102 years ~ 1915 - 2017

Welsh Guards Regimental Magazine 2017

Cymru Am Byth Bangor KAPE Tour September 2017 Photograph courtesy of Dawn Hughes. REGIMENTAL MAGAZINE 2017 -in-Chief Her Majesty The Queen

Colonel of the His Royal Highness The Prince of KG KT GCB OM AK QSO PC ADC

Regimental Colonel R J Æ Stanford MBE

Deputy Regimental Major General B J Bathurst CBE

Regimental Adjutant Colonel (Retd) T C S Bonas BA

Assistant Regimental Adjutant Major M E Browne BEM

Regimental Veterans Jiffy Myers MBE ★ Regimental Headquarters , Birdcage Walk, , SW1E 6HQ Contact Regimental Headquarters by Email: [email protected] View the Regimental Website at www.army.mod.uk/welshguards View the Welsh Guards Charity Website at www.welshguardscharity.co.uk Regimental Veterans Officer [email protected] ★ Affiliations 5th The Royal Australian Regiment HMS

©Crown Copyright: This publication contains official information. It should be treated with discretion by the recipient. The opinions expressed in the articles in this journal are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the policy and views, official or otherwise, of the Regiment or the Ministry of Defence.

1 WELSH GUARDS REGIMENTAL MAGAZINE

St David’s Day, Elizabeth Barracks, The Welsh Guards Major Generals Major General B J Bathurst CBE, Major General RJÆ Stanford MBE, Major General RH Talbot-Rice CBE

2 WELSH GUARDS REGIMENTAL MAGAZINE Contents Forewords BattlefieldT ours and Remembrance RMAS Instructor Cadre No 171 ...... 151 Regimental Lieutenant Colonel Foreword .... 4 Monte Casino ...... 91 Unveiling of the and Commanding Officer and Regimental Sgt VC ...... 94 Memorial ...... 152 Sergeant Major Foreword ...... 6 Welsh National Ceremony Welsh Guards Inaugral Regimental st of Remembrance ...... 95 1 Battalion Welsh Guards Council Meeting ...... 153 Saint Charles De Percy ...... 98 The Prince of Wales’s ...... 8 35th Falklands Anniversary Wrexham ...... 100 The First World War Centenary Wood ...... 154 Number Two Company ...... 12 Association Battlefield Tour Visit of Field Marshal The Lord Guthrie of Number Three Company ...... 16 to Hechtel & Ypres ...... 102 Craigiebank GCB LVO OBE DL ...... 156 Support Company ...... 20 Commonwealth War Graves Commission Headquarter Company ...... 22 The Drapers Medal ...... 157 Centenary Celebration ...... 106 35th anniversary event Regimental Band Pilgrims Progress – ...... 158 Commemorations .. 30 The Passchendaele Centenary ...... 108 The Drapers’ Company Service ...... Wales Mini-KAPE Tour 7 - 9 February 2017 .. 32 159 2017 Regimental Remembrance Sunday Exercise Turning Wheel ...... 161 Distribution of Officers...... 34 Address ...... 111 Welsh Parliamentary Distributions of Warrant Officers ...... 36 Recruiting, Cadets, Community Visit 2016 ...... 166 Honours and Awards ...... 37 Engagement Regimental Charity Fundraising, welfare Assistance to the Cadet Cambrian Patrol . 115 Training and Exercises and Regimental veterans The Regimental Support Teams (RSTs) ...... 117 Exercise Long Look ...... 38 Regimental Veterans Officer Report ...... 167 RST Support to Cadets ...... 118 Exercise Sarmis 17 Romania ...... 41 Windsor Colour Rush ...... 169 KAPE Tour Wales 2017 ...... 120 Exercise Mayan Warrior ...... 45 Dulwich College CCF Affiliation ...... 122 One Day’s Pay Scheme (ODPS) ...... 170 Exercise Wessex Storm ...... 47 Battalion Community Engagement ...... 124 Leaving a Legacy ...... 171 CIS Platoon Cadre ...... 50 Gordon’s School Annual Drill Competition 125 Welsh Guards Association Parachute Foundation Course ...... 51 Honourable Artillery Company Presidents Foreword ...... 172 Exercise Frosted Blade ...... 53 Open Evening ...... 126 Exercise Prairie Storm ...... 55 Cardiff Branch Report ...... 173 Oratory School CCF Biennial Up Pen y Fan with Number Three Company 56 East Branch Report ...... 174 Dining In Night ...... 127 The Intelligence, Surveillance and Llanelli Branch Report ...... 175 Individual Articles Reconnaissance (ISR) Group concept ...... 58 London Branch Report ...... 176 Marathon des Sables ...... 128 Exercise Jebel Storm ...... 60 Merthyr Tydfil Branch Report ...... 177 Commanding Officers Leadership Award Monmouthshire Branch Report ...... 178 Sports and Adventure Training (COLA) ...... 131 Montgomery and Welsh Guards Football ...... 62 St David’s Day 2017 in Pirbright ...... 132 Branch Report ...... 180 La Manga Rugby 7’s ...... 65 St David’s Day 2017 in the Welsh Guards Enduro Team ...... 66 ...... 134 North Wales Branch Report ...... 181 Welsh Guards Boxing ...... 68 Welsh Guards WRU Debentures ...... 138 and West Glamorgan Welsh Guards Polo ...... 74 Peterson & Drapers Visit to 1WG ...... 140 Branch report ...... 186 Polo – The Rupert Thorneloe Memorial Cup 76 Alan Appleby MM – Obituary ...... 141 Welsh Guards Reunited Branch Report .. 188 Welsh Guards Mountain Bike Team ...... 77 HMS Prince of Wales Media Article ...... 144 Monmouthshire Branch Trophy Recipient 196 Welsh Guards Golf ...... 78 White Collar Boxing ...... 145 Welsh Guards Collection ...... 197 Ice Hockey ...... 81 Past, Present and Future – A Padre’s Welsh Guards Association Athletics ...... 82 Perspective… ...... 146 Darts and Shoot ...... 200 Welsh Guards Ski Trip ...... 84 Regimental Walking Stick ...... 147 Minutes of the Annual General Meeting ... 202 Welsh Guards Darts ...... 86 Welsh Guards Rugby Reunion Club Officers Mess Ski Trip ...... 88 (WGRRC) ...... 148 Forecast of Events ...... 205 Carp Fish – Ex First Cast ...... 90 Visit to 1WG of HMS POW Senior Officer .... 150 In Memoriam ...... 206

Contents 3 WELSH GUARDS REGIMENTAL MAGAZINE

Major General R J Æ Stanford MBE, Regimental Lieutenant Colonel Foreword he past year has been an excellent one in many and various forms. We Our continued thanks to them and all the have commemorated the Regiment’s first VC, awarded to Sgt Robert Bye on many who have supported us through T them. Colonel Peterson, as a Welsh st 31 July 1917 on the first day of Passchendaele. This was commemorated both Guardsman, is also doing great work for in Wales with his family and at Passchendaele. The Battalion has seen a year of the cadet movement in Wales as Honorary training in preparation for being held at readiness for numerous eventualities, Colonel Cadets Wales. be it overseas threats or those closer to home and Regimental Headquarters More good news has been the WG Rugby and the Association have supported the Regiment in so many different ways. Re-Union Club which has been part of the Regiment for so many years. I am grateful to Major Alun Bowen and his new This year we held our first Regimental generously, given a prominent role. The Committee for agreeing to take on the Council meeting with the Colonel in Colonel was present and HRH The Duchess mantle of the Club and move it forward of Rothesay named the ship. The affiliation February which was most beneficial in in the years ahead. We have so much to with HMS Prince of Wales will bring so many ways with a deep interest in all thank the previous Committee for in not real mutual benefits in the years ahead the challenges facing the Regiment from just keeping rugby an integral part of our and bring opportunities we would not all involved and a real appetite to assist Regimental life, but also for the remarkable otherwise have had. wherever possible to improve the lives fundraising efforts for the Afghanistan of our guardsmen and their families. Appeal and the WG Charity in the years Regimental Headquarters has emerged Regimentally much else has happened. The battlefield tour to Monte Cassino, past. My thanks to all the committee unscathed from the Army HQ led review Monte Piccolo and Rome in May was a members for their excellent support in of Regimental Headquarters. Our new notable success and we were delighted to raising so much money. On the subject of Assistant Regimental Adjutant has made a have in the group some Drapers and Trevor fund raising, may I extend my warmest significant impact on Regimental business Royle, the author of “, thanks to all the groups and individuals and been responsible for a great many and Body Armour”, our Centenary book who have raised money for the WG Charity improvements. The Regimental Adjutant along with his wife. There are plans for in the past year. There are too many to continues to juggle the many and varied another battlefield tour in 2018 which name but each one, individual or group tasks he has superbly and in particular he the Regimental Adjutant is working has done a superb job for the Charity. ensures a steady flow of superb young hard on. Our heritage and history are Stan Evans and his band of volunteers officers into the Regiment, we really so important to keep alive and it is very are blessed with an excellent team. Our at the Welsh Guards Collection have good to have young guardsmen sharing continued to do an excellent job. The Regimental Trustee’s continue to support their experiences with some of the older and provide invaluable advice to both Collection adds greatly to our heritage generations. I am particularly pleased and also helps us to achieve our charitable the Regiment and our Charity, we remain that Dulwich College CCF has re-cap indebted to them for giving up so much of objectives, not least in educating the public badged from the to us about our Regiment. We owe a great deal their time. Our affiliation with the Drapers and aside from providing support to a Company remains as strong as ever and to their enthusiasm and the significant foot well-established Corps, I am sure we will fall this brings to the Museum each year. we have had a number of visits from some find some future officers coming from They deserve our thanks. of the Company’s members this year. it. Lieutenant Mark Evison, who died as Their support to us is hugely appreciated. a result of his wounds from the tour in In November, along with the Queen’s The affiliation with HMS Prince of Wales Afghanistan in 2009, was a former pupil Dragoon Guards and the , we has gone from strength to strength and at the College. Our links to Colonel Alan hosted a Parliamentary Reception in the I attended the Naming Ceremony on 8 Peterson and his family, who have done House of Commons for all Welsh MP’s and September where the Corps of Drums so much for the Regiment and Charity over Lords, along with members of the Defence and other members of the Battalion were, the years, remain ever vibrant and close. Select Committee. This is an annual event and each Regiment sends a group of about They have risen to all the many challenges with considerable fifteen all ranks. Briefings are given by gusto and their juggling of their various readiness states for them and from the Regimental Lieutenant Colonels. Key to this Reception is that it being on standby for UK, NATO or world operations to be allows our men to talk directly to those applauded. who wield considerable influence and

4 FOREWORD WELSH GUARDS REGIMENTAL MAGAZINE Foreword

to inform them of the values of an Army manning and we are not where we should him for so many years’ service and for career, along with its challenges. Part of be. There are many external reasons for the considerable time and energy he this influencing and raising awareness this which the Battalion cannot influence, has devoted to the Association. His wife, strategy was the very successful Welsh but where it can, every resource is being Sandra, has also been a wonderful support Mayors visit to Pirbright in September deployed to rectify the manning delta. We to the Regiment, my thanks to them both. as well as the KAPE tours in the same will get there but it will take time. As is well They have both worked tirelessly for the month. The warmth of our welcome in known, the Battalion return to Afghanistan good of the Association and we owe them our Freedom Cities, Towns, Counties and in 2018 for its third tour. I am confident a great deal. We wish them well but also Boroughs is always very special and the they will uphold the professionalism and welcome his successors, Maldwyn Jones regard they hold for the Regiment, and the style that has been the hall mark of this and Neil Rice, who I know will bring a great Armed Forces generally, is very high. Regiment since 1915. We wish them well deal to the Association moving forward. for the tour and I congratulate the Battalion There have been a couple of significant for all their considerable achievements The Band, although cap badged to the changes to the Welsh Guards Charity. this year in so many fields, and for the way Corps of Army Music, remain very much This year we produced our first ever in which it has maintained high morale at the heart of the Regiment and we Charity Impact Report for FY 16/17 which amongst all ranks. also have much to thank them for. Their has been published widely within the performances are always of the highest Regiment and outside. The establishment Jiffy Myers has now been the Regimental order whether on State Ceremonial or of a dedicated charity website is also a Veterans Officer since February 2014. His Regimental events. In 2016 they played at first which I am certain will help raise impact on looking after the Regimental the Thiepval Memorial commemorating the Charity’s profile. A considerable family in need has been immense. He the anniversary of the battle of the amount of work went into producing both currently has 160 Welsh Guardsmen, or Somme and this year were present at and my sincere thanks to RHQ, families, on his books and spends much Tyne Cot Cemetery commemorating the Tommy MacDonald-Milner, a Regimental of his time visiting, providing support and anniversary of the third battle of Ypres. Trustee, and to Mrs Sam Bossi as the offering advice including the provision of They are great Ambassadors for the Project Officer for the website. I hope that grants. His list of contacts and his network Regiment and wear the leek with pride. you will agree that both the Report and in Wales are now considerable and all in We say farewell to Lieutenant Colonel Kevin website are valuable and a step change support of the excellent work he does. Roberts, the Director of the Welsh Guards for the Charity. His style and touch is perfect for the role Band and the Senior Director of the Band he performs and we are very fortunate to of Household Division, who leaves us to What a year the Battalion has had have him. On behalf of the Regiment he become the Principal Director of Music at and a very varied one at that and the should be much thanked as well. Kneller Hall in January 2018. He has seen Commanding Officers Foreword and our Band (and the other State Bands) the Battalion articles in this magazine Quite a lot has also been happening on through some challenging times but bear testimony to this. They have hardly the Association front. Along with the many he has coped admirably with them and drawn breath since EX WESSEX STORM annual branch events and functions, there worked hard to ensure high standards and in January and February but through all was an excellent turnout from across the our identity protected. We wish him well the many exercises and training, defence Regiment attending the 35th anniversary and thank him for all he has done for us. and community engagements both in the of the Falklands in Wrexham in June. UK and overseas I am pleased that they My thanks to Captain Chris Hopkins for Apart from our current manning situation, have also managed to engage in so many organising the day so well, as he always the Regiment has been in an excellent sports and adventurous training activities. does. The battlefield tour to Hechtel, and place in 2017 and I am confident that this They have risen to all the many challenges other places visited including Ypres, took will remain so for 2018. Manning is the key with considerable gusto and their juggling place in September and this was a great challenge we face, it is one understood at of their various readiness states for success. After the Association AGM in the highest levels in the Army, and it is not being on standby for UK, NATO or world June the President held a meeting with all proving easy to solve, but we are investing operations to be applauded. We have great Branch Presidents and from that a number a huge amount of time, effort and money quality in depth in both the Officers and of decisions were made including the to try to turn it around. This is very much Sergeants Mess. At ERE we have Officers amalgamation of various branches. Whilst a whole Regimental effort, serving and and Warrant Officers / Colour Sergeants in the Association adapts to a changing retired. There is much to look forward to key appointments in the UK and abroad. environment, I believe its foundation is in all corners of the Regiment and I am For the first time since 1967 the Academy very strong and the number of Welsh grateful to all who work so hard to make Sergeant Major is a Welsh Guardsman, Guardsmen who communicate on Welsh us who we are. 2018 will be a challenging WO1 Taylor; a great achievement from Guards Re-united is truly impressive. year for the Battalion with their 8 month someone who will affect the lives of so Brian Keane resigned in June, as Secretary operational tour to Afghanistan; we wish many officer cadets from the UK and General. He has been a stalwart them all the best for a successful tour and abroad. The Battalion’s biggest challenge is of the association, my sincere thanks to a safe return.

Foreword 5 WELSH GUARDS REGIMENTAL MAGAZINE Lt Col D W N Bevan MVO, Commanding Officer 1st Battalion WO1 (RSM) D S Morgan 10, Regimental Sergeant Major Foreword ussian aggression in Eastern , a crisis in North Africa, a major terrorist with our home towns, recruiting the next incident in London, an environmental disaster in Cumbria – each one of generation and for the Guardsmen to R show how much they are achieving. these currently represents a trigger for the Battalion to deploy. 2017 has been a year dominated by Readiness; with the Battalion held on very short leashes, 12 In amongst the multitude of green hours being the shortest, to move from Pirbright to an operational footing and training there has a mass of further tasks and events - one only has to look through subsequently a theatre. the articles that follow to see how varied these have been. Guardsmen have With our Readiness status hard won tour to Afghanistan, for the majority of drummed at Ambassadors’ receptions on a frozen Salisbury Plain and in the the Battalion it will be their first – the in the Far East, supported the naming of Combined Arms Tactical Trainer of fresh sets of eyes will serve us well. HMS Prince of Wales in Rosyth, motor- , the Battalion has since been Whilst different from previous tours biked to the Black Sea, trained snipers in focused on having its ‘Bergans packed’. (Op HERRICK) in terms of location and the desert and many more. There has However, Readiness is necessarily task, Op TORAL will certainly be testing been considerable success on the sports complex - the current security landscape and enable us to deploy as a Light pitches too. The rugby team, having moves so fast and the flash points are Mechanised Infantry unit – making 2016’s ostensibly marked time last year, is now so diverse that our aim has to span the efforts towards conversion all the more looking very competitive, proving their full spectrum of conflict, as well as the worthwhile. As I write this foreword, worth with a huge victory over 1 RWELSH world. To that end ‘Bergans packed’ is members of 1WG are spread to the in the opening game of the season. With more of a culture for 1WG than a physical four winds conducting mission specific the backing of the Trustees our boxing, state, with the Guardsmen mentally training as team medics, drivers, linguists, sailing, enduro, mountain biking, skiing, prepared to deploy globally at very short helicopter handlers, guardian angels football and polo teams are all thriving, notice; their webbing and Bergans ready and signallers as well as sharpening up with Wednesday afternoons remaining to be filled with whatever kit is needed marksmanship skills on the ranges. As largely dedicated to sport. As we move for the specific theatre. The variety of ever, the imminence of operations has into 2018, I am hopeful that the number operations faced has resulted in hugely sharpened our edges. of fixtures between the Battalion and varied training, all of it demanding and sports teams in Wales will continue, Even as we maintain Readiness and all of it relevant. From the Transylvanian enabling our soldiers to play on home turf mountains of Romania, the jungles of prepare ourselves for Op TORAL we and harness the interest in sport for the , the plains of , the deserts have continued to develop our links with recruiting front. of , the streets of Longmoor, our local communities in Surrey. Having to the planning rooms of a police been made to feel so welcome when In summary, 2017 has seen 1WG step headquarters, members of the Battalion we arrived in Pirbright, the Battalion firmly onto an operational footing. By have honed their war-fighting and has been regularly supporting local being at Readiness we have attained and stabilisation skills as well as those needed events and youth organisations, whether then maintained our ability to be in an to support the civil authorities. Much is by instructing at Cadet drill nights, overseas operational theatre in a matter being asked of our young Guardsmen presenting at shows, coaching sports of days and at a UK incident in a few and junior leaders, but their agility and or hosting ‘look at life’ days – including hours. Our days are certainly busy and adaptability is essential in this day and having mayors and councillors on the challenging, and with Afghanistan around age. ranges and in the back of Foxhounds. the corner they will get busier. However, Naturally, our links to our home there is a noticeable buzz in Battalion As 2017 draws to an end, our attention communities in Wales are our life blood from being in the centre of operational and training is increasingly directed at and this year we have been able to commitments. Afghanistan (Op TORAL) - the Battalion’s conduct various sports tours in the North upcoming tour will dominate 2018. and South, help train Welsh Cadets and Our responsibility will centre on the parade through Bangor, and 1. The Commanding Officer, Lieutenant Colonel security of Kabul, working with our Swansea. September’s KAPE tour across D W N Bevan MVO and Regimental Sergeant partner nations to support the Afghan the Principality was a fantastic week Major, Class 1 D S Morgan 10 government. Although this is 1WG’s third and invaluable for cementing our bonds at Llyd Ranges​.

6 FOREWORD WELSH GUARDS REGIMENTAL MAGAZINE Foreword

1

Foreword 7 WELSH GUARDS REGIMENTAL MAGAZINE

The Prince of Wales’s Company Y Ddraig Goch Ddyry Cychwyn - The Red Gives a Lead

Maj Spencer Smith Gdsm Canavan Lt Ross Gdsm Casey Lt Andersen Gdsm Collins 45 2Lt Scott-Bowden Gdsm Davies 60 2Lt Vincenzini Gdsm Davies 72 WO2 Heath Gdsm Divavesi CSgt Greaves Gdsm Durkan Sgt Edwards 97 Gdsm Dyer Sgt Griffiths 04 Gdsm Edwards 84 Sgt Jayne Gdsm Farmer 1 Sgt Sale MC Gdsm Greenaway Sgt Skitt Gdsm Griffiths 10 he past year will be remembered as an arduous one; LSgt Braithwaite Gdsm Hall Tnumerous periods of exercise and training, divided by LSgt Greenman Gdsm Hughes 61 intervals of frenzied activity in preparation for the next LSgt Hiscock Gdsm Jackson event. To put it into context: of the 30 weeks between LSgt Jones 91 Gdsm Jones 14 September 2016 and March 2017, 4 were spent on leave, LSgt Kirumira Gdsm Jones 71 8 were in camp and the remaining 20 were spent on LSgt Love Gdsm Knill exercise or training. Not a quiet 7 months! LSgt Parfitt Gdsm Korosaya Last autumn we had finished in getting to Prague and back LSgt Rutledge Gdsm Kropacek our conversion to Foxhound before the Sunday curfew! LCpl Allport 39 Gdsm Lynch and were focused on the On our return to Pirbright LCpl Ceesay 09 Gdsm Manning task of learning to fight and we squeezed in a week of live on our vehicles. Back-to- Urban Tactics and Public Order LCpl Frost Gdsm Mitchell back exercises in Longmoor training before Christmas, LCpl Jones 97 Gdsm Murphy 38 and Sennybridge kept us on closing the year with some LCpl Kemp Gdsm Nabukebuke our toes, whilst instructors much needed and well- from the Royal Dragoon deserved leave. LCpl Lewis 39 Gdsm Namakadre Guards kept us up to date LCpl Lovell Gdsm O’Connor with vehicle tactics and As the memories of Christmas LCpl Matthews 06 Gdsm Powell 65 manoeuvres. In November, faded and the rest of the country was slowly heading LCpl Morgan 54 Gdsm Phillips 10 the Battalion deployed en masse to Sennelager for 2 back to work, the Battalion LCpl Morgan 60 Gdsm Phillips 65 weeks of Combined Arms was furiously preparing for LCpl Roberts 72 Gdsm Qaranivalu Tactical Trainer (CATT) and Ex WESSEX STORM and by the rd LCpl Skates Gdsm Rice Combined Arms Staff Trainer 3 week of January we were (CAST). This was the final all in Thetford, Norfolk. We LCpl Whiles Gdsm Rowlands 75 preparation for our Ex WESSEX completed a week of ranges LCpl Williams 70 Gdsm Singleton STORM in January 2017. We and tactics training before the Gdsm Bilton Gdsm Thomas 76 were fortunate to have a company was put through Gdsm Brain Gdsm Ward weekend off in the middle of its paces on the live firing the exercise and everyone phase and the defensive battle Gdsm Burchill Gdsm Weaver made the most of it, although exercise. Right on cue, the Gdsm Campbell 58 Gdsm Williams 93 a special mention must go to temperature plummeted to the soldiers that succeeded -10°C on the first night, and

8 The Prince of Wales’s Company WELSH GUARDS REGIMENTAL MAGAZINE The Prince of Wales’s Company

2

3 4

1. No 1 Platoon Stacked Up, Ready to Assault, in Longmoor during urban ops training. 2. No 1 Platoon, Ex WESSEX STORM. 3. Building Clearance, Longmoor. 4. Public Order Training, Longmoor.

The Prince of Wales’s Company 9 The Prince of Wales’s Company WELSH GUARDS REGIMENTAL MAGAZINE

1

2

3 4

10 The Prince of Wales’s Company WELSH GUARDS REGIMENTAL MAGAZINE The Prince of Wales’s Company

5 only relented once that phase switched to readiness for UK Sandhurst, Lt Gill departed of the exercise was complete. Standby Battalion. The final for Op NEWCOMBE, Lt McNeill readiness inspection was Love returned from New Once the training in Thetford conducted by HQ 11 Brigade Zealand (and promptly left was complete, we conducted in Longmoor, where the for ITC Catterick), Lt Razzall a Battalion road move to company was given some became the Int Offr and CSgt Salisbury Plain. It was down (CQMS) Bick moved to the to excellent planning by BG ‘hands-on’ experience with HQ that the Jamboys arrived the flood defences we would Training Wing. Meanwhile, Lt in camp just before dusk, with use if deployed in support of Ross stepped up to become only one vehicle limping in the civil authorities. Coy 2IC; WO2 (CSM) Heath after dark. It is a testament to returned to the company after our REME fitter section and As the year pushed on, our a stint as CQMS for 2 Coy and their first-rate work, that there focus shifted once again to Ex CSgt (CQMS) Greaves returned were no serious problems SARMIS, a NATO reassurance from ITC Catterick. We also with the vehicles throughout exercise in Romania. welcomed 3 new platoon the whole exercise. Not strictly a company : 2Lt (now Lt) deployment, it represented Andersen and 2Lts Scott- Salisbury Plain bought the very best of the Welsh Bowden and Vincenzini. with it new challenges, not Guards with every company least advancing at speed sending men and women So dear readers, by the time and covering far bigger to support us. The company this year’s publication is firmly distances than we were used group was employed as a rifle in your hands and you have to in the Light Role. Despite settled into your favourite company and this is reported 1. Ex WESSEX STORM sunrise. the challenges, everyone armchair to digest its content developed their knowledge on elsewhere within the 2. Platoon debrief after the night the company will have about working with the Regimental Journal. assault onto Longmoor. completed much of its training 3. The ground during the live Foxhound vehicles and Throughout the year there for Afghanistan including live firing phase of Ex WESSEX operating as part of a Light has been a steady trickle of firing, a return to STORM. Mechanised Battlegroup. 4. Urban Skills Week, Longmoor. changes within The Prince of and much more besides. That 5. Gdsm Divavesi and Gdsm Ward As soon as we were back Wales’s Company. WO2 (CSM) however, is for 2018’s report, construct flood defences while in Pirbright, our attention Peters returned to so we shall save it for then. training for UK Standby.

The Prince of Wales’s Company 11 WELSH GUARDS REGIMENTAL MAGAZINE

Number Two Company Gwyr Ynys Y Cedryn - The Men of the Island of the Mighty

Maj Beare Gdsm Collins 09 Lt Clarke Gdsm Duval Lt Elletson Gdsm Evans 32 2Lt Ruscombe-King Gdsm Goodwin 2Lt Ward Gdsm Healy-Roberts WO2 Cope Gdsm Jacobs CSgt Jefferies Gdsm James Sgt Brown Gdsm Jenkins Sgt Evans 07 Gdsm Jones 22 Sgt Green Gdsm Jones 94 Sgt Jones 51 Gdsm Kissiedu Sgt Small Gdsm Lewis 85 1 LSgt Davies 35 Gdsm Maclaughlin here is not a Guardsman, Non-Commissioned Officer LSgt Davies 89 Gdsm Maund Tor Officer from The Men of the Island of the Mighty LSgt Evans 94 Gdsm Morrison who has escaped a hard year’s work. Men have been LSgt Gurung 04 Gdsm Murton deployed as far east as the Carpathian Mountains in LSgt Jones 89 Gdsm Owen 97 Romania, south to the heat of and west to the LSgt Millins 52 Gdsm Parry 12 jungles of Belize and prairies of Canada. Even with all of LSgt Okeke Gdsm Patel that going on, some still found the time to get away for LSgt Parry 91 Gdsm Powell 28 adventurous training, career courses and sport. LSgt Rowlands 99 Gdsm Rees The first day of the New Year to live fire platoon attacks by LSgt Shapland Gdsm Richards 13 saw Maj Mathieson move to day and night. Over a plethora LSgt Tancock Gdsm Ringeval become Battalion Second in of demanding challenges, LSgt Williams 43 Gdsm Roberts 300 Command and the arrival of Number Two Company found LCpl Campbell 78 Gdsm Roberts 03 a new Company itself on the main effort fresh from 2 years in the on multiple occasions, and LCpl Dean Gdsm Rowlands 47 heat of the Middle East. Maj each time the Guardsmen LCpl Duffell Gdsm Rowlands-Bell Charles-Jones was thrust dug deep and impressed. LCpl Koranteng Gdsm Scott straight into the Battalion’s This was not just down to LCpl Lucas 89 Gdsm Smith 70 Ex WESSEX STORM. Adding them but also to strong and another level of complexity, flexible leadership from the LCpl Morgan 14 Gdsm Stott the Battalion had just Junior Non-Commissioned LCpl Prothero Gdsm Sullivan completed its transition to the Officers. Tenacious in attack LCpl Purvis Gdsm Todd Foxhound Light Mechanised and defence, they also learnt LCpl Siviter Gdsm Turner Infantry (LMI) vehicle! to anticipate the next move, and efficiently position their LCpl Waqanisaravi Gdsm Twose Over the 6 week exercise, fire-teams and sections well Gdsm Al-Ekely Gdsm Watters temperatures regularly on the battle field. At platoon Gdsm Arnold Gdsm Wilkinson dropped well below freezing headquarters level, platoon Gdsm Bastable Gdsm Williams 07 in both Thetford and Salisbury sergeants ensured their men Plain. The Company was were always ready to resource Gdsm Bilkey Gdsm Williams 46 tested on several scenarios the next challenge and hungry Gdsm Brace Gdsm Williams 88 that covered everything from platoon commanders fought Gdsm Cleave Pte Kwateng complex urban operations to be next on an attack or on

12 Number Two Company WELSH GUARDS REGIMENTAL MAGAZINE Number Two Company

2 the main effort of the next after a few unplanned vehicle mission. The Foxhound proved recoveries, the discretion its worth over some tough of careful route selection terrain and, despite the odd overcame the valour of a rapid break down, performed very advance. By the end of the well. It was especially useful exercise, it was amazing to for keeping the RWMIK+ see some of the ground the crews from Number Three drivers were able to conquer and Support Companies with the vehicles. Overall, it warm when on long halts in was a tough exercise and the freezing conditions! Initially Company did itself proud. the drivers and commanders Little did we know at the time were keen to charge off at that this tempo was to be 3 pace to cover the ground and maintained into the coming test the Foxhounds, however months.

Hot on the heels of Ex WESSEX STORM, much of the Company 1. Lt Elletson in Brunei on JWIC. deployed to the Alps on the 2. The then Company Battalion ski trip. The platoon Commander (Maj Charles- commanders were notable Jones) issues direction to Lt by their absence during this Elletson (then 5 Pl Comd) on time; clearly, they felt that Ex WESSEX STORM. their leadership was most 3. Gdsm Duval on the pre-TAC keenly needed on the slopes. course. All those who attended the ski 4. LCpl Koranteng - range safety in Sennybridge. trip came back with stories of 4

Number Two Company 13 Number Two Company WELSH GUARDS REGIMENTAL MAGAZINE

1

derring-do and a qualification, be completed each year, including many Guardsmen and maintaining currency is who, skiing for the first time, challenging. With help from achieved Basic Ski Proficiency. the Training Wing, and rigid For others, it was a case planning and coordination at of improving on existing Company Headquarters level qualifications. Hopefully some we were able to crack the will become the Battalion’s majority quickly. However, go-to instructors of the the MATTs battle endured for future. The Battalion ski trip some time and, on occasion, is covered separately in the it was common to find an Journal. instructor teaching one or two men to get the Company to Once back in the UK the the critical 85% completion company deployed to Lydd rate that we are required to to complete the annual maintain for Readiness. To marksmanship shoots. make this challenge harder, The first-time pass rate the Company was starting to demonstrated remarkable be spread thinly in support of proficiency across the Battalion and external tasks. Company and a number of Guardsmen picked up their Lt Minihan and WO2 (CSM) marksmanship badges. With Cope led a Short-Term our marksmanship in the bag, Training Team (STTT) to Belize it was time to follow it up to train the Belize Defence with the rest of the Military Force (BDF), in support of 1 Annual Training Tests (MATTs). RIFLES. Concurrently, we had There are multiple elements men supporting 1 R WELSH’s 2 to the 10 MATTs that must armoured exercise in Canada

14 Number Two Company WELSH GUARDS REGIMENTAL MAGAZINE Number Two Company

3 and more preparing to deploy nature and the letter to the The conclusion of this busy This mindset will no doubt be in support of The Prince of Commanding Officer proved year came in the form of the carried forward into the Op Wales’s Company’s exercise the value of Number Two training and testing so that TORAL training package and in Romania. If that wasn’t Company men once again. we were ready to support the the Company is well set to enough, we managed to On returning to the UK the civil authorities across the UK. deliver operational success in send men to Kenya with their majority found themselves Summer leave also marked the Afghanistan next year. tunics to support the British training with The Prince of handover of command of the Embassy’s Queen’s Birthday Wales’s Company, to provide Company from Maj Charles- Party. backfill for Ex SARMIS in Jones to Maj Beare, fresh from Romania. Yet again all ranks, Staff College. In Belize, the men taught basic bar Company Headquarters, tactics and infantry skills to The final piece in the training found themselves on exercise Junior Non-Commissioned and planning jigsaw is the in a new and challenging Officers of the BDF over 6 start of Mission Specific weeks, culminating in a mini country. This time they faced Training for the Battalion’s final test exercise for which with heavy rain, sweltering deployment on Op TORAL the instructors received great temperatures and steep next year. Number Two praise. It wasn’t all hard work mountains working along-side Company will fill the second as they were delayed en route a multinational battle group. company rotation in the New home which gave them time Upon return we heard stories Kabul Compound; providing to top up their tans. In Canada, of recce patrols stumbling mounted and dismounted a section was attached to upon wolves and finding bear security in Kabul city centre 1. Sgt Hedges and LSgt Parry 91 1 R WELSH and lived out prints around the harbour from August to December share a joke during a lull in of the Warrior Armoured areas. A big change from 2018. 2017 has been fast- battle. Fighting Vehicle; a fantastic deer slots and fox poo on the paced, with many new 2. LSgt Millins 52, Gdsm Miotti Pirbright back-door area! The and Lamb and Sgt Jones 51 opportunity to learn some challenges, but it has been with Verne Troyer. Armoured Infantry skills. With Belize, Canada and Romania fantastic to see all ranks of 3. Lt Minihan making sure his Ex WESSEX STORM under their exercises are covered in detail the Company rise to meet camouflage is 100% effective belts, this was almost second elsewhere in the Journal. each and every test head-on. during Ex WESSEX STORM.

Number Two Company 15 WELSH GUARDS REGIMENTAL MAGAZINE

Number Three Company Fy Nuw, Fy Ngwlad, Fy Mrenin - My God, My Land, My King

Maj Horgan LCpl Williams 54 Capt Evans LCpl Williams 60 Capt Alsop Dmr Asamoah Capt Clarke Gdsm Bamsey 24 Lt Lewis Gdsm Bamsey 70 WO2 Lewis 29 Gdsm Bond CSgt Evans 31 Dmr Davies 05 Sgt Crew Gdsm Davies 37 Sgt Cummins Gdsm Davies 86 Sgt Cunningham Gdsm Davis 82 Sgt Howells Gdsm Dade Sgt Hughes 34 Gdsm Emmanuel Sgt John Gdsm Felton 1 Sgt Lewis 88 Gdsm Fitzgibbon Sgt Powell Gdsm Green he Little Iron Men started 2016 in good form, well Sgt Pearce Gdsm Grimshaw 488 manned and having successfully completed the Sgt Simons Gdsm Goddard T LSgt Buretini Gdsm Godsall various cadres required to ensure the specialist platoons LSgt Chambers Gdsm Harriss-Jones could complete the niche tasks asked of them on LSgt Crowley Dmr Hillman operations or exercise. LSgt Deeks Gdsm Howard LSgt Everett Gdsm Howells 55 The Company, with Maj involved simulated actions, LSgt Forde Gdsm Hunt Mulira (MERCIAN) and similar to those that would be LSgt Frowen Gdsm Jones 13 Company Sergeant Major executed on WESSEX STORM, LSgt Harris 35 Gdsm Jones 73 Lawman at the helm, had an in order to provide training LSgt Parry 26 Gdsm Jones 84 invaluable run out on CT2 to Battlegroup Headquarters. LSgt Roos Dmr Jones 91 training on Salisbury Plain After some initial teething in October. This allowed for LSgt Rowlands Dmr Jones 92 problems, the specialist the Company, operating in LSgt Viavialevu Gdsm Koch-Perry platoons managed to get its Intelligence, Surveillance into a rhythm that could LSgt Williams 91 Gdsm Krajewski-Moore and Reconnaissance (ISR) role, produce some tempo for LCpl Bishop Gdsm Locke to practice reconnaissance, the rest of the Battlegroup, LCpl Couling Gdsm Macedru observation posts and setting all in their own simulators. LCpl Dunn Gdsm Nagata the conditions for the rifle The main challenge faced LCpl Forgan Dmr Parry 23 companies. The Company by the Company was the LCpl Gassama Dmr Roberts certainly departed Salisbury simulators. Designed for an Plain more confident and LCpl Howells 27 Gdsm Richards armoured battlegroup, these rehearsed in the tactics, LCpl Howells 28 Dmr Sarpak were based on various vehicle techniques and procedures LCpl Jones 57 Gdsm Self platforms that the Guardsmen that were to be used on Ex Gdsm Soko simply had no experience LCpl Muteti WESSEX STORM in the New of. Therefore, a guardsman LCpl Moseley Gdsm Sture Year. LCpl Moriarty Gdsm Taylor trained to drive an RWIMIK+ LCpl Retallick Gdsm Thomas 59 The next thing on the horizon would find himself in a Warrior LCpl Robins Dmr Thomas 75 for the Company was a simulator that in turn was simulating a Mastiff that had LCpl Sandison Gdsm Thomas 500 trip to Germany, with the rest of the Battalion, for a been digitally modified to look LCpl Siwale Gdsm Williams 25 Command, Staff and Tactical like a RWIMIK+. This obviously LCpl Williams 22 Gdsm Williams 45 Training Exercise (CSTTX). This posed problems, however the

16 Number Three Company WELSH GUARDS REGIMENTAL MAGAZINE Number Three Company

2 men soon got to grips with it be printed in these esteemed and persevered through long pages, however most hadn’t a days in the simulators. What euro remaining. After another awaited them as a reward week in the simulators, was the fantastic opportunity the Company returned to of a weekend off in Germany, Elizabeth Barracks, Pirbright or wherever they could get for a busy few weeks of to and from within 48 hours. preparation for Ex WESSEX This brilliant incentive was STORM, prior to going on well received, with boys Christmas leave. travelling to Berlin, Hamburg, Amsterdam and Prague in On return from leave the order to sample the various Company were plunged delights on offer in these straight into WESSEX STORM, most ‘hedonistic’ of cities. travelling to Thetford for All returned to Sennelager live firing, a Combined Arms on the Sunday evening full Live Firing Exercise (CALFEX) of tales of events that cannot and some battle exercises. The Company performed strongly on each of these, 1. Anti-Tank Pl during their cadres. being divided into two ISR 2. Sunrise for a Reconnaissance Platoon vehicle during the (Intelligence, Surveillance final phase of Exercise and Reconnaissance) Groups, WESSEX STORM. each containing a section 3. Pistol ranges in Lydd. of the Recce Pl, a section of 3

Number Three Company 17 Number Three Company WELSH GUARDS REGIMENTAL MAGAZINE

1

the Anti-Tank Pl and two the exercise. The quad bike sniper pairs. On the defensive mounted Sniper Pl, under Sgt battle exercise the Groups Powell, deserve particular established a screen to the praise; the volume of work front of the rifle companies, conducted by them was providing early warning staggering. The Snipers found of enemy movement and themselves used for a wide precision strike when variety of tasks, from normal required. The CALFEX saw a sniping to tank stalking and different ORBAT, each group always performed with being combined with the customary good humour and Machine Gun Pl to form two professionalism. Fire Support Groups (FSGs). Here mobility was prioritised, The exercise provided many the FSGs remaining mounted lessons learnt for the Iron whilst the companies were Men and will shape how the dismounted. This enabled a company does business in great deal of fire support to the future. The presence of be given to the dismounted anti-tankers, recce soldiers troops at all stages of the and snipers in the same group battle, therefore generating produced a well-rounded sub- huge amounts of tempo. It unit, able to support the Battle was a real success. Group in a range of scenarios. The techniques developed After Thetford, the exercise throughout Ex WS 17/1, such moved onto Salisbury Plain as the use of snipers, gave Training Area (SPTA), an area the ISR groups an edge with familiar to the Company after which most challenges could 2 the training conducted there be overcome. The concept is the previous October. Despite one that should be persevered the biting cold, the Company with and built on. The most performed to a high standard obvious way to develop it in throughout this phase of future is for the ISR Company

18 Number Three Company WELSH GUARDS REGIMENTAL MAGAZINE Number Three Company

All returned to Sennelager on the Sunday evening full of tales of events that cannot be printed in these esteemed pages...

to seek to create well-rounded achieved the highest place by soldiers with diverse skillsets. a Briton ever. Members of the Therefore, a future aim will be Company also represented the to run joint cadres and to get Battalion in enduro, football, Recce soldiers on ATk courses, boxing and rugby showing and vice versa. the high level of sporting ability that the Iron Men pride In early 2017, Company themselves on. The Company Sergeant Major Lawman football team put in a good moved on, returning to showing in the Ellicot Cup in the Land Warfare Centre, July, unable to reach the final Warminster. His hard work but playing some sumptuous and good humour will be stuff along the way. All in missed by all in the Company. all, it has been a productive Summer 2017 saw the ATk and satisfying year for the and Recce Pls embark on their Company. It has successfully 3 cadres, to be run alongside re-roled from a rifle company each other as much as to an ISR Company, has possible, on Sennybridge integrated large numbers of Training Area and then back new soldiers from across the to Salisbury Plain. These were Battalion and then trained an immense success, with the them to a level where they can new members of the company perform to a high standard. trained to a high standard, The Company has worked and core skills refreshed hard, but has also found time amongst the older hands. The to enjoy itself, whether in specialist platoons now go Berlin or on the football pitch. into an operational cycle in a strong place. The Company should reflect on the year gone by with After the cadres Maj Mulira pride and look forward with moved onto pastures new and confidence. was replaced by Maj Horgan (RHG/D).

In more extra-curricular 4 fields, members of the Company have enjoyed much success. Capt Evans, 1. Snipers live firing in Thetford. Officer Commanding Recce 2. Gdsm Murphy and LCpl Couling, flanked by Capt Alsop drive the Pl, achieved astonishing Number Seven Platoon success whilst competing stretcher during a company in the Marathon des Sables military skills competition on in Morocco in April. Despite the Pirbright Training Area. having spent much of the 3. The Company Commander previous few months either and Capt Alsop during a on exercise or in transit company military skills accommodation, he came an competition on the Pirbright Training Area. incredible third in a highly 4. Sgt Hughes teaching a lesson competitive field. The first in Romania during Ex SARMIS. and second places were 5. Sgt Simons soaring to success taken by Moroccans and he at Ex TRAINING WHEELS 2017. 5

Number Three Company 19 WELSH GUARDS REGIMENTAL MAGAZINE

Support Company Nac Ofna Ond Gwarth - Fear Nothing but Disgrace

Maj Figgures-Wilson WO2 Young CSgt Vuevueika DMaj Johnson

his last year has been Timmensely busy for Support Company. The latter end of 2016 saw the Coy intensely prepare for Exercise WESSEX STORM. This saw all the specialist weapons platoons focus their core skills. These were put to the test in a 1 complicated and testing The New Year saw the Coy one of the highlights being On return we said a goodbye exercise in Oct 2016. prepare for battle. The the Assault Pioneers leading to WO2 Davies 03 who Coy in the first couple of the charge in digging the relinquished the role of CSM A lot of vital lessons were weeks of the year had a BG defensive position. The and moved onto RQMS RHQ. learned, especially as it was brief visit to West Wales to Drum Major and his team He has been a strong CSM the first time that the Coy enjoy the local delights of were a welcome sight in their who has added a level of had been working with Castlemartin ranges. This tractors. Their determination continuity which the Coy had vehicles for a protracted saw the Machine Gun (MG) Pl and selfless commitment not had for a while. He will be period of time in adverse especially demonstrate what saw the BG go down to stage missed by all and is wished conditions. November saw a potent force they could be 3 in almost record time. all the best by the Coy in his the Company along with the using the Heavy Machine Their work was noticed and new role in London. He was rest of the Battalion decamp Gun (HMG) and Grenade appreciated by all, including succeeded by WO2 Young, to Germany for the large Machine Gun (GMG) on the the observer mentors who who brings a huge amount simulated test in Sennelager. vehicles. The weather down were tasked to watch the of experience and fresh view This exercise tested both the in Pembrokeshire certainly BG dig in. The MG Pl worked on life. conceptual as well as the tested the crews’ abilities tirelessly to manoeuvre the physical skills of the Coy. The to stay dry and warm in the BG around and they were After a well-deserved break highlight for many was the open architecture vehicles. found regularly with tripod the Coy snapped straight middle weekend of freedom legs on their shoulders going back into some live firing in Germany, granted by The Battalion then deployed “light” to obtain the best in Sennybridge. This was the Commanding Officer. on Ex WESSEX STORM. This piece of ground to support a grown-up week which The Coy spread to the four saw the Company split up the attacks. We were also allowed all to be properly winds and could have been and bounce around the Battle supported very closely by the coached into firing. The results found in many German Group supporting the various reserves on exercise from 3 of some, including the Coy cities and the stories on the elements. R WELSH. On the whole there Comd, were transformed Monday morning suggested was a seamless integration after some dedicated that all parties had enjoyed The platoons proved their and there was a new found coaching by LSgt Shapland. themselves immensely! battle winning capabilities, respect from both parties. The week culminated with

20 Support Company WELSH GUARDS REGIMENTAL MAGAZINE Support Company

a section shoot. Sections were randomly selected from across the Coy and the results were impressive. The determination and will to win shown by all was outstanding.

The late spring and early summer saw the Coy start the annual cadre process. All the platoons completed their mandated training. The platoons took on new blood and trained them in the “dark arts” of mortars and machine gunning. The standard produced was extremely high and praise is due to both Lt Lewis with the MG Pl and CSgt Oldham (Gren Gds) with the Mortars for their adventurous and demanding 2 programmes. The Assault Pioneers completed a music deploy. We will remain this concentration in preparation way until after Op TORAL for their inspection by the so 2019 is likely to be our Army School of Ceremonial reformation point. Everyone Music. Subsequently a is looking forward to the large number of them then challenge which operational attended the plant operator service brings. course and the chainsaw course. The next stage is to master waterman ship which should see the Pioneers leading river crossings and bouncing around in rigid raiders.

As the Coy rolled towards 1. Coy Comd leading a heavy summer leave the roles for Op carry - Pirbright Training Area. TORAL in 2018 were issued. 2. Sgt Evans 07 and the MG Pl on the cadre. Consequently, we have been 3. LSgt Shapland supervising dispersed across the Battalion GMG firing. to support the 3 manoeuvre 4. HMG live firing. 3 coys and train as we will 5. Tactical insertion of a MG line.

4 5

Support Company 21 WELSH GUARDS REGIMENTAL MAGAZINE

Headquarter Company Ofna Dduw, Anrhydedda’r Brenin - Fear God, honour the King

Lt Col Bevan MVO Sgt Brown LSgt Putty LCpl Thomasson Maj Butler Sgt Davies 83 LSgt Stevens LCpl Thomson Maj Howell Sgt Evans 588 LSgt Williams 05 LCpl Wainright Maj Johnstone Sgt Gautam LSgt Williams 35 LCpl Worthington Maj Leeson Sgt Harris Cpl Gurung 24 Gdsm Adekoya Maj Mathieson Sgt Hedges Cpl Ramsay Gdsm Ankhra Capt Bowen Sgt Hemmings Cpl Richardson Gdsm Arnold Capt Brown Sgt Heney Cpl Singahteh-Sambou Gdsm Boswell Capt Gillham Sgt Lewis 51 Cpl Stanley Gdsm Carter 19 Capt Jones Sgt Lyall Cpl Stock Gdsm Dudley Capt Marsden Sgt MacDiarmid LCpl Adams Gdsm Evans 16 Capt Meek Sgt Massegu-Jones LCpl Anderson Gdsm Faulener Capt Pollard Sgt Millins 79 LCpl Armstrong Gdsm Grimshaw 988 Capt Ryan Sgt Naicobo LCpl Asare-Bediako Gdsm Hathway Capt Webster Sgt Ntege LCpl Broome Gdsm Little Lt Campbell-Schofield Sgt Soko LCpl Gdsm Logan Lt Razzall Sgt Townsend LCpl Burnett Gdsm Mason WO1 Healy Sgt Urch LCpl Butler Gdsm Meredith WO1 Morgan 10 Sgt Vickers LCpl Emmings Gdsm Morgan 29 WO2 Davies 90 Sgt Wallace LCpl Gdsm Openda WO2 Edwards LSgt Biggs LCpl Gurung 08 Gdsm Phillips 38 WO2 Griffiths 96 LSgt Carrier LCpl Gurung 82 Gdsm Phillips 52 WO2 Hughes 62 LSgt Clowes LCpl Hawxwell Gdsm Prudham WO2 Laurence LSgt Devine LCpl Hoban Gdsm Rowlands 15 WO2 Owen 75 LSgt Divers LCpl Jackson Gdsm Strudwick WO2 Parry 19 LSgt Evans 13 LCpl Lipita Gdsm Watson WO2 Parry 95 LSgt Gleeson LCpl Liston Gdsm Williams 07 CSgt Bick LSgt Gurung 29 LCpl Mahlangu Gdsm Woods CSgt Buller LSgt Hillier LCpl McKay Cfn Adam CSgt Deren LSgt Horrell LCpl Meekcoms Cfn Hope-Parry CSgt Jones 73 LSgt Jones 09 LCpl Miller Cfn McCarthy CSgt Parry 64 LSgt Lucas LCpl Mitchell Cfn Strutton CSgt Pheasey LSgt McShane LCpl Mottram Pte Francis CSgt Scarf LSgt Montgomery LCpl Proctor Pte Gurung 95 CSgt Treharne LSgt Morgan 44 LCpl Roberts 78 Pte Hannah CSgt Wilks LSgt Morgan 65 LCpl Ryan Pte Palmer SSgt Douglas LSgt Nuku LCpl Selby Pte Rai SSgt Potter LSgt Pienaar LCpl Tamale Pte Thapa

22 Headquarter Company WELSH GUARDS REGIMENTAL MAGAZINE Headquarter Company

to rain on day one progressed into intermediate and advanced classes on day 2 and 3, providing a good test of the troops’ administration – and, at times, morale. Still, it failed to dampen the spirits of the mountain bikers, whose exuberance in the mud was the cause of several rider ejections. Thankfully, no injuries resulted, other than slightly wounded pride. Meanwhile, the 2 groups of walkers summited 2 of the tallest mountains in England, 1 Scafell Pike (978m) and Helvellyn (950m), and made eadquarter Company returned from Christmas planned a well-earned break. the most of the opportunity leave in the new year of 2017 with a spring in its On a scorching-hot July, 20 to develop navigation skills. H members of the Company step, ready for Ex WESSEX STORM. The MT Platoon and This proved particularly useful deployed northwards to when the clag came in and QM Department were ‘juggling and spinning plates’ Halton Training Camp near reduced visibility to single as early as November for the deployment to Thetford Lancaster to conduct multi- figures of metres at times. activity adventurous training and Salisbury Plain. It was a long and eventful exercise comprising hillwalking, If anyone had arrived at that certainly tested all G4 elements of the Company. mountain biking and rock Halton thinking that this would The Battalion remained well sustained throughout the climbing. The training was be a walk in the park they exercise due to the professionalism and hard work of conducted in the area around had by now been corrected. the camp, which is on the Due to a forecast of lightning the Headquarter Company personnel in F, A1, A2 and edge of the Lake District, storms on the second day, the B Echelons. and delivered by the officers Scafell Pike group took the and non-commissioned opportunity to use the indoor With the demanding winter (RQMS) Morgan 10 moved officers of the Company with wall at Lancaster University period over and the days upon promotion to be the the relevant instructional for a brief introduction to starting to get longer we Regimental Sergeant Major. qualifications. After the rock climbing, which did said farewell to the QM, He was replaced by WO2 long drive up to Halton the well at demonstrating that Maj Hughes, off to attend Davies 90, who arrived after Company made itself at home even some of the toughest Staff College in Sep 17 to be time in the Army Training among the standard green of soldiers can be scared replaced by Maj Butler IG who Centre (Pirbright) as Drill plastic mattresses and itchy of heights! At the end of a arrived after 2 years as the Sergeant. WO2 (RQMS(T)) blankets, and divided into 3 challenging but enjoyable groups for the round-robin Battalion’s MTO. Capt Bowen Ridgeway-Buckley moved week’s training away from of activities over the next 3 has taken up the mantle of upon promotion to become the day-jobs in Headquarter days. What the camp lacked MTO as his first commissioned New College Sergeant Company, the exhausted Major at Sandhurst. He was in luxury it more than made appointment. The QM(T), Capt group returned to Pirbright to replaced by WO2 Griffiths 96, up for with its superb location conduct administration before Campbell also left to take up previously Drill Sergeant. and Crown feeding! heading off on some well- post as QM of the London earned summer leave. Regiment on promotion to After the hard work leading It quickly became apparent major, being replaced by Capt up to and during the why the verdant hillsides of 1. Capt (now Maj) Butler Pollard upon his return from Battalion’s deployment on Ex the Lake District are so lush: (MTO (now QM)) with his Empire attachment to 1 RRF. WO2 WESSEX STORM, the Company lots of water! An introduction on Ex WESSEX STORM.

