Vie fe 2 t a r J . \ THE JOURNAL OF THE MIDDLESEX REGIMENT

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VOL. X No. 8 DECEMBER, 1952 PRICE V-

THE MIDDLESEX REGIMENT (DUKE OF CAMBRIDGE'S OWN) (57th and 77th) The Plume of the Prince of Wales. In each of the four comers the late Duke of Cambridge’s Cypher and Coronet. “ Mysore,” “ Seringapatam,” “ Albuhera,” “ Ciudad Rodrigo,” “ Badajoz," “ Vittoria,” “ Pyrenees,” “ Nivelle,” “ Nive,” “ Peninsular," “ Alma,” “ Inkerman,” “ Sevastopol,” “ New Zealand," “ South Africa, 1879,” “ Relief of Ladysmith,” “ South Africa, 1900-02.” The Great War—46 Battalions—“ Mons,” “ Le Cateau,” “ Retreat from Mons," “ Marne, 1914,” “ Aisne, 1914, ’18,” “ La Bassée, 1914." “ Messines, 1914, ’17, ’18,” “ Armentières, 1914,” “ Neuve Chapelle,” “ Ypres, 1915, ’17, ’18,” “ Gravenstafel,” “ St. Julien,” “ Frezenberg,” “ Bellewaarde, ’ “ Au bers,” “ Hooge, 1915,” “ Loos,” “ Somme,” 19x6, ’18,” “ Albert, 1916, ’18,” “ Bazentin,” ” Del ville Wood,” “ Pozières,” “ Ginchy,” “ Flers-Courcelette,” “ Morval,” “ Thiepval," “ Le Transloy,” “ Ancre Heights,” “ Ancre, 1916, ’18,” “ Bapaume, 1917, ’18," “ Arras, 1917, ’18,” " Vimy, 19x7,” “ Scarpe, 1917, ’18,” “ Arleux,” " Pilckem,” “ Langemarck, 1917,” " Menin Road," "Polygon Wood,” “ Broodseinde,” “ Poelcappelle,” “ Passchendaele," “ Cambrai, 1917, ’18,” “ St. Quentin," "Rosières,” " Avre," “ Villers Bretonneux,” “ Lys,” “ Estaires,” “ Hazebrouck,” “ Bailleul,” “ Kemmel," “ Scherpenberg," “ Hindenburg Line,” “ Canal du Nord,” “ St. Quentin Canal,” “ Courtrai,” “ Selle,” “ Valencieimes,” “ Sambre,” "France and Flanders, 1914-18,” “ Italy, 1917-18,” “ Struma,” “ Doiran, 1918," "Macedonia, 1915-18,” " Suvla,” "Landing at Suvla,” “ Scimitar Hill,” “ Gallipoli, 1915.” “ Rumani,” “ Egypt, 1915-17,” "Gaza,” “ El Mughar,” “ Jerusalem,” “ Jericho,” “ Jordan,” “ Tell ’Asur,” "Palestine, 1917-18.” “ Mesopotamia, 1917-18," “ Murman, 1919,” “ DukhovsKaya,” “ Sibeiia, 1918-19.” Regular Battalion Dominion and Colonial Alliance xst Bn. (Amalgamated with 2nd Bn. 1948). Canada. 31st Field Regiment, Royal Canadian Artillery, Ontario. Militia Battalions 21st Anti-Tank Regiment, Royal Canadian Artillery. 5th Bn. (Royal Elthome Militia). \ T_ 50th H.A.A. Regiment, Royal Canadian Artillery. 6th Bn. (Royal Middlesex Militia). / In *usPensio,‘- 102nd (Wentworth) Field Artillery, Royal Canadian Artillery. Depot—Mill Hill. Records Office, Infantry Records, Warwick. The Royal Rides of Canada. Pay Office—Old Infantry Barracks, Canterbury. New Zealand. The Wellington Coast and Taranaki Regiment, Territorial Army Battalions Toku, Tar an aka, New Zealand. 7th Bn. (x/7th Bn. and 2/7th Bn. amalgamated after 1939-45 8th Bn. (Now 11 Para Bn. T.A). [War. Hong Kong R egiment. 9th Bn. (Now 595 L.A.A./S.L. Regt. R.A). British Army Post Office, r, Hong Kong. (9th Bn. The Middlesex Regiment, D.C.O). Colonel of the Regiment: Lt.-General G. C. Bucknall, C.B., M.C. Officer Commanding 1st B attalion: Lt.-Col. R. A. Gwyn. Affiliated Unit Officer Commanding Depot: Major P. D. H. Marshall. H.M. Royal Navy, H .M .S. Unicorn. Officer Commanding yth Battalion : Lt.-Col. A. E. Green, D.S.O., O.B.E. Regtl. Agents—Lloyds Bank Limited, Cox’s and King's Branch, 6 Pall Mall, S.W.r.

CONTENTS PAGE PAGE Christmas Message from ColoneJ of the Regiment . . 232 7th Battalion Notes .. . . 254 Return of 1st Battalion Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders 232 n th Parachute Battalion (T.A.) Notes .. . . 258 Editorial ...... 233 595 L.A.A./S.L. Regiment, R.A., Notes 259 Forthcoming Events . . .. 233 Obourg Welcome to 4th Battalion Delegates 262 1st Battalion Notes . . 234 Visit of Lord Latham to Albuhera Close . . 263

Depot Notes ...... • . 250 Extracts from London Gazette .. . . 264

NOTICE TO CONTRIBUTORS “ The Die-Hards ” is published in March, Ju n e, September and December, and copies may be obtained by application to the Editor. AII Contributions intended /or publication should reach the Editor not later than the 1st of the month previous to that of issue. C O S T R I B U T IO S S SHOULD BE TYPED IN TRIPLICATE, AND BE ON ONE SIDE OF THE PAPER ONLY, and signed, stating whether it is desired to .publish the contributor's name or not. Rejected manuscripts, etc., w ill only be returned if accompanied by a stamped and a.idressed envelope. The Editor w ill thankfully receive Contributions from past or present members cf the Regiment or others interested, but necessarily reserves to himself the right of publication. A ll communications concerning the paper, including Advertisements, should be addressed to the Edtior, “ The Die-Hards" Journal, The Middlesex Regiment, Inglis Barracks, M ill Hill, London, N.W.7. Subscriptions should be forwarded to the Editor, “ The Die-Hards ’ ’ Journal, Cheques and Postal Orders should be made payable to Secretary , Regimental Association, and crossed “ —

On August 25, six days after it had been alerted, the to the chagrin of the Middlesex and Argylls, who had Battalion embarked in the aircraft carrier, H.M.S. to be disappointed at the very last moment. Unicorn, and after a farewell address by Mr. Malcolm In order that the relief of 27 Brigade could now be MacDonald, High Commissioner for South-East Asia, undertaken readily and speedily, the Brigade was placed 1st Battalion Notes sailed for Korea, disembarking at Pusan on August 29. in Corps Reserve on April 17» *9 5 However, on On September 3 the Battalion moved into the line, April 22 the Chinese launched their long-awaited spring offensive and the Battalion was ordered north once again B atta lio n E d it o r :— M ajor D. C. L. N olda occupying a wide defensive position west of Taegu along the Naktong River. From here they were to to stem the rot. Heavy fighting ensued and 27 British break out three weeks later in their first big action Commonwealth Brigade halted the main Chinese thrust in the central sector and subsequently carried out a later, the Colonel of the Regiment and the C.O. were against the North Korean forces. rearguard action to positions south of the Pukhan presented to their Majesties. Mopping-up operations followed, during which time On May 9, 1949, the Battalion returned to Mill Hill a fourth rifle company w'hich had been flown out from River. A few weeks later the situation along the whole front to mobilise as part of 27 Infantry Brigade, w'hich had England joined the Battalion. At the same time the had stabilised and the Battalion was relieved in the line received orders to reinforce the garrison in Hong Kong, gradual build up of the 27th Commonwealth Brigade by 1st K .S.L.I. on May 13, 1951- Thus ended 260 days’ towards w'hose frontier the Communist armies of Mau started with the addition of the 3rd Australian Regiment. campaigning in Korea, which had cost the Battalion Tse Tung were then sweeping. Later an Indian Field Ambulance and a New' Zealand On June 15 the Battalion embarked at Southampton Field Regiment joined the Brigade and eventually, in 127 casualties. After an Albuhera Day at sea, the Battalion dis­ in H.M.T. Dunera and, after a pleasant but very crowded February 1951, the 2nd Princess Patricia’s Canadian embarked from the U.S.S. Montrail at Kowloon on voyage, disembarked at Hong Kong on July 18 and Light Infantry arrived to make four Battalions in the May 19, 1951» and re-joined 27 Infantry Brigade at moved to Lyemun Barracks on the island. This marked Brigade. San Wai, under the command of Lt.-Col. R. A. Gwyn. the third occasion on which the Battalion w*as to see On October 11, 1950, the Battalion, acting as van­ Three outstanding events of Regimental importance service in Hong Kong. The Regiment made its first guard to the Brigade, crossed the 38th Parallel in the took place while the Battalion was in Korea. These appearance in the colony in 1927 when it paid a brief general drive of the United Nations forces into North visit on its w'ay to Shanghai. Subsequently, in August, Korea. Thereafter followed seven weeks of constant were : 1. The granting of an alliance between the Middlesex 1937, the Battalion came to Hong Kong as part of the movement up the Peninsula, following closely on the ENERAL Regiment and the Hong Kong Regiment by H.M. garrison, where it remained and fought so gallantly in heels of the retreating enemy. Towards the end of October the Battalion had reached to w'ithin 25 miles King George VI in recognition of the part played by the those tragic days of December, 1941. two regiments in the defence of Hong Kong in 1941. During its few weeks’ stay on the island, the Battalion | of the Manchurian border, but in view of the inter­ 2. An agreement between the Colonels of the Middle­ provided a guard of honour to w'elcome the return of vention of strong Chinese Communist armies the sex Regiment and the Argyll and Sutherland High­ H.M.S. Amethyst after her historic escape from the United Nations forces w'ere compelled to withdraw. By now the Korean winter had arrived and struck savagely landers which extended honorary membership of each On the eve of the Battalion’s departure from Hong Chinese Communist forces in the Yangste River. at troops who wrere not equipped to fight under winter others’ Messes to mark the long association and close Kong, it is fitting that we review its major activities In August the Battalion moved to a tented camp in I conditions. How'ever, w'ith their usual British fortitude friendship of the two regiments. since its re-creation in 1948 and during the three and the plain of Sek Kong in the New' Territories, w'here : and greatly assisted by American clothing, the Battalion 3. The presentation to H.M .S. Unicorn of a wooden a half years it has spent abroad. many had their first experience of a typhoon, w'hich successfully overcame the semi-Arctic conditions w'hich plaque bearing the Regimental crest. This was later In August, 1948, at Mill Hill, the Regimental Depot, ravaged the camp. Subsequently the Battalion moved to by day and night produced icy winds and many degrees followed by a ceremony in H.M.S. Unicorn when her the Regular content of the 1st Battalion (formerly 2/8th Beas Camp (formerly the Hong Kong Jockey Club Captain was presented with a casket containing the Battalion), consisting of 14 officers and 100 other ranks, stables), near Fanling, where it was to remain for the of frost. During December the 8th Army continued to with­ score of the Regimental marches in memory* of the close amalgamated with 10 officers and 60 other ranks of the next ten months. alliance which had developed between the Regiment During the first two months at Beas Camp the draw, and after a succession of rearguard actions the 2nd Battalion to form the present 1st Battalion The and Her Majesty’s aircraft carrier. Battalion laboured incessantly in preparing defence ' Battalion again crossed the 38th Parallel, this time into Middlesex Regiment, under the command of Lt.-Col. Life at San Wai in 1951 followed closely the pattern positions south of the Sham Shun River. Most of the South Korea, where it w'as held in reserve at Uijongbu. M. Crawford, D.S.O. Here, w'ith no immediate operational commitments and which had been set earlier in Beas Camp. After a short The following month the Battalion moved from Mill digging and wiring w’as carried out at night, in an I with plenty of traditional fare, the Battalion spent a period of leave the Battalion settled down to studying its Hill to Chelsea Barracks to take over public duties in attempt to deceive the Communist forces, who by now I somewhat rugged but very enjoyable Christmas. operational role and repairing the gaps in its ranks London in conjunction with the 1st Battalion The were in strength on the other side of the river. Despite New' Year’s Day, 1951, brought® he beginning of a caused by a never-ending stream of departing Regulars Welsh Guards and the 1st Battalion The King’s Shrop­ the passage of three years, digging and wiring still con­ and N.S. men. In the first few months no less than 12 tinue unabated, but ironically these tasks are now renewed Chinese offensive and 27 Brigade wras called shire Light Infantry. upon to form a rearguard in the area of Seoul which officers and 375 other ranks left the Battalion. This con­ On October 1, 1948, the Battalion mounted its first carried out in the main by Chinese coolie gangs! I they conducted most successfully. stant drain created innumerable problems, some of which guards at Buckingham Palace, St. James’s Palace, the On October 8, 1949, Lt.-Col. A. M. Man, O.B.E., January found the Battalion reconnoitring and digging were eased by the arrival of Royal Norfolk and, later, Bank of England, the Tower of London and the Central assumed command of the Battalion. Digging, w'iring ! in on various defence lines, but early in February the Royal Fusilier N.S. men. These came to the Battalion Recruiting Depot, Whitehall. In the following eight and improving operational positions continued alongside United Nations once again took the initiative and began for varying periods of training before they joined their months of public duties, the two most notable events individual training, cadres and brigade exercises, with I to press the Chinese back in offensive mountaineering regiments in Korea. were the birth of Prince Charles and the State Opening life following the usual pattern which any regiment I operations. After a highly successful Battalion engage- During the months November to April the Battalion of Parliament. On the night of November 14, the spends abroad. In the sporting world, the Battalion | ment at Chnam Ni, the 38th Parallel was crossed once had high hopes of an outstandingly successful sports King’s Guard, under the command of Major Chattey, gained the great distinction of wanning the Hong Kong season, but largely as the result of injuries and the were informed by telephone that a son had been born seven-a-side Rugby, a competition which is open to again. Towards the end of March the decision was taken to absence of star players on courses in the U.K., these to the then Princess Elizabeth. There was much both civilian and service teams. hopes were not fully realised. However, although there On August 19, 1950, the Battalion was warned to be relieve the twro British infantry battalions in 27 Brigade rejoicing, many toasts were drunk and a congratulatory I with British units from Hong Kong. The original in- w'ere no startling achievements, the Battalion maintained telegram was sent to Princess Elizabeth and the Duke ready to move at short notice by sea to Korea, as part of ! tention had been to replace 27 Brigade with 29 Brigade, an above average placing in all the major events in the of Edinburgh, affirming the loyalty of all ranks of the 27 British Infantry Brigade (the Brigade originally con­ Colony and great benefit was derived from the new- sisted of only two battalions; the other battalion was | a streamlined independent brigade which was formed in Battalion. On October 26, when the Battalion provided England and which arrived in Korea in November; playing fields adjoining the camp. These are very aptly the guard of honour inside the forecourt of Buckingham the 1 st Battalion The Argyll and Sutherland High­ named the Nottingham Fields in memory* of the original landers). This force was to be the first British con­ 1 December 1950. On account of the Chinese inter­ Palace for the State Opening of Parlaiment, the guard vention, however, this plan had to be jettisoned, much Commonwealth Brigade code name in Korea. was inspected by His Majesty King George VI and, tribution to the United Nations fighting in Korea. 2 3 6 D L S b u tards Ule 2)ie -*-JJardd 2 3 7

