JANUARY 2016
Edition 12
Top: RHAA member Jimmy Sinclaire celebrates his 103rd birthday. Bottom Left: 7 RHA. Bottom Left (inset) C Bty RHA. Bottom Right: J Bty RHA
1
EDITORIAL January 2016
higher than in the previous years. Under the shadows of Dear Member, 2016 and for the first time in almost 20 years, all of our Horse Artillery Regiment’s and King’s Troop, have been Firstly, I am delighted to report that F stationed in the United Kingdom. Consequently, it is Major General D M Cullen CB OBE, hoped that our membership will swell and that many has agreed to take on the duties of more of you will be able to attend our Annual Dinner at President, Royal Horse Artillery Trowbridge on Saturday, 14 May 2016 and the AGM at Association. Major General Cullen th assumes his duties with effect from Larkhill on Saturday 24 September 2016, see page 36 11th December 2015, vice General Sir for further details. Timothy Granville-Chapman GBE KCB, Master Gunner, St James’s Park who has stepped down due to his This year’s newsletter is considerably larger than the additional heavy commitments which include the Royal one produced somewhat hastily last year. Each of the Artillery Tercentenary in 2016. Batteries have produced excellent and informative articles where you can read about their experiences throughout the last twelve months. In this edition we “We are most grateful to the Master Gunner for have included an article about the RHA recipients of the Victoria Cross (see page 25) which can also be found (in his term as President and were particularly a slightly more interactive format) on the Association pleased that he was able to attend the Reunion website www.rhaassociation.org. Dinner in 2015 before handing over as President. Many will be aware that overseeing Continued on page 3 the Gunner world has become more demanding since the removal of the post of CONTENTS: Director, Royal Artillery.” 2. Editorial 3. Jimmy Sinclair 103rd Birthday This time last year I reported on just how close the 4. RHAA Staff List Association had come to going into suspended 5. Battery Articles animation, this year I am delighted to be able to report 25. RHA recipients of the Victoria Cross that your Association is very much in existence and is 31. The RHAA Standard thriving. Due to the hard work and commitment of our enthusiastic Committee and to your own continuing 32. Last Post support, your Association is now entering its 109th year 33. Memory Lane and will continue to foster the comradeship, high ideals, 36. Calling Notices traditions and prestige of the Royal Horse Artillery to its 37. Welfare members, serving and retired, for many years to come.
The views expressed in this publication do not At the 2014 Annual General Meeting (AGM), I agreed to necessarily reflect official opinion in any way. carry out the duties of Chairman on a temporary basis until a new and permanent replacement was appointed. I am confident that the Association is again on steady ground and as for all ‘old soldiers’ the time has come for me to take off my boots, put up my ‘basher’ and begin “smoking my pipe in the mountains, sniffing the morning cool”. It has been my passion, privilege and honour to have served the RHAA for many decades and I hope that one of you reading this will volunteer to be the next Chairman and take the Association forward into 2016 and beyond.
The financial state of the Association is healthy; our membership remains steady and the attendance at the
RHAA Newsletter January 2016, Edition Edition 12 2016, NewsletterRHAA January 2015 Annual Dinner and the AGM were significantly 2
EDITORIAL Continued… January 2016
Please do visit the website which is now fully up and running and from where you can keep in touch with your former colleagues, share photographs and tell us about your experiences and much more. In an effort to align ourselves more closely with the digital era, we have made the current and previous newsletters available online and we hope by going digital we can reduce postage and production costs and avoid the need to increase the small annual subscription that members pay by sending out future editions to you directly via email or as a direct download from the website. We should be grateful if you could visit the website and register your interest for future digital editions. Further details can be found on the home page of the website.
Inside the newsletter can be found the calling letters and letters for the Reunion Dinner and AGM. It would be appreciated if you would note the dates of these functions and return the forms to the Dinner and Membership secretaries by the dates given. Information and forms are also available from the website and will also be published in the Gunner. If you know of anyone who has not received this Newsletter - please tell them about it.
I hope you have had a Merry Christmas and may I wish you a very Happy New Year for 2016. RHAA I03rd Birthday Card – Produced by Mary McMurray.
Derek Bender Armoured Division, ‘The Desert Rats’, during the Jimmy Sinclair - ‘Desert Rat’ Celebrates Second World War and played his part in the siege of Tobruk and the assault of Monte Casino, in Italy. In later 103rd Birthday. life, Jimmy struck up a friendship with Manfred Rommel, Mr Jimmy Sinclair, a former ‘Desert Rat’ celebrated his who was the son of the leader of the German Forces, 103rd birthday, on the 18th August 2015 at The Victoria based in North Africa during the war. He also shares Hotel, Kirkcaldy. In attendance were his family, Mr Eddie regular correspondence with Camilla, the Duchess of McMurray, a friend, Billy Farquahar, a representative Cornwall, whose father was also a Desert Rat. Jimmy from the Royal Horse Artillery Association, Also present said:
were retired and serving representatives from 1 RHA, as well as Captain Ramsey MacNeill RHA and Gunner “It was a great honour to have serving soldiers visit Kevin O’Neil, me on my Birthday and acknowledge me for what I from A Battery did during the war...as a lot of those attending my (The Chestnut birthday celebration, have given me bottles of Troop), Royal whisky, I plan on slowly making my way through Horse Artillery, them with a dram a day”. the Battery Jimmy served Jimmy has been described, by many, as a remarkable with during the man, who has done so much for his Country, and is still war. doing so at the ripe old age of 103. As you would expect, the party was a great success and enjoyed by all Jimmy, a Royal who attended his 103rd birthday gathering. Jimmy and Horse Artillery members of his family will be attending our Annual “Gunner”, Association Dinner, as Guests of the Association.
served with 7th RHAA Newsletter January 2016, Edition 12 Edition 2016, NewsletterRHAA January 3
Royal Horse Artillery Association Staff List January 2016
President Regimental Representatives on the Central Major General D M Cullen CB OBE Committee
Master Gunners Representative RSM Brigadier M S Rutter-Jerome The King’s Troop Royal Horse Artillery Field House King George VI Lines Newton Tony, Salisbury, Woolwich, London, SE18 4BB Wiltshire, SP4 0HF
RSM Committee: 1st Regiment Royal Horse Artillery
Assaye Barracks Chairman & Welfare Secretary Tidworth, Hampshire, SP9 7AB Lieutenant Colonel (Retd) D J Bender Swansea, SA5 4RS RSM Email: [email protected] rd 3 Regiment Royal Horse Artillery
Albermarle Barracks
Nr Harlow Hill Honorary Secretary Newcastle upon Tyne, NE15 0RF Lieutenant Colonel S P Andrews RA DIO SD Trg SP RSM Westdown Camp, Tilshead, Salisbury, th Wiltshire, SP3 4RS 7 Parachute Regiment Royal Horse Artillery Email: [email protected] Merville Baracks Tel: 01980 674705 (Mil): 94325 4705 Colchester, Essex CO2 7UJ
Honorary Treasurer Lieutenant Colonel D P Penniall MBE BEM, RA SO1 GMT and Dep Garrison Comd, Garrison Management Team, Royal Artillery Barracks, Larkhill, Sailsbury SP4 8QT, TEL 01980-845622
Above: RHAA Committee members AGM 2015. Below from top left to
Membership Secretary right: Field Marshal the Viscount Alanbrooke KG, GCB, OM, GCVO, DSO Lieutenant Colonel W A Morris RA & Bar, Field Marshal Sir Geoffrey Baker GCB CMG CBE MC, General Sir 6 Marcus Close Harry Tuzo GCB OBE MC, General Sir Martin Farndale KCB, General Sir Colchester, Essex, CO4 5GT Timothy Granville-Chapman GBE KCB. E-mail: [email protected] Tel: 07720 773964
Dinner Secretary Major A Hough RHA RHAA Dinner Secretary 30 Wells Rd Larkhill, Salisbury, SP4 8LT Email: [email protected] Tel: 01980 653337
Webmaster Mr Joseph Dey Hamilton, South Lanarkshire, ML3 9HL Email: [email protected] Master Gunner St Tel: 07828260083 James’s Park who
have been Goods Secretary Mr Tony Darby former 78 Primrose Field, Harlow, Essex, CM18 6QT Presidents of the Email: [email protected] RHA Association. Tel: 01279 413844
RHAA Newsletter January 2016, Edition 12 Edition 2016, NewsletterRHAA January 4
The King’s Troop RHA
2015 has been another exceptionally busy year for the Troop. January saw the usual pre- season, post leave preparation with solders, officers and horses undergoing rigorous training to make sure we were all up to scratch for the start of the ceremonial season. A hastily repaired, post ‘Winter Wonderland’ Hyde Park was unfortunately not quite ready to host the galloping salute for accession day on 6th Feb, so Green Park was used to kick off the year’s ceremonial Top: The Troop parades in front of Buckingham Palace for the state visit of the President calendar. of China . Below: Royal Salute in celebration of the birth of Princess Charlotte.
Amongst the usual clutch of Royal Salutes over the anniversary of the Royal Regiment of Artillery. It began spring and summer in the run up to the Queen’s Birthday its journey with the Troop in Woolwich in a parade in Parade was the salute in celebration of the birth of front of the Master Gunner St James’ Park. Princess Charlotte. Clever timing by the Duchess of Cambridge meant that our salute fell on the May Day With the summer ceremonial season about to start the bank holiday Monday. Hyde Park was in pristine Regimental Colonel and General Officer Commanding condition. Excellent weather drew massive crowds to London District had to make their annual inspection to watch the salute and as the Troop galloped onto the gun ensure the Troop was ready to be paraded in front of the position there were in excess of 8,000 people pressed Queen and the public at the Birthday Parade. In a up against the police cordon to watch us fire the 41 gun change to the usual venue both inspections took place salute. on Charlton Park, a stones throw from King George VI Lines in Woolwich, and not Regent’s Park. Both days May also saw Centre Section firing the minute guns for went without incident and both the Regimental Colonel the VE day commemorations and the beginning of and the Major General were impressed by the UBIQUE 300, which will see the Captain Generals’ baton professionalism and turnout of both horses and soldiers
circumnavigate the globe in a relay to celebrate the 300th
RHAA Newsletter January 2016, Edition 12 Edition 2016, NewsletterRHAA January 5
The King’s Troop RHA continued...
