the Household procedures which included Cavalry Mounted Regiment, protection of wildlife, patrols the Grenadier Guards and the to catch Parrot snatchers, Royal Marines – providing theft of Turtle eggs, Hurricane the islanders with the basic Shelter duties and varied other infantry skills required to be offences. qualified soldiers, including Drill, weapons handling, battlefield 5 I then passed selection for a casualty drills and navigation. newly formed multi-cultural The work of this STTT is the Special Task Force which suited subject of a separate article in my combination of past military this publication. skills combined with my then current Policing skills. The Task For me it was history repeating Force`s first major operation itself from 26 years ago when was policing the influx of Cuban I can proudly say that I was a refugees who at that time founder member of that Special were fleeing Cuba under Fidel Task Force, the idea that came Castro’s regime to try and get to fruition this year with my old asylum in Miami. Other duties combination of Welsh Guards included mounting ceremonial and Police officer skills being parades with the duty used on those distant shores. Caribbean Royal Naval patrols, fighting drugs and firearms importations along with dealing 6 with any issues to the Island`s 1. Gdsm (23550192) Richard threats of that time. Taylor RIP, Photo taken in “Once a Welsh Guardsman Windsor whilst groom to The Island is a British Overseas Lieutenant Colonel WAFL Always a Welsh Guardsman” Territory situated in the Western Fox-Pitt MVO MC Caribbean neighbouring 2. Queen’s Birthday parade Jamaica, Cuba, and Honduras. Georgetown 1995 in company The Special Task Force was with HMS Broadsword recognised for its work in detachment. 3. Cuban refugees 1994 seeking handling the Cuban crisis asylum off the British waters with an evening hosted by of Cayman his Excellence, Mr Gore at 4. Drug operation 1996 Government House. The awaiting drug boat entering experience is one I will never Cayman waters forget and one I was selected 5-6. Cayman Islands Regiment for due to my Guards training reviving Drill instruction and and background. Having weapon training in 2020 by the joint Short-Term Training completed my secondment Team (STTT) commanded and returning to South Wales by WG. Police in 1996 I then went on 7. Hearts and Minds exercise and specialised in numerous in Tent City Georgetown 7 covert roles throughout my with Cub

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Swansea and West Glamorgan Branch (Formed 1927) 1 President: Major (Retd) CGH Carty MBE TD Chairman: Mr K Trenchard (24449915) Treasurer: Major (Retd) CGH Carty MBE TD Secretary: David Williams (24623938) 17 Golwg yr Eglwys Pontarddulais Swansea SA4 8EE Telephone: 07779 246345 Email: [email protected]

Well what a year 2020 has room meetings. A little slow been! to start with (most of us members were not too sure The branch had settled into of the technology), we have meeting at Cwmfelin Social gradually grown the group Club every second Monday involved. For a short while of the month. The number Members were able to meet at of members attending the Cwmfelin Social Club in August meetings were starting to rise as lockdown restrictions and the Branch were actively allowed, however this was planning several social events short lived. locally. These included family lunches every other month at We have been joined by Sgt different venues in Swansea. Joel Bladen (Swansea jack), The Branch had arranged who has become our link to an away trip to the National the Battalion. Welcome to the Memorial Arboretum in May branch Joel, we look forward and all was starting to look to seeing you either at a good until we were hit with Branch meeting or one of our the COVID National Lockdown zoom meetings soon. which put a screeching halt to all our plans.

1. A Swansea Branch Zoom During the lockdown period meeting under way. and these strange times, we 2. Branch Secretary and Tony ﬁnd ourselves in, the branch Davies 14 laying a wreath has kept in contact by holding a t Swansea Cenotaph on a few Zoom/Facebook Remembrance Day 2020. 2

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Well, what a year? It started We had to isolate (or were with the threat of a new virus, advised to) for 14 days before Covid 19, started in China, but the whole UK followed suit. was believed to be spreading throughout the World! Sadly, It has been a stressful time for it has! everybody, with those who have other medical conditions The Battalion was snugly even more stressful, but we ensconced in their new seemed to have won this Barracks in Windsor carrying particular battle and come out Public Duties and plans through the worst of it but were being made for us warned it would return later on to celebrate St David’s Day in the year. 1 with them. Members of the Association Branches were Unfortunately, it has! Hence, really looking forward to we see many of our Boroughs joining them on this eventful forced into a second lockdown day and with transport being and I imagine many more will subsidised by the Association, or will have by the time these we would be well represented. notes go to print. It is a family day enjoyed by everyone, from the youngest The Battalion though have had Guardsman through to the to soldier on. Their biggest day, Commanding Officer and to The Troop was cancelled as the oldest Association member. we know it. But a mini troop in front of Her Majesty was carried Allan Cunningham was tasked out by the Windsor Castle with the job of getting a Guard, using social distancing (a 2 coach load of Veterans from phrase we all have got to know) Llanelli via the M4 corridor to and the Parade went extremely Welsh Guards Reunited Branch a Travel Lodge he had booked well. All credit to those involved (Formed 2006) in Windsor and thus onto and to those who strived to the Barracks for an evening make it happen! Dressing President: Lieutenant Colonel (Retd) AJ Davies OBE of pull up a sandbag, mixed was the key here, with extra Chairman: Keith Smith (24283390) of course with generous distance between the next man Secretary: Dennis (Knocker) Knowles (24122474) amounts of spirits and beer, or woman as in this case back to the hotel and then on 69 Bryntiron parade the next morning for WO1 (RSM) Mike Parry has Matthewstown the big day. Unfortunately, I conducted zoom meetings with Mountain Ash couldn’t attend, due to being members of the Association, as in Benidorm and the threat of he wants the Association more Rhondda Cynon Taff CF45 4EX a Spanish lockdown, but from involve with the Bn. For this Sir, Treasurer & Tech Support: what I’ve heard, the Dai’s Day we thank you. The meetings Mike Cummins (24472964) gig went off exceptionally are covered in greater detail in Webmaster: Post Currently Vacant well, but of course it would. It another article. always does! Vice Presidents: How have we managed then? Alan Parry-Booth (22326094) I escaped from Spain on Many of us have had to forego Served 1WG 1950-1952 the Thurs 12 March by the going away on holiday, visiting skin of my teeth as Spain our local or going to see a film Ray Skinner (22329571) Served 1WG 1950-1952 went into lockdown that at our local cinema. There were Mike Wakely (24076183) Served 1WG 1968-1977 day. Turnaround times at the no Maccie D’s, Burger King or Larry John (24141857) Served 1WG 1969-1982 Airport were being shortened KFC and no local Restaurants. David Woods (23879346) Served 1WG 1962-1977 and baggage was flying on and Strange new terms like “social off the various carousels. Our distancing and furlough” have Served AAC 1977-2003 flight was the last scheduled come into our vocabulary and Gwynfor Pritchard (22831515) flight into Cardiff, before all are now all too often used. Served 1WG 1956-1963 flights became repatriations taking passengers everywhere Some have taken up walking and not always where they the dog, running even! Alan wanted to go! Parry-Booth keeps his mind

