EX COCKNEY CYMRU: Battalion skiing trip to Les ... › sites › default › files...Battalion skiing trip to Les Contamines, France by Capt BHN Bardsley On Friday 8th March 2013,

BATTALION EVENTS 49

WELSH GUARDS REGIMENTAL MAGAZINE BATTALION EVENTS

Millennium stadium game

This is something of a privilegefor both us and the Royal Welshand will continue on an annualbasis. It gives our boys a greatchance to play on the hallowedturf and an extra piece of silverware. This year saw us missingeight key players from whatcan only be described as ourfirst choice team. This was nowa chance for our young guns togain some experience and alsoallow me to gauge the enemyfor next season. We lost 15-7but great things came from it,not least our young onesstepping up to the plate andnow the Royal Welsh goingaway with false hope. Bring on2013/14 season.

Army Caps

2010 LSgt Dwyer

2011 LSgt Dwyer

2012 LSgt Dwyer

2013 LSgt Dwyer, LSgt George,LSgt Hiscock, GdsmNambukibuki

2013 Gdsm Buretini (sevens)

Army A 2013

Gdsm Bilton

Army developmentsquad 2013

Lt T Evans

Gdsm Evans 35

Gdsm Carter

Gdsm Groves

Selected Infantry Coachingstaff 2013-14 season

Capt B Baldwin

WO2 Radford

Sgt Prosser

LSgt Devine

Welsh GuardsSquad 2012-13

1. LSgt Quamuri

2. LSgt Dwyer

3. Gdsm Walters

4. LSgt George (Captain)

5. Gdsm Bilton

6. Sgt Soko

7. LSgt Sanigar

8. Lt Evans

9. Gdsm Devise

10. Gdsm Groves

11. Gdsm Tyres

12. Gdsm Evans 35

13. Gdsm Buretini

14. Gdsm Nambukibuki

15. LCpl Nuku

16. LCpl Walters

17. Gdsm Davies 05

18. Gdsm Soko

19. LSgt Lewis 88

20. LSgt Hiscock

21. Sgt Lewis 29

22. Gdsm Carter

23. LCpl Jane

24. Gdsm Cray

25. Gdsm Classbe

26. LSgt Devine

27. RQMS Ryan

28. Sgt Scarf

29. LCpl Lodwick

30. LSgt Rowlands

31. Gdsm Fullman

32. Gdsm Davies 11

Capt Baldwin (Rugby Officer-Coach)

WO2 Radford (Coach)

Sgt Prosser (Coach)

LSgt Devine(Conditioning coach)

LSgt Hayton Admin NCO

The first week was enjoyed byNumber 2 Company andNumber 3 Company, thesecond week by the Prince ofWales’ Company and SupportCompany. In total 80 membersof the Battalion participated inthe trip, with abilities rangingfrom complete beginner to afew seasoned professionals.

The snow gods were on theBattalion’s side. Twentycentimetres of fresh powder

arrived on the first daycombined with brightsunshine - conditions couldnot get much better. The sixinstructors: Major Launders,CSgt Geen, Sgt Skitt, Sgt Eccles,Sgt McCovoy and Sgt Harriot(HAC), all did a sterling job inimproving each and everyman. In doing so everyoneachieved either the basic skiproficiency or for those thathad skied before, the advancedski proficiency.

Capt Bardsley enjoying some of the Les Contamines back country

EX COCKNEY CYMRU: Battalion skiing trip toLes Contamines, France

by Capt BHN Bardsley

On Friday 8th March 2013, under the command of MajLaunders, a proportion of the Battalion deployed for

two weeks to the resort of Les Contamines in France.

L/Cpl Austin educating Capt Bardsley in Après Ski

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BATTALION EVENTS WELSH GUARDS REGIMENTAL MAGAZINE

The Guardsman brought theWelsh sprit in abundance tothe Bars and clubs of LesContimines, and took the skihard, play hard mentality to awhole new level. However withthe excitement and promise offantastic skiing the followingday, the 07:30 muster paradewas never missed. A specialthank you must go to Sgt Scaffand Sgt Skitt who did afantastic job making sure theG4 side of the expedition ranwithout a hitch.

A few exceptional characterscame to light throughout theexped, the first beingGuardsman Sambuca (Harding53) who made his soulpurpose to buy everyone in LesContamines a shot or two. It isa shame that his skiing abilitydid not match his level ofgenerosity. The second is Padre

Jones who at the grand old ageof 48 completed his very firstweeks skiing. As much as heenjoyed it, and his terriblejokes we greatly appreciatedby all, we are not sure he willbe going back in a hurry due tothe physical and mental toll ittook on his body.

The Battalion is always underpressure to send a small skiingteam to compete in the Infantryskiing competition instead ofusing the funds for anexpedition such as this one.However, this trip has againjustified the decision to send 80people for a week to get valuableexperience that would usuallycost our civilian counterparts asmall fortune. The two weekswere both a great success andthoroughly enjoyed by all. Bringon next year.

The modern sport has its rootsin an ancient folk ritual ofcontending villages held overthe past two thousand yearsthroughout southern China, asan opportunity for communitycelebration and bonding.

Teams of up to ten people crewthirty foot long, narrow, flatbottomed, canoe style boatswith a helmsman at the rearand a drummer at the front.The sport in the UK has beendominated by corporate teamswho regularly attend DragonBoat Racing festivals as teambuilding exercises and daysout, bringing in ringers to givethemselves a competitiveadvantage over their rivals.One such event was forecastfor the 3rd July 2013 at EtonDorney lake, promising a fullday of competitive racing, withup to twenty different crews,each vying for the title.

In a moment of inspiration SgtScarf of the Prince of Wales’s

Maj Launders taking full advantage of the snow conditions The victorious Jamboy 2 boat at full tilt

Gdsm Saunders re-living his recent wedding

THE PRINCE OF WALES COMPANY – Eton Dorney Dragon BoatRacing Festival

Lt T Hutton

Dragon Boat Racing is an up and coming sport in theUK. Fiercely competitive, it pits teams of ten men and

women against each other in minutes of water bornefury. It is a test of skill and endurance, but more than this,of timing and most teamwork.

company realised that thiscould be a fantasticopportunity to build teamspirit and take part in aphysically tough exercisewhilst representing theBattalion in a public forum atthe same time. Teaming upwith his platoon commander,they were able to acquiregenerous funding from theRegimental Trustees and put ateam together. With the crewspaces oversubscribed, a ‘row-off’ selected the men whowould form the crews, with theremainder coming to support.Twenty eight men of the Princeof Wales’s company travelledto Eton on the 3rd July withhigh spirits but little idea ofwhat to expect. The day wasfantastic. With the weatherholding and bar open, crewswere able to enjoy the racingfrom the Eton Rowing Clubboathouse with its fantasticfacilities. Clay pigeon shootingand other activities were also

BATTALION EVENTS 51


on all day for those who couldfind the time.

It soon became apparent thatthe competition was fierce,and crews decked out in theirteam kits looked raring to go.With no prior experience ofDragon Boat Racing on ourpart, the teams from EDF intheir matching kits, and thebody-building Acton Refineryteam posed the greatestcompetition. What they hadn’trealised however, is that it isalways the Red Dragon thatgives a lead…..

The format of the event was aseries of heats, with threeboats racing at a time. Eachevent was timed with the twofastest times combining toform the qualifying time. Thefantastic team from GableEvents, the organizers, kindlyoffered us a second boat freeof charge, enabling all thosewho came down to participatein the racing. From the outsetas Jam Boy One and Jam BoyTwo crews took to the water, itwas clear that the WelshGuards teams were made forthe task. For these men, whokept the time immaculatelywhilst marching as the Escort

on The Queen’s BirthdayParade two weeks previously,rowing in time came naturally.The high level of fitness, teamspirit and determinationdisplayed by all rowers, setformidable times, eventuallyqualifying both team for thefinals.

The Final was first past thepost. For the two Welsh Guardscrews it was a race betweenourselves. We had hadfantastic instruction throughour qualifying races from ourprofessional helmsman, aCaptain Birdseye figure andsomething of a Yoda in theDragon Boat Racing world.Sitting on the start line, withour drummer GuardsmanJones 16 looking resplendentin Tunic and Bearskin it was allto play for. It was a punishingsprint, with the lead changing5 times but race eventuallygoing to Jam Boy Two, withJam Boy One millisecondsbehind, both boats comingwithin 1 second of the courserecord. Good natured ribbingfrom the other participantsthat we somehow had anunfair advantage was soonquelled by the organizers who

commented that with no priorexperience, our two teams hadbeen able to win by working asone, as a team in unison.

Following the trophy andmedals presentation the eventwas finished off by a fantasticgourmet BBQ and drinks thatran into the evening. Theinterest taken by the otherteams in the Battalion andwider Army was met withrelish by the men of thecompany who showed afantastic public image of theWelsh Guards answeringquestions and socialising withthe other teams.

This sort of event brought allmembers of the teamstogether. From those who hadshared the experiences ofHerrick 16 to the new draftmen of the company. A wholeday spent away at this type ofevent, achieves much of whatwe desire to see in our soldiers;team work, physical fitnessand determination, as well asbeing fantastic fun andproviding good morale.

I know all who took part on theday are grateful for theopportunity to compete, andare therefore thankful to thetrustees for their backing of theteams in entering the event.

LSgt Lawrence proudly displays the Dragon Boat winners trophy

The first Oratory School CCFcamp took place in Tidworth in1913 and the CCF continued torun throughout both WorldWars with many of the boysfrom the school serving withdistinction in these periods,most notably Lieutenant-General Sir Carton de Wiart. Theschool’s CCF was at a low ebbby 1966 after two moves of the

ORATORY SCHOOL CCFLt J P Marsden

For some time informal links have existed betweenthe Oratory School CCF and the Welsh Guards. In

recognition of this, and to mark their centenary year, itwas agreed that the CCF would re-affiliate to the WelshGuards from the Rilfes.

school site resulted in a fall innumbers. By 1967 the CCFrevival was well underwayhowever, and by the early1970s sections of the RoyalNavy and Royal Air Force wereset up. Since then the CCF hasgone from strength to strengthand this was demonstrated bythe re-affiliation parade.

The Commanding Officer inspects the cadets

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The day began with a paradewhich saw the threecontingents of the CCF form upat the front of the school, withthe Army contingentresplendent in their new WelshGuards Regimental headdressfor the first time. The WelshGuards Band added to the airof ceremony and celebrationof the occasion with a fineperformance that thespectators thoroughlyappreciated, in spite of theblustery weather. Major NevilleTopham, an ex-Welsh GuardsDrill Sergeant who now headsup the Army section at theschool, led the parade onbehalf of the school. Both theRegimental Adjutant and theCommanding Officer were inattendance to inspect theCadets, with Colonel Bonas

taking the salute from the daiswhen the parade marchedpast. The standard of drill andturnout was excellent and thiswas in no small part due to thedrill evening the Cadetsreceived a week prior fromSergeant Scarf and LanceSergeant Rowlands whoattended the school toadminister a crash course.

With the parade concluded thecadets were fallen out to beshown as much as possibleabout what the Battalion hadto offer with various standsshowing the weaponry usedon tour including HMG, GMG,Javelin and a .338 sniper rifle.Furthermore there was a PTIon hand to advise the Cadetson fitness standards in theArmy and a ceremonial stand

to showcase the currentactivities of the Welsh Guardsin the build up to Trooping theColour. Unsurprisingly therewas equal interest in gettinghands on the weapons andtrying on a bearskin both fromthe Cadets and the school staff.Whilst the VIPs were invited bythe Headmaster and the CCFContingent Commander toattend lunch, the Guardsmenwere hosted by the Cadetsoffering them the opportunityto ask questions in a morerelaxed environment.

With lunch concluded theCadets returned to the paradesquare for the presentations toexchange hands. The schoolpresented the Welsh GuardsOfficers’ Mess a silver statue ofa Cadet, and the Battalionpresented the school with

framed Regimental Coloursreplicas, a signed picture ofHRH The Prince of Wales and amontage of the Regiment’syear, including photos ofOperation Herrick 16 andceremonial duties. TheCommanding Officerconcluded proceedings withan apt speech, informing theCadets of the provenance ofthe symbol that they were nowwearing over their left eye andwelcoming the new bondforged between the school andthe Regiment.

The day was rightly acelebration of the links theOratory School and the WelshGuards have shared over manyyears. The formal affiliation ofthe CCF, as the newest of theselinks, serves to cement,recognise and formalise arelationship that will continuelong in to the future with thebond growing stronger as theWelsh Guards approach ourown Centenary in 2015.

The Band of the Welsh Guards marches past the saluting dias at the front of the Oratory School

“The day was rightly a celebration of the links the OratorySchool and the Welsh Guards have shared over many years.”

BATTALION EVENTS 53


The first stop of the tour was atSHAPE in Belgium where therewhere both football and rugbymatches planned. After twoshort training sessions, bothteams headed into Brussels foran afternoon of culture beforematches were played in theevening. The rugby teamplayed against the number oneteam in Belgium. It was a hardfixture, the Welsh Guards XVdefended very well howeverthe opposition managed tofind gaps and came out on topwith a narrow victory. Thefootball team had a fixtureagainst a local civilian team,which they won 2-1. Theirdefence in midfield wasoutstanding as was their willto succeed. It was a verypromising start to the sportstour.

Both teams then made theirway to CENZUB in France,which is the French centre ofexcellence for Close QuarterBattle. The rugby teamconducted training sessionswith the CENZUB rugby team,which had only recently beenformed. It was great to see theguardsmen interact with theirFrench counterparts. Thistraining session gave the teamthe opportunity to practisesome of their morecomplicated moves against asolid defence. The footballteam played against theinstructors at CENZUB whowere a strong side but with thespeed and flair of the WelshGuards football team provingto be too much for theopposition to handle. The

28 members of the 1st Battalion Welsh Guardsdeployed to Europe on a sports tour and battlefield

tour. The trip covered over 2000 miles over a period of 8days, playing rugby and football in three differentcountries.

WELSH GUARDS SPORTS TOUR 2013Lt T Evans

CYCLING -‘The Long and Winding Road’Captain C Fenton

Welsh Guards triumphed 3-2with a strong all roundperformance.

This trip was an excellentopportunity for the membersof the Welsh Guards to learnabout the role of the WelshGuards and other units in theSecond World War. The touristsvisited War Memorials and helda service in honour of thosewho had made the ultimatesacrifice. The War memorialgave an opportunity for all toreflect on previous conflictsaround the world.

The final stop of the tour wasthe NATO School ofcommunications in Latina,Italy. Both teams headed intoNaples and Rome toexperience some Italian cultureand cuisine. Sadly we wereunable to formalise a rugbyfixture. The football teamplayed their final game againsta team based 15km outsideNaples. After a slow start theteam came back from behindto win in a very convincinggame 3-1. The football teamhad a very successful tourwhich will put them in a goodposition for their final matchwhich will be played at CardiffPark Stadium.

All in all it was a verysuccessful tour for the WelshGuards. The men were trueambassadors for the Regiment.The relationships formed overthis period will no doubt leadto greater things on distantbattlefields in the future.

Rising out of the saddle, struggling to find that hiddenreserve of energy, the final push for the line was

nothing that Sir Bradley Wiggins would have recognised.The previous 129.5 km, over some nine hours, had takentheir toll.

The knowledge though thatthe finish line was waitingaround the final bend of thatwinding mountain road wasenough to help find thatpreviously elusive reserve. The cocktail of emotions thatfollowed on from finishingL’Etape du Tour in the FrenchAlps were: jubilation that it wasall over; relief that Team WGhad avoided the dreadedsweep-up car and injury (anumber of serious crashes hadoccurred on the technicallydemanding downhill sectionsof the route); frustration thattraining had not been doneand a better time achieved;and eventually exhaustion.This was 7 July 2013 and ateam of three, the author, theAdjutant and Capt Major, hadcome a long way, both literallyand figuratively, from the firstteam training ride of 20 kmaround a snowy RichmondPark in November 2012.

Following the return of theBattalion from Op HERRICK 16many more people atRegimental Duty were keen toget on their bike. For some itwas seen as a low-impactopportunity to improve fitness,and maybe for others anopportunity to wear head-to-toe lycra. Whatever theirmotives a good number of theOfficers’ and Sergeants’Messes participated in a rangeof events between March andSeptember 2013: The highlightwas certainly the Ryan Mancycle from Pembrokeshire to

Wellington Barracks, London.The event was superblyorganised by the team atPrincess Gate Water andsupported by LSgt Jury and hisrecruiting tem. It involvedaround 100 people, mainlyfrom Wales, including rugbylegends Ryan Jones, RhysWilliams and Ian Gough. Afantastic weekend was had byall, and £45,000 was raised forthe Welsh Guards AfghanistanAppeal. Other events includedL’Etape du Tour, AnnecyFrance; and the cycling leg ofWalk-on-Wales from ChepstowRacecourse to ChesterRacecourse, which involvedparticipants using all sorts ofwheeled contraptions to getthere. The key lesson identifiedfrom all of these events is thatalthough these challengeswere, and are, achievable withlittle or no training and a nevergive-up attitude, cycling fromPembrokeshire to London, or130 km around the French Alpswould be much morerewarding and enjoyable withproper training andpreparation!

Next year the Club’s intentionsare: to expand the interest ofroad cycling across theBattalion, and to enter a teaminto the Army road racingseries; to expand the Club’sremit to include mountainbiking and triathlon; and toconduct regular trainingsessions, particularly over theWinter months, in preparationfor the riding season next year.

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Gdsm Cole had a really goodrace, impressing Col MikeTizzard, the Army Motor SportOfficer. He finished 5th in astrong class with three of theriders above him being formerBritish Champions. He willenter Expert event in the ArmyChampionships later in the yearand has a good chance of ridingin the Army Team next year.

Having taken an early lead inthe first lap, the author crashedout, breaking the bike andrequiring a pit stop. After alittle throwing up, he managedto get back in to finish the race.Sgt Scarf also crashed in atricky wood section but, withhelp from spectators, got backon his bike. Gdsm Campbellfinished the race – his first for awhile as he had to have a fewmonths off because of he

broke his bike in an RAF roundearlier this year.

After a tricky tight race allWelsh Guard riders completedthe round in good form withonly a few broken bits of bike.As for the second round, we arein good stead for theforthcoming ArmyChampionships. It was alsogood to see some friendly facesfrom Battalion as we roderound a demanding course.

This is a relatively new sport forthe Battalion and it has beenencouraging that there hasbeen so much support.Hopefully as we are nowestablished and bedded in, wewill continue to receive supportas we tackle the rest of thesummer series and push on tothe Army Championships.

