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Newsheet
Edition 52
July 2008

LIST OF OFFICIALS-FUSILIERS ASSOCIATION
(LANCASHIRE)

President: Col B M Gorski
Chairman: Capt J O'Grady
Secretary: Mr Steven Fitt
Secretary Membership: Mr John Scotson
Treasurer: Major J M Hindshaw TD DL
Editorial Comment - Capt. David G. Hoyle (Ret'd)

The Regimental Jottings give information edited from the regular emails that I am sent from the Tower of London . The information on the Op Banner Commemoration is important to many of us. If you do not have computer access at home, remember that most public libraries have free public internet access.
The information on recruiting is addressed to every former Fusilier. You know what it is to be a Fusilier, think of all the young people that you know who could be nearly as good a Fusilier as you were and put them in the right direction.
Please also remember that those who lose their history lose their soul. The museum appeal is important for our Regiment's future. Many people have already made a donation, whether simply "buying a brick" for £10 or giving extremely generously. If you have yet to help, please see http://www.fusiliersmuseum-lancashire.org.uk/index.html

For up to date news from 1RRF in Iraq browse http://www.thefusiliers.org

Letter from the Chairman - Capt. John O'Grady (Ret'd)

Dear Members of the Association,
I write to you as your new Chairman and would like to say what a privilege it was to be appointed to the post by our present Colonel Lancashire, Colonel Brian Gorski M.B.E. I would like to record my sincere thanks to Eric Davidson for all of his hard work whilst in the chair over the past three years or so.
I will not mend a wheel that is not broken but take a careful look at our present situation and with the help of my committee, set out a strategy programme for the Association that will lay the foundation for the next fifteen years or so. My committee will be tasked to raise the membership by 25%, to continue to track down and enlist the 1960's generation, increase the number of the present RRF members leaving the Army, increase the I.T awareness to all members young or old which in turn could help to play a very large part in our recruiting programme in Lancashire. My committee will also be asked to look at and improve the payment of subscriptions with an aim of achieving an 85% payment by direct debit to allow forward planning in the further, such as Gallipoli, Battle Field Tours, days out etc.
I am very impressed with what is going on in out outlying branches and the hard work that is being put in by the secretaries. I look forward to meeting them all shortly to discuss my ideas and theirs, ensuring that we must never lose sight of why the Regimental Association was implemented in the first place. It is where past and present members of our antecedent Regiments and present Regiment can meet and discuss old times and be updated by our younger members, in a warm and friendly atmosphere. This will, I am sure be borne out in the forthcoming year in Lancashire with the opening of the new Regimental museum in April 2009 (the biggest shot in the arm the XX The Lancashire Fusiliers will have had in the past fifty years or so) plus the past forty years of our present Regiment. This Museum will be a sight for sore eyes and a magnificent credit to all of those people who have contributed to its creation.
In all a very busy year ahead with many challenges for the Association in Lancashire which I am confident will be met with the true spirit of its members.
http://www.fusiliers-association-lancs.co.uk

E-mail addresses - Lancashire Headquarters, The Royal Regiment of Fusiliers
Lt Col M J Glover TD Area Secretary: colonelglover@btinternet.com
Linsay Walsh Chief Clerk: fusilierslancshq@btinternet.com
Tony Sprason Research Officer: anthonysprason@btinternet.com
General Enquiries same as Chief Clerk
Capt D G Hoyle Editor News Sheet: david_g_hoyle@hotmail.co.uk

SECRETARYS NOTES - Steven Fitt

Firstly I thank Lt Col Eric Davidson DL for all the hard work he has put in over the last 3 years as Chairman of the Association Lancashire, I am sure you all wish him well in his new post. Thank you everyone who attended the Gallipoli weekend, 'what is it on the march past, there are Primrose hackles standing out in the crowd watching?' Come on gents next year is the BIG one, if you feel that you can't march ¾ of a mile, let us know in plenty of time (and I don't mean the week before) and we will see what can be done. At the end of June I am going to France and Belgium and will be visiting the Somme Battlefields to lay a wreath at Sunken Lane. A reminder for your diary Sunday 3rd August is Minden day at the Club. This is also the last day that the Regimental Museum will be open, so make sure that we give the old place a send off and it will be your last chance to purchase tie pins, cuff links, etc until April next year.

REGIMENTAL JOTTINGS
News from RHQ HM Tower of London

Fusilier News 4th January 2008

New Year's Honours
Member of the Order of the British Empire Major Gareth Boyd MBE, for 3 years O.C. Fire Support Company, 2RRF and took them to Iraq on an independent command.
Member of the Order of the British Empire Warrant Officer Class 2 R Greaves MBE, who was CSM A Company 2RRF during the time spent in NowZad.

Fusilier News 10th March 2008

OPERATIONAL HONOURS
Quoting the London Gazette on Thursday 6 March 2008 "The Queen has been graciously pleased to approve the following:
To be an Ordinary Member of the Military Division of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire in recognition of gallant and distinguished services in Afghanistan
Corporal (Acting Sgt) Martyn David Gibbons, The Royal Regiment of Fusiliers

For the publication the following as having been Mentioned in Dispatches in recognition of gallant and distinguished service in Afghanistan during the period 1 April - 30 September 2007" Capt Robin David Smith, The Royal Regiment of Fusiliers

RECRUITING FOR THE REGIMENT
We can all help. The Regiment now runs its own introductory course for anyone aged 16 or over who might be considering serving in the army and specifically within the Regiment. If therefore you know or hear of anyone then recommend that they use the link below which gives details of the 5-day course for which there is no charge and absolutely no obligation thereafter. Anyone interested should contact the Fusilier Recruiting Sergeants in our Recruiting Offices or go direct to the Regimental Recruiting Officer on 0203 166 6908. The link is:- http://www.army.mod.uk/fusiliers/fusilier_gathering2007/englands_fusiliers.htm (This one does not work)

Fusilier News 23rd April 2008

St George's Day Greetings from the Colonel of the Regiment and All Fusiliers
40th Anniversary
Forty years ago, on St George's Day, The Royal Regiment of Fusiliers was formed from our four former regiments The Royal Northumberland Fusiliers, The Royal Warwickshire Fusiliers, The Royal Fusiliers and XX The Lancashire Fusiliers. No-one now serving in the Regiment ever served in one of our antecedent regiments.
On that day, 23 April 1968, General Sir Kenneth Darling, Colonel of the Regiment sent a message to Her Majesty The Queen which read:
"On St George's Day, the birthday of The Royal Regiment of Fusiliers, I hope that your Majesty will accept from all Fusiliers, with their humble duty, their loyal greetings. "
A response dated 26th April 1968 sent from Windsor Castle read:
"Please convey to all Fusiliers my warm thanks for their kind message of loyal greetings which you have sent to me on the occasion of the birthday of The Royal Regiment of Fusiliers. I receive this with much pleasure and send my congratulations and best wishes for the future. Elizabeth R."
The Regimental Creed.
We can be justly proud of our achievements over these past 40 years, with distinguished service in Germany, Northern Ireland, the Balkans, Iraq and in Afghanistan - to recall only the most obvious theatres of our operations. The Colonel of the Regiment has directed that today we should adopt and publish abroad a Regimental Creed. It is encouraging that this creed has emanated not from the top down, but from serving Fusiliers and their officers, and was presented to the Regimental Council as the way Fusiliers do business. This itself says much about our Regiment.
I am a Fusilier, a professional infantryman and a proud member of an elite Regiment
I am disciplined, physically and mentally tough, trained and ready to deploy
I will defend my country's freedoms with respect and integrity
I will always maintain my arms, my equipment and myself
I will place the mission and the team first
I will never accept defeat, let down my mates or my Regiment
I will always be one of England's Finest, a Fusilier
All members of the Regiment - Regular, Territorial, Cadets and Association members - will shortly receive their own card with this creed. Today, we are justly proud to be members of a first rate, highly regarded, professional family of Fusiliers. We can look forward to meeting new challenges, confident in the knowledge that we have proven equal to and have matched the valour and spirit of our predecessors.

St George's and Gallipoli Weekend Celebrations
The weekend beginning on Friday 18 April saw impressive celebrations in Newcastle and on St George's Day itself 2RRF held a small Parade. That evening 190 Officers, serving and retired, with ages ranging from 88 to 22 years, attended the 40th Anniversary Regimental Dinner, in the presence of HRH The Duke of Kent KG, our Colonel-in-Chief. The following weekend 1RRF celebrated their St George's weekend in Fallingbostel. The Gallipoli weekend was commemorated in Bury with the Gallipoli Dinner on 26th April, and the Parade and Church Service in the Parish Church on the Sunday. Afterwards some old comrades met at the Regimental Club and others lunched at the Castle Armoury.


Fusilier News 2nd June 2008

1ST FUSILIERS ON OPERATIONS
1st Fusiliers departed Lumsden Barracks, Fallingbostel some 10 days ago have been acclimatising in Kuwait for their six month tour on Op TELIC 12 in Iraq. They have now completed their relief in place with 1 SCOTS GUARDS. The Adjutant reported that 1RRF are in good shape and are looking forward to getting on with some potentially exciting operations. Veterans who are back in Basra say that living conditions are much better than they were on the previous tour, there is air conditioning in many more locations not least in the majority of the sleeping areas.

OPERATION BANNER COMMEMORATION SERVICE - 10 SEPTEMBER 2008

You can apply for tickets for the Service in St Pauls Cathedral by following the link http://www.veterans-uk.info/
RHQ is in the process of contacting the families of those members of the Regiment who lost their lives during the period of Op BANNER to ensure that they will have the opportunity of attending this commemoration at no cost to themselves. I would hope that priority will go to these people but I suspect it will be on a first come first served basis.