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active and us entertained with his daily poems. All good stuff, but he is also very good with his woodworking, making sticks, whistles and love spoons, out of pieces of wood you and I might use on a bonﬁre. Wiz, aka Steve Jennings has also done great things with wood which impresses many of us with his ﬁne work.

Potsy (Bobby Roberts) and Rodders (Paul Rosser) recently made a pilgrimage to Holmfirth to visit our Bard, Allan Parry-Booth and his lovely wife Lynn. They came away with a stick each from 3 AP-B’s magnificent collection and presented Mrs AP-B with with Potsy whilst working as Crematorium for a private enough funds were raised in a bouquet of flowers. An a cleaner in Cardiff Airport. Family service. record time by the WGR Branch eventful trip, AP-B hasn’t been Potsy convinced him to attend membership (on the website the same since! last year’s Association Darts My thanks go out to the other and through social media) to and Shoot at Maindy Barracks Standard Bearers that day, purchase three. They have just This dreadful disease has put a and Bang, he was back in our Nag (Phil Edwards) of Cardiff been produced (see photo’s 4 & stop to all manner of events and Family. But unfortunately, he Branch and Andrew Morgan 5) and are in memory of: reunions of course. Falklands succumbed to Covid-19 and Brown of Llanelli Brach. Also, visits, Darts and Shoot, golf, was sadly taken on 6th June. I Sgt Stuart Laing of RHQ who CC THOMAS - LCpl Chris biennial lunch and many other was honoured to be asked to as per, sounded a note perfect “Bowser” Thomas 03, KIA branch organised events also. dress his coffin and parade immaculate Last Post and Falkland Islands with our Branch Standard at Reveille. There was a great There is one Reunion in the his Funeral in Barry and thank turnout of WG Veterans, Simon PA FRYER - Gdsm Paul Fryer, pipeline though. Paul Morgan Potsy for asking me to get (Squeak) Weston, the Mott KIA Northern Ireland (aka Flicker) is organizing involved. His wife Sian too for brothers, (Nicky and Johnny), a weekend reunion at the allowing me to carry out our VJ, Brian Elliot, our own Larry PJ PRICE - Sgt Philip Price, Seaview Hotel in Porthcawl services at his last parade. John, to name but a few. Great KIA Northern Ireland (Covid allowing) 12 to 14 Mar to get around a table with a 21. It was a tremendous The second was the tragic drink for a chat, but sadly, yet So, what does the remainder of success some years ago and and unexpected passing of another sad occasion. this year and the upcoming year with the hotel recently being Dai Graham. Dai passed after bring? Sadly, I suspect more refurbished, promises to be just a massive heart attack. Quite An appeal put out by the gloom and despair before it as good this time. Details are unbelievable for those who Chairman of the Guards Chapel can get better. Christmas is just on Facebook and our website. If remember the Walk on Wales Committee, Major General around the corner. No Santa you haven’t already booked, get a few years past where Dai Robert Talbot-Rice CBE, for in the stores. No Halloween in now or you may be too late. walked the whole distance of kneelers to be presented for celebrations. No Remembrance the Wales Coastal Path, with a use in the Guards Chapel, was Parades! What do we have to I have met many of our few other Veterans. quickly responded to by the look forward to? We just have Brothers though, albeit in WGR Branch President, Lt Col to soldier on and wait it out! sad circumstances, normally Dai was cremated at Cardiff Tony Davies. At a cost of £185 at funerals! I have attended on 14th August with Covid-19 each, these quality hand crafted We can hope things improve quite a few, more than I wish restrictions not allowing us all to kneelers will last a lifetime and and we have to play a big part to count, but two in particular attend the service. A Drumhead are a fitting tribute as they to ensure it does. We have to be spring to mind! service was organised and contain the Welsh Guards disciplined and do what we’re carried out at a local hotel Crest atop and details of the advised to, even if we don’t For those who remember where Captain Jan Koops read individual being remembered agree with it. John (Jack) Prosser, He was the a brilliant Eulogy into Dai’s life along the leading edge. It Battalion Butcher in Munster and Edward Vaughan-Jones was the intention to purchase Gents, I am just a spokesperson and Chelsea. He had little to (aka VJ) sang Calon Lan (quite one kneeler, but such was the for us in this great Branch. do with WG after he left, until excellently I may add,) before support and encouragement But I’m sure my Management one day a chance meeting the hearse took Dai to the shown by members, that team and all members will

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back me in playing a part to get us winning again. I thank you all, Mal and Neil at Association Headquarters, Keith my Chairman, Tony my President, all Branch Vice Presidents, Mike C and all you members in helping me compose these notes.