In February 1952 the Battalion entered two shooting after much hovering and false alarms, we are really on other sub-units in the Battalion, the Mortar Platoon has The Battalion was represented by Battalion H.Q., teams for the Hong Kong Bisley and greatly dis­ our way home. There can be no doubt that we have lost many of its N.C.O.s and older soldiers, and is now “A” and “ C ” Companies and a skeleton “ H.Q.” tinguished itself in winning three of the major trophies, left our mark in Hong Kong. The friendship that grew practically entirely composed of N.S. men who, alas, Company. The task of the Battalion was to protect the while the “ B ” team were most unlucky in dropping to up between the Battalion and the civilian population are also due to leave within the next few months. left flank of the division, which meant “ A ” and “ C ” second place on the final day of the Unit Championship, before and through the war has been considerably The Machine-Gun Platoon complains of a multi­ Companies deploying over a wide front on some very which was won by H.M.S. Tamar. Later in March the strengthened in the last three and a half years, during plicity of fatigues which has made them “ Jacks-of-all exposed heights. Throughout the rain-swept day, M.M .G. Platoon won the newly-presented “ Cruddas ” which the Battalion has played a very full part in the life trades ” these last months. Despite this, they did patrols and minor skirmishes with the enemy helped Cup and, with a score of 321, took second place in the of the colony. On Sunday, November 2, i 952> three excellently in the A.R.A. competition by scoring 60 the riflemen to forget their misery. Sgt. Beale of “ A ” A.R.A. Competition. days before it is due to sail, the Battalion will take part points more than they did last year, when they gained Company did well in capturing two truly soused enemy, Early in 1952 news was received that the Battalion in a service of dedication at St. John’s Cathedral. A second place. A novelty for them this quarter was who had been given the task of killing the O.C. was to leave Hong Kong in the autumn, stage for a bronze plaque presented by the Battalion, together with manning the O.P. at Sandy Ridge, overlooking the That night, stumbling in inky blackness down pre­ short period in England and then move to Austria early a book presented by the Hong Kong Regiment contain­ frontier bridge, where, in their own words, “ We were cipitous slopes, the Battalion withdrew to what it thought in 1953. This was wonderful news which was only ing the names of those officers and men of the Middlesex invited to the Battalion O.P. for a week to see what would be comparative comfort. This was not to be, for slightly dampened a few weeks later when an order Regiment who died in the defence of the island, will be Chinese soldiers look like. We solemnly looked at a well-meaning but unrealistic Staff had arranged for was received that Python rights would be compulsorily unveiled and dedicated by the bishop to their memory. each other across the border, reporting to our respective the Brigade to erribuss in a diminutive car park where deferred for six months. His Excellency the Governor will be present, together H.Q.s exactly what has been reported every day for 3-ton lorries, without canopies, were inextricably mixed The summer is behind us. We have continued to dig with a large civilian congregation. After the service the last three years.” together. Marching troops were kept standing in the and wire, to shoot and play, to drill and climb and now, the Battalion will march past the Cenotaph, Gen. R. C. With the return of Sgt. Moyse from his course in torrential rain for a long time, but undaunted they kept at last, the scene is shortly to change. A small but very Cruddas, D.S.O., taking the salute. U.K., training in the Anti-Tank Platoon took on a new their spirits up singing “ I Do Like To Be Beside the elated advance party from the Battalion is well on its So yet another chapter will have been successfully lease of life when a cadre was started for “ A” and “ C ” Seaside ” and “ Singing in the Rain.” Meanwhile the way home, while a similar contingent from the Dorsets concluded in the history of the Regiment. But although Companies. This was followed by a most successful Adjt. struggled valiantly and at last achieved order out have arrived in San Wai where they are busy taking our roots are deep in Hong Kong, the thought of Christ­ 24 hours at Port Shelter Range, where, to the surprise of chaos. The exercise continued, as did the rain and over our weapons and stores, our Regimental bus and, mas at home and the hope of a long peaceful period in of some of the pessimists, the first round was fired the discomfort, which was slightly lessened with a very most important of all, Au Wai Lam, the contractor. Austria will be uppermost in our minds as we slip without the gun blowing up. Sixty-seven rounds welcome rum issue. The next morning brought no It is these events which have made us realise that, past Lyemun in our troopship, the Empire Fowey. followed closely and established without doubt the abatement in the w'eather and so “ Quick March ” was hard-hitting accuracy of this excellent weapon. Cpl. very wisely halted and we returned to camp, only to Bunce, who was previously with the platoon, recently find that the river was in spate and once again w'e had to rejoined from “ A” *Company, where he was doing wade across. extremely well as a rifle section commander. His The following week there was to have been a Brigade physically fitter, took the wonderful opportunity of assistance will be invaluable. manning exercise but once again torrential rain inter­ both learning and improving their swimming, with the The Assault Pioneer Platoon, who normally perform fered and it had to be postponed. result that at the end of the fortnight every man in both such mundane duties as laying mines and simple Officer training has continued throughout the quarter Companies was able to swim. Altogether, it was a most engineering tasks in the field, have excelled themselves with study days, T.E.W .T.s and demonstrations. enjoyable and worthwhile experience which did much by building what can only be described as probably Towards the end of August the Battalion undertook the to foster keen competition and a tremendous esprit de the finest of all Nissen huts. Sandy Ridge was at one preparation of the study of “ The Attack ” for the corps. time a mere hill, certainly no more than any other hill, Staff College candidates. This entailed much hard The wiring of the operational positions has continued but now this relatively unimportant geographical w'ork on the part of Majors Ayre, Battye and Waller, this quarter, but the brunt of it has been borne by feature has become the centre of a new' interest, for who produced a most intensive and instructive series of “ D ” Company with their Korean trainees. A very here stands a memorial to the ability of the platoon. lectures, cloth model demonstrations and discussions. satisfactory arrangement is now under way whereby This architectural feat was executed by Sgt. Dive (at a large gang of Chinese coolies under the supervision present attending a course in the U.K.) and his whole From the end of September the Battalion has drilled of an N.C.O. has taken over most of this task. platoon of four men, assisted by some half a dozen and drilled and drilled. Twice each week we have Along with their wiring, “ D ” Company has con­ Royal Norfolk and Royal Fusilier personnel. assembled at “ Wellington Barracks ” (the Rugby field), centrated on weapon training and toughening up for Nature, in her own inimitable way, has presented us marched down “ Birdcage Walk ” past “ Buckingham their Royal Norfolk and Royal Fusilier N.S. men, who on several occasions with the very wet and unpleasant, Palace ” (the Guard Room) and so on via “ The Mall ” throughout their stay with us have shown much keen­ but mostly very wet, task of crossing the river, or rather to the “ Horse Guards ” (once again the Rugby field) ness and have cheerfully taken their part in all the the wide and turbulent torrent w'hich divides San Wai where, by dint of much sweaty effort, we are beginning Battalion’s activities. It is with great regret that we camp in two. As usual, the Pioneers have risen to to acquire a steadiness which we hope will do us credit have to announce the death of Pte. Tortice, Royal these occasions, complaints from passengers have been in London. Norfolk Regiment, who died as the result of an accident few and on only two occasions did the captain fail to From the foregoing paragraphs it must be clear that on Lo Wu Range on August 13, when a faulty fuse bring his vessel into harbour in accordance with the life during the last three months has been full and setting caused the premature explosion of a 2-in. mortar timetable. varied. This is not by any means the whole story, for bomb. Major Porter, the O.C., and four others were Two major exercises were scheduled for September in September the Battalion conducted its annual Despite heat, torrential rain and a woeful lack of also wounded at this time, but all have now recovered. but bad w'eather interfered with both. The first, a classification (a full report of this will appear later under N.C.O.s, much valuable training has been completed Support Company, whilst continuing with their drill Landforce exercise “ Quick March,” was designed to a separate heading). In addition, there have been the in the last three months. By far the most profitable was and the improvement of their operational positions, study the withdrawal, with particular emphasis on annual P.E. tests and education on a larger scale than the fortnight’s training undertaken by “ A ” and “ C ” have not neglected their specialist training. movement. Hardly had troops begun to leave camp ever before. In the last third class certificate examina­ Companies at Tai Lam Camp, a description of which With the return of Capt. Mason from Netheravon, when a tropical dowmpour started which was - to get tion there were no less than 50 successes, practically appeared in last quarter’s notes. Here each Company the Mortar Platoon has carried out much section and steadily worse as each moment went by. Despite entirely N.S. men from “ C ” Company, and we are was put through a week’s intensive course of mines and platoon training, culminating in a week’s concentration intensve rain and cold winds, the exercise continued now awraiting the outcome of a further examination for watermanship, which was followed by a week of section at the battle school and field firing at Lo Wu Range, for 24 hours, and many soldiers will remember them which 40 N.S. men from “ A ” Company sat. Finally, and platoon exercises, culminating in an assault river much to the annoyance of the Wiltshire Regiment, as the wettest and most uncomfortable they have ever in order to forestall any attempt of being called “ Funnel crossing. The men, not only wiser militarily, but who took a very near miss on one occasion. Like all spent. Happy ” (the expression “ Boat Happy ” is no longer B / ^Jlie ^òie-^JJarJà 2 3 9 238 ^ J lê 'lòie -^Jiardi ultimate practice that it became evident that “ A ” Practice No. 4: R ifle Rapid (300 yds.) Company Points Team C.Q.M.S.s Dutch, Cranfield, Sgts. in vogue) each Company has been given a special C.O. s below is the crest of the Lincolns. Cap Badge Hill, Company would win the Shooting Shield. i. “ H.Q.” (2) 12 3 Sgt. Smallwood of “ D ” Company shot consistently Harris, Ramsdale, Cpl. James, task: though not high, has a practically vertical gradient and Pte. Brumpton. well to win the Unicom Cup as the best rifle shot in “ A ” Company, the making of a Regimental crest on provides an excellent test for our hill climbing muscles. . “A” The badge is being fashioned from rock which has first the Battalion. In addition he won two silver medals and . “ C ” 109 Cap Badge Hill. . “S” 104 to be fragmented by L/Cpl. Galvin of the Assault Pioneer a bronze medal. Individual results were: . “ H.Q.’ (r) 99 “ C ” Company, the erecting of a perimeter wire Platoon, who delights in filling the valleys with the fence for the newlv-formed mule lines. Application and Practice No. 5 : R if l e A p p l ic a t io n (400 yds.) noise of his explosions. The fragments are then placed Snap 3 0 0 yds. Sgt. Smallwood ‘ D ” Company Team 2,'Lts. Collins “A” Company “ D ” Company, the completion of the tactical wiring in a shallow trench which has been cut out in the form Bren 3° ° »1 i. “ H.Q.” (i) Sgt. Leat, Ptes. Orme, Ward, and Pollard Crittendon, Evans, Cpl. Rawlin- on Birds Hill. of the badge, bound together with cement and kept in Rapid 300 >. C/Sgt. Cranfield “ H.Q.” son “ S ” Company, the provision of a guard of honour position with small pickets and finally painted white. Application 4 0 0 ,, Sgt. Smallwood * D ” “ H.Q.” (2) for the Commander of the Portuguese Forces. We hope, when it is finished, to persuade the Air Force Practice No. 1: R i f l e F a l l i n g P l a t e s (200 yds.) “ S ” 8 1 to take a photograph of the hill. Company Team “ C ” 78 The Regimental badge which will take its place on 1. “ C ” C.Q.M.S. Comer, Cpl. Card, Pte. the hill overlooking San Wai Camp was designed by With little over a fortnight left before we leave Hong Purdon, L/Cpl. Milligan, Pte. Webb, Lt. Milward. Practice No. 6 : R ifle Application and Rapid (400 yds.) Kong there is still much to be done and one can foresee Team Pte. Pragnell of Support Company. Alongside it are 12 3 Company Points a feverish frenzy of work until the very last moment. 112 .. C ” 1 2 0 L/Cpl. Kerr, Ptes. Rundle, Mit­ those of the Argylls and 27 Infantry Brigade, while 3 . “ H.Q.” (!) chell, Bentley, Cox, Mincher. 4. “ H.Q.” (2) 10 9 1 1 8 5. “ S ” 100 “ H.Q.” (i) “ H.Q.” (2) 1 1 7 Practice No. 2: R i f l e A p p l i c a t i o n a n d S n a p (200 yds.) “A” 1 1 2 “ S ” Company Points Team 83 18 7 Sgt. Deamer, Ptes. Hearn, Barker, F in a l R e su l t Corsini, Oldfield, Pragnall. Points awaiting the outcome of the October competition with 896 high hopes that they will accomplish the hat trick. 3 - “ C ” ‘ C ” . 84 5 4. “ H.Q.” (2) • H.Q.” 779 Monthly scores since the inception of the Brigade 5 - “ H.Q.” (i) ‘ S ” . 776 competition are shown below: ‘ H.Q." (2) Practice No. 3 B r e n L.M.G. (3 0 0 yds.) (Plates and 4-ft. targets) Company Points Team As usual, the Sergeants’ Mess team had no difficulty Team : 1 2 1 2 i. “ A ” 2 6 6 2/Lt. Pollard, Sgts. Da Costa, April 36s 341 178 188 364 311 *406 350 2 4 6 2 4 4 347 — Small, Beale, C.S.M. Cooper, in conclusively beating the officers! May 357 3°9 251 210 337 331 291 322 239 297 297 Cpl. Millard .Pte. Eames June 278 222 — — 289 268 341 — 321 — 309 — 2. “ C ” At the conclusion of the meeting Brigadier W. E. July 299 3 5 5 — — — — 306 221 247 196 266 202 3 - “ S ” Stirling, C.B.E., D.S.O., the new Brigade Commander, August 384 * 3 9 9 — — 338 29S 342 255 293 126 387 237 4. " H.Q.” (i) Sept. 410 *452 — 3 5 8 398 3 6 3 2 3 7 347 286 341 322 5. “ H.Q.” (2) presented the prizes. Scores marked with an asterisk indicate the highest scores within the Brigade for that month. The weather, as already reported, was far from kind in September when the Battalion fired its annual classificationcourse. Each Company in turn had to contend with lashing rain which not only obscured visibility but often washed away the target faces. Nevertheless the results were not disappointing and compare very favourably with last year. 1952 R ifle Results Marksmen 1 si Class 2nd Class F a il Total Compan-v. Reg. N.S. Rey. N .S . N.S. Reg. N.S. “A” 5 38 83 B .. — — 4 “ C ” Çkcctihÿ •• D ” “ H.Q.” g .. The Battalion has made good progress in shooting Total this quarter. “ A ” Company have shown themselves to 1952 L.M.G. R e s u l t s “A” 9 10 30 s be consistently ahead of the rest of the Battalion as the “ B ” results of the monthly .22 competition, the annual “ C ” 43 4 _ 8 “ D ” 5 classification and the Albuhera rifle meeting will ••H.Q.' 16 8 0 3 7 2 183 “ S ” 6 1 0 2 9 19 ± 81 readily show. 10 0 1 2 1 68 6 433 During the early summer the Royal Ulster Rifles Total 3 2 won the Brigade .22 competition each month at their Under excellent conditions the Battalion’s annual sheltered range in Tau Pass. Rumour had it that their rifle meeting took place at San Wai on September 26. success was due entirely to their w’onderful “ match ” In addition to the official competitions and pool bulls, rifles which had been presented to the Battalion by their a fun fair, at which officers and men matched their skill officers. In spite of this alleged advantage “ A ” Com­ at .22 shooting, proved a great success. This, together pany were determined to wrest this superiority from with an excellent concert by the Band during the “A” COMPANY SHOOTING TEAM, SEPTEMBER, 1952 the Ulsters and, to this end, vigorous training started luncheon interval, helped to give the whole scene a From left to right: Back row: Ptes. Wood, Brookes, Hoad, Dossett, Pedlar, Sothern, Stanley, Poole. under the direction of 2/Lt. Pollard, assisted by Sgt. happy, carefree atmosphere. Much credit is due to the Middle row: Pte. Partridge, Sgt. Small, Sgt. Beale, 2 Lt. Pollard, 2 Lt. Collins, C.S.M. Cooper, Da Costa. Almost immediately success crowned their hardwork and efficient organisation of Major Ayre and Sgt. Da Costa, Pte. Crawley. efforts for their “ B ” team won the competition both in his committee for the smooth running of the meeting. Front row: Ptes. Rushbrook, Sharp. August and September. They are now anxiously Competition ran high and it was not until the pen- 240 iJhe 2bie-^JJarcló Z>L 2 )¿ -^JJardi 241