MOTOR CROSS NOTESSgt Hughes 39

The Welsh Guards Enduro Team entered the Team REMESummer Series Round 2 last with 4 riders: Sgt Scarf 15

and the author, PoW’s Coy; Gdsm Cole, Number 2Company; and Gdsm Campbell from Support Company.Gdsm Cole entered Expert and the remainder Sportsman.

Captains’ and Subalterns’ Tournament, Tidworth, 20-21 July 13L-R: Lt Col Bartle-Jones, Maj Bettinson, Capt Davies, Lt Marsden

BATTALION POLO RESURRECTIONCapt C J P Davies

This year saw a concertedeffort to put Welsh Guards Poloback on the map which it haddominated for so many yearspreviously.One week after the Queen’sBirthday Parade five membersof the Battalion, essentiallythose who supposedly knewhow to ride, made their way toTidworth Polo Club for anintroductory 3 day course onPolo. Set in stunning groundsadjacent to Tedworth House, itwas fortunate that there werefew prying eyes to witness ourungainly attempts at pickingup a new sport. Whether thiswas falling off chairs, falling offhorses or simply failing to hitthe ball after a 40 metre run-up the whole course had littlefear of succumbing to over-confidence.The days were spent carryingout a variety of activities.‘Chairs’ was an hour ofstanding on a chair andpractising our swings,watching in fascination atwhere some people managed

to hit their balls. This wasfollowed by half an hour ofpolo-specific riding lessonswhich essentially became anopportunity for the HouseholdCavalry Trooper on the courseto show off. ‘Stick and Ball’ wasan hour of individual time topractise hitting the ball, on thepony this time. Finally, werounded each day off with achukka, 7 minutes of ridinground in circles chasing the balland ignoring most of therulebook at the same time.Fortunately for us and our verypatient instructor she did seesome improvement by the endof the course. Overall thecourse was exceptionally goodfun and a great introduction tothe game, so much so that allfive of us have returnedregularly during the summerfor further instruction.As mentioned at the beginningthe aim this year was to kick-start Battalion involvement inPolo. To that end the yearwould not have been completeif we had not entered a

There was a time, many years ago, when the WelshGuards were consistently the best polo team in the

Army. In the meantime there have been numerousplayers who have played competitively howeveroperational commitments have served to interfere withthe establishment of a regular Battalion team.

BATTALION EVENTS 55


predominantly Battalion teamin to a tournament. TheCaptains’ and Subalterns’Tournament was our target.Due to commitmentselsewhere we only had 3Battalion members available,however, Lt Col Bartle-Jones, avery experienced and skilledplayer, kindly agreed to stepinto the breach. Whilst theresults of the two matchesmay have been slightlypredictable for such an

inexperienced team, the firststep on the ladder has beentaken.

We aim to build upon thesefoundations. Over the next fewmonths several Guardsmenwill be introduced to riding atthe Sandhurst stables with thehope being that they will catchthe bug and maybe next yearfind themselves in Tidworth forthree days discovering howexhilarating the game can be.

Lt Col Bartle-Jones follows through, Captains’ and Subalterns’

INTER REGIMENTAL POLOBrigadier R H Talbot Rice

This year the Regiment fielded one of only five teams to enterthe Inter Regimental competition this year: the team

included three Welsh Guardsmen – Brig Robert Talbot Rice (theRegtl Lt Col), Lt Col Guy Bartle-Jones, Capt (Retd) Rupert Hackwill(who came over from South Africa to play in the match); andwas ably captained by Col Michael O’Dwyer IG.

Left to right: Brig R H Talbot Rice, Capt (Retd) R Hackwill,Col M O’Dwyer IG, Lt Col G Bartle-Jones

In the quarter final they facedthe very well drilled highergoal Royal Navy team; thegame was great end to endstuff – very watchable – withthe Welsh Guards havingseveral near shots at goal inthe first chukka. MichaelO’Dwyer did a great jobopening up the play; andRupert Hackwill brought hisSouth African high goalexperience to bear on a hot

day, doing a really good job ofclosing down the Navy’s keyplayer. The third chukkastarted well with a quick goalfrom Michael O’Dwyer, but theNavy then took and kept thelead for the remainder of thematch. The Navy went on tobeat the Household Cavalry inthe semi final, but were beatenby the King’s Royal Hussars inthe final.

RYAN JONES TESTIMONIAL YEAR WITH1ST BATTALION WELSH GUARDS

Maj A F Bowen

With 73 caps at the end of the2012/13 season, Ryan is nowone of a select group of just sixWelshmen who have wonthree Grand Slams. Ryan hascaptained Wales on a record 32occasions, surpassing IeuanEvans’s record.

Ryan sent a letter to 1stBattalion Welsh Guards duringour tour of Afghanistan in 2012expressing his sorrow at thedeath of LCpl Lee Davies who

was killed by a rogue Afghanpoliceman. The letter wasdistributed to all WelshGuardsmen and it had aprofound and positiveinfluence on unit morale due toRyan’s high profile in Welshrugby.

In September 2012 some of theBattalion’s wives andgirlfriends (WAGS) took part ina cycle ride and Ryan’scontribution in the saddle

Capped by Wales for the first time in 2004, Ryan Joneshelped his country secure a first Grand Slam in 27

years when they completed a clean sweep in the SixNations championship in 2005. That summer saw himplay in all three tests for the British & Irish Lions in NewZealand, where he was the player of the series.

Ryan Jones with the Triple Crown

56 BATTALION EVENTS


assisted in raising £25K for theWelsh Guards AfghanistanAppeal. Ryan has since visitedthe unit on numerousoccasions as part of histestimonial year and he is ahugely popular character withthe young soldiers, all ofwhom idolise Welsh rugbyheroes. Ryan has beenexceptionally generous to theWGAA and has set aside £50Kfrom his testimonial to givedirectly to our Appeal.

Battalion Rugby

Battalion rugby has alsobenefitted enormously fromRyan’s influence. Followingseveral training sessions withthe Battalion rugby team, Ryangave an inspiring andemotional speech immediatelyprior to them taking to the fieldto win the Army Premiership

Trophy in March 2013. As arugby mad battalion, this winhad a hugely positive affect onmorale and in the recuperationof a battle weary unit; Ryan’scontribution was significant.

Testimonial Events

Welsh Guardsmen have beenpresent at all of Ryan’stestimonial events, fromdinners in Cardiff to a race dayin Llanelli, to a Boxing Night inthe Lancaster Hotel in Londonin which all fighters came fromthe Battalion. WelshGuardsmen supported andtook part in the RyanMan cycleride from Pembroke to London,stopping off in CavalryBarracks along the way for amuch needed pit stop. TheBattalion ran a combatweekend for 20 civilians whohad a taste of life as a

Ryan Jones in Wellington Barracks getting a feel for the uniform worn in Afghanistan

Brigadier Peter Williams breaking the fantastic news to the WAGs on Wheelsparticipants that they had raised £25,000. Ryan Jones is seen on the left of the

photograph after he had completed his turn in the saddle.

Ryan Jones with the WAGS, some looking pretty rough after a few hours in thesaddle or perhaps an hour sleeping on the floor mats in the gymnasium.

Bit of lippy and some mascara wouldn’t go amiss girls!

Put a bit of effort in lovely boy… there’s still 4000 miles to go!

Guardsman; some of thosewho attended may never bethe same again!

Events still to go as this goes topress include a Question ofSport event in Swansea, aGrand Finale in the MillenniumCentre in Cardiff where theWelsh Guards Band will befront and centre with highprofile names from theentertainment industry. Thefinal event will be a dinner inthe Churchill War Rooms inearly December where Col TimCollins will be speaking.

All in all this has been afantastic project to have beeninvolved in. Ryan Jones is aman mountain in Welshsporting terms and hiscontribution to the WelshGuards this year has been

superb. We have all made atrue friend in Ryan and the£50K he has donated to ourAppeal will boost our funds noend. But this year has not beenabout money, it has beenabout getting involved incountless events that havetaken place and having funalong the way. Ryan is a truegentleman, he carespassionately about the boysand this is manifestly obviousevery time he visits us or we goto one of his events.

Thank you to Ryan from allWelsh Guardsmen, young, old,past, present, injured and fromthe families of our deceased.We wish him well in his futureand I am sure many of us willbe watching closely as hemoves from rugby into theunknown world outside sport.

BATTALION EVENTS 57

1ST Battalion Welsh Guards Medals Parade, 6th December 2012, Cavalry Barracks, Hounslow

58 BATTALION EVENTS


Back in April Captain Millertook a squad of 12 on a jointrugby/football sports tour. Thetour consisted of 3 48 hourstays, in 3 countries; Belgium,France and Italy. In Belgiumthey stayed just outsideBrussels and had a couple oftraining sessions on the firstday. The following day theyplayed a match against a localteam resulting in a 4-0 win.The visits to Italy and Francehad a similar pattern, resultingin a 2-1 win against a localItalian team and 3-1 winagainst the French team.

In May the Battalion teamplayed against the Royal Welshteam in Cardiff City stadium.This was Captain Miller’s lastgame as the football officerand was a fitting send off for aperson who had done much toraise the profile off theBattalion team.

After the end of the sports tourthe Battalion went straight intodrill practice for Trooping theColour which resulted inlimited opportunities toconduct training. Whentraining was held there was asmaller than normal

2013 has been a busy time for the Battalion and duringbreaks in the work schedule the Battalion Football

team has been quietly ticking along. The squad has seena change in Football Officer with Captain Miller gettingposted in May and WO2 Davies taking the reins.

attendance due to othercommitments. To combat thisand coupled with the newseason starting in October, theBattalion decided to hold theEllicott Cup at the end ofAugust. This is the footballequivalent of the 300 cup andthe trophy is a lasting memoryof Gdsm David Ellicott who wasa former Number 2 Companymember who was sadly killedprior to the Battalion deployingto Iraq. The tournament was ahuge success enabling thesquad to be stripped apart and

totally rebuilt with the rightbalance of experience, youthand a new found appetite forBattalion football. It alsodemonstrated that theBattalion has a very highstandard of footballers at itsdisposal. The result of thetournament itself saw Number3 Company lift the trophy afterbeating Support Company inthe final.

The future of Battalion Footballis very bright and I amanticipating a successfulseason.

Worthy runners up, Support Company Team

CSgt Peters and LSgt Cunningham lifting the cup

BATTALION FOOTBALL 2013WO2 AM Davies

“The Battalion has a very high standardof footballers at its disposal.”

BATTLEFIELD TOURS 59

WELSH GUARDS REGIMENTAL MAGAZINE BATTLEFIELD TOURS

In the last couple of years, andfor a variety of reasons (costs,numbers, age), the Associationhave not been able to mount aHechtel trip and which alsocoincided with visits to otherbattle sites and laying wreathsin Cemeteries where WelshGuardsmen are buried. Lastyear Brigadier Johnny Rickettand his wife Fanny, kindlyrepresented theRegiment/Association and thisyear myself, Vivien and Brianand Sandra Keane attended.

We duly set off from St Pancrason Eurostar to Brussels on the

morning of Saturday 7September, a trouble freejourney. This was not so tryingto get out of Brussels with ahire car and what with trams,tunnels, really inadequate signposting and significant trafficwe did not quite make thetimings we envisaged. But wemade it to Lommel (close toHechtel) where we werebooked into quite a chic hotelwith an excellent restaurantand bar area. The Councilwould not hear of us paying forthe hotel which was incrediblygenerous of them. That night

we were treated to a tencourse exceptionally deliciousdinner (thank goodness theportions were small) in a localrestaurant and our hosts, theExecutive Council members,could not have been moregenerous. We certainly sleptwell that night!

Sunday is always the dayHechtel commemorates theirliberation. It follows the sameformat every year, a marchfrom the Town Hall to theChurch, a church service, amarch to the cemetery andthen to the Town’s Monument,a specially created place inwhich stands a Sherman Tank.The Service in the church isalways adapted to take intoaccount our presence and thechoir really do sing ourNational Anthem well. Thelocal Band provide themarching music (and they arevery good), the locally basedLogistics Company provide theFiring Party to fire volleys at theCemetery and Monument andmany of the Veterans Units andorganisations (in the Region)provide the Standard Bearers.Speeches are given by theMayor, who incidentally is anew one this year (JanDalemans), and I reply onbehalf of theRegiment/Association. Whilstthe days ceremonies are thereto remember those who fell inthe battle of Hechtel as well asthe 35 towns people who weremurdered by the Germansduring the week, it isnevertheless rather a colourfulaffair.

With the ceremonies finishedby 1 pm, and when the

Association were there in force,we were then hosted to anexcellent lunch in the town hallwith yet more speeches andwhich usually turned into quitea singsong. This year, however,we were kindly invited to lunchwith Raf Truyens (the Mayor formany years and an ExecutiveCouncil Member) and hisfamily sitting out in his sundrenched garden. We returnedto London the next day.

Our trip had been mostsuccessful and Regimentally Ithink I can say that Hechtel, ofall the many places the 1st and2nd Battalions fought throughin NW Europe, we have one ofthe closest bonds too. They goto enormous lengths to lookafter us and are immenselyproud of their connection tothe Regiment. It is a specialplace and I am hoping that fortheir 70th anniversary nextSeptember we will once againfield a strong contingent.

Finally, I have to mention aman called Gerard Wuytswhose father was murdered bythe Germans in the townduring the battle. In 2004 hepublished a very detailed bookon the battle of Hechtel withexcellent pictures, maps andillustrations, the only problemfor us being that it was inFlemish. But this year, and tomy surprise, he presented mewith his book “Autumn Stormsover Hechtel” 6 – 12 September1944 in perfect English. It was alovely touch and I look forwardto showing it to those able tomake the trip next year.(Hechtel will be on Sunday 7September 2014).

A TRIP TO HECHTEL7 – 9 SEPTEMBER 2013

Colonel T C S Bonas

Regimental Adjutant receiving the Book Autumn Stormsfrom the author Gerard Wuyts

Many readers of the Regimental Magazine will knowthat each year the Mayor of Hechtel – Eksel invite the

Welsh Guards to join them to remember andcommemorate the liberation of Hechtel in earlySeptember 1944. The Association for a great many yearshave accepted this invitation and, up and till recently,have sent a large contingent of Association members.

60 WALK ON WALES

Starting with Team 1, the batonwas passed on to each of theeleven teams as the Walkprogressed round Wales, withlocal events taking placeduring each stage, co-ordinated by each of theteams. The Walk would neverhave achieved all it did withoutthe selfless and inspiringleadership that these TeamLeaders demonstrated.

Each morning, often withfamily members in attendance,one of the names on the batonwas commemorated during adrumhead service before thewalkers set off. In this wayeach day of the Walk had itsown special focus which, whencombined with manycolourful, interesting walkers

WELSH GUARDS REGIMENTAL MAGAZINE

WALK ON WALESCaptain Jan Koops

After a full year of organisation, Walk on Wales waslaunched from the steps of the Senedd in Cardiff by

Lord Guthrie, our President, following the blessing of thebaton at Llandaff Cathedral. The ensuing ten weeks sawthe beautiful baton, engraved with the names of the 50Welsh Guardsmen killed in active service since WWII,travel the entire length of the stunning Welsh coastline.

and the diversity of thebeautiful coastline, gaveeveryone who took part asense of joy and contentment.

From the start, the Walk wassupported by an impressiveflow of new and diversewalkers, all brought togetherunder our wonderful family‘umbrella’. Each and everytown and village that wepassed through did their bit tosupport the walkers and thetwo charities, the WelshGuards Afghanistan Appealand Combat Stress, for whomwe were raising money. Thevillage of Aberporth gave usthe most humbling welcomewith school children, alongwith their families and friends,lining the streets, singing and

cheering us on our way. Thehospitality that all participantswere shown by the local andwider communities touched usall very deeply and issomething we will both cherishand never forget.

Inevitably, as our team ofwalkers entered its final stages,numbers began to swell withup to 160 walkers joining daily.The days were filled withlaughter and chatter as oldfriends were reunited (oftenafter up to 30 years apart) andthe banter flowed, embracingeveryone on this magicaljourney. And mention must bemade of the very kind invitationby the Prime Minister to attenda reception in 10 DowningStreet on Tuesday 29 Octoberwhere Jan Koops and DaiGraham were able to explain to

Mr Cameron what the walk wasall about.

So, to the final day where over400 people arrived in Sully forthe drumhead service. As SamBossi’s team lead us throughPenarth and past the pier, sothe numbers of walkers grewand as we were led by the Bandof the Welsh Guards up to thesteps of the Senedd, there wereover 700 walkers, stretchingback across the Barrage. It wasa truly wonderful andinspirational sight.

Over the duration of the Walkwe have managed to raise over£350,000 with further fundsstill being collected. It is not toolate to donate, which you areable to do by going to thehome page of our website atwww.walkonwales.org andclicking on the ‘Donate’ button.

“Over the duration of the Walk we havemanaged to raise over £350,000.”

www.walkonwales.org

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62 ASSOCIATION EVENTS

Each team consisted of 6players that played foursomes(alternate shots) in pairs. Wereceived a bye in the morningmatches and met theColdstream Guards in theafternoon. Each of our pairsmanaged to win and overallwon by 11 holes up. The gameswere played in very coldconditions and at one time itlooked likely that the golf

would have to be abandonedbecause of a blizzard.Astonishingly the snow meltedas if by magic and the fightcontinued to a verysatisfactory result for the WelshGuards.

The finals were held atWorplesdon at the end ofAugust in stark contrast to thatof the earlier rounds, the sun

The preliminary rounds of the Cup were held atWorplesdon Golf Club on 4th April. There were 9 team

entries representing every Regiment of the HouseholdDivision.

COLONEL IN CHIEF’S CUP GOLFCOMPETITION 2013Captain (Retd) Peter Richardson

formerly Welsh Guards

was hot and so was thecompetition. The Welsh Guardsteam met the GrenadierGuards in the semi –final,winning all of our matches.Household Cavalry defeatedIrish Guards by narrowest ofmargins. Holes up were tied,each side had won one matchand the countback procedurewas used for the first time todecide the one halved match.The Household Cavalry won byvirtue of being one up as theystood on the 18th tee for thehalved match. In the final theHousehold Cavalry defeatedWelsh Guards by 3 holes up,winning two matches andlosing one. The HouseholdCavalry were fortunate thisyear but their ascendancy maybe nearing its end as the WelshGuards are narrowing the gap

and will contest the Cup withever more fervour next year.

Our team were runners up andwon the Colonel’s Prize, theteam consisted of (see photo)seated: Capt Peter Richardson,Robin Malcolm, standing: ColSandy Malcolm, Lt Col GuyBartle-Jones, Robbie O’Rourke,Captain Andrew Morgan.(Captain Ben Bardsley playedin the preliminary rounds)

The trophies and prizes werepresented by Robin Malcolm,Captain of the Guards GolfingSociety.