Headquarter Company 23 Headquarter Company WELSH GUARDS REGIMENTAL MAGAZINE

LIGHT AID DETACHMENT Warminster to repair, service Capt A J Brown REME and hand back the several dozen vehicles that had been The beginning of 2017 and borrowed from Land Training the Battalion’s deployment Fleet for the exercise. on Ex WESSEX STORM marked the crescendo of an After an all-too-brief long extremely busy period of weekend the LAD hosted a work for the REME Light Aid command and leadership Detachment (LAD). Ensuring training day for REME soldiers that the Battlegroup had all from across 11 Brigade’s area of its equipment available of responsibility. Planned for the start of the exercise and delivered by senior was a significant proportion non-commissioned officers of the challenge that was from the LAD, the day saw surmounted through some 30 junior ranks take 1 commitment and hard work part in both mental and from all involved. Assimilating physical challenges. After REME Fitter Sections from group discussions, planning the attached cavalry, artillery exercises, leaderless and engineers in addition command tasks and a robust, to attaching tradesmen to competitive burden race over each of the Welsh Guards the assault course, the troops Companies meant that enjoyed swapping stories all force elements had over a drink in the sports organic equipment support bar with an excellent curry, throughout the exercise. courtesy of the Battalion’s This ensured that the myriad chefs. With the Battalion now faults experienced with both at readiness for operations, vehicles and weapons could in addition to delivering be rectified quickly, and the necessary equipment vehicle breakdowns during availability, members of the movement could be towed LAD have taken part in or 2 to a leaguer location for supported the PoWs Company repair. Fitter sections were on Ex SARMIS in Romania, supported by materiel and a battalion skiing in Austria, small reserve of tradesmen and Headquarter Company at the A2 echelon including adventurous training in the Battlegroup recovery assets. Lake District. With Op TORAL Thanks to the performance pre-deployment training of soldiers of all types from now on the horizon, 2017 across the Battlegroup in looks certain to continue to looking after their equipment, be a busy year for both the and despite the conditions, Battalion and the LAD. availability remained WELFARE TEAM extremely high throughout Captain J J Jones the exercise. Once the exercise was completed and The extremely busy but most had returned home to enjoyable 2016 festive season their families, the majority consisted of a fantastic party 3 of the LAD remained in for children. There was great

24 Headquarter Company WELSH GUARDS REGIMENTAL MAGAZINE Headquarter Company

food and entertainment, covered in a separate article in except perhaps for some the journal. questionable karaoke. Our thanks go to WO2 Edwards, June saw us visit Brighton with the Regimental Catering the families and the weather Warrant Officer for the was glorious. For the more excellent spread, and the adventurous the pier had a Sarn’t Major for permitting the reasonable fun fair and for the use of the Warrant Officers’ more sedate there was plenty and Sergeants’ Mess. of time to relax on the beach, explore the shops and, of January and February was course, fish and chips on the very much routine business sea front. and getting ready for the Battalion’s deployment on QUARTERMASTER’S Ex WESSEX STORM. During DEPARTMENT the February half term and WO2 (RQMS(T)) 4 whilst the Battalion was still A L Griffiths 96 deployed on exercise, there 2017 will certainly be a year was soft play for the smaller to remember for the QM’s children and a visit to The Dept regarding workload. All Natural History Museum, deployments and exercises Victoria and Albert Museum bring challenges, but Ex and the Science Museum for WESSEX STORM was a beast the older children. and tested us all in many different ways. The movement During March and in keeping of the vehicle fleet and with the Regimental custom equipment to Castlemartin, of outside areas, but mainly Thetford and Salisbury because the married quarters Plain in succession was a looked a little untidy, we test of patience and nerve. organised a big clean. Armed Then WO2 (RQMS) Morgan with black bags, gloves and 10 was the main ‘mover brushes we cleaned each and shaker’ for the real life 5 street with military precision; support and he managed to afterwards, the army of cleaners were rewarded with tea, coffee and bacon 1. Capt Marsden and Lt (now Capt) Farmelo in BGHQ tent in sandwiches. The month was Germany. finished off with a superb 2. Fine body of men - Gdsm quiz night with prizes held Morgan 29, Watson, Phillips 38, in the Warrant Officers’ and Carter 19 and Little and LCpl Sergeants Mess’, organised by Roberts 78. Miranda Mathieson. 3. Brigade Readiness Inspection. 4. Halfway Point Scafell Pike. The month of April was mainly Capt Meek, CSgt Deren, Pte quiet, with the Battalion on Thapa, Gdsm Hathway, LSgt Gurung 29, Maj Howell and leave. We kick started the LCpl Gurung 82. summer with a charity event 5. LCpl Lipita and Cfn Hope-Parry – The Windsor Obstacle Colour supervise a job on a Foxhound Rush – to raise money for the in STANTA. Welsh Guards Charity. This is 6. Brigade Readiness Inspection. 6

Headquarter Company 25 Headquarter Company WELSH GUARDS REGIMENTAL MAGAZINE

keep it in line throughout the The platoon has been fully exercise. During these initial involved in all the main events deployments the then QM(T), and has played a key part in Capt Campbell and then WO2 supporting the Battalion’s (RQMS(T)) Ridgeway-Buckley preparation for operational managed the Land Training readiness. There was a small Fleet (LTF) at Warminster and matter of brigade inspections organised the roll out of the to help us along the way. With huge vehicle fleet for the Christmas leave around the Salisbury plain phase of the corner we were soon focused exercise. on having our vehicles assembled, task worthy and The department was also ready for the challenges of Ex heavily involved in the WESSEX STORM. deployment and recovery of Ex SARMIS. WO2 (RQMS) The platoon soon had to re- Davies 90 and SSgt Douglas shuffle its manpower into A1 skilfully deployed an echelon and A2 Echelons. A1 Echelon of 14 vehicles and equipment held onto the bulk of the well in advance of the MT and we parted company company and kept them with CSgt Parry 64 and LSgt sustained throughout the Pienaar who left for A2. An exercise without any major appreciation of the scale of issues. The exercise was a Ex WESSEX STORM was soon success and many lessons felt when the endless line of were learnt particularly on the low loaders made their way logistical supply chain whilst past the Guardroom towards abroad. the vehicle park. Phase 1 of 1 the exercise in Thetford was The department is now a mixture of A1 Echelon and focused on Op TORAL in 2018 night driving training and with the new management providing real life support. team. The new VIRTUS system Once in Salisbury the platoon (webbing, bergan and helmet) was able to exercise their has started to be issued to the procedures and get stuck Battalion for the Afghanistan in. After a number of battle tour. It is bringing mixed exercises the platoon was reviews, but it is certainly stretched and tested to its more advanced and user full capability and not long friendly than the equipment afterwards the experience used by some of our older within the platoon shined members of the regimental through; A1 Echelon was now family. a force to be reckoned with. MOTOR TRANSPORT Each member of the platoon PLATOON was worked hard and stepped Maj M I Butler IG up to the mark; they delivered The MT Pl has been run at full when most needed and capacity during a very busy played their part in holding-up year; that said, we wouldn’t the fine reputation of the MT. 2 want it any other way! Soon Ex WESSEX STORM was

26 Headquarter Company WELSH GUARDS REGIMENTAL MAGAZINE Headquarter Company

over and the MT was again single man training support split into teams providing to deploying out to Germany vehicle rehab, preparation for early to establish the main brigade readiness inspections headquarters in preparation and real life support to a for staff training. staff training exercise in Warminster. Once again each The platoon has been member of the platoon pulled fortunate to have deployed to through and set the bar high. Belize, Romania, , Kenya as well as Salisbury Plain and After a brief period of coming the Brecon Beacons a number up for air, huge demands of times. The greatest test were placed on white and for the platoon this year has green fleet vehicles towards been the run up to and the Support Weapon Cadres and completion of Ex WESSEX manpower was deployed STORM. To achieve training 3 to Romania on Ex SARMIS: at this level as a Battle Group the platoon was back in its the headquarters must first comfort zone of running hot. complete its staff training phase. Ours was in Germany During the year we have and this gave us a good run said goodbye to Gdsm Rowe, out and allowed us to iron out Theophilus and Williams 62. any issues we had with the We also had the old guard set up. move on to pastures new: Sgt Harris has resettled back Once completed we lined home with his family after a ourselves up for the next and great service to the MT and main hurdle: the exercise itself. This exercise was broken Welsh Guards. Gdsm Morgan down into a number of phases 29 was selected to attend a which all required different promotion course and passed style headquarters and with flying colours. LSgt Hillier communication platforms. was promoted to Sgt and took over as the new Tech Sgt for 4 the PoWs Company.

The platoon looks forward to in preparing for Op TORAL and the new challenges that lay 1. LSgt Mtonga tee’d up. ahead. 2. AGC Cross country. LSgts Gurung 04, Williams 35 and CIS PLATOON Mtonga, Cpl Singahteh- Capt J W B Webster Sambou, Pte Thapa, LCpl Wainwright, Pte Kwateng and The CIS Platoon has had an LSgt Dove. incredibly busy year with the 3. Sgt Cunningham loading the platoon being all together fleet for Salisbury Plain. in camp very rarely. The 4. Movement of the Battle Groups vehicles and equipment platoon has been involved between Thetford and Salisbury . in facilitating a great deal 5. SSgt Douglas (RLC) during a of training and exercises resupply on Ex SARMIS in throughout the year from Romania. 5

Headquarter Company 27 Headquarter Company WELSH GUARDS REGIMENTAL MAGAZINE

1

2 3 4

28 Headquarter Company WELSH GUARDS REGIMENTAL MAGAZINE Headquarter Company

We benefited greatly from AGC DETACHMENT everyone helping us set Maj C Leeson AGC(SPS) up and under the watchful This has been a really busy eye of the Drill Sergeant we but enjoyable period for managed to have the whole the AGC Detachment. In headquarters up and running January and February the in winter conditions in 45 Detachment deployed out minutes, a bit of a change with the Battalion on Ex from 3 hours in Germany. The WESSEX STORM. As well as tent itself lasted through the carrying out the traditional very harsh and wet conditions AGC roles of administrative of January on Salisbury Plain checks, move and track and but required a massive clean staff support, clerks also out afterwards. The exercise assisted the G4 teams, acted taught us many great lessons as drivers and radio operators in terms of efficiency and and ran the real life support in we took this forward to our Westdown Camp. The RAWO, 5 second staff training exercise WO2 Laurence, deployed out On the sport and adventurous the in the Light in Warminster, after which to Romania on Ex SARMIS training front the Detachment Mechanised Infantry role we were told we were one and not only ran the exercise has been busy. LCpl Lotter and in return the HCMR Det of the strongest performing Imprest account but assisted the G4 in numerous other attended an Army Fishing showed us the horses and headquarters they have had camp in Norway. LSgts Dove explained what it is like to live areas. through in the last 3 years. and Gurung along with LCpl and work in London with a Wainwright and Pte Singh mounted regiment. The platoon itself is ever There have been several promotions and we need to participated in a ski exercise improving and we are Life with 1WG AGC Det congratulate LSgt Williams on to Austria. LCpl Fitch and Pte constantly pushing to continues to be great fun being pre-selected for Sgt: he Rai went freefall parachuting, promote and educate our and we are now all looking moves shortly on promotion LSgt Williams took part in members. There is a great forward to operations next to the 4 Brigade Personnel a week mountain biking in deal of responsibility and year. Recovery Unit in Catterick. and a number pressure on the Guardsmen LCpls Lotter and Tamale were of personnel attended multi in the platoon and they are promoted to corporal at which activity weeks. In the coming weeks Pte Singh is due to exposed to situations that no point Cpl Tamale moved to attend a Power Gliding Course. other Guardsman would be Kenya on a 6 month tour with Sgt Ntege also assisted at in, such as Gdsm Mason and the Training Wimbledon for two weeks and Gdsm Grimshaw 988 sitting Unit. Pte Wainwright was the detachment participated in a Brigade Headquarters promoted to in the AGC Cross Country in Spain. It turns out the and is now the Comd Clk in championships. Spanish are not great at BHQ. We bade fond farewell understanding the Welsh to LCpl Castledine who was Personnel have attended 1. LSgt Gurung 04 and Pte Singh sense of humour! This exercise assigned to Brunei for 2 and passed numerous CLM make a new friend during a is covered elsewhere in the years and Cpl Von Tonder and personal development visit to the HCMR. journal. who went to the Falkland courses whilst the FSA, SSgt 2. Sgt Naicobo during a visit to Islands for 6 months followed Potter, organised an excellent the HCMR. All in all it has been a busy and by a 2 year assignment to Det training period in London 3. Vehicle fleet maintenance with Sgt Evans 588 leading way . successful year for the platoon Naples, Italy. The Det Comd, Lt with the AGC Det from the 4. LSgt Dove, Pte Singh and LCpl which culminated with our Richardson moved to Worthy HCMR. During the day we Wainright on Ex WHITE LION. cadre in Bovington on which Down to lead the AGC Corps conducted briefings on 5. Vehicle fleet maintenance with there is a separate article. Engagement Team. what it is like to work with Sgt Evans 588 leading way.

Headquarter Company 29 WELSH GUARDS REGIMENTAL MAGAZINE

Band of the welsh guards

Lt Colonel Roberts Musn Miles WO2 Hatton Musn Johnston WO2 Bailey Musn Finney CSgt Hunter Musn Salter CSgt Gregson Musn Jacob CSgt Holt Sgt Farnworth Sgt Fomes Sgt Johncock Sgt Mercer 1 Sgt Blue Sgt Llewellyn Battle of Passchendaele Commemorations Sgt Evans by LSgt L Judd Sgt Williams LSgt Wilcox “There is not a single half-acre in Ypres that is not sacred. LSgt Browett There is not a single stone which has not sheltered scores LSgt Lightfoot of loyal young hearts, whose one impulse and desire was to fight and, if need be, to die for England. Their blood has LSgt White drenched its cloisters and its cellars, but if never a drop had LSgt Gurney been spilt, if never a life had been lost in defence of Ypres lSgt Sproule still would Ypres have been hallowed, if only for the hopes LSgt Wing and the courage it has inspired and the scenes of valour LSgt Llewellyn-Jones and sacrifice it has witnessed. Ypres became a pilgrimage LSgt Judd destination for Britons to imagine and share the sufferings of their men and gain a spiritual benefit.” LCpl Lockwood From The Holy ground of British Arms by Lieutenant-Colonel Beckles. LCpl Libby LCpl Dilley his year saw the Centenary Commemorations for LCpl Bannister Tthe Battle of Passchendaele. The Band of the Welsh LCpl White Guards performed at all events and were also key to the LCpl Ramplin tri-service events – joined by musicians from the Royal LCpl Mason Marines, the and the Countess of Wessex LCpl Hirst Orchestra. The National Youth Choir of also Musn Morgan joined the massed service bands to perform at all events Musn Watt – all under the direction of the tri-service Senior Director Musn Geldart of Music, Lieutenant Colonel Kevin Roberts.. Musn Potts Musn Philp On arrival in Ypres the had been erected in the tri-service orchestra began market square in front of Musn Coleman five days of intensive the imposing structure of Musn Stowell rehearsals in preparation for the Cloth Hall, which was a BBC nationally televised to be used as the backdrop production. A huge stage for an impressive show of

30 WELSH GUARDS REGIMENTAL MAGAZINE Band of the welsh guards

2 lights and film as part of the TRH The Duke and Duchess entertainment at Talbot service at Tyne Cot Cemetery, televised production. Standing of Cambridge and Prime House. the largest Commonwealth since the Middle Ages, the Minister May, alongside 200 War Graves Cemetery in the Cloth Hall was demolished descendants of those who Dame Helen Mirren led the world. 4,000 relatives of the by artillery fire during the fought at Passchendaele, the proceedings throughout men who died also attended war but was rebuilt in later service was a highly-charged the concert and was joined the ceremony alongside a years as a perfect copy of the ode to the men who died. at various points but Ian huge number of international original hall - its significance Hislop, Michael Morpurgo dignitaries. A Guard of Honour in the history of Ypres The Welsh Guards Band was and numerous speakers was provided by 1st Battalion making it the perfect setting joined by the National Youth and performers. There were and from the Choir of Scotland, the Pipes for the evening’s concert. prominent features for Belgian Forces. HRH The and Drums of the Royal Irish International performers, both the satirical play The Prince of Wales addressed Regiment and The Last Post including Dame Helen Mirren Wipers Times and the stage the service, reminding those was played by buglers from and Alfie Boe, joined the adaptation of Warhorse gathered, “We remember it the Last Post Association. not only for the rain that fell, rehearsals as we approached respectively. Poignant Speeches were given by the the mud that weighed down the day of live BBC broadcast. testimonies from Allied and King of and the Duke the living and swallowed The first event for the Band German troops were also of Cambridge and poppies the dead, but also for the was a commemoration service projected on to the Cloth floating down from the roof courage and bravery of the at the Menin Gate in the centre Hall, including a video of of the Menin Gate whilst the men who fought here.” The of Ypres. Erected at the place Harry Patch - known as band and choir performed service included readings and the “Last Tommy” - who where British troops marched O Valiant Hearts. speeches from descendants of past when heading to battle, fought at Passchendaele those commemorated in the the 54,391 names of the That same evening the band and died aged 111 in 2009. cemetery. British dead with no known then formed into the tri- The following morning the grave cover its walls in fitting service orchestra for the BBC three bands of the Royal 1. Marching through reminder of the huge loss of Marines, Welsh Guards, and concert which also featured Tyne Cot Cemetary. lives at the battle. The event members of the Welsh Guards Royal Air Force formed up 2. Performing at Tyne Cot was attended by the TRH The Band reenacting part of their for the key commemorative Cemetary alongside members King and Queen of Belgium, WW1 role of providing troop event - a commemoration of the RAF and Marines Bands.

Band of the welsh guards 31 Band of the welsh guards WELSH GUARDS REGIMENTAL MAGAZINE

1

Wales Mini-KAPE Tour 7 - 9 February 2017 was so good that we decided Charge, and as usual left to include it in our afternoon begging for by Sgt Lee Fomes concert for the parents of the more. So we obliged with students, which we performed Peter Graham’s Cossack Fire nce again, the Band of the Welsh Guards hit the with the students, and for Dance. Along with an excellent Oroad, with our usual vigour and sense of excitement. our evening concert for the recruiting presentation in the A KAPE Tour (Keeping the Army in the Public Eye), even people of Milford Haven. And afternoon from Sgt Mercer’s a mini one like this, has an amazing amount of impact she didn’t disappoint - there Recruiting Team, the whole was a standing ovation for day was a great success. when you combine it with the skills of the band’s the young soloist, and we Recruiting Team, meaning that not only do the people of certainly hope to work with Our second stop was Howell’s Wales get to see their very own band, but the youngsters her again soon, hopefully as School in Cardiff. You know what they say about Howell’s of Wales get to experience a bit of the lifestyle of a a musician among our own ranks. School - well, you know. We musician in the Corps of Army Music. And let me tell you - had a slightly longer drive Wales has some SERIOUS up-and-coming musical talent. The evening concert was a that morning, so as a band we So, with all the meticulous planning checked and double- huge success, as we treated engaged in the lifeblood of our audience to some new a successful musician on the checked, we set off for God’s country. music, such as Dragon road - targeted napping. And Prelude, specially written we arrived feeling refreshed Our first stop was a students from the local area. for the Welsh Guards Band and ready to play, and once venue at Milford Haven in We took them through some by Professor Rob Wiffin, and again sat down to a workshop Pembrokeshire. You know of the more testing pieces some amazing older music, with the school’s up-and- what they say about the Torch of music in our repertoire, such as Marvin Hamlisch coming music students. We Theatre - you only play it twice and the students took it all Showcase, cleverly arranged warmed up with the rich long in your career - once on your in their stride. We even had by Warren Barker. We ended sounds of Richard Saucedo’s way up, and once on your way a very special soloist - the the concert with the second With Each Sunset, then really down. So it was good to be Pembrokeshire Music Services and third movements of Nigel tried them with Berlioz’s back, as we set up ready for Winner, who treated us to Hess’s New London Pictures; Carnival Romain. And as a workshop with some music Gossec’s Tambourin, and it London Eye and Congestion we’ve come to expect from

32 Band of the welsh guards WELSH GUARDS REGIMENTAL MAGAZINE Band of the welsh guards

2

the musicians of Wales, they and biscuits while we set up Voce Poca Fa from Act 1 of Our mini-KAPE tour took us took it all in their stride once for the morning’s workshop Rossini’s wonderful opera on a trip from Pembrokeshire, again. Then we treated them with the school’s musicians. As The Barber Of Seville. The to Cardiff and , and to a soloist of our own, in the usual they didn’t disappoint, renaissance-based sounds of along the way we were form of LSgt Llewellyn-Jones’s as they strode through some Phillip Sparke’s Madrigalum greatly impressed by the rendition of Robbin’ Harry of our more challenging opened the second half of kindness of our hosts, the on the xylophone, before repertoire with ease. We our concert, then we let some skill and determination of the finishing with a play-through were treated to a slap-up of our soloists loose on the many young musicians and of Phillip Sparke’s Hymn Of meal provided by the school audience, with solos including staff members we met along The Highlands. A well-received Governors, before performing Robbin’ Harry (LSgt Llewellyn- the way, and the resounding recruiting presentation another concert for the Jones) and a lovely clarinet beauty of the country that is finished off a wonderful parents of the students, solo by LCpl Natalie White Wales, the beating heart of afternoon, and after saying which was well received and entitled Victorian Kitchen the Band of the Welsh Guards and our only wish is that we farewell to the students and an enormous amount of fun, Garden, originally written for a staff of Howell’s School, we can return to our spiritual and once again demonstrated 1987 television program of the retired to Maindy Barracks for homeland as soon as possible. the skill and resilience of the same name, by Paul Reade. On the night. young musicians of Wales. this final night, we gave the Our third and final stop on audience a musical bedtime Our final concert of the tour our mini-KAPE tour was St. story, namely Goldilocks was in the wonderful concert Cyres School in Penarth. You and the Three Bears, which hall of St. Cyres school. Every know what they say about St. demonstrates the sounds Cyres School - it has a lovely seat was full as we struck up and abilities of many of art department. This final day the National Anthem before the sections of the modern was filled to the brim with beginning our programme concert band, as well as workshops and concerts, and of music. We once again featuring the vocal skills of our the staff at St. Cyres were well won the audience over with compare, the Senior Director the works of Wiffin, Berlioz of Music, Lt Col Kevin Roberts, informed as to the workings 1. The Band in concert in of the modern military and Saucedo, as well as a before waking them up again Milford Haven, Wales. musician, as they plied us with beautiful oboe solo from Sgt with Nigel Hess’s New London 2. The band in concert, copious amounts of tea, coffee Dave Farnworth, entitled Una Pictures as our finale. Milford Haven,Pembrokeshire.

Band of the welsh guards 33 WELSH GUARDS REGIMENTAL MAGAZINE

Distribution of Officers

DISTRIBUTION OF OFFICERS as at 1 January 2018

REGIMENTAL HEADQUARTERS Colonel-in-Chief Her Majesty The Queen Colonel of The Regiment His Royal Highness The Prince of Wales KG KT GCB OM AK QSO PC ADC Regimental Lieutenant Colonel Major General R J Æ Stanford MBE Deputy Regimental Lieutenant Colonel Major General B J Bathurst CBE Regimental Adjutant Colonel (Retd) T C S Bonas Temporary Captain J R Farmelo Assistant Regimental Adjutant Major (Retd) M E Browne BEM Director of Music Major K Davies LRSM ALCM

1st BATTALION Lieutenant Colonel D W N Bevan MVO Commanding Officer Major E S Mathieson Second-in-Command Major T C Spencer Smith Officer Commanding The Prince of Wales’s Company Major C H L Beare Officer Commanding Number Two Company Major R W Horgan RHG/D Officer Commanding Number Three Company Major F W Howell IG Officer Commanding Headquarter Company Major B J Figgures-Wilson Officer Commanding Support Company Major M I Butler IG Quartermaster Captain J P Marsden Adjutant Captain J O Dinwiddie Operations Officer Captain E J Clarke Second-in-Command Number Three Company Captain T W J Evans Second-in-Command (des) The Prince of Wales’s Company Captain O F A Alsop Platoon Commander Number Three Company Captain M S Pollard Technical Quartermaster Captain S G Bowen Motor Transport Officer Captain J J Jones Unit Welfare Officer Captain L M Ryan Regimental Careers Management Officer Captain T R Campbell-Schofield Regimental Signals Officer Lieutenant P D E Razzall Intelligence Officer Lieutenant C Ross Second-in-Command The Prince of Wales’s Company Lieutenant G F Elletson Second-in-Command Number Two Company Lieutenant E W Andersen Platoon Commander The Prince of Wales’s Company Lieutenant W D Clarke Platoon Commander Number Three Company Lieutenant J J C Lewis Platoon Commander Number Three Company 2nd Lieutenant E J Scott-Bowden Platoon Commander The Prince of Wales’s Company 2nd Lieutenant L M F Vincenzini Platoon Commander The Prince of Wales’s Company 2nd Lieutenant O Clarke Platoon Commander The Prince of Wales’s Company 2nd Lieutenant F B Ruscombe-King Platoon Commander Number Two Company 2nd Lieutenant S A Ward Platoon Commander Number Two Company 2nd Lieutenant G Davidson Platoon Commander Number Two Company

34 Distribution of officers Distribution of officers

EXTRA REGIMENTALLY EMPLOYED Major General R H Talbot Rice CBE Director, Land Equipment, Defence Eqpt & Sp Major General B J Bathurst CBE GOC London District and Major General Commanding Household Division Major General R J Æ Stanford MBE Senior British Liaison Officer, Oman Brigadier G A J Macintosh OBE Advisor Royal Jordan Army Colonel G R Harris DSO MBE Commander British Forces, Estonia Lieutenant Colonel B P N Ramsay OBE Military Advisor, High Commission, Islamabad Lieutenant Colonel G C G R Stone Brigade Major HQ Household Division Lieutenant Colonel J D Salusbury SO1 Concepts International, Army HQ Lieutenant Colonel M L Lewis Chief of Staff 101 Logistic Brigade Lieutenant Colonel C T Sargent MBE Land Warfare School, Warminster Lieutenant Colonel H S Llewelyn-Usher MOD Lieutenant Colonel T A Smith Chief of Staff School of Infantry Major T J Badham SO2 Off Pol CA/Dev, Army HQ Major A J Salusbury CTC Branch - Foreign Training Action Officer, Fort Bragg Major J W Aldridge MBE MA 2 to DCDS MSO, MOD Major J D Livesey MA to Commander Cyber and ISR Major C J P Davies SO2 Media, NATO Rapid Deployable Corps, Major A F Bowen SO2 Flex Engt System, MOD Major K Dawson MBE DS3 LEOC, The Royal Military Academy Sandhurst Major D Pridmore HQ 101 Logistic Brigade Major C S N Fenton XO Commander Field Army, Andover Major A J H Dunlop German Staff College Major G C Charles-Jones ICSC(L) Major A L Hughes ICSC(L) Major J M Young Language Training, Defence Academy (for German Staff College) Major A Campbell Quartermaster, Captain E R Emlyn-Williams SO3 G5 Plans, HQ 104 Joint Log Sp Bde Captain A L Major SO3 Op Group, OP RETRACK Captain A W Budge LO, OP BLANCA, Kabul Captain D Luther-Davies SO3 G2/G3 Ops Offr BATUS Captain M J Wright Staff College, Oman Captain T A G Evans Resettlement Captain A J N Smith SO3 TAC, Mission Training, Folkestone Captain J W B Webster ADC to DA MOI, Kabul Captain J P Gill Op NEWCOMBE, Mali

INFANTRY TRAINING CENTRE CATTERICK Captain M R C McNeill Love Platoon Commander Lieutenant T S Minihan Platoon Commander

Distribution of officers 35 WELSH GUARDS REGIMENTAL MAGAZINE

DISTRIBUTION OF WARRANT OFFICERS AND BATTALION STAFF

DISTRIBUTION OF WARRANT OFFICERS AND BATTALION STAFF AS OF 1ST JANUARY 2018

REGIMENTAL HEADQUARTERS Regimental Quartermaster Sergeant 25106903 WO2 DJ Davies

REGIMENTAL BAND Band Master 25103180 WO2 D Hatton Band Sergeant Major 24710515 WO2 K Bailey

1ST BATTALION Regimental Sergeant Major 25044310 WO1 D Morgan Regimental Quartermaster Sergeant (Main) 25066690 WO2 A Davies Regimental Quartermaster Sergeant (Tech) 25096596 WO2 A Griffiths Drill Sergeant 25067519 WO2 M Parry Drill Sergeant 25102725 WO2 D Cope The Prince of Wales’s Company 25122844 WO2 RJ Heath CSM Number Two Company 25114097 WO2 M Jeffries CSM Number Three Company 25141529 WO2 DR Lewis CSM Headquarter Company 25079695 WO2 RW Parry CSM Support Company 25102911 WO2 RS Young CSMIM 25105675 WO2 J Owen Regimental Signals Warrant Officer 25074462 WO2 DK Hughes Master Tailor 25095800 CSgt L Wilks Drum Major 25116333 Sgt A Crew

EXTRA REGIMENTALLY EMPLOYED RMAS AcRSM 25050230 WO1 C Taylor RSM New College RMAS 25061898 WO1 M Ridgeway-Buckley RMSM RSM 25036627 WO1 G Williams 11X RSM 24921250 WO1 E Griffiths RQMS MTMC 25075959 WO2 J Geen UWWO Infantry Battle School 25038700 WO2 M Parry CSM RMAS 25088682 WO2 S Peters Regimental Recruiting WO 25136196 WO2 M Davies

LONG SERVICE LIST ACIO Wrexham 24623898 WO2 RJ Brace

36 Distribution of Warrant officers and Battalion Staff WELSH GUARDS REGIMENTAL MAGAZINE

Honours and Awards 2017

LONG SERVICE AND GOOD CONDUCT MEDAL WITH BAR 25023499 Sgt N Hemmings 1st Battalion

LONG SERVICE AND GOOD CONDUCT MEDAL 25124239 CSgt DT Hughes 25048779 Sgt K Urch 1st Battalion 25155210 Sgt C Blue Regimental Band

Welsh Guards Association Meritorious Certificate Mr A H Doughty BEM (2741552) Chairman London Branch Mr K Haines (23523287) Secretary East Glamorgan Branch

Honours and Awards 2017 37 WELSH GUARDS REGIMENTAL MAGAZINE

Training and Exercises

1

Exercise LONG LOOK Phase 2 charm, I was told very little wandering around the camp about what my time out there for half an hour, I’m glad I took by Lieutenant M R C McNeill Love would entail apart from that his advice. The boating jacket The Prince of Wales’s Company part of my job as Contingent remained in my cupboard Commander was to be a for the entire duration of the ver the period of August to December 2016, I was liaison officer and point of exchange until I wore it to fly Ofortunate enough to be sent to New Zealand as contact for all others also on back four home months later! the Contingent Commander for Exercise LONG LOOK. LONG LOOK in both and New Zealand. I was deploying on a 10-day Although originally an Army only exchange programme exercise within 48 hours of when founded in 1976, it now runs twice per year and In true Foot Guards fashion, arriving and so was taken to includes all services and all skill sets below captain. I tuned up to the arrival the Company Quartermaster lounge in Palmerston North Sergeant’s hanger to issue me The aim of the exchange programme is to continue (North Island) sporting my what I would need to survive long standing close working relationships with both the Regimental Boating Jacket in the North Island mountains Australian and New Zealand Defence Forces (NZDF). and immediately knew I had during the winter. The amount misjudged the situation. I of kit that they had in their As soon as I was told that I whether I would like to be was met by the Adjutant of stores was mind blowing and was going to New Zealand for considered for the exchange the 1st Battalion Royal New can only be described as it 5 months on Ex LONG LOOK programme and waited for Zealand Infantry Regiment being like shopping in a hybrid the reactions I received from the Army classic of ‘we would (1RNZIR) Jeremy Smith and the between a Cotswold store my peers were a mixture pure like to put you forward for ‘Recon’ Platoon Commander, and Jay Jay’s! After an hour I envy and some of disbelief this BUT…’. However, the ‘but’ Tom Kelly. When we arrived was content with my plunder (mainly from those yet to have never came and 6 months in Linton Military Camp I was which included the latest moved beyond the joys of the later I was sat in taken to the Officers’ Mess Camel Bak day sack, various Brecon Beacons and Salisbury Terminal 5 waiting to board where Tom suggested that I chest rigs (because one is Plain!) I myself was surprised a flight to Auckland. Typical change into something ‘with a never enough!) and a brand- when the Adjutant asked of the Kiwi approach and few less shiny buttons’. After new Garmin GPS.

38 Training And Exercises WELSH GUARDS REGIMENTAL MAGAZINE Training and Exercises

36 hours later I was on a single bone in your body!’ Ex PHANTOM MAJOR Although he spoke calmly and regretting not booking my jokingly, the sweat across his flights 3 days later; it was forehead and top lip weren’t in the middle of winter on particularly reassuring! New Zealand’s equivalent Nevertheless, I did what I was training area to Brecon! told. Eventually the back door Although the breathtaking was pulled open and we were views and natural beauty asked to climb out of the now were undeniable, with upside-down door. It was only temperatures dropping then that I realised the sheer typically below -10ºc and enormity of the cliff edge we very little shelter from the were being pinned to by a few wind, Waiouru Military stubborn half-grown trees! Training Area is one of Once the LAV was winched the harshest and most back onto the track the troop challenging environments I commander patted me on the have ever worked in. We were pack and said, ‘bloody hell working with Light Armoured that was a close one mate… Vehicles (LAVs) and this was still would have been a bloody challenging at first however cool story to tell everyone 2 it was a fantastic opportunity back home that you rolled to see how the NZDF operate, down the side of the mountain Malaysia. The Malaysians particularly testing due to which was actually very where Mordor was filmed…if proved to be extremely good incredible humidity in a similar to that of the British. you survived it!’ hosts who took great pride very close terrain creating Interestingly, those who went in treating us to enormous a very claustrophobic on LONG LOOK to Australia I mainly included this story feasts and parades in order atmosphere. The Malaysian found that their doctrine and because I told the troop to welcome us. They were so Commanding Officer had tactics were much closer to commander in question I flummoxed by my being ordered the companies to that of the American’s than would as a way of making a different colour to that of clear through the jungle in ours. up for nearly rolling me off the royal green of the NZDF a two up formation before the side of Frodo’s worst and my brigade flash being finally conducting a deliberate A particularly amusing nightmare. Lt Jamie McBride, completely different that they company attack on a built memory for me and a story your debt is paid! (I have to concluded I was attached up enemy position on a high which I feel demonstrates the add that after an investigation ‘special forces’. A Malaysian feature. The main challenge Kiwis laid back approach and it was proven that it was a Commando confirmed that I found, apart from being humour in times of adversity freak accident of nature and my uniform was indeed given a ration pack consisting was when I was sat in the back that the troop commander that of a ‘UK special forces of just a bag of dry rice and of an LAV on mission to clear was found not to be at fault!) operator’ and he would know spices, was maintaining a dam. The LAV aggressively as he has ‘worked with them’. balance through such dense skidded to a halt, sending I spent a few weeks after As a result, I had to endure vegetation. We initially anything not strapped down the exercise exploring North several weeks of extremely relied on the use of PRRs to flying in all directions. It Island and getting stuck high expectations and a series maintain control however then slumped sideways and into 1st Battalion everyday of bizarre handshakes from these at the best of times proceeded to roll on its side. life before departing to certain individuals wearing were temperamental due to I leant forward to ask the the South Island to join balaclavas the entirety of the the very close canopy and so troop commander what had the 2nd/1st Battalion in time. Still not sure to this day had to resort to hand signals happened, to which he replied Burhnam (just outside of whether I did indeed live up to as best we could. Interestingly ‘not to worry mate, bit misty Christchurch). I was very their expectations or not! the Malaysians didn’t use out here and we’ve hit a mud fortunate to be attached as a radios. Instead they relied on slide. Happens all the time platoon commander to Bravo Ex Taiaha Tombak was a a series of bird like whistles just relax…also just do me a Company for a joint exercise Battlegroup level exercise to control the platoons’ favour mate and don’t move called TAIAHA TOMBAK in which took part in the movement. Their system primary jungle and palm tree appeared to be very effective, plantations approximately It was only then that I realised the 2 hours North East of Kuala 1. Bravo Company of the Lumpur. The exercise mainly 2nd/1st RNZIR performing a sheer enormity of the cliff edge welcoming haka. consisted of a dismounted we were being pinned to by a few 2. The author with his Malaysian clearance of the jungle Company Commander; stubborn half-grown trees! and the conditions were Major Hazbullah.

Training And Exercises 39 Training and Exercises WELSH GUARDS REGIMENTAL MAGAZINE

1

and unless one was really weekends in Queenstown concentrating very difficult and Christchurch! Overall to hear amongst the normal it was a hugely valuable noise of the jungle. and rewarding experience working with an Army that is Working in Malaysia was one so similar to ours in so many of the very best experiences I ways (the Kiwis that is!) and I have had in my career so far, a highly recommend Ex LONG fantastic opportunity to work LOOK. in the jungle fully immersed with a completely different Army. I learnt a significant amount from these jungle experts and made some great contacts in a fantastic country. 1. Sgt Moore (RNZIR), the author and Lieutenant Cosgrove I spent the remaining few (RNZIR) after a typical torrential weeks after leaving Malaysia downpour in the palm back in New Zealand between plantations. both Linton and Burnham 2. TThe author and Lieutenant Camp. I visited other Hafiz Aziz (7th Royal Malaysian members of the contingent, Artillery Regiment), the represented my company author’s Malaysian counterpart and guide. in a 40km march and shoot, 3. The Prince of Wales’s Company conducted adventurous Group - Ex SARMIS. training in the Marlborough 4. 3 Platoon Patrol Briefing, 2 Sounds and spent long Ex SARMIS.

40 Training And Exercises WELSH GUARDS REGIMENTAL MAGAZINE Training and Exercises

3

Exercise SARMIS 17 by Major T C Spencer Smith Officer Commanding The Prince of Wales’s Company

ince the conflict between Russia and Ukraine in 2014, SNATO has committed a steady uplift of troops and materiel along its eastern border. Much of the focus has been on the Baltic States, in particular Estonia, where significant exercises and troop deployments have taken place.

Further south, those near the Whilst there was Household Black Sea have also seen their Division representation from fair share of deployments, the , we particularly in Romania, were not directly involved Bulgaria and Hungary. In 2017 in this exercise. Instead The the largest of these exercises Prince of Wales’s Company was Ex SABRE GUARDIAN. Group were attached to A multinational force of the Romanian Army’s 21st more than 25,000 troops Mountain Battalion (the ‘Black from the USA, UK, Romania Vipers’ Battlegroup), that and 17 other countries took took part in Ex SARMIS. This part in the exercise which was a Romanian led NATO culminated in late July. exercise consisting of the 2nd 4

Training And Exercises 41 Training and Exercises WELSH GUARDS REGIMENTAL MAGAZINE

1

Mountain Brigade operating patrol bases throughout our in the mountains south of area of operations (AO). This Brasov. It was conceptually turned out to be 8km2 with linked to the main NATO the lowest point at 1090m deployment, and focused (higher than Mt Snowdon) on the hybrid aspect of the and the highest point at scenario. 1628m. The recce and snipers deployed forward onto the Flying with the RAF, we highest peaks, providing arrived in Transylvania tired early warning of the enemy but excited. The first couple advance, whilst 1 Platoon of days passed in a blur as kit acted as a link and Quick was issued, ranges planned Reaction Force (QRF) further and stores stored, but by 10 up the main valley. Meanwhile July we were deployed high 2 and 3 Platoons occupied the 2 in the hills of the Grohotis low(er) ground, conducting training area. reassurance patrols in the surrounding villages and The first part of the exercise standing patrols at night. was an opportunity for the platoons to work alongside Despite it being a short FTX, the Romanians and gain the Commanding Officer of experience of working in the the Black Vipers demanded mountainous terrain and a lot from the company and dense woodland. The platoon increased our responsibilities commanders and platoon as the exercise reached its sergeants gave lessons in conclusion. The final day patrolling, contact drills, saw The Prince of Wales’s ambushes, FIWAF (Fighting Company Group securing the in Woods and Forests) and BG AO, and detaching 2 and Counter Improvised Explosive 3 Platoons to the Romanian 3 Devices (IED) drills. We also companies for the clearance used this time to acclimatize of the enemy stronghold. It and prepare ourselves for the was this integration that gave Final Training Exercise (FTX). our platoons the best insight into how our Romanians The Company Commander colleagues operate and and the Company Second-in- allowed us to advise them on Command received orders how best to attack and clear early on Day 1 of the exercise. an enemy position. Needless It was clear that the Bn HQ to say their tactics were very had already delivered orders different to ours, relying to the remainder of the Bn in solely on their own artillery Romanian, but they dutifully and mortars to suppress sat there as the whole Orders the enemy, before engaging (O) Group was delivered with a heavy weight of fire in English for our benefit! at company level. The RAF 4 We were ordered to deploy provided support in the form

42 Training And Exercises WELSH GUARDS REGIMENTAL MAGAZINE Training and Exercises

of 2 Typhoons that took great pleasure is screaming up the valley and scooting over the top of the attack. A suitably dramatic conclusion to the FTX!

Following this, Lt Minihan (2 Coy) ran an excellent live firing package, making best use of the terrain to provide a challenging and well thought out platoon attack range. This represented the end of the tactical exercise and we returned to Air Defence Barracks in Brasov just in time for the rain to stop. The inevitable preparations for our return took priority with a flurry of activity in support of the CQMS. However, everyone was able to spend a day exploring Brasov, followed up by a day in the local swimming pool and a football match and BBQ with the Romanians before we returned home. 5 Despite being a short exercise, it proved to be very successful, not least because we were supported by men from across the Battalion: 2 Coy, Machine Gun Pl, Snipers, Anti-Tanks, the Recce Pl and staff from the Quartermaster’s Department. Without this support the deployment would not have been as successful as it was. Ex SARMIS 17 was an excellent opportunity to train alongside our NATO allies in an environment very different 6 to anything on offer in the UK and a fantastic chance for the younger members of the company to experience life outside the UK.

1. The Coy AO. 2. The Grohotis Training Area. 3. 2Lt Scott-Bowden Briefs the Bravo Coy Comd on his plan. 4. Key Leader Engagement. 5. The Snipers in Romania. 6. Sgt Evans 07 Instructing the Machine Gun Platoon on Map Predicted Fire. 7. GPMG fire during an attack. 7

Training And Exercises 43 Training and Exercises WELSH GUARDS REGIMENTAL MAGAZINE

1

2 3

5. Letting it all wash away: The Potential Junior Non- Commissioned Officer (PJNCO) Cadre pose triumphantly 1. No 2 Platoon, Ex SARMIS. having completed their final 2. Sgt Edwards 97. exercise. 3. A joint PoWs Coy and 6. Mumble in the jungle: Romanian patrol. Lt Minihan delivers a lesson 4 4. Pl level integration. to the PJNCO Cadre.

44 Training And Exercises WELSH GUARDS REGIMENTAL MAGAZINE Training and Exercises

5

Exercise MAYAN WARRIOR Short Term The camera shuffles through PJNCO cadre to the BDF. The the faces of those lying in skill at arms course, led by Training Teams wait, the music reaches its CSM Cope, aimed to take by Lieutenant T S Minihan crescendo and the whole junior non-commissioned Officer Commanding Number Four Platoon, ensemble nervously pray that officers, both Belizean and Number Two Company no one loses their nerve and overseas, through the process springs the ambush early. At of planning, preparing and f there is a platoon commander out there who has the height of this edgy drama delivering skill at arms and I squeeze the shoulder of the field craft lessons. The PJNCO Iever researched a moon state before delivering a set gunners to my left and right cadre aimed to take 33 of orders, then I would like to meet him. ‘We’re going and with a shower of light private soldiers to the rank to have a full moon tonight gents’ I had uttered with machine gun fire the ambush of lance corporal and was is sprung. modelled on the course run confidence as I delivered my orders earlier that day. at the Household Division In early May this year, 10 and Parachute Regiment I had made it up, of course. requisite tactical knowledge. members of 1WG deployed Centralised Courses (HDPRCC). Yet, as the silver clouds To this point, they had to Belize as part of a Short The skill at arms course ran separated in the dark night’s executed my plan perfectly, Term Training Team (STTT). successfully for 3 weeks, sky like great white sharks establishing an ambush in Our intent was to deliver a during which time the sleeking through oily black complete darkness on high skill at arms course and a students became proficient waters, they unveiled to my ground along the banks of a delight the most spectacular, fast flowing river. Suddenly, bright, full moon. To my left the chord around my wrist and right was a platoon of began to pull at my arm students from the Belize furiously, a silent warning Defence Force (BDF), laid from my section commander. out in perfect formation The enemy approached. for an ambush. It was the The following 30 seconds denouement of 5 weeks of felt more like 30 minutes hard work from a 1st Battalion as the unsuspecting enemy Welsh Guards training team, nonchalantly strolled through to take 33 private soldiers to our killing area. It was like a the rank of lance corporal, scene that has been played imparting upon them all of the out endlessly in Hollywood. 6

Training And Exercises 45 Training and Exercises WELSH GUARDS REGIMENTAL MAGAZINE

at confidently delivering and many of the minor rifle lessons as well as battle difficulties one would lessons on a local training encounter when operating area. The improvement in overseas remain the same. their bearing and confidence 11 of us lived atop one and when speaking in front of other for 6 weeks in a room their peers was remarkable. that would not dip below 30 This was due in large part degrees Celsius at night. The to the diligent and careful officer to non-commissioned instruction given to them by officer relationship was tested LSgts Harris 35 and Parry 91 but never once threatened and LCpl Jones 89. to break. For all of us it was an experience that brought The PJNCO cadre ran challenges, frustrations 1 successfully for 4 weeks. The and ultimately a great first 2 weeks saw students sense of achievement. As receive tactical theory lessons my platoon withdrew from from Sgt Green and LSgts their successful ambush Jones 91, Millins 52 and under that full, silver moon I Williams 43. Our day would beamed with pride. Through begin at 0500 with physical no small amount of hard training (PT) for both courses. work, preparation and Students were introduced to determination, both courses the delights of the 2, 3 and had delivered to their students 5 mile fitness assessments a sense of fulfilment, pride as well as log races, circuits and great achievement. I am and obstacle courses. Week proud of them all for their 3 saw the students deploy to efforts and leave Belize with some of the best memories of the savannahs of Manatee my career thus far. 2 Training Area for a battle exercise that included a I must pay particular thanks navigation test, battle lessons to CSM Cope and Sgts Green and section attacks. The final and Small for tirelessly week of the course was a 6 administrating both courses day final exercise in the pine for 6 weeks; to all of the lance ridge and secondary jungle of sergeants who displayed such 1963 Line Training Area. The great professionalism and students were pushed to their talent in their instructing and physical and mental limits were a credit to the Welsh through innumerable section Guards; and finally to LCpl attacks, reconnaissance Proctor of the Royal Army patrols, ambushes and raids. Medical Corps who deployed The week concluded with with us for the entire six a surprisingly successful weeks. He showed great 3 platoon deliberate attack and patience as he whiled away obligatory kilometre long long weeks in camp and was casualty evacuation before the invaluable to us on all of our immortal words ‘stop, stop, exercises. I would also like to thank Maj Oliver and all of B 1. A student on the skill at arms stop’ were finally called. course delivers a lesson. Coy, 1 RIFLES who deployed 2. Sgt Green takes a PJNCO With opportunities to deploy on Exercise MAYAN WARRIOR through the ‘condor moment’. operationally becoming to make this whole experience 3. A picture paints a thousand fewer and fewer, STTTs offer possible. They were excellent words; in this instance they the faintest hint of the same custodians of our small team failed me: The BDF conduct training under the supervision experience. They are packed and made us always feel very of LSgt Williams 43. full of a sense of adventure, welcome.

46 Training And Exercises WELSH GUARDS REGIMENTAL MAGAZINE Training and Exercises

4 5

Exercise WESSEX STORM 17/1 it involved a move of however almost on queue at approximately 500 personnel 1800 every night, just as the by Lieutenant M R C McNeill Love as well as a battlegroup’s night ranges would open, The Prince of Wales’s Company worth of Foxhounds, a thick ‘clag’ would appear RWMIK+s, Huskys, Land which at times forced the y the time of deployment in January 2017, Exercise Rovers and the remainder of ranges to be closed for safety BWESSEX STORM had been central to the Battalion’s A1 Echelon’ support vehicles; reasons. However, after a lot thinking for over a year. Our transition from London a total of 127. The Battlegroup of patience, perseverance was bolstered in Thetford and bit of good luck we were District to 11 Brigade in early 2016 involved us converting by members of the Queen’s able to complete the ranges to Light Mechanised Infantry and being assessed during Company, 1st Battalion necessary in order to progress WESSEX STORM less than 12 months later. Grenadier Guards, who on to the Combined Arms Live backfilled the rifle companies Firing Exercise (CALFEX). Driver training started in these vehicles can provide. and Gunners from 3rd The companies rotated 2015 with the bulk of the The ranges consisted of Regiment Royal Horse Artillery through a 48 hour round robin Battalion learning to use mounted moving vehicle who were to live fire 105mm of the CALFEX and a defensive their new vehicles at the ranges and night ranges light guns in support. serial. The defensive serial tail end of State Ceremonial which at first proved As with any other major consisted of the companies and . The challenging due to the exercise the entire Battlegroup moving into a trench system impending WESSEX STORM previously limited experience had to zero their individual where they were attacked dominated the Battalion’s with the Foxhounds on weapons and complete and probed as well as being thinking for the whole of ranges. However, by the end various ranges depending on tasked with maintaining 2016. So when the time came of the week the Battalion had their job role. The weather offensive spirit. Number Two to depart for Thetford there ironed out any frictions and was very clear and dry which Company were first to take on was a heightened sense was ready to embrace the was ideal for the day ranges the trenches whilst The Prince of anticipation across the next live firing phases. companies. After a final weekend to However, WESSEX STORM re-cock and last-minute for a large part of the preparations the Battalion Battalion actually started deployed en masse from in Castlemartin, almost Elizabeth Barracks, Pirbright, straight from Christmas to Wretham Camp, Thetford. leave. This was the first This was quite a feat as time that most Guardsmen had the opportunity to fire 4. Vehicles are low loaded in top cover GPMGs live from Elizabeth Barracks, ready for Foxhound vehicles. This not transport to Castlemartin only provided invaluable Ranges, the first stage of time for familiarization, but Ex WESSEX STORM 17/1. also allowed commanders 5. Night vehicle firing on Castlemartin Ranges. an opportunity to see the 6. The Sniper Platoon on additional fire support that the ranges, Thetford. 6

Training And Exercises 47 Training and Exercises WELSH GUARDS REGIMENTAL MAGAZINE

of Wales’s Company were first 48 hours conducting close to conduct the CALFEX, which quarter battle training in New consisted of a 10km advance Zealand Farm; a huge purpose to contact culminating in a built village that contains a deliberate attack upon a built mixture of buildings including up defensive position with 3 storey buildings, sewer a trench system. Clearing systems and bungalows. through the trench system Clearing through the villages with live sniper and heavy was made all the more weapon support was a realistic by amputees in action particular highlight for the which certainly provided a Guardsmen especially as shock factor and added an they could see the effect the element of pressure to the snipers were having on the Guardsmen and medics who 1 watermelon targets directly to were treating their wounds. their front. A Prince of Wales’s This was exceptionally realistic Company Guardsman was training that was thoroughly heard describing the range enjoyed and certainly afterwards saying; ‘it was challenged all elements of the incredible, one second the companies. melon was there and the next, there was just a sweet pink By the time the final mist and that was my signal to exercise was due to begin break into the trenches!’ the Battlegroup were more than ready to embrace the Both the CALFEX and the challenges that lay ahead. defensive serial were The enemy force, played by invaluable to the rifle a squadron from The Light companies in terms of Dragoons, was a trough allowing them to shake out, bunch who, as we discovered, put lessons learnt during enjoyed digging observation earlier training to the test posts! This meant that we and highlight any areas that had to spend a lot of time needed addressing before ‘dog legging’ around the moving onto the final exercise enemy positions in order to phase on Salisbury Plain. attack them from behind so as to avoid being spotted on The Battalion was further our routes in to their enemy enhanced in Knook Camp, strongholds. Although it Salisbury Plain. These included meant harder work on the reconnaissance troops from ground, this worked to our 1st The Queens Dragoon advantage on many occasions Guards, a third rifle company and meant that we were (X Company), from 3rd able maintain the element of 2 Battalion The Royal Welsh, surprise for longer. It was this our currently paired Reserve ‘sneaking through the back Unit, as well as personnel door’ method, in conjunction from the with being ‘silent, violent and and Royal . silent again’ when clearing The rifle companies mainly buildings that enabled us focused on urban operations to achieve mission success and advance to contacts quickly and effectively on incorporating the Foxhounds. many of the attacks and raids. The Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance assets One of the biggest dilemmas assisted the rifle companies that the Battlegroup faced and also ran their own throughout was what to do exercises to test their specific with regards to its drivers, capabilities. The Prince of zulu musters and drivers Wales’s Company and Number hours, all of which if not 3 4 Two Company both spent managed correctly can cripple

48 Training And Exercises WELSH GUARDS REGIMENTAL MAGAZINE Training and Exercises

a Battlegroup’s momentum. platoon and competition was There was a constant debate fierce. Endex for everyone throughout the exercise else brought 3 days of relative whether to attach the drivers comfort in Knook Camp while and commanders to bolster we cleared the training area, the section’s manpower handed back Land Training and leave a lightly protected Fleet vehicles and transitioned zulu muster. Another option back to Pirbright. is to leave a driver with every vehicle and several Ex WESSEX STORM was a commanders resulting in tough but good learning minimally manned sections experience and test for the but maintaining the ability to Battalion. We all benefitted extract and manoeuvre very from high quality and realistic quickly should it be required. training. Importantly, it was 5 This option of sacrificing an extremely educational manpower for vehicles versus experience for all of us. It is fully manned sections is not the longest that many have unique to the Welsh Guards spent in the field in the UK and and is one that has been strengths and weaknesses highlighted by all were severely tested. We who have converted to Light departed more mature and, Mechanised Infantry. hopefully, willing to absorb all feedback given. For the final attack on Imber Village, the Commanding Officer assessed that mass on position was the most important factor in achieving mission success and so we left the vehicles at a secured zulu muster approximately 6 10km away from the enemy position and tabbed in on foot. Although physically more demanding, this enabled the companies to sneak into their respective forming up points 60m away from the enemy without being detected. It also ensured the companies had 1. Live grenade throwing during fully manned platoons which the Combined Arms Live Firing was critical when fighting Exercise, Thetford. through a settlement the size 2. The Motorised Transport Officer of Imber Village. The final (now Quartermaster), runs a attack was a success and the defensive instructional period village was cleared far sooner in Thetford. than was anticipated - a great 3. Night driver training in Thetford, seen through LUCIE way to finish a long and cold goggles. 6 weeks! 4. A celebrity encounter for Number Two Company as ENDEX! These are the words they meet Verne Troyer at that everyone longs to hear the services while moving at the end of an arduous 6 from Thetford to Salisbury weeks. The happiest people Plain. upon endex were the “golden 5. The rain clears and a rainbow ticket” winners who were forms over Salisbury Plain allowed to hand over serial 6. The ISR Group self-recovers from a chance water obstacle! item kit and immediately go 7. Battle Group Headquarters home for a long weekend. One reacts to “Gas, Gas, Gas” ticket was available in every during the final exercise. 7

Training And Exercises 49 Training and Exercises WELSH GUARDS REGIMENTAL MAGAZINE

2

1

CIS Platoon Cadre were to go wrong, the signallers have the expertise 3 by Captain J W B Webster to get the systems up and Regimental Signals Officer running as quickly as possible.

he first two weeks of August saw the Communication As we were in tank country and Information Systems (CIS) Platoon deploy to we decided one afternoon T to make the most of the Stanley and Allenby Barracks in Bovington to conduct its Tank Museum opposite our annual cadre and training camp. Before that, the platoon camp which proved to be had had a particularly busy year with deployments to fascinating. Not only were 4 there plenty of tanks to see Slovenia, Germany, Belize, Kenya and the Battalion’s Ex and learn about, but also live WESSEX STORM as well as numerous training support shows and lots of history to tasks. The summer cadre was an opportunity to get the educate us. whole platoon together for some consolidated training This was the first year at and bonding time. Bovington for the annual camp and it will now become Bovington proved to be a The signallers are mainly a permanent fixture in the great location for this as not used within the Battle CIS calendar, with a good only is it where all infantry Group Headquarters and foundation stone in place, CIS courses are now held need to have a good all each year we will develop but it also has specific CIS round knowledge of the and improve to keep the CIS infrastructure in place equipment and software in platoon as well trained and use. So, with a number of effective as possible. 5 to allow really effective and challenging training. new arrivals to the platoon, Throughout the 2 weeks we took the opportunity to 1. The cadre forms up in strip everything back to basic Bovington. there were a number of and take everyone through 2. A fierce looking charge, great areas we focused on that the erection of masts, use to see Gdsm Phillips 52 asleep were all particularly relevant on duty! of the Common Battlefield to signallers on the ground 3. Gdsm Grimshaw 988 not Applications Toolset (ComBAT) playing solitaire! when deployed. From map software on the terminals we 4. LSgt Divers teaching in the reading lessons and night use, as well as equipment care LBTA. and day navigation exercises, and other compulsory annual 5. The Regimental Signals Officer to working in the Land Rover tests. Getting the basics passing his Annual Combat Marksmanship Test with flying Based Training Aid (LBTA) right is essential as one small colours. which allowed us to work error can shut down a whole 6. The Regimental Signals on the vehicle suits without headquarters and we focused Warrant Officer being drafted 6 choking on fumes all day. on fault finding so if anything into the .

