December 2009 Newsletter Draft

8/14/2019 December 2009 Newsletter Draft

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REGIMENTAL FAMILY NEWSLETTER

DRAFT NOT TO BE PUBLISHED

As we rapidly approach Christmas and the end of 2009 I would like us all to spend a little time to reflect on

all those servicemen and women who are on operations and parted from their family and friends. A very

particular thought must be given to all those whos live have been torn apart through the loss of their loved

ones as a result of war; especially those who have died since the year began. As you are only too wellaware the Gunners have suffered the loss of four remarkable men in 2009 and on behalf of its membership,

www.theraa.co.ukwould like to reaffirm our deepest regret on hearing of the deaths this year of:

CAPT Tom H J SAWYER 29 Cdo Regt RA 14 Jan

BDR Craig HOPSON 40 Regt RA 25 Jul

WO2 Sean R UPTON 5 Regt RA 27 Jul

LBDR Matthew P HATTON 40 Regt RA 13 Aug.

TomSawyer Craig Hopson Sean Upton Matthew Hatton
http://www.theraa.co.uk/http://www.theraa.co.uk/http://www.theraa.co.uk/


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Christmas Messages from the Mod.

Defence Secretary Bob Ainsworth, Chief of the Defence Staff, Air Chief Marshal Sir JockStirrup, and Permanent Under Secretary of State for Defence, Sir Bill Jeffrey, have all sentChristmas messages to the Defence community.

Left to right: Defence Secretary Bob Ainsworth, Chief of the Defence Staff, Air Chief Marshal SirJock Stirrup, and Permanent Secretary Sir Bill Jeffrey [Pictures: Crown Copyright/MOD]

In his Christmas message, Defence Secretary Bob Ainsworth said how busy 2009 has been forDefence, saying it has scarcely been out of the headlines, and he thanked civilian and military stafffor their efforts during what he described as a relentless pace.

Chief of the Defence Staff, Air Chief Marshal Sir Jock Stirrup, said that like the rest of the nationhe is immensely proud and very grateful for all that Defence personnel have done and will do.

He also said that the spirit of duty before self, of the many before the individual, of obligationbefore rights, epitomises the ethos of our Armed Forces, and at Christmas when the duties ofmany Service personnel keep them in distant and often dangerous locations and away from theirfamilies, this ethos is all the more poignant.

Permanent Under Secretary of State for Defence, Sir Bill Jeffrey, praised the enthusiasm and

commitment of the people he meets across Defence, saying he doesn't take that commitment forgranted. He said at this time of year we think first of those spending Christmas on the front lineand that their courage and sacrifice is an inspiration to all of us.

The three Christmas messages can be read in full at:

http://www.mod.uk/DefenceInternet/DefenceNews/PeopleInDefence/AinsworthStirrupAndJeffreySendChristmasMessagesToDefenceCommunity.htm
http://www.mod.uk/DefenceInternet/DefenceNews/PeopleInDefence/AinsworthStirrupAndJeffreySendChristmasMessagesToDefenceCommunity.htmhttp://www.mod.uk/DefenceInternet/DefenceNews/PeopleInDefence/AinsworthStirrupAndJeffreySendChristmasMessagesToDefenceCommunity.htmhttp://www.mod.uk/DefenceInternet/DefenceNews/PeopleInDefence/AinsworthStirrupAndJeffreySendChristmasMessagesToDefenceCommunity.htmhttp://www.mod.uk/DefenceInternet/Templates/LargeImageTemplate.aspx?img=/NR/rdonlyres/803C442B-FB57-40BA-AA1A-933215117E4D/0/seniorstaff.jpg&alt=Bob%20Ainsworth,%20Air%20Chief%20Marshal%20Sir%20Jock%20Stirrup%20and%20Sir%20Bill%20Jeffreyhttp://www.mod.uk/DefenceInternet/DefenceNews/PeopleInDefence/AinsworthStirrupAndJeffreySendChristmasMessagesToDefenceCommunity.htmhttp://www.mod.uk/DefenceInternet/DefenceNews/PeopleInDefence/AinsworthStirrupAndJeffreySendChristmasMessagesToDefenceCommunity.htm


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NEW BRANCHES

TYNESIDE SCOTTISH

TYNMOUTH ARTY VOLS

ELSWICK AAASSN.

