Assoc_Lancs_Newsheet

News Sheet
Edition 55
Jan 2010

LIST OF OFFICIALS-FUSILIERS ASSOCIATION (LANCASHIRE)

President: Col B M Gorski Chairman: Capt J O’Grady
Secretary: Mr S Fitt Treasurer: Major J Hindshaw TD DL

Editorial Comment – Capt.David G.Hoyle (Ret'd)
The Second Fusiliers in Afghanistan must have been in all Fusiliers' thoughts since the last edition. The battalion's monthly email news has been sent to people on the RHQ email list but so that those not on the list may read about some real soldiering, extracts from “MUSA QAL'EH MAIL” replace “Regimental Jottings” in this edition. The extracts give a flavour of the campaign in Afghanistan fought by our Fusiliers. Homecoming parades welcomed 2RRF back from Afghanistan in Rochdale, Bury, Salford and Swinton on 30th November and 1st December.

The Regimental Association offers our sympathy to the families and friends, and honours the service of:-

Fus. P. Suesue Killed in action on 22nd May 2009

Cpl J. Etchells Killed in action on 19 July 2009

Sgt S.A.Valentine Killed in Action on 15th August 2009

L Cpl J Fullarton Killed in Action on 16th August 2009

Fus S. Annis Killed in Action on 16th August 2009

Fus L.M.Carter Killed in Action on 16th August 2009

Fus S.M.Bush Died 25th August in Selly Oak following injuries on 15th August

‘We Will Remember Them’

Capt (Ret'd) D G Hoyle --- david_g_hoyle@hotmail.co.uk

Chairman's Report – Capt. John O'Grady (Ret'd)
The Association in Lancashire has had a very busy year. I am pleased to report that the targets I set out for my committee have now almost been reached - we now have a complete updated list of members, most of whom are now paying their subscriptions by direct debit which allows far better financial forecasts to be produced and records maintained far more efficiently. We have, as a team, a little way to go yet but by March of 2010 we should be there.
The Memorial Service of the M62 families took place in February at the Hartshead Service Station, and it was a wonderful occasion for the families and the fantastic turnout by all Fusiliers rounded off a very memorable day. Brigade Commander 42 Bde Brigadier Bill Aldridge CBE was in attendance and many thanks must go to Mr Alan Noble for his organization and to the Sheldon Branch for taking the trouble to travel to Lancashire. Thirty-nine Standards were present, and how smart they looked in the snow,and the families of all those connected with that dreadful day appreciated the support given by the Regiment during their time of grief.

http://www.lancs-fusiliers.co.uk/parades/M62_WEB/index.htm
Gallipoli Weekend was to follow, and what a cracker it turned out to be, beginning with an excellent Sunday morning Church service followed by the best turn out of Association members that has been seen in Bury for many a year, where the salute was taken by the Colonel Lancashire Colonel B.M Gorski MBE.

http://www.lancs-fusiliers.co.uk/parades/Gallipli_Parade_2009_1/index.htm

On 24 July there was a very full Regimental Clubhouse for the Annual Osnabruck reunion, leading us very nicely into August for our Minden Weekend. This began on the Saturday evening, 1 August with an excellent Minden Dinner at the new Museum and thanks to Captain Joe Eastwood and his organisation for what turned out to be a lovely evening. It was good to see Lt-Col Tony Coutts-Britton Ex LF RRF present as a guest.
Sunday 2 August began with an excellent presentation of the Battle of Minden by Lt-Col Tony Coutts-Britton and judging from the appreciation given to him by all members, they enjoyed it very much. We hope to see him back next year speaking on the Battle of Spion Kop. In the afternoon the Association Members formed up in the courtyard to formally march out of the Old Regimental Headquarters for the last time. Colonel Lancashire laid a wreath and took the salute but due to illness Colonel Lloyd-Jones OBE (last CO of the Depot Lancashire Fusiliers) could not be with us to share in this very sad moment in time. We then boarded a double-decker bus to Bury Town Centre for the Drum Head Service to celebrate the landing of the Regimental Headquarters in its new location within the Museum. The service was taken by The Rev Hugh Bearn, and his 10 year old son Freddie played the bagpipes, a perfect end to a marvelous weekend.

http://www.lancs-fusiliers.co.uk/reunions/Minden1.htm

Between 7-9 August there was a big presence to celebrate the Saddleworth War Weekend, and on 12 August the standards were on parade for the Far East Prisoners of War Service.
September was going to be Lancashire’s busiest time of the year and it got off to a flying start with a good turnout for the 10th year celebration of the “Life for a Life”, which was held at Manchester Grammar School. In attendance were the Band and Drums of the Association Lancashire.
The tragedies that were to be bestowed upon our 2nd Battalion followed next and the saddest moment, we have, as a family, suffered for many a year. However, regardless of the bad news, every member of the Association and Regiment who made the effort to attend the respective services should feel very proud of themselves - you are all a credit to your cap badge. Well done.
The biggest event to be held in Lancashire was the Gathering of the Fusilier Family. It would appear that all of the members who attended had a very good weekend. There was an excellent atmosphere at the Dinner and the parade on the Sunday saw a good number of Fusiliers on Parade from all of our Regimental Areas. The Colonel of the Regiment took the salute accompanied by all of the Area Colonels and, as always, good to see Brigadier Bill Aldridge Commander 42 Brigade North West District.
It was a great pleasure to be able to welcome to Lancashire our affiliated Regiment The Lorne Scots and its Regimental band of the Pipes and Drums. I cannot remember, at any time, whereby we have had under one roof so many of the Regiment (32 in all) and in conjunction with our excellent Association Band, they brought a lot to the party with their rendering of that famous piece of music - The Highland Cathedral - which will be remembered by all those present at the Dinner.
To be surrounded by a first eleven as I have in Lancashire, it is a privilege to serve alongside such people and as Chairman I cannot speak too highly of them all. My sincere congratulations go to Mr Alan Noble and Mr Ron Owen on their awards of the Regimental Certificates and Medals for outstanding work within the Association;

http://www.fusiliers-association-lancs.co.uk/Gathering/Gathering.htm
to Major Brian Bath for his outstanding help in putting the Fusilier Gathering together; Mr Dennis Laverick for his continued excellent work on the Association Lancashire Website; Mr Phil Horner our new Welfare Officer for Lancashire ex WO2 from 2RRF; Mr Steve Fitt our Association Secretary for all of his commitment of three days a week at the Association Office; last but not least to all of the Branch Secretaries who do a great deal of hard work for me and the Association. We are in good order, long may it last, and to all of them and their families may I wish them all a very happy, holy and a peaceful Christmas and a very Happy New Year.
John O’Grady, Chairman, RRF Regimental Association, Lancashire.

Extracts from MUSA QAL'EH MAIL –
Newspaper of 2nd Battalion The Royal Regiment of Fusiliers
OP Herrick 10 (April to October 2009)
Editor: Colour Sergeant Mark Duckett, 2RRF

Extract from Issue 5 - August edition
Commanding Officer’s Introduction
Since the last edition of this Newsletter one 24 hour period on 15-16 August has overshadowed everything else. It was a bitter blow to lose so many fine soldiers in such a short period of time. The heartfelt condolences of all in the Battalion go to the families of Sgt Valentine, LCpl Fullarton, Fus Annis and Fus Carter. On the same day we also heard in Musa Qal?eh the tragic news that Pte Hunt of A Coy 2 R WELSH had also died of wounds. It was then another set back a few days later to learn that Fus Bush had not been able to survive the severe wounds that he had sustained. The only piece of good news is that Fus James has regained consciousness in Selly Oak and has retained his sight. Rest assured that everyone out here is working hard to the end of the tour to give some meaning to the heavy price that has been paid.
Life in Musa Qal?eh has been busy throughout August. The main achievement was the successful conclusion of Op MAR LEWE 2 which placed ISAF and ANSF on much better ground in the South of the AO. Whilst relatively little enemy activity took place on the day of the operation, we were nonetheless fortunate not to sustain any casualties to some very close indirect fire. In addition in the days following the operation the new patrol bases were put under significant pressure from insurgent attacks. This only came to a halt following a very successful ANSF led, and ISAF supported, operation which cut off the enemy's escape routes and led to a number of enemy fighters being either killed or arrested.
The election proved to be particularly busy in Musa Qal?eh with the insurgents making an all out attempt to disrupt the process. This involved significant intimidation of the population and the use of a large amount of indirect and direct fire on the Election Day. Most of the fire was directed at ISAF locations. Whilst this made for a particularly uncomfortable time for some, particularly those at Roshan Tower, the centre of Musa Qal?eh remained relatively secure. The proof in the pudding was that over 9000 votes were cast in Musa Qal?eh, albeit there is considerable evidence that this figure is higher than the actual number of votes cast. A Coy in Nolay have also achieved some notable successes in the last month. Particular highlights have been the clearance by them of 31 IEDs in one day which has to be a record in the history of the British Army. In addition the insurgents have had it far from their own way as A Coy have identified on a number of occasions enemy forces laying IEDs which has led to engagements with a variety of
weapon systems. Perhaps the biggest achievement for A Coy this month has been the establishment of a new joint ANA/ISAF patrol base on a critical choke point leading into the Green Zone.
As I write Helmand in general has quietened down, largely on account of the onset of Ramadan. Those who are fasting are finding the experience particularly difficult given that Ramadan has started this year before the end of Summer. Much planning activity is now focussing on the end of tour but everyone is more than aware of the difference that one 24 hour period can make between now and leaving theatre.

Extracts from Issue 6 - September edition
Commanding Officer’s Introduction
Generally Helmand has been fairly quiet over the last few weeks due to Ramadan. However, there has still been a fair amount of activity in Musa Qal?eh. B Company in the North have had a couple of fairly fierce contacts with the insurgents, either as a meeting engagement on patrol, or attacks on the base itself. In addition they were also able to conduct a cordon and search of a group of compounds to their front which provoked a rapid and ferocious response from the enemy. Luckily in all these engagements B Company have come off much the better and have inflicted serious casualties on the enemy with no friendly forces wounded, less an ANA soldier who managed to shoot himself in the thigh. In the South A Company 2 R WELSH have been busy conducting a number of search operations but have also been able to observe the enemy either moving into position or laying IEDs. This has enabled them to engage the insurgents to good effect with both direct and indirect fire.
A Company have again had a busy time of it. Of particular note they have been involved in 2 air assault operations. The first of which went spectacularly wrong from the start when the Chinook crashed on landing. A Company found themselves unexpectedly left in charge of a very expensive helicopter which subsequently had to be denied after becoming the focus of the enemy?s attention. The Company were also the recipient of a donkey borne IED which detonated just outside their new Patrol Base. This has obviously prompted a spate of black soldier humour, but actually the incident highlighted the ingenuity and brazen opportunism of the insurgents.
Across Helmand the festival of Eid passed off extremely quietly, unlike previous years. This was a great relief to the population as Eid is their equivalent of Christmas, which takes place at the end of the fasting of the month of Ramadan. It was a great sight to see the population all clearly enjoying themselves, dressed up in new clothes and relishing the festive mood. As a small token of goodwill we distributed food parcels to the needy people of Musa Qal?eh and also to the locals who work in the camp.
As I write the Relief in Place is in full swing with many of our successors now arriving ready for the handover. Whilst thoughts inevitably start to turn to home we are all determined to ensure that those arriving in our place are given the best possible start, so that they can continue the good work done during Herrick 10. Only once we are all back in Hounslow will we be able to reflect on the successes and also the darker moments of the tour.

A Company Group (FOB Nolay, Sangin)
This month has also seen our first donkey-borne IED (children look away now). In what can only be a measure of increasing desperation, the insurgents attempted to utilize a stolen donkey as a bomb carrier during an attack against PB Hanjar. Fortunately for us,
although less so for the animal itself, the deadly cargo fell off well short of the intended target and got tangled up in its legs, whereupon the poor creature sat down on the device. The resulting explosion rattled the doors at FOB Nolay, some 900 metres away, and reduced the status of the four-legged fiend from ?just add hay? to “home assembly required?. While outwardly amusing, the incident serves as a useful reminder that we face an inventive enemy, and we have taken a number of steps to prevent another attack on similar lines during the last weeks of the tour. Having seen off Eeyore, the troops are now watching out for exploding owls, kangaroos, piglets (unlikely, but you never know) and yellow bears dangling under balloons.