Should any Welsh Guardsmanwish to join the Guards GolfingSociety either as full orassociate members pleasecontact Peter Richardson bye [email protected]

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The Belgium Government andmany soldiers and civiliansescaped to Britain and formeda government and an army inexile. The new Belgian armywas created in Tenby threedays before the BelgianInfantry Brigade took shapeunder the command of MajorJean-Baptiste Piron. It becameknown as the Brigade Piron.

Headquarter was in theAtlantic Hotel in Tenby wherethere is a plaque tocommemorate their stay there.From being 450 strong in 1940the Brigade increased to 2000Officers and men in 1944. Theytrained in many camps Walesincluding Carmarthen,Crickhowell and Chepstowbefore they embarked at

Tilbury on the 3rd August 1944for Europe. They entered activeservice on th 9th August andfought their way throughFrance until the great daycame when they crossed the

border into Belgium. Onecannot imagine their feelingand those of their countrymenwho greeted them after fouryears of occupation.

They entered Brussels on 4thSeptember under thecommand of a distinguishedWelsh Guardsman, BrigadierSir Alexander Stanier whose231 Brigade had landed on D-Day and was temporarilyattached to the GuardsArmoured Division. BrigadierStanier recalled, “I took themup to the outskirts of Brusselsso they could enter the citytogether with the leadingBritish troops.

The Brigade fought in theNetherlands and Germany bywhich time they also includedBelgians who had joined themafter liberation. It was a longroad from Tenby in 1940 toMunster in 1945 and therewere many casualties. Onewho stayed the course wasArmand Poupaert who withhis family escaped from hishome town of Ostend in May1940. They fled by boat toSouthampton and settled inwar-time Britain.

Armand joined the Brigade inTenby and served with it untilthe end of the war. He got toknow Wales very well and looka liking to it’s mountains, sodifferent from the flatlandscape of Belgium. Hedrove a Bren Gun carrier andwhile weaving his way throughthe crowds in Brussels saw hiscousin, neither had known if

FROM TENBY TO GERMANYThe Crusade of the Belgian Brigade Piron

Roy Lewis

In May 1940 the Germans invaded neutral Belgium andafter eighteen days of fighting against overwhelming

odds King Leopold surrendered.

Brigadier Sir Alexander Stanier Inspecting the Training Battalion at Sandown Park St David’s Day 1944

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the other was still alive. Whileon duty in Dover Armand hadmet Audrey who was servingin the Wrens and when hereturned to Britain in 1952 theywere married. He worked inthe motor trade in London butwith his memories of Wales inmind on retirement movedpermanently to Abergavennywhere they soon found friendsin the Monmouthshire Branchof the Welsh GuardsAssociation.

Armand was an associatemember and he and Audreyrarely failed to attend agathering or the Branch or theannual Welsh Guards BattleField tour when Armandreturned to many places hehad fought in as a youngsoldier. A native of Ostend hespoke French as well asFlemish and was often calledupon to interpret when thetour party needed it.

He was overjoyed to meetformer members of his Brigadewhen the MonmouthshireBranch formed links with theWest Flanders Branch of theBrigade Piron Association and

visited each other’s countriesfor dinners and officialoccasions.

In September the Welsh GuardsAssociation went to Belgium tomark the 30th anniversary ofits liberation and the partplayed by two Welsh GuardsBattalions who were in theGuards Armoured Division.Jean-Baptiste Piron, then aGeneral, was present at theparade in Brussels buttragically died sitting beside SirAlexander Stanier, theBrigadier who had led him andhis men across the border inSeptember 1944.

In June 2013 Armand Poupaert,a lively and active man all hislife suddenly died aged 91 inhis adopted home town ofAbergavenny and is survivedby Audrey. His funeral serviceamid the mountains he lovedwas particularly moving andwhen Welsh Guardsmen actedas bearers and provided aguard of honour. The BranchStandard was displayed as atribute to a very specialmember and friend.

With this in mind, togetherwith the C.E.O., Derek (Smokey)Cole, I proceeded to plan aWelsh Guards orientatedPilgrimage to take place duringFebruary 2013. With the helpof several of our Island Friendswe soon came up with a veryinteresting and workableitinerary. Both Smokey and Ihave visited the Islands threetimes in the past year so it wasnot difficult to put everythingin place. I then set about theselection process, the result, acombination of who wouldwant to go, who might benefitfrom the Pilgrimage, andindeed who would addsomething to the wholeexperience.

The journey South, was asexpected a little tedious! R.A.F.Civilian Charter flight, arrive atBrize Norton at 7pm, take off at11pm, 9.5 hours to AscensionIsland, off the plane for 2 hoursand back on for another 8. Thegood news, no delays. Wearrived at the Islands, somemore refreshed than others,

Ben Parry slept all the way,Everett never shut up and bothBill and Nicky Mott keptbumping into people theyknew, which did have itsadvantages as we later were toexperience. On arrival at MountPleasant we were met by ourold friend and veteran, GaryClements Royal Marine,in theLiberty Lodge Mini Bus andtaken to Stanley. Everyone bynow wide awake and pickingout, some way off route, someof the old landmarks from 1982.

Liberty Lodge, an ideaconceived by Smokey, owned,built and run by the FalklandsVeterans Foundation, on landdonated by The FalklandsIsland Government, is a havenin the South Atlantic forVeterans and families ofVeterans who took part in theSouth Atlantic Conflict of 1982.It is supported by major ExService Charities and, to date,since its’ opening in 2009, not asingle veteran or familymember has been charged afee for its use. Run by a local

Battlefield Tour 2003, Leopoldsburg, Military Museum.Armand Poupaert rides a Bren gun Carrier for the first in 60 years.

With him is Padre Willie Pryor

THE LONGEST JOURNEY- Falklands Revisited

Lieutenant Colonel (r) Tony Davies OBEChairman Falklands Veterans Foundation (RSM 1 Welsh Guards 1982)

Having travelled to the Falkland Islands some dozentimes in the past decade, on Pilgrimages and Charity

Business regarding Liberty Lodge, I have seen the benefitthat hundreds of Veterans had received from such visits.

Davies, Nicky Mott, Andy Brinkworth, Bill Mott

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manager and administeredfrom the FVF UK Office, wetotally rely on grants anddonations from Charities,businesses and those who stayat the Lodge for its upkeep.There are four double/twinrooms incorporating a flat,disabled facilities and manymore attributes. It boasts to beone of the finest houses inStanley. On Rowland’s Rise,overlooking the entrance toStanley harbour, it is situatedon one of the best plots on EastFalkland. This together with thegranting of IndulgenceFacilities to all 1982 MedalHolders, has ensured a steadystream of occupants annually.www.falklandsveterans.org.uk

Suitably refreshed we setabout the visits programme,starting where we all landed,at the jetty in San Carlos Water.Although our visits describedhere are as they took place, Ihave juggled them around

slightly in order not to confusethe reader, (who may havebeen there), on the route andorder of march we took in1982. Contrary to popularbelief by some mediaoperatives, The Welsh Guardsdid play a further part in 1982after the Sir Galahad wasbombed on 8th June.

Then came visits to San CarlosMilitary Cemetery, TheMuseum and on to GooseGreen, Darwin and theArgentine Cemetery. En routewe had stopped at the spotwhere L/Cpl Thomas 03 waskilled below Wall Mountain on13th June 1982.

The photograph with Davies,Nicky Mott, Andy Brinkworthand Bill Mott was taken at theplace where L/Cpl Christopher

Thomas 03, was killed by anArgentine shell during thebattles for the “run-in” toStanley. In the background canbe seen Mount William andTumbledown to the left on thecrest. In order for visitors torecognise the site, a new Cairnhas been built on the road nearthe minefield, outside whichthe cross and tributes lie. Just amile further down the roadtowards Stanley, we alsostopped at the site of the ScotsGuards diversionary attack,prior to the main attack onTumbledown on the night ofthe 13th June. This is whereD/Sgt Danny Wight and L/CplPashley R.E. died attackingArgentine trenches. We thenwith our local guides, went tothe top of Mount Harriet, whenduring the night attack, L/sgt

Mahoney and his Milan Team,Kevin Sincock, helped out 42Commando in taking outArgentine strong points duringtheir attack. We then made avery poignant trip to the top ofMount Tumbledown, whereRon Mackenzie, (RSM 2 S.G.) in1982, talked us through theattack. Ron ably supported byus all, read the Scots GuardsCollect and laid a tribute at thecross on the crest of MountTumbledown. A very movingexperience.

A day later we then held aService at the Welsh GuardsMemorial at Fitzroy, on theheadland overlooking the sitewhere the Sir Galahad and SirTristram were bombed on 8thJune 1982. Equally as the dayprevious, a very emotional

“Contrary to popular belief by some media operatives,The Welsh Guards did play a further part in 1982 after theSir Galahad was bombed on 8th June.”

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experience. Three of thosepresent had been injured andas a result, casualty evacuatedafter that fateful air attack.(several others took place afterthe ships were hit). Threeothers had also been on theship and luckily escapeduninjured. The wind wasblowing at 75 miles an hourwhich unfortunately preventedus launching the boat to takeus over the site to lay a wreath.Not to be deterred, TheReverend Richard Hines,Stanley Cathedral, conducted aservice at the memorial. BenParry read the Roll of Honourand Andy Brinkworth laid theWreath. As well as the 10Pilgrims present were, CarolGreen and her husband Phil,

sister of Gdsm Paul Green whowas killed on the ship. TheManager of Liberty Lodge,Ellen Davis, also Tim and JanMiller, great friends, hosts andsupporters of all WelshGuardsmen who havereturned in the past fifteenyears or so to the Islands.

On the morning of 14th June1982, the rest of the Battalion,supported by two Companiesof 40 Commando, carried out aheli-borne assault on SapperHill, shortly after which waswhen the Argentine forcescapitulated and the surrenderannounced.

We also, during the Pilgrimagemanaged to visit theInternment Site for all our Killed

in Action during the conflict, atTeal Inlet. We also managed tovisit Sapper Hill, MountLongdon, The HMS GlamorganMemorial near Gypsy Cove andthe Penguin wildlife sanctuaryat North Shore. The 1982Memorial In Port Stanley andhad a very moving visit to theGarden of Remembrancewhere there is a tree plantedwith the name of every personkilled in 1982.

All ten of us were hosted by theGovernor, His Excellency NigelHaywood at GovernmentHouse, and also generouslywined and dined at Tim andJan Miller’s house, (where wesang for our supper), and thefollowing night again at Ianand Sheila Stewart’s house. Atthe Miller’s House we formedthe 8 plus 2 Club, (82). EightTaffs, a Jock and a Matelot!Agreed to meet every yearfrom henceforth, and RonMacKenzie duly elected as firstchair. As it was formed in Timand Jan Miller’s house, we alsomade them honorarymembers.

Having been involved inorganising and assisting manypilgrimages for veterans andsome family members, of allthe trips that I have made

Ron MacKenzie

South, apart from my own firstpilgrimage, I would without adoubt say that this to me wasthe most beneficial. I amcertain none of us had notlaughed, yes cried, nor felt soclose to each other, since we allleft the services. All the firsttime “returnees” wereextremely moved by theirexperiences, all delighted tomeet with, socialise with andexperience at first hand exactlyhow the Islanders themselvesfelt. This, in turn helped themunderstand exactly what theyhad gone through. To see whathas transpired since 1982, tofeel the sorrow, gratitude andtotal togetherness from theIslanders themselves, I amcertain has helped everyone ofthose present. They now allwant to go back again, allmade new friends during theirtrip and I am certain, are allbetter able to deal with theirown “issues” from 1982. Theyare now also far moreknowledgeable as to what theytook part in, during theFalklands War.

The importance of such visitscannot be over emphasised,the benefits of which everyonewho has been will testify to.More than a number ofmembers of the Task Force of1982 are still experiencingproblems in coming to termswith their experiences. We stillhave many veterans calling onthe expertise of Combat Stressand other Service Charities forhelp, and in the main, this isnot purely financial. We arevery grateful for the ContinuedSupport received from theArmy Benevolent Fund (TheSoldier’s Charity), and otherService Charities. We wouldalso like to thank the WelshGuards Benevolent Fund whoalso assisted in making this tripthe tremendous success that itwas. Thank you.Service at Fitzroy

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OUT OF AFRICA COMES A MULTI-FACETED DIAMOND

Upon leaving, he went to workfor Great Western Railways atCardiff for three years beforeenlisting in 1st Battalion WelshGuards in July 1948.

George, it must be said worecaps, hats, beret and kepis ofvarying shapes and sizesthroughout his military careerthat even James Lock & Sonwould be hard pressed to keeptrack of. Welsh Guards,Rhodesian and Nvasaland StaffCorps, 6th (Independent)Company Rhodesia Regiment,2nd South African InfantryBattle Group, 701 BattalionSouth West Africa DefenceForce and Special DutiesWitwatersrand Command,South African Defence Force!Oh, and 14th Int!! Bare headedthere, mind you.

George has more gongs on hischest than my brother Sylvest-(can any of us match him?):

British GSM clasp NI, SouthArabia, Borneo,commendation LSGG.

PJM (Malasia) DMM (RhodesiaGSM (Rhodesia)

Zimbabwe IndependenceMedal, South African GSM,Internal Ops & External Ops,South African – oh bother it,my hands got cramp! He hasmore variety than Heinz – andthey were established in 1869.

George has written a reallyinteresting account of his lifeserving King, Queen andcountry which will be producedin full in Welsh Guards centenaryrugby book. I hope this articleand assorted photographs whetyour appetite.

OUT OF AFRICA COMES AMULTI-FACETED DIAMOND

Chris Beynon

George Morgan began his long and interesting life on14th January 1931. He was born in Roath, Cardiff and

was educated at Roath Park Boys School.

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The newly formed 1st Battaliontrained there between Marchand June 1915 and theRegiment’s Training Battalionmoved to Sandown Park inJune 1940 where it was baseduntil August 1946.

After surviving one of thestrictest basic training regimesin the Army at the GuardsDepot, Caterham recruitsbecame Guardsmen andentered a new world. Freedom

was one major differencebetween Caterham andSandown Park, especiallyfreedom to walk out into Esheror Kingston, a luxury rarelyenjoyed in the Depot whereattempts to “walk out” veryoften resulted in staying inafter being thwarted by theSergeant of the Guards at themain gate.

Training facilities at SandownPark were limited as a

distinguished WelshGuardsman, Sir Carol Matheronce said, “Apart from awooded knoll there was nogreen grass at all except that ofthe racecourse itself which wasflat as a pancake.” But Pirbrightand Bisley were near wherenew Guardsmen daily fired LeeEnfield rifles and Bren Guns,threw grenades and came toterms with a projector Anti-tank weapon, the PIAT whichhad a kick like a mule.

There was no assault coursebut field training took placewhere horses once ran and themen slept in stables and totebuildings and drilled on the carpark. It was a military version

of finishing school and aftertraining Guardsmen joinedone of the three ServiceBattalions.

Local houses wererequisitioned for some of themen and also a platoon of theAuxiliary Territorial Army (ATS),twenty women who carriedout administrative dutiesunder the command of aSergeant. They wore the Leekon their uniforms and becamepart of the family.

Among the many greatcharacters who served therewas Joseph William Isaacs,known as Joe in the family andIke in the Regiment. He wasborn in Abertillery, Monmouth

THE ARTIST AND THE MASTER COOKRoy Lewis

Racing and the Welsh Guards have close links andparticularly with one of the country’s most famous

courses, Sandown Park in Esher.

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in 1903. After working in alocal colliery he sought a betterlife and joined the WelshGuards in 1923, Regimentalnumber 2731610. He served inthe 1st Battalion at home andin Egypt and in 1938 qualifiedas a Master Cook Class 1.

He served in WellingtonBarracks at the same time ofthe Coronation of King GeorgeV1 and his son Ray recalls himsaying he received theCoronation Medal “inrecognition of the number ofeggs I cooked to feed theexceptional number of troopsin the Barracks.” Rayremembers being on the roofof the Officers Mess and seeingthe Mounted Regiments or theIndian Army forming up to jointhe Coronation procession.

After a brief spell in the newlyformed 2nd Battalion heserved in the Training Battalionin October 1939 until hisdischarge in October 1945, alegend in lifetime and oneprivileged to have his portraitpainted by one of the nationgreatest artists who was killedserving in the 2nd Battalion inNormandy.

Rex Whistler, a famous painterof murals, books illustrator andstage designer was aged 35when he volunteered forservice in 1940 and wascommissioned into theRegiment. Everywhere he wasstationed he painted andwhen the Guards ArmouredDivision was formed hedesigned the Divisional signwhich was based on the “Eye”which the Guards Division of1915-18 had worn.

Whilst at Sandown Park RexWhistler painted two portraits,one of fellow Officer JockLewes a founder member ofthe SAS who was killed in the

December 1941 in the MiddleEast and Sergeant Isaacs theTraining Battalion Master Cook.The portrait of Sergeant Isaacshangs in RegimentalHeadquarters and there is acopy in the Guards Museum inWellington Barracks. Accordingto Ray Isaacs when his fatherserved overseas he lost the topjoin of his finger when mincingmeat which seems to berestored in the portrait.

He was one of many greatcharacters of his time and wasat Sandown Park whentragedy struck in nearby ImberCourt on Sunday 30th June1944. In the midst of sports dayat the Metropolitan Policeground a V1 flying bomblanded and killed twenty andwounding more. EighteenWelsh Guardsmen, one ArmyPhysical Corps NCO and aprivate in the ATS lost theirlives.

Ray Isaacs is a very loyalAssociate Member of theLondon Branch of the WelshGuards Association and it iseasy to see why. His father wasactive in the branch after hisretirement and was present atSandown Park in November1946 when the Colonel of TheRegiment, The Earl of GowrieVC, unveiled a plaquecommemorating theoccupation of the 1st Battalionin the Great War and theTraining Battalion in thesecond.

Joe Isaacs worked in thecatering trade after completing22 years in the Regiment buthis retirement was sadly cutshort when he died aged 52.The portrait of him keeps hismemory alive and thanks to hisson Ray his story has nowbeen told.

LE CHEMIN DE LA LIBERTÉ- following one of the hardest wartimeescape routes across the centralPyrenees into northern Spain

Paul de Zulueta

Sixty years on, almost to theday, my younger son, Hughie,and I stood at the marble crossmarking the spot where Louiswas murdered. By then we hadwalked for just three hours and14 kilometres along the ‘Chemin de la Liberte’ fromFrance to Spain. As I gulpedsome water, Hughie lingered atthe memorial lost in thought.He was the same age as Louishad been at his death.

