Issue 12: July 2015 The Mercian Family 2 Newsletter The Heart of England’s

Regimental News

ANNUAL PILGRIMAGE TO CRICH MEMORIAL - Soldiers and their families from all three Battalions of The Mercian

attended the Crich Pilgrimage at The Memorial on the first Sunday of July.

Despite testing conditions during the service, spirits weren't dampened and the Colours of all three Battalions were on parade.

The event was attended by local dignitaries, cadets and the wider regimental family. The Crich memorial is dedicated to the

soldiers of The Mercian Regiment, The Worcester and and The Sherwood Foresters who have been killed in action since the Great War.

MERCIAN SOLDIERS INVOLVED IN TESTING NEW COMBAT KIT FOR INFANTRY TROOPS - The new personal armour,

known as Virtus, uses the latest materials and offers the same protection as the Osprey system but it is significantly lighter,

moves with the body more easily and produces a slimmer profile. The Virtus system has been tested by soldiers from The Mercian Regiment, with troops providing feedback on all design elements. The experiences of troops who served in and Afghanistan have also helped to design the new armour.

MERCIAN TEAMS IN COLTMAN VC STRETCHER RACE - Soldiers from 1, 2, 4 MERCIAN and The Mercian Regimental Support Team converged on Malvern in June for the annual Coltman Stretcher race. Competition was fierce, with 14 teams from across the armed forces taking part in the gruelling ten-mile race. It involved climbing the major peaks of Malvern Hills to

raise money for the Royal British Legion and 2 MERCIAN performed brilliantly to finish first.

The race was in honour of Lance Corporal William Harold Coltman, a stretcher bearer from the Great War who won the Victoria

Cross and was the most decorated other rank of World War 1, despite not firing a single shot. Coltman had close historic ties with The Mercian Regiment, as he was from 1/6th Battalion, The North .

1 MERCIAN News THE TOM SEPHTON MEMORIAL TROPHY 2015 - The Tom

Sephton Trophy took place on 27 June at Crosfields Amateur Rugby League Football Club (ARLFC) and commemorated the

death of local soldier Tom Sephton.

Since he was killed in action, 1st Battalion, The Mercian Regiment and 1st Battalion, The Duke of Lancaster’s Regiment have played a rugby league fixture every year in his memory. Private Sephton

was killed during Operation HERRICK 12 whilst serving with C

Company, 1 MERCIAN.

Ahead of the fixture, the 1st Battalion, The Duke of Lancaster’s

Regiment had two weeks off to prepare a team and boasted a

team which contained six army capped players and nine infantry capped. The 1 MERCIAN squad contained one army player in

Lieutenant Stewart and three infantry players, Corporal Ross,

Lance Corporal Lander and Private Gulliver. Eight of the team had never played rugby league before. The final score on the day ended 12-42 in favour of 1 LANCS.

The competition next year will take place on Saturday 25 June.

EXERCISE EAGLE STORM 3 – Soldiers from C (Kohima) Company, 1 MERCIAN have continued preparations for deployment to Canada in August, by deploying to Copehill Down Village on Salisbury Plain. They took part in an urban raid with footage available via the hyperlink above. A full write up will be provided in the August newsletter.

ADVENTUROUS TRAINING IN SCOTLAND - Soldiers spent a week in Scotland last month learning climbing techniques as

part of an adventurous training (AT) package. AT is designed to push soldiers out of their comfort zones away from a military context and is an excellent opportunity to develop team skills and leadership, as well as to have some fun.

1 MERCIAN ATTEND ARMY SURFING CHAMPIONSHIPS - Members of the 1 MERCIAN Surf Team went to North Devon in June to compete in the Inter-Unit Surfing Championships and although the surf was fairly poor, spirits were high and Craftsman Billingham and Capt Fulford proved that the best surfer really is the ‘one having the most fun out there.’

The 1 MERCIAN surfing team is going from strength to strength with plans in the pipeline to keep competing throughout the summer and into the colder winter months!

2 MERCIAN News

SOLDIERS CONDUCT URBAN WARFARE TRAINING - Soldiers and officers from B () Company, 2nd Battalion, The Mercian Regiment recently took part in Exercise Urban Ram 3 at the Whinny Hill Urban War Fighting Facility, Catterick.

The exercise was to maintain a high level of skill and familiarity in fighting in built up areas (FIBUA). This is key, due to the ever changing face of conflict and an expected future increase in urban warfare.

During the week long exercise, soldiers deployed from Lynx helicopters and fought their way to the village through rubble and ruins against a simulated enemy. They then cleared their way through the village, dealing with casualties and capturing 'enemies' along the way.

2 MERCIAN CONTINUE PREPARATIONS FOR - B (Malta) Company, 2 MERCIAN deployed to Otterburn Training Area for a live firing tactical training package in early July. The purpose of the training was to ensure the company are prepared ahead of deployment to Kenya later this year on Exercise Askari Storm.

