4 1 No. 15 AUGUST 1971 PRICE 6p

Editor: Col. F. WALDEN, D.L., T. 6-A.V.R. Centre, Deansbrook Road, Edgware, Middlesex.

ALBUHERA DAY Notes on visit to Hong Kong The following notes made by Col. A. S. J. de S. Clayton on his visit to Hong Kong as representative This year arrangements were made to hold the of the Queen’s Regiment at the presentation of a annual Service of Remembrance in the Regimental Guidon to the Royal Hong Kong Regiment (The Memorial Chapel in St. Paul’s Cathedral on Satur­ Volunteers) will be of considerable interest to many day, May 15. of our readers. The service was very well attended indeed by Left Brize Norton by VC 10 at 10.00 hrs. on May 4. approximately 350 Old Comrades, their relations and Delayed at Singapore 24 hrs. on May 6 due to friends, and, by special permission of the Dean and hydraulic troubles. Arrived Hong Kong 18.30 (local Chapter, the sermon was preached by the Rev. P . L. time). Met by Honorary Colonel (Col. H. A. de Pearce Gould, OBE, m a , who gave us an excellent Barros Botelho, OBE, e d ) and my “ADC” (Capt. address. S. M. Churn, e d ) . The C.O. (Lt.-Col. A. T. P. Amongst the large congregation we were particu­ Millen) would have met me if I had arrived on May larly glad to welcome three of our In Pensioners from 5 but was holding a parade rehearsal on May 6. the Royal Hospital, Chelsea, namely C/Sgt. C. King, On May 7, I met the CO and we had a lengthy dis­ and In-Pensioners J. Green and F. W. Worton. cussion on matters of mutual interest. I lunched in At 11 a.m. on Albuhera Day itself a beautiful the Volunteer Officers Mess afterwards and was wreath in regimental colours was laid by our Associ­ delighted to see many familiar smiling faces. In the ation President, Col. A. S. J. de S. Clayton, at the evening I attended the dress rehearsal of the Guidon foot of the Memorial in Inglis Barracks. Afterwards, Parade and was amazed at the ambitious parade that up to about 50 Old Comrades and their relations was planned— in fact, it went off well. assembled quite unofficially at the Drill Hall at On May 8 a Hong Kong Royal Auxiliary Air .‘^fcidgware to celebrate the great day. Force helicopter was placed at my complete disposal and I made a most interesting and detailed tour for over i£ hours. The pilot kindly made two chukkas round (over forbidden territory) the Middlesex Regimental badge on the side of the hill overlooking San Wai Camp. I had a photographer on board and FORTHCOMING EVENTS he took two photographs— if they are failures, as they Date Event may be, due to an overcast sky, I have been assured Friday, October 1 z/yth Battalion (1939-45) Din­ of another sortie. The badge is kept up by the Royal ner at Victory (Services) Club, Hong Kong Regiment but unfortunately the annual Seymour Street, London W2. wash and brush up is not scheduled for a few more Friday, October 8 Autumn Golf Meeting at weeks and therefore it was not as clear-cut as I North Hants Golf Club, Fleet. would have liked for photographic purposes. ^aturday, Novem- Ceremony at the Field of {Editor's note.— Unfortunately the photographs were 'b e r 13 Remembrance, Westminster not clear enough for reproduction.) » A bb ey. My No. 3 uniform, tailored by Royal Hong Kong Sunday, November Remembrance Day Service at Regiment, was delivered some hours before the 14 Inglis Barracks, Mill Hill, parade and, to my amazement, fitted extremely well. followed by a Reunion at I was also loaned a sword. T & AVR Centre, Edgware. The Regiment was formed up in line— Nos. 1