M a t c h e s P l a y e d In the only Battalion match played, we defeated 1st Middlesex v. 1st K.O.S.B. 1—4 H.M.S. Unicorn by six wickets in spite of a very hot summer’s day. Lts. Legge and Woolocombe were the 1st Middlesex v. 1st R.U.R. o—2 mainstay of our batting and Ptes. Wright and Parry 1 st Middlesex v. 1st Wilts . . 2—1 bowled very well. x st Middlesex v. Hong Kong Regiment 3—1 In the inter-Company knock-out competition, “ C ” 1 st Middlesex v. Hong Kong F.C. 2—3 Company lost to “ H.Q.” in the first round, but put up The last match was played at Happy Valley on a very good show against a team w'hich is comprised October 21 against the Hong Kong Football Club. mainly of Battalion players. In the semi-final “ H.Q.” This is an annual competition for the “ Old Comrades Company beat “ A ” Company easily, the latter being Cup,” which was inaugurated after the war to cement ! unable to find an answrer to the magnificent village cricket the bonds of friendship between the club and the Regi­ of C/Sgt. Cranfield, who hit three sixes during his ment. After a very fast and interesting game, players, I innings. spectators, drivers and the Corps of Drums (who had In their other semi-final ” D ” Company defeated performed during the interval) were entertained to a i Support in a really thrilling match, the game being in lavish supper, a fitting finale to our soccer efforts in I the balance until the last over. Hong Kong this year. In the final, “ H.Q.” and “ D ” Companies drew and the match has yet to be replayed. “ H.Q.” Company Battalion Water Polo Team, 1952 £ p c r t Rugby i are a very fine all-round side, with Capts. C. N. and Back row: Sgt. Stnall, CjSgt. Corner, C.S.M. Tarrant, We are faced with what appears to be a great handicap, B. K. Clayden, Lts. Legge and Woolocombe providing L C p l. Whatley, L/Cpl. Shepherd. for, apart from a rugger season which will have to be the batting strength and Ptes. Wright and Massey Front row: Drum Major Holdford, C.S.M . Thorn, L Cpl. Once again there is little to report in the field of sport played in three different countries and on both sides of both useful bowlers. ” D ” Company have been Wheeler. this quarter, as the Hong Kong sporting season does not the world, our strength is very much deployed. The unlucky in losing half their team on draft to Korea and start until next month. Company games, however, have loss of Lt. H. Evans and Ptes. Snow and Moss meant had to rebuild their X I for the final. They are a very continued throughout the summer. finding replacements in the team, for which we were I keen team and have a useful all-rounder in Fus. Cox. prepared. However, it was not foreseen that Capt. “ H.Q.” Company had a slight advantage at the end A. N. Jordan and Lt. S. H. Fothergill would land them­ Football I of the drawn final, but the replay is anybody’s game. selves in hospital, the latter unfortunately to such an Football is undoubtedly the soldiers’ game and you Both Lts. Woolocombe and Fus. Cox have played may be sure that whenever they get the opportunity extent that he will be lost to us for the season. Companies were quick to answer the call and there for the Army X I this season. they will be found “ kicking about.” were soon over 50 names on paper. On September 19 Although the football season is yet to start, there has Results were as follows: a Battalion trial game was held from which eight names Battalion XI v . H.M.S. Unicorn: H.M.S. Unicorn, 95 for 8 dec.; been no abatement in keenness throughout the summer. 1st Middlesex, 113 for 4 (Lt. Legge, 56). Each Company has held its own inter-platoon com­ were put forward for the Brigade trial on September 23. In actual fact, several others besides those put forward j “ C ” Company v . “ H.Q.” Company: “ C” Company, 74; petition, with the standard of play consistently high. “ H.Q.” Company, 104. played in this trial, but only Capt. G. C. D. Wheeler In addition, there have been a seven-'a-side knock-out “ D ” Company v . “ S ” Company: “ D ” Company, 85 for 8; and 2/Lt. J. S. B. Pollard went forward to the Army competition and a Company league. “ A” Company (No. “ S ” Company, 84. trial on October 4. At this time Capt. C. N. Clayden 2 Platoon) won the seven-a-side and are well to the “A” Company v . “ H.Q.” Company: “ A” Company, 40; “ H.Q.” and Lt. W. M. M. Deacock were fully occupied in Company, 126. front in the Company league. The following Company trials for the colony team which was to play against ¡ “ H.Q.” Company v . “ D ” Company (drawn): “ H.Q.” Company, matches have been played: 130; “ D ” Company, 82 for 8. In the replay “ D ” Company Oxford University team on October 8. They not only beat “ H.Q.” Company by 46 runs. "A ” v. “ H.Q.” 4—3 gained their places in the team but both played an Battalion Basket Ball Team, 1952 “ A” v. “ C ” excellent game in a somewhat one-sided match. They Back row: L/Cpl. Stevens, Pte. Shepherd, Bdsm. Ingram, “ A” v. “ D ” are now playing for the Army, with Capt. Clayden Swimming and Water Polo Bdsm. Dawson, Pte. Harmer, L Cpl. Yerby, Pte. “ A” v. “ S ” 5 — 1 captaining the side. On the conclusion of the inter-Company swimming Woodward. "H.Q.” v. “ D ’ 5 — 3 Training is still going on in the evenings and we have i competition in July, a team of 20 started training, under Front row: Boy Torrie, Pte. Cozzie, Sgt. Da Costa, “ H.Q.” t-. “ C ” 2 ^ 1 played two friendly games against 1st R.U.R. and the i C.S.M. Tarrant and Drum-Major Holford, for the Pte. Johns (absent, Capt. C. N. Clayden). “ C ” v. “ S ” 5 — 2 R.A.O.C. from 6 C.O.D. The former we won 1 1 —o, I Landforces championship. The lack of a nearby “ C ” V. “ D ” Lt. W. I. Kyle Milward scoring two tries and Capt. G. ! swimming pool, with the result that most of the training Basket Ball Mason converting and kicking a penalty goal. The was carried out in salt water, placed the team at a severe The Battalion team, which changes its structure each Since the last issue the Battalion team has gone latter we drew 3—3, Capt. B. K. Clayden kicking a good disadvantage and was largely responsible for its failure to game by way of experiment, has been built round that through a number of changes. Old members have left penalty goal for us. We have orie more game to play get a higher placing than sixth. veritable tower of strength, C/Sgt. Cranfield, now on the team and fresh talent has been found to fill their before leaving, the first round of the inter-unit knock­ the advance party. Although it has lost a number of It was a different story- with the water polo team, who place. We are at the moment taking part in the second out against 1st Wilts on October 30. the matches it has played, it is hoped that the com­ have had a great number of successes this season. They Nine Dragons Club competition this year and are about It will be a great pleasure to wade knee-deep in mud bination of youth and experience which is in the process reached the final easily and were most unlucky to lose to play in the semi-finals. We beat H.Q. 35 Infantry again as opposed to bouncing off this rock-hard surface of being built up, will carry the team to the top of the ' by one goal, after extra time, to the R.A.S.C. Brigade 36—26, Amphibious Observation Troop R.A. and, with the advent of a large number of officers and ladder when we get to Austria. The Battalion team consisted of: C/Sgt. Comer, 36— 4 and 7 R.T.R. 42—6 in the first three rounds men on our arrival in England, we look forward to an The Battalion team has been formed from C/Sgt. \ C.S.M. Tarrant, Drum-Major Holford, Sgt. Small, respectively, and we should go on to win the competition excellent season both at home and in Austria. Cranfield, Sgt. Da Costa, Sgt. Leat, L/Cpl. Freeman, L/Cpl. Wheeler, Cfn. Shepherd, L/Cpl. Worley and easily. We are also taking part in the Landforces knock­ Ptes. Brown 09, Brown 10, Tattersall, Hardy, Milton, C.S.M. Thom. out and have beaten 4 “ O.” Division Provost Com­ Colston, Cocks, Harding, Wright 10, Shepherd, Mcore, Cricket pany 33— 12 in the first round. Unfortunately time will In spite of certain qualms about the weather wre have C.S.M. Tarrant and Drum Major Holford were chosen Adamson, Smith 24, Webb and Cfmn. Carlisle. C/Sgt. allow us only to finish the semi-finals and we hope the played cricket throughout the summer this year and to play for the Army water polo team, for whom they Burgess has proved to be one of the fairest and most have played throughout the season. Dorsets will go on to win the competition in our place. discerning referees the Battalion has had. have been fortunate in having only one game rained off. C 2 4 2 iJhe ^Òie -^JJardá

Company basket ball has flourished with the advent pitch, but if the keenness which has been shown this last of a double league for the Albuhera Shield. The first year is maintained, there is no doubt that we shall prove half of the league has almost been completed and the a match for any team that the B.T.A. or the Austrian other half will be played off at Warley and Zeltweg. population can produce. It is hard to say what the future of basket ball will be (Since these notes were received information has been in our new station. We shall have a gymnasium to look received that the Battalion team has won the 27th forward to and numerous hangar strips on which to Brigade Championship in Nine Dragons Champion­ mark pitches. Fixtures may not be so plentiful as in ship and has reached the second round of the Army Hong Kong where every village has its basket ball Championship.—E d .)

illustrated with a profusion of fireworks and sound effects. In spite of a steady trickle of departing drummers the Corps of Drums have maintained their numbers at 24. Under the leadership of Drum-Major Holford they have gained an excellent reputation throughout Hong Kong. At present they are practising daily for the exacting role they will have to play on our return to London. The silver bugles have arrived and are being “ blown in.” On September 30 the officers gave a farewell cocktail party which was attended by Service and civilian chiefs and some 200 guests. The custom in past years had decreed that such parties be given in Hong Kong. This year a most successful break with tradition produced an outstanding open air event in the New Territories. The party took place at the golf club in Fanling, where green fairways and high mountains provided an ideal back­ BEATING RETREAT ON THE RUGBY FIELD ground and gave our friends from across the water the opportunity of seeing us in our natural surroundings. Drums of the Regiment were in attendance, the Band­ ideal day with Silver Strand beach to ourselves, a warm When darkness had fallen the Band and Drums, master being Mr. F. A. Jackson. Drum-Major C. sea and plenty of sun. The children, immediately and illuminated by searchlights, beat Retreat on the fairway Holford ‘ led ’ the Retreat. enthusiastically, proved to have a very much higher facing the club. The evening hymn, followed by “ Cocktails and buffet followed, after which the dance degree of aquatic skill than their mothers, but whether Cntertainwht “ Auld Lang Syne,” brought a very memorable per­ began. sun bathing or sea bathing was the choice, conditions formance to a fitting finish and will be remembered long One can only presume that the reporter, like the were perfect. The Band and Drums have undoubtedly reached a after we have left Hong Kong. guests, stayed on into the early hours of the morning, Another interesting meeting was held at the Naafi higher standard of musical efficiency and ceremonial On Sunday, October 6, the Battalion entertained 100 thereby confusing Gen. Beresford with Queen Victoria. when Madame de Breuil came to lecture to us about showmanship than has been known for many years. members of the Hong Kong Regiment, together with The Corporals’ Club are due to hold their farewell making soft toys. It all sounded delightfully simple as Their programmes have been full and varied and they their families, at San Wai. The whole afternoon was dance, also at the Kowloon Cricket Club, on November described by Madame, and the clowns and Humpty have provided much enjoyment not only to the Regi­ taken up with sporting events which included tug-of-war, 1 and one can hardly wait for the ensuing Press report Dumpties produced by her from odd scraps of material ment but also to a vast host of other military and hockey, football, basket ball and shooting. At the end which will undoubtedly present us with a few more had undoubted appeal. One or two of our members civilian admirers. of the programme, Col. Gwyn presented Col. Baily with anachronisms and well-meaning faux pas. have since been inspired to solve the Christmas present Under the indefatigable leadership of Mr. Jackson a silver cup in token of the friendship which exists An out-o£-the-blue signal from H.M.S. Unicorn problem for small nephews and nieces by following her the Band has given us a series of Thursday evening between the two regiments. Supper followed in the announcing her arrival in Hong Kong on October 25 precepts, but it must be admitted that most of us have concerts which have been much appreciated by the main dining room and the day ended with the Band and put the Battalion into a flutter. However, with com­ been content only to admire. men. In particular their fine efforts in playing to Drums beating Retreat. mendable efficiency, an afternoon of sport was arranged Despite the irritating habit the authorities have of “ C ” Company on Cloudy Hill and to “ A ” Company The W.O.s and sergeants gave their farewell dance for the Saturday at San Wai, and on Sunday evening arranging army exercises on the same dates as our on the foreshore at Tai Lam will long be remembered. on October 18 at the Kowloon Cricket Club. It was the Band and Drums beat Retreat on the flight deck of social evenings, two successful whist drives have been In addition, there have been an unrelenting number highly successful and enjoyed by a large number of the carrier. Of all the many places at which we have held, well attended by husbands and friends. We are of Service engagements, farewell parties and two ex­ guests, including the local Press, which produced the beaten Retreat this setting was undoubtedly the finest indebted to the manager of the Chatham Road Naafi cellent broadcasts from Radio Hong Kong. But by far following next morning (Drum-Major Holford’s re­ and provided a fitting farewell to our two years of close for his unfailing help and kindness in making a room the most enjoyable and memorable was the August marks are not available): relationship which we hope to further in the future. available for all our meetings. concert by the combined Bands of the Middlesex “ Three hundred people were present. The hall of We shall lose our treasurer, Mrs. Weller, on our Regiment and the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders the Club was decorated with the Colours of the Regi­ The Wives’ Club return to England, and she is therefore fully occupied in given in aid of both Regimental Association Benevolent ment, and on display was the Regiment’s silver, including auditing our accounts, translating them into pounds Funds. An unprecedented large audience gathered at the Victoria Cross won at Albuhera, and a large wooden The morning of our bathing picnic dawned un­ sterling, and hazarding a guess at the results in Austrian the Kowloon Cricket Club where they were delighted by spoon presented to the Regiment by the Royal Hong pleasantly wet and misty. However, undaunted, we schillings! a well-chosen programme of marches, overtures and Kong Regiment. assembled at the Star Ferry as planned, and were Our next meeting will be aboard the Empire Fowey, solos. The concert ended superbly with Tschaikovsky’s “ The dance, a formal affair, was preceded by the rewarded by bright sunshine arriving at the same homeward bound at last, and so it cannot fail to be 1812 Overture, the battle scene being excellently Beating of Retreat on the cricket ground. The Pipes and moment as the regimental bus. It turned out to be an a happy one for us all. 2 4 4 íJ h e 2 )¿ e -*-J¡ardó d J lie «2)¿¿ - ^ J d a r c li 2 4 5

Bandmaster Jackson for his wil­ Capt. Leonard fo r his excellent “ C " Company's twins, Ptes. Peet,for providing so much amusement and good Sgt. Smallwood fo r being the lingness to perform everywhere and Pay Course result. humour in their Company. Battalion's best rifle shot. We Çalute anywhere.

the Battalion how to shoot zvith a Sgt. Dive for building us a per­ Cpl. Fields for his excellent field Sgt. Beale, L/Cpl. Yeames, Pte. Stanley, Pte. Partridge for being the best guard manent house at Sandy Ridge. constructions at Tai Lam. in the Far East.

LfC pl. Milligan for the best Mak Kan, No. i Sergeants' Mess Armourer Sgt. Harris for his “ A " Company's twins, Ptes. Brozvnjor their successes on the football field and Sgt. Moyse fo r the keenness and National Service results at the Boy, for eight years' unswerving prowess zvith the rifle and for his the Brigade .22 competition. enthusiasm with which he keeps Battalion Rifle Meeting. loyalty to the Regiment. deft hammer blows. anti-tank gunnery to the forefront. 246 Uhe ^Òie-^JJarcL ^Jhe 2)ie-^JJards 24 7