Top: Musical Drive on Charlton Park for the Major General’s in- spection. Below: Centre Section enjoys a canter along Watergate Bay beach.
ceremonial life. October saw the preparation for the State Visit of the President of China. With much controversy surrounding the visit security was tight. Tens of thousands of people lined the Mall to see the Royal Procession pass on their way to the Palace. They were still in place when the Troop passed heading in the The Master Gunner St James’ Park hands over the Captain opposite direction. It was quite a sight to see! The General’s baton to Gunner Robertson. ceremonial year drew to a close with the Remembrance and the Troop was given the green light to continue with weekend ceremonies and the Royal Salute for the the ceremonial season. We then deployed to Windsor for Prince of Wales’ birthday. the Royal Windsor Horse show. As with previous years we had the prime slot, closing the show each night. It’s Outside the day to day ceremonial preparations, the always an honour to perform in front of the Queen, Troop has been show jumping, eventing, tent pegging in especially so when she makes a special trip back to the India during December as part of the UBUIQE 300
Showground on the Sunday to see our final Circumnavigation, and the RA Gold Cup where Gunner performance. The following month saw us fire a gun Gostelow became the first serving female of Gunner from St Paul’s Cathedral for Waterloo 200, two Royal rank to ride in the race. Members of the Troop have also Salutes, perform at Beating the Retreat and parade for deployed on Telemarking and Snowboarding the State Opening of Parliament amongst the three adventurous training expeditions and to India as part of weekends taken up by the Birthday Parade. A brief two the Royal Artillery heavy Army Polo team. week respite was followed smartly by the Troop taking over The Queen’s Life Guard from the Household The Whips competition this year was won by C Sub Cavalry in July. Section who, under the leadership of Sgt Wildish produced excellent results on all the qualifying In September after some well deserved leave, the three inspections. sections deployed on their summer camps; Right to Ardingly Show Ground, Centre to Newquay and Left to 2016 will bring another busy season with both Her th Brighton Racecourse. A break from the City and a Majesty’s 90 birthday and the culmination of the Royal th chance for some of the horses to dip their toes in the Artillery’s 300 anniversary celebrations. More
surf was a welcome respite from the rigours of challenges ahead, hopefully with many more successes! RHAA Newsletter January 2016, Edition 12 Edition 2016, NewsletterRHAA January 6
A Battery (The Chestnut Troop) RHA
The Chestnut Troop has had an exceptionally busy but very productive 2015. The year began with training and preparing for high readiness and deploying in early February on a five week exercise in Otterburn. Exercises CYPHER DAGGER and STEEL SABRE really tested the Battery.
Otterburn was cold, wet and sometimes snowy but that did not dampen the Battery’s spirit, with a new BSM and many new in post Gunners it was indeed a testament to the Battery in the way it conducted itself in gunnery, tactics and manoeuvrability, it was a long exercise but well planned and superb training for BATUS later in the year. We were also honoured to be visited by the oldest Chestnut Soldier Mr Jimmy Sinclair and at the age of 103 he fired the Battery before the Battery could roll out the gate. Every vehicle at 1FFE from the Command Post, this was followed by a commander and detachment worked round the clock to silver service curry where Jimmy had lunch with General get every vehicle road worthy and exercise ready before Gregory and the Commanding Officer 1RHA along with we started the 30 day package. The Battery had a members of the Battery. fantastic exercise with a mix of live firing and TESEX phases, the vehicles were a constant source of In June the Officers and the BSM had the opportunity to frustration but the Battery fought every issue and in go on a battlefield tour of Waterloo and visit the very doing so provided location of The Chestnut Troop on the battlefield, to walk OS to 1RRF BG in Sir Hugh Ross’s footsteps and plans are afoot to take and achieved CT the whole Battery there in 2016. June saw the Battery L4. At the end of the deploy to Canada on Exercise PRAIRIE STORM 2. As exercise the Battery soon as the Battery got to Camp Crowfoot we knew held a well earned there would be a huge amount of work ahead, the fleet Battery BBQ in of six guns needed a considerable amount of work camp and had
some over due R&R RHAA Newsletter January 2016, Edition 12 Edition 2016, NewsletterRHAA January 7
A Battery (The Chestnut Troop) RHA continued...
summer leave. Promotions 1. Sgt Irwin to SSgt After summer leave our focus was on battery training, 2. Bdr Hughes to Sgt after a lot of planning the Battery deployed on a low-level 3. LBdr Beesley to Bdr infantry exercise on Bodmin Moor training area in Sep/ 4. LBdr Tarpy to Bdr Oct, the aim was to build on the younger battery 5. Gnr Baker to LBdr member’s infantry skills and drills. The week broke down 6. Gnr Golden to LBdr into three days Infantry training that focused on the 7. Gnr Hannan to LBdr JNCO Leadership Code, this included giving gunners 8. Gnr Masivou to LBdr command appointments, the three days closed with a 9. Gnr McLaughlin to LBdr final attack onto a disused air field. The final two days conclude with a 24 hour survival exercise, something New in Post that most of the soldiers had never done. The success 1. Major Moore (BC) of Ex FIRST GALLOP has led to the planning of a 2. Capt Dulson (BK) second exercise in the New Year. 3. Lt Zeal (Alkmaar TC) 4. WO2 Jones (BSM) JNCO Education Trip London The start of December saw the BSM and the JNCOs head off to London. The day started at The Kings Troop where the JNCOs were kindly given a full tour of The Kings Troop’s new home. After the tour the next stop was Crompton Cemetery which is the resting place of Sir Hugh Ross, the longest serving Battery Commander of the Chestnut Troop, 19 years in all. His grave was in a very poor state and we are now planning to go back and B Battery RHA restore his grave to its former glory. The JNCOs conducted a 1 minute silence 2015 has seen B Battery complete its after hearing a lesson given on Sir Hugh Ross life and preparations for high readiness, the year achievements presented by LBdr Hunt. All were in beginning with frenzied preparations for agreement that we should conduct a yearly pilgrimage to five weeks of exercise in Otterburn. his grave. The day ended with a visit to the Chelsea Exercises CYPHER DAGGER and Pensioners, a brilliant tour ensued and a quick drink in STEEL SABRE were to be the first test of
the Pensioners Mess to finish off the day. the Battery since its return to armour, with those longer
in the tooth fondly remembering the unique test of firing AS90 and the newer members looking to hone their skills.
Super B deployed to a baltic Otterburn Training Area in February, with snow on the ground! The exercise started by testing the OP’s and Gun Line with basic missions, before moving on to co-ord illum and FST fire planning. The emphasis at both ends was to be flexible and agile, in order to best be prepared to support the manoeuvre arm intent. Time on target and silent fire plans allowed this freedom, giving great effect on the target end. The Gun line were tested in reversionary firing, with the attached fitter section working hard to ensure that all four
guns were able to engage with good rates for the... RHAA Newsletter January 2016, Edition 12 Edition 2016, NewsletterRHAA January 8
B Battery RHA continued... duration of the exercise. The CP was able to work with FST’s from both 4 Regt RA and 29 Cdo Regt RA, which provided it own challenges and quirks. As BC’s fireplans were completed, the Battery finished its exercise with a day firing from AMA’s – where Super B was able to engage with the most rounds of any Battery in Otterburn, even beating the Light Guns! Bdr Smith and B Sub collected the accolade of most rounds fired for the exercise, a hard fought contest!
With the Exercise over, the FST’s saw themselves tested during both CATT and CAST, working in a simulated environment with 1 MERCIAN, in preparation for deployment to BATUS. Here the bonds between the OP’s and the Companies were forged, with Battlegroup. The Exercise was the first opportunity for the manoeuvre aspect of training practiced before rolling new BC Major Waller to work with his troops and the onto the Prairie. The Gun group also took part in a Gun Line enjoyed his presence for an extended period, manoeuvre exercise of SPTA, where the BK and BRO with coverers shocked to find him moving ammunition built up a foundation of SOP’s for the Gun Line. In the during the higher rate methods! The exercise began with middle of this busy exercise period, the Battery also a focus on practicing a “Last safe moment” drill, which managed to train and equip three gun detachments in saw a burst of fire from the guns being called for by the blues for a ceremonial 21 Gun salute for her Majesty the observer as he moved towards the falling rounds. GH23 Queens official birthday. This took place in the city of with Capt Jarret and Bdr Fulton held their nerve for the Edinburgh, with the salute itself taking place from the longest, with their reward being some damaged same spot as the firing of the One O'clock gun. The paintwork from exploding HE! Battery were housed in the castle the night before and treated to a privileged view of the City at night, before With the special to arm phase drawing to a close, completing the salute with typical Super B panache – no CALFEX saw the Battery working with combined arms misfires reported! and troops on the ground to facilitate manoeuvre. With the Battery on show they didn’t disappoint, firing every After a brief summer leave, the Battery flew to BATUS, round on time, on target and safe! With the guns Canada at the end of July, to take over vehicles and reversionary throughout, B Sub showed record speed, stores ready to deploy onto the Prairie in August. A with a mere 17 seconds between rounds! The exercise tremendous effort was put into repairing the vehicles and saw a memorial service being held by the Regimental ensuring that B Battery could deploy in the best state Padre and the Battery to Bombardier Hunston, who was possible for Exercise PRAIRIE STORM 3 in support of tragically killed in BATUS 12 years earlier. It provided an the MERCIAN. opportunity to reflect and remember a past Battery member who was taken from us far too soon. It was a poignant moment for those present and a fitting remembrance. The final phase of the exercise saw the OP’s working with simulated TES kit, providing fire for the Battlegroup and covering huge distances. With the speed of the battle increased, the FST’s were put through their biggest test of tactical manoeuvre and passed with flying colours. The end of exercise saw the Battery being praised as the “the best to pass through in two years”, a fitting reward for an incredible amount of
work. RHAA Newsletter January 2016, Edition 12 Edition 2016, NewsletterRHAA January 9
B Battery RHA continued... C Battery RHA
Returning back to the UK to loved ones and friends was Our move to become a light role battery well received by all Battery Members. Once back into the as part of the Adaptive Force has been swing of Regimental life, 20 members of the Battery the major step change this past year found themselves flying to the island of Malta to and so we have primarily focused our undertake a week long diving course which would see efforts on getting back to the basics of them qualified as BSAC Open Water divers. An gunnery, conventional tactics and field enjoyable week followed, where they were treated to craft. This has given a solid foundation on which to build, crystal clear seas, amazing sea life and good instruction. particularly when supporting CT3 events such as The week was closed off with dives to the wreck of a Exercise WESSEX STORM and training tasks in support scuttled German Minesweeper, coupled with a dive of courses at Larkhill. Of course there has been plenty through underwater caves – the very same seen in the going on besides, not least our move back to the UK, count of Monte Cristo! career courses, support to UK based operations and ceremonial duties in the form of a Royal Salute at Edinburgh Castle.
CT1 and 2 saw C Battery back out on Hohne ranges for the first time since Op HERRICK 19 and for the last time while based in Germany. An action packed two weeks introduced some new soldiers to their first gunnery exercise and gave others a chance to demonstrate recently acquired qualifications. SSgt Coxon got to show off in his new role as ARO whilst the BK, Capt Bentley, used the exercise to teach the Gun Group some of the finer points of defending a gun position. The OPs spent the exercise ensuring light role soldiering was second nature and becoming meticulous about cam and concealment. The inevitable Battery ‘smoker’ at ENDEX also threw up a surprising number of budding actors who knew how to impersonate the BK and BSM, they were obviously holding onto a strange hope that all would be forgiven the next day, sadly they were wrong, although the guns have never looked cleaner.
Ex WESSEX STORM 15 was the first deployment of a Light Gun Battery in support of the new Light Cavalry concept and C Battery conducted the CT3 exercise in
support of the Light Dragoons Battle Group over the...