1 and 4 Guards on foot with Nos. 2 and 3 dismounted the fold as a result of this luncheon. That evening I REGIMENTAL DERBY SWEEPSTAKE, 1971 We were also very pleased indeed to welcome in front of their Ferrets and Land-Rovers— in the attended an excellent Chow with Botelho, who The Derby sweepstake organised by the Regi­ L t.-C o l. John Bell, 13/ 18th Hussars, a form er Government Stadium under floodlights. The Old incidentally had put me up in his flat for my stay. mental Association in aid of the Charitable Fund was Commanding Officer of the Royal Hong Kong Colours were marched off in slow time with the flood­ Anthony Millen met his successor in the evening at again well supported this year. Regiment (The Volunteers), who was invited as a lights dimming until eventually they disappeared K ai T ak. The receipts from the sale of tickets and the dis­ into inky blackness to Auld Lang Syne— most regimental guest. On May 12 I had another session at RHQ Happy tribution of prize money were as follows: The detailed results of the various competitions, impressive. The Guidon was consecrated by the Valley with Anthony Millen and I was very pleased to R e c e i p t s a n d E x p e n d i t u r e each decided over 18 holes, were: R.C. Bishop in the presence of the Anglican Bishop meet his successor, John Chapman. I realised that and some five other clerics including the Buddhist £ Millen was extremely pushed, particularly since Received from sale of tickets and Singles Medal Comp.— Scratch and Handicap potentate in his saffron robes. It was then trooped Gross H ’cap N et Chapman had just arrived, and I persuaded him that donations and took up its position in front of a Ferret and two 167-54 Mr. C. D. Matthews (winner, there was no need for him to feel that he should see Less scratch and Transvaal Cup) 83 10 73 Land-Rovers in the centre of the parade. The £ Mr. R. H. K. Hardcastle (runner me off from Kai Tak that afternoon. Therefore I rinting and stationery 2 I5O parade then marched past in column with the Guidon up, scratch) 90 12 78 escorted to Kai Tak by “Bots” Botelho and Chai^^fe ostage 2 5 I Mr. A. G. Torrie (winner, handi­ party and Nos. 2 and 3 Guards in vehicles. The cap and Darjeeling cup) 92 14 78 Churn and seen safely into the VC10. The plane Registration fee timing was perfect and performance excellent. The 1-25 Lt.-Col. J. W. A. Stephenson 92 12 80 took off at 18 00 hrs., May 12 (local time) and 25-26 Mr. M. R. T. Walden 93 12 81 parade then marched past in line— an extraordina­ touched down at Brize Norton at 09-27 hrs., May 13 Major A. R. Bisset 93 II 82 rily difficult manoeuvre with men on foot and Lt.-Col. J. R. B. Worton 95 16 79 (BST) with stops at Gan and Cyprus. At the former Available for distribution £142-28 M r. H . J. C hillery 96 17 79 vehicles intermingled— yet it was a brilliant success. I was pleased to discover that scotch was only 4^p Lt.-Col. T. W. Chattey 96 14 82 Lt.-Col. C. N. Clayden 97 18 79 Having formed up again in line the whole parade per tot and this enabled me to get some hrs. D istribution Mr. H. A. Oxlev 98 14 84 advanced In Review Order— men on foot and vehicles sleep ! L t.-C o l. J. W . Bell together— and I do not understand how they all £ (runner-up handicap) IOI 23 78 Summing up, I feel that the visit was very worth Association Charitable Fund (50% Mrs. H. K. Hardcastle IOI 15 86 halted completely together which they did. The next Capt. R. J. Tarrant 104 24 80 while, that our alliance is as strong as ever, that 71-14 attempt to dice with fate was a “ Feu dejoie’ in which of net proceeds) Major W. G. A. Crumley 109 24 85 Royal Hong Kong Regiment will always look afte^^ mPrize money : Master Howard Clayden 115 36 79 Nos. 2 and 3 Guards, still mounted in vehicles, and fete any Queensman who may arrive in H on^^ C ol. I. R. Burrows 117 24 93 took part— again the timing was incredible. It was 1 st Prize (20% of net proceeds). . 28-45 Major P. D. H. Marshall (Divot) 130 24 106 Kong, and that Royal Hong Kong Regiment are 2nd Prize (15 % „ ,, ,, ) . . 21-34 Mr. T. F. Jones NR IO NR an extremely ambitious parade which went off anxious to do all they can to foster this alliance. In perfectly and, in the words of Commander British 3rd Prize (10% ,, ,, ,, ).. 142 3 Stableford Foursomes return, I feel we should do our utmost to entertain Other horses drawn (5% of net Points Forces later, “The CO of any Regular Regiment members of Royal Hong Kong Regiment when they Capt. R. J. Tarrant and Mr. R. H. K. Hardcastle proceeds— 19 at 3 4 P and 2 at (winners, Cooper Cup) would have been overjoyed if his Regiment are in UK and, whenever possible, arrange short 33P)‘ ...... Major A. R. Bisset and Mr. C. D. Matthews had achieved a similar precision”. There attachments to one of our Battalions. With this aim in (runners-up) 28 were some 5,000 spectators and I sat between Mrs. Lt. Col. J/W. A. Stephenson and Capt. R. D. Latham 26 view, I have invited Anthony Millen and his Regt. Lt.-Col. T. W. Chattey and Mr. H. A. Oxley 26 Derek Horsford, wife of the Commander Land Lt.-Col. C. N. Clayden and Master Howard Clayden 26 Second-in-Command, Major Gordon Hampton, as £ 1422 8 Forces, and Lady Lindsay Ride, wife of the former Total Mr. H. J. Chillery and Mr. A. G. Torrie 26 guests to the next Middlesex Officers’ Club Dinner Major W. G. A. Crumley and Mr. M. R. T . Walden Commandant of the Royal Hong Kong Defence Mrs. H. K. Hardcastle and Lt.-Col. J. W. Bell on July 16, 1971. Millen leaves for UK by ship on The following were the winners of the ist, 2nd and Force and ex-Vice-Chancelloi of the Hong Kong M r. J. F. Jones and L t.-C o l. J. R . B. W orton May 13 and is due towards the end of June. In Col. I. R. Burrows and Major P. D. H. Marshall . . University whom I already knew. 3rd prizes: September he is to take up his next appointment as ist— Miss L. Taylor, Lloyds Bank Ltd., 127 The The parade was followed by a reception for some Hidden Holes Competition GSO 1 (Ops and Plans) HQ N. Ireland. Broadway, Mill Hill, NW7. N e t 500 at the Hong Kong Club where I met HE The Score 2nd— Mill Hill Branch, Die-Hards Club. Mr. R. H. K. Hardcastle and Mr. M. R. T. Walden Governor, Commander British Forces, and Lady 3rd— Mr. C. J. Cox, 8 South Hill Road, Hemel (winners tied) Ward and very many other lesser potentates. Every­ Mr. C. D. Matthews Hempstead, Herts. Mr. H. A. Oxley one was clearly thrilled with the parade and most L t.-C o l. J. W . B e l l ...... impressed— so w'as I, as, being a cautious type, this Lt.-Col. J. W. A. Stephenson L t.-C o l. J. R. B. W orton sort of parade would never have entered my head Major A. R. Bisset even in a nightmare. It was also clear that the Lt.-Col, T . W. Chattey Lt.-Col. C. N. Clayden alliance means a great deal to the Regiment in particu­ THE MICHAEL TROTOBAS SOCIETY Mr. A. G. Torrie lar and the Colony in general. The Governor ex­ Information has been received that the 26th anni­ M r. H . J. C h i l l e r y ...... Major W. G. A. Crumley 34 pressed his great pleasure at the presence of myself as versary of the death of Michael Trotobas, who went to Mrs. H. K. Hardcastle 35 representative of the Colonel of the Regiment and of France with the 2nd Battalion in 1939, and later Capt. R. J. Tarran t 35 Major P. D. H. Marshall 37 the Queen’s Regiment as a whole. The reception the war became one of the finest leaders in the Frencll^P Master Howard Clayden 38 was such a success that the Governor overstayed by resistance movement, will be observed during the Col. I. R. Burrows some 40 minutes and would have liked to have stayed weekend of November 20 and 21 next, and an official At the conclusion of the meeting Mrs. ‘T o ssie ” on to the bitter end. I was able to leave for my invitation is expected shortly from the Mayor of Worton very kindly presented the prizes. downy couch around 02-30 hrs. but I gather many Goudecourt, where the 2nd Battalion was billeted THE MIDDLESEX REGIMENT GOLFING went happily on until 04-30 hrs. during the early stages of the last war, inviting S O C IE T Y On May 9 I visited several old friends and spent Michael’s friends over for that week-end. The Spring M eeting 1971 the day recovering from the excesses of the previous No firm details are yet known, but the President of A very successful meeting was held on the links evening. the Society is hoping that up to 40 will be able to be of the North Hants Golf Club, Fleet, on Friday, On May 10, I, with Botelho and Anthony Millen present. Anyone who intends to do so is asked to get May 7, when a total of 20 took part. and his wife, lunched with the Governor— a very in touch with the Secretary of the Regimental We were particularly pleased to welcome four new pleasant informal luncheon party of six— the sixth Association, who will be making arrangements for players— Messrs. C. D. Matthews and T. F. Jones Free ‘Newsletters’ being HE’s ADC, Capt. Peter Harvey, Scots Guards, the outward and return journeys. who were taken prisoner after the fall of Hong The Editor wishes to thank Mr. R. E. Booker, whom I already knew and who organised the It is understood that week-end accommodation ¿.ong in 1941 when serving with the 1st Battalion; Capt. B. A. Carlston, Major C. F. Carvell, Mr. R. J. “priority” for my return to UK. all male members of the Middlesex party will Ir. H. A. Oxley, a First World War veteran who C ub itt, M r. F. J. W . K edge, b e m , M r. R. M . On May 11 I was the guest for luncheon of some provided free under arrangements to be made by the had served with the 23rd (Footballers) Battalion; Lawford, Miss Dorothy Longe, Col. J. R. Maitland, 40 past and serving officers, all of whom I knew French police, but this cannot be extended to the and Howard Clayden, the nine-year-old son of Lt.- m b e , m c , t d , d l , j p , C /Sgt. J. M eacock and M r. A. when I was CO at the Volunteer Officers Mess. ladies for whom other arrangements will be made. Col. Norman Clayden, who is by far the youngest Nicholson for their generosity in paying extra sub­ Tremendous fun, and I was delighted to hear that Further details will be notified as soon as they are competitor to take part in any of our Meetings and scriptions so that free copies of The Die-Hards News­ three of the past officers had been gathered back into available. shows much promise as a golfer. letter can be sent to deserving old comrades.