The Chemin de la Liberté, isone of several escape routesfrom France to Spain and, atGrade Five difficulty, its mosttaxing. The trail runs from thebridge over the Salut river inSaint-Girons (100kms south ofToulouse) to Esterri d’Aneu inSpain. The escape route is justover 50 miles, 35 hours ofstrenuous plodding, starting ata height of 1290 ft and

climbing to over 8000 ft withan unnerving number ofascents and descents eachday. Over the course of the War,there were some 35,000successful escapes across thePyrenees by French men andwomen alone; and around6,000 by Allied servicemen –mostly aircrew. But of these,only 782 escaped over themountains of the Ariège – theChemin de la Liberté, a fact thatbears witness to its difficulty.

The “good escapee” says the1944 document Tips forescapers and evaders “is theman who keeps himself fit,cheerful and comfortable; aman with sound commonsense, and above all a man ofgreat determination.”I couldnot recall any such descriptionfrom my army confidentialreports. And I began to

On the night of 12th September 1943, a 19 year oldmountain guide and ‘passeur’, Louis Barreau, was

betrayed by French collaborators - ‘La Milice’. Surroundedby German troops in an isolated barn, now ablaze, abovethe village of Sentenac-d’oust, he dashed for safetytowards the Bois de Plantach. Louis Barreau was cut downbefore he made 50 metres.

The author and son at the Col de Pecouch, the Spanish frontier immediately behind them

wonder about my motivationfor such an arduous journey.The Welsh Guards had givenme the priceless gift offriendship and a lastingaffection for ‘adventuroustraining’ ever since a failedattempt to complete the ‘hauteroute’ across the Alps in thespring of 1978. The eveningswere also beginning to draw inon that wonderful ceremonyof innocence of carefreeholidays with my two sons, theelder now hard at work in theCity; the younger, mycompanion on this journey,now in his penultimate year atuniversity. I was touched hefelt the same.

And so we completed the firstday from Saint Girons to themanned refuge hut at Aunac –23 kilometres and ten hours ofmeandering paths, a compassbearing here and there, alonged for lunch of salami andstrong Pyrenean cheese at thevillage of Alos with its “lavoir”of ice cold water to replace thefive litres we had drunkbetween us before lunch.

I remember that night gettinginto my goosedown filledsleeping bag, headtorch on,reading Rosemary Bartlett’sbiography of Tolstoy, aminiature bottle of Lagavulin –cask strength – jostling forattention to my side andthinking it is life’s contraststhat give it such joy.

September 1943. We tried notto lose sight of what it musthave been like for an escapeethen. Wearing espadrilles, atatty suit, maybe an overcoatstuffed with a few sausagesand cheese, but little else tosustain them. Hughie and Iwere‘ Northfaced up’, a toastyrefuge hut to look forward tomost evenings, a chef to rustleup a warming stew, and littleprospect of being ambushedby a patrol from SS Das Reich. Itried also not to forget the 102 ‘passeurs’, men like LouisBarreau who acted as guideson the escape routes whowere either shot out of hand,or met an even grimmer end ina Nazi concentration camp.Their names included Louis’s

father, Norbert Barreau andLouis’s uncle, Jean. The nameBarreau remains revered in theAriege region.

At first glance, the second dayfrom Aunac to La Cabane deSubera with just 16 kilometresto walk seemed relativelytrifling. But the geology of theAriège region of the Pyrenees,dominated by jaggedlimestone rocks,Mediterranean vegetation, thegrass sharp to the touch,makes for hard going. Theweather the week before hadnot been kind and the pathbecame steep and sticky,climbing up 2,000ft to the Colde la Core, down a fewhundred feet then up again tothe Col de Soulard (5,210ft).From there, It was a steepishdescent to the refuge at LaCabane de Subera (4,946ft) –our billet for the second night.The Cabane has no wardenand we had rather hoped forsolitude, but found ourselvessharing the manky bunk bedswith five Frenchmen who werethere until the snow arrived inearly October ‘refurbishing’ thehut. After a few skirmishes inour O level French, we lapsedinto a few desultory handsignals. Sleep should havecome easily but, for me, itrarely does above 5,000ft, nothelped by one of theFrenchmen, Algerian inappearance, who got up everytwo hours to make himself acup of tea.

We started day three unrestedand a little anxious. We onlyhad eight miles to walk butwith two climbs of just under

3,000ft. But at least the dayseemed set fair. The mountainponies of the Merens breed,sturdy and Jet black, and solegend has it, used as packhorses during Napoleon’smarch on Moscow in 1812,roamed the upper slopes of thePic de Lampau; vultures, kites,eagles and buzzards with theirplaintive ‘pee-weeeee’ soundswept above us.

After two hours climbing, wecame across the wreckage of afour-engined Halifax bomberwhich crashed here during thelast days of the War. A stoneplaque in memory of Flight-Sergeant Donald Thorne andsix other crew members markstheir final resting place – acommemorative wreath offading poppies placed in 2004by former members of 644Squadron – tied to the plaque. Ifelt both proud andinexpressibly sad and thoughtof the final scene of BlackadderGoes Forth and LieutenantGeorge’s request for“permission for lower lip towobble, sir”.

At around 1pm we made it tothe Col de Craberous at 8,000ft.Swivel-eyed marmots sittingbolt upright on the bouldersleading up to the Col observedour progress. I rememberremarking to my son, Hughie,“Well, we’ve broken the back ofthis little jaunt”. In myexperience such a sentiment isalways a precursor to a sharpreversal in fortune. In mycomplacency, lolling under thecornflower blue sky, I lookedacross to the Col de Pécouchand reckoned we had justthree hours walking until ourarrival at the Refuge desEstagnous, one of the morewell-appointed huts in the

The author passing the crashed remains of a Halifax bomber'

70 OTHER ARTICLES


“I felt both proud and inexpressibly sad and thought of thefinal scene of Blackadder Goes Forth and Lieutenant George’s

request for “permission for lower lip to wobble, sir”.

Pyrenees, with not one, buttwo chefs. I forgot all I hadbeen taught, failed even totake a compass bearing, andtoddled off barely casting abackwards glance at the cloudsrolling in from the Vallée deBethmale below.

The afternoon unravelled. Wetook what I thought was thequicker route to the base of MtValier’s peak, now cloaked inheavy cloud and mist, then atraverse for 50 minutes to theCol de Pecouch marked bynavigation cairns. But once youmiss one cairn, you are likely tomiss the lot and the mind soonbegins to play games,imaginary routes appearinghere and there, all rationalthought slipping quickly away.

Some four and a half hourslater, I said to Hughie, as calmand steadfast a companion asone could hope to have, “look,I’m sorry, I really haven’t muchof a clue where we are, cock-upcity Idaho beckons, we’d bettertry and make our way back towhere we had lunch.” Helooked concerned and touchedmy face affectionately with hisleft hand. “I think you’re rightdad, you do look pooped.”

Retracing your steps. Easilysaid; never easily done in life.Stumbling across scree andsnow, my boots so sure footedin the Chilterns now likedancing pumps, we shuffleddown Mt Valier’s north face,giving each other quiet wordsof encouragement from timeto time. We got back to theRefuge des Espugues, wherewe’d had lunch, at 7pm, twoMars bars and a bag of nutsbetween us but, fortunately,plenty of water from thesource at the refuge. Theshepherdess, living and

working in the hut from May toOctober, viewed me with tireddisdain but was good enoughto give us a bowl of steamingrice before we rolled into oursleeping bags. I slept fitfully,beating myself up over such arooky error of judgement, atorchlight procession of ‘whatifs’ running through my mind.

The next morning the fineweather had returned, and theviews and route to the Col dePécouch pixel sharp. But theday before had worn us bothout, and all that we couldmanage was to climb to the Colde Pécouch and clamber downto the Refuge des Estagnous.We were now just three hoursfrom the Spanish frontier to thesouth. It must have been anuplifting moment for those 782who escaped this way duringthe War, weary to the point ofcollapse, ravenous withhunger, but Churchill’s ‘broad,sunlit uplands’, within theirgrasp.

We tucked into a lunch of pate,cheese and salami with an ‘icecold in Alex’ beer. Within halfan hour we had slipped into Vald’Isère mode, basking in theearly autumn sun. With atwinge of guilt I remarked toHughie,

“It’s still a beautiful day, we’vegot five hours left of sunlight,shall we press on, back fordinner by 7, I would havethought?”

Hughie raised an eyebrow,smiled and carried on readinghis book.

“Well, it was just an idea,” I said.

The next morning was our finalchance to make it to thefrontier. It was raining hardand we could barely see tenfeet in front of us. I chose to

Look what's behind you! the author oblivious to an impending reversal of fortune'

Navigation cairns, what navigation cairns!

ignore the French guidestanding next to me.

“Rassurez-vous, il sera clair ausommet.”

Clear at the summit it may havebeen, but I reminded myselfthat goals in life, thoughimportant as an aiming mark,often reveal an unconsciouswider purpose. We decided tobegin the three and a half hourdescent to the pre- arrangedpick up at the Aire d’acquel,content that we had shared anexperience whose memorywould endure.

There remained someunfinished business: theMichelin One Star restaurant inSaint Girons. We chose the 35Euro menu: gateau de fois

gras, boeuf de Chalosse,chariot des fromages; and theArmagnac soufflé. Towards theend of dinner, I said to Hughie,

“Promise me you’ll have a crackat this again when you are 57,with one of your children, Godwilling?

His face wore a somewhatquizzical almost mocking air.

“Papa, I rather hoped at 57 Iwould be on my yachtsomewhere in the southernPeloponnese, you’ll be 94 thenand I hope still with us,whiskey sour in hand.”

We smiled and raised ourglasses to one another as thewaiter wheeled in theArmagnac soufflé.

OTHER ARTICLES 71


72 OTHER ARTICLES


The cornet belongs to PaulGratrix, from Swansea. Johncontacted the BBC whoforwarded his query to Paul Gratrix:

And the story unfolds:

Paul writes:

The story starts when I was 14(22 years ago). I was a tubaplayer (and still am) anddiscovered the cornet for salein a flea market. It was withoutcase, dented and black all over.I purchased it as I wascollecting musical instruments.When I arrived home I cleanedthe cornet to discover thefollowing inscriptions:

"This cornet was presented tothe Welsh Guards by H.R.H. ThePrince of Wales and used inFrance during “The Great War"the front of the cornet says :WG. 1. 1916.

‘History of the Welsh Guards’,by Dudley Ward.

The King had approved (19thMarch 1915) of the King’sColour, The Regimental Colourand the eight CompanyColours. He also conferred afurther distinction on theRegiment by sanctioning thetitle of ‘The Prince of Wales’Company, for the leadingcompany of the 1st Battalion.”

** According to the RoyalArchives, it is thought that theCornet was presented by HRHThe Prince of Wales to theWelsh Guards in France in1916,to mark the naming ofThe Prince of Wales Company.

The valves are individuallynumbered 13, 14 and 15 whichindicates that it must havebelonged to one person.I have always been interestedin finding out who this cornetbelonged to and would hopethis could be made possible.

It was an amazing coincidencethat when I found the cornet I was already planning a careerin the Welsh Guards as abandsman! I applied to joinwhen I completed my GCSEresults and was told thatbecause they were goodresults I should consider A-levels. I took this advice and didA-levels. Having passed these Ireturned to "Sign up" and wastold to consider doing a degreeand that with a degree I couldenter as an Officer and wouldstart on a higher wage. I againtook this advice andsuccessfully won a place at theRoyal College of Music to study.

On completion of my degree (5years) I returned once again tosign up to the Guards. As I wasabout to sign up to the Guards

the recruitment officer told methat I would go to Kneller Hallfor my training and start onbottom rank. I questioned thisand explained about mydegree but was told I could goin as an Officer with a degreein anything except abandsman and I would have tostart at the bottom.

As you can imagine this was abit of a shock and when Iexplained this to my father hestated that he would notentertain the idea of me joiningon bottom rank as he had paidso much money to keep me atuniversity. It was with greatsadness that I was forced tochoose a different career. The

cornet has a lot of sentimentalvalue to me as I have had it inmy possession for 22 years.

I am willing to loan theinstrument to RegimentalHeadquarters Welsh Guardsfor on the understanding thatat any time I wish to have thecornet back it will be returnedto me.

I understand the importanceof the instrument in relation tothe history of the Welsh Guardsand the anniversary year.

Paul Gratrix

(Our thanks to John Tipton,Paul Gratrix and Nick Farr forinforming us about this partof The Welsh Guards History.)

THE WELSH GUARDS 1916 CORNETJeff Heenan. (Hon. Secretary London Branch)

In December 2012, John Tipton and his wife Betty, (John'sfather was in the Welsh Guards and John and Betty have

been Associate Members of the London Branch WelshGuards Association for over 30 years) saw a BBC AntiquesRoadshow, which showed a musical instrument called acornet which had been presented to the Welsh Guards byHRH The Prince of Wales in 1916, and used in Franceduring the Great War.

OTHER ARTICLES 73


Sadly during the last year wehave lost our 2 remainingwartime members, LionelGowen and Glan Hughes,Lionel served at the end of thewar in Belgium and thenPalestine. Glan joined theWelsh Guards in 1945 butremained in the UK as a driver -we miss them very much.

The Branch has three veryactive officers: Howard Main,Ken Haines and John Hooper.During the past year we haveorganised two very wellsubscribed days’ out - the firstbeing to Parliament in Junefollowed by our now annualtrip to Imber Court. The Londontrip was a most interesting dayand a great experience for all,but be warned - from the GreatHall of Westminster to join thewalking tour there are anumber of steps to climb,rather a hard pull for some ofour older members. It was abeautiful warm evening whenwe set out to return home -then as we entered CheneyWalk Chelsea we stopped -andone hour later we were still inCheney Walk, totally snarled upin the chaos that is Londontraffic. It took a bit off the edgeof the day as our supperarrangements at the SallyPusey pub in Wotton Basset atjunction 16 had to becancelled. (It is worth noting byany Branches on the M4 thatthe Sally Pusey is well worth avisit, £8 for a carvery meal -enough for a Guardsman!)

Our annual trip to Imber waswell supported with about 30members attending. Duringour visit were again remindedof the dreadful events of thethat faithful and the grave lossof life that occurred by woefulhappenstance. It is so sad tothink of those fine young menand the sacrifice they made in1944, now very much part ofWelsh Guards history.

We also never forget our littleceremony in YnysangharadPark to honour the six lads ofthe town who fell in theFalklands war, once again themembers turned out withladies in style for our lads.

We had a most interestingaddress from Captain MarkAdams, the PSAO of the RoyalWelsh at the Broadway TAcentre. He told of one of hiswinter tours in Bosnia and theproblems to overcome in thatbenighted part of the world,the cold being just one ofthem. .As a young soldierduring a tour of SneakeyBeakies in Northern Ireland,Corporal Adams as he wasthen, received a Military Medalfor his efforts there. Our nextevent will be an address byCatrin Collier our most famousauthor from the town andwhose father served aswartime Welsh Guardsman;we look forward to it greatly.

SOME ACTIVITIES OF THE EASTGLAMORGAN BRANCH DURING 2013

Robert Kennelly (Associate member East Glamorgan Branch)

Great Hall at Westminster

Capt. Mark Adams MM. PSAO C Comp 3 Royal Welsh Pontypridd

Falklands Memorial, Ynysangharad Park

The East Glamorgan Branch continues to be a successwith an average of 12 members attending every

month. In this we a blessed by having the facility of theGelliwasted Club in the middle of the town and a verycosy assembly room given over to our Branch.

“He told of one of his winter tours inBosnia and the problems to overcome inthat benighted part of the world, the coldbeing just one of them.”

Before the season had actuallystarted we were hosts to thevery popular BBC series“Antiques Road Trip” Theprogramme in its seventhseries revolves around twoAntique experts travellingaround the Country in classiccars aiming to buy the bestbargains from a £300 startergiven to each. At the end ofeach program their purchasesare included in a local auctionto see who can make the mostprofit. Whilst they travelaround the Country they dropin on local activities andattractions. On the 22nd ofFebruary we were visited by

the BBC camera crew and allthat goes with it including thevery popular expert ThomasPlant arriving in a 1960`sTriumph open top sports cardispite all the rain. We werefilming for four and a halfhours for a clip on theprogramme that will probablylast six or seven minutes. (Wellthat`s showbiz?) The BBC teamsaid “it was probable in thewhole previous six series thatthe Welsh Guards Collectionwas up there with the bestthey had filmed and hadenjoyed the whole experienceimmensely. The show will beaired later on in the year. Look

THE WELSH GUARDS COLLECTIONEstablished 1995President: Brigadier J F Rickett CBEChairman: Colonel T C S BonasTreasurer: Mr J O WilliamsSecretary: RQMS D BrownCurator: Mr S T Evans, Cartref ni, 44 Crossfield Avenue,

Over, Winsford, Cheshire, CW7 1EG Telepnone: 01606 593953 E mail: [email protected]

THE WELSH GUARDS COLLECTION


74 THE WELSH GUARDS COLLECTION

out for Thomas doing a stag!

Our season really gets going atEaster weekend but as you willrecall the whole Country wasflooded out and Park Hall wasno exception to the constantdownpour and howling windswhich saw fewer visitors thannormal. It was as thoughEaster had been cancelled. Stillon the positive side it did giveus a little more time to do them“behind the scenes jobs”polishing cleaning and displayrotation , we like the display tolook as fresh as possible. Toadd to our worries we are verymuch down on our “front ofcounter staff” who assist ourvisitors whilst they enjoy the

experience.

Through natural wastage, age,ill health other commitmentsetc, we have lost two morestaff this year. Our BuildingServices Manager GrahamBinnie has not enjoyed the bestof health this last year andattends regular visits to thehospital and Specialists.Graham tells me he can seesome light at the end of thetunnel and hopes to be back tohis “old self” sooner rather thanlater. Our Treasurer JohnWilliams has taken over theimmense task of Sectretary /Treasurer of the Montgomery /Shropshire branch of the WelshGuards Association He is also

As I reflect over the past months since our last editorial I begin to realise what a topsy turvy season

it has been.