50 Training And Exercises WELSH GUARDS REGIMENTAL MAGAZINE Training and Exercises

1

2 Parachute Foundation Course by W D Clarke Officer Commanding Number Six Platoon, 3 Number Two Company

n mid-May, a mixed group of six from across the IBattalion undertook their Parachute Foundation Course at the Joint Service Parachuting Wing, Netheravon (JSPW(N)).

Training began with two days However, the dreary Wiltshire of ‘ground school’, aiming to weather had other plans; teach the basic skills required with no hope of jumping on to exit the plane safely, control the Wednesday due to heavy the canopy and land back rain and high winds. Luckily, on terra firma in one piece. ever devoted to their aim, the Another key skill required staff at JSPW(N) had an idea of a parachutist is the art of up their sleeve to ensure all packing a parachute. This is a students were able to conquer 4 nerve-wracking, meticulous their fears. and heavily supervised activity with many complicated 1. “In the door… look up…GO!” folds, checks and double LCpl Fitch and 2Lts Clarke and Ruscombe-King prepare to exit checks by the staff to ensure the plane the suspension lines do not 2. 2Lt Clarke attempting a ‘good interfere with the mechanics exit’ position. The feedback of the canopy’s inflation. We suggested more ‘arch’ was also learned various coping required. Less frantic kicking strategies to control fear, of the legs would also have chief among which was a been helpful! 3. 2Lt Ruscombe-King (left) and strong trust in your ability and LCpl Mitchell (right) learn how equipment. to pack their parachutes. 4. 2Lt Clarke nervously packs The rest of the course was away his parachute, devoted to achieving as many attempting to prevent any successful jumps as possible. tangles.

Training And Exercises 51 Training and Exercises WELSH GUARDS REGIMENTAL MAGAZINE

The course forms up.

At 0400 hrs on the Thursday, park, whilst others found Clarke managed to jump for risk in order to develop we rose bleary eyed to make the experience somewhat a second time. Despite this leadership, teamwork, our way to the airfield, where uncomfortable! Nevertheless, unfortunate occurrence, physical fitness, moral and we conducted a brief period those precious minutes everyone left with a strong physical courage, all of which of refresher training before spent under the canopy in desire to return and complete are vital for operational shuffling nervously onto the the morning sun will remain more jumps. success in the future. With Op runway for the first jump. cherished by all. TORAL approaching, these At 0615, and 4000ft up, we Parachuting is an excellent opportunities are fantastic jumped into the glorious Unfortunately, the weather form of adventurous training ways in which small teams sunrise. For some the leap interfered again on the final as it allows soldiers to can experience pressure and of faith was a walk in the day: only LCpl Fitch and 2Lt be exposed to controlled emerge stronger as a result.

52 Training And Exercises WELSH GUARDS REGIMENTAL MAGAZINE Training and Exercises

1 2

Exercise FROSTED BLADE 32 great deal of administration , whilst also was required. What was of looking snazzy! by Lieutenant C W A Ross particular excitement for the Officer Commanding Number One Platoon, team this year and for the A huge amount was gained The Prince of Wales’s Company subsequent years to follow, from involvement in FROSTED was that the Trustees had BLADE and this was proven by the head of training uring Christmas leave 2016 the Battalion sent a team very generously agreed to recommending LSgt Jones of seven to take part in the annual Infantry Downhill fund the purchase of skis and D 91 be pushed up from the B ski jackets for the Battalion. Skiing Competition, known as Exercise FROSTED BLADE Division into the A Division. 32. The exercise was held in the French resort of Val This was the first time that the Welsh Guards Ski Team d’Isere, famous not only for the much feared Olympic run It is also important to note has been fortunate enough the actions of LCpl Roberts called ‘La Face’, but also for providing some of the most to have their own kit and as 78. Whilst en route back to challenging racing available. a result we could properly the apartment after a day’s look to compete amongst the training, he noticed a man The aim of the exercise was gates are not as close together top infantry regimental ski trying to help someone to develop troops’ skiing and the turns are not as sharp. teams such as the Duke of who had collapsed due to a capabilities, provide them This continues in the same Lancaster’s Regiment and suspected heart attack on with a fantastic opportunity in vein respectively, whereby in which to ski for 6 weeks and Downhill racing speeds of over most importantly perhaps, to 75mph can be achieved! push them to their limits and The Welsh Guards team in so doing test their levels of consisted of the author, LSgts moral and physical courage. Davies 47, Jones 91 and Parr There were four different and LCpls Allport 39 and Roberts 78 and Gdsm Smith categories of racing. These 70. However, before the team were; Slalom, Giant Slalom deployed on the exercise a (GS), Super G and Downhill. Slalom is the most technical 1. The team with new matching of the categories and is jackets. where the gates are closest 2. LSgt Parr and LCpl Allport 39 in together (distance) meaning the new Welsh Guards ski suits. 3. LCpl Roberts 78 with the the turns are more frequent Infantry Alpine Ski Team and far sharper. Giant Slalom after his heroic first-aid on is a longer race, however, the the slopes. 3

Training And Exercises 53 Training and Exercises WELSH GUARDS REGIMENTAL MAGAZINE

the slopes. Realising that laugh amongst the obvious the helper did not seem to healthy inter-diversion rivalry, know what they were doing, with the Household Division LCpl Roberts 78 skied over finishing a very respectable and proceeded immediately third. The other highlight was to give mouth to mouth celebrating Christmas Day resuscitation until the medical and New Year as a team. We team arrived some 15 minutes somehow managed to source later. He handed over the a restaurant that served not casualty with a pulse. As only the traditional British recognition the Infantry Ski Christmas roast but also one Team Committee awarded that showed the Queen’s him with a VIP Pass to the Speech (not an easy task in Men’s Slalom and GS World ) and as a team shared Cup, which was by all accounts the Christmas festivities while a spectacle well worth away from friends and family. experiencing. As a result of the kind support of the Trustees, the effort put There were several other in by the team and having the highlights. The first of opportunity to try something note has to be the inter- new, the exercise was a division night time slalom great success and one can ski competition, which was only hope that next year the held on La Face! The Welsh Battalion finds a means of Guards were represented sending another team. in the Household Division Team by LCpl Allport 39. It was the first time any skiing had been organised at night Gdsm Smith 70 and and it provided for a great LSgt Davies 47 on the slopes.

54 Training And Exercises WELSH GUARDS REGIMENTAL MAGAZINE Training and Exercises

Exercise PRAIRIE STORM by Lance Sergeant U R Okeke Number Two Company

n May and June 2017, an elite section from Number Two ICompany deployed to Canada to form part of the 1st Battalion Royal Welsh Battle Group on Exercise PRAIRIE STORM. The group was: LSgt Okeke, LCpl Sullivan and Gdsm Al-Ekely, Cleave, Jacobs, Owen 97, Parry 12 and Roberts 300.

The exercise started with two After this period we took weeks of Level 2 Collective part in the final exercise. The Training (CT2), involving live highlight of this was a battle ranges and a familiarisation group attack on to a large period with the Warrior village, with a free playing enemy force, insurgents and Armoured Fighting Vehicle. a large number of French We experienced the use of speaking civilians as the local these impressive vehicles population adding friction during section attacks. This to the battlefield. Challenger proved to be very different to 2 tanks were used to secure our modus operandi as a Light the perimeter as the rifle Mechanised Infantry battalion. companies dismounted and Armoured infantry have conducted a FIBUA style the luxury of dismounting a village clearance. scant 50 metres or so from Canada was a fantastic the enemy position with the opportunity for us all. We 30mm and chain gun firing got to experience a different them in. Building clearance part of the Army, a beautiful was conducted in a similar country, ride around in manner. We also participated Warriors and meet new in live company attacks, both people – the ideal recruitment light role and mounted. and retention tool!

Training And Exercises 55 Training and Exercises WELSH GUARDS REGIMENTAL MAGAZINE

Pen y Fan by Capt E J Clarke Second in Command, Number Three Company

n a bleak but surprisingly dry Friday morning, a Omere 4 days after 3 weeks of summer leave, Number Three Company paraded at the Company Offices and boarded the transport, destined for the Storey Arms car park: the start and finish point for the ‘Fan Dance’. This event, famed for forming part of the first week of UK Special Forces (UKSF) Selection, is a true test of physical robustness, endurance and in a Company context – teamwork.

WO2 (CSM) Lewis 29, having stood out in climbing Jacob’s competed in Ironman Wales ladder, descending it and the previous Saturday, proved climbing it once more; all in to those who doubted their preparation for his Physical abilities that it was indeed Training Instructors course. possible; whether you’d run A brief reminder from the 26.2 miles, swum 2.4 miles Company Commander and cycled 112 miles…or not! about the value of physical fitness, particularly with The Company conducted the an operational tour on the event as a single group and horizon, gave the Company performed impressively as the inspiration needed to they made their way to the complete the final leg back summit. After a brief pause down to the Storey Arms car at the top, they descended park. Jacob’s ladder, the infamous climb down the east of Pen y Number Three Company Fan, all too aware that it would proved that they are more have to be climbed up shortly than ready for the challenges afterwards. that pre-deployment training and indeed the operational Having reached the halfway tour will present. This event point, filled up with water provided the entire Company and taken on board some with faith in their physical much needed food, the ability and robustness and will Company turned around and be a more frequent feature of headed back towards Jacob’s our training as we edge closer Ladder to re-summit ‘the Fan’ to deployment next year. from the east. This proved an immense challenge for all but every man showed true grit and determination, successfully reaching the peak 1. LSgt Mtonga leading the way. once more. LSgt Chambers 2. Lt Lewis having a great time.

56 Training And Exercises WELSH GUARDS REGIMENTAL MAGAZINE Training and Exercises

1 2

Training And Exercises 57 Training and Exercises WELSH GUARDS REGIMENTAL MAGAZINE

would give each group the be able to co-ordinate with ability to FIND and FIX the other Battle Group assets. enemy organically, giving the The majority of the Battle Battle Group Commander the Group operates in Foxhound, information necessary from a vehicle that has, at times, which to work up his plan. The been found to have better splitting of recce and anti-tank mobility than the RWMIK+. assets into two separate However, this mobility is groups would ensure the balanced out as the ground Commander had an ISR asset, and weather conditions shift integral to him, uncommitted and the open architecture is and ready to react to a hasty crucial to enabling situational tasking rapidly, thereby awareness for the Battle maintaining momentum and Group’s eyes and ears. ensuring the Battle Group was RWMIK+ is also best placed as maneouvrist as it could be. for interoperability with the coarse finders provided by the This, in practice, works by Light Cavalry in Jackals. having one group developing whatever target was the focus However, the communication of the current battle, leaving fits of the ISR Groups’ vehicles the other ready to bound limit utility. There is no data forward and exploit as rapidly in an RWMIK+ and only as possible, or to develop the one radio set. This means next target concurrently. The that getting information to aforementioned flexibility is the Groups on the ground crucial as all members of the can be difficult. Emission Groups have to be prepared control measures imposed to 1 to achieve the mission by minimise the Battle Group’s means of a task organisation, signature and maintain crew, kit list and methodology operational security can The Intelligence, Surveillance and that is tailor-made for significantly reduce the each tasking. This would ISR Group’s ability to retain Reconnaissance (ISR) Group concept in the be unlikely to endure from situational awareness. Light Mechanised Infantry (LMI) role operation to operation. This, This is being resolved by by Captain O F A Alsop as troops become degraded providing commanders the Officer Commanding The Anti-Tank Platoon, by fatigue, weather, and data terminal tablet. The Number Three Company time in the field, could easily future installation of dual lead to a distracting sense of fit radios will also free up st Battalion Welsh Guards (1WG) began conversion to frustration. However, it was the Battle Group Command accepted by the Guardsmen net and ensure swifter and 1LMI in early 2016. Following on from 1 R IRISH, 3 SCOTS and they began to wear their more efficient passage of and 2 YORKS, the decision was made to re-role the third agility as a badge of honour. information. rifle company to the ISR Group. This released manpower Armed with a range of Number Three Company to drive and command Foxhounds in the rifle companies. weaponry, including the has had real success in the 2016 was spent testing and adjusting the construct in General Purpose Machine employment of snipers. preparation for a full run out on Exercise WESSEX STORM Gun (GPMG), Heavy Machine The mobility of the quad, Gun (HMG) and Grenade tireless work ethic of the 17/1 (WS 17/1). Machine Gun (GMG), the individuals, their unique skill Revised Weapons Mounted set and the fact they carry the The LMI ISR Group is one 1WG was to construct two ISR Installation Kit + (RWMIK+) Main Battle Tank and Light that must have flexibility Groups: one, under command underpins the ISR Group. Anti-tank Weapon (NLAW) as its guiding principle. of the Reconnaissance Platoon The ISR Groups must have gives them an unmatched This nimbleness must be Commander, the other mobility and firepower in versatility. As a result, they represented not only in a under the Anti-Tank Platoon order to give the Battle Group find themselves employed practical sense; ORBATs and Commander. These Groups what it needs to succeed; in a wide range of taskings, kit, but also in the mind-set of would both consist of a Recce this mobility will offset for example plugging gaps all in those employed within patrol, an Anti-Tank Section unavoidable shortcomings in the anti-armour matrix. in. The concept decided on and two sniper pairs. This in mass and protection. The speed with which a by Number Three Company, balance of skill and equipment The ISR Groups must also quad-mounted sniper pair

58 Training And Exercises WELSH GUARDS REGIMENTAL MAGAZINE Training and Exercises

2 can react, re-task and move a well-rounded sub-unit, 1. 1WG snipers enjoy a break 3. The rain lifts and a rainbow across the battlefield in able to support the Battle during Ex WESSEX STORM 171. splits the sky over vehicles of response to rapidly changing Group in a range of scenarios. The platoon uses quad bikes the 1WG Intelligence, to cover great distances, events means that they are However the concept must Surveillance and providing constant Reconnaissance Group as they ideal for tank stalking when be supported by the correct information on enemy administer themselves in the Javelin assets are employed equipment. The techniques dispositions. field during Ex WESSEX STORM elsewhere. The snipers developed throughout Ex 2. The 1WG Intelligence, 171. are also used frequently to WS 17/1, such as the use of Surveillance and confirm enemy presence, by snipers, gave the ISR Groups a Reconnaissance Group Editor’s note: A version of this rapidly inserting, extracting real edge with which to tackle encounter a significant water and then moving again. There obstacle during Ex WESSEX article was also submitted to the most tasks. The concept is one STORM 171. Combat Journal are some issues with casualty that should be persevered extraction and reinforcement with and built on. The most for the ISR groups and careful obvious way to develop it G4 planning is required to would be to build soldiers with ensure these battle winning a complete all round skill set. assets can endure at reach. It should be the aim for the ISR This often involved layering Company to run joint cadres, the ISR Groups with Light and to invest in soldiers by Cavalry so that casualties getting them on courses can be handed off while maintaining presence and outside of their immediate facilitating the forward mandate, recce soldiers on movement of resupply. anti-tank courses and vice versa. This would give the The presence of anti-tankers, company a utility and breadth recce soldiers and snipers in of skill greater than the sum of the same group has produced its parts. 3

Training And Exercises 59 Training and Exercises WELSH GUARDS REGIMENTAL MAGAZINE

improvement in the level of my spoken Arabic. Simply being forced to speak for 6 hours a day allowed a new fluency to develop.

Luckily acquiring this vocabulary was immeasurably helped by the strong similarities between the Oman and British armies. Orders delivered by Omanis are written in a very similar framework to the format in the All Arms Tactical Aide Memoire and doctrinally and tactically the Omanis and British are synched. As we continued with what had transformed from an exercise to a Short Term Training Team, there was a real development in the capabilities of the 1 Omanis.

Exercise JEBEL STORM Before talking about their by Lieutenant P D E Razzall development however, it is Officer Commanding Number Two Platoon worth emphasising the strong The Prince of Wales’s Company training start state for the Omanis. Their marksmanship Editor’s note – the author is a trained Arabic linguist. and use of the ground (perhaps due to the lifestyle exercise. The supply system wo days after the conclusion of my Battalion’s Exercise and roots of some of the WESSEX STORM I deployed to Oman as a translator collapsed, meaning that soldiers in Bedu families or in T insufficient ammunition, radio on Exercise JEBEL STORM, a five week battle camp run by mountain dwelling farming batteries, gun oil, or indeed families) far surpassed that 2nd Battalion The (2 R ANGLIAN) sun cream and foot powder of the average British soldier. in the Jebel al-Akhdar (“Green Mountain”). The area arrived in the Jebel al-Akhdar Whilst unfit compared to consists of a mountain chain roughly habitable up to 2000 to enable training. British soldiers, they were far more robust: some deployed metres above sea level, and was the scene of a sporadic As a translator however, into the mountains for a there was opportunity in insurgency in the 1950s put down with the help of the SAS. four day exercise with just this misfortune: lack of a blanket and a kilogram of Each year, the British Army capital, Muscat, to the Sayq materiel meant that I was dates. They also display subtle runs a joint exercise with plateau was an interesting more often required to deviations from the tactical the Sultan of Oman’s Armed spend time helping to train experience, with vertiginous British model, using integral Forces (SAF) in order to the Omanis, who did enjoy mountain roads providing guides to help manoeuvre the enough ammunition to deepen the already strong stunning views towards the platoon as well as devolving links between the two coast and the interior. train. The effort of learning a navigation to the most junior militaries. Locations for whole new Arabic vocabulary soldiers. In the mountains, Exercise JEBEL STORM was the exercise have varied, which was not only Omani donkeys are used to carry intended to be a series of previously having been run but also military was tiring loads ranging up to around joint battle lessons sharing in the southern deserts. 2017 but fantastically rewarding. 50kg, and they are well knowledge between the was the first year that the The naming of parts, the treated, rested and rotated by Jebel al-Akhdar has been British Army and the Omanis, intricacies of platoon tactics, their drivers. used. The host battalion before transitioning to a the nomenclature of different was the Omani Parachute shared exercise with fully ranks and the different slangs At platoon command level, Regiment, whom we shared integrated companies and spoken by soldiers, who the SAF displayed a tactical a camp with on the Sayq command structures. Sadly, came from areas ranging awareness roughly equal Plateau at an elevation of logistical nightmares put from Balochistan to Zanzibar, to British infantry platoon 1900 metres. Driving from the paid to any hope of a shared all contributed to a rapid commanders. The greatest

60 Training And Exercises WELSH GUARDS REGIMENTAL MAGAZINE Training and Exercises

difficulties they had were at section commander level, where the training they receive is not broadly equivalent to the Section Commanders’ Battle Course. Accordingly, a large amount of training was given to section commanders and, in particular, to casualty evacuation (casevac) procedures. Whilst there were many elements of section command that the Omanis knew as a drill, such as breaking down the ground, there were as a distinct lack of aggression and the vital killer instinct. 2 R ANGLIAN section commanders therefore delivered a section attack package, including urban ops and casevac) serials.

The blank section of the exercise culminated with an integrated company attack commanded by Major Hilal, the Omani company commander. As a translator, I was used to relay Omani hasty orders to the British platoon commanders and respond with their situation reports. This attack was watched by the Chief of the Omani Army, who was happy to see a large degree of interoperability and flexibility between the two nationalities.

The blank exercise was followed by a short range package in the desert, where the local guides showed us the many varieties of camel, wild honeycomb and edible lizards. On completion of ranges, we were lucky enough to be able to spend one day’s rest and recuperation in Muscat, seeing a different side to Oman.

1. Gun drills on the edge of a 500m precipice. 2. An Omani platoon commander. 2

Training And Exercises 61 WELSH GUARDS REGIMENTAL MAGAZINE

Sports and Adventure Training

1

Battalion Football Team he 2016–17 season was slightly abnormal as it had a by Sgt A M Cunningham Tbreak of about 4 months between fixtures. This was Technical Sergeant due to the Welsh Guards having a congested forecast of Number Three Company events preparing the Battalion for various operational Regimental Football Officer: Capt M Pollard (QM(T)) readiness commitments and future operations in Regimental Football Secretary: WO2 J Edwards (RCWO) Afghanistan. Football Manager: CSgt Wilks (Master Tailor) Coaching Staff: Sgts Cunningham and Evans 07 The Battalion has had a 40% competitive games in the turn over in new players. Army FA Southern Central Some of the long standing Premier League and the Army members of the team have FA Southern League Cup. been posted and others have left the Army. The outgoing The season started off with a Football Officer, Maj Hughes fixture against 27 Regt RLC. 6 handed over to Capt Pollard. new players made their debut There has also been a for the Battalion. The game turnover in the coaching staff was full of chances that were with Sgt Evans 07 joining as created and missed by both the new goalkeeping coach, teams, resulting in 27 Regt RLC and WO2 Edwards joining as winning the game 3-1. Club Secretary. In the first round of the The Team competed in only cup the Battalion faced 1 R 2 of the 4 competitions ANGLIAN. This game was full 2 this season and played 6 of action and the Battalion’s

62 Sports and Adventure Training WELSH GUARDS REGIMENTAL MAGAZINE SPorts and adventure Training

3 new look team played an showed true quality and outstanding game. After full potential, coming away time the result was 2-2. This winners 6-1. led to extra time and with no goals scored it was to After a gap of 4 months, as a be decided on a nail-biting result of actual work getting in penalty shootout which the way, the team returned to unfortunately the Welsh action in March 17 and were Guards lost 5-4. 2nd in the league with only one week left of the season. Things started to turn around 27 Regt RLC topped the table in the next 2 fixtures for the only one point ahead of us team. The training started to and the Gren Gds one point show results. The Battalion behind. This inevitably led to a beat 4 RIFLES, comfortably week of chaos. The Gren Gds 4 winning 7-0. This showed booked 3 games of football the coaching team that the in a week, one of which was Battalion had some real against us. Not wanting to quality players in the team; be undone by the Grens, we translating later into Infantry trials for some. 1. Team picture. 2. Battalion and Support The next fixture was a local Company Football Captain - derby: our close neighbours LSgt Parfitt presented the in the Army Training Centre Ellicott Cup Trophy by the Pirbright (ATC(P)). Previous Comd Offr 1WG. encounters have been 3. Winners of the Ellicott Cup competitive and the honours 2017 - Sp Coy 4. LSgt Parr on the ball and WO2 split evenly. The team grew Davies 90 refereeing during in confidence as a result of the Ellicott Cup. the previous game against 5. Gdsm Murton - Taking a corner 4 RIFLES. The team again in the final of the Ellicott Cup. 5

Sports and Adventure Training 63 SPorts and Adventure Training WELSH GUARDS REGIMENTAL MAGAZINE

sadly were eliminated in the latter stages of the knockout phase.

Next on the calendar was the annual Infantry 6 a-side competition. Due to other commitments the Battalion entered only one team. Throughout the group competition we were confident and finished second. We were knocked out of the semi-final, but, remained in the semi-final of the plate. The team played well in this game and won, which meant we would be in the final against 1 the Gren Gds. With our recent defeat at their hands fresh in booked 2 games, knowing our minds, we managed 15 if we won both games we minutes of brilliant football would win the league – a and won! gamble!

The first game against the The season was topped off Grens was, as expected hard, by members of the team firm and fair. This game had being selected to represent everything for the older the Infantry. CSgt Wilks was players, a good hard tackle appointed as a coach and and for the new generation LSgts Parfitt and Parr and skilful plays and set pieces. It Gdsm Durkin and Taylor 66 was an exhausting game of were selected as players. football and unfortunately the This is covered by a separate 2 Grens scored 2 goals in the article. last 10 minutes of the game, thus beating us. Training for the next season started early for the Battalion The second game was played with the annual Ellicott Cup the next day! This proved in July 17. The 5 companies to the coaching staff the went head to head in an robustness of the team both intensely competitive day mentally and physically. 1SG of football. The big surprise came to Pirbright and a great on the day was Headquarter game was played. With 8 of Company. However, in a hard the starting 11 playing 90 minutes the previous day, fought final between Number inevitably heavy legs and Two Company and Support fatigue set in. 1SG walked Company, the latter emerged away with the victory. victorious. 3 This was the last action of the Looking Forward 2016-17 season. However, 1. Bn Football team. there was still more football The 2017-18 season looks 2. Winner of the Ellicott Cup to be played in the annual 6 bright for the team. We are Veterans Award, CSgt Buller, a-side Southern League. The already booked to play in receives his prize from the Battalion entered 2 strong . Fixtures will come Comd Offr. quickly as we will be entering 3. Ellicott Cup and trophies 2017 teams into the competition - Under the watchful eye of with 20 teams overall. Both into 4 competitions, all fitted the Tournament Official teams were comfortably around our preparation for Referee - RQMS Davies 90. through the group stage but, Op TORAL.

64 Sports and Adventure Training WELSH GUARDS REGIMENTAL MAGAZINE SPorts and adventure Training

1 2

La Manga Rugby 7s trip to a local bar together to At the end of the tournament demonstrate how the Welsh an All-stars team was selected by Lieutenant C W A Ross are better singers than the from the top 7 players Officer Commanding Number One Platoon English and Spanish! Former X throughout the tournament The Prince of Wales’s Company Factor contestant Gdsm Dyer and I am delighted to mention led the way and demonstrated that Gdsm Divavesi was n June 2017 1st Battalion Welsh Guards Rugby Football to everyone how karaoke amongst those selected. La IClub entered a 15 man squad into the La Manga Sports should be done Manga 7s proved to be a Festival to take part in the Rugby 7s competition. Held fantastic tour for the team and it is a tournament that we in south east Spain, this consisted of a 2 day round robin The team played 5 games in the round robin and qualified should support in future. competition followed by a cup and plate final on the for the Plate final whereby second day. we met Freshfields, a London based law firm. Unfortunately, The team flew out on regiments. When it came Freshfields came out on top the evening of 14 June in to playing one another in the final with a break away order to undertake a day’s the rivalry was fierce but try in the last minute, taking acclimatisation training remained in good spirits the game out of our hands. and relaxation before the throughout. When it came to Every man that played could competition started 16 June. playing non-military teams, not have put more effort in 1. 1st Battalion Welsh Guards The entire team stayed in the the support for one another and should be hugely proud Rugby Sevens Squad with 5* Las Lomas resort and took was huge. At one point the of their performances. This Ex-England 7s Captain full advantage of the various Royal Welsh were fielding 3 can be supported by the fact Kevin Barrett. facilities on offer throughout Welsh Guardsmen in order to 2. All smiles – a combined that after the tournament had the stay. beat the civilian opposition! Welsh Guards and Royal Welsh finished Kevin Barrett sent an picture. The , 3rd Battalion Off the pitch and when not email saying: ‘what a pleasure 3. Hosting 1 Royal Welsh for an The Royal Regiment of being pushed to their limits it was to associate myself with all Welsh BBQ. Scotland and 1st Battalion by ex-England Rugby 7s your boys throughout the 4. Mid-action – Gdsm tournament. They wore their Nabukebuke taking over the The Royal Welsh also entered Captain Kevin Barrett the team sweeper role in defence. teams, creating an immensely bonded together down by the hearts on their sleeves and 5. The team at the Awards competitive and yet close pool. The Royal Welsh team were an absolute credit to the Supper where Gdsm Divavesi atmosphere between the was hosted for a BBQ before a regiment’. was announced as an All-Star.

3 4 5

Sports and Adventure Training 65 SPorts and Adventure Training WELSH GUARDS REGIMENTAL MAGAZINE

Welsh Guards Enduro Team by Colour Sergeant D T Hughes 39 Welsh Guards Serving as an instructor at the Army Recruiting and Training Division Staff Leadership School

he 2017 season has been a very successful one for Tthe Enduro Team. We have attracted new members and developed and enhanced our collective riding ability. We have been involved in recruiting events, races and organising Army Level training.

The season started in April This year saw the British Sprint with riders travelling 13 Championships authorised hours to Elgin in Scotland to by the Sports Control Board, compete in round one of the with the first round staged British Enduro Championships at Rogershill. This is a great (BEC). All riders finished in the venue and used often by top 10 in class. Elgin brought Army riders, giving us home numerous challenges; the advantage and early leads for biggest being the switch some of our riders. in terrain mid-race. Riding in tight woodland sections The main event for the year before special tests on soft was the Welsh 2 Day Enduro. sand requires a dramatic With Sgt Simons supporting change in riding style. another unit’s Exercise WESSEX STORM, the team 1 Following on from the BEC the included CSgt Hughes, former team hosted 50 Army riders LSgt Scarf and a member of at Exercise TRAINING WHEELS 3 SCOTS. The event ran over 2, a training camp aimed at all 2 days, covering 130 miles levels of ability. Included in the of Welsh countryside on programme was some Crossfit each day. It proved to be a and Spinning to show new long and challenging event riders methods of improving in which both bike and rider stamina. The week finished were tested to the limits of with a curry in the Welsh endurance. Guards Sports Bar. In July the team were lucky With the team busy over enough to be selected to the summer period with receive the annual Sports Readiness commitments Award from the Worshipful and training for UK Standby Livery Company of Wales. Battalion we missed some During a visit to Elizabeth rounds of the BEC; however Barracks senior members riders were encouraged to of the Livery Company were enter local events. Sgt Simons given a presentation on the competed in Wales and West Battalion’s activity and shown Enduro, and is currently top how sport supports retention of his class while CSgt Hughes and recruiting. Following this has ridden events in North the team provided a 15 minute Wales and is in the top third of display of enduro riding. The his class. £1000 cheque will be put

2

66 Sports and Adventure Training WELSH GUARDS REGIMENTAL MAGAZINE SPorts and adventure Training

3

1. Welsh Guards Enduro - leading the charge for the Army. 2. Sgt Simons soaring to success at Ex TRAINING WHEELS 2017. 3. CSgt Hughes 39 gives chase at the Welsh 2 Day Enduro. 4. The team gratefully receives the annual Worshipful Livery Company of Wales sports award and a cheque for £1000. 5. CSgt Hughes 39 - selected to represent the Infantry.

4 5 to good use by supporting Guards Enduro Team taking In summary, it has been new riders as they acquire kit the lead. CSgt Hughes has another successful year for needed to compete. been selected to manage the the team, helping recruiting, Army Enduro Team and will retention and attending as The upcoming season will deploy to France and Germany many races as possible. The be the first time an infantry later this year to compete team remain grateful for all unit has run the Army in the International Six Days the support we receive. Championships with the Welsh Enduro.

Sports and Adventure Training 67 SPorts and Adventure Training WELSH GUARDS REGIMENTAL MAGAZINE

1

Welsh Guards Boxing by Major M I Butler Quartermaster “Extending the Welsh Guards footprint.” or most of this year the Welsh Guards Boxing Team Fhas concentrated on supporting recruiting. We have welcomed new members into the squad; some who have returned to the sport and others who had never previously stepped foot in the ring. We started to work on their fitness through a number of strengthening and conditioning sessions which helped blow away the cob-webs.

With lungs like fish, the team to go home to Wales and started to hone in on their fly the Welsh Guards flag skills and ring fitness through in all towns and cities. We round after round of sparring. decided that this would be It was great to see new talent best organised as a 2 week come through and put some immersion tour. The team pressure on the old guard. linked up with both North and One or 2 sharp reminders South Recruiting Teams and from the more seasoned soon produced an events list boxers helped to maintain that looked very promising a healthy balance and keep and certain to extend the everyone on their toes. Welsh Guards footprint.

To drive recruiting, the The team got to work by Commanding Officer has been visiting Military Preparation extremely accommodating Colleges and local boxing and regularly excused clubs. In addition to building members of the team from relationships with the local their commitments in camp, communities, the team 2 thus giving us the opportunity was keen to visit some key

68 Sports and Adventure Training WELSH GUARDS REGIMENTAL MAGAZINE SPorts and adventure Training

landmarks that both North got matched for the event and South Wales had to offer; and were ready for the big from the summits of Snowdon Fight Night Showdown at the and the Brecon Beacons to Lakeside, famously known for Castle and the being the hosting venue of beaches of Rhosneigr. We the World Darts Competitions. all really enjoyed the warm A large contingent of the welcome we received from Welsh Guards were in the students and members attendance to support “Pretty of each Military Preparation Boy Deren” and “Gareth the College and local boxing club. Fudge Lucas” on their big It was a fantastic 2 weeks and night. The were an event to remember. We treated to an amazing ring were extremely well looked entrance from both of our after by the Recruiting Team. boxers and filled the venue 3 Thanks to their efforts we with Tom Jones Classics such managed to get the best out as Delilah. This created an of this venture both for the amazing atmosphere and sent team’s experience and Welsh the crowd wild. Both boxers Guards Recruiting. were well matched and after all the build-up they did not The team sponsor, Forces disappoint; both boxers Fitness, owned by ex-Welsh demonstrated real fighting Guardsman Sean Molino spirit and fought hard from met up with the team during the bell. Pretty Boy Deren their visit to South Wales. stopped his opponent in the He organised a great boot second round and Gareth camp session which gave the Fudge Lucas won by a the lads the opportunity to unanimous decision. It was train alongside members of a great night and worth the 4 his club. He invited members effort as both boxers raised of the team to the South almost £2000 for Cancer Wales Fitness Awards at Research. CSgt McEvoy’s the Bear Hotel, Cowbridge. article elsewhere in the The lads got to meet Welsh Journal covers this event. sporting legends such as former Commonwealth Throughout the year we Light-Heavyweight Champion wished a number of the team Nicky Piper MBE. With support the best of luck as they set off from Sean Molino members on their promotion courses. of the South Wales Fitness LCpl Campbell 78 attended and Sporting Industry the Section Commanders chose the Welsh Guards as Battle Course at the Infantry their chosen Charity for the Battle School Brecon and event. All money raised from LCpl Jones 97 and Thomas 5 the event will continue to 76 attended their Junior Non provide welfare and financial Commissioned Officers Course support to Welsh Guardsmen with Household Division serving or retired who are in and Parachute Regiment conditions of need, hardship and distress. 1. Extending the Welsh Guards footprint. After the success of the tour, 2. The team on the Brecon CSgt Deren and LSgt Lucas Beacons. both went the extra mile and 3. The team on the summit of entered a Charity Boxing Pen y Fan. Event. This required them to 4. Brecon Beacons - make time during evenings Gdsm Thomas 76 5. Boxing team at the summit and weekends to prepare of Snowdon. alongside their civilian 6. Morning run on Trearddur Bay counterparts. They both Beach. 6

Sports and Adventure Training 69 SPorts and Adventure Training WELSH GUARDS REGIMENTAL MAGAZINE

1 Centralised Courses in Pirbright. All 3 passed with flying colours and we are pleased to see them back to training.

Looking to the future, the team is aiming to be strong enough to enter the 2017 Household Division Championships and encourage members of the team to enter the 2018 Army 1. Gdsm Thomas 76 & LCpl Jones 97 with MPCT Cardiff. 2 Individual Championships. On behalf of the boxers, coaches, 2. LCpl Williams 22 & Gdsm Durkan with student from admin staff and management MPCT Bridgend. I would like to thank the 3. Park Run team warm-up Commanding Officer and 4. LCpl Williams 22 & Gdsm the Chain of Command who Durkan with student from have members of the team MPCT Bridgend. 5. The Future. under their charge. I would 6. Sparring-Gdsm Williams 22 like to extend the team’s & Gdsm Dennis. appreciation to the Regimental 7. Sparring-Gdsm Dennis & Trustees and Team Sponsor Sgt Evans 07. who help resource the team’s 8. Sparring - LCpl Ryan coaching equipment and activities. Gdsm Williams 22. 9. Sparring-LSgt Devine & Welsh Guards Boxing can only CSgt Deren. flourish with your continued 10. Sparring-LSgt Devine & 3 support. Gdsm Bilton.

4 5

70 Sports and Adventure Training WELSH GUARDS REGIMENTAL MAGAZINE SPorts and adventure Training

6

7 9

8 10

Sports and Adventure Training 71 SPorts and Adventure Training WELSH GUARDS REGIMENTAL MAGAZINE

1 2

3

4 5

72 Sports and Adventure Training WELSH GUARDS REGIMENTAL MAGAZINE SPorts and adventure Training

1. Sparring2-CSgt Deren & Gdsm Dennis. 2. Sparring-Boxing Officer & Gdsm Dennis. 3. Cardiff MPCT. 4. The team attending Mr Sean Molinos boot camp. 5. BoxingTeam visiting Llandudno Amature Boxing Club. 6. Boxers meet with students of MPCT Wrexham. 7. Bag work. 8. LCpl Moriarty 36, LCpl Jones 97 & LCpl Williams 22 with students from MPCT Bangor. 6

7

8

Sports and Adventure Training 73 SPorts and Adventure Training WELSH GUARDS REGIMENTAL MAGAZINE

1

Welsh Guards Polo 2017 the Trustees and the Welsh game saw us beaten by 3 Guards Polo Club Committee goals to half with the Royal by Captain J P Marsden who routinely support our Lancers going on as predicted Adjutant endeavours. to win the division against Artillery Company elsh Guards polo has continued to go from strength Royal Artillery Cup: (HAC) team that we beat at the 29 May 2017 Wto strength this season. With all current players end of last season at the 105 having started from scratch in the Battalion some are now A classic British May bank tournament at Ham. looking to push up the handicaps and as the only Foot holiday saw an overcast The Welsh Guards transitioned Guards Regiment with a polo team that plays regularly, Tidworth Polo Club host the first military event of the to the losing final where we we are starting to attract talent in to the Welsh Guards. season. The Royal Artillery Cup faced a team from RAF Brize first graced the polo calendar Norton. The inter-service Capts Major and Marsden Despite the pace of Battalion 4 years ago and has become rivalry gave the game a little were selected by Army Polo life and the team being spread a permanent and increasingly more bite and the Welsh to attend the development over 3 different locations, competitive fixture to start Guards came out on top but course at Druids Lodge we have managed to play a the season. The Welsh Guards only just with a win of 3 goals Polo Club in Wiltshire which significant amount of polo. entered Division II for the to 2.5. Our ill-discipline cost us consolidated previous Our ability to enter a Welsh first time and the change of greatly throughout the game seasons’ work and has made a Guards team in tournaments quality was marked. Our first with both of the RAF’s goals significant difference to their next season will be limited due fixture was against the Royal play both in terms of ability to the Battalion’s deployment Lancers who, despite being going through from a 30 yard and tactical awareness. They on Op TORAL which runs a relatively new team, were penalty. A real focus for the were subsequently selected to over the entire polo calendar the strongest handicap in the rest of the season and as Lt gain their first Army cap in the and so it was important to division and clearly found Col Ledger, Director of Army Rupert Thorneloe Memorial make the most of this year. their stride during their winter Polo, pointedly said: ‘If in Cup – see other article. As always, thanks must go to camp. A tough and aggressive doubt, get off the bloody line!’

74 Sports and Adventure Training WELSH GUARDS REGIMENTAL MAGAZINE SPorts and adventure Training

Captains vs Subalterns: the sticks. The score line belies Honourable Artillery Major General’s Cup: 15-16 July 2017 a much more competitive Company (HAC) 105 10 September 2017 game and there is little doubt Tournament: 2 September The third weekend in July Fortunately for Welsh Guards that the 2017 saw Tidworth play host to a have some players to watch in Polo, a fixture at Guards Polo record amount of teams for future seasons. Fortunately for the Welsh Club has become something the Captains vs Subalterns of an annual affair. This year’s Guards, our ever closer tournament. This is always Adjutant General’s Corps match was a development on links with the HAC allowed the highlight of the military (AGC) Cup: 28 August 2017 previous years which saw an polo calendar and is fiercely us to play in the HAC 105 American style tournament contested. The Welsh Guards In stark contrast to the tournament for the second between 3 teams: the Welsh were up against the Army earlier Royal Artillery Cup year running and gave us Guards and 2 Grenadier Medical Services (AMS) on tournament the bank holiday an opportunity to defend Guards teams, one of serving the first day, a team which delivered a scorcher. Marking the trophy hard-earned the officers, the other of those had recently returned to its tenth year, the AGC Cup has year before. Once again the who have retired. With the fold after a number of become a firm fixture in the tournament was held at Ham family commitments for Capt years absent but that had Welsh Guards polo calendar Polo Club – a superb setting Marsden and an injury from also conducted a significant and we have attended for with an excellent pitch. The the HAC 105 for CSgt Deren amount of training in the Welsh Guards team ran the past 4 years with mixed team were confident having preparation. This was a hotly success. This year saw us out with a refreshed line put in solid performances contested and aggressive facing a competent RAF side up made of Maj Gen Talbot throughout the season game in the knowledge that and an Rice CBE, Lt Col Llewellyn- and gone from strength to it was the one chance to go (RLC) side who we had played Usher and Capt Major with a through to the divisional final before in various forms. In the strength. The Welsh Guards guest appearance from OCdt the following day. The AMS sweltering sun our back-to- started with a half-goal George Cadogan. In truly had a particularly high quality back matches were a double- handicap advantage and the awful weather conditions the -2 player at number 4 who, edged sword but the ability first half was a somewhat Welsh Guards comfortably with his own horses, proved a to get in to our stride and staggered affair. An initial won the first match against little too much to handle and maintain momentum turned loose penalty saw the HAC the serving Grenadier team was routinely quicker to the out to be a real opportunity. edge the lead which was 7-1, capitalising on the experience gained from our ball. He proved the difference Both of the opposition were supplemented by a cracking and we failed to convert our recent matches at Ham and better than us on paper, with 40-yard neck shot but swift opportunities, resulting in a their ranks being swelled by Tidworth. Unfortunately, we 2-1 defeat. work was made of the HAC lost our second match against a -1 player each. This gave defence and 2 quick goals saw us a half-goal advantage in the former Grenadiers in the The loss meant going through us retain the half-goal lead at final seconds of the game both games which was to to the subsidiary final the half. In the second half the despite a valiant performance prove crucial in the first of the following day against game opened up wonderfully by all players. Weather aside, the 2 round robin matches. the Household Cavalry. it was, as always, a pleasure The RAF brought the game to and the scrums of the earlier Inter-Household Division to play at Guards Polo Club us and a sloppy penalty saw chukkas were a thing of the encounters always result and our thanks go to Lt Col the Welsh Guards chasing. past. The hazards of polo are in the stakes being slightly Ledger and Maj Forbes-Cockell However, shortly after, a such that in a split second you higher than is perhaps the for their perseverance in link-up between Capt Major’s can go from chasing down the norm. Despite being a recently supporting and enabling the ball to joining it on the grass. formed team in the Household back hand and Capt Marsden’s tournament. In spite of the Cavalry polo dynasty, the lofting under the neck, saw us Lt Col Llewelyn-Usher was the mixed outcome it was a great team had the familiar trait of regain the advantage. Another first to tumble and with no cry finish to a busy but successful being excellent riders which is goal apiece saw the Welsh of ‘dismounting!’ the prospect season for the Welsh Guards always half the battle on the Guards emerge victorious and of champagne loomed. CSgt Polo team. polo pitch. Two goals from Lt remain in the running for the Deren soon followed and an Col Llewelyn-Usher set the division as long as we gained HAC tumble completed the a favourable goal difference. Welsh Guards up nicely in hat-trick; an excellent example The second match saw the the first half meaning all that of ‘grass-roots’ polo! The was required was to hold the team really come together gymnastics over, the focus line. The Welsh Guards hit our and push an unanswered 4 returned to the game at hand stride however and the third goals through the sticks with chukka saw Capt Marsden the match finishing 5.5 to 1. and unfortunately we were on the wrong side of the slot one through from just shy This proved to be the deciding 1. Maj Gen Talbot Rice CBE, of the half-way line and the factor and the Welsh Guards momentum shift. The HAC Capt Marsden, Lt Col Llewelyn- fourth saw Capt Major loft an soundly won the division on slotted home 2 more goals to Usher and CSgt Deren at the excellent forehand through goal difference. end the match 5 to 3.5. Artillery Cup.

Sports and Adventure Training 75 SPorts and Adventure Training WELSH GUARDS REGIMENTAL MAGAZINE

1

The Rupert Thorneloe Memorial Cup third chukka saw the Hackett Army team regain much of the by Captain J P Marsden Adjutant lost ground with some superb play by the plus-goalers Lt Sleeman and 2Lt Drummond- he Rupert Thorneloe Memorial Cup is now a firm event Moray. Tin the Army Polo calendar but for the past four years, the cup has laid in opposition hands. Entering the fourth there was all to play for and an In stark contrast to when Lt were to support Maj Gen airborne 60-yard penalty Col Thorneloe MBE played Talbot Rice CBE at ‘2’ with Lt from Lt Sleeman early in for the Battalion, the Welsh Sleeman (QRH) at ‘3’ and 2Lt the final chukka meant the Guards has lacked polo Drummond-Moray (SG) at ‘4’. game was on, giving the talent in recent years and so This gave a real Welsh Guards Army a half goal lead with 6 the Hackett Army team for flavour to the match. minutes still to play. Neither team managed to capitalise previous fixtures has been This year saw a ‘0’ goal formed from various cap Kirtlington Park team hosting on their opportunities until badges, with Maj Gen Talbot the Hackett Army side, the last minute of play when Rice CBE being the sole Welsh the latter with a half goal Capt Marsden ran the ball the Guards player. advantage from the off. length of the pitch to score Despite the even match-up and seal the match 7 ½ to 6. 1. The Hackett Army Team from This year the Director of Army on paper, the Kirtlington team left to right: Polo looked to rectify this and were 4 goals to the good by The match was a fitting tribute 2Lt Drummond-Moray (SG), invited Capts Marsden and to Lt Col Thorneloe MBE; a Lt Sleeman (QRH), half-time and the match was Maj Gen Talbot Rice (Late WG) Major to share the ‘1’ shirt for looking like a white wash. fine polo player and a highly and Capts Marsden and Major their first Army caps. They However, a real flurry in the regarded officer. (both WG).

76 Sports and Adventure Training WELSH GUARDS REGIMENTAL MAGAZINE SPorts and adventure Training

possible source of injury and embarrassment. The team, however, performed well over 5 stages, 3 of which were timed with LSgt Dunn doing well to complete the event due to his brakes failing at the start!

The team proved a surprising addition to the Erleskote race, raising eyebrows as the only Infantry team to enter, and drawing praise for the new 1 team race tops.

Welsh Guards Mountain Bike Team The chance to get away by WO2 J M Owen from the office for a day Company Sergeant Major Instructing Musketry of riding cannot ever be underestimated. Fresh air, 2 ednesday at 1400 in the Welsh Guards means one new surroundings and the opportunity to show the Wthing: sports afternoon! remainder of the Army what the Welsh Guards are all about A small but keen contingent their look. LCpl Worthington made for a wonderful day and has proven himself quite the from across Battalion, in one hopefully we can repeat; “little” mechanic. possession of a random the competitive element assortment of bikes and an Further Mountain Bike Leader providing more of an edge to even more random choice of the day. clothing, banded together and qualifications within the team have allowed us to organise a formed the first Welsh Guards The team failed to take away number of trips, most notably Mountain Bike Team. any of the medals on offer, to Bike Park Wales where the those being swept up by team’s skills and drills plus a Being based in the shadow the Army Mountain Bike large amount of courage have of the former Guards Depot team, who clearly spend 3 taken a test on trails such as means access to a wide and the majority of their time ‘50 shades of black’, ‘Enter the varied training area, allowing competing! the team to train on famous Dragon’ and ‘Popty Ping’. hills such as Concrete, Ten The future of the Welsh The team trips to Wales have Second and a test of nerve on Guards Mountain Bike raised the profile of the team the way down Heart Break. On Team presents a number and the Regiment. A number more than one occasion it has of young potential Gdsm of possibilities. We have been a test of landing skills as have stopped to speak to natural ties with the other we get it slightly wrong! members of the team, and are Foot Guards teams and very interested to hear that these strengthen our ability A number of the team have it is possible to be paid while to enter future races, as completed the Basic Mountain doing something you love! well as providing us with Bike Maintenance course, the possibility of traveling most notably CSgt Scarf, This year also saw the team overseas. We have trips to 4 who regularly puts right the participate in its maiden race Cyprus and the Alps, plus a damage of those less skilled, event when the REME Cycling number of domestic trips and then bans the likes of Team hosted the first Inter being planned where work myself from touching their Corps Gravity Enduro Race, commitments allow. bike other than to ride. held at Erlestoke, close to Salisbury. Any member of the Battalion, Some team members regardless of equipment or 1. The team after pre-race were motivated enough to The event provided a good ability, is more than welcome checks. 2. A navigation check from completely strip their bikes testing ground for the team. to join us on a Wednesday WO2 Geen at Bike Park Wales. down and experiment with A heavy downpour during the afternoon and have a go: a 3. Battalion Sports Afternoon. new colours and designs in morning of the event ensured sense of humour and lack of 4. Running repairs from the hope of reinvigorating that every tree root became a fashion sense are a must! Sgt Simons!

Sports and Adventure Training 77 SPorts and Adventure Training WELSH GUARDS REGIMENTAL MAGAZINE

1

Welsh Guards Golf competition. The Guards put Any officers, past and by Captain A S Morgan in two teams of four. The present, interested in playing A team, ably led by Robin with the Society can find his year’s season started on 26 April at Worplesdon Malcolm were winners, and out more from Andrew Twith the Household Division Championships, which are the B team, including Michael Morgan (andrewmorgan41@ Williams-Bulkeley and Andrew bconnect.com), and they will open to all members of the Household Division past and be made most welcome. Morgan picked up the runners present. L/Sgt Evans 88 tried in vain to defend his title up prizes. This is the sixth won the previous year, in the morning, but with Andrew consecutive year the Guards Dates for next year: Morgan, they were runners up in the Regimental Pairs in have won the Bowl. 25 April. the afternoon. Household Division The highlight of the Guards Championships The Colonel in Chief’s Cup, up for the fifth consecutive Golfing Society season was 3 May. which is the inter-regimental year. The team consisted of the Autumn Meeting at Royal First two rounds of the competition in the Household Martin Topps, Robbie O Rourke St George’s, over the first Colonel in Chief’s Cup. Division, had its early rounds , L/Sgt Evans 88, LCpl Jones weekend in September, with 26 September. on 4 May at Worplesdon. 83 , Peter Richardson and five members of the Regiment Finals of the The competition is run on a Andrew Morgan. We hope attending. Robin Malcolm Colonel in Chief’s Cup ‘holes up’ system. In the first to raise a second team next was runner up in the scratch round the Regiment beat the year, subject to the Battalion’s competition. Robin Malcolm operational commitments. Household Cavalry B team by and Andrew Morgan won the 20 holes and in the semi-final, The Argyll and Sutherland Regimental pairs, and Ali Spry the Coldstream Guards, by 11 Bowl was competed was a member of the winning 1. Martin Topps, holes. The final on 23 August for on 15,6 June on the pair in the Auction Foursomes. Robbie O Rourke, saw us against the Irish The weekend culminated L/Sgt Evans 88, Championship Course at LCpl Jones 83, Guards, last year’s winners. Royal St George’s. The Bowl with the Society convincingly Peter Richardson and We narrowly lost by three is the Army Officers Golfing beating the Club 4-0, to win Andrew Morgan. holes, making us the runners Society, Infantry Division the Myles Frisby Trophy. 2. At Carmarthen Golf Club.

78 Sports and Adventure Training WELSH GUARDS REGIMENTAL MAGAZINE SPorts and adventure Training

2

Welsh Guards Golf Association those who have not been here We now moved on to East before this truly is a lovely Wales were we played our by Martyn Griffiths 52 course. Again, the weather third meeting at Woodlake was not great but this did not Park which to golfers is he Golf Association is going from strength to strength hamper the players and some known as moving day, still Tand that is entirely down to the support we are getting great scores were achieved the weather was unkind to from the Regiment which has been outstanding and the results of the day were as us but did clear up later on great to see. This support and the support of our regular follows: in the round we were now members can only benefit the Regimental Golf Team in its averaging 20 players at each In first place and winning meeting which was great bid for success. the John Powell Trophy with news, the results were as a remarkable score of 40 follows: We started the 2017 season and the winner of the 2’s points was Mark Horwood, at Carmarthen Golf Club Competition went to the guest runner up was John Badham In first Place with a score of the weather wasn’t great of Conrad Price. We have with 34 points and in third 36 points was Gareth Evans however this didn’t dampen encouraged serving members place was Mike Mowbray winning on count back, runner the enthusiasm of the players and veteran members to with 33 points winning on up was John Badham again a great day was had by bring along a guest, however count back. Longest Drive with 36 points also on count everyone, the results were as they would not be able to went to Martin Topps and back to third place which was follows. compete for the prizes on the Nearest the Pin went to Mark Jamie Jones, Longest Drive day but can compete in the Horwood (probably 2 inches went to Martyn Griffiths (this First was Ashley Frost with a two’s competition. I will look from being a hole in one went down to a measure and score of 35 points, Runner up; into introducing a prize for which was on show right it transpired to be a 1 yard Steve Gelly with 34 points and the guest if the numbers are in third position was Adam worthy next season. outside the clubhouse), Two’s difference from Steve Gelly’s Bishop with 33 points winning winners were Mike Mowbray, effort) Nearest the Pin went on count back. Longest drive Our Second meeting of Mark Horwood Steve Gelly’s to Stuart May and the two’s went to Mike Mowbray, the year was held at the Guest Gareth Evans and John winners were Martyn Griffiths Nearest the Pin Stuart May Glamorganshire Golf Club for Badham. and Gareth Evans.

