ROYAL MILITARY POLICE ASSOCIATION NORTH AMERICA BRANCH Reaching Retired/Ex-Royal Military Police including Ex-Police and Military Associations in North America and the U.K. "EXEMPLO DUCEMUS" - "BY EXAMPLE SHALL WE LEAD"

VOLUME 13, ISSUE 2 WATCHDOG" NEWSLETTER June 2016

OUR OWN TRIBUTE to OUR COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF QUEEN, ELIZABETH II - HAPPY 90th BIRTHDAY

MAY GOD BLESS OUR QUEEN

Volume 13, Quarter 2 "Watchdog" June 2016 1

ROYAL MILITARY POLICE ASSOCIATION NORTH AMERICA BRANCH Reaching Retired/Ex-Royal Military Police including Ex-Police and Military Associations in North America and the U.K. "EXEMPLO DUCEMUS" - "BY EXAMPLE SHALL WE LEAD"

EXECUTIVE & COMMITTEE MEMBERS Executive Committee; Chairman ...... Bill DRUMMOND Treasurer ...... Derek McCORQUINDALE Secretary ...... Ken FOWLER Welfare Director ...... Don HOOD

Committees & Representatives; Standard Bearer ...... Michael SHUSTER Website Manager ...... John HORTON Parade Marshall ...... Gordon DAVIES "Watchdog" Editor and Publisher .. Ted WEALLEANS Membership ...... Gordon DAVIES RMPA Branch Representative ...... Bob EGGELSTON

2016 Quebec City Reunion Committee; Quebec City Reunion Chairman ... Derek McCORQUINDALE Reunion Member .. Paul "Dixie" DEAN Branch Chairman ...... Bill DRUMMOND Reunion Member ...... Colin FARRER

EDITORIAL Thanks to Members who have written and called me in respect to my first Issue of "Watchdog" dated March 2016. I am delighted by your response and I will continue to provide the same quality, readability and interesting content for this important membership communication tool. I enjoy the opportunity to be of service to such an interesting and dedicated group, and I truly support and admire your many years of service. Please send any articles, comments, or your own personal memories that we can consider for publishing in future "Watchdog" issues. If you are able, please attach your news in "Word" format. Personally, I love Tommy Cooper and those old Radio Shows - See Edward (Ted) Wealleans my " Goon Show" article below in this issue.

My London – Memories of days gone-by - by Ted WEALLEANS, Editor: The Goon Show (Originally under the title of Crazy People). The Goon-show focused on the bizarre experiments of Prof Osric Pureheart, played by Michael Bentine working alongside Peter Sellers, Spike Milligan and Harry Secombe. After two series, Bentine left the show. As a result, a new title character was created - Neddie Seagoon. Episodes tended to involve Neddie trying to achieve some kind of greatness, often with the help of the idiotic but happy Eccles and the young Bluebottle. However, always willing to stop them and make as much money as possible were the impoverished Hercules Grytpype-Thynne and his French assistant Count Jim Moriarty. Also featuring alongside were the disgraced and flatulent Major Dennis Bloodnok, and elderly couple Henry Crun and Minnie Bannister.

My email address is ... [email protected] and phone # is (403) 932 2578 RMP-NA WEB-SITE: www.royalmilitarypoliceassociationnorthamerica.org

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Our Chairman Says

BRANCH CHAIRMAN - BILL DRUMMOND

I hope by now you have all received my attached email regarding the 2017 reunion. If you have not replied by now, please do so as soon as possible giving your executive a lead on what your feelings are for a possible venue. Remember, this is your branch and only with your input and participation can we keep things going. (See survey questionnaire on Page 4 of this newsletter).