I wish you all a Merry Xmas and better New Year and above all...... STAY SAFE!

Our Branch notes would not be the same if we did not end with a poem from the very talented and wonderful Alan Parry- Booth: INGRAINED

1. St David’s Day Windsor, Larry John (24141857) to Lisa “Mmm, not a bad pint, Since I was just a nipper For years I made Welsh love spoons but it’s not Amstel”! I’ve never understood A fascinating craft 2. St David’s Day Windsor, Harry Holland MM (23877354) Why I have this great compulsion By carving leeks and dragons and Wyndham “Skinny” Jenkins To make things out of wood. Each one was truly “Taffed”. (23879318) chatting about the Aden days. I started off with aeroplanes But with my current hobby 3. L-R: Paul “Rodney” Rosser And then I turned to boats My needs are all fulfilled (24336563), Alan Parry-Booth Then super rural farmyards I joined the local gathering (22326094), Bob “Potsy” With horses, sheep and goats. Of “The British Stickmakers Guild”. Roberts (24400031) during their visit to Alan at his beautiful home in Holmﬁrth, I bought some carving chisels I’m now producing market sticks West Yorkshire And I carved a perching owl And super shepherd’s crooks 4-5. WGR Branch sponsored The net result was not quite right With a myriad different timbers Kneelers for the Guards Chapel. A weird looking fowl. And designs from brilliant books.

Went on to carve the female form I make my sticks at leisure With all its wondrous curves And I’ve improved my speed But sanding all the fancy bits With heads of hares and pheasants Played havoc with my nerves. I’m very pleased indeed.

Then I got a bit too cocky Now we are here in lockdown In my skills I’d tend to bathe I have this gift divine So, to give myself a challenge A hobby so absorbing I bought myself a lathe. At the age of eighty-nine.

4 I turned gavels, plates and truncheons So, if you’ve never made a stick And some pretty tidy bowls But wish to have a fling I used up loads of lovely wood Then find your branch of B.S.G Some ended with the coals. Or just give me a ring.

My next essay was cribbage boards Alan Parry-Booth. Now you may think that boring But with no room for errors It left no time for snoring.

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The Welsh Guards Collection (established 1995) President: Brigadier JF Rickett CBE Chairman: Colonel TCS Bonas Treasurer: Major ME Browne BEM Secretary: RQMS RW Parry 95 Curator: Mr ST Evans Cartref ni 44 Crossﬁeld Avenue Winsford Cheshire CW7 1EG 1 2 Telephone: 01606 593953 Email: [email protected] o one could possibly have imagined Nwhat we were about to be up against at the turn of the year. Not since the 2nd WW had anyone experienced such devastation by one common enemy.

In 1939 it was Adolf Hitler who The lot consisted of two thought he could rule the world, Battledress blouses, one service now some 81 years later it dress jacket and one parade was the dreaded Coronavirous forage cap. I`m glad to say 3 4 pandemic which seemed to be that I won the lot by telephone hell bent on wiping us all out. bidding. “Not recommended for At first thousands of people those with a heart condition”! thought it was just a scare and Unfortunately, all the items failed to take things seriously. had some of the worse moth The thought of everyone damage I had ever seen in my wearing safety masks or other 26 years as Curator (see photo`s forms of PPE was like something 1 - 9). Another disappointment out of a “sc-fi” movie! was that all the shoulder boards and rank insignias plus all the A relic from the brass and leather buttons had 2nd World war. been cut off. It`s what some On Friday 21st February at East collectors call “Top and tailing.” Bristol Auctions, lot number They butcher uniforms just 41 consisting of uniforms because they haven’t the room 5 6 belonging to a Welsh Guards to store them. Within minutes of Officer of the 2nd WW. This receiving these items by Royal particular Officer was none Mail they were straight into my other than Lieutenant (later freezer to make sure they were Captain.) J A W Dent (MID) who now safe from infestation and on the 3rd September 1944 unable to pass anything on to was the very first allied tank to my other stock items. enter Brussels. Coincidentally out of the five-man crew on St David`s day at Windsor. board, two members of his Whilst attending the St David`s crew were named Beresford Day parade and celebrations but unrelated. Guardsman in Windsor, I was pleasantly Robert Beresford was the hull surprised to meet Mrs Pam gunner and Guardsman Ralph Bellis, widow of that great Beresford was the wireless Welsh Guardsman Idwal Bellis operator. who, after completing 22 years’ 7 8

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service in the Regiment, most handsome donation. Over people will associate with the years I have got to know his long service in HM Tower Andrew very well and he is of London as Keeper of the always there to listen and Castle. She had sought me help in dire situations. Thank out to present to me, for the you, Andrew, you really are museum, a small photograph one of life`s Gentlemen and album containing photographs the Welsh Guards Museum from 1915 of groups of Officers and the Regiment will always and men of the Regiment. To be indebted to you. If there is think the album is 105 years old. a shortfall of money for this Many thanks Pam. venture, then the Regimental Trustees will support us as they It wasn`t long before the always have over the years. Government brought out new 9 rules for self-isolating social As always, we need volunteers distancing etc and public to help out with looking after buildings were being closed our visitors and taking care by the hour. We were made of the displays and general to have sanitation points, housework within. We have a distance markers on the floors second building which holds and Perspex covering to all our reserve collection with public areas. Even after all the hundreds, yes hundreds of effort we put in we were still artefacts which need looking unable to stay open because after. By that I mean making we didn`t have the manpower sure they are in good order, to control the number of protected from the elements visitors entering and making and ready for display at any sure social distancing could be time. As you may be aware, controlled. So unfortunately, we cater for schools and other we remain closed. places of learning and the reserve collection gives us Plan B is now underway the option of displays at other whereby I will install 8 CCTV premises at short notice. cameras with two large monitors situated in the main May I take this moment to wish reception and in our office. We everyone associated with the 10 will get a professional carpenter Welsh Guards family a safe to make frames to hold Perspex voyage through these trouble panels to cover everything times. Please take care and that could have been touched be safe and before we know by our visitors. This plan B will it we will come out the other hopefully satisfy the authorities side aware of what we have and allow me to open up, achieved and through what we unmanned with the exception hope will never return again. of somebody controlling numbers entering the Museum. Our 1st WW display in another building has remained open all the time, unmanned because everything is behind glass.