M62 Coach Bomb Rededication of Memorial


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Two Gunners were among eleven people killed when the coach they were traveling in was blown up by an

IRA bomb on 4th February 1974. Other casualties included eight off-duty soldiers and two young children

(killed) and 12 seriously injured. The two Gunners were Bombardier Terence Griffin and Gunner Leonard

Godden both from 88 Battery, 4th Regiment RA.

The private coach was carrying more than 50 people and making its way from Manchester, along the M62,

towards an army base in Catterick, North Yorkshire, when an explosive device in the rear of the vehicle

detonated. The casualties were taken to the nearby motorway service station for immediate treatment.

On 4th February 2009, a service of re-dedication was held to mark the blessing of a new memorial to the

victims. The original memorial has been all but concealed with the expansion of the motorway service

station over the years.

The service was attended by several local dignitaries, relatives and friends of the victims. The RA was

represented by the BC and members of 88 Battery (who also assisted in the service) and the RAA was

represented by the Membership Secretary, several standard bearers and many members from our

branches in the north.

The memorial can be seen at Hartshead Moor service station on the westbound carriageway.

The success of the whole event was largely due to the effors of Maureen Norton, sister of Bdr Griffin who

tirelessly worked to have the memorial relocated. Well done Maureen!

Pictures of the service can

be seen at: Remembering the M62 victims

SANDOWN PARK

MARCH

NEW CHAIRMANWe welcome our new Chairman, Major General John Milne CB. On behalf of all associationmembers and their families we warmly welcome him and his family and wish him a long,successful and happy time as our Chairman and, of course, as Controller of the Royal
http://www.forums.theraa.co.uk/index.php?name=coppermine&file=thumbnails&album=197http://www.forums.theraa.co.uk/index.php?name=coppermine&file=thumbnails&album=197


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Regiment of Artillery. The following is an extract from General Milne's letter to the branchesof the RAA.

"Dear Fellow Gunners

I have recently taken over as Chairman of the Royal Artillery Association. My predecessorMajor General Mike Shellard was well known to many of you; having been in post for nearly10 years. He did an outstanding job as Chairman and I now pay tribute to him for his manyachievements, and wish him a long and happy retirement.

I am looking forward to meeting as many of you as possible in the coming months andyears. My career in the Gunners covered a variety of roles in different regiments. I served in32nd Regiment in Hildesheim, 16th Regiment in Soest, commanded a Battery in 22ndRegiment in Dortmund, and commanded 2nd Regiment in Munster. My other gunner jobswere Commander Artillery 3rd Division in Soest, and Commander 1st Artillery Brigade in

Dortmund. As you can see I was able to experience all types of artillery at first hand. Awayfrom the Gunners I served in operational headquarters in Northern Ireland, the Gulf, Bosniaand Kosovo, as well as completing a flying tour on helicopters. Needless to say I enjoyedalmost every minute of my 34 years service. For the past 8 years I have been running StPauls Cathedral in London which was an equally busy and rewarding period in my life.

I have already heard much of the wide range of activities that branches of the Associationget up to and I look forward to seeing you both in your branches as I travel the country.There are also the many national gatherings, especially Blackpool, where I hope that weshall meet.