Everything is basically in place for Quebec City Reunion, as usual Derek Mac. has done us proud with a great hotel and some really interesting side trips. I know everyone is going to enjoy the beautiful old city of Quebec and hope that again Mother Nature will be kind, playing her part to make sure we have another memorable reunion. The Alberta gang had another nice get together with a lunch meeting at Horton Road Legion Branch, we missed John and Olwyn Horton and Peter Jones and Elizabeth, John due to his stay in hospital and Peter due to a previous commitment. Please see the Executive’s Health and Welfare report in this newsletter. The down side of the day was that we had our motor home parked across the street and came out to a parking ticket on our windshield, (so did Gordon Davies). There were no signs of any kind to say `No Parking` so I assume in Calgary you are just supposed to guess where it is safe to park! As some of you are aware we try to keep in contact with the R.M.P. members at B.A.T.U.S. Suffield, Alberta. Unfortunately, W.O.11 Mark Dempster, due to pressure of work, never did manage to attend any of our lunch dates. I personally had the pleasure of meeting him and I`m sure we all wish him well in his new posting back in Britain. Mark`s successor is W.O.11 Jim Lee, Jim and his wife Angel just arrived during the first week in May and are settling in nicely. I took the opportunity to visit with them when in Medicine Hat on May 14th, Jim is looking forward to meeting the Alberta group during his stay here. Their two sons are coming over in June and Zo and I have invited Jim and Angel to stay overnight with us when they come to pick up the boys at the airport, maybe a few of us can get together with for a beer during their visit. I haven’t had any communications from any of our eastern members so I am assuming that all is well with them, that no one is ill, and nothing untoward is happening there.

On a personal note, I have taken a position as secretary to the local Legion Memorial Committee. This committee was formed as we have purchased a decommissioned L.A.V 111 (as used by our troops in Afghanistan) and by the time it is unveiled the costs will be around $50,000. We basically have just got started and the response from everyone from our Member of Parliament to local business men and women to the general public has been incredible with offers of help literally pouring. It is being placed at our local museum as a tribute to the 42 young Albertans who gave their all during recent conflicts. The Light Armoured Vehicle is one of only 250 across Canada and one of only 4 here in Alberta.

My other personal note (surprise) was when in Medicine Hat in May we were there to attend my Mother in Law’s 85th birthday, sitting in the Medicine Hat Legion, who walked in but our daughter from Ontario and my 3 month old grandson, no one knew they were coming, so Grampa got to hold his first grandson for the first time, what a thrill!

NEW BRANCH MEMBER – Michael RAMSDEN from Milton, Ontario Canada

A special WELCOME to Michael. Born in Hemel Hempstead, Herts. Served in the RMP for 9 years

1966 to 1974. JTR Rhyl – RMPTC – 247 Pro Coy Berlin – 5 Bde Pro Coy and 179 Pro Coy.

Married to Sonia. Michael is considering coming to our Reunion in Quebec City. Michael’s details

have been added to our Membership List, on our Website.

That’s all I have for now folks, till next time, take care.

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Survey for 2017 Reunion From Chairman Bill Drummond

We are already looking at a possible 2017 reunion venue. The following are suggestions that have been made by Members and we would appreciate you input as to where we should consider. Here are the four suggestions:-

1. Penticton B.C., in the beautiful Okanagan Valley, this site is on the shores of Okanagan Lake and boasts wonderful fall weather. The city is served by both Air Canada and WestJet airlines.

2. Jasper Alberta, situated in the Rocky mountains and close by the Columbia Ice Field, a lovely area when dressed in the fall colours. A bit difficult to get to from either Calgary or Edmonton, there is no air service to Jasper.

3. Edmonton Alberta, the capital of Alberta, one of Canada's sunniest cities with approx. 2,300 hours of sunshine annually. Edmonton was touted by National Geographic as one of the best cities to visit in 2015. The international airport is serviced by all major airlines.

4. St. Johns Newfoundland, a very historic city first settled in the 1600s with lots to see and do. This was the site of the first transatlantic wireless communication in 1901. Keep in mind, theoretically we should be back in the west. The city is serviced by most major airlines.

Notwithstanding that we are talking a long way down the road and that circumstances arise where we cannot attend due to illness etc., please only vote in order of preference IF it is your intention to attend.

It is important that you reply to the Executive to know your vote.

Please reply to me by email or phone by July 5th with your intentions.