Thomas Plant with Stan Evans Shrewsbury branch of the KSLI and their Ladies

MDO Charles Singleton, Stan Evans and Mathew Lucas

THE WELSH GUARDS COLLECTION 75

one of the founder members ofthe Oswestry Town Museumwhich is also a very demandingjob as you would expect in itsinfancy. Our very best wishes tothem both. At this point I wouldlike to thank two members ofour team who are not Ex WelshGuardsmen but wanted to helpout, Dan Powell from Park Hallwho is ex Royal Tank Regimentand Albert Barkley anotherlocal man who served with theKings Shropshire Light Infantry.Had it not been for these twoguys we would have had toclose for two days every week.To every one who helps out nomatter how great or small wecould not survive without yourinput. My personal thanks goesout to you again. We have anew MDO (Museumsdevelopment Officer) for thenext year or so CharlesSingleton and is doing his bestto try to recruit volunteers fromthe public centre. If you thinkyou could spare the odd day tohelp out I would very muchappreciate your joining us.

On a far brighter note artefactsare coming in at an amazingrate, almost every monthvisitors will bring items in andon some occasions they haveno Welsh Guards Connectionsat all.Also we must thank allthose kind people who give us

financial support, On thisoccasion I would like to thankthe members of the BangorSub Branch WGA for theunexpected donation wereceived last June. It was amassive gesture from such asmall body of men and anespecial thanks to “DaiMoggs”for making it possible.

To assist in the productionof100 year book tocommemorate the formationand celebration of the WelshGuards 100th Birthday, BrianJohn has been working alongwith Mark Jenkins( ex Adjutant1WG) who visited us in Marchin supplying hundreds ofphotographs portraying ourexistence over the past 98years to Mr Gareth Lewis toprofessionally scan thesephotographs to be digitisedlater for inclusion in the book.This has been a massive job forBrian but he has carried it outin his usual meticulousmanner. Well done Brian I hopeyou get the recognition youdeserve.

On that same day we had avisit by the Shrewsbury branchof the KSLI and their Ladies andon that day Albert was on duty

so it was extra special or himand his band of brothers.

Being a Cardiff boy myself itwas particularly pleasant forme to welcome on 21stSeptember Secretary TonyO`Shea and 15 members of theCardiff Branch Welsh Guards.Talking of days as a youngsterparticularly Canton,Grangetown and Ely and ofcourse once or twicementioning my beloved“Bluebirds” back where theybelong in the premiership.

As we look forward to the nexttwo years and what they meanto us, the outbreak of the 1stWW in August 1914 and then ofcourse our formation inFebruary 1915 a special displayis a must for this once in alifetime event. We have beenextremely fortunate andprivileged to take delivery ofone of the biggest privatecollections of genuineauthentic uniforms weaponsand artefacts relating to the1st WW in the Country.The”Mathew Lucas Collection”is the result of 36 years ofcompulsive dedication inuncovering and safeguardingthese treasures for the likes of

us to enjoy.

We made an exception to ourloaning in policy on this oneoccasion and Mathew hasallowed us at the WGC todisplay these treasures for thefollowing two years. I can`tthank Mathew as much as hedeserves but you can bymaking the effort to visit usand see them. Mathew fromLeamington Spa is picturedwith MDO Charles Singletonboth members of the “WesternFront Society” We are alsoworking with “Firing Line” Thehistory of the Welsh Soldier andthe National Army Museum atCardiff Castle from the earlymonths of next year. Our hostat Park Hall has once againcome to our rescue and havegiven us another building tohouse this unique display.Thanks again to Mr MartynHughes and his fellowDirectors at the Countrysideexperience.

Once again if you feel you wouldlike to get involved with any ofthese activities I am always atthe end of a telephone.

Regards, Stan 67

Members of the Cardiff Branch

“To every one who helps out no matter how great or small wecould not survive without your input.”

BRANCH REPORTS


WELSH GUARDS ASSOCATION

President: Colonel T C C BonasVice Presidents: Brigadier J F C Rickett CBE

R Lewis Esq.Treasurer: Major K OultramSecretary General: B Keane Esq.

Maindy Barracks, Whitchurch Road, Cardiff CF14 3YE

Telephone: 029 2078 1342E-mail: [email protected]

Since the Regiment has returned from active duty inAfghanistan they have been tremendously busy on the

home front with Freedom Marches, Trooping the Colourand numerous other high profile activities. There has alsobeen a healthy contact between the serving and non-serving parts of the Regiment, and we can thank theCommanding Officer for taking the lead.

This year, for the first time inmany years, there will be avisible presence from theBattalion at several Freedomtowns on Remembrance Day,which will be very muchappreciated by Associationmembers. We also hope thatOfficers will support theiraffiliated Branch functionswhen requested since thisgoes a long way inencouraging the youngergeneration to attend. Branchcommittees work extremelyhard in arranging these events,and such attendances helps toboost their morale.

Once again the Association wasinvited to celebrate St David’s Dayat the Cavalry BarracksHounslow. This is always a specialtime, to meet young Guardsmenand their families, and to helpbridge the gap between thegenerations. Hopefully theAssociation will be turning out inforce again in 2014.

Next year the Association isplanning to hold a BattlefieldTour incorporating Hechtel,which it has done for manyyears in the past. InSeptember 1944, the WelshGuards captured Hechtel fromthe Germans, and ever sincethe local people have held anannual service ofremembrance, and to givethanks to the Welsh Guards.

In 2015 we celebrate 100 yearssince the formation of theRegiment and plans arealready in hand. It will be afantastic year incorporatingPresentation of New Colours,the Troop, Regimental Dinnersand many other events. ARegimental Battlefield Tour willalso take place, visitingbattlegrounds of WW1 andWW2. It is going to be a busytime, and chance for us all tocelebrate together.

Finally let us not forget why wehave an Association – it was

CARDIFF BRANCH(Founded 1919)

President: Colonel C J DawnayChairman: David W Parry (22831847)Treasurer: Alex Webb (22370877)Secretary: Terry O’Shea (24047142)

43 Pwll Evan DduCoityBridgend, CF35 6AY

Telephone: 01656 655889E-mail: [email protected]

The year started with the January Parade by theBattalion in Cardiff, which was enjoyed by all, and we

would like to thank the Battalion for inviting us to jointheir day. It was the best of starts to 2013.

February: The Ladies nightDinner had to be cancelled atshort notice due to anunusually high number ofmembers being affected byillness, the knock on effect ofwhich resulted in the AnnualDraw having to be held at theearliest available datefollowing the cancellation. Thedraw, held at the UnitedServices Mess on Monday 4thMarch was a great success -thanks in the main to theefforts of Mrs Boston and herteam of helpers who put on anexcellent buffet which wasenjoyed by all.

St. David's Day, as guests of theBattalion was a mostpleasurable one, and we thank

created for you, with one of theaims being:

‘To maintain connectionbetween past and servingmembers of the Welsh Guardsand promote their mutualinterest and the welfare of the

Regiment generally and also tohelp those in difficultyfinancially or health-wise”

Please support your localBranch, they are there for YOU.

Brian Keane Secretary GeneralE-mail: [email protected]

them for making it possible forus to join them at Hounslow.

It seems that the Battalion hastaken the lead in high profilenational events this year, on ascale like never before.Members have been greatlyimpressed by the outstandingprofessionalism displayednationally and broadcastaround the world. “We are veryproud of your success andwish to offer ourcongratulations for all yourhard work in achieving suchhigh standards in the shorttime from operational toceremonial”.

25th August saw the start ofthe Walk on Wales charity eventfrom Cardiff Bay, where we

76 BRANCH REPORTS

EAST GLAMORGAN BRANCH(Formed 1920)

President: Lt. Col. D C Macdonald-MilnerChairman: Howard Main (23577106)Treasurer: W John HooperSecretary: Ken Haines (23523287)

Trevone, Duffryn RoadRhydfelinPontypridd CF39 5RU

Telephone: 01443 492316

The year began with the Branch celebrating St David’sDay with the Battalion at Hounslow. Everything went

without a hitch, and we all agreed that this was the bestone ever.

Early in the year we lost twovery good Associationmembers when Glan Hughesand Lionel Gowen passedaway. They will be sadly missedand our thoughts andcondolences go out to theirfamilies.

The biggest event in our areathis year was when theRegiment was given theFreedom of Rhondda CynonTaf. There was a massive

turnout by Associationmembers in and around thesurrounding areas as well as thepeople of Pontypridd andRhondda valleys. Sadly, the localtelevision companies did notthink it worthwhile to report onthe day, except for a fleetingimage on the news.

Next on the agenda was ourannual jaunt across the SevernBridge to Paignton, where we allenjoyed a wonderful few days.

In May, a barbeque wasorganized by Associatemembers, which again wasextremely successful resultingin a great night being enjoyedby all. Our thanks must go toTerry, Steve, Peter and ‘Big Al’for all their hard work.

Next was a trip to the Houses ofParliament. The trip itself wasgreat but the journey backhorrendous. The coach leftLondon at 6 pm and due to thevolume of traffic (which wasbumper to bumper) did notarrive back in Pontypridd untilalmost 1am the followingmorning. I suppose this couldbe called an ‘unforgettablejourney!!

(A report on the trip can befound in the magazine writtenby Bob Kennelly.)

A few of the Branch went to theMillennium Stadium to watchthe Battalion play rugby in theSir Tasker Watkins ChallengeCup against the Royal Welsh.Unfortunately the run of the ballwasn’t with us on the day, but a

good match nevertheless.

Imber Court this year was yetanother successful day with avery good turnout from theBranch. On our return wevisited the Falkland Chapel atPangbourne. Even though wedidn’t have time to stay verylong, the staff looked after usextremely well. After leavingPangbourne we travelled toWooten Bassett for a meal (onewe missed on our return fromthe Houses of Parliamentearlier in the year due to traffichold-ups!)

We now look forward to thedelayed “Darts and Shootingcompetition” since we have todefend our last year’s winningtitle. We are all keeping ourfingers crossed that the roof onthe Sergeants’ Mess will soonbe repaired.

Finally a huge vote of thanks toeveryone at Maindy Barracksfor all the help and supportthey have given us over the lastyear, it is very muchappreciated.

BRANCH REPORTS 77

WELSH GUARDS REGIMENTAL MAGAZINE BRANCH REPORTS

were able to join with thecrowd of well- wishers to givethem a good send off.

In September a group ofmembers visited The WelshGuards Collection at Oswestrywhere we were given anexcellent tour and talk by theCurator, Mr Stan Evans (67). Thegroup thoroughly enjoyed thevisit, and would highlyrecommend the trip to others.

On our return journey westopped at the Prince of WalesPub in Ross-on-Wye, to roundoff our day with an excellentmeal.

October saw the cancellationof our Branch Dinner, thedelayed Darts and Shootingcompetition at MaindyBarracks and also theannouncement that the Branch

Ladies Night Dinner scheduledfor the end of November wouldnot take place.

At the time of writing thisreport we will be lookingforward to being able towelcome the ‘Walk on Wales’walkers as they finish inCardiff. Also, to remember ourfallen comrades in Novemberat Cathay's Park, FalklandsMemorial and the NationalMemorial Remembranceceremony.

Please note:

Branch AGM will be held on thefirst Monday of June 2014

Branch meetings are held onthe first Monday of everymonth at the United ServicesMess, Wharton Street, Cardiff.ALL WELCOME.

Members of the East Glamorgan Branch at the Darts and Shoot

Gort Barracks 1961 or 1962

LLANELLI BRANCH (Formed 1974)

President: Mr John HardingChairman: Keith Horrell (24838137)Treasurer: Vernon Jones (22217890)Secretary: Alan Cunningham (24125105)

197 Cockett Road CockettSwansea SA2 0FH

Telephone: 01792 554151 (Home) (Work: 07976971336)E-mail: [email protected]

The Branch had a busy year with the usual Branchmeetings, and holding a barbeque for ‘Walk on Wales.’

Collection boxes were also placed along the way and ahealthy sum of £2646 was raised. Some members alsotook part in a bicycle ride from Shrewsbury to Swansea,raising over £2000 for them.

This was very much a teameffort, and we thank all whoplayed a part, especially theLlanelli Cadets, under thedirection of a former WelshGuardsman, Major Ray Batsford.

A few members visited thePembrokeshire Lunch, and wepray for the former Secretary,Trevor Warr, who at the timewas undergoing medicaltreatment.

The Branch would like toremind everyone that we nowmeet every two months (thefirst Thursday of the month),and in 2014, our first meetingwill be Thursday 6th February.New and lapsed members arewelcome.

We wish all those stalwarts onthe sick list a speedy recoveryand return to Branch dutiesand activities.

78 BRANCH REPORTS

BRANCH REPORTS WELSH GUARDS REGIMENTAL MAGAZINE

Rob Rees, Roy Copson and Andrew Brown

WoW Barbecue

Andrew Brown, (Best Shot, Darts & Shoot) with Captain D Davies

Roy Copson, Vernon Jones and Al Cunningham at the Darts & Shoot Alan Cunningham and Vernon Jones

OUR MEETINGSIN 2014 WILL BE:

FRIDAY FEBRUARY 2014Meet at 4pm Garrison Sgt. Mess, then 4.30 pm Annual

General Meeting (London Branch)

If there is one meeting you should attend it is this one!!!

1ST MARCH 2014St. David's Day (Details from RHQ)

Welsh Guards Association Annual General Meeting(Date and Location to be notified from RHQ)

(London Branch first Friday meeting from 4pm onwards.)

SATURDAY 14TH JUNE 2014Trooping of the Colour.

SUNDAY 22ND JUNE 2014Imber Court Meeting

(To be confirmed by RHQ note change of day to Sunday)

SUNDAY 9TH NOVEMBER 2014Remembrance Sunday (Details from RHQ)

SATURDAY 6TH DECEMBER 2014Lunchtime Christmas Party. (Date to be confirmed)

Please note that our meetings now start at 4pm.Lunches at 12 noon.

We meet at the Garrison Sgt's & WO's Mess atWellington Barracks, by kind permission of the GarrisonSergeant Major W D G Mott, OBE. MVO. Welsh Guards.

BRANCH REPORTS 79


LONDON BRANCH(Formed 1926)

President: Lieutenant Colonel C F B StephensChairman: A H Doughty BEM (2741552)Treasurer: Douglas Wilcox (2739697)Secretary: Jeff Heenan (23523251)

27 Mount GardensHarrogateN Yorkshire HG2 8BS


Our Christmas Celebration Lunch for 2012 featured the“Abba Girls” which was an excellent afternoon's

entertainment, with many members taking full part withthe Abba wigs etc. (various photographs are aboutshowing how members fully enjoyed themselves!) TheChristmas Lunch 2013 has another surprise with fullaudience participation, along with our usual sing-along!Members are asked to bring their sunglasses!

It has been decided to cancelFirst Friday Meetings in April,May, September and October2014, due to the high cost oftravel etc. Members areencouraged to attend theBranch Annual GeneralMeeting, St David's Daycelebrations and theRemembrance Day ChurchService and Parade.

Again our thanks to all ourCommittee Members, and ofcourse our Chairman andTreasurer Richard Doughty andDoug Wilcox, for all their hardwork.

We continue to encouragemore retired Welsh Guards tosupport the Association,whether at our meetings inLondon or the various eventsthat take place around thecountry. We do need youngermembers in London Branch,but appreciate the difficultiesand the costs of attending themeetings. The Association ingeneral is looking at ways toencourage people to attend

meetings throughout thecountry. If we have not heardfrom you for some time, dropus a line/email address so thatwe can keep you up to date.

An invitation has beenreceived from the Mayors ofMontchamp and St Charles dePercy in Normandy inviting theWelsh Guards to take part inthe 70th Anniversary of the D-Day Landings on the 6th Junethe and Battle of Normandy.The visit is being planned for6th June 2014. Arrangementsare still being looked at time ofwriting, if you are interested,please contact Hon. Sec.

Sadly during 2013 somemembers have passed away,our thoughts and condolencesgo to their loved ones, theirnames are entered in theMemoriam section of theMagazine.

And Finally: John and BettyTipton whilst attending theWelsh Guards Ludlow Races,met a gentleman by the name

of Frank Tipton, (no relation)Frank has been looking afterhis brother’s grave in St Marythe Virgin Church BromfieldShropshire, and next to hisbrother's grave is 2735754Gdsm John Lewis who died in1940. His name is on the WarMemorial along with Frank’sbrother, 4207862 Gdsm LeslieTipton Welsh Guards. Ourthanks to Frank Tipton for hiskindness and for also lookingafter John Lewis's grave – thereare some nice people about!

Ironically Frank applied to jointhe Welsh Guards, but they hadtheir full quota, he then tried tojoin the Royal Artillery, hisfather's Regiment, they alsohad their full quota, so heeventually managed to join theRoyal Air Force Police.

Our yearly thanks to BrianKeane and Major Keith Oultramat Maindy Barracks and RQMSDes Brown and YvonneMitchell at RHQ for all the helpand assistance during the year.

80 BRANCH REPORTS


MERTHYR TYDFIL BRANCH(Formed 1953)

President: Captain Harry Legge-BourkeChairman: Tom Peters (23523035)Treasurer/Secretary: Errold Jones (24581438)

18 Marshall CrescentPenydarrenMerthyr Tydfil CF47 9JA

Telephone: 07903417048E-mail: [email protected]

Well here we are again with another year gone.The Branch as a whole has had a busy time of it

with get togethers and a few ‘jollymens’ outings.

The Branch once againcelebrated St David’s Day withthe Battalion at HounslowBarracks, with a Church Paradeand a lovely "short" marchpast (personal reasons!) and afantastic atmosphereafterwards. The scoff wasexcellent and theentertainment in the Marqueekept everyone tapping awayfor hours.

Just a short three weeks later afew of the Branch attended theArmy Cup Final at Aldershot.Again, a fantastic atmospherewith a result in no doubtwhatsoever.

We were saddened by thecancellation of the Bi-annualDinner, as I had personallyvisited many of the pubs andclubs in Merthyr warning themof the Association’sforthcoming arrivals.

Last year we couldn't field ateam for the Darts and Shoot.This year we are lookingforward to the fray. As of nowthere is trouble with theroofing but we are waitingwith anticipation for anotherdate as our trophies have been"on loan" for long enough.

The Branch as a whole islooking forward to theCentenary Celebrations thatare being arranged for us. Ithink that over the next twelve

months the excitement willheighten once the Committeeor the ‘Committee for theCommittee’ has put finaltouches to what is going tohappen.

This year the Branch has beenhit by the death of somebackbone members. InSeptember of last year JohnWilliams (54) passed away inLondon. Although living inLondon since leaving theBattalion, John was a Merthyrman through and through.

Then in February we lost IvorThomas who lived in Aberbeegbut somehow managed to getover the valleys to attendmeetings regularly until it gottoo much for him. Ivor was amember of the Branch evenbefore I was born.