With best wishes to you all

Yours sincerely

John Milne"

APRIL

What a day it was, last Sunday in London. Large crowds, excitement, colourful, pageantry. No, not the

Marathon; Im talking about Gunner Sunday of course. There are pictures on the website and a report in

this newsletter about the day. Also, if you read on, you will find great news on how WWII veterans can get

Lottery Funding for battlefield visits, events country-wide to celebrate National Armed Forces Day,

information about the Northern Ireland Veterans Association Service of Remembrance, information on this

years Aldershot Army Show, a whole stack of Reunions and more! Oh, and before I forget, well done The

Army on their crashing defeat of the Royal Navy at Twickenham yesterday!


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June ? 1st ever national armed forces day

JULY

NMA

Royal Artillery Service of Remembrance


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OCTOBER LAUNCH OF CAR STICKERS AND GIFT AID

FOR ANY EVENT OR CHURCH SERVICE THAT IS RAISING FUNDS FOR THE ROYAL ARTILLERY

CHARITABLE FUND GIFT AID ENVELOPES ARE AVAILABLE FROM THE GENERAL SECRETARY AT

LARKHILL

FOR YOUR ENVELOPES, TELEPHONE: 01980 845698

Or email: (Gift Aid

Envelopes)

November

3. Field of Remembrance 5th November

Each year, The Royal British Legion establishes a Field of Remembrance at WestminsterAbbey, London and Cathays Park, Cardiff.

The Fields become a sea of Remembrance Crosses with scarlet poppies - a touchingsymbol of Remembrance and tribute to the memory of ex-Service men and women who

made the ultimate sacrifice to protect their country.The annual Field of Remembrance in London takes place at Westminster Abbey and this year

falls on Thursday 5th November 2009. Entrance to the Field will be from 9.20 am to 10.30 am.

Those attending should be in place no later than 10.30 am. Major General J Milne CB and


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WO1 (RASM) N Kenny will be in attendance and have offered to plant crosses on behalf of

branches. Requests should be made to the RASM, Artillery House, Royal Artillery Barracks,

Larkhill, Wiltshire SP4 8QT. All requests for crosses should be made by Tuesday 3rd

November. You can also dedicate a cross on-line atwww.secureweb-services.com/lrx/or by

email to: [email protected] are very welcome to attend.

4. The Royal Artillery Ceremony of Remembrance 2009

The Royal Artillery Ceremony of Remembrance will be held at Hyde Park Corner on Sunday 8

November beginning at 1030 hours. The ceremony, which lasts about an hour consists of

traditional devotions, the laying of official wreaths and a march past by representatives of the

serving regiment and old comrades. Individuals wishing to lay wreaths are welcome to do so

after the ceremony itself. All ranks, serving and retired are strongly encouraged to attend if

you are not involved in remembrance services elsewhere.

The preferred dress for the congregation is civilian clothes with hats, overcoats and medals,

seats which are limited, should be occupied by 1030 hrs. Applications for seats should be

made to Capt K J Gilmore, SO3 Recruiting, HQ DRA, RA Barracks, Larkhill, Salisbury,

Wiltshire SP4 8QT. Telephone 01980 845843 by no later than Thursday 15th October.

RAA Standard Bearers are to report to the Wellington Arch by 1000 hours for a briefing by the

RASM.

RAA branch wreath bearers are asked to assemble at the East Side of the Wellington Arch by

1015 hours with their wreaths.

REMEMBRANCE 2009

Members and veterans of the Royal Regiment came together at this years

Remembrance services. All over the world services were held to commemorate

those fallen in, and as a result of conflict. Two such services were held in

London; at Westminster Abbey HRH The Duke of Edinburgh opened the Field of

Remembrance and at Hyde Park Corner the Royal Regiment of Artillery held its

annual Ceremony of Remembrance.

The Field of Remembrance:

The Field of Remembrance is

organised by the Royal British
http://www.secureweb-services.com/lrx/http://www.secureweb-services.com/lrx/http://www.secureweb-services.com/lrx/mailto:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]://www.secureweb-services.com/lrx/


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Legion and is held annually on the Thursday prior to Remembrance Sunday. Major General Milne

and WOI (RASM) Kenny were the official representatives of the Royal Artillery and were pleased to

see a large number of RA veterans attend to pay their respects.