Signed Bill Drummond – email [email protected] Tel: (403) 554 0556

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“News of Members" By DEREK McCORQUINDALE D Alan Hayward

Ex-RMP and North America Branch Member since 2004 We are pleased to inform members that Alan has recently retired from his position with Mohawk College, (based in Hamilton, Ontario). Alan received a special farewell event at The College and was honoured by having a Bursary/Scholarship named after him for the College’s Justice and Wellness School. Our Past Branch Chairman, Michael Shuster was a guest of Alan and regaled attendees with stories on how they met some 45 years ago. Alan’s new email address is listed in the

RMPANA Branch Membership List as on the Branch Website. CONGRATULATIONS ALAN on the Bursary in your name. Also The

Branch Executive and Members wish you many healthy years of

retirement in the years ahead.

Mike SEABOURNE M.B.E.

On behalf of the Executive and all our Members we would like to congratulate our Associate Member, Mike SEABOURNE. Mike was made a Member of the British Empire in the 2016 New Year's Honour List. Mike's career with the R.M.P. lasted some 23 years and during that time he served in places such as, Malaya, Singapore, Northern Ireland, Berlin, Hong Kong, Germany, and a great many posting around Great Britain, he then spent ten years with the T.A.R.E. Postal and Courier Service with many camps in Germany. Mike is a past vice chairman of RMPA and member of the R.M.P.A. Cambridge branch. He joined us as an Associate Member when he attended our 2006 reunion in Vancouver B.C. and has been

Mike SEABOURNE M.B.E. a member of the North American Branch since that time. 2006 - VANCOUVER REUNION Again, many congratulations to Michael SEABOURNE M.B.E. from all of us.

Searching for old comrades

Mostyn Price writes…. I served in the RCMP from 1955 to 1958 in 2inf Div based in Hilden, Germany. Late 1955 I was posted to a detachment in Dortmund which was a British / Canadian unit. I have been unable to trace the Canadian Members namely – “Dirty Tiny” Burnett and Pete Klein both were corporals. They would be bout 78 – 84 years old now. Tiny had been a professional wrestler prior to joining the army. I was posted back to DHQ in late 56 and have lost touch with them. Can you help with this enquiry? Yours aye, Mostyn.

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Branch Health & Welfare Report

From:- BRANCH EXECUTIVE

Since our March Newsletter, the Branch Executive have received news on the following members related to recent health problems or follow-up news on their progress.

KEN FOWLER:- Chairman Bill has been in contact with Ken’s son and friend Jean Beale. Ken has again been in hospital. Ken is on the mend from additional treatment for surgery infections and expects to be discharged and in his new home by the end of June. Ken will have a new email address which will be sent to members once Ken is home and On-line. Many members have sent emails wishing Ken’s health improves and he can soon communicate again with members.

PETER JONES:- Peter’s friend Elizabeth Haggins informed us in May that Peter (age 92) had been in intensive care for three weeks with double pneumonia. Peter is now back in the senior’s lodge and gaining back strength and looking forward to attending the Quebec City Reunion.

RON BUDWORTH:- Jean contacted us in April and shared that Ron has had shoulder surgery and now undergoing physio therapy. Also both are planning on being in Quebec.

JOHN HORTON:- Olwyn contacted us in May to inform us John had been admitted to hospital in intensive care in Calgary with convulsions. The good news is that tests so far ruled out problems related to John’s past heart issues and his diabetes. Medication to date appear to control the condition. John is back home and recovering.

TED WEALLEANS:- Ted experienced heart problems back in October whilst on a river cruise in Germany. Due to other issues the doctors were not able to implant two stents until end of May. Ted is feeling a lot better.

BILL LEE:- Bill in the U.K, informs us that he is trying to cope with the prostate cancer. One cannot keep Bill down, as he is still getting in his golf, five times a week and get a swim now and then, at the Ashridge College.

ROY HUBBARD:- Roy in the U.K. has been diagnosed with bladder cancer. The main growth has been removed but an area will require treatment for six weeks. Roy says that it is a new treatment in the U.K. that was developed in Canada. He feels very positive and is feeling quite O.K. We trust the Maple Leaf treatment has our blessing for Roy’s recovery.