Sports and Adventure Training 79 SPorts and Adventure Training WELSH GUARDS REGIMENTAL MAGAZINE

Our Final meeting of the thoroughly deserved to win, year which would decide the however, would you be so Welsh Guards Golfer of the kind to give us all a chance year and the recipient of the next year. Col Malcolm Trophy was held at Maesdu Golf Club again a I would like to take this lovely course, the weather opportunity to thank Sgt Duffy was superb the course for making the finals day immaculate and the Golf Club that more special by bringing could not do enough for us down the North Wales which everyone agreed on Recruitment team and having they would like to return there 2 LCpl.’s in Tunic for the start next year. off and the presentation it 1 really did make for a glorious There were a few contenders day. I know how busy these for the Golfer of the year. guys are so from all the Notably in the lead was Steve golfers thank you all (can you Gelly whom in the past has come back next year) also for not been able to make all four all the great photos. meetings and it went right down to the last hole. The I would also like to thank results of the day however Martin Browne for the ease of was as follows: there was manner in which we had to a very clear winner with 43 pay all bills it really is the way points (and a good handicap forward so again from all the drop), Winning the Efion Jones golfers Martin, thank you very Trophy was Gareth Evans much and I look forward to 2 working with you again next Runner up again with 35 year. points was John Badham BB9, BB6, BB3 In third position and And finally, I would like to it was great to see him after thank all the golfers that being absent for a few years participated this year without was Roy Gardiner with again your support there would 35 points, (Roy is now living be no meetings so I now get in Spain so if your ever in the myself into the grove for area he would love to have a booking next year’s courses game with you so give him a hopefully out by January. bell (I have his contact details). Longest Drive went to Ben Thomas, Nearest the Pin was 3 Adam Bishop and the two’s winners were Martin Topps and Gareth Evans.

All scores were then totalled from the previous meetings to establish who would be crowed Welsh Guards 1. Robert O’Rourke Receiving the Col Malcolm Trophy from Association Golfer of the year Martin Topps. 2017 and the margin could not 2. The Golf Association ready for have been closer. But winning the final at Maesdu Golf Club. by 2 points from Steve Gelly 3. Gareth Evans being presented with Efion Jones Trophy. was Robert O’rourke, winning 4. John Badham receiving the trophy for the 5th time. yet another trophy from 4 Many congratulations. Rob Martin Topps.

80 Sports and Adventure Training WELSH GUARDS REGIMENTAL MAGAZINE SPorts and adventure Training

The Infantry had the luxury of a large squad for the tournament and therefore a number of the new members were asked to play for other teams to help bolster their numbers. I was transferred to the Army All-Stars which is a combined team of all of the regiments and corps that don’t have their own teams. Although initially downhearted about my early transfer, I started the tournament well with its first goal and managed to stay on my feet for the duration which was a bonus, managing 1 to score another goal in our deciding match. The All-Stars had a mixed set of results finishing 5th of 8 overall, however the Infantry team were looking strong and took on some tough opponents to take the cup.

There is a strong Household Division presence in the sport and there is now scope to create our own team and compete independently in next year’s tournament. It is a fantastic sport that few know about, combining strength, agility and team work and is extremely exciting to both 2 watch and play.

Inter Corps Ice Hockey My local club, The Windsor by Captain J W B Webster Knights, happens to be the Regimental Signals Officer same team that the Infantry Assistant Captain (LSgt s a youngster I decided I wanted to play ice hockey Scoot (IG)) plays for. He is Aafter watching the Mighty Ducks films. I then managed joined there by several other to persuade my mother to take me to Arena at Household Division players. After one session I was asked very unsociable hours in order to practice. Unfortunately to play in the Inter-Corps school had to take precedence and my early retirement tournament in Sheffield. I 1. Captain Webster with the puck from the sport has always frustrated me. I then realised appeared in Sheffield several for the Army All-Stars. 2. Capt Webster (far left) with that the Army would offer me the chance of glory on the ice weeks later, feeling very other players from the once again. green. Household Division.

Sports and Adventure Training 81 SPorts and Adventure Training WELSH GUARDS REGIMENTAL MAGAZINE

1 2

The Lawson’s Cup – The Household Division Athletics by Lieutenant T R Campbell-Schofield Second in Command, Number Two Company

n 4 May 2017 a group of highly trained and Oexceptionally competitive Welsh Guardsmen drove to Eton athletics track to compete in the Lawson’s Cup Athletics competition. This prestigious event is the annual Household Division athletics meet and was this year hosted by 1st Battalion Irish Guards.

Each of the five regiments of The field started with the Foot Guards entered a team high jump, Gdsm Durkin as well as the Household and Lt Campbell-Schofield Cavalry and the Household persevered until crashing out Cavalry Mounted Regiment. in fourth place against some The competition started with exceptionally stiff competition a short and sharp brief on the from the Coldstream Guards. day’s events then the athletes On the track Sgt Griffiths were thrown straight into 04 lead the charge on the competing on both the track gruelling 5000m, again and field. coming in fourth place.

3

82 Sports and Adventure Training WELSH GUARDS REGIMENTAL MAGAZINE SPorts and adventure Training

As the morning progressed worked themselves harder it became clear that 1st than ever during the day the Battalion Irish Guards were 1 WG team had a slow start forging a strong lead with and ultimately finished last in convincing wins in the 5000m, this event. 1500m and 800m races. The morning finished with 1 WG in Overall, the Welsh Guards the middle of the pack having came fifth out of the seven seen some commendable teams. The prizes were performances on the track presented by General Officer Commanding London from Gdsm Hunt in the 1500m District and Major General and in the field from Gdsm Commanding Household Morrison on the discus (the Division, Maj Gen Bathurst first time he had competed in CBE and Gdsm Bilton stepped this event!). forward to collect gold in the After an excellent hog roast shot put with 1st Battalion and barbeque lunch kindly Irish Guards coming first provided by Headquarters overall. It was a fantastic day of friendly competition Household Division the 4 team was ready to get back against fellow Household Division regiments and a real into action. A lacklustre showcase of the athletic talent performance in the 4 x within the Division. Special 400m relay was quickly thanks must go to the Irish compensated for by a strong Guards for organising such display of athleticism on the a successful and smoothly field. LCpl Jones 89 proved run event and to the Royal a handy javelin thrower and Army Physical Training Corps Gdsm Bilton demolished the for providing marshals and shot put competition. With scoring for the day. the competition at fever pitch it came to the prestige event of the 100m with Lt Minihan as the main competitor for 1 WG. Despite acquiring a pair of running spikes, immaculately gelled hair and a warm up routine to rival Usain Bolt he was pipped at the finish line by the Irish Guards! 1. Gdsm Bilton excelling in That marked the end of the the shot put. Lawson’s Cup and a move to 2. Gdsm Bilton excelling in the Prince of Wales’s Trophy. the javelin. 3. Lt Campbell-Schofield reaching This is a cup for a relay race for the stars. consisting of a 400m, two 4. Sgt Griffiths 04 in the relay. 200m, an 800m, two 200m 5. Sgt Sale MC launching into and finally a 400m. Having action in the long jump.

5

Sports and Adventure Training 83 SPorts and Adventure Training WELSH GUARDS REGIMENTAL MAGAZINE

4 Battalion Ski Trip by Captain A J N Smith Officer Commanding The Platoon Support Company

1 fter a demanding 6 weeks on Exercise WESSEX STORM, Athe Battalion was finally able to move on to something a little more light hearted and relaxed as thoughts turned to the Battalion Ski Trip. Over two weeks, 1WG deployed over 70 people to the Austrian Alps for some much needed respite and some adventurous training in the form of skiing.

The trip returned to the same second week!) and a excellent location as in 2015, great deal of sunshine. St Johann im Pongau (part Many participants were of the very large Ski Amade returning for at least their region), with ‘Snowslippers’ second ski trip, so there yet again offering a package was a requirement to offer tailored to our exact needs. the opportunity to gain the As usual, the accommodation next level qualification - Ski was at Mamasitas and Herbie Foundation Level 2 (SF2) - (the owner) did not fail in his 2 which Lt Col Smith was able hosting and catering skills. to provide. This required The administration team of skiers to use touring skis Capt Smith (OC Mortars), CSgt rather than standard alpine Derren (CQMS HQ Coy) and skis, offering the ability to LSgt Forde (Recce) was backed attach skins to the bottom up by the very capable and of the skis, enabling them experienced instructor team to walk UP the mountain. of Lt Col Smith (WG, currently The rest of the participants Chief of Staff at the School of either conducted continuation Infantry), Capt Brown REME training to ready them for SF2 (OC Light Aid Detachment) another year, or, for the large and Sgt Skitt (PoWs Coy Tech group of beginners (about 30 Sgt and 1WG ski instructor over the two weeks) to gain legend). Our own team was their Ski Foundation Level 1 complemented by some very (SF1). All those gaining SF1 or capable local ski instructors, higher during the 5 days of and the trip deployed with instruction were then given 38 participants each week, a free ski day on the last day, all enjoying some excellent allowing them the freedom to snow conditions (apart from 2 ski the slopes they preferred 3 slightly damp days during the and eat in their favourite

84 Sports and Adventure Training WELSH GUARDS REGIMENTAL MAGAZINE SPorts and adventure Training

5 mountain restaurants. The highlighting of those that have the potential to become During the evenings, ski instructors over the next Mamasitas and the local year or two allows 1WG to area provided both become self-sufficient, as quality refreshment and finding appropriate military entertainment, keeping instructors to fit in with 6 everyone happy. As ever, the our own timetable can be food was of an outstanding incredibly difficult. Sadly this quality, including a night of year, 1WG had to say goodbye ‘all you can eat ribs’. Naturally, to one of its greats. Sgt Skitt this saw many attempts to has been instructing on the beat the restaurant record Battalion ski trips for 18 years of 13 racks of ribs, but the but this year sadly marked his best effort was 9.75 racks last trip as he leaves after 22 – more training required! years’ service. I am sure that The entertainment provided I can speak for all those he for us by Snowslippers and has instructed over the years Mamasitas included brain- when I wish him the best of testing pub quizzes and luck in the future. karaoke, allowing everyone relaxation after hard days of 1. Capt Jones demonstrates that skiing and the post-dinner skiing is just like riding a bike lectures. However, the after being off the slopes for highlight of the entertainment more than 20 years. had to be the bar-wide 2. (Front to back): Capt Young, rousing rendition of Delilah LCpl Bull (LAD) and LSgts Forde and Divers touring up 7 (no further training required!). the mountain. Once again, the trip proved 3. Gdsm Turner feeling confident to be one of the most as a beginner on day 1! 4. Capt Young cooling off after a sought-after events in the hard day touring! Battalion’s forecast of events, 5. LCpl Siviter does some and, at a cost of £120 for the morning stretching after an Guardsmen, it was extremely involuntary lie down! affordable and popular, 6. LCpl Skates wondering how it’s offering the opportunity gone so wrong?! 7. (L-R): LSgt Millins 52, LCpl Dean to unwind and enjoy some and Gdsm Thomas 59 and quality downtime together. Cleave enjoy a drink at the end The success of the trip of the day. can be measured not only 8. L-R): Sgt Skitt, Capt Smith by the satisfaction of the and CSgt Derren partake in participants, but also by the the necessary cultural trip. fact that almost everyone Luckily beer is important in Austrian culture so a visit to gained at least SF1 and some the Stiegl brewery (and prospective ski instructors museum) seemed apt. Also, have been flagged-up for the one member of the trip future. bought a smart hat! 8

Sports and Adventure Training 85 SPorts and Adventure Training WELSH GUARDS REGIMENTAL MAGAZINE

1

Welsh Guards Darts Masters 2017 by WO2 (CSM) R W Parry 95 Company Sergeant Major Headquarter Company he Welsh Guards Darts Masters 2017 event was Torganised in order to enable the newly formed Welsh Guards Darts Team to play a Gwalia League championship winning darts team from North Wales, Victoria Club C.

The event was held at the see it evened out to 2-2 and Staymor Hotel in Blackpool finishing off with a win of 3-2 over the weekend of for Max. 29 Sep – 1 Oct and consisted Pairs final – best of 5 legs: of 3 sessions: individuals, pairs John Jones and Tony Ward vs and the team game. Edgar Lewis and Keith Bates The draw had taken place for All Victoria Club less Edgar the individuals and pairs after Lewis who, as the father of Sgt the setting up of the venue Lewis 88 took his place in the and resulted in: Welsh Guards team. Individual final - This was another great match best of 5 legs: which saw Edgar and Keith Andy White vs Max Parry, take the lead in the first leg. both of Victoria Club C. John and Tony then kept up This was a thrilling final match the pressure and came back with both players throwing to 1-1. Edgar and Keith then very well and the 5 legs going found their range and the to the wire at 2-0 to Max. match ended in a 3-1 win for 2 Andy then came back to Edgar and Keith.

86 Sports and Adventure Training WELSH GUARDS REGIMENTAL MAGAZINE SPorts and adventure Training

4

3

Welsh Guards Darts Masters 5 Team Winners Trophy: 1001 to 0. 5 team players from the Victoria Club C and Welsh Guards took up the team challenge. This saw another very close game with both teams nearly level on points throughout the match. The end came with a fantastic game shot of 47, finishing 1. Welsh Guards and Victoria Club with double 16 from Gdsm C teams prepared for battle. Prudham, bringing the trophy 2. Gdsm Prudham winning the home for the Welsh Guards. Welsh Guards Darts Masters Trophy. Both teams owe a huge debt 3. WO2 (CSM) Parry 95 6 to WO2 (SQMS) Laurence and presenting Max Parry with his Chris and Millie Barton of the Individual Trophy. Staymor Hotel for catering for 4. WO2 (CSM) Parry 95 presenting Chris and Millie both teams over the weekend Barton, owners of the Staymor and ensuring that everyone Hotel, with a Welsh Guards was looked after throughout embroidery. to the highest standard. We 5. WO2 (CSM) Parry 95 are also very grateful to all presenting the Pairs Trophy to the members of Victoria Edgar Lewis and Keith Bates. Club C who gave us a very 6. WO2 (CSM) Parry 95 (WG competitive weekend of darts. Team Captain) presenting a Welsh Guards Shield to his Thanks also to Sgt Duffy and father (Bobby Parry), captain LSgt Jones 09 for their help of the Victoria Club C Team. with the setup of the venue 7. Welsh Guards Darts Masters and transport. presentations on display. 7

Sports and Adventure Training 87 SPorts and Adventure Training WELSH GUARDS REGIMENTAL MAGAZINE

1

Officers’ Mess Ski Trip 2017 (Major General Stanford MBE) snow, much fun was to be had and the Regimental Adjutant by all, notably by a certain by Second Lieutenant W D Clarke (Colonel Bonas), representing high-ranking officer who Officer Commanding Number Six Platoon, the great depth of the Welsh managed to achieve a top Number Two Company Guards family. speed of 60.5mph. Certainly, n 3 March 17 twenty-one officers and family members The first day of skiing saw the best skiing of the trip was experienced on this morning. of 1st Battalion Welsh Guards travelled to Les Deux the group rise early for a O continental breakfast prior This, however, was short lived. Alpes, France to enjoy a long weekend’s skiing. to catching the first lift ride On the final day of skiing up into the resort. There the weather became almost After a very early morning social occasion. In 2016, had been recent snowfall, unworkable, with extremely start, we arrived at the Hotel however, the decision was providing good conditions on low visibility and very high au Bon Accueil tired but made to organise a long piste, although the visibility winds. This left most of the enthusiastic. We used the weekend of skiing in place of was quite poor. Throughout group hidden away in the rest of the day to administer the shoot. This allowed the the day the wind became various restaurants and cafés ourselves and took the Battalion to include significant more of a nuisance, causing dotted about the mountain opportunity that evening to others of those serving and some significant tension for with little motivation to head become well acquainted with the event was offered to Captain Webster as it swung back out into the blizzard. the hotel’s facilities! his cable car side to side! Extra Regimentally Employed A final supper was had by all In previous years, a driven Officers. Among those Luckily the weather improved on the evening of 6 March; shoot has been the event of joining us this year were the significantly on day two. With a fantastic meal which choice for an Officers’ Mess Regimental Lieutenant Colonel bright blue skies and fresh represented accurately the

88 Sports and Adventure Training WELSH GUARDS REGIMENTAL MAGAZINE SPorts and adventure Training

3

2 4 quality of food enjoyed 1. Captain Webster, throughout the trip. The Second Lieutenant Andersen, group retired relatively early the Regimental Lieutenant in preparation for the 0230 Colonel, Second Lieutenant start the following morning W Clarke and Captain Marsden enjoy perfect skiing conditions. for the journey back. Most 2. Captain Dinwiddie and unfortunately strikes by Second Lieutenant Colley French air traffic controllers (3 R WELSH attached) enjoy caused the early morning the more cerebral flight to be cancelled. Luckily entertainment facilities. Major Figgures-Wilson was 3. Captain Webster making 5 able to engineer a solution friends in the hotel. easily; finding a nearby train 4. Captain Webster, Major to from where the Dunlop, Captain Marsden and Eurostar could be caught Major Figgures-Wilson. easily to London. Certainly 5. Captain Webster attempting to navigate the treacherous this was not an ideal finish to conditions. what had been a fantastic trip, 6. Captains Webster and but the return journey has Marsden and Second not tarnished fond memories W Clarke and of another successful 1st Andersen enjoy a warming Battalion Welsh Guards drink before heading out into Officers’ Mess ski trip. the blizzard.

6

Sports and Adventure Training 89 SPorts and Adventure Training WELSH GUARDS REGIMENTAL MAGAZINE

1

Ex FIRST CAST by WO2 (CSM) D Lewis 29 Company Sergeant Major Number Three Company

n 30 August 2017 3 members of the Battalion Carp OFishing Team made the trip to the Farlows Complex, which is near to Hounslow where the Battalion was based until late 2014.

WO2 (CSM) Lewis 29, Sgt We chose to fish next to each Pearce and LSgt Shapland other so we could have a catch 2 were all hopeful of catching up. Sgt Pearce had not long and determined to ensure re-joined the Battalion after success while other team leaving to become a teacher. members were committed to We discussed at great length Op TORAL training. how difficult it was for him to settle and make enough After arriving at the complex money as a civilian to support and spending far too much his family. He also hinted at money in the tackle shop, how much he had missed the we decided to have a walk blokes and the opportunities around the lake and have a that the Battalion had given chat to a few people who had him in the past to take part been fishing the lake on the and compete in a sport that he previous day. It soon became really enjoys. obvious that it was not going Our 48 hour session was paid 3 to be as easy as the team had for from Trustee funding originally thought. Discussion and we are most grateful. 1. LSgt Shapland with his prize. started: had we chosen Everyone finally managed to 2. LSgt Shapland with his rods out tying some rigs. the best venue and given catch but LSgt Shapland stole 3. Sgt Pearce and WO2 (CSM) ourselves the best chance of the show after catching one of Lewis 29 setting up. having a few fish between us? the biggest fish in the lake.

90 Sports and Adventure Training WELSH GUARDS REGIMENTAL MAGAZINE

Battlefield Tours and Remembrance down shouting ‘Maestros! ¡Maestros!’ As it turned out the farmer was aged 14 at the time of the battle and his grandmother had been interpreter for General Mark Clark, commanding the US 5th Army. Italy had initially been singled out by Churchill as a ‘soft underbelly‘, an easy target that offered the victorious Allied force in North Africa a strategic foothold in mainland Europe. Ultimately though it turned out to be ‘one tough gut’. And at Cassino it was at its very toughest, reminiscent of some of the worst moments of the First World War. Even in 1944, the Germans were still hopeful of 4 winning the war, and in Italy they hoped to ruin the Allied Welsh Guards BattlefieldT our - 2017 Exactly 73 years after the armies. Entrenched behind the conflict ended, in May 2017, Bernhardt, Gustav and Hitler Monte Cassino, D-Day Dodgers? we visited the battlefield; defensive lines, the German by Hughie de Zulueta a dozen serving men from SS and Panzer troops fought 1st Battalion Welsh Guards, to the last man. The battle for tanding in a field off the side of a small dusty track, including the Commanding Monte Cassino lasted almost midday sun, hay bales, crickets humming, we looked Officer and Regimental six months and claimed the S Sergeant Major, several lives of over 50,000 Allied straight ahead towards Monte Piccolo; the spot where former officers and their servicemen. LSgt Frank Goodwin made his heroic charge. With Prince families, as well as a small Despite having a father, representation from the of Wales Company, under Major David Gibson Watt (MC grandfather and various Drapers Company. Generously close relatives in the Welsh and bar), pinned down by a German Spandau machine subsidized by the Regiment Guards, I’d never decided gun post, he took two grenades, moved up the hillside and and superbly organised by to pursue the Army. It was a Jane and Cassian Roberts’ single handedly charged the position. choice at school between the JC Journeys we enjoyed a CCF and social services; and whistle-stop tour under the He was later found impaled campaign were labelled the allure of tea and cakes in supervision of our three on the MG 42; the machine D-Day Dodgers. Windsor, washed down by a distinguished guides: Major gun post wiped out couple of pints on the way Blockbuster battles such as General Andrew Cumming, around him. Despite such back, won out. Nevertheless, Stalingrad, Normandy and Colonel Anthony Biggs and extraordinary bravery, and a childhood spent playing Major General Sebastian Pearl Harbor tend to German spotlights and a strong recommendation Roberts. With David (our watching a steady stream of for the VC from his Brigade dominate popular memory. bus driver; a former Italian classic war films, left a lasting Commander, he was simply Yet it’s often forgotten that Army commando) and Trevor mentioned in dispatches. one of the fiercest and Royle (author of Bearskins, With public interest focused bloodiest episodes of the Bayonets and Body Armour) on the ‘real’ war in France Second World War played out also amongst our ranks, it was 4. Monte Piccolo to the left of and Normandy, Goodwin was in Italy at the beginning of the picture where LSgt Frank no surprise when, on our first Goodwin made his heroic overlooked, seemingly for the 1944, under the shadow of the day, an elderly local farmer charge’, this mural painted same cynical reasons those hilltop monastery at Monte recognised this collective by by Sophie Williams-Thomas, who took part in the Italian Cassino. expertise and flagged us a Draper who was on the tour.

Battlefield Tours and Remembrance 91 Battlefield Tours and Remembrance WELSH GUARDS REGIMENTAL MAGAZINE

impression. But for all this servicemen, including Second pedigree, it still took a certain Lieutenant Eric Waters, 8th amount of getting used to Battalion . The the routines and rituals of father to Roger Waters, the travelling with a troop of Pink Floyd songwriter and current and former military bassist, it was his death that men. Debriefs before dinner; inspired the soundtrack to my briefings after breakfast; university years and some recces at every possible of rock’s greatest hits. Yet opportunity; preparations for this was no different from all eventualities; acronyms most other Commonwealth for everything; reveille at cemeteries; deferential, unearthly hours; and arriving well-kept and blind to ethnic at the airport at least 4 hours background: Kiwi, Canadian, 1 before any flight. Such military British, Indian, Jew, all are precision and punctuality is laid here. And in many ways clearly at odds with the typical the fighting at Cassino is the Italian way of doing things. closest reflection of recent And the local omni-shambles coalition operations: a diverse we did invariably face meant fighting force, attritional we were always in danger warfare, inhospitable terrain, of slipping into a somewhat and an ever-shifting cast of farcical Carry on Monte key players with objectives set Cassino. by unknowing politicians. Whilst our three guides As the Padre said a prayer certainly had their Sid and CSgt Scarf laid a wreath, James and Kenneth Williams it wasn’t Iraq or even Pink moments they firmly kept the Floyd that filled my mind, but 2 show on the road, excelling rather the thought: what does with their flawless selection it say about us as a society of lunchtime spots and local the way we remember our eateries. Having travelled out fallen? And how do we want several days earlier to conduct our memorials to affect the one such recce, the set menus way an event is remembered? which followed became a The German cemetery much welcome daily routine: at Cassino, whilst well double servings of pasta preserved by the Volksbund, to start, followed by veal is deliberately stark, unheroic & potatoes and all washed and completely hidden from down with a vat of the local passing view. A total contrast vino d’acciaio. Whilst Cassino to the Polish , Town itself is not famed for its which is monumental; even gastronomy, it proved more overwhelming; the struggle 3 than hospitable. A first night against the Germans is clearly foray into native territory a matter of huge national ended up with two local taxi honour. Placed in Death Valley, drivers, who may well have directly beneath the Abbey, been young boys during the its scale and grandeur gives battle, taking several of our an immediate sense of the party on a negroni fuelled Polish sacrifice at Cassino; and tour of the surrounding area. goes someway to revealing To everyone’s credit, the how remembers the breakfast briefing was still battle and their considerable observed. role in it. We started the second Wars are not a succession day with a visit to the of dates, places and actions Commonwealth War though. It’s a confused sprawl Cemetery. The final resting of chaos and individuals. 4 place for over 4,000 Something the maestros were

92 Battlefield Tours and Remembrance WELSH GUARDS REGIMENTAL MAGAZINE Battlefield Tours and Remembrance

5 so effective in conveying. were presented with would events of 1944 are embedded of The Ballad of the D-Day General Sebastian provided have been unrecognisable in local memory. It’s a conflict Dodgers… a general overview of in 1944; largely flooded and interwoven into the landscape If you look around the events; Andrew offered an covered by snow in what’s and culture of Cassino. It’s mountains, in the wind and understanding of the armour; remembered as the coldest certainly less of tourist spot rain whilst Colonel Anthony Biggs winter in living memory. compared to many battlefields You’ll find the scattered (whose brow was constantly But one constant was the and as such locals are crosses, some which bear no furrowed; in a way that Abbey. Looming over the Liri seemingly eager to welcome name. suggested he’d just been valley, on hill 1,700 feet up, those that visit; none more so told to lead a night assault on it must have had a strange Heartbreak and toil and than the Italian Head of the suffering gone, Monte Cassino itself) provided psychological hold over Cassino Memorial Club, who The boys beneath them the infantry and engineer the men. The source of the we were lucky enough to run perspective. All three made Benedictine Order, established slumber on. into, lunch with, and hear the sense of events and pieced around 529 AD, it provides an For we’re the D-Day dodgers local perspective from. them together all the while eerie backdrop. In February out here in Italy. speaking in that style so 1944, General Clark took the In front of Arce’s Church typical of the Army: urgent, highly controversial decision of Saint Peter and Paul, punctuated and liberally to have it bombed and overlooking the Liri valley, emphasised. It was only as reduced to rubble, with little our new found local esperto we stood by the Gari River on strategic consequence. Now and General Sebastian the afternoon of the second home to a small community reminded us of the soldiering day a slight change came in of monks, it was completely brotherhood. For all the 1. Colonel Anthony Biggs Colonel Anthony’s voice, when rebuilt, virtually stone for talk of tactics, strategy and (formerly Coldstream Guards) briefs the tour party on he revealed his father had stone, by 1950. auftragstaktik, this wasn’t just been a company commander the river crossing near Cassino Before we followed the Allied history. It’s fundamentally where his father, serving with in the Somerset advance up to Rome for a human. Guardsman and the , during the battle. much welcome R&R, our senior officers; wives and led the assault. 2. Welsh Guardsmen lying We finished our time in final stand was in the main girlfriends; young and old; together in eternal peace at Cassino, on the third day, with square of the hillside village those who’d served 30 years Monte Cassino Cemetery. a visit to the Monastery. The of Arce. As a passing tourist, and those that had just done 3. The Polish War Cemetery at luscious green landscape we it is easy to forget that the a short-service commission; Cassino tells the story of their there’s an Army fraternity we heroic sacrifice. What does it say about us as a society the all felt part of. And as we sat 4. Major General Sir Sebastian for our final dinner together, Roberts briefing the tour party way we remember our fallen? And how do outside the Pantheon. we want our memorials to affect the way an in the Piazza Novena in Rome, 5. The tour party at a hum went around as we Commonwealth War Graves event is remembered? reminisced on that final verse Cemetery in Rome.

Battlefield Tours and Remembrance 93 Battlefield Tours and Remembrance WELSH GUARDS REGIMENTAL MAGAZINE

1. WO2 M Davies 96 with the Bye Family members. 2. The Sgt Robert Bye VC Memorial stone at Ynysangharad War Memorial Park, Pontypridd 3. The Welsh Guards Association Standard Bearers. just what a hero and legend he is to all Welsh Guardsmen everywhere. It was a suitably overcast and grey day with the weather threating rain, but holding back for the duration of a simple service conducted by the Rev Mark Haldon- 1 Jones. With the Welsh Guards Regimental representative the journey to Pontypridd Sergeant Robert Bye VC – Major Alun Bowen replying One Hundred Years on (many from Nottinghamshire to the words of the Deputy where he settled after the Leader from Rhondda by WO2 (RQMS) DJ Davies war), members of the Welsh Cynon Taf Council, Councillor Regimental Quartermaster Sergeant Guards Association and local Maureen Webber, there Regimental Headquarters Welsh Guards dignitaries among them; The followed wreath laying on Lord Lieutenant and High behalf of the citizens of n 31st July 1917 Sergeant Robert Bye of the Welsh Sheriff of . by the Guards was awarded the for his gallantry The Regimental Recruiting Mayor, Councillor Margaret O Tegg and by Major Alun in action during the 3rd Battle of Ypres (also known as the Team with their display and vehicles drew attention Bowen on behalf of all Welsh Battle of Passchendaele). His was the first Victoria Cross and it wasn’t long before Guardsmen. The hauntingly granted to a soldier in the Welsh Guards and remains one a crowd had gathered and superb Last Post was played to perfection (as always) by LSgt of only two VC’s awarded to the Regiment. soon learnt, by the reading of Sgt Robert Bye’s citation by Stuart Laing from Regimental His bravery in the face of the Fast forward 99 years and RQMS Dai Davies 03, of just Headquarters. enemy, which was recognised 364 days to Sunday 30th July how brave a man he was, a The bravery and selflessness in the award of the Victoria 2017 to Ynysangharad Park, product of their town and of Sergeant Bye continues to Cross by King in Pontypridd, the site of the somebody they should be be a source of great inspiration September 1917, has been Sgt Robert Bye VC Memorial rightly proud. The occasion and Regimental pride from commemorated by Welsh and the location for the Welsh was made particularly special Guardsmen to Regimental Guardsmen over the years Guards commemorative and poignant as we could Sergeant Major, we are all most notably in 2015 during service in the presence of his share it with his family, people immensely proud of him, will centenary year, and is a part daughter (Mrs Mary Moody) that actually knew the great cherish his memory forever of the Regiment’s history of and a host of Bye family man himself and they were and ensure he lives on in the which we are very proud. members who had made left in no doubt whatsoever hearts of all Welsh Guardsmen.

2 3

94 Battlefield Tours and Remembrance WELSH GUARDS REGIMENTAL MAGAZINE Battlefield Tours and Remembrance

4

Welsh National Ceremony of Remembrance the Welsh Guards. In Wood the embrasure and killing the 15, the first objective of the crew of a machine gun. Lt by Lieutenant P D E Razzall Welsh Guards, one such Jones died later that day. Pte Intelligence Officer blockhouse had succeeded Hughes 09 led the assault on in reaping carnage amongst Wood 16, killing or capturing 00 years ago, on the first day of the Battle of the Battalion. Sgt Bye crawled the Germans entrenched 1Passchendaele (31 July 1917), the Welsh Guards crossed forward of his company, there. the line of departure at 0424. Formed 2 years previously, flanking the bunker and This was just the first day. throwing in hand grenades the Regiment had already fought with distinction across Over the course of the from mere feet away to kill subsequent months, the Northern France and Flanders. 138 Welsh Guardsman were the defenders. This bravery Welsh Guards were able killed or injured that day, whilst Sergeant Robert Bye, from was repeated a second, and to recuperate in camps then a third time, and by the Pontypridd, committed several acts of bravery that ended to the rear of the front, end of the day Sgt Bye had but the period of rest was up in him winning the Regiment’s first Victoria Cross. killed, captured or wounded unfortunately brief. Battalions over 70 Germans. His actions rotated in and out of the line, As the war had continued, heavily reinforced concrete alone helped to change the where patrols probed German the British Army increased blockhouses, largely course of the battle, but defences and the threat of its capability in gunnery and impervious to the effects of they also helped to inspire artillery was ever present. Passchendaele was one of massed shelling. other Welsh Guardsman to Ground so dearly won the first battles where the similar feats of bravery, for Each blockhouse was resembled more a sea of mud practice of a creeping barrage as the blockhouses had been encircled by wire and the than anything valuable, and as close as 50 yards ahead rarely encountered before the front line was little more results of repeated shelling of the advancing troops was and contained a fearsome than a series of connected had been to carve the ground used. This was remarkably concentration of guns, it shell-holes. Astonishing acts around them into a slushy effective, but just as offensive seemed at first as if they were of bravery were committed tactics changed, so did the mess. Garrisoned by around impregnable. Lieutenant R R with a frequency that made defensive measures used by 50 men operating 4 heavy Jones crawled forward and the Germans. Passchendaele machine guns as well as their succeeded in silencing one was the first battlefield own weapons, they presented position by charging the 4. The Welsh Memorial, where the Germans used a formidable obstacle to bunker, pointing his rifle into Langemark.

Battlefield Tours and Remembrance 95 Battlefield Tours and Remembrance WELSH GUARDS REGIMENTAL MAGAZINE

them appear normal: Pte 100 years previously whilst Lewis 59 refused to leave the serving with the Battalion. front line despite having been Our own part in the wounded in 7 places. The ceremonies was to take French Army bestowed the place at the Welsh National Croix de Guerre on 5 members Memorial, a small corner of the Battalion 25 August. of a foreign field that is The remorseless grind of forever Wales, close to the trench warfare continued until November, when the front site where the Welsh poet solidified and fighting seemed Hedd Wyn was mortally to be at an end. Throughout wounded. Parading alongside the Battle of Passchendaele, contingents from 1st the the Welsh Guards had fought Queen’s Dragoon Guards, like lions, but they had also the Royal Welsh as well as suffered a frightful 451 the and Royal casualties. Air Force, the Welsh Guards added more than a dash It was in that context of of panache and Household suffering and sacrifice, and Division rigour. Sgts Cummins of bravery and boldness, and Thomas 90 came into that in July 2017, 8 members their own as enforcers and of the Battalion travelled to teachers, and served the Ypres, to form part of the Battalion and Division as parading contingent for the brilliant ambassadors for Welsh National Service of the discipline, humour and 1 Remembrance. Our Welsh attention to detail required in comrades from both infantry ceremonial duties. and cavalry had also been part of the attack that day, After two days of rehearsals with the Welsh Division on the we paraded smartly, watched right hand side of the Guards by the eagle eyes of HRH Division. The Prince of Wales and the Regimental Lieutenant After a long coach journey Colonel, Maj Gen Stanford we arrived in Ypres, a city MBE, as well as dignitaries, which changed hands and politicians, clerics and suffered extreme devastation ambassadors from Wales, during the Great War. Rebuilt Flanders and Germany. A to how it had been before difficult parade in a blazing the war, all Welsh Guardsman sunshine far removed from remarked on the semi-sacred the torrential rain of 100 year 2 aura that seemed to pervade prior went without a hitch, it. From the Cloth Hall to the and not much time later the Menin Gate, Ypres provided streets of Ypres rang to the an appropriate setting for the refrains of Calon Lan and Mae many different services and Hen Wllad as they must have ceremonies held over the last done 100 years earlier. weekend of July. The threads of history that seem woven All participants retuned proud into the fabric of Ypres were of having participated in the also continued by one of ceremony, proud of having our own Guardsmen (Gdsm seen the Last Post played at Adam Griffiths 10), who was the Menin Gate, and fiercely wearing the same brass leek proud of standing on the in his forage cap that his shoulders of the giants who great-grandfather had worn wore the leek a century ago.

3

96 Battlefield Tours and Remembrance WELSH GUARDS REGIMENTAL MAGAZINE Battlefield Tours and Remembrance

4 7

5 8

6

1. Gdsm Griffiths 10 with his 8. The Regt Lt Col and the great-grandfather’s . Colonel of the Regiment after 2. Regt Cols - Menin Gate. the parade. 3. Regt Cols - Welsh Memorial. 9. Lt Razzall, Sgt Thomas 90 4. Gdsm Griffiths and the Colonel and Sgt Cummins lead the of the Regiment after the contingent during the parade. rehearsals. 5. Sgt Cummins during the parade. 6. Rehearsals 30 July 2017. 7. Sgt Thomas 90 and Sgt Cummins during the parade.

9

Battlefield Tours and Remembrance 97 Battlefield Tours and Remembrance WELSH GUARDS REGIMENTAL MAGAZINE

1 3

Saint Charles de Percy June 2017 We were joined by some local minute’s silence held. A drinks guests and the sons of an Irish reception was then held which by Second Lieutenant W D Clarke Guardsman who had helped gave us the chance to talk to Officer Commanding Number Six Platoon, clear Chateau de Percy - the the locals and veterans. Number Two Company very building in which we had stayed the previous evening. On the final day, we travelled n 5 June 2017 4 members of 1st Battalion Welsh Guards They told a fascinating tale to Arromanches-les-Bains Odeparted for Normandy to visit the village of St Charles about their father who, to visit the very beach that de Percy and commemorate those who fell in the battle for midway through clearing the 2nd Battalion Welsh Guards building, happened upon a the area. The group consisted of 2Lt Clarke, CSgt Vuevueika, landed on in 1944. We were fresh bowl of strawberries delighted to find that a Dmr Thomas 75 and Gdsm Bamsey 70. with cream. Under sniper fire, Welsh Guards beret stood the Irish Guardsman sat down prominently in the entrance After a pleasant crossing, Jacques Desormeau (Mayor of to eat the strawberries which to the D Day museum, we settled in for the 4 hour St Charles de Percy) found us had been kindly left to him signifying the notable role our drive to St Charles de Percy and invited us to unload our by the frantically retreating Battalion played in liberating from Calais. These hours bearskins, tunics and other German soldiers. raced past as we enjoyed baggage before taking us to Normandy. This beret had the beautiful Normandy our accommodation in the After a quick change, we been donated by Number countryside. We arrived at the Chateau. made our way to the British Two Company during one of substantial Chateau de Percy War Cemetery. We were The following day, after a their Welsh Guards 100 legs, in the pouring rain. It took welcomed with much quick recce of the cemetery, celebrating the Regiment’s some time to establish how enthusiasm, drawing a great we attended a lunch that was centenary in 2015. to enter the property, until deal of attention owing to our hosted by the Mayor. order of dress. Interesting This mini battlefield tour was discussions were had, in important; it contextualised broken French and English, the sentiments of the about the importance of commemoration the previous the Guards Armoured day. While surrounded by Division in the liberation of the graves of fallen Welsh Normandy. The ceremony Guardsmen, we were keenly was moving, particularly the Mayor’s address, which aware of the human element highlighted the significance of the fierce fighting and of remembrance in teaching hardships our forebears younger generations endured in the liberation of tolerance and respect. Europe. Afterwards, a short journey into the village brought us to the French Resistance Memorial, where a second 2 wreath was laid and a

98 Battlefield Tours and Remembrance WELSH GUARDS REGIMENTAL MAGAZINE Battlefield Tours and Remembrance

4 6

5 7

1. CSgt Vuevueika, Dmr Thomas 75, 2Lt Clarke and Gdsm Bamsey 70 in the Cemetery at St Charles de Percy. 2. The stunning ‘Chateau de Percy’. 3. Pre-parade lunch, hosted by the Mayor 4. In front of the French Resistance Memorial with the Mayor. 5. Welsh Guards beret on display in the museum at Arromanches-les-Bains. 6. Dmr Thomas 75 awaits his signal from the Master of Ceremonies. 7. Former Welsh Guardsman Brian Keane (right with sunglasses) joined the commemoration.

Battlefield Tours and Remembrance 99 Battlefield Tours and Remembrance WELSH GUARDS REGIMENTAL MAGAZINE

1

35th Anniversary of the Falklands War Service of Remembrance and Reunion Wrexham 24th June 2017 by Captain A C Hopkins, Welsh Guards

his year’s reunion was a great success with the Parish TChurch of St Giles being packed to capacity for the Service of Remembrance. We were honoured to have the Regimental Band and the Rhos Orpheus Male Voice Choir in attendance which certainly enhanced the solemnity of the occasion but at the same time created a true family feeling of togetherness.

In attendance were Major David and Hugh were both General RJ Æ Stanford MBE instrumental in arranging for Regimental Lieutenant the Council to erect and pay Colonel, Colonel TCS Bonas for the saluting dais and the Regimental Adjutant, traffic management for which Lieutenant Colonel JDG Sayers, we owe them sincere thanks. Lieutenant Colonel A Davies During the service the old (22) Regimental Sergeant standard of the North Wales Major during the conflict, Branch of the Association was His Worshipful the Mayor of laid up and the new standard Wrexham Councillor John was blessed. The standards of Pritchard with his wife Ann, SAMA Wales, Cardiff Branch the Armed Forces Champion and the 42 Type Destroyer Councillor David Griffiths Association were also in 2 and Councillor Hugh Jones. attendance.

100 Battlefield Tours and Remembrance WELSH GUARDS REGIMENTAL MAGAZINE Battlefield Tours and Remembrance

Following the service, the Regimental Band, a marching party from the Battalion and at least two hundred veterans formed up prior to marching through Wrexham to the Welsh Guards Falklands Memorial at Bodhyfryd. The veterans were led by Brigadier Rickett and the parade was kept in order by Drill Sergeant Paz Parry. As the parade passed Buildings the salute was taken by the Regimental Lieutenant Colonel and the Mayor. At the memorial wreaths were laid on behalf of the people of Wrexham and Wales, the Regiment, all Falklands veterans and tributes from the 3 families of the fallen. Last Post was played by a Musician from the Regimental Band before the parade was dismissed and everyone retired to the War Memorial Club for the reception. The club, as always, made everyone very welcome and a superb choice of excellent buffets was provided by Top Nosh catering. Old friendships were renewed and many a war story retold. We were entertained by the singers amongst us, too many to mention but Dennis (Knocker) Knowles deserves a mention because he has been entertaining us for many years.

The event continued into 4 the evening where we were entertained by a disco and more food provided by Top 1. Regimental Band in action. Nosh. Many came back having 2. Major General RJ Æ Stanford changed into dancing gear MBE Regimental Lieutenant and the stalwarts stayed right Colonel and Captain A C through without leaving. A Hopkins. brilliant night to finish off a 3. Welsh Guardsmen at the Welsh Guards Falklands memorable day. Memorial Wrexham Thanks must go to the 4. Left to Right; Alex Owen 02, Regimental Trustees for their Jim Price 65, Glyn Davies 39, 45, Kev Webber, generous grant without which Marcus Townley, Scouse Jones the event would have been 88, Maldwyn Jones 92. cost prohibitive and could not 5. The Welsh Guards Falklands have happened as it did. Memorial Wrexham. 5

Battlefield Tours and Remembrance 101 Battlefield Tours and Remembrance WELSH GUARDS REGIMENTAL MAGAZINE

1

Welsh Guards Association BattlefieldT our small working party consisting as told to him by veterans of Hechtel & Ypres of Andy Morgan 31, Capt Will the North Wales Branch. That Vickery (RAMC Rtd) and Capt input set the scene for the 9-12 September 2017 Lyndon Davies (QARANC) educational aspect of the tour by Captain Lyndon Davies QARANC was formed with the support and it seemed to pass the time of RHQ and the planning quite well for a significant olonel Tom Bonas Regimental Adjutant, Mrs Vivien for the tour was promptly proportion of the bus journey. commenced. CBonas, WO2 (RQMS) Dai Davies 03, members, associate Following a delightful stop in glorious weather at a beach members, friends and family of the Welsh Guards After departing Maindy Barracks, Cardiff at 0530hrs bar in Oostende, the party Association recently attended the 73rd Annual Liberation on the morning of the 9th proceeded to our hotel to Commemoration at Hechtel. This was the location of a September 2017, the group the rousing slow and quick fierce battle in 1944 involving the 1st and 2nd Battalion of 15 proceeded to Dover march music of the Welsh in good time for the ferry and represents one of the Regiment’s battle honours. The Guards Band played over the crossing to Calais. Having speakers. This got everyone second part of the tour focused on aspects of the Great War arrived at the French coast, in the mood for a sing song Capt Lyndon Davies delivered and the Battle of Passchendaele where recent centenary ensuring that morale was an educational talk on commemorations had been held. exceptionally high. Despite the Operation Dynamo and the long journey, we arrived at our evacuation of troops from Earlier this year, there was tour would support Col destination, the Watermolen Dunkirk. This was particularly uncertainty whether the Bonas in representing the timely with the film ‘Dunkirk’ Hotel in high spirits and after Association would be running Welsh Guards Association on show in the cinema. David a quick freshen up, we were a battlefield tour but following for the annual liberation ‘Spider’ Webb complemented greeted with a warm welcome a discussion in Pirbright on commemorations at Hechtel, that information with by local residents at a nearby St David’s Day it was agreed thus maintaining the long- stories based on first-hand bar who look forward every that a smaller contingent established bonds between accounts of the Welsh Guards’ year to our visit and had of regular attendees of the the Association and Hechtel. A involvement in the evacuation, turned out to welcome us.

102 Battlefield Tours and Remembrance WELSH GUARDS REGIMENTAL MAGAZINE Battlefield Tours and Remembrance

The following morning, we proceeded to Leopoldsburg cemetery with the intention to lay a wreath for the Welsh Guards who lost their lives in the battle of Hechtel. Sadly, circumstances beyond our control prevented us getting to the cemetery due to significant road closures in the area for the magnificent Sanicole airshow. As an alternative, we diverted to Hechtel, where a very dignified ceremony was conducted by our group to remember all from the Regiment who lost their lives. This was performed at the location where Major Lister was killed. To this day, the local community loyally ensure that this spot is looked after and is marked with a 2 memorial. For our ceremony, we were very fortunate to youth orchestra provided and made known how much important to keep this bond have three standard bearers music that any professional the community values and between the Welsh Guards on the tour (Terry Evans, David band would have been proud appreciates the presence and Hechtel alive and never Webb and Kipp Hall), a bugler of. The singing of ‘Hen Wlad of the Welsh Guards every for Last Post and Reveille allow for the sacrifices made Fy Nhadau’ at the end of the year. Col Bonas responded (Kelvyn Jenkins) and the RQMS in 1944 to be forgotten. service was very impressive to the Mayor thanking him in tunic order. Other group for the warm welcome and After the formalities, a members took part in laying this year with every member paid tribute to the people feast was provided at the the wreath and reading out of our party sang their hearts of Hechtel who have never Community Centre where the prayers, the Welsh Guards out to our anthem with forgotten those Welsh Guards the wine flowed in plentiful Collect and the exhortation great pride. The service was who gave their lives for the supply and the Annual singing and Kohima epitaph. The followed by a ceremony at liberation of their town. Each competition took place. The efforts of everyone concerned the local cemetery where 35 year that passes strengthens ensured that a very dignified, members of the village who standard of our opposition the bonds between Hechtel personal and moving lost their lives during the was impressive this year and and the Welsh Guards and ceremony was conducted in terrifying Nazi occupation are we were extremely fortunate memory of Major Lister and buried. Flowers were laid by the mutual respect and to leave Hechtel with the all who lost their local children at each of these established friendships trophy. The sing song on the lives in the battle. It certainly graves and it is incredibly between the community and bus the previous day certainly was a good effort all round impressive to see the young members of the Association gave us the advantage of to make up for the fact that people of Hechtel being is an impressive thing to see. having had a rehearsal. We we were unable to visit the educated and appreciating Until recent years, veterans of hope to boost the numbers the battle made this tour an Commonwealth War Graves the sacrifices made over 70 of singers next year as annual pilgrimage. Those of Cemetery at Leopoldsburg years ago. This year seemed maintaining the reputation to have a larger presence us who remember the likes of We were then joined by Col that the Welsh have for from the local community Ray Cumbley, Arthur Bland, 61 Bonas and Vivien for the main singing is becoming a greater and everyone then paraded Jones and other WW2 veterans event that involved a church challenge against the fine behind the local youth band to feel strongly that these links service where an excellent should be maintained into voices of Hechtel. Col Bonas the War Memorial, located at presented the Mayor with a its new location in a beautiful the future. Having listened to the speeches given that framed print of the uniforms peaceful garden. 1. The Regimental Adjutant, day and having met so many of the Welsh Guards and Capt Colonel TCS Bonas addressing The Mayor, Mr Jan Dalemans Davies presented the Mayor the ceremony at the war from the community who memorial, Hechtel. warmly welcomed the appreciate the presence of with a bronze statuette of a 2. Paying respects at the grave members of the Welsh Guards the Welsh Guards every year, Welsh Guardsman on behalf of of Tony Lewis’ relative. Association in his address it has reaffirmed why it is so all on the bus.

Battlefield Tours and Remembrance 103 Battlefield Tours and Remembrance WELSH GUARDS REGIMENTAL MAGAZINE

The icing on the cake after a That evening, our group very successful day at Hechtel played a significant leading was the generous invitation by role in the Last Post ceremony the Mayor for us all to join him at the Menin Gate. After a as VIP guests at the Sanicole presentation on the bus by 40th anniversary airshow. Capt Davies on the history of The weather was absolutely one of the Welsh Guardsmen perfect for an airshow and whose name is inscribed on it was a privilege to witness a panel on the Menin Gate such an excellent flying everyone was in the frame display by air forces from of mind to take part and across the world. Members witness one of the most of the group were introduced special occasions in the act of to the British Ambassador remembrance. Our standard from along with bearers were again smartly other senior officials from on parade with our wreath the Belgium military. With the laying party consisting of formalities of the day over, all the RQMS, Kelvyn Jenkins took advantage of the free and Andrew Morgan. Other bar in the VIP enclosure and members of our party were enjoyed mingling with pilots given the honour to recite the who took part in the display as Exhortation and the Kohima well as other dignitaries and Epitaph out in the centre of invited guests. A day out on the Menin Gate during the a Battlefield Tour would not ceremony. As always, the be the same without a ‘wind ceremony was well attended up’ and the look on ‘Spider’ by members of the public and Webb’s face will remain with by tourists. Our group can us all for a very long time be justifiably proud of how 1 when he was approached by they represented the Welsh some pilots to be kitted out for Guards Association at such his participation in the ‘wing an important remembrance walking display’ – needless event and it was a real honor to say, it was members of our for so many of us to have the tour who had asked these privilege to take part. pilots to help with this wind The following day the up by approaching Spider. It educational aspect of the certainly would have been a tour focused on the casualty prank that Jeremy Beadle from evacuation process during ‘Beadle’s about’ would have the Great War and linking this been very proud of. to the route Welsh Guards The following day, the theme casualties probably would of the tour changed to the have taken. A visit to Essex First World War, travelling to Farm cemetery gave an the excellent Passchendaele insight into the setup of an Museum and then onwards Advanced Dressing Station to Ypres. On route, the group and we paid our respects at stopped at a cemetery to the graveside of a 15 year old conduct a ceremony at the soldier. We then proceeded graveside of a relative of one to Brandhoeek which was of our Associate Members home to a number of Casualty who was present on the tour. Clearing Stations during the Once again, our standard Great War. It was here that bearers and bugler performed we visited the grave of Capt a very dignified ceremony Noel Chavasse RAMC VC and which was greatly appreciated bar, MC and Capt Vickery by Tony Lewis, Associate delivered a presentation on Member Cardiff Branch who Capt Chavasse. Following this, had never before visited his we gathered at the graves 2 relative’s grave. of 35 Welsh Guardsmen who

104 Battlefield Tours and Remembrance WELSH GUARDS REGIMENTAL MAGAZINE Battlefield Tours and Remembrance

3 all died in 1916. Capt Davies ‘Knocker’ Knowles who many We certainly achieved our who share a common purpose delivered a presentation on of you will know. We placed a objectives in ensuring that the and interest. To express an the history of one of these wreath at his grave and sent links with Hechtel will continue interest to attend the tour Welsh Guardsmen and a photograph back home long into the future and we in September 2018 (dates following this, all took part in to Knocker. These personal delivered an interesting and to be confirmed) please a wreath laying ceremony to stories helped paint a picture learning experience for all. It register your interest with honor their memory. of the person who’s name is was evident that everyone your branch secretaries engraved on the headstone, had an excellent time and in the first instance or by The group then proceeded to ensuring that this battlefield all are looking forward to emailing the Battlefield Tour Lijsenthoeek Cemetery, where tour helped ensure that their returning to Hechtel again Project Officer, Capt Lyndon 10755 are buried. This is the names live on for evermore. next year. Davies on DLDavies123@ second biggest cemetery After conducting another gmail.com – further details to Tyne Cot. Amongst those It is the intent of the dignified wreath laying will be circulated to Branch buried here are 15 Welsh Association, supported by Col Secretaries in due course. ceremony in memory of the Guardsmen and one female, Bonas and the new Secretary Welsh Guards buried at this Staff Nurse Nellie Spindler of General to run the tour to location, the tour sadly came the Queen Alexandra Imperial Hechtel again next year and to an end. The homeward Military Nursing Service also secure the future of the journey back to Cardiff went who was killed when the tour for many years to come. smoothly arriving back in enemy shelled the casualty Capt Lyndon Davies has been Maindy Barracks to the minute clearing station. At each asked to lead on the planning of the ETA on the itinerary!! of these locations further for next year and has been educational talks were given This year’s tour was certainly appointed the Battlefield Tour 1. Colonel T C S Bonas, which included the history more intimate in number with Project Officer. We hope to WO2 (RQMS) Davies and of certain individuals from a smaller party and a smaller gain support from Association the Mayor of Hechtel at the cemetery. the Welsh Guards buried at coach but this did not hamper members to join in and 2. The group after the these sites. One of the Welsh the spirit, comradeship and experience great comradeship Menin Gate ceremony. Guards buried at Lijsenthoeek enjoyment that we have in what is always an excellent 3. The group after the is the relative of Dennis become accustomed to. trip in the company of friends Menin Gate ceremony.