Just recently we have lost MrGrant Harper (Chairman of theBranch for many years). Grantwas one of the Original "FTroop" who helped form theBranch back in 1953. Everyonewho knew Grant willremember him with a smile ontheir faces. Grant, even at 92hardly ever missed a meeting -the only times he did was afterhe’d attended the A.G.M. andTroop weekend in Londonwhen he always seemed to goA.W.O.L. for a month or so.

These members will be sadly

missed and our thoughts andcondolences go out to theirfamily and friends. We alsogive our best to those who arenot in the best of health andhope for speedy recoveries.

Meetings are still held the firstMonday of the month at the ExServiceman Club Merthyr Tydfilat 20.00hrs. Old and newmembers are made verywelcome.

MIDLANDS BRANCH(Formed 1953)

President: Captain T Macdonald MilnerChairman: R Jaynes (2739272)Treasurer/Secretary: Jonathan Bayliss (23523208)

2 Weston CourtLong ComptonShipston on StourWarwickshire CV36 5JX


The past year has been very quiet for us again. OurChristmas Lunch 2012 was cancelled due to lack of

numbers to make it viable, also, the Hon Secretary went toAustralia to give his daughter away at her wedding.

The Annual Lunch was held onApril 28th 2013. Forty twopeople attended but only aboutone fifth were Associationmembers. Colonel and Mrs HBoddington together withMajor H Bettinson alsoattended. Another invitedguest was Captain Lucy Sewellof the Warwickshire andWorcestershire Yoemanry TAwho had been to Afghanistanwith the Battalion on their tourlast year. Unfortunately she

was unable to come due workcommitments as she is also anInspector with WarwickshirePolice. I know her very well aswe worked together in thePolice.

We hope to carry on as aBranch but we are finding itdifficult to say the least.

Best wishes and good healthare sent to all members of theMidlands Branch, and hopingyou can support the Branch in2014.

Steve Liversage and Malcolm Davies the Monmouthshire Branchtaking a break on their ‘Walk On Wales’ adventure

BRANCH REPORTS 81


We hold meetings which aremini-reunions on the secondThursday of every month andmost of them are at Branch HQ,The Angel Hotel, Abergavenny.The exceptions are in May andOctober when we meet at TheCapel Hotel in Bargoed, a veryfriendly venue, and in Februarywhen our Annual GeneralMeeting is held in the CouncilChamber of AbergavennyBorough Council.

For several decades we havebeen closely linked with theAncient Borough and everyMayor invites the Branch tohold our February AGM in the

Despite a membership scattered far and wide, theBranch keeps to its traditions of holding monthly

meetings and social gatherings as well as supportingAssociation events. The purpose is to reunite in the realsense of the word not via technology and this also appliesto the families of members who are part of us. There aremany towns in the Branch area and over the years wehave arranged events and meetings in them but we alsoget practical support from exiles who travel longdistances to take part in our affairs.

Chamber which is followed bya Civic Reception in the Mayor’sParlour. This is an ideal way tostart our year and in turn weinvite the Mayor to our ReunionDinner in the Angel Hotel.

At the 33rd Annual ReunionDinner to be held there inOctober 2013 two servingofficers who are members ofthe Branch were present, theprevious Adjutant in theBattalion Major Tom SpencerSmith and his successor in therole Captain ChristopherDavies. Their presencestrengthened the linksbetween the serving and non-

serving halves of the Regiment.

Also present were Brian Keanethe Secretary-General of theAssociation, Major Glyn Whiteand Lieutenant Colonel EricSturdy who pronounced Gracein Welsh. He was MedicalOfficer in the Battalion in Berlinin the early 1950s and hasmany stories to tell of theleading Nazi war criminals inSpandau Prison, in fact hewritten a novel based on Hesswhich is shortly to bepublished. Taking time off fromhis job at Buckingham Palacewas Sergeant Shane Brandon,fresh from Balmoral, whocomes from Pontypool andwho regularly attends theDinner.

Four great Guardsmen of the273 era enjoyed meeting eachother and we were honouredto see them once again, RayCumbley (2WG) from Cornwall,Bill Powell (3WG) from

VIP Guest at the Monmouthshire Branch Dinner

Cwmbran, Gilbert Priddy (3WG)from over the Severn Bridgeand Eric Jones (1WG) fromMerthyr who will celebrate hiscentenary in 2015 along withthe Regiment.

The Monmouthshire BranchTrophy awarded to the WelshGuards Sportsman of the Yearwas first presented in 1968and the winner’s list consistsmainly of rugby players. The2013 winner was a boxer,30154036 GuardsmanMoriarty from Anglesey, amember of Prince of Wales’sCompany who made a greatimpression and received thetrophy and a certificate fromBranch Secretary SteveLiversage. He was the firstboxer to become Sportsman ofthe Year for nineteen years.

The major Regimental event in2013 was ‘Walk On Wales’which raised funds for theWelsh Guards Afghanistan

Branch Secretary Steve Liversage presenting theMonmouthshire Branch Trophy to Guardsman Moriarty

MONMOUTHSHIRE BRANCH(Formed 1920)

President: Captain D M DaviesChairman: Alan Mountjoy (239297747)Treasurer/Secretary: Steve Liversage BEM (24141822)

7 Shaw Close, Ebbw Vale , NP23 6QQTelephone: 01495 302567 E mail: [email protected]

82 BRANCH REPORTS


Appeal (set up in 2009) andCombat Stress (1919). Amongthe walkers were SteveLiversage and Malcolm Davieswho last trod Mother Earthseriously on route marches inSurrey. It was not a stroll in thepark but a test of endurancewhich was tiring to say theleast. Other Branch memberspersonally raised largeamounts of money in theirlocal areas and also deservegreat credit.

In 1963 there was no Magazineas impressive as the one wehave today, it was called anAnnual Report but was full ofnews of the Battalion and Bandand also of all the Branches,the latter containing lists ofmembers and where theylived. It records that we hadthree survivors of the GreatWar and six others who stillsupport the Branch fifty yearslater.

They are 23104153 DerekDavies (Ebbw Vale nowWiltshire), 22831721 MervynDelve (Abertillery nowGloucestershire), 2741392 Roy

Lewis (Ebbw Vale), 2739251 BillPowell (Cwmbran), 2741085John Tunley (Ebbw Vale),22831602 Alan Woodhouse(Abergavenny). Anotherstalwart of the past 23836045Malcolm Fry, once of Cwmbranbut for many years retired inPembrokeshire, attended hislocal Branch lunch inPembroke Dock in October andrecalled the many eventsMonmouthshire Branch held inthe 1970s.

We appreciate the hard workand the thought that goes intothe Association and thankBrian Keane for all he does forus. We rely on ourselves forfunds and also the supportmembers have from theirladies who enjoy our functionsand are part of the Regimentalfamily. 2014 will mark the100th anniversary of theoutbreak of the Great War and2015 of course will be veryspecial for us all. We will planBranch events in theRegiment’s centenary witheveryone in the Branch familyin mind.

MONTGOMERY/SHROPSHIRE BRANCH

(Formed 1950)President: Mr R G P PlowdenChairman: Mr B John (23523171)Treasurer/Secretary: Mr J O Williams (23860183)

83 Balmoral CrescentOswestry Shropshire SY11 2XH

Telephone: 01691 653244 E mail: [email protected]

The main event of the year to most Welsh Guardsmenwas to watch the Welsh Guards Trooping the Colour.

This years Trooping of the Colour was a brilliant displayand all that took part are to be congratulated. Those whoattended the Colonels Review or lucky to have had ticketsfor the actual day or just watch the parade at home ontheir TV, all commentated on how much they enjoyed itand thought it was a wonderful parade.

The Branch AGM was heldbefore our St David’s Day Lunchwhere Captain Parry announcedhis retirement as Secretary, TheSecretary position would betaken over by myself and theposition of Branch Chairman byMr Brian John, Capt Parry wouldhand over his duties after theWroxeter Lunch in July.

The St David’s Day Lunch washeld at our regular venue at theHenllan Nr Welshpool and waswell attended. As always therewas plenty to eat with goodcompany.

The main event of the Branchwas the summer lunch at theWroxeter Hotel Nr Shrewsbury.Our guest was Major (Retd) JWarburton-Lee who gave aninteresting talk and update onthe Walk On Wales charity walk.It was decided to donate theraffle takings for the day(£230.00) to the Walk On Walescharity.

Captain Ben Parry presenting Brian John with the Loyalty Trophy at the Wroxeter Lunch

President Mr Roger Plowden with Mrs Di Parry Capt Ben Parry with their giftsand the Presidents wife Mrs Helen Plowden.

After the talk the Branchwished to show theirappreciation to Mr Brian Johnfor his loyalty and thecontribution he has made tothe Branch over the years fromhelping at Dinners to arrangingtransport and driving the coachto various journeys. Brian, oncemore takes up the position ofBranch Chairman. He is secondgeneration Welsh Guards, hisfather Ted John was a foundermember of the Branch andserved on the committee for 25years. Brian was presentedwith the Statute for the BranchLoyal and Dedicated Service byCaptain Parry which was sadlyone of the last duties he wouldmake as Branch Secretary.

Ben took over the reins fromDick Roberts in 1993 and hasfrom the start said he would dothe duties of Secretary until heretired from his civilian job, andafter 20 years that day has

BRANCH REPORTS 83


Captain Parry presenting yours truly with the Gavel and the dutiesas Branch Secretary - his smile says it all!

finally arrived. The Branchdecided to show itsappreciation to both Ben andDi for looking after us for somany years and we were ableto take that opportunity at theWroxeter Hotel.

The presentation was made byour President Mr RogerPlowden and his wife MrsHelen Plowden. The look ofcomplete shock and surpriseon Bens face was in itself apicture but also proof that wehad managed to keep thepresentation a secret. Ben waspresented with a claret jug andfour wine glasses engravedwith the Regimental Crest andDi was presented with a cutglass vase and a bouquet offlowers. (The costs were metthrough donations from ourmembers)

Once Ben had recovered hemade his final presentation by

handing over the branch gavelto yours truly. All I can promisethe Branch members is that Iwill not use the gavel with asmuch enthusiasm as Ben did!!Ben and Di are taking theopportunity in their retirementto travel around Europe in theircaravan. I know Ben willmanage to visit the oddvineyard or two in the quest forhis search for a few bottles ofclaret wine! On behalf of theBranch members I wish to saythank you both and hope youhave a long and happyretirement, and the best of luckin your new adventures as‘Travellers’ and hopefully wewill see you at our Branchlunches.

I would like to close by wishingour Members, AssociateMembers and Friends a veryHappy Christmas and aProsperous New Year.

NORTH AMERICA BRANCH(Formed 1986)

Treasurer/Secretary: Andrew Suter (24704978)

8314 Tintinhull LaneWaxhawN. CarolinaUSA 28173

Telephone: (from UK) 001 704 8140676Mobile: 001 968 0814E-mail: [email protected]

It is always a challenge to keepit together when you witnessfirst hand the devastationmother nature can throw atthe planet. I think one of themost devastating storms Iarrived at was after the F5tornado that hit Joplin

Missouri, 200 mph plus windshit for twenty minutes shiftinga massive hospital two and ahalf feet of its foundations, itwas the only building standingafter the storm hit, an analogythat can be used would be likea nuclear blast hitting, and

Iam glad that I can contribute this year on behalf of allthe former ex patriots here in North America. Around

this time last year Hurricane Sandy was about to hit theU.S cost and you all know how devastating the storm wasyou really had to be there to believe it.

84 BRANCH REPORTS


everything being decimatedflat to the ground. The picturesays it all, even the bark wasripped off the trees, flag polesbent in half. The day the stormhit, a high school graduationwas about to take place at thehigh school. The day before, adecision was made, due tohigh attendance, that thegraduation should take placeat the university instead. Thenext day the tornado flattenedthe school avoiding possiblyhundreds of deaths: thetornado was mile and aquarter wide. Unfathomableback home when we moanabout gale force winds!! andAberavon losing again!!

I have tried tirelessly to drumup reports from all the oldGuards here but I think theWelsh in general abroad like tokeep a low profile, I think I haveonly ever met 3 other WelshPatriots in the twelve years Ihave lived here. If you are onfacebook you can catch upwith my travels on facebook,talk about miles on the roadalso, Owen Gwyn Evans 09 heis up and down the east coastseems like every week fromPrince Edward Island Canadato Miami Florida, rather himthan me, but fair play to drivesix hours over here is as easyas driving from Cardiff toSwansea back home, it’s abreeze, I would like to see hisdiet improve though his photosof his on road dishes are notexactly cholesterol friendly.

I stay in touch with Dave Keenand he enjoys his retirementalso in Canada, as a lot of you

know he was the Chairmanhere for a long time, he travelsto the UK and was last at afunction with his Beefeaterfriends last year.

What an amazing turnout forthe Walk on Wales Afghanistanappeal enjoying catching upwith all the daily reports andseeing old friends and asalways glad to contributewhere I can. Tommy McDonaldMilner had a good kayakjourney to support the appeal,along with Chris Beynonrepresenting the Rugby lads.A big pat on the back from allthe Welsh here in the USA.

This is a story of irony, when Ifirst went to my wife's home inOhio I noticed there wereWelsh flags flying everywhereand road plaques displayingWelsh byway signs. Cut a longstory short there is a massiveWelsh cultural studies there atRio Grande, amazes me to thisday to see the Red dragonflying proudly displayingCymru-Am-Byth flying proudlyin the town. You can find outmore by visiting the websitehttp://www.rio.edu/madog/The photos show the localsignage posted. Not bad for asmall proud nation.

Time to sign off. Please call mesome time or drop me a linewould love to catch up. My oldfriend Ken Evans is coming tothe states November the 18thfor a couple of weeks, we planon hiking and visiting a fewcivil war sites one of hisfavorite pastime studies (theterm study is light) sorry Ken.

Devastation caused by Hurricane Sandy

NORTH OF ENGLAND BRANCH(Formed 1946)

President: Major K OultramChairman: Trevor Davies (22831186)Treasurer: Arnold Brassey (24125038)Secretary: Keith Bonehill (22831043)

5 Halls Place,London Rd,Northwich,Cheshire,CW9 8BA


The year 2013 was a quiet one for the Branch. Ourannual Lunch was held in December (2012) again at

the Mercure Hotel, Christleton, Chester. We find this to bean excellent venue, and will continue to use in theforeseeable future. The Scots Guards Association Bandplayed a selection of music for our entertainment, whichwas enjoyed by all.

As I mentioned last year, wehold ‘Chairman led’ meetingsduring the months of January,April, July and November(which is our AGM), theremainder being ‘Socialmeetings’ well attended bymembers and wives, whoenjoy buffets and hot pots.Please come along, you will bemade most welcome.

April saw members of theBranch attend Chorley BritishLegion (Lancs) for the FalklandsRemembrance Parade atChorley War Memorial situatedat the entrance to Astley ParkThe memorial has beenrecently re-furbished, with theWelsh Guards memorial in aprominent position – all thewreaths from the Parade werelaid at this memorial.

The parade was very wellattended with two mountedpolice officers in dress

uniform, a Territorial Band,also in dress uniform,approximately forty membersof various RegimentalAssociations, members of thePolish Brigade Association andmembers of the Chorley BritishLegion. After the service weretired to the local TA Centrefor refreshments and bar(which we were thankful forsince the day as bitterly coldwith a biting east wind)

The Chairman of the BritishLegion made himself known tous and thanked us forattending. The memorial hasthe names of those who losttheir lives on the Galahad, andwas placed in Astley Park bythe late Major Keevil, at his owncost. (The Secretary Generaland I attended thisgentleman’s funeral a coupleof years ago) There wasoriginally some doubt aboutkeeping this memorial at the

BRANCH REPORTS 85


park in Chorley, but it wouldappear that it has now beenresolved.

In June we held a mid-yearlunch at the Mercure Hotel,followed by a Social in July, hot-pot in October and AGM inNovember.

Two members have returnedto the fold, namely RobertHarper (23929604) and StevenCrow (24299391). We warmlywelcome them back to theBranch.

Once again I commend ourSocial Secretary Barry Monteith(23877223) for organizing thesocial side, and for the effort heputs in – “thank you Barry,from all the Branch members”We must not forget our team ofLady members, Mrs Monteith,

Mrs Harding and Mrs Daviesfor providing the refreshmentsmonthly without fail. “Thankyou ladies”

I would also like to thank RHQstaff for their continuedassistance during the year, alsoMajor Keith Oultram, ourPresident, and the SecretaryGeneral Brian Keane for theircontinuous help.

The members of the North ofEngland Branch as well asAssociate members wish theBattalion the very best for thecoming year.

Finally, thanks to all membersof this Branch for their regularsupport at our variousfunctions – we, the Branchcommittee will continue towork on your behalf.

NORTH WALES BRANCH(Formed 1936)

President: Captain A.C. HopkinsChairman: G. Binnie (24060777)Treasurer: H .Mears (2740728)Secretary: D. Webb (235223061)

2 Arran DriveRhylNorth Wales LL18 2NS


2013 here already!! Another year to report on Branchactivities. It all started on St. David’s Day in Hounslow

although not on the scale of the previous year it was anexcellent turn out yet again. I would like to thank theRegimental Sergeant Major Brian Baldwin for letting us intothe mess on the Thursday night, getting the Bar up andrunning and also buying the first round. After the Paradeon St. David’s Day we made our way back to the SergeantsMess for the usual swift half - I ordered a Port, to the messcheering, as I had the last out of the bottle! I had to replaceit, much to the amusement of D/Sgt Jiffy Myers.

Trooping of the Colour was asyou know done by theBattalion this year and it wasnice to have a Branch Memberpresent who was on the sameparade 60 years ago (1953)

22217422 Bill Rowlands fromBala, proudly showing off hisCoronation Medal. He and hisson enjoyed the ambience ofthe day and met new friendslater in the Mess. It was also

great to see RegimentalSergeant Major Martin Topps aNorth Walian, handing over theColour, a proud moment forAberffraw.

The A.G.M. was for a changenot bad but sadly it was to bethe last time I would meet upwith Grant Harper, ChairmanMerthyr Branch. We had anoggin together in the CrownPlaza Hotel where he wasstaying. I attended his funeralwith the Branch Standard withStan Evans We have a closerelationship with the MerthyrBranch since we won the DartsAssociation Cup for the firsttime in our history with thehelp of the Merthyr Membersin our team at Nesscliffe. RIPdear friend.