Promotions 1. Sgt Faulkner to SSgt 2. Bdr Smith to Sgt 3. LBdr Hall to Bdr 4. LBdr Morrison to Bdr 5. Gnr Adade to LBdr 6. Gnr Gray to LBdr 7. Gnr Holmes to LBdr 8. Gnr Proudfoot to LBdr
RHAA Newsletter January 2016, Edition 12 Edition 2016, NewsletterRHAA January C Battery RHA, Royal Salute Edinburgh Castle June 2015 10
C Battery RHA continued... period 13 Feb – 15 Mar 2015. As part of the Adaptive death they have all borne and who they have honoured Force it was a rare opportunity for both Tac and Gun with their actions. (By Lt A Moreman RHA). Group to deploy while integrating with the Light Dragoons (LD) and to learn how they did business. As it BC Maj SE Harris RHA turns out, just keeping up with the speed of the BK Capt C Bentley RHA Squadrons cross-country was demanding. The key BSM WO2 (BSM) Fraser challenge for the FSTs was how to position and manoeuvre the teams across the battlefield in support of the Squadrons mounted in Jackal/Coyote and Panther E Battery RHA vehicles. The FSTs tested deployment in their Land Rovers and also mounted themselves within the LD’s 2014/15 has been another challenging vehicles, often finding that a split FST with a ‘mounted and testing period for the men and anchor OP’, along with well-rehearsed Arty Target women of E Battery. The Battery procedures, was best practice for keeping pace with the transitioned from the Regiment’s ‘other FLOT of this highly manoeuvrist BG. Now, as ever, the tasks’ year into our training year with the forecast of events rolls on and the Battery are already boys and girls of ‘Shiny’ E deploying to preparing for the next cycle of training which will consist France, Otterburn, Salisbury Plain and Canada in quick primarily of Training Support. We will conduct a fresh succession. round of CT 1 and 2 training prior to Christmas and deploy on Exercise STEEL SABRE the Bde CT3 event As part of ‘Project Congreve’ eleven members of 1 RHA in February. were sent to the South of France for a month to work with Troisième R.A.M.a, based in Draguignan. This was to test the French 155mm CEASAR, as a potential AS90 replacement. The month was split in to 2 weeks. theory, and 2 weeks. live firing. Overall the exercise can only be described as a huge success of which the vast majority of the credit goes to the attitude, professionalism and character shown by all members of E Battery involved. Troisème R.A.M.a were exceptional hosts throughout.
E Battery deployed to OTA on 10 Feb ’15 for 5 weeks. The first phase ‘Ex Cypher Dagger’, was a regimental lead to test the Battery prior to the 1 Arty Bde exercise in the second phase ‘Ex Steel Sabre’. With temperatures dropping as low as -10C the Battery worked tirelessly in C Battery RHA, Ex WESSEX STORM March 2015 the arduous conditions with Ex Steel Sabre starting on the 2 Mar 15. Overall E Battery was now sufficiently
In addition it will be C Battery who take the lead for this ready to take on the challenges in BATUS after a very year’s JNCO/PNCO Leadership Courses and who lead successful exercise in Otterburn. the effort to secure a medal at the Cambrian Patrol under the leadership of Sgt Ireland and Lt Moreman. Our The biggest challenge facing E Battery during this year big look forward is a full Battery deployment to Kenya in was its deployment to BATUS on Ex Prairie Storm August, a culmination of our light role prowess and forming a vital part of the RTR BG. Initially E Battery chance to prove ourselves as tactically and technically conducted sub-unit level training before special to arm minded soldiers who thrive in austerity. live fire packages. The second TES phase of the exercise involved the BG transferring through offensive In reflection on the year past, it has been a whirlwind of – stabilisation – defensive – offensive actions against the hard work, fun, sadness, change, hope and QRH. This saw E Battery digging in the Guns over a improvement. Every member of the Battery can hold period of two days while gun position defences were their heads high with what they have achieved and as to tested. E Battery performed to an excellent standard how they have represented the Battery. I know they will throughout the exercise, and following the handover to also all join me in bowing their heads and remembering Ch. Tp some lucky members of the Battery got some
with great fondness, LBdr Andrew Tully whose untimely well deserved down time, including AT in the Rockies... RHAA Newsletter January 2016, Edition 12 Edition 2016, NewsletterRHAA January 11
E Battery RHA continued...
and road-trips as far as Vancouver.
E Battery sent a team of volunteers with an AS90 up to The Great Yorkshire Show, 14-16 July, near Harrogate, for the weekend to raise funds for The Army Benevolent Fund. Not only was this a great opportunity for the general public to meet members of 1RHA , it also boosted the public profile of the Regiment and the Armed Forces
Following summer leave, the EX ZULU CYPHER expedition departed for a 106km trek in South Africa. On 16 Sep, Sgt Swanston, LBdr Hampson; Gnr Beevers; and Gnr Brownlee completed the arduous mountain trek, affording themselves some downtime on E Battery deployed three guns to Otterburn Training the beach in Wilderness on the south coast. Area alongside H Battery Tac Group in support of 4 Rifles carrying out their CT Level 1 & 2 training. Ex WS I The Combined Arms Manoeuvre Demonstration involved involved six days of live firing at the mercy of the E Battery representing the Army’s close support inclement Northumberland weather and aftermath of capability on display to high ranks; politicians; and storm Abigail. It was an excellent opportunity for the foreign representatives. E Battery conducted a flawless Battery’s latest DC Bdr Merrigan, and Coverer LBdr live fire serial, consisting of three Guns firing a Mainds, to show their worth in new roles. At the close of suppression and mark mission supporting an integrated 2015 E Battery have fired the most rounds than any land air assault on a hard target objective. CAMD also other Battery this training year, placing them in excellent served as practical confirmation of the Gunners who had stead for the coming readiness year. recently completed their Level 2 Guns Course, honing technical firing skills prior to Ex WESSEX STORM. All the best for 2016.
RHAA Newsletter January 2016, Edition 12 Edition 2016, NewsletterRHAA January 12
D Battery RHA
In September and October 2014 D Battery was chosen to lead and run with the two PNCO and one JNCO promotion courses. Run in Sennelager these courses were put together to be the toughest, and most mentally gruelling training the soldiers could endure. In that respect the courses were a complete success, and there are several members of the regiment who will still have sleepless nights; haunted by their memories of brutal escape and evasion exercises, relentlessly pursued by the directing staff. As the unit coordinating the exercise, D Battery was well placed to ensure our soldiers were well represented; and those sent certainly did not disappoint. The course was finished with the traditional pass off parade on the Caen Barracks parade square (the last to be held there) with former BC D Battery Major General N Ashmore as the Inspecting Officer. D Battery RHA and the prince of thieves!
Following closely on the heel of the cadre (too closely for exercise was all live firing and was a chance for the gun some…) was Ex RED SWORD, D Battery’s CT 1 & 2 line to really put their abilities to the test. exercise. The Battery deployed onto the ranges for two weeks. The first week was dry training, with the BK In the Spring, the Battery was to deploy on an extremely taking far too much pleasure in relocating the gun group ambitious battlefield study to Spain and Belgium. The several times a day. As is expected on exercise, the plan was to follow in the footsteps of D Battery (then F weather remained wet, cold and windy, however the Troop RHA) from their first encounter at the Battle of training was first rate and by the end of the first week, Vitoria (1813) to their eventual triumph at Waterloo after holding off relentless attacks by the OP Troop, the (1815). For two weeks the Battery travelled all around Battery moved into a secure area for confidence training. Northern and Central Spain. Spending time in Madrid, This training was delivered in the form of narrow tunnels, Salamanca, Vitoria, Burgos and San Sebastian; the long, winding, pitch-black corridors, the highest of rope Battery was ably guided around all these battlefields by climbs and the narrowest of bridges. For most in the the Officers and the BSM, gaining a real insight into what Battery it was a chance to push themselves to new life was like for their Napoleonic forebears. After more challenges, for the (previous) Battery Commander, it than a week in Spain the Battery flew from Madrid into was a chance to display his fear of heights. This short Belgium for the second leg of the tour. respite was concluded with a Service of Remembrance on Sunday 9 November 2014 and a Battery smoker, After an evening in Brussels D Battery was taken by before training resumed. The second phase of the coach to Waterloo, for the next five hours Lt Smith led a lively and fascinating tour of the battlefield. All the major actions of the day were examined and the Battery stood, formed up as they were in 1815 in the exact location F Troop stood on the day of the battle. A good experience for all, particularly the BSM; who was enjoying one of his final moments with the Battery.
After the battlefield tour was complete, it was all hands to the pump to prepare for the battery's next chapter, the move from Germany and back to the UK, into our new home in Northumberland. It was going to prove to be a Remembrance Day Parade, Hexam
13 12 Edition 2016, January Newsletter RHAA
D Battery RHAcontinued...
busy few months and the least glamorous and most difficult of all the Battery’s tasks. After 17 years in Hohne and countless Exercises and Operations, for the men and women of D Battery, this move meant a great deal of work. By mid-May the Battery history was packed up ready to move, leaving the lines looking very bare. By the end of June the majority of the Battery had moved across to Newcastle, and a new chapter of the Battery’s history had begun. The flag day service was held at Albemarle Barracks on 5 August 2015 and followed by a well deserved period of leave. (By Lt Smith RHA). Capt Adamson RHA Leading D Battery on Remembrance Day BC Maj WF Squires RHA, BK Capt WF Adamson RHA BSM WO2 (BSM) Burnet F (Sphinx) Parachute Battery RHA
F Battery has had an outstanding year in which it has supported 3 PARA BG throughout the ‘in-training’ year in preparation for assuming the AMBG commitment in May 16.
F Bty has been at the forefront of airborne artillery capability development on seminal exercises which have challenged the Battery mentally and physically; a challenge which it has relished and responded to.
F Bty has been fortunate to deploy on 2 demanding overseas exercises this year. The Combined Joint Operational Access Exercise 15-1 (CJOAX15-1) in Fort Bragg was the vehicle in which US/UK interoperability was validated as a global crisis response force capable of JFE and the full spectrum of tactical activity beyond. 1st to conduct Air-Land ops with the L118 hooked up to a
The Bty conducted the 1st heavy drop of the Lt Gun for 8 PzG 6x6, complete with LCMR, DH3 and HVM onto a years. and in doing so created airborne history when it TLZ. 3 PARA BG, with F Bty in support, was the first BG inserted a Lt Gun on a US T5 platform from a US in the British Army to conduct a live ‘black light’ BG aircraft. The achievements attributable to CJOAX15-1 attack and was validated as being competent up to CTS went beyond the heavy drop: personnel qualified on the 4. T11 parachute and inserted as part of a Div.(-) to seize an airfield as part of the largest multinational para- F Bty has excelled on the sports field in 2014–15. The insertion for 20 years.; the Bty achieved ground football team won the RA Shield for the 7th time and manoeuvre using Humvees; and the Bty conducted the provided the core of the 7 Para RHA team which won 1st Lt Gun raid using US Blackhawk SH. every RA title; the 1st time a Battery has ever completed the grand slam. The Bty also provided the starting 5 for The Bty capitalised on the success in the US during Ex the 7 Para RHA basketball team which came 2nd in the ASKARI STORM in Kenya in the autumn of 2015. The RA Championships. Bty focussed on technical gunnery and core infantry skills in the austere plains of the savannah and in the F Bty personnel have represented the RA and Army in
RHAA Newsletter January 2016, Edition 12 Edition 2016, NewsletterRHAA January jungle in the foothills of Mount Kenya. The Bty was the rugby (with soldiers also playing for Harlequins and... 14
F (Sphinx) Parachute Battery RHA continued...
Gloucester), basketball, football, golf, fishing, shooting and have won BJJ medals in national and international competitions. Over 100 soldiers have participated in AT which has included skiing in Austria and white water rafting, mountain biking, gorge jumping and climbing in Kenya. The Bty proved it could also master ceremonial duties when it fired a Royal Salute of 21 Guns to mark the official birthday of Her Majesty The Queen in Castle Park, Colchester.