2 3 RETURN TO HONG KONG

Earlier this year Mr. W. H. Franklin, one of our We crossed over to the island again to visit the pre-war ist Battalion veterans taken prisoner when China Fleet Club for lunch. Nearby, a Heliport is Hong Kong fell on Christmas Day 1941, revisited the being set up and at present there are two helicopters Colony and, on his return wrote some interesting in use. Further along, work has begun on the build­ notes on his visit which we have much pleasure in ing of a tunnel under the harbour. reproducing below since we are sure that they will One day we decided to go up on the Peak tram to be read with considerable interest by all our readers the top. Such is the change in the roads there tha^^ who have been stationed in Hong Kong, and could not find it. This was not the first of especially those who were serving with the ist Bat­ problems so I bought myself a street guide. At the RETURN TO HONG KONG talion in Shamshuipo Camp, Kowloon, up to the top there was no great change of note except that time of the Japanese invasion in December 1941. more and more buildings were going up everywhere, so after a stroll around we returned to sea-level. On April 6, 1971, after a lapse of nearly 30 years, On another day we had thought that a day at Re­ I returned to Hong Kong. We landed at about 3.30 pulse Bay would be nice. What a surprise! That p.m. and were met by a friend of pre-war days who lovely bay was simply littered, just like Southend. made the visit possible. The number of buildings has to be seen tD be After Easter, my wife and I contacted Major Webb believed. The original hotel is still there although of the Royal Hong Kong Regiment, who very kindly there are plans for rebuilding it. Another place w e^ ^ I ^ ^ T h e entrance to Gallipoli (formerly San Wai) Camp. provided a Land-Rover and driver to take me around visited— a must— was Aberdeen. We went aboard^^ the island. I visited the two War Graves cemeteries the Tai Pak, the floating restaurant, for a very en­ and, whilst making these visits, I saw some of our joyable fish meal. Aberdeen is now a very large town old pill boxes. I noticed that those which were still with no less than five floating restaurants moored intact are apparently being used by the Hong Kong there. Government for the storage of road-mending mater­ On the occasion that we went to Beaconsfield ial! House, the home of the Volunteers, we had hoped Next day I decided that I would like to go over to to meet many other ex-Middys who were living in see our old camps at Lo Wu and San Wai. I decided Hong Kong but, unfortunately, only two were able to go to San Wai first but could not find it so I asked a to be present, Derek Crowther and Joe Lapsky. Both Gurkha soldier and was directed to Gallipoli Camp. say that they are returning to England this year so After talking to one of the British officers I was told we can look forward to seeing them soon. that I was, in fact, standing on the site of our old The last day of any note was when we attended the One of our old P ill Boxes O’l the Island nozc used camp. On the hill beyond it is still possible to see Queen’s Birthday Parade which was celebrated on fo r storage a f road mendirg material. our old cap badge, which is shortly due for a clean April 21, 1971, at Victoria Park. This ended with a up by the Volunteers. After being taken on a tour pleasant invitation to the Officers Mess where we of the camp, it became so hot that we were forced to were given champagne in which to drink the Queen’s leave to have a shower and change of clothing. Un­ health and anything else we wanted for as long as we fortunately, we never did return to find Lo Wu. cared to stay. What a day! I had never experienced On our return to Kowloon we visited our old one like it before and I do not suppose that I will get barracks at Shamshuipo. There also were many the chance again. changes. One can now drive straight through the All in all, it was a really wonderful holiday made barracks to Lai-Chi-Kok. The old pier has gone and possible for my wife and myself by a very good a slip-way has been built, up which are floated 1 md- friend. I am sure that many of the pre-war members ing craft. Part of the camp is now a REME workshop of the ist Battalion will be able to follow my route^^ and there are other small units. Jubilee Buildings are and recognise many of the names and places that still there and are in use as married quarters for one revisited and that many would jump at the chance to A viezv o f Gallipoli (formerly San W ai) Camp of the Indian units. We were offered the pleasure of go back for a short while. zoith Cap Badge H ill in the background. a trip to Stonecutters Island but after learning of the snakes left on the island by the Japanese we politely declined. Nathan Road has now been made into a dual carriageway. Whitfield Barracks is only half its former size, the remainder being now known as Whitfield Park. For those, like myself, still interested, the old Nathan Hotel still stands although much grander looking. It has been reported in the national press that two The cinema a few doors away remains unaltered. Oxford scientists had discovered that 94 coin­ Further down Nathan Road near the Star Ferry a makers, accused by King Henry I in 1124 of usii^l new hotel called the Hong Kong Hotel has been tin to debase silver coins, were almost certain* built and adjoining it is Ocean Terminal, a vast innocent. The coin-makers were castrated and had building containing shops, car parks, restaurants, their right hands amputated. etc. The Peninsular Hotel, with a face-lift, still Using a new technique known as X-ray fluores­ stands. Kowloon Bay is no more; it has been re­ cence, some of the coins were analysed quite recently claimed and is now a huge industrial area. and showed no evidence of debasement.

4 5 Regimental Museum

Curator: Major i f . I I ’ . J. Smith, MBE. TA cfc T’ i f Centre, Deansbrook Rd., Edgware, Middx.

The following are recent acquisitions to the PHOTOGRAPH OF 9TH BATTALION DINNER M u seu m : This photograph was taken in the 1920s when the Book of Common Prayer. 9th Battalion held their dinners in the Drill Hall at Photograph of 9th Battalion Dinner. Pound Lane, Willesden. The writer of these notes believes it was the Old Comrades’ Dinner of Decem­

BOOK OF COMMON PRAYER ber, 1922, when m em bers o f 1/9, 2/9 and 3 This book is the regulation Official Copy as Battalions assembled under the chairmanship supplied to all serving personnel and was given to C ol. J. L . Blum feld, t d , supported by Lt.-Col. G. Richard John Harris (6201831) on his Confirmation, Beach, t d , Lt.-Col. W. P. Hewett. t d , Captains HefFer, Sherwood, Hewlett and Scott and several August 15, 1943, by the Rev H. L. O. Davies, c f , in Shamshuipo Prisoners of War Camp. Happily, both junior officers as well as a number of non-commis­ the Padre and the recipient survived the war and are sioned officers and men. members, respectively, of the Regimental Officers The band was under the conductorship of Mr. H. Club and Regimental Association. J. Rouse, whilst a good musical programme was given OFFICERS’ CLUB COCKTAIL PARTY REGIMENTAL GOODS by the 7th Battalion concert party under the direction It is evident that at one time Dick Harris was not A total of 91, including official guests, attended the The following regimental goods are available: of RSM Price. so sure he would survive his incarceration in the ^ocktail party held at the United Service and Royal The dinner was the close of a busy two months foi^B Ashtrays, glass crested - ■ • - £025 Japanese POW Camps as on the back fly-leaf he had P^ero Club on Friday, May 14, 1971. Badges, blazer ...... • • ■ £i'5° w ritten : the 9th Battalion. The Regimental War Memorial^^ ,, car (bar or grill-type fitting) .. .. £213 had been unveiled in the presence of HRH The Following our usual custom the nearest relatives OCA (lapel or brooch type) .. .. £015 Richard John Harris is my name, Cravats, Regimental (old pattern) Terylene £ ¡ 45 Prince of Wales in November, a Guard of Honour of former members were invited as official guests and ,, ,, (new pattern) Terylene £i '45 England is my nation, had been provided for HSH Princess Marie Louise the following attended: Key fobs, black or maroon background .. £0 20 Faversham is my dwelling place and Ties, Regimental (old pattern) Terylene £0 50 on the occasion of her opening the St. Andrew’s Mr. and Mrs. F. A. Bicknell, son and daughter- (new pattern) Terylene .. .. £0 50 Christ is my salvation. Bazaar on December 9, and a memorial service was ,, ,, (new pattern) silk . . . . £0 80 in-law of the late Lt.-Col. H. P. F. Bicknell. ,, O fficers’ C lub . . ■■ £ 0 8 0 held to coincide with the unveiling of the i/9th Mrs. M. del Court, former wife of the late Lt.- ,, Middlesex Association, silk .. .. £0 95 When I’m dead and in my grave Battalion Memorial in Dinapore Church, India, on Heraldic Shields, Middlesex Regiment £i'8o And all my bones are rotten Col. S. F. W. M. del Court. Books, "Die-Hards in the Great W'ar” (Vols. 1 & 2) Armistice Day by Sir Henry Wheeler, k c s i , the Bothvols.—paperback .. £o ‘75 Take this book and think of me Governor of Bihar and Orissa. Airs. S. F. Hedgecoe, widow of Col. S. F. Hedge­ Print, “Steady the Drums and Fifes” (coloured) . . £ 1 05 When I’m quite forgotten. coe. The past was commemorated in style, but the Postage has been included in the cost of goods. future was also in the committee’s mind. After Mrs. H. J. Jennings, widow of Capt. H. J. Jennings. Cheques/Postal Orders should be made payable to However, he lives to tell his own story and join in seasonal greetings the last sentence of the records Mrs. A. V. Weller, widow of Alajor A. V. Weller. “ The Middlesex Regimental Association.” mutual reminiscences whenever he meets the ever reads “We might, incidentally, mention that the popular Padre Davies. New Year is a splendid time for ‘paying subscription’ Presented by Mr. R. J. Harris, resolutions (!!)” . late 1 st Battalion. Framed and presented by Mr. R. T. Meers.