B Company Group (Woqab)
Election Day in Musa Qal'eh was a very important and very busy day for all. WOQAB saw enemy efforts to use mortars to attack the local nationals and ourselves. 7 Platoon established a VCP close to 1 of the Polling Stations throughout a very hot day and heard reports from locals of enemy intimidation to attempt to prevent voting. Despite this brave voters did make their way from the frontline area down to vote as well as those from the safer areas in the centre.
Ramadan has been an interesting cultural experience for all and a constraint to our operations. With the ANA, ANP, and our interpreters all unable to drink or eat during daylight hours we ran shorter patrols and sought to dominate our local area in the dense maize which is now generally over 6 feet high and much is 8ft. There are also large fields of marijuana plants which has led to many cries of 'show me your pockets' by NCOs. Once Ramadan ended we were treated to sharing Eid with the locals. Eid is essentially a 3 day holiday similar to Christmas with presents and sparkling hand made clothes for children and celebrations. Our ANA and ANP respectfully requested permission to fire their weapons in celebration from their compound roof. With some careful constraints they were allowed to but we had not necessarily expected them to fire quite as much ammo as they did! The local children have been very happy with gifts from their families, we offered Dates to Mosques during Ramadan but didn't quite fit in with our camouflage during Eid – the locals had sparkle everywhere including on ANP AK47s. I suspect that the CSM might have at least raised an eyebrow if that had been attempted by members of B Coy Gp!

C Company Group (Influence Group)
This has been another busy month for C Company. The Afghan Elections on 20th August were followed by Ramadan which, although a relatively quiet period for the locals and the Afghan National Security Forces, saw no let up in the pace of life for us. The patrol programme has been, if anything, more intense and has included some fairly large scale Company excursions. 10 Platoon also enjoyed a short „holiday? at HIMAL OP (see separate article by OC 10 Platoon, Lt Nick Beavitt). As I write, the festival of Eid, which marks the end of Ramadan is drawing to a close. Time will tell, but I suspect that once the Afghans have got over their Christmas and Boxing Day equivalent, we may see some acceleration in enemy activity.
Election Day in Musa Qal?eh was certainly livelier than many of us had anticipated. In what amounts to a childish and petulant temper tantrum, the enemy spent the day hurling as much direct and indirect fire as they could in the general direction of ISAF and ANSF Patrol Bases, especially ROSHAN Tower and WOQAB, and the DC itself. Thankfully, despite their best efforts and some close calls, there were no serious injuries; at least not
on our side! Voter turnout was reasonable, given the circumstances, and compared very favourably with the other districts in Helmand Province. C Company spent much of the day escorting the Battle Group?s two International Observers to and from Polling Stations, and liaising with the ANP over the developing security situation.

Ramadan brought its own challenges, with the ANSF unable to contribute meaningfully to any activity between 1000hrs and 2000hrs. This proved rather limiting in terms of joint patrolling but, thanks to some careful planning, didn?t reduce the frequency or intensity of patrols. We have deployed as a Company several times this month, including a major Cordon and Search operation in a large village on the edge of a route that is regularly sown with IEDs. The operation got off to a shaky start, when the attached ANP went slightly rogue. However, once they had been netted and tranquilised, the search went like clockwork. Sadly, the anticipated IED store was not found, but the population of DZO (Deh Zohr Olya - the village in question) win the Afghan Collective Liars award for claiming vociferously that they know nothing about the enemy, or IEDs. This was proved conclusively to be rubbish when, a couple of hours after we left the village, one of the „innocent? population accidentally set off the IED he was laying on the track that we had just used.

Op MAR CHICHEL 3 saw the majority of the Company forward mount to Camp BASTION, then launch a dawn air assault operation to insert a number of vehicle checkpoints around Musa Qal?eh. This proved universally popular. Firstly, the Chinook crews were delighted to be doing something other than providing their usual taxi service. Secondly, from a Company perspective, not only was it something operationally different, but it meant a chance to carbo-load in the BASTION Cookhouse! In the event, the Op was far more successful than had been anticipated. The use of helicopters greatly added to the element of surprise, and by pushing rapidly into areas far outside the Musa Qal?eh Patrol Base ?ring? we significantly unhinged the enemy, and left them in no doubt about our ability to project force at will. We also came back with a suspected insurgent detainee who, as I write, is being processed by the ANP.

There will be no let up in tempo at the tail end of the tour; if anything life is likely to become even busier. There are still some operations on the cards, and plenty of ground to cover, but C Company is more than rising to the challenge. Things are changing in Musa Qal?eh. C Squadron, The Household Cavalry Regiment (HCR) have already taken over from 206 Pioneer Squadron as the MASTIFF Group, and D Coy 3 SCOTS (The Black Watch) have handed over the Operational Mentoring and Liaison (OMLT) role to 2 YORKS. Thankfully, the HCR seem to be holding off until we have left before they paint every inanimate object blue-red-blue.

BG (NW) FSG (PB Roshan Tower)
2RRF inherited ROSHAN TOWER as a part of the Battle Group (North West) (BG(NW)) lay down from 2RGR in late March 09. The Tower had been a pivotal location during the Gurkha?s tenure, and it proved to be an extremely busy one during the Fusiliers?.
ROSHAN is a Fire Support Group (FSG) location in the northern sector of BG(NW), which itself centres around the sizable Helmand town of Musa Qal'eh. ROSHAN is positioned level with B Coy Gp?s Patrol Base (PB) WOQAB, and together they form the two most northern bases in the 2RRF Area of Operations (AO). Built to house a mobile
phone mast, ROSHAN was created by the Arab telecommunications network of the same name. Much of the original infrastructure remains in place as seized by the PWRR during HERRICK 8. It has held a dominant position over the Musa Qal'eh Wadi ever since, and is a natural and extremely effective fire support and surveillance location because of its elevation and superb fields of view.

ROSHAN was extremely well equipped in terms of firepower, the manning taken from by soldiers from Fire Support Company, and bolstered by some extremely talented attachments from both 19 and 40 Regt Royal Artillery. The tower boasted the full spectrum of infantry fire support weapons; Javelin, 50 CAL HMG, GMG, 81mm mortars, GPMG (SF) and snipers. Perhaps its most unusual weapon system was the „DRAGON?, a 105mm Light Gun, used in the direct role. Its ability to place a 105mm shell on target is remarkable, and surprised insurgents on a number of occasions, cementing its position as the army?s most violent sniping weapon. Each and every support system proved its worth, by matching a particular requirement or situation. It was a remarkable experience for the Fire Support Company gunners, mortar men and operators. For example, a conservative estimate at the time of writing would value the Javelin missiles fired by the anti-tank section at ?1.75m.

The enemy forces in the northern AO proved unpredictable throughout the tour. The first six weeks did not yield a single contact, a result of the de facto ceasefire set up by local farmers and observed by the Taliban in order to allow the opium harvest to be conducted without interference. The harvest benefited both parties, and once the funds that derive from the narcotics sales arrived in late May the insurgents began to step up their activity against ROSHAN, PB WOQAB and surrounding outstations. The fates of those two key northern AO locations proved inextricably tied, with ROSHAN being able to influence enemy attacks on WOQAB therefore both were often attacked concurrently, and B Coy?s dominance of the ground determining both how close the insurgents were able to get, and shaping the level of enemy activity.

Throughout the tour the Fusiliers at ROSHAN experienced a range of enemy attacks, most frequently IEDs targeting our resupply routes and small arms fire and RPG attacks on the command post and sangars. In the peak of the summer fighting, ROSHAN also received sustained attacks, with the enemy using multiple prestige weapons.
We were privileged enough to be on the receiving end of several unpleasant former Soviet block weapons, RPGs the most numerous, anti-aircraft heavy machine guns and automatic grenade launchers the most memorable. There have been many remarkable contacts, but a ROSHAN favourite unravelled when in the small hours, a large group of insurgents mounted an attack on the Tower from multiple firing points. Unfortunately for the insurgents, they had unwisely chosen to use tracer ammunition, a distinct advantage to the HMG and SF gunners. More importantly the attack coincided to the minute with the chance over flight of a fully armed and fuelled USMC Apache gunship, flown by a gifted pilot and crewed by an accurate and highly enthusiastic gunner. With ROSHAN?s anti-tank gunners giving a target indication (“watch my Javelin”!) it was a fairly one sided engagement, and the last night attack we saw for a considerable time.

The tour held several challenges. The first being the austere conditions, with food produced exclusively from ration packs, and no organic water source meaning infrequent showering and laundering of clothes. This aspect of the tour was in some ways quite enjoyable, by some more than others! ROSHAN was also not a little claustrophobic, with
numerous soldiers having spent the vast majority of their six (seven?) months on the same 70m x 40m of terrain, with the same faces for company. Most importantly ROSHAN had a high profile with local Afghans as an ISAF location, and as a result the ramifications of an error during a contact would have been enormous. Delivering the accurate engagement of insurgents and fire support to friendly troops, whilst ensuring that there were no civilian casualties or collateral structural, was a demanding reality.

The tour was an astonishing and unique experience. Immensely rewarding for the vast majority of the deployment, engagements usually ended with tangible results which are often so scarce on operations. That the majority of the work was in support of friends and fellow Fusiliers in a neighbouring patrol base added an element of passion to proceedings too. There were lucky escapes, with several men now able to swing the lantern and regale tales of every kind, and numerous „Hollywood moments? where Fusiliers and Gunners dived for the cover of the hardened accommodation followed closely by fragmentation.

Equally it has contained periods of enormous frustration, boredom and hard work that are to be expected in any military situation. The disappointment of being unable to positively identify insurgents with weapon systems due to obscuration, enemy guile or surveillance systems at their limit, or indeed being unable to safely engage due to local national presence always grated, and is well known to most fighting troops in Helmand. Mostly though, it was notable for the incredible performances of experienced NCOs and young Fusiliers alike, showing determination, bravery and an ability to prevail at every turn.

An enormous number of lessons were learned whilst soldiering at ROSHAN. From the vast tracts of experience that were gained in the employment of fire support weapon systems, to ways around the difficulties of identifying enemy firing points. The importance of ensuring that all that can be done to protect against enemy attack of every possible kind was re-enforced again and again. It was made clear that no enemy activity will permanently damage or limit the Fusilier?s capacity for humour; several commanders at ROSHAN will not forget running to the command post, passing the dust billowing from accommodation as a result of mortar and AGS-17 strikes, and hearing the hysterical laughter from within.

In Helmand's Fields:- In Helmand's fields the poppies grow,
Beside the rivers which sluggish flow,
That quench the dust, and feed this land
For which brave Tommy gives a hand.
With stoutest heart, and seldom low
Though progress oft seems so dreadful slow
He will defeat all Afghans' foe.
So they may play, work or stand
- In Helmand's fields.
It is for you, who watch the soldiers go
That we recount the story that all must know,
Of the service of your faithful band,
Who take up the fight in Afghan sand.
Our daily duty, the seeds we sow
- In Helmand's fields.
After John McRea?s In Flanders Fields

LANCASHIRE AREA HEADQUARTERS
Lancashire HQ RRF, Moss Street, Bury BL9 0DF Telephone number: 0161 763 8969

email addresses: fusilierslancshq@btinternet.com

New email address for Lt Col M J Glover TD Area Secretary Lancs.: colonel.glover@fusiliermuseum.com

Tony Sprason, Research Officer: anthonysprason@btinternet.com

In September the formal opening of the Fusilier Museum after a period of excessive work load was intensely satisfying. The Museum was officially opened by The Colonel in Chief who was accompanied by the Colonel of The Regiment. Some 250 invited guests were present at this splendid occasion which was admirably orchestrated by Edmund Gartside. AHQ is now looking forward to the work of the Headquarters and Museum settling down to something a little less like crisis management and more like a normal job.

Fusilier Monument.
On Sunday 27 September, the restored Fusilier Monument, which now sits outside the museum, was unveiled by Viscount Ridley, the grandson of Lutyens the architect. A considerable amount of time and effort has gone into the restoration including 300 hours of work with gold leaf. The Monument now looks magnificent and it is fair to say that it has not been seen in this state since1922 when it was first unveiled. All those who saw the Monument over the Fusilier Gathering Weekend agreed that the conservation work is outstanding and its place in the Gallipoli Garden is entirely appropriate.

Fusilier Gathering.
The Fusilier Gathering held in Lancashire was well attended with some 270 sitting down to the Association Dinner at the Village Hotel in Bury on the Saturday night. The inclusion of a party from the Lorne Scots including their Pipes added a great deal to the occasion and gave the weekend an international flavour. As is usual, the march through Bury after the Sunday Church Service received terrific support from the people of the town. This was a truly excellent weekend and thanks go to John O’Grady and Brian Bath for organizing such a memorable event.