DEREK McCORQUINDALE:- Derek experienced a day in June of head dizziness which required a 911 call and five days in hospital. A minor heart problem has required a pacemaker be implanted, which has Derek back to a close to normal routine and feeling much better but further cardiac tests will take place in the next four weeks.

Our best wishes cards have been sent by Welfare Officer Don, to the above over the past months and Branch members send their regards for improved health to the above.

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THOUGHTS ON U.S. MAIL AND OUR DECLINING NUMBERS by DON HOOD EXECUTIVE MEMBER:

In the USA, if a government agency receives info that you are dead, it will take about a year for you have to prove that you’re still alive, assuming you are. Hopefully this stuff doesn’t happen in the North land.

As you are aware our organization, like many others has a declining membership there are many reasons for this e.g. age, illness, not able to travel any more, etc. of particular concern is that younger people are not joining the ranks, even though they seem to be well qualified to do so.

I’d like to draw your attention to a recent article in the TIME mag May 23rd 2016 U.S. Edition by Laura L. Carstensen who writes in an article entitled “Baby boomers are isolating themselves as they age.

That’s bad for anyone” points out that studies show that Boomers are not joiners, are less likely to be married, are less socially engaged, seldom talk to their neighbors, have weaker family and friends ties. Moreover, they do not join social, religious or civic groups. The article cites a study by GLOALWEB-INDEX of generational differences where 70% of those aged between 51 and 70 have on line and FACEBOOK accounts, whereas 88% of millennials have such accounts.

The article goes on to say “social disengagement reflects the price that Boomers will pay for having rejected family values and traditions many years ago after all they are the most divorced generation in history“. It struck me that if this article subject matter and suggested outcome are correct it does not bode well for organizations such as ours. What do you think?

By the way when was the last time you saw kids playing in the street by themselves or a kids riding a bike around the neighborhood without mum or dad alongside?

Don Hood.

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News from"Reunion Chairman" DEREK McCORQUINDALE D QUEBEC CITY REUNION 2016 Derek McCorquindale – Reunion Chairman

Just about all major Reunion and Tour arrangements have been finalized. We are pleased to inform that we will have 45 members/partners in attendance, a very acceptable number. We still may get a few more. As well as Chairman Bill Drummond and myself, we have Ontario members Colin Farrer and Paul Dean on the Committee. We will be dividing-up a few responsibilities between our Committee within the next two months.

The Hotel Chateau Laurier Quebec has been most helpful to date and the selection of meals will ensure our Meet and Greet and Banquet will be top quality. The following is an outline of our tours and places of interest in Quebec City. Thursday, Sept 8th Half-day tour to include tour of the Quebec Old City within the 4.5 Km walled fortifications. The Old City is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is rated the most unique city with North America. We will view and be informed by our guide details that will be of interest when many of you walk to them during spare time. Then onto Montmorency Park and Falls for a spectacular panoramic view by cable-car of the Falls. Although not as wide as Niagara Falls, they are over 100 feet higher! After that visit we go to the Citadel of Quebec and Museum, the H.Q. for The Royal 22nd Regiment. In 2014 The Regiment celebrated its 100 years. Their full regimental dress uniform is similar to the British Guards – bearskin busbies, scarlet tunics and all. The Queen invited The Regiment to perform Changing of the Guards at Buckingham Place in 2014. Friday, Sept 9th Full day tour. Drive along the North bank of the St. Lawrence River and onto the Isle d’Orleans. We take in the picturesque Petit-Champlain District then onto the Basilique Ste. Anne de Beaupre Shrine “place of miracles”. We will arrange for a lunch stop at one of the quaint and Quebecois villages. We will also visit a Maple syrup plantation and a cultural arts and craft centre. Sunday, Sept 11th Half-day. The coach will take us to the Sunday church service and cenotaph. After photos we will be transported to a location for lunch. One of the reasons we selected the Hotel Chateau Laurier Quebec it is within 200 yards of one of the gates into the Old City. Also within 150 yards are The Plains of Abraham, site of the famous battle of 1759 that resulted in shaping the Canada we have today. History buffs will recall that both British and French Generals died there – Wolfe and Montcalm. Other close by locations of interest include many beautiful European style buildings, monuments and statues – the Quebec Provincial Parliament architectural buildings, garden and fountains – Place Royale Quarters – French style cafes, bistros and restaurants in the narrow cobblestone streets – craft stores and shopping malls – Place d’Armes (meeting place) – Horse drawn carriage rides – one can visit one or more of the eight museums - take a ride on the only funicular in North America from The Heights to Lower Old City – stroll along Dufferin Terrace and the boardwalk over- looking the St. Lawrence River – visit the majestic and most photographed hotel in North America, The Chateau Frontenac. There are dozens of other sites and locations that will bind you to the uniqueness of Quebec City and the surrounding areas. Back at the hotel, we will have our usual Hospitality Suite during the five days. Pre-Reunion gathering and snacks Wednesday evening. Full buffet meal and entertainment on the Thursday Opening Evening. Chairman’s Reception and Banquet on Saturday Evening. Lunch on Sunday and final get-together to say – Here’s to the next time.