The Royal Artillery Ceremony of Remembrance:

Despite threatening rain, this years RA Ceremony of

Remembrance was one of the best attended in recent years.

RAA Branches from across the British Isles attended with their Standards and cadets from 97 Cadet

Battery supported our parade with pride; carrying the Standards of Branches that have sadly

succumbed to closure.

Officers and soldiers from 47th Regt RA provided the official wreath-

layers while members of 7th Para Regt RHA provided the marching

contingent. The Kings Troop RHA and the RA Band provided full and

spectacular ceremonial support.

The ceremony is a major event in the RA calendar and is

attended by the Master Gunner St Jamess Park and our

most senior officers from across the Commonwealth.

Held at Hyde Park Corner in London this solemn and

moving service is a must for all Gunners past and present and should

be attended at least once by all who have served in the Royal Regiment.

More photographs of the event can be seen by logging on to: http://www.forums.theraa.co.uk


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Souda bay crete

Hyde park

December

St ba and dedication

NOTICES

3. Your RAA On-Line


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The Royal Artillery Association is widely publicised on the Internet and is currently

undergoing major changes and additions. As well as our own website, theraa.co.uk, we now

have a presence on Facebook, the British Army Website (www.army.mod.uk/artillery) and on

ArmyNET. It will take a little while for the latter two sites to be fully operational so I kindly ask

for your patience. These websites provide you with an informative and fun way of finding out

whats going on in the Gunner world and for keeping in touch with Gunner friends and

comrades. Many branches now have websites of their own and more and more branch

members are able to access the internet. Its a good way to advertise your branch and maybeattract new, younger members and an invaluable method of advertising your reunions and

get-togethers.

PUBLIC LIABILITY

Artillery House holds Public Liability Insurance for all UK and Germany based Branches that covers

all Branch business and social activities, Branch fund raising activities and participation in

activities organised by the RBL or other organisations.

Please note that this is not individual personal insurance but covers branches should someone else

be injured when members carryout the activities mentioned above when organised by Branches.

3. The Service Personnel and Veterans Agency - SPVA

The Service Personnel and VeteransAgency - SPVA is aimed at improving

personnel, pensions, welfare and supportservices to members of the Armed Forcesand veterans.


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The (MOD) places great store on theprovision of high quality support servicesto serving military personnel, ex-Servicemen and women and theirrespective dependents.

There are clear customer and businessbenefits in merging the Armed Forces

Personnel Administration Agency (AFPAA)with the Veterans Agency to form theService Personnel and Veterans Agency(SPVA).

The formation of SPVA has led to theprovision of a fully integrated set ofthrough life personnel services to ourserving and veterans community - where asingle contact with the Agency will grantaccess to customer information and advice

on pay, pensions, compensationpayments, records of service and medalentitlement.

SPVA is staffed by caring and experienced

people, who make it their business tounderstand and empathise with the serving


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and veterans community and arecommitted to delivering a high qualityservice.

The responsibility for all pensionprovision, whether a War pension or anArmed Forces pension falls under thedirect control of SPVA, reducing the risk ofomitting or duplicating information and

providing for the first time, a truly joinedup pension service.

There is a free helpline on 0800 169 2277and further information is available online

at: http://www.veterans-uk.info/
http://www.veterans-uk.info/http://www.veterans-uk.info/


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http://www.mod.uk/DefenceInternet/DefenceFor/Veterans/

Seasons greetings and look forward

LAST POST

be In Memoriam, not In Memorium
http://www.mod.uk/DefenceInternet/DefenceFor/Veterans/http://www.mod.uk/DefenceInternet/DefenceFor/Veterans/http://www.mod.uk/DefenceInternet/DefenceFor/Veterans/