Fusilier News 17th June

HER MAJESTY THE QUEEN'S BIRTHDAY HONOURS LIST
Many congratulations go to the following who have received awards;
Col W N (Bill) Aldridge CBE who has been appointed as a Commander of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire. This was in recognition of his leadership and example in Afghanistan.
Maj J W (Jim) Taylor MBE has been appointed a Member of the same Most Excellent Order of the British Empire, in recognition of his specific and unique contribution to operations in both Afghanistan and Iraq over a 9 month period.
Lt Col (Retd) E W Davidson MBE DL was also appointed as a Member of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire.
2ND FUSILIERS ON PUBLIC DUTIES
Monday 16 June 2nd Fusiliers were on parade outside Buckingham Palace mounting Her Majesty's Guard for the first time. Go to the following website to see a summary: http://www.mod.uk/DefenceInternet/DefenceNews/HistoryAndHonour/FusiliersInDebutPalaceParade.htm
Jolyon Willans
MSF C1
Regimental Secretary
The Royal Regiment of Fusiliers
Tel: 020 3166 6909
email .rhq@thefusiliers.org


VISIT OF THE LANCASHIRE FUSILIER ASSOCIATION BAND AND DRUMS TO THE CANADIAN INTERNATIONAL MILITARY TATTOO - JUNE 2008

Another massive success for the Band & Drums.
(Article by William St Maur Sheil. My wife and I went out to Canada to cheer on the Band and Drums - and enjoy a little bit of touring round the Rockies and Vancouver while over there.)
Once again our Association Band has been invited back to Canada, to take part in the Canadian International Military Tattoo. The Band and Drums travelled out to Canada on Wednesday 11th June and returned a week later. Judging by the ovation given to them by the huge audience on both nights at the Tattoo, their music and marching were enormously appreciated. Once again they have succeeded beyond any reasonable expectation, for a band which normally can only meet to practice in their spare time, in the evening and at weekends; this has to be a huge achievement. They were as professional as any regular army band, and probably better than some. We have every reason to be very proud of them.
Every year, the organisers of this Tattoo, which takes place at Hamilton, Ontario (just South of Toronto, the commercial capital of Canada) invite one carefully selected and well-known foreign band or display team to share the limelight with their Bands and Drums, and their own Canadian displays. Early in 2007, we heard that our part-time, amateur band had been invited again. What an honour! What recognition! Not just invited once, but so highly thought of that they had been invited back. To give some idea of the standard expected of visitors, other displays or bands, invited to take part in previous Tattoos, have been the world famous American Marines Silent Drill display team, the US Army Hellcats Drums and Bugles and the REME band of the British Army.
The Musical Director Mike Thomas, the Drum Major Charles Hodgson, and 32 members of the Band and Drums were able to travel, and had only three days, including the first day of the Tattoo, in which to recover from the journey and rehearse. It cannot be the easiest of tasks to co-ordinate the different musical styles and marching routines for those parts of the Tattoo when they combined with the other bands. The Saturday routine must have been particularly punishing with rehearsals all day, followed by the Tattoo, lasting 2½ hours. Everyone seemed to have plenty of energy left for the party to celebrate the success of the first night, which went with a real swing at the Pheasant Plucker, just round the corner, until the early hours. We all needed to wet our whistles, even those not playing instruments. Having fallen out at midnight ourselves, I did note that the band members maintained the best traditions of the Regiment by appearing next day showing no effects of the party at all, while no doubt the pub was having a frantic time trying to replenish their supplies for another session after the Sunday performance.
A massive thank you must be given to Colonel Orange, the Commanding Officer of the Lorne Scots, and Drum Major Ian McGibbon of the Lorne Scots, our allied Canadian Regiment. Through their support and recommendation the decision was made to invite the Association Band and Drums to Canada. In particular, our thanks to Drum Major Ian McGibbon, who came to Bury for this year's Gallipoli Commemoration with Pipe Major Kevin Cranley, and whose liaison then, and over many months since, has smoothed the wheels for this trip. It was he who made almost all the arrangements in Canada, and who looked after the Band and Drums while they were there. He was also very helpful to us, while we were in Hamilton, even when he was at his busiest.
He is hugely proud that he and his men wear the primrose hackle, so that the link with our two Regiments is reflected not just through our shared interests, but also in their uniform. He now has a LF badge to add to the RRF badge already on his mace. The Lorne Scots Band & Drums will be attending the Gallipoli Commemoration and official opening of the Museum next year, with many supporters.
The Tattoo took place in a vast indoor Coliseum, with mock castle walls and entrance at the far end, through which all the performers entered. I will try to describe a little of the Tattoo itself, partly to encourage others who might like to go out to Hamilton, should the Band be invited out again.
The guest of honour on the first night was General Gary Stafford, Deputy Commander Land Forces in Canada. Once he had been driven in and welcomed, the Tattoo itself started with a fanfare by the trumpeters of the LF Association Band and Drums, which was done very well. As they marched off, they were immediately followed by the appearance through the Castle doors and the stirring sound of the Massed Pipes and Drums of the two Canadian Highland Regiments taking part. These were our own allied Regiment, the Lorne Scots, with the Drum Major out in front, looking absolutely magnificent in all his full dress uniform, and the Pipes and Drums of the Argyll & Sutherland Highlanders of Canada. Also on parade were the Dundas Pipes & Drums, and the Pipes and Drums of the Hamilton Police. Their massive sound really filled the Coliseum.
Then on came the Massed Military Bands, with our Band and Drums, marching alongside those of the Hamilton Light Infantry and the Windsor Regiment. All the tunes played were well known tunes, which always adds to the pleasure of the audience. After playing and countermarching, they formed up for a finale conducted by Mike Thomas of a very good rendition and arrangement of Alouette. The performance was greeted with a huge ovation as they marched off.
There was further music from the Pipes and Drums, while we were entertained by the lovely Schiehallon Highland dancers. Then, because this year is the 400th anniversary of the founding of Quebec city, we enjoyed watching the charming dancers and singers of the French Canadian Mackinaw Folklorique Group, laughing and smiling as they performed, and full of fun.
Finally before the interval, our Band and Drums came on again, on their own, to thunderous applause, and were joined after a while by the Lorne Scots Pipes and Drums, which made a really enjoyable combination of the two Regiments working together. Great music and great marching.
After the interval, we had the massed military Bands and Drums and the massed Pipes and Drums. Then a very moving vignette, in which the local Afghan community had volunteered to take part, and in which appeared a section from the Royal 22e Regiment (known as the Van-Doo's, from the French title, as they come from the French part of Canada). These very smart and very competent, confident looking young men had only just returned from a successful tour in Afghanistan, and this little act was called "Afghanistan Thanks Canada". It was all explained by a good commentary, and started with some Afghani mullahs, spotlit in the Arena, shouting their demands for the restrictions imposed by the Taliban on the Afghan population, and then whipping and chasing out of the Arena some groups of young Afghanis who dared to relax and enjoy games, and some girls who dared to attend school. After some bombing noises, on came the young soldiers and off ran the mullahs, and Afghan life returned to comparative normality. It was interesting to hear the Corporal's words of command made in French.
It was done very well and the Afghan Consul-General from Toronto was the other principle guest. It was good to see this public thank-you to the Canadian Armed Forces, supported by the local Afghan community. It would be very nice to see the local Afghan and Iraqi communities in UK show some public appreciation of our servicemen and women. On the Sunday the chief guest was General Charles Belzile, who had commanded the Royal 22e Regiment, and then gone on to command the whole Canadian Army, now the Honorary Grand President of Royal Canadian Legion. It was clearly a very much appreciated and moving chance for him to speak to these fine young men of his own Regiment
After the Grand Finale, with lots more music and all the participants back in the arena, and after singing the Canadian and our National Anthems, it was all over. The Sunday performance was just as successful.
Well done the Band & Drums! We so nearly did not go, and we are both very glad indeed that we did. It was an honour to be involved with them. They deserve our very fulsome thanks for what they achieve for the Regiment, not just on this trip, but over the years. Originally a small quorum from the Band of the 5th Battalion, who refused to give up back in 1967 when the 5th Battalion was disbanded, and started up again in the Regimental Club. They grew over the years, and through all sorts of problems, into the brass band we knew, until they became a "military band" in 1997. Now over 50 strong, they perform at about 50 functions a year, with the Corps of Drums performing on average about twice every weekend. No wonder they are good. I think their stick drill is better than that of the Royal Marines, but I am biased. It was a great pity some of the younger members were unable to travel, many because they are still at school, and sadly, their exams clashed with the dates. What a wonderful experience it would have been for them, and we can only hope that another chance will come their way.
Particular thanks must also go to the Band CQMS, Jane Brooks. I understand that most of the organisation at the UK end for the trip was her responsibility. That is a huge undertaking when you think about it, with all the individuals to co-ordinate and get to the airports on time, and all the uniforms and instruments to pack up and despatch. Although he tried to pass all the credit to Jane for her organisation, I am confident that a great deal of work was also done by Col Eric Davidson behind the scenes, and everyone was very sorry that he was unable to travel and be with them. When I found Mike Thomas on Saturday after rehearsals, the pleasure with which I was asked immediately whether I had heard of Col Davidson's MBE, was testament to the affection and respect with which he is held by the Band and Drums. Hardly surprising, after the way he has nursed and supported them over the years, especially his help to raise the funds for buying uniform and instruments, until they have reached this latest achievement. Everyone was really delighted by this much deserved honour.

LT COL E DAVIDSON DL

I first met Eric Davidson in 1967, as a young Sgt PSI at the TAC in Bury. I was driving down the Bury/Bolton road in a Land Rover when I noticed a Police motor cyclist following me. I eventually got back to the TAC and he was still following me, right into the TAC yard. My first thought was 'what have I done now'. It transpired that this officer was Eric Davidson and he wanted to get involved with the Army Cadet Force. We gave him all the details he required and off he went.
Eric Davidson joined the Army Cadet organization and over the years he did sterling work for them in various roles, giving up a lot of his own time to help the young people of the North West and Merseyside. It should be noted that at this time Eric was a full time police officer and bringing up a family, but one thing that struck me when I used to meet up with him, was that nothing was ever too much trouble.
I again met up with him when he got mixed up with the chaps from the Regimental Club, when they started to organize the Krypton Factor Assault Course Competition at Holcombe Moor TC. This was a charity event which raised many thousand of pounds for various charities throughout the country. This was a brilliant event and a few people put in a vast amount of work.
Over the years I continued to meet up with Eric, he went up in rank continuing to take on more responsibility for various tasks, and also became a member of the Lancashire Area Association Secretariat. He became the Events Secretary on this and then restarted the Association Band and Corps of Drums, which has become a great success and is popular wherever they perform. Much of this success being down to the hard work and dedication put in by Eric.
A few years ago Eric took on the role of Association Chairman (Lancashire) from Lt Col Lee TD and for the first time we actually got to work together. Along with the work he put into being the Chairman he was also a very active member of the new Museum Appeal Steering Group to which he donated a vast amount of time and effort raising funds for the project and many other tasks. I thoroughly enjoyed my time serving as the Association Secretary with Eric as Chairman.
I write this as a way of saying thank you to Lt Col Eric Davidson DL on behalf of the membership of the Fusiliers Association (Lancashire) for the hard work he has put in on our behalf over many years and continues to do so. 'Well done Sir, You Are A Gentleman'.