in a somewhat arbitrary manner, kept him for the next Ever since Mr. Evans taught us to play Rugby, we course; they had to be disillusioned. have produced a very capable XV. We have lost a few In August we said goodbye to Brigadier Burke, our of last year’s stalwarts, but there is much talent still with old commander, and greeted in his place Brigadier us. So far this year wre have not had much chance of W. E. Stirling, C.B.E., D.S.O. On September 23 the showing our form, but the team is straining at the leash Commander-in-Chief Far East Land Forces, Lt.-Gen. for an opportunity of repeating last year’s victories, Sir Charles Keightley, K.C.B., K.B.E., D.S.O., paid when we beat Company teams from “ S ” and “ C ” his third visit to the Battalion, when he saw it both Companies. Pte. Briggs is making himself felt in more drilling and shooting. He was much impressed by the ways than one in the Battalion 1st XV this season and guard provided by “ A ” Company, which he said was Cpl. Mead is only just off the edge of the team and the smartest he had seen in the Far East. waits impatiently on the touchline hoping against hope On October 14 the Director of Recruiting, Maj.-Gen. that someone will be unable to play at the last minute J. R. Whitfield, C.B., D.S.O., O.B.E., visited the so that he can fill the gap. Battalion to discuss the present-day problems affecting Rugby is not our only game. W’e have a strong foot­ recruitment. It was explained to him that psychologic­ ball team, including the Battalion goalie, Pte. Colston. ally neither time nor place was ideal for encouraging the We were able to make our mark against “ A ” , ‘‘ B ” and N.S. men to sign on now in Hong Kong. However, the “ S ” Companies by scoring more goals than our num­ C .S.M . Biidden fo r the consis­ ground was being prepared for a gigantic drive after bers might suggest. We also staged our own inter­ tently high standard of drill in Christmas when conditions would be more favourable. national match against the Argyll Signal Platoon and Support Company. We are glad to report the following re-engagements: we put it across them decisively 3— 1 in a very exciting “ A” Company: C.S.M. Cooper, C/Sgt. Burgess, game. Sgt. Da Costa and Pte. Haire. Our team has suffered some severe blows with the “ S ” Company: Sgts. Thorogood, Dive and loss of inside-left Cpl. Coles, centre-forward Cpl. Dun- Walter and Cpl. Gibbs. ston, centre-half Pte. Hardy, goalie Pte. Moss and “ H.Q.” Company: Cpls. Taylor, Mead and W. right-wringer Pte. Bond (Royal Norfolks), who has left Rawlinson and Ptes. Durrant, Stannard, Pritchard, us for the “ promised land of Korea.” I hope they will Crittenden and Goulding. continue to show their worth at football wherever they Hong Kong is agog with excitement in anticipation may go. of the visit of H.R.H. The Duchess of Kent. Because The long-awaited promotion of Pte. Jenkins to lance- of our imminent departure we are not taking part in any Personality corporal has at last materialised and his keenness has of the military functions arranged for her other than finally been recognised. We all wish him luck and hope the Beating of Retreat by the Band and Drums on the that he follows in the footsteps of Cpl. Mead, whose racecourse on October 29. arduous duties of Company Orderly Sergeant have failed to deprive him of his good spirits. We take off Parafe Tail-piece our hats to L/Cpl. Pritchard for holding so many ranks The following three letters have just been received. in such a short time I Perhaps they are an attempt to revive the old style. The D.R. Section, under its able leader “ Split Dear Editor, Waterman ” —correction, L/Cpl. Besant—always main­ A couple of years ago I was one of three people in tains its reputation for prompt delivery of top secret my Company who was sent, in answer to a request by documents and morning papers, even though its mem­ the Adjutant, to the Signal Platoon. Since then I have bers suffer occasionally from colds in the chest and been introduced to the mysteries of wireless and tele­ broken legs. The remains of their bikes always seem phone, carried gigantic loads of valuable equipment up to be able to perform fast enough to break records into precipitous hills, dangled from telegraph poles and laid Kowloon, not to mention speed limits. out mile upon mile of wire (with the certain knowledge We said farewell to Mr. Evans with much regret, as Despite the nearness of our return, 70 of our ranks Forces Preliminary . . 6 he showed us the way all through our stay in Korea. have left us for release in the last three months. In all, First Class .. .. 12 complete and 9 part passes of having to reel it all in again). All these jobs have become second nature to me. What I did not realise However, the platoon maintains its past reputation of some 70 officers and 2,000 other ranks have passed Second C lass..... 66 efficiency and smartness under the watchful eye of Mr. through the Battalion during the last three and a half Third Class . . 450 when I entered this strange life was the amazing spirit of cheerfulness which has always been alive in the Woolocombe, whose ability at cricket needs few words years. with the prospect of 20 more 2nd Class and 30 more Signal Platoon. In spite of numerous duties which we from me. We were glad to see that he was selected to We were delighted to have O.R.Q.M.S. Waldron 3rd Class, who are due to sit for their examinations on play for the Combined Services against the “ Aussies.” back with us. His cheerful good humour and quiet the voyage home. have performed (such as permanent fatigue party for “ H.Q.” Company!) we still manage to keep looking on Since his arrival we have been delving even deeper efficiency soon returned the Orderly Room to its proper Not so lucky are Padre “ Guz ” Jones, Capt. John into the multitudinous aspects of signals by learning the level. This is the third occasion on which he has Stevens, the M.O. (better known as “ Calamine Joe ” ) the brighter side of life. Like the rest of the Battalion, we have our change of Morse code and how to send it over the air, and we are served in Hong Kong and it is more than fitting that and C.S.M .I. Sowman, who are to remain behind to slowly grasping the reasons why a wireless set works he has been selected with the Drum Major and Cpls. carry on their good works in the colony. We shall also faces. Last quarter we saw a number of old familiar faces turned all too eagerly homewards. Two of them by learning some wireless theory—interesting, but most Field and Hazelwood to unveil the memorial plaque miss Pte. Jackson, our oldest soldier, who has elected mystifying. after its dedication in St. John’s Cathedral on Sunday, to stay behind as he considers that his many years we shall meet again when we arrive at Warley Barracks— service in the East has quite unfitted him for the rigours Moss and Ellis—both of whom somehow managed to Those of us who find ourselves operating the exchange November 2. have found recently that it is essential to keep all our Returning with the Battalion will be W.O.2 Butcher, of an English winter. “ C ” Company nearly lost their pull the wool over somebody’s eyes in order to persuade Sgt. Simmonds, who had been loaned to the Divisional the authorities that they preferred the Empire Orzvell kit at least 4 ft. above the floor because our river has whose educational successes are a byword in the colony. developed a habit of paying us social calls in the middle In the 16 months since our return from Korea he has Battle School as an instructor on a course for junior to the Empire Fozoey. I need not say, of course, that both are very keen members of the platoon. of the night. Three times in the last six weeks we have obtained the following results: leaders. So well did he instruct that the battle school, O L 2 : farcli been flooded, but, I am glad to say, the exchange has There it stands, a monument to the enterprise and never ceased operating. It was interesting to watch endeavour of the Assault Pioneer Platoon—Ptes. Jenner, the Platoon Commander’s office files go floating down Skippon, Armstrong and Balaam, with the able assistance the road towards the Yellow Sea. of half a dozen Royal Norfolks and Royal Fusiliers. This letter must end now, although I have found it Let me tell you, like Rome, it wasn’t built in a day. impossible to touch on everything that goes on in our Much has been said of guided missiles, but have you little community. Next time I write there will be no heard of unguided missiles? Ask our most recent “ click clock ” of Chinese feet and singsong voice to recipient of a decoration, none other than Sgt. Walters, act as an accompaniment to my thoughts, but perhaps M .B.E. (not Member of the British Empire). The the more homely honk-honk of a London taxi or even award was made in the field. an Austrian yodel echoing across the Tyrol will prove The Mortar Platoon, since the return from Nether- a satisfactory substitute. avon of their Platoon Commander, have spent lots of So till next time, time on platoon and section training. Indeed, at one Yours ever, time, to speak to the platoon one had to use a 31 set. “ F u n n y b o n e C h a r lie .” They suffered a great loss in the departure for civvy life of Sgt. Parker, Cpl. Whiteley and Cfrnn. Crook, to whom they offer their best wishes. Dear Editor, The M.M.G. Platoon completed the annual A.R.A. The “ Die-Hards ” are so tiny, so poor, so pitifully shoot after ten days and nights gun-bumping. In those handicapped and yet so bold in their meagreness. Not ten days they made up for the frustrations of previous one of them has had anything that might be called a weeks. Everyone who took part, including those chance. Their few years (here) have been spent in behind the scenes, received the congratulations of the kennels and closes, always hungry and hunted, with none C.O. on the very high standard of gun drill and the [t/.S . Army Photograph to care for them. Their ears have been habituated to very good score. British troops of the Middlesex Regiment in Korea move out to continue their drive as radio men relay the positions of the troops and of Communist-led North Korean targets every coarseness, their minds filled with the desperate With exceptionally heavy rains this year river cross­ shifts of living. . . . Their Band is evidently in session, ings by assault boat became very popular trips. Once for it is sitting in a circle, deep in talk! . . . and yet what again the Assault Pioneers rose to the occasion. Many a heavenly spark was in them. were the wet, dark journeys but never a passenger lost, Fireside Quiz or All For Love 13. You would expect to find a married pad in: Buchan might have written “ Fairyland ” instead of (а) Camp at “ Lights Out ” ? though onre they did land on a treetop. 3. (a) Who were the Nine Dragons? “ Haunting Tower.” (б) The field at “ Stand to ” ? Sgt. Moyse and his Anti-Tank Platoon had a field (6) Why did not any of them marry? Academically yours, day recently. The gun fired—yes, it did—and did not (c) Civilian clothes at “ No Parades ” ? 14. WThen the Drum Major throws his mace as he leads “ F aucus ” (Mechanical Transport). fall apart or blow up. The platoon suffered long in .2. If you heard someone use the term “ cumshazv ” silence, but finally proved what they could do and did you would reply: the Drums, you: it very well, too. As this is being written the platoon (а) What’s it to you? (а) Think it’s getting too heavy for him to Sir, is about to collect two more guns ; they will then have (б) Two’s up? hold? At the time of writing we are a much depleted Com­ one each. It is rumoured they threatened to become (c) I ain’t got no yo-yo? (б) Say “ Ooh, isn’t he clever ” ? pany. The big reorganisation took quite a number airborne and join the squadron. Sgt. Moyse started 3. Why have you no yo-yo? (c) Hope he drops it? and since there has been quite a steady flow out. This 15. If you were a sentry in the New Territories and you serious training, but had trouble sighting the air strip. .4. Who wrote the famous stanza: we hope to remedy back home. Courses and the advance Time is getting very short now and we are franctically saw a coolie emerge from a paddy field with two party have further weakened the Company; despite We’ve enjoyed all our stay in Hong Kong, heavy wooden buckets on his shoulder would you: painting boxes, packing and labelling them. Quite a few It wasn’t a moment too long, this we still carry out a heavy and varied programme, members of the Company are of artistic mind. Kit bags (а) Search the buckets thoroughly? the story of which I will let the platoons tell. We’d like to return and sit down to learn (б) Call the guard commander and create blossomed forth into pretty designs. It was with great How it came by its horrible scenery? July we spent in the “ Hill Station ” far from the reluctance they were removed when they were politely a stir? maddening crowd. Don’t ever believe “ There’s gold told to “ Remove those ruddy things or else.” The 5. What should happen to the author? (c) Gulp? in them there hills” ; we ought to know! The view latest-style winter woollies are the talk of the day, ■6. What should happen to the stanza? 16. Why does the British Army say “ Hurrah ” instead and routine were varied by swopping hills. together with what or what not to buy as presents. of “ Hooray ” ? Later came annual classification. It went swim­ 7. If you were offered the choice of being stranded in 17. If you know a little Hungarian, German or Austrian The Company are to provide the last guard of honour mingly! We now have a number of qualified “ Frog­ Wanchai with any one of the following persons, (preferably Austrian) write down their names furnished by the Battalion before we leave, much to men.” Members of the butt party were wildly enthusias­ whom would you choose? and addresses: the delight of C.S.M. Budden who is lapping it up. tic and made a gala affair out of it, flag waving. At last (a) Adlai Stevenson. 18. What is wrong with the following sentence: Practice for this is now in full swing. With our depleted a rival to Naafi tea has been found—ask a certain W.O.2 (¿>) Jane Russell. “ I want to go back to Hong Kong because numbers the whole Company are on it or reserved for it. who was firing his course with our Company. (c) Au Wai Lam. I love climbing Bird’s Hill so ” ? I have no doubt that they will maintain the high stan­ Congratulations to the following on their marks­ 8. Why? 19. Why have you answered all the questions untruth­ dard for which the Battalion and Company is noted. manship : 9. How would you tell the difference between: fully? Rifle: L/Cpl. Galvin and Ptes. Armstrong, Barker, Before closing this letter I would like, on behalf of (a) A flying saucer? Scoring : Grainger and Oldfield. the Company, to wish a speedy recovery to Sgt. Eastap (b) A flying dhobi? (1 for Y'es. 2 for No. 3 for Don’t Know) , L.M.G.: L/Cpl. Shepherd and Ptes. Berrill, Laing, and Pte. Robbins, at present in hospital. It is hoped (c) The cool way in which your officers deal 75 or more. You would make a good husband. Corsini, Edwards, Wright, Townsend, Jenner and they will travel home with us. To all our readers back with unforeseen situations? 50— 74 You have a keenly sensitive nature, a home, best wishes. We’ll be seeing you soon. Brrr! Foad. 10. Which of them frightens you most? generous disposition and a mild manner. Hard luck, “ Dismal ” ! Put some coal on the fire! Would make a good sergeant-major. I have the honour to be, sir, 1 1. What do you understand by the term “ married Many have gazed at the Pyramids and marvelled. 25— 49 You’ve cheated. pad ” ? Come East, young man. De Lesseps may have built Your obedient servant, Below 25 You should apply straightaway for a the Suez Canal but Sgt. Dive built “ The Nissen Hut.” “ O ld T im er ” ( sometimes ready to support you). .12. Then what do you understand? commission. 2 5 0 ^Jlie ^òie rds V L f b u -^Jdards 23 f

In July Lt. G. G. Norton left the Company and the A German 100-mark note, pre-1914. command devolved on Lt. R. M. Cain. 2/Lt. M. A French “ communal ” franc note issued by the Wollocombe unexpectedly left us to join the 1st Battalion Chamber of Commerce, Nancy. (These notes were Depot Notes The Royal Fusiliers in Korea and 2/Lt. Laurence on negotiable only in or around the place of issue within completion of service. Cpls. Bird, Harwood and Potts narrow limits.) have either returned to civilian life or are about to depart Several other small items connected with World and that stalwart of the Company Office, L/Cpl. War I. Major P. D. H. Marshall took over command on drafting direct from the Depot to the Battalion begins in Steggall, has been released to the T.A. Our good wishes From Mrs. Hawke sicell August 18, 1952. He relieved Capt. A. D. C. Eales, the New Year we hope to increase our numbers. go with them all in their new spheres and we hope to A drum belt-strap and two drum sticks. who then was able to take some leave. We are now in the middle of our last six-week intake. meet them all again in the future. From Mrs. Carmody Capt. Moore has recently returned from a month’s On November 13 the 10 weeks’ training begins. This We are happy to welcome back to the Company Capt. A case containing the medals of her late husband attachment to the Norwegian Army, where he acted as involves training two intakes simultaneously (the six­ A. D. C. Eales after a long absence and both Lt. H. J. (Lt.-Col. English). an observer for the first part of Exercise “ Mainbrace ” weekly' cycle continues) and drafting direct to the Evans and 2/Lt. H. D. Tymms on joining us. We also From the Wantage Urban District Council on permanent in Northern Norway and had a most enjoyable conducted Battalion. welcome C.Q.M.S. Taylor, Cpls. Nicholson and loan tour of units throughout the country. For this expansion we have been given back A Schneider and L/Cpl. Broom. An oil painting of Lt. Frederick Robertson Aikman, Major Heywood took his annual leave entitlement in Block and the whole of the Orderly Room. This means V.C., one time Honorary Colonel of the 4th Battalion September. Major Marsh very kindly came up and, that, for the first time, there is a clear dividing line SPO RTS The Middlesex Regiment, later known as the 6th. with his experience of the Depot, was a great help to between the Depot and lodger units. Cricket Lt. Aikman was awarded the V.C. in the Indian Mutiny’ The Company gardening programme has proceeded us all. The following matches concluded the cricket season: in 1858, when he commanded the 3rd Sikh Cavalry. steadily, the Platoon Sergeants vying with each other to 2/Lts. Ross and Blacktop, both N.S. officers, have Depot v. Army School of Education : R.A.E.C. 151, (The picture and frame need considerable restoration.) recently passed through the Depot on their way to West acquire materials in preparation for sowing the lawns From the Middlesex County Council the following books with grass seed this autumn. Sgt. Hanlon s trellis work Depot 62. Africa, while 2/Lt. McCallum has joined the Mauritian Depot v. R.H.Q., Grenadier Guards: Depot 172 The Die-Hards in the Great War, Vol. I, 1914-16. Guard Company. has caused a good deal of speculation, but is now- With the Die-Hards in Siberia (Col. Ward). regarded as an enduring monument to the toil of recruits for 7, Grenadier Guards 117. 2/Lts. Fisher, Lobb and Tymms will join the Bat­ Depot v. 10 Command Workshops, R.E.M .E.: The Story of the Middlesex Regiment (Kingsford). talion on arrival in the U.K. The two first named of Albuhera Platoon. Also a number of copies of a pamphlet entitled “ Our The introduction of parents days at the Depot is now- R.E.M.E. 128, Depot 37. officers passed out from Sandhurst in July of this year. Depot v. The Queen’s Royal Regiment: Queen’s County Regiment.” Amongst those who have visited the Depot must be accepted by all ranks as a necessary part of recruiting. From M r. George H. E. Duffield Sgt. Bignell’s paternal figure has done much to reassure 84 for 5, Depot 76. included Cols. Reid, Clayton and Del Court, Capts. Throughout the season the Depot was handicapped Seven photographs of Regimental interest. anxious parents and the Company Commander has Sax, Carter and Jeffcoat. The last-named leaves for the by continual changes in the team, but those who must be From Lady King increased his stock of small talk enormously. Sgt. Australian Staff College this December. mentioned include Major Heywood, C.S.M. Carruthers, The full-dress uniform, cocked hat and plumes of the Hanlon has not yet succeeded in signing on a father for Christ’s College C.C.F. on October 5 held a Colour Cpl. Marable and Pte. Musk. late Col. Sir Edwin King, together with his photograph. presentation parade in the barracks. The Colours were “ Three and Four,” but still lives in hope. From Capt. P. F. Wilberforce-Bell (late Royal Irish On August 8 the recruits gave a demonstration of presented by Sir Hugh Lucas Tooth, M.P. The guests Football Fusiliers and the Queen's Own Royal West Kent were afterwards entertained in the Officers’ Mess. A rifle exercises and guard and sentry drill at the Hendon Regiment) Borough Show. The rifle exercises were ably led by We have entered the London District Mid-Week fine day provided an ideal background for a most League this season and already have a nucleus upon Two old Spanish maps of the Battle of Albuhera and impressive parade. It was yet another example of the Cpl. Weller and the sentry drill controlled by Sgt. a plan of the fortress of Badajoz. (These maps were Bignell. Despite bad weather, the demonstration was which we hope to produce a reasonable team. close liaison existing between the Regiment and its On September 14 we played a friendly game against a formerly the property of Maj.-Gen. Sir Charles Doyle, cadet units. agreed to be a success and reflected great credit on the who served under Wellington in the Peninsular cam­ tuition of the R.S.M. and N.C.O.s undertaken after civilian club, the Highgate Rovers. It was a very evenly Our friends the Home Postal Depot Detachment, matched game, with the Depot just going down 5—4. paign.) R.E., who are responsible for the training of Reservists, normal parade hours. In addition, some bound extracts from The Navy and The ninth intake of recruits passed out on August 13. On September 30 we played our first league fixture have recently had two Royal Naval Reserve detachments against the Royal Military School of Music, Kneller Army Illustrated, around 1897, have been purchased. in the barracks. The presence of sailors certainly gave a The inspecting officer, Brigadier W. M. Sale, C.V.O., O.B.E., Chief of Staff, London District, complimented Hall. The School of Music had a very good side and we We much regret that we apparently failed to acknow­ welcome break to our normal routine and the soldiers were hampered by having to stopgap our side. Sterling ledge in these columns a full dress tunic, very kindly' quickly picked up such terms as “ going ashore ” and the recruits on their steadiness on parade. On October 1 the tenth intake passed out and the work was put in by L/Cpl. Walley and Cpls Brooks and presented to the Regimental Museum last February, by- “ liberty boats,” although the No. 240 bus is not perhaps Marable, but we lost 5—o after a very hard game. Major M. R. W. Bruce. We also have to thank Capt. the most seaworthy of vessels. inspecting officer was Lt.-Col. N. F. B. Shaw, D.S.O., O.B.E., G.S.O.i Training, Eastern Command. A new P. L. Pearce-Gould for being instrumental in securing The Depot congratulates Cpl. W. Lefevre on his this gift for us. marriage on August 30, 1952, to Miss J. M. Warner. development on this parade was that the officers carried REGIMENTAL MUSEUM NOTES Many of the N.C.O.s attended the wedding. swords, an innovation which has introduced sword drill under the R.S.M. to officers and a novel and intriguing No great changes have taken place in the Museum spectacle to the recruits. since the last notes were published. TRAINING On September 17 the Company was honoured by the We are most grateful for the many further donations Since the last edition of The Die-Hards the ninth and visit of Lt.-Gen. Sir George W. E. J. Erskine, K.C.B., which are listed below: vertióementó tenth intakes of recruits have passed through the K.B.E., D.S.O., G.O.C.-in-C., Eastern Command. From C/Sgt. Redpath Company. Despite an increasing shortage of instructors, Under the command of the R.S.M. the recruits put in an Specimens of post-war currency used by the British Those firms who advertise in the old faithfuls of the Company, Sgts. Bignell, Dodkins astonishing number of man hours, which were rewarded Army of Occupation in Holland, France, Belgium and and Hanlon, aided by a varying number of corporals, by the G.O.C.-in-C. expressing himself well pleased Germany. these pages support our maga­ have trained some 75 Regular soldiers and a similar with all that he had seen. From Sgt. Drew number of N.S. men. The “ El Boden ” dance was held on September 27 A North Korean flag. zine. Will our readers please The recruiting efforts of the N.C.O.s received some and the recruits received their first introduction to an From Mr. Smith (Museum Caretaker) support them in return ? recognition in the Press when the Regiment came second all ranks’ dance after careful briefing by Sgt. Dodkins. A German water-bottle, 1914-18. in the Army for Regular recruiting. However, our A good crow’d attended and the evening was thoroughly A pair of German ersatz braces obtained in Cologne powers of persuasion are not yet exhausted and when enjoyed. just after the 1914-18 war. O L 3 k 'a r d ó H L 2)te -J/ a r d s 2 5 3