The Bty will assume the role of the VHR Bty following a challenging ex period in early 2016 which will culminate in the Bty being subordinate to 82nd Airborne Div again for a multinational deployment to Poland in June. Predicting when, where or what the next op deployment will consist of is inherently difficult in the uncertain world in which the officers and soldiers of F Bty currently serve. However, there is no question that the Bty is prepared to deliver at the sharp end of the UK’s foreign
policy and would relish the opportunity to do so.
G Parachute Battery (Mercer’s Troop) RHA
The primary focus for G Para Bty (Mercer’s Troop) over the last year has been the assumption of the VHR role as part of the AATF. This has involved a wide range of challenging but rewarding exercises, as well as significant investment ensuring the officers and soldiers of the Bty are ready to deploy in all respects at short notice. There has also been a real drive towards developing greater interoperability with partnered nations, particularly with our airborne brothers in 35e RAP, whilst also developing
a burgeoning relationship with the HAC as they create a RHAA Newsletter January 2016, Edition 12 Edition 2016, NewsletterRHAA January 15
G Para Battery (Mercer’s Troop) RHA | H Battery (Ramsay’s Troop) RHA
105 mm gun troop. At the end of 2014 and throughout Since its creation over 210 years ago it 2015, Mercer’s have been tested during a number of is debateable whether H Battery arduous exercises building towards and assuming the (Ramsay’s Troop) has had a busier year AATF role. These have included Ex ASKARI STORM in during peace time. With the reformation Kenya, integrating Joint Effects with 2 PARA BG; the 16 of H Battery (Ramsay’s Troop) into 1 Air Assault Bde validation Ex JOINT WARRIOR, during RHA and over the past year, ‘H’ Battery have which the majority of the Bty jumped in; and Ex STEEL undertaken a vast amount of activities, culminating in SABRE, Joint Effects training as part of 1 Arty Bde. events and exercises. Starting with a live firing exercise Huge steps forward were made with our French partners conducted in Otterburn, giving the Regiment the during Ex GALLIC MARAUDER, where Mercer’s opportunity to combine and train with two new pieces of integrated fires utilising 120mm Mortars and fast jets, equipment, once alien to the RHA. This saw all elements before participating in Ex EAGLES AMARANTE, which of the Precision Strike, Guns and TAC groups working validated these skills in a Bde context, and enabled tirelessly over this five week period giving the PF group several individuals to gain their French wings. Ex SWIFT some much needed training after the abundance of RESPONSE saw a FST deploying to Germany as part of Afghan tours, which all played a large role to prepare the a US, UK and Italian BG. Beyond this, the Tac Gp Regiment for a “high readiness state” in the New Year of exploited the excellent simulation facilities at the ABTC 2016. to hone procedures within the JFIC during Ex STEEL DRAGON. In June Ex Ramsay’s Return saw the Battery undertake an Ironman style triathlon, incorporating members of the Mercer’s has enjoyed many notable sporting successes Battery and following the path of Sir William Norman over the last year. Several personnel have played Rugby Ramsay on his journey to the Battle of Waterloo, Union and League up to Army level; of particular note incorporating all of the Regimental recruiting areas on Bdr Higgins has captained the regimental team. The route. This saw the Battery cycling the length of the same applies to Football; G Bty has not only provided country before swimming the English Channel and a 210 the backbone of the 7 Para RHA team, many individuals km run from Calais to Waterloo, This showed extreme have competed at army level, including Gnr McConnell commitment from all involved with many taking to who has been selected to captain the U23 team. The training in their own time in order to take part, the trip BK, Capt Rob Maynard, has achieved a number of then concluded with a battlefield study of Waterloo notable personal victories in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, and organised and delivered by the BSM who proved to be grown a regimental team who have won a wide range of very passionate about the subject and it would be fair to competitions. Several members of the Bty have say a bit of a subject matter expert, to mark the end of competed for the 7 Para RHA cycling team, who the charity event. We celebrated the Battery’s birthday emerged as runners up in the Army championship, whilst before the long trip back to the North East. In total the a range of individuals have achieved success in the Battery raised a staggering £14000 for the ABF. endurance sports arena; particularly Bdr Kaye who won both the Para’s 10 and RA Adventure Race. Moreover, In mid June members of the Battery were detached in
several officers and soldiers competed at the Gunner support of E Battery and the Chestnut Troop, out on the Nordic and Alpine skiing championships. G Bty has also prairies of Canada (BATUS). been fortunate enough to undertake a wide range of AT including surfing, kayaking, mountaineering and coasteering.
The Bty was part of the Hyde Park Remembrance Parade on 8 Nov 15, will be deploying personnel to the US and Israel before Christmas, prior to conducting a range of Joint Fires exercise in the New Year, before handing over the AATF role to F Bty in April 2016. More training alongside French and US artillery units has been programmed, and investment will continue to be made ensuring that the officers and soldiers of G Para Bty (Mercer’s Troop) are able to enjoy a wide range of
opportunities in and out of the field. A Launcher mission - during Ex STEEL SABRE/CYPHER DAGGER. RHAA Newsletter January 2016, Edition 12 Edition 2016, NewsletterRHAA January 16
H Battery (Ramsay’s Troop) RHA continued...
This was an excellent opportunity for different members of the Battery to integrate fully with other members of the Regiment and embark on different roles other than that of a PF environment. Furthermore, Capt Hainsworth and Lt Purvis got the opportunity to deploy to Texas on Ex IRON RAGE with the US 1 Arty Div in an integrated exercise which was broken into two stages. The first being a Div planning ex and the second being live firing culminating in an Arty raid into the desert mounted in a C17 with HIMARS! During this, SSgt Cooksey (TSS Casino Troop) took part and completed a gruelling Cycling team during Ex Ramsay’s Return charity bike race from Newcastle to London, raising £2000 for Stepping Stones District Trowbridge.
After a rather busy start of the year and leading up to and after summer leave career courses had continued. Starting with the ACS Level 4 course in addition, the Launcher group deployed on a manoeuvre exercise in October in preparation for completing their training year in White Sands, New Mexico, conducting Live full bore firing of the GMLRS. Concurrently the Exactor troop will also be departing in order to finalise their training by firing live with a fresh batch of DCs and operators straight from the newly designed UOR E2. The TAC group have deployed onto Ex WESSEX STORM with 4 RIFLES battle group on Salisbury Plain. In addition to the run up to Christmas there will also be further chances for soldiers to get away on adventurous training with a surfing trip planned by Capt Collette, with Lt Ripley running with the Regimental Skiing expedition where the Battery may be this time next year whether it to the French Alps later in the year. be deploying on Ops, helping with civil unrest or manning tankers during fuel strikes, from what it has As the training year comes to a close and H Battery been achieved this year it will be ready for any (Ramsay’s Troop) heads into its high readiness year it is eventuality.
unclear what lies ahead and it is impossible to predict
RHAA Newsletter January 2016, Edition 12 Edition 2016, NewsletterRHAA January 17
I (Parachute) (Headquarters) Battery (Bull’s Troop) RHA
The last 12 months have seen the mountaineering, mountain biking and a day of caving. Gentlemen of Bull’s celebrate the 200th The commemoration of the 200th anniversary of the anniversary of the Battle of Waterloo and Battle of Waterloo was a major event for the Battery. Our take part in the Ubique 300 celebrations. antecedents were remembered at a service held in the Throughout the Battery has remained at newly renovated garrison church in Woolwich whilst high readiness to deploy elements as wreaths were simultaneously laid across the country at part of the Air Assault Task Force (AATF) and has the graves of our forebears, including in St Paul’s continued to support the remainder of the Regiment Church, Bath where Col Bull is remembered. across all exercises. The Gentlemen of Bull’s remain at the centre of Ex JOINT WARRIOR saw the Battery deploy across the Regimental life and are preparing for exercise country for three weeks as part of the AATF HQ. The deployments to Latvia, the USA and France in the Joint Effects and Targeting Group (JETG) were coming months. A Battlefield study following the instrumental in developing and delivering the plan for evolution of the Battery from Waterloo through the First both hard effects and Information Operations across the World War into the Second World War will take place in 16X AO. Elements of the Battery also supported the November. We then look forward to the annual reunion guns with ammunition and supplies as well as real life in Blackpool, which will be preceded by a visit and support throughout. Members of the Battery also service of remembrance at the National Arboretum. deployed on Ex ASKARI STORM and conducted jungle training and a live firing package as well as supporting F (Sphinx) Para Bty in their JFC.
LBdr Jackson, Gnr Lewis and Gnr Owen continue to represent the Regiment at Football, with LBdr Jackson also taking a leading role in the Regimental Nordic skiing team. Gnr's Shaves and Mariner both took part in the Regimental boxing and acquitted themselves well. Sgt Larkham is ready to defend her title as Army Skeleton Champion and hopes to lead a new Regimental team in the sport. The new BSM, WO2 Johnson led a week of
AT in the mountains of North Wales, this included
RHAA Newsletter January 2016, Edition 12 Edition 2016, NewsletterRHAA January 18
J (Sidi Rezegh) Battery RHA
Maj R J S Hay of Laxfirth RHA
The last 12 months have been a time of profound change for J (Sidi Rezegh) Bty RHA. The Bty has been restructured under Army 2020 to an altered ORBAT, adopted different equipment and rebased to the North East of England. Over the year, troops have departed to other regiments while new characters have joined the ‘J’ fold. Most notable amongst the postings, though was the departure of the BK. Capt Grigg left J Bty for the final time, 24 years after first joining the same Bty as a Gunner. He departed with a typical modesty that belies the resounding and enduring impact he has had on the very fabric of this Bty. Although under the new measures the Bty has reduced in size it will never reduce in capability, thus every member is called upon to show the same flexibility, initiative and Last look at Hohne Training Area tenacity that has characterised our history and pedigree. rounds in Germany before our departure for Newcastle. It was fitting that this took With echoes of the past, though facing place only six days before the 70th a very different adversary, this year Defending Hadrians Wall anniversary of the last rounds fired by has also seen J Bty fight to save its guns. Having 3RHA in the Second World War, and only a couple of initially been ordered to adopt a Tac Bty ORBAT, the kilometres away from the Regiment’s location in 1945. Brigade Commander granted 3RHA permission to retain three smaller gun Bty's. The task for the coming year Focus switched to the Regiment’s move from Hohne was clear: to reform J Bty as a small but potent and self- (our home for the previous 17 years) to Albemarle contained sub-unit. These principles were tested on Barracks in Newcastle. Overseeing the Bty’s move was numerous exercises during a year where the Tac Gp the new BK, Capt Wooldridge and his steady and deployed to Latvia on Ex SILVER ARROW as part of 2 thorough approach, ably supported by Bdr Lean as LANCS Battlegroup, the Bty deployed to Denmark with BQMS, and others, ensured that the administrative and reserve counterparts from 103 RA, and all exercised at logistic storm that followed was navigated as smoothly Battery-level across the North of Germany. Tactics and as possible. During June, J (Sidi Rezegh) Bty RHA had SOPs in tactical manoeuvre and defence of the gun the profound honour of representing the Regiment on position for a lighter gun group were developed as the the farewell to Bergen parade. Marching with the
BC plumbed the depths of his imagination to test the Bty Colours, the scene resembled the Allied Victory Parade in various scenarios; every time the gun group proved in 1945, which was also led by 3RHA’s guns. Entering that it remains both potent in effect and coherent in Germany as conquerors, the Regiment left as comrades; defence. On the last exercise, A Sub fired 3RHA’s last the Colours were presented with a German...