During the fortnight long exercise, soldiers conducted training in a variety of tactical warfare scenarios. This was in order to develop and integrate their skills as an individual into section, platoon and company attacks, ensuring they are prepared for any situation that may arise when deployed on operations.

In Kenya, 2 MERCIAN will conduct a full range of military tasks. They will deploy at battlegroup level, utilising the full range of capabilities that a modern infantry Battalion in the British Army has as its disposal. This includes support from mortars, anti- tanks, snipers, reconnaissance, artillery, engineers and aviation assets.

C (Kohima) Company also deployed to Otterburn to conduct a range of packages, including night firing, with support from D (Dragon) Company provided throughout the two week course.

4 MERCIAN News UNIVERSITY STUDENT JOINS MERCIAN REGIMENT RESERVES - A university student from Devon has joined C (Kohima) Company, 4 MERCIAN in

Nottinghamshire.

Second Lieutenant Nat Newman, aged 20, is currently studying mechanical engineering at the University of and was previously a member of the

East Midlands Officer Training Corps (OTC).

Nat transferred to C Company in May this year, in order to further develop his military training skills whilst he completes his final year at university. Nat hopes to go on to become a full time regular soldier as soon as he can.

SOLDIERS TRAIN FOR URBAN WARFARE - Soldiers and officers from 4

MERCIAN recently took part in a training weekend at Catterick, as they continue preparations for deployment to Croatia. A full write up will be available in next month’s newsletter. RHQ News

MERCIAN SOLDIER IN ROYAL NAVY FIELD GUN FINAL TEAM - A soldier serving with the Regimental Support Team took part in the world famous Royal Navy Field Gun competition at HMS Collingwood on 6th June. Private Twineboa, who served with 3 MERCIAN and now 1 MERCIAN volunteered for the team. The DMS team came second in the competition, not a small

achievement as sailors and Royal Marines are often given up to six months full time training to complete the event.

MERCIAN REGIMENTAL MASCOT LEADS NOTTINGHAM CELEBRATIONS – At the end of June, Mercian Regiment mascot, Private XXX led a parade through Nottingham, . The event was to celebrate the lives and achievements of the city's most famous sons and daughters, including Salvation Army founder William Booth. Accompanying Private Derby XXX was Ram Major, Corporal 'Trish' Thornton and stand in Ram Orderly, Private Max Taylor. Following the parade, Private Derby stopped for photographs and interviews with local press and media

Band Of The Mercian Regiment News

ARMED FORCES DAY - The Band of the Mercian Regiment played with The Band of the Royal Corps of Signals at Birmingham Centenary Square to celebrate Armed Forces Day. The following weekend, the Bandmaster of The Band of the Mercian

Regiment, WO1 Anthony Hodgetts, conducted the band in a rather unusual festival taking place in Pershore, titled ‘The Pershore Midsummer Brass Festival.’

Cadets News

WEEKEND IN TRENCHES - D Company, Staffordshire & West Midlands (North Sector) , spent a weekend at Staffordshire Regiment Museum during early July to experience what life would have been like in the trenches. Over the coming months, further Company’s will head to Staffordshire Regiment Museum to experience a weekend in the trenches too.

DERBYSHIRE ARMY CADET FORCE COMPLETES EXPEDITION EXERCISE – In early July, 65 cadets from Derbyshire ACF completed an expedition exercise in Matlock.

It combined learning first aid, field craft and skills at arms. They were also given the

opportunity to begin their Duke of Edinburgh bronze awards.

Expeditions are an integral part of Army Cadet Force life, and often cadets find themselves spending a few nights camping locally, regionally, nationally and internationally. Some of the more recent cadet expeditions to locations as diverse as the Himalayas, Bavaria, Peru and Kenya have been combined with local community project.

While the exerci se provided an opportunity for cadets to experience the natural

environment in a sustainable manner, the weekend also developed their independence, self-reliance, team-work, communication and practical skills of travelling from A to B

without technology.

Other News

Regimental Crockery. The remainder of the regimental crockery will be sold at a private auction on 25 and 26 August. A catalogue of items and further details will be released on this site, one week before the auction.

Staffordshire Regiment Museum Letters Request. The museum are creating family boards for its children’s area and are after any children’s pictures or letters from loved ones when they have been away serving or training. Original copies would be required for a few weeks so that they can be copied. Please email the curator here for further details

Official Mercian Regiment Instagram Account. The Mercian Regiment now has an official Instagram account which can be found here.

The Mercian Regiment Association Facebook Group. For those past and present members of The Mercian Regiment who would like to keep up to date with current regimental events, there is now a private group on Facebook which will provide this information. To join, please email the Regimental Communications Officer with the email address that you use for your Facebook.

New Regimental Adjutant. Captain Luke Beetlestone has taken over from Captain Pete Shergold as Regimental Adjutant. We would like to congratulate both on their new postings.

Events

A comprehensive list of Regimental events is available at the back of the newsletter.