All this equipment is very 1-9. The extent of the damage expensive, and we were to the recently acquired fortunate to receive a grant uniforms of Capt JAW Dent. from our governing body AMOT 10. Mrs Pam Bellis presenting the photograph album to (The Army Museum Ogilby Stan Evans, St David’s Day 2020 Trust). Director of the trust 11. An example of the quality Mr Andrew Lloyd MBE saw of the photographs included in our situation and endorsed the album kindly presented 11 our application with a very by Mrs Pam Bellis.

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1 Saint David’s Day 2020 by Neil Rice, Assistant Secretary General Welsh Guards Association

embers of the Association enjoyed the very Mbest of hospitality from the Battalion as they gathered together to celebrate St David’s Day in the Battalion’s new home of Combermere Barracks Windsor on Sunday 1st March 2020. The celebrations began on Saturday Night with the Regimental Band giving a free concert in the Holy Trinity Parish and Garrison Church.

In front of a full house, the singing “I would rather go band gave a wonderful varied blind” by Etta James. performance of traditional military music mixed with After the concert and by kind some great contemporary invitation of the Regimental works including a unique Sergeant Major, we headed arrangement of “Calon Lân” off to the Sergeants Mess for trombone, a medley of and joined the non-musical both traditional Welsh tunes members who had been and Shirley Bassey hits and ﬁrmly ensconced in the bar a stunning performance by since 1800 hrs! There were Lance Sergeant Maria Lacey a good number in the mess 2

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from the battalion and the Jimmy Everett who was the beer and banter flowed in Company Sergeant Major Two equal measure. Company during the Falklands campaign. The rededication Sunday dawned with a bright service was beautifully blue sky so any fears about conducted by the Battalion the weather were dispelled Padre, the reverend Matthew as we made our way back to Dietz CF. It was a wonderfully the Garrison Church for the moving ceremony culminating traditional Saint David’s Day in a beautifully sung Hen Wlad service, made very special Fy Nhadau. “Yn angof ni chant this year as the Falklands fod” 3 Cross was being blessed, rededicated and installed in After the service we made its new permanent home. our way back to Combermere This simple wooden cross Barracks and formed up on was made by members of the square with the rest of the the Battalion in June 1982 Battalion. It was a beautifully (see photo 3) and erected bright clear day but the wind on a stone cairn at Fitzroy was icy and cutting as we over-looking Port Pleasant to waited for the parade to begin commemorate and remember with Brigadier Johnny Rickett all the Welsh Guardsmen, collecting the Association including our three Special Air leeks from the Major-General Service men and the attached commanding the Household personnel who gave their Division, Major General lives in the cause of freedom. Christopher Ghika CBE (Irish This temporary memorial was Guards). After the distribution replaced with a permanent of leeks, the parade marched 4 memorial in the form of a off the square with the Major fourteen-foot-tall Welsh General taking the salute. It Celtic Cross rough-hewn in is impossible to overstate the blue pennant stone which restorative power of marching was erected and dedicated behind the Regimental Band, at a service held on the 11th as soon as we stepped off the November 1983. The wooden years fell away as the necks cross was brought back to the hit the back of our collars and UK and housed in the Guards the Association “Eyes Right” Depot Chapel, Pirbright. more than matched that of the With the Guards Depot no other companies on parade. longer being an exclusively Guards establishment and the The formal duties of the day Battalion now making its long- completed everyone headed 5 term home in Combermere into the gym where the Barracks, Maldwyn Jones, Battalion demonstrated some the Secretary General of the of the recreational activities Welsh Guards Association they get to enjoy as well as who helped build the original having some of their modern memorial embarked on a weapons on display. From crusade to have the cross the gym we moved onto the moved and brought to this Sergeants Mess where a first- more appropriate home in class lunch was served along the Garrison Church, Windsor. with some liquid refreshment. There were a good number of Falklands Veterans in the We are very grateful to the congregation as the cross was Battalion, their hospitality brought from the entrance was second to none, the of the church to the alter Commanding Officer, the carried by Brigadier Johnny Regimental Sergeant Major Rickett the Commanding and their respective mess 6 Officer in 1982 and Captain members were perfect hosts

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and everyone made us feel very welcome indeed. It is days like these where we demonstrate that the Welsh Guards Family is not just a catchy tag line, it is a very real and cherished way of life that we enjoy and appreciate.

9 1. WO2 (Band Master) Hatton leads the band through the magic of music with Tom Davoren’s Stone Mountain Magic 2. LSgt Maria Lacey blows the audience away with her rendition of I’d Rather Go Blind. 3. The temporary memorial cross being dedicated by the Battalion Padre, the Reverend Peter Brooke in 1982 when ﬁrst constructed 4. Preparing to leave the Ofﬁcers Mess. L-R, Back row: Captain Orme Clarke (ADC to the Major General), Colonel TCS Bonas, Major General C Ghika CBE, Lieutenant Colonel H Llewelyn-Usher, Mrs Helen Llewelyn-Usher Front: Mrs Vivien Bonas, Mrs Ghika, Ms Emelia Llewelyn-Usher, Ms Felicity Llewelyn-Usher 5. L-R; A Williams 50, Bob Bowen, Al Cunningham, Howard 10 Davies 82, Peter Williams 300, Jon Woodham 08, 8. WG Falklands Veterans, Hinder, Phil Wright, Kenny Williams 05 with the Battalion Padre, Robert Baynham 6. The Falklands memorial cross the reverend Matthew Dietz 9. Brigadier JF Rickett CBE being carried into position by CF after the rededication of presenting leeks to members Brigadier JF Rickett CBE (CO the Memorial Cross. L-R: of the WGA on parade. 1WG in 1982) and Captain JMF Richard Jones 29, Steve Jones 10. The WGA contingent Everett (CSM 2 Coy in 1982) 98, Maldwyn Jones 92, Jimmy marches off parade. 7. The Band performing under Salmon, Kim Hibberd, Bryan the conductorship of the Matthews, Paul Cunliffe MBE, Director of Music, Major Henry Vaughan-Jones, Steve Stewart Halliday Gelly, Ian Morgan, Adrian