‘Cease firing Germany’ 12 Edition 2016, NewsletterRHAA January 19
J (Sidi Rezegh) Battery RHA continued...
‘Fahnenband’, the highest honour that can be bestowed Championships. Elsewhere, the Bty provided a gun to on a NATO force by the German Federal Government. mark the kick off at the International Defence Rugby Cup Final at the Stoop, home of Harlequins RFC. J (Sidi Rezegh) Bty RHA has projected itself in many arenas this year and has become the driving force This year has been an unreserved success for the Bty. behind Regimental Winter Sports. 3 of the 4 Regimental The soldiers of J (Sidi Rezegh) Bty RHA have engaged Teams were captained by J Bty officers, and the bulk of with the many and various tasks but never taken their the personnel were drawn from its ranks. The Nordic eye off their primary purpose: to excel as gunners. Now skiers departed for a thrashing in Norway, Austria, settled in the new Regimental home in the North East, France and Germany, whilst the Alpine skiers managed the pace of life will not change – as this article is written, to find time to fit in some skiing around nights out in Alpe the Bty is on the eve of deployment to our new back- d’Huez. The nascent Telemark team enjoyed success door training area of Otterburn. The precious constant, as Army Major Unit Champions and two skiers went on and the only certainty over the course of the next year to compete for the Army team at the Inter-Services will be the glorious gentlemen and ladies of ‘J’.
M (Headquarters) Battery RHA
Maj A J Searle RHA This has once again been a busy year for the men and women of M (HQ) Battery RHA, and one that has seen significant upheaval in terms of manning; indeed the Battery nominal roll today is almost unrecognisable from the one I inherited just under a year ago. It is also noticeably smaller, with Madras Troop and the QM Departments in particular having gone through some painful reductions in numbers as part of rebalancing to the new establishments. However if one theme stands out for the Battery it is of a determination to fight through the inevitable friction and to continue to deliver the best possible support to all Regimental endeavours. The exercise programme began in earnest with Ex CYPHER SWORD in early November; CT level 1 and 2 live firing that saw an FDC manned by all members of Madras Troop deploy into the field for detachment-level
training that included a Navigation exercise, an Admin Inspection. A huge introduction to targeting and artillery HQ procedures and amount of hard work was put support to C and D Battery live firing. Elsewhere vital G4 in by all ranks and the results support to the exercise in the shape of ammunition provided a strong foundation resupply and real life support ensured a highly from which the Battery and successful exercise. Regiment could move forwards into 2015. At the This was followed by preparation for the Combined same time the trawls Inspection Week in late November, where the QM and continued to come thick and QM(T) and Catering departments distinguished fast, with a constant drain on themselves with green grading's in the LSI and ECI. manpower of all cap badges Comd 1 Arty Bde informs Bdr Special mentions are also due to the Regimental and departments an enduring Andita he is to receive a GOC’s Signals store, where Bdr Marston’s endeavours in theme. Most notable of these Commendation for his work on collating and cataloguing a huge quantity of equipment was the short-notice Op GRITROCK in Sierra Leone. over the previous six months were recognised, and to deployment of two individuals on Op GRITROCK in
the AGC (SPS) Detachment for a strong showing in the Sierra Leone. RHAA Newsletter January 2016, Edition 12 Edition 2016, NewsletterRHAA January 20
M (Headquarters) Battery RHA continued...
Bombardier Andita had his app spec skills and initiative tested as data coordinator for the Kampala district. His hard work led directly to a significant improvement in the medical outreach work in the area, undoubtedly saving lives and for which he was awarded a World Organisation commendation – almost certainly a first for a RA soldier. Meanwhile the RCWO, WO2 Trevor faced more familiar but equally-challenging times looking after the logistics of the deployed force. His loss placed significant pressure on an already under-manned BC addresses the Bty at the Denkort U-Boat Bunker Memorial catering department, but our chefs continued to deliver to multiple in magnificent fashion throughout the year, right up to the closure of the Messes and Regimental Restaurant in July.
As the Regimental footprint in Hohne began to reduce and the move across to the UK began in earnest, suddenly it was time for the last Battery day out in Germany; marked in fitting style with a trip to the Denkort U-Boat Bunker and Concentration Camp memorial in Bremen for an interesting, if sobering visit, followed by a less-sobering excursion to the Becks Brewery and some time sampling the produce. Educational visit to Becks Brewery in Bremen
The year has seen a number of members of the Battery convincing victory in an epic finale to the RA Boxing recognised for notable performance; Pte Stead earned a which saw him awarded the prize of best boxer in the place on the Army Team and achieved a prestigious competition. Last, but certainly not least, Gunner gold standard in Exercise JOINT CATERER 14, while in Hughes has become a key part of the Great Britain addition to his recognition from the World Health Armed Forces Rugby League team, and also secured Organisation, Bombardier Andita was awarded a GOC’s first place in the 7th Armoured Brigade strongman Commendation. Closer to home, Lance-Bombardier competition with an awesome display of power. Wright was awarded a Station Commander's commendation for his voluntary lifeguarding at the The men and women of M(HQ) Battery have been Hohne Garrison Swimming Pool and both the BQMS, tested in a variety of ways, and I am proud to say that Staff-Sergeant Richards and Provost Sergeant, the level of support to the wider Regiment they have Sergeant Mills, were awarded 1st Artillery Brigade provided has been nothing short of superb. At the heart Commander’s Coins in recognition of their effort and of every Regimental activity there has been a member of
significant contributions to rebasing. M (HQ) Battery, and they have not been found wanting. The Battery may now look very different from the start of There were numerous individual sporting achievements the year, but the core ethos and spirit remains as strong over the year, with a few worthy of particular note. as ever. We are eagerly awaiting the challenges that the Captain Hudson and Sergeant Lincoln represented the next year will bring. Gunners at Hockey, and Captain Hudson then went on to represent the Army at cricket on the team's Caribbean tour (nice work if you can get it). The BC also represented the Gunners (although in the less glamorous Inter-Corps Orienteering Squad, in a dripping wet wood in Surrey). Sergeant Taura was selected for the RA Rugby squad and will continue to push onwards and upwards from Larkhill, having been posted to 34 Battery in the summer. Gunner Powell won a hard- fought bout in the final of the 7th Armoured Brigade Gnr Powell’s name is on the Bty Flag as it is raised for the final time
boxing in November, before going on to win a in Germany following his victory as RA Heavyweight boxer RHAA Newsletter January 2016, Edition 12 Edition 2016, NewsletterRHAA January 21
L (Néry) Battery RHA
The majority of this year has been spent preparing to be held at readiness in 2016. It has seen L (Néry) Battery’s key personalities change, as well as deployments on exercises around the world and begin the challenging task of operating with new vehicles and equipment. Once the Battery recovered from Christmas leave, it was straight into planning and preparing for the upcoming exercises to Otterburn; Ex CYPHER DAGGER / STEEL SABRE.
On their return to the Battery, along with the fleet of their new vehicles, L (Néry) Battery deployed to Otterburn. year. The exercise, actually part of the WESSEX As the Battery is still fairly inexperienced at operating STORM series, was split between Grafenwoehr and with CVR(T), it was crucial every member of the Battery Hohenfels training areas – managed by the US Army. understood their part in maintaining and fighting from The exercise as a whole was certainly eye-opening for the vehicles. After the initial run out in the Dismounted the Battery as we learned how flexible we are required Close Combat Trainer, we finally rolled out of the gate of to be maintaining the ability to support the manoeuvre Otterburn Camp and began conducting live missions arm whilst both mounted and dismounted at the drop of using the AS90 gun batteries. Each FST took it in turns a hat. We learned many lessons regarding integration to conduct their individual mandatory training by firing with our multinational allies, working side by side with different missions. the US as well as having the Czech Brigade HQ calling the shots at the highest level, areas in which we can With the Battery well into its training year, Captain develop as a Tac Group before firing into our readiness Breslin was lucky enough to spend 6 weeks this year fully trained and ready to go. summer on Ex LONG LOOK in North Queensland, Australia. As part of a large scale joint USA and L (Néry) Battery will now focus on maintaining our basic Australian/New Zealand Pacific readiness exercise, she soldiering skills during Ex NÉRY STEALTH, before was employed as an Observer Mentor for the Joint Fires deploying one FST and elements of the JFC in support Cell attached to the Battlegroup Headquarters of 8/9 of the HCR on Ex WESSEX STORM. Following a busy Royal Australian Regiment. The Battlegroup was but rewarding year, the Battery is prepared for the essentially light role, but was bolstered by a squadron of challenges that 2016 will bring. Abrams tanks and a company of New Zealand Light Armoured Vehicles, and supported by an ANZAC battery of M777s with a mixture of Kiwi and Australian gunners working on the gun line, in the Joint Fire Cell and in the OP parties. Simultaneously, the Battery were
told to prepare to deploy on Ex ALLIED SPIRIT II over the summer as part of the 1 ROYAL IRISH Battlegroup.
Following some quick integration planning, L Battery joined 1 R IRISH at Warminster for a week of CSTTX, which was a good run out for the newly formed FSTs and a way to thrash out some ideas as to how to work as part of the so far untested Light PM Battlegroup, utilising the FOXHOUND vehicle. This also coincided nicely with the arrival of the new Battery Commander, Major Doug Logan who had a baptism of fire, finding himself thrown into the Battlegroup Headquarters and enjoying some late nights in the planning cell.
In mid-July L Battery deployed for the exercise, which
was designated to be validation for L Battery’s training RHAA Newsletter January 2016, Edition 12 Edition 2016, NewsletterRHAA January 22
N Battery (The Eagle Troop) RHA
Maj M J K Magee RHA
This year has been yet another challenging and interesting time for the Eagles. After undertaking the full suite of Mission Specific Training and deployment on Op HERRICK 19 last year, the Battery enjoyed a well deserved rest period over the Summer. This afforded the men time to reflect on what they had achieved on that significant endeavour. Spread throughout TFH and RC(SW) the Eagles played a pivotal part in the Base Realignment and Closure programme with trademark style, good humour and efficacy, and discharged their duties to the highest standard. Men of Eagles Flying High on the level 3 AT package on the grueling GR20 route in Corsica. This has been a tumultuous but very rewarding year. A new role, a new home and plenty of new responsibilities; Eagles occupied a harbour location and dug in. Despite the Eagles have embraced it and continue to maintain the wind, rain and mud morale amongst the Battery was the ethos those former members will so fondly still high and a series of overnight enemy probes to the remember. The Battery is in fine form and with Major harbour were aggressively repelled. MJK Magee RHA departing, new Battery Commander Major Chris Kerr RHA will assume command in Aug 15 The serials covered during the exercise were basic fire and with the packed programme ahead, there promises and maneuver, section battle drills, SERE, bayonet to be another exciting and challenging year ahead for the range and an advance to contact over rough terrain. This men who proudly ‘Bear the Eagle’. all came together on the final day with a well planned platoon attack which was conducted with the CO looking EX EAGLE INSERT was a five day infantry based skills on. Executed at dawn it was a fitting end to a tiring week. package that began on a windy and wet Monday That said the week was properly concluded in style with morning. Predictably it stayed this way and poured down hot food and beers in the ‘Eagles Nest’.