John Scotson BEM

P.S. Congratulation to Lt Col Eric Davidson MBE DL

LANCASHIRE AREA HEADQUARTERS

Inkerman Dinner.
The Inkerman Dinner is the "Lancashire Chapter" of the Officers Dinner Club and is open to all regimental officers serving or retired in the North West. It tradition takes place during the evening of the Friday preceding the Remembrance Weekend. and for a number of years has been held in the Regimental Council Chamber at Wellington Barracks. The Council Chamber is relatively small, certainly by Mercer standards, and the 28 who attended packed the room. This year the Fusilier Museum Project will begin to impact on the running of events in the Lancashire Headquarters. However despite the paintings being covered in bubble wrap and the silver packed for the move I hope to be able to hold the 2008 and last dinner at Wellington Barracks. It is planned for the 2009 Inkerman Dinner to take place in the Council Chamber of the new Lancashire Headquarters

Dedication of a New Standard
Remembrance Weekend 2007 saw one of the largest gatherings of former Lancashire Fusiliers at Wellington Barracks for many years. Anticipating the closure of the site Capt Joe Eastwood organised a reunion and parade. The event included the dedication of a new standard funded by the Lancashire Fusilier Website Team. There is no doubt in my mind that support for these events is increasing and they are attended by and large by veterans who are fiercely proud of their Lancashire Fusilier heritage but are also fiercely proud of the achievements of the Royal Regiment of Fusiliers


Click here to see the photos of the parade

Fusilier Platoon
The Fusilier Platoon at the Castle Armoury continues to thrive despite all the obstacles thrown in its way. The Machine Gun Platoon establishment is one officer and 19 other ranks. On strength the platoon can boast 65 of which eight are deployed on operations in Afghanistan. They are:

Lt Croxford, Cpl Brady, Lcpl Day, Fus Worsley,
Fus Tse, Fus Axon, Fus Taylor, Fus Shambyati

A further eight will deploy on Op TOSCA to Cyprus in September. For many this is their second or third operational tour and at the risk of being controversial there are few post war regular or National Service Lancashire Fusiliers who can boast this sort of operational experience. The Platoon is now looking forward to the arrival of Sgt Jones formerly of the Regimental Recruiting Team in Lancashire who will shortly take up the appointment of PSI. In the mean time CSM Gilks will continue as acting Platoon Commander and PSI as well as holding down a full time job. The Platoon continues to be held in very high regard by their parent Battalion 4LANCS and this is best summed up in this extract from B (Somme) Company notes taken from the 2007 Kingsman Magazine.
" Somme Company has finally finished restructuring with the departure of the Machine Gun Platoon to D Coy. The Machineguns, affectionately known, as the "Bury Bandits" will be much missed, as they could always be relied upon to turn up en masse, provide the bulk of company "characters", and improve morale in all situations, and as the last representatives of the Fusiliers in the area the disciplinary issues which flowed from Bury were always more creative and amusing than those generated from elsewhere!

The Fusilier Association Club.
Now that the move of the Headquarters and Museum is increasingly likely the harsh reality is that the Association Club that has served the Regiment and the local community so well will close in 2009. It is sad that an institution such as the Club should have to close however the cost to the MoD of maintaining the building has increased considerably and in 2007 the rent was more than doubled effectively signalling the end of the Club. However Defence Estates have recognised that Wellington Barracks will close in 2009 as a result of the Museum Project and following negotiation have deliberately held off increasing the rent. A small concellation for the members of the Club but it is the best that we can do.

Visits
Over the past few months the Lancashire Headquarters has hosted a visit by Eric Pickles MP a Shadow Minister, our local Member of Parliament David Chayter, both Commanding Officers Designate and the Pre Tour Briefing Team from the 1st Battalion. At Easter I attended the Stonyhurst College Easter Camp at Warcop and was please to meet RSM Dave Phillips a good friend and Fusilier.

Events
The Oldham Branch held their extremely popular Christmas Dinner with some 300 attending. While the Lancashire Headquarters in collaboration with the Compassionate Fund and the Museum Friends held a lunch for all the Volunteers who contribute their time to the running of the Headquarters and Museum. Included on the guest list were several members of the Council Parks Department whose staff do such and excellent job in maintaining the grounds at Wellington Barracks. The year ended with a visit to Broughton House in Manchester to see the remaining Lancashire Fusilier inpatients and present them with a Christmas box from the Compassionate Fund. In January the Headquarters Staff paraded at the Boer War Memorial in Bury to commemorate the Battle of Spion Kop.

Gallipoli Weekend 2008
The last weekend in April saw many Fusiliers gather in Bury to commemorate the 93rd Anniversary of Lancashire Landing and the Gallipoli Campaign. It was an extremely long weekend for the Headquarters starting early on the Friday with the Annual General Meeting of the Directors of the Fusilier Museum Company. The Steering Group meeting came next followed by a workshop focussed on the opening of the new museum. The day ended with a visit to the site to inspect building work. The Regimental Council in Lancashire met on Saturday morning to be followed by the Association Annual Dinner in the evening. This was a most enjoyable event with some 130 attending.
Sunday followed the traditional programme of Church Service, Parade and Curry Lunch. The parade would appear to get bigger each year and this year featured a detachment from the Training Ship Euryalus who came all the way from Oxford to take part. To add even more colour to the parade the Lorne Scots our affiliated Canadian Regiment were represented by a small detachment. The detachment from the "Pipes" was over here on a "recce" in preparation for a series of events next year. Lunch followed with some 150 attending. This year the usual cold buffet was replaced with a curry. It went down extremely well although chips had to be included for those who thought a curry was too exotic.
The highlights of the Lunch were presentations to members of the Association for service to the Regiment. The presentations including the award of the Regimental Medal to John Scotson and Peter Clegg, and the Colonel Lancashire's Certificate to Alan Noble and Ron Owen. Finally to commemorate the 40th Anniversary of the formation of the Regiment a special presentation was made to Bury Grammar School CCF. This took the form of an 1897 infantry pattern sword to be carried by the cadet who has made the greatest contribution to the corps during the year. Colonel Brian Gorski made the first award to Cadet Shantanu Kafle.

Click here to go to the photos of the parade

Looking Ahead
This time next year the Lancashire Headquarters and Museum will be operating from the new site and we are all now focused on preparations for the move. This will not be an easy task and will involve a terrific amount of work for all the Headquarters Staff but at least we can now see the light at the end of the tunnel

M J GLOVER
Lt Col (Retd)
Regimental Secretary Lancashire


REPORTS FROM THE BRANCHES


LIVERPOOL BRANCH NOTES
Secretary Mr David Coulter 24 Lime Grove, Runcorn Cheshire WA7 5JZ 01928563071

At the time of writing we are gearing up for our social evening on the 6th June. Obviously the event will have passed by the time this issue of the News Sheet is published. However judging by the response to verbal advertising on Gallipoli / St George's day in Bury a favourable turnout "is/was" expected (more in next issue). Anticipation, expectation 'excitation', these adjectives just about exhaust the dictionary of superlatives but cover adequately the feeling running through the Liverpool Branch at present, the reason? LIVERPOOL THE CITY OF CULTURE 2008. What has this got to do with non Liverpudlians or non Merseysiders you may ask, everything say I! Liverpool was a City in Lancashire on a par with Manchester and our County Palatine City of Lancaster. So you see even though 'dee doan talk like wot sum do doodle' Liverpudlians or Merseysiders, whatever people may pre fix them are Lancastrians. Culture? Perhaps this is another question on the lips or in the minds of many. I will endeavour to answer that unspoken thought / question. (quote) culture, an understanding of intellectual achievement, of customs, of civilization, of a particular time or people (un quote). Time? Of war people? Of Lancashire people throughout this great County of ours who paved the way for our present day (admittedly not so appreciative at times) society. So this years Remembrance Parade is eagerly awaited and being tied in with the City's 2008 status hopefully will add impetus. The state of the Branch membership is stable at present, with attendances at our monthly meetings fluctuating between 12 & 18 subject to holidays and ailments. We extend a welcome to two new members in the person of Frank Cotham ex Signal Platoon 1LF and Ted O'Hare ex MT/MT D Coy 1LF.
REMEMBER THOSE WHO HAVE GONE BEFORE JOIN US ON THE MERSEY SHORE. NOVEMBER 2008.

For details of meeting please contact the Secretary

ST HELENS BRANCH NOTES
Secretary: Mr Barrie Storey 14 Clairmont Road Wigan WN5 7LT 01744 892335
The St Helens Branch are still battling to keep the Boer War Memorial in its original location in Mesnes Park, Wigan. As is usual with this kind of campaign we are being faced with a number of obstacles, which hopefully we will overcome. Members will be informed of any progress we make here. Sadly one of our members has recently been admitted to hospital due to ill health and the group wish Ken Cordingly a full and speedy recovery and that our thoughts are with him and his family at this difficult time. Hopefully Ken and his family will make it to the Branch Concert on Friday 14th July at the Billinge Labour Club. The annual event is usually a huge success, raising much needed funds for the Branch. With tickets priced at £5 each, the artist Steve Brandon, a disco, buffet, bingo, a raffle and bar from 7-11.45pm we hope this year will be better than ever. If you're interested in attending this is a not to missed night, please contact either Barry Storey on 01744 892335 or the Branch Treasurer Frank Taylor for tickets on 01744 603525.

ROCHDALE BRANCH NOTES
Secretary Mr Elwyn Pickup
44 Mountain Ash
Rooley Moor, Rochdale
OL12 7JE
01706 712370
Meetings held at the Rochdale Transport Club first Wednesday in the month.
Down here in Rochdale we decided to hold our Christmas Celebrations on the 14th December 2007 (my Birthday coincidently). All was going well, members and their guest were arriving in their best party gear when we were informed the DJ Ozzie had not turned in, alarm bells rang, it was to late in the evening to find a replacement. Ideas needed fast, has the Masonic Hall got a sound system we could use? Answer, yes, but no CD's. Come on lads who's got some CD's? was the cry. Well after some panic stricken moments (LCpl Jones style), Dave Barber came to the rescue I'll nip home and get some and off he went. He returned some twenty minutes later with a collection of Military. 60's some 70's and of course you guessed it, the up to date every ones favourite Christmas Specials. Well we apologized to our guest's for the hic-up and did our best to make everyone happy music wise. In the end everyone had a very good night even though the Christmas Special got a hammering, who says Fusiliers don't know how to enjoy themselves?
On the 15th February 2008 we held our annual Ladies Night and this time we had booked well in advance with another DJ as Ozzie had still not surfaced since Christmas. Rumour has it the Middleton Mafia would like a word in his shell like. Our new DJ John entertained us quite well and comes very highly recommended, we will definitely book him again. The night went very well and all enjoyed themselves and even our older members were seen tapping their feet discretely under the table I might add. It was nice to see our Fusilier Queen Cheryl back with us after a spell of maternity leave and congratulations to the Grandparents Paul and Linda Deeks on the arrival of a grand daughter.
The Gallipoli weekend arrived with a vengeance and several members attended the Gallipoli and St Georges dinner and had a very good evening by all accounts. On Sunday members gathered for the Parade and Curry Luncheon and to support one of our members Peter Clegg. Everything was going to plan until the presentation, when they found out that the medals had not arrived from the Tower HQ. The three recipients who were to receive the medal were presented with the certificate that accompanies the medal and apologies were given. Clutchie (Peter) is still waiting for his, his own words not mine.
Sunday 18th May 2008 we had a coach trip to the National Memorial Arboretum at Alwrewas near Lichfield. This is a very good day out and all those who went on the trip had nothing but praises for the place and the staff who manage the Arboretum, there is nothing they won't do to make your visit go well. One word of warning though for the beer drinkers, it is £3.50 a pint as we found out to our cost (hope we haven't put you off).
At the moment we here in Rochdale are planning a Vets Dinner this is to be held on the 27th June 2008 at The Royal Toby Hotel, Manchester Road, Sudden, Rochdale. I know this may seem funny to some with everything that is going on in Blackpool at the Vets Week, but we planned this well before we knew about the Vets Week. We have also plans to hold our now much attended Minden Ball at the Masonic Hall, Richard Street, Rochdale, on Saturday 26th July 2008. Tickets are on sale at £12.00 each, phone or contact the secretary.
Well I think that's all for now except I have just received a cutting from Geoff Yates one of our members that resides on the South Coast (Southampton) Geoff sends them in now and again so here go's.
Just imagine you're in a grave yard at dusk, the wind is blowing, clouds are scuttling across a moon light sky, and it has just started to rain, would these be in your thoughts.
I often pause and wonder why,
Some people from Church yards shy,
As if within that hallowed ground,
Something frightening may be found.
Weathered headstones and moss grown mounds,
Mark the resting places of those who have found,
Their final abode and peace in here,
Take heart my friends, there is nought to fear,
No matter how much we would like to stay,
We are all ordained to pass the same way,
Lets try to be thoughtful, gentle and kind,
To leave a good memory for those left behind.
OMNIA AUDAX