OFFICERS’ CLUB DINNER

The Officers’ Club Dinner was held at the United Lt.-General G. C. Bucknall M ajor J. W . D oyle Major-General G. P. L. West­ Major H. K. Hardcastle Service and Royal Aero Club, Pall Mall, SW i, on on Major S. L. J. Henshaw Friday, July 16. Major-General Sir John M ajor J. M . H ew son Willoughby Major R. J. Leighton Col. A. S. J. de S. Clayton presided and the official Brigadier A. E. Green Major P. D. H. Marshall * Brigadier B. B. Rackham M ajor F. J. M illard guests were Major-General J. B. Dye, Director Vol­ Col. I. R. Burrows M ajor E. J. N aish unteer Territorials and Cadets and Colonel Comman­ Col. W. D. Ellis Major L. F. E. Nicholls Over a Century-old Partnership. . . Col. A. M. Man Major M. F. Pearson dant, The Queen’s Division; Brigadier A. W. Wise, Col. R. D. Sherbrooke- Major C. E. E. Scott Like the Services, we have a tradition to uphold, at the same time taking ad­ lately Divisional Brigadier, The Queen’s Division; W alker Major L. F. Shaw Parsons vantage of scientific progress in this age of mechanisation, yet maintaining, Col. M. H. Summers M ajor R. W . J. Sm ith Col. B. R. Wood, the last Honorary Colonel of the Col. F. Walden Major M. P. Weedon through a special department, a personal and helpful link with our customers, Princess Louise’s Kensington Regiment, and the Lt.-Col. G. T. Birch (private Major H. N. Wigan and whom we are ever willing to advise and assist in the production of their journals guest) Major V. Williams r n tn n n tin I Tn The Adelphi, John Adam St., London WC2N newdy appointed Chairman of the Greater London Lt.-Col. J. D. Gunnell Capt. S. Le M. Enthoven 1 T. and A.F. Association; Lt.-Col. A. T. P. Millen, L t.-C o l. P. J. Hall Capt. C. A. Lamb I. J. PAKoUNo LIU 6 A Y - Telephone 01-839 7151. W o rks at H a s­ Lt.-Col. A. S. Hewson Capt. P. J. T . Lane Printing tings, Folkestone, Bexhill and Lewes. lately commanding The Royal Hong Kong Regiment Lt.-Col. R. D. Hutchings Capt. J. G . Loftin g (The Volunteers); and Major G. Mason, Command­ Lt.-Col. D. E. Simpson Capt. P. F . M urray M ajor M . J. Beaum ont Capt. J. S. Richards ing 4th Battalion, The Queen’s Regiment, Albuhera M ajor R. M . Cain Capt. C. G. Webber C om pany. Majot R. A. J. Cheffins Capt. G . J. You n g Major H. E. Couch Lt. R. T. Douthet Major W. G. A. Crumley Lt. E. C. Graham Others present were: Major P. Donovan Lt. M. F. Hedgecoe

6 7 member of the Mill Hill Branch of the Die-Hards guished member of the Bar in South Africa and was PERSONAL JOTTINGS Club. Minister of Mines in the Smuts Government.