Sunday started wet. By the time all were assembled, because, almost before the meeting had started, lusty October 5, 1952. Golf however, it was fine and it got better and better. youth in the guise of Ormiston (had ’flu recently) and Dear Major, The Regimental Autumn Golf Meeting was again Chattey (frightfully busy flashing about on W.O. Once more the results are appended and apart from Herewith 10s. subscription for the Journal.. I am held at North Hants Golf Club, Fleet, by courtesy of business) challenged the decrepid Captain-elect Worton being poor were unsatisfactory. The Cooper Cup was always interested in the Journal. I suppose I am one presented for a Stableford Competition and it has been the Committee and members. and the senile local member, Proctor. If I might mis­ of the few 1892 Queen Victoria’s soldiers. I gather played for for many years, and only the recently-joined The weather was as near perfect as possible and quote, the result was that “ the boys went mad and bit that Bob Rosam is still going strong. members should have any doubt about this, but, without when that is so there is no more delightful time of year the men, the boys it was who died.” 1 give a brief outline of my life as a soldier. I was going into the whole lurid details, the result was comic, for a meeting. Spring’s pale glory may be entrancing, There was some competition golf played, but we think bom in New Zealand in 1874. Father arrived here in but courses are still apt to be in a process of recovering it best to append the results with as few remarks as since the cup was won by the 9th Battalion, represented i860. Mother died 1875. Father 1884. I was left by two ex-Adjutants, because there was no T.A. repre­ from winter, whilst players are over optimistic and get possible. It will be noted that Ormiston, very delicate penniless and homeless. In 1892 I worked a passage sentative to compete. This will cost the 9th Battalion ■drenched and cold, misled by a nice-looking morning. and sick, won the scratch prize, and Guest—not content to England. a lot! In the autumn the gold, brown and purple tones are with winning the prize for the best Damsons and Enlisted November 24, 1892. rich and grand, courses have usually recovered from what-have-you in Gloucestershire—must needs walk After that the Regimental Flag was lowered as Col. 2 years in Gibraltar—trained in Military Topo­ any drought, and misty, chilly mornings give way to off with the handicap cup. Green had to leave early. In actual fact, Col. Green graphy. left much later and the flag might have flown longer, sun and colour as the day goes on, but as the sun sinks, The “ Divot” was more interesting. “ Stumps Green,” 1 year in Aldershot—trained at the Military School but at least it was noted and remarked on by old friends warmth, hospitality and food are very welcome. the holder, and presenter therefore of the prize (six balls of Engineering. of the Regiment. It would appear from verbal remarks and letters we and good ones, blast you!) was paired with Philip 2 years in South Africa—trained in Mounted Infantry. have received that the Fleet week-end has come to Marshall. In Phillip he realised he had a Divoter of Reluctantly we all departed and went our several Promotion: Lance-Corporal 1893; Corporal 1895; ways. Senile local member did not see the end as he stay, at any rate until there is a Home Battalion, and no mean potentiality and with remarkable skill he altered Lance-Sergeant 1896; Sergeant 1898; Colour - had to go to prepare a bath for delicate youth, who, anyhow the dates are booked for next year. his tactics (and the type of ball to be won) and became Sergeant 1901. we are glad to hear, has survived. Although numbers were not as large as we had winner of the second sweep. It just shows “ you can’t Landed at Cannore (West Coast of India) 1898. hoped, many of the absentees can be dismissed with a keep a good man down.” R esults Transferred to Wellington, Nilgiri Hills 1899; caution. The Colonel of the Regiment, from his married 1900. On Saturday most people played an afternoon round Ormiston 87 — 12 = 7 5 letter, was about to be attacked by foot and mouth to prove that they were not as bad as their card showed, Latham . . 89 — 10 = 7 9 Regiment moved to Trimulghery 1901. •disease, and our latest information is that he fled from Procter .. 90 — 8 = 82 but that only filled in the time until dark, when we Chattey . . 90 — *4 = 76 Passed School of Musketry “ D ” in Bellary. Wilts to Scotland and then to Ireland, presumably to once more adjourned to Col. and Mrs. Weston’s for Jay 90 — 13 = 7 7 Regiment moved to Burma in 1904 till 1906; Labong Bywaters . . 90 — 12 = 78 escape the foot and mouth. Curiously enough, “ Kipper cocktails and a lot more talk. Brown 91 — 10 = 81 1907; Benares 1908. Kemp ” could not attend for a somewhat similar- Dinner at the Club, with welcome steaks (!) and the Guest 92 — 18 = 747 4 Wins Handicap Cup In 1908 I was transferred to Indian Unattached List. sounding reason. We do not know whether to congratu­ Worton 9 7 — 18 = 7 9 Vice-Captain and Secretary as guests; after that the Green 9 9 — 24 = 7 5 Training of Volunteers. Pensioned in 1913. 33d. a late him or not because the Regimental Meeting con- General Meeting of which the details are as follows: St. George 9 9 — 11 = 88 day for life. incided with the date for which he had won a National Wollocombe too — 22 = 78 A n n u a l G eneral M e e t in g . This took place after Del Court 110 — 14 = 96 I joined Indian Ordnance Corps on discharge. Posted Health Service vacancy to a hospital for some sort of dinner, Col. G. L. Brown, D.S.O., the captain for the Marshall . . 130 — 26 = 104 to Manufacture of Explosives. Services lent to Govern­ niblick work on or around his throat. We all hope he past year, being in the chair. COOPER CUP FOURSOMES ment in 1925 and Gazetted Civil Officer. Inspector of got in and got out and will not miss another Meeting. Minutes: Points Explosives to Government of India. At 55 (age limit) •Worton and Procter (9th Battalion) . . 2 4 Mclvor decided to visit Scotland at this period—it 1. Major J. R. B. Worton was elected Captain for Bywaters and St. George (2nd Battalion) 23 I was retired. On retirement I served as assistant to was about time, because years of London and trips to Guest and Chattey (1st Battalion) the Secretary of Madras Race Club for 10 years. In the next year. Brigadier Proctor, Major Jay Latham and Jay (Depot) Africa were playing merry hell with his accent and he and the O.C. Depot were elected Committee Green and Ormiston (7th Battalion) . . I939 I returned to New Zealand. needed a refresher if he was to pass muster in London members. Brown and Del Court (4th Battalion) My health had given way so could not serve in the Scottish circles. 2. It was decided to hold the Spring Meeting at •Wins Cooper Cup. 1939 War. I have been in hospital twice and am still There were others who dithered like schoolboys on Hendon Golf Club as usual and the Autumn under constant treatment by my Medical Officer. My the water’s edge and who, having kept all arrangements Meeting at North Hants Golf Club, if these wife died last December. pending, then dashed back and funked the plunge. We Clubs were willing. Correspondence I have a son in business in Karachi and a grandson a hope next year they will take the plunge early and help 3. Major Jay’s kind offer to hold a Cocktail Party for J. J. O’Brien, Pilot Officer in the R.A.F. and now in Canada. to make the meeting even more enjoyable. the Autumn Meeting was gratefully accepted. 43 Toorack Road, Greetings to all, We welcomed the appearance of several wives, sisters Wealdstone. Yours faithfully, and daughters, particularly at the dinner, which was 4. Capt. R. E. Guest proposed that the Spring Meeting be a two-day meeting, but the feeling .September 21, 1952. (Signed) A. H. S ay . again a most enjoyable show. 16 Chilcome Street, of the meeting was against this. Dear Mr. Clark, Without attempting to discriminate we must just Fendalton, I am writing these few lines hoping you and your mention that Major and Mrs. Ellis, although he was 5. Lt.-Col. A. E. Green, asking for more organisa­ family are going on O.K. and keeping well, as I must Christchurch, injured and could not play, drove down to watch and tion, proposed that the afternoon of the first New Zealand. say that we are all in the very best of health, and please dine. Then we had old Uncle Tom Wollo and all, bar day of the Autumn Meeting should be remember me to Harry Farrow and family. Well, I one, for most of the meeting and we wish Martin all organised as a competition. This was agreed am writing this letter to you to let you know that I good luck for his tour to Korea. It was like old times and the Committee were instructed to consider have been awarded and received the M.S.M. (Meri­ to have Mrs. Worton there with us, and we were very a suitable arrangement. torious Service Medal) and it might help for a little pleased to meet Mrs. del Court and hope that she will 6. Votes of thanks were passed to Col. Weston for Our readers are kindly requested bit of news in The Die-Hards Journal, so as some of be over here again very soon. Mrs. Jay must also be his hospitality and again asking the members the old hands may remember me by as the old “ Shamus congratulated on making a first appearance and we are to cocktails, to Lt.-Col. Green for presenting to complete the subscription form O’Brien.” I am enclosing the letter I received with the particularly glad that she should have had a chance to the “ Die-Hards ” Divot and to Brigadier medal to let you see, so would you kindly return the meet the types whom her husband has offered to let Procter for making the local arrangements for at the end of this journal and post letter to me. Well, I don’t think I have any more to her entertain, with his assistance, next year. the meeting. say. I close with our kindest regards to all. The golf this year was intended to be a mixture of 7. A vote of thanks was passed to the North Hants it as soon as possible— Thank you Yours faithfully, the Competition and Social. We regret that this did not Committee and members for the use of the S ham us. suit everyone, but at least it produced one blood match Club and to the staff for their co-operation. 2 5 4 17he f)ie - ~J4ardi DL fbie-Jiarl 2 5 5 7th BATTALION We already possess a fine memorial to those members who fell in World War I and we look forward to having a THE MIDDLESEX REGIMENT worthy memorial to those who died in the second. On October 14, 1952, a presentation of the battle of (D.C.O.) Albuhera was given on the cloth model. This was an experiment. Its object was to increase our knowledge BATTALION H.Q. of this famous battle—“ the most honourable Peninsular Although the “ season of mists blazon on any regimental flag ” —to foster an interest and mellow fruitfulness ” is nor­ in Regimental history and to show that it is far from mally one of quiet relaxation for being a dull classroom subject appropriate only for wet the Territorial Army, this year afternoons. We were very pleased to welcome our there seems to have been no cessa­ Brigade Commander, Brigadier A. G. V. Paley, Col. tion of activity after camp. M. Browne and a strong contingent from the Depot. The rebuilding of the T.A. We hope that all who attended will have taken away Centre at Hornsey continues apace with them an added pride in the Regiment to which we and by the time these words appear have the honour to belong and a new desire to learn in print it will be almost finished. something more of its history and exploits. We are now' using part of the new garages and by the end of October will have the use of our miniature range. “ H.Q.” COMPANY Shooting this autumn has been disappointing. In the The past quarter has seen a disappointing attendance decentralised competitions of the T.A. Rifle Association of members, with the exception of the Band and Drums, in every match we did worse than last year and that who as ever are most assiduous in their practice parades, despite some fine shooting by Sgt. Brooks and C/Sgt. but this state of affairs is no doubt due to that hardy Colboume. We take this opportunity to congratulate annual, “ summer holidays.” Sgt. King on his success in winning the 300 yards Under the inspiration of the Bandmaster, Mr. W. application shoot in the Home Counties District Rifle Gillyat, the Band continues to improve in both quantity Competition and C/Sgt. Colbourne and Sgt. Brooks on and quality and there is no doubt ♦•hat if the present being selected to shoot for 44th (H.C.) Infantry Division rate of progress is maintained we shall have by next year in the Kolar Cup. We trust that the standard of shooting a Band of which we may be extremely proud. w'ill go up and look to all members of our Rifle Club to The Company entered two teams in the Home raise the standard to the pre-w'ar heights when this Counties District Motor Cycle Trials and acquitted Battalion was second to none. themselves well and no doubt gained useful experience On the miniature range we have done better. In the which will be put to good account in future events of this [tfy courtesy oj ttie " Hornsey Journal ” Middlesex T. and A. F. Competition we have three nature. The riding of L/Cpl. Gipson merits especial Presentation of the Battle of Albuhera at Hornsey by Capt. P. L. Pearce Gould, representing Capt. J . Stainforth of the 57th teams in the semi-finals. mention, as he finished ninth in a field of 162 riders. Various shooting competitions have taken place During the winter our aim of training is threefold: Once again this winter Battalion H.Q. is running an “ B ” COMPANY to continue the expansion and further training of our recently and if we have not achieved the success we had N.C.O.s’ cadre and our four newly appointed lance- The last weeks have seen quite an increase in the specialist platoons, to continue the tactical training of hoped for the Company team did well to finish second corporals should all be attending this course, but it is Company strength and we would like to extend a warm officers and N.C.O.s, and to train riflemen in the use of with a score of 326— 11 points behind the winners—in obvious at the moment that there is some pressing welcome to all the N.S. men. As several have seen the sten. On Thursday evenings inter-company bad­ the High Sheriff’s Challenge Shield. counter-attraction for them on most Tuesday evenings. service in Korea they' will be a great asset, and we hope minton and inter-company rifle competitions w'ill be Mention has already been made of the building ex­ Shooting, both on the miniature and open ranges, that in the near future the majority will volunteer for the held. We notice in the instructions that ties in the tensions in progress and the M .T. Section is simply has figured largely in our training this autumn, but the T.A. Our volunteer strength is now nearing the 40 badminton will be “ shot off” ! We look forward to itching to take possession of the new garages now nearing small band of stalwarts is still very small. “A ” Company' mark. these contests and if there are no further editorials completion. With the prospect of more room it is hoped provided a team to compete in T.A.R.A. competitions Winter training has now got well under way, the readers will understand why. to house vehicles, stores and offices under one roof. at Pirbright on September 20 and 21, but it is to be programme mainly concerned with indoor activities, • For the first time the Battalion entered for some In conclusion, we must record with regret that Sgt. regretted that we did not shine at all on this occasion. more use being made of instructional films. We are motor cycle trials, notes of which appear later. We Chapman, Cpl. Thompson and L/Cpl. Johnson have In September “A ” Company just succeeded in beating a trying to organise several outdoor exercises, but the hope that we shall take part in these more and more. decided that, due to various domestic reasons, they are G.P.O. team at Highgate and a return match has been weather may force us to wait until after the New Year. There are few more important people than the motor unable to continue to serve. All three were valuable arranged. In the spring we hope to make use of the 30 Unfortunately, there are no further successes on the cycle orderly, who has to do his duty in every kind of N.C.O.s and their efficiency and experience will be sadly yards range at the Depot on Sundays, as we did last miniature range to report. We are having our close weather and over every type of country and, more often missed. We would like to thank them for their past year, and improve our shooting. season. than not, at night. To train such, and indeed to foster hard work and to offer them our best wishes for the With the shorter evenings badminton is coming into C/Sgt. Leahy' and Sgt. Webb have volunteered for motor cycling in the Battalion, w'e have formed a motor future. Finally, we congratulate Sgt. Lee on his sub. its own again, and on Thursdays and Sunday mornings further service; this is much appreciated by all cycle section in “ H.Q.” Company. stantive promotion and appointment as Band Sergeant various enthusiasts may be seen busily endeavouring to concerned. On January i, 1953, “ D ” Company will be re­ regain their youthful figures, only to undo the good work “A” COMPANY Our chief engagement since camp has been the Enfield formed; unfortunately, not in their own T.A. Centre later by slaking their thirst with pints of the local brew. T.A. Day which took place on September 6 before a at Tottenham, but at Hornsey. We hope that it will not We have settled down again to our evening drill We congratulate Pte. Phelps on his recent marriage large gathering on Chase Green. “ Atom-age soldiers ” be long before we get our Tottenham hall back again, routine after camp. Our winter programme includes and wish he and his wife all future happiness. we were described as, but, in fact, we demonstrated the but with the ban on building, the T.A. Association are an intensive course in the 2-in. mortar, the grenade and Mr. Brown has recently' achieved a second “ pip ” age-old qualities of our Company. In company with the finding it impossible to move the present tenants. the sten, to be followed by a refresher course on the and we offer our congratulations. It was perhaps for­ two workshops, we marched through the town headed A Battalion War Memorial Committee has been rifle and bren before we go to camp next year. Map tunate that the Sergeant-Major could not be persuaded by the Corps of Drums and the Band. We were then formed under the chairmanship of the Honorary Colonel reading will be studied in the spring, when we hope to be that it was official and maintained that Mr. Brown could inspected by the Chairman of the U.D.C. and then, and we hope to hear soon the results of its deliberations. able to get some practical work done. not draw his back pay for camp. after marching past, “ S ” Company sub-units gave two 2 3 6 Uhe «2)í ^araó 3 . 