TRIESTE BRANCH NOTES
Secretary Mr Charles Davies 50 Bridge Bank Road
Littleborough, Rochdale
OL15 8QU
01706 378852
With current membership of 31 the Branch remains fairly active. So far this year we have held the Grand National Draw followed by the Gallipoli Dinner and the Church Service and Parade on the Sunday. On the 18th may 5 of us, Jack and Peggy Barlow, Fred Wall and Olga Glover and myself, along with a coach party from Rochdale Branch visited the National Aboretum near Lichfield Staffs. We were able to locate the Armed Forces Memorial, on which were the names of Captain Pring, 2/Lt Finlow, L/Cpl Jackson and Fus Parker all of who lost their lives in Trieste and were buried with full military honours, in the Military Section of the San Sabba Cemetary Trieste. All in all this was a very worthwhile outing and was enjoyed by all of us. We wish to thank Elwyn Pickup of the Rochdale Branch and their members for the invitation to attend. The date of our Annual Dinner has now been finalised and will take place on Saturday the 18th October 2008 at the Grants Arms Hotel in Ramsbottom. Finally, may I on behalf of all our members convery our best wished to Lt Col Eric Davidson in his new ventures on the Museum Project and thank him for his stirling work and dedication as Chairman of the Association. We also wish a warm welcome to Captain John O'Grady, his successor who I am sure will carry on the good work.
Best regards to all Branches and members

Charles Davies. (meetings held Wellington Barracks on the first Tuesday of the month at 8.00pm)


DROYLSDEN BRANCH
Secretary Mr Vernon Haig
33 Windrush Drive
Harpurhey
Manchester
M34 6Ap
0161 2025972
Meetings held first Thursday of each month at RBL Club Droylsden Manchester at 8.00pm


OLDHAM BRANCH

Branch membership stands at 159, from most part of the Country. Barry 'Robo' Robinson is on the mend and recovering well after his illness, he apologises for missing Gallipoli. We have had a few days out since the last issue.
1. 1861 Chadderton Memorial Day.
2. A visit and tour around the new Colchester Garrison Barracks which holds five Battalions with attachments we have all heard of Run Down Barrack Accommodation. This newly built by guess who? Yes McAlpines as a state of the art Barrack complex consisting of multi storey car parks, civvy shops on site, new single room bunks with showers en-suite accommodation for the troops. With restaurants for each Battalion, also five different Sgt Messes all in the same building. As you go round this complex, you get the feel of a Military town, within a civvy town, 'state of the art' was an understatement; very much top notch. This was immediately followed by the Colchester Branch Dinner, which was also attended by Brigadier Trevor Minter and his Lady. We thank the Colchester Branch for an excellent day out.
3. We visited H.M. Tower of London for the Albuhera Day Lunch, it was nice to see some of our Southern counterparts Alan Warren, John Wiseman, Bob Gribbon, John Seymour, Rod Kennet, Col Porter, Col Aldous, Col Church, Capt Davis, Barry Robbo, Maj. Bowes-Crick, Mick Wischussen and Ray Whitewood just to name a few, a good day was had by all.
4. Gallipoli was well attended on the Sunday, however the branch was at a reunion with the Royal Regiment of Fusiliers scouse contingent the Saturday after St Georges Day.
at the Head Stream Public House, at Lime Street Station, Liverpool.
5. At the time of writing we have just been to the Royal Chelsea Hospital Founders Day, which is always a good day out. Our in pensioner John Griffiths who has been with the Oldham Branch for 14 years, is not too good, his age has got the better of him - however Dennis Sheils and Alf Hayes are on the scene and will be up for Remembrance weekend in Oldham and hopefully Gallipoli 2009 in Bury for the Museum opening.
We are currently looking forward to the following:
1. WO's & SNCO past & present dinner in Stockport in October.
2. The gathering in London we have 30 rooms booked, names to Ronnie if you intend going or even if you don't want accom we still need names for the weekend.
3. 25th October see's us off to Liverpool for a Fusilier Reunion at the Head Stream Pub at Lime Street Station, with our Corps of Drums in attendance.
4. 7, 8, 9, Nov Oldham Remembrance weekend will kick off with the festival at QEH on the Friday night.
5. And the Oldham Branch Xmas Party on the 6th December Britannia Hotel Stockport (but book early)
THANK YOU'S.
To all our standard bearers, Les Berry, Brian Armstead, Mick Fowles, Paul Heywood, John Urysz. Also to Colin Williamson for looking after our travel needs, we are very grateful. Popeye for the membership assistance. And we welcome Tony Harrop, who you may remember from 3RRF who had taken on the PRI for the Branch, we bet he does not sell Regimental socks! And of course our members that turn up for functions, all the best Alan Noble, Ronnie Owen, Arthur Marshall, Joe Farquer.

'Once a Fusilier always a Fusilier'

`D` COY 5 LF/RRF

The mortar platoon was always a bit different, or odd you might say. If you strayed into earshot of them you would hear strange phrases such as "condition the rounds, trilux sights, stabilo pencils, post two, stamp in, in two, plotterboards, Wendy House" etc.
One Sunday on top of the moors at the coldest place in the world, freezing even in summer, Leek Training Camp. The mortars had two 3" tubes on the gun line to be firing smoke only. All checks had been done, compass bearing through the barrel, elevation and bearing checked to the plotter board, and the 'bedding in' order was given, "fire". Time of flight of the bomb seemed to be quite long and no smoke appeared in the impact area, when somebody noticed a large amount of smoke in a pub car park some distance away. Oh dear! Who had not conditioned the rounds? A land rover was sent immediately to the pub. On arriving they found a bewildered landlord wondering why his pub was full of coloured smoke. Luckily no cars in the car park and no damage done, hardly a mark on the tarmac. The landlord accepted apologies and promise that the next time the camp was used by the mortars, they would frequent his pub.
Before anyone says any funny remarks about the T.A. may I draw their attention to the field on left of the A66 after the Warcop turning, in the direction of Appleby. Just over the stream, a careful examination of the ground will show four slight indentations 25m apart, the perfect "belt". The only trouble was that the regiment concerned, one which is normally based in the centre of London fired 180 degrees out, or to use metric 3200 mils. I might add it was not an English regiment and certainly not T.A. We had only used 3 inch smoke, they 81mm H.E. a much bigger bang!
The mortars were firing sand filled at Holcombe Training Camp. Anyone who has fired sand filled from an 81 will know that with a well scrubbed barrel and a tight round, the round will go 25m on a good day. But usually they go 3 to 4 meters, just hang out of the muzzle caught by the fins or stop in the tube. This means beside retracting the firing pin, a mortar man's best friend, has to be used,"Tools, Jammed, Rounds Removing". Who thinks these names up? Shades lamp electric, jersey heavy wool, chairs flat folding wooden. The QMs staff actually talk like that in the NAFFI, Rolls cheese, Doughnuts jam, cigs Woodbines, etc is the order of the day.
We had two mortars on the mortar line. The crews were going through a variety of drills, reparalleling, adjusting and recording targets etc. It was a bit tedious with frequent scrubbing of barrels and misfires. The senior PSI (who unfortunately is no longer with us, so I can call him "Banana Fingers" with impunity), was fitting the inert rounds with the special primary cartridges, which everyone knows has a left hand thread, is made of celluloid and has a charge of 40 grains of WM017. "Banana Fingers" had noticed that the troops needed livening up. Three rounds had just been fired so it was decided to scrub the barrel. The next round made a bang instead of a pop and to the amazement of the crew went about 400 m. This event woke them up. An argument started, one fusilier said that the primary cartridge had come from a H.E. round, but it was quickly pointed out that sand filled rounds have left hand threads, but live have right hand. A couple of rounds later a bigger bang. This time the round went about 800 m. The Sgt dispatched the two crews to find the rounds and bring them back. They could not be found as they had landed deep in a bog. The Sgt knew that the PSI had done the trick but did not know how. On asking questions later he found out that the PSI had incorporated two charges in the first errant round, and three charges in the second. I was sworn to secrecy but I don`t think that Dave Graham would mind me telling it now. Just for the record I never had anything to do with 3 inch.

Anecdotes
At the rehearsal for the Change of Hackle Parade in Kirton in Lindsay RSM Lamb BEM was drilling 5RRF, a corporal was making one or two mistakes. The RSM marched up to him poked him in the chest with his pace stick and said "There`s a c**t at the end of this stick isn`t there corporal?" The corporal replied "Yes sir, but it is not at this end." Les just about turned and marched away laughing.
At Sennybridge the Signal Cpl was sorting out his store, on the footpath outside was quite a bit of signalling kit. An officer came around the corner and tripped over a large battery. "Cpl!" said the officer "That battery has just tripped me up!" "Right sir" said Cpl Bowland "leave it to me I will charge it!" Exit one deflated officer.
Facts?! The two most dangerous things in the world are a sailor with a rifle, and an officer with a map. CHARLIE FOXTROT

EVENTS

Minden 2008 The Minden celebration this year will once again take place at the Regimental Club on Sunday 3rd August. Start time as normal will be early. It is hoped that we will have the usual Band Concert and Display by the Corps of Drums. You should also be aware that this will be the last day that the present Museum will be open to the public. The Museum will close to visitors after this event to prepare for the move to the new site in the centre of Bury. Please pass this onto any ex LFs who you may know of who do not keep in contact with the Regiment.
Osnabruck Reunion/LF Reunion The general consensus after discussion is that we should move the reunion back to the late Autumn. As a large number of our people will be parading in Liverpool this year on Remembrance Sunday, Friday the 7th November seems to be a good date. I will therefore book the Club for the event. Once again please pass this around to anyone you may know, both Ex Regular and TA.
Remembrance weekend (Liverpool) This year Liverpool as you will be aware is the Capital of Culture and many former LFs are parading in Liverpool on the City's Remembrance Parade. These are mainly the guys who are involved in the Lancashire Fusiliers Web Site. Should anyone who lives within striking distance or would wish to travel to should contact Dennis Laverick on 0161 761 6881
e mail xxth@hotmail.co.uk or you can get details from the site on www.lancs-fusiliers.co.uk. The last time this was done in the City it was a great success and is a good time to meet up with some old mates.
Opening of the New Museum Saturday the 24th April 2009 is the date for the opening in Bury, please note for your diary. The official opening and the normal Gallipoli celebration will be on the Sunday. Various events are being planned, full details will be in the next edition of the News Sheet. The Gallipoli Dinner will take place in the Town Hall on Saturday the 25th and it is planned to hold an opening reception after the parade on the Sunday, also our New Museum will be open for viewing. Don't forget plan ahead.
All details are to be confirmed in the next News Sheet!.