Battlefield Tours and Remembrance 105 Battlefield Tours and Remembrance WELSH GUARDS REGIMENTAL MAGAZINE

1

The Commonwealth War Graves Commission their entrance. These included At the heart of the day’s the Lord Mayor of London, the service was the solemn re- Centenary Celebration Defence Sectary and HRH the dedication and blessing of by Captain J R Farmelo Duke of Kent. the CWGC’s Civilian Rolls of Intelligence Officer Honour. During the Second An elegant floral display 1st Battalion Welsh Guards World War it was decided provided the backdrop to that not only military but also the service which was led by civilian casualties, both in the have always had a vague understanding of the role of the Band of the UK and further afield, should the Commonwealth War Graves Commission (CWGC); and the Countess of Wessex I be commemorated. Today String Orchestra. Their sober aware that they were tasked with the safeguarding of the more than 67,000 names are yet uplifting, reflective music memories of all those killed in conflict over the last century. carried on the pages of the filled the vaulted ceiling of the CWGC’s Civilian Role and these I didn’t however understand the scope and scale of exactly Abbey. The body of the service names serve as a reminder of what the Commission is involved in across the world. also included performances the heavy cost levied against by the the civilian population during This ignored endured until Regimental Headquarters, we Choir and a Maori choir who conflict. the Battalion was invited dashed across to Westminster gave a powerful rendition of to send representatives where we were directed to the Nagti Ranana. This was The fact that the to Westminster Abbey to the ‘Army’ section of seating. sung before battle at Chunk commemoration was held attend a special service of This was in the outer nave Bair, Gallipoli, by the men of in Westminster Abbey thanksgiving to celebrate the of the magnificent space of the 28th (Maori) Battalion. resonated on a number of centenary of the CWGC. It Westminster Abbey in which The readings were given by levels, particularly owing to was to fulfil this commitment 3,300 of the nation’s great and a great range of individuals, the presence of the Tomb of that both LCpl Muteti and I good are laid to rest. There each of whom plays an the Unknown Warrior. Upon found ourselves braving the was a good showing from invaluable role in making the this was laid an ornate wreath morning London traffic on our across the Services. CWGC function, from Vice made by CWGC Director of way towards central London Admiral Sir Tim Laurence and Horticulture David Richardson on 23 May. After parking By 1150 everyone was seated Australian High Commissioner and Royal Horticultural Society in Wellington Barracks and in time for the long line of Alexander Downe to technical Fellow Judith Blacklock. The changing in our ever-obliging distinguished guests to make supervisors and gardeners. industrialised nature of the

106 Battlefield Tours and Remembrance WELSH GUARDS REGIMENTAL MAGAZINE Battlefield Tours and Remembrance

fighting in the First World War humbled. The final words of meant that many thousands the day from CWGC Director of the dead could not be General Victoria Wallace identified. The Commission perfectly capture the story buried these men beneath and significance of this great headstones bearing the institution as it celebrates its memorable inscription chosen centenary: “the story of the by Rudyard Kipling “A SOLDIER Commonwealth War Graves OF THE GREAT WAR, KNOWN Commission is one the whole UNTO GOD”. world should take pride in. That Governments in 1917, It was a young British Army amid the chaos and carnage Padre, Rev MC, of the First World War, had the who first suggested that vision to design, build and care the body of one unknown for an estate of cemeteries soldier be returned to England and memorials of such beauty to represent all those who was a fitting testimony to their had been lost in the Great gratitude to all those who War. In 1920 he wrote to the died for their countries. I hope Dean of Westminster Abbey, everyone will help the CWGC suggesting the burial should celebrate the astonishing and be in the Abbey, ‘the Parish enduring achievement which Church of the Empire’. is now moving into its second All in all the day was a century”. well-pitched and tasteful Images courtesy of commemoration which Westminster Abbey. used both the grandeur of the Abbey and humility of many of the speakers to strike a good balance, leaving 1. The updated Royal Charter of one both educated and 1960 is carried into the Abbey.

Battlefield Tours and Remembrance 107 Battlefield Tours and Remembrance WELSH GUARDS REGIMENTAL MAGAZINE

1 2 Pilgrims Progress - throughout our tour. The first lost their lives to which he location we visited was the seemed very appreciative and The Passchendaele Centenary town of Poperinge where asked whether he could begin (27 July – 2 August 2017) we conducted a ceremony at the ceremony by addressing by Capt Lyndon Davies QARANC the ‘shot at dawn’ memorial all present in the German and visited Talbot House language. By now a significant ollowing the success of the Welsh Guards Pilgrims which was a safe haven for group had gathered to watch many during the Great War. and whilst we could not Ftour to the Somme in 2016, five members travelled to We then proceeded to the understand at the time what Passchendaele for the centenary commemorations and grave of Guardsman (Gdsm) the officer was saying, one took part in some important events. David (Spider) Webb, EL Williams 901 who died one could immediately tell that he was touched that we had Stan Evans and Kelvyn Jenkins served in the Welsh Guards. hundred years to the day on 28 July 1917. Stan, who runs decided to visit this location Lyndon Davies and Will Vickery served with 203 (Welsh) the Welsh Guards Museum to respect his countrymen. Field Hospital and are Associate Members of the Welsh had come across a framed Both the German Officer and Guards Association. photograph of Gdsm Williams. I walked up together to place As we were in the area, we remembrance crosses at Following an overnight formal commemorations and decided to find his grave and the main memorial. We later journey and catching the happened to be observing we conducted a wreath laying received a translation of his ceremony with Last Post speech which said that he and 0640hrs ferry from Calais, the ceremony that night to pay our respects on the his fellow countrymen have we travelled to Ypres along with Sgt Major centenary of his death. huge respect for the British which was to be the focal Stokes. We were pleased that and Commonwealth forces for point of the centenary he was able to join us the On the 29 July, we visited what they did in both world commemorations of the 3rd following evening amongst his Langemark which is the wars and that they owe us a Battle of Passchendaele. Our location of the German busy schedule. huge debt of gratitude. We tour went off to a special start cemetery to pay our respects. all left the German ceremony with our involvement in the The following day, Kelvyn, As we gathered in preparation with the knowledge that Last Post ceremony at the Will, Spider and Stan dressed for our ceremony, we were this was a significant event Menin Gate. Spider performed as WW1 soldiers of the approached by a man and his and that the actions of the his duties exceptionally well Welsh Guards, with Will wife who were from Germany. Welsh Guards Pilgrims would as our standard bearer and in the uniform of a RAMC The man was a serving officer undoubtedly be reported Kelvyn, Will and I formed the WW1 medic. We were also in the German Army and he back in a positive manner to wreath laying party. It was joined by Pauline Williams was interested to know what his colleagues in the German lovely to see familiar faces Standard Bearer for Hay on we were doing. We explained Army. from the Welsh Guards Band Wye Branch Royal British to him that we had hoped amongst the spectators. Legion and her husband to conduct a ceremony to Our next visit was to the They were in Ypres for the John, who accompanied us respect the Germans who location of the Welsh

108 Battlefield Tours and Remembrance WELSH GUARDS REGIMENTAL MAGAZINE Battlefield Tours and Remembrance

3 memorial at Langemark and Last Post on the bugle evening we were in the main provided a very haunting where we conducted another by Kelvyn ensured that there square in Ypres and were effect amongst the oil burning ceremony to remember wasn’t a dry eye amongst privileged to witness at first candles and the darkness. all Welsh Regiments. We many of the coach party hand the incredible main After this ceremony, Spider presented the owner of the who happened to be on a commemoration concert to presented the Mayor of nearby café with a beautifully battlefield tour and who had the Battle of Passchendaele. Langemark with a cross stitch framed badge of the Welsh stopped to watch. It was a bearing the Welsh Guards At 5am on the morning of Guards which is now on special moment watching his emblem to commemorate the 31 July, we gathered display in his museum to the granddaughter lay a wreath the centenary of the Battle with many others at poet Hedd Wyn, who was at the grave, which before of Passchendaele. We are the Welsh memorial in killed nearby. our arrival had a photo placed grateful to Anneka Langley Langemark in readiness for upon it of Gdsm Thomas in a for having prepared this cross On the Sunday, we visited a commemoration to mark frame and a Welsh flag. This stitch especially for our tour. Artillery Wood cemetery the beginning of the battle thoughtful gesture had been and gathered at the grave 100 years previous. This was There were many more performed by a dear and of Gdsm 3313 J Thomas most certainly a ‘people’s act ceremonies that are too many most loyal supporter of the Welsh Guards who died on of commemoration’ with no to mention that we took part Welsh Guards, Danny Lamal, 31 July 1917. Spider had dignitaries in attendance. It in during the course of this who lives in Belgium. Danny traced the granddaughter of had a strong Welsh feel with trip. We were fortunate to always joins us on our annual Gdsm Thomas and we were a choir from North Wales be joined for some by Chris battlefield tours to Hechtel privileged that she was able present and descendants of Coode ex Welsh Guards and had made the effort to to join us. Also joining us was veterans read out poems, Prince of Wales Company find us on our trip. the soprano Emma Brown played instruments and who was out with a WW1 from Nottingham but who Also at this location, we sang songs in this incredibly historical society. They now lives in Holland. She is recognized the action in which moving ceremony. At exactly had set up an educational a professional singer but Sgt Robert Bye was awarded 100 years to the time the camp in the grounds of the regularly gives up her time his Victoria Cross. Spider battle commenced, a cannon Passchendaele museum, to sing in commemorative read out a poem dedicated fired a series of rounds events to remember those to Robert Bye written by in a nearby field and our 1. At the Menin Gate. who fell in war. Her moving the incredibly talented Alan friend Emma Brown sang 2. Ceremony for unaccompanied rendition Parry Booth who’s poetic unaccompanied amongst Gdsm Williams 901. of ‘Abide with Me’ at the skills complement so many the mist of smoke from the 3. ceremony for graveside of Gdsm Thomas Welsh Guards events. That cannon’s fire, which certainly Gdsm Thomas 3313.

Battlefield Tours and Remembrance 109 Battlefield Tours and Remembrance WELSH GUARDS REGIMENTAL MAGAZINE

1

which was an incredible sight from the Monmouthshire to see. We also performed Regiment whose name is a ceremony at a cemetery inscribed on the Menin Gate. where a Victoria Cross After the Kohima Epitaph and recipient from Herefordshire Reveille, we sang Hen Wlad is commemorated. L/Cpl Allan fy Nhadau which sounded Leonard Lewis VC’s great niece incredible amongst the is a friend of ours from Hay on acoustics of the Menin Gate. Wye and our footage has been A gathering of onlookers had used to support her campaign stopped their daily business to raise funds for a bronze to observe us and it was a very special way to end our statue in Hereford. pilgrimage. We later attended Our final ceremony took the main Last Post ceremony place where our tour began, that evening as spectators back at the Menin Gate. to pay our respects to the We gathered there in the fallen. After this we celebrated 2 afternoon beneath the panel a very successful tour at a bearing the names of Welsh nearby bar, where we lead an Guards. Stan delivered the incredible sing song joined prayers and the Welsh Guards by so many people who had collect, Spider delivered the come in from the street to exhortation in Welsh followed join us. by the exhortation in English Next year, the Pilgrims plan by me. Kelvyn then played last to make further progress by 1. Joined by Chris Coode for a ceremony in Langemark. post and we laid a wreath for being out in the battlefields 2. Morning ceremony at the Welsh Guards and another for the centenary of the Welsh Memorial. wreath for Kelvyn’s relative armistice.

110 Battlefield Tours and Remembrance WELSH GUARDS REGIMENTAL MAGAZINE Battlefield Tours and Remembrance

Address to the Welsh Guards Service for doing something silly. This the Argentine invasion of the happened to me twice in one Falklands. Remembrance Sunday. The Guards Chapel, morning, so the next time the I went back to the Islands 12th November 2017 phone rang I decided to get earlier this year, along with 8 my retaliation in first: I let it Captain R S Mason other retired officers ranging ring for about 20 seconds, from Brig Johnny Rickett who Your service sheet records me as Captain Robert Mason, with my Platoon Sgt saying was Commanding Officer in Welsh Guards. “please answer the phone Sir; 1982, to Lt Col Mark Cooling, please answer it”. I then picked who as a L/Cpl was then a t would be reasonable to ask why a rather decrepit, mere it up, paused for a long time, and said, veeerrrry slowly, section 2ic in 2 Company; it ICaptain is standing before you in a place usually reserved for “Alert Platoon”. Hugely witty. was the first time for 6 of us clergy and Generals. I suspect it is because I was the Adjutant The voice at the other end of that we had returned. of the Battalion that went to the Falklands thirty-five years the line said “Brigade Major We held a Service of here”. I knew I was in trouble Remembrance on St David’s ago. I have also had the privilege for many years of being as we had just got a new one Day at the Welsh Guards a Regimental Trustee so am lucky enough to retain a little and the voice was definitely memorial at Fitzroy, a contact with those still serving. not a friend’s. Do I say “awfully beautiful Celtic Cross over- sorry” or do I continue with looking the bay where an the silly voice? I went for it: “Lt Argentine pilot, flying very Whenever I stand in silence the Welsh Guards is not all Mason Welsh Guards here”. low, very fast and under on Remembrance Sunday, about death and suffering! Two weeks later, the Brigade heavy fire, managed the or at the annual June service I was commissioned while Major – one Mike Jackson – astonishing feat of dropping at the Falklands Chapel in at University and joined the was on his first visit to our a bomb straight into in Pangbourne, or at a Service Battalion in Berlin, 100 miles Mess, and we were introduced the open hatch of the Sir on a Regimental tour of behind the Iron Curtain, in by my Commanding Officer Galahad’s hold, where most battlefields, I always try to 1978, at the height of the – now a Field Marshall. I said of our mortar platoon and remember the names – and Cold War. We guarded Rudolf “Hello”. Mike shook my hand, their ammunition were. It was faces where I can - of the Hess and the military train looked into my eyes and said the afternoon of the 8th June 44 Welsh Guardsmen and on its daily trip through “Hello!” I would have followed 1982, a beautiful, calm sunny attached personnel who lost to the West; either of those two anywhere. day – rare for Winter in the their lives when I was serving. and we were supposed to Falklands, and terrible for the 43 in the Falklands – too many I did follow the then Lt see off several armies of Regiment. to list now - and Guardsman Col Guthrie to Northern Russians camped nearby if Paul Fryer, the POWS Coy, Ireland, where I heard him How did this happen, and why things turned nasty. Young only 18 years old, who was tell Margaret Thatcher, on were so many men on a ship officers also had to spend a killed in 1979 by an IRA bomb her visit to Crossmaglen in sight of the enemy? Well, it day commanding what was outside Crossmaglen, where “Pwime Minister, we are at called the Alert Platoon – 25 was an accumulation of many I was Company Intelligence War here you know!” This men at 3 minutes’ notice to little problems and errors that Officer. I feel I owe it to them delighted Thatcher but was move - boots on all the time happen in War: – I think we all do – to think technically not quite true and - with instructions coming Before dawn on the previous about them and the other did not go down at all well by telephone to the rather morning the whole Battalion 1,495 Welsh Guardsmen who with her advisors, including poky room we occupied in the Secretary of State for had been on HMS Fearless, have fallen since we were Brigade Headquarters. It , Humphrey the mother ship capable of established 102 years ago. being the Alert Platoon we Atkins. She rounded on carrying 4 ramped landing That is what Remembrance were immensely alert: the 25 him and said “There you craft in an enclosed dock. Sunday is about. And for all of us ready perhaps to halt are Humphrey! I TOLD you Only two craft were on board of us here this is something forward divisions of Russian so! This IS a war! Colonel - already loaded with half more: We are a family troops, perhaps surround an Guthrie says it is!” Two and a the Battalion - and two were Regiment, so we are also here airport, or quell an uprising. half years later, the hapless to meet us at a rendezvous to remember and respect At the time it was fashionable Atkins was Lord Privy Seal on the ocean to the South those from our wider family among young officers to and it is sometimes forgotten of East Falkland. These two who died; and those who telephone a friend doing that he resigned, as well as did not show up and despite suffered - and those who this duty pretending to be the Foreign Secretary Peter our protestations we were suffer still. someone much more senior Carrington, over the Foreign ordered to leave the POW’s Fortunately, soldiering with and trying to fool him into Office’s failure to anticipate Coy, 3 coy, elements of our echelon and half of Sp coy on Fearless, and the rest of She rounded on him and said “There you are Humphrey! us - already loaded in the 2 I TOLD you so! This IS a war! Colonel Guthrie says it is!” craft - went ashore to Bluff

Battlefield Tours and Remembrance 111 Battlefield Tours and Remembrance WELSH GUARDS REGIMENTAL MAGAZINE

Cove at dawn on 7th June. the Welsh Guards, and that the Battalion in a helicopter islanders wanted to remain The Commodore promised tends to lead some to forget assault on June 14th, about British. There certainly aren’t to bring back the other half our achievements afterwards the time the Argentine Forces many genuinely free votes like of the Battalion the following - and this year we also went were beginning to surrender. that today! night. But he couldn’t. Because to see scenes of subsequent Whatever the horror of the The Falklands have thrived of Naval losses, the War 8th June, the Battalion picked action. When we came ashore by remaining under the Cabinet decided that very day themselves up magnificently at Bluff Cove we were soaked . The economy is not to risk a capital ship so and took a full part in the rest by sea spray on the landing booming, the Islands and close in to enemy positions craft and very cold but the of the campaign. their wildlife are, as ever, so those on the Fearless went warmth of the sheep-shearing Much is rightly made of the spectacular. The people never back to the relative safety of sheds there was already warrior spirit of the Marines wanted anything other than to San Carlos and were loaded, taken by the Scots Guards and Paras, but we in the remain as they were, and I am along with many others, on who had come ashore the Household Division more than fiercely proud that we fought to Sir Galahad - a very slow day before us. They were held our own in the Falklands. so they could do just that. process. So slow that the Sir rotating companies through You can all be very proud of Galahad and the Sir Tristram In a few minutes’ time I will the sheds to recover from what the Welsh Guards; and returned to Fitzroy well after remember the names, and their own soaking and you can the Scots Guards; and the dawn on the 8th. A Falkland the faces, again. 1982 was no see today the scorch marks did there. Islander I met has found the of their hexamine burners picnic. But it was DEFINITELY remains of an Argentine on the wood floor. Sadly, not But was it all worth it? I have worth it. observation post on Mount for us. As Jimmy Everett (CSM to confess to some doubts Wickham which probably of 2 Coy in 1982) told Kevin about this at the time, seeing called in the air attack, and Kilmartin, the sheds’ owner the locals after the conflict they had a fine view of the then and still – in his inimitable was over and we were two ships at anchor in Fitzroy. way - “Don’t you worry about helping clean up their Capital. Why didn’t everyone get us not getting shelter, Kevin; They seemed lacklustre and off the ship straight away? we were soaked through subdued; and I wondered Well they couldn’t. The Sir and absolutely freezing, but about their spirit and Galahad’s ramp was jammed, obviously we each just carried character, and whether they so the priority unloading our 120 lbs of kit several miles would succeed. Well I was of a mobile hospital also on round the cove and made wrong to have doubted them. board was a desperately slow ourselves really cosy in watery I haven’t yet mentioned the process over the side of the trenches in the blizzards on huge, very humbling welcome ship onto a single Mexeflote that nice exposed hillside over we got this year from men raft. there.” While dug in there we and women of all ages, and Returning there brought in received reinforcements in from children too. I had never to sharp focus memories the form of two Royal Marine before been hugged by a of that dreadful day and so Squadrons so we could march complete stranger. much pain since; the horror on Stanley as a Battalion. This Quite a number of you here at the number of dead and year we saw the positions and will have served in and the subsequent misery of we also visited the grave of L/ survived theatres such as Iraq their families; the agony and Cpl Mark Thomas, “03”, killed and Afghanistan. How I wish fortitude of the wounded in an artillery bombardment you were able even to go back on the day and the terrible, during that time; and we there in safety, let alone to the extended suffering of so many saw the start line for 42 sort of greeting we got. burns cases for so many years Commando’s assault on Mt later; the bravery and selfless Harriet. The recce platoon and The Falkland Islanders actions of so many on board. anti-tank platoon supported welcome us because as part And of course the mental the assault, including knocking of a Regiment, part of their anguish and PTSD suffered out a bunker with a Milan own Nation, we went 8,000 even now by so many who anti-tank missile. We saw the miles to fight and die for were bombed at Fitzroy – and minefield where we came them when they needed us. indeed many of those ashore. under artillery fire in a blizzard Remember, the Falklands is around 2a.m. one morning. as much a part of Britain as But returning there also I vividly remember hoping Pontypridd or Chelsea and gave me a sense of peace…. that I would not lose a leg there are probably as many a dulling of grief …. an by standing on a mine, while Union Jacks flying over Port unexpected calmness. arranging the evacuation of Stanley (population 2,500) as The 8th June was a defining two marines who had. And we there are over London. In a moment in the War, and for climbed , taken by recent poll more than 99% of

112 Battlefield Tours and Remembrance WELSH GUARDS REGIMENTAL MAGAZINE Battlefield Tours and Remembrance

Battlefield Tours and Remembrance 113 Battlefield Tours and Remembrance WELSH GUARDS REGIMENTAL MAGAZINE

114 Battlefield Tours and Remembrance WELSH GUARDS REGIMENTAL MAGAZINE

Recruiting, Cadets, Community Engagement

1

The Cadet Cambrian Patrol Gdsm Murphy logged and checkpoints. After 14 hours in reported scores for the fire the OP stand, I was glad to see by Sergeant P A Duffy and movement stand whilst the last team of the day arrive, Team Leader LCpl Hughes 41 took pleasure complete the stand and be Regimental Support Team (North) in acting as the Company dispatched by back to Farm 5 Quartermaster Sergeant’s in their team minibuses! runner, which afforded aving run and acted as directing staff on the battlefield Having finished the previous casualty stand of the 2016 Cadet Cambrian Patrol, the him time to listen to the day’s arduous events, the H Merseyside derby on the van Regimental Support Teams were invited back to provide teams received further orders radio. and bashered up in a wood support to the Cadet Training Teams at this year’s event. Despite the blustery weather block near Flag 7. A later start The event attracted 22 teams (each 10 strong) from cadet and driving rain, each team was granted and the teams forces all around the UK and this year it was designed to arrived at the stands in good conducted a small tab before push the cadets to their absolute limits. humour and displayed the tackling the final challenge of characteristics of professional the section attack range. By soldiers from the start; their this stage, LCpl Jones 83 of RST During the evening of Friday and the team commanders team work and camaraderie (South) had arrived to take 31 March the teams began to were despatched to receive was most impressive. It was over from my team, bringing arrive at Farm 5, Sennybridge orders in the farm building non-stop at the stands as with him Gdsm Beesley and Training Area. They arrived whilst the remainder of the team after team arrived in Gdsm Winnell. after long drives in minibuses teams began to administer good time having tabbed from all corners of the United themselves for their night in across the delightful 1. Teams arrive on a damp and Kingdom. The weather, as the barn. Teams continued Sennybridge Training dreary evening. always with Brecon, was to arrive as late as 2300 but Area from their previous 2. Teams at the start point. mixed with a light smattering the cadets still managed to of rain, a few minutes crack smiles and organise sunshine and then complete themselves despite the cold downfall with driving rain and miserable evening. Some but this failed to dampen the even mustered a chuckle at spirits of the young cadets my jokes. who had arrived in high The competition commenced spirits. at 0600 Saturday 1 April, The teams were greeted at with the teams dodging drips the entrance point to Farm from the barn roof. I was 5 by myself and WO2 Lewis selected to act as a spotter (ex 1WG) who is the Training in an observation post (OP) Safety Advisor for the cadets on the stalking stand; Gdsm in North Wales. Safety Deemer played enemy on procedures were carried out the observation stand; 2

Recruiting, Cadets, Community Engagement 115 Recruiting, Cadets, Community Engagement WELSH GUARDS REGIMENTAL MAGAZINE

It was an excellent showing from the Welsh cadet forces. Everyone was impressed with their fire and movement on the section attack range, hopefully the result of having been taught and guided by both of the RSTs! Overall Welsh Cadet Force Results Gold Gwent & Powys (A) Silver Clwyd & Gwynedd Bronze St Brigids (Denbighshire) 1 Certificate Dyfed & Glamorgan All of the teams competed strongly and finished in good spirits. This was recognised by the Regimental Lieutenant Colonel (Maj Gen Stanford MBE) when he handed out the prizes in his role as General Officer Commanding Regional Command. He closed by encouraging the cadets to start training for 2018 as soon as possible!

2

1. A team arrives in good spirits at the Stalking Stand. 2. Sgt Duffy enjoying his 14hrs in the makeshift OP. 3. Despite the adverse weather conditions the Cadets morale was always high. 4. LCpl Smith 05 and Gdsm Wannell at the Royal Welsh Show 2017 (Llanelwedd) with Brian Jones MBE FRAgS (Royal Welsh Agricultural Society President) and wife. 5. The recruiting stand attracting attention at Armed Forces Day South 2017, Caerphilly Castle. 6. The recruiting stand set up at the Welsh Air Show 2017, Swansea. 7. Welsh Combat Recruiting in force at Armed Forces Day 3 South 2017, Caerphilly Castle.

116 Recruiting, Cadets, Community Engagement WELSH GUARDS REGIMENTAL MAGAZINE Recruiting, Cadets, Community Engagement

Regimental Support Teams - Recruiting by WO2 MJ Davies 96 Recruiting Warrant Officer

s I stood there being promoted to warrant officer, Alooking the Commanding Officer in the eye, 4 words rang out from him: “the pressure is on”. Within a split second the weight of the task ahead was felt. I arrived at Maindy Barracks, soldier. Social media is king Cardiff and took up the post and Google is the fountain of of Recruiting Warrant Officer knowledge. No longer does (RWO) in April 2017. I received an individual hear about the 4 a back brief from the two Welsh Guards solely from a team commanders, Sgt Jury friend who has served but (Regimental Support Team he now has access to tap (South) (RST(S)) and LSgt into the very fabric of our (now Sgt) Duffy (RST(N)). daily life. This can be via the It was evident that the RSTs 1WG Facebook or Instagram had been very busy in the pages or, more importantly, previous 6 months! The focus on personal newsfeeds that had been recruiting future pop up through friends and generations of the Regiment, acquaintances online. The supporting Army Cadet Forces Battalion is embracing the (ACFs), bolstering 160 Brigade change and the challenge activity across Wales and that this holds by making helping preparation colleges. short sharp videos of interest Although this sounds a lot I covering exercises, ceremonial 5 was confident that we could duties and sports using do more. handheld devices and drones. Everything we do is posted as The RSTs have had an quickly as possible online to overhaul of recruiting show off the varied job roles equipment ranging from that every person has within sail flags, purpose built table the Battalion. clothes, pop up display boards to an array of weaponry and This change in approach Foxhound vehicles. All this and demographic has made helped us to show off the everyone an ambassador for great capabilities we have the Regiment and potential within the Battalion and recruiter, whether serving or compete against the other retired. The Regiment thrives Welsh Combat units: 1st The on new arrivals and everyone 6 Queen’s Dragoon Guards and must work hard to ensure the Royal Welsh. the good news is spread and quality inflow is maintained. Together as Welsh Combat we have covered Armed Forces Recruiting Warrant Officer WO2 Davies 96 Days in the north and the south and been centre stage RST South at high profile events such as Sgt Jury LSgt Dwyer the Royal Welsh Show. LCpl Jones 83 LCpl Lewis 39 LCpl Noyes LCpl Smith 05 The recruiting landscape Gdsm Wannell is now firmly online and social media focused, unlike RST North in my day when it involved Sgt Duffy LSgt Hughes 41 physically being in a recruiting LCpl Allport 91 LCpl Williams 32 office and talking to a serving Gdsm Murphy Gdsm Deemer 7

Recruiting, Cadets, Community Engagement 117 Recruiting, Cadets, Community Engagement WELSH GUARDS REGIMENTAL MAGAZINE

Regimental Support Teams Support to Army Cadet Forces by Sgt K Jury Regimental Support Team

he Welsh Guards Regimental Support Team has Tprovided assistance to members of the Army Cadet Force (ACF) throughout the last recruiting year. All WG cap badged cadet detachments are predominantly located in and around Ceredigion, including Ceredigion itself, Lampeter, , Cardigan and Fishguard.

We have supported them on years not months. However numerous training serials it is a process that we as WG during the last year. First must sustain; with mentoring was their summer camp in until they are at least 15.9 Oakhampton where, over 10 years old then switching to a days, a total of 500 cadets direct recruiting role. undertook basic military While difficult to track, a instruction, ranges, adventure rough estimate suggests training and The Duke of that over the past 4 years, Edinburgh award. That was approximately 35 cadets have followed by supporting ultimately joined the Regular the Cadet Cambrian patrol Army. Our efforts continue (covered in a separate article). to support the cadets as they In early July, the team ran carry out their vital youth 1 the highly competitive Welsh work. Simultaneously we hope Guards Cup at Castlemartin to make the Welsh Guards Camp. During this the an attractive prospective cadets had their patrolling for future generations of skills tested and were put Guardsmen. through their paces on the drill square. The final key event was support for the Dyfed and Glamorgan ACF 1. A Wrexham cadet in Home summer camp in Longmoor. Service Clothing. Number Three Company 2. Cadets experiencing the assisted with assessing Battalion’s night vision kit. the senior cadets during 3. Sgt Duffy talking to cadets in command appointments Castlemartin Camp. Gdsm Murphy and Deemer in Home and also explained the kit Service Clothing. and equipment used by 4. LSgt Dwyer asking a question the 1st Battalion in its Light of a cadet in Cardiff. Mechanised role. 5. LCpl Armstrong, LSgt Hillier and Sgt Duffy assisting with The Battalion’s Keeping the the running of the Annual Army in the Public Eye (KAPE) Camp. tour in September saw us 6. WO2 Davies 96 meets the extend our traditional ACF Cadet Regimental Sergeant range. As well as Cardigan, Major during the Welsh Guards Cup. we also reached Carmarthen, 7. WO2 Davies 96 inspecting Wrexham, Cardiff, Pwllheli, during the Welsh Guards Cup. Porthmadog and Llanberis. 8. WO2 Davies 96 marking the drill during the Welsh Guards Cup. Unfortunately, recruiting from 9. The Welsh Guards Cup prizes. the ACF is not a quick fix. The 10. WO2 Davies 96 meets adult ages of those involved mean instructors during the Welsh 2 that it must be measured in Guards Cup.

118 Recruiting, Cadets, Community Engagement WELSH GUARDS REGIMENTAL MAGAZINE Recruiting, Cadets, Community Engagement

3 7

4 8

5 9

6 10

Recruiting, Cadets, Community Engagement 119 Recruiting, Cadets, Community Engagement WELSH GUARDS REGIMENTAL MAGAZINE

Keeping the Army in the Public Eye (KAPE) Tour of Wales by Major T C Spencer Smith Officer Commanding The Prince of Wales’s Company

ecruitment is main effort activity for the Battalion, RHousehold Division and the wider Army. Consequently, before the bulk of Op TORAL pre-deployment training started, the Battalion decamped to Wales for a week. The aim was to saturate the homeland with Welsh Guardsmen and significantly increase the number of those in the 1 recruiting and training pipeline.

The 3 main features were with several hundred people the parades by the Prince of lining Taff Street. This was Wales’s Company in Home reflected in the wonderful tea Service Clothing through provided by the Lady Mayor Bangor, Pontypridd and and her Councilors to the men Swansea. The Bangor event, after the parade. whilst smaller than the 2 in The first ever freedom South Wales, provided us a granted to the Welsh Guards key focal point in the North. came from Swansea and The inspection by the Mayor, it was here that we would Derek Hainge, took place at finish our KAPE tour of the memorial in the lee of Wales. Marching into Castle Bangor Cathedral. The Guard 2 Gardens we were met by a of Honour then marched past large crowd of young and the cathedral onto the High old alike. The Mayor, Philip Street where we were greeted Downing, inspected the by a large crowd. After the Guard of Honour, specifically parade we were hosted by the seeking out a number of the Mayor and other Councilors at local Swansea Guardsman to Penrhyn Hall. speak to. When complete, the We then travelled to Maindy band led us across Swansea to Barracks in Cardiff to prepare Brangwyn Hall, where, once for the next parade in again, the hospitality shown Pontypridd. The day started to us by the people of Wales with heavy rain and the was simply marvellous. Whilst theme continued throughout, it may have seemed alien except during the parade being back in our tunics and 3 itself. We were welcomed by caps, the men who the Lady Mayor and other formed the Guard of Honour Councilors at Ynysangharad performed to the highest Park. The Regimental Adjutant standards throughout, with no was presented with a Brass hint of the almost exclusively Miners lamp by the Council operational focus we have had before we were given for the past 18 months. permission to march through Whilst the parades generated the town. We were lucky massive publicity for the tour, enough to march past the the main recruiting focus was memorial to Sgt Bye VC and on the sporting activity across the Guard of Honour paid the length and breadth of the appropriate compliments Wales involving local teams before continuing on our way. and clubs. We competed, The reception we received in we trained together and we 4 Pontypridd was outstanding spread the word through a

120 Recruiting, Cadets, Community Engagement WELSH GUARDS REGIMENTAL MAGAZINE Recruiting, Cadets, Community Engagement

5

6 7

1. Bangor Parade. 2. Bangor Parade. 3. Black Mountains Cycle Centre. 4. Cardiff City FC recruiting. 5. Helping at a Cardiff Military Preparation College. 6. Saluting in Swansea. 7. The Comd Offr with the Lord Lieutenant in Swansea. 8. Swansea City AFC recruiting. 9. The DSgt in Swansea. shared love of rugby, football, throughout the week, thus 8 boxing and mountain biking. maximising awareness. The pictures attached to this The work of the Recruiting article illustrate the immense Teams throughout the year to efforts made by team captains support Welsh ACFs is covered to spread the Welsh Guards in a separate article in the brand amongst our core Journal. recruiting demographic. Our week at home gave We also took the opportunity everyone a chance to engage to expand our reach with the with their communities, Welsh Army Cadet Forces encourage others to enjoy (ACFs). Traditionally we have the life we do and ensure the been concentrated around future vitality of the Regiment. the Carmarthen area, but Hopefully it has motivated a the Recruiting Teams pushed large swathe of Welshmen to engagement across Wales join us for an exciting future. 9

Recruiting, Cadets, Community Engagement 121 Recruiting, Cadets, Community Engagement WELSH GUARDS REGIMENTAL MAGAZINE

1

DULWICH COLLEGE CCF AFFILIATION Battalion stands under Lt the College with roots going George Elletson where an back to 1877. Today, the TO THE WELSH GUARDS array of vehicles, weapons CCF is clearly thriving under Colonel T C S Bonas and equipment had been put Major Ollie Millward, the Regimental Adjutant on display and the cadets Contingent Commander and listened with interest to SSI Scotty Swalwell (former n the autumn of 2016, and following a visit by Captain how Foxhound would be Coldstream Guards) and IMathew Wright, the (Temporary Equerry to HRH The used in Afghanistan in 2018. indeed our congratulations to Prince of Wales) to Dulwich College CCF, discussions opened Fortunately, no guns went the Army Section for winning missing but the cadets greatly the London District Guthrie on the possibility of the CCF re-badging from the Royal enjoyed the experience which Cup Competition at Harrow Artillery to the Welsh Guards. provided an excellent insight School on Sunday 15 October for them into the Regiment where Major General Bathurst There were a number of October. Blessed by a sunny and army life in general. presented the trophy, the reasons for this, not least that and warm autumn day, 200 second time they have won in Lieutenant Mark Evison WG cadets formed up on parade The Master, Deputy Master three years. I am sure this link who lost his life in Afghanistan and where the Army Section were present as were a will now grow ever stronger in in 2009, had been a former formally removed their number of guests who had the years ahead. pupil at the College. It did not close association with the Gunner and replaced 1. From L t R: Deputy Master, take long for agreement to be them with a Guards beret College CCF over many years. Commanding Officer, The reached and that this would with the blue red blue flash During various tours on the Major General, The Master, be a very appropriate and and leek. Major General B J day in the College we learnt Contingent Commander, mutually fruitful affiliation. Bathurst CBE, as the Deputy that Lieutenant Hugh Hill Regimental Adjutant, ADC to And thus on 1 May 2017, HQ the Major General. Regimental Lieutenant Welsh Guards had been a Regional Command formally 2. Dulwich CCF on parade. Colonel, took the salute and pupil at the College and had endorsed the change of 3. Cadets at the 1WG stand. inspected the Army Section. been awarded a affiliation of Dulwich College 4. The Major General presenting in 1918. the Guthrie Trophy to Cadet (Army Section) from the Royal Also from the Regiment were the Regimental Adjutant, As a Regiment, we are RSM Curran. Artillery to the Welsh Guards. 5. Cadets looking at Foxhound. the Commanding Officer delighted with the affiliation. In order to mark this change, 6. Cadets looking at 1WG RWMIK+. and RQMS Davies from RHQ. The CCF was among the 7. Assembled VIPs and guests at an Affiliation Parade was held Following the parade the earliest co-curricular activities the College War Memorial. at the College on Tuesday 10 cadet’s en masse visited the to have been established at 8. 1WG stand.

122 Recruiting, Cadets, Community Engagement WELSH GUARDS REGIMENTAL MAGAZINE Recruiting, Cadets, Community Engagement

2

3 6

4 7

5 8

Recruiting, Cadets, Community Engagement 123 Recruiting, Cadets, Community Engagement WELSH GUARDS REGIMENTAL MAGAZINE

Community Engagement Hosting Evening benefit over 73,000 children they arrived. The, while (8 March 2017) from service families. enjoying three rounds of canapés prepared under the Major F W Howell To thank and enhance engagement with our Armed Catering Warrant Officer’s Officer Commanding Headquarter Company Forces Champions and careful eye and served on Welsh slate, a presentation ne of the many lines of effort the Battalion has fulfilled Surrey Army Cadet Force detachment commanders the was delivered by Major Osince moving to 11 Brigade in early 2016 is Community Battalion hosted a community Howell, Captain Farmelo and Engagement. This is of particular importance in the modern engagement evening in the Company Sergeant Major world where civil and military communities are closely Officers’ Mess Wednesday Cope covering Regimental 8 March 2017. The Battalion history, our experiences on connected. is paired with Runnymede, Exercise WESSEX STORM 17/1 We live side by side and it is borough a councillor to act Spelthorne and Surrey Heath and what the battalion has crucial that the public see us as the personal link. These Councils and in particular their forecasted for 2017/18. The as an engaging and willing councillors are known as Armed Forces Champions: event was closed down by Councillors Tom Gracey organisation, which is keen ‘Armed Forces Champions’. the Corps of Drums giving to add value and play our (Runnymede), Robin Sider an excellent black light part in society. In 2000 a The Armed Forces Covenant BEM (Spelthorne) and Colin demonstration. document was published has produced a number of Dougan for Surrey Heath The most important feature which detailed and clarified high impact policies which (represented by Sarah Groom of the evening was the the relationship between have made a real difference on the night). In addition opportunity it provided for the the British Public and their to service men and women, we were very lucky to have Battalion and our community Armed Forces. The Armed for example better deals Mayor (Elect) of Runnymede Councillor Ifti Chaudhri, a Forces Covenant is a binding on mortgages for service leaders to engage and former Policeman who is agreement which ensures personnel posted in the UK. interact, forging relationships very supportive of the Armed that all who serve, or have Furthermore, the vast majority which will enable deeper Forces. served, in the Armed Forces of the UK’s motor insurance Community Engagement in and their families are treated industry is now committed The night began with a the future. The Battalion has fairly in all communities of to waiving cancellation fees display of a Foxhound seen before how important the UK. It has been signed by and preserving no claims vehicle and assorted weapon good community links are Surrey County Council and discounts when personnel systems from the Prince while we are deployed on all 11 district and borough and their families are posted Wales’s Company. Lance operations. With a return to councils within Surrey. Each abroad. There is also now Corporal Lucas explained the Afghanistan in 2018 we will council has allocated military a £22 million Service Pupil capabilities of the platform rely on them one again to organisations within its Premium provision which will and weapons to guests as secure the home base.

124 Recruiting, Cadets, Community Engagement WELSH GUARDS REGIMENTAL MAGAZINE Recruiting, Cadets, Community Engagement

1

Gordon’s School Annual Drill Competition CSgt (DMaj) R Johnson Support Company

st Battalion Welsh Guards enjoys a close relationship 1with Gordon’s School and has the privilege to judge their annual drill competition. In 2017, this task was undertaken by Capt Campbell (Quartermaster (Technical)) and Drum Major Johnson.

As expected, the inspection It was an honour to be was broken down into two involved in this fantastic parts: the inspection and the event and we look forward to drill itself. The initial stage assiting in future years and to went well with the cadets bolstering our links with the maintaining a high standard school through other training 2 of turnout and bearing. events. The drill included marching in ranks of four, dressing, turning on the march, the halt and marching in review order. All of this was done with 1. Formed up. musical support from their 2. Capt Campbell inspects Pipes and Drums. the front rank.

Recruiting, Cadets, Community Engagement 125 Recruiting, Cadets, Community Engagement WELSH GUARDS REGIMENTAL MAGAZINE

1 4 Honourable Artillery Company Open Evening Lieutenant C W A Ross Officer Commanding Number One Platoon The Prince of Wales’s Company

n 9 May 17, 1st Battalion Welsh Guards sent a team Oto support the 10th annual Honourable Artillery Company (HAC) Open Evening. The event took place on the parade square in front of Armoury House and on the Artillery Garden.

2 The aim was to engage a City of London with all of the eye multitude of individuals and catching kit which comes with organisations, with previous a Light Mechanised Infantry events attracting up to 3,500 Battalion. Sgt Powell and Gdsm people, including Regular, Felton from the Sniper Platoon Reserve and Cadet Units, provided a specialised aspect military charities, University to the evening, whilst LCpl Frost Officer Training Corps, veterans and Gdsm Thomas 07 from and members of the public. the Prince of Wales’s Company The event directly supported were responsible for educating Recruiting Group’s Operation all those that attended on FORTIFY and HQ London the various capabilities of the District’s Civil Engagement Foxhound. and Employer Engagement initiatives, as well as increasing Displays from the Military public and employer awareness Working Dogs, the HAC Band of the military, maximising and the Army Air Corps Apache recruiting opportunities. helicopter attracted a diverse audience and in doing so The team from Battalion was enabled the recruiting team to bolstered by the Recruiting educate the public, promote Team, led by WO2 Davies 96 and the Battalion and highlight our Sgt Jury. They deployed to The exciting forecast of events. 1. 1st Battalion Welsh Guards The evening was a great success Recruiting Stand. and all those involved worked 2. Gdsm Felton explaining his extremely hard to make sure role as a Sniper to Prince Michael of Kent. that anyone that showed an 3. Gdsm Felton with a Welsh interest in Battalion life and the Guardsman of the future – job as a whole left well informed. Gabriel Jones. A special thank you to the 4. Sgt Powell with a potential future recruit getting Recruiting Teams for travelling accustomed with the from Wales in order to support 3 Sharpshooter. the evening.

126 Recruiting, Cadets, Community Engagement WELSH GUARDS REGIMENTAL MAGAZINE Recruiting, Cadets, Community Engagement

5

The Oratory School Combined Cadet Corps detailing past School Captains 400, the number of names is one will see the name ‘Bonas’ staggering. Biennial Dining In Night etched in to it. This year’s dinner was well Captain J P Marsden The Oratory School is proud of attended and included teachers Adjutant, 1st Battalion Welsh Guards its long and distinguished list who also run the CCF plus of past pupils who have gone regular and reservist serving n 2013 the Oratory School re-capbadged their Combined on to military service. The most personnel and some of the ICadet Force (CCF) to the Welsh Guards. Since then the notable was Lieutenant General senior cadets. The guest of Battalion has assisted the School on a number of occasions Sir Adrian Carton de Wiart VC KBE honour was Air Vice Marshal CB CMG DSO who by all accounts Turner CBE MA MSc BA FRAeS including support to inspections, weapon demonstrations was an extraordinary individual FCMI who is currently Air Officer and running a military activity day. and his memoirs entitled ‘Happy Commanding 22 (Training) Odyssey’ make for superb Group and Chief of Staff The continued close links are old boys who were part reading. The boards outside the (Training) at HQ Air Command between the Battalion and the of the CCF during their time at school chapel are testament to but is soon to move to his new School were re-affirmed as the the school and took advantage the extraordinary number of job as Chief of Staff to Chief of Regimental Adjutant and the of the many opportunities individuals who perished as a the Defence Staff. In his speech Battalion Adjutant were invited that were provided. Indeed, if result of the World Wars and for he focused on the benefits to the annual CCF dinner. Both one looks closely at the board a school of approximately young people can gain from being part of CCFs and how they do an exceptional job in preparing them for professional life, both civilian and military. It is unlikely that any members of the Battalion will be able to attend next year due to our deployment on but it is certainly a relationship the Regiment will look to support in the future.

5. The Guest of Honour with 4 award winning senior cadets. 6. The Regimental Adjutant with the Headmaster of the Oratory 6 School, Mr Joe Smith.

Recruiting, Cadets, Community Engagement 127 WELSH GUARDS REGIMENTAL MAGAZINE

Individual Articles

1 The Marathon des Sables The MdS was going to be my no other I had done before. I first desert race, my first 250km wanted a challenge and I wanted Captain T A G Evans week, my longest ever run in to push my limits in a completely Officer Commanding The Reconnaissance Platoon a day and my first multi stage different environment. Number Three Company race. It’s safe to say that I was I was lucky enough to be a really jumping into the deep ditor’s note - In April 2017, Captain Evans competed in the part of the Walking with the end. I had had a successful Wounded team. I have so much 32nd Marathon des Sables. He finished in 19 hours, 49 cross country season racing E admiration for the charity. The minutes and 33 seconds, coming third overall and becoming for Lewes Athletics Club and money that they have raised I had got some good training the highest UK finisher ever. In doing so, he raised over and the help, support and in. Having said that, the Welsh £8k for the Regimental Charity; money which will go to opportunities that members Guards were away on exercise of the Armed Forces have supporting serving and former Welsh Guardsmen. for large periods during my build received is astonishing. Being up. This meant that I was not 1. Why Marathon des Sables The MdS for me was always able to share the experience able to train, eat or rest properly. (MdS)? going to be a serious challenge. with Duncan Slater, double leg The British Army and the Welsh I remember getting offered my amputee was completely life I have been asked this question Guards gave me the opportunity place and still not quite knowing changing. In 2016, Duncan was a lot in the past 6 months: “Tom, to train when I could, for which I what I was in for. unable to finish the race. He why on earth would you do this am truly grateful. to yourself?” This is a very good Being an officer in the Army came back in 2017 stronger, question. I use running for more really helped me on my MdS I had done lots of my own with new prosthetics and an than just exercise. The mentality journey. The self-sufficiency research and spoken to different even stronger attitude. What he that I get into when I am running element of the race, to me, people who had all done the has accomplished in the desert is a real drive. It is something was very exciting. I love the race before, including Rory is absolutely incredible, it really that I look forward to, I enjoy the preparation that is done before Coleman who is a fountain of inspired me and others who challenge, the beautiful views the race: testing foods, gels, knowledge and for anyone who have suffered. Duncan proves and the amazing people you trainers, packs, water bottles, wants to know the intricate that when life gives you lemons, meet on your journey. It is very weighing EVERYTHING out to details of the MdS process I you have got to crack on as best easy to forget the hard times, make sure that your pack is the would recommend him whole as you can, still being able to faced by all runners. correct weight. heartedly. MdS is an event like achieve greatness.

128 Individual Articles WELSH GUARDS REGIMENTAL MAGAZINE Individual Articles

2. The race concept and out of the race, but the other background part of your brain is stronger. The other part of your brain “To strive, to seek, to find, and knows that when you complete not to yield” - Lord Tennyson the final stage you will have run The race is a gruelling multi- the equivalent of five and a half stage adventure through a marathons in five or six days, a formidable landscape in one of total distance of 250km. the world’s most inhospitable The ‘accommodation’ is climates - the Sahara desert. something similar to a ‘semi The rules require you to be non-tac’ harbour area. The self-sufficient, to carry with you 8-man open sided tents provide on your back everything except shade and some protection water that you need to survive. from the wind. With a Moroccan You are given a place in a tent carpet on the floor, this place to sleep at night but any other quickly becomes home. The equipment and food must be nutrition for the race is provided carried. by the individual. I was eating Started in 1986 by Patrick Bauer, freeze dried meals, energy 2017 was its 32nd consecutive bars, recovery shakes and the year and it continues to grow in occasional bag of Mini Cheddars! popularity every edition. Places 3. My race are much sought after, but those who do make it to the start line “Suffering, let me see. I think that are richly rewarded. Under suffering is a matter of choice. the scorching Moroccan sun, I think that we do not have to life-long friendships are fostered suffer anything in this life, if we through a shared experience are strong enough to deny it. of unforgettable days spent The strong man can master his 2 running across saltpans, up feelings so completely that it is desert-mountains, through almost impossible to make him ruined towns and through the suffer. When we do suffer things, occasional sand storm. like pain and so, it means that we have lost control. So I will MdS is open to individuals and say that suffering is a human teams of individuals, amateur weakness.” – and elite runners. With runners Madjid, Shantaram coming from all over the world, it is a truly international event Stage 1. that has a positive impact on the I started day 1 at the front of local environment and in local the crowd. Soon after starting I communities. Through the MdS realised that I was feeling good foundation Solidarite, runners and decided to push the pace have raised funds to help slightly. I was very surprised to hundreds of families through see that no one followed. This education and improve their went on for the next 29km. quality of life. The lead group of 4 Moroccan Imagine yourself in the Sahara athletes were 200m behind, desert with nothing but rolling working together to close the sand dunes for miles around. gap. It was with only 1km to go When you plough your feet that they made their move and through the sand, a fine dust ran past. I finished this stage kicks up. You can’t feel the in 4th position. At this point, sweat dripping down your face everyone in the camp was because it’s evaporating in the asking, ‘Who is Tom Evans?’. baking heat. Your lungs feel parched. The temperature is 1. The Walking with the over 50 degrees centigrade. Part Wounded Team. of your brain is screaming at 2. Duncan Slater. you to stop, right now, to drop 3. Capt Tom Evans. 3

Individual Articles 129 Individual Articles WELSH GUARDS REGIMENTAL MAGAZINE

It was a strange experience; finish in 2nd place. This put me in I went into the race without 3rd position overall. The 86.2km anyone knowing who I was was the furthest that I have ever and after 2hrs 11mins of racing run and a real challenge. The I was the talk of the town. My mentality going into the stage hydration and nutrition went to was key, the distance, heat and plan and I was looking forward terrain had to be respected. to day 2. Stage 5. Stage 2. Then, suddenly, unbelievably, it I tried not to think about was the last day of racing and positioning too much and just a 42.2km marathon distance focused on the day’s running. stage lay before us. This is the Day 2 was a 40km stage. I was one where many can let loose lucky enough to be able to run with their final hurrah and with the Moroccan athletes. make good time. For others, I had lots to learn and by it is a long, hard slog on feet spending time with these elite that have been destroyed athletes I was able to learn so by the previous stages. Doc much about desert running. Trotter recorded 550-foot care As well as the obligatory sand, interventions the day before. My there was a fantastic descent body was tired by this point. I from Jebel el Otfal where you was sat in 3rd position, with the lose 250m in just under a quarter 4th placed runner 40 minutes behind. I had to keep a cool of a mile. I finished the race in head and just focus on the race. 4th position, only a couple of I finished the race in 5th position minutes behind the leader. which secured my place on Stage 3. the podium. This was the first Stage 3 was a shorter day, time that any British, European, American, non-Saharan athlete 32km, but contained some very has finished on the podium. technical running and steep climbs and assents. I didn’t want Men to overdo it because stage 4, the 1. Rashid El Morabity long stage, for me, was going 19:15:23, Morocco to be the most important day. 2. mohamed El Morabity The 3 climbs were difficult, with 19:38:21, Morocco 80km already in our legs, it was 3. thomas Evans a bit of a quad burner. I finished 19:49:33, Great Britain this stage in 5th position, feeling good and excited about the long I hope to be back in the sand stage. in 2018 to try and improve my position! Stage 4. Stage four is the long stage, and the one that most people dread and look forward to in equal measure. 86.2km stretched out ahead of the runners as they lined up at the start line, traditionally sent on their way to “Highway to Hell” banging out from the sound system. The elite runners start 3 hours behind the rest of the competitors. Passing the other runners was very motivating, the support that I received from the other athletes was very humbling. I had a good 1 day on my feet, managing to 1. The End

130 Individual Articles WELSH GUARDS REGIMENTAL MAGAZINE Individual Articles

2

The Commanding Officer’s Leadership Award WO1 (RSM) C Taylor Regimental Sergeant Major he Army Leadership Code was launched by the Chief Tof the General Staff, General Sir Nicolas Carter KCB CBE DSO ADC Gen in September 2015. It was subsequently championed and driven by the , WO1 Haughton.

It is underpinned by the Values introduced. The aim was to of the British Army: courage, identify junior leaders within the 4 discipline, respect for others, Battalion who had excelled at integrity, loyalty and selfless applying the Leadership Code. commitment. These are what the British Army stands for, The winner was selected using and what sets us apart from a formal grading panel. LSgt wider society. We apply our Rutledge was subsequently Values to what we do using awarded his prize before our Standards: appropriate, the start of the final phase of lawful and totally professional Exercise WESSEX STORM 17/1. behaviour. Strong leaders must LSgt Rutledge’s citation made live by both elements. clear his constant devotion In order to encourage to those he commands, his and promote this code, selfless nature and determined the Commanding Officers professionalism. The award will Leadership Award (COLA) was now be made every six months.