Capt. Malcolm Montgomery, now serving w’ith the A recent welcome visitor to RHQ at Edgware was As we go to press we hear that Col. Ian Battye has a battalion of the Royal Northumberland Fusiliers. 2nd Battalion The Queen’s Regiment, has been ex-W02 Tom Steward (6923739) who is now work­ been admitted to the Queen Alexandra Military After the Italian campaign the draft, together with a selected as a Training Officer at Fort Benning, ing for Grey Green Coaches. We shall hope to see Hospital, Millbank, for an operation which, we are draft from the Manchester Regiment, formed the Georgia, and leaves to take up his new appointment more of him after the summer season, which keeps pleased to be able to report, was very successful. He first Bomb Disposal Unit in the Middle East, dealing very shortly. He has been one of the most frequent him fully occupied. is now convalescing well, but is likely to remain in with many unexploded parachute mines and bombs callers at RHQ at Edgware and has never missed an in the Nile valley and Suez Canal areas. hospital for a while yet. opportunity of doing so whenever he is in this We were very pleased and most surprised to re­ “Babe” now lives at Northampton where he is country. We wish him the best of luck and will look ceive a visit in July from an old pre-war Die-Hard, working for Green Shield Stamps. Those of our readers who were serving writh the ist forward to his next visit on his return from the USA. C. C. H. Tanner, on his way back to King’s Lynn, Battalion in Austria will be pleased to hear that ex- Die-Hards passing through Guildford will finfl^* where he now lives. He enlisted into the Regiment Pte. D. Buck (22S86480), who for so long looked after We were very sorry' to hear that, as a result of an ready welcome aw'aiting them at The Spread Eagle in 1935 and served in the 2nd Battalion until 1938 the Sergeants Mess bar in the Battalion, has been in accident when parachuting, Major Geoff Norton was Hotel where ex-W02 Mike Elston (22774695) and when he purchased his discharge. At the outbreak touch with us and has expressed a wish to join the unable to attend the Officers’ Club Dinner on July 16. his wife, Ann, have settled in as host and hostess. of the 1939-45 war he was recalled and in 1940 he got Regimental Association. He is looking forward to The accident, fortunately, was not serious and he is a commission and was posted to the i/7th Battalion. attending the monthly meetings where he hopes to now more or less fully mobile again. Later he transferred to the Indian Army and served renew the acquaintance of some of his old comrades. Ex-Pte. Bill Evans (L/16471 and 6189257) is another of our old soldiers who has been in touch with the 9th Gurkha Rifles. From 1952 to 1958, when Our latest pensioner to be admitted to the Royal w'ith us. He enlisted in the 5th (Reserve) Battalion he left the Service, he was seconded to the Malayan Congratulations to 2 Lt. Alan Carter, now serving Hospital, Chelsea, is ex-Pte. Arthur Rathbone at Chatham in April 1916, and on completion of his Volunteer Force and Singapore Volunteer Corps, with The Junior Infantryman’s Battalion, on his pro­ (6195916), who served with the 2nd Battalion as a initial training, was posted to the 13th (Service^^ and finished up with the rank of temporary Lt.- motion to Lieutenant as from June 15 last. pok during the 1939-45 war. Prior to the war he had Battalion in France. He remained with that battalio^H^ Colonel. He has now been enrolled as a member of rerved in the T A and then on a regular engagement until January 1918 when he was posted to the 21st m : the Middlesex Regimental Officers’ Club and we shall That 4th Battalion veteran of the 1914-18 war, with the Queen’s Own Royal West Kent Regiment. (Islington) Battalion. After the war he completed his hope to see him again at some of our functions. J. W. Cleave, who always keeps in such close touch He transferred to the Army Catering Corps in May' service with the 4th Battalion in Gibraltar, being with the Regimental Association, writes in sorrow to 1944 and was finally discharged in November 1945. employed as a cook in the Sergeants Mess. Lt. Paul Truman, now serving with ist Battalion let us know that, after living in Shepherds Bush for The Regiment now has a total of 11 In-Pensioners The Queen’s Regiment, was promoted to Captain with the past 44 years, he has had to move to Peacehaven in Another new member of the Regimental Associ­ at the Royal Hospital. effect from July 23, and we offer him our heartiest Sussex to be looked after by his daughter, as he is ation is ex-Pte. Bob Fitch (19039564), who served congratulations. now an invalid and cannot fend for himself. In the We send our heartiest congratulations to Lt.-Col. with the ist Battalion during the fighting in Korea. circumstances we are sure that the change will be John Shipster on his promotion to Colonel, which He now' lives at Sevenoaks in Kent and we shall look It was particularly pleasing to note that at the good for him, and send him our very' best wishes. took effect from June 30 last. As a result of his pro­ forward to seeing him at some of our Association recent Sovereign’s Parade at the Royal Military' motion he has been appointed Garrison Com­ functions. Academy, Sandhurst, where the salute was taken One of our Hong Kong veterans who has recently mander, British Honduras, and leaves to take up his by King Olaf of Norway, the son of Lt. F. C. Webb joined the Regimental Association is Dave Cook Lt.-Col. Peter Galvin is finding his work as AQM G new appointment early in September. (6141207). He enlisted in a T A Battalion of the East appeared in the list of those who had successfully at Headquarters, Northumbrian District, no sinecure passed out. Lt. Webb has been closely connected Surrey Regimentin 1935 and a year later signed on Ex-Bandsman Reg. Smith (6203540), one of our and is kept extremely busy. In a recent letter he in­ with the Die-Hards for many years, both as a CSM for a regular engagement in the Middlesex Regiment Hong Kong veterans who became, as he describes it, forms us that he has bought a house in beautiful and, later, as RSM of our TA Battalion. He is now (DCO). He was posted to the 2nd Battalion and a “ Kobe House Rice Basher” , sends his best wishes country overlooking the Tees valley just outside the in “A” Company (Middlesex) 6th (V) Battalion The served with that Battalion until February 1937 when to all his old comrades. He is now living in Colchester village of Ovington, near Richmond, Yorks. Queen’s Regiment, stationed at Edgware. he was posted to the ist Battalion then stationed and “ doing fine” . At the Sovereign’s Parade referred to above the in Singapore. In a letter received shortly after the Annual Re­ Director of Music of the Band of the Royal Military' As he is a member of the Mill Hill Branch he is union, ex-Sgt. H. C. Griffiths (6197330), who as re­ Our oldest Die-Hard, Colonel the Hon. Charles Academy, who was an old Mess mate of Lt. Webb, hoping to meet some of his old friends again at the ported in the May issue of the Newsletter, was a new' Stallard, q c , d s o , m c , e d , who has lived in South played “Sussex by the Sea” as the parade marched Branch monthly meetings. member of the Regimental Association, sends his Africa for many years, celebrated his 100th birthday off in return for the many favours which Lt. Webb best wishes to all Die-Hards. on June 4 in a blaze of military' glory. Three hundred had done for him in the past. One of our older Die-Hards who has been in ^nen of the Witwatersrand Rifles, of which he was touch with us is John Cox (L/16093). He enlisted in Ex-Sgt. J. D. Hills, our most newly-joined m ein ^ Pkonorary Colonel, led by 100 pipers paraded at Hope August 1915 at Chatham where both our 5th and 6th ber of the Association, spent 12 years in the Army. Woolith, near Johannesburg, to salute him. That active old 3rd Battalion veteran, “ Bowker” (Reserve) Battalions were stationed, and eventually On the completion of his initial training he was posted Although he was posted to the Middlesex Regi­ White (L/13251) has just given a demonstration of was posted to the 8th Battalion (TF) then serving to the ist Battalion, and stayed with that Battalion ment (DCO) in October 1917 he was employed on Indian club swinging on Southern TV. Not a bad with the BEF in France. He was gassed during one of when it became 4th Battalion The Queen’s Regiment. the staff in a legal capacity. He was a most distin- performance for a man of 77— but he is a Die-Hard! the battles at Lens in 1917 and, after a period of con­ On the disbandment of the latter he w'as posted as valescence, he was posted to the 23rd (Second Foot­ A/Tk. Platoon Sergeant to the 3rd Battalion The ballers’) Battalion. He was serving with this Battalion Queen’s Regiment from which unit he was discharged when in October 1918 he was wounded, which last January. He now lives at Havant in Hampshire, necessitated his evacuation to this country'. He was w'here he has landed himself a good job with the eventually demobilised in January' 1919. He now' lives Prudential Assurance Co. Ltd. in Woking and hopes to be able to attend some of our reunions. It is excellent news that Major Les Honeybun is progressing so well after the nasty accident when he An unexpected visitor to RHQ at Edgware recently fell from a ladder whilst decorating his house was G. W. (Babe) Denton, ex-“A” Company ist suffered severe concussion and a fractured leg. \^e Battalion, of Singapore and Hong Kong days. He wish him a speedy recovery to full health again. was a member of the small draft which left Hong Kong in April 1940, thereby escaping the Japanese EX-WO2 Fred Hutchings (6127148), w'ho served upheaval. This draft never reached England, being with the 7th (TA) Battalion from 1947 onwards after stopped in the Middle East where he was attached to being in the RAF during the 1939-45 war, is now a