Garrison Sergeant Major BillMott, together with hisbrothers Major Nick Mott andex Regimental Sergeant MajorJohn Mott, led Leg 2 of the Walkon Wales from Chester toBangor with our President Cpt.Chris Hopkins. The start atChester Racecourse was wellattended to the delight of theorganisers. The Baton wasbrought up from Chepstowovernight by a merry band ofcyclists to a fanfare from theBand of the Welsh Guards, withColonel Hugh Bodingtonleading his incredible team ofcyclists into ChesterRacecourse at the end of theirepic overnight cycle. A fantasticachievement from amongstothers, Nigel Thomas of BlueMountain in full butcher’scostume riding a monstrouslyheavy old-fashioned butcher’sbike and a newlywed coupleon a tandem. Rousingspeeches from the Lord Mayorof Chester Cllr Jill Houlbrook,the newsreader Huw Edwardsand Olympic gymnast, BethTweedle. Hugh Bodingtonhanded the baton over toGarrison Sergeant Major Bill

Mott and his Leg 2 Team. Afterthe Drum Head ceremony theBaton was handed to BryWigley the son of Sgt MalWigley to carry along the coastto Connahs Quay. All theWigley family lead around 150walkers with the Welsh GuardsBand setting the pace as wedid a lap of the racecoursebefore setting off along theNorth Wales Coast. A real lumpin the throat moment! Thanksto Dave Wigley for organisingthe Charity night at the NavalClub Connahs Quay.

Tim and Jan Miller from theFalkland Islands carried thebaton on behalf of Gdsm PaulGreen's family of Rhyl theynow live in the Falklandsrunning the Fish & Chip shop.Thanks to Les Peake & Wendyfor the Black Tie Ball atRhuddlan Golf Club awonderful success.

Llandudno rocked: first to theroar of over 50 GoldwingMotorbikes who provided a“guard of Honour” for thewalkers along LlandudnoPromenade. The LlandudnoTown Band brought them inwith Men of Harlech as local DJIan Turner wound up thecrowd at the far end of theProm. Llandudno furthersupported us by laying on “AnEvening with Billy Mott” at theGeorge Hotel. The families ofthe fallen have been at theheart of the walk and each day,following the drumheadservice, the baton is presentedto a family member to carry forthe day. The support given tothe families by the walkers,and the walking teams also thegeneral public was quitesimply humbling. Bry Wigley,son of Sgt Malcolm Wigleywalked the entire Leg 2 as didDave Evans (with blisters toshow for it) and Sgt JimCarlyle’s father staggeredeverybody by walking the

86 BRANCH REPORTS


whole 20+ miles from Rhos-on-Sea to Penmaenmawr at theage of 81 with his wife. The finalleg to Bangor fromPenmaenmawr before thehandover was joined by BangorSection Chairman Dai Morganwho organised an Evening atthe Regency Hotel Bangor withevery walker given a drink bythe Branch (Da Iawn) I wouldalso like to mention thehospitality given to the walkersby the Landlord Gary & Tracywho donated the Buffet free forthe Branch a wonderfulgesture and what a majesticalspread - fit for a King.

In glorious sunshine WO2 KiethLewis started leg 3 on the SirGalahad lifeboat motoringproudly across the MenaiStraits to Beaumaris under thewatchful eye of Captain PhilipRoberts RN Rtd, the Captain ofthe original RFA Galahad in theFalklands War. He was joinedby a number of Falklandfamilies and veterans. Thebaton was carried for the dayby ex-Gdsm Wayne Trigg whowas badly burnt when theGalahad was hit. Albert OwenMP joined the walk on 8th ofSeptember with BrigadierStandford and R.S.M. MartinTopps for a wreath layingceremony at Penrhos for DavidWilliams KIA 8/6/1982

Mark Horwood and his self-proclaimed “Reservoir Dogs”set off from Fourmile Bridge tocomplete the remaining 3 daysalong the beautiful west coastof Anglesey and head backonto the mainland but beforestopping at the watering hole"The Bulkeley Arms" courtesyof Maldwyn Jones 92, for anevening of music andentertainment!! Next morningthey heading off pastCaernarfon and along the LlynPeninsula. Many thanks to J.WLees Brewery for sponsoringthis leg.

At the helm of leg 5 was SteveJones, V.J. and Beanz. They ledfrom the very tip of the LlynPeninsula, past Abersoch,Pwllheli, Cricieth, Portmeirionand on to Harlech. Nefyn andDistrict Golf Club laid on anexcellent welcome. Hafan yMor was a great night with V.J.DOING WHAT HE DOES WELLsinging "Calon Lan" - no dryeyes there! Arfon Williamssang Nessum Dorme whichreduced Alison Elson to tears(Da Iawn i pawb) GeneralReddy Watt ex CommandingOfficer, Brigadier PeterWilliams, Major BarneyCockcroft, Brigadier RichardStanford and many faces fromthe Sergeants Mess havegraced our hallowed turfalongside the Mayors andCouncil Leaders of many of thetowns along the route. KatySheriden a young 13 year oldsinger from Rhyl (myGrandaughter’s friend) raised£112 during a gig at the CrownBard, Rhyl She also sang for usat the Wrexham fund raisingday which raised £657. Lastly Iwould like on your behalf,thank John Warburton-Lee, JanKoops, Dai Graham, PunchyMorgan and our PresidentCaptain A.C. Hopkins formaking this possible.

Bangor Section now meet atthe Regency Hotel, Bangor onthe 3rd Monday of the month1900hrs, it is opposite the railStation and also on the busroute to make it easy. Wrexhamsection has also started at theWar Memorial Club, Wrexham.It is next to Tesco's, on the firstThursday of every month at1900hrs. Come along younever know who you mightmeet!

The Branch A.G.M. was held atthe Bod Erw, St Asaph. Allofficials were re-elected. Weneed new blood on thecommittee, so if anyone is

interested please contact me.We really need to get workingready for the centenary 2015.

22831031 Graham Jones(Rhyl)) passed away April 20th.The Association was wellrepresented at the funeral andwe would like to thank Sheila,his wife and daughter Melanie

for the £208 half share of thecollection given in his memory.R.I.P. see you at the Re-OrgGraham.

That’s it! Thanks to all at RHQand Cardiff for the support tothe Branch which leaves me towish you all Nadolig Llawen aBlwyddyn Newydd Dda.

The Secretary attended theBranch Secretaries Meeting inMaindy Barracks on 12thFebruary. As ever he found itan informative with muchdiscussion between the variousBranch Secretaries. Our thanksto Brian Keane as ever for theBuffet afterwards.

OGMORE BRANCH(Formed 1982)

President: Major T M WakefieldChairman: Mr Ray Gorringe (23585533)Treasurer/Secretary Mr Mike Jones (23523201)

40 Garfield AvenueLitchardBridgend CF31 1QA

Telephone: 01656 – 650367E-mail: [email protected]

The first occasion of note this year was our AGMwhich took place in February 2013. Once again for

the umpteenth year the Branch Officials and CommitteeMembers were re-elected unopposed. Our President wasregrettably unable to attend so our Vice President, MrAlbert Burd stepped into the breach and oversaw theproceedings. We thank Albert for officiating at the meeting.

March 1st saw a largecontingent of our members ontheir way to Hounslow tocelebrate St. David's Day withthe 1st Battalion. This was agreat day out with plenty of“meeting and greeting” of oldfriends from the past. Theorganization was as good as

The New Monument at Cefn Cribwr

BRANCH REPORTS 87


ever and the food andentertainment laid on was firstclass.

On the 20th March oursporting fraternity took to theM4 to see the Army Rugby CupFinal in Aldershot to watch theBattalion XV play 3 Yorks (Dukeof Wellingtons) and after atough battle, win the covetedArmy Cup. Any victory againstthe Duke of Boots is alwaysmemorable. Well done thelads! We also attended theMillenium Stadium on 19thApril to support them againstthe 2nd Royal Welsh Regimentfor the Sir Tasker Watkins VCCup, regrettably they were notsuccessful this time: you can'twin them all eh?

We held our Dinner Dance onSaturday 13th April in theMasonic Hall in Bridgend andonce again there was a healthyattendance sitting down toDinner, with the Guests ofHonour being the Mayor andMayoress of Bridgend CountyBorough. We must thank theLadies Section for their help insetting up the Hall prior to theevent and also the Managerand Chef for doing us proud.We then enjoyed the rest of theevening dancing to the musicof our musician Dave Escott.

On Saturday 4th May on a coldblustery morning in CefnCribwr, near Bridgend, our

Branch members attended anunveiling ceremony of a newMemorial for the local menwho had lost their livesfighting for their country,including one WelshGuardsman 2736992 L/CplHenry Glyndwr Thomas of the3rd Battalion who died on 8thMay 1943 at the battle forHamman Lief, North Africa. Heis buried in the Enfidaville WarCemetery approximately 100kilometres south of Tunis.Despite the inclement weatherthere was a large turnout ofschool children, civicdignitaries, including the FirstMinister, the Archbishop ofWales and local Mayor andVeterans.

Following the religious servicethe “Last Post” and “Reveille”was sounded by a bugler fromthe Royal Welsh Regiment. OurBranch Standard was onparade carried by theChairman and the Secretarycarried the ParachuteRegimental Standard.

On 15th May a number ofmembers went over toPontypridd to attended theWelsh Guards receiving the“Freedom of the Borough ofRhondda, Cynon, Taf” parade.Great to see the boysrepresenting the Battalion onhome soil again!

The Secretary of the East

Glamorgan Branch invited usto attend the CommemorationService at Imber Court onSunday 23rd June, regrettablyonly the Secretary and his wifeand a friend could attend but itwas a memorable day and Ithink the East Glam Branchshould be applauded forattending year after year eventhough numbers are inevitablydwindling due to the passingyears.

We were once againrepresented at Bridgend onArmed Forces Day on 29thJune when our BranchStandard was on parade. Asusual the Corps of Drums and adetachment of marchingtroops from The WelshTransport Regiment, RLC (TA)lead the Parade followed byThe First Minister, our two MPs,CO WTR, Veterans and variousDetachments of Cadets. OurChairman Ray Gorringe(23585533) was once again theParade Marshall. The Paradeended at the Recreation Centrewhere a fine buffet andentertainment was laid on. Agood day was had by all.

We were sad to hear that theDarts and ShootingCompetition had to bepostponed, the Secretary inparticular was looking forwardto defending the GerryGreenstock Cup. Always bycoincidence it seems, when

you have a full turnout we arenot required. It will beinteresting to see if we can getthe same numbers when it isre-arranged.

Our Branch AnnualRemembrance Service will takeplace in Nolton Church,Bridgend, on Sunday 20thOctober 2013 when we willonce again pay homage to thefallen Welsh Guardsmen fromthe Borough.

On Saturday 26th all being wellwe shall be travelling toStratford on Avon for theChristmas Fair, a number ofmembers have indicated theywould like to go so hopefully agood day will be had by all.

Sadly we have lost twomembers so far this year:

23908633 WOI (RSM) Bill Evanswho died on 2nd February2013 and 2734152 Gdsm OssieEvans who died on 16thSeptember 2013, aged 93years.

Branch members turned out attheir Cremations and werethanked by the families fortheir attendance. We alsoturned out in Pontypridd forthe Cremation of 22217103 MrGlan Hughes who although amember of East GlamorganBranch, when he was in goodhealth attended many of ourBranch functions. We have also

The New Monument at Cefn Cribwr The Old Training Battalion/Guards Depot in D Lines

88 BRANCH REPORTS


showed our support to otherneighbouring Branchesincluding Swansea. Inevitablywe have members and theirspouses who are not in goodhealth and we wish them allthe best.

We shall end the year with aSocial night instead of anofficial meeting for whatpromises to be a good night.Food as ordered by memberswill be served and followed byan entertainer for the rest ofthe evening.

Branch Meetings are still heldin the Caefatri Public House,Bridgend on the 2nd Monday

of the month and if you are inthe area please do call in.

Our AGM will be on Monday10th February 2014 so if youare able to attend, please docome along.

The Chairman, Secretary andCommittee would like to thankall the members for theirsupport throughout the yearand especially the LadiesSection at all our meeting andfunctions.

We wish everyone a MerryChristmas and a Happy NewYear and send our thanks andBest Wishes to all at RHQ andthe Cardiff HQ.

SWANSEA & WEST GLAMORGANBRANCH(Formed 1927)

President: Major Charles Carty MBE TDChairman: Bryn Pennock (23877288) Treasurer/Secretary: Peter Williams (23877300)

12 St Peters StCockettSwansea SA5 5BX

Telephone: 01792 416010 E-mail: [email protected]

Another year older but we are all young at heart andwhen I see young Welsh Guardsman whether it be in

active service in Afghanistan or on Royal Duties I still feelas if I am still with them as we never forget, and we are allpart of the Family. It is only the body that ages never themind or the heart and even now feel two inches taller as ifI was still in the Guards.

I know I speak for all servingand Ex Welsh Guardsmanwhen I say we are happy in theknowledge that the Regiment isnow home from active servicesafe and well. Wives andFamilies have no moresleepless nights and worriesbut our hearts go out to thosewhose loved ones have paidthe ultimate sacrifice - they willnever be forgotten.

Also to those boys who have

been injured and now need allour help to get them back onthe road to recovery, we wishyou all the very best for thefuture.

Next year is the 70thAnniversary of Hechtel and weare looking forward tocelebrate with those wonderfulpeople who suffered so muchin World War two.

As a Branch we must pay

tribute to the Walk on Walesand the fantastic team whoorganised it and took part:Captain Jan Koops, ChrisBeynon, Tony Davies OBE,Captain Chris Hopkins, HowellGraham, Fiona Koops, RobNichols, Dave Price, AndrewMorgan, and Major Glyn WhiteRtd MBE. We cannot tell youhow much we admire yourtenacity, courage and devotionto such a wonderful cause.Also all the volunteers, walkersand everyone else taking parthave our total admiration.

The Branch is still going strongbut we need new members.Our Chairman Bryn Pennockand President Major CharlesCarty Rtd MBE are doing theirutmost to recruit newmembers.

Our Branch lunches havecontinued this year and havebeen a great success and longmay they carry on.

Our oldest Member Bill Clearywho is 90 this year is now in aNursing Home. He is cheerfuland still enjoys a cigarette anda Pint.

I must thank Roy Bennett forhis continuous help andsupport to the Branch and hisdedication to the SwanseaBranch, also to all Branchofficers and Members, thankyou again for you continuedsupport.

I would also like to thank mywife Pauline and DaughterNicky for their constant helpand support - where would Ibe without them in my role asSecretary!

To all Welsh Guardsman Oldand New, and all your families,we wish you good health andhappiness, from all themembers at the Swansea andWest Glamorgan Branch - andto Spider, have a drink on me!

Members of Prince of Wales, Greece 1962

300 Williams, Canada 1964

BRANCH REPORTS 89


MT Bathtime, Canada 1964

300 Williams, Hubert Ellis, Bill Cleary, RSM Peter Robinson Swansea Cenotaph 2009

300 Williams, Bill Cleary and 100 year old Welsh Guardsman 2009

Roy Bennett and his Wife Olive, September 1953

Roy Bennett and his Wife Olive, September 2013

WELSH GUARDS REUNITED(Formed 2006)

Webmaster: Allan Rogers (24220048) - EnglandPresident: Major (Retd) David Woods - FranceChairman: Major (Retd) Martin Browne BEM - SpainTreasurer : Mike Cummins (24472964) - WalesSecretary: Paul Morgan – England

141 Hacton LaneUpminsterEssex RM14 2NL

Telephone: 01708 531511Technical Support: Mike Cummins (24472964) - Wales

The Welsh Guards Reunited (WGR) website hasmanaged to continue much as it ended last year,

attracting new members (we now have 3, 241 memberscompared to 3,070 at the same time last year). Admittedlymany of these members simply come looking for detailsof relatives or just for a look at the galleries and what is onoffer and don't return often, but we have a nucleus ofreally proactive members who contribute regularly andwithout whom WGR would not exist – so to this band ofmerry members a great big thank you, your continuedsupport really is much appreciated and valued.

We continue to try and attractyounger members throughother means and our WGRFacebook page now has over450 members. The age old WGtradition of newly dischargedGuardsmen needing just thatlittle bit more of a nudge to joinin with anything remotely todo with the Welsh GuardsAssociation is, unfortunatelystill alive and kicking but wewill continue to do our best toget them back in the fold.

Join us and keep up to date at:

WGR website:www.welshguardsreunited.co.uk

WGR Facebook Group:www.facebook.com/groups/welshguardsreunited

WGR Facebook Page:www.facebook.com/pages/welshguardsreunited/109019635828553

WGR Twitter - Follow us at:@WelshGuardsWGR

90 BRANCH REPORTS


Each year in these notes wemention our extensive photogallery. We now have over11,000 images covering all erasof service in the Welsh Guardsand are really proud to beholding these photographssafe and secure for futuregenerations to see. Anyonereading this article and not amember of WGR really shouldbe encouraged to join the siteif only to peruse the galleryand share their own photo'swith other like minded people.A recent new member of WGR(Daniel Richards) hadresearched and digitizednewspaper articles pertainingto Welsh Guardsmen killed orinjured in the Great War, theseare now located in their ownphoto album within ourgalleries and contains over 250images - a fascinating andhistorically significant resourcewe are proud to hold.

This year, as in every year, wehave lost some remarkableWelsh Guardsmen and friends,too many to mention here(they are all hopefullyremembered in the MemoriamPage) and when it is physicallyand logistically possible theWelsh Guards ReunitedStandard will be paraded as amark of respect (normally bythe one and only Dennis“Knocker”Knowles). Oneperson who sadly passed awaythis year and who will not bementioned in the Memoriampage is one of our BranchAssociate Members, regularcontributors and good virtualonline friend to many, Brian“Boy” Brenchley (pictured), aGrenadier who served from1946 to 1971 and who at theage of 82 was adding so muchto WGR. He had his own webpage recording his career, ifyou get a minute, take a look,it's full of wonderful photosand memories;

www.geocities.com/richoyouknow/brianbrenchleypics.html

Things were shaping up nicelyfor tremendous representationfrom the WGR Branch at thisyears Dart and Shootcompetition to be held atMaindy Barracks, Cardiff on 12October, so it was with greatdisappointment that we wereinformed of the event havingto be cancelled. We can onlyassume that our team sheetshad been leaked to the widerAssociation, who had, quiterightly, become intimidated bythe sheer quality andexperience being mustered!Names such as Paul Rosser,Neil Rice, Larry John, ChrisDuggan, Knocker Knowles toname just a few. Names tostrike fear into any opposition– is it any wonder thecompetition was cancelled!