2. The Drill Sergeant, Adjutant, Commanding Officer, Operations Officer and Second in Command conducting the grading in Wretham Camp during Exercise WESSEX STORM 17/1. 3. The prize. 4. The finalists parade. 5. LSgt Rutledge receives his award from the Commanding Officer at West Hill Farm, Salisbury Plain Training Area as the Battle Group prepared to begin the final phase of 3 Exercise WESSEX STORM 17/1. 5

Individual Articles 131 Individual Articles WELSH GUARDS REGIMENTAL MAGAZINE

1

St David’s Day 2017 Today St David’s Day is looked operational Readiness. We also forward to every year by the have much to look forward Captain J R Farmelo Regiment as an opportunity to, and, by the time the next Intelligence Officer to come together to celebrate St David’s Day arrives we shall everything Welsh. It is used resh from Ex WESSEX STORM 17/1, the Battalion quickly be on the cusp of deploying to to reflect upon the events of Afghanistan again, this time to switched focus to St David’s Day. Over four hundred troops F the last year and the hopes Kabul and a very different set of from the Battalion paraded at Elizabeth Barracks, Pirbright for the next. This year was no tasks and challenges. 1 March 2017 underneath a dark sky threatening rain. The different and there was much to be reflected upon with the The day followed a tried and clouds, however, did not dampen festivities as the Regimental Battalion’s recent conversion to tested format with the Battalion Family came together to celebrate one of the biggest days in Light Mechanised Infantry and beginning its celebrations with calendar for both the Welsh Guards and Wales. the steady build-up of exercises a church service at the Army which transported us towards Training Centre (Pirbright) The day was originally dedicated he performed. These included to the commemoration of the creating a hill to stand on (the rather extreme and austere better to preach from) and for monk, St David (Dewi Sant in surviving the consumption Welsh). St David was made of bread poisoned by monks famous by his success in (believed to be tired of the life of spreading his Christian message austerity imposed upon them) and his zealous suppression at his own monastery. St David of the Pagan heresy both in was to become the patron saint Wales and further afield. Along of Wales at the height of Welsh with his steely missionary resistance to Norman attempts credentials he probably also at control, and has been a qualified for sainthood as a symbol for all things Welsh ever result of the numerous miracles since. 2

132 Individual Articles 3

Chapel, once used by the General Talbot Rice CBE (the Guards Depot. The service, previous Regimental Lieutenant led by the Battalion’s Padre, Colonel). The pomp and Catherine Gillham, included a festivity was also witnessed by great number of classic Welsh a number of assorted guests. hymns sung with gusto by all These included many families in attendance. There was also a of those on parade as well as fantastic performance of Calon friends of the Regiment, most Lân by the Sandhurst Military notably representatives of the Wives Choir. The Battalion then Drapers’ Company, who have marched back to Elizabeth given so much to support the Barracks for the traditional Battalion over the years. After parade. Since the very inception the parade activity shifted to 4 of the Regiment this parade the NAAFI for more Welsh cakes has included the presentation and refreshments before the of a small leek to each soldier, Officers and Seniors withdrew the salute and then the march to their respective Messes to past. It is believed by some enjoy a curry buffet. that the tradition of presenting leeks originated when King St David’s Day 2017 served as ordered his soldiers a much needed opportunity to identify themselves by for members of the Regiment, wearing the vegetable on their both past and present, civilian helmets during a fierce battle and military to come together, against the on a leek remember and relax. It served field. Whatever the validity of as a great reminder of the that story it cannot be denied passions and eccentricities that the leek has become a which bind the Welsh Guards 5 central totem within Welsh and made us all thankful for our Culture and this tradition is now shared culture and heritage. fiercely guarded. The salute was taken this year by the General Officer 1. The Prince of Wales’s Company Commanding London District marches off parade. and Major General Household 2. 2Lts Andersen, Colley Division, Major General (3 R WELSH attached) and Minihan attach their leeks. Bathurst CBE, himself a former 3. Battalion Seniors wait to Commanding Officer of the 1st receive their leeks. Battalion. He was joined by the 4. The Band receive their leeks two other Welsh Guards 2 star from the Director of Music. 5. Number Two Company officers: Major General Stanford marches onto the square. MBE (currently the Regimental 6. The Drum Major leads the Lieutenant Colonel) and Major Band off the square. 6

Individual Articles 133 Individual Articles WELSH GUARDS REGIMENTAL MAGAZINE

1

St David’s Day 2017 in the Falklands and in reasonable comfort. throughout our stay; without Simple, that is, until the RAF him we would have seen, done Captain R S Mason become involved. Not content and enjoyed ourselves much with procedures operated less. Given the foregoing, it was he 35th Anniversary of the conflict with Argentina over satisfactorily by the worlds’ somewhat disappointing that he Tpossession of the Falkland Islands saw 9 Ex-Welsh Guards airlines, the RAF requires one’s forgot to adjust his watch and Officers journey south to the Falklands, 6 of us for the first presence no less than 4 hours so we were woken at 04.30 with before take-off and are adept at his customary enthusiasm and a time since 1982. creating further delay wherever very loud recording of a bugler possible. The theme tune to blowing Reveille. He was not The group was as follows, with We spent a week visiting almost the Dam Busters was discretely allowed to forget this. posts then and, in brackets, everywhere the Battalion hummed on occasion. But, by ranks attained later: went on the Islands, paying and by, we arrived at Mount We went straight to the Welsh our respects at our and others’ Pleasant Airport (MPA) on a at Fitzroy, a tall Lt Col (Brig) Johnny Rickett, Memorials, reflecting sombrely beautiful Summer’s evening for and imposing Celtic cross on an Commanding Officer 1WG on the events of 1982 and our first one hour drive on the exposed bluff opposite the spot Maj John Henderson, Ops Offr seeing how the islands and road to Port Stanley to settle into where the Sir Galahad and the Capt Robert Mason, Adjutant their defences, people, industry Lodge, where veterans Sir Tristram were bombed. One and wildlife have developed and bereaved can stay very cannot fail to be moved by the Capt (Lt Col) Julian Sayers, Asst since. We also regaled each cheaply in great comfort and memories of what happened Ops Officer other with stories from before, with a wonderful view over here, and the simple beauty of Capt (Lt Col) Rhodri Traherne, during and since 1982 and Stanley harbour. the place. We thought of the spent a significant amount of Anti-Tank Pl Comd The Falklands operates 3 hours horror of the Regiment’s and so time doubled up with laughter. behind the UK but this did not many families’ losses but also Lt (Capt) Ollie Richadson, Pl Everyone was mobbed up deter our team leader from of the immense fortitude of the Comd, 3 Coy mercilessly, regardless of rank. using UK time on our first wounded and the astonishing It was wonderful to be together CSM (Maj) Charlie Carty, CSM A morning. I should explain here calmness and bravery of again. Echelon that Charlie Carty has been to so many in the immediate CSM (Capt) Jimmy Everett, CSM The journey to and from the the Islands about 15 times and aftermath of the bombing. 2 Coy Islands is in theory simple: Fly knows everyone who is anyone; In one sense the events of 8th on the RAF Airbridge from Brize and is clearly loved by them. He June 1982 remain so immediate LCpl (Lt Col) Mark Cooling, Sect Norton, via Ascension, on a planned our trip and looked after but, to me, returning there also 2ic, 2 Coy modern, civilian-operated plane; all our arrangements impeccably seems to pacify one’s thoughts,

134 Individual Articles WELSH GUARDS REGIMENTAL MAGAZINE Individual Articles

1. Visit to the Memorial to L/Cpl Tomas (03) 2. The Group at the jetty, San Carlos. L-R Ollie Richardson, Mark Cooling, Julian Sayers, Robert Mason, Johnny Rickett, John Henderson, Rhodri Traherne, Jimmy Everett, Charlie Carty 3. The entrance to Bluff Cove, with Kevin and his hat.

2 dull the grief and induce an managed to keep our footing receive such a welcome in the evacuation of two unfortunate unexpected calmness. and it seemed appropriate. lands we fought over. marines who did. We visited the simple cross to LCpl Thomas The following day belonged to The subsequent reception in During the first two days we (03), caught in another artillery St David, and even the locals Fitzroy Hall was a chance to be also saw the hills which became bombardment while delivering conceded that the wind had entertained by the wonderful the battlefields for Stanley and key supplies. And we climbed reminded ourselves of our “picked up a bit” (frequently locals who keep the place so Sapper Hill, now almost on the actions following June 8th. We gusting well over 60mph) as immaculate, to have a good edge of an expanding Stanley went to the positions where we pushed our way through catch up between the two town, which we seized in a those not on the Sir Galahad it to the Memorial for our visiting groups, and to admire heli-borne assault on June 14th dug in for four days from Service of Commemoration and the considerable number of as the news came through of the June 7th-11th and received as Remembrance. Planned dress flags, Union Argentine surrender. We may reinforcements two Companies was strictly suits or blazers, but Jacks and assorted memorabilia have suffered terrible losses on from 40 Commando. We saw the wind and rain meant we had from 35 years ago. There are the Sir Galahad, but everyone where the Recce Platoon to add coats; and boots would probably as many Union Jacks picked themselves up from the secured 42 Commando’s start- certainly have been better than flying over Stanley (population tragedy and we were heavily line for their attack on Mount polished shoes. Headgear or just under 3000) as London. I involved in the subsequent Harriet on the night of 11th -12th anything else mobile was out of should point out the feelings action. June, and from where the Anti- the question, and wreaths were in which veterans are held by tank Platoon that night knocked Early one evening we were weighted with rocks. We were some, and quite possibly all, of out a key, heavily defended treated to an enormous tea joined for the Service by 10 other the Falklands population. We bunker with a Milan missile. We at Government House by ex-Welsh Guardsmen, led by were constantly humbled and looked at and remembered the Deputy Governor, Alex Will Kevans and Mike Hermanis, embarrassed by the welcome vividly the minefield where Maithem. Our ex Commanding who were walking across East we were given wherever we many of us spent most of a Officer presented him with a Falkland accompanied by a BBC went, and great kindness was night in a blizzard, under artillery photographic “mock up” of TV crew. There were also many always on display - as well as fire, praying we did not stand our Colours. His speech started local people and we were led heart-felt thanks and even hugs on a mine and arranging the unpromisingly with: “I would in our prayers by the Reverend from complete strangers. The Kathy Biles, Rector of the events of 1982 are passed down Falkland Islands. The wind tore to children who planted and away much of what Kathy said, tend the Memorial wood in the but the sentiments were strong centre of Stanley; a tree for each and we could hear Will’s bugle of the 258 British and Falklands and some of the readings made lives lost in the conflict. Top of by others, including Charlie’s the Welsh Guards cheerleader of the names of the 43 Welsh list are the incredibly generous Guards and attached personnel Millers, Stewarts and Kilmartins who were lost in the conflict. but there were others too The weather meant that it was numerous to mention. Would not the quiet Service we had that those who served in Iraq, anticipated, but we just about Afghanistan or elsewhere might 3

Individual Articles 135 Individual Articles WELSH GUARDS REGIMENTAL MAGAZINE

occasion nobody hummed the Dam Busters theme tune. One day we started early to make a circumnavigation of East Falkland by the new roads. In 1982 there were no roads at all outside Stanley and our progress was either by helicopter, ship or foot, the exception being one or two borrowed tractors (which struggled with any significant loads) and the excellent Scorpion tanks of the two Blues and Royals Troops, which went everywhere. The road let us drive through the Eastern mountains and the 1 expanse of the Northern plain to San Carlos where we looked at like to present you with this who explained our dispositions that they are effectively as British the rather small and dilapidated cock-up……….” Alex gallantly and reminded us of just how as Pontypridd or Mayfair. jetty where we came ashore in assured us that Government 1982 - to be met by a BBC news remote the Falklands are. As We visited HMS Enterprise, in House had a suitable wall on crew. We visited the peaceful a Geographer I can’t resist harbour from its survey duties which to hang up a cock up, but and immaculately maintained pointing out that Stanley is at which had included making Brig Johnny was not allowed to approximately the same latitude British War Cemetery, saw detailed 3D-effect images where we had dug in nearby, forget this. as Coventry but if you sail out of some of the ships sunk in and spied our route up and of the harbour to the East, the We spent a memorable day 1982. The Captain and crew down Sussex mountain. We had next land encountered is Chile, under the command of the also told us harrowing stories set out then to follow the route about 700 miles to the West. Coldstream Guards, who of their previous role rescuing taken by 2 Para to the South That distance covered on the formed the Roulement Infantry migrants from the seas off Libya. but unlike the Paras, who had company in the Islands and Southern Ocean is roughly the Then it was off to hear from left behind all but fighting order arranged a seamless trip to the equivalent of leaving the Norfolk the Commander of the RAF for their raid on Goose Green, military at MPA. This is quite coast, crossing the North Sea, contingent about his Typhoon we had to take all our kit (often a set-up, with around 1500 travelling through Europe and aircraft, and have a look round over 100lbs / man, aside from personnel, oil terminals and the entire length of the old Soviet one. It is pretty clear that the A4s Support company weapons) pipelines, a large RAF facility and Union, the N Pacific, N America still operated by Argentina are and there was no way over the a Naval harbour 6 miles away on and the Atlantic to arrive in not much of a match for these mountain for our mortars and the shore. We were welcomed County Kerry. The Falklands are fighters and their extremely ammunition. In 2017 we drove by Commodore Darren Bone indeed remote, but never forget impressive young pilots. On this this route in about half an hour in the two 4x4’s we had rented (again very cheaply) from SAMA Falklands Branch who maintain the vehicles. This organisation closely supports visiting veterans with the Falklands Veterans Foundation which built and maintains Liberty Lodge. All veterans and bereaved who visit are much in their debt. It was fascinating to receive a tour of the key area of Goose Green battlefield. It is fairly compact and surprisingly flat, with relatively shallow undulations which provided the attackers with minimal cover, and it demonstrates how 2 well-sited machine guns can

136 Individual Articles WELSH GUARDS REGIMENTAL MAGAZINE Individual Articles

dominate ground. I would not presume to comment on the detailed actions and decisions leading up to the death of Lt Col “H” Jones VC, but the situation had clearly become fairly desperate and the outcome was an extraordinary victory for an unsupported, exhausted, heavily outnumbered and almost ammunition-less force, with many of their number suffering frostbite and hypothermia after 5 nights without sleeping bags. It is probably unthinkable today for a large unit to contemplate such an action carrying for several days everything needed to fight, and with no artillery or air support of any kind, but in 1982 supply lines were very stretched indeed, all the way from the UK to those in the 3 vanguard. than Bluff Cove - in daylight, on Aside from the above we took Household Division more than One of our most memorable the Sir Galahad.) Those Welsh a boat from Stanley out to see held their own. My other feeling days was our visit to Bluff Cove Guards in the landing craft other wildlife; we met and derives from a lingering doubt and its owners, Kevin and that night received the spray quizzed the impressive Mike born in 1982, in the aftermath Hattie Kilmartin. Kevin was treatment and were cold too, Summers, a member of the of the conflict when all were there in 1982 when, first, some but as Jimmy Everett explained Islands’ Assembly; we visited at a low ebb, that the Islands of 2 Para (post Goose Green) to Kevin “we just walked several other memorials; some walked might not have been worth came to recover in his sheep- miles all around the Cove and most of the battlefield hills; we the sacrifice made by so many. shearing sheds. They were made ourselves really warm saw the well-presented and Seeing the islands now, without followed at dawn on the 6th and cosy in watery trenches moving museum in Stanley, took a rather unpleasant job to do June by the second Battalion on that nice exposed hillside part in various small ceremonies and 100lb on my back, brought Scots Guards. 2SG arrived over there.”The Kilmartins without any more cock-ups and to my attention the beautiful on 4 landing craft at “Yellow have also developed a tourist did local media interviews. It scenery and wildlife they have Beach” (a tiny promontory in destination for the occupants was a very full seven days on to offer. But it was a treat above a shallow bay at the entrance of passing cruise ships, centred the Islands, and I thoroughly all to see and meet some of the to the Cove) after 6 hours in a on their stunning beach and recommend to anyone who people and understand what freezing gale, drenched with lagoon a few miles East of the served in 1982 or who suffered they have achieved, through spray on the open decks, and Cove. Here there are resident bereavement to go and have a determination and hard work, were suffering as a result. For King and Gentoo penguins, and look for yourselves. Taking into with their booming economy the next few days, in the build we could walk among them consideration the considerable and lifestyle. They are truly up to their magnificent assault without disturbing them. This travel grants available, and admirable, and immensely on Tumbledown, they recovered was followed by a delicious the cheap transport and grateful for the chance we gave partly by rotating companies lunch in the tourist’s café. The accommodation at our disposal, them to remain and prosper though the sheep shed for Falklands are an amazing haven it is not expensive; and it is under the Union Jack. 1982 was warmth; burn marks on the for wildlife with colonies of hugely worthwhile. no picnic, but it was definitely wood floors from hexamine penguins, albatrosses and many worth it. burners testify to this. Just half of other seabird species as well Reflecting on all we saw and 1WG came ashore one day later as sea lions, dolphins (we saw heard, and felt, I came away with on June 7th in only 2 landing Peale’s dolphins twice) and huge two over-riding thoughts: Firstly, craft as the other two craft failed reserves of sea food, including I am immensely proud of the to arrive at the rendezvous one of the world’s great squid Welsh Guards’ contribution to 1. Julian and friends at with HMS Fearless. (It was the fisheries. We were lucky enough the conflict in 1982, and equally Bluff Cove lagoon. failure of this rendezvous which to see some of this, and some proud of that of the Scots Guards 2. The ruins of a crashed Chinook on East Falkland meant that the other half of the of us also managed to catch and the Blues and Royals. Much 3. The other WG group on their Battalion had to remain on the brown and sea trout, for which is rightly made of the warrior walk across the Island, at the Fearless and so more than a day the islands are also justifiably spirit of the and Memorial to the Welsh Guards later returned - to Fitzroy rather famous. Parachute Regiment, but the at Fitzroy.

Individual Articles 137 Individual Articles WELSH GUARDS REGIMENTAL MAGAZINE

Welsh (WRU) Debentures Major (Retired) M E Browne BEM Assistant Regimental Adjutant

n 1990, the 75th IAnniversary year of the Regiment, it was decided that a generous bequeath to the Regiment would be 1 invested on purchasing two lifetime debentures for the .

In 1990, the 75th Anniversary year of the Regiment, it was decided that a generous bequeath to the Regiment would be invested on purchasing two lifetime debentures for the Welsh Rugby Union. These debentures guarantee the Regiment the same two seats at every home international rugby match played and have, over the years been allocated through and to the Battalion, the Association, Regimental Headquarters and the 2 Regimental Band. The seats are guaranteed with the tickets paid for as and when used. The Regimental Trustees recently decided that the seats will now be paid for by the WG Charity and allocated to the Battalion (for the Commanding Officer to present as he deems fit) and to the Welsh Guards Rugby Reunion Club (WGRRC), the home of Welsh Guards rugby. For the Autumn 2017 tickets, the Commanding Officer has awarded them (as incentives/ rewards) to individuals who have been highly recommended by their Company Commanders.

3

138 Individual Articles WELSH GUARDS REGIMENTAL MAGAZINE Individual Articles

The following lucky individuals received these tickets gratis: Wales v Australia – 11 Nov 17 LCpl Howells 27 and Gdsm Hall Wales v Georgia – 18 Nov 17 Gdsm Bilkey and Gdsm Qaranivalu Wales v New Zealand – 25 Nov 17 Gdsm Dade and Gdsm Hathway The two tickets for the Wales v game on 2 Dec 17 were allocated to the WGRRC 4

1. Gdsm Hall, The Prince of Wales’s Company receives his ticket from the Company Commander, Major Spencer Smith. 2. Gdsm Bilkey, Number Two Company receiving his ticket 5 from the Company Commander Major Beare. 3. Gdsm Qaranivalu, The Prince of Wales’s Company receives his ticket from the Company Commander, Major Spencer Smith. 4. Gdsm Dade, Number Three Company receives his ticket from the Company Commander, Major Horgan RHGD. 5. Gdsm Hathway, Headquarter Company receivng his ticket from the Company Commander, Major Howell IG. 6. LCpl Howells 27, Number Three Company receives his ticket from the Company Commander, Major Horgan RHGD.

6

Individual Articles 139 Individual Articles WELSH GUARDS REGIMENTAL MAGAZINE

Petersons and Drapers visit – 6 Sep 17 Major E S Mathieson Second in Command

n late 2012, the prominent Welsh businessman, Alan IPeterson, and his son, Hywel, chose the Welsh Guards Afghanistan Appeal as the chosen charity for the Ryan Jones 2013 Testimonial year.

Since then support from Alan, Regiment, they met Guardsmen, his family and his wide circle learned about the Battalion’s of associates has continued to vehicles and weapons and be outstanding. This allowed undertook a competition on the Regiment to celebrate its the firing ranges. The day was centenary in style, funds sport finished off with a 3-course and adventurous training meal and presentations to thank around the world and cares everyone for their efforts. for those wounded in service. In early September the 1st 1. Alan Peterson on the ranges. Battalion hosted a Petersons 2. Alan Peterson checks his group in Pirbright for a “day in grouping on the ranges. 3. Maggie Peterson on the the life of the Welsh Guards”. ranges. Joined by members of the 4. The Regt Adjt watches Drapers’ Company who are LSgt Hiscock explain VIRTUS 1 also strong supporters of the to guests.

3

2 4

140 Individual Articles WELSH GUARDS REGIMENTAL MAGAZINE Individual Articles

A tribute to 2656525 attack, the evacuation was order: ‘Fix bayonets; the tanks ordered. It was a narrow escape. are coming’. The men, Appleby Lance Sergeant Alan Appleby MM Alan remembered a destroyer recalled, didn’t flinch. Roy Lewis approaching the harbour with Survival – of some of them – all guns firing and scrambling was made possible when the lan Appleby was born in Godalming, Surrey, on 24th aboard it to safety. He lived to order was rescinded, in favour June 1918 and died in the on 24th June fight another day – a day that A of the more pragmatic one of would not be far away. 2017, his 99th birthday. His father and grandfather had ‘every man for himself’. Alan served in the Coldstream Guards; in 1933, shortly before his A week later, on 21 May 1940, and Arthur were amongst those fifteenth birthday, Alan walked to Guildford and enlisted in with the Wehrmacht closing in who made it to the harbour. on the Channel ports, Brigadier Despite the thundering of the the same regiment as a boy soldier, joining the 3rd Battalion Billy Fox-Pitt, commanding 20th Royal Navy’s 4.7 inch guns, fired at Chelsea Barracks. Discipline was strict: there was even a Guards Brigade – comprising over open sights – ‘the finest drill for sleeping (the boys had to lie on their right side). To 2nd Battalion Welsh Guards and anti-tank weapon yet invented,’ 2nd Battalion Irish Guards – was supplement their meagre pay they cleaned kit and did other recorded the 2nd Battalion War instructed by the to Diary – Alan was asleep as soon jobs for Guardsmen. tackle ‘rather a hot one – go out as he lay down on deck. and hold Boulogne as long as Aged sixteen, Alan went with In May 1940, as the Germans you can’. In those two actions in May 1940 his battalion to and it swept through the Low Alan particularly remembered was there that his army career Countries, men of the 2nd The Brigade disembarked at Padre Payne who kept morale changed. By mid-1939, second Battalion going on Whitsun Boulogne in the early hours of high; it was Padre Payne who battalions of the Irish and Welsh leave were recalled to form a the following morning, May 22, successfully recommended that Guards had been formed, for composite battalion with the ordered to defend the town ‘to Alan should be Mentioned in which volunteers from other Irish Guards to hold the Hook of the last man, the last round’, so Despatches. Foot Guards battalions were Holland whilst the Dutch Royal as to delay the enemy’s drive When the 2nd Battalion became sought. Drummers Alan Appleby Family and British Embassy and to the main evacuation port of the Reconnaissance Battalion and 2657354 Arthur Bland Consular staff were evacuated Dunkirk. The corps of drums, in of the newly formed Guards were amongst those from 3rd by destroyer. an ack-ack role, had a solitary Battalion Coldstream Guards anti-tank gun; this was entrusted Armoured Division, Alan, in No who transferred to 2nd Battalion This little-known action was to Alan, by then a lance corporal. 1 Squadron, commanded by Welsh Guards, returning home codenamed Operation Harpoon. Arthur Bland was one of the Captain (later Major) Nigel Fisher, a few months before the war Once the men of the composite men in his section. On May 24, quickly became adept in tank broke out to join the Battalion at Battalion had secured the as the Germans closed in, the gunnery and wireless, first in the . bridgehead under heavy air platoon commander gave the Covenanters and Crusaders and

Individual Articles 141 Individual Articles WELSH GUARDS REGIMENTAL MAGAZINE

what has been described as The Last Escape. Alan Appleby marched for 430 miles without adequate food or water and little or no medical treatment. Men slept on snow covered open fields. He remembered, in particular, a young Canadian who died in his arms and also the day when the German guards disappeared and the prisoners went to a Polish village where they were given bread, eggs and bacon. The Americans who liberated them gave them coffee and doughnuts! Returning to civilian life he trained as a bricklayer and became a building trades 1 instructor at one of the prisons on the Isle of Wight where finally the tank they fought in Thirty-five Welsh Guardsmen are to a barn where they hid in the he made his home. When from Normandy to Germany, the buried in nearby Leopoldsburg hayloft. But the Germans found interviewed on 2nd June 2009 Cromwell. War Cemetery and almost as them and threatened to throw he said it was his first contact many civilians lie in the town with the Welsh Guards since he Tank crews were in constant grenades into the barn unless cemetery. Hechtel, a Regimental danger in Normandy’s Bocage they surrendered; so their left the Army. , has been captivity began. After five days country which was suited In September 2009 he joined the described as ‘one of the bloodier without food and water in a to defenders, Arthur Bland Regimental Battlefield Tour in battles fought by the 1st and packed goods train Alan reached describing it as a ‘miserable Hechtel, one of three survivors 2nd Battalion of the Welsh Furstenberg, north of Berlin, the place, [with] constant shelling of the battle to do so. Alan, who Guards...... more perhaps than only Welsh Guardsman on the and heavy tank losses’. On was accompanied by three of on any other occasion the action journey. He spent the following one occasion the order came his sons, was reunited with his was notable for individual acts of weeks in the charge of an old from Captain Fisher, ‘Open Regiment in the town where gallantry’. and rather frail German guard and observe,’ to which Alan his active war ended and his responded: ‘Am surrounded by One of the individuals was Lance who’d been ordered to take him to a PoW camp. But none wanted captivity began. It was there, to the enemy!’ Sergeant Appleby. Nigel Fisher, his great joy and surprise, that by then promoted to Major, gave to take him in. So they ended up One of the fastest armoured he saw Arthur Bland for the first him a task which resulted in walking 180 miles to Stalag VIIIB drives in history was made by time in 65 years. ‘Boy Bland?’ he him being awarded the Military in Zagan, at times Alan carrying the asked in astonishment, using the Medal – and in captivity. ‘I have the guard’s kit (rifle included!) when it left France and travelled nickname he’d always used for a job for you: drive into Hechtel due to his poor health. ninety miles to Brussels in Arthur, who was two years his and recce the place,’ he said. In September 1944. Alan was Life was hard for the prisoners junior (and who died last year). a letter he later wrote to Alan, adamant that his tank led the in a harsh Polish winter. Hopes he recalled: ‘I hated having to Battalion from St. Charles de were raised when it became Alan Appleby was a modest ask you to do it, but the way Percy in Normandy to the known that the Soviet Army was and gentle man – but never you took it was magnificent. Belgian capital. Their stay in approaching, only to be dashed someone to be pushed around, You were the first and last tank Brussels was brief and their next when the German guards began as one prisoner at HMP commander who ever actually major action was around the marching the PoWs westwards. Camp Hill discovered when reported himself as hit before Albert Canal. The 1st and 2nd The Geneva Convention allowed he attempted to take him on. baling out of your tank.’ Battalions engaged in five days the removal of prisoners from Alan, by then nearly 60, gave of battle against a formidable Alan and his crew set off along a potential combat zone but conclusive evidence that his and experienced enemy force in an arrow straight road. ‘We stipulated that they were to be combative talents as a boxer the village of Hechtel which had got to a crossroads and it was provided with medical aid and remained undiminished. When to be taken. This was achieved deathly quiet,’ he remembered. food; the Germans ignored not working at the prison, Alan but only after heavy casualties ‘Then “bang”.’ The Cromwell this. Several thousand Allied enjoyed life in the peace of his on both sides and among the was hit and disabled by an 88m prisoners from many camps home in Freshwater and rarely inhabitants. AA gun. Alan and his men ran died in horrific conditions on spoke of the war.

142 Individual Articles WELSH GUARDS REGIMENTAL MAGAZINE Individual Articles

The 2nd Battalion formed in two German scouts, Gerd and April 1939 went into Suspended Norbert, to stay on an exchange Animation in July 1947. A few visit. It was the clearest evidence, months after it returned to the recalls his oldest son Richard, from Germany, that he bore the German people the Colours were handed over no malice. for safe keeping to the King at It was a point that Alan himself Windsor Castle. The majority of reiterated when interviewed at men on parade had not seen his home on the Isle of Wight. them before but realised the By then in his late nineties, he significance of the occasion had suffered a series of strokes to men like Alan Appleby who and was additionally afflicted by had joined the Battalion on its diabetes, requiring him to inject formation and fought in it with himself regularly with insulin. distinction and pride. But he propelled himself from Postscript sitting-room to kitchen, his right- hand locked around a wooden After recuperating in hospital – rail bolted to the wall – enduring he weighed just 6-stone when testimony to the indomitable flown home from Germany spirit and strength that had in May 1945 – Alan Appleby enabled him to survive Boulogne declined the offer of promotion in 1940 and the Long March to Drum Major in favour of from Stalag 344 in 1945. embarking on a long, productive and remarkable civilian life. If his memory inevitably sometimes faltered, it was Lacking anywhere to live – by nevertheless acutely clear in war’s end, 250,000 houses 2 numerous details, whether had been destroyed by enemy of his earliest days in the action; fifteen times that number Coldstream Guards (having liberation, when he was able 1. Alan Appleby. had sustained damage, often 2. Alan Appleby’s Wedding day. the buttons cut from the back to strip and shower (‘white bad enough to preclude repair of his tunic while street-lining with lice’). Yet even in the most – Alan took over a derelict army in the Mall), transferring to daunting moments, his belief in hut in a wood near Godalming. the Welsh Guards (exactly the victory had remained unshaken: Connecting it to the water mains same as the Coldstream, said ‘Never thought for a second and lighting it with Tilley lamps, Alan, except that they ‘spoke we’d lose.’ he and his wife Christine (née differently’) and, particularly, his Gundry), whom he had married But he was troubled by the wartime experiences. ‘We were in 1941, lived there with four uncertain fate of his crew – Guardsmen: do what you’re young children (a fifth was born Ritter, Thompson and Wilkinson told,’ he said, recalling how the later) for several years, whilst – whom he never saw again Ack-Ack Platoon responded Alan embarked on his career as after their capture in Hechtel. to the order to fix bayonets a bricklayer. Each evening, on Records suggest that all of them as the German tanks closed return from work, he played the survived the war. in on Boulogne. The events piano. His children speedily came Alan’s best man, Jock Millard, did of Hechtel and its aftermath to interpret his mood according not; he was killed by Spandau were similarly vivid: the young to the piece he chose: Liszt’s fire on 8th March 1945. Alan German who pursued Alan and Liebestraum indicated that he remembered him and others for his crew after they bailed out was not to be disturbed; ‘Brazil’ the rest of his long life. ‘It hasn’t of their Cromwell (‘Shot him. or ‘Happy Wanderer’ meant that left me now. Every night you can Just a kid. He didn’t know what all was right with the world. live part of it. Maybe the march. to do’); the Wehrmacht officer Those that died.’ A man of great public-spirit, Alan who interrogated them (‘spoke found time while establishing beautiful English’); Ravensbruck His first wife, Christine, died in his own building business to concentration camp (‘women 1987; in 1990 he married Lillian be variously a scoutmaster, and children behind wire’); Lear (née Bowman). She survives youth leader, and volunteer at the rations at Stalag 344 in the him, along with three of his sons an approved school for young winter of 1944/5 (‘cabbage (another predeceased him), his offenders. As early as the mid- leaves, rubbish, grass’); and the daughter, and a stepson and 1950s, he and Christine had sight of his own flesh after stepdaughter.

Individual Articles 143 Individual Articles WELSH GUARDS REGIMENTAL MAGAZINE

Welsh Guards Drum Up Support for HMS Prince of Wales’ Naming Ceremony HMS Prince of Wales Media Department

uardsmen of 1st Battalion Welsh Guards played an Gintegral part in the naming ceremony of HMS Prince of Wales, the Royal Navy’s newest Queen Elizabeth Class aircraft carrier.

HMS Prince of Wales was vessel, First Sea Lord Admiral formally named in Rosyth on Sir Philip Jones said: “Wherever Friday 8th September by Her Prince of Wales travels - at home Royal Highness the Duchess or overseas - she will draw of Rothesay, the title used in crowds to the water’s edge Scotland for the Duchess of where they will marvel at your Cornwall. achievement.” Watched by her husband, the The motto of the aircraft carrier Duke of Rothesay and Britain’s is simple but powerful: “Ich most senior sailor, the Duchess dien”…“I serve”. HMS Prince of Rothesay triggered the of Wales weighs in at 65,000 release of a bottle of Laphroaig tonnes and the flight deck is 70 whisky which smashed onto the metres wide and 280 metres hull formally naming the 65 000 long — enough space for three tonne carrier: full-size football pitches. The ship is currently undergoing I name this ship Prince of Wales. Trials and Commissioning of May God bless her and all who her systems which will continue serve in her… through to 2019, when she will The ceremony was also set Sail and conduct Sea Trials witnessed by several veterans before being accepted into the who served on the previous Fleet. HMS Prince of Wales, a King Captain Ian Groom MBE, the George V Class battleship which Senior Naval Officer of HMS was sunk in 1941, ensuring Prince of Wales, said: “It is a the future of the Royal Navy is privilege to oversee the build of informed by the past. the largest and most complex Guardsmen from 1st Battalion warships ever built in the UK. Welsh Guards lined the ship and “Last month we saw the first performed a Drum Flourish from entry into of our the highest point of the aircraft sister ship HMS Queen Elizabeth, ramp, in front of Their Royal which was a truly historic Highnesses, the ever-growing moment. However, she cannot ship’s company and their deliver a continuous carrier families. capability alone without HMS Although 1st Battalion Welsh Prince of Wales. Guards has only been officially “Together, the Queen Elizabeth affiliated to HMS Prince of Wales Class Aircraft Carriers provide since 2016, the relationship will the UK government with endure throughout the carrier’s the ability to project political 50 years in service. influence and formidable power Addressing the hundreds of men across the globe at a time and and women who built the place of its choosing.”

144 Individual Articles WELSH GUARDS REGIMENTAL MAGAZINE Individual Articles

1

2 3

White Collar Boxing Sunday 11 December saw three and continues his quest to be 1. Staff Sergeant Rogers members of 1st Battalion Welsh recognised as the Battalion’s top in the ring. Colour Sergeant J J McEvoy 2. Lance Sergeant Lucas enjoys Number Two Company Guards compete in this year’s sportsman. his victory. event held at Lakeside Country 3. “Pretty Boy Deren” hite Collar Boxing Staff Sergeant Marc “Buck” on his big win. Club. The event was in aid of Rogers also won his bout by a started in New W Cancer Research UK. The boxers point decision against a boxer in 1988. A doctor and an were watched by a mixed group with a 20kg weight advantage. attorney trained together of 30 serving and former Welsh Lance Sergeant Gareth “The and then boxed each other Guardsmen. Fudge” Lucas enjoyed his first at a black-tie event. Since Colour Sergeant Phil “The Moler” appearance in the ring. He then it has spread across the Derren stopped his opponent in showed incredible stamina and Atlantic. the second round by TKO brute strength to win the bout.

Individual Articles 145 Individual Articles WELSH GUARDS REGIMENTAL MAGAZINE

1 3

Past, Present and Future – and heart to the world; it was part of our reflection on good to be able to celebrate current practice and shaped A Padre’s Perspective this achievement together. our conversations as we Rev’d (Capt) C A Gillham CF looked to the future. We also took the opportunity Chaplain 1st Battalion Welsh Guards to mark and remember Many of these events across significant moments in the the year, have caused us he role of the Padre is an endless privilege. In the midst history of the Welsh Guards to reflect on the shared life Tof the day-to-day stuff of life, we get to walk alongside across the year. June saw 2 and history of the Battalion people in the present, whether in joy or sorrow, sunshine or of those events; on Sunday as a whole, but it is good 25 June we held a service at for us also to take time to rain. For the few years that we are with a unit, we also have Imber Court to commemorate reflect on our own personal the great privilege of exploring the unique ethos of that unit, those who died or were journeys. It has been my standing back just enough to see the way in which history injured there by a V1 bomb privilege this year to spend precious time with people, weaves together with the present experience in order to which fell on 30 June in 1944. Earlier in that same month, whether sharing a brew on shape its future leaders. we looked back with great exercise, or distributing the inevitable Haribo; whether Across the course of this in word and in song, as we sorrow on the anniversary of the attack on the RFA chatting in my office, or year as a Battalion, and as an were joined by Dai Woolridge meeting to plan baptisms, Association, there have been of the Bible Society, and the Sir Galahad and the RFA Sir Tristram during the Falklands and even weddings; it has a number of opportunities to acapella group ‘Sound of been in those encounters that reflect on the past in different Wales’. Both contributors Conflict 35 yrs ago; as we did so, we reflected with pride on I have hoped to be a simple ways. During our St David’s reminded us how influential reminder that none of us has Day service, we were able the and the courage and fortitude that so many Welsh Guardsmen to journey alone. As I reflect to celebrate the wonderful missionaries have been across on the intertwining path of richness of the Welsh heritage the centuries in bringing hope displayed in the face of terrible circumstances. past, present and future, I am constantly grateful that This legacy of pride and God is the same, yesterday, strength is woven into the today and forever and has story of the Welsh Guards promised never to leave us, throughout history, positively or forsake us; that he will be impacting our current with us always, even to the story. As part of our ethical end of the age (Hebrews 13:8; leadership training we saw Deuteronomy 31:5; Matthew this in practice as 2 groups of 28:20). LCpls and LSgts visited Amport House, the Armed Forces Chaplaincy Centre, for 24 hrs away, an event captured elsewhere in the Guards 1. Sir Galahad Drumhead 2. Bugler LSgt Laing and Padre Magazine. Regimental history Catherine Gillham at Imber as well as general military Court. 2 history became a significant 3. Padre Ex Wessex Storm.

146 Individual Articles WELSH GUARDS REGIMENTAL MAGAZINE Individual Articles

The official stick makers details are: Mr Brian Waters 357 Blandford Road Hamworthy Poole Dorset BH15 4JL 07786228490 [email protected] Mappin & Webb can engrave the silver collar with the Regimental Crest and initials: Mr Karl Bailey, Senior Manager Mappin & Webb, 132 Regent Street, London W1B 5SF 07795 398 735 0207 478 8733 [email protected] The stick will be made from a hawthorn shank and will have the outer bark stripped 4 to the red/ brown inner bark. A silver collar will be fitted The Regimental Walking Stick Adjutant (Colonel Bonas) to the neck of the shank, a ‘The Hawthorn’ and the Board of Trustees. Regimental crest and the They made a unanimous initials of its owner may be Major D W Pridmore decision that all Officers, added. A black ‘Prince of serving or retired, would be Wales’ style knob handle, n September 2016 the author suggested to the Commanding permitted to carry a hawthorn made of horn, will be fitted to Officer (Lieutenant Colonel Bevan MVO) that Welsh Guards walking stick, with the option the top of the shank, joined by I extended to attached arms. officers needed something to distinguish them from others. the silver collar. The intent was to start a new tradition as the Regiment enters It will be the responsibility of all officers to purchase a stick its second century. A Regimental walking stick of hawthorn upon joining the Regiment wood was recommended. and it may be carried in all 4. The author with his stick at the Battalion Christmas church orders of dress except Home parade 13 December 2016. The Welsh have an historical sign of protection. There was Service Clothing. 5. Stick detail. link to the hawthorn tree. even a Welsh Goddess called Henry Tudor at the battle Olwen (‘the White Goddess of Bosworth was said to of Hawthorn’) and her father, have found his crown in a Chief Giant Ysbaddaden hawthorn bush. After the Penkawr, (‘Giant Hawthorn’). battle, the hawthorn was then Both are mentioned in the included in his coat of arms. , the earliest prose We also still use the colours literature of Britain, compiled of Henry Tudor (white, green, in the 12th–13th centuries white) to this day as part of from earlier oral traditions by the Regimental link to the medieval Welsh authors. and his Welsh On the 27 October 2016, at a background. It is also clearly Regimental Trustees meeting, represented on the Welsh the Commanding Officer Flag. presented an example stick There is further connection to to the Regimental Lieutenant our Celtic Druidic past. Druids Colonel (Major General carried hawthorn staffs as a Stanford MBE), the Regimental 5

Individual Articles 147 Individual Articles WELSH GUARDS REGIMENTAL MAGAZINE

Billy Malcolm, Bryn Pennock, is absolutely no question Mike Skinner, Kevin Williams that the Club will continue and Malcolm Davies for their to thrive and grow and our remarkable contribution to the 52 VPs provide the lifeblood Club and regimental life. The of the Club. Their hugely Club has grown over the years generous contributions allow from a humble gathering of the Committee to lay on an some 40 lonesome souls to impressive dinner and also become the most popular results in a sizeable donation regimental dinner in the to the Welsh Guards Charity. Welsh Guards calendar; a truly Rugby is a team game and the remarkable feat. gladiators on the field of play Recent years have seen a simply won’t get there without focus on raising money for significant assistance. Our the Welsh Guards Charity Club membership is increasing and what a magnificent and has recently tipped over success this has been. Close the 300 mark. Membership to £300,000 has been sent has evolved and now includes from Llanelli to our Charity not only those who have and there is no doubt that battled on the field of play, those who have attended be that at regimental or the dinners, put their hands company level, but also those in their pockets for the who have made a significant obligatory raffle tickets or contribution to WG rugby. perhaps bagged an auction Coaches, managers, medics, lot from under the gavel of physios, physical training Chris Beynon, should be proud instructors, water and orange 1 of themselves in collectively boys and, indeed, anyone who achieving such a truly has supported our beloved The Welsh Guards Rugby Reunion Club remarkable donation. Well game in a significant capacity done one and all! will be most welcome at our (WGRRC) 2017 dinners. If you would like to Major Alun Bowen WGRR Chairman To the future - the new become a VP or a member Committee has switched please get in touch with our riday 22 September 2017 saw the Club gather with 180 focus from raising money Vice Chairman, Mr Darrell to increasing membership happy souls for our biennial dinner in our adopted home, Jones 73 at darrelljones73@ F and attendance at our aol.com. the Stradey Park Hotel, Llanelli. We were delighted to be biennial dinners. The Club joined by our Patron, Field Marshall Lord Guthrie, along with will evolve with fresh ideas And don’t forget to save the dates for forthcoming dinners our old friends from Crawshays RFC and Furnace RFC. Many whilst retaining the format of the dinner at the Stradey at the Stradey Park Hotel: of our Vice Presidents (VPs) attended, including Mr George Park. We have no intention of Friday, 20 September 2019 Parker, a local businessman and long term supporter, and moving the dinner, it works Friday, 24 September 2021 new friends joined us from Llandovery RFC, led by their well and we have a truly fantastic relationship with Chairman, Mr Handel Davies. We look forward to seeing you the hotel staff. The newly there! appointed Club Vice Chairman, Our oldest player on parade The Club has a new Committee Mr Darrell Jones 73, led the was Ron Cook who looked and the outgoing Committee way in organising the 2017 really well at age 87 and going under the presidency of dinner and, despite limited strong! Our guest speaker was Brigadier Peter Williams preparation time, managed 1. Oldest player on parade Rowland Phillips, ex Welsh and the chairmanship of to pull off a remarkably well Mr Ron Cook. Rugby Union and League Major Glyn White were, most organised and well attended 2. Maj Glynn White MBE. player and current Head unsurprisingly, presented 3. Andrew Smith 34, Phil Tipping dinner that was both seamless Coach of Wales’ women’s with the Crawshays Trophy and Gareth Lloyd. in execution and thoroughly rugby team. Following in the for their outstanding 4. Darrell Jones 73 with enjoyed by all. Rowland Phillips. footsteps of our previous contribution to the Club. The 5. Darrell Jones 73, John Davies speaker, Nigel Owens, Club is indebted to Brigadier We must extend a huge 77, John Davies 28 and Dale Rowland did not let us down. Peter, Glyn, Chris Beynon, thank you to our VPs. There Loveridge.

148 Individual Articles WELSH GUARDS REGIMENTAL MAGAZINE Individual Articles

2 4

3 5

Individual Articles 149 Individual Articles WELSH GUARDS REGIMENTAL MAGAZINE

1

Visit of the Senior Naval Officer, by hosting the Senior Naval send Guardsmen to aboard Officer, HMS Prince of Wales. to experience life at sea HMS Prince of Wales Captain Groom MBE is temporarily. The visit ended Major E S Mathieson charged with supervising the with the exchanging of crests Second in Command construction and delivery of and lunch in the Officers’ the Royal Navy’s latest aircraft Mess. st Battalion Welsh Guards is proud to have a formal carrier at Rosyth Dockyard. Regimental affiliation with HMS Prince of Wales, one of the The Ship’s Company has 1 grown steadily and they are new Queen Elizabeth Class aircraft carriers. These carriers working closely with industry will be the biggest and most powerful surface warships to ensure the ships meet ever constructed for the Royal Navy and will represent a operational demands. step change in capability, enabling the delivery of increased Briefings were given in order strategic effect and influence around the world. to expand understanding about operational capacity and future events were They will be used by all three for operations ranging from discussed. Among these supporting war efforts to sectors of the Armed Forces are: the Field Gun Run in providing humanitarian aid and will provide eight acres June, naming ceremony 1. Commanding Officer 1st and disaster relief. of sovereign territory which in September, Trafalgar Battalion Welsh Guards (Lt can be deployed around Col Bevan MVO) and Senior 1st Battalion Welsh Guards Night in October and Naval Officer, HMS Prince the world. Both ships will be further developed links with sporting exchanges. Once of Wales (Capt Groom MBE) versatile enough to be used the Senior Service 28 February operational, the intent is to exchange crests.

150 Individual Articles WELSH GUARDS REGIMENTAL MAGAZINE Individual Articles

2

Royal Military Academy Sandhurst instructors and to assess Instructor Cadre 171 their suitability to inspire and train the next generation Colour Sergeant J J McEvoy British Army Officers. In just 1st Battalion Welsh Guards under four week, attendees complete all the main physical wo Senior Non-Commissioned Officers from the Battalion fitness and Combat Estimate Thave been selected to be Colour Sergeant Instructors at mile-stones, which the officer the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst (RMAS). To be chosen cadets complete during their for this privilege, CSgt McEvoy and Sgt Cunningham passed a commissioning courses. There are also multiple drill, skill at gruelling cadre with competition from across the Army. They arms, fieldcraft and battlefield will start their new jobs this summer and will be responsible casualty to prepare, deliver for training Officer Cadets attending the Commissioning and critique. Course. CSgt McEvoy and Sgt Cunningham will add to the The Pre-Cadre training started for 12 places. This was due ever-growing Welsh Guards early in 2016, both completing to an over-subscribed RMAS presence within the Academy. Cadre of 93 from across the the RMAS ’Look at Life’ and In 2017, WO2 Peters replaced Army. CSgt McEvoy and Sgt various prerequisite courses. WO2 Parry in Dettingen Cunningham finished in the The Pre-Cadre Selection Company; WO1 Ridgeway- top 2! Cadre was conducted in Jan Buckley replaced WO1 17 at Household Division 2. The Successful RMAS The RMAS Cadre itself formed Williams 205 as Regimental Instructors from course 171 and Parachute Regiment up with 63 hopeful candidates Sergeant Major, New College; outside Old College, RMAS. Centralised Courses (HDPRCC), 3 February in Dettingen and WO1 Taylor moved from CSgt McEvoy is furthest on the Pirbright. Initially there were Company, Victory College. Regimental Sergeant Major of right in the first standing row. Sgt Cunningham is sixth from 23 individuals from across the The Cadre is designed to test the 1st Battalion to take over the left in the second standing Household Division competing the mettle of all potential as Academy Sergeant Major. row.

Individual Articles 151 Individual Articles WELSH GUARDS REGIMENTAL MAGAZINE

1

The Unveiling of the Iraq Paul Day was asked to create and Afghanistan Memorial a fitting tribute. The unveiling was planned by the Ministry Major G C F Charles-Jones of Defence with support from Officer Commanding Number Two Company the Royal British Legion. n 9 March 2017 at 1100hrs Her Majesty The Queen and After the unveiling the Queen Othe Duke of Edinburgh unveiled a memorial to those met a number of servicemen people, both military and civilian, who served in Iraq and and women who served in Afghanistan between 1990 and 2015. Iraq and Afghanistan. After Her Majesty left, a reception The unveiling in Victoria Family including Princes was held on Horse Guards Embankment Gardens, William and Harry, the latter where representatives from Westminster, followed a short having served in Afghanistan. the Welsh Guards met His Drumhead service on Horse Royal Highness The Prince Guards Parade attended by Planning for the memorial of Wales (Colonel of the 1. The Colonel of the Regiment 2,000 guests among whom started in 2014 and was meets Guardsman Korosaya, where Prime Minister Theresa supported by the Government Regiment) and had a chance Staff Sergeant Rogers (Royal and run by former Chief of the to discuss the Battalion’s Army Physical Training Corps) May, the Defence Security Sir and Company Sergeant Major Michael Fallon and a number Defence Staff Lord Stirrup KG involvement in operations in Young at the reception. of members of the Royal GCB AFC, after which sculptor Iraq and Afghanistan.

152 Individual Articles WELSH GUARDS REGIMENTAL MAGAZINE Individual Articles

Welsh Guards Inaugral Regimental Council Meeting Clarence House 9 February 2017

From L to R: Major General Bathurst, General Sir Redmond Watt, Major General Talbot-Rice, His Royal Highness The Prince of Wales, Major General Stanford and Colonel Bonas.

Individual Articles 153 Individual Articles WELSH GUARDS REGIMENTAL MAGAZINE

1 The First World War Centenary Wood Captain J R Farmelo Intelligence Officer

here is a project Tunderway to serve as a constant living memorial to those who made the ultimate sacrifice during the First World War. The Woodland Trust is conducting a four-year planting project during which they will plant millions of trees to represent the millions of lives cut short.

One of the four new national woods is situated on 120 acres of land in Coed Ffos Las in the Gwendraeth Valley, just along the coast from Llanelli. This is land which has been identified by the as a priority for regeneration in order to improve health and wellbeing in deprived communities. The Woodland Trust was kind enough to extend an invitation to the Battalion for a guided tour of the commemorative wood (26 May 2017) exactly a year after Headquarter Company spent a day of serious tree planting activity during the early days 2 of the project.

154 Individual Articles WELSH GUARDS REGIMENTAL MAGAZINE Individual Articles

Upon arrival, I was met After this lecture, the group by a very prepared and was then ushered over to an enthusiastic group of people, undeveloped section of land themselves marshalled where, after a brief lesson by approachable and on the technicalities of the knowledgeable Woodland trade, we were all given the Trust staff. The tour lasted chance to plant our own a little over an hour and our trees; a fantastic opportunity guide stopped every couple which I was not expecting. of minutes to inform and It gave everyone a feeling educate the group on the that they had contributed, in different aspects of the wood. some small way, to the act of commemoration which the The tour concluded with a project represents. Welsh picnic which consisted of a range of sandwiches and The tree planting was an local meats and cheeses. After excellent way to finish the day and the group trooped eating we were given a brief back to our cars feeling lecture on the differences exhilarated, educated and and similarities of working with a greater understanding in the forestry industry of the good work that the between 1917 and 2017. As Woodland Trust conducts on it turns out, apart from the a day to day basis. The visit to equipment used, not a lot has the memorial wood at Coed changed. Our guide linked the Ffos was both humbling and objectives and wider nature uplifting. So many of our of the Woodland Trust with stone memorials fade into the the effect of the First World backdrop of everyday life. We War both on the human and see them so often that there the physical landscape of the is a danger that they lose their country. We were informed poignancy. The Centenary that although woodland Wood overcomes this by cover in the UK had been in providing an open space that decline for many years before one can visit and enjoy. By 1914, the war and the naval doing this it provides an ideal blockade which was imposed place for active remembrance on Britain led to a dramatic which will continue for drop in the amount of timber generations to come. which could be imported. This deficiency led to a significant increase in the number of broadleaved trees being felled and by the end of the war less than five per cent of Britain 1. The view of the young trees was left covered by natural and the Gwendraeth Valley woodland. Even today the UK beyond. still barely has a quarter of 2. The author doing his bit for the future of the the average woodland cover commemoration wood. enjoyed across mainland 3. Poppies growing in the Europe. disturbed earth of the wood. 3

Individual Articles 155 Individual Articles WELSH GUARDS REGIMENTAL MAGAZINE

4 Field Marshal The Lord Guthrie of Craigiebank GCB LVO OBE DL visit Major E S Mathieson Second in Command n 6 June 2017, the Battalion had the honour of hosting OField Marshal The Lord Guthrie of Craigiebank GCB LVO OBE DL in Elizabeth Barracks

On 6 June 2017, the Battalion Support Company, ate lunch 1 had the honour of hosting in the Officers’ Mess and Field Marshal The Lord Guthrie received a bottle of Sgt Bye of Craigiebank GCB LVO OBE VC wine while relaxing in DL in Elizabeth Barracks. the Warrant Officers’ and During his time in Pirbright the Sergeants’ Mess. He also Field Marshal enjoyed a unit presented Major Hughes with brief from the Commanding his Long Service and Good Officer, met soldiers from Conduct Medal with bar. 1. The Field Marshal is shown pictures in the Warrant Officers’ and Sergeants’ Mess. 2. The Regimental Sergeant Major shares a brew with the 4. Maj Hughes receives his Long Field Marshal. Service and Good Conduct 3. The Field Marshal speaks Medal with bar. to seniors from Headquarter 5. Capt Alsop lets his natural wit 2 Company. shine during lunch.

3 5

156 Individual Articles WELSH GUARDS REGIMENTAL MAGAZINE Individual Articles

Presentation of the Drapers’ Medal instructor at the Infantry Left to right: The Master (William Training Centre (Catterick) Charnley), LSgt Rutledge, Maj Major T C Spencer Smith he returned to Regimental Spencer Smith and Lt Col (Retd) Sir Officer Commanding The Prince of Wales’s Company Andrew Ford KCVO (who became Duty in 2016 and continued a Freeman of the Company at 1st Battalion Welsh Guards to shine. He led the Battalion this event and commanded 1st Battalion Welsh Guards 1999- n 1 June 2017 the Drapers’ Company welcomed a group team supporting the Regimental Walk on Wales, 2002). Ofrom 1st Battalion Welsh Guards to Drapers’ Hall to organised a boot trial as part present the annual Drapers’ Medal. This is presented to of the development of future recognise endeavor and overall achievement. equipment for the Army and cemented his position The nominations were Sgt of the inaugural Commanding as a highly capable platoon sergeant on Exercise WESSEX Small (Number Two Company) Officer’s Leadership Award in STORM 17/1. and LSgt Rutledge (The Prince January 2017. of Wales’s Company). Both Exercising in Belize precluded candidates have had very Sgt Small from attending. busy years and contributed However, he was the winner. enormously to Battalion life. After a successful posting LSgt Rutledge was the winner as top Guards Company

Individual Articles 157 Individual Articles WELSH GUARDS REGIMENTAL MAGAZINE

Falklands War 35th anniversary event LSgt Laing (the Major General’s Silver Bugler) takes centre stage at the Cardiff Senedd to play the Last Post. LCpls Smith 08, Jones 83, Lewis 39 and Gdsm WO2 M J Davies 96 Wannell are at the flank. Recruiting Warrant Officer n 14 June 2017 the Recruiting Teams supported a Oceremony at the Cardiff Senedd to mark the 35th anniversary of the Falklands Campaign.