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A reminder of the camaraderie at the Darts and Shoot from previous years which we hope to enjoy once again in 2021. DARTS AND SHOOTING COMPETITION 2020 Darts and Shooting Competition 2020 By Major (Retired) M E Browne BEM Assistant Regimental Adjutant aturday 19th September 2020 was scheduled to be Sthe annual Association Darts & Shoot Competition in the Sergeant Mess at Maindy Barracks Cardiff.

But, like the majority of other RESULTS events in our calendar, we DARTS were obligated to cancel it due to the Coronavirus Pandemic Winners of the Welsh Guards Association Cup: and the restriction imposed Monmouthshire Branch to ensure the safety of our Winners of the Abertawe Shield and Runners Up: members. East Glamorgan Branch Highest Score Individual Score: We very much hope to be able Tony Davies to gather together in 2021 at Maindy Barracks Sergeants SHOOTING Mess and the tentative date Winners of the Leatham Trophy: of Saturday 18th September Swansea Branch 2021 has been pencilled into Runners Up: the Forecast of Events. Welsh Guards Reunited (A) As a reminder, the results Winner of the Aberdare Cup (Best Shot): from the 2019 competition Gareth Liversage (Monmouthshire Branch) and so remaining as holders Winner of the Gerry Greenstock Cup: of the trophies for 2020 are: (Best Shot over 70 years of age) Jim Price

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The Coronation by Bill Britton (22217653 Gdsm) Served 1952 to 1955 he year was 1952 at the time I was working Tdown Llay Main Pit, if you worked down the mines you were exempt from going into the forces.

Each weekend I went out Sergeant went on parade with to enjoy myself, but all my no firing pin in his rifle and was friends were in the forces. As inspected by the RSM who saw they came home on leave, it and we were all given hell for they called me a coward which a long time over it! I got tired of and so made enquires to join. I then found Come the day before the out that none of them were big day and we were sent in the Welsh Guards and so I to Wellington Barracks. The joined the Welsh Guards and next morning, we were up an what a turn up for the books! hour early, had breakfast and got dressed then marched My Dad gave us a life of down the Mall and took up hell, so it was no surprise to our positions not far from St me when I enlisted, but the James’ Palace. I was facing the training was still hard and park, the crowd behind me very difficult. For those of complained that they had been you that have been there and waiting there all night and now I done it you will all know what was blocking their view! It was I am talking about. Finding out now just before 7am and we what sports team you could were in place and ready. go in for was good, but when it came to boxing, I was soon At the start of the parade on the floor. I found a liking were the five Royal Dukes on for all things Cross country horseback, it took two hours running, I liked it, a chance for the parade to go by me. to get out for a while. The Once the ceremony had started highest I achieved was 7th in Westminster Abbey the when running for the Welsh street-liners we were given a Guards, I was fit back then, rest. I recall had a Kit Kat and a fitter than a fiddler’s elbow. cup of tea then it was back out onto the Mall to street line for We were just coming to the the return journey of the Royal end of our training when the procession. floods hit Canvey Island so off to Southend Airport, we It would be another two hours went to fill sandbags (with a for the complete procession to rum ration at the end of the pass by again, I remember it day). On our way back to rained a little as The Queen of Pirbright we were informed Tonga went past me in open that the old King had passed carriage - strange what you away and we were told to remember? get ready for a Coronation in the June. For weeks we were We got back to the Wellington out on the square rehearsing Barracks at around 4pm had standing still for a long time some food, got changed and whilst watching the RSM drill then went out into the crowed the officers! and enjoyed the night.

No one was left out and the rehearsals went on for over a month or more. Our Platoon

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Remembering an Exercise to Libya by Gerald Tilston (Gdsm 235232123) Served 1959 to 1962 came from a Farming background and was Icalled up for National Service which at that time was two years.

To join a Guards Regiment, you I recall we flew from RAF had to sign up for three years Lyneham in Wiltshire a town with the encouragement that quite near to Wootton Bassett you were paid more money - and landed at a remote airfield this I did! Al Adem. I remember very little regarding the exercise, but I I enlisted into the Welsh Guards do recall the severe fluctuating on the 23rd February 1959. My temperature extremely hot by initial training was completed day and fearfully cold at night. Gerald standing outside his tent enjoying a drink. at both Caterham and Pirbright. The exercise was covered in the Caterham for basic drill and 1960 Regimental Magazine as on the Mediterranean coast It was here that I stepped off Pirbright Depot for field follows: between Tobruk and Derna. on the 23rd February 1962 Training. and started as a reservist of In March the 1st Guards The exercise was enjoyed four years with the colours. At On completing basic training, I Brigade Group flew to Libya enormously by all concerned. the end of my service I joined joined the Battalion at Pirbright to undertake the biggest air The weather was perfect and an auctioneer’s company in and went to Support Company transported exercise conceived bathing in the Mediterranean Chester as a trainee auctioneer and later was employed as an since the war. Each of the was taken full advantage of and valuer and worked in Officers Orderly. three rifle companies of the before the start and at the end auctioneers’ companies in battalion were attached to the of the exercise. Once again all England, a job I greatly enjoyed. In the early 1960’s the Battalion three battalions of the brigade our supplies were flown to us was part of the 1st Guards respectively to bring them up to and to prove how successful the I am now retired at the young Brigade and went on exercise strength for the exercise. exercise was, we never once age of 82 and continue to help to Libya on Exercise STARLIGHT. went short of anything. out at my local auctioneers and Libya at that time was an The companies flew from at the Welsh Guards Collection independent Kingdom ruled by Lyneham to EI Adem, an RAF After the exercise we returned at Park Hall Oswestry. King Idris 1st (1951-69) who was base several miles south of to England and then to deposed by Gaddafi in 1969. I Tobruk in Britannia aircraft of Caterham in preparation for was fortunate enough to go on Transport Command. From another destination and in this exercise to accompany a EI Adem they were flown to November 1960 we moved to senior officer. Timmi, a small Arab village Gort Barracks near Dusseldorf.