The Fusilier Museum Bury

The Fusilier Museum is now operational and has attracted over 6,000 visitors since the soft opening at the end of June. This is equivalent to the combined visitor figures at Wellington Barracks from 2005 to 2007 inclusive. Even the Fusilier Monument is now in a position where it can be admired by the young and old of Bury on a daily basis. The future for the museum includes developing access to the Research Collection and providing a service to the Regiment by building up the RRF Collection.
New material continues to arrive. A particularly interesting recent donation has been a large decorated memorial board from Rochdale. The memorial was originally located in the Two Ships Hotel, Queen Street, Rochdale and commemorated all those who used to frequent the pub and went on to serve. It also records those who gave their lives. The memorial remained in the Two Ships from the end of the First World War till 2003 when the pub closed and was in danger of becoming derelict. The memorial was saved by Captain the Lord Havering who purchased the pub in order to secure the future of this
impressive memorial. In the short term there was nowhere to display it in Rochdale and it consequently went into storage in Yorkshire! The board will now be displayed in the Normandy Room adjacent to the Rochdale Honours Board
Exhibition on 2RRF in Afghanistan. It is the intention of the Museum curator to open a temporary exhibition based on 2RRF‘s tour in Afghanistan. The opening date is 22 March 2010 and will rely mainly on 2 RRF personnel providing most of the exhibits.
Friends of the Museum. A Friends group has reformed to reflect the new museum. This is an important non-Regimental group who have an interest in supporting the heritage of the Lancashire Fusiliers, the Royal Regiment of Fusiliers and the building. Looking to the future all those members of the regiment, past and present, who are interested in preserving their heritage should seriously think about supporting the Friends.
Community Spaces. The effort to raise funds does not stop and the Friends in collaboration with the Council have received a Stage 1 Pass from Community Spaces for a grant to develop a small patch of ground that is to be incorporated into the Gallipoli Garden. The intention is to landscape the ground and incorporate an outdoor education area to enable school groups to benefit from the garden and the Fusilier Monument.

Past Personalities of XX The Lancashire Fusiliers

Lt Col Stanley (Kitna ) Price OBE. ED NOTE:Stanley Price was RSM of 1LF in India 1946/7. Legend says that amongst many other tales he charged an RAF pilot for low flying over a Battalion Parade. He ordered the Assault Pioneers to uproot the Flagpole on the Residency at Lucknow where the Union Flag had flown continuously since the 1857 Mutiny. I was there in 2000 and I saw the hole where the flag pole was! His last Official contact with the Battalion was as CO of the Transit Camp at Devizes when 1LF flew to Cyprus in 1966. I saw a living legend!
At 1000 hrs on the 7th September 2009, a group of Lancashire Fusiliers and the daughter of a decorated Lancashire Fusilier came together at a tiny cemetery in Sturminster Newton, Dorset. It had taken the web site team almost 2 years to track down the last resting place of Kitna Price and to organize the renovation of his gravestone,culminating in a visit to pay their personal respects and to convey the respectful sentiments of LFs from around the world.

The party of John McCormick,Geoff Pycroft and Joe Eastwood had spent the night at the White Hart in Sturminster Newton, where they had been joined the night before by Mrs Esmee Walsh (widow of Brian Walsh LF ) and by Alan and Pauline Gunn (Warwicks and 2 RRF). Also attending the Saturday night's convivialities were Mr Trevor Legg, Secretary of the local RBL and his ex service colleague David.

On the Sunday morning, they were pleased to meet at the churchyard Barbara Parker (daughter of John “Mucky” Mason DCM of 2LF and Cassino fame. Barbara has kindly agreed to place Minden Roses on the grave on 1st August each year. Also arriving unannounced having travelled from Devon was John Griffiths (LF) who we had last seen at the Veterans weekend in Blackpool.

The group were welcomed by Mr Nigel Pope, an ex Warrant Officer from the Dorset Regiment who in civilian life is the local Undertaker. It was Nigel who had officiated at the funeral for Kitna in 1982, the cremation having taken place in Yeovil and the urn of ashes interred at Sturminster Newton.

For the past 27 years Nigel has retained and kept safe the cap badge worn by Kitna which had been placed upon the coffin before cremation. He has promised to send it to Joe Eastwood for presenting to the Gallipoli Garden Museum.

Following a brief service which included a eulogy followed by a short silence and the lowering of the LF standard, Minden Roses and a Poppy were carefully placed at the head of the gravestone. Nigel gave the group information which led to Geoff, John McCormick and Joe being able to locate and to visit the very house where Kitna had died.
The current owners were away, but a charming couple who lived next door agreed to give us what they knew about the events of 1982, including the latest address they had in the USA for Mrs Billy Price who had remarried. The team will now try and communicate with her. We feel that Kitna has had the proper send off he should have been accorded in 1982 and that our duty to him has been carried out.

Mrs Linda Lemmon, Kitna's daughter has sent her thanks and appreciation for the restoration work on the grave stone. Linda said that her mother Billy (Kitna'swidow) is now 95 years old and living with Linda and her husband John in Southampton.

Frank Jefferson VC
In 1948 a group of Lancashire Fusilier Officers and Francis (Frank) Jefferson VC went to Jefferson's old school in Ulverston, Cumbria, and presented a silver cup suitably engraved with his details.
Joe Eastwood contacted the school, now known as the UVHS and discovered that although the cup was still presented annually, it was badly in need of refurbishment. A fund raising appeal was launched and due to the generosity of the LF web site supporters and members of the extended Jefferson family, the target was quickly reached.
The cup was refurbished and on the 11th of March 2009, Joe Eastwood, Dennis Laverick and Geoff Pycroft , together with a large number of the Jefferson family attended the presentation of The Jefferson VC trophy to this years winner, a fine young man named Simon Collins.
An Aunt of Frank Jefferson who used to baby sit him recalled how one day she tipped him out of his pram by accident into the local canal, so we almost did not have our only WW2 VC winner !
As a bonus to the special day,the school had been given a picture of the very first presentation in 1948, which clearly showed that the cup once had a lid. The school initiated a search in the archives and found it !

Alastair Greenway, one of the masters, has expressed an interest in continuing the link between the LF web site and the school, which can only be good for the Regiment.
Use this link: http://www.lancs-fusiliers.co.uk/feature/jefferson/Frankjeffersonvc.htm
where it is fully reported (speakers on,there is a personal account of how he won the VC in Frank's own words)

Voluntary donations towards the cost of running the site are welcome. Please make payable to "The LF Web Site Fund" and post to:- Captain J Eastwood BEM CQSW, Cherry Tree Cottage, 7 Duxford Road, Whittlesford, Cambs. CB22 4NQ

Omnia Audax
Joe Eastwood.

MEMORIES OF D COY 5LF/5RRF

Last issue I wrote about a fusilier who had an adverse effect on explosives - they did not perform as they should do. I don’t know why. My mother couldn’t wear a wristwatch - it would always stop after a few minutes and she said it was the electricity in her body.
Perhaps this was why Inergas, 3.5” rocket launchers and 36 grenades failed to work properly when Fus Boulton handled them.

On the other hand we had a Major who had the opposite effect. He was not originally a fusilier but had been seconded to us from a corps, RE’s I think. By looking at explosives he seemed to be able to double their effect. One year he was instructed to load and fire the model silver cannon to signal the port to be passed around at a Mess dinner. This he did to great effect - the cannon was fired, the barrel split, the Colonel nearly had a fit, officers near the cannon were peppered with black soot and wine glasses were broken by the blast. I do not think the end result met with the full approval of the CO.

At the Officers’ Mess dinner next year the CO said the cannon must not be used as it had just been repaired at great expense, so therefore another method would have to be used. Again our OC was given the task (do people never learn?) At the appointed time for the port a CSgt approached the CO with a bell push on a silver tray. The CO looked at our OC through narrowed eyes, the OC smiled and nodded to him, the Colonel then pressed the button. Nothing happened. Thinking he had been the victim of a practical joke, the Colonel turned, smiling, to our Major. The next second outside was a large flash and bang. Some of the Officers’ Mess windows were broken by flying debris from the lawn, sods, stones and soil had all been sent through the window by the blast.

Meanwhile in the Sgts’ Mess the explosion was thought to be the work of terrorists, some senior ranks went to the Arms Cote to draw weapons and ammunition whilst others went to investigate. What they saw was a large hole in the beautifully kept lawn, someone said it was a beehive charge. It must have been a very big bee!! Our OC was never tasked with the job of signaling the port again. Some people cannot take a joke.

At the same camp Carnoustie, a Sgt was approached by the Major and told “Be a good chap and get a couple of chappies and fill in the small hole I’ve made in the track in the woods”. This small hole was about 6ft in diameter and about 4ft deep. The spoil from the hole had been deposited over a large area. It was filled in with twigs and leaves etc. I hope a Pl Commander leading his men down the track did not fall into it. I wish!
At the same camp, we had an RSM who was a bit of a martinet - no that’s not strictly true, he was a lot of a martinet and pompous with it. It was the last day of the exercise and everyone was clearing up. At the top of a field was a canvas windbreak surrounding a thunderbox which needed to be taken down. The RSM had seen this and shouted out “Cpl Noon dismantle the toilet and take it away”. Cpl Noon replied “But Sir” only to be cut short with the words “Don’t ‘but Sir’ me, just get it done”. “Yes Sir right away” was the reply. After briefing his men in whispers they quietly approached the canvas screen, picked it up at one go and ran down the hill with it. A loud bellow made the RSM turn around, to his horror he saw the Colonel sitting on the box, pants around the ankles. As Cpl Noon passed the RSM he said “That’s what I was trying to tell you Sir, the CO was having a crap”.

CHARLIE FOXTROT
BRANCH NOTES

D COY 5LF/5RRF BRANCH
Editor'sNote D Company 5LF Branch is welcomed as a fully paid up Branch of the Association to be known as Shiney D

Gallipoli
Some of D Coy went over to Gallipoli this year to lay a wreath on the Memorial and also to visit ‘W Beach’. Jim Worrall was the organizer and Tony Tootill took many photographs, some of which may be seen on the D Coy Website.

Edinburgh Tattoo
Five of D Coy went to the Tattoo and again this was organized by Jim. The hotel was situated 65 miles away from the Tattoo in Kilmarnock - I think the person at Ledger Travel must have failed miserably in their geography exams. Well worth a visit and much better than the TV version. The RAF Regt’s little cameo of extracting a casualty under fire went very well, that is until they were doing the unload off the arena. Oh dear accidental discharge, thankfully only blanks. I wonder what the punishment is for that these days?

Leeds Armoury
Three of D Coy took a trip to Leeds Armoury. Very interesting and well worth a visit, it takes nearly all day to see in detail, and unlike our own museum in Bury it’s FREE.

Lancashire
I do not know if you are aware but should you buy a box of Lancashire Teabags, the manufacturers make a donation to SSAFA.

Whilst I am on about Lancashire, do you know the county boundary has not changed? It’s still Lancashire from the Mersey in Stockport to the Yorkshire border to the east and Lancashire all the way up the coast to Barrow, except for a small break near Grange. The fact that we have had a couple of admin areas dropped upon us, ie Greater Manchester and Merseyside, Manchester and Liverpool are still in Lancashire, in fact the post office tell me it’s incorrect to put Greater Manchester on an address. In Lancashire and only in Lancashire the Loyal Toast is:- THE QUEEN, DUKE OF LANCASTER. Perhaps at the next Fusilier Gathering to be held in Lancashire, somebody will inform the person proposing the toast of this fact. It did not happen at the Fusilier Gathering Dinner this year.

Race Night
D Coy travelled to the RBL Club, Pendleton to support Salford Branch in their effort to raise funds for the newly reformed branch. A good time was had by all and a few winners as well. It was noted that we were the only fusiliers outside the Salford lads to support the event. Well done Shiny D.

Cap Badges
When I was in the army in the 50s onward, all English and Welsh Regiments wore their cap badges 1” above the left eye, except of course the LFs who wore their patch and hackle over the left temple. Can anyone inform me why various regiments including our own have started to wear their badges over the left temple. At the Fusilier Gathering, the Association members on parade all wore theirs over the left eye. Why and when the changes?
Colin Fletcher

OLDHAM BRANCH

Meetings –
1st Tuesday in the month, Chadderton Reform Club, Middleton Road, Oldham

Since the last issue we have been involved in almost everything from the 2 RRF funerals of Cpl Etchells and Fus Annis as well as RMP Cpl Oakland who came from our patch in New Moston. We wish the families our best wishes and hope to see them in the future. The correct respect and dignity was evident throughout and we thank our standard bearers Les Berry, John Ulrich, Spud Heywood, Mick Fowles and Steve Fitt. When we have such a good relationship with olexa we can more often than not expect up to 30 standards. Well done to all standard bearers who have supported whatever project we have been involved with, namely all civic parades within the town and the local funerals of all regiments.

Saddleworth War Weekend at Uppermill saw a good turnout. We sighted Carol and Clacky Rees (3RRF) in one of the bars who were immediately signed up for the Oldham party. This should see another 200 this year at our 14th Annual Dinner at Stockport. Over the last 6 months we have had representation at all area activities. The Gathering proved to be popular and thanks to the committee for the weekend. We also paid tribute to Life for a Life Project, which is now ten years old, with events at Manchester Grammar School and Strinesdale Warriors Rest. Life for a Life is paying tribute to the Regiment.

A date should be available soon for the opening of a new Fusilier Meadow at Whitfield in March/April 2010 – work has been going on at the site.

Oldham branch congratulate Nobby and Ronnie on receipt of the Regimental Medals in respect of Association work over the past 15 years (mind you, the wives should have got them!).
We wish a happy Christmas and new year to all our members.
Thank you – once a fusilier, always a fusilier.

ROCHDALE BRANCH

Meetings –
1st Wed in the month at 2000 hrs, Rochdale Transport Club, Baron Street, Rochdale

Secretary – Mr E Pickup, 44 Mountain Ashes, Rooley Moor, Rochdale, OL12 7JE

Firstly I should like to apologize to all our regular readers of the Newsletter, Rochdale Branch has not invented another Regimental Celebration, one that has been kept on the secrets’ list by chance, one you missed out on. No, I refer to the last bulletin when it was reported that we were holding a Bets’ Night. No this should have read our annual Vets’ Night. (Never mind Ed – the ‘v’ and ‘b’ keys are next door to each other.) Sorry all.

Well just to bring you up-to-date – our Vets’ Night went down very well on 26 June. Thirty members sat down to an evening meal at the Royal Toby Hotel in Rochdale, and this time there was no mix up with the menus and the evening went very smoothly.
Our Minden Ball held on 25 July 2009 at the Masonic Buildings, Rochdale, was also a great success, where everyone enjoyed themselves, listening and dancing to the Eddie Hilton Quartet. Major Garside (the Gaffer) commented that it was nice to see Eddie back
in Rochdale after so long - he had not seen him since the old Carlton days. Who’s showing their age then now? (Back to the late Fifties). Sorry Sir.

The Fusilier Gathering came and went, and by all the reports it was an event not to be missed. Rochdale Branch was well represented, but I was unable to attend due to ill health, but through the magic of the internet and our website, I was able to catch up. Well done, Dennis.

The Road to Arras and Cleggie’s costly mistake
In most circles of the Association, it is well know that Rochdale Branch has an annual pilgrimage (jolly) to France and Belgium visiting the WW1 cemeteries. Well this year we decided to stay in Arras and visit the famous tunnels. Everything was organised for 11 October using Clegg and Thorpe Battlefield Tours. We were to travel overnight down to Dover and catch an early morning ferry - everything went to plan although the pick-up times went a bit out of sync. As everyone was picked up, up went the cry ‘have you got your passport?’ I distinctly remember Cleggie shouting to the OC in the middle of the street, ‘has he got his passport and has he got his money?’

As I said everything was going like clockwork – although I don’t know whose clock - Cleggie’s or Truely’s! We hit the motorway and it was plain cruising (not much traffic). We sailed along to the smell of cheese and onion butties, just like being back in the army, wherever you went for packed lunches to be ordered, the famous cheese and onion, come spam butties, would be on the menu (ALWAYS). We even picked up Dave Clegg (little brother) at Crewe, not far off the main motorway and up went the cry ‘have you got your passport?’ ‘Yes – I’ve got my passport.’ On we went.

Watford Gap was our 2nd port of call where we all de-bussed to stretch the old legs, calls of nature, food (most had sandwiches) smoke breaks and whatever a bunch of ex-squaddies’ needs may be. As we were all huddled in a bunch at the side of the bus, some enjoying the last of their sarnies, some enjoying a quick puff on a cigarette, it was decided we should collect passports in order to save time at the dockside.

Everyone scrambled through their pockets and bags, as once again the cry went up ‘have you got your passports?’ ‘B!!!!! B!!!!!!!’ went the cry as Cleggie fell to one side ‘I’ve picked up the B!!!!y wife’s. (Hillary is the Secretary). Now, this is four in the morning – what do we do? Hillary is at home tucked up in bed and Cleggie’s on the Watford Gap Services with her passport. Decision-time – do we leave Cleggie at Watford and carry on – no that’s out of the question as he is one of the drivers on the insurance – do we phone home and ask her if she can meet us halfway? Well you can imagine Hillary’s reply to that Y!! C!! S!! O!!. Yes we returned to Rochdale with Cleggie getting stick all the way – he will not live it down in a while.

Rochdale to Crewe 54 miles
Crewe to Watford Gap 92 miles
Back to Rochdale 142 miles
Rochdale to Dover 301 miles
COST IN DIESEL £59

The new Peter Glegg.

A costly mistake, remember this Cleggie. It’s pink for girls and blue/black for us boys (that’s passport covers) or in this day and age whatever you fancy, as long as you pick up the RIGHT passport.
Well we arrived in Arras at about 1800 hrs on Sunday 12 October, having taken a later ferry. This was just in time to drop the suitcases off in the hotel rooms, get a quick wash and a scrape and do a quick recce of the town centre to find an eating and watering hole – remember this was a Sunday evening. I cannot remember the bar where we ate, but I do know that everything came with French fries. The bar we settle in that night was Paddy’s Bar ( tricolours and all) – trust the Fusiliers, if you get my drift, it was like being back in Armagh. I don’t know if it was the traveling or the warm Killkenny, but I think we all slept well that night.

The next day we were up for breakfast, which was a typical French continental breakfast, plenty of lukewarm, black coffee, French sticks, honey, jam and fruit - the take-it or leave-it variety type of breakfast if you know what I mean (bring on the full English). After we had all eaten breakfast, we decided to visit the tunnels in Arras. We set off in an orderly manner, but after some time we were strung out, as no-one had said that it was about ? mile away, and it was all uphill to the site. Once there we were ushered through as there were several school trips planned for that day and they did not want us getting mixed up!

We entered the tunnels by lift and were transported 150 metres down below the earth’s surface. We traveled along the tunnels, making sure that we stayed in the middle of walkways to various chambers where our guide explained what had gone on all those years ago. You just could not imagine the numbers of men involved in the digging of these tunnels. Men were stationed in these tunnels awaiting their time to go into battle by attacking the enemy from the rear. Tunnels to the surface were excavated along with steps and this was the last thing some of the poor souls saw before breaking out of the dark of the tunnels into the light on the surface and being shot dead. These men and officers needed living quarters and massive chambers were dug to accommodate them, even a chapel was dug out of the rock. It was amazing and well worth the visit. That afternoon we visited several more sights but the tunnels at Arras were the most impressive.

Vimy Ridge was a most impressive sight too with those two gigantic columns stretching skywards, and the figures clinging to the heights with arms outstretched to the heavens. This glorious monument to the Canadian Troops and attached units who took this ridge all those years ago was a feat in itself. We also visited the tunnels on this site. They were not as impressive as the ones in Arras, but when you imagine the fighting that went on, everyone has its own story. These tunnels were as near to the front line as you could get and the craters just outside were huge – some 20-30 feet across. These days they are covered in grass but as you can imagine in those days they were full of stinking mud and water – one slip and you were in for eternity – what a way to go weighted down with all your kit and ammo and anything else you may be carrying. If you ever visit Vimy Ridge and the famous tunnels, look out for the new residents that live there – they come out at night and fly around the open spaces near to the monument and tunnels, but during the day take up residence in the tunnels. Yes there is a colony of bats. LADIES BEWARE.

Yes we visited several sites – Thiepval, Beaumont-Hamel, the Ulster Tower, Albert, the Famous TOMMIES, and Ypres (for the chocolate!). These are just some of the larger sites but we also visited lots of the smaller ones like the Christmas Truce and the site of the famous Football Match marked by a simple wooden cross – hard to believe today as you watch the French farmer gathering his crops of maize there now. On Wednesday
night, after a long day’s travel up and down the byways of France, it was decided by the powers that be that we should hold a regimental dinner after all. The venue was the Eurostar Bar-cum-caf?(a French McDonalds). Just across the way from the hotel, this had become the local watering hole. The bar made its money that week as night after night it was kept open by the troops wanting ‘after time’. It showed, as the bar ran out of several brands of ale. The dinner went down well and the bar staff did us proud. The chef really knew how to cook the steaks, no-one complained (I don’t think they dared as he was one BIG Frenchman), and all this washed down with a good French wine. A good night was had by all, even the resident bar flies, that Ralph became a dab-hand at swatting (‘Ten with One Blow’ came to mind by Hans Christian Anderson).

On Friday we set off at a reasonable time to catch the midday ferry. It’s as well we did, as no sooner had we boarded and set sail the French stevedores called a strike and blocked the port of Calais. Well once again it was an experience traveling with Clegg and Thorpe’s Battlefield Tours, but one thing that baffles me and the others is Truely’s obsession with roundabouts. Even with a sat-nav he would still go round a couple of times and end up having an argument with a machine. All said and done Clutchie and Truely did the driving and well done lads for a safe and enjoyable trip.

Remembrance Sunday 8 November 2009 went off very well. The weather stayed off and we got away with it again. The only thing that let me down was a bout of angina – the old puffer bottle was out and I missed yet another parade. I think someone is trying to tell me something. But marching with the cadets I have 3 grandsons so if I am not there in person, I’m there in name and spirit – 2 Marine Cadets and 1 Fusilier Cadet is not bad, and there’s more in the making.

After the parade we all retired to our HQ, the Transport Club. There we delved in a few sherbets and a good helping of potato pie. We were visited by the Mayor and Mayoress of Rochdale, Councillor Keith Swift and Sue Etchells, our MP, Paul Rowen, Wing Commander David Forbes, President of the Royal British Legion, our President, Major E T Garside (the Gaffer), and a Naval Commander. All members of the Mayor’s party made a speech and at several points they were very rousing. It made you feel like signing up again and following the pipes and drums, Queen’s Shilling included (do they still do that these days? A good day was had by all apart from the angina – looks like I’m sidelined.
At the present time, as a Branch, we are awaiting the 2nd Battalion’s homecoming march through Rochdale on 30 November. WELCOME HOME LADS from all the members of Rochdale Branch. God bless and God keep you all safe always.

Another event we are all looking forward to is our Christmas Celebrations at the Masonic Buildings in Rochdale. It’s a good night to catch up with friends, old and new. I will report on that in 2010.

When you read these notes it will be 2010 so I hope you all had a very good Christmas, and I wish you all a Happy and Prosperous New Year.

Omnia Audax

Elwin Pickup, Secretary, Rochdale Branch

NORTHERN IRELAND BRANCH
Secretary – Ian Scholes

During 2009 our membership numbers have maintained and the outlook is positive. Although a small branch we continue to enjoy our monthly meetings and have had another successful year with a full and varied calendar of events. We have held a couple of Quiz Nights which were well supported and a Clay Pigeon Shoot outing which proved to be very popular and enjoyed by all who attended.

We celebrated Gallipoli and St George’s Day at our local club, and were pleased to have put in place a headstone for a former member, Paddy Lennon. Minden Day was celebrated and followed by a memorable weekend in Bury for the Gathering – great to catch up with old faces. The Association was proud to be on Parade at both the Veterans’ Day Parade and Remembrance Day Parade.

Finally we shall end the year with our Association Christmas Dinner and a few drinks at ‘the club’ afterwards. Wishing you all a Happy Christmas and a Peaceful New Year. All the best from the Northern Ireland Branch and hope to see you all at the Gathering 2010.

Ian Scholes, Secretary, Northern Ireland Branch

POET'S CORNER

A Soldier:- A soldier stood before his God,as must always come to pass,
He hoped his boots were shining,just as brightly as his brass.
“Step forward now you soldier,how shall I deal with you?
Have you always turned the other cheek?
To my church have you been true? “

The soldier squared his shoulders and said,”No Lord I guess I aint,
cause those of us who carry guns, can't always be a saint.
I've had to work most Sundays, and at times my talk was tough,
and at times, I have been violent cause the world is awfully rough.
But I never took a penny Lord, that wasn't mine to keep,
though I worked a lot of overtime when the bills got too steep,
and I never passed a cry for help, though at times, I shook with fear,
and at times God forgive me, I've wept unmanly tears.
I know I don't deserve a place among the people here.
They never wanted me around, except to calm their fears.
If you've a place for me here Lord, it needn't be so grand.
In life I didn't expect too much, so if you don't, I understand.”

There was silence all around the throne,where the saints had often trod,
as the soldier waited quietly for the judgement of his God.
“Step forward now brave soldier, you've borne your burden well
walk peacefully in heavens streets ,you've served your time in hell.”

Submitted by Alan Noble
They haven't a clue:- They haven't a clue
What it is to do
Your duty for Her Shilling,
They don't know why
A man will die
With a smile and still be willing,
To fight to the end
To help his friend,
While the Westminster pigs are swilling
Cash from the trough
With a diffident cough,
While the soldiers brave are dying.
? David G. Hoyle 2009

LAST POST
Owen McCarthy passed away on New Year’s Eve 2008 .He served with the South Lancashire Regiment before transfer to 2nd Battalion XX The Lancashire Fusiliers. He served in North Africa, Sicily, Italy, Monte Casino and Austria. He was awarded MM and Bar. Owen was a founder member of the Droylesden Branch.

Harry Timms. Died 26th August 2009 Served B Company 2nd Battalion XX The Lancashire Fusiliers 1952 - 1955

Bill Dalton. Died at home 4th Sept 2009 aged 93. 10th Bn Lancashire Fusiliers Burma. Read Bill Dalton's story at
http://www.lancs-fusiliers.co.uk/feature/Bill_Dalton/dalton.htm

George Langhorne. Died October 2009 Served Support Company 2nd Battalion XX The Lancashire Fusiliers 1952 – 1955

Fus. P. Suesue Killed in action on 22nd May 2009

Cpl J. Etchells Killed in action on 19 July 2009

Sgt S.A.Valentine Killed in Action on 15th August 2009

L Cpl J Fullarton Killed in Action on 16th August 2009

Fus S. Annis Killed in Action on 16th August 2009

Fus L.M.Carter Killed in Action on 16th August 2009

Fus S.M.Bush Died 25th August in Selly Oak following injuries on 15th August

‘We Will Remember Them’

News Sheet
Edition 54
Jun 2009

LIST OF OFFICIALS-FUSILIERS ASSOCIATION (LANCASHIRE)

President: Col B M Gorski
Chairman: Capt J O'Grady
Secretary: Mr S Fitt
Treasurer: Major J Hindshaw TD DL

Editorial Comment - Capt.David G.Hoyle (Ret'd)

So that we could include the latest news from 2RRF in Afghanistan this issue is published later than usual. Not only our Regular battalions are facing the enemy. Our Fusilier reservists are seeing as much as, or more active service than many Regular soldiers of earlier times.

The Tower of London sends a Fusilier News email every month with up to date information about the Regiment. If you would like to be on the circulation list for this monthly email please send an email to Capt. (Ret'd) John Davis at:
rhqrrf-asec@Infantry-Units.co.uk

Subject for your email "Fusilier News" . Say that you want to receive the monthly news and give your name, number, regimental service or details of other regimental connection. PLEASE ONLY MAKE THIS REQUEST BY EMAIL SO THAT YOU ARE EASILY ENTERED AND RECORDED ON THE EMAIL CIRCULATION LIST

Janet Willcock now prepares articles for editing, and deserves a big thank you.

Capt (Ret'd) D G Hoyle --- david_g_hoyle@hotmail.co.uk

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

Regimental Association Lancashire Awards:
The Regimental Certificate and Medal have been awarded to:

Mr Alan Noble (Oldham Branch) Mr Ron Owen (Oldham Branch)

These awards will be presented at the Fusilier Gathering in September 2009

General Report:
I am very pleased to be able to report that the Association is in good order and its membership growing by the minute. Due to the excellent work done by Ron Owen and Dennis Laverick over the past 12 months, we can now justifiably state what our correct numbers are as at April 2009 .

I have had the chance to visit most of our Branches this year and was very pleased to hear that 75% more members are now communicating via the email system which was the aim for this year. Most of the Branches are now warming to the direct debit approach to pay their subs and all subs are being paid on time. This has allowed our Accounts to be in a healthy state (copy attached) as at the end of March 2009.
The M62 memorial service was the main event in February, masterminded by Mr Alan Noble. There was an excellent turnout by the Association which enabled 38 standards to be on parade and this was commented on by 42 Bde Comd Brig Bill Aldridge CBE as an outstanding effort by the Association Lancashire.

On Minden Sunday 2 August a presentation will be given by Lt Col (Ret'd) Tony Coutts-Britton LF/RRF on the Battle of Minden at 1130 hrs, followed by the wreath-laying at 1300 hrs at the Memorial. Tony is now a fully-qualified Battle tour guide and we are looking forward to seeing him and his wife for the day.

I have been looking to see how to help less-fortunate members of the Association. Among those who came to light were an ex member of 3RRF who lost two limbs from Astley, Leigh. Four members have been to his house and cleaned up garden etc. We managed to stop the eviction of an ex 1RRF Fusilier from his council house and managed to get him a grant of £741 from various sources. We hope to see them at the Gathering.

The Gathering in September: We are fast approaching the cut-off date for this event and it is looking very good. The hotel is now virtually booked-out and numbers could be as high as 300. I hope to get at least four of our disabled members there (paid for the Tower), two Chelsea Pensioners (paid for by the Association), members of the Lorne Scots Pipe Band (looked after by the Bank President - Jack and Rosemary Harrison).

Summary: I have many people to thank for their help in keeping the Association ticking over: Lindsey Walsh, Major Jennifer Hindshaw for her excellent work on the accounts, our website manager Dennis Laverick, all of the Branch Secretaries, Steve Fitt, Assn Secretary, the Regimental Clubs Chairman and his very loyal staff. They do what they do, simply because they believe, like I do, that the ASSOCIATION is a very worthwhile cause, be it LF or RRF

Gallipoli / St Georges Day Dinner 2010 will be held at the Civic Centre Radcliffe on Saturday 24th April followed by Gallipoli Sunday on the 25th April, details to follow.

Fusilier Gathering 2010 will be held in Warwickshire at the Royal Court Hotel - Coventry on the 18th September 2010

Capt. John O'Grady (Ret'd)

Association Secretary's Notes

By the end of this year it will have been a busy year for Lancashire, with having to move location from Wellington Barracks, Gallipoli, Minden, and the Fusilier Gathering. Many thanks to the those who attended Gallipoli Sunday it was a bit different this year but the Dinner will be back next year. A special thank you to the Bar staff in the Regimental Club. I have found out that remarks were made to the Royal British Legion Standard Bearers at Gallipoli asking them why they were on this parade as it was a Fusiliers Parade, As a result of this remark a Branch of the Fusiliers Association has lost a Vice Chairman and a Standard Bearer that has attended every Fusiliers Funeral in the Bury area . Membership of the Association is steady and slowly improving,can I remind
members if you move address please notify your Branch, or if you are Central Branch let the Association Office know. Many thanks to Ron Owen for his outstanding work on the Membership spread sheets
Steven Fitt
Association Secretary
Fusilier Petero Suesue 2RRF
An extract from the newsletter from the Second Fusiliers in Afghanistan
"The Commanding Officer on behalf of all 2RRF personnel serving in Afghanistan and back at home would like to extend his sincere condolences on the tragic death of Fus Petero Suesue A Coy FSG.
He was killed in action north of FOB Nolay near Sangin on 22 May 09 while campaigning to bring peace. He was every inch the professional infantry soldier, universally respected and liked throughout the Battalion. It is a small comfort to know that he died doing the job that he loved, amongst his friends, at the front, and in the face of the enemy.
Fus Suesue of A Coy FSG was killed whilst on patrol near Sangin on 22 May 09. Members of 2 RRF Battlegroup paid their respects to the late Fus Petero Suesue at Musa Qal?eh during the sunset vigil service.
The Commanding Officer said "2RRF have paid a heavy price with the death in combat of Fusilier Petero Suesue."
Fusilier Suesue was flown back to Britain on 29 May 09. His funeral took place in his native Fiji on 9 June 09. Major Gareth Boyd represented the Regiment (he was Fus Suesue's Company Commander for 2 years) and a bearer party from 2 RRF assisted with the burial. On Sunday 31 May, a Memorial Service was held at the Church of The Good Shepherd in Hounslow. Over 500 attended the Service including The Fijian Deputy High Commissioner, The Mayor of Hounslow and the Colonel of The Regiment. A large contingent of Fijians from all over the UK also attended, including a group of five ex-servicemen who were amongst the first batch of Fijians to join the British Army in 1961. Our thoughts and prayers remain with Fusilier Suesue, his wife Emma and his family.

A Soldiers poem - In memory of Fus Petero Suesue
by LCpl Wez Tokalau 2RRF
Dear Lord -I pray to thee -That my soul -You please keep.
Tell my folks - In this foreign land - I tried my hardest - I did my best!
Please tell them - Not to grieve - For this soldier - Now peacefully sleeps.
This harsh climate - The rugged terrain - I fought with friends - This dreadful campaign
Brothers in arms - By my side - We endured on - Day and night.
They play the post - And lower the flag - What was once alive -Now laid to rest.
A father's tears - A widow's grief - For this soldier - Now peacefully sleeps.
REGIMENTAL JOTTINGS
News from RHQ HM Tower of London

Edited from the monthly Fusilier News emails.

1RRF.
After post TELIC tour leave First Fusiliers began the year with preparation for the move to Tidworth and to start operating as the Land Warfare Centre Battlegroup. A week of gunnery at Sennelager was followed by two weeks of field training.
The move to Tidworth later in the year will be different from every other move in that, under Future Infantry Structures, this will be the Battalion's final move to a permanent home. The advent of Whole Fleet Management requires 3 Companies to share 1 Company's vehicle allocation for 4 days each.

150 members of 1 RRF travelled to Staffordshire for a week of Freedom Parades and "Welcome Home" Parades. The parades were all exceptionally well supported with Police estimating that 10,000 people lined the streets. The Battalion was very well hosted by the Local Councils, all of whom were grateful for the Regiment's Operational service and equally supportive of 2 RRF's current deployment to Afghanistan.

From 6th July edition of RRF News
The Battalion's focus during June has been the Board of Officers and final preparation for the Unit Move. This has all run smoothly thanks to the hard work and application of all sub-units. The Pre-Advanced Party are now beginning their takeover of equipment and accounts in Tidworth.
Simultaneously, the Rifle Companies have been finishing final maintenance work on the Warrior fleet and garages, which will be handed-over to 3 MERCIAN in July. As usual a variety of cadres have continued apace in the background, and everyone has been working away at their MATTs to remove another requirement from the already busy training programme at LWC.
W Company completed an enjoyable exercise in Haltern which encompassed both blank and live firing, complete with an integrated Coy attack. Their Bravo, Mullah "Rocky" Kahn, was successfully captured - and bore a striking resemblance to Sgt Wright, their boxing coach!
Tuesday 23 June saw the much-anticipated Commanding Officer's Challenge. This event was the only part of the Inter-Company Competition that was a complete secret to everyone, other than the CO and the APTCI, SSgt Foley. Having assembled his normal Command Group at 0800, it soon became clear that this event was to be a Warrior pulling competition.
The Companies were to field 20 men with four reserves each, with the combined team weight being capped at 1700kg - it was to be a game for the young and thin as well as the old and bold.
After a couple of false starts, the sheer difficulty of the task was evident. With all 20 men on the rope, however the 26 Tons of Warrior AFV were being swiftly hauled across the cobbles of the tank park as the remainder of the companies cheered enthusiastically.

2 RRF.
The Battalion returned to work in 2009 ready for three months of intensive training prior to deployment on Op Herrick 10. Training began with mission specific live firing at Lydd ranges, which allowed all of the weapon systems being used out in theatre to be fired.
After the training period the Battalion returned to Hounslow and took part in community initiatives in the local area. This involved the Battalion running a Junior Leadership Programme; three days of military led activities for thirty 14-16 year old children from the local schools. The three day package, a joint initiative with Hounslow Borough Council proved to be a great success for all those that took part and more are planned for when the Battalion returns from Afghanistan.

Before a period of two weeks leave the Battalion took part in a Farewell parade through Hounslow in recognition of the links established between the Battalion and the Council. The parade proved a success with the Battalion receiving a warm welcome as they marched through the streets of Hounslow with over a thousand people lining the streets. The parade finished with an inspection from the Mayor of Hounslow and a reception in the Council Chamber for all the soldiers and families.

After a well earned rest the Battalion's final official event was the visit of the Colonel-in-Chief HRH The Duke of Kent who met Fusiliers conducting drills and training on weapons to be used in Afghanistan. The visit proved a great success with the Colonel-in-Chief enjoying his afternoon and the Fusiliers and families appreciating greatly a visit from the Colonel-in-Chief prior to deployment on Op HERRICK 10
Second Fusiliers began St George's day in traditional fashion. They were woken by drums played by the Drum Major, WO2 John Pugh, from Salford, and then received a shot of 'gunfire' served by the officers.
Following that more than 100 Fusiliers took part in a church service. Within hours the same Fusiliers were out patrolling the area around Musa Qaleh.