2 * - J 4 a r < b 2 5 7 excellent demonstrations. The afternoon ended with P. A. Stocken, who courageously gave some tuition. “ aquatic ” and caused havoc and disruption to the rest N.S. men, Ptes. Marsh, Brand and Jenkins, who after the beating of Retreat by the Corps of Drums, which Section drill and coming into action off the carriers was of the Battalion’s training. Through this smoke the they did with their usual efficiency. After the parade all taking a quick look at us volunteered on the spot. Let the theme for the afternoon as a warming up for the M.O. was observed distributing ear plugs to casualties us have some more like that, please. those who took part had tea in the T.A. Centre. shoot next day. After tea a remarkable change came and the caretaker informed us indignantly that several over every man: trousers pressed and brasses shining of his rabbits had had kittens. Signal Platoon “ C ” COMPANY they set out to find their individual relaxation. Some On the day, however, in spite of the diligent I.A. of The chaos in reorganisation of premises has left us a Training night for “ C ” Company has now been like drinking, some like dancing, but most combine the Sgts. Simmonds and Laroche, the results were less little harassed through lack of space, but the Signals changed to Monday evenings, thereby giving us greater two, and Sgt. Marshall nearly drove the landlord of the striking, but we derived comfort from the kindly have, nevertheless, been getting through the masses of space for our various activities, although we miss seeing inn white w ith worry by singing his head off in spite of a assurances of several old machine-gunners present, new equipment that fill our now noticeably small store friends in other companies. We are progressing quite notice saying no singing allowed here. Needless to say, including the former Colonel of the Regiment, that the and carry ing on in their inimitable style. well with our winter programme, and the attendance the rest of the lads backed him up with some rousing blank-firing attachment had never been known to work Much has taken place since camp and the introduction should increase even more as everyone gets accustomed choruses. satisfactorily in the Regular battalions! of the new wireless set No. 62 has entailed much extra to the changed training evening. Sunday morning we were on the range bright and Now, with prospects of a steady reinforcement of work. The ever-changing R.T. procedure has again On the last week-end in August the Company, plus early, but the low ground w’as shrouded in mist, which N.S. machine-gunners, we are looking forwrard op­ taken a new twist and all are now busy learning the the “ casuals ” of other companies, shot the annual held up firing until 11 o’clock. The senior N.C.O.s had timistically to a winter that holds, we hope, no problems “ ins and outs ” with the aid of an up-to-date pamphlet. classification course at Pirbright. The standard of some good practice at fire control and the Officer IC for us which cannot be solved by slide-rule and range An all-day Sunday exercise is being planned shortly so shooting did not, unfortunately, compare with the Mortars, Lt. Reed, was astounded to see the bombs table. that all can practise the new procedure on the No. 62 set. apparent enthusiasm for the event, but happily one bursting where they should. Sgt. Bawden was all for The Platoon joins in congratulating L/Cpl. Pope on or two members of the Company obtained unexpectedly 10 rounds rapid fire, while Sgt. Payne kept to a sedate Anti-Tank Platoon his forthcoming marriage in December this year. high scores. Being constantly treated to “ Empire two rounds mortar fire. The great thing was the bombs The outstanding event since camp has been the Day ” displays with the “ wash-out ” flags creates any­ went where we meant them to go. Anti-Tank weekend at Lulworth at the end of Sep­ SERGEANTS’ MESS thing but a feeling of satisfaction, so we shall be spending The training finished at 1330 hrs. with us doing an tember. This was a combined effort with the London Since the last issue of The Die-Hards we have been as much time as possible on the miniature range in the Errol Flynn act, chasing down the range to beat out a Scottish. The results, on the whole, were good con­ in the unfortunate position of being unable to hold any hope of considerably improving the position. bracken fire which was gaining a nasty hold. After sidering that it was the first time that most of the social functions, as the builders have been in possession We have heard with regret that we are to lose C.S.M. dinner all equipment was given a good cleaning and well Platoon had fired at moving targets. The camp was of the Drill Hall. However, the piles of bricks, cement, Burrell (our “Alf ” to his contemporaries!!) shortly on oiled up, the camp stores were checked off and handed attended by two officers, two N.C.O.s and seven other etc., and the scaffolding are beginning to disappear and his release to the rigours of civilian life. If his successor over, and we returned home to Civvy Street and the ranks, among them being three N.S. men, who we hope we shortly hope to inaugurate a programme of social is as efficient and popular we shall not have any cause to grind of another week more efficient and cheerful to see again soon. functions in new and pleasant surroundings. We then complain. Anyway, our very best wishes to him when mortarmen. Last month we bade farewell to one of our original hope to be able to entertain other Sergeants’ Messes of he does begin his new way of life. We are also sorry to members, L/Cpl. Langton, but we hope to see him the Regiment, to whom, in the meantime, we send our lose Sgt. King, who, as well as being one of the oldest M.M.G. Platoon occasionally. In his place we would like to welcome three very best wishes. members of the Company, was one of the finest “ shots” On our return to civilisation from the windswept in the Battalion. He is probably joining a parachute North we promptly settled down to “ checking the kit,” battalion of the T.A. and we wish him the best of luck. a lengthy fatigue, well known to all machine-gunners, who soon realise that the inventors (anxious, no doubt, “ S ” COMPANY to create a new military record) included in it more Since the last notes our activities have been spasmodic, miscellaneous spare parts than have been allotted to any but when reviewed indicate that the platoons of “ S ” other weapon in the history of war. (The agreeable Company are very much alive and kicking. advantage this gives us to blind the rest of the Battalion A demonstration held in support of “ D ” Company’s with science is, unfortunately, quite outweighed by the Enfield T.A. Day was a great success, although the numerous opportunities it provides for “ misunder­ 3-in. mortar bomb landed slightly too close for some of standings ” with the Quartermaster.) So when, after the spectators and the Adjutant was obviously trying to camp, the Battalion declared a month’s holiday the remember the relevant terms of his insurance policies. machine-gunners (particularly the hard-working Sgt. The Anti-Tank Platoon and 3-in. Mortar Platoon Laroche) at first remained behind in the stores, searching have both held successful training weekends at Pir­ desperately—and in the end successfully—through the bright, so successful that both Platoon Commanders pages of their ledgers. now want barrels inspected. The holiday done, we reassembled, reopened our Congratulations to Sgt. Brooks on his excellent per­ pamphlets and turned to the next page. This led to formance in the Kolar Cup, also to Capts. R. G. Garrett summits untrodden in the Battalion since the war and and R. J. Leighton on their promotion. seemed an admirable excuse for a series of excursions on to the roofs of the unfinished buildings of the T.A. Mortar Platoon Centre, where, scrambling perilously in the evening Of the usual review regarding the Mortar Platoon sunlight, the Platoon solved problems peculiar to activities during the last three months, notes are set out machine-gunnery, thus with a masterly economy of below giving a typical weekend at Pirbright, where time and effort developing nerve, brain, physical training in driving, mortar drill and firing took place. efficiency and a number of allied military qualities During the weekend October 11-12 the Platoon was simultaneously. at Pirbright Camp and managed to get some useful The evening sun, however, did not last. Being training on mortar drill, driving and live firing. scheduled to give a demonstration of blank-firing on All ranks spent Saturday morning on the driving area Enfield T.A. Day, we found that we had no alternative and the carriers came through the ordeal still in service­ but to rehearse the event “ wet-shod ” in the Drill Hal!. able condition, much to the relief of the M.T.O., Lt. The effect, as can be imagined, was more than usually 2 7th BATTALION ANNUAL DINNER, 1952 farcU 258 Jke 2>i 2 k - ^JJardi 25 9 nth PARACHUTE BATTALION throughout this period and he will be greatly missed. Congratulations to Sgt. Beale on the award of his Long 595 L.A.A./S.L. REGIMENT, R.A. We had two very enjoyable engagements during the (Middlesex) T.A. Service and Good Conduct Medal. Cpl. Allen, late of summer, both at Mill Hill. “ C ” Company, has written to say that he is am­ (9th Bn. The Middlesex Regiment, D.C.O.) T.A. At our first we play'ed on the second day of the The main Battalion activities since our last notes have munition Corporal of the 15th N.S.T.B. in the Aus­ Regimental Cricket Week and, apart from a certain As I sit down to my task of editing our contribution been concerned with camp, Exercise “ Spearhead ” in tralian Army and is enjoying himself, but wants to get pride in being asked to do this at short notice, we also to The Die-Hards for the next issue I realise autumn Germany and the preparation for both. A proposed back to parachuting again. He also sent news of Harry shared the pleasure of the few in seeing the first win of has already tinted the countryside with a tinge of bronze drop and assault on Lakenheath airfield in early October Shuttleworth, who is well, and Pete Ashman, both late the Regimental Cricket Week and the fine batting of the was unfortunately cancelled at the last minute, as the and yellow and leaves are falling softly to the ground to two colonels, Col. Qrmiston and Col. Unwin. (In­ of “ C ” Company. Ashman has just spent 12 months form a soft bed of wilting colours. American aircraft could not come. in Korea, which he says was no picnic. He is now- cidentally, Mr. Editor, I do not think the Band of the Yes, autumn heralds the coming of the long evenings, Annual training was spent at Stanford P.T.A., married to a Melbourne police sergeant’s daughter. East Surrey's could report much on this match.) promoting thoughts of cosy bars, dart boards and the Norfolk. From the outset the Battalion was split into Capt. Barber, Lt. Poulter, Cpl. Jarrett and Pte. There are still vacancies for the following instru­ like. Here at one of the most modern T.A. Centres in two parties. One party, a composite rifle company, Powell-Price have all been picked to play in 16th Air­ mentalists to enlist: Comets (2), clarinets (2), trombone the county long evenings are evidently being looked with Signals, 3-in. Mortar and M.M.G. detachments, borne Division rugger side and we hope to see more (tenor), trombone (bass), bass (bombardon) and bass forward to with much pleasure by officers and other trained separately and went to Germany for Exercise nth Battalion representatives playing soon. (BB). Bandmaster Turner will be pleased to welcome ranks alike and club nights with such activities as “ Spearhead II ” for the second week of camp. The Cpl. Home, late of 1st Parachute Battalion, a member those over 20 and under 56 years of age any Sunday badminton, .22 rifle competitions and darts are already remainder of the Battalion stayed at home. It consisted of their boxing team which fought us in 1950, was morning at the Drill Hall, Honeypot Lane, Kingsbury. showing signs of bursting back into full life. (For your mainly of “ H.Q.” Company drivers and administrative Sergeants’ Mess caterer at camp and we hope that soon N.W.9, for rehearsal and audition. information, Mr. Editor, those very fine photographs personnel. The residue of the rifle companies and he will be joining “ C ” Company as a Territorial. on pages 58 to 60 of the illustrated Middlesex brochure “ S ” Company either trained as specialists with No. Our Brigade supplied a Battalion group to carry out a “ P ” BATTERY are not N.A.A.F.I. club rooms, as might be thought, 10 Parachute Battalion, T.A., or did infantry training parachute assault on Exercise “ Spearhead II,” a appearing, as they do, under th^ caption “ Service The Battery' is steadily growing in strength, mainly as another composite company. The “ residue ” set B.A.O.R. exercise between 6th and nth Armoured Overseas” ; they are life photographs taken of club due to the intake of N.S. men, but of those posted to the about their camp chores and training with all the usual Divisions, nth Battalion found eight officers and 150 activities in this H.Q.) Battery 50 per cent, have volunteered to do the normal zeal and enthusiasm (and grumbles) common to Terri­ other ranks. The C.O. was selected to command the For those devoted to the more strenuous sport, T.A. commitments as opposed to their compulsory- torials. Special mention must be made here of our single force, Major Boys to be 2 IC and Mr. Pestell to be football talk is in the air again. training. “ Z ” Reservist, Padre Kenworthy, who made a great R.S.M. Yes, the spirit of a regiment finds satisfaction and With these increased numbers it has been possible to impression in the Battalion and by the end of a fortnight Most of us realised for the first time the terrific wholesome inter-battery competition during the Ion dispense with combined Regimental training and the might have been with us all his life. We hope he will be preparation required to mount an airborne operation, evenings. Battery training now takes place on Wednesday evenings. “ volunteering ” soon. We also had our quota of N.S. especially when one is equipped at T.A. scales. Despite There is also an awakening after a brief summer At camp earlier this year resources were strained men non-volunteers. this work, the whole force put in a lot of training, in­ recess in our training activities. Summer camp dates somewhat with the large influx of “ Z ” men and the This was our first camp with any great number of cluding a full-scale rehearsal, before emplaning on for 1953 have now been announced and already a fact that the O.C., Major Buckland-Nicks, was confined non-volunteers and we wondered a little what sort of August 24, 1952, in 16 American C 119 aircraft. Four training policy is being implemented for a steady with mumps from the first training day. It is thought form would be shown. We need not have worried; more aircraft were used for the heavy drop, which programme of training with the guns and S.L.s. Stiffkey he had a better camp than anyone else, as he was re­ they came up to scratch by and large, well up to scratch. comprised four jeeps and six trailers. Practice Camp, 10 months ahead, seems a long way off, moved to the NavaL Hospital, Plymouth, and the nurses So, presumably, did nth Parachute Battalion, T.A., After a three and a half hour flight the force dropped but work starts during the winter evenings. there “ left nothing to be desired.” judging by the high percentage of volunteers now. square on the DZ to find it occupied by the enemy. Batteries are now sufficiently strong and with good At the inter-battery competition at camp we were not Camp started well with an aircraft jump, almost on There had been a breach of security in B.A.O.R. and attendance on weeknight and day training, so that very successful and lost both the Devereaux Cup for the arrival, on East Wretham airfield, near the camp. the enemy had reacted accordingly. Although the whole junior officers and sergeants are able to command their best lines and the Challenge Cup for best main camp Much training was done and a great deal of recrea­ force got to the R.V. in double time, the umpires ad­ troops. Present strength is three gun or S.L. detach­ guard to “ Q ” Battery'. Only by a few, it is true; a tional transport unloaded the troops in Norwich and judged us “ wiped out.” We w'ere then put in Divisional ments per troop, and there is some fine material and little more effort and success would have been ours. Bury St. Edmunds every night. The middle weekend reserve and finally took part in a night attack in support potential N.C.O.s amongst the N.S. volunteers. Yes, At the Regimental Rifle Meeting we still showed of camp saw the Battalion taking part in an exercise in of the break-out. All reports on this manoeuvre were we firmly believe that in the new set-up of the Terri­ R.H.Q. and “ Q ” Battery the way to the butts. Con­ Great Yarmouth, based on the T.A. Centre of an A.A. highly complimentary. torial Army “ the best is yet to be.” gratulations, rifle and bren teams, on winning the inter­ unit, R.A., who accommodated us for two nights. We were flown back to England on conclusion of the battery team trophies and to Capt. Harris on becoming The “ residue ” then returned, refreshed (?) to East exercise and, although rather disappointed in being the Regimental rifle champion and winning for the Wretham and set about the next week’s training with “ umpired out ” in the landing and being rather inactive REGIMENTAL H.Q. second year in succession the Officers’ Bowl presented renewed vigour. The battle of Bodney Lodge, consist­ afterwards, there is no doubt we all gained in valuable Life here is never dull and one can always find reward by Lt.