Remembering Tower of London Guard (1957) “Sentry I said effing Morning”, and promptly awarded me by John Kirby (Gdsm 22831232) with that I came to attention one extra duty (on the Tower and said “Sir”. He then said to Guard). t was November, a foggy damp and cold me “put yourself in the report morning and I was on sentry duty from for speaking while on sentry I am now approaching 85 years I duty”! of age but have never forgotten 0200hrs until 0400hrs. My sentry box was this story! close to the Main Gate. The Sergeant of the Guard (Sgt Morgan), who had witnessed At about 0210 hrs, a vehicle and be worse for the wear! A it, was amazed and told the stopped outside the gate, few minutes later DSgt Roden Officer of the Guard who said to the bell sounded on the side arrived (the first time I had seen me “you would still have been gate which I opened and a him in civvies), he stopped in in the report even if you hadn’t LSgt appeared and said to me front of me and said, “Morning spoken as he would have had “Watch yourself I am picking Sentry”, I stood at ease and you for dumb insolence”! The up Drill Sergeant Roden from did not answer. Twice he said, Company Commander, when a Beefeaters party and he “Morning Sentry”, he then took I was marched in front of him will have had a few drinks a step forward and bellowed said “will you never learn Kirby”

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Welsh Guards Association Zoom Meetings Regiment assisting in this vital Rhys Rutledge started selling By Neil Rice, Assistant Secretary General and important work. As well drugs at the age of 15, by as talking to us about it on 19 he had been arrested s we all know, and I am sure tired of being the Zoom call LCpl Griffiths and given a custodial has also covered his work in sentence. After his release Areminded, it has been a very difficult year an article entitled “Lockdown he found very little support with effectively all the planned Association Leadership: A Guardsman’s and quickly went back his activities having to be cancelled, however Perspective” which he wrote old ways. Realising he was when a Guardsman and potentially falling into a cycle we did manage to hold a few interesting and which was published and read self-destructive behaviour informative events using Zoom. widely on The Army Leader and seeing the effect of his website (www.thearmyleader. actions on his friends and The Regimental Sergeant Major newly promoted LCpl David co.uk). family he forced himself to WO1 Michael Parry is very keen Griffiths 86 gave us a very make a fresh start and joined to form stronger links between interesting and insightful LCpl Griffiths gave a wonderful the Army. Since joining the the serving members of the presentation on leadership, set of presentations and we Welsh Guards in 2010 he has Battalion and the Association focusing on the life of WO1 all wish him well in what will made a serious commitment and to this end arranged and (AcSM) John Lord MVO, undoubtable be a long and to his career and is now a hosted three excellent zoom MBE and related this to his very successful military career, Sergeant. meetings which many branch own challenges as a newly it is heartening to see that members were able to attend promoted NCO to ensure the battalion has men of this Aside from his career within once we had managed to beat that we continue to follow calibre to continue the highest the Battalion, Sgt Rutledge the technology into submission. the enduring values and levels of achievement that the has passionately built the standards of the Household Regiment has always enjoyed. “Defeat Don’t Repeat” All three meetings followed Division. concept by capitalising on the same format, an opening The Second meeting took his personal experiences. presentation on a specific LCpl Griffiths is part of the place on the 22nd July where The programme aims to subject with a question and team of Welsh Guardsmen Sgt Rhys Rutledge gave a steer young and vulnerable answer session followed by who are carrying out Covid-19 presentation on his work for individuals away from their a general Q&A on all matters testing around London District the “Defeat Don’t Repeat” troubled backgrounds before Welsh Guards. and he gave us a great insight initiative. they become trapped in a into the work they are doing harmful cycle of crime and The first meeting took place and the challenges they face. Sgt Rutledge is the founder of repeat prison sentences. on the 15th July where the It is wonderful to see the “Defeat Don’t Repeat’ (DDR).

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A lively Q&A session followed way better than it was not that strange. Going forward I am the presentation and I think long ago and it is clear to see sure the numbers will improve it fair to say that the work that the work being done by and our use of the technology that Sgt Routledge is doing is the Regimental Support Teams will be slicker, of course genuinely inspirational and is really paying dividends, but what we really want is to get had the potential to change so you can’t help but think that back to proper face to face many lives for the better. the Regiments success on the encounters. Having said that recruitment front is despite a big thank you to everyone The third meeting took place the “help” of Capita rather who took part and a special on the 25th August where the than with it. We explored the thanks to The Regimental Regimental Sergeant Major, ways that the Association can Sergeant Major, Michal Parry supported by members of help support recruitment as for organising and hosting both the North and South we have large numbers of ex the calls. A strong close link Regimental Support Teams Welsh Guardsmen throughout between the Battalion and the gave us an overview of the entire catchment area for Association can only beneﬁt recruitment into the Regiment. Welsh Guards recruits and the us all and we look forward Regimental Sergeant Major to some very exciting events Given that all the Association offered to look at supporting in the future once the world members on the call had come any activity that helps put the return to somewhere near through the Guards Depot, Battalion in the public eye. normal. be it Caterham or Pirbright, it was a very useful and I think it is fair to say that timely update on the current these Zoom meetings were a recruitment process, which is, good start. Some members to say the very least, different had problems with the from how it was “back in the technology and the numbers day”. could have been better but 1. Some of the we do appreciate that this is Association Zoomers It is reassuring to see that the all very new and the whole 2. Sgt Rhys Rutledge, current level of recruitment is Coronavirus environment is Defeat Don’t Repeat