AU REVOIR!

For questions please contact Derek McCorquindale at [email protected] or by phone at Canada Code + 403 932 5897. Also the Reunion Info sheets + Registration and Hotel Forms are on our Branch website:- www.royalmilitarypoliceassociationnorthamerica.org

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Click on REUNIONS drop-down, then on Quebec Reunion.

News frm the "RMP Journal"

WEB-SITE: www.royalmilitarypoliceassociationnorthamerica.org

APRIL 2016 – BRANCH REPORT As sent to “RMP JOURNAL” A few of our members subscribe to the “RMP JOURNAL” – an excellent quarterly that covers news and history of RMP and RMPA. Reports includes articles from RMPHQ – Training Depot – RMPA – RMP Serving Regiment Detachments throughout the globe – RMPA Branches – Old Comrades Link-Up – notable awards and obituaries. Copies reach serving RMP – RMPA subscription members. Our Secretary Ken FOWLER has done a stellar job for our Branch by providing these reports along with major photos of our Reunions. Please disregard the typo on 12th line - should be 2015 not 1915! “The following is Ken’s Branch Report in the above issue. With 2015 Victoria Reunion photos”.

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“RMP JOURNAL” April 2016 EDITION (article) LARRY ROSE and ARTHUR METCALFE Written by Colonel R.E. BLAND Derek McCorquindale’s notes:- In the past 15 years Great Britain has been a dominant country in the sports world of cycling. Numerous Brits, men and women, have won events at the Olympics and Commonwealth Games, World Track Cycling Championships, Tour de France etc. The following article was written by Colonel R.E. Bland on two RMP National Servicemen who made a name for themselves on the cycle track or tours in the mid 1950’s and 1960’s – DO YOU REMEMBER THEM? I can recall Metcalfe being a top World British rider in the 60’s, but did not know he was Ex-RMP. I know that many of you will recall RSM Harry Burden, whose leadership is reflected in his actions within the article. Harry became one of our first U.K. Associate Members when the Branch was formed in 2001. The North America Branch is honoured to have Harry’s pace- stick which he donated to our Founding Chairman Tony Purbrick for his Global Police Collection. Tony in turn donated it to our Branch and it is annually displayed on the head table at our Chairman’s Banquet at the Reunions. RMPA-NA acknowledges with thanks the RMP JOURNAL April 2016 issue and the writer Colonel R.E. Bland

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News from our Members

WEB-SITE: www.royalmilitarypoliceassociationnorthamerica.org

During the second World War, we lived in London, we collected tin-foil on our way to school which was our own very special input to support the war effort.

Much of the tin-foil was dropped by the R.A.F. to confuse the German radar over London and suburbs.

When I was six years old I was given this "Thank-you" document at my school. It was given to all School-children that remained in London during the war from King George VI and is a memory that I dearly treasure!