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CROWNSHAW Lt Raymond Crownshaw died peacefully at home on 16 September, aged 75. Ray qualified as a charteredarchitect before his National Service 1958-1960, serving in 17 Trg Regt RA at Oswestry. In his long professional career he workedon several prestigious projects in the UK and internationally. He was a founder member of the Old Oswestrians RA and his fellowmembers have sent a donation to the RAChD fund at the request of his wife Margaret.HEAD Rosemarie Head, beloved wife of Peter Head, died peacefully on 26 November, aged 81. Mother of Jacqueline andMalcolm and grandmother of Adriana.JONES James Bruce Jones died at the Erskine Home on 28 October. He served in the Royal Artillery throughout World War Two,being discharged in May 1946.McKINNELL SSgt George McKinnell died in the Royal Hospital, Chelsea, on 19 November, aged 86. He joined the RA in 1945and was posted to India to join 123 Para Lt A/Tk Regt RA before serving in Palestine with 159 Para Lt Regt RA. He later served

with 18 Med Regt RA at Lancaster, 68 Selection Regt RA at Park Hall Camp Oswestry and later with 17 Trg Regt RA in the samecamp. He was discharged in 1958 on compassionate grounds.MORRIS Bdr Cifford Morris died in the Royal Hospital, Chelsea, on 18 November, aged 92. He joined the Gunners in March1940, joining 122 Fd Regt RA in Malaya. Captured in the fall of Singapore he spent three years as a POW working in coal mines inJapan.SHERIDAN Thomas Sheridan died at the Erskine Home on 7 November. He served in the Gunners as a National Servicemanfrom 1954 until 1956.SKIPWITH Lt Col Patrick James Townsend Skipwith died peacefully at home on 15 September, aged 93. He served in the

Gunners in Hong Kong 1941 (POW). Vice President, British Legion, Chiddingfold, Surrey. He will be sadly missed by his family and

friends.

Reunions

28 BTY RA, 19 REGT RA, 1970-79

A reunion of 28 Bty (Skeddys Company) RA is planned for the weekend 26 -28 Feb 10, at the Village Hotel, Farnborough. Open toany ex-members of the battery, or serving members of 28/143 Bty (Tombss Troop) RA. If you wish to attend, and you have notalready been contacted, please contact Dave Curless on 01264 391673 or by email to:[email protected] Tony Arnold on01980 652579 or email to:[email protected]

19 REGT RA OFFICERS REUNION DINNER

Will be held on Fri 23 Apr 10 in Aliwal Mess, Tidworth. All those who have previously served as offi cers with the regiment are

warmly invited to attend. Invitations to follow. Offi cers wishing to attend should contact the dinner secretary Lt Sarah Napper on

01980 656502.E-mail [email protected] confi rm current postal address.

RA BOYS, ARTIFICERS AND JUNIOR LEADERS ASSOCIATION The 19th annual reunion of the RABA and JL Assn will be held

over the weekend 23/24/25 Apr 2010 at the Holiday Inn, M6J2, Coventry. Further details of the reunion will be circulated to

members of the association with The Trumpeter in Jan. For information contact David Williams on 01432 769375 or email:

[email protected]

14 REGT RA BATTLE OF KEREN DINNER The offi cers and warrant offi cers of 14 Regt RA will hold a Battle of Keren

remembrance dinner on 20 Mar 2010 in the Packway Offi cers Mess Larkhill. Ex-members of 14 Regt RA who have yet to receive

their invitation should contact Capt Ash Morrell on 01980 845576 or WO2 (TSM) Scott Merry on 01980 845501. Email:[email protected]

ARTILLERY CLERKS The 76th artillery clerks reunion and dinner will take place 23-25 Apr 10 at Larkhill. AGM followed by dinner

on Sat 24 Apr. Full details from the reunion secretary, Capt Ian Constantine, 19 Regt RA, Bhurtpore Bks, Tidworth, Hants SP9 7AS.

Tel 01980 656550, or e-mail [email protected]
mailto:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]

Documents

December 2009 Newsletter Draft