It incorporated the Wreath of The event was organised by Respect and honoured the 255 the Welsh Assembly’s Armed British military personnel and Forces and Cadets Cross Party 3 Falkland Islanders who died Group and officers from 160 during the conflict. Brigade.

158 Individual Articles WELSH GUARDS REGIMENTAL MAGAZINE Individual Articles

1 2

The Drapers’ Company Service Second Lieutenant W D Clarke Officer Commanding Number Six Platoon, Number Two Company

n 5 July 2017, 3 members of 1st Battalion Welsh Guards Owere invited to the annual Drapers’ Company Service at St. Michael’s Cornhill. The Regiment enjoys a close affiliation with the Drapers’ and has hosted them across the world in the past, most notably on exercise in Kenya, a battlefield tour in Italy and St David’s Day in Pirbright.

Following a rousing and collection of royal portraits atmospheric church service, that dominate the room. The the team of 2Lt Clarke, Sgt service of food created an Evans 588 and LCpl Mottram excellent environment for us followed the congregation to Drapers’ Hall, a convenient 1. 2Lt Clarke, the Master Draper 5 minute walk away. Upon (William Charnley Esq.), entering the hall, we were Sgt Evans 588 and LCpl quite overwhelmed by the Mottram. historical architecture and art, 2. Sgt Evans 588 in the Livery which makes the building so Hall. The royal portraits can be seen on the walls in the unique. background. A magnificent buffet lunch 3. Sgt Evans 588 admires some of the ornate silverware was served in the Livery Hall, displayed in the Drapers’ silver distinguishable by the rare vault. 3

Individual Articles 159 Individual Articles WELSH GUARDS REGIMENTAL MAGAZINE

1

to engage with the Drapers and courtyard concluded our and affiliated representatives visit. of various organisations. The Welsh Guards would like We learned much about to thank the Drapers Company the historical link between for their continued support the Welsh Guards and the and interest in our work. We Drapers’ Company and it was are exceptionally fortunate to clear that the organisation maintain such a close link with is very keen to remain as this wonderful organisation involved with the Battalion as and we look forward to future possible. engagements. As the majority of guests began to leave, the Welsh Guards delegation was fortunate enough to be invited to the Drapers’ silver vault. Inside was a magnificent collection, ranging from medieval pewter plates to ornate candelabras. Perhaps most notable was a silver dragon that had been donated 1. The Welsh Guards dragon is by the Welsh Guards in 2007 proudly displayed in the silver vault. to mark our affiliation. A quick 2. The beautiful garden, rare in 2 tour around the quaint garden the City of London.

160 Individual Articles WELSH GUARDS REGIMENTAL MAGAZINE Individual Articles

3

Exercise TURNING WHEEL to get to the Black Sea, and a cost of 2 days riding the price slower route back to let us ride was well worth it. Major G C F Charles-Jones the more remote roads and Boarding the train with a bike Officer Commanding NumberTwo Company trails. Packing was down to isn’t simple. Each rider has to and the individual with only a few take their own bike on and the Major J M Young items shared such as a cooker, clearance means that one’s laptop, GPS tracker and maps. Student, Intermediate Command and Staff College (Land) head has to be flat on the Even so the bikes had plenty tank while riding down the on board. t all started as an unlikely suggestion; the best plans often train, some 200m. One wrong Ido. In this case Maj Young and I thought we should ride our Finally the day of the races move and the bike would be motorbikes to Romania to visit The Prince of Wales’s Company came and we set off from over the side on the tracks Pirbright at first light on 3 July. and the rider scalped by the on Ex SARMIS there. Our first day’s riding put us in floor above. Fortunately, we Düsseldorf where we boarded managed this at both ends Before we knew it the Planning for the ride was the overnight train to Vienna. without incident and were straightforward: it was just a Commanding Officer had This little trick cut off 2 days on the road in Austria on vehicle move across Europe. not only approved the idea of road riding and made the We planned a rapid route but sent it to the Trustees Black Sea a realistic target. out, in order to give us time 3. 3,702 miles, 10 countries. for funding approval. The When worked out against the 4. Back in camp 3,702 miles later. result was that we got the authorisation and funds to help cover the costs. Before we started planning in detail we finalised the aim which was simple: “Ride motorbikes across continental Europe to the edge of Asia and visit Welsh Guardsmen in Brasov, Romania. In order to: promote recruiting and retention for the Welsh Guards.” Then we added two restrictions to make it more demanding: - Only use motorways when no other option is workable. - Complete the ride in 12 days. 4

Individual Articles 161 Individual Articles WELSH GUARDS REGIMENTAL MAGAZINE

1

the morning of day 2 having We had made up a bit of time covered just under 1,000 miles but still had some way to go while still feeling fresh and when we pulled over in the ready to ride. The next couple late afternoon to fill up for of days proved interesting. We the second time that day. were making good progress Hoping that Maj Young’s bike and soon left Austria behind had got over its little fit earlier us and were ploughing he turned it off. Somewhat through Hungary when the predictably the bike wouldn’t problems started. restart and Maj Young had to I suspected something was be recovered to Budapest for wrong while I watched repairs. Maj Young push his bike to With a focus on the mission the side of a petrol station and Top Gear’s influence in forecourt. I finished filling my mind I left Maj Young to his bike and joined him to find his fate and carried on. By the 2 bike wouldn’t start. We played time I had arrived in the area around for a while trying to we wanted to end the day work out what was wrong in I was tired and ready for and how to fix it. Eventually, something to eat. The first we left it to get some lunch campsite I tried looked like in a nearby restaurant. After it had been relocated from lunch we tried the bike again the Chernobyl exclusion and it started. Maybe it was zone. Turning my nose up the heat? Who knows? We had at it I headed for the next lost time and needed to get a option to find it didn’t exist. move on. It was getting dark by now With full tanks and stomachs, and wild camping wasn’t an we didn’t need to stop for option here so I continued close to 190 miles. We passed and eventually found a sign through villages, towns and directing me to a camp site countryside that were familiar 10km away. Perfect. but, at the same time, alien As I arrived a naked old to home. One of the most man climbed from the striking differences was the communal lake that the tents weather. For most of the ride surrounded. I thought this a the temperature remained bit strange but no one else in the 30s which brought its seemed to mind. So I assumed own challenges; mostly that he was a local odd-ball and I of fatigue and dehydration booked in and was led to my which can lead to a loss of pitch. Just before the guide left concentration. This was not he said: good as road surfaces had started to become challenging “You know this is a nudist and the drivers around us camp. You are okay with that, 3 more dangerous. yes.”

162 Individual Articles WELSH GUARDS REGIMENTAL MAGAZINE Individual Articles

It was a statement not a is only one way to the Black question. I looked around and Sea from Brasov and it’s noticed that, although he was motorway so we hit it, got fully clothed, there were other our heads down and throttles people walking around with open. By the afternoon we just a top on or totally naked. had done it, Pirbright to the It was too late to find another Black Sea in just 4 days. campsite so I said that I knew We found a suitable spot to full well and would get out spend the night and headed of my bike kit urgently. I was back to Brasov the next willing to get naked in front of morning following a slightly strangers for a good night’s different motorway route. sleep after a long hot day on There we met up with the the bike. Welsh Guards Ex SARMIS 4 Now naked, bar my flip flops, advance party and spent the I set up camp, went for a night with them in a Romanian shower, had something to Air Defence barracks. With eat and went to sleep. Having the advance party out the had to share the shower with following day on recces we a very old, very naked, very decided that we would leave tanned (all over) couple I spent early the next morning and the night imagining myself start the longer route home. elsewhere! Over the following few days Meanwhile Maj Young was in we rode some of the most a world of hurt. His recovery incredible roads that Europe man had arrived and when he has to offer. We experienced views that are normally the walked over to greet him the preserve of the National trolley he had been sitting on Geographic and met people rolled across the forecourt and 5 who showed us such kindness hit a police car. After dealing that it could restore even the with that and loading the bike most cynical person’s faith he suffered hours in the cab in humanity. The camping with a recovery man and his got wild and the riding more wife who chain smoked all demanding but the route the way to Budapest. Not to meant we were never without worry, he’d been booked into something new to see and a hotel by BMW. It turned out experience. to be a Chinese medical hotel. The “tea” on offer was a blood One of our campsites required and liver cleansing mushroom us to take both bikes off- tea and the next morning road to hide them before breakfast consisted of egg tea, establishing our camp in the mushrooms and fungi salad. cover of some trees near an abandoned hut. Due to 6 While I quickly packed up the altitude there were no camp and left the nudists to biting insects and it was our their morning stretches Maj favourite spot of the ride. Young set about BMW. By The next day we rode the 1600 his bike was ready to go Transalpine Pass and were and he spent the next 9 hours amazed by the views and riding towards Brasov to catch beauty that was so different me up. 1. Early morning on top of the The next day we had a late Transalpine Pass. start to allow Maj Young the 2. Kit checks prior to leaving. chance of some decent sleep 3. Paying our respects in France. before heading to the Black 4. A typical Slovakian road. 5. James writing the blog in Sea. It was day 4 and it was Brasov. time to achieve one of the 6. Maj Young making progress. exercise objectives. There 7. Wild camping in Romania. 7

Individual Articles 163 Individual Articles WELSH GUARDS REGIMENTAL MAGAZINE

from the Transfagaras an Pass 1. Maj Young wishing his bike of the day before. was more off-road focused. 2. On the shore of the Black Sea. Eventually, via the B500 3. Our wet weather set up. (Schwarzwaldhochstraße) 4. Some days this was the best through the Black Forest in type of road we could hope for. Germany, we found ourselves 5. When going around or over in northern France passing isn’t an option. through the battlefields of 6. Talking with a farmer during a the First and Second World coffee stop in Romania. Wars. We stopped just outside 7. Petrol and navigation stop. 8. Typical supper on the road. a Loos, a Welsh Guards battle honour, and paid our respects at one of the many war 1 cemeteries in the area before finding our final campsite of the ride. The next day was short and sharp and we found ourselves standing by the Battalion sign in Pirbright with 3,702 miles on the clocks and a slight sense of disbelief at what we had just achieved.

2

3

4 5

164 Individual Articles WELSH GUARDS REGIMENTAL MAGAZINE Individual Articles

6

7 8

Individual Articles 165 Individual Articles WELSH GUARDS REGIMENTAL MAGAZINE

1

The Welsh Regiments Annual Parliamentary Reception Lieutenant J J C Lewis Officer Commanding Machine Gun Platoon, Support Company 1st Battalion Welsh Guards

uilding on the Welsh Combat initiative, on Wednesday 23 BNovember 2016 the Battalion sent a mixed rank group to an evening event at the Houses of Parliament. The intent was to inform our representatives in both London and Cardiff about the work done by the Welsh regiments. 2 We arrived at the reception where there were a number of presentations followed by coffee and cake. Once we had met soldiers from other battalions we managed to secure a tour of the House of 1. The Regimental Lieutenant Lords. During this we listened Colonel, Major General to a fascinating debate on Stanford MBE briefs the transport in London. It was audience of politicians and a wonderful insight into service personnel. governance and strategic 2. The Regimental Sergeant Major and Company Sergeant decision making. Major Geen listen to an Overall the trip was a good external briefer. 3. The author, Regimental opportunity to develop Welsh Adjutant, Captain Evans and relationships, both within the Lieutenant Elletson enjoy the 3 Army and with our politicians. hospitality.

166 Individual Articles WELSH GUARDS REGIMENTAL MAGAZINE

Regimental Charity Fundraising, Welfare and Regimental Veterans

4 5

The Welsh Guards Charity • A grant to pay for some September 2017 the Welsh garden alterations for Guards Charity website and Regimental Veterans Officer an elderly disabled Welsh was created. The aim of the Jiffy Myers MBE Guardsman. website is to provide up to date information, aims and • Purchase furniture for ince the publication of last year’s Regimental Magazine, objectives of the Charity. News Welsh Guardsmen in receipt the Welsh Guards Charity has received 77 requests for and events will be updated S of State benefits where no financial assistance. A total of £27,856 has been paid out in regularly and case studies, alternative is available. which demonstrate and individual grants to directly support our serving Soldiers, The above examples are just highlight how support has Veterans and their families. a few of the cases that are been provided using real time dealt with “behind the scenes”. actual events, will (with the The Welsh Guards Charity • Purchase some tools for a They are all treated with consent of the individual) also Veteran to re-train after be published. Some examples of how the the strictest of confidence. losing his job. Welsh Guards Charity has Independent assessments www.welshguardscharity.co.uk provided support are as • Grants to purchase are carried out, in most cases, will give you all you need follows: furniture and essential by SSAFA Caseworkers. The to know about the Welsh Welsh Guards Charity provides Guards charity. News, • Pay for essential repairs to household items for Welsh Guardsmen moving into support alongside other events, fundraising ideas the property of the elderly service charities including the (how to obtain a WG Charity Widow of a Welsh new homes after being homeless. Army Benevolent Fund (ABF), Fundraiser T Shirt), PRI shop, Guardsman. The Royal British Legion (RBL) Association contact details • Pay for the childcare • A grant to buy food, and Help for Heroes (H4H). and much more besides. clothing and essential Please visit, keep in touch and costs for a serving Welsh Guardsmen attending items for a Welsh support the Welsh Guards Welsh Guardsman during the Annual Falklands Memorial Guardsmen receiving Charity when you can. exceptional hardship. Service in Wrexham funded by treatment for substance the WG Charity • Provide a grant to clear an addiction. elderly Veteran’s rent With a desire to be totally • A grant to purchase arrears. transparent as a charity and specialist software to assist • Fund several training to publicize more widely all a serving Soldier’s disabled courses for Welsh the good we can do for both child. 4. The RVO bumping into his old Guardsmen injured on serving and veteran Welsh orderly, Mr Byron Clark, during Operational Service in • Emergency grants to Guardsmen (we are after all a welfare visit. purchase clothing for Welsh 5. Welsh Guardsmen attending Afghanistan and the only charity that solely the Annual Falklands Memorial subsequently medically Guardsmen released from looks after Welsh Guardsmen Service in Wrexham funded by discharged. prison. past, present and future), in the WG Charity.

RCF, W & RV 167 RCF, W & RV WELSH GUARDS REGIMENTAL MAGAZINE

1

Also new this year is a Guardsmen, past and present The Regimental Veterans who I visit have PTSD. Most are Charity Impact Report. This and their families. The WG Officer suffering with other mental publication is available for all Charity audited accounts illnesses such as depression, Over the past 12 months, I to see with a link provided on are published annually on anxiety or stress. have conducted over 100 the WG Charity website and the Charity Commission home or hospital visits and The most important thing it highlights how support has website which is accessible for meetings in support of Welsh to do is to talk to someone been provided to all Welsh everyone to read. Guardsmen and our bereaved I am here at the end of a families. The age range is from phone, Facebook or WhatsApp early twenties to late nineties!l message even Twitter if you Most of the referrals that I need to speak to a fellow receive come from fellow Welsh Guardsmen. I won’t Welsh Guardsmen, both discuss your problems with serving and Veterans, and anyone unless you want me family members who are to. concerned. All visits are If you know of someone arranged at the convenience who may be in need of of the individual. Some visits some support, please let are just a friendly chat and me know. There are fellow update on events etc. Others 2 Welsh Guardsmen alive today require me to refer individuals because someone spoke up for special medical treatment/ for them. counselling. I will only refer if the individual wants me You can contact me on too. The service I provide mobile: 07456 985729 is confidential. I am not a Facebook: Welsh Guards serving soldier but a Veteran, Regimental Veterans so work outside of the Chain Officer or Jiffy Myers of Command. Twitter: @jiffymyers90 Most of the Welsh Guardsmen that I visit do not have any WhatsApp: 07456 985729 physical injury. They suffer with mental health problems that can be addressed in a number of ways, depending 1. WG Charity website front page. on the situation. An important 2. WG Charity Fundraiser T Shirt. 3. The RVO visiting Adam Hobbs 3 point to note is that very few in hospital.

168 RCF, W & RV WELSH GUARDS REGIMENTAL MAGAZINE RCF, W & RV

Windsor Colour Obstacle Rush people doing what can only I am glad to say that we all be described as dad dancing. made it and we finished the Captain J J Jones The start was soon upon us day off with a BBQ at Pirbright Unit Welfare Officer and we were straight into the Community Centre, some even 1st Battalion Welsh Guards first obstacle. Once through retaining their paint splashes that we were awash with as a sign of achievement! n 20 May 2017, 5 wives and 5 teenagers (Charlotte colour and this did not stop. The BBQ was attended by all Obstacles included inflatables Brown, Kelly Wilks, Lucy Bennett, Kirsty Howells, of the team and quite a few O of all shapes and sizes, wall Welsh Guards families on the Therese Lewis, Wesley Wilks, Megan Bennett, James Calard, and cargo nets (not too high patch. Our thanks go to LSgt Dylan Lewis and Lucy Jones) completed the Windsor Colour thankfully!), water balloons, Morgan and his wife, Kelly, Obstacle Rush. They were joined by the Unit Welfare Officer. bouncy hoppers and low for setting up the Community cargo net entanglements. Centre, organising the bouncy The youth amongst us The aim was to have fun, raise the fun of colour powdered castle to keep the little ones charged away. However, the money for the Welsh Guards runs, the thrill of an obstacle occupied and for cooking the more sensible ones employed Charity and, with the added course and the atmosphere of food. the tortoise and the hare bonus of a low age threshold a music festival. 20 obstacles, approach and took it easy. We raised close to £700 for the (12 and over), it was the colour stations and music We didn’t relax too much Regimental Charity and hope perfect opportunity to get the zones dotted the 5km route. though and still completed the to return next year. We may kids involved. 1330 was our group start course in around 50 minutes, even attempt something a bit The Colour Obstacle Rush is time so before that we had a passing a number of other less pleasant, such as Tough a unique event combining collective warm up, with 250+ competitors along the way. Guy or a Tough Mudder!

RCF, W & RV 169 RCF, W & RV WELSH GUARDS REGIMENTAL MAGAZINE

Guardsmen to Lance always over the years looked Sergeant -118 % after Welsh Guardsmen and it is very much hoped this Sergeants to Warrant will continue with today’s Officer -119% generation signing up to the Officers - 238% (keeping scheme like those before with the traditional 2 day’s them – with 91% of Welsh pay scheme amount)1 Guardsmen generously giving in this way, it is very much These percentages enable the hoped that the remainder individual to pay slightly less will come on board also. The than under the old scheme scheme ceases automatically whilst enabling Regimental on discharge. benevolent funds to maintain roughly the same level of The recently published income as previously. For Welsh Guards Charity Impact example; Report contains full details of expenditure and income and Old (1964) Scheme - is freely available to be read LCpl Bloggs paid 100% of a by anyone wishing to gain day’s “net” pay (for example further information about £75 net) into the scheme, the good work done by the so £75 taxable at 20% WG Charity with the help of = £90 paid each year by all serving Welsh Guardsmen LCpl Bloggs (with the £15 contributing through the tax claimed back by the Service Days Pay Giving (aka Regiment). Days Pay Scheme. Cost to LCpl Bloggs = £90. 1Plus 40% annual contribution New (2006) Scheme to the Household Division Under the new scheme, Consolidated Subscription LCpl Bloggs would pay Fund which is collected by WG a day’s “Gross” pay (so not and paid monthly on behalf The Service Days Pay Giving explained taxable) of £75, a loss to the of all officers to Headquarters Regiment of £15 (as there (aka Days Pay Scheme) Household Division. Total is no longer any tax to claim annual amount for officers ntroduced in 1964, the Forces wide “Day’s Pay Scheme back). To make up for the therefore 278%. (DPS)” allowed personnel to make a contribution into tax which could previously I be claimed back, it was their Regimental or Corps benevolent funds amounting decided in 2006 that LCpl to a taxable day’s pay (with the tax claimed back by their Bloggs would pay 118% of Regiment or Corps using a Deed of Covenant). a day’s “Gross” pay = £88.50. Cost to LCpl Bloggs = This day’s pay would be a day’s pay was no longer £88.50. deducted 4 times a year deducted “Net” (so including Deductions from pay are no directly from your pay at a tax which could be claimed longer quarterly, they are rate of 25% each time. At back) but was to be deducted now monthly with 1⁄12 of [in the outset, the Welsh Guards “Gross” which resulted in this example] 118% of day’s decided that all officers would Regimental Benevolent Funds pay being deducted each pay two days’ pay a year receiving less income. To month (which is what serving (200%) and the remainder counteract this loss Regiments personnel will see on their 100%. and Corps were permitted monthly pay-slip as Service to set their own rate and the Day’s Pay Giving). It cannot In 2006 on the roll-out of JPA likes of the RLC [for instance] be emphasised enough just (Joint Personal Administration) set their rate at 120% of a how critical this money is to this scheme changed to day’s pay for OR’s and 170% the running of the Regimental become the Service Day’s Pay for Officers, whilst the Welsh Welfare and Benevolent Giving. Under the new scheme Guards set the amount to: Funds. Welsh Guardsmen have

170 RCF, W & RV WELSH GUARDS REGIMENTAL MAGAZINE RCF, W & RV

Considering leaving a legacy to the Regiment?

It’s as straightforward as including a simple sentence in your will or adding a codicil.

In most cases, the first priority of members of If you have already made a will but now want the Regimental family will be close relatives to leave a legacy to the Regiment, you can make and friends. However, many people also leave an addition or change it without rewriting your gifts to charities, known as legacies, in their current will. This addition is called a codicil and wills. either we or your solicitor can provide you with Having recently been recognised and registered a form of words. as a Charity (The Welsh Guards Charity, Reg Tax Benefits No: 1152766), the Regiment can now accept If you leave a legacy to the Regiment, its legacies into the Welsh Guards Charity. value will be deducted from your estate before There are three types of legacy you can leave. inheritance tax (IHT) is worked out. In some • A fixed sum of Money [Pecuniary] - case’s leaving a legacy may help bring the total This is the simplest option. value of your estate below the taxable threshold (£325,000 for 2016/17). Gifts to the Regiment • A percentage of the net value of your estate made up to seven years before your death may [Residuary] – A residuary legacy means you also qualify for exemption. can leave a set proportion of your estate to the Regiment after all the other beneficiaries The Regiment is very proud of its tradition are taken care of. of taking care of the extended Regimental family. The two world wars of the last • Individual Possessions [Specific] – century made great demands on Regimental This could be typically land, property or charitable funds and the operational shares. deployments since, most recently in If you’re not sure about what kind of legacy Afghanistan, has exacerbated the situation. you might like to leave to the Regiment, please The future, as always, is uncertain and the talk to your solicitor who will be able to advise need to care for the welfare of members of you further, or alternatively contact Regimental the Regiment and their families will remain Headquarters. as important as ever.

Beneficiary details Welsh Guards Charity – Registered Charity Number 1152766

Regimental Headquarters Welsh Guards, Wellington Barracks, Birdcage Walk, London SW1E 6HQ Tel: 020 7414 3291 · e-mail: [email protected]

RCF, W & RV 171 WELSH GUARDS REGIMENTAL MAGAZINE Branch Reports whilst the traditional structure Hechtel to take part in their Welsh Guards Association of the Association should annual commemoration of the President: Colonel T C C Bonas remain i.e. our branches, more battle of Hechtel in September and more communication 1944. We are always warmly Vice President: Brigadier JFC Rickett CBE would be done through social welcomed and generously Treasurer: Major (Retired) M E Browne BEM media. This, with Welsh Guards hosted. The day now follows Secretary General: Maldwyn Jones Re-United both through the the traditional components, Maindy Barracks, Whitchurch Road internet and Facebook, is a service in the church in already very strong and I am Hechtel, wreath laying at the Cardiff CF14 3YE sure will continue to grow. We cemetary and then speeches Telephone: 029 2072 6196 also agreed to amalgamate and additional flower and E Mail: [email protected] some branches who no longer wreath laying at the Sherman could function as they did. tank located in the centre of Thus the Midlands Branch the town. Lunch then follows President’s Foreword to join with Montgomery & in the Community Hall with Shropshire, Aberdare with about 200 attending. The start with a statement I made at the Association AGM in Merthyr Tydfil, Pembrokeshire Council go to enormous Cardiff in June, that aside from the many who support the with Llanelli. We also wanted lengths to ensure the day is I to establish closer links with Association, our heart beat very much rests with the Branch appropriately constituted and the Battalion who are also very it involves a very good Band, Committee’s and thus my continued thanks to them for their keen on this, we are looking at a contingent of soldiers from tireless and dedicated service and this particularly applies to an open door here. This means the local Logistics Company, the Secretaries. more attendance by officers a considerable number of and members of the Sergeants standard bearers from local This has been another Saint Elli Church in Llanelli on Mess at Association / Branch Veterans Associations, the varied but successful year Sunday 8 October. It was an events in the future and I Council members and a large for the Association. The excellent service attended by am delighted the Battalion number of locals. It is always annual Secretaries meeting the Lord Lieutenant, the Town’s entered a team into our Darts a good day and we plan to in February again proved Mayor as well as Nia Griffith, and Shoots competition held return next year. My thanks worthwhile and valuable MP for Llanelli. The laying up of in September. Our meeting to Captain Lyndon Davies for and we had a good turnout the old standard was very well also agreed that we would all putting the trip together and for St David’s Day joining the attended by Branch members do our very best to hold an which also included a visit to Battalion in Pirbright. We were and veterans in the area. The Association lunch with wives Ypres. very well hosted by them and Branch Secretary should be in 2018. This has not happened a good day had by all. congratulated on organising for years and it used to happen I was saddened about the such a successful day. every other year. We also abrupt resignation of the June saw a flurry of agreed that we would hold St Secretary General, Brian We also held our AGM in Cardiff Association activities not David’s Day in Wales and this Keane, in June. He and in June, always a productive least commemorating the will happen in Brecon in 2018. Sandra have done so much 35th Anniversary of the meeting and well attended for the Association, whether Falklands War in Wrexham. by Branch Presidents and The Darts and Shoot annual as Secretary of the Merthyr This was very well attended Secretaries. A number of key competition held in Maindy Branch for 18 years or as and again thanks to Captain decisions were made, not least Barracks in September was the Secretary General for 15 Chris Hopkins who each year that the Association annual another resounding success. years. They have given up I am very grateful to Major masterminds the Service, the newsletter should no longer chunks of their life to organise Martin Browne for picking this parade and much afterwards. go hard copy through the post, events, plan meetings, attend but instead through e-mail up and for all the branches The North Wales Branch Association and Branch to Branch Secretaries. This who took part. My thanks also used the occasion to functions, run the annual would see a substantial saving also to Lieutenant Colonel lay up their Branch Standard battlefield tour for so many and would still meet our Tony Davies, President of during the Service. It was also years and much else. I am requirements. Welsh Guards Re-United, for good to see in attendance sure that all of us would like to presenting the prizes and the Regimental Band and a I also called for a separate record our warmest thanks for being part of the day. contingent in uniform from meeting with Branch all that they have done and we the Battalion. The Llanelli and Presidents the same month to Also in early September look forward to seeing them at Carmarthenshire Branch also discuss the Association moving myself, my wife and a group of various Association events in laid up their old Standard in forward. We all agreed that Association members visited the future.

172 Branch Reports WELSH GUARDS REGIMENTAL MAGAZINE Branch Reports

Moving forward your future, I remain optimistic. General - thank you Brian. Guards Association, with the Trustees meet twice a year to The Association will continue We wish also to thank our joint forming of Cardiff and discuss the Association. I am to evolve but we are in a Assistant Regimental Adjutant, Monmouth branches will be delighted that Maldwyn Jones good place. I think the Branch Major Martin Browne who ran reached on 29th November has agreed to be the new articles bear testimony to that. the whole show on the day 2019 and we hope that as an Secretary General and Neil May I wish you all a Happy which was appreciated by all. organisation we can celebrate Rice his Assistant. I feel sure this in a meaningful way. Christmas and a safe and An important part of all they will move the Association prosperous New Year. branches is our contact with To Welsh Guards everywhere forward and we will be very families of former members of Cardiff Branch wish you all a well served by them. On the Colonel T C C Bonas the Welsh Guards at the time Merry Christmas and a safe of their passing and trying and happy new year. Cardiff to provide a WG presence at Branch meetings are held on Cardiff Branch funerals if requested, which the 1st Monday of the Month (Formed 1919) we do to the best of our ability except Bank Holiday (2nd (even when the deceased is Monday) at the United Services President: Colonel CJ Dawnay not known to the branch). Mess, Wharton St, Cardiff and Chairman: David W Parry (22831847) all are welcome. Sadly, this year Cardiff Branch Treasurer: Bill Morris (22217619) has lost two of its senior Secretary: Terry O’Shea (24047142) members. I would like to Telephone: 01656 655889 or 07973 255527 mention; Gdsm Roy Tucker, E Mail: [email protected] aged 91 years who served as a National Serviceman from efore outlining our 2017 year I would like to mention the 1946 to 1948. After returning to Wales and his work in the United Services Mess, AGM Dinner at the Angel Hotel, B steel industry, he moved his Cardiff at the tail end of last year. Branch members and family to South Africa to assist serving members of the Regiment by the kind invitation of in the setting up of a rolling the Mess attended the dinner in honour of the guest speaker mill at a steel works there. When his new country became Field Marshal The Lord Guthrie of Craigiebank GCB LVO OBE Zimbabwe, he returned with DL. The branch send their thanks to the United Services Mess his family to Cardiff and was an for an excellent evening and for their support throughout the active member of the branch and a committee member. entire year. The second member, WO1 Once again, Mr Terry Evans Welsh Guards for a really most Alan Thomas William MORRIS (24040637) has represented enjoyable day. (22741792) served for 26 Years the branch as Standard Bearer This year’s Darts and Shooting in the Welsh Guards, both throughout the year including day at Maindy Barracks was a in the Battalion, RHQ and at numerous events outside great success socially, even if Maindy Barracks. from 1953 of Cardiff and has been ably we failed to win a trophy – it to 1979 and was an active assisted by Mr Philip Edwards didn’t matter! Our thanks to member of the branch until who has volunteered to help Dapper, Ortis, Ken and Shady, recently when his general in the role when Terry is all members of the Household health, mobility and eyesight unavailable. Thank you both. Division Motorcycle Club began to fail. We send our condolences to their families, Our first event of 2017 was (HDMCC) who kindly made up the numbers for our darts they will be sadly missed by the St David’s Day Parade at Cardiff Branch. Pirbright as guests of the team. We owe so much to the Battalion where we spent day’s organisation, Sgt Kev Jury At the time of writing this we the day taking part in the and the Recruiting Support will be preparing to remember church service, followed by Teams, the Mess staff who ran our fallen comrades in the traditional parade and the bar and catering team also. November at the Falklands presentation of the Leeks on Their hard work made the day. Memorial and the National Memorial of Wales at the the square. Then to lunch and a It was good to see Lieutenant Remembrance Ceremony in convivial few hours socialising Colonel Tony Davies (22) there Cardiff. with our hosts and association to present the trophies and members from far and near. I know that Mr Brian Keane With regards to future Events We extend grateful thanks worked on planning the event the 100th. anniversary of to our hosts the 1st Battalion before he resigned as Secretary the formation of the Welsh

Branch Reports 173 Branch Reports WELSH GUARDS REGIMENTAL MAGAZINE

by our two serving Welsh Guardsmen Lance corporal Kristian Smith and Guardsman Gavin Bitton, both resplendent in their bearskins and tunics. Bob Kennelly managed to have a photograph of the two taken with the manageress Victoria Walker to juxtapose the height difference between our two splendid soldiers and the petite Victoria and this photograph was published in the Wetherspoon’s summer magazine. Commemoration of Sgt Robert Bye’s one hundred year anniversary of winning his VC in Belgium, it was excellent to see members of the battalion turned out in their finery. In September the Freedom March 1 through the town was greatly supported by the townspeople Our thanks to Terry Thomas, who cheered and applauded East Glamorgan Branch Steve Perry and Bob Kennelly. all through the length of Taff (Formed 1920) Street. Our thanks to Colonel During May a pig roast was President: Captain TC Macdonald-Milner Bonas and the members of held in the Club, another the Battalion for the pride they Chairman: D Gaule (24141887)/T Morgan successful day, thanks to gave the town. Treasurer: W John Hooper (24364279) Howard Main and helpers. We also had a good attendance Lastly, I would like to thank Secretary Ken Haines (23523287) Brian Keane who has stepped for the Saint David’s Day visit Trevone, Duffryn Road down from his post in the to Pirbright, a brilliant day all association after many years Rhydfelin round. A lot of old faces were of diligent work and for his spotted, in particular, Cas Pontypridd CF39 5RU kindness towards the East Butler who looked better now Telephone: 01443 492316 Glamorgan Branch. Good luck, than he did all those years ago to whomever, takes over the he branch ended the year on a high with a four-day in the sixties. Next was our job, Brian will be a very hard Tthree-night tour to the National Arboretum. Funds were visit to Imber Court in June, act to follow. obtained from the Lottery Fund Awards For All Wales with followed by the Darts and Shoot in Cardiff which twelve Sadly, I must report the loss a grant of £5000. A visit was also made to the excellent RAF members attended. Brian of Major Tim Wakefield who museum at Cosford, even our ladies found this visit most Owen winning the top shot in was a stalwart of the branch; enjoyable, members who might be considering a visit here the electronic shoot (he was his funeral was very well defending his title from 2016) attended by East Glamorgan will be pleased to note entry is free. - well done Brian. We also and Ogmore Branches - a true gentleman, he will be sadly Approach to the Lottery was Sgt Kevin Jury plus two had the highest score in the darts achieved by Peter Mann missed. made once again by Robert Guardsmen attended Remembrance Sunday which keeping it in the family from Kennelly who just returned 2016 when his brother in law was once again well supported from his summer holiday, ‘big AL’ Thomas won. but being Bob did his usual by the Branch. Sgt Kevin never fails to assist and facilitate The Falklands parade in the 1. LCpl Kristian Smith and Gdsm professional job and in all a military presence when War Memorial park was the Gavin Bitton with Victoria fifty members and spouses requested. Next on the agenda best attended for years, thanks Walker, the Assistant Manageress of The Tumble Inn, attended. This was the fourth was our annual Christmas to everyone concerned. This trip that Bob organised with Pontypridd, a photograph Dinner held at the Gelliwastad was followed by lunch at our which appeared in the Summer money he obtained from the Club, this again was a full local Wetherspoons where the edition of the Wetherspoons National Lottery. house enjoyed by all present. clientele was held spellbound Magazine.

174 Branch Reports WELSH GUARDS REGIMENTAL MAGAZINE Branch Reports

Llanelli Branch (formed 1974) President: Mr John Harding Chairman: Mr Keith Horrell (24838137) Treasurer: Mr Vernon Jones (22217890) Secretary: Mr Alan Cunningham (24125105) 19 Alden Drive Cockett Swansea SA2 0FH Telephone: 01792 554151 Email: [email protected]

nother year has flown by, with the branch being Areasonably busy with our Annual BBQ and then our trip to Oswestry to view the Welsh Guards Collection. A must for any Branch if you have not yet visited, Stan and his team are very informative and gave us a first-class welcome. We then travelled on to Wrexham to stop the night, and be met by a few Guardsmen from the area.

The followed the KAPE tour help sustain the Branch, not just and march through Swansea financially but socially as well. attended by a few from the We as a Branch send our Branch. warmest wishes to those on This was followed by the trip to long term sick and wish them a Cardiff for the darts and Shoot, speedy recovery. alas this wasn’t to be our day, Also, we would like to record no trophies this time, but a our thanks to the Management good day was had by all who Committee of the Royal Naval attended. Club and its members for No report these days goes allowing us to use the premises, without funerals, not just also the Gurkha Regiment for branch members, but mates their invaluable assistance at our and stalwarts like Dai Rice Annual BBQ. and Kevin Hughes (Dobbin). Just in case you want to join us Locally Bernard DO Edwards in the New Year for one of our (2741188) and Graham Thomas Branch meetings, the details are (22066873). as follows: Next up is the Laying Up of the Branch meetings for 2018: old Llanelli and Carmarthenshire Wednesday 14th February – Branch Standard. AGM We have recently welcomed a Wednesday 11th April few new members and hope Wednesday 13th June this will continue Wednesday 8th August Wednesday 10th October I would like also to place on Wednesday 12th December record my thanks to all the widows who continue to pay At the time of going to press our subs for spouses, also those social events/trips calendar has that have donated to the Branch not been finalized other than for various events; BBQ and we will run a coach for St David’s New Standard to mention just Day on Thursday 1st March to two. These kind donations Brecon Cathedral and Theatre.

Branch Reports 175 Branch Reports WELSH GUARDS REGIMENTAL MAGAZINE

1 2

Dinners for many years and are against London traitors while London Branch always enthusiastically received also protecting British forces (Formed 1926) by those members attending. in North Africa. A large slice of ‘Q’ in his DNA, Jock’s prize for President: Lieutenant Colonel C F B Stephens We follow on with last year’s serving spymaster is leading his Chairman: Richard Doughty BEM (2741552) success with “Elvis Presley” embryonic SAS, an adventure entertainment, after many Treasurer: Douglas Wilcox (2739697) that comes to a charged climax requests from our Members and Secretary: Jeff Heenan (23523251) in the desert that threatens his Many Female Guests!!! 27 Mount Gardens, Harrogate two loves: Madeleine and the Our Annual General Meeting military. North Yorkshire HG2 8BS was held on Friday 6th May The novel inspired by Jock Tel: 01423 879326 at RHQ Welsh Guards in the Lewes’s derring-do is set in Ground Floor Conference Room. E-mail: [email protected] 1940-1941: It is a fictional story There were no matters raised of love, treachery and adventure that needed to be reported apart his year 2017, was another quiet year, with several based on fact and it includes the from the amalgamation of three members suffering from various ailments, and unable Cambridge spies and the first T branches as stated earlier. to attend various functions, especially our Treasurer, Doug fictional account of the true story The Annual Visit to Imber Court of the SAS’ birth. Wilcox, our thoughts are with them all. took place as usual at the It was very sad to hear the We were very sorry to hear that Club with a good turn out of members various Branches have had our Secretary General, Brian and friends. Thanks go to Ray to amalgamate with other Keane has resigned. Having Issacs (Associate Member) for Branches: known Brian and his wife arranging with the Club for the Sandra for over 30 years we a. Aberdare to join Ceremony to take place and to have lost a loyal and efficient Merthyr Tydfil. Nick Farr (Associate Member) Secretary General. We have b. Pembrokeshire and who produced a Memorial Cardiganshire to join with invited Brian and Sandra to our Plaque (see picture) to be placed Llanei. Annual Dinner on Saturday 25th in the Sports Complex which was November 2017. c. Midlands to join with presented to Michael Kerslake, Montgomery and Shropshire. Our Annual Christmas party General Manager of Imber Court is being held on Saturday by the President (London Branch As the majority of our 1. Chaplain Douglas Perkins 25th November 2017 by kind WGA) Lieutenant Colonel C F B Members are now reaching (2204507 1WG) a long serving permission of the Garrison Stephens. Senior Membership, it is Member of the London Branch, Sergeant Major. We meet at 12 receiving his Lord Lieutenants understandable. We do need Members may be interested noon. Tickets remain at £26 per Meritorious Service Award. the younger Members of the in John Lewes, nephew of Jock head. Cheques made out to Regiment to join us and give us Lewes, who was a co-founder 2. Michael Kerslake, General London Branch WGA. of the SAS; A Spy After All was Manager of Imber Court holding support and bring new ideas. published in May 2017. the Memorial Plaque which was However, we shoulder on, we This year’s entertainers are our presented by the President of are looking forward to our usual Musicians Roy and Liz Jock Steel falls for Madeleine London Branch WGA, Lieutenant Association Remembrance Day. Standen, who have played at our Mclean as he sets his wits Colonel C F B Stephens.

176 Branch Reports WELSH GUARDS REGIMENTAL MAGAZINE Branch Reports

3

in July, those who attended to wish a speedy recovery to Merthyr Tydfil Branch remarked how well attended all those members who are not (formed 1953) it was. in the best of health. President; Captain Harry Legge-Bourke. Back to Darts and Shoot time Our meetings are held on the Chairman Tom Peters (23523035) again and a very poor turn 1st Monday of the Month at Treasurer/ out from the Branch. Although The Ex-Servicemen Club. Lower High St Merthyr Tydfil at approx Secretary Errold Jones (24581438) otherwise a well turned out event and it went off very well. 2000 hrs. Members Old and 18 Marshall Crescent, I would like to thank Martin New are always met with a Penydarren, Browne for stepping in and warm welcome. Why not pop Merthyr Tydfil CF47 9JA. running it as if he’s been doing along and exchange some old it for years. I myself caught stories. Telephone: 07903417048 up with a few OLD friends I e-mail: [email protected] On a Personal note I would like haven’t seen for a good few to thank Mr Brian Keane and years and made new one’s from the Branch also for his ell it was a quiet end to last year and same beginning also. Even the trip home had untiring Service and thanks Wto this one. Three “Pit Stop’s” for light for his help and advice which I refreshments! know I will continue to ask for The Branch once again small contingent turned out We are now getting ready for and happily accept. enjoyed our trip to Pirbright it was a wonderful day with our Remembrance Parades for St David’s Day, it was a very loads to see and do. We have that go on throughout the enjoyable day and we are been invited again this year, Borough. More this year again. looking forward to next year in hopefully a bigger turn out as 3. Merthyr Tydfil Branch, As always, I know these will be Remembrance Parade at Brecon. it’s well worth a visit. Such a lot well attended and done well. Pant. Left to Right; Neville Hamer to see and to take in. (Standared Bearer), Thomas In May the Branch were invited Our thoughts and condolences Peters (Branch Chairman), in FULL to our Presidents Again, Branch members go out to ALL the families and Captain Harry Legge-Bourke (Harry Legge-Bourke’s) Glan attended the Parade for Sgt friends of our sadly missed (Branch President), Errold Jones Usk Estate Fayre. Although a Robert Bye VC in Pontypridd members. We would also like (Branch Secretary /Treasurer).

Branch Reports 177 Branch Reports WELSH GUARDS REGIMENTAL MAGAZINE

He is chosen by the Battalion and in 2017 Colour Sergeant Deren, 1st Battalion received the award. Phillip Deren comes from Pontypridd and doesn’t confine his athletic prowess to one sport excelling in boxing as current Battalion heavyweight champion, cross country running, skiing with the Battalion team and polo a sport normally reserved for young officers but no longer. Perhaps his most important sporting achievement was competing in charity boxing tournaments and raising £1000 for Cancer Research. He was a worthy winner of the Trophy and joined an impressive list of winners. For the less active sport is restricted to the annual 1 Association Day at Maindy Barracks when they throw Monmouthshire Branch equally important, their wives darts and endeavour to master and families. shooting modern style which (Formed 1920) Monmouthshire Branch having baffles those who fired Lee President: Captain D M Davies moved its base to Ebbw Vale Enfields on the Pirbright and Chairman: Mervyn Delve (22831721) in 1961 arranged a Reunion Bisley Ranges. The 2017 Darts & Shoot in Maindy Barracks was Treasurer/ Dinner in the town’s County Hotel where a hundred Welsh not televised or mentioned Secretary: Steve Liversage BEM (24141822) Guardsmen gathered. That in the sporting press which 7 Shaw Close Reunion Dinner tradition has was a pity because our Branch Ebbw Vale NP23 6QQ been kept with one significant won the Association Cup for Darts thanks to superior Telephone: 01495 302567 difference, from 2014 the ladies also came which not fitness and hours of practice in E Mail: [email protected] only increased the attendance pubs. It was another enjoyable but added to the atmosphere Association gathering in which for without the support of our serving Welsh Guardsmen also he number of Welsh Guardsmen greatly increased in the families there would be no took part. Branch. TSecond World War and after it ended and they settled The Branch has also combined down to civilian life they were able to revive the comradeship Since 1980 the Monmouthshire sport with pleasure by taking they had experienced by joining Branches of the Association Branch Reunion Dinner has part in what might be termed an international event across some of which were so large they had to create sub- been held in the Angel Hotel, Abergavenny which in 2016 the Severn Bridge. Grenadiers Branches; in 1954 we had three. was named AA Welsh Hotel and Coldstreamers in Bristol of the Year and the 38th there challenge us every St George’s in October 2017 lived up to Day to a skittles competition Annual Reunion Dinners Presidents. This involvement of expectations. It was a well and there is even a Cup but it flourished throughout a officers was a reunion in itself attended and very enjoyable will take a long time for us to and an important element in growing number of Branches reunion of Welsh Guardsmen win it. We take part, we never half of whom were formed the success of the Comrades serving and past serving win, but enjoy our annual visit after 1945 and attracted Association as it was then and their families and as to the Port of Bristol Social Club large numbers. They were known. Branches flourished usual the presentation of which is very impressive. So is enthusiastically supported by and met regularly with the Monmouthshire Branch the hospitality and we rejoice Regimental Headquarters, the members of all ranks and ages Trophy to the Welsh Guards in the friendship between us Battalion and retired officers enjoying the company of other Sportsman of the Year was and fellow Guardsmen and some of whom became Branch Welsh Guardsmen and made. their families. After all we wear

178 Branch Reports WELSH GUARDS REGIMENTAL MAGAZINE Branch Reports

Regiment in Berlin and Egypt passed away in April. At the Spring Lunch Ray presented the Branch with a framed display of the Household Division crests in memory of Wyndham. We owe a lot to those who have taken office in Branches and indeed the Association and also to their families who supported them. Only those who have experienced such voluntary work know what it involves and this should be recognised by those who benefit from their efforts. Our Centenary is getting near, a time of special celebration and recognition of those who created the Monmouthshire Branch in 1920 and those who ensured its success since. Our future depends entirely on ourselves.

2 the same tie. website which means that We hold ours on the second those without computers will Thursday in every month Means of communication not know what is going on. throughout our vast area. They have changed from the 1960s That responsibility now falls are not only mini Reunions but when our Branch issued a to the Branches, in our case by very important to the Branch monthly newsletter, foolscap down-loading the Regimental officers who need support size packed with news and Newsletter and our own, the stories of members on two from members and get their pages. It was produced on a Gwent Guardsman, sending ideas on lunches, the Annual battered Remington typewriter them by e-mail to those who Reunion Dinner and other and a Gestetner ‘copying’ have that facility or printed events. Those who attend machine and it played an and distributed by hand and them contribute to a raffle important part in reviving post but sadly many Welsh which like others at functions the Branch which covered a Guardsmen are still out of is vital to our finances. We also huge area. It was invaluable to touch. That can be partly greatly appreciate donations members who could not get to remedied but our Secretary sent to us by exiled members meetings and functions, it cost needs to know addresses and those who cannot attend time and money but served whether e-mail or by post. It our gatherings. is a far cry from 1961 and the to keep everyone in touch We are a family Branch typified fifty-six years that followed and re-united them with the by the Claytons of Bargoed, when Welsh Guardsmen Regiment. five of whom served in the everywhere knew everything 1. The Branch skittles team Household Division, three In 1974 a Welsh Guards about the Branches and the limbering up for their match of Welsh Guardsmen, one Newsletter was launched on Regiment generally but we will the year. the initiative of Colonel J W Coldstream and a Grenadier, adapt as best we can. 2. Ray Clayton (right) presenting the latter Ray a very active T A Malcolm the Regimental the Household Division framed Lieutenant Colonel and One way of keeping in the member of the Branch. display to the President, Captain President of the Association. Regimental and Branch picture Sadly his brother Wyndham Davies and Secretary/Treasurer, Now it is only found on the is of course to attend meetings. (22217304) who served in the Steve Liversage.

Branch Reports 179 Branch Reports WELSH GUARDS REGIMENTAL MAGAZINE

1 2

move to Elizabeth Barracks Christmas Lunch Montgomery and Pirbright. This year’s Christmas Shropshire Branch This year members and guests Lunch will be held on the (Formed 1950) were entertained with a large 10th December 2017 at the screen showing the Welsh Shrewsbury Beaconsfield President: Mr R G P Plowden Guards Club which is just a short walk Chairman: Mr B John (23523171) in 2015 which was enjoyed from the Railway and Bus Treasurer/ by all. The Wroxeter Hotel Station. This is the second time Secretary: Mr J O Williams (23860183) is in relaxing country-side we have held our Christmas surroundings and is popular Lunch at this location, last 83 Balmoral Crescent for wedding receptions and year was really enjoyed by all Oswestry located between Shrewsbury who attended. The food was Shropshire SY11 2XH and the Telford area. When excellent and nice and hot with possible, we will try and keep not one complaint. Parking is Telephone: 01691 653244 the same date for the annual limited but the main car-park is e-mail: [email protected] lunch. Next year has been just a short distance away. booked for the Sunday 1st July embers started the year off with the celebrations of St 2018. This is a popular venue David’s Day Luncheon held on Sunday19th February at with the members, some of M whom make a great effort our regular venue The Henllan, Nr Welshpool, which is well travelling a fair distance to 1. Dan Powell, Associate Branch attended every year, this year being no exception with a attend and this is appreciated. member enjoying the day with good turnout of 56 guests. It would be very difficult to friends. find another venue like this 2. Branch Members enjoying the one in the surrounding area day at Hodnet Hall Gardens. Hodnet Hall Gardens down to a three course meal in 3. Brian John Branch Chairman the gardens restaurant. It was and it needs the members On the 27th April 2017 Branch enjoying the day with branch a lovely day out enjoyed by all. support. To lose this location Members were invited by the members John Bates and for our annual luncheon would Miranda (right) with Linda Grenadiers Guards Association This year’s Luncheon was be a shame. Please support and Mike Astley, Branch Summer Stafford Branch to join held on the 2nd July with the branch by attending the Luncheon Wroxeter Hotel Nr them for Luncheon with the the attendance down from luncheon. Shrewsbury. Shropshire Branch as guests previous years but still an of Sir Algernon and Lady Jane improvement from last year Heber Percy. which was cancelled mainly due to the date of the luncheon Sir Algernon is the President being changed to a later time of the Stafford Branch of the in the month and right in the Grenadiers and the Lord middle of the holiday period. Lieutenant of Shropshire. Guests were greeted on arrival This year’s guests were by Sir Algernon, who gave a Captain Joshua Webster and guided tour of the gardens, Major Martin Browne and Mrs managing to complete the tour Lyn Browne. Captain Webster before we had a short shower gave a talk on the Battalions of rain guests were treated to training in their new role as a glass of port before sitting mechanized troops and their 3

180 Branch Reports WELSH GUARDS REGIMENTAL MAGAZINE Branch Reports

4 6 Branch Meeting I would like to take this opportunity to thank them Branch meetings are held in for their support and the the Committee Room at the contributions they make to Shrewsbury Beaconsfield Club North Wales Branch the branch. I hope they will on Wednesdays starting at (Formed: 1936) continue to support the branch 14.15 for 14.30 Meeting dates and will always feel welcome President: Captain A C Hopkins are 10th January 2018 - 9th as Associate members and Chairman: Graham ‘The Bear’ Binnie (2406077) May -11th July - 10th October friends of the branch. and the 12th December. Treasurer : Captain A C Hopkins Members are always welcome On behalf of the committee Secretary: Alan loose (24141839) to attend. and myself may we wish you Telephone: 01978 361299 all a Merry Christmas and very During the years I have been Happy New Year. Email: [email protected] a member of the branch, like most, I have seen a decline in t’s that time of years again where Branch secretaries are membership and the number racking their brains, preparing their annual report for the of people supporting functions I are also in decline. Recently 4. Guests; Captain Joshua Webster Regimental Magazine, which I am sure we all look forward we have seen branches and Major Martin Browne BEM to. closing due to lack of support. with Branch President Roger We are not alone in this as Plowden Esq. 2017 again saw us in North was had by all. It was noted memberships are declining in 5. Guests; Mrs L Browne, Mrs D Wales having a quiet year, that the Branch Secretary was other Guards Associations in Parry, Major M Browne, Mrs S Lewis, Mr R Plowden Esq, Captain but still with plenty going AWOL, but apologies were the area. We are fortunate at J Webster, Mrs H Plowden and on! Sadly, we never made it accepted as he was 8,000 this moment in time to have Col D R P Lewis. to Pirbright to celebrate St miles away in the Falkland good Associate members and 6. Tony Smith (centre) John Davies, David’s day with the Battalion, Islands. their friends who attend our Mrs Davies, Mrs Smith and the distance is too great to June, saw the Annual Falklands luncheons. friends. make the journey in a day, Memorial Service in Wrexham. even overnight. It would have This has always been a popular meant a two-night stay which and well attended weekend made it cost prohibitive. With with Welsh Guardsmen the celebrations being held in travelling from Far and wide. Brecon in 2018, the branch will With this year being the 35th hopefully be there in Numbers. Anniversary of the campaign, However, it did not prevent the numbers were exceptional members from celebrating and our appreciation and the day! Marcus ‘George’ thanks must go out to the Townley rallied the troops for Regimental Trustees for a gathering at Llandudno, funding the event. What made which he did with enthusiasm it even more special is that and members turned out in more and more non-Falkland 5 Numbers and a fantastic day Veterans attended. We have

Branch Reports 181 Branch Reports WELSH GUARDS REGIMENTAL MAGAZINE

always said the weekend is not start it! This year the main about those who went, but to auction item was a cast iron remember those who never Pub Table, crafted by Bryan returned. Furthermore, we are Mathews. A lovely piece, a all too aware that the Regiment one off specially made for the has been involved in many weekend to commemorate conflicts since 1982, suffering the Falkland Islands, difficult heavy losses and we see this to describe and photographs weekend as an opportunity don’t do it justice. On arrival at to be as a family and pay the Wynnstay where he was our respects to all our fallen staying, Bryan was exited to regardless of conflict. show the branch secretary the The old and bold enjoyed table that he had produced, the opportunity to march the first thing that came in (aka Hobble) behind the his mind was “That has my Regimental Band and Battalion name on it and will bid up to detachment and always a maximum £450” – or so he manage to grow those extra thought. couple of inches with pride The day went well, the alcohol as the shoppers of Wrexham was flowing, mid-afternoon town centre clapped and our president started the cheered as they marched past auction, it quickly became - congratulations go out to apparent that there were two Chris ‘Splash’ Phillips 53 who main bidders, the Branch managed to stay in step this Secretary (Maldwyn Jones 92) year, well done splash. and Bob Griff 45, it was a hard Traditionally this weekend is fought battle for the table, self-funding, there is a minimal each were pushing each other, 92’s maximum bid of £450 1 cost of £5 per adult which covers the buffet and evening’s was confined to history within entertainment. To raise funds minutes, 45’s bid £1,225.00 to ensure the weekends a cracking sum. So, 92 went continued future success, we £1,225 and FIFTY Pence, going, always hold a raffle. One of the going gone - it was for a great main donators/contributors to cause and 92 is now the proud this Raffle was George Griffiths owner of a one off and very 22, who always donated a unusual table. new big screen TV, sadly we The question is, did 45 really said our goodbyes to George want the table? Or was it a who passed suddenly having revenge bid when the branch been admitted to hospital for held a fund raiser to get Adam a routine procedure and tests. Hobbs home from Thailand, 22, as we all knew him as, was on the evening an Auction was employed as a Regimental held, 92 was the auctioneer Groom in Knightsbridge and and managed to bid 45 up to was very active with the Welsh £350 for a £7 bottle of Taylors Guards Polo team. He recently Port, good going since 45 was returned to live in Wales having the only one bidding, revenge settled in Windsor when he left maybe! the Army. Rest in Peace Griff, a good friend to many and respected by all. Alongside the raffle there is usually an auction and one 1. Table donated by Bryan Mathews. of the best ways of getting 2. As above. monies out of charitable 3. North Wales Branch standard’s minded ex Guardsmen, is of first parade in Wrexham course to wait for them to 4. Stephen Shield, leaves the altar 2 have a few drinks and then with the newly blessed standard.