2009 IS THE 250TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE BATTLE OF MINDEN (OMNIA AUDAX)

John Scotson BEM

VERSES ON DISPLAY AT THE NATIONAL ARBORETUM LICHFIELD
by Jodie Johnson aged 9 from Lancashire;

I am an only child I cannot say thank you A life lived in freedom
And its hard to explain To the men left in France Because of that day
The feeling I have Who laid down their lives I owe them much more
As I sit in the rain To give me a chance Than I can ever repay
And I think of the men I cannot say thank you I owe them their lives
Who went off to war To those who returned That they gave up that day
Knowing they would not For thank you is not They will live in my heart
Come home any more What these brave men earned For as long as I live
I owe them my life And my children will learn
As I live it today Of the gift that they gave

Whilst we have children like this, all is not lost! Charles Davies, Trieste branch

THE LAST POST

Mr George Nelson: George passed away on Tuesday 3rd December 2007 aged 81 years. George served on the Club Committee for over thirty years. He was an old Royal Engineer attached to the Warwickshire Regt who had lived in Bury for many years.

Mary Howarth: Our old friend Mary passed away aged 86 years on Dec 16th 2008. Mary was a staunch LF, her father had been a pre-war RSM and she was brought up in the Regiment. She served during WW2 and in the TA afterwards. Mary will be sadly missed by all that new her, she was always ready to help the Regiment in any way she could. It was a pleasure and an honour to know her. Rest in Peace Mary.

Fred Lamb: Former Sgt Fred Lamb passed away on Sunday 16th December 2007. Fred joined the Regiment in 1947 and served until 1969 in the 1st Battalion. Fred will be remembered by many as being in the Mortar PI, but will be remembered for his fantastic sense of humour. A very funny man. Rest n Peace Fred.

Frank Greenwood: Former LF North Africa And Cassino. Member of the Rochdale and Oldham Branches passed away 29th December 2007 aged 91 years. Rest in Peace.

Leo Beech: Former MG PI 5RRF at Bury, Rochdale and Ashton passed away January 2008. Leo was 43 years of age. Rest in Peace Leo
.
John Avery: John passed away on 21st January 2008. John served pre-war in India and China. On rejoining in 1939 and served in the 1st Battalion until 1946. Rest in Peace Old Soldier.

Mr W (Bill) Livesey: Bill served with the 2nd Battalion in North Africa, Sicily, Italy (Monte Cassino) and Austria in WW2. He was founder member of the Droylsden/Burnage Branch in Manchester, and for twenty years was the secretary. Bill passed away on the 5th February 2008 aged 89 years. Rest in Peace Old Soldier.

Mr Tom Mason: Tom passed away aged 95 years in early 2008. He served with the 8th Battalion at Dunkirk and was a POW in Poland until 1945.

Mr Eddie Morgan: Eddie was a member of the Band Branch and served in the 1st and 2nd Battalion LF and served during WW2. Aged in his late eighties he passes away in early April 2008.

Mr Frank Underwood: Frank former LF passed away 10th may 2008. Frank was 95 years old, he served at Dunkirk, China and India.

Mr John Snee: John Snee served with the 1F Band in Osnabruck from 1960 until 1963. John passed away on the 29th May 2008 aged 70 years. Rest in Peace.

Mr John Brooks: John passed away on 27 April 2008 aged 91 years. John served in Normandy, Belgium, Holland and Germany, he was attached to the RE(PS). Rest in Peace.

Colonel Patrick Robinson: passed away on 20th June having been seriously ill with cancer for several months. After regular service in The Royal Northumberland Fusiliers and Royal Regiment of Fusiliers, Colonel P.J.C. Robinson commanded the 5th TAVR Battalion of the Regiment in 1981 - 83 and was Deputy Colonel Warwickshire 1986 - 91. He was Deputy Lord Lieutenant of the County of Warwickshire and was widely respected. His son Major Jeremy Robinson is a Company Commander with 1RRF.

Colonel John Guy: died on Saturday 21 June after an extraordinarily brave fight against
cancer. Colonel John commanded 1RRF June 1968 - January 1971, and was known to many former 1LF/4RRF soldiers who served under him as a most courteous and charming commanding officer. In recent times when speaking on the phone there would be no hint whatever that he was anything but fit and well, yet he was almost blind and dependant on his zimmer frame for the last few months

Newsheet
Edition 51
Dec 2007

LIST OF OFFICIALS-FUSILIER ASSOCIATION
(LANCASHIRE)
President: Col B M Gorski
Chairman: Lt Col E Davidson DL
Secretary: Mr Steven Fitt
Treasurer: Major J M Hindshaw TD DL
Events Secretary: Lt Col E Davidson DL


Letter from the Chairman - Lt. Colonel ( Retd ) Eric W Davidson DL


The Association offer our congratulations to Fusilier Andy Barlow 2 RRF, who
has been awarded the George Medal for his bravery at Kajaki Dam in Helmand
Province Afghanistan, where he lost a leg after stepping on a mine whilst trying
to reach a critically injured NCO. Andy is a local young man from Bolton and
before enlisting in the regular army was a member of our Association Corps
of Drums together with his father Billy and his brother Matty.

In July we welcomed our new Colonel of The Regiment Brigadier Trevor J Minter
OBE. DL and his wife Liz to Wellington Barracks. He was extremely pleased with
the work undertaken by the Association in Lancashire and in particular the effort
made in supporting the Museum Appeal.

I would particularly like to thank all those who attended our Minden Day on Sunday
5th August. The staff of the Regimental Association Club worked extremely hard to
satisfy all the requirements placed upon them and for that we are most grateful. The
Band and Corps of Drums once again are to be congratulated on a superb performance.

I am aware of much hard work that is going on within our Association, and our links
with the Royal British Legion and other Ex Service Organizations, to demonstrate our
unity at the Annual Services of Remembrance . The Colonel ( Lancashire ) is most
appreciative of all your efforts as indeed I am.

I thank you for your loyal support during 2007 and I offer New Year Greetings to all
Fusiliers' and their families for 2008.

E-MAIL ADDRESSES

The e-mail addresses for the Lancashire Headquarters of The Royal Regiment of Fusiliers are as follows:

Lt Col M J Glover TD Area Secretary Lancs
colonelglover@btinternet.com
Linsay Walsh Chief Clerk
fusilierslancshq@btinternet.com
Capt D G Hoyle Editor News Sheet
yeoman@douga193.freeserve.co.uk

SECRETARYS NOTES

Another 6 months have passed and we have lost several ex Fusiliers but it has also been a proud one, with Fusilier Andrew Barlow being awarded the George Medal. The Regiment has two serving George medal holders from Lancashire, who says the spirit of the old Lancashire Fusiliers does not live on in the present day, they are both from Lancashire and Fusiliers. Minden Day was well attended many thanks to those who attended. A few comments were made about the wreath laying ceremony, gentlemen if you have anything to complain about see your branch Chairman or Secretary who can then pass it on through the correct channels. Recently I was approached at a branch meeting about a death of a former Lancashire Fusilier and asked the question 'why did no one attend , and where were the Standards?' All Branch Secretaries have my home telephone number and as I am still in full time employment I can arrange for someone to stand in for me. Many thanks to those people from Oldham Branch that made the trip out to Cyprus. Where do all the Lancashire Area officers disappear to on the gatherings, on the last two we have had one Officer attend and that was Lt Col Glover, many thanks Sir. Branch Secretaries now is the time to think of the 2008 Gathering, accommodation and travel. And thank you Ronnie Owen for getting the Oldham lads together and to Tom king who came from Berlin. Remembrance Sunday, it was great to see so many Primrose hackles on Parade in town again.

Regards
Steven Fitt.
ANECDOTES

Over the past few weeks I have been reading some old copies of the News Sheet and there are some excellent anecdotes printed in them. Some of them are seventeen or eighteen years old but they are very good, and I thought they deserved a reprint. A lot of you will not have seen them and they may jog your memory to come up with a few more. Read on Gentlemen..!
RSM's Parade - Egypt (I wonder who the RSM could be).
RSM to Scruffy, Spotty Cook, - what's your name Soldier.
Scruffy Spotty Cook to RSM - Bacon Sir
RSM's Reply - I'll soon cure you lad.
Osnabruck 1960. 1LF had just been beaten in the BAOR Boxing Championships by the Royal Engineers. There was, as is normal much post match discussion. This invariably took place in a bar, and the sappers were giving the LFs present a 'Hard Time' regarding who were the toughest. After much deliberation, a rather 'happy' Fusilier stood up and delivered a convincing reply by stating:-

'Tough - you're not tough
When our cooks make shepherds pie they use live ******* Shepherds'

Cyprus 1958. On their tour of Cyprus at one stage 1LF were based in the huge mainly tented camp ar Kermia. HMS Blackpool the same type of ship as HMS Euryalus was in the area and parties of LFs went to the ship and sailors visited the Battlaion.
On their arrival at the camp, and viewing it from the Guardroom a Cockney Petty Officer was heard to say in a loud voice-
'Cor Wigwams! No wonder they were ******* fevers in their hats'
Hong Kong 1LF. A Company Storeman with a rather humorous bent pinned up an envelope in the Stores labeled-
'To Be Opened in Case of Fire'
On a COs inspection the RSM who was also the Battalion Fire Officer, saw the envelope, took it down and opened it, only to find a piece of paper inside, on which was printed
'Not Now You B****y Fool In Case Of Fire'.