Thanks once again to AllanRogers (24220048) our superbWebmaster for running yetanother excellent on-line AGM.Although still a relativelyyoung concept, the on-lineAGM process is becoming thenorm for our members andalthough we never seem to getthe numbers participating thatwe would wish, we suspectthis is simply a reflection ofwhat happens in all otherBranches of the Association,were a small nucleus ofindividuals participate in nearlyeverything, whilst the largermajority of branch membersdip in and out as and whenthey wish. This is of coursequite acceptable, even thougha little disappointing, we as aBranch are there to provide ourmembers with a service, if theysimply want to log on to viewphotographs or wish to take afull part in topic discussions,that is up to them – the mainthing is that they know whereto come to keep in touch andask a question.

An example of a digitised Great War newspaper cutting now held on WGR

Brian - very first picture in uniform, October 1946

BRANCH REPORTS 91


One WG event this year, morethan any other which appearsto be pulling people togetherfrom all walks of life andreuniting many retired andserving Welsh Guardsmen in acommon cause is the Walk onWales Project. I am sure it willbe covered comprehensively inthis magazine so will saynothing other than we areproud that many WGR Branchmembers attended many ofthe stages raising muchneeded funds for two veryworthy causes; the WelshGuards Afghanistan Appealand Combat Stress.

WGR Reunion – PorthcawlWeekend 14/15 Feb 2014.Hopefully, by the time thisRegimental Magazine isproduced, there should be justsix weeks before the eagerlyawaited WGR Porthcawlreunion. This really is a mostpopular reunion which seesthe WGR Membership take overthe entire Seabank Hotel for theweekend. With two nightsaccommodation (includingbreakfast), Friday nightentertainment, Saturday nightentertainment and a meal anda specially negotiated price ondrinks, this has to be one of thebest value for money events atjust £75 per head. Places arelimited and it is usual for placesto be snapped up early, butanyone reading this andwishing to attend should checkwith Flicker (Paul Morgan 71

our Secretary) who will be ableto advise on whether or notthere are vacancies remaining(you don't have to be amember of WGR to attend,everyone is welcome).

It really would be remiss of usas a Branch not to thank thepeople that enable our Branchto function correctly and theyare the people that run thewebsite for us. Without thewebsite we are not a Branchand without the websitecommunication amongst ourmembers would beimpossible. The siteManagement Team are purelyresponsible for the day to dayrunning of the site, ensuringadherence to a very simple setof guidelines which ensure thesite is a happy, safe andfriendly place to visit.The team consists of:

Webmaster -Allan Rogers (24220048)Administrator -Martin Browne (24433673)Technical Support -Mike Cummins (24472964)Moderators - Dennis (Knocker)Knowles (24122474)Stephen Beard (24220058)

Our Branch notes end mostfittingly with a poem writtenby one of our Branch VicePresidents, regular contributorand virtual on-line friend tomany, the very talented MrAlan Parry-Booth (22326094),who served in 1WG 1950-52:

RE-UNITED AT LASTWhen we stepped off at Pirbright in 1952

We thought we'd kissed the Welsh Guards life goodbye and fond adieuWith jokes and hugs and handshakes we left our mates behind

And blundered into civvy street to see what we could find.

-o-

Throughout the years we've wondered just how the boys have faredWhether they'd remembered and even if they caredWe tried to stay in contact but it was as we feared

With each one going different ways most had disappeared.

-o-

But with the birth of W.G.R. all the wondering changedMost of us in touch "On Site" and meetings are arranged

Friends greet friends both old and new both here and overseasA genuine band of brothers each time we hit the keys.

-o-

Now on a daily basis we log in for our fixPerhaps to share the banter or just to say "Hows tricks ?"

It really is much easier than telephone or letterTo hang on to your Welsh Guards friends, they don't come any better

-o-

A.P-B 2.10.13.

2 Coy Aden 1965/66, L-R; 95 Williams, Eddie Walsh, 05 Williams, 65 Williams

Where, when, who and what occasion?

Signals in Belfast 1971, Tac HQ team in front of the vehicle affectionately known as"The Binner" (picture courtesy of Pete Czaja) L to R kneeling :- LCpl Doug Griffiths,

Young, Steve "Whizzer" Reeves, Capt DP Belcher (OC Sig Pl), and Phil ??L to R Standing :- LCpls George Carroll, George Davies, Pete Czaja, Sgt Bob Iles, Capt DickFletcher (QM), Capt John Moss (Adj), Reme Cpl, and RSM Reg Coe On the Binner is; Lt

Coombes, Capt Oliver-Bellasis and Maj PRG Williams Bn 2IC

92 BRANCH REPORTS


MINUTES OF THE 83RD ANNUALGENERAL MEETINGOF THE WELSH GUARDS ASSOCIATIONHeld at Wellington Barracks London at 1130 hrs Friday14th June 2013

President: Colonel T S BonasVice President: Brigadier J F Rickett CBEVice President: R E Lewis EsqTreasurer: Major K OultramSecretary General: B Keane Esq

Present:

Colonel D C Macdonald-Milner,President East GlamorganBranch: Captain T Macdonald-Milner, President MidlandsBranch: Mr T O’Shea, SecretaryCardiff Branch: Mr K Haines,Secretary East GlamorganBranch; Mr A Cunningham,Secretary Llanelli Branch: Mr JHeenan, Secretary LondonBranch: Mr E Jones, SecretaryMerthyr Tydfil Branch: Mr JBayliss, Secretary MidlandsBranch: Mr S Liversage,Secretary MonmouthshireBranch: Mr J Williams,representingMontgomery/ShropshireBranch: Mr Keith Bonehill,Secretary North of EnglandBranch: Mr D Webb, SecretaryNorth Wales Branch; Mr MJones, Secretary OgmoreBranch: Mr R Davies, SecretaryPembrokeshire Branch: Mr PWilliams, Secretary Swansea &West Glamorgan Branch; MrPaul Morgan, Secretary WelshGuards Reunited. There were12 other Association memberspresent.

In Attendance:

WO2 D Brown, HeadquartersWelsh Guards:

Apologies for Absence;

Colonel D Bossi, C.O. Battalion:S Rhodes Esq., PresidentAberdare Branch: J HardingEsq., President Llanelli Branch:Colonel C Stephens, PresidentLondon Branch: Captain C

Hopkins, President North WalesBranch: Major C Carty,President Swansea & WestGlamorgan Branch: Mr MWilliams, Secretary AberdareBranch: Mr N Owen, SecretaryCardiganshire Branch: Capt. R JD Parry, Secretary Montgomery& Shropshire Branch: Mr ASuter, Secretary North AmericaBranch:

Item 1 - President’s Address

In his address the Presidenttouched on the following:

He welcomed and thankedeveryone for attending,especially the Secretaries fortheir efforts and the tirelesswork they put in to make theAssociation the success storythat it is.

The Regiment is in good orderand have been keptexceptionally busy withceremonial duties sinceAfghanistan. During thecoming months, tours toKazakhstan, Belize and theFalklands are being plannedwith more in the pipeline.

Redundancies were due to bepublished, with manyGuardsmen volunteering totake up the offer.

The 2013 Regimental Diary waspublished free this year due tosponsorship, but the Presidentdid not feel happy to use thesame Company again. A votewas taken whether theSecretaries thought their

members would be preparedto pay for future diaries at costprice, and the decision was aunanimous yes.

Item 2 – Minutes of previousmeeting

Confirmation of the minutes ofthe Annual General Meetingheld 15th June 2012 wasproposed by Mr AlanCunningham (Secretary LlanelliBranch) and seconded by MrKen Haines (Secretary EastGlamorgan Branch). This wascarried and the minutessigned. There were no mattersarising from the minutes.

Item 3 – Imber Court

The service at Imber Courttakes place on Sunday 23rdJune, commencing at 12 15hrs.Refreshments will be availablefrom 11 15hrs. ColonelStephens, President LondonBranch will be attending, aswell as a contingency fromEast Glamorgan, whocontinually supports thisevent.

Item 4 – Darts & ShootingCompetition

Maindy Barracks will again bethe venue for this competitionsince it proved very successfullast year, and will take place onSaturday 12th October.

The Liaison Team has agreed to‘man’ the DCCT, and meals andrefreshments can be orderedas per 2012. Dave Webb,Secretary North Wales Branchenquired as to the availabilityof accommodation for Friday /Saturday night, and theSecretary General agreed tocheck this out.

Item 5 – RemembranceSunday

November 10th is the date ofRemembrance Sunday.Unfortunately our Colonel,Prince Charles will not beattending London this year

since he has othercommitments. The Presidentrealizes that Branch Secretariesattend their local services, andis hopeful that the Regimentwill arrange a ‘presence’ tovarious Branches. ColonelStephens will give the addressin the Guards Chapel, andthere will also be a blessing ofa plaque dedicated to thosewho died in Afghanistan. Thekneelers purchased by theAssociation are now in place inthe Chapel, and are together asone block, and looks mostimpressive.

Item 6- St David’s Day

The President pointed out tothe meeting that St David’s Dayfalls on a Saturday next yearand wanted a vote whether thecelebrations should take placeon the actual day. There was aunanimous show of hands inkeeping to the day. Furtherdetails will follow.

Item 7 – Afghanistan Appeal

So far, the appeal has raised£1.4 million pounds, with largecontributions from the DrapersDinner, various events for RyanJones’ testimonial year and theIron Men to name but a few.‘Walk on Wales’ are hoping toraise a further million poundwith their event which runsfrom 25th August – 2ndNovember, with the moneybeing shared between theAfghanistan Appeal andCombat Stress.

Approximately £100,000 hasalready been spent helpinginjured soldiers and bereavedfamilies.

Alan Cunningham, SecretaryLlanelli Branch asked if a ‘thankyou’ slip went out to all donors,and the President informedhim that he personally writes athank you letter to every singleperson.

BRANCH REPORTS 93


Captain T Macdonald-Milner,President of the MidlandsBranch, as well as a Trustee,reiterated that although thefunds are called the‘Afghanistan Appeal’ they canalso be used for other warsand conflicts, now and in thefuture.

Item 8 – Newsletters,Magazine, Christmas card

Branch Newsletters andinformation should be sent tothe office at Maindy Barracksno later than 1st July in order togive time for copying/printing.The summer newsletter shouldthen be available for postingmid/late July.

Hopefully information for thewinter months and spring willbe in the Regimentalmagazine, which should beavailable by Christmas (thisobviously depends on theRegiment, who has been givenfirm orders that articles besubmitted by October 1st)

Vice President Brigadier Rickettasked whether there would bea Winter Newsletter if therewere delays with themagazine, and was reassuredthat would be the case.

Secretary General requestedmore articles from theAssociation accompanied bylots of photographs, whichwould help the magazine bemore ‘reader – friendly’ to themembers. The President statedthere would be a bumpersouvenir edition in 2015.

The Christmas card for 2013was available to view, and wasmet with favourablecomments.

Item 9 – Association Budget(Stand Alone)

Branch Secretaries havealready received a copy of theproposed changes to thebudgets.

The President explained thatnothing would dramaticallychange other that theAssociation HQ committee willnow be responsible for theAssociation budget rather thanthe Trustees, with theAssociation funds remainingpart of the Regimental ‘pot ofmoney’ Obviously this wouldmean updating the Associationrules.

Item 10 - Laptops

Alan Cunningham, SecretaryLlanelli Branch informed themeeting that there wereArmed Forces grants availablenationwide to town councils inorder to supply Laptops tovarious organizations meetinga certain criteria, butindividuals must applypersonally. He asked if theAssociation could supplylaptops, but was informed itwas the responsibility ofBranches.

Item 11 – NMA(Heroes Square)

(Branch Secretaries havealready been given details ofthis venture)

The NMA are aiming to raisemoney to build a new VisitorCentre, and the Regiment hassent a donation of £3000.Apaving stone has also beensponsored, depicting theRegimental crest. Benches andtrees have been donated bybereaved families. Space onPaving Stones can bepurchased at a cost of £600,and depict the name of a lovedone.

Item 12 – Centenary 2015

A centenary committee hasbeen formed with theSecretary General and thePresident of the North Wales

Branch representing theAssociation. A copy of theminutes of the first meetingheld at Wellington Barracks onThursday 7th May wascirculated to the Secretaries.The main items discussed, butnot confirmed, which affectsthe Association were:

1. St David’s Day – This willpossibly take place in Cardiff

2. Presentation of NewColours – possibly May, atWindsor Castle

3. Troop 2015 – probablyWelsh Guards

4. Biennial Dinner to be calledthe ‘Welsh Guards CentenaryDinner’ and could take placein Swansea.

Dave Webb, Secretary of NorthWales Branch asked if it waspossible to have the Laying upof Colours at Wrexham. He andthe President of the Branchwere due to meet WrexhamCouncil on June 23rd in orderto discuss Freedom status forthe Welsh Guards.

The Secretary Generalrequested that furthersuggestions involving 2015 besent to him before the nextmeeting which is on Thursday5th September 2013.

Item 13 – Review of theAssociation

The President praised thereview carried out by CaptainChris Hopkins. It had beendiscussed at the PreviousSecretaries meeting, and manysuggestions are beingfollowed up. The Presidentconfirmed that the Association‘was not broken’ and theresults were similar to theprevious review.

Item 14 – Points raised atSecretaries Meeting

Mike Jones, Secretary OgmoreBranch stated his memberswere upset by the commentsmade by the CommandingOfficer regardingcommunications via theinternet. The Presidentconfirmed that theCommanding Officer meant nooffence and has apologised forhis remarks.

Captain T Macdonald-Milnerrequested an Officer from theRegiment to support thefunctions of the MidlandsBranch, and this was agreed.

The President was saddenedthat Association BattlefieldTours had come to an end, butannounced that a small partywas going to Hechtel inSeptember. There will be aRegimental Battlefield Tour in2015 which should take inmany important sites inEurope.

He wished to remember therecent passing of Fred Bowdenand Armand Poupaert whowere stalwarts of these tours.

Item 15 - Date of nextAnnual General Meeting

The Secretary General thankedthose present for an excellentconstructive meeting, andconfirmed that the date of thenext Annual General Meetingis Friday June 13th 2014

The Secretary General and allmembers present also wish tothank the Garrison SergeantMajor for his very kindpermission for the use of hisMess for our meetings. We areextremely grateful for hiscontinued support to theAssociation.

94 FORECAST OF EVENTS

FORECAST OF EVENTS 2014

JANUARY

FEBRUARY

26 ASSOCIATION ST DAVID’S DAY HOUNSLOW

MARCH

APRIL

12 Ogmore Branch Dinner / Dance, Masonic Hall, Bridgend

Midlands Branch Lunch – TBA

MAY

11 ASSOCIATION RACE DAY, LUDLOW

31 Trooping The Colour – Major General’s Review

JUNE

7 Trooping The Colour – Colonel’s Review

13 ASSOCIATION ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

14 THE QUEEN’S BIRTHDAY PARADE

22 Imber Court Commemorations

29 Montgomery/ Shropshire Branch Lunch,

Wroxeter Hotel, Nr Atcham

JULY

AUGUST

29 North Wales Branch AGM, Bod Erw, St Asaph

SEPTEMBER

6-10 ASSOCIATION BATTLEFIELD TOUR

28 North Wales Branch Annual Lunch, Bod Erw, St Asaph

ASSOCIATION DARTS AND SHOOTING COMPETITION – TBA

OCTOBER

25 Monmouthshire Branch Reunion Dinner,

The Angel Hotel, Abergavenny

NOVEMBER

9 Remembrance Day

DECEMBER

6 London Branch Lunchtime Christmas Party

(date to be confirmed)

FORECAST OF EVENTS WELSH GUARDS REGIMENTAL MAGAZINE

22217103 Gdsm G HughesDied: January 2013, Aged: 86Served: 1944 – 1951

23908633 WO1 WE EvansDied: 11th February 2013, Aged: 69Served: 1964 – 1982

22326097 Gdsm I ThomasDied: 12th February 2013, Aged: 81Served: 1950 – 1952

2739615 Sgt T GunterDied: 13th February 2013, Aged: 86Served: 1944 – 1946

2741466 Gdsm H WilliamsDied: 29th January 2013, Aged: 86Served: 1946 – 1948

22831693 Gdsm KA ArkellDied: December 2012, Aged: 73Served: 1956 – 1958

22831462 Gdsm R LeyshonDied: February 2013, Aged: 72Served: 1950 – 1953

22217704 Gdsm G ThomasDied: February 2013, Aged: 80Served: 1946 – 1950

24141810 Gdsm G WoolridgeDied: February 2013, Aged: 58Served: 1969 – 1975

22217807 Gdsm L PriceDied: 8th March 2013, Aged: 77Served: 1953 – 1959

23866352 Gdsm I W ParrDied: 27th March 2913, Aged: 70Served: 1961 – 1967

2734165 WO2 AH ProleDied: March 2013, Aged: 97Served: 1936 – 1945

Gdsm W G WilliamsDied: March 2013, Aged: 86Served:1940 – 1950

23877283 Gdsm WJP EvansDied: April 2013, Aged: 69Served: 1961 – 1964

2739150 Sgt H J HansenDied: 19th April 2012, Aged: 87Served: 1943 – 1947

23438089 Lsgt T GroverDied: 10th April 2013, Aged: 76Served: 1955 - 1959

25086186 Gdsm P BeddoesDied: 9th May 2013, Aged: 31Served: 1998 – 2001

2737179 Gdsm EG KeywoodDied: 27th April 2013, Aged: 92Served: 1941 – 1946

456052 Maj B Phelps CVO MBEDied: 18th June 2013, Aged: 94Served: 1958 – 1970

22324792 Lcpl M BaileyDied: 21st July 2013, Aged: 82Served: 1950 – 1952

2735977 Sgt F BowdenDied: June 2013, Aged: 93Served: 1940 – 1946

2734772 Gdsm G HarperDied: 20th September 2013, Aged: 92Served: 1940 – 1945

2740760 L/sgt F HollandDied: 15th September 2013, Aged: 87Served: 1945 – 1948

23523232 Gdsm GD HughesDied: 18th May 2013, Aged: 71Served: 1959 – 1962

22831569 Csgt HA Edwards BEMDied: 15th September 2013, Aged: 75Served: 1957 – 1979

In Memoriam - Êr CôfWe regret to announce that notification has been received of the deaths of the following

IN MEMORIAM 95

Lt Col Barnwell’s Champagne send offon his final day as the Senior Director of Music on

Remembrance Sunday 10th November 2013

L to R, WO1 Bywater, Col Bodington, Brig Stanford, Lt Col Bossi, Lt Col Barnwell,Brig Talbot Rice, Brig Bathurst, Col Bonas

96

R E G I M E N T A L M A G A Z I N E 2 0 1 3

WELSH GUARDS

Documents

EX COCKNEY CYMRU: Battalion skiing trip to Les ... › sites › default › files...Battalion skiing trip to Les Contamines, France by Capt BHN Bardsley On Friday 8th March 2013,