-Col. Harris; also to Sgt. Griffiths for winning the ing of patrol actions during the night and a dawn experience in the planning and preparation of the for hours of patient slogging at the paper war which W.O.s’ and Sergeants’ Rifle Challenge Cup and the assault spectacularly supported by R.A.F. Meteor jets, operation and the jump itself, the biggest since the war, higher authority never fail to provide if at the finish we Individual Bren Trophy. was one of the highlights. This was followed by the w'as highly successful. can make life for the more«active member of the Regi­ third and last field firing exercise, Frog Hill, on the last Major Boys had the pleasure of parachuting into ment a little easier or better organised. (Blue pencil, “ Q ” BA TTERY Thursday. This was distinguished by the great per­ Germany on his birthday and Capt. Lee did his first Mr. Editor, if you think R.H.Q. are shooting another formance of the “ Housekeepers ’ ” platoon, cooks, jump for five years. On the return flight an engine of This year we again had our annual practice camp at line.) We welcome the following to R.H.Q. from Bude in Cornwall and, unlike other post-war years, our drivers, policemen, Sergeants’ Mess waiters, batmen, one aircraft became “ dis ” and there was a great flurry National Service: etc., who turned out to swell the numbers. to get into “ panic stations,” as one soldier described it. numbers were good. The Battery strength was about Cfmn. J. H. Brooks, Cfmn. J. J. Collins, Gnr. E. S. 200, with more than 50 per cent, of the number " Z ” Capt. Jim Stone, the Q.M., was, regrettably, too However, all was well in the end. Clark, Cfmn. J. J. Corcoran, Gnr. J. Jefferys, Cfmn. Reservists. What a grand crowd they proved themselves busy with a mountain of “ Spearhead II ” stores to The mortar and M.M.G. detachments did veiy well P. M. Russell, Gnr. H. Whittam and Gnr. P. Yates. to be and how soon they put behind the post-war >rears appear, but Lt. Latham was a successful understudy. both -on the jump when they parachuted with these We must bid farewell in these notes to our last heavy weapons strapped to their legs and also on the as civilians. Our Battery won both the lines and guard The Band mounting competitions and our congratulations go to all foundation member P.S.I., C.S.M. “ Dolly” Grey. He night attack, when they did a long carry of nearly 10 Good news. The strength of our Band increases those who worked so hard to make these conquests joined us in April, 1947» and has been P.S.I. at H.Q. miles. The Signals also were in great form and com­ steadily; all those joining so far are first-class musicians. possible. ever since. His enthusiasm, administrative efficiency munications worked 100 per cent, throughout the We welcome the following bandsmen: Gnrs. A. G. and personality have been a great asset to the Battalion exercise. The paper strength of our three troops is increasing Stewart, J. A. Ryan and F. E. Day'. rapidly and we do hope that more of the N.S. men will 2 6 0 O L 2 ), ran Z)L 2>¿ J J a r d i 2 6 / volunteer with us for service in the Territorial Army. us; in fact, rain not only stopped play, it nearly finished Sgt. L. Biddlecombe at 56 Finchley Lane, Hendon, Batteries are functioning more and more as self- The response for volunteers has been quite fair, but the play, but, as we had a large number of guests, in be­ N.W.4, for a match we shall be pleased to take them on. contained sub-units and we now see them for the first more we have the better we shall become. tween we decided to try and have a game. 571 batted time holding their own respective training days. We have had some outstandingly fine achievements first and were dismissed for 52. We batted before lunch REGIMENTAL RIFLE MEETING During the weekend September 27-28 the Regiment from members of the Battery, especially during the and again after and finally, with our score at 118 for held its annual Rifle Meeting at Purfleet, which, although summer, when we were represented at the Territorial three wickets, and the stumps nearly floating down the The annual Regimental Rifle Meeting was held in the latter stages the weather could have been more Army Association Championships Sports at Aldershot. pitch, we retrieved them and called off the game, honour during the weekend September 27-28 at Purfleet. The kind, proved very successful. This has already been written up in an earlier issue, having been vindicated. Regiment were very pleased to have with them 18 but again we must mention the names of Gnrs. Linton, Many of our guests braved the elements and joined members of 9th Battalion O.C.A., who came down as Perkins and Page. Our greatest success, however, was us for lunch. It was good to see many old faces, among usual for the weekend and acted as butt markers. Congratulations at the local Queensbury and District Sports, when we them Col. Beech, Col. and Mrs. Fox and Major and We believe, by the number of crates that disappeared As a whole, we, members of our Mess, offer con­ came away with numerous prizes. As so many of our Mrs. Neal. in the direction of the butts, they enjoyed themselves. gratulations to the following: athletes are N.S. men, it is anticipated that we shall do Our Band also turned up and, as usual, gave us two The meeting generally was a great success and keen To Sgt. and Mrs. Biddlecombe on the birth of a even better in the forthcoming season. Congratulations hours of delightful music. What an asset a military’ rivalry shown throughout, particularly in the firing of daughter (Stephanie) on October 3, 1952. 6£ lb. at to 2/Lt. K. Dennis, who until recently was Sgt. K. band can be, particularly on a wet afternoon. Next the final practice at 300 yards for the Regimental birth. Dennis, on his passing through O.C.T.U. and being year we hope to have our club functioning really well champion shot, when Capt. Harris, becoming champion To Sgt. Griffiths on winning the highest score Rifle granted a Territorial Army commission. He has now and would welcome a game with 7th Battalion The for the second year, was challenged strongly and only Cup, which is awarded annually to the member of the been posted from us to “ P ” Battery, and he takes Middlesex Regiment or nth Airborne Regiment. won by three points, scoring a victory over the Adjutant. Mess with the highest aggregate score. The R.S.M. with him our very best wishes. This posting, incident­ A much improved standard of shooting wras evident is also to be congratulated as runner-up. ally, together with that of an earlier one, Capt. S. Football in all directions, showing that the new members of the To all members of the O.C.A. on coming to Purfleet Robertson, halves our number of “ schoolmasters.” Last year, on October 28, in the first round of the “ old 9th ” still have a love for the “ infantryman’s once again and helping to make the meeting a success. (Noted by R.H.Q., and we will post you a few of our T.A. Challenge Cup we blunted the Sharpshooters’ friend.” To R.S.M. Hunt on his being authorised to wear the many R.A.E.C. sergeants as soon as possible.) attack and won 2— 1. In the second round the nth Particularly good wras the shooting of the Cadets, and ribbon of the L.S. and G.C. Medal. We were delighted to welcome into the Battery Capt. Airborne Regiment proved a tougher proposition, for congratulations go to Cadet J. Pemberton on winning To 2/Lt. Dennis on his promotion to commissioned J. Doyle, as many of us served alongside him throughout after 10 minutes’ play we were three goals down. But the Cadet Challenge Cup. Some of the older members rank and remaining with the Regiment. As a member the war in this Regiment, when it was known as 126 the old “ Shiny 9th ” came back and scores were level of the Regiment were particularly impressed with his of the Sergeants’ Mess he was held in the highest L.A.A. Regiment, R.A. He was recently appointed by half-time. We eventually lost by 7—5 after fighting handling of the rifle. esteem and without doubt the Officers’ Mess gain is our headmaster of one of the newest schools in London, all the way. The Honorary Colonel, Col. J. N. Lamont, M.C., loss. But we join hands in saying farewell and the very which was officially opened in July of this year. Capt. While playing in this team I could not help but T.D., D.L., w'as once again a most welcome visitor to best of good luck. Doyle was then transferred to us from a Midland regi­ think of another 9th Battalion Regiment team away back the meeting and many of the younger members of the We say welcome to 7589850 W.O.2 J. L. Stewart, ment. Their loss is our gain. in 1930-31 season and onwards to 1936-37. This must Regiment found themselves talking freely to an interested R.E.M.E., who joins us w.e.f. September 1, 1952, and surely have been the finest team the “ Shiners ” ever listener about their N.S. days on active service in Korea who, because he has been welcome here for some time SPORT produced. Undisputed Brigade champions, Divisional and Malaya. past, will find himself among friends. C ricket champions for four years and T.A. Cup semi-finalists, When the time came for the presentation of prizes In the social and games direction we held a very As the first step towards having a Regimental cricket besides Hammersmith League runners-up, and cham­ Col. Lamont, with many interesting little pieces of side successful social evening on Sunday September 21, club we decided this year to have two one-day Sunday pions in consecutive years. talk, presented the trophies to the following members which was very well attended. Incidentally, it was matches, our venue, as for football, being the Depot Old “ Die-Hards ” will probably remember the of the Regiment: during this particular evening that a certain Old Com­ ground, by the kindness of the C.O., and we are grateful names L/Cpl. Thompson, Pte. Renyard, Cpl. Major, P r iz e - w i n n e r s rade was several times heard to remark the following indeed, with the shortage of sports fields in the county, Pte. MacDonald and yours truly Pte. Brown, Pte. Sholl Cup (Inter-Battery Rifle).—“ P ” Battery. unforgettable words, “ That’s not the way we did it at to always have this courtesy shown whenever we require Aredale, Sgt. Bateman, Drm. Smith, Pte. Boston, Passingham Cup (Inter-Battery Bren).—“ P ” Battery.” Pound Lane.” the ground for cricket or football. L/Cpl. Lake and Drm. Barnett. Surely a formidable British Legion Challenge Cup (Champion Bren)).— Gnr. K. Six Mess members attended the Regimental staff A most noticeable improvement was to be seen in our combination whose fighting spirit, I thought, was only Anderson (“ P ”). outing of 1952. This took the form of a trip down the cricket at camp last year and proves that our Sundays matched by that of the 595 team beaten by nth Air­ Thurston Cup (Champion Cadet).—Cadet J. Pemberton. river to Southend in the steamer The Queen of the at the nets at Kingsbury were not wasted. (Never borne. Danocks Cup (Best Bombardier and below).— Cpl. A. Windows Channel. With the bar always handy, a very interesting mind now what our wives had to say.) As you read this article we shall have played several (- Q ”)• and pleasant day was spent by all. Challenge Cup (qth Battalion Sergeants' Mess) (Best Senior N.C.O .).— The first game, on Sunday, August 15, was played Challenge Cup matches and I hope in the next edition Sgt. J. Griffiths (“ P ”). The Mess is well represented in all sports and games against the British Wax Paper Co., who very kindly gave to have some good news'. We have had quite a flow of Harris Bowl (Best Officer).—Capt. P. H. Harris (“ P ”). and as just one of these our Regimental badminton team us a fixture almost at the last moment, when 484 H.A.A. good young blood come into our Regiment and amongst Harr mo Rifles Challenge Cup (Regimental Champion Shot).— Capt. is inundated with stripes and crowns. Regiment had to cancel their match owing to difficulties them are some first-class footballers. So maybe, if P. H. Harris (“ P ”). It is training well and we are all looking forward in raising a team. We were at least blessed with a fine not this year, the next year the “ Shiny 9th ” will be on Pewter Mug (Best Old Comrade).—Mr. R. Campkin. to an interesting season. Our vice-captain, Mrs. R. sunny day and the Regiment, winning the toss, elected top again. Harrow Rifles Recruits' Cup (Champion Recruit).— L/Bdr. C Leete (“ Q ”). Hughes, has to be seen in action to be believed. to bat, but catastrophe—three wickets fell for four runs. We have had some very interesting darts matches this The wicket was certainly wet and sticky and the ball Badm inton season, the last One taking place on Friday, October 3, performed some amazing tricks. Col. Dear and Capt. Once again the badminton season is here (shuttlecock SERGEANTS’ MESS versus Hendon Club. We won and both teams enjoyed Hughes stopped the rot and we topped 78 before our to the ignorant). We held our first meeting on Sep­ Since writing our article for The Die-Hards for the it to the full. We are now looking forward to Friday, last wicket fell. Good bowling by Sgt. Mitchell helped tember 21 and with a dozen “ bods ” in attendance it quarter ending September, 1952, much useful w'ork and October 10, when we are playing the Old Comrades’ to dismiss what seemed to be stiff opposition for 58 was a great success. We welcome Mrs. Joan Hughes, training has taken place. The Regiment has run very Association. runs. A good second innings by Bdr. Oakley, 34 not wife of our B.S.M. R. Hughes, as a playing member, successful No. 1 courses on our equipment, guns and Our Mess is at present having soft lighting fitted. out, with four really classy sixes (did somebody say or is it to watch him? Also Monica Brooks serving a S.L.s, of which we are about to see the real value, for It has been refurnished and is about to be redecorated. rather rustic hitting?) gave us a good lead and we fair service and a keen eye to Cadet Sgt. “ Paddy ’ now, as we enter the individual training period for When completed we intend having a house-warming just made home before the stumps were drawn. Ryan instead of tea to him in the Cadet canteen. We practice camp, 1953, Nos. 1 will have the opportunity, party, to which Sergeants’ Messes of surrounding units At our second match on September 7 v. 571 L.A.A./ are of medium strength and if 7th Middlesex or nth on Battery training days, of passing on their knowledge will most certainly be invited. S.L. Regiment from Edgware our fine weather deserted Airborne fancy their chances and would care to contact and value of experience to the young N.S. men. For the convenience of the uninitiated, the “ Magg’s ” 2 6 2 O L 2 b i hrdi ZJke 2bie --Jda rdi 2 6 3 clock is about to be moved for the fourth time. It and w-as posted to the 5th Battalion Militia. After 12 returns, without backboard, to its favourite position months’ service w'ith the 2nd Battalion, Lincoln Regi­ over the bar. ment, with whom he served until 1905, he was afterwards This article will be concluded on a festival note— transferred to the 2nd Battalion, Essex Regiment. Christmas festivities, to which we are all looking forward, In 1914, he was Lieutenant in the celebrated “ D ” and about which w’e shall give our readers a detailed Company, which covered itself with glory at Obourg. report in The Die-Hards issue of March, 1953. This Company was commanded by Major Glass. Famous last words: “ How did we do it last year?” I will allow’ myself to remind you of the figures quoted by Lt.-Col. T. S. Wollocombe in his speech on September 9, 1951: “ The 4th Battalion lost on 33rd Middlesex (Independent) August 23, 15 officers and 453 N.C.O.s and men.” The Lt. L. H. Owen Josephs was taken prisoner. Cadet Battery, R.A. After his repatriation, this brave officer was posted to (Affiliated Cadet Battery) the War Office, where he served until 1922. He partici­ pated also in the Second World War. Your parent Regiment congratulates the following It is very respectfully that w’e honour him at this young gunners: moment. Cadet B.S.M. Ryan on his w’ell-earned promotion and hope the next six months before he goes for National Major Glass, who is actually 80 years old, should Service will be of much benefit to him and his battery. have come to Obourg to-day, but he is seriously ill Cadet L. Pemberton on winning the Cadet Rifle and has ceded, with regret, his authority to Major Challenge Cup. Well done! L. H. Owen Josephs. The Cadet drill squad, under Lt. Honey, on winning British Ladies and Gentlemen, the Communale West Area Drill Competition. Well done, and we hope Administration of Obourg, assisted by the Memorial to print success in the County Drill Competition in the Committee, gives you the assurance that each year the next issue. same ceremony of gratitude w'ill take place. It is with We express sympathy w’ith Capt. F. Smith, O.C. joy that we shall w’elcome, each time, the Old Contemp­ 33rd Middlesex (Independent) Cadet Battery, R.A., tibles of the 4th Battalion, Middlesex Regiment, their on his long illness and wish him speedy and complete wives and their children. We count on you coming, recovery and hope to see him back at Kingsbury before more numerous, if possible, in order to perpetuate the Christmas. heroic conduct of the Old Contemptibles of 1914 and in particular the “ unknown hero ” of “ D ” Company, who assured, alone, the retreat of his brothers-in-arms, Obourg Welcomes before paying the supreme sacrifice. the 4th Battalion Delegation I ask you to raise your glasses and drink to the “ toast ” of the “ 4th Middlesex.” Lord Latham and the Trunley family The following is a translation of the Bourgomaster’s Viva Belgium! Viva the King! Viva Great Britain and her Queen! speech at the Reception at the Town Hall, Obourg, B y permission of the Editor, “ Enfield Gazette ” Belgium, of the delegation of the 4th Battalion The Viva the 4th Middlesex Regiment! Gerald Beach, J.P., and “ Sergeant ” Ernie Killick, a Middlesex Regiment on August 24, 1952: * # # Lord Latham drops in to chat resident, Lord Latham admired the well-kept gardens Sir, Chief of the British Delegation, and asked after the domestic comfort of the w’ar veterans’ Monsieur le Bourgmestre, Ladies and Gentlemen, Gentlemen, the “ Old Contemptibles,” with the “ Die-Hards” families. It would be difficult for me to express our thanks “ It’s wonderful,” was his frequent tribute to the pride Ladies, Gentlemen, dear comrades, Informal Visit to Albuhera Close, not only for the wonderful hospitality to w’hich you taken indoors and outdoors alike. A little less than a year ago, we had the joy and the September, 20, 1952 honour to receive, for the first time officially, within are rightly noted, and which in England is generally When Lord Latham stepped into the home of Joe our w'alls, a delegation of ex-servicemen of the 4th known, but also for the very kind help w’hich has Answering the gentle rat-tat at the doors of their and Elizabeth Trunley, he was quick to spot a cake Battalion, Middlesex Regiment, under the leadership made it so pleasantly easy for us to visit the battlefields trim, sun-splashed three-bedroom homes in Albuhera decked with six candles. of Lt.-Col. T. S. Wollocombe; the delegation had come of August, 1914, w’here w’e fought, and to inspect all Close—so called after the famous battle of that name— “ Where’s your daughter ? ” he queried with a smile. for the inauguration of the Memorial which we have the treasures of Mons. disabled former members of the Middlesex Regiment I should like to wish her many happy returns of the and their w'ives and children found the caller to be Lord flowered and honoured a short while ago. I would especially wish to thank Monsieur le Bourg­ day.” Latham, J.P., Lord Lieutenant of the County. A trifle shy, fair, blue-eved Janice was introduced. In my position as first Magistrate of the Commune mestre and all those gentlemen who have been to us It was the first anniversary of his opening of the And so in his chats with Chas. Baldry (75, upright, of Obourg, I am very happy to receive you in our such charming hosts and knowledgeable guides. I can £35,000 block of 20 houses erected at Lavender Hill one-time Sergt.), “ Shiner ” Sheffield (“ he’s always Hotel de Ville and I wish you all a very cordial welcome. assure you we are most appreciative and shall not forget such kindness and such hospitality. as a memorial to the soldiers of the Regiment who lost shining things ” ), Les Bull (about to paper the Among the members of the delegation of the 4th their lives in the Second World WTar. Your very kind assurance that we shall be welcome w’alls because he and his wife do not like distemper), Battalion, Middlesex Regiment, who have come to Lord Latham had not forgotten the “ Die-Hards ” ; each year is received by us with gratitude.^ Sid Saunders (legless) and the rest of this community render homage on this place of hard battles, I wish to these w'ere “ remembered men,” and he had come to of comrades, Lord Latham talked informally. I will now' ask the members of the 4th Middlesex pay my respects to Major L. H. Owen Josephs, who Enfield out of respect for the Fallen and to see howr the It was while drinking tea made by Mrs. Alice Killick Regiment to drink to the health of the Bourgomaster is present. survivors, though handicapped, were getting on after a that Lord Latham, seated comfortably on a settee, told Ladies, Gentlemen, and to those gentlemen who have made our visit so year in their new’ homes and gardens rented at five the “ Gazette ” : This superior officer, who has well merited the name memorable. shillings a week plus rates. I have been very encouraged. Albuhera Close is of “ Die-hard,” received his commission in May, 1903, Long live Belgium! God Save the King! Accompanied by Col. Maurice Browne, M.C., Col. settling down into a very happy community. A spirit 2 Le LLÒi-e -2 'Ja rd i 2 6 5 264 Z )L 2 ) ie - —Jda r dò