Get Your Thinking Caps On Gents

John Scotson
ASSOCIATION NEWS SHEET
MUSEUM NOTES NOVEMBER 2007
FUSILIER'S MUSEUM LANCASHIRE

Museum Project. The ground breaking ceremony took place at the beginning of October when a silver plated shovel provided by Eric Davidson, who appears to have everything in his garage, signalled the start of the building phase of the Museum Project. Work on the building will take 12 months. Fit out of the museum displays will start at the end of October 2008 with a view to a "soft opening" at the end of February 2009. A "soft opening" predates the official opening and provides an opportunity to make sure that the lights work and the cabinets do not fall on small children.
The official opening is being planned for Saturday 25th April 2009, Gallipoli Day. Of course the discovery of a mediaeval plague pit or a major bat colony could put this all back. The summer period has not been without its drama. All the tenders submitted by potential contractors came in at approximately £1 million over budget. Considerable reworking of the plans combined with a grant of £250,000 from Bury Council have put the Project back on track. There is still a budget short fall of £300,000 that has to be raised by 2009.
Anniversary and Fundraising. Next year the Regiment will celebrate its 40th Anniversary. As the Colonel of the Regiment has pointed out this is the same period of time as from the end of the Boer War to the start of the Second World War. In comparison the Lancashire Fusiliers was in existence for 87 years. Putting aside the Battle Honours won in two world wars, the LFs in 87 years were awarded three battle honours. The Royal Regiment of Fusiliers has been awarded four. Over the last two years two George Medals have been awarded to Fusiliers from Lancashire. Even the most hard-bitten LF cannot fail to be impressed by and a little jealous of the achievements of today's Fusiliers.
The Regiment today has an impressive story to tell, a worthy addition to the stories of its antecedent regiments. However as yet there is no regimental collection or archive to record 40 years of achievement. The project in Bury will put this right. The Project needs to raise a further £400,000 so perhaps in the 40th Anniversary years all past and present members of the Royal Regiment of Fusilier's Family will do their level best to raise money for their museum.
Presentation of Richard Lancaster's Medals. In August descendents of Richard Lancaster came to the Museum at Wellington Barracks to present his Memorial Plaque commonly known as the "Dead Man's Penny." The Memorial Plaque was presented to the family of every serviceman or woman killed on active service. It was thought that the plaque had disappeared many years ago but a search by the family produced the Memorial Plaque and his Allied Victory Medal. His British War Medal and 1914/1915 Star are still missing probably split up among the family years ago. If anyone can offer information leading to the recovery of these two medals the Trustees of the Museum and Lancaster Family would be most grateful
Friends Evening. One of the off shoots of the Museum Project has been the formation of a Friends Group. The aim of the group is to promote the Project and bring the existing Lancashire Fusilier Collection to a wider audience. It has currently some 40 paying members with an additional ten volunteer members, these are people who give up their spare time to work in the museum, are automatically members and do not pay a subscription. One of the Friends' Committee, James Waters, has already been instrumental in securing £30,000 for the Project from HSBC Bank. James has never served in the regiment but I am sure that his example will encourage past and present members of the regiment to do even better. I would encourage all those who profess an interest in Lancashire Fusilier Heritage to join. Details are obtainable from Wellington Barracks. Perhaps this is a typical case of, "Putting your money where your mouth is." In addition once the Royal Regiment of Fusiliers Collection and Archive are formed then the Friends will be opened up to those past and present members of the regiment who are concerned about preserving their own heritage. There is no doubt that the Friends will have an important role to play in the future of the Museum and its collections.
A Friends Evening was held at the end of September in the old hall of Bury Grammar School. Approximately 50 people attended including members of Bury Grammar School CCF who did a great deal to help with the administration. Mark Hone, Head of History and Politics hosted the evening at Bury grammar School. He is also an officer in the CCF and a member of the Friends Committee. The evening began with a "Conversation with Marjorie Fielding." Margaret was born in the 1930s in India while her father was serving with the Lancashire Fusiliers. She vividly recollected his stories of the First World War and tales of serving on the North West Frontier in India. This was followed by presentation on the Richard Lancaster Funeral and a lesson on combat photography during the early part of the 20th Century.

M J GLOVER
Lt Col (Retd)
Curator
RHQ LANCASHIRE NOTES NOVEMBER 2007
REGIMENTAL HEADQUARTERS LANCASHIRE

Bury Grammar School Founders Day. The summer season began with Bury Grammar School Founders Day at the beginning of May. The Regiment has been associated with the School since 1891 when the School Cadet Corps was attached to the 1st Volunteer Battalion of the XX The Lancashire Fusiliers. The day began with a Church Service in the Regimental Church of St Mary the Virgin and was followed by luncheon at the School. Other than providing a fine lunch for the Area Secretary, which is very important, it provides an opportunity to confirm the link between school and Regiment.
It also provides an opportunity to promote the Regiment in Bury as the CCF marches through the streets, with hackles resplendent, to and from the service. This is the third occasion in the year following Gallipoli and Remembrance when the hackle stops traffic and reminds the good people of Bury that their local regiment is very much in business.
Salford. During the First World War Salford produced the equivalent of two brigades of Fusiliers. Over the years for many reasons the link between regiment and city has weakened and recruiting is not what it was. However there is still great potential if the opportunities are seized. For example a local charity has donated a considerable amount of money to the Museum Project to be used solely to enable the new museum to develop the Salford element of the Regimental story. Recently several streets of what is best described as " Coronation Street houses," or for those in the south, "Victorian Cottages" have been discovered named after regimental battle honours. Unfortunately they are about to be demolished to make way for a new development nevertheless negotiations are at an early stage to see if the battle honours could be reused once the development is completed. It was also a delight to learn that Anthony Rich a former TA Fusilier Officer has now taken up an appointment with Salford City Council and I hope to see more of him in the years to come. Sadly in May the Mayor of Salford died in office. Councillor Bernard Murphy JP was a passionate local historian and greatly valued the connection between the Fusiliers and the City of Salford. I attended his funeral on behalf of the Regiment and passed on the condolences of the Colonel of the Regiment to Councillor Murphy's family.
Band Concert. May continued to be an active month and concluded with a regimental band concert in the Castle Armoury, Bury. A true regimental affair, this successful event raised some £3,000 for the Museum Project Appeal. Organised by Eric Davidson, Chairman of the Regimental Association in Lancashire, it brought together the Regimental Band from Northumberland, the Warwickshire Association Band and the Association Band and Corps of Drums in Lancashire.
The event was very well received and was the first time in many years that so many fusilier musicians were seen together. Funding and time permitting it would be nice to see the Fusilier Massed Bands perform together in another parts of the country, in the not too distant future.
Courses for Courses. In June I completed my Equality and Diversity Course. The day turned out to be a Retired Officer's reunion and I have to admit that I found the course content interesting. I can hear howls of derision from the other Area Secretaries. Having attended the course I was presented with a piece of paper that proved that I was now a deeply caring individual, unlikely to embarrass the MoD and qualified to give group hugs. My staff agreed that I was now more sympathetic to their needs and a much better line manager. Or at least they have promised to agree if only I unlock the chains and allow them out from underneath the stairs. I have also made it clear that the beatings will stop only when moral has improved! My interview course comes up shortly, I wonder if I should dust of the electrodes and thumbscrews?
Hopwood Hall. The college, 20minutes from Bury runs a thriving course for young people considering joining the uniformed services. This includes the Polices and Fire Service as well as the Armed Forces. There are some 200 students enrolled on the course at any one time. Colour Sergeant Rigby from the Rochdale Army Careers Information Office works with the staff with the result that one or two are considering the Fusiliers. However as I completed my inspection the vast majority were considering the Parachute Regiment as their first option.Whether we like it or not the Parachute Regiment market themselves well. The Fighting Fusiliers need to blow the trumpet a little bit more and reinforce the regimental image in these institutions. I am in no doubt that the new Regimental Museum and Archive will go some way to redressing this imbalance in recording the Regiments achievements over the last 40 years
Regimental Funeral of Richard Lancaster. The major event of the summer was the regimental funeral of Private Richard Lancaster of the 2nd Battalion of the Lancashire Fusiliers. The day saw four soldiers of the First World War given a suitable burial. It brought the Fusilier Family together including the Colonel of the Regiment, a party from the 1st Battalion, a contingent from Wellington Barracks and members of the Regimental Association. Of significance was the Lancaster Family who were made to feel very much part of the Regiment. In conversation following the funeral, they all expressed their gratitude to the Regiment particularly the young lads from the Drums Platoon who conducted themselves with dignity throughout the proceedings and added so much to the Funeral. That night the Drums performed at the Menin Gate and all who saw their performance were deeply impressed. The following day I conducted a battlefield tour of Ploegsteert Wood and Passchendaele for the Lancaster Family and the 1st Battalion contingent. I am in no doubt that the morning spent trekking over the Flemish country side was well spent as it was not only educational but proved useful in blowing away the cobwebs of the nights excesses on Belgian Beer.
Lucy Armstrong. At the end of August my trusty Administrative Assistant, Lucy Armstrong, left Wellington Barracks to study Law at Manchester University. During the seven months that she had worked with Linsay Walsh in the Headquarters Office she had made a very positive contribution to the Area Headquarters and to the Museum Project. Conscientious, hard working and thoroughly reliable she quickly became a key member of the HQ team and will be missed. All members of the Headquarters and Museum Staff wish her all the best in her chosen career.
TA Dinner. The Fusiliers Platoon in the Castle Armoury held their first dinner night. The evening was a great success with some 60 attending. The success of the evening promoted much discussion with a view to forming a branch of the Association to capture the many TA Fusiliers who live in the area. There is much to do but I am already looking forward to next years dinner that promises to be bigger and better.
The Bishop of Manchester. The Regimental Church in is St Mary the Virgin in Bury town centre however Wellington Barracks is actually in the Parish of St Stephens. In September the Bishop of Manchester, the Right Reverend Nigel McCulloch, whilst on a local tour of inspection was informed by one of the parishioners Joyce Fowler that the Fusiliers needed all the help that they could get. It has to be said that Joyce is also volunteer in the Museum currently working on the Regimental Library. The Bishop therefore decided to pay us a visit. A brief on the Regiment was followed by a tour of the Museum. He proved to be very interested in our links with the local community and the role that the Museum and Collection played in maintaining this link. The Bishop and his team left much better informed and will hopefully put in a word where it counts the most.
The XX Minden Club. The Annual Dinner of the Minden Club took place at the Army and Navy Club on Friday 21st September. The first dinner took place on the 1st June 1904 when some 49 attended. This year it was down to 16. The dinner provides an opportunity for former officers of the Lancashire Fusiliers to come together and enjoy each other's company. The guest of honour was Admiral Sir Edward Ashmore, who flew his flag from Euryalus and is descended from John Beckwith who commanded the 20th at Minden. There was much discussion on the future of the Club which I have no doubt will continue for many years.

M J GLOVER
Lt Col (Retd)
Regimental Secretary Lancashire

BURY BRANCH NOTES
RAY WIGHT

Having visited the Imperial War Museum in Trafford Park, Manchester, where they was an exhibition covering War Graves, one of our intrepid standard bearers, Kevin Heselwood was spurred into action and discovered that in Bury Cemetery there are three war graves. These belong to:
Major B J Lingwood RA - 7th November 1945
Pte P J Murphy Pioneer Corps - 1st June 1945
Cpl Vera Johnson WAAF - 28th April 1945
As they appear to have been neglected, Kevin ably assisted by Steve Fitt our other standard bearer, intends to clean and tidy these plots, generally maintaining them in future. Since there in a Cenotaph in Bury Cemetery, Kevin has received the agreement from the local branch of the RBL, that every year a wreath will be laid in their honour and a cross placed on each grave.
Details can be obtained from Ray Wight, the Secretary of the Branch.