9 8 CORRESPONDENCE OBITUARY From : Mrs. I. M. Northcott 32 Beresford Close, Peter McRae Frimley Green, It is with much regret that we have to announce M u r r a y — On May 23, 1971, peacefully after a long & COMPANY LIMITED Camberley, Surrey. that the following have died: illness, Brigadier Harold Arthur David Murray, June 18, 1971. H ollinghurst — On June 8, 1971, Air Chief Marshal o b e , t d , d l , aged 76. He enlisted in the Highgate To: Col. F. Walden Sir Leslie Norman Hollinghurst, g b e , k c b , d f c , Company of the 7th Battalion (TF) in 1912 and, Life Assurance Consultants D ear Sir, aged 77. He enlisted in the Royal Engineers as a during the 1914-18 war he served as a signaller— I take the liberty in sending enclosed photo­ motor despatch rider in 1914, was commissioned first at Gibralter and then in France and Flanders. Insurance and Mortgage Brokers graphs, taken by my daughter in Seletar this year. into the Middlesex Regiment (DCO) in 1916 and In February 1918 he was transferred to 20th There may be many others, as well as yourself, \\Lo ^joosted to the 3rd Battalion then serving in Salonika. Officer Cadet Battalion and, on completion of his would like to see how well these badges have j^ P le later transferred to the Royal Flying Corps and officer training course, was commissioned into the 14-16 West Street, East Grinstead, cared for after all these years. The whole surround- in 1918 to the Royal Air Force. He was Air Regiment and posted to his old Battalion on Octo­ Sussex ings, I feel, are in good shape and great credit is due Officer Commanding No. 38 Group in 1943-44 in ber 9. He returned to France just after the to those responsible. M y daughter took these with which capacity he was responsible for the British Armistice in November 1918 and, after a short Telephone: East Grinstead 25977 great enthusiasm, at my request. I trust they may be Airborne Operations in the Normandy landings on attachment to the 18th London Regiment (Lon­ of some value to you and the regiment’s history. D-Day. Known affectionately as “Holly”, he don Irish Rifles), rejoined the 7th Battalion at I remain, spent 18-hour days on his job and flew with his Mons in Febraury 1919, shortly before the Battal­ Did you know that besides protecting Yours sincerely, men, especially on the missions at night. From ion moved into the Rhineland as part of the Army your family, life assurance can assist in I . M . N o r t h c o t t . November 1944 until the end of the war against of Occupation. He was one of the five officers who other fields, such as education, house (The following is one of the photographs taken Japan he was Air Officer Commanding Base Air returned to Hornsey with the cadre of the Battalion purchase, pension, and estate duty? We of our badge and confirms the good state in whicfc^^ Forces, South East Asia; from 1945 to 1948 he was for demobilisation on November 3, 1919. During specialise in the needs of service person­ they are being maintained. Air Member for Supply and Organisation on the the General Strike of 1926 he commanded the En­ Air Council; from 1948 to 1949 Inspector General field unit of the Civil Constabulary Reserve raised nel and would be pleased to advise. • of the RAF, and Air Council Member for Person­ from the Veterans of the Great War. He was pro­ We make no charges nel from 1949 to 1952 when he retired. He was moted Lieutenant in 1920, Captain in 1924, Major born in London and educated at Hornchurch High in 1929 and Lt.-Colonel in 1932 when he took over School and Felstead. command of the Battalion which he had joined 20 We also have departments specialising M a r k s — On June 8, 1971, suddenly in Dublin, Lt.- years previously as a private soldier. On relin­ in other forms of general insurances Col. Tommy L. Marks, o b e , t d , aged 59. He was quishing command in 1936 he was promoted to which are at your service educated at Eton and in the early 1930s was Brevet Colonel. In 1939 he raised 90 (Middlesex) commissioned into the 8th (TA) Battalion and AA Regiment which he commanded until the went to France with that Battalion in 1940. He following year when he was promoted a temporary was evacuated from Dunkirk and later served in Brigadier. Popular with his fellow soldiers in all the Middle East on GHQ Staff. In 1947 he was ranks he retained their affection after his retire­ appointed Advertising Manager for BEA. In 1955 ment and was present at every dinner and reunion he was appointed to one of the most demanding of whilst his health allowed him to do so. all advertising managerships— that of Guinness. In P a n k — On June 22, 1971, peacefully at Potters Bar H i d i n g 1961 Marks was appointed Managing Director of Hospital, Dorothy Annie, aged 8 7 , widow of Col. Harp Lager Limited. His triumph in this field Cecil H. Pank, c m g , d s o , t d , 7 t h (TA) Battalion. established Harp as a brand leader and this was re­ P e c k h a m — On July 19, 1971, at Queen Alexandra warded by his appointment to the chairmanship Military Hospital, Millbank, after a long illness FLORISTS of this Company in 1966. In the same year he was bravely borne, Amy Louisa (Jean), beloved wife elected to the main Guinness Board. Marks’s by of Major D. G. Peckham, RAPC, one time the now famous talents were harnessed by the con­ popular Paymaster to the 1st Battalion and an fectionery industry'; he became chairman of It has been reproduced as it will be of considerable Honorary Member of the Regimental Officers’Club. William Nuttall Limited last year. Much to his interest to those readers w ho were serving at th^fc». R o w l e y — On June 12, 1971, at a nursing home in delight he was appointed chairman of Guinness time with the 1st Battalion in Gillman Barracks^^ Haslemere, Frances Helen (Nell) widow of Briga­ Superlatives Limited whose most famous title, the Singapore— Editor.) # dier General Frank Rowley, CB, CMG, DSO. MEMBERS o f INTERFLORA “ Guinness Book of Records” , celebrated the sale of five million copies last December. His record as a S t a l l y — On June 25, 1971, ex-Armourer S/Sgt. ECONOMY soldier in war-time and as a businessman in peace­ David Stally, aged 77. He was the perfect example In view of the increase in the cost of postage, time was outstanding but gives little indication of of the excellent Armourers who were attached to receipts for subscriptions to the Regimental Associa­ the Regiment during its existence. Although wear­ (Flo w ers by wire, his friendly and unassuming personality. Tommy tion, Officers’ Club and the Newsletter will not in was gifted with a tremendous sense of humour and ing the badge of the Royal Army Ordnance Corps any time a n d any­ future be sent unless specifically asked for. a pungent wit which was never unkind. His from his enlistment in September 1914 he looked where throughout memory was honoured by a Memorial Service in upon, and called himself, a Die-Hard from the the w orld) OBITUARY ( continued from page 1 1 ) the Crypt Chapel, St. Paul’s Cathedral, on July 20, date of his attachment to the 2nd Battalion in December 1931 until the day of his death. During S t e w a r t — O n July 3 , 1971, suddenly and peacefully 1971, and the presence there of hundreds of his the 1914-18 war he served with the BEF in in her 89th year, Hilda Hylton, widow of Col. friends and associates in the business world and in France and later with the MEF in the Middle W. A. Stewart, o b e . .,.^^the world of art bore witness to the high regard in East. After the war he remained in the East until Phone: MILL HILL 1387 W a t t e r s o n —On July 26, 1971, Major Don^P which Tommy was held. Fie will be sadly missed 1925, and completed a period of foreign service Watterson, m b e . He was one of the senior masters by all of us who were his friends but above all by of 10 years. He was discharged to pension on July at Christ’s College, Finchley, and commanded his wife Ella and his daughter Suzy. 31, 1939, and later became an honorary' member of most successfully the CCF there for some years (With acknowledgments to Major G. Hartley, 145 BROADWAY, MILL HILL, N.W.7 the Regimental Association. when it was affiliated to the Middlesex Regiment t d , d l , a great friend of the deceased, for providing (DCO). the material for this notice.— Editor.) Continued on page 10