The tragic loss of Fusilier Suesue and the wounding of Capt Anthony Harris in Afghanistan have been foremost in our thoughts in the latter half of May.

From 6th July edition of RRF News
Lt. Col Charlie Calder's
introduction to the June Edition of the 2RRF news paper MUSA QAL'EH MAIL

As I write we are sitting at about the midpoint of the tour. Much has been achieved already and everyone can be justifiably proud of their contribution. Difficult decisions have been made and we have sustained our fair share of injuries. However, much is yet to be done and I am confident that collectively we have the resolve to ensure that we work right up to the last day to improve the lives of the ordinary Afghan citizen. In Musa Qala the month has revolved around Operation Mar Lewe and its aftermath. The operation itself was a huge success, as we caught the enemy off guard and were able to seize the important village of Yatimchay with minimal casualties either to us or to local nationals. You may have read the slightly sensational reporting of the operation from Chris Hughes our embedded journalist from the Daily Mirror. Since the operation the main focus has
been to stabilise the village. This has required effort on a number of different lines of activity from engaging the Insurgents to sorting out compensation claims for damage to compounds that occurred as much as a year ago. Elsewhere in the North of Musa Qala B Coy and Roshan Tower have been subjected to frequent attacks from enemy direct and indirect fire. Thus far we have been able to deal with these attacks robustly, causing attrition to the enemy with little damage to us. A Coy in FOB Nolay have again been busy and are making real in roads into improving security, and understanding the needs of the local population. I am glad to report that all the casualties sustained by A Coy this month are recovering well with no indication as yet of any long term problems. Finally this month I would like to pay tribute to the great work being done by everyone back on Rear Party who are doing so much to ensure that we can concentrate on the job in hand out here. In particular I would like to single out the events committee who have worked so hard and given freely of their time to make the various families activities such a success.

The Rear Party
The Rear Party report that the past few months have been very busy, with the ladies going out on organised trips to the West End to see We Will Rock You and also a Night at The Dogs. The regular Sunday lunches have been a great success with upwards of 200 people attending. The Last lunch was attended by the Mayor of Hounslow and a few Local Councillors. Last weekend witnessed the annual TW4 carnival where the welfare team dressed up as super heroes with the UWO as Ali G
The families are looking forward to the halfway Sunday lunch this weekend and the occasion is being marked with a fete and fair. Hounslow Council will attend to present the children with a cheque for £500 for a day trip to Thorpe Park later this month. Emma Suesue is back from Fiji and will be joining presenting a cheque for £1315 for Help the Heroes, this was the money collected at and after the memorial service for her Husband, Fusilier Pat Suesue. The children will be presenting a Cheque to The Defence Medical Welfare Services, Selly Oak hospital for the money they raised for the Bouncy-athon.
5 RRF.
The 5th Battalion main effort has been focused on Pre-deployment Training for what is called the HQ ISAF DELTA Platoon, this is the infantry element of the HQ ISAF Force Protection Group. The Platoon is entirely 5RRF personnel and deployed on 9 Feb to Kabul with a total strength of 1 + 32. The Platoon has got over 60 patrols under their belt in the first 3 months and several difficult incidents to deal with. 18 other members of 5RRF have been on active service so far this year.
The Annual Camp will be in Kenya from 22 Oct to 5 Nov.

From 6th July edition of RRF News
The Commanding Officer and RSM are currently in Afghanistan visiting the platoon from 5 RRF who are the ISAF force protection platoon at HQ ISAF in Kabul. The platoon IS due to complete its tour in August 09.
The Battalion shooting team had their two week shooting camp culminating with a strong performance at Bisley with the team coming third overall; a commendable result.
A (Fusilier) Company 4 MERCIAN
In recognition of the fact that A (Fusilier) Company are the only company in 4 Mercian to reach or exceed its manning levels, the Coy has been given permission to form an additional Rifle Platoon.

Normandy Company is performing well in Afghanistan, operating at half company level out on the ground. They have been boosted to full strength with RAF Regiment personnel and vehicles. The poppy harvesting increased their activity considerably. Seven Fusiliers recently returned from Op HERRICK, where they were part of the 4 LANCS Force Protection Platoon in Kabul involved in securing the ISAF HQ, along with 35 other TA soldiers from the Battalion. As soon as the Fusiliers got back from Kabul, another wave of Fusiliers deployed to Nicosia as part of 2 Div.

TA soldiers from Bury have been taking part in a wide range of operations, in support of Regular Army counterparts and as formed units. Nine Fusiliers are going through the process of engagement under an FTRS (Full Time Reserve Service) arrangement and are deploying with the 2nd Battalion.

Fusilier Aid Society
In the first 6 months of 2009 the following amounts have were paid out in grants to both former and some serving members of the Regimental family and their dependents:

110 Aid Society Grants: £41,834
On behalf of the Lancashire Fusiliers: £6,274
On behalf of the Army Benevolent Fund: £8,658
A total of £56,766 with a predicted spend for 2009 of well in excess of £100,000.

We can all be justifiably proud of the scope and depth of benevolence of the Fusilier Aid Society. It will continue to provide support for all Fusiliers, including those from the antecedent Regiments that are in need. Any member of the Regiment, serving or retired, who is taking part in charitable fund raising, might want to think about including a percentage of their donations to the Fusiliers Aid Society. In the same vein bequests to the Aid Society will be put to good use.

Regimental PRI. As a reminder, the Regimental PRI outlet is now run by 5 RRF. They hold a varied stock of all Regimental items. Orders can be made by email: 5RRF-RAO@mod.com or by phone: civ: 01913755190 and mil: 947213627.

Information on the web:-
MoD web-site that it gives operational coverage: dgmc-newsdesk@mod.uk

Blog by Jonny Gwynne, 5RRF,: www.thenorthernecho.co.uk/features/blogs/reader/afghanistan/

I R Liles OBE
Brigadier (Retd)
Regimental Secretary
LANCASHIRE AREA HEADQUARTERS

New contact details are: Lancashire HQ RRF, Moss Street, Bury BL9 0DF
New Telephone number: 0161 763 8969

email addresses: fusilierslancshq@btinternet.com
Lt Col M J Glover TD Area Secretary Lancs.: colonelglover@btinternet.com
Tony Sprason, Research Officer: anthonysprason@btinternet.com: anthonysprason@btinternet.com

Gallipoli Weekend. The Regiment celebrated the 94th anniversary of the Gallipoli Landing in fine style over the weekend of the 25/26 April. The weekend went very well and saw the largest parade in Bury on Gallipoli Sunday for many years. It coincided with the move of the Lancashire Headquarters and the Museum.
The parade concluded with a presentation of the Regimental Certificate to Tom Bailey of the Rochdale Branch. Guided tours of the new museum and Headquarters ended the day.

Lancashire Fusilier Monument. The Regiment has been granted the right to move the Fusilier Monument from its current site at Wellington Barracks to a new site in the centre of Bury. The Monument has always been associated with the Headquarters so the move is appropriate. The bid to rename Sparrow Park in Bury to Gallipoli Garden has had Council approval and has now gone to public consultation.

The Fusilier Museum Bury. After five years hard work and a spend of £4.2 million the Fusilier Museum opened its doors to the public on Saturday 27 June 09, Armed Forces Day. There was considerable media interest and just under 1,000 people turned up on the day to explore the new museum.

Technically this was a "soft opening" as the formal opening will take place on Friday 25 Sept 09, preceding the Fusilier gathering. Friday the 25 Sep will also witness the unveiling of the refurbished Fusilier Monument by Lord Ridley the grandson of the famous architect Sir Edwin Lutyens.

Saturday was a full and fun day. It was given grand support by the Regimental family with several events taking place in and around the museum. The first event was a presentation by Stagecoach Metrolink of a replica nameplate off the Lancashire Fusilier tram. The official opening of the Tourist Information Centre by Councillor Sheila Magnall the Mayor of Bury followed this. Not to be missed out the staff of the new Bury ACIO completed their first three attestations.

In the newly christened Normandy Room there were displays by the Regimental Recruiting Team, the Fusilier Platoon from the Castle Armoury, the Fusilier Band Lancashire, Friends of the Museum, the ABF, SSAFA and the LF web site team set up a display of the web site in the internet cafe.

Both the new shop and café were operating. The best selling items from the shop were chocolate hand grenades, bullet key rings and cuddly meerkats! The Friends also produced a WWII Willys Jeep, a six-pounder anti-tank gun and a 2 ½ ton GMC Truck which were parked on the pavement outside the museum much to the confusion of the local traffic wardens who decided not to get involved as they were out gunned.

In addition to the RRF and LF Galleries the museum opened with two temporary displays. One is portraits from hand painted miniatures to "happy snaps," while the other was on the Regiment in Northern Ireland. This was particularly well received with the general comment that it is frightening to think that this is now history! An exhibition focusing on 2RRF in Afghanistan will replace this.
Click here to see all the photos taken on the day

There is still a great deal to do. The next few months will see displays completed, staff trained and the museum moving to operate on a fully commercial basis. Finally, sincere thanks must go to all those in RHQ, the other AHQs/Museums and the Battalions for giving this project their full support and cooperation. Without you it would not have been possible.

The outline programme of opening has been rolling since the Gallipoli weekend and continues:-
Saturday 27 June, Armed Forces Day. Museum open to public five days a week
Saturday 26 September, Association Dinner Dance, Bury
Sunday 27 September, Association Parade, Church Service, March Past and Luncheon in Town Hall. Followed by guided tour of Museum and AHQ.
Following, the Official Opening on Friday 25 September the day before the Fusilier Gathering the museum will be open a full seven days.

Fusilier Gathering 2009. The Regimental Gathering this year is to be held in Bury, Lancashire over the weekend 26/27 September and has been timed to coincide with the opening of the new Regimental Museum in Bury Town Centre.

The weekend will consist of a Dinner/Dance to be held at the Village Hotel just off Junction 2 of the M66, which is the motorway exit for Bury. This will begin at 1830 hours (6.30pm) on Saturday 26 September. On Sunday 27 September from 1030 hours (10.30am); form up in the Castle Armoury Drill Hall, then march to Holy Trinity Church for Divine Service followed by a march through Bury Town Centre to the Town Hall. Lunch will be provided at the Town Hall. After lunch there will be an opportunity to view the new Regimental Museum.

The organising committee are Captain John O'Grady, Major Brian Bath and former WO2 Ian Hilton BEM. Contact details and more detailed information about the weekend, including hotel accommodation, can be found on the Regimental web-site.
The Colonel of the Regiment and Area Colonels hope that all serving and former officers and soldiers will make every effort to attend.

On Minden Sunday there will be an official farewell to Wellington Barracks and lowering of the Fusilier Flag, although the Association Club will probably be open for a few more months.

The grand finale of the year will be the Home Coming Parades of the 2nd Battalion probably over the period 8/9 December and a temporary museum display on the 2nd Battalion's experience in Afghanistan.

LETTER TO THE EDITOR

Commemoration of the 70th Anniversary of the 5th HMS Euryalus

On 6th June, the HMS Euryalus Association arranged a special day at the Historic Dockyard, Chatham for the 70th Anniversary of the launching of the 5th Euryalus on 6th June 1939, at Chatham. It is an interesting co-incidence that 6th June is also the anniversary of the launch of the 1st HMS Euryalus in 1803, and the launch of the 6th HMS Euryalus in 1963. And of course it is the Anniversary of D Day, so it was a very special day.

This was attended by a good crowd of about 50 shipmates from the HMS Euryalus Association and their wives, plus Major and Mrs St Maur Sheil to represent the Lancashire Fusiliers. A small contingent from the T.S. Euryalus in Oxford travelled down with their standard to attend the ceremony, and act as a Guard of Honour for the Duke of Gloucester, who attended and made a very gracious speech after the service, which was held in front of the Destroyer Memorial in the Historic Dockyard. After marching on the standards of the HMS Euryalus Association and the TS Euryalus, the service was led by the Rev. Ron Oram, Eric Gowland's son in law. Afterwards the Duke spent a considerable time going round and speaking in turn to all the shipmates and the sea cadets. The Duke is the Patron of the Association because HMS Euryalus escorted the ship on which he and his parents were travelling to Australia in 1944, when the then Duke was sent out to take over as the Governor General. Having fought in the Mediterranean and with the Russian convoys, and off Normandy in June 1944, the 5th HMS Euryalus joined the Fleet of Admiral Harcourt, after safely escorting the Duke and his family, to fight the last stages of the war against Japan.