OLDHAM BRANCH NOTES

Local Oldham Branch Members are still conducting a Tribute Parade to our far Eastern prisoners of War after 62 years. The Town marks the occasion on the 15th August every year. As a promise to Oldhams Ex Far Eastern prisoners, which stated, that whilst and Ex prisoners are alive, the Ex service would conduct a parade at the War Memorial every year prior to 1969 the FEPOW Association would hold a small Parade. But as of 1969 the Town made its pledge and the Parades became an involvement, for all Ex servicemens Associations. There are two remaining Far East prisoners alive today, within the Town, both in homes. However families still attend every year. It is intended that on the 40th year, since 1969-2009 the Oldham liaison will lay up the Standard of the Far Eastern prisoners of War at Oldham Gallery. Wreaths are laid by the Mayor of the Town, FEPOW families and the Oldham liaison Sec / Chairman Alan Noble RRF, who does also remind all of FEPOW Exaltation and Kohima statement, in 1969 the Chief guest was Col Philip Toosey, Colonel of the River Kiwai. At the time of the visit he was a Brigadier. He passed away 21/12/1975. the FEPOW Association does not exist today of course, however, the Standard is Paraded where ever possible, thanks to our Standard Bearers of the Town, which also includes Les Berry Lancs Fus, Paul Heywood RRF and Mick Fowles RRF.
The branch steadies itself at 134 members paid in, all civic/ex service parades have been attended by the branch, which includes, mayor making, and mayors Sunday the far eastern prisoners of war, battle of Britain Sunday, veterans day, and of course our own Gallipoli+ festival of remembrance, which is run by the branch, and the Oldham liaison of ex services, along with the fusilier assoc band, and fusilier assoc corp of drums we thank them all, quite a mixed year, with the design and manufacture of a new branch standard bearers sash, which has the approval of all members, which will constantly argued between the three bearers who's wearing it today? A good bit of kit that ensures everybody knows who we are, the branch is now fully kitted out for funerals, with coffin drape st George, st George flag, cd of funeral music, LF/RRF beret the medal cushion is under manufacture as we write, we must thank Dennis Laverick for his assistance in the production of the cd.(top class it is too)
Other projects we are working on, or involved in for the coming year is another st Georges dinner, on an alternative date to Gallipoli for local branch members and those who wish to travel a new memorial to be constructed and placed near to the Oldham cenotapth for all conflicts and campaigns since the WW2 which will of course cover 38 years, NI and the M62 coach bomb right up to the present day in 2009 we intend to lay up the fepow standard in the gallery Oldham we do apologise that none of the branch will be able to attend the NI branch anniversary as we have commitments elsewhere, followed by 20 or so off to the gathering in Cyprus to see Mick McCarthy now QM 2RRF our Christmas function gets bigger and bigger every year. This year see us off to Stockport, the Britannia hotel and our numbers stand in sept at 310- with brig Trevor minter at the function with his good lady this one is going to be a cracker as they always are, please book early as hotels nowadays are struggling to accom this sort of function with the promise of happy hour prices throughout day and night best described as a cracker.
Deaths, the branch would like to express full sympathy to the families of the late Jack hall and Bill Dean which was very tragic as his good lady passed away shortly afterwards.
Weddings, Perry smith, Paul Davies and our ex fusilier queen Becky, were all married this year and all were attended by branch members as we look forward to the gathering and other functions we wish you all a happy Christmas and a new year branch thanks, R Owen, A Noble, A Marshall, J Farquer and our 3 standard Bearers Mick Fowles, Les berry and Paul Heywood.

ONCE A FUSILIER ALWAYS A FUSILIER

REGIMENTAL CLUB NOTES

The committee continues to keep the club going with live entertainment every Saturday evening normally 2X acts with a quiz night on Thursday evening which has become popular football on Sunday afternoons backed up with wakes private parties etc. the steward and his good lady run a good good club which always proves value for money the committee with pat now fully in control of the finances work hard to make end meets the latest information is as follows there will be no movement of the club before late 2009 this is confirmed by lease so we ask all fusiliers, ex fusiliers to use the club whenever you can to keep the club going or book your branch into the club for a Friday evening perhaps after 2009 our lease will increase so we need your revenue now you are one of the few regiments that still have a club if ever there was a time to use it its now happy Christmas and new year to all committee remains the same with additions Mick rea and Tommy we are open every night all day Saturday and Sunday for your own bookings advance warning is essential all the best to you all, to all our members regimental/social thank you for your custom without you we are nothing have a good 2008

ROCHDALE BRANCH NOTES

When I signed off in June this year our first Veterans Night was fast approaching and I said I would report back and bring you up to date. We held our Veterans Night on the 22nd June this was a nearest as we could get to the 27th June which is the official Veterans Day. It was decided by the committee that we should arrange a sit down meal at a local restaurant (testing the waters) after much deliberation the Crimble Restaurant at bamford Rochdale was chosen. For those who do not know the Crimble the food is superb, and the ambience, its surroundings are very hard to beat. From the stone pillars that adorn either side of the open fireplace, which carries the Lancashire Fusilier badge in the Conservatory Restaurant, through to the Peacock Room and Restaurant and with the plaintive calls of the peacocks echoing through the surrounding grounds, you could not wish for a better venue. Twenty seven of us sat down to the meal and to take it easy on the chefs and staff we kept to a fixed menu as the rest of the restaurant was chocker as they say in Geordie land. As I said the meal was superb, the waitresses great and the evening was kept light in that the only Regimental ceremony carried out was the loyal toast and absent friends. Due to the fact that Veterans Day is all about them that served and came back, we will remember our fallen on the appropriate date. Twenty seven members enjoyed the first Veterans Night so much that members of the branch have clamoured for a bigger venue in 2008, somewhere more central they said. Well here goes a date for your diary, we have booked our next Veterans Night for the 13th June 2008 (sorry this was the nearest date available). It is to be held at the Masonic Buildings, Richard Street, Rochdale. Tickets will be on sale in the New Year. Our Minden Ball held on the 28th July 2007 was a great success in that all that attended enjoyed themselves. This year the honor of eating the roses went to one of our older members Mr Ellis Jones and one of our younger members Mr David Day. The highlight of the evening went to Cannon Alan Shackleton who is our acting Padre and he keeps us on the path of all things righteous. Cannon Alan Shackleton kindly agreed to bless our new St Georges Standard. The Standard was presented to the Branch by our TA. Contingent on their return from Iraq in 2006. Apologies to Lt Col P W Merriman MBE. His Officers and all Ranks of 2RRF from all member of the Rochdale Branch of the Fusilier Association in that we could not attend the Fusilier Gathering in Cyprus, this was solely down to logistical reasons. On October 14th Clegg & Thorpe Tours was brought into action and the A team set off on their annual pilgrimage to France and Belgium in one well packed car and minibus. This time we had chosen to travel from Hull to Zebrugger on the ferry, this allowed for a short trip up the motorway, a good nights sleep on the ferry (lucky for some Sumo) and a short de-tour through Dunkirk and onto Ypre and our base, which was the hotel Areianne. I am pretty sure one round about was suffering from De-Ja-Vo syndrome but well done Truly we got there. I know your used to reading maps from the sky (AAC REME). Well we settled in to the hotel and went for a good walk round Ypre calling at the Menin Gate Memorial, to check the events board standing, there it felt like checking the part one notice board (way back then). We were booked into parade at 2000hrs Wednesday night for the wreath ceremony, so therefore off we went to plan the next four day visits. Tuesday we visited Talbot House and the site of the Shot at Dawn in Poperinge these are two sites well worth a visit. Talbot house as a Museum is still going through some changes, with a new entrance being constructed on the side street. But from the chapel in the attic were the squaddies from yester year knelt and prayed, down through the new cinema staged in the old concert hall where you can stop and watch footage of the lads as they acted out their burlesque performances, to the grounds below where you can walk around the well manicured lawns and gardens, yes its worth a visit. Ho bye the way if you bump into the Padre on your tour please pay him no heed he will not harm you, he is still only tending to his flock. (Ghost if you believe, but as you enter the chapel there is a drop in temperature). The shot at dawn experience is entirely different in that you can imagine what went through the minds of some of the young men that were executed, thousands of miles away from home and in a no win situation, thrown into the cells, a court martial, sentenced, thrown back into the cells, only to be led out at dawn and shot. What had theses lads gone through not all were cowards as history has proved. Wednesday we visited the war Museum at the Hooge crater, Hill 62 and Tyne Cot cemetery here we visited the graves of the Known only to God Fusilier and that of Private Richard Lancaster, poppy wreaths were laid as a mark of our respects. It was also good to see so many youngsters there in Tyne Cot. Weather they were visiting loved ones graves or on school trips. One school that showed an interest in our party was Bramhall Grammar School for girls from Stockport (of all places). Questions were fired, fast and quick but in good old Fusilier fashion what we could not answer, we winged it. We also visited the site where the Fusiliers remains had been found, and again laid poppies. This must have been a very solemn place to die all those years ago but at last they are laid to rest, God Bless You Lads. Wednesday night soon loomed and at 2000hrs we were at the Menin Gate Memorial, Blazer, Slacks, Beret and hackle, Medals if you had them. A mixed bunch on Parade but we represented, The Fusilier Association Rochdale Branch. Fifteen of us against over a thousand tourist, site seers and old comrades who had come to show their respects to the fallen we looked rather a small bunch in comparison to the rest. The Last Post was sounded, we were brought to attention and our standard was lowered. The honour of laying the Poppy Wreath went to two of our oldest members Mr Norman Holt and Mr Eric Townsend the epitaph was given by Mr jack McCarrol (well done lads and I think it was a better showing than the Kiwi Hacker the night before). After all the wreaths were laid by all the organizations present, Sunrise was sounded, our Standard was raised and we were fell out to do our own thing. A Chinese meal was order of the night and we headed for the New Shanghai City Restaurant. Must admit the Chinese meal was good, washed down with half a dozen bottles of re, a good night was had by all. Thursday morning, we rushed around the Belgium country side visiting more sites of interest and at dinner time came to a halt. Thursday afternoon was leisure time, time to do some shopping and wind down and get ready for the Regimental Dinner that night. The dinner was booked for 1900hrs for 1930hrs. Dressed in all our glory we assembled in the lounge bar, chance for a couple of warmers in the bank before being led into dinner by the organizers of Clegg and Thorpe Battle Field Tours (Peter and Alan to us). The dinner went smoothly along with a few lively debates, the two swear boxes were in action as usual, and at the end of our meal fifty four euros had been collected. It was decided to present this to St Georges Memorial Church Ypre. Friday morning all were a bit hung over, but one or two still went shopping for the famous Belgian Chocolate and a bit of duty free. With a well packed car and minibus we set off back calling in at the Chateau at Passchendaele, this is another well planned Museum and played a vital roll in the First World War. After a pleasant hour here we set off for Dunkirk and the beaches. On arrival we parked up on a deserted car park and made for the beach. After a stroll of about a quarter of a mile in braising condition it was time for some food Pathfinder Dave Clegg (Peters brother) spotted a burger van, we left behind one happy French man, burger and chips fifteen times (at them prices) yes one happy French man. Well onwards to the ferry and home. We boarded the ferry, everyone dispersed to their cabins for a wash and brush up and dinner. After a good night spending the last of our Euros in the bars and what we can describe as a fitful nights sleep in our cabin (Sumo) we docked in Hull. All had gone well we were one of the first to be off the ferry, through passport control, only an hour down the motorway, then came customs control. We think they were out for a laugh or they were bored, but yes they pulled us over. Truly and the bunch in the car just sailed through no problems, but us the dirty dozen well it was passports checked again several times, who were they looking for? Time wasting or what. Then appeared Lizzie, a cute little English Springer Spaniel with her handler, up went a shout, grab your kit they want us off the bus lads, there going to do a full search of the bus. Line up over there with your kit in front of you (it felt like being back in the ranks), waiting for Lizzie to finish the bus, smelling in every corner with her ultra sensitive nose, making a very through job of it. Lizzie then came over to us, she was up and over the bags and the odd case, nose going ten to the dozen, customs officers asking questions. Is that yours? Do you have any duty free? What have you to declare? What were they expecting to find on a bus full of old squaddies? After about an hour Lizzie was reined in and we were allowed to re-pack the minibus, passports returned, no contraband was found. Safely all back on the bus we were allowed to carry on our journey home courtesy of the Hull Customs and Excise Unit and Lizzie all laughing their socks off no doubt. We wonder if the Taliban have such difficulties entering our green and pleasant land as it seems we Dirty Dozen were well suspected of something, and we served QUEEN AND COUNTRY. We arrived back safe and sound in Rochdale at about 1100hrs courtesy of Clegg and Thorpe Tours and dispersed to all points of a compass, to our own little abodes. Thanks lads for a grand six days and if anyone wants an experience, contact Cluthchie anf Truly of Clegg and Thorpe Tours.
Remembrance Day is approaching and then it will be Christmas, were do the years go? Hope you all have a nice Christmas and a very prosperous New Year from all at Rochdale Branch.