1 0 11 ASSOCIATION NEWS — but I made up for it w'hen I saw so many of you at from his w'ounds, formed a band from amongst the Wembley for the Musical Pageant w-hich was a great prisoners, having an especially good formation at Secretary’s Notes that visit most unfavourably with those previously success and w'as I am sure enjoyed by all. Some of us Minden in 1917. After the Armistice he was Band made to Canterbury where well over 100 of our old managed to get back to Edgware for a natter and a Sergeant of the 1st Battalion at Milton Barracks, comrades and their relations used to be present each drink in the WO & Sgts. Mess and this finished off a Gravesend; later he was principal string bass in Benevolent cases year. grand evening, and thanks to “ Charlie” for opening HM Scots Guards during the tour of Canada in During the quarter ended June 30, 1971, the sum This is perhaps inevitable with the formation of up at that late hour! ! After many problems due to 1922. Between the two W'orld Wars he was Captain ° f jC338'94 vvas expended from the Charitable Fund the Queen’s Division which, on account of its size conflicting commitments, we have at last managed to and Director of Music w'ith the Legion of Frontiers­ in making grants to 25 ex-members of the Regiment, and dispersion, is an impersonal organisation. hold our Branch Annual General Meeting and once men, later Director of Music to the City of London or their dependants. again the “old faithfuls” turned up and the same Police and then Director of Music to the Middlesex M ilitary Musical Pageant, Wembley officials elected, our thanks to Lt.Col. Simpson for Yeomanry. On the outbreak of war in 1939, he packed Donations— Charitable Fund This Pageant, which was sponsored by more accepting chairmanship, I am sure you all away his baton and instruments and w'as com­ The Secretary gratefully acknowledges donations Evening News in aid of the Army Benevolent Funaj with me in wishing Mrs. Simpson a speedy missioned in the Pioneer Corps as a Chemical War­ to the Charitable Fund from “Anonymous”, Major was held at Wembley Stadium on Saturday, July recovery after a major operation and we look fare Officer. He left France hurriedly on June 18, P. G. V. Bellers, Major K. R. McK. Biggs, Capt. forward to seeing her in the near future. We are 1940. He retired from the service in July 1947. 3» 1971- E. F. Dark, Mr. T. Emerson, Lt.-Col. H. A. A. In view of its popularity, tickets at party rates having a Rifle Club Social at Bisley on August 15, a Music has alw-ays taken priority in his life. Not H ow ell, m b e , M r. F. J. W . K edge, b e m , M r. T . were purchased some months beforehand. As a dance on October 2 and there is a 1st Battalion dinner only the playing of music but composing and teach­ Lack, brother officers of the late Rev. A. M. Mann, result, a total of 79 old comrades, their relations on September 4, so let’s hope wre shall be seeing many ing when he had a spell at the Royal College of Music Capt. F. Redpath, b e m , Capt. J. R. C. Riseley, and friends were able to witness one of the most of you very soon. Also, while I think of it, our as professor on the tuba. His compositions have been Mr. H. F. Stilwell, Mr. H. Waller and Mr. P. A. impressive entertainments of this nature which any Christmas Party will be on December 17, so there is played on the Trooping Parade in four successive Y ule. of them had ever seen. no excuse that you did not know in time ! ! ! Do reigns, King George V, King Edward VIII, King lease try and attend. George VI and our present sovereign. It was at the Annual reunion Belgian OCA in Great Britain • * Bert Mellor, our very enthusiastic and hardwork­ reception given to HM The Queen and Prince The annual reunion was again held this year at A detachment of old comrades with the Regimen­ ing Entertainments Organiser, will supply any details. Philip at the Mansion House after their return from Porchester Hall, Queensway, on Saturday, May tal Association banner was provided for the Annual Having just about exhausted my quota of words, Australia that music arranged by this old Die-Hard 15. The attendance was 290, which was a slight Parade of the Belgian OCA in Great Britain, which here’s hoping I see many of you on September 19— was amongst the musical programme. When this increase on that of last year. was held on Sunday, July 18, on Horse Guards Windsor Safari. Newsletter is published Capt. Hughes, who has long Opinions received from various quarters to date followed by a wreath-laying ceremony at the Ceno­ Our best w'ishes to you all. Don’t forget you are been an Associate of the Royal College of Music, w ill are unanimous that this was one of the best reunions taph, when Colonel F. Walden laid a wreath on always w'elcome at Hornsey and L E T US SEE S O M E be celebrating his 83rd birthday and as a member of for many years, and was much enjoyed by all present. behalf of all Die-Hards. OF YOU PLEASE. the Mill Hill Branch of the Die-Hards Club we can Major R. W\ J. Smith was the Detachment L e s H o s s l e n wish him many more years of tootling his horn with Derby outing Commander and Mr. R. T. Meers the Standard his natural zest and energy. MILL HILL BRANCH A total of 46 old comrades, their relations and Bearer. M a j o r D i c k S m i t h The Branch notes in the last Newsletter covered friends went by coach to the Derby on June 2 and On Tuesday, July 20, the Mons section of the Die-Hards of different generations, now' living in spent a most enjoyable time with an excellent view Belgian OCA, who are associate members of our different climes. The notes for this edition are of a of the race. A special word of praise is due to Mr. Association and had come over for the Parade, unique octogenarian member. PORTSMOUTH AND GOSPORT Banks who provided the most excellent picnic attended a reception at the RHQ Mess at Edgware. July 21, 1971, saw a coach party leaving RHQ to BRANCH lunches for the party. During this reception a plaque bearing the arms of attend the Grand Concert at the Royal Military Well, here we are once again. Newsletter time rolls the City of Mons was presented and was gratefully Beating of Retreat, Horse Guards School of Music, Kneller Hall. It was an enjoyable quickly around. accepted on behalf of our Association by our Chair­ musical evening, with a number of guest con­ We all had an enjoyable afternoon and evening at Although little publicity was given to it, informa­ man, Col. I. R. Burrows. tion was received from an old comrade of 2,7th ductors on the rostrum. It was on turning over to the Albuhera Service and Reunion, and from the the second page that I saw mentioned two pieces of look of our table it would seem that a certain one of Battalion that the pipes and drums of all the Scottish Grand Concert at Kneller Hall music, both of w'hich were to be conducted, accord­ our ilk met all of his ex-Die-Hard pals on that night, regiments were to beat retreat on Horse Guards A party of two dozen old comrades, their relations Parade on Monday June 7. As a result Branch Secre­ ing to the programme, by Capt. W. T. Hughes. It but we all enjoyed ourselves. and friends were taken to the monthly Grand was unbelievable to me that the conductor mentioned The return south was somew'hat hazardous, for taries were notified and, with the help of the Hon. Concert held at Kneller Hall on Wednesday, July could be our Mick Hughes (L/9155) who was a Boy after dropping Sam at Hindhead to walk the “ few Secretary of the London Branch of the Argyll and 21. At this concert one of the guest conductors w a ^ ^^Bandsman in “ K ” Company of our 1st Battalion in steps” to Haslemere we began to peter out of juice. Sutherland Highlanders Regimental Association, Capt. W. T. Hughes, now in his 83rd year, whl^P ^^1904, under the baton of Bandmaster Imbush. On Then follow'ed fruitless calls at garages. But no luck. 31 tickets at £ 1 each were obtained for those mem­ enlisted as a Boy Bandsman in the Regiment in announcing the items of music, it was broadcast that So we spluttered and petered our way to Pompey, bers who wished to witness the Ceremony. 1903 and, after the 1914-18 war, in which he was Capt. Hughes wras a grandfather and approaching Stubbington, Lee and Gosport, finally coming to a badly w'ounded and taken prisoner, was appointed his 83rd birthday. To confirm the announcement, I halt within the last half-mile of our final destinations. Founder’s Day, Royal Hospital, Chelsea Band Sergeant of the 1st Battalion. He was com ­ saw Mick, immaculate in evening dress, walk from So it was left to our Turk tow'n erks (namely The Founder’s Day Ceremony took place in missioned in the 1939-45 War into the Royal the distinguished visitors’ enclosure to the rostrum Peggy, Lofty-, my w ife and I) to trudge that half mile shocking weather conditions on Thursday, June Pioneer Corps as a Chemical Warfare Officer. where the massed bands were waiting. With great to “ Home Sweet Home” at 4 a.m. 10, 1971. More details of this old Die-Hard will be found in zest and command he conducted “To Your Guard” Meetings have been held monthly with the stal­ In addition to our President and Vice-Chairman the notes of the Mill Hill Branch, of which he has and “ Clarion Call”, both his own compositions, the warts (Peggy, Bert, Mr. and Mrs. Wigg, Mr. and who, with their wives, were invited as official guests, been a member for some vears. F. W. all 24 Strollers’ tickets allocated to the Regimental former written for the Trooping of the Colour in Mrs. Deans, Mr. and Mrs. McNeill, Noel Peters, Association were used by members. 1938 and the latter for the Aldershot Tattoo in Len West, and Sam) in attendance. 1939. He has also composed and arranged other We are pleased to see that Len is now recovering pieces of music; his arrangement of “España” from his operation, and wish him a quick recovery. Divisional Depot Open Day HORNSEY AND ENFIELD BRANCH ■'^^^pcame well known. Likewise our condolences go to Les Honeybun The members who attended this year amounted to At the time of writing (mid-July) the weathei^^^ Mick enlisted into the Regiment in 1903, joining after his accident and we wish him also a speedy approximately 45, which was considerably less than glorious, those of you on holiday are obviously the 2nd Battalion until sailing on the trooper Plassy recovery. last year’s attendance o f 82. enjoying it and I hope those of you, like myself, w'ith for Secunderabad, India. In August 1914, he w'as a This seems to be the news for this time. We would There is little doubt that the reason for this big holidays to come, will be equally lucky. I wras sorry Sergeant during the Battle of Mons and at Le still like to see a few more of our ex-comrades at our drop is that those who went last year were disillu­ I could not make Porchester Hall this year, and really Cateau (the Knife) on August 26, he was wounded in m eetings. sioned by the arrangements made and compared missed the pleasure of meeting those of you who did the head, arm and leg. Taken PoW, he, on recovery M a c