for the rest of the week. After a long insertion march the
Ex CYPHER SPEAR Rounds Complete as the last TAC
Group to fire the Guns on Hohne Ranges. RHAA Newsletter January 2016, Edition 12 Edition 2016, NewsletterRHAA January 23
O (Headquarters) Battery (The Rocket Troop) RHA
On the 19th July 2015, 11 members of OHQ Bty (The Rocket Troop) conducted adventure training in Bavaria which is located in south Germany. Their home for the next 10 days was the Drei Muhlen Lodge, situated in the center of Wartach. An Open boat course was conducted on a number of rivers and lakes in the region and despite the various challenges of the course, all students passed and more importantly enjoyed themselves. A course like this develops self confidence and team work which can be transferred into the work place. Also during their time spent here the members of the LCpl Irving also did the Battery proud by competing in battery organised a visit to Dachau concentration camp her third consecutive Inter-Services competition by followed by a trip to Munich. Dachau concentration camp winning two medals in long jump and javelin was the first of the Nazi concentration camps opened in respectively. She was also awarded RLC and Army Germany. It is located on the grounds of an abandoned colours for athletics. munitions factory southeast of the medieval town of Dachau, about 16km northwest of Munich. Four members of the Battery were selected to represent the regiment in the Royal Artillery operational shooting A number of individuals from the battery were able to competition in Pirbright. The team was trained and deploy to Canada (BATUS), providing Higher Control organised by Sgt Gauchan (Rear link Sgt). Despite being (HICON) as part of the Brigade Joint Fires Cell. Canada our first attempt at this competition for some years, the presents the perfect opportunity for signal trained team won overall beating the favourites 16 Regiment soldiers to gain experience and master their skills in the Royal Artillery. Gnr Toon won top young soldier and high tempo environment of armoured warfare on the Champion at Arms. Canadian Prairie. Looking forward the Bty will be completing their final O/HQ Bty competed in different sporting activities preparations to be at the required standard for high throughout this Year. Gnr Tucker and Gnr Bhatt were readiness next year but not before a well earned break part of the Tug of War team that reached the semi-finals for Christmas leave after a busy year for all departments.
in the Inter-Corps competition. RHAA Newsletter January 2016, Edition 12 Edition 2016, NewsletterRHAA January 24
MAIWAND NERY
SANNA’s POST SIDI REZEGH
TAFELKOP Battle of Maiwand 27 July 1880
During the Second Afghan War a British brigade, After firing a couple of rounds of case shot, Captain commanded by Brigadier General G.R.S. Burrows, Slade gave the order to limber up. On the left Lieutenant began to advance from Kandahar to the Helm and River Maclaine's two guns were overrun and a vicious fight to prevent Ayub Khan’s force from crossing it. Major GF ensued around them with handspikes, sponge-rods and Blackwood RHA commanded E/B Battery, B Brigade, Khyber knives. Sergeant Patrick Mullane won his Royal Horse Artillery equipped with six 9-pounder guns Victoria Cross when he managed to save one team and, which Major Blackwood deployed in the centre of the having run back under fire to pick up a wounded driver line. and place him on the limber, smashed his galloping horses through the ranks of Ghazis. Captain Slade
On the 27 July 1880 the enemy used dry watercourses deployed the four remaining guns of the battery about and folds in the ground as covered approaches, and 400 yards back to try and cover the retreat; but the succeeded in establishing positions about 500 yards to situation was beyond saving and he had to withdraw to the front. Suddenly their guns opened up from the Mundabad from where E/B covered the remnants of ravine right in front of the battery and Major Blackwood broken units streaming off the battlefield. Captain Slade, was wounded and Captain Slade assumed command of hurriedly formed a rear-guard. He described the scene: the battery but had lost a quarter of his manpower and over half the horses. Gunner WM Williams of E/B "All over the wide expanse of desert are to be seen Battery described the gun position where; men in twos and threes retreating. Camels have thrown their loads; sick men, almost naked, are "many of the draught horses were kicking and astride donkeys, mules and camels; the bearers have plunging in the last agonies of death. The enemy, thrown down their doolies (covered litters) and left the led by their chiefs who carried large silken banners wounded to their fate. The guns and carriages are of various colours, charged down on the guns, crowded with the helpless wounded suffering the yelling and shouting as they came on". tortures of the damned; horses are limping along with
ugly wounds and men are pressing eagerly to the rear RHAA Newsletter January 2016, Edition 12 Edition 2016, NewsletterRHAA January 25
Battle of Maiwand 27 July 1880continued...
Saving the guns at Maiwand by Richard Caton Woodville in the hope of finding water. Hordes of irregular Gunner James Collis VC RHA horsemen are to be seen amongst our baggage London Gazette Issue 24973, animals, relentlessly cutting our men down and Page 2553 looting. A few alone remain with Brigadier Burrows to try and turn the rout into an orderly retreat." For conspicuous bravery during the retreat from "And so it goes on for five or six miles, till the sun Maiwand to Kandahar, on 28th begins to sink serenely into the horizon. The cries July, 1880. for Water! Water! become more frequent and louder. Most suffer in silence for they can hardly speak. The When the Officer commanding the battery was wounded open their mouths to show a dry parched endeavouring to bring on a limber, with wounded men, tongue. After a long search in the dead of night a under a cross fire, in running forward and drawing the deep well full of muddy water is found in the village enemy's fire on himself, thus taking off the attention of Hauz-i-Madat. There is just sufficient to satisfy the from the limber. James Collis joined the army in 1872 wounded and those in severe distress, but none can into 32nd Regiment, later transferring as a gunner to E be spared for the already worn out and exhausted Battery, B Brigade Royal Horse Artillery. He was
horses. Everyone's hand is against us. Villagers invested with his Victoria Cross by Lord Roberts in from all sides creep up behind the low mud walls Poona, India, on the 11th July 1881. It was forfeited on and fire on us, and many a gallant fellow who had 18 November 1895 for having committed bigamy. He battled against the trials of the night fell victim to the died, aged 62, in 1918 and was buried with full military jezail (a long Afghan musket)”. honours at Wansworth cemetery (Block 53, Plot 115). In 1953 the War Office issued a list of VCs which Gunner James Collis of E/B Battery RHA won his included Gunner Collis and the seven other VC winners Victoria Cross for drawing the fire of these snipers onto who had forfeited their medal. himself and so enabled many wounded and straggling soldiers to escape.
RHAA Newsletter January 2016, Edition 12 Edition 2016, NewsletterRHAA January 26
Battle of Maiwand 27 July 1880continued...
Sergeant Patrick Mullane VC RHA The few remaining gunners, assisted by a number of Officers and men of a party of Mounted Infantry, and London Gazette Issue 24973, Page directed by Major Phipps-Hornby and Captain 2553 Humphreys, the only remaining Officers of the battery, succeeded in running back four of the guns under For conspicuous bravery during the shelter. One or two of the limbers were similarly action at Maiwand, on 27th July, withdrawn by hand, but the work was most severe and 1880, in endeavouring to save the the distance considerable. life of Driver Pickwell Istead. In consequence all concerned were so exhausted that they were unable to drag in the remaining limbers or the This Non-Commissioned Officer, fifth gun. It now became necessary to risk the horses, when the battery to which he and volunteers were called for from among the drivers, belonged, was on the point of who readily responded. Several horses were killed and retiring, and the enemy were within men wounded, but at length only one gun and one 10 or 15 yards, unhesitatingly ran back about two yards limber were left exposed. Four separate attempts were and picking up Driver Istead, placed him on the limber, made to rescue these, but when no more horses were where, unfortunately, he died almost immediately. available the attempt had to be given up and the gun and limber were abandoned. Again, during the retreat, Sergeant Mullane volunteered to procure water for the wounded, and succeeded in Meanwhile the other guns had been sent on, one at a doing so by going into one of the villages in which so time, and after passing within 700 or 800 yards of the many men lost their lives. He later rose to the rank of enemy, in rounding the head of a donga and crossing Regimental Sergeant-Major. He died 20 November two spruits they eventually reached a place of safety, 1919 aged 61 and is buried at St Patrick's Catholic where the battery was re-formed. Cemetery in East London (Common Plot 11A, Row 79, Grave 49). After full consideration of the circumstances of the case the Field-Marshal Commanding-Chief- in South Africa Battle of Korn Spruit (Sanna’s Post) formed the opinion that the conduct of all ranks of Q Battery, Royal Horse Artillery, was conspicuously gallant 31st March 1900 and daring, but that all were equally brave and devoted On the occasion of the action at Korn Spruit on the 31st in their behaviour. He therefore decided to treat the March 1900, a British force, including two batteries of case of the battery as one of collective gallantry under the Royal Horse Artillery, was retiring from Thabanchu rule 13 of the Victoria Cross Warrant, and directed that towards Bloemfontein. The enemy had formed an one Officer should be selected for the decoration of the ambush at Korn Spruit, and before their presence was Victoria Cross by the Officers, one non-commissioned discovered by the main body had captured the greater officer by the non-commissioned officers, and two part of the baggage column and five out of the six guns gunners or drivers by the gunners and drivers.
of the leading battery. A difficulty arose with regard to the Officer, owing to the When the alarm was given Q Battery, Royal Horse fact that there were only two unwounded Officers - Artillery, was within 300 yards of the Spruit. Major Major Phipps-Hornby and Captain Humphreys - Phipps-Hornby, who commanded it, at once wheeled available for the work of saving the guns, and both of about and moved off at gallop under very heavy fire. these had been conspicuous by their gallantry and by One gun upset when a wheel horse was shot, and had the fearless manner in which they exposed themselves, to be abandoned, together with a wagon, the horses of and each of them nominated the other for the which were killed. The remainder of the battery reached decoration. It was ultimately decided in favour of Major a position close to some unfinished railway buildings Phipps-Hornby as having been the senior concerned. and came into action 1,150 yards from the Spruit, remaining in action until ordered to retire. When the Sgt Charles Parker was elected by the non- order to retire was received Major Phipps-Hornby commissioned officers. Gunner Isaac Lodge and Driver ordered the guns and their limbers to be run back by Henry Glassock were elected by the gunners and hand to where the teams of uninjured horses stood drivers.
behind the unfinished buildings. RHAA Newsletter January 2016, Edition 12 Edition 2016, NewsletterRHAA January 27
Battle of Korn Spruit (Sanna’s Post) 31st March 1900 continued...
Major Edmund J Phipps-Hornby VC RHA Driver Horace Henry Glassock VC RHA
London Gazette Issue 27205, Page London Gazette Issue 27205, Page 3964 3964
For conspicuous bravery during the For conspicuous bravery during the action at Korn Spruit (Sanna's action at Korn Spruit (Sanna's Post), on 31st March, 1900. Post), on 31st March, 1900.
Major Phipps-Hornby was born at Driver Glassock was born 16 Lordington, Emsworth, Hants, on October 1880 at Islington, London, 31 December 1857 and entered the and won the 466th Victoria Cross Army in May, 1878. He was the for his action at Sanna's Post on 31st March 1900. He 469th recipient of the Victoria Cross for his actions at was serving with Q Battery Royal Horse Artillery at the Sanna's Post which was presented to him on 25th time during the second Boer War. He was aged just 19. October 1900 by Lord Roberts VC at Pretoria, South The Victoria Cross was presented to him on 15th Africa. December 1900 by Queen Victoria at Windsor Castle.