Ominia Audax
TRIESTE BRANCH NOTES
CHARLIE DAVIES
Our Branch membership remains roughly the same with a figure at 33. This year our annual dinner, back at the grants hotel in Ramsbotton was enjoyed by all, which balanced things out from last years, not so good in Blackpool. Thanks go to Malcolm an Peter for their help and assistance, particularly in finding the artist at the last minute. Earlier this year I received a call from Ex WO11 Dennis Robinson who served with us in Trieste. He now resides in Scotland and wishes to be remembered. Some of our lads do remember him and hope he stays in touch. It was wonderful to see such an excellent turn out on Armistice Day, to see so many on Parade, also watching, did the heart good. Lets hope for the same next year, including Gallipoli and Minden as well. Finally best wishes for 2008 and the future to all in the Association, good health and prosperity.

ST HELENS BRANCH NOTES
BARRY STOREY
The St Helens Branch of the Lancashire Fusiliers held a successful trip to the Edinburgh Military Tattoo. An Enjoyable time was had by all as well as copious amounts of whisky! The six members who attended are Kenny Birch, Ray Hilton, Frank Taylor (Chairman), John Martlew, Barry Storey (Secretary) and Tom Porteous. A successful reunion of the Branch was also held at the Billinge Labour Club in June, raising substantial funds. The well attended event featured an artist, raffle, bingo and a buffet and members wish to thank the Chairman Frank Taylor and the Club Committee for all their hard work in organizing the annual event. The Branch is also looking forward to a visit to their old camp at Wheeton near Blackpool in September. Members wish to thank Colonel Davidson for his efforts in helping arrange the visit.

D (INKERMAN) COY
Maj AMS Cotterill
Officer Commanding

People: I am now completing my first year in command and have been privileged to work with fantastic soldiers from across the area. It is particularly fitting and enjoyable to be back with the Fusiliers again. From Bury Lt Stuart Croxford has recently deployed to 1 LANCS in preparation for a deployment to Basra. Meanwhile his opposite number from the Ardwick side of the Coy Lt Chris Gilbert is due to return.
Training: Training in the period has been a combination of range work and the low level FTXs, meaning that individuals can build up their skills in different scenarios. Harbours and patrolling escalate through VCPs and intelligence gathering, ensuring that core skills are kept live and made interesting. Annual camp this year took us to La Courtine in France, where prolonged exercise tested the same ideas-working with the police in a town, helping to restore rule of government.
Match 9: A notable success in the year was the MG Platoon winning the Match 9 annual machine gun competition. After several weekends of intense training provided by WO2 Gilks, the lads from Bury performed excellently, roving that hard work and commitment pays off.
Adventure Training & Sport: In July the Company went mountain biking in the Lake District and no-one fell off-much. Experienced BMX Bandits Fusiliers Tse and Taylor looked on in horror as other members of the Company showed that despite not having ridden since school, it was just like, well - riding a bike.
Court and Social: In May a group from the Bn-mostly Fusiliers from Inkerman Coy - visited the French Army and civic authorities in Nimes, which is twinned with Preston. Amid many presentations, speeches and dinners, we saw a demonstration by a Foreign Legion light armoured platoon, a shoot on their rifle trainer and a tempting visit to their PRI shop. More cerebral visits to the Light Armoured Brigade HQ and Civil Contingencies co-ordination cell showed clear parallels with our own and reassured us that NATO harmonization is taken seriously everywhere. We were honoured to be the first overseas delegated to take part in the city's Liberation Parade, laying a Duke of Lancaster's Regiment wreath at the memorial. This was followed by meeting some very enthusiastic veterans of the Free French Forces, mostly serving in North Africa in Monty's 8th Army. Non-military activities included wine tasting and organ recital at Uzes Cathedral (where the organist was also our coach driver and an Education Officer in the Foreign Legion!) and a viewing of the amazing Pont de Gard, the Roman aqueduct built to bring fresh water to the City.

NO BATTLEFIELDS JUST BARS
Colin Fletcher
This year has all the battlefields within easy striking distance of the channel ports had been visited (Arnhem etc. deemed to be too far) it was decided that we should go to London instead. The organizing had as usual been done by Stan Howes and Jim Worrall - and what a good job they did. 10 ex Fusiliers had signed up for the trip and were to meet on Piccadilly Station at 1030 hrs for the 1115 train to Euston. As everyone had been in the Army all turned up in the morning (except John Kershaw who had been taken ill. We wish him a speedy recovery, a good lad is John) Last years departure at 0630hrs two of the group who had not been in the forces turned up at 6.30pm, they missed the bus by 12 hours, is this a record? Jim had not forgotten the tickets, was not carrying his passport or camera, so getting onto the train was a simple matter. Everyone was seated and luggage stowed when Jim said he had been told the train was a railway enthusiasts special and would be steam hauled, the engines he had been told were The City of Salford and XX The Lancashire Fusilier. So off he got with a beaming smile to have a look. One of the party said he thought both engines had been scrapped many years ago, they had. Jim returned to the carriage a bit crestfallen and said it was being pulled by a streamlined electric motor. The train left spot on time and arrived after two stops in London, 2hrs 12mins later, one anorak worked out the average speed to be 85.2mph. the cost of the tickets £23 return with reserved seats - the bargain of the year.
Our rooms had been reserved at the Union Jack Club, so after emptying the suitcase it was, 'Meet in the bar at 1600hrs'. a few beers then dinner in the Club. This was an excellent meal and very reasonably priced, after dinner it was into the bar again. Jim Aspinall and Tom Derby had gone out for dinner and to see some of the sights. They arrived late into the evening in the bar having had a ride on the London Eye, this they said was fantastic and recommended we all went on it. Doddy said he would not be going as he suffered from 'vertebrae' - this complaint will no doubt pose more problems for the NHS. Just as the bar was closing we all thought Stan had lapsed into Welsh (he is ex RWF) but on a closer look noticed he had removed his teeth, they are by the way still not right. He was offering to buy a round of drinks but by the time we had found out what he was saying the bar had shut. This was not vital as quite a few of us had a bottle or two in the rooms. Doddy thankfully had not got the Grappa, I was pleased he had not brought this highly dangerous and volatile liquid with him as he was rooming with me.
DAY2 Breakfast in the Club, this also was very good and reasonably priced, then by taxi to the Chelsea Hospital. At the Hospital we were met by Paddy Fox for our conducted tour. Paddy was a SSgt in the Hussars, he only had three medals but what an array. BEM, MSM and LS and GC with two bars for over 38 years service, the only Chelsea Pensioner with two bars. The tour had been arranged beforehand by Jimmy, our guide Paddy took us everywhere in the Hospital. He was very knowledgeable and humorous. The Padres name is Dick Whittington and he drives a rather large 4x4. Paddy asked him why he needed such a large vehicle when his boss only had a donkey. Paddy refused to tell us his reply. 300 years ago the word hospital meant a place of refuge and shelter. The Hospital was set up by King Charles II for soldiers who were unfit for duty as a result of injury or because of long service, it still serves that purpose. The ground of the Hospital are extensive and most of the buildings have been designed by Sir Christopher Wren. Over 300 years it has been opened more than 25, 000 old soldiers have lived at Chelsea and about 350 are currently being provided with accommodation. The first group of Pensioners were installed on 4 Feb 1692. In the Figure Court is a bronze 7ft 6in statue of Charles II and it depicts him as a Roam General holding a baton as a sign of his Imperial Authority. This bronze statue was gilded to commemorated Queen Elizabeth II Golden Jubilee in 2002. Next to the Figure Court is the South Terrace with a latin inscription running the full length of the colonnade. This no doubt many of you will have seen on a recent TV programme, its translation reads: FOR THE SUCCOUR AND RELIEF OF VETERANS BROKEN BY AGE AND WAR, FOUNDED BY CHARLES II AND COMPLETED BY WILLIAM AND MARY IN THE YAR OF OUR LORD 1692. From the South Terrace we visited the Chapel, first consecrated in August 1691. the interior of it is absolutely magnificent, the 300 year old pews and choir stalls all carved by three master carvers Emmett, Gibbons and Morgan each piece a masterpiece in its own right. The ceiling of the dome painted in 1714 is of the Resurrection and was painted by Sabastiano and Marco Ricci and it looks new, as if it has just been finished. The gold altar plates, candlesticks, cross and patens etc. were said by Paddy to be worth in excess of £3 million. All the kneelers were embroidered with Regimental Crests or Cap Badges, ours of course was on display. All visitors are welcome at Sunday Service, Mrs Thatcher is a regular visitor I was told. From the Chapel our next port of call was to the Great Hall, it is in this hall that the pensioners eat their meals and they can all be accommodated in one sitting. As you enter, just by the door is a large table. It was on this table that The Duke of Wellington's body lay in state in 1852. As Sir Arthur Wellesley he had been arranged in the same place before a Court Enquiry in 1809. On the table now are two 5 gallon 'Blackjacks' leather beer jugs. Before the Hospital had drinkable water one of these jugs full of beer would be placed on each table. A few of our group looked longingly at them only to find them empty. As you walked down the Hall on either wall are oil paintings of various members of the Royal Family of the seventeen hundreds as well as the Duke of Marlborough, also ALL the Battle Honours of the British Army are carved into the oak panels, at the far end is a mural by Antionio Verra of Charles II on horseback painted about 1690. From the Great Hall it was into the souvenier shop this is a wonderful place, all kinds of bits and bats to be bought, gold wire blazer badges can be bought for a tenner - now that is a bargain.. From the shop into the Mess we went for a few sherberts. It was in here we met quite a few old and bold. One es RNF pensioner Charlie served with Jack Spencer and Tony Lofthouse both had been PSI's at Bury. It was in the bar that Paddy told us about Founders Day when the Queen is in attendance, four coys of pensioners are on Parade and when they m