VJ Day (70th Anniversary) – 15 August - The Queen and members of The Royal Family will attend a series of events on

Saturday 15 August to commemorate the 70th anniversary of Victory over Japan Day (VJ Day). Those interested in attending should contact their association or The Royal British Legion.

Memorial Talk: A Spotlight On Local Hero – William Coltman – 27 August – The National Memorial Arboretum is hosting a talk about William Coltman, VC, DCM & Bar, MM & Bar. During the course of WWI, whilst serving as a stretcher bearer in the 6th Battalion, The North Staffordshire Regiment, he was recognised numerous times for his valour and heroism. He received many medals, including a . Further details can be found here.

Mercian Regiment Charity Golf Match – 2 September - This will take place at Rufford Park Golf and Country Club. The entry cost for a team of four is £140.00. The format of the day will be 18 hole stableford for individual, pairs and four person teams, with a variety of other competitions. Further details may be obtained from Lt Col (Retd) Keith Seddon MBE here.

Staffordshire Regimental Association Reunion – 5 September – The Annual Reunion will take place on Saturday 5

September 2015. On the same day, a rededication of the antecedent memorial will take place at the National Memorial Arboretum. For tickets and further information, please email the Welfare Clerk at RHQ Mercian.

Fundraising / Charity Update

MERCIAN SOLDIERS FUNDRAISE FOR CHILDREN’S CHARITY – Soldiers from 1 MERCIAN entered an ultra-marathon in the Lake District to raise money for a children's charity during June.

The race covered a distance of 74 kilometres and took the team members over ten of the highest mountains in the UK, all within a 24 hour period. The soldiers entered the race to raise money for the Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC), which helps parents and guardians with accommodation if their children get taken into hospital. The team of four managed to complete the race in 19 hours and 38 minutes, an achievement in itself, considering many competitors were forced to withdraw due to the testing conditions.

Captain Lawrence Wilson said: “It was generally one of the hardest things I have ever done in my life. It was disgusting!”

THREE PEAKS YACHT RACE CHALLENGE COMPLETED - A team of officers and soldiers from The Mercian Regiment competed in the Three Peaks Yacht Race, to raise money for The Mercian Regiment's Benevolent Fund at the end of June.

A team of five sailed from Barmouth to Fort William, with two of the crew climbing the highest mountains of Wales, England and Scotland en route, running the equivalent of three marathons in three days and finishing fifth overall.

So far they have raised £600 which will go towards helping past and present members of the Regiment who find themselves in conditions of need, hardship or distress. To donate please click here.

Awards & Honours

The Colonel of the Regiment would on behalf of the wider Regimental family, like to extend the warmest congratulations too:

RESERVISTS RECEIVE AWARDS - Sergeant Woodward,

Private Dawes and Private Boycott from C (Kohima) Company,

4 MERCIAN, who have been presented with awards for their

service to the company and to the Army Reserves. Sergeant Woodward and Private Boycott were presented with the Volunteer Reserve Service Medal (VRSM) for ten years’ service. Private Dawes received special honours and was presented with the Lord Lieutenant's Certificate for Meritorious

Service.

Colonel David Sneath MBE DL TD, was on hand to present the awards at the company's usual drill night on 16 June, which had family and friends in attendance.

Obituaries

It is with regret we inform you that the below have passed away. Our condolences are with their families and friends. Full obituaries will be in The 2015 Mercian Eagle:

Lance Corporal (Retired) Nicholas Wright died on 6 June after a two year battle with cancer. Nicholas served in 1st Battalion, The and served in and Belize, before leaving the British Army in 1991. Following this he worked for Northern Foods.

Private (Retired) William Arthur Gough died on 11 June aged 91 years. Arthur joined 1st Battalion, The in 1943 and fought with the battalion in Normandy in the Caen battles including Hill 112, Mont Pincon and Berjou. He was at Vernon for the Seine crossing and in the advance into Holland and Germany. He was a dispatch rider and following a motor cycle accident in early 1945 was discharged later that year.

In the last issue we incorrectly named a former soldier who had died. Our apologies for this. To clarify, please see below:

‘Tiny’ Lawson from The 22nd (Cheshire) Regiment died on 17 May. He served as Colonel Bob Stewart’s ‘bodyguard’ in Bosnia and also became RSM of 3 CHESHIRE. ‘Tiny’ was also a regimental sportsman, excelling mainly at rugby due to his huge size.

Regimental Annual Calendar

 Tuesday 1 September 15 - Formation Day  Sunday 8 November 15 - Remembrance

 Saturday 5 September 15 - Staffordshire Reunion (For Arnhem Day)

 Sunday 6 September 15 - Mons Day  Monday 21 December 15 – Ferozeshah

 Friday 18 September 15 - Alma Day  Wednesday 17 Feb 16 - Meeanee Day

 Sunday 4 October 15 - Uttoxeter Races  Wednesday 6 April 16 - Badajoz Day

 Thursday 5 November 15 - Field of Remembrance

For further information on any of the above, please email the Communications Officer.