Gunner Isaac Lodge VC RHA Lieutenant Francis Maxwell VC
London Gazette Issue 27205, London Gazette Issue 27292, Page 3964 Page 1649
For conspicuous bravery during For conspicuous bravery the action at Korn Spruit (Sanna's during the action at Korn Spruit Post), on 31st March, 1900. (Sanna's Post), on 31st March, 1900. Gunner Isaac Lodge was born 6th May 1866 at Great Canfield, near Lieutenant Maxwell was one of Dunmow, Essex, England and three Officers not belonging to won the 470th Victoria Cross for his action at Sanna's Q Battery Royal Horse Artillery, Post on 31st March 1900. He was serving with Q specially mentioned by Lord Battery Royal Horse Artillery at the time during the Roberts as having shown the second Boer War, age 33. The Victoria Cross was greatest gallantry, and disregard for danger, in carrying presented to him on 28th October 1900 by Lord Roberts out the self-imposed duty of saving the guns of that VC in Pretoria South Africa. Battery during the affair at Korn Spruit on 31st March 1900. For his action he was awarded the 467th Victoria Sergeant Charles E H Parker VC RHA Cross which was presented to him on 14th August 1901
by the Duke of York (later King George V) at London Gazette Issue 27205, Pietermaritzburg, South Africa. This officer who was Page 3964 serving with the 18th Bengal Lancers went out on five
different occasions and assisted to bring in two guns For conspicuous bravery during and three limbers, one of which he helped to drag in by the action at Korn Spruit (Sanna's hand. He also assisted in trying to save the last gun until Post), on 31st March, 1900. the attempt was abandoned. Lt Maxwell became a
Brigadier General and served in the Great War until he Sergeant Parker was born 11 was killed in action, shot by a German sniper, during the March 1870 at Woolwich, London, Battle of the Menin Road Ridge on 21 September 1917. and won the 468th Victoria Cross for his action at Sanna's Post on 31st March 1900. He was serving with Q Battery Royal Horse Artillery at the time during the second Boer War. The Victoria Cross was presented to him on 25th July 1901 by King Edward VII at St James' Palace.
RHAA Newsletter January 2016, Edition 12 Edition 2016, NewsletterRHAA January 28
Tafelkop, Orange River Colony Néry, France (WWI) 1st September 1914 20th December 1901. Shoeing Smith Alfred Ernest Ind VC RHA Captain Edward K Bradbury VC RHA
London Gazette Issue 27465, London Gazette Supplement Page 5328. 28985, Page 9958.
For conspicuous bravery during For conspicuous bravery whilst the action near Tafelkop, Orange serving with the Expeditionary River Colony, on 20th December Force during the action at Néry, on 1901. 1st September 1914.
Shoeing Smith Ind was the 511th Captain Edward Kinder Bradbury recipient of the Victoria Cross. He RHA received the 537th Victoria won his VC during the action near Cross for his gallantry and ability Tafelkop where he stuck to his in organising the defence of L Battery RHA against gun under a very heavy fire, heavy odds at Néry age 33. His VC was awarded when the whole of the remainder of the Pompom team posthumously by King George V on 29th November had been shot down, and continued to fire into the 1916 at Buckingham Palace. During a fierce attack by advancing Boers till the last possible moment. His the enemy, when all the officers of 'L' Battery were Officer Captain Jeffcoat, requested that Ind's gallant either killed or wounded, Captain Bradbury along with conduct in this and in every other action since he joined Sergeant Major Dorrell and Sergeant Nelson, continued the Pompom section should be brought to notice. He resistance against the German attack. Although having received his medal on 26th November 1902 from King had one leg taken off by a shell while fetching Edward VII at Buckingham Palace. ammunition, Bradbury continued to direct the fire of the battery until he died.
Battery Sergeant Major George Thomas Dorrell VC Néry, France (WWI) 1st September 1914 RHA
London Gazette Issue 28976, Page On 1 September 1914, during the retreat from Mons, 9374 German cavalry attacked the British 1st Cavalry Brigade at Néry, south of the Forest of Compiègne. The Battery For conspicuous bravery whilst Commander of 'L' Battery was knocked unconscious by serving with the Expeditionary Force a shell and, in his absence, Captain Bradbury brought during the action at Néry, on 1st three of the battery’s six 13-pounder guns into action September 1914. against 12 German guns on nearby high ground. Two of the battery's guns were immediately hit but the third, BSM Dorrell was the recipient of the served by Captain Bradbury and Sergeant David 536th Victoria Cross for continuing Nelson, continued to fire. to serve a gun until all the ammunition was expended after all the officers were When Battery Sergeant Major George Dorrell joined killed or wounded, in spite of a concentrated fire from them, Captain Bradbury went to fetch more ammunition, guns and machine guns at a range of 600 yards, at but was mortally wounded by a shell. BSM Dorrell and Néry, France, age 34. His Victoria Cross was awarded Sgt Nelson kept firing until their ammunition was spent, by King George V on 13th January 1915 at Buckingham having accounted for three enemy guns. Palace.
As British reinforcements arrived the Germans withdrew, abandoning most of their remaining guns. Five officers and 42 men of 'L' Battery were killed or wounded at Néry. BSM Dorell, Sgt Nelson and Capt Bradbury (posthumously) were awarded the VC.
RHAA Newsletter January 2016, Edition 12 Edition 2016, NewsletterRHAA January 29
Néry, France (WWI) 1st September 1914 continued...
Sergeant David Nelson VC RHA Brigadier John Charles Campbell VC DSO MC RHA
London Gazette Issue 28976, Page London Gazette Issue 35442, Page 9374 545
For conspicuous bravery whilst For most conspicuous gallantry serving with the Expeditionary Force and devotion to duty at Sidi during the action at Néry on 1st Rezegh on 21st and 22nd September 1914. November 1941.
Sergeant Nelson was the recipient of On the 21st November Brigadier the 538th Victoria Cross for helping Campbell was commanding the to bring the guns into action under troops, including one regiment of tanks, in the area at heavy fire at Néry, France, and while severely wounded Sidi Rezegh ridge and the aerodrome. His small force remaining with them until all the ammunition was holding this important ground was repeatedly attacked expended - although he had been ordered to retire to by large numbers of tanks and infantry. Wherever the cover, age 28. His Victoria Cross was awarded by King situation was most difficult and the fighting hardest he George V on 13th January 1915 at Buckingham Palace. was to be seen with his forward troops, either on his feet Sgt Nelson rose to the rank of Major and was killed in or in his open car. In this car he carried out several action at Lillers, France on 8th April 1918 age 32. reconnaissance's for counter-attacks by his tanks, whose senior officers had all become casualties early in the day. Standing in his car with a blue flag, this officer Sidi Rezegh 21st November 1941 personally formed up tanks under close and intense fire from all natures of enemy weapons. The ‘Crusader’ campaign started on Tuesday 18 November 1941 when 7th Armoured Division crossed On the following day the enemy attacks were intensified into Libya through gaps cut in the frontier wire. By and again Brigadier Campbell was always in the nightfall, troops were concentrated around a feature in forefront of the heaviest fighting, encouraging his troops, the desert called Gabr Saleh, some 60 miles into the staging counter-attacks with his remaining tanks and wilderness. The military commanders eventually personally controlling the fire of his guns. On two decided that Friday 21 November should be the date of occasions he himself manned a gun to replace the break out of the Tobruk garrison in an easterly casualties. During the final enemy attack on the 22nd direction. Prior to this, the Support Group of 7th November he was wounded, but continued most actively Armoured Division would sieze the high ground at Sidi in the foremost positions, controlling the fire of batteries Rezegh to move later westwards. which inflicted heavy losses on the enemy tanks at point blank range, and finally acted as loader to one of the The battle of 21 November 1941 was one of the guns himself. bloodiest of World War Two. The desperate fight of the
overwhelmed anti-tank guns of J Battery helped to Throughout these two days his magnificent example and ensure that by the end of the day Sidi Rezegh airfield his utter disregard of personal danger were an was in British hands - but at great loss. inspiration to his men and to all who saw him. His brilliant leadership was the direct cause of the very After nightfall, in leaguer, Major Pinney paid a visit to his heavy casualties inflicted on the enemy. In spite of his battery accompanied by Brigadier ‘Jock’ Campbell who wound he refused to be evacuated and he remained praised their work ‘in changing the whole course of the with his command, where his outstanding bravery and day’. consistent determination had a marked effect in maintaining the splendid fighting spirit of those under him.
Brigadier Campbell was the 1192nd recipient of the Victoria Cross. He was promoted to Major General commanding 7th Armoured Division in February 1942
but was killed on 26th February 1942 when his jeep... RHAA Newsletter January 2016, Edition 12 Edition 2016, NewsletterRHAA January 30
Sidi Rezegh 21st November 1941 continued... overturned on a newly surface clay road. Major General Finally only two guns remained in action and were Campbell is buried at Cairo War Memorial Cemetery subjected to very heavy fire. Immediately afterwards one (Plot K, 171). of these guns was destroyed and the portee of another was set on fire and all the crew killed or wounded except 2nd Lieutenant George Ward Gunn VC MC RHA the Sergeant, though the gun itself remained undamaged. London Gazette Issue 35530,
Page 1741 Major Pinney then arrived and started to fight the
flames. Seeing this, Gunn ran to his aid through intense For most conspicuous courage at fire and immediately got the one remaining anti-tank gun Sidi Rezegh. into action on the burning portee, himself sighting it
while the Sergeant acted as loader. He continued to On the 21st November, 1941, at fight the gun, firing between forty and fifty rounds Sidi Rezegh, Second-Lieutenant regardless alike of the enemy fire which was by then Gunn was in command of a troop concentrated on this one vehicle, and of the flames of four anti-tank guns which was which might at any moment have reached the part of a battery of twelve guns ammunition with which the portee was loaded. attached to the Rifle Brigade Column. At 10.00 hours a covering force of enemy tanks was engaged and driven In spite of this, Second-Lieutenant Gunn's shooting was off but an hour later the main attack developed by about so accurate at a range of about 800 yards that at least sixty enemy tanks. Second-Lieutenant Gunn drove from two enemy tanks were hit and set on fire and others gun to gun during this period in an unarmoured vehicle were damaged before he fell dead, having been shot encouraging his men and reorganising his dispositions through the forehead. For his actions 2Lt Gunn became as first one gun and then another were knocked out. the 1190th recipient of the Victoria Cross.
secure and safe custody of our Standard Bearer - Gary The RHAA Standard Toseland.