182 Branch Reports WELSH GUARDS REGIMENTAL MAGAZINE Branch Reports

North Wales Branch took of port was consumed, an the opportunity during the event in all honesty that put memorial service to lay up our us to shame, hopefully the Old Branch Standard, and to biennial dinner will match such bless the new one. Because of an evening in 2018. the affiliation we have with St During July and August, Giles’ Church, kind permission the members of the Bangor was granted to lay up the Old section, organised a couple of Standard there. The Standard trips on the Welsh Highland has had an active tenure and railway, taking in the scenery has served in many towns from Tan Y Bwlch to Blaenau and villages attending several Ffestiniog, - where it probably final parades in North Wales as rained!! I did request they well as attending WWI & WWII provide me with a report from 3 memorial services in France the outings, none arrived as and Belgium. It was pleasing they, knowing them as I do, to see a plethora of Branch probably sampled far too standards at Wrexham, as many real ales on the day and we were joined by the Cardiff forgot they even went! See the Branch Standard, carried by accompanying photograph a Terry Evans, Welsh Guards right motley bunch, would you Reunited (WGR) Branch let them on your train? They all carried as always by Dennis thoroughly enjoyed both days ‘Knocker’ Knowles, who and it is great to see the boys were joined by Kevin Hackett who served during the late who carried the Standard 50’s early 60’s still enjoying for the Type 42 destroyers’ each other’s company. association of the Royal Navy. The old North Wales Branch The youngsters (Cough Standard was carried by splutter) of the Branch, Andy Roberts 54 who served continue to meet on a regular during the Falkland war basis, these events are and the new Standard was advertised, usually on a short carried by Stephen Shield, notice basis by Mike Mowbray who saw service in several or Marcus ‘George’ Townley theatres including Bosnia and on the Branch Facebook page. Afghanistan. Thank you all for These events see lads who carrying out your roles well. have served from several different eras, including those Please see the forthcoming who are presently serving events for next year’s date, all who keep us abreast of what are welcome, it is a great family is going on in the Battalion, day. and of course always a good During July, a handful of crack. On saying that, Sgt branch members, including Peter Duffy, of the Regimental their partners, namely our Support Team (North) is always about to keep us in touch, his President Chris Hopkins, 4 team are very high profile and Geraint Owen 64, Bob Griffiths proactive up North. 45, Keith Smith who ventured the spirit we knew he had, for a Mel was employed and his down from Yorkshire and the Sadly, during July we learnt long time he kept it from us, he Welsh Guards family, who branch secretary, all attended of the passing of one of North will be missed by all that is for turned out in numbers, the North Wales Branch of the Wales’s and the Battalions sure, there are Characters and probably the largest Welsh Royal Marines Association, true legends Melvin Edwards Legends then there was Mel, Guards attendance at a Summer Ball and 35th more affectionately known and rest in Peace my friend. funeral, which gave Mel’s Anniversary of the Falkland’s loved by all as Mel Eds 61. Mel family pride and strength on campaign, at Venue Cymru in had been fighting his illness It goes without saying Mel the day. Mel will be sorely Llandudno. A black-tie night successfully for a long time, was given a fitting send off, missed, especially at the and thoroughly enjoyed by all. often surprising his medical jointly by the Military Provost annual memorial service in Many (many) sandbags were staff with his tenancy for life, Guards Service (MPGS) from Wrexham where he was a pulled up also a large quantity during his illness he never lost Donnington in Telford where regular contributor with his

Branch Reports 183 Branch Reports WELSH GUARDS REGIMENTAL MAGAZINE

watercolours which were did very well to come away always successfully auctioned with a win but the following off for charity. night faced a much younger Menai Bridge Tigers team Before we knew it, September (sponsored by the North was upon as and we were Wales Branch Secretary1). In looking forward to the horrific conditions, well we Battalions KAPE tour and whopped them 4 to nil (we their opportunity to exercise took advantage of their tired the freedom of Bangor, the legs!) Menai Bridge Tigers and weather gods were with us the referee Stephen Jones, both that day. It was great to see informed the Branch Secretary the marching party from that the Battalion team was the Battalion led by Drum probably the fittest and most Major Rikki Johnson and the disciplined team they have 1 Regimental Band, following the ever encountered and were a parade at the Mayors reception pleasure to play and officiate. chatting to many of the boys The comments did not come they thoroughly enjoyed the as a surprise, were pleasing to opportunity to get into Home hear and of course passed on Service Clothing, very much to RSM Dean Morgan 10. a rarity in modern times, they stood tall and proud. The post-match social was held Running in conjunction to the at the Bulkeley Arms, where marching party the Battalion we were joined by the Rugby set up a display on Bangor team who had been training high street to demonstrate the with Menai Bridge RFC. Sore kit and equipment available heads the following morning to a modern day Guardsman to say the least with t Branch (basically showing off their Secretary finding two empty Gucci Kit and boy what £125 bottles of collectable 2 amazing stuff they had on port on the bar the following display). Only one item I morning (well the stuff was recognised was the good old made for drinking after all!) GPMG, still an awesome bit of The branch say goodbye to kit and respected by the boys, Maldwyn as North Wales and it’s NO lighter now than it Branch Secretary, following was back then! Also on display the sudden resignation of were two foxhound armoured the Secretary General of the vehicles, still trying to figure association. He was nominated out how they get in and out of for the position, following it, no attempt was made (not consultation with all branch with my hips), also on display was the Jackal, wouldn’t fancy driving one of those down the M6 on a wet winters day, Bangorians as a whole were 3 very impressed with the Welsh Guards on the tour and 1. Ladies section L – R Babs Royles, commented that they would Mandy Perkins (Sisters of Gdsm Peter Edwards ), Dee Edwards MBE, love to see them more often. Amanda Walker, Debbie Owen. During the tour, the Battalion 2. Branch Members at Royal Boxing, Football, Rugby and Marines Dinner L – R Geraint Mountain Biking teams were Owen 64, Keith Smith, Chris Hopkins, Maldwyn Jones, Bob active in North Wales with Griffiths 45. many sporting and training 3. Branch Members Enjoy pre- events organised. The Football drinks at The St Georges Hotel, team met Llandudno Junction Llandudno. AFC who play in a strong Welsh 4. Bangor section members at 4 Alliance league. The Battalion Rhyd Ddu.

184 Branch Reports WELSH GUARDS REGIMENTAL MAGAZINE Branch Reports

5 7

General, well done to you both. Alan will do a cracking job, as he is a Stirling branch member, The highlight of Maldwyn’s who actively involved with tenure as branch secretary is the Wrexham section, also the when he was invited by the organising of the memorial then RSM of The Battalion weekend and in the past WOI Paul James Dunn, to the Branch standard bearer, accompany him and the sadly due to health issues he commanding Officer Lt Colonel reluctantly had to give up the Bevan to Highgrove House in latter. At the same time, he is a Gloucestershire to meet HRH regular member of the team at The Prince of Wales, Maldwyn the Welsh Guards Collection in reports that it was a fantastic park Hall, so a fitting secretary day and was proud to not only indeed, all the best Alan. 6 represent the branch but the Association. presidents, Neil Rice and duties shared and as a result Alan loose ex 3 Coy and HQ Maldwyn were both asked if Maldwyn was formally offered 5. Med Eds 61 – No explanation Coy, has willingly taken on they would carry out the role the Secretary Generals position needed. jointly. Following a meeting by the Regimental Adjutant job of the North Wales Branch 6. Branch secretary Meeting HRH. between Neil, Martin Browne and Association President, Secretary, they say a volunteer 7. Dai Morgan Former Bangor (the Assistant Regimental Colonel Tom Bonas, which he is worth 10 pressed men, Section Chairman, presents a adjutant), and Maldwyn. It was accepted as a great honour, by the time the magazine is Regimental tie to former Battalion Padre Major (Retired) W Gordon agreed that for the first time we wish Maldwyn and Neil published, the formal EGM Shield CD who served with the ever, a Secretary general and all the best in their respective would have been called Bn 1975 – 1976 during, who is Assistant Secretary General positions as Secretary General and the official nomination now residing in Marble Ridge BC would be appointed, the and Assistant Secretary procedure followed. Canada.

Branch Reports 185 Branch Reports WELSH GUARDS REGIMENTAL MAGAZINE

Swansea and West Glamorgan Branch (formed 1927) President: Major (Retd) CGH Carty MBE TD Chairman: Mr Bryn Pennock (23877288) Treasurer: Major (Retd) CGH Carty MBE TD Secretary: Mr Peter Williams (23877300) 12 St Peters Avenue Cockett Swansea SA5 5 BX 1 Tel: 01792 416010 Email: [email protected]

entlemen, another eventful year for our Branch starting Gwith a very successful trip last October to the National Arboretum, we then went on to York were we were based for our visits to the Royal Armoury in Leeds and another trip to Eden Hall Camp Museum, which is set up as an old World War 2 prisoner of war camp and each hut relates to a period of WW2.

Both Trips were very new young blood to join us interesting and enjoyed by all. and help us thrive. Hopefully We also had a plenty of free the new young men who join time in York which is a fantastic us with new ideas and stories City. to keep our association alive. So please if you know any Ex 2017 is also the 90th Guardsman please send him anniversary of the founding along WE NEED YOU! of the Swansea and West Glamorgan Branch of the Also, to top our celebrations association and was celebrated on our 90th Anniversary we in a manner befitting of the had the Battalion Guard of members. Honour and Regimental Band on a KAPE Tour which ended We experienced a trip up the in Swansea and was a great River Tawe in the Copper Jack success. canal boat which was both historical and interesting and Our thanks to the Lord Mayor, 2 our newest associate member the Lord Lieutenant and High My Grandson Sam joined us. Sheriff of Swansea for their The Boat trip gave us a great continuous support to the insight into Swansea’s nautical Welsh Guards which dateds history hence our Maritime back to 1947. Nickname Swansea Jacks, we are proud of our naval heritage. The whole day was 1. Our Chairman Mr Bryn Pennock, thoroughly enjoyed by all enjoying a drink with my wife. members including our lunch 2. Past and present Standard at the Riverboat restaurant in Bearers Amy John and Derek the Marina. Williams, Amy’s Brother is Sergeant K John who is a serving Our Sunday lunch get member in the battalion. togethers are also a great 3. Major (Retd) CGH Carty MBE TD at success. With regards to our the Falklands memorial service 3 Branch Meetings we need at St Marys Church Swansea.

186 Branch Reports WELSH GUARDS REGIMENTAL MAGAZINE Branch Reports

5

4 6

I would also like to thank Regimental Sergeant Major Dean Morgan 10 and his beautiful wife for being our Guests of honour in our 90th Anniversary Celebrations, you did us proud Sir! Again I would like to the thank all the officers and members of the branch as without them there would be no Branch, also to mention in dispatches to My Wife and Daughter for their continued support.

4. Myself and the High Sheriff of West Glamorgan at the reception for the Battalion and Regimental Band in the Brangwyn Hall Swansea. 5. Dave King with Military and Civil dignitaries - once again thank you. 6. Hubert Ellis swimming detail in the Lido 1954. 7. Hubert Ellis Berlin 1953. 7

Branch Reports 187 Branch Reports WELSH GUARDS REGIMENTAL MAGAZINE

1

WGR Site Members 3,680 of 1. Members of WGR with the Welsh Guards Reunited Branch which 2,315 are WGR Branch Commanding Officer, the (Formed 2006) Members Regimental Adjutant, the Regimental Sergeant Major with President: Lieutenant Colonel (Retd) Tony Davies OBE (Typically, we have between Major General R.J.A Stanford, Chairman: Neil Rice (24446066) 40 & 60 members on line per Major General R.H. Talbot-Rice Secretary: Dennis (Knocker) Knowles (24122474) day, with the highest number and Major General B.J. Bathurst . 2. Lieutenant Colonel Tony Davies, on line in one 24-hour period 69 Bryntiron Major Martin Browne and being 286) Matthewstown Nick Farr. WGR FaceBook Members 1,455 3. Lieutenant Colonel Tony Davies Mountain Ash and Wyndham Jenkins. Rhondda Cynon Taff CF45 4EX (At the time of writing this 4. Saint David’s Day. Treasurer & Tech Support: report there had been 4,100 5. Colonel T.C.S. Bonas and David posts, comments & reactions Webb (Spider). Mike Cummins (24472964) on our FaceBook page over the Webmaster: Alan Rogers (24220048) previous Vice Presidents: 28 days). Alan Parry-Booth (22326094), served 1WG 1950-1952 Ray Skinner (22329571), served 1WG 1950-1952 Mike Wakely (24076183), served 1WG 1968-1977 Larry John (24141857), served 1WG 1969-1982 David Woods (23879346), served 1WG 1962-1977, served AAC 1977-2003 Gwynfor Pritchard (22831515), served 1WG1956-1963 William (Bill) Franklin (22831429), served 1WG 1955-1970. 2

188 Branch Reports WELSH GUARDS REGIMENTAL MAGAZINE Branch Reports

he past twelve months have seen some significant Tchanges to Welsh Guards Reunited in terms of personnel and the software platform that manages and maintains the site but the trend for continuous growth continues with the main WGR web-page and our FaceBook page continuing to grow both in numbers and active participation.

This growth has been donated by Nick Farr, Stanley significant, particularly on our Kiernan was his Great Uncle FaceBook page where we are and Nick presents the award seeing an increasing number well knowing that his Grand of serving guardsmen and Mother and all the family are recent leavers joining in and proud that Stanley’s sacrifice is taking an active part in our remembered by fellow Welsh discourse. Guardsman. The big change in the This award to Martin is a bit management personnel of of a break from tradition as WGR was the recent departure he was not being honoured of Major Martin Browne (Retd) for his work over the previous as our Chairman. With Martin’s six months but for his years appointment as Assistant of diligent and selfless work Regimental Adjutant he has keeping WGR on an even keel, had to stand down as our answering every query that branch chairman, but we has been thrown at him and know that our loss will be a working tirelessly to promote huge gain for the Association both WGR and the Association. as Martin has proved time and Everyone at Welsh Guards again through his knowledge, Reunited wishes him well 3 commitment and enthusiasm in his new role and we look that there is no one better forward to working with him qualified to fill the role of in the future. Assistant Regimental Adjutant, Since Martin’s award there has he will definitely be a hard been one further presentation act to follow within the WGR of the Stanley Kiernan Award. Branch. On the 1st September 2017 The Stanley Kiernan Award Wyndham Jenkins (Skinny) is made twice a year to a received the award from member of WGR who has Lieutenant Colonel Tony Davies, made a significant contribution Wyndham has been a member to the site. It is named after Cpl. of WGR for 7 years and in Stanley Kiernan who was born that time, he has posted well in 1895 in Bodfari, Trefnant, over 3,000 articles, he is ever North Wales. He worked as a present at our reunions and 4 stableman and enlisted into is an active participant in all the Grenadier Guards (23022) our activities. He is a well-liked on the 19th and respected member of our at the age of 19, transferring branch who is always happy to to the Welsh Guards on the offer help and support. Battalion’s formation. He was Saint David’s Day promoted to Lance Corporal on the 6th September 1915 We had an excellent Saint just before the . David’s Day celebration with He was killed in action on the the Battalion at Pirbright, 1st July 1916 during the raid despite the weather the at Mortaldje, in which the parade was a great success Battalion suffered just under and we all greatly enjoyed 100 casualties, either killed reinforcing our links with the or wounded. The award is Battalion as well as taking the 5

Branch Reports 189 Branch Reports WELSH GUARDS REGIMENTAL MAGAZINE

1 4

opportunity to see and try much better with WGR Team and understand some of the 3 taking first prize in the team new kit the Battalions change competition. Team Captain in role has brought. The walk Chris Duggan along with from Elizabeth Barracks to the Jeffrey Bishop, John Brewsher Chapel at the Guards Depot and Peter Evans shot brilliantly proved challenging for some to finish ahead of the field. but that was soon forgotten as Our annual pilgrimage to some of our colleagues were Maindy Barracks for the on a mission to take hospitality Association Darts and Shoot in every mess possible. It competition is always a is a great credit to all the highlight of the year and members of the Battalion for winning the shooting this year being such great hosts and 2 was the icing on the cake. Our making us feel so welcome Branch President 22 (Dinky and we look forward to the Doo) was so overcome with next opportunity we have emotion that he insisted the of spending St David’s Day trophy be filled with cwrw, together. unfortunately he then went on Darts & Shoot to drink most of it himself. We had a great turnout for the We are looking forward to Association’s annual Darts and defending our trophy next year Shoot competition where we and hopefully performing a bit were able to field two darts better in the darts. teams and three shooting Falklands 35 Year teams. There was some Anniversary Wrexham excellent organisation before the event from our overall There was a large WGR team captain Larry John, who presence in Wrexham for the turned up with a clipboard and pencil to marshal us all into 1. Watch and Shoot. the correct teams, observers 2. The victorious WGR Shooting pointed out that he would have Team Chris Duggan (Captain) , found it easier to juggle jelly! Jeffrey Bishop, John Brewsher and Peter Evans. We did not perform too well 3. The Trophy. in the darts with both teams 4. Team WGR outside the Sergeants going out in their first round Mess, Maindy Barrack. although WGR team two 5. Falklands 35 Year Anniversary should have got an award Wrexham. for the longest game, it is 6. Members of Welsh Guards surprising just how long it can Reunited at the National take to get out on double one. Memorial Arboretum. 7. Guardsman Richard Taylor - 3 The shooting teams fared Windsor Castle 1959.

190 Branch Reports WELSH GUARDS REGIMENTAL MAGAZINE Branch Reports

5

6 7

Branch Reports 191 Branch Reports WELSH GUARDS REGIMENTAL MAGAZINE

35th year Anniversary of the at a place of remembrance, Falklands conflict, as every to pay their respects to our year the weekend was a serving and fallen service mixture of strong memories, men and women and in doing poignant acts of remembrance so, raise funds solely for the and the chance to meet up purpose of perpetuating their with old comrades. This 35th memory and recognising the year anniversary was special sacrifice made. On 24th June and this was reflected in the 2017 Ride To The Wall will, very large turnout from every once again, present a cheque branch of the Association to the National Memorial as well as a very large party Arboretum for the upkeep of from the Battalion and the the amazing site. Since the Regimental Band. The service founding of RTTW, they have at Saint Giles Parish Church contributed to raising in excess was excellent and the Rhos of £500,000, which in itself is Orpheus Male Voice Choir and a truly amazing achievement. the Regimental band made it The RTTW is now in its tenth a wonderfully fitting tribute year and for the past few years to our fallen comrades from members of the Welsh Guards the South Atlantic as well as Reunited Branch have taken previous and more recent part in the ride and have laid conflicts. one of our branch wreaths at the Household Division During the service the Memorial. Maldwyn Jones (92) North Wales Branch of the laid the wreath on behalf of the Association laid up their old branch. standard and their new one was consecrated and it was WGR Photo Archive 1 this standard that led the One of the most visited areas parade of veterans behind the of the WGR Website is the band and marching party from photo archive. It currently the Battalion as we paraded to holds around 16,800 images the memorial. There must have covering the entire history been around 200 veterans of the regiment from its on parade and time has formation to the present never diminished the pride day. The archive is organised and swagger of marching into galleries so searching behind the Regimental Band is easy. This archive has to playing The Rising of the Lark. be one of the largest on-line Wreathes were laid at the collections of Welsh Guards memorial followed by a great photographs held anywhere reception at the Wrexham War and it is growing on a daily Memorial Club, the afternoon basis. We are so conscious of 2 ran into the evening with an the importance of this material excellent buffet and disco plus that we have recently invested some karaoke, the standard of a large amount of our site which was questionable. funds in a fail-safe, off site disaster recovery system that Ride to the Wall - National ensures that should anything Memorial Arboretum happen to our main site all The Ride to the Wall (RTTW) is of our photographs and a unique motorcycling event everything else held on the which gives motorcyclists an site will be safe and can be opportunity to gather together restored. 1. Welsh Guards Shooting Team 1933. 2. Prince of Wales Company – Crossmaglen 1979. 3 3. Saint David’s Day – Pirbright 2017.

192 Branch Reports WELSH GUARDS REGIMENTAL MAGAZINE Branch Reports

Once you have registered here are two recent examples on Welsh Guards Reunited where we were able to help. you will have access to this Earlier this year we received a amazing pictorial history of message via the Contact Form the regiment, you may even on the main Welsh Guards feature in a number of the pictures yourselves. We are Reunited website. It was from very grateful to everyone who David Wyn Roberts asking uploads their pictures. if we could help in locating the grave of his great uncle. The Power of Social Media Nick Farr got to work on this There is no doubting the straight away and in a very fact that the world is getting short time he was not only smaller. The internet and social able to give David the location media is bringing people of his great uncle’s grave he together in a way that would also sent him the details of have been unthinkable only his enlistment, details of his a decade ago. We now have wounding along with the ability to talk and see our a page from C.H Dudley Ward’s friends and relatives anywhere History of the Welsh Guards in the world at a fraction of the describing his actions, his cost of a telephone call only DCM citation from the London a few years ago. Individuals Gazette as well as copies of his are now able to communicate medal record cards. Needless directly with a vast number to say David was both very of people instantly, an happy and grateful. opportunity that was only available to statesmen and Another great story of how media moguls in the past. social media can help and The internet and social media cross continents can be found gives us a portal to a wealth in this story from Richard Harry of information and knowledge Roberts. A lost medal in the and access to experts without UK its owner quickly traced having to leave our own and the medal sent on its way homes. We often get requests to Australia within hours. for information and help on The medal has now arrived Welsh Guards Reunited and with its rightful owner, who with the help of many but is extremely grateful, as he especially Nick Farr our resident had resigned himself to never historian we are able to help, seeing it again.

Branch Reports 193 Branch Reports WELSH GUARDS REGIMENTAL MAGAZINE

194 Branch Reports WELSH GUARDS REGIMENTAL MAGAZINE Branch Reports

So handsome, with a new moustache In uniform so smart A Viscount’s son, a warrior He really looked the part. Chris earned respect from all his men On exercise and stunt Appointed to the carriers He led them from the front. Training days soon over Furness grabbed the chance And took his Carrier Platoon To – Northern France. Now it was nineteen-forty And on the seventeenth of May Christopher and his brave platoon Were thrown into the fray. The Germans were advancing Our battalion pinned down In a hollow near the river On the outskirts of the town. The C.O. called an “O” group His orders came from higher The carriers must hold the line So the unit could retire. The Honourable Christopher Furness V.C. It had only been a week In keeping with tradition, we finish the Welsh Guards Reunited Since Christopher reached France report with a poem from our resident Poet Laureate And now it was his duty Alan Parry-Booth. To delay the” Kraut” advance. The Honourable Christopher Furness The enemy tried everything Was born to fortune and to fame His carriers to rout And was, it seems, destined to bring The vehicles were shot to hell Great honour to his name. But Chris got his soldiers out. Father Marmaduke and Mother Daisy Then without hesitation Had longed for a baby boy He grabbed an L.M.G. On May 17th in nineteen twelve And crawled towards the German lines Unbridled was their joy. ‘Til he their eyes could see. Chris became a handsome lad The enemy had a group of men With a natural flair for sport Arranged behind their guns He excelled on the cricket pitch Christopher then opened fire And on the tennis court. And killed a score of “Huns”. At the tender age of twenty-one Very badly wounded Chris then began to care Chris fell down to the floor For the vast commercial empire But as he took his final breath To which he was the heir. He watched his foes withdraw. He modernised their methods His gallantry saved countless lives Both at home and ports abroad And the Welsh Guards were rewarded Quite soon he was appointed With Christopher’s Victoria Cross The chairman of the board. Posthumously awarded. But trouble brewed in Europe The deeds of the twenty-fourth of May And with his dad’s permission Are remembered by us his brothers Christopher joined the Welsh Guards Lieutenant Christopher Furness V.C. With a temporary commission. gave his life for others.

Branch Reports 195 Branch Reports WELSH GUARDS REGIMENTAL MAGAZINE

1 3

The 2017 Monmouthshire Branch Sportsman of the Year - CSgt Deren Maj F W Howell Officer Commanding Headquarter Company 1st Battalion Welsh Guards

his year the Monmouthshire Branch Sportsman of the TYear trophy was presented to CSgt Deren of HQ Coy. His commitment to, sacrifices for and willingness to participate and support a range of Welsh Guards sports have been exceptional. He has instilled energy and enthusiasm in all the sports he has taken part in, most specifically: boxing, polo, skiing and cross country.

CSgt Deren’s versatility is sports; he has taken time to best demonstrated by his compete in a Charity Boxing love of polo; a sport normally Event at the Lakeside Hotel. reserved for young officers. He was required to prepare However, he has broken the alongside the other civilian mould, earning his place competitors on evenings and 2 in the team and has been weekends leading up to the event. As well as winning, actively involved at each 1. CSgt Deren being presented he raised almost £1000 for with the Monmouthshire Branch event. He has represented Cancer Research. Trophy at the Branch Dinner night Welsh Guards Polo in all minor at the Angel Hotel on Saturday and major unit events such CSgt Deren thoroughly 28th October 2017 by the Branch deserves the Sportsman of the Chairman Mervyn​ (22831721) as the Adjutant General’s Year award; he is a role model Delve. Corps, Royal Artillery and the for the younger soldiers in the 2. CSgt Deren achieving success in Honourable Artillery Company Battalion. His wealth of skill the ring. competitions. 3. CSgt Deren on horseback, ready and experience will be used to compete with the Battalion Polo Not only has CSgt Deren to coach our future sporting Team. stretched himself across these stars for the future.

196 Branch Reports WELSH GUARDS REGIMENTAL MAGAZINE Branch Reports

The Welsh Guards Collection (Established 1995) President: Brigadier J F Rickett CBE Chairman: Colonel T C S Bonas Treasurer: Mr J O Willams Secretary: RQMS D Davies 03 Curator: Mr S T Evans Cartref ni 44 Crossfield Avenue Winsford, Cheshire CW7 1EG

Telephone: 01606 593953 4 Email: [email protected]

ooking a gift horse in the mouth, a saying we sometimes Lhear but very rarely use. Let me explain, some months ago a very dear friend of mine of many years passed away. A Welsh Guardsman through and through and one of life`s Gentlemen. Throughout his life this uniforms belonging to one octogenarian had collected of our most famous Welsh uniforms and artefacts of Guards Regimental Lieutenant- the Welsh Guards hoping to Colonels that of Lord Harlech preserve them for our heritage. came up for sale. These items Before his death he had left did not reach the reserve price 5 instructions for all the uniforms but were later offered to the to come to me as Curator of the highest bidder. Welsh Guards Museum. This person contacted me Unfortunately my dear friend and had asked to remain was ill for some time before his nameless other than to tell you passing and wasn`t able to take he is “Blue red blue, he had care of this collection and the discovered there was some inevitable happened - Damp, very small moth infestation in mildew and worse of all, the a couple of the items. As I write dreaded moths had decided to this article, all of this collection inhabit virtually every uniform. is being treated by the finest Below are a few photographs fumigators in the land. So they will be saved. This treatment of the actual items to show is obscenely expensive and the reader the damage beyond what we can afford. To 6 which can occur unless you me as the Museum`s Curator, can achieve the near perfect amongst the collection was conditions required in storage the extremely rare and much and display. Rather than risk sought after Officers forage infecting all the Museums cap circa1915 with the khaki stock, these items had to be top as opposed to being black. destroyed. I salvaged what I The last time one of these came could but unfortunately very up for auction at the same little. auctioneers was nearly 20 The dreaded moth can appear years ago when I tried bidding anywhere and at any time. Here is another example, in 4. Moth. a recent sale at Bonhams 5. Moth. one of London`s top auction 6. Mildew houses, a collection of 7. ? 7

Branch Reports 197 Branch Reports WELSH GUARDS REGIMENTAL MAGAZINE

it was won by a Japanese editorial I can tell you that I billionaire living in American have had three new enquiries and the cap would never be from Welsh Guardsmen who seen here again. Incidentally, find they may be able to help inside that cap was written (even just one day a week “Captain W Murray-Threipland is a wonderful boost to our G.Gds.” with the very first leek viability). sewn to it. So that leek without I have to admit that our doubt is the very first uniform prehistoric web site doesn’t part of the Welsh Guards. How help attract people to the many other Regiments could collection. It was something say that? that I, with my limited technical The wonderful news about ability, cobbled together over Lord Harlech`s cap and 16 years ago and I know of uniform is that when they Welsh Guardsmen living locally return from the fumigators who after all this time still don’t they are being loaned to us know where we are! If there is for long time display in the anyone out there who can help Museum. I can`t wait. “Septum us by creating a web site fit for Juncta in uno” purpose I would be eternally grateful and that would be a So let it be a lesson to all of really meaningful way to help you that like to collect clothing. us without having to travel or Make sure you keep your eyes leave home. Thank you. 1 peeled for the little blighters, there are over 80,000 species We as a team look forward to to contend with and their next year knowing with all the for the very first item of Welsh favourite scoff is wool but celebrations to commemorate Guards uniform the same type will eat almost anything. A bit the end of the WW1 we will of forage cap used by Colonel like myself really, if there is no be inundated once again with W Murray-Threipland DSO caviar I will settle for an egg requests for displays of one Which he wore on our very banjo. Be warned. kind or another around the first King`s on 1. Colonel W.Murray Threipland. different organisations and DSO March 1st 1915. As I said I tried Old age and infirmity is associations from cadets to 2. Colonel Lord Harlech. bidding for it but unfortunately something that unfortunately reenactors to British Legion comes to us all and during institutions. We are always this past couple of years glad to help where we can as it has affected our staff long as these organisations numbers here dramatically. appreciate the items and From 9 fighting fit ex Welsh displays on loan to them. Guardsmen sadly we are Sometimes the items we have now down to two ex WG and loaned out don`t necessarily four retired civilians. I have come back in the condition to say, that without the latter they were loaned. As far as I really don`t know how we loaning is concerned the final could carry on opening seven decision will be mine. All we days a week. I have recently want to do is project the Welsh put advertisements in local Guards image as professionally papers for more helpers and and honestly as we can. what seemed to put many would be helpers off is the Why not drop in some time cost of travel to get here. In a for a look around and a cup of magnificent show of support coffee amongst old friends and our Regimental Trustees comrades in an atmosphere have authorised funds to which will take you back to be made available to soften your time in our wonderful this expense. Telling new Regiment. volunteers that we can now pay towards their travel is a great buffer on one`s pension 2 or outgoings and as I write this

198 Branch Reports Bangor KAPE Tour September 2017 Photograph courtesy of Dawn Hughes.

199 Branch Reports WELSH GUARDS REGIMENTAL MAGAZINE

Darts and Shooting Competition 2017

Darts and Shooting Competition 2017 Major (Retired) M E Browne BEM, Assistant Regimental Adjutant

he annual Association Darts & Shooting Competition took Tplace, as is traditional, in the Sergeants Mess Maindy Barracks, Cardiff on a wet Saturday 16th September. With the security state raised to “Situation Critical” (nothing to do with the Association members being on the range) the day before, we were delighted once again, to welcome members of the Battalion, albeit not as many as they had planned on fielding.

Sergeant Kev Jury and his We were delighted to have Regimental Support Team Lieutenant Colonel Tony (RST) as always, did a superb Davies OBE (affectionately job on running the range, known to most as Dinkydoo), putting up with the banter President of the Welsh and jokes (which they have Guards Reunited Branch, probably heard a thousand present the trophies and times before) and coped awards after a day of glorious admirably with the haphazard competition, culminating in 1 coordination (oxymoron alert) both Monmouthshire and East which is the WGA shooting Glamorgan Branches stuck on competition. We must also needing a double one in the thank the wonderful bar staff final of the darts competition for the day Kev and Simone for what seemed an eternity who did a first-class job in (but in reality was probably keeping the refreshments only about 2 hours!) flowing– thank you.

RESULTS Darts Winners of the Welsh Guards Association Cup: Monmouthshire Branch Winners of the Abertawe Shield: East Glamorgan Branch Highest Individual Score: Peter Mann (East Glamorgan) Shooting Winners of the Leatham Trophy: Welsh Guards Reunited Branch Runners Up: 1st Battalion Welsh Guards Winner of the Aberdare Cup: (Champion Shot) Brian Owen (East Glamorgan) Winner of the Gerry Greenstock Cup: Phil Durstan (Ogmore Branch) 2 William Burman Cup: Not competed for

200 Branch Reports WELSH GUARDS REGIMENTAL MAGAZINE Branch Reports

3 5

4 6

1 . Lt Col Tony Davies presenting 5. Monmouthshire Branch Brian Owen with the Aberdare being awarded the Welsh Guards Cup. Association Cup. L-R; D Liversage, 2 . Peter Mann being presented S Liversage, Lt Col Tony Davies, with the award for the highest S West, T Gordon, F Chadd, individual darts score. W Hughes, G Liversage, P Davies. 3 . The Welsh Guards Reunited Team 6. East Glamorgan Branch being being presented with the presented with the Abertawe Leatham Trophy. L-R; John Shield. Back row L-R; Brian Owen, Brewsher, Lt Col Tony Davies, Jeff Alan Jones, Lt Col Tony Davies, Ken Bishop, Chris Duggan, Peter Evans. Haines, Peter Mann, Mathew 4. The Battalion Team being Turner, John Hooper. Kneeling; presented with their shooting Paul Bronwell, John Davies. awards. L-R; LSgt Jones 09, Sgt Hemmings, Lt Col Tony Davies, CSM Parry, Sgt Urch.

Branch Reports 201 WELSH GUARDS REGIMENTAL MAGAZINE

Welsh Guards Association AGM

year and what lay ahead to attend Minutes of the 87th Annual for them. Up to May the commemorations in General Meeting Of the Battalion’s focus had been Brussels in September. on Exercise Wessex Storm, d: A new committee has Welsh Guards Association a test exercise that would been formed by the WG qualify them to be able Held at Maindy Barracks Cardiff at 1100 hrs Rugby Union Club, and it to be on operational is planned to ‘dine out’ the Tuesday May 16th 2017 standby from 1 March. This old committee as a ‘thank had seen them on exercise President: Colonel T S Bonas you’ for their previous hard in Thetford, Castle Martin work. Vice President: Brigadier J F Rickett CBE and Salisbury Plain. The Treasurer: Major M E Browne BEM Prince of Wales’s Company e: The President has recently Secretary General: B Keane Esq were going on exercise attended a meeting with Battalion with the Prince of Wales, Headquarters in July. The and reported how focus for the latter part of interested he was in Present: J Harding Esq, In Attendance: the year would be Association matters, President Llanelli Branch. WO1 (RSM) D Morgan 1WG, preparing to deploy on OP such as welfare of Captain DM Davies, President WO2 (RQMS) D Davies RHQ WG, TORAL (Afghanistan) in veterans, employment etc. Monmouthshire Branch. Feb-Aug 18 where CSgt R Hunter WG Band. Sadly, the government Captain AC Hopkins, President the whole Battalion were is expecting to make North Wales Branch. Major AL Apologies for Absence; deploying. Between cutbacks of approximately Denman MVO MBE, President training a lot of Brigadier J F Rickett CBE, Vice 30 percent this year which Ogmore Branch. Major CGH adventurous training and President WGA. Captain T C means amalgamating jobs Carty MBE TD, President sports will be done. Macdonald Milner, President throughout the Brigade. Swansea & West Glamorgan East Glamorgan Branch. Morale is high but the Branch. Lieutenant Colonel AJ Colonel CFB Stephens, biggest challenge the There are a number of issues Davies OBE, President Welsh President London Branch. Battalion face is manning. outstanding, which needs Guards Reunited Branch. Mr Captain H Legge-Bourke, Some 100 under strength to be discussed with Branch T O’Shea, Secretary Cardiff President Merthyr Tydfil and about 60 medically Presidents on June 13th, Branch. Mr K Haines, Secretary Branch. Major IB Ramsden downgraded. Measures such as the Newsletters and East Glamorgan Branch. Mr MBE, President Pembrokeshire have been put in place payment to Branch Secretaries. A Cunningham, Secretary Branch. N Owen, Secretary to try and improve this. He suggested that feedback The Regiment and Llanelli Branch. Mr J Heenan, Cardiganshire Branch. S from Branches would be most Battalion are blessed at helpful. Secretary London Branch. Mr Ollerhead, Secretary North present with a great many E Jones, Secretary Merthyr of England Branch. M Jones, Item 2 – Minutes of Previous high-quality officers and Tydfil Branch. Mr J Bayliss, Secretary North Wales Branch. Meeting Warrant Officers and Secretary Midlands Branch. Item 1 - President’s Address SNCO’s, many in key Army Confirmation of the minutes Mr S Liversage BEM, Secretary positions. of the Annual General Meeting a. The President opened Monmouthshire Branch. held 24th May 2016 was the meeting by welcoming b: The Battalion is very keen Mr J Williams, Secretary proposed by Mr S Liversage everyone. He was pleased to support the Association Montgomery/Shropshire (Secretary Monmouthshire to see a good attendance with Officers and WO1’s, Branch. Mr M Jones, Secretary Branch) and seconded by Mr from Branch Presidents, and RSM Dean Morgan Ogmore Branch. Mr P Williams, J Heenan (Secretary London Secretaries and envisages closer ties to the Secretary Swansea & West Branch). This was carried and representation from the Association. Glamorgan Branch. Mr D the minutes signed. Association. Knowles, Secretary Welsh c: The Band has had various Item 3 – Commemorative Guards Reunited. There were The President covered challenges due to cutbacks Events 6 other Association members what the Battalion had taking place, and numbers present. been doing so far this are reduced. They are due Sgt Robert Bye VC - Centenary

202 Welsh Guards Association AGM WELSH GUARDS REGIMENTAL MAGAZINE Welsh Guards Association AGM

July 30th 2017. This is being sent to all Secretaries. The support us. decided to charge £1 instead dealt with by RHQ. Major Alan service will be held at St Giles of 60 pence per card, to offset Item 7 – Kape Tours 12-15 Bowen will represent the Church, Wrexham, wreaths losses from previous years. September Regiment with the Recruiting laid at the Falklands Memorial, This was unanimously agreed. Team at the Memorial at followed by refreshments The planning of these tours is Item 10 – St David’s Day the Ynysangharad Park at the War Memorial Club. always down to the availability 2018 Pontypridd. It is hoped that Brigadier Rickett will be in of the Band, Battalion and the the Council will provide attendance, together with Recruiting Team, plus, also Since the Battalion will be refreshments in the Council the Welsh Guards Band. The where to attract the most on pre-op leave, Pirbright Offices and all members Regiment is picking up the recruits. At the moment, cannot be used as a venue of the Association will be food costs for lunch only, and the suggested itinerary is: for St David’s Day in 2018. The made welcome. It would be everyone is welcome, including Bangor (Tuesday), Pontypridd President suggested the venue appreciated if Secretaries families. (Thursday), and Swansea should be rotated around contact the Sec Gen with an (Friday). Confirmation will be Wales annually, taking into P Williams, (Sec Swansea idea of numbers, including given at a later date, subject to consideration, ease of access, Branch) stated that there will Standard Bearers. permission from the relevant overnight accommodation and be two memorial services in Councils. Afternote: Bangor venue large enough to cater for Ypres/Pilkem Ridge July Swansea - first one arranged and Swansea has since everyone. P Williams (Swansea) 31st 2017: General Stanford by RBL on 8th June, and the confirmed) thought that in the past, the has been invited to attend, second on June 14th. Please best two days ever were held together with the Welsh contact him for further details. Item 8 –Remembrance in Merthyr. Cardiff Castle is out Guards Band. During the Sunday November 12th Item 6 – Darts & -Shooting of the question since it is the afternoon, a service will take Competition This item is to be discussed at home of the RRW. It was also place at the Welsh Dragon the Presidents meeting June thought that future venues memorial to the 38th Welsh This has been arranged for 13th i.e. future rotation of should incorporate everyone Division at Langemark where Saturday 16th September at venues. This year it will remain together, since the Regiment is the Army Cadet Band will be in Maindy Barracks, commencing in London, and the Prince of ‘a family’ and veterans always attendance. at approximately 1000 hrs for Wales has shown an interest in look forward to meeting up those Branches close to the Item 4 – Imber Court attending. with their old Officers. The venue. The Recruiting Team President left this open for This takes place on Sunday has again kindly agreed to The RSM thought that suggestions and ideas. June 25th 2017. The Secretary cover the DCCT, for which we there should be a good of the East Glam Branch has are all extremely grateful, and representation, in uniform, Item 11 – Points raised at agreed to run a coach from the bar will remain open until from the Battalion to Secretaries meeting Pontypridd, paid for by the 1700 hrs. It is hoped that the Association Branches. In a) Sympathy/Greetings card: Association. A meal at a pub turn-out will be as good as 2016, many of the Officers A sample of a card suitable in Wooton Bassett is also last year. A Cunningham (Sec assigned to attend Branch for all occasions was arranged, but must be paid for Llanelli) asked if the targets Remembrance Services failed passed around the individually. Transport will be could revert back to original to turn up, with the exception meeting for approval, and arranged from North Wales if ‘bull and outer targets’, and the of Swansea and Cardiff. It is was it agreed to accept it anyone is interested. Lt Colonel Sec Gen will check. M Jones (N. hoped that a better turnout at a cost of 50 pence per Stephens and RQMS Davies will Wales) asked if transport and will materialize this year. card. Branch Secretaries represent the Regiment, and accommodation at Maindy Item 9 – Christmas card also agreed to purchase the Regimental Padre will take Barracks could be arranged 2017 50 cards each to sell to the service for his members: The Sec Gen their members. saw no problem with paying A sample drawing of this year’s Item 5 – Falklands 35th for a minibus, but will have to Christmas card was distributed b) Uniformity of Branch Anniversary Saturday June check about accommodation. among the meeting, depicting Standards: This has been 24th. It was good to see the Battalion Windsor castle, and to be addressed, and the Capt C Hopkins informed the participating last year, and printed on a high quality card Ogmore Branch has meeting that letters had been hopefully they will again Due to increase in costs, it was ordered a new Standard

Welsh Guards association AGM 203 Welsh Guards Association AGM WELSH GUARDS REGIMENTAL MAGAZINE

to conform with other Most events are self funding, AGM. He also thanked RSM Branches. It was also and the investments generate D Morgan for attending the agreed that white gloves approximately twelve and a meeting. should be worn rather half thousand pounds per year. Major Charlie Carty reminded than gauntlets, and a The biggest expense is the the Secretaries that he brown, rather than a black annual Newsletter which costs organizes a couple of trips a beret. approximately £3000, and the year to the Falkands, and it Regimental magazine costing c) Changes to Association is open for applications from £2000 to the Association as a Rules: Some Branches are all those who have never percentage. A Cunningham returned. He would appreciate finding it increasingly (Llanelli) complained that he veterans are made aware of difficult to get members made a refund to Association this. to volunteer for the funds of £600 in 2015, but posts of officers, and it there does not appear to be 16. Date and venue of AGM was suggested there be a record in the accounts. The 2018 a change to the rules to Treasurer assured the Secretary The 2018 AGM will be held at allow Associate members that the matter will be looked Maindy Barracks, sometime in to take up some of these into as a matter of urgency. roles, rather than seeing May (to be decided). the Branch fold. This N.B. This has since been proposal was agreed resolved, and a clear (although the explanation given, and Monmouthshire and accepted. Cardiff Branch dissented), Item 15 – Welsh Guards and the motion carried to Charity allow the constitution to be amended. There are many web/social media sites on the internet, d) Imber Court: See item 4 but the President pointed out Item 12 – Branch Presidents that the Welsh Guards did not have a Charity web site, The President pointed out explaining what it entails, and that he has great difficulty in how the money is spent. He persuading Officers to take has therefore requested Major up the role of President of a Martin Browne (Treasurer/ Branch. He has approached ARA) to set up a new site, Officers living in, and outside which will be linked to other Wales, but with a poor Welsh Guards sites, including response. This matter is to Freedom town Mayors. This be taken up at the Presidents site will be up and running meeting in June. by September 6th, and all Item 13 – Admittance of corners of the Regiment will be Welsh Guards Band as a new informed when it goes live. Branch of the Association A Cunningham (Llanelli) This was previously discussed stated that one of his at the Secretaries meeting Branch members made in February, and was a donation to the charity, unanimously agreed by the but has not received an Secretaries and the Trustees, acknowledgement. The that the Band be part of the President assured him that a Association. CSGT Richard personal letter of thanks from Hunter (Norm), BQMS of the him is written to all donors. Welsh Guards Band formally (A further letter of thanks was written to the gentleman the thanked the meeting. following day). Item 14 – Association Before the meeting was Accounts closed, the President profusely The Treasurer reported a apologised for not introducing healthy balance of £12,426, but the new RQMS, Dai Davies at with a few outstanding costs. the commencement of the

204 Welsh Guards Association AGM WELSH GUARDS REGIMENTAL MAGAZINE Forecast of Events

FORECAST OF EVENTS 2018

January 10 montgomery & Shropshire Branch meeting (1415 for 1430 hrs)

February 14 llanelli Branch Meeting, Royal Navy Association Club Llanelli 27 Regimental Trustees Meeting – Pirbright

March 1 association St David’s Day Celebrations Brecon

April 11 llanelli Branch Meeting, Royal Navy Association Club Llanelli 25 golf - Household Division Championships 28 association Biennial Lunch, Brangwyn Hall, Swansea

May 3 golf - First two rounds of the Colonel in Chief’s Cup 9 montgomery & Shropshire Branch meeting (1415 for 1430 hrs) 13 Welsh Guards Association Handicap (a Day at the Races) Ludlow 15 association AGM – Cardiff (tbc) 26 trooping The Colour - Major General’s Review

June 2 trooping The Colour – Colonel’s Review 9 the Queen’s Birthday Parade 13 llanelli Branch Meeting, Royal Navy Association Club Llanelli 23 falklands Memorial Service and Reunion - Wrexham

July 1 montgomery and Shropshire Branch Summer Luncheon, 11 montgomery & Shropshire Branch meeting (1415 for 1430 hrs)

August 8 llanelli Branch Meeting, Royal Navy Association Club Llanelli

September 8–12 association BattlefieldT our 15 association Darts and Shoot Competition - Cardiff (tbc) 26 golf - Finals of the Colonel in Chief’s Cup

October 10 llanelli Branch Meeting, Royal Navy Association Club Llanelli 10 montgomery & Shropshire Branch meeting (1415 for 1430 hrs)

November 11 Remembrance Sunday 21 WGA Secretaries Meeting Cardiff (tbc)

December 12 llanelli Branch Meeting, Royal Navy Association Club Llanelli 12 montgomery & Shropshire Branch meeting (1415 for 1430 hrs)

Please monitor the Welsh Guards Charity website and Welsh Guards Social Media for updates and additions to this forecast

Forecast Of Events 205 In Memoriam - ÊR CôF We regret to announce that notification has been received of the deaths of the following Welsh Guardsmen:

22217094 LSgt J T D Allen 23929672 CSgt K Edwards Died: 30th December 2014, aged: 86 Died: 31st January 2017, aged: 70 Served: 1948 – 1953 Served: 1966 – 1987 2656525 LSgt R A Appleby 2737826 Sgt D A Edwards Died: 24th June 2017, aged: 99 Died: 1st October 2015, aged: 92 Served: 1939 – 1944 Served: 1941 to 1946 *22831726 Gdsm P Arnold 24607861 Sgt M Edwards Died: May 2017, aged: 77 Died: 14th July 2017, Aged: 55 Served: 1957 - 1960 Served: 1981 – 2003 23929720 Sgt B Bartlett 2741188 BDO Edwards Died; 23rd February 2017, aged: 67 Died: 8th September 2017, Aged: 91 Served; 1966 – 1976 and 1979 – 1993 Served: July 1945 – April 1948 23877355 WO2 AC Bateman 22217034 LCpl J Evans Died: 17th September 2017, aged:74 Died: 19th January 2017, Aged: 90 Served: 1962 - 1987 Served: 1948 – 1955 22217001 Gdsm D G Beardmore 2740545 Sgt F J Foad Died: 10th June 2017, aged: 87 Died: 10th April 2017, aged: 90 Served: 1948 – 1953 Served: 1945 – 1947 *2735319 Gdsm A Boswell 23908697 LCpl G T Firth Died: 2017, aged: 98 Died: 1st May 2017, aged:68 Served: Dec 1939 – May 1942 Served: 1968 – 1972 *2739604 Sgt C N Catchpole Lord Gladwyn Died: 2nd November 2017, aged: Died: 15th August 2017, aged: 87 Served: June 1944 – November 1947 Served: 1949 23877303 A Clarke 22217940 LSgt R M Goodlad Died: 21st December 2016, aged: 74 Died: 2nd February 2017, aged: 80 Served: February 1962 to February 1968 Served: Jan 1954 – March 1976 *22217873 Gdsm J Coleman 23908772 Gdsm G E Griffiths Died: June 2017, aged: 81 Died: 5th January 2017, aged: 69 Served: 1956 - 1959 Served: 1963 to 1993 2283194 Gdsm J W Coughlan Captain P F Hanbury Died: 12th October 2017, aged: 81 Died: 17th July 2017, aged: 98 Served: November 1954 - November 1957 Served: 1939 - 1949 24220174 Gdsm G Crocker 22831428 Gdsm D Harris Died: 15th May 2017, aged: 59 Died: 24th October 2016, aged: 77 Served: 1974 – 1978 Served: 1953 to 1962 NR Cunningham-Reid Esq 24439876 CSgt R Hultberg Died: 26th September 2017, aged: 86 Died: 23rd February 2017, aged: 55 Served: 1950 - 1955 Served: 1981 – 1995 22217963 P Daley E G Hurst Esq Died: 6th September 2017, aged: 81 Died:14th December 2016, aged: 89 Served: 1953 – 1963 and 1969 – 1976 Served: 1948 - 1951 25113495 LCpl C Davies 22831045 Gdsm R Jarman Died: 30th September 2017, aged: 35 Died: 7th November 2016, aged: 83 Served: 2004 - 2012 Served: May 1954 to May 1958 2739547 LSgt G Dixon 22831033 LSgt B Jayne Died: 13th November 2016, aged: 90 Died: 23rd November 2016, aged: 80 Served: May 1934 to December 1947 Served: 1954 to 1957

206 In Memoriam In Memoriam - ÊR CôF We regret to announce that notification has been received of the deaths of the following Welsh Guardsmen:

*22408993 Gdsm R Jones 22066873 G Thomas Died: June 2017, aged: 81 Died: 22nd May 2017, aged: 87 Served: 1954 - 1956 Served: September 1948 – May 1950 14911676 Sgt R Jones 23523332 Gdsm T Tombs Died: 18th September 2016, aged: 90 Died: 24th August 2017, aged: 81 Served: 1944 – 1947 Served: 1959 - 1962 23042147 Cpl A R Kersey 19029281 Gdsm R Tucker Died: 8th May 2017, aged: 84 Died: 22nd August 2017, aged: 91 Served: 1951 – 1954 Served: 1946 - 1948 Captain DJT Lawman Maj T M Wakefield Died: 30th September 2017, aged: 96 Died: 19th May 2017, aged: 78 Served: 1941 - 1947 Served: 1959 – 1983 22217724 Gdsm A R Lewis Maj O B Warman Died; 3rd October 2017, aged: 82 Died: 2nd October 2017, aged:85 Served: 1954 - 1958 Served: February 1953 – October 1968 24366188 LSgt A Morgan 22370877 Gdsm A H Webb Died: 17th March 2017, aged: 59 Died: 21st January 2017, aged: 85 Served: 1975 - 1993 Served: 1950 - 1953 2737054 Gdsm PW Morgan Major E P Woods Died: 3rd July 2017, aged: 97 Died: 30th July 2017, aged: 95 Served: 1940 – 1946 Served: 1942 – 1964 23877388 R Morgan 22217945 D I Williams Died: 10th November 2017, aged: 73 Died: 16th September 2017, aged: 82 Served: 1964 to 1967 Served Jan 54 - Jan 57 *22741792 WO1 ATW Morris 24125008 Gdsm P Williams Died:29th August 2017, aged: Died: 24th December 2016, aged: 63 Served: 1953 - 1979 Served: 1969 - 1977 23456549 Gdsm R Pierce 22374576 Gdsm B O Williams Died: 22nd March 2017, aged: 78 Died: 4th January 2017, aged: 84 Served: Mar 58 to Mar 60 Served: 1951 - 1953 22217064 Gdsm J Reynolds 22217966 LSgt A Williams Died: 26th October 2016, aged: 79 Died: 26th April 2017, aged: 81 Served:1956 – 1958 Served: 1954 – 1957 23877366 Sgt D N Rice 24281298 Gdsm E Williams Died: 11th August 2017, aged: 73 Died: 27th May 2017, aged: 64 Served: July 1962 – August 1974 Served: 1972 – 1975 Major J I C Richardson *23929776 K Williams Died: 3rd July 2017, aged: 80 Died: 2nd September 2017, aged:69 Served: 1956 – 1977 Served: 1966 – 1978 Gdsm S Rogers *35 Gdsm R Williams Died 8th August 2017, aged: 24 Died: October 2017, aged: Served:2012 – 2016 Served: 1987-1992 22831445 Gdsm F Rowlands 23441192 Gdsm FMB Winter Died: 18th March 2017, aged: 79 Died: 9th August 2017, aged: 79 Served: 1955 to 1964 Served: 1954 - 1958 25196122 Gdsm A Thomas Died: 6th February 2017, aged: 29 *Denotes missing some detail which we Served: 2006 - 2009 have been unable to clarify

In Memoriam 207 208 Bangor KAPE Tour September 2017 Photograph courtesy of Dawn Hughes.