The proceedings were somewhat muted by the news of the death, only two weeks before the occasion, of Eric Gowland, who had been Chairman of the Association for many years. This very special occasion had been Eric's brainchild, and he had worked particularly hard, even as his life slipped away, to ensure the occasion was a success. That he could not attend was particularly sad for all of us. Thanks to the very hard work of the Association Secretary, Barbara Cotton, all his effort came to fruition.

After a buffet lunch in the Royal Charles Hotel in Gillingham (once upon a time the old NAAFI Hotel, just round the corner), where we all stayed, the Association Members hald their Annual General Meeting, and I am very glad to report that a new Chairman has been elected, Roger Mitchell, to replace Eric Gowland. Commander Michael Ellis LVO RN, who was a Vice Chairman, has agreed and been elected as the new President.

This year is also the 25th Anniversary of the Chatham Historic Dockyard, and was to be the scene for the main celebrations of the Armed Forces Day 3 weeks later, again attended by the Duke of Gloucester. Those of us who were not involved in the AGM, or who managed to slip away before the Dockyard closed, took advantage of the dockyard authority's very kind free pass to explore some of the fascinating exhibits which have been created in the various sheds and buildings to interest the general public. If anyone is in the area, they should try to visit the Dockyard. Some of the exhibits, especially "Wooden walls" which is a re-creation and explanation of how the old wooden ships of
Nelson's time were built, and the rope walk - the longest in the world - where you can participate in actually making a hemp rope, must be a priority. Shipmate Spider Kelly and a certain Fusilier officer had great fun turning the rope walk handles and were very impressed with the piece of rope produced!

The day's proceedings ended with an excellent and very jolly dinner in the hotel. Yarning went on inevitably into the wee hours, and then started all over again during breakfast, and on into the morning until we had all set off home.

Major (Ret'd) W.St Maur Shiel.
D COY 5LF/RRF
Last year I took my wife and camper van into the Peak District for a few days. The last site we visited was one near Leek. On arrival the site looked strangely familiar, until the penny dropped! It was the old Blackdown Moor Army Camp which had been taken over by the Caravan Club. Gone were the old spiders and nissen huts and in their place were ornamental trees and shrubs, a beautifully laid out site with a spotless shower and toilet block. According to the warden the only things left were some small ammo huts.

At our next D Coy meeting I mentioned how much the camp had changed only to be met with "Rubbish I remember that place well, it was depressing and rundown etc." So after a discussion it was decided that some of us would have a run out - the idea of course was to prove me wrong.

We set off from Middleton at 09.30 en route for Leek. On arrival at the camp my information was proved correct. After a quick chat with the warden, a rather good looking young lady, we received permission to look around the site and the transformation from old to new was remarkable. After thanking the warden it was decided to go to the local pub to see if it had changed. It had changed - it was closed! The next thing to do was to have a look at the ranges. After looking at the track I decidedwe would have to walk there, as I did not think my wife would be happy if I brought her Merc back without a sump!

A lot of landscaping must have gone on as the track was twice as long as it used to be, and also much steeper, this also applied to the nearby crags. They must have had a visit from the tv Groundforce team, as none of us felt we could climb them with a GPMG, or a radio on our backs as we did years ago. The grenade range had been modified but everything else seemed to be the same. `Boulton`s tank` is still there less its barrel. This has obviously been taken by the local drug sniffers. It was christened `Boulton`s tank` after an Inerga grenade firing. Fus Boulton had a disturbing effect on High Explosives, on this occasion he fired his grenade a perfect hit on the tank, the grenade did not explode, after hitting the turret ring it spun up into the air and laid on the tank at the side of the turret. He turned to the OIC and said "wait until the German gets out and stands on that grenade, it will blow his bloody leg off." This remark did not seem to go down well with Freddy as he would have to blow it, and it was just at eye level (not a pleasant task). We called him Freddy because his surname was the same as the England fast bowler.
Driving back from the ranges looking for a place for lunch, it was a case of "do you remember……….etc". ---- One Sunday early in the morning about 25 fusiliers in single
file breasted a small hillock. At the bottom on the other side was the rear of a parked car at the end of a track. As the first soldier passed the car he tapped on the roof and said "Good morning" to the occupants, after that everyone tapped the roof and made a remark such as "what a well-matched pair" "you are a big boy, I didn`t know freckles grew down there" etc etc. When the last soldier passed he noticed a completely naked young girl trying to hide behind a shirt, its arms across her chest and lap between the legs, and face as red as a beetroot, whilst a young man was trying with great difficulty to put his pants on. What was going on was obviously a Peak District religious ceremony. For some reason we never met them again on a Sunday morning.

It snows very heavily in that area - in fact Lancashire once had its cricket match against Derbyshire delayed because of heavy snow in May. It was Clive Lloyd`s first match for Lancashire. D Coy arrived at the ranges one day with about 12 inches of snow covering the ground. We would be firing the 3.5 inch rocket launcher. When you fire this rocket launcher in very cold conditions you have to wear a face mask as bits of the propellant solidifies in the cold, and hits you in the face. If you do not wear the mask you finish up looking like a person with a bad dose of acne. The first group of fusiliers lined up - the target was a pile of rocks about 300 yards away. No.1 has the weapon in the shoulder, No. 2 loads rocket into tube connects electric wires and taps No.1 on head - loaded. No. 3 checks back of blast area. No.1 fires at the target, the rocket drops short by about 75 yards. The group change round. The new firer says he will aim 6ft over the rocks, again the rocket drops short. The third member of the group says he will fire 15ft over the rocks and squeezes the trigger. The launcher breaks into two pieces, the rocket hits the ground about 25 yards in front of the firers and scuttles forward at a great rate of knots under the snow like a super-charged worm belching sparks, steam and smoke.

(Thank goodness it was not H.E.) The firer of course was Fus Boulton. It would appear that the weapon had been given to the first firer by the P.S.I. who had assembled it incorrectly, (obviously never been to Warminster), and when the rocket disappeared under the snow was seen running at a great speed 75 yards away in the opposite direction. He never inspired anyone with any confidence - quite the opposite really. It taught the three firers a very valuable lesson, if you are handed a weapon always check it yourself.

One weekend we would be throwing the 36 grenade. The Sgt said to a fusilier "go into that billet and help Cpl M to clean the grenades. As the fusilier walks through the door he does a sharp about turn and remarks to the Sgt that he is not under any circumstances going in that billet, because the Cpl has about 10 grenades on a red hot pot-bellied stove, and is melting the grease on them. The Sgt does not believe him and enters the billet. It appears the Cpl has in fact cleaned the grease from quite a few by this method, another case of not going to Warminster. The Cpl is quickly relieved of his duties and sent packing to the cookhouse. After lunch the grenades still needed cleaning and the three soldiers and a recruit were given the task. It was explained to the recruit that you must remove the base plug before taking the pin out. We had already found one igniter set left in, and we had cleaned about 60 when the recruit pulled the pin, the lever went flying over the bed, the Cpl dived through the window, thankfully already open, the other two got jammed in the doorway in their haste to get away. When the recruit got back on his feet after being hit by the largest of the group, it was again explained to him about removing the base plug. He did not repeat his mistake. The grenades had been cleaned
inside and out, striker test done on them all, ready for throwing the following day. Everyone threw two grenades - every grenade went off except one which had to be blown. I will not tell you who threw that one!

When admin duties had to be performed at the Drill Hall over a weekend it was usual for a few to visit the Club on the Friday and Saturday nights. In those days the vast majority of people in the Club would be ex Fusiliers or their relations. You could meet some right characters. A particular one called Jack had a liking for what he called electric soup - whiskey and lemonade. One evening whilst I was having a drink with him he staggered slightly and I remarked that he had drunk too much electric soup. He remarked that it was his wooden leg which had caused it. I did not know he had a wooden leg and thought he was kidding me, whereupon he took a pint pot from the bar and tapped his leg. Sure enough it was a false one. He would not tell me how he got it other than saying it was "The Japs". I found out from another member that Jack had fallen foul of one of the Japanese guards. This guard had thrown large rocks at Jack and broke his leg. In the camp it was a case of no work, no food, so Jack had his broken leg bound up so as to enable him to work on the railway. A few days later gangrene set in and the camp doctor a New Zealand POW. said his leg would have to come off or he would die. The only problem the doc said was he did not have any anaesthetic, and he had only performed such an operation about 8 times and all the patients had died of shock. Jack told him to get on with it, and the leg came off. Unfortunately the doc had not cut high enough and gangrene set in again. The second amputation was a success. A small, pleasant, unassuming chap with the heart of a lion. His reward was the Burma Star.

Another small chap was a Londoner who was the bingo-caller - Tim Brain. Tim was his nickname from the time he boxed for the LFs in the first war. The story was he did not do anything until his opponent had hurt him and awakened him. His name I am told came from the old cartoon characters Weary Willie and Tired Tim. He was also unassuming, and never spoke about the war. If my memory serves me correctly he won the DCM and Bar and MM and Bar. If you every get the chance to read 1st WW History of the Lancashire Fusiliers, see what Cpl Brain did with his bayonet and grenades. It makes very interesting reading.

Congratulations to the Association website on its 1st birthday and also to D Coy website on its 4th birthday.
Question. How can you tell a Yorkshire man? Answer. He only breathes in! (Sorry Ed!)

CHARLIE FOXTROT

BRANCH NOTES
ROCHDALE BRANCH
Meetings:
1st Wed in the month at 2000 hrs,Rochdale Transport Club, Baron Street, Rochdale

Well it's that time of the year again, and us secretaries have to sit down and write the notes that will bring the membership up to date (speed) on what's gone on since we last wrote our notes for the branches. I'm not moaning but the sun is cracking the flags outside and I think it's time to invest in a laptop. I'll have to run it pas the OC (the Mrs)
or do you think I could claim it on my expenses (someone pick Cleggie up please). Well here goes - I'll bring you up to date with what has been happening at Rochdale Branch since I last wrote.

Rochdale Branch celebrated Christmas On Friday 12 December 2008 at the Masonic Hall, Richard Street, and everyone had a very good time - this is down to a very well organized committee. Myself and the OC were enjoying a holiday in Tunisia (60th birthday treat for me), but I did my bit before they would let me go. After a refresher course in bartering, camel riding and a trip on the Red Lizard Express (recommended) it was time to return to dear old Rochdale and 2009 (a fortnight is not long enough). So I hope you all had a good Christmas and a better New Year.

And so to 2009 and whatever the year holds and the first thing we organise here in Rochdale is our Ladies' Night

Friday 20 February 2009 - Ladies' Night This is held on a Friday night closest to 14 February - which we all know is Valentine's Day. This is no coincidence as it all started way back as a members' night out (men only) and now it has kind of snowballed and we now have the Ladies' Night as we know it here in Rochdale. On this night we all treat the lady in our lives, by inviting them along to the Masonic Hall at Richard Street for a meal and entertainment. The meal is provided by Martin and his dedicated staff and is superb. There is always plenty of food and we have never had any complaints yet (fingers crossed). Entertainment is normally a dance band, quartet or disco - nothing too heavy, just a great night out. So come on lads if you are in the mood next Valentine's Day, why not treat the lady in your life and come along to Rochdale and enjoy our Ladies' Night - you won't be disappointed and neither will your little lady.

Sunday 29 March - Grand National Draw Having sold all our tickets that Charlie Davies sent the Away team set off on this day for the Grand National Draw at the British Legion Club, Ramsbottom. Apart from the tickets already purchased we always buy extra on the day and we always get a result. This year we drew three numbers with jammy Gordon dragging the second number of the day (can't remember when he has not drawn one), Andy the MP was next up, with Craig the chef coming third. This is a good day out, a few beers and a pie and peas lunch provided by Charlie and Trieste Branch. By the way if you want to know who ate all the pies you only have to look at Rochdale Branch and Cleggie (doggie bad and all).

Gallipoli Weekend 25/26 April 2009 What a good weekend for Rochdale - among all the pomp and circumstance there was a small ceremony on the 25th, that being the car raffle. Well all the hard work of pushing the tickets at every meeting paid off for one of Rochdale's members. Yes, you guessed it the winning ticket for the car was none other than Craig (the chef) Grice. Well done Craig - rumour has it that Craig's wife Margaret has had the car updated for herself and cannot make up her mind where to put the ejector seat button. Well never mind - happy motoring Craig or should that be Margaret.

On the 26 in the Drill Hall there was a presentation made by Colonel Brian Gorski, or a Regimental Certificate of Merit to our Chairman, Tommy (the Chippie) Bailey. Tom well deserves this award after serving twenty years in this post. Tom wears many caps of
office in his busy life, but as always has put the Fusilier Association first. So well done Tom on your presentation.

All in all a good weekend for Rochdale.