Gary proudly escorts the Standard throughout the year The Royal Horse Artillery Old Comrades Association all over the country where he and it can be seen at the was founded on 9th February 1907 at St Stephens fore of every parade. Gary said about his duties as Restaurant, Bridge Street, Westminster becoming the Standard Bearer “To be the RHAA Standard Bearer is a Royal Horse Artillery Association in 1953. In all that time great honour and privilege for me personally, it is a the Association has continually provided honourable dream come true”. service to its values of fostering the comradeship, high ideals, traditions and prestige of the Royal Horse Gary assumed his duties in March 2015 and escorted Artillery. Our Standard represents our members at many the Standard for the first time on Veterans Day in June, official parades throughout the year and is often ‘on at Doncaster about which he said: parade’ at other events, its symbols and status in the
“I felt very proud to be at the front of the Parade”. RHAA Newsletter January 2016, Edition 12 Edition 2016, NewsletterRHAA January 31
Gary’s next duties were in London on the 8th November The RHAA Standard continued... at Hyde Park for Remembrance Sunday. “I must say what a great day it was with the Kings Troop, 7th (Parachute) RHA, 47 Regiment RA and the Royal Gary was next on parade at the National Memorial Artillery Band with myself marching at the front with our Arboretum in Litchfield for Royal Artillery Day in July Standard. What a privilege it was to do this for all the where many Standards as well as some RHA veterans people that have given there lives in the service of their were on Parade. Then he went to Slough to fly the Country”. Standard at the private funeral of a WWII veteran of 5 RHA whose family had specifically requested the RHAA Finally Gary and the Standard represented our members Standard to be present and who were overcome with on Sunday 6th December at Larkhill for the St. Barbara’s emotion with its presence. It took Gary five hours to Day service. I am sure that you will all join me in travel to the funeral and five hours to get back home, but thanking Gary for his hard work and devotion to duty in he said “ I think it was only right that the Standard was this, his first year flying the Standard on our behalf. there for their loved one who fought all the way through the War”. Last Post
During 2015 the Association has received the sad news of the deaths of the following members:
Name Date Age Location Regt / Bty
Mr S Brandon 4 May 12 93 Birkenhead 149 Regt RHA
Mr J M Cheetham 24 Dec 12 90 Weybridge L Bty RHA
Mr S T Crabbe 28 Dec 14 62 Swansea 7 RHA
Mr T Clarke 25 Dec 14 85 Newcastle N Bty, 4 RHA
Mr E Scherer 27 Feb 15 71 Braintree D Bty RHA
Maj Gen TA Richardson CB MBE 26 Mar 15 92 Wimbledon 7 RHA
Brig M J Perkins CBE 29 Mar 15 83 Maplehurst 4 RHA, C Bty, 1 RHA
Capt E W Feakins MBE 3 Apr 15 99 Harrow South Nott’s Hussars
Mr K A Edwards Apr 15 82 Stubbingdon C/5 Regt RHA
Gen Sir E T Burgess KCB,OBE 8 May 15 87 Haslemere P & G Bty RHA
Maj Gen T D G Quayle CB 25 Jun 15 79 Salisbury 1 RHA, 3 RHA
Maj J Sandys-Renton 20 Jul 15 89 Shaftesbury 4 RHA
Mr R Bishop 4 Aug 15 65 Nottingham 1 RHA, 3 RHA
Mr K L Goulding 18 Aug 15 75 Winchester King’s Tp RHA
We Will Remember Them RHAA Newsletter January 2016, Edition 12 Edition 2016, NewsletterRHAA January 32
MemoryLAST POST Lane
The Royal Horse Artillery Association 1907 - 2016
109 years of honourable service to fostering the comradeship, high
ideals, traditions and prestige of the Royal Horse Artillery. RHAA Newsletter January 2016, Edition 12 Edition 2016, NewsletterRHAA January 33
Memory Lane
RHAA Newsletter January 2016, Edition 12 Edition 2016, NewsletterRHAA January 34
MEMBERSHIP SUBSCRIPTIONS / CHANGE OF ADDRESS www.rhaassociation.org/membership The Association increased its annual subscription to £3 per annum 4 years ago. It was decided at that time not to press existing members to increase their subscription for the time being, but to encourage them to do so voluntarily if they were in a position to do so. Many members have increased their subscription to the new rate and for this we are grateful.
Due to the rising cost of producing and posting the newsletter it has become necessary to request existing members who have not increased their subscription payment to at least £3 per annum to do so if they wish to continue to receive the Newsletter each year. Members are requested to ask their bank to quote their surname as the standing order reference when payment is made to enable identification when received. New bank standing order forms are available from the membership secretary by post or email if required or can be downloaded from our website.
Your continued support for the Association is very much appreciated and your committee hope that you will appreciate the need for this request.
Members are requested to inform the Membership Secretary if their postal and /or email address changes to ensure that the Association can continue to keep in touch. Please help us to help you. Membership application / update forms and further details of reunion dinners can be obtained from the Membership Secretary or via the website.
www.rhaassociation.org The Association website is a central point for serving and retired members to keep in contact. Access to the site is free and it contains a vast library of material which is of use to members still serving, nearing retirement or who have retired. There are current and past newsletters, Veterans information, Welfare resources, RHAA goods for sale, a lively discussion forum, photo gallery, RHA Tables and much more. You are encouraged to contact the webmaster by email should you have something specific that you would like to see included on the site or if you would like to post a notice etc. Regimental webmasters are asked to contact Joe Dey (RHAA webmaster) at [email protected] to discuss the options relating to the inclusion of regimental contributions to the RHAA site.
7th Parachute Regiment Royal Horse Artillery Sporting achievements 2014-2015
Rugby Army Championships teams placing 1st and 3rd Army Premiership 2 Champions 2 gold medallists, 3 silver medallists and 2 LBdr Kaye winning the Para’s 10, with a time Army Rugby League 9s Champions bronze medallists at Combined Service of 1 hour 19 mins, Macawaine Cup Champions Championships Winners of the Royal Artillery Adventure Race Gunner 7s Champions 4 members receiving Regimental Colours and with LBdr Kaye and LBdr Chapman beating Gunner 9s Champions Army Colours and members selected for 63 Artillery teams. Army Elite Team of 10
Football Nordic and Alpine skiing Gnr McConnell selected as the Army U23 Cycling Gnr Smith and Gnr Griffiths took 1st and 2nd captain. Bdr Chapman and Sgt Clapp both won their place respectively at the RA Championships RA Champions respective races at Army Championship and placed 1st and 2nd at the Divisional RA Sixes Champions Major Unit runner up at the Army Road Race Championships RA League Champions Championships held at RMAS Lt Stoddart placed 3rd in the Army Downhill, RA Challenge Cup Champions Sgt Colvin won round 6 and the RA finishing and placed 4th overall in the Army Quarter Finalists in the Army Challenge Cup 2nd overall in the series Championships, also gaining selection for the (Knocked Out by Last Years Finalists) Sgt Clapp, Sgt Colvin and Bdr Kaye were 3 of Army team as well as being awarded both the 8 members selected to represent the RA Gunner and Army colours. The Nordic team Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (Penthouse Combat Club) in the Inter- Corp Road Race Championships won the overall best Novice team at the Medals 2014-2015 Divisional Championships Capt Maynard British Champion, Regimental X Country Endurance Team Review Lt Clark won the Army Novice Champion for Sportsman of the Year and Royal Artillery Maj Williams, LBdr Kaye, and Lt Clark both Biathlon and Cross County skiing in the Runner up Sportsman of the Year selected to run for the Royal Artillery at the Army Championships, winning a total of 4 14 civilian competitions entered with a total upcoming Inter Corps Championships races out of the 5, and placing 3rd in the medal count of 31; 12 gold medals, 14 silver Currently competing in the Army X Country British Biathlon Union Combined Services medals, 5 bronze medals League and hoping for a top 3 finish. rankings for the novice category
2 Army Champions and 2 silver medallists at Gunner Cross country Championships with 12 Edition 2016, NewsletterRHAA January 35
Calling Notice
REUNION DINNER (TROWBRIDGE) 2016
The 96th Reunion Dinner of the RHA Association will take place at the Civic Centre, Trowbridge on Saturday, 14 May 2016 for the benefit of all association members and their partners. Attendance is open to all past and present members of any RHA Unit. Partners are encouraged to attend and are very welcome. Those wishing to attend should complete the application form included in this newsletter or on our website at http://www.rhaassociation.org/dinner and return it to the dinner secretary by 26 March 2016.
The principle guest for this year’s dinner will be General (TBC).
Please include a stamped addressed envelope for return of your tickets.
It is hoped that many of you will support us and attend this annual function.
RHA ASSOCIATION ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING 2016
The Association Annual General Meeting for 2016 will be held at the Royal School of Artillery, Newcome Hall, Larkhill, Wilts. on Saturday 24th September 2016 at 1330hrs.
The programme for the day will be:
1230 hrs - Light Lunch
Those wishing to attend should complete the application form included in this Newsletter or on our website www.rhaassociation.org/agm and return it to the Membership Secretary by 26th August 2016.
2017 REUNION DINNER (TROWBRIDGE)
Provisionally planned to take place at the Civic Centre, Trowbridge, in the latter half of March 2017. Details will be published as soon as they are known.
The above information is also available on our Association webpage:
www.rhaassociation.org
RHAA Newsletter January 2016, Edition 12 Edition 2016, NewsletterRHAA January 36
Welfare www.rhaassociation.org/welfare
The Association has assisted members in nine Please do not hesitate to call them if you have welfare cases this year. If you need help or problems or need advice on these subjects. support please contact the Welfare Secretary WELFARE ADVICE – Royal Horse Artillery for advice. Contact details can be found on Association - Welfare Secretary the website www.rhaassociation.org/welfare Contact : Lieutenant Colonel (Retd) Derek Bender. Tel: 01792 536257 – Email: VETERANS AGENCY (UK Helpline: 0808 1914 [email protected] .
2 18) - Email [email protected]
WAR PENSION ENTITLEMNT - DISABLED The Veterans Agency is primarily responsible for: PERSONS RAIL CARDS/OYSTER PHOTOCARDS PENSIONS & COMPENSATION (Compensation Any Member who is in receipt of a War Pension for those injured or bereaved by Service, Armed may be entitled to the following; Forces Pensions, Medical Discharges and information about the new Armed Forces Independence Payment); DISABLED PERSONS RAILCARD (telephone 0845 605 0525, website www.diabledpersons- SERVICE RECORDS, Medals & Badges (Service railcard.co.uk); records and eligibility to medals and badges);
WELFARE, SUPPORT & CONTACT (Served in VETERANS OYSTER PHOTOCARD (telephone the Armed Forces & need help or advice? Free 0845 331 9872, website www.tfl.gov.uk/ helpline, the Veterans Welfare Service plus online tickets/14424.aspx). advice); Queries and requests should be made to the VETERANS COMMUNITY (Armed Forces Day, numbers shown above. You will need proof that veteran’s discounts, tracing comrades & much you are in receipt of a War Pension; either the more); original letter notifying you of your entitlement, or in the event of your not having a copy of this SPECIAL SUPPORT PROGRAMMES (Special information, contact the Veterans Agency Programmes to support veterans - mental health, (Telephone 0808 1914 2 18 or Email veterans- Prison in Reach and homelessness). [email protected]) for further advice.
Tell Us Once and the SPVA The Tell Us Once service which all local authorities also offer this (0808 1914 2 18). They will advise was established in 2013, allows service for all births and deaths. them on what action to take and people to notify key local and who to contact to start the ball central government departments The simplest and easiest way for rolling. The system has already and services of a death so they do the spouse/next of kin of ex been tried, tested and works well. not have to try and fight their way service personnel, requiring See: www.gov.uk/tell-us-once through government red tape, advice on this subject, is to when notifying a death. The contact the Service Personnel and
service has expanded and nearly Veterans Agency – UK Helpline RHAA Newsletter January 2016, Edition 12 Edition 2016, NewsletterRHAA January 37
Bits ’N’ Pieces
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Have you joined?
Go to www.rhaassociation.org for a membership form
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RHAA Reunion Dinners for more than 108 years.
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