WGA 235 236 WELSH GUARDS REGIMENTAL MAGAZINE FORECAST OF EVENTS FORECAST OF EVENTS 2021

(Many dates are yet to be conﬁrmed and all are subject to change due to the ever evolving Covid-19 situation. In particular, the Freedom of Pembroke Dock parade, the Freedom of Ceredigion parade and the Association Biennial Lunch are all still TBA)

JANUARY

FEBRUARY Sun 21st Montgomery-Shropshire & Midlands Branch St David’s Day lunch at the Henllan Wed 24th - Sat 6th Proposed Falklands Veterans visit to the Falkland Islands - Group 1 Mar

MARCH Sun 7th - Wed 17th Proposed Falklands Veterans visit to the Falkland Islands - Group 2 Sun 28th (tbc) St David’s Day with 1st Battalion Welsh Guards Windsor Fri 12th - Sun 14th Welsh Guards Reunited Branch Reunion weekend, Seabank Hotel, Porthcawl

APRIL Wed 21st Household Division Golf Championships (Spring Meeting) Thu 29th Memorial Service, Guards Chapel for Colonel DRP Lewis Thu 29th Colonel-in-Chief’s Golf Cup (1st/2nd Rounds) Tbc Household Division Golf Championships Tbc Preliminary rounds of the Colonel in Chief’s Cup

MAY Tbc Welsh Guards Association Handicap (A day at the races) - Ludlow Tbc Welsh Guards Association Annual General Meeting Thur 20th Welsh Guards Club Dinner Sat 22nd & Sun 23rd Defence of Arras Commemorations Sat 29th Queen’s Birthday Parade - Major General’s Review

JUNE Sat 5th Queen’s Birthday Parade – Colonel’s Review Sat 12th Queen’s Birthday Parade – Trooping The Colour Sat 26th 39th Falklands Memorial Service and Reunion - Wrexham

JULY Sun 11th Montgomery-Shropshire & Midlands Branch Annual Lunch at the Wroxeter Hotel

AUGUST Wed 12th Llanelli Branch Meeting

SEPTEMBER Sat 4th & Sun 5th Freedom of Arras Parade Fri 10th - Sat 12th Autumn Golf Meeting at Royal St Georges Sat 11th - Wed 15 Association Battleﬁeld Tour Sat 18th Association Darts & Shoot Competition, Maindy Barracks, Cardiff Thu 23rd Colonel-in-Chief’s Golf Cup (Finals)

OCTOBER

NOVEMBER Tbc Association Secretaries Meeting Cardiff Sun 7th Regimental Remembrance Parade London

DECEMBER Wed 9th Llanelli Branch Meeting

Please monitor the Welsh Guards Charity website and Welsh Guards Social Media for updates and additions to this forecast

FORECAST OF EVENTS 237 In Memoriam - ÊR CôF We regret to announce that notiﬁcation has been received of the deaths of the following Welsh Guardsmen:

*22217329 LW Anthony 2741297 Sgt S Fisher Died: 25 May 2020, Aged: 86 Died: 21st May 2020, Aged: 92 Served: 1949 to 1955 Served: 1946 to 1957 2740423 Sgt RG Bartram 22022573 Gdsm P Fold Died: 30th April 2020 (COVID-19), Aged: 93 Died: 12th February 2020, Aged: 90 Served: 1944 to 1948 Served: April 1948 to February 1950 24025082 WO2 RI Bellis 25021145 Gdsm M Floyd Died: 23rd November 2019, Aged: 70 Died: 20 June 2020, Aged: 45 Served: June 1960 to 1992 Served: 1992 - 1995 *24623924 K Cartwright 23092648 Gdsm KF Glover Died: 15th November 2019, Aged: 59 Died 8th June 2020, Aged: 83 Served: August 1982 to August 1985 Served: 1954 to 1956 22082175 LSgt CM Cashman *24386530 D Graham Died: 11th April 2020, Aged: 89 Died: 2nd July 2020, Aged: 64 Served: 1948 to 1967 Served: 1975 to 1983 24593996 Gdsm K Chamberlain *2740690 JG Hagerty Died: 8th October 2020, Aged: 55 Died: 31st January 2020, Aged: 93 Served: 1982 to 1984 Served: February 1945 to April 1948 Captain R J H Coe 24076064 Gdsm MJ Harrison Died: 9th April 2020, Aged: 87 Died: 28th August 2020, Aged: 70 Served: 1953 to 1977 Served: 1967 to 1974 2734306 LSgt DC Cook WD Heber-Percy MBE Died: 13th April 2020, Aged: 100 Died: 2nd August 2020, Aged: 81 Served: August 1937 to February 1946 Served: 1957 to 1962 *22019206 J Croft Major HJ Herbert-Jones Died: August 2020, Aged: 90 Died: 19 November 2014, Aged: 92 Served: 1948 to 1960 Served: November 1941 to January 1949 22831186 Gdsm JT Davies *2740150 IB Hicks Died: 15th July 2020, Aged: 83 Died: 21st October 2020, Aged: 93 Served: 1954 to 1957 Served: September 1944 to April 1946 23523176 LCpl GK Davies *23593904 MD Hobbs Died: 1st March 2020, Aged: 80 Died: 20th March 2020,Aged: 81 Served: January 1959 to January 1965 Served: 1958 to 1960 *24285492 VW Davies 2740106 Gdsm RA Hughes Died: 7th March 2020, Aged 67 Died: 5th August 2020, Aged: 93 Served: April 1972 to June 1975 Served: 1944 to 1965 24652004 CSgt RA Davies *23523092 BE Hughes Died:1st September 2019, Aged: 53 Died: 17th November 2020, Aged: 79 Served: 1982 to 2006 Served: 1958 to 1968 *24299736 D Demery *23577105 R Hughes Died: .3rd July 2020, Aged: 68 Died: 8th May 2020, Aged: 82 Served: September 1972 to 1986 Served: 1958 to 1960 *23523109 PB Door 23523171 Gdsm BL John Died: 11th November 2020, Aged: 82 Died: 27th May 2020, Aged: 82 Served: 1958 - 1981 Served: January 1959 to January 1962 2734113 Gdsm S Elsbury *23550191 AJ Jones Died: 7th April 2020 (COVID-19), Aged: 101 Died: 15th November 2019, Aged: 81 Served: February 1936 to 1945 Served: March 1958 to April 1960 24385338 Gdsm DR Evans 23877259 LSgt G Jones Died: 26th April 2013, Aged: 56 Died: 31st December 2019, Aged: 79 Served: July 1975 to September 1978 Served: 1961 to 1971 23354004 LSgt RJ Eynon *23877226 ID Jones Died: 11th August 2020, Aged: 82 Died: 15th March 2020, Aged: 76 Served: November 1956 to November 1963 Served: August 1961 to April 1964