1 2 13 9T H b n . b r a n c h chairmanship, which he accepted. Les, as we all Our Annual Reunion and Dinner on May 22 was know, is a founder member of the Branch and a success. The venue was good, so were the diners attended all monthly meetings except, I think, one and the menu. when he wras attending a meeting at the Gosport Amongst our guests, we had the pleasure of the Branch. I am sure that under his guidance the success Deputy Colonel of the Regiment, Col. A. S. J. de S. of the Branch is assured. C layton, d l , Col. F. Walden, m b e , d l , and M ajor Unfortunately, no sooner had Les taken over the R. \\ . J. Sm ith, m b e . The last two were accompanied reins and made a good start at the June meeting, b y their ladies. when on June 26 he met with a nasty accident. Several of the relatives of the members who have Whilst painting the outside of his house he fell from passed away were present and, indeed, we thank a ladder breaking a leg and injuring his head on the them for attending. In this way we can keep the concrete path. He was rushed to hospital w’her^m numbers up, so stopping the Branch from fading operation on his head was performed. He has, at^^^-- away. time of writing, recovered slightly, but is still hazy Next year we do hope that those who have not as to what happened. I am sure all readers of these attended our reunions recently, will make every effort notes join all members of the Branch in wishing him a to do so. speedy recovery. We shall miss him very much, not A few of the older members w'ho regularly seeing him sitting on his stool, and I shall also miss attended our dinners, Lt.-Col. G. L. Fox, Major H. the help he has always given me and his advice which Sherwood and Jock Barrow, could not make the has made the job of Hon Secretary so much easier journey this year, owing to illness. We are pleased to and enjoyable. Hurry back, Les! know that they are no worse and if circumstances Our monthly club nights still maintain the 20-odd permit we hope to see them next year when we shall attenders, but there is plenty of room for more. TJ^ji meet again at the Victory Services Club, 63-79 try and encourage more to attend and to get away^^ Seymour Street, W2, on Saturday, April 22, 1972. from the housey-housey which we used to run each So please make a note of the date. At the Association’s meeting we are varying our entertainment, by Annual Reunion at Porchester Hall on May 15 we making a Committee-man responsible for running met the son of Capt. A. F. H. Mieville who was whatever he thinks would be entertaining, each one w ith us in 1914 and who died in 1961. The son is a of the Committee taking that responsibility for one Major in the Army and has two sons following his meeting. We hope by this means that it will produce footsteps in the Army. What a fine tradition! some variety. The monthly raffles continue to be held, During our talks with the Major, C. Sgt. Con King proceeds of which cover the cost of prizes which of the Royal Hospital, Chelsea, joined us, after he may have to be bought, as well as paying for the free had recognised the Major, whom he had met many cheese buffet which is put on each club night. The years ago at an Officers Training Corps Unit. Both, ladies, God bless them, continue to give us their wre hope, will be at our dinner next year. whole-hearted support, not only by coming along From Major Mieville we learnt that Lt. F. Duirs with their menfolk and so brightening up the pro­ of “ D ” Coy, 1 9th Battalion, was still alive and living ceedings and keeping us in good order, but by their in Cornwall. We corresponded with the Lieutenant continuous kindness and generosity in bringing gifts and found that he is practically house-bound now, as prizes for the raffles. Ladies, we thank you for due to contracting frost bite whilst serving in the your comradeship and thought. Navy during the last war. Actually, the Major is Although a happy and convivial family spirit L t. D u irs’ godson. exists within our branch, I must repeat again what The Military Pageant at the Wembley Stadium I have said many times before. We would like to see was one of the finest shows I have seen and if it is our membership grow. We can only do this by to take place next year, it should not be missed. It gaining the support, not only of our members, but proved one thing, namely, that the word discipline all ex- or serving members of the various Sergeants has not lost its meaning in this new age. It seemed Messes. Should you reading these notes be one to have been inoculated into the audience, as, when those and know' of any ex-member who might they left, it w'as one of the most orderly crow'ds I interested, please get in touch with me, Len Johnson, have seen. The tickets were all sold, so the Army 78 Deans Lane, Edgware, so that I can endeavour to Benevolent Fund, to whom the proceeds will go, gain the support needed to carry out the main object will benefit greatly. All praise to the Evening News of the Die-Hards Clubs, that is “to maintain that for sponsoring the Pageant. spirit of comradeship which we so thoroughly Again we have to express our sorrow in having to enjoyed when serving” . add the following to the list of our departed members: Jim Davis who, as reported in the last issue, was Lt. Col. C. M. P. Dudley, Major H. A. Neal, Canon confined to his bed having injured his back, is I am E. G. Bucknill, H. S. Butler, T. Moore, Charles very pleased to say now' able to get about with the aid White, A. C. Hollingsworth, Alfred Devereaux and of two sticks. When I visited him just recently he Joseph Adams. We extend our deep sympathy to all gave me a pleasant surprise by escorting me from his the relatives and freinds of the above. R. T. M. front gate into his home and then seeing me off when I left. Although I think I could give him WO’s AND SERGEANTS’ BRANCH yards start in 100 and still beat him, it was great to At our Annual General Meeting held in May, him on his feet, and I am sure with the Die-Hards Lt. F. C. Webb, our Chairman, gave notice that, spirit that makes him so determined to walk, it won’t owing to other commitments, he felt that he could be long before he will be giving me 99 yards start. not carry on in that capacity and though reluctant Bob Hadley, another member who cannot get about to do so, had no alternative but to tender his resigna­ much, managed to attend some of the functions which tion. This being accepted with a vote of thanks for have been laid on by the Association and I am sure, all that he had done for the branch, it was proposed that if his bellow s would allow' it, he’d be seeing more that Major Les Honeybun be asked to take over of him at our Club nights. L e n J o h n s o n

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