No sooner than the dust settles from the Gallipoli Weekend here in Rochdale and our minds turn to our Bets' Night. This is being held this year at the Royal Toby Hotel, Rochdale on 26 June 2009 - nothing grand, just another good night out with friends, comrades old and new, and who could forget our ladies.

Well I think that's about it for Rochdale Branch.

But hang fire a minute - our President Major Gartside has just brought us up to speed on our Honours' Board. This board is about ten by ten and you won't miss it. It is hanging in all its glory on the wall in the new museum. Well worth a look

Elwin Pickup Secretary Rochdale Branch

BURY BRANCH
When I heard that the Bury Branch was on the verge of closure because we didn't have a full-time Chairman in situ, I took on the position in October 2008 with the support of Capt John O'Grady (retd). I have not been disappointed by the challenge.

I have to say thank you to the Branch members who attend the meetings month in and month out regardless of weather conditions, and the last 4 have been pretty horrid. I would also like to thank Capt O'Grady and Dennis Laverick for coming to the February meeting to deliver a 'speak and slide show' on the future of the club and museum.

Since I have been Chairman, and with the help of Steven Fitt, we have managed to increase the membership by 4 and a further 4 yet to return their pro-formas, so we are still a growing branch. I will, in due course, be sending out a standard letter to all members requesting them to try and attend our monthly meetings in the club. At the moment the average attendance is approximately 10 and it's always the same members. With the closure of the club looming ever closer, we need a larger turnout to have discussions as to where and when we can hold our meetings when the time comes. So come on gentlemen - it's your Branch and without your participation we have nothing. Minden Day will be upon us very soon and I look forward to seeing many of you on the Sunday.

Michael Rae
Branch Chairman
15 Battersby Street, Bury BL9 7SG

Email raemichaelr2006@aol.com Tel 07932 372213

ST HELENS AND WIGAN BRANCH
Members of the St Helens and Wigan Branch, myself included, attended a controversial wreath-laying ceremony on 30 May to remember Wigan soldiers killed during a key Boer War battle. The event however was overshadowed by the alleged 'veil of secrecy' thrown
over the service by Wigan Leisure and Culture Trust (WLCT) who controls the park where the memorial is situated and who ordered it not to be published.

A number of residents, descendants of the soldiers and history buffs missed the event and claim the WLCT chiefs were trying to deflect attention away because they propose that the memorial's position should be controversially moved to the Parson's Walk entrance, as mentioned in previous branch notes. Colonel Martin Steiger, representing the Duke of Lancaster's Own Yeomanry Squadron and Wigan TA, laid a wreath at the memorial service in Mesnes Park where individual crosses were laid for the Wigan soldiers who died. Colonel Steiger later apologised and donated £10 to museum funds for mistakenly naming the wrong regiment during the service.

Seventeen soldiers from the Local Imperial Yeomanry were among those fatally injured at the infamous raid on Faber's Put in what is now South Africa. On 30 May 1900 a column of the main British offensive was attacked by 600 Boers as it waited for supplies at a farmhouse. After a fierce battle, 27 colonial soldiers were killed and 41 wounded before the enemy were driven back. I believe the WLCT are trying to cover up their plans to move the memorial and I and my fellow members will continue to battle to keep the memorial in its original location.

On a lighter note, the annual Branch concert at Billinge Labour Club was a huge success, raising much needed funds for the branch. A big thank-you to our Chairman, Frank Taylor, for organising such a well attended and entertaining evening. Special thanks to Chapel End Labour Club for continually allowing us to hold the event free of charge.

If you'd like to become a member of our branch, why not come along to one of our meetings at St Helens Catholic Club, Crab Street on the last Friday of every month

Barry Storey Secretary
34 Windermere Avenue, Moss Bank, St Helens WA11 7AF Tel 01744 892335

OLDHAM BRANCH NOTES
The Branch thanks all who supported at Steve (Carts) Carter's funeral in June, particularly the pall bearers and those who provided items for the funeral.
The branch continually aims to increase RRF membership and to provide a Fusilier Association presence in Oldham, especially as the town has 10 others. We hope the 5th December Christmas function at Stockport will be well attended.

Thanks go to:- our M62 families who voted that the original plaque, now mounted on 700 year old English oak, should go to the new Fusilier Museum, the Asssociation Band and Drums, Dennis and Alf our adopted Chelsea pensioners and our standard bearers Les Berry LF, John Ulrich RRF,Mick Fowles RRF Brian Armstead,RRF and Paul Heywood (Spud) now promoted to area RRF standard.
We cherish our committee, MR RAFFLE -Tony Harrop deserves a mention, on his determination to raffle a framed signed shirt , from HRH, we are dying to know the amount collected for the various ex service charities,and of course our fusilier Queen Andrea Wray, who always marches with us. As for Ronnie & Nobby everybody's still trying to work out which bit they are working for today!
We also thank 1RRF for the provision of Fusilier Alec Ross, Z Coy to raise the flag on Armed Forces Day in Oldham. Our Branch contributions to Armed Forces day 2009 are
1. The refurbishment and presentation of the 24th (Oldham Pals) Battalion to Oldham Church
2. A new M62 plaque fitted to the wall leading to the Oldham War Memorial.
3. The unveiling of a memorial to the campaigns from 1945 to the present day.

We hope to see you all soon at any of the forthcoming events:-
24th July Osnabruck Reunion Regimental Club
2nd Aug. Minden March out, Wellington Barracks, Bury. Battle of Minden presentation.
7th to 9th Aug.Saddleworth War Weekend (Uppermill) Parade and RAF flypast Sun. 9th .
12th Aug. 18.00 hrs. Far East POW Oldham War Memorial.
10th Sept. 10th Anniversary "Life for a life" Charity Concert Manchester Grammar School
12th Sept. Strinesdale Warriors Rest 11.00hrs
20th Sept. Battle of Britain Sunday
25th to 27th Sept. The Fusilier Gathering
6th Nov. 18.00hrs Queen Elizabeth Hall Festival of Remembrance
8th Nov. Remembrance Sunday
11th Nov. Armistice Day 11/11/09
5th Dec. Oldham Party

Wishing everyone well. Once a fusilier always a fusilier. Oldham Branch

FUSILIERS' ASSOCIATION (LANCASHIRE) BAND AND CORPS of DRUMS
Lieutenant Colonel (Ret'd) Eric Davidson MBE DL President

As I compile these notes for the first edition of the 2009 Newsletter, I am reminded that twelve months ago this very day, the Band and Drums were playing at the Hamilton Military Tattoo in Canada on their second tour at the same venue, having been there in 2004. The 2008 tour was no exception and was enjoyed by all who attended, particularly our Musical Director, Mike Thomas, who once again had the opportunity of conduction the Massed Bands on Parade. Since their return, both the Band and The Corps of Drums have been in great demand throughout the country, and of course much more on their home ground. Rochdale and Oldham Branches excelled in Festivals of Remembrance in their respective towns, and the Band and Drums played a major role in both.

Each year at Christmas the Band provide a concert at Broughton House, Salford Home for Ex Service Personnel at a time when they are fund raising. This is always an enjoyable time which the residents look forward to. Each year we also entertain at their Summer Fair. The Royal British Legion call upon our services twice per year. In July we provide the music at Manchester Cathedral for their Annual Church Service and also at the Lord Lieutenant's Poppy Appeal Award Ceremony.

The Corps of Drums are very active in their own right, leading parades and performing their very famous 'Black Light' Show. They frequently entertain at Corporate Dinners throughout the north west and more recently at a television star's wedding. Both the Band and Drums are always in prominence at Regimental Commemorations for Gallipoli and Minden. They are very much looking forward to entertaining at the Fusilier Gathering in
September here on home ground. Should anyone be interested in our events they can be found on the Association Band and Drum website.

REGIMENTAL CLUB
As the new museum is now open in central Bury the chairman and committee wait in anticipation of Defence land estates decision on when we close? The committee bash on regardless. Like all pubs and clubs week nights are dead , so our financial controller Pat Fitzgerald, will review opening.
Thursdays to Saturdays are OK but Sunday to Wednesday may not be worthwhile, however private functions keep things ticking over. We look forward to Osnabruck evening, and Minden. Remember just ask the committee if you want a private function. Give Dave the club steward a phone call.
We intend to keep going as long as we can , as the club is still is an asset to the local community. If you live in the Bury area get in there for a drink or two. The committee Tony Alderton, Mick Rea , Colin and Ray,Pat Fitzgerald,Bert (Simon Cowell) Norman our MC ,Dave and Alan and our lady fund raisers, wives and partners, wish everyone well. Keep coming we are still here.

A Soldier - His prayer
A competition was announced in the Christmas 1942 edition of the 'Crusader', the Eighth Army's newspaper, for poems actually written in the Western Desert. Four hundred and three poems were submitted but the one below was anonymous. It was found on a scrap of paper in a slit trench during the battle of El Agheila during a heavy bombardment.

Stay with me, God. The night is dark,
The night is cold; my little spark
Of courage dies. The night is long;
Be with me, God, and make me strong.

I love a game. I love a fight.
I hate the dark; I love the light.
I love my child; I love my wife.
I am no coward. I love life.

Life with it's change of mood and shade.
I want to live. I'm not afraid,
But me and mine are hard to part;
Oh, unknown God, lift up my heart.

You stilled the waters at Dunkirk
And saved Your Servants. All your work
Is wonderful, dear God. You strode
Before us down that dreadful road.

We were alone, and hope had fled;
We loved our country and our dead,
And could not shame them; so we stayed
The course, and were not much afraid

Dear God, that nightmare road! And then
That sea! We got there - we were men.
My eyes were blind, my feet were torn,
My soul sang like a bird at dawn!

I knew that Death is but a door.
I knew what we were fighting for;
Peace for the kids, our brothers freed
A kinder world, a cleaner breed.

I'm but the son my mother bore
A simple man, and nothing more.
But God of strength and gentleness,
Be pleased to make me nothing less.

Help me, O God when Death is near
To mock the haggard face of fear,
That when I fall - if fall I must -
My soul may triumph in the dust.

Archivist Roy Woods

LAST POST
Robert (Bob) Ashford ex WO2 served with 2 RRF, passed away June 2009 in South Wales

Derek Taylor: Former member of 5RRF and Rochdale Branch passed away aged 53 years old in September 2008.

Steve Carter served 3 RRF staunch member of the battalion Boxing team died June 2009 buried in Leamington Spa 16th June 2009, aged 51

Edward (Teddy or Smudger) Smith, ex 1 LF & Para. Aged 81 he died peacefully in hospital with his family at his bedside on the 25th June 2009 He served as a boy soldier in 1943 in Wales and joined the Lancashire Fusiliers, then joined the Paras. He served in Palestine 1947-1948 and Korea with the Paras. He then went back to the Lancashire Fusiliers. He was a member of the Oldham Branch, from its formation in Dec 1994.

Jack Duggan. Mortar Platoon 1LF National Service 1959-61. Passed away aged 70 on 5th June 2009 at home in St Helens

Mike Riley 1st Battalion XX The Lancashire Fusiliers 1958 to 1968 died 5th March 2009 a leading light of the Liverpool branch.

Bernard Hall ex 1 LF died in 2005, informed by letter from Mrs Janet Hall 1st July 2009
William (Danny) Daniels joined 1LF 1966, 4RRF in Hong Kong. Passed away 21st December 2008

John Duncan Smith ex 1 LF

John Starr Passed away 23 May 2009 Served 15 years. 1RRF. MT section. Northern Ireland and UN service in Cyprus.

Frank Thornber Lancashire Fusiliers 1950 to 1962 Korean War veteran.

Sergeant Graham Thomas 24053180 Passed away 22nd June 2009. Served 27 years with 1RRF and 2RRF Mentioned in despatches Northern Ireland.

David Stuart Armstrong. 1LF and 5LF, passed away on 24th November 2008

Brian Hallawell (Tiny) 23205635 passed away on Saturday 16th May 2009. Brian served with 1LF and 4RRF from 1963 to 1970

Elizabeth Cross honours families of fallen troops
Her Majesty The Queen has given her name to a new form of recognition for the families of British Service personnel killed while serving their country. The Elizabeth Cross and memorial scroll signed by Her Majesty are to be awarded to the relatives of Her Majesty's Forces personnel killed on active service. It will be available to the families of those who died in all conflicts on operations or as a result of terrorism since 1948, including the Korean War, the Falklands conflict and operations in Northern Ireland.
Families of those Service personnel who have died since 1948 are invited to read the information on the MOD Medal Office website
www.mod.uk/DefenceInternet/DefenceFor/Veterans/Medals/
which includes information on the eligibility criteria and how to apply. Information and an application form can also be obtained by calling 0800 085 3600.

If you click on anything in White i.e. e mail address or web site there is a automatic link to it (try doing that on a piece of paper)

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

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