238 IN MEMORIAM *23421426 D Keen 24343434 Gdsm RA Smith Died: 29th March 2020, Aged: 82 Died: 1st February 2020, Aged: 63 Served: 1957 to1959 Served: 1974 to 1979 Colonel D Kirkwood DL RAPC 22217863 LSgt MBE Smith Died: 1st May 2020, Aged: 75 Died: 7th March 2020, Aged: 83 Attached to 1WG: 1978 - 1980 Served: 1953 to 1977 Captain TH Luckock 23866379 CSgt R Smith Died: 21st November 2019, Aged: 86 Died: 4th May 2020, Aged: 76 Served: 1954 to 1961 Served: 1961 to 1984 *24203113 K MaCleod *24598962 M Smith Died: 15th April 2020, Aged: 65 Died: 18th February 2020, *Aged: N/K Served: May 1970 Served: 1980 to 1986 *24185148 GJ McCarthy 22217741 Gdsm J Stockham Died: 11th April 2020, Aged: 64 Died: 5th December 2019, Aged: 84 Served: April 1971 - September 1974 Served: 1953 to 1957 AOR Mitchley Esq 23550192 Gdsm RC Taylor Died 30th December 2018, Aged: 91 Died: 13th December 2019, Aged: 80 Served: November 1944 to March 1954 Served: 1958 to 1960 *22831467 B Moulton *22831470 B Thomas Died: 23rd August 2020, Aged: 83 Died: 22 January 2020, Aged: 80 Served: July 1956 to July 1963 Served: 1956 to 1963 2741847 CSgt K Parry GN Turner Esq Died: 5th April 2020, Aged: 90 Died: October 2019, Aged:84 Served: 1947 to 1973 Served: 1954 - 1956 25177403 LSgt L Peek *2739370 GLS Ward Died: 24th December 2019, Aged: 34 Died: 24th March 2020, Aged: 93 Served: August 2003 to September 2015 Served: February 1944 to July 1945 2735449 Gdsm J Perkins *24263898 SC Whatling Died: 6th October 2020 (COVID-19), Aged: 101 Died: 21st November 2019, Aged: 60 Served: 1940 to 1945 Served: September 1975 - June 1986 22217605 LSgt LL Price JS Wheeler Esq Died: 10th February 2020, Aged: 87 Died: 23 July 2020, Aged: 85 Served: August 1953 to August 1955 Served: 1953 to 1955 *24079070 J Prosser 22217562 Gdsm D Williams Died: 6th June 2020 (COVID-19), Aged: 71 Died: 19th November 2019, Aged: 86 Served: November 1966 to October 1975 Served: 1952 to 1955 *2741295 DEV Richards 22217300 WO2 DJ Williams RVM BEM Died: 28th October 2020, Aged: 92 Died: 8th December 2019, Aged: 87 Served: September 1945 to September 1947 Served: 1950 to 1978 25003695 Gdsm IJ Richards *23908695 M Williams Died: 1st November 2019, Aged: 50 Died: 14th July 2020, Aged: 73 Served: May 1991 to May 1995 Served: November 1964 to March 1971 *24141984 R Roberts Died: 12th December 2019, Aged: 73 Served: 1970 to 1987 *24440965 J Roberts *Died:February 2020, Aged: 62 Served: 1976 to 1980 23523418 Sgt B Rose Died: 10th June 2020, Aged: 78 Served: 1960 to 1969 22679570 Gdsm W Simpkin Died: 3rd May 2020, Aged: 88 *Denotes missing some detail which we have Served: 1952 to 1960 been unable to ascertain

IN MEMORIAM 239 Sergeant’s Mess hospitality the night before St David’s Day 2020

240 Back Cover: Lance Sergeant Prothero from 1st Battalion Welsh Guards, carrying out a COVID-19 test, at testing site in Chessington, Kingston-upon-Thames.

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Welsh Guards Magazine 2020_COVER_v3.indd 2 24/11/2020 14:04 105 years ~ 1915 - 2020

WELSH GUARDS REGIMENTAL MAGAZINE 2020 WELSH GUARDS REGIMENTAL MAGAZINE 2020

Cymru Am Byth

Welsh Guards Magazine 2020_COVER_v3.indd 1 24/11/2020 14:03