Subscriptions. A sum of $1,195 has been received from the Ju ly Band President, 1st Battalion, part proceeds of a band concert of good neighbourliness seems to pervade everywhere. 29, 1952 Births given by the combined bands of the Argyll and Sutherland “ Yes, the estate is really very pleasant and colourful, Dennis Dumper (423741) to be 2/Lieutenant June 10, PEAL.—On October 6, at the Yeatman Hospital, Highlanders and the 1st Battalion to assist their Regimental Associations. . with many a fine job of gardening. . 1952. Sherborne, to Pamela (nee Pedley), wife of Major The exact amount in sterling will not be known for some “ I have been pleased indeed to chat with many of August 8, 1952 Adrian Peal (late Middlesex Regiment), a brother for weeks, as the cheque is drawn on the Kowloon Cricket Club the residents and their families, who showed me that The undermentioned cadets to be 2/Lieutenants Anthony. (Daily Telegraph, October 9, 1952-) Account. 3. Finance Committee's Report. The Finance Committee’s report, they were happy and comfortable. June 7, 1952: having been circulated with the Agenda, was explained to the 22593019 Michael John Mitchell (423044). P1ELOW.—On September 9, at the Military Families’ “ It is a great recompense, I feel, for those who Hospital, Woolwich, to Ann (nee Powe), wife of Committee by Col. Beach in the absence of Lt.-Col. Fox. promoted these homes in commemoration of members 22586418 Thomas Martin Howe Wollocombe Details of the report are as follows: Capt. B. A. M. Pielow, The Middlesex Regiment (a) Grants. The amounts expended on grants during the of the Regiment who gave their lives to the country. (423050). quarter were as under: 2/Lt. (a/Lt.) F. J. Willmer (409912) from T.A. (D.C.O.), a son (Simon Mark Benjamin). £ s. d. The Regiment served us and we are glad to serve them.” Association Charitable Fund .. .. 3 5 ° 8 1 Lord Latham paused, and added: “ The children National Service List to be 2/Lieutenant (acting Renny Fund . . • ■ • • i ° 7 18 6 Lieutenant) April 17, 1952, retaining his present Deaths are bonny and bright-eyed, and their parents have done £ 4 5 8 6 7 wonders with their gardens and homes.” seniority. JOHNSTON.—We regret to announce the death of That’s the sort of afternoon it was—simple and con­ August 12, 1952 Col. W. H. H. Johnston, D.S.O., M.C. During the Total authorised by Committee, £600. 2/Lt. P. J. T. Lane (412286) is granted the acting The Committee recommend that the Secretary be authorised cerned with the everyday things that matter so much 1914-18 war he took over command of the nth to expend a sum not exceeding £600 for the quarters ending in life. rank of Lieutenant February 21, 1952. Battalion from the late Col. H. P. Osborne. He September 30, 1952, and December 31, 1952. to assist necessitous The undermentioned 2/Lieutenants are granted the cases. originally served in the Dorset Regiment. Joined (b) Memorial Fund. Mr. H. A. B. Claypole has been instructed acting ranks of Lieutenant: the Royal Fusiliers in 1914 and came to our Regiment to check and revise as necessary the maintenance account on an R. Brown (412296), April 10, 1952. 1939-45 income and expenditure account basis. Extracts from “ London Gazette” to command the n th Battalion. During the (c) Investment Changes. The following purchases and sales of A. W. Ramsay (412276), April 24, 1952. war he commanded No. 8 Sector The Home Guard. investments have been effected: June 10, 1952 M. D. C. Watkins (413851), August 12, 1952. Association Charitable Fund CAM PBELL.—We also announce with deep regret the The Queen has been graciously pleased to confer the George Benjamin Wallis (3954IO) (late A. Cdt. F.) Sell £4,958 19s. 2d. 3% Funding Stock, 1959-69. award of the Territorial Efficiency Decoration upon the death of Col. Hugh Campbell, D.S.O., O.B.E., T.D., Reinvest in 3% British Electric 7 4 -7 7 - to be 2/Lieutenant July 13, 1952, with seniority April 1, Renny Fund following officer: in September. Col. Campbell has been a member S e ll £564 18s. 2d. 3% Funding Stock, 1959-69, and 1950. ... of our Officers’ Club for many years and was Honorary £2,545 15s. iod. 3% Savings Bonds, 19SS-6S- Capt. R. S. Hughes (93093). Lt. H. Austin (333462) relinquishes his commission Reinvest in 3% British Electric, 7 4 -7 7 - Colonel of the Princess Louise Kensington Regiment. Officers' Club June 13, 1952 May 29, 1952, on enlistment in the Australian Military Sell £2,573 10s. 4d. 3% Funding Stock, 1959-69. S h o r t S e r v i c e C o m m i s s i o n Forces. DOWDALL.—We regret to announce the death of Reinvest in 3% British Electric, 7 4 -7 7 - Mr. C. A. Dowdall, M.M., on Monday, October 20, Officers' Club Charitable Fund Capt. (Q.M.) R. W. J. Smith (274022) to be Major August 22, 1952 Sell £704 «5s- 4<1. 3 % Funding Stock, 1959-69. 1952, whose burial took place at Harmondsworth, (Q.M.) June 13, 1952. The following officer is awarded the Efficiency Medal Reinvest in 3% British Electric, 74-77- Middlesex, on Saturday, October 25, 1952. He served (d) Subscriptions to Other Charities. The Committee recom­ Lt. S. H. Short, O.B.E. (280709), relinquishes his (Territorial): mends that the following subscriptions be made to other Lt. J. A. Adams (321824). in the 4th and 1 /8th Battalions and, during the 1914-18 charities: commission June 1, 1952, and is granted the hon. rank war, with the 1st and 2nd Battalions, in which he was Officers' Club Charitable Fund £ s. d. of Major. August 26, 1952 Royal School for Daughters of Officers .. 2 2 0 Capt. (Hon. Major) A. F. Procter (97588), having Battalion and Brigade runner. He joined the “ Die- Regimental Association £ s. d. Ju n e 17, 1952 exceeded the age limit of liability to recall, ceases to Hards ” Club on its formation and until his health Regular Forces Employment Association . . 50 o o Lt. I. J. L. Terndrup relinquishes his commission Royal Soldiers’ Daughters’ Homes . . 8 8 0 belong to the T.A. Reserve of Officers August 27, i 952> failed him two years ago was a regular attendant at Family Welfare Association . . 5 5 0 May 5, 1952. S.SJLF.A 10 10 o retaining the hon. rank of Major. all meetings and functions. Forces Help Society - - 10 10 o June 24, 1952 September 9, 1952 Mr. Dowdall came of a military family who have long Gordon Boys’ Home .. 2 2 0 2/Lt. A. J. Wigens (411231) is granted the acting rank Lt. R. G. Garrett (360355) is granted the rank of years of Regular service. He was gassed in the £86 15 o of Lieutenant February 28, 1952. Captain April 2, 1952. 1914-18 war and discharged on pension as medically unfit for further service; this hastened his end. Officers’ Club £ s. d. June 27, 1952 September 23, 1952 Wellington Gymkhana C lub.. .. 2 10 o Lt. J. P. Jarrett (320299) resigns his commission Lt. T. R. Condron (271938) to be Captain August n , (e) Salaries. The Committee unanimously decided to recom­ July 2, 1952. 1952. MINUTES OF A MEETING OF THE COMMITTEE OF THE mend that the salaries of the Secretary and the Secretary’s MIDDLESEX REGIMENTAL ASSOCIATION HELD AT THE assistant he increased. _ Ju ly 1, 1952 MIDDLESEX GUILDHALL, WESTMINSTER, S.W.i, ON It was proposed by Col. Weston, seconded by Lt.-Col. Green and THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 2 5 , 1 9 5 2 , AT 2 . 1 5 p.m. approved hy the Committee that the subscription to the Gordon 2/Lt. N. C. Berry (412602) is granted the acting rank The undermentioned officer Cadets from the Royal Boys’ Home be increased from £2 2s. od. to £5 5s. od. of Lieutenant May 15, 1952. Military Academy, Sandhurst, to be 2/Lieutenants Present—Lt. - Col. W. L. Roberts, O.B.E., M.C. (Chairman), The Committee considered the recommendation of the Finance Brigadier B. B. Rackham, C.B.E., M.C., D.L., Brigadier N. P. Committee that the salaries of the Secretary and Secretary's 2/Lt. N. C. Berry (412602) from Reg. Army National August 1, 1952, with seniority August 1, i 952> except Procter, C.B.E., M.C., Col. M. Browne, M.C., D.L., J.P., Col. assistant be increased, and after a long discussion it was approved as otherwise stated: G. Beach, C.B., O.B.E., T.D ., D.L., J.P., Col. G ..P . L. that a cost-of-living bonus for 1952 be made: Service List to be 2/Lieutenant March 1, 1952, with Weston, D.S.O., O.B.E., Lt.-Col. C. P. Rooke, D.S.O., Secretary: £42 (subject to tax). seniority August 26, 1950. Derek Edward Lobb (424387). Lt.-Col. T. S. Wollocombe, M.C., Lt.-Col. A. E. Green, D.S.O , Secretary’s assistant: £20 (subject to tax). 0.B.E., Lt.-Col. J. D. Robbins, O.B.E., T.D., Major H. K. The Finance Committee’s report was adopted with the above Lt. C. W. Boultwood (404675) resigns his com­ Ronald Dean Fisher (412301). Hardcastle, T.D., Major P. D. H. Marshall, Major W. D. Ellis, amendment and addition. T.D., R.S.M. P. Donovan, Major A. W. Clark, O.B L. mission February 10, 1952. September 30, 1952 4. Memorial Committee's Report. Col. Beach informed the 2/Lt. (a/Lt.) A. W. Ramsay (412276) from T.A. (Secretary). Committee that Mr. Claypole, the new Auditor, had prepared an Lt. O. E. Meadows (280690) resigns his commission Apologies for non-attendance were received from: Brigadier income and expenditure account of the Maintenance Account and April 1, 1952. National Service List to be 2/Lieutenant (acting Lieu­ E. E. F. Baker, C.B.E., D.S.O., M.C., T.D., D.L., J.P., A.D.C., Capital Fund, which would be examined by the Finance Com­ tenant) August 2, 1952, retaining his present seniority. Col. M. Crawford, D.S.O., Col. A. M. Man, D.S.O., O B.E., mittee at their next meeting and a report prepared for the Regi­ Ju ly 11, 1952 Lt.-Col. G. L. Fox, T.D., D.L., Sgt. R. A. Bullock. mental Association. He also stated that a garden competition had 2/Lt. B. St. G. A. Reed, M.C. (411732), is granted 1. M inutes. The Minutes of the last meeting having been been held on the estate and that the gardens, on the whole, were the acting rank of Lieutenant March 16, 1952. circulated were signed by the Chairman as correct. in a very flourishing condition, but it would be necessary for the Engagement 2. Secretary's Report. The Secretary’s report having been more seriously disabled occupants to have assistance. Major circulated with the Agenda was accepted by the Committee without Hardcastle agreed to approach some residents in the area of Enfield Ju ly 22, 1952 to ascertain whether they would assist the occupants with the The following officer is awarded the Efficiency Medal Major R. K. B. Allott and Miss P. Pound comment. provision of plants, etc. The engagement is announced between Major R. K. B. Details of the report are as follows: The Committee approved that the Middlesex County Council be (Territorial): Grants. During the period April 1 to August 31 the sum of approached to ascertain whether they would take over the area Lt. (Hon. Capt.) A. R. Klitz (151811). Allott, M.C., The Middlesex Regiment (D.C.O.), son £781 17s. 6d. was dispensed in assisting 138 cases. > on the north side of the estate. This area cannot be used or O.C.A. Reunion Dinner. All members on the Officers Club developed by the Regimental Association owing to lack of funds. Ju ly 25, 1952 of Major and Mrs. P. B. Allott, of Little Ashton, Lyming- and Regimental Association registers and all O.C.A. clubs have ton, and Patricia, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Reginald been notified of the O.C.A. Dinner to be held on November 1 5. Regimental History Committee's Report. Lt.-Col. Green in­ 2/Lt. A. R. K. Hardcastle (412195) is granted the formed the Committee that there had been very little progress acting rank of Lieutenant April 3, 1952. Pound, formerly of Lewis. next. iJ h e - ^Jiardi 26/ 2 6 6 'Die 2)ie-^JJarcL since the last meeting. Commander Kemp had only recently been (c) If O.C. Depot required financial assistance in order to discharged from hospital after a serious operation and he had entertain official guests he should refer the matter to the Club for the Services only been able to obtain very little data as yet in response to the Committee. Winter Sports letters that had been circulated asking for more detailed stories 4. Officers' Club Charitable Fund. It was proposed by Col. and information. Weston, seconded by Major Hardcastle and approved by the The five schemes detailed below are available to ski school, ski-lifts and third-class travel. 6. Journal Report. Brigadier Procter explained the present Committee that the subscription to Royal School for Daughters Departure dates: Hochsolden, December 27, of Officers be raised from £2 2s. od. to £5 5s. od. Regular, Territorial and Reserve personnel of the three financial conditions of the fund. Production costs for the half-year January 10; Obergurgl, January 3, 1953. ending June had increased by £49 2s. id. and, although the revenue 5. Officers’ Club Dinner. The date of the Dinner for 1953 was Services and their families. All have been run at least from advertisements had increased by ^32 6s. sd. covering the deferred. The Secretary was instructed to ascertain from the e previous winters. same period, there would be a large deficit in the fund by the end United Services Club, Army and Navy Club and Naval and Military (d) Chamonix in France (R.A.F. Winter Sports of the year. He also stated that he had seen other regimental Club if it was possible to effect a booking for June 26, I9 S3 -* journal ’accounts which suffered similar financial difficulties to There being no further business the meeting closed at 4.30 p.m. (a) St. Moritz in Szvitzerland (Combined Services Association). our own. Col. Browne stated that, owing to the considerable cost of paper, A. W. CLARK, Major, Winter Sports Association). which was a heavy liability on the funds of the Regimental Associa­ Secretary, Middlesex Regiment Officers’ Club. 10 days for £37 12s. od., which includes tion, he felt constrained to discontinue sending out his newsletter. Inglis Barracks, 16 days from £35 5s. od. (part payable in hotel, gratuities, ski school, ski-lifts, ski In its place Col. Browne promised to let Brigadier Procter have Mill Hill, sterling) which includes hotel, all taxes and equipment and third-class travel. Departure news and information of individuals from his private correspondence London, N.W.7. gratuities, ski school, funiculars, ski-lift, and for insertion in the journal. September 30, 1952. dates, January 5, 15 and 25, February 4, 14 7. Old Contemptibles' Association. An appeal addressed to the •After full enquiries had been made it was ascertained that no third-class return rail travel from London and 24, 1953. Colonel of the Regiment for a contribution towards the erection satisfactory booking could be made for June 26. It was, therefore, (£20 5s. od. without travel). of a memorial in the crypt of St. Martin’s-in-the-Field to com­ decided that the Officers’ Club Dinner should be held at the Junior memorate the Old Contemptibles was considered by the Com­ United Service Club on June 19, 1953. Air travel by chartered aircraft or second- (e) Scheidegg and Wengernalp in Sicitzerland mittee. It was decided not to use Regimental Funds for this, as our class rail travel are optional at slight extra (Combined Services Winter Sports Asso­ funds are urgently needed for cases of distress connected with the cost. There are six consecutive periods of 16 ciation). Regiment. . It was agreed, however, that a notice should be published in days beginning on December 19, i 952> The Die-Hards journal inviting individuals to subscribe privately, Hong Kong Newsletter January 2, 16 and 30, February 13 and 27, and Any period from December to May. should they wish to do so. Hong Kong, March 13, 1953. Service special terms from 21s. a day, including 8. Date of Next Meeting. The date of the next meeting will be extras. Thursday, February 26, 1953. October 1, 1952. (¿>) Badgastein in Austria (Army Ski Association). There being no further business the meeting closed at 4 p.m. Dear Col. Browne, January 17 to 31, 1953 (14 days). Terms Those interested in these and other ski schemes should A. W. CLARK, Major, It is some time since I have had occasion to write Secretary, Middlesex Regimental Association. are from 18s. to 22s. a day, including four apply for membership of the Army Ski Association Inglis Barracks, to you, but I promised “ Roly ” Gwyn that I would do meals and extras in the hotel, not including (Annual subscription: Regular officers, 5s.; Terri­ Mill Hill, so today, for last evening I motored out to Fanling to travel which is being arranged for Service torial and Reserve officers, 4s.; Other ranks, 2s. 6d.). London, N.W.7. attend a big cocktail party given by the officers of the September 30, 1952. rail parties from £ 1 1 15s. od. return (including The Association Badge costs 2s. 6d. ; the Association Middlesex Regiment. This was held in the ladies’ meals and couchettes). The Army Ski Tie (white lion and crown superimposed on crossed club house and lawns of the Royal Hong Kong Golf championships will be held at Badgastein from ski-sticks on a blue background) costs 10s. 6d. Special MINUTES OF A MEETING OF THE COMMITTEE OF THE Club. There was a fine display of their mess plate, etc. January 27 to 30, 1953- terms are available for the purchase or hire of ski MIDDLESEX REGIMENT OFFICERS’ CLUB HELD AT THE The situation lent itself so well for playing of Retreat, MIDDLESEX GUILDHALL, WESTMINSTER, S.W.i, ON clothing and the hire of ski equipment, and for Winter SEPTEMBER 25, 1952. AT 4 p.m. lit up by searchlights. The Band, Drums, etc., put up (c) Obergurgl and Hochsolden in Austria (Royal Sports Insurance to save currency. Application forms an extraordinarily fine show. Indeed, all the arrange­ Naval Ski and Mountaineering Club). Present—Lt--Col. W. L. Roberts, O.B.E., M.C. (Chairman), and further details of the schemes can be obtained Brigadier B. B. Rackham, C.B.E., M-C-. D.L., Brigadier N. P. ments reflect great credit on all concerned. After the 16 days from £29 (part payable in sterling), from: The Army Ski Association, A.S.C.B., The Procter, C.B.E., M.C., Col. M. Browne, M.C., D.L., J.P., Col. show I and others, including Lt.-Gen. and Lady Airey, G. P. L Weston, D.S.O., O.B.E., Lt.-Col. T. S. Wollocombe, which includes hotel, all taxes and gratuities, War Office, London, S.W.i. M.C., Lt.-Col. C. P. Rooke, D.S.O., Lt.-Col. A. E. Green, dined with the Gwyns at their bungalow. I have seldom D.S.O., O.B.E., Lt.-Col. J. D. Robbins, O.B.E., T.D., Major enjoyed an evening so much. H. K. Hardcastle, T.D., Major P. D. H. Marshall, Major W. D. Ellis, T.D., Major A. W. C ark, O.B.E. (Secretary). On October 22 the officers of the Hong Kong Regi­ Apologies for non-attendance were received from: Brigadier ment dine those of the Middlesex Regiment and on E. E. F. Baker, C,B.E„ D.S.O., M.C., T.D., D.L., J.P., A.D.C., Sunday, October 26, will be held the special service in Col. G. Beach, C.B., O.B.E., T.D., D.L., J.P., Col. M. Crawford, D.S.O., Lt.-Col. G. L. Fox, T.D., D.L. St. John’s Cathedral for the unveiling and dedication of your Regimental war memorial (of this I will write you I. M inutes. The Minutes of the last meeting having been circulated were signed by the Chairman as correct. in due course). Finally, on October 29 the Jockey Club 2. Secretary's Report. The Secretary’s report having been are staging a special day’s racing for the Duchess of circulated with the Agenda was accepted by the Committee. Kent and the young Duke. At this your Band will be Report. playing during the day and at the end will probably Membership. During the period January 1 to September 9, Considerable inconvenience is caused to both the Editor and to the 1952, 25 new members have been approved for membership of play Retreat, etc. the Officers’ Club. . . . c Twenty members have failed to pay their subscriptions tor So you see their last days in Hong Kong are to be Reader owing to the fact that changes of addresses are not notified at 1952, although three reminders have been sent to them. A list of full ones. On Sunday, October 5, your Regiment is these has been sent to the Chairman. once. If you change your address please let us know and so be sure Expenditure. The following amounts were expended during holding an open day out at Fanling for men of the Cricket Week activities: Hong Kong Regiment, when various sports, etc., will of receiving your Journal regularly. Cricket : £121 13s. 9d. Amount authorised : £15°- Dinner: £67 2s. 6d. Amount authorised: £75. be played, but I am unable to get out then. Fanling, “ At Hom e” : £12 18s. 9d. Amount authorised: £40. I should mention, is some 21 miles out by road from the If you have enjoyed reading this issue of “ The Die-Hards,” will Due to the small number of entries (four) it was decided to cancel the tennis tournament for 1952. £25 was approved for this event. Kowloon Ferry, so it is quite an expedition for residents you recommend to non-readers of your acquaintance that they should The Secretary was instructed to remove the names of 18 on this island, like myself. members who had not paid their subscriptions for 1952 from the take it in. Please support us, in order that we may achieve our register. I hope all goes well at Albuhera Close and you are 3. Imitations to Officers' Club Functions. Lt.-Col. Green stated keeping fit and well. ambition, which is to publish the finest Service magazine — Second that he felt that invitations to official guests and outside individuals should be controlled by the Committee of the Officers Club. Yours sincerely, to None. After discussion it was approved that: (a) Private guests would not in future be invited to the Omcers H u g h D . L . D o w b i g g i n . Club Dinner, but private guests may be invited to the Officers Club “ At Home ” and cocktail parties. P.S.—I and many others will be sorry when your (b) The entertainment of official guests should be referred to the Committee of the Officers’ Club. Regiment departs about November 4. Subscriptions for the Journal from March, 1953, to December, 1953, are now due in many cases.

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TH E EDITO R “ TH E D IE-HARDS,” The Middlesex Regiment, INGLIS BARRACKS, M IL L H ILL, LONDON, N.W.7. Dear Sir, cheque I enclose a ------value being my subscription postal order to “ Die-Hards ” for the period March, 1953, to December, 1953. Please acknowledge receipt. Yours faithfully,

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