Ted Wealleans - Editor

A visit to England by Gordon Davies Ex-RMP Ret'd

A visit to England was made by me to primarily visit family & to get in touch with a couple of old comrades from the 60s and it worked. Before leaving for UK, I sent a photo to Dick Cramp in France and one of our Branch Members. I had not seen this gentleman since the early 60s!!!, it worked, looking forward to Quebec. When in England a visit to Taunton Somerset and a day with Peter Buckle Ret - RMP (SIB) that again was 60s, a lot of water under the bridge & a very pleasant visit with family & good food & the occasional tiple. Then to Southhampton on the Hamble and Vic Thorn, again from the 60s again turning the world over, a few beverages and a lot of chat about then & now. On the count of 10 a good visit Family and a lot of memories resurrected. It is a small world and it is always a pleasure for an OLD Soldier to look back & see the good and the times not so good. Comradery is a word seldom used these days, but belonging to an Organization that covers so many years of people that served in HM Forces & to call them friends & even play a little GOLF is a privilege, and now looking forward to a summer gathering in Calgary of the Old and Bold and a few youngsters and maybe a game of Golf. Gordon Davies Ex RMP Ret'd.

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Ron TARRANT recall's a story of London's Bethnal Green Policing:-

Derek McCORQUINDALE was a London copper like me, although we never served at the same police station, and he occasionally gives me a copy of a magazine, "The London Police Pensioner". The back two of three pages of this newsy publication are filled with names of deceased retirees. The last issue I received from Derek a couple of weeks ago, had the name of a former colleague of mine who had joined the ranks of the recently departed. Fred Hatfield was a "piece of work" in the best traditions of the term, helpful and willing, even though the results of his labours never matched his efforts. He also turned his hand at anything where he could make an extra few shillings. Two doors from the police station was a funeral /undertakers establishment owned by a Mr. English, who would stand by the front doors, smiling and saying "Good-day" to all passing coppers, as he no doubt sized us up as prospected customers. Mr. English would often require an extra hand or two at short notice, and Fred Hatfield was always beat duty, that he may have been engaged to "fill a spot". He would never really deny this (off the record) of course. The last time I saw Fred, some ten years ago, I gave him a copy of the attached cartoon which he later told me he had framed and was hanging in his living room in Rayliegh, Essex. I can only imagine, if he made it upstairs, and not the other direction, that Fred will be bumbling about from cloud to cloud, trying to mend broken harps or offering to do any other odd jobs that St. Peter might require.

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News from our Members

WEB-SITE: www.royalmilitarypoliceassociationnorthamerica.org

Brian DRAKE forwards a poem written by Len Payne who lives near Vancouver B.C. Len is a former member of the British Army - Royal Signals.

The Common Soldier ......

He is called a Common Soldier, he comes from many lands, He fights in steaming jungles, he dies in desert sands, He faced the Roman, Turk and Hun, He sweats upon the drill square, he fears the He was seen at Vimy and Bull Run, sergeants eye, He served with Monty, Ike and Moore, He is the first to march away, among the first to He took the heights - he stormed the shore. die. He fought his war, for it was the last, He cares not for daunting odds, nor seeks a He then fought others, to repeat the past. place to hide, He fought again to free Kuwait, He is but a Common Soldier, with another at his He fought again, but not with hate, side. He saw the enemy, a simple man, He takes no joy in death or causing hurt to He saw the specter of Saddam. others, He knew too then what must be done, He is but a soldier, and all soldiers are but He knew he might die under desert sun. brothers. He knows his worth for across the lands, He will though fight his country's foe, He hears the cheers and marching bands, He will pass the point where few men go, He knows too that his time has come, He takes misfortune in his stride, He knows his duty was bravely done. He takes success with quiet pride. He stands alone among the throng, He is given tawdry medals, to hang upon his He is bowed and bent, but inward strong, breast, He was once a Common Soldier, ... He is quietly contented, he was called, he .. a small part of the plan, passed the test. He was once a Common Soldier, but a very He is called a Common Soldier, always fighting Uncommon Man. in the van, He is called a Common Soldier, but a very .... to all my brothers I never met. Uncommon Man. Len Payne.

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