June 1987

Carringtons, the long established military jewellers and silversmiths, invite you
to visit their Regent Street showrooms. We have a superb collection of regimental
brooches, cuff-links and tie pins as well as impressive centrepieces marking military
achievements past and present. We are
pleased to discuss new commissions,
and willingly undertake the repair and
cleaning of your regimental trophies.

The finest commemorative pieces

created in precious metals ornamented

Mappin &Webbwith jewels are a magnificent way to

honour the triumphs and traditions of

Her Majesty's Services. In co r p o r a t i n g
Write or telephone for our
Carrington & Co Limited

illustrated brochure. PO Regem S1ree1, London W l R 6ilQ Tel 01-'3• 3"2~ & 3"2H

Get the best of

Both Worlds

When you leave the Army
join t he TA - all the fun of
sold iering - little of the rout ine .
W e need yo ur experience.
TA Cent res at:

5 QUEENS lVI 6/7 QUEENS lVI 8 OF lVI

Bn HO CANTE RBUR Y Bn HO HOASHAM Bn HO ST JOHN' S HILL
HQ COY ST JO HN'S HILL
HQ COY CANTERBUR Y' HQ COY HOAS HAM '

A COY GUILDFORD' A COY FARNHAM'
HOUN SLOW CA MBEA LEY

B COY BROADSTAIAS' B COY EDGWARE
C COY D O V ER HOANSEY
FOLKE ST ON E C COY
0 COY BR IGHTON
HASTINGS'
EASTBOURNE CAAWLEY'
SEAFO AO HAYWARD$ HEATH

TONBRIDGE' SUTTON
MAIDSTONE CAM BERWEll
SEVENOAKS KINGSTON

• Ho me Service Force Platoons with
lower trai ning obligat ions and
hig her age limits are also
recrui ted at th e loca tions
marked w ith an asterisk .

Come along any drill night
and see for yourself .

Details of service, fu ll addresses of TA Centres
and day of drill night, can be obtained by
ringing the Orderly Rooms at Canterbury
61397/462769, Horsham 66111 or (for
St John's Hill, Clapham Junction)
01-585 0175.

Join the T. A.

THE EX SOLDIERs · HOBBY

FOREST GRANGE FRIARS SCHOOL

SCHOOL Great Chart, Ashford, Kent TN23 3DJ
Telephone Ashford (Kent) 0233 20493
*HORSHAM , WEST SUSSEX. Telephone: Faygate 219 Pre-Preparatory 4'./.i - 7 (Day) and Pre-
An J.A.P.S. Preparatory School for 150 boys and girls paratory 7- 14 (Boarding and Day, including
weekly boarding). Boys only.
* aged 8 to 13. Friars School is situated in 10'./.i acres. It is
Small classes prepared for Common Entrance and within easy reach of Heathrow, Gatwick, the
Channel Ports and Charing Cross. Classes are
* Public School Scholarships. small . There is a close-knit community with a
Happy family atmosphere allied to the necessary friendly atmosphere. Every consideration is
given to the boarding needs of the boys.
* discipline. Gymnasium and all-weather surface area con-
Set in beautiful 300 acre estate with excellent recrea- structed 1980. Mountbatten building, com-
tional facilities. prising Science Laboratory, Art Room and
Computer Room, opened in Spring 1986.
* Entrance by interview and test. Soccer, rugby, hockey, cricket athletics and
golf are major games. Numerous extra-
* Special Terms for Service Families. curricular activities.
Special reduction in fees for Service personnel.
Free prospectus from the School Secretary. Scholarships available up to SO"lo of fees to
boys under 9.
ST. MARY'S HALL Apply, quoting ref. QR to the Headmaster,
Mr. J. M. Stevens, BA, Cert.Ed.
An Independent Church
of England School for Girls Now let us helpmu

FOUNDED IN 1836 48 PALL MALL,LONDON SW1Y 5JY

St. Mary's Hall was founded in 1836 for the
daughters of the Clergy and it was opened to others
in 1920. it is a Public Independent Boarding and Day
School for about 370 girls between the ages of 3 and

18. Some 220 girls are day girls .

The main school building has been added to over the
years to incorporate a Junior Department, Modern
Language classrooms, an indoor heated swimming
pool and a Sixth Form Centre . There are three

boarding houses .

The Hall stands in its own gardens on high ground
facing the sea . There are two large playing fields in
addition to five hard tennis courts . Lacrosse and

Netball are played in the winter.

The school has a good academic record in a full
range of courses leading to G.C.S.E . and 'A' levels
and University Entrance . it also offers excellent

facilities for drama , art and music .

The school participates in the Assisted Places
Scheme. Entrance examinations are normally held in
January for the following September . There are
scholarships available at 11 +, 12+ , 13 + and the
Vlth form together with Music Scholarships and

Bursaries for the daughters of the Clergy.

Fees, further details and illustrated Prospectus may
be obtained from the Headmistress, St. Mary's
Hall, Eastern Road, Brighton, Sussex BN2 5JF.

YOUR iii

SECOND If you are over 40 private health insUrance is
CAREER still within your reach. Thousands of
subscribers - nationwide and worldwide have
CAN BE AS joined the EXETER because it does NOT
increase its subscription rates with age - as
CHALLENGING most other insurers do.
AS YOUR Consequently, those over 40 pay the same
FIRST annual subscription as a 21 year old. This
important difference can effect a considerable
saving for you. Rates for Family Cover include
any number of children up to the age of 18.

NEW MEMBERS OVER 65

The EXETER also accepts new members over
65 and under 75 years of age for a once only
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All members of the EXETER are guaranteed
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If you are considering a private health plan, or
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insurer, it would pay you to contact us now and
discover the real savings the EXETER can

---offeryou. ----------
10% DISCOUNT FOR
ALL MEMBERS OF THE I
!QUEEN'S REGIMENT &
THE QUEEN'S REGIMENT
ASSOCIATION

Please send a copy of your FREE Prospectus
Narne ______________________
Adme$ ____________________,1

Send this coupon to:J.Midgley, General Secretary,

1 Exeter Hospital .!!.id Society, 5&7 Palace Gate, Exeter 1
L ~~~~~En.!_lan.,! ~~~s~·- -~~

iv

Why does the Army Benevolent Fund still need help?

For most of us nowadays the memories we have of the two
World Wars have become dimmed by time, but for those who
were left disabled - and for the many bereaved families - the
tragic aftermath of war is ever present. Many are suffering great
hardships. The Army has also been in action in many parts of
the world since the end of World War 11. Thus even in peace-
time the problem continues.

The sole object of the Army Benevolent Fund is to try to lessen
this sufferi ng . It does this by making contributi ons to the Corps
and Regimental Associations and National Service charitable
organisations which have been set up for this purpose. All the
money, which is used in this really good cause is given
voluntarily, by means of donations and bequests. You can help
by giving as much as you possibly can yourself - and by
recommending others to do the same .

Donalions' and Legacies should be sen11o:

THE ARMY BENEVOLENT FUND
Patron : Her Majest y The Q ueen

41 Queensgate, London, SW7 5HR (telephone 01-581 8677)

(Reg istered under the War Cha ri ties Act, 1940) (Thisspacedonated by W. NASH LTD.. St. Paul'sCray, Ken t(

WHAT DO THE ROYAL STAR & GARTER HOME
AND BONHAMS HAVE IN COMMON 7

A major Auction of Militaria on the 11th November 1987

In 1915 a sale was organised by the Auctioneers and Estate Agents' Institute who shared Queen Mary's concern about the
future for badly disabled servicemen after their discharge from military hospital .

Sufficient money was raised to buy the Old Star and Garter Hotel at Richmond, which is the site of the present Home .
The Queen gave a silver Indian casket to be auctioned and two letters sent from Khartoum by General Gordon were also
donated. These were just three of thousands of items donated to the huge sale which lasted seven days . Goods ranged

from a herd of Shetland ponies to a pair of knitting needles .
Now, seventy years on , military memorabilia is needed to help raise money for the soldiers, sailors and airmen who live
there today. More than £3,800,000 has to be found every year so that the Home's important work can continue, and that is
why Bonhams the London Auctioneer is planning a sale of Militaria to follow the success of the first one . Bonhams will

give a percentage of the proceeds of this sale to the Home.
If you have any items of Militaria or Memorabilia that could be included in this Auction, please contact Lt . Col. Rodney

Cotton at Bonhams .

Final date for entry of items for Auction, Wednesday, 16th September.

W . & F. C. BONHAM & SONS LIMITED, Montpelier Galleries, Montpelier Street, London SW7 1HH.
Tel : 01-584 9161 & 01-589 4517

V

For readers who are NOT ordinary members of The Queen's Regiment Officers' Club

Subscription Form

THE JOURNAL OF THE QUEEN'S REGIMENT

(A half-yearly publication - June and December . Price £2.00 per issue or £4 per annum - post free within the UK)

To The Editor,
The Journal of The Queen's Regiment ,
Howe Barracks,
Canterbury, Kent CT1 1JU

Date . .

Please supply to me each half year ................... .. .. .. .. ... .............. .. .. .. ......... ... ...... .... copy I copies of THE
JOURNAL OF THE QUEEN ' S REGIMENT , commencing with the next number, for which I enclose:

* (a) £

or

* (b) a Banker's Order

PLEA SE W RITE IN BLOCK CAPITALS

Initials and Name .. ...... . .................. .. .... . ... . ... .... ................... ............ .... .. .. .. .. . ........ ............ . . ...... .. ..
Rank ... ... ..... . ................. ................ ... . ....... .. .. ... . ... .
Address

*delete as applicable

BANKER'S ORDER

No. (for office use) ........ .. ........... . .................... ................ .
To Messrs ... .. .. .. ... .. .... .......................... ... .. ............... .. ........ . ......... . .. .......... .. ... .. .. ........ (your Bank)

.... .. ........... . ... .. .............. . ..... . .. ... .. .. .. .. .. .. .................... .. .. . ... . .. .. . .. .. .. . ... . . (Bank's address)
Please pay now and thereafter on 1st January annually to THE QUEEN ' S REGIMENT JOURNAL ACCOUNT (No .
0579240) with LLOYDS BANK LTD , 49 HIGH STREET, CANTERBURY, KENT, the sum of FOUR POUNDS
sterling , being my annual subscription to The Journal of The Queen 's Regiment .

Signature Name in blocks, please
(Please send this form to the Editor and not direct to your Bank)

vi Contents

Editor : Officers Location List page
Lt Col J J White, Dates to Remember 4
Regimental Headquarters. Colonel of the Regiment's Preface
Howe Barracks, Editorial 8
Canterbury , Kent Mainly About People 9
All The Queen's Men 10
CT1 1JU 1st Battalion 11
Regimental Badge 2nd Battalion 12
3rd Battalion 14
Collar Badge 5th (Volunteer) Battalion 21
6th/7th (Volunteer) Battalion 28
Button 8th (Volunteer) Battalion The Queen's Fusiliers 36
Depot The Queen's Division 39
Pr inte rs : Regimental Bands 43
Geerings of Ashford Ltd Regimental Information Team
The Flying Dragons 44
Cobbs Wood House Army Cadet Force News 45
Chart Road Regimental Headquarters 50
Regimental Golfing Society 53
Ashford , Kent Regimental Associations 54
Affiliations 56
Letters 59
Marriages, Deaths and Obituaries
Articles 60
64
67
69

71

The paper for this Journal was kindly donated to the
Regiment by Maj John Fowler TO .

COVER PICTURES
Front : Senior Under Officer Andrew Mallon receiving the Sword of
Honour from HRH The Princess of Wales at the Sovereign's Parade at
the Royal Military Academy on 10th April1987. He was commissioned
into The Queen's Regiment and is now serving in the 3rd Battalion.
Rear: Tableaux in the new Regimental Museum in Dover castle

(pictures by Ben May).

The Journal of
THE QUEEN'S REGIMENT

Volume 21 No 1 June 1987
(Journal No 61)

Unconquered I Serve

Battle Honours borne on The Colours

The Regimental Colour :
" Tangier, 1662-80," "Namur, 1695," " Gibraltar , 1704-5," " Bienheim ," " Ramilles.'' " Malplaquet," " Dettingen ," " Louisburg ,"
" Guadeloupe , 1759," " Quebec , 1759," "Martinique . 1762," " St Lucia , 1778," " Seringapatam ," " Maida ," " Vimiera ," "Corunna ,"
" Douro," " Talavera ," " Aibuhera, " " Aimaraz .'' " Badajoz," " Salamanca .'' "Vittoria ," " Afghanistan , 1839," " Punniar ,"
" Moodkee ," " Sobraon," " lnkerman ," " Sevastopol," " Lucknow," " Taku Forts ," " New Zealand ," " South Africa , 1879," " Nile ,
1884-85," " Burma , 188!>-87," "Chitral ," " Relief of Ladysmith ," " Relief of Kimberley ," " South Africa , 1899-1902," " Korea ,

1950-51 ".

The Queen 's Colour :
" Mons," " Marne , 1914-18," " Aisne , 1914," "Ypres , 1914-1!>-17-1 8," " Hill 50," " Festubert , 1915," "Somme, 1916, 1918," " Albert ,
1916, 1918," "Vimy, 1917," " Cambrai , 1917- 18," " Hindenburg Line ," " Italy, 1917- 18," " Macedonia , 191!>-18," " Gallipoli , 1915,"
" Gaza ," " Jerusalem ," " Palestine , 1917-18," " Defen ce of Kut al Amara, " " Mesopotamia , 191!>-18," " NW Frontier India , 1915,
1916-17," " Dunkirk, 1940," " Normandy Landing ," " North West Europe, 1940, 1944-45," " Abyssinia , 1941 ," " Omars , " Alam el
Halfa.'' " El Alamein ," " Longstop Hill , 1943.'' " North Africa , 1940-43," " Sicily, 1943," " Sangro ," " Salerno ," " Anzio ," " Cassino ,"

" Italy, 1943-45," " Malaya , 1941 -42," " Malta , 1940-42," "Hong Kong ," " Defence of Kohima ," " Burma. 1943-45" .

Allied Colonels·in-Chief

HER ROYAL HIGHNESS PRINCESS JULIANA of the Netherlands
HER MAJESTY QUEEN MARGRETHE 11 of Denmark

Colonel of the Regiment
Brigadier H C MILLMAN , OBE

Colonel A W ACWORTH . CBE Deputy Colonels of the Regiment Brigadier M A I CONSTANTINE, OBE
Colonel J C HOLMAN , CBE

2

CIVIC HONOURS

The ' Privilege' of the City of London . The Freedom of Arundel , Ashford , Barnet , Belfast , Brighton , Canterbury , Chichester
Eastbourne, Folkestone , Guildford , Hove , Kingston -upon-Thames , Lewes , Maidstone, Ramsgate , Reigate and Banstead :
Tonbridge and Mailing , and Worthing.

ALLIANCES

The Canadian Armed Forces The New Zealand Army

The Queen's York Rangers (RCACI 2nd Battalion (Canterbury, Nelson , Marlborough and West
The South Alberta Light Horse (RCACI Coast)
The Queen's Own Rifles of Canada
The Hastings and Prince Edward Regiment The Royal New Zealand Infantry Regiment
1st Battalion The Royal New Brunswick Regiment 5th Battalion (Wellington , West Coast and Taranakil

(Carleton & York) The Royal New Zealand Infantry Regiment
The Essex and Kent Scottish

The Australian Military Forces The Pakistan Army
12th , 14th , 15th and 17th Battalions , The Punjab Regiment
The Royal New South Wales Regiment
The University of New South Wales Regiment Hong Kong
The Royal Western Australia Regiment The Royal Hong Kong Regiment (The Volunteers)

AFFILIATIONS

HMS Nelson_ HMS Kent and The Royal Anglian Regiment

HMS Leeds Castle The King's Own Scottish Borderers

The Royal Marines (A ' Bond of Friendship ') No . 3 (F) Squadron Royal Air Force

The Royal Regiment of Fusiliers The Royal Danish Life Guards (an 'Unofficial Alliance ')

The Worshipful Company of Haberdashers

AFFILIATED UNITS OF THE CADET FORCES

CCF School Contingents

Alleyn 's School, Dulwich; Ardingly College; St . Aloysius College; Brighton College ; Caterham School; Chichester High School ;
Collyer's VI Form College (Horshaml ; Cranbrook School ; Cranleigh School; Dulwich College; Eastbourne College; Epsom
College ; Haberdasher's Aske's School (Eistreel ; Hampton Grammar School; Highgate School; Hurstpierpoint College; Judd
School (Tonbridge) ; King's School (Canterbury); Kingston Grammar School ; Lancing College; Mill Hill School ; Reeds School ;
Reigate Grammar School; Royal Grammar School (Guildford) ; Sir Roger Manwood's School (Sandwich); St Edmund's School
(Canterbury) ; St John's School (Leatherhead); St Lawrence College (Ramsgate) ; Skinners School (Tunbridge Wells); Sutton
Valence School ; Tonbridge School ; Whitgift School; William Ellis School ; Wilsons Grammar School.

ACF Units / Sub-Units Cadet Coys Nos 25 and 26.

Greater London : Cadet Coys Nos. 194, 195, 205, 211 , 216, 217 .
NE London Sector Cadet Coys
Middlesex and Cadet Coys Nos. 25 26.
NW London Sector Cadet Dets
NE London Sector Cadet Bns No. 72.
SE London Sector Cadet Bns
SW London Sector Nos 133to 136,141 , 143,147,149, 151 to 153, 155to 158.
Cadet Pis
Surrey: 1st (Redhilll and 2nd (Farnhaml The Queen's Regiment (Surrey ACFI .
Kent:
1st (Canterbury) , 2nd (Sandgatel , 3rd (Tunbridge Wells) and 4th (Maidstone) The
Sussex : Queen 's Regiment (Kent ACFI.

Nos 2 (Seaford) , 3 (Hastings) , 4 (Lewesl , 6 (Crawleyl. 7 (Chichester! , 8 (Crow-
borough) , 10 (Eastbourne) , 11 (Horshaml , 13 (Shorehaml , 14 (Bexhilll , 16 (Hurst-
pierpoint) , 17 (Bognorl , 18 (littlehampton) , 20 (Lewes OGSI , 22 (Southwater) .

3

REGIMENTAL HEADQUARTERS
Howe Barracks, Canterbury, Kent CT1 1JU (Telephone 0'127 4574111

Regimental Secretary Col J W Francis (ext 2951
Lt Col J J White (e xt 2501
Deputy Regimental Secretary
Maj A Martin , MBE (ext 2511
Finance, Chattels, QUEENS and R SUSSEX
Assn Benevolence Lt Col L M Wilson , MBE (ext 2531

Museum, Archives and QUEEN'S SURREYS Maj H C L Tennent (e xt 2521
Assn Affairs
Maj R Waite (ext 2541
Chairman Welfare and Benevolence Committee, Maj S C Thorpe (ex! 2551
QUEENS OWN BUFFS Assn Affairs Capt G B Moss (0622 671241 ext 2921

RHO Admin, Asst RCO, Regtl Assn and MX Lt A V Brown (0763 42271 ext 3021
Assn Liaison

Regimental Careers Officer

OC Regimental Information Team

OC Regimental Free Fall Team 'The Flying
Dragons'

REGULAR BATTALIONS TA BATTALIONS
1st Battalion
5th (VI Battalion
Mooltan Barracks, Tidworth, Hampshire SP9 7EN Leros TA Centre , Slurry Road , Canterbury, Kent CT1 1HR

CO : Lt Col M J Ball Deputy Hon Col : Col J B Ogilvie , OBE TD DL
CO : Lt Col C M Joint

2nd Battalion 6th/7th !VI Battalion
Clifton Barracks , Minden , BFPO 29 Norfolk TA Centre, Denne Road , Horsham , Sussex

CO : Lt Col PC Cook Hon Col : Col R R St J Barkshire , TD , AIB , JP DL
CO : Lt Col RE Lowans , TD

3rd Batta lion 8th (VI Battalion
Howe Barracks, Canterbury, Kent CT1 1JU The Queen's Fusiliers (City of London)
TA Centre, St John 's Hill , Clapham Junction , London SW11 1TT
CO: Lt Col R M McGhie
CO : Maj P A Gwilliam

REGIMENTAL REPRESENTATIVES

Depot The Queen's Division Royal Military Academy, Sandhurst
Bassingbourn Barracks, Royston , Herts , SG8 5LX RMA Sandhurst , Camberley, Surrey, GU15 4PQ

Maj S M Dowse Capt J E Cameron

Denmark Junior Infantry Battalion
HQ BALTAP , Naval Party 1004, BFPO Ships Sir John Moore Barracks , Shorncliffe , Kent CT20 3HE

Maj J C Acworth Maj J C F Gamlin

4

OFFICERS LOCATION LIST

(as at 1 May 1987)

REGULAR OFFICERS

S T W Anderson OBE MC Brigadiers A J Knight Majors (co ntinued)
M A I Constantine OBE W Knight-Hughes
M J Doyte MBE OA/ MA Ankara J. langhorne 1 QUEENS
Comd 8 lnf Bde MP Lawson GE Staff College IHO 3 Armd Oiv Oct 87)
Depot (HSI (Retires Jul 871 5C6 GL Sec
IMEUoyd 1 QUEENS
A W Acworth CBE Colonels PM H McGill CSIT BAOA
P 0 Mclelland
D A Beveridge MBE RMAS !Brig , AFCENT Sep 871 P Mallalieu DGPS IAI MOD
HO UKLF AT W Mellotte
G Bulloch MBE IMS Brussels A C Mieville JDSC
C G Champion MOl MOD IAI JP S Mills 464 GL Sec BAOA
0 J C Dickins MBE Dl IAOWI MOD IAI M B Montgomery Sch of lnf
A H Graham MBE HO 1 Armd Div P J G Monypennv of Pitmllly 3 QUEENS IJSDC Sep B71
Ord Board A P Murphy OepotiPSI
P Hiscock Div Col HO Queens Div J N C Myles
J C Holman CBE ACB A P O' Gorman SHAPE IBAEI
A lea 050 MBE HO NW Dist J A Partridge Depot IPS I
P V Panton OBE DGFVE !Brig IWI DLWP Jul 871 P L Pearce HO NE Oist
H N Tarver CBE HO NI J N Pratten
T L Trotman TA1 MOD IAJ MS Ouinn HO Berlin 12 QUEENS Jun 871
A C Ward OBE M P Rayner HO 3 Armd Div

R M Amold Lieutenant Colonels J D W Raid HO EDIST
I G Baillie A J Roberts MS MOD IBMATT Uganda as l t Col Jul 87)
MJ Ball AG Sec MOD IAI J C Rogerson 3 QUEENS
A W Barrah LSP Oman A W Russell HO BF Hong Kong
P deS Barrow CO 1 QUEENS J 0 K Aussell 3 QUEENS
DGFVE N F Aussell Sch of lnf INCOs Tac Wing)
G 8 Batuman OBE Staff College JAB Salmon 2 QUEENS
P B;shop GS Sec 3a MOD IAI J B Stirling
HO UKLF P A P Swanson MBE JIB
S M Boucher DISS S C Thorpe
8 A Carlston MBE AMAS 0 J Wake 1 QUEENS
A H Choppell OBE Trg Dev Team Sch of lnf A F Whitehouse 3 QUEENS
CO2 QUEENS HA P Yorke HO EDIST
PC Cook 01 4C MOO IAI (Retires Mav 871 HQ Queens Div
PH Courtenay HO NOATHAG
P J Hubert OBE ITDU Sch of lnf 2 QUEENS
N S Hunter CO 5 QUEENS lVI BMATT Zimbabwe
CM Joint MS MOD IAI
MD Legg c/ o RHO ACO
CO 5 UDR IMS MODIAII Jul B71
A F Sling MBE CO 3 QUEENS 2 QUEENS
R M M low HO Rheindahlen Gar
A M McGhie HOD lnf 2 QUEENS
Staff College 2 QUEENS (14 Sqn Gl Sec Jun 871
M R M Newall OBE
P J Anthonv OGM Captains
0 H A Shepherd J V Ashton
M CWillis M J Aytward MBE 1 QUEENS
I Barnacle 1 QUEENS
J C Acworth Majors J Barr 3 QUEENS
M J Ayling H M Beeson 2 QUEENS
HO BALTAP G F Bourne AMCS
A A Bartlett Depot IPSJ SA Bream QGM 3 QUEENS
A A A Beanie HO 1 Armd Div C T Bromfield 1 QUEENS
GC Brown 1 QUEENS M J Brown 2 QUEENS
DAMAMOD IAI 3 QUEENS
NCGCann 5 UDR J F Burk.e 1 QUEENS
0 S Carter 1 QUEENS J E Cameron 3 QUEENS
C G F Charter J P Castle AMAS
EL Christian aRAeFnOanwell (lt Col Oct 871 P A Corden HO UDR
A A M Christmas J Oixon 1 QUEENS
POJCiarb 7/ 10 UDR A P Cr<>Sbie-Wood 5 QUEENS lVI
M J Cooper DES IAEI G W Cross 3 RAF
HO UKLF PT Crow1ey Depot IPSJ
P P Critchley CMAT Ghana T S Davis Sch of lnf
HO NE Oist S F Deakin AMSM
W G A Crumley Sch of lnf IACOS Il l May 871 1 QUEENS
A C D8W80n Depot (PSI S T 0 Ouggan 2 QUEENS
S M Dowse JIB H W A Eagan
RSA V 0 Ebbens HO 5 AB Bde
J C F Gemlin HO BAOA lA Edwards 1 QUEENS
A Gancz AMAS J J Farrell HQ 54 lnf Bde
DC F Gouda 3 QUEENS T S Fisher Depot IPSI
DISS C W Ganon BEM 5 RAF lVI
A M Goukktn 0 J Greenfield 2 QUEENS
N J Grant 8 OFIVI K SHames 3 QUEENS
CM M Grove 3 QUEENS A Hill 1 QUEENS
PA Gwilliam 1 QUEENS T J Hurley MBE AIT IRetires Aug 871
M J Hurman HO 39 lnf Bde
W A Harber HO UKLF N P l Keyes HO BFFI I RAC Centre Jun 871
617 QUEENS lVI S P B Kilpatrick HQ NI
J M Harcus RHO PARA 3 QUEENS
C G lambert
N P Harris 5 QUEENS lVI J C Maltman HO 39 lnf Bde 13 QUEENS Dec 87 1
TAl MOD IA I LSPMans HO 39 lnf Bde
P A Hitchcock 2 QUEENS IAITAT Jun 871 W 0 Marshall c/o RHO
DSM IAI GB Moss 5 QUEENS lVI
PAPHowe HO AFCENT WA Munday AIT
CA N8W'ell 1 QUEENS
J F Huskisson M A 0 N8W'man 2 QUEENS
P J N8W'man 2 QUEENS
A M Jackson J P Noble Cambridge Univ OTC
A M F Jetf 2 QUEENS
A A Ramsev 1 QUEENS
I A Jones 1 0 Ravnes 3 QUEENS IHO BAOR Jul 871

J 0 Jonklaas

5

JP Ailey Captain• (contmuedJ P 8 M Aaynolds Ueutenants (contmuedJ
M A Aowney
N J Sharples Staff College JMRowland 3 QUEENS
0 G Strutt 1 QUEENS M G Scott 40 Cdo AM
A Walker 3 QUEENS J Thompson 1 QUEENS
0 V Watson 2 QUEENS M J Williems 2 QUEENS
A W Wilby 1/7 GA (HQ 20 Armd Bde Nov 871 S S Wilson 3 QUEENS
G J Wood Staff College JP S Wright 3 QUEENS
RMCS 1 QUEENS
A J Bascombe 3 QUEENS
P 0 Beat AEdeFBerry 2nd Lieutenants
M G Bernier Lieutenants S A Burnen
K F Bleckburn J A E Clinch 3 QUEENS
0 A Boden 3 QUEENS JP Craig 1 QUEENS
A A Bolton 3 QUEENS (Free Fall Team Jul 87 ) G I Fotheringham 1 QUEENS
A V Brown 1 QUEENS J A Gardner 3 QUEENS
J A Bulpin 2 Q~EENS N M J Goble 1 QUEENS
J A Burrows 2 QUEENS A I Graham 2 QUEENS
I P Oavis 1 QUEENS J M Griggs 2 QUEENS
0 J K Godderd Free Fall Team A I Herknett 3 QUEENS
KW Gubbin Depot IPSI W N E Hutchinson 2 QUEENS
J E Hind 2 QUEENS BA W Haynes 2 QUEENS
A St J Holmes JIB 3 QUEENS
M F lngledow JIB S J Johns 3 QUEENS
A G Jones 3 QUEENS G P Jones 2 QUEENS
C G A McLeod 2 QUEENS AN Laidlew 2 QUEENS
MP Meer Depot IPS ) T Major 2 QUEENS
J A O' Connor 3 QUEENS A E Mallon 2 QUEENS
A J Owen 2 QUEENS J N 0 Moore 3 QUEENS
J C Perry London Univ J M Nye 1 QUEENS
J A J Powell 2 QUEENS T M Wilkinson 3 QUEENS
JIB 0 W Williams Oxford Univ
1 QUEENS 0 G Wise 1 QUEENS
1 QUEENS I A Wright 1 QUEENS
1 QUEENS 1 QUEENS

TA OFFICERS

Colonels Majors fconrinued)

M J Oudding TO ADC HO 0 inf P A 0 Storie-Pugh TO 6/7 QUEENS IV)
HQ UKLF S J C Thompson 5 QUEENS IV)
J B Ogilvie OBE TO OL HO SE Oist A G C Thornton TO TA Watchkeepers Pool
J A G Putnam TO S E Wooles 5 QUEENS IV)

EA Holmes TO Lieutenant Colonels B W BarQen Captains
A E Lowans TO S M Bar16w
C02 WESSEX lVI T Benson TO 6/7 QUEENS lVI
G H Wright TO CO 6/7 QUEENS lVI SA Blausten 5 QUEENS lVI
Staff College M G Butlin 5 QUEENS lVI
A J Cannon London Univ OTC
M F H Adler TO Majors K I A Carter TA Wetchkeepers Pool
C L Argent A H B Oalby
A J Binghem TO 1 IFI Sqn RAF J Day TA Wetchkaepers Pool
P M P Broadbent 5 QUEENS lVI
BA Carte TO CV HQ WE Gawler 6/7 QUEENS lVI
P J Chapmen TA Watchkeepers Pool M TA Glen 6/7 QUEENS lVI
G Oineley TO Unpostad A P Guthrie 6/7 QUEENS lVI
G W Evens TO 6/7 QUEENS lVI T J Heynes 5 QUEENS lVI
J LA Fowler TO TA Watchkeepers Pool J Jones MBE 5 QUEENS lVI
A F Gardner TO HO 2 lnf Bde M J King 6/7 QUEENS lVI
G E Gibson 5 QUEENS lVI T J Lynch 6/7 QUEENS lVI
P Gibson HO SE Oist PS F McCardle 2/ 52 LOWLANO
PH Grove 5 QUEENS lVI T N McOermott Unpoeted
C J S Guthrie 6/7 QUEENS lVI MW McGh ie
A P Haigh TA Wetchkeepers Pool JP Mclnerney 5 QUEENS lVI
A A Hall TO B OF lVI W 0 Milne 5 QUEENS lV I
P G Harrington TO TA Watchkeepers Pool M H Mortimer Unpoeted
0 Herwood HO SE Oist P A Newmen 5 QUEENS lVI
C K Hurd TO 2.20 Fd Amb A H Partridge Unposted
A J Leonard 6/7 QUEENS lVI M T A Pilkington 5 QUEENS lVI
A A Merchant Watchkeepers Pool S J F Plowman 5 QUEENS lVI
A S Meldrum TO Unposted J A Aedfern 5 QUEENS lVI
MC Mercer 5 QUEENS lVI J Aobb 6/7 QUEENS lVI
0 Morris Unposted F Aobertson 5 QUEENS lVI
T J Ovler TA Watchkeepers Pool 8 M L Scripps 6/7 QUEENS lVI
C F G Parkinson TO 6/7 QUEENS lVI A Sinclair-Lee 5 QUEENS lVI
A W Prior 5 QUEENS lVI A E Stone 6 QUEENS lVI
P I Aoberts TO 5 QUEENS lVI MP Taylor 6/7 QUEENS lVI
T O' G Roach 6/7 QUEENS lVI M G A Whelan 5 QUEENS lVI
J H 0 Aoss 6/7 QUEENS lVI CV HQ
MS Aumsey HO London Dist
A J 0 Salter TO 6/7 QUEENS lVI Unpoeted
J Spanner 5 QUEENS lVI
A G H Stocks TO Unposted 5 QUEENS lVI
HO SE Oist 5 QUEENS lVI
HSF 6/7 QUEENS lV I
M G Asplin Lieutenants
J A Barham
6/7 QUEENS lVI
M E Beecher 6/7 QUEENS lVI
5 QUEENS lVI

6 TA Ueuten~~nts (continuiHi) S T Thorpe Unposted
0 Wilson 5 QUEENS lVI
K F Bleckbum 2 QUEENS A M Wilson 5 QUEENS lV I
C R C Bunce HSF 6/7 QUEENS lVI S M Windmill 617 QUEENS lV I
T J Can 617 QUEENS lVI 0 K Wray Unposted
P A Chortle Unpoeted
A M Clement 6/7 QUEENS lVI W P Cobben 2nd Lieutenants
SW Copley 617 QUEENS lVI N Fields
POoylo Unposted JP Fowell 6/7 QUEENS lVI
G J Ourston Unposted C Habberjam 5 QUEENS lVI
MC Egginton SA Hoffman 617 QUEENS lVI
JP Evana 6/7 QUEENS lVI 0 0 M Houstan 6/7 QUEENS lVI
T P Foster 6/7 QUEENS lVI M 0 MacKenzie 6/7 QUEENS lVI
R 0 Gilpin TO Unpc:.ted PA Moore 6/7 QUEENS lVI
N C Horwell 617 QUEENS lVI M 0 Neame 5 QUEENS lVI
I 0 Kemp 6/7 QUEENS lVI 0 P Pezet 5 QUEENS lVI
S A Lacoy M l Phillips 5 QUEENS l VI
C N Leonerd sn5 QUEENS lVI B G Sage 5 QUEENS lVI
CM Undaay R Shove 5 QUEENS lVI
J MacOoneld lon Dist M W Steei-Jessop 5 QUEENS lVI
J A McNamere Unposted J N Straka 5 QUEENS lVI
A A Mason 6/7 QUEENS lVI J C Strenon 5 QUEENS lVI
G I Muir 5 QUEENS lVI 0 D Truman 6/7 QUEENS lVI
GWOPika Unpoeted J FT Tusa 5 QUEENS lVI
A Robertaon 5 QUEENS lVI A A Wheaton 5 QUEENS lV I
6/7 QUEENS lVI 6/7 QUEENS lVI
sAAPNRogers 5 QUEENS lVI 6/1 QUEENS lVI
J Scoonet Unposted
PCSholdero HSF 5 QUEENS lVI
P Sibbald 5 QUEENS lVI
G J Spertr.a HSF 5 QUEENS lVI
N A Strachan 617 QUEENS lVI
617 QUEENS lVI
6/7 QUEENS lVI

Maj J A Besa 5 QUEENS lVI NRPS OFFICERS 617 QUEENS lVI
617 QUEENS lVI
Maj R W Neve MC DARC MOD IAI Capt T J Medcalf
Capt P T Carroll 617 QUEENS lVI Capt M Miller 5 QUEENS lVI
Capt J R W Fisher Capt P A Newman 617 QUEENS lVI
Capt J Fuller 8 OF lVI Capt E S Parker
Capt R A Green 617 QUEENS lVI Capt J Robb MBE 5 QUEENS l VI
C.,t T J Lynch 617 QUEENS lVI Capt B M l Scripps
5 QUEENS lVI 5 QUEENS lV I

0 RA Bames JP Colonels ACF OFFICERS Captains
A F P McGinley MBE
G 0 Munin~ OL Hon Col Kent !4th Bn) 0 Blackwell Sussex
Hon Col Kent Ost Bnl M J Booth Surrey
J B Ogitvie OBE TO OL Hon Col Kent !2nd Bn) S V Budd Surrey
P Toreen Hon Col Kent (3rd Bnl K Burgess Kent
Comdt SURREY D KG Cox Surrey
M K Crowle Sussex
CM Bellinghem Lieutenant Colonels C P Oobson London (SW)
WAG Crump A C Ford Sussex
CH G Philpin Kent K A Getter Kent
J W A FMtming OBE 0 Comdt Sussex B F Grundy Kent
A J Reardon JP D Comdt Kent 0 B Harris Surrey
CH Wilton D Comdt Surrey M Hibbard London !SWI
0 Comdt London ISWI P Jones London {NEI
0 Comdt Surrey A G Jones London {NW & Mxl
D Leech London (SW)
N H Benton Majors A G McManus London (NW & Mxl
A J C.meron FJMMair Surrey
G W Canning London fSWI A Newton Sussex
MP Eeatep Surrey L Neville Kent
o A Jonw London (NW & Mxl M Pierce-Jones TO Surrey
K H Jonn London ISEI CM Ailey Kent
A A McMahon Surrey P W Aowles Sussex
0 T Martin Kent E Smalley London lSE)
W L May Sussex M J Smith London ISWI
A. Moorton Kent 0 Somes Sussex
KM Q'CaHoghon Surrey K E G Soulsby Sussex
RP M Oldfoeld Sussex E G Spicer Kent
G H Perkins Surrey 0 N Talbot Surrey
A G Pinnock Surrey J B A Taylor Surrey
R G Riley London (NW & Mxl A J Thompson London (SWJ
J WSmith London INW & Mxl ME nbble London ISWI
A P Thwaites Kent
I H Stewart K""t M J Todhunter London ISWI
A Waltl;er Surrey N 0 Trafford Surrey
S B Turner London (NW & Mxl
K""t A Wailer London INEI
Sussex J H Walton Kent
P J Wright Surrey

M R Baker Li eutenants M 0 Adkin 2nd Lieutenants
A M Blowers G V Alcoran
I J C Bowen Kent M A Andr8'\IVS Surrey
W Burke Surrey I W Barefoot Surrey
Surrey V J Burrell Kent
H Carpenter Kent G Copp Sussex
M Cartwright London !SEt M L Oaley Surrey
A S Oavison London !SW) M G EVans Kent
B 0 Earle Surrey C H Fordham London ISWI
L 0 Fenton·O'Creevy Sussex RE Fry Surrey
Surrey A M Lawrence Surrey
B J Gould Surrey J G O'Neill London !NW & Mxl
A R Groves Surrey JP Cl'Neill Surrey
N Huddan London !NEt RECPage London !SW)
P A Hughes Kent A R Penfold London ISWI
P A Hughes Surrey Sussex
K J Lowden Kent S 0 Persaud Sussex
M A McCauliffe Surrey E B Pettitt Surrey
Surrey 0 Aoberts Sussex
J A McHugh Ken< A Rockall London ISWI
FM McGain Kent E B Sokolowski Sussex
J McNeil London INW & Mxl M WTaylor London (SWJ
0 F Marriner Sussex 0 P Trimm-AIIen Kent
Sussex C Walsh Sussex
M Perry Surrey Kent
F S F Piercy-Buck Sussex
G A Risby Kent
0 J Rusbridger Surrey
P Thompson Surrey
Surrey
A 0 Young
J T Watkins
K H Watkins

Col John Holman CBE (centre) with LCpl Millward, Maj
Peter Howe, Lt Col Peter Bishop and Capt Henry Eagan
on Exercise SWIFT SWORD - the largest combined
exercise staged by Britain since the Falklands and
designed to test quick reaction forces outside the NATO

Area , November 1986.

8

DATES TO REMEMBER

JUNE TO DECEMBER 1987

June ' Glorious First of June' (1 st Bn). August continued)
1 6th /7th (V) Bn Official Opening of Worthing
1 Drill Hall by Lavinia Duchess of Norfolk . 21 Regtl Golf Match v RM , Canterbury GC .
3rd Bn returns from N Ireland . 27 - C Company 2nd Bn to BATUS .
1 1st Bn starts N Ireland tour . 27 Sep
2 Regtl Cricket Match v Tonbridge School.
4 6th/7th (V) Bn Joint Officers' Mess Dinner, September
6 HMS Sussex. 4 Regtl Golf Match v Queen's Own Buffs RAC
Regtl Cricket Match v Haberdashers' Livery
7 Company, Elstree . Country Club , Epsom .
3rd Bn Exercise the Freedom of Barnet . 5 6th/7th (V) Bn Exercise the Freedom of
9 Regtl Golf Match v RMA Sandhurst, RAC
10 Country Club , Epsom . Brighton .
3rd Bn Exercise the Freedom of Chichester . 5 - 20 5th (V) Bn Annual Camp, Stanford .
11 8 Sevastopol Day (2nd Bn) .
13 Official Birthday HM The Queen . 9 Salerno Day (1st Bn) .
13 Regiment granted Freedom of Ashford , 3rd Bn 13 Quebec Day (3rd Bn).
on parade . 13 Queen 's Own Buffs Remembrance Service
14 Regtl Cricket Match v Eastbourne College .
18 Regtl Golf Match v RRF and R ANGLIAN , Gog and Reunion , Maidstone .
Magog GC . 21 - 2nd Bn KAPE Tour .
27 5th (V) Bn Officers' Cocktail Party. 2 Oct
27 - 6th/7th (V) Bn Annual Camp, Isle of Man . 23 3rd Bn Exercise the Freedom of Kingston-upon
11 Jul
28 Regtl Cricket Match v Cranleigh School. Thames.
26 Queen 's Surreys Museum Open Day, Clandon
July 6th/7th (V) Bn Guard of Honour for HRH
6 Princess Margaret at the Tynwald Ceremony Park .
(Opening of Parliament, IOM).
8 Queen 's Surreys Golf Match v Royal Marines . October
12 Regtl Grand Reunion, Bassingbourn. 8 Queen 's Surreys Golfing Society Annual
15 8QF(V) Official Opening of St John's Hill TA
Centre by HRH The Duke of Kent . Meeting , Richmond .
18 2nd Bn Open Day and Beating Retreat , 14 Regtl Golf v Haberdashers' Livery Company,
Minden .
25- 2nd Bn (Bn HO + two companies) to BATUS . Worplesdon.
25 Aug 15 1st Bn returns from N Ireland .
31 Regtl Golf Match v Kent County Constabulary, 16 Regtl Cocktail Party, Banqueting House.
N Foreland GC . 17 WO's & Sgts ' Past and Present Dinner,

Bassingbourn.
22 Regtl Golf v Liphook GC.
23 Queen 's Surreys Officers ' Club Dinner,

Simpsons.
24 - 25 Cadet Forces Weekend , Shorncliffe.

November
6 6th/7th (V) Bn Annual Cocktail Party .
14 Lord Mayor's Procession , London.
8 Remembrance Day.

August December

1- 7 Regtl Tent at Canterbury Cricket Week. 20 British Battalion Day.
2 Queen 's Own Buffs Remembrance Service 31 21st Anniversary of The Queen's

and Reunion, Canterbury. Regiment.

THE QUEEN'S REGIMENT AND QUEEN'S OWN BUFFS CRICKET WEEK TENT CLUB

From the 1 to 7 August 1987 the Regimental Tent will Tennent at RHO. The matches during the week are :
be open at the St Lawrence Cricket Ground Canterbury.
All serving Queen's Regiment officers are automatically 1 August: Kent v Derbyshire (Britannic Assurance
members; retired officers are required to pay an annual Championship)
subscription of £5 . Lunches are served on the Saturday,
Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday but must 2 August : Kent v Derbyshire (Refuge Assurance
be booked beforehand . Morning coffee , afternoon tea League - One Day Match)
and the bar are open daily on a cash basis. Any officer
requiring more information please contact Maj Hugh 3 and 4 August : Kent v Derbyshire (Britannic
Assurance Championship)

5, 6 and 7 August: Kent v Middlesex (Britannic
Assurance Championship) .

9

COLONEL OF THE REGIMENT'S PREFACE

"From shires and townes so far apart Elizabethan Ballad
To serve the Queen of England"

Not long ago I had both the enormous privilege and satisfaction to be present at a Sovereign 's Parade at
Sandhurst at which Sword of Honour was awarded to a cadet to be commissioned in this Regiment. Only th e
second time we have won this coveted prize since the Large Regiment was formed and a fitting landmark in our
'coming of age' year. As the presentation was made by HRH The Princess of Wales somebody seated nearby
commented "We simply must get that photograph into the local Canterbury newspapers". Had my attention not
immediately been drawn elsewhere I believe I would have been inclined to retort (and with some justice) " Indeed -
but whilst you are at it how about a copy for the Barnet Herald , Brighton Evening Argus , Chichester Observer,
Dover Express, South London Press , Surrey Advertiser . .. . and so on !" I make this very valid and pertinent point
for a very good reason since , as I described the Regiment in my Dover Museum Appeal Letter (and as I would wish
it to be regarded hence) - the famous Infantry Regiment of Greater London and the South East - the true canvas
to-day of The Queen 's Regiment is a great deal wider than the ancient city walls of Canterbury! Hence my
seemingly rather apt quote heading this preface . Or put another way whilst Canterbury may house our small RO-
manned RHO but for the dictates of available MOD ' real estate' at the time a more logical focal centre might well
have been about the Reigate / Crawley plane or somewhere thereabouts . Likewise with the 'lifeblood' of the
Regiment now either Bassingbourn or Shorncliffe based and the vagaries of the Arms Plot continuing to permit but
on ly oft time battalion occupation of Howe Barracks the Canterbury connection will inevitably become less

sign ificant .

To emphasise my point I will simply say that these past few months (or in those immediately ahead) the full
breadth and wide horizons of to-day's Regimental canvas have been clearly identifiable to any rational observer -
the rededication of the Regimental Obelisk on Putney Heath by COS, the annual Grand Reunion at Bassingbourn ,
Regimental Committee and Trustee Meetings at the Duke of York's HO in Chelsea , the Regimental Dinner at the
Law Society in the heart of the City of London , the raising of a TA Rifle Company in Brighton , the opening of a new
TA Drill Hall in Worthing by Her Grace Lavinia , Duchess of Norfolk, the start of the rebuild of a TA Centre in
Camberwell , the opening of Bn HO 8 OF(V) in Clapham by HRH The Duke of Kent , the first dinner of the new
Hornsey OCA Branch , and finally the christen ing of the 'new model ' Regimental Museum in Dover Castle by the
Governor of the Bank of England. The positive witness to a wide range of diverse regimental events and all about
the length and breadth of the true 'homeland' of the famous Infantry Regiment of Greater London and the South
East! 21 years on we are standing tall in our new guise - it's however high time we all thought big as well - end of
message!

As the highlight of the previous half year was certain ly the Putney Heath 325th Anniversary Muster so the
opening of the new Regimental Museum has been this time around . In this respect I simply want to say , on behalf of
all Oueensmen, a very sincere and public thank you to two rather special individuals who masterminded the whole
project. Without their drive, determination , diligence and patience we would still be on the outside of the Inner
Bailey looking in! They are, of course , Colonel Sir Col in Cole who so successfully directed the fund-raising efforts
of the Appeal Committee and Lieutenant Colonel Les Wilson who , together with English Heritage , tirelessly
laboured to produce ' Display ' and 'B lueprint' . Th ey both thoroughly deserve all the high praise we can shower
upon them - well done, gentlemen!

As 3 QUEENS return from another emergency tour in Ulster so 1 QUEENS set forth for one in South Armagh . We
wish them well deep down there in ' bandit country'. Next Spring 2 QUEENS will continue the seemingly endless
cycle this time from BAOR . In our '21st Birthday' year I am sure we shou ld not overlook the sacrifices and
tribulations suffered by the Regiment in the peacekeeping cause in Northern Ireland and especia lly during its most
formative years. it has been a tireless effort by all ranks and families alike. One for which they deserve much publ ic
credit . Lets hope that one day they may get it!

Hopefully our 'com ing of age' anniversary will be marked by a visit of HM Queen Margrethe to the Regiment this
December . I am sure that on that happy and memorable occasion our Allied Colonel-in- Chief will find her Regiment
standing very tall - and thinking big too!

10

EDITORIAL

This edition of the Journal may arrive a little later than usual as I w ished to include an account and pictures of the
opening on Albuhera Day of our new Regimental Museum in Dover Castle. Major Jock Haswell the Regimental
Historian has kindly written the report and Mr Ben May, who cou ld almost be termed " Regimental Photog rapher",
has provided the excellent pictures of this memorable day - another milestone in the Reg iment's history. The new
museum and the great occasion when HRH Th e Prin cess of Wales presented the Sword of Honour *at Sandhurst
to Lt Andrew Mallon provide our splendid cover pictures.

Our best wishes go to th e 1st Battalion as they sta rt their Northern Irelan d duties, and cong rat ulations to the 3rd
Battalion on completing a successful tour in t he Province . Th e 2nd Battalion are looking forward to a change of
scenery when they exercise in Canada in August and September. Among events that our TA battalions have in their
sights are the Guard of Honour for HRH Princess Margaret to be provided by the 6th /7th !Volunteer) Batta lion
when she opens the Tynewald Parliament on the Isle of Man , and the opening of the St John's Hill TA Centre for
the 8th Queen 's Fusiliers by HRH The Duke of Kent - both occasions in July. These events and the forthcoming
Freedom Parades in Barn et, Chichester , Ashford and Kingston upon Th ames by a contingent of the 3rd Battali on
and in Brighton by the 6th/7th Battalion will mean that our next Journal in December will also be a most interesting
edition.

With accounts of these important reg imen tal days and the very welcome full reports from our battalion s, I
unfortunately have to excl ude certa in articles that are submitted for the Jou rnal. I apologise to the authors
concerned but do ask that you all keep send ing in features of topical or historic interest and I will publish them
whenever possible. A selection of excellent articles conclude this ed ition and I recommend that yo u read them all .

I look forward to seeing as many as possible of our Readers at the Regimental Grand Reu nion at Bassingbourn on
Sunday 12 July .

*Other Winners of the Sword of Honour and the King's/ Queen 's Medal
1891 Lt Col A 0 Macpherson CIE , MIDDX (Sword of Honour) . 1892 Brig Gen C R Bradshaw CB CBE , RWK
(Sword of Honour). died 30th August 1940. 1895 Gen Sir Charles Bonham-Carter GCB CMG DSO , RWK
(Sword of Honour). died 21st October 1955. 1931 Lt Col JAR Freeland, QUEENS (Sword of Honour), retired
1954. 1937 Brig D W Jackson CBE , RWK (King's Medal) , retired 1964. 1954 Maj A F Heatly, RWK (Queen 's
Medal), retired from the Parachute Regiment 1970. 1959 Capt KG Wakely , QUEENS (Queen 's Medal) , retired

1971. 1969 Maj PR P Swanson MBE, QUEENS (Sword of Honour). serving with BMATT Zimbabwe.

Don't miss

THE REGIMENTAL
GRAND REUNION

at Bassingbourn
on Sunday 12th July, 1987

Full Details on Page 60

11

MAINLY ABOUT PEOPLE

Col J C Holman, Deputy Colonel Band Colonel The W01 IBM) I R Peaple is the new Bandmaster of the
Queen's Division , was made a CBE in the New Years Albuhera Band . He passed out top on graduating from
Honours List. the RMSM Kneller Hall .

Col H N Tarver was made a CBE in the New Years Sgt (SI) Colclough, APTC , and Cpl Hollick , 2
Honours List and is to be Brigadier lW) DLWP in July QUEENS , have been awarded their BAOR Cycling
1987 . Colours .

Capt J F Burke, 3 QUEENS, achieved an "A" Maj A M F Jelf, 2 QUEENS , is appointed as OC
grading on the OM's course. Armoured Infantry Training Advisory Team (AITAT) in
mid June 87 . He is the latest Regimental Officer to be
Capt R R Madeley RM, formerly attached to 1 very closely involved in the WARRIOR programme,
QUEENS, became Royal Marine Sportsman of the following Col H N Tarver CBE, Lt Cols D H A
Month in January 1987 after winning the Navy Cup for Shephard and R H Chappell OBE and Majs R
the second time in the Inter Services Skiing Gancz, A C Mieville and D Pollard .
Championships and coming second overall in the
Australian Skiing Championships. Lt Col G H Wright TO , whilst remaining of the
Directing Staff of the Staff College, has been appointed
W01 T S Davis has been commissioned as a Directo r Chairman for Surrey and Vice-Chairman of the SE
of Music and been appointed Deputy Chief Instructor at TAVRA from 1 April 1987.
Kneller Hall .
The Queen 's Regiment TA Band won the first
CSgt Truran (6/7 QUEENS (V)) and LCpl Prentice Divisional TA Band competition at Bassingbourn
(2 QUEENS) were awarded BEMs in the New Years against stiff opposition .
Honours List .
A team from 5 QUEENS (V) won the South East
J W S Rumble, a future officer in the Regiment, District Combat Catering Competition.
played in the winning Cambridge University golf team
against Oxford University, won his Blue and will be the Capt T J Hurley has been made a MBE and W01 B
Cambridge captain next year. W Pitchforth has been Mentioned in Despatches for
distinguished service in Northern Ireland .
Mr D G Draycott 190). formerly RWK , was awarded
the MBE in the New Years Honours List for his work for Cpl A Kent (late 1 QUEENS; now at the Depot) has
the Queens Own Regimental Association (20th London) been a member of the Army Boxing Squad and
of which he has been Secretary, Chairman and represented the Army against Hemel Hempstead Select,
President. Stratford-on-Avon , Coventry and Bristol amongst
others .
LCpl K I Millen, 3 QUEENS , received the C in C's
Commendation for outstanding service and leadership Cpl G Chapman (late 1 QUEENS now at the Depot)
at an incident in Belize on 7 August 1986. has been selected for the Army Judo Squad.

Cpl Singh, 6/7 QUEENS (V), has become London Ex W01 Hamill has been selected as OM (NRPS) of
"Volunteer of the Year", and has won the Burberry 144 Para Fd Amb in the rank of Capt.
Trophy, for his involvement in training recruits and
potential officers. Maj Max Maloney has been selected for an NRPS
post with 257 General Hospital.
A team from 6/7 QUEENS (V) came second out of 16
in the South East District Orienteering League 1986/ 87 . Lt Col J R Stephenson OBE has been appointed
Secretary of the MCC.
Capt D G Strutt, 2 QUEENS, achieved a Distinction
on the Mortar PI Comds Course in early 1987. LCpl Allison , 1 QUEENS , represented the Army in
the Joint Service Mountaineering expedition to Kenya
LCpl Prentice, 2 QUEENS , received the BEM in the in Ea.st Africa in Jan 87.
New Year's Honours List. He began his career with 1
QUEENS OWN BUFFS in Colchester in 1962. Cpl llbury and Cpl Sharratt, both of 1 QUEENS ,
achieved a distinction in EPC, 'ACW'.
Pte Ferber, 2 QUEENS , was awarded the trophy for
Outstanding Shooting at the 4 Armd Div Nordic Ski Cpl Dormer, 1 QUEENS, was graded outstanding on
Championships. the Sniper Instructors Course .

Pte White, 2 QUEENS, has continued to play j I"~:~~~~~
representative rugby for the Combined Services U21s, REGIMENTAL CHRISTMAS CARD ';1
the Army U21s and BAOR.
The Regimental Christmas Card this year will be a ;:fr
Capt G W Cross , Capt L R Edwards and Capt T J
Hurley MBE have all passed the Staff / Promotion traditional . wh1te card with the Regimental badge •
Examination at staff level and Capt K S Hames has •
qualified for promotion. Jembossed 1n colour on the front and the usual greetings
ms1de. The pnce w1ll be 10 for £2, including •
Sgt Sullivan , 1 QUEENS , achieved a distinction in envelopes, post and packing, and the cards may be ,.
EPC IAl, MC . obtained from Regimental Headquarters.
~~~~~~
Cpl Scully, 2 QUEENS , took part in EX LONG LOOK .

12

ALL THE QUEEN'S MEN - 16 MAY 1987

Dover Castle is a superb setting for practi cally any- This new Regimental ' Museum ', in which the w ord
thing , but especially for military gatherings where old museum is not mentioned , is quite unlike any other, in
friends meet again against a background of grey stone, that it tells the story, su ccin ctly , making use of tableux
mown grass, blue skies , red -coated bandsmen and and sound effects , of the ten forbear Regiments ; where
Bucks' Fizz . they fought and what they did. Schoolchildren knowing
nothing of the Army or its history, can learn a great deal
We had to get there by 10.30, at the very latest, from it, and since this Journal is no place for a long
because Lord Montagu , representing English Heritage, description, you must go and see it.
was due to arrive five minutes later, and The Right
Honourable Robin Leigh-Pemberton , the Lord There is nothing like it anywhere else, and for this we
Lieutenant of Kent - among others things - at twenty must thank English Heritage, in the person of Jack
to eleven . Lohman . But, as Brigadier Charles Millman said later,
the ' Project Award ' must, unquestionably, go to Lt Col
The proceedings began specta cularly with the Flying Les Wilson of Regimental HQ, for his indefatigable
Dragons smoking down out of the sky from a height of labour, inspiration and determination .
more than 3,000 feet to land with staggering accura cy
on the mark in the middle of a patch of grass not much Coffee and biscuits were provided for the 200 or more
bigger than a croquet lawn - it must have looked tiny guests in a large marquee pitched close to the entrance
from up there. While Lt Andrew Brown spoke to us of ALL THE QUEEN ' S MEN while the Quebec Band and
through a microphone, Pte Mark Lygo, LCpl lan the Volunteer Band of The Queen 's Regiment, in turn ,
Cashman, Pte Tim Morphy, Pte Vince Brierley and Pte played delightfully. When most of the guests had seen
Duncan Cooper landed in that order , and were followed the historical display we were addressed by Brigadier
by Sgt Bill (Kiwi) Sharp, the Team Leader , flying the Millman , expressing the gratitude of everyone to all
Regimental Flag and carrying First Day Covers and the those who had contributed to the making of such a
Key, the ceremonial key to the Museum, which was successful day, and then proposing the toast, in Bucks '
handed to the Lord Lieutenant . Fizz, to The Queen 's Regiment. One of the guests,
perhaps with an over-developed sense of history and
Then we all went through the gateway into the Inner bearing in mind that this was , after all , Albuhera Day,
Bailey where chairs had been placed in front of a dais waited in vain for a chance to finish what was in his
beside a door marked , above it, with the words ALL glass 'To the Immortal Memory' - but perhaps this was
THE QUEEN'S MEN - no mention of a Museum . Lord neither the time nor the place .
Montagu spoke briefly on the part played in the project
by English Heritage, and introduced the Lord Lieutenant There was then a lunch party for certain guests in the
who reminded us of the links between the Castle and Constable's Tower - in which Colonel John and Mrs
the Regiment and spoke of the spirit of the Regiment so Penny Francis had played a notable part - the host and
recently exemplified by the skill , professionalism and hostess being Brigadier and Mrs Lee; a memorable meal
daring of the Flying Dragons. He also made the point , expertly presented and served. lt was so good, and so
often forgotten by the public and glossed over by prolonged by enjoyment and conversation , that the
historians, that a soldier's life, in the past, was no bed of second superb performance by the Flying Dragons was
roses and that regimental traditions had been created on missed, but the large crowd now in the Castle was
what today would be described as unacceptable con- suitably impressed .
ditions of hardship, danger, discomfort, boredom and
disease. Yet they were traditions of which we should all To end a day that was another addition to regimental
be proud. He then opened the 'museum ' and led the history the Quebec Band , the Volunteer Band and the
way into it. Corps of Drums of the 5th Volunteer Battalion of The
Queen 's Regiment Beat Retreat magnificently. lt was
indeed a great day, thanks entirely to the immense
amount of work , the enthusiasm and the expertise of
everyone in Regimental Headquarters .

One of the Guests

The Lord Lieutenant of Kent and Lord Montague tour the 1. Sgt Sharp, Flying Dragons Team Leader, flies in with
Museum with Lt Col Les Wilson . the Regimental flag , carrying the ceremonial key and
first day cover.
2. The Guard of Honour provided by Queen's badged
ACF cadets.

3. The Lord Lieutenant of Kent shares a joke with the '
Colonel of the Regiment (right). and Regimental
Secretary (left).
4. Lord Montagu , Chairman of English Heritage invites
the Lord Lieutenant to officially open the new
Regimental Museum.
5. The Colonel of the Regiment addressing the
Regiment's guests.
6. The Regiment's guests at the Opening Ceremony.
7. Beating Retreat concludes the day.



14

1st BATTALION

EDITORIAL shooting , through field firing , to platoon , company and
battalion level exercises. There was also opportunity to
With the battalion now settled into Tidworth and complete five of our Kirke's Inter Company events and
entering its second month of pre-Northern Ireland of course , to enjoy a few days Rand R. Shooting during
training, the memories of those last hectic months in our first and second weeks proved to be quite a novelty
Gibraltar seem increasingly distant. The contrast in our after the availability of only a 30m range in Gibraltar . The
new role and life style to that of Gibraltar could not be climax to our shooting period was the Kirke 's Skill at
more different, providing just the right challenge and
professional satisfaction that is needed after 2 years in a Arms competition run by Capt Anthony and made all
high profile ceremonial role . Gibraltar, we believe , was a the more enjoyable by superb weather conditions. lt
great success and gave a rare opportunity to show off was won by Tangier Company, much to the delight of
ceremonially and enjoy the advantages of a tour in the the new Company Commander, Maj Kiwi Carter.
Mediterranean . Nevertheless after two years absence Champion shot went to LCpl Bailey of Quebec
from a really challenging operational role there were Company.
very few who regretted that final view of the ' Rock '
from the MOD charter aircraft. We finally departed As light relief from the first week's range work Kirke's
Gibraltar on the 30th January after dismounting and sports events were held during the weekend . With the
handing over our 106th convent ceremonial guard to 1 R knowledge that there would be no time for Kirke's in
ANGLIAN. 1987 it was an ideal opportunity to complete these
events and take advantage of playing on 'grass' . For the
Undoubtedly the highlight of our last six months in team sports events we were very kindly given the use of
Gibraltar was the battalion training exercise, Exercise the recently closed Welsh Depot at Crickhowell. There,
HIGH TIDE, which took place in the Autumn . The with almost half the battalion participating and the rest
exercise, carried out by each Gibraltar resident battalion spectating we completed Inter Company Soccer, Rugby
in its second year provided a climax to the two company and Hockey in one day. Holland Company were winners
level exercises carried out by each company earlier in of the Soccer and Headquarters Company (otherwise
the tour . Sadly gone are the days when the 'off the known as the 4th Battalion) , the current holders of
Rock' exercise is held in such enticing locations as Kirke's, won both Hockey and Rugby . On the following
Kenya. For us it was to be sunny Sennybridge; a day the battalion moved to the Forest of Dean where
deliberate move no doubt to acclimatise the battalion everyone took part in an Orienteering event organised
before returning to Tidworth later on . In the event the by W02 (CSM) S Scully. The running of the event
weather was on our side, an unusual occurrence for entailed massive organisation and resembled on arrival ,
Sennybridge, for it rained only infrequently during the the appearance of a Divisional Headquarters in the field .
four weeks training and for many days the sun shone Thankfully for the battalion 's senior citizens the event
and the skies were clear. was held in three levels, an A course for those
competing in Kirke's Orienteering, a B course for the
Planning and carrying out the four week training under 35s and a veterans course for the remainder . At
programme proved a relatively straightforward and the end of an excellent day Sobraon Company took
rewarding business. More of a challenge was the away the Kirke's Shield with Sgt Cope (Tangier
mounting of the exercise from Gibraltar after handing Company) winning the A Course, Pte Holford (Quebec
over our role, our real estate, in fact all but our families, Company) the B Course and CSgt Johnston (Holland
to 2 R IRISH who had come out to relieve us. As is most Company) arriving first in the veterans course . Real
often the case the real exercise was foi those involved in congratulations must go to W02 Scully who continues
mounting and moving the battalion and in the numerous to dive for cover whenever another competition is
handovers of equipment and barracks that were proposed.
necessary. We operated throughout the exercise with
vehicles and equipment belonging to 2 R IRISH in On return from R and R the first of the two dry
Dover, thus our Advance and Rear Parties collected and training phases commenced with the whole battalion
returned a battalion's worth of equipment driving it deploying for platoon and company level exercises set
between SE Kent and Wales. "Why oh why" , cried the against a counter insurgency background . Such
Quartermaster, "couldn 't we exercise at CPTA"; exercises are always enjoyable and worthwhile but it
though of course that would be far too simple. A tribute was particularly so for Battalion HO who had not been
to the good work of Quartermaster Technical, Capt in the field for over 4 years. There was also a sense of
Wischhusen who administered the exercise, was that perverse pleasure amongst the rifle companies to see
no complaints followed one month 's use of another
battalion's equipment on exercise. Capt Rowney must 1. The CO, Lt Col Mike Ball, congratulates Pte Freeman
also be congratulated for organising the move and
returning the whole battalion to Gibraltar despite five ACC. winner of the Christmas Cake Competition .
aircraft breakdowns and the temporary loss of the
Battalion 21C and the Recce Platoon Commander who 2. The Wives Club Christmas Dinner. ~
prefered the comforts of South Cerney. 3. The Battalion Sailing Competition.

Our four week Sennybridge programme comprised a 4. The Wind Surfing Competition . "
full variety of military skills progressing from basic 5. 5 Platoon firing SA 80 for the first time .

6. LCpl Worley firing the SA 80 and Pte Martin with the

LSW.

15

3

16

Support Company (Quebec Company) operate as a rifle promised to be an even tougher co ntest than its
company, denied the warmth of their vehicles. On predecessor. In the event it was certainly that, but if the
completion of the phase we returned to Sennybridge battalion had gained little other training out of Gibraltar
cleared up, enjoyed a night between sheets and then we had certainly become fitter and this was highlighted
issued orders and reorganised for the final battalion by the timings achieved by most platoons. Best of all
exercise. To suit the particular terrain and climax of were the Sobraon Company platoons , with 8 Platoon
Sennybridge the final exercise was set against a under 2Lt Fotheringham deservedly winning, 9 Platoon
Falklands-type scenario . To add realism to the setting coming second and 7 Platoon achieving fifth place . In
on the second day the weather broke and thick mist set doing so Sobraon Company achieved a narrow overall
in for the exercise. During the final withdrawal and victory in the Kirke's Competition, beating Tangier
counter attack phase in the last 24 hours of the exercise Company by half a point and winning back the trophy
we were visited by DFC Gibraltar, Brig M Jones . He they held in 1984.
toured each of the companies, Tac HQ and Echelon
and had a grandstand view of the final counter attack on Whilst Kirke 's provided much of the excitement
to a farm complex in which almost 70 % of the during this period it was one of bewilderingly intense
battalion 's annual scale of blank and pyrotechnics was activity and much variety. In mid November potential
invested. lt was a fitting climax to a month's very members of the Close Observation Platoon (COP)
valuable training and, as we prepared for the return to returned yet again to Sennybridge to complete their
Gibraltar, there was a general feeling of satisfaction in selection cadre. The choice of venue , whi lst inducing
what had been achieved. There was still a lot to learn moans in many, was very much a tailback option and
but much progress had been made. was refreshing evidence that such a project can be
mounted at very short notice, it was planned and
On returning to Gibraltar and scarcely before the mounted in a few days. Once returned and with
exercise dhobi had been hung on the washing line, the membership of the newly formed COP confirmed it was
demands of the forthcoming move and that of re- time to bump the Intelligence organisation up from a
organisation for South Armagh were upon us . Whilst strength of 0 to 32, also in readiness for NI. With
the UEO, our QMs, Families' Officer and their staffs qualifications required of an elite force and cries from
wrestled with preparing for the move, the companies Ashford that only the best must be selected , we were
resumed their ceremonial and duty commitments and once again looking for a platoon of supermen with the
commenced preparation for the final three Kirke 's
competition events. Potentially this latter phase of the SOBRAON DAY 1987 - The Colour Party- W011RSM)
Gibraltar tour could well have been tedious but the need Brown, W02 ICSM) Stone, CSgt Lewis, Sobraon Sgt
to complete 'Kirkes' by Christmas, and considerable
preliminary training for NI, as well as the challenge of a Mead and CSgt Alien.
heavy Christmas social programme provided plenty to
keep us going. Much to the relief of many, the Kirke's
Drill Competition was dropped in favour of a Military
Skills Competition, being more relevant to our future
role. Preparation for the Competition induced near
panic amongst many. and an exhausted pamphlet
library, as QM's Staff, MT drivers, cooks, mess staff
and many others from outside rifle companies prepared
to carry out tests in a variety of military skills and
regimental history. However this was not to be a rifle
company or Headquarters Company victory; Support
Company (QUEBEC PLC) broke tradition as very much
the Kirke's middlemen by showing their superiority in
military skills by winning.

Also in late November and one week later the Kirke's
Novice's Boxing event took place. This, like the previous

year's event, was another fine night's entertainment
splendidly orchestrated by the Boxing Officer Capt
Ebbens. Traditionalists raised their eyebrow as the
canned music of the 'Rambo' and ' Rocky Ill' themes
accompanied the winner's entrance, though the
Albuhera Band appeared happy to wait their turn. The
night provided some excellent bouts and revealed a
team with promise for the Army Novices Championship.
Winners of the occasion were Sobraon Company who
with one competition to go had an even chance with
Tangier Company of carrying away the 1986 Kirke's
Championship .

Two weeks later and into December it was time for
the final event, the ' Shoot and March ' Competition .
Ran on similar lines to the 1985 competition but on a
reverse route with the addition of an assault course it

17

1. The Drums Platoon commanded by the Adjutant, 4. Winners of the 6-a-side Football Competition.
Capt Simon Deakin , nearing the end of the March and 5. Pte Cook and Pte Smith in the Inter-Company
Shoot Competition . Novices Boxing Competition .
2. The Drums Platoon firing GPMG (SF) from Europa 6. Pte Thirwell of Sobraon Company winners of the
Point. Kirke's Boxing Competition.

3. Battalion HO staff in the Braganza Review.

18

Capt Ken Hames 'On the Road to Mandalay'. be pleased to know that the RSM , W01 Boden and his
party having failed to reach the Battlefield on Albuhera
intelligence of mastermind candidates. Once again we Day made it successfu lly, this time in an airconditioned
found them. Headquarters (Aibuhera/Kirkes) Company lu xury coac h. All of our visitors to Albuhera have
were, after nearly two years, having to cough up some reported great hospitality by loca l inhabitants and a
of their enormous reserves. The formation of COP and considerable amount of disagreement of where the
the Intelligence Platoon were just two examples of the action took place.
considerable amount of reorganisation that converts a
rifleman into a unit photographer, a APTC SNCO into a Christmas and New Year was once again a marathon
helicopter controller, and an adventure training affair starting seemingly even earlier than in 1985 and
instructor into a intelligence collater. lt focused many merging with our farewell activities in late January.
minds in that pre Christmas period. Throughout nearly all these activities the Albuhera Band
were to the fore maintaining until the end their
The Autumn period also gave the companies their last reputation and respect among the Services and civilian
opportunities for 'off the Rock ' activities before the community alike. Amongst the more high profile of the
demands of NI training became too great. Earlier in band's Christmas performances was the Combined
November , 2Lt Owen took the final Exercise SPRING Services Carol Service held in St Michael 's Cathedral.
RUN to Morocco . The team of 14 from Holland The event was the subject of a Gibraltar Television
Company visited Meknes , Fez , Marrakesh and Company and BFBS programme featuring the band and
Casablanca basing themselves overnight at local ca mp Gibraltar Choral Society practising and performing
sites . This was the last of a series of successful and carols and anthems. This was the first time that the
worthwhile treks providing the luckier amongst the combining of each Service's carol service had been
battalion with a rare insight into the culture, trialled and was undoubtedly a great success. lt
environment and living standards of the Moroccans . In certainly meant two less commitments in a very busy
the same period a number of groups from the battalion Christmas programme for the band.
paid visits to Albuhera. Readers of the last Journal will
On the less formal side the Wives' Club dinner and
Braganza Reviews were both again high points
emerging through the level of alcoholic haze. During the
former the wives gave us a lesson in how to really enjoy
a party, providing their own table top cabaret and
continuing the motion at the George and Dragon Club .
The Braganza Review was held on New Year's Eve
providing a rowdy warm up to seeing the New Year in.
Once again, 'a nything went' although Tangier
Company, not wishing to upset the Padre a second year
provided a sketch on the gym staff featuring , oscar
deserving, Pte Bevin. True to such occasions most of
the battalion heirarchy had the proverbial ' mickey' taken
out of them in one sketch or another . The band
performed between acts and provided accompanyment
to regimental songs. A lasting memory will be Capt
Hames, the Master of Ceremonies, bravely standing in
for Sgt Clarkson of the Albuhera Band by leading ' On
the Road to Mandalay'. The Review was a great success
and a tribute to the efforts of the organisers who
overcame the conflicting priorities of the battalion
move .

With the New Year over and the pre-advance party all
ready acclimatising to an English Winter in Tidworth,
the move began to get under way . This was to be a long
and drawn out affair, and as most of the families had
sent their MFO in early December there was a
considerable desire to get the move over with and get
re-established in Tidworth . The long container shipping
move and the inconvenience of the Christmas break
meant that most had been without possessions for two
months including Christmas. For these reasons and
others, arrival at Tidworth was a welcome event. By mid
January it seemed that nearly half the battalion had
moved from Gibraltar. The NI course programme had
meant that many left for England well before Christmas
and, in addition to the formal Advance Party, the
Boxi ng and Soccer teams had to return to prepare for
UK competition events. At the Gibraltar end more 1 R
ANGLIAN ca p badges were in evidence. Imminent
departure for the main body meant that much of the

19

Farewell to Gibraltar. battalion ) before moving to joi n the 2nd Battalion , as
1. Albuhera Band Trumpet Section. part of the final ceremonial Convent guard mounting .
2. 1 QUEENS last ceremonial guard mounting at The The Albuhera Band will be greatly missed and ca n be
Convent. justly proud of their tour in Gibraltar .

3. The CO. Lt Col Mike Ball, making the Farewell Presen- First impressions of Tidworth Garrison and Mooltan
tation to the Mayor of Gibraltar. Mr A Serfatty. Barra cks were quite disappointing for Mooltan Barra cks
can seem a depressing complex particularly in mid
time was spent cleaning and refurbishing the barracks . winter . As part of the Tidworth redevelopment
C Company block was at one stage renamed " HMS programme it is scheduled for demolition afler our tour
Sobraon " as the only paint lefl available was battleship and as a consequen ce receives little priority from PSA.
grey, no doubt acquired by the Quartermaster's However 'self help' has been very much the cry and in
departure from the Royal Navy . The band featured between SABO and NI training the barracks are
heavily yet again in these last days of the tour . Their beginning to appear more habitable. At the time of
f1nal Concert was staged in St Michael 's Cave in mid writing the domestic pioneers have almost completed a
January and proved a complete sellout . The theme was redesign of the barracks entrance installing white ranch
farewell to Gibraltar, a particularly apt theme , as all gates giving a " Dallas ' style appearance to the camp.
three battalions had served in Gibraltar in the past 15 Sadly though , much of the work can only be cosmetic
years . Dunng the performance the Commanding Officer and the single soldiers are unlikely to have their primitive
presented the Mayor with a framed Queen's Regiment accommodation modernised.
mus1c banner as a farewell gift to the people of
Gibraltar : A few days later on the 27th January the band With the main body in station the battalion took two
gave the1r last performance in Gibraltar (and with the weeks leave and on return at the end of February
received our new weapon system (SABO) and the new
helmet . The period since leave has been of intense
training not only having to prepare for South Armagh
but to train and familiarise ourselves with a new weapon
system within the same time span. We are now a month
into the pre NI training programme and have Easter
leave to look forward to before moving to CPTA and
STANTA for the last weeks of our training . Our
thoughts are now very much on the forthcoming tour
and a busy Autumn when we convert to SAXON , the
new wheeled APC .

There have been many changes of personalities over
the past 6 months and the battalion has almost a new
look, with an influx of many new recruits . We have
behind us some successful performances on the
sporting front with our Boxing and Hockey teams
reaching the Army Novices and Infantry Cup Semi-
Finals respectively . Looking to the future we have the
combination of an interesting and challenging
programme with time on return from NI to enjoy the
considerable sporting facilities that Tidworth provides .
The general feeling is that, afler 4 years away, it's great
to be back .

ALL AT SEA- MILAN IN GIBRALTAR

. Never ones to content ourselves with sprawling lazily
1n the Mediterranean sunshine, we in Milan Platoon 1
QUEENS were always looking for new ideas to try out
w1th our recently acqUired (1985) system . One early idea
was to set up firing posts and simulators on the Radar
Mole attached to the runway sticking out into the Bay.
From here we could " engage" the traffic crossing the
runway (even though the speed of all but the most
decrepit local jalopies made most targets only
representative of supercharged sports models of the
BRDM 2) , but there was the added bonus of having
snorkell1ng as a background activity. On one such
afternoon Cpl Tunstall emerged white-faced and
spluttering from the sea to say he had found a body, but
fortunately , further dives revealed it was only a
discarded tailor's dummy.

Despite su ch excitements, we looked for further

20

told them w e would not damage it very mu ch and they
agreed .

A date was set , shipping was warned off , and w e set

about preparing for the big day . We carried out several
rehearsals on the firing point itself which was perched

on an overhanging cliff 25m above the sea , and built
sandbagged positions for the Condu cting Offi cer's party

and the press . All the rehearsals went well , and 19th
November dawned as a beautiful sunny day.

Milan firing from Europa Point, Gibraltar. First to fire, though , were the Mortar Platoon , who
managed to hit the Mediterranean with impressive
diversions, and the idea of using Milan against ships and accuracy (one unfortunate dolphin was less than
boats was mooted . Initially, it was suggested we mount impressed , however), while we were checking our
Milan on a Naval vessel and engage enemy ships on the missiles and the VIP enclosure (the Car Chute) was
high sea (one particular FHQ Major also suggested we filling up . At the appointed hour, the tug started towing
engage ships from the cabin of the Lynx helicopter - the target towards the range area , then disaster struck
Rambo may have been able to fire a LAW rocket from a as the cable parted. The target started floating off
Huey cockpit, but the Lynx crew preferred to follow towards Morocco, chased by the tug , which when it
regulations rather than a film director's suspension of caught it, said there would be a three hour delay for
reality). Thus it was that we put to sea on one of the RN repairs . Sadly, several VIP spectators had to leave but
launches and cruised round the eastern side of the Rock fortunately the local GBC TV crew were able to return
engaging a variety of targets with the simulator. We later. While the cable was being fixed, the Mortars and
even had a couple of shots at a foreign patrol boat (they the Drums with their GPMGs in the sustained fire role
presumably wrote quite an interesting patrol report) . At carried out an impressive combined shoot.
the end of the day, however, the movement of the
launch due to the waves rendered anything smaller than Finally, however, the tug started its run again , and
a supertanker relatively safe from our efforts . Despite the first team took post, Pte Milsom as No 1 and LCpl
the results, it had been an enjoyable trip out, and we Dann as No 2, with CSgt MacCormack as Safety
were delighted that the report on our efforts brought so Supervisor . Tension was high as the target entered the
much laughter and enjoyment to the rest of the Milan arc, as not only was it the climax of months of
world (even our students on subsequent Milan courses preparation but also it was the first ever missile firing
at Netheravon were somewhat ribbed) . from Gibraltar and military history was in the making .
The cameras whirred and clicked as, with an impressive
Still determined to have a go at a target at sea, we whoomph , the historic first missile streaked from the
finally decided to settle for firing out to sea from the firing point out over the sea . With unerring accuracy it
shore. There were a variety of suitable placed on the closed with the target and impacted centrally with a
eastern coast , but the best bet was Brewery Crusher satisfying explosion, which was greeted with cheers of
near Europa Point, no least because 105mm Light Guns jubilation and scenes similar to Wembley when a goal is
and 81mm Mortars are regularly fired from there . scored .
Throughout the summer of 1986 there was a flurry of
letters, signals, photos and sketches to and from To prove this was not a fluke , the next two missiles
various authorities until finally we received clearance to were also direct hits, fired by Ptes Birdsall and Coffey .
give it a go. The fourth, fired by Pte Chilvers , was a very near miss
but so near it looked like a hit to observers. With this run
A friend of Maj Rocky Hitchcock, our OC, had half a completed , the target turned round for its second and
dozen spare missiles under his bed which he said we final run . Unfortunately, there seems to have been a
could have, so all we needed was a target. Fortunately, problem with the tug's radar as it towed the target by
the Navy do several live firings near Gibraltar, using a just out of range, and the last two missiles fell short.
Histar target (a towed , wire mesh construction on However, both were flying well towards the target , and
floats) and we asked if we could borrow one , and a boat gave the firers , Ptes Hickford and Rose , a good long
to tow it. With fingers crossed behind our backs, we time to demonstrate their control of their missiles. Thus
despite this slight disappointment, it had been a
successful , rewarding and enjoyable day, and spirits
were high at the company party which took place that
evening in the infamous Penelope 's Nightclub .

As a bonus the firings were given a large amount of
media coverage - a feature slot on GBC TV's 9 O' Clock
News and articles in several local newspapers, including
some in Spain - and some tremendous photos were
taken , all of which helped to make it a memorable event .
Our nautical fi xation had finally borne fruit.

21

2nd BATTALION

EDITORIAL Christmas for the ' pads' was an undoubted improve-
ment on last year but , for single soldiers, the BAOR
Six months ago, as the previous notes were being manning requirements and t he travelling difficulties to
prepared, we had little to report on our short existence and from UK made the Festive Season a little
in Minden. We were preparing to go to SOLTAU for our unsatisfactory . Most single men did get home for
first training period. We had a couple of umpiring Christmas or New Year, but we hope that more
exercises under our belt with EX SNOW QUEEN and a satisfactory arrangements can be made for next year
series of Cadres in the offing. 1987 promised to be quite
a year. With over a quarter of the year already gone it is prior to Op BANNER .
certainly living up to expectations. Bored? We have
forgotten the meaning of the word! The New Year brought some bitterly cold weather
with temperatures regularly in the minus twenties .
In November the battalion's first taste of Soltau Certainly not ideal temperatures to begin our
was thorough ly worthwhile and full of incidents . concentrated period of individual training and cadres.
Nothing has changed much since the distant days of The APC D & M Cadre , in particular, suffered . January
Werl. The mud is as consistant as ever, but it was and February, however, did see the running of one of
noticeable how political pressures in the area have the most successful Potential JNCOs cadres in recent
placed a greater burden on units to keep within the years. Run by WOII Jack Daw and ably supported by
' rules' and avoid unnecessary inconvenience to the local Sgts McAuley, Friday and Martin, and Cpls Findlay and
communities. Despite all that, the general view was one Dunstan, the cadre called for total commitment by the
of praise for the APCs , Mk 1s they may be and over 18 students, and resulted in 30 new LCpls out the 48 that
years old, but they were an improvement on walking set out. The Brigade Commander presented chevrons
and quite a comfort when the weather deteriorated. and a trophy to the Best Student, Pte (now LCpl)
Some , however, found the experience a little Kershaw of Support Company.
embarrassing; one company, which shall remain
nameless to protect the innocent, had the dubious February saw us almost overwhelmed by commit-
distinction of completing an extra 70 km on the road ments . The various cadres had to continue but
move up as it circumnavigated the Hohne Range Road Ammunition Site Guards, increased security commit-
only to find itself back in Fallingbostel some three hours ments and EX WINTER SALES were the main culprits .
later! One Subaltern managed to direct a Battalion Some satisfaction was gained by our involvement on EX
Command vehicle, no less, back into a seemingly W INTER SALES, the Corps CPX for 1987. To allow 11
bottomless pit, while another never did find the first Armd Bde to control the exercise, Battalion
checkpoint on the Platoon Night Navigation Exercise in Headquarters took on the mantel of Brigade
the forests . Do I hear some sympathy from the 3rd Headquarters with the CO very much enjoying his
Battalion veterans? temporary promotion. Unfortunately time prevented us
making any major changes! The security guards, that
In late November, just as he was getting to know us, we also provided, much enjoyed new found power to
Brig Roger Wheeler CBE left and Brig Jeremy Phipps open senior officers' brief cases and control access to
(late QOHI became Commander 11 Armoured Brigade . the Secure Complex - all done with typical good
His military background includes tours with the SAS humour and correctness that did not go unnoticed. Well
and commanding his regiment in BAOR, so we have not done the MILAN Platoon . For those that drew the short
been surprised by his style. We have already enjoyed straws and did fatigues , sympathy and further thanks. If
frequent visits from him and respect his desire to fully February was generally considered a bad month due to
understand the complexities of the mechanised commitments and weather, it certainly ended on a high
battalion. note, if you will excuse the pun! Monday 23 February

Of course, one of the long standing attractions of marked the arrival of the Albuhera Band , all 35 of them ,
serving in BAOR is the opportunity to ski and it was the same familiar faces from our much loved Battalion Band
Commanding Officer's wish that we shou ld, in our first and all of them delighted to be with us in BAOR.
winter, get fully involved with EX SNOW QUEEN and Engagements are already plentiful and the Band 's
Biathlon. Our previous winters in Northern Ireland and reputation is spreading quickly. As the first battalion to
the Falkland Islands had curtailed skiing activities, and have experienced a long period without a resident band ,
so it came as a welcome surprise to achieve as much as let us be quite clear - it is not a situation we enjoyed,
we did. Over 150 members of the battalion, including although most realised the value of two large bands as
some fami lies, took part in EX SNOW QUEEN in opposed to three small ones. To have to pay , at times
Bavaria , with Capt Mike Newman and Sgt Duncan considerable sums , for another unit to play for us took
running the hut virtually throughout. Meanwhile our some digesting. We are particularly sympathetic to the
EME, Capt lan Duncan, can take great credit for plight of the 1st Battalion who have now lost the
producing a very good Novice Biathlon Team from his services of an excellent Band and we commend to
own LAD and from the talent within the battalion . A Regimental Headquarters that greater financial support
strenuous EX VIKING LOIPE and EX QUEENS should be made available to offset the cost of obtaining
QUADRANT, both in Norway, produced the strong a Band , particularly as regards travel costs.
nucleus of skiers from which the team was selected .
Capt lan Duncan relates a fuller story of their successes That little chestnut off the Band President's chest, let
in his separate article. Suffice to say it was a thoroughly us turn to our activities in March when we first started
commendable effort in our first year. to bring the BATUS Battle Group together for training .
After a few in-house Study Days, we travelled once
more to Sennelager and the Brigade Battle Group

22

1. D & M Cadre beginning in - 25° C. 4. Ex CHILLED LOIPE getting underway .
2. Cpls Porter and Burnham RAPC with 2Lt Harknett. 5. Potential JNCOs on the ALMAS.
3. Ptes Marrison , Bliss and Goodge on Ex CHILLED 6. Various methods of entry!
LOIPE .

23

Inter-company boxing finalists. The Brigade Commander presents Best Boxer
Prize to Pte Scragg.

Trainer (BBGT) where Battalion Headquarterts was put PERSONALITIES AND VISITORS
through the mill in exercises concentrating on our
procedural ability rather than tactical flair. Credit must We have seen a co nsiderable number of personality
go to Capt John Noble, the Ops Officer, for the highly changes recently. Maj Mark Quinn has left after four
successful outcome. and a half years with the battalion during which time he
was the Ops Officer and OC Sp and A Companies. By
As March ended most of the battalion headed for the end of his time with us he had become quite an
Soltau , Hohne or Munsterlager South for company expert on battalion personalities and his considerable
and specialist platoon training. There was certainly no presence will be missed. W e wish Mark and Cathryn
shortage of enthusiasm to get into the field particularly every happiness in Hong Kong. Maj Andrew Barratt (OC
as the security state had suddenly shot up after the C Company) has been posted to the MOD on promotion
Rheindahlen bombing! The CO in the meantime took and we wish him and the RAC the best of luck as Andrew
some extremely well deserved leave in the Greek 'designs' their new Battle Tank! Maj John Partridge left
Islands! before Christmas for HQ Eastern District while Capt
Derek Phipps has sadly left for a civilian electronics job .
The weather has seriously curtailed our sporting
activities, apart from skiing of course. However, the We welcomed back Majors Andrew Roberts , David
INVICTA Inter Company Novice Boxing Competition Wake and Dick Whithouse and Lt David Bowden , all
must be rated one of the very best ever staged by the well known personalities in the battalion over the years
battalion and certainly the many outside officials were and all of whom served with us in Werl in the early 70's .
full of praise , for the organisation staged by Sgt (SI)
Colclough APTC and the Gym staff, but principally for Another significant change has been the appointment
the boxers. Commitments limited training, but the of the new RSM , W01 Daw, previously our RQMS .
courage and quality of the boxing in the preliminary W01 Thompson is currently keeping a low profile in our
rounds and the finals on 11 March made us all very SNOW QUEEN Hut until he takes up the appointment
proud to be part of it and gave a clear indication that, ail of 21C A Company in April prior to posting back to the
being well , we could shine in Novice Boxing next 3rd Battalion .
winter. B Company just came out the winners while Pte
Scragg was the Best Boxer and Pte Dodman the Best As ever there has been much comi ng and going
Loser . throughout the battalion, but one departure in particular
was a considerable sadness , that of LCpl Prentice . He
As will have been reported elsewhere in the Journal , left just prior to Christmas after serving his full 22 years
six members of the battalion have joined Maj John within the battalion since joining 1 QUEENS OWN
Gamlin on his great adventure into the Himalayas on EX BUFFS in Colchester in 1962. For years he resisted
TATO PIADAL, but we will all have to await the promotion and really only succumbed to becoming a
December issue before we can read about that trip. LCpl in his last few years. An extremely fit and reliable
soldier, he was totally dedicated to the battalion and
That future issue will also recount our first Field Firing always set an outstanding example . His BEM in the New
period at Sennelager, another trip around SOLTAU and Years Honours was thoroughly deserved and delighted
the culmination of the year's training , the Medicine Man us all. We wish him and all those that have recently left
Exercise at BATUS in which the battalion will be totally the battalion on release or posting our very best wishes.
involved in August and September .

24

Gen Sir David Mostyn KCB CBE, the Adjutant General .
This was a parti cularly successful visit in which the
General was able to discuss co nditions with a number of
single soldiers, with groups of our wives , some actually
at work in the J RC and to talk at length w 1th the WOs'
and Sgts' Mess during lunch. He saw single soldier's
accommodation and the working conditions around the
Barracks . There was certainly no reluctance to speak
up!

Finally, we have continued to maintain our links with
3 Sqn RAF, which is in Gutersloh. The CO , 21C and Maj
Harry Yorke (QC HQ Company) visited them in January
for lunch. Afterwards , in far from ideal weather
conditions, the CO was taken around the Corps Area in
a Harrier . He was distinctly green on arriving back but
he had no cause to reach for a paper bag during the 45
minute trip! The pilot, Fit Lt David Watson , and the
Commander of 3 Sqn , Wing Commander Sid Morris
OBE AFC, subsequently came to dinner.

Brig Charles Barnes with the ASM and CSgt Foster. COLONEL OF THE REGIMENT'S VISIT

We have had a few thoroughly enjoyable visits in 14-15 APRIL 1987
recent months. To begin with we have lost count of the
potential officers who have stayed, all of whom said We were delighted to see the Colonel of the Regiment
they enjoyed themselves. Their mess bills and a few for a two day visit on 14 and 15 April. We only wish it
thank-you letters certainly indicate they did! cou ld have been for longer, but we were pleased to see
that Brigadier Charles was looking particularly fit and
Brig Charles Barnes OBE paid a farewell visit as well. His dynamic approach and enthusiasm certainly
Divisional Brigadier in January while Brig Barnett OBE have not waned , and we very much hope that he
(late BW), the Brigadier Infantry BAOR , has seen us enjoyed the visit.
twice.
The Colonel of the Regiment arrived in time to see the
Col Ri chard Graham MBE, now COS 1 Armd Div, has Finals of the Garrison Winter Sports Competition, and
been down to a Guest Night and many other Regimental very much to our relief , and Brigadier Charles' delight
Officers joined the Colonel of the Regiment during his Support Company were very successful, winning the
visit on 14/ 15 April which is reported below. rugby, cross country and assault course competiti on.

A surprise visitor in late March was Lt Col Rod Arnold The Officers' Mess held a Regimental Guest Night in
who accompanied our most prestigious visitor to date, the evening and we were joined by Col Richard Graham,
Lt Cols Mike Newall, Peter Hubert and Peter Cheeseman ,
and Majs James Myles, Bob Bartlett, Joe O'Gorman

The Adjutant General's Visit.

1. The AG with Pte Phillip of the Milan Platoon .
2. Talking to Mrs Wells , Mrs Green and Mrs Duplock in
the Queen's Club .

25

The Colonel of the Regiment' s Visit 14 - 15 April 1987.

1. The Colonel of the Regiment with the RSM , Sgt West 4. With Ptes Greenlish. Burge and Hodges.
and the CO , Lt Col Peter Cook. 5. With Brig J J J Phipps and the 21C , Maj Mike Jelf .
2. Talking to Ptes Ferguson , Squelch , Dixon and Oavey . 6. Support Company winning teams in the rugby, cross-
3. Talking to Maj Dick Whithouse and CSM Tanner. country and assault course events of the Garrison Sports
Competition .

26

and lan Lloyd. lt was a memorable evening and quite a
reunion . Besides the Colonel of the Regiment, there
were three previous Commanding Officers, six officers
who began their careers with the Middlesex Regiment, a
host of us that had served with Mike Newall in Werl and
four previous RSMs. The Albuhera Band were in fine
tune and the evening was a most happy occasion.

On the second day the Brigadier toured the Barracks
seeing training, met soldiers at work in their various
departments, enjoyed a drink in the WOs ' and Sgts '
Mess and finally presented prizes at the INVICTA
Hockey Competition .

EXERCISE CHILLED LOIPE
by 2Lt G P Jones

Exercise CH ILLED LOIPE was a cross country skiing Pte Harkness at the end of the 30 km Military Patrol
exercise in the Harz mountains designed to test a small Race .
group of fifteen in " living out" in arduous winter
it became rapidly obvious that standing up again with
conditions . that weight would become a major cause of fatigue . lt
was a weary but happy group that returned to the hut
We left on a bleak Monday morning in terrible for another excellent meal prepared by Pte White . The
weather. Having spent the weekend viewing the evening was again devoted to preparing for the next
disappointing snow with some despondency I was day, although we did visit a bar in Torfhaus which was
happy to suffer the journey, although I am not entirely owned by the incredible " Vince", an ex-RSM, who
sure that my enthusiasm was shared by the troops in the welcomed us as if we were long lost friends.
back of the eight tonner! We arrived at AMTC
Silberhutte in the early afternoon where I was given a On the Wednesday morning , we set off on our
very comprehensive briefing and issued maps. I rejoined expedition . The skies were completely clear, the sun
the group, who had been shown a film on Arctic was shining and everybody's spirits were high . The
warfare and were now somewhat suspicious of my group was split into five tents of three, but we all skied
claims that there would not be any tactical crawling together in a winding column of enormous bergans and
around in the snow, to be issued an enormous amount sunglasses. Our first setback occurred when I broke one
of equipment which LCpl Wells bravely put his signature of my skis. The rest of the group was then treated to the
to. Armed with our mountain of kit we progressed to spectacle of me " surfing " down a long hill on one ski
the hut at Torfhaus which was to be our base for the still carrying my bergan . I did not find it quite as
next week . amusing as the rest of them, especially when Pte
Curney destroyed my best run by slamming into the
Surrounded by drifts of about six feet of snow, the back of my bergan causing me to bury my head like an
hut had a certain "je ne sa is quoi" , which was rapidly ostrich in the snow! At the bottom of the hill I
dispelled on entry! The interior was spartan although, to discovered that one of the group had damaged his knee.
be fair, it served its purpose as a base for the exercise . By chance, his skis fitted my boots and so I took them
The remainder of the day was spent issuing kit and and sent him back to the hut with his two colleagues,
preparing for the next day. One or two of the more with instructions to the fit pair to rendezvous with us
adventurous took a taxi to St Andreasberg, having later. We then continued on our way enjoying the sun,
discovered all the bars closed on Monday in Torfhaus, the fresh air and the superb views. The many Germans
and, by the stories the next morning at breakfast, found we saw en route regarded us with a mixture of
the locals to be very hospitable! astonishment and sympathy and I am sure more than
one was convinced we were absolutely mad - they
Tuesday was spent under instruction from our may well have been right! We arrived at the rendezvous
German instructor, Karl , who spoke excellent English in the middle of the afternoon, but our two colleagues
and kept everybody's interest despite the biting wind. were nowhere to be seen. There followed much
His sense of humour took some getting used to and gnashing of teeth and stomping about, difficult in skis!
manifested itself in leading us down vertica l slopes After a couple of telephone calls to our base, I dis-
which inevitably ended up as a heap of fifteen bodies at covered that the twosome had been dropped off about
the bottom. lt was at this point I pulled rank and took up eight kilometres south of our position! Trusting to luck
position at the rear of the column. At the end of the and hoping that their priority would be to stop, eat and
morning we were visited by Comd 4 Armd Div, Maj-Gen rest I decided to continue .
M F Hobbs CBE, who watched the group practising
controlled descents. These ways varied from the Because of the time wasted we were able to make our
biathlon expert, Pte Anderson, who showed the correct first campsite, so we pitched camp west of St
manner to one or two less able who hurtled out of
control into the middle distance. That afternoon I took
the group on a "gentle" trip around the local area to
enable everybody to get the feel of the weight of the
bergans which play havoc with one's point of balance .
All of us spent varying amounts of time in the snow and

27

Andreasberg . By this time everybody was exhausted patrol , carrying weapons and bergens. The t eam
and only too happy to stop. A hot meal and drink were worked extremely hard , Cpl Crosland -Page having ju st
rapidly followed by a " good " night's sleep . There was a recovered from an injury, skied very well , Ptes Ferber
certain relu ctan ce to emerge from the tents the next day and Harkness both shot outstandingly w ell on the range
but, with a bit of cajoling, muffled figures crawled out and the team eventually crossed the line exhausted , so
into a very bright and even colder morning . Soon the air mu ch so that Pte Harkness needed a trip to the Medical
was full of the combined smell of burnt bacon grill , Centre to be treated for heat exhaustion . The team 's
hexamine and cigarette smoke; what a start to the day!
The priority was to find the intrepid pair who were position was sixth within the Division. The team just
misplaced. I arranged a RV with the eight ton lorry missed qualifying outright to go on to the British
which , when it arrived, suffered a loss of pressure in the National and Army Championships at Zwiesel.
brake system causing all the brakes to lock on! lt took However,three individuals of the team did qualify and a
the best part of an hour for the brakes to thaw out fourth one was taken along at private expense so that in
before we could move on again. We returned to the hut the end the Battalion was represented. The team
at midday and set off in the Land Rover to find the members were Capt Duncan , Pte Ferber, Pte Harkness
missing pair. In the early afternoon I spotted two weary and Pte Pearson . lt was considered a tremendous
figures trudging along beside the road . Despite leaping success for such a novice team to make it to the Army
from the Land Rover with fire coming from my nostrils, I Championships in its first year of competition . There
did not have the heart to set upon them and so they were only two other Infantry battalions represented at
were bundled into the back of the Rover to be reunited the Championships , these being 3 RGJ and an affiliated
with their colleagues. The next day was spent battalion, 1 KOSB .
langlaufing in the local area - without bergans. Once
again the evening was spent at Vince's, but " lights out" The whole venture proved to be an expensive one and
was noticeably earlier. was largely financed by individuals and the unit PRI.
However a number of local firms and businesses proved
Friday was the last day and, after the usual to be very generous in providing sponsorship .
administration, we returned to Minden. Looking back Mitsibushi Motors and Shell both gave cash grants,
on the trip everybody gained a great deal from it, O'Girkes paid for our ferry crossing to Norway and
despite our slight setback . The physical effort involved, Colibri Travel insured the skiers for the competition
combined with the scenery and the marvellous weather , period.
ensured everybody benefited in some way , and we
certainly learned the difficulties of living in winter To have competed with the best skiers in Great
conditions, especially considering we made no attempt Britain proved to be a great privilege and it is hoped the
to be tactical. experience gained this year will lead to greater success
in the 1987/ 8 winter season .

2 QUEENS MAKE THEIR MARK IN l,r~ • ~

ARMY SKIING - '·

by Capt I R Duncan REME ,. ~~~lilll.
BW
The 2nd Battalion arrived in Minden in late August ~
and by the time it was decided to compete in 4 Armd Div l
Nordic Ski Championships, most other teams were
already training hard. Nordic skiing is one of the most Cpl Crossland Page crossing the finishing line of the
competitive sports in the British Army with a great Military Patrol Race, Galtur.
number of units putting forward teams .

Pre-competition training was carried out in Norway
by twelve members of the Biath lon squad. Eight of the
twelve were selected to travel to Austria for the warm
up Infantry Championships in Axams near Innsbruck.
The team which eventually made the Divisional
Championships contained only one skier who was not a
novice, Capt Duncan, the Team Captain . Pte Ferber
however, was proving to be a very competent novice,
having won the Best Student award when he attended
Ex VIKING LOIPE - a ski race training course run by
AMTC Kristiansand in Norway.

The team performed extremely well at the 4 Armd Div
Championships in Austria, and was presented with an
award of six pairs of skis for the most determined new
team to the sport , which was gratefully received. Pte
Ferber also received a trophy for outstanding shooting
in the Biathlon relay . The teams most memorable event
was the gruelling Military Patrol Race . The course is 30
km long and the four team members had to ski as a

28

3rd BAlTALION

EDITORIAL Sergeants, the soldiers ' Christmas lunch was squeezed
in just before the battalion split up for the Christmas
As the battalion approaches the end of its sixth tour break . The final event was a ca rol concert for the
of Northern Ireland there is just time to reflect on the families with the Quebec Band which was combined
amount that has been crammed into the 18 months with the christening of Sgt and Mrs Head 's son Paul
since leaving Fallingbostel. In that time we have and some large glasses of Gluwein and mince pies t~
completed a 6 month unaccompanied tour in Belize and keep out the winter cold!
a 4 month unaccompanied tour in Northern Ireland, not
to mention all the training courses, cadres and The Christmas leave period was particularly welcome
reorganisation that preceeded each of them . The result after such a hectic year. Even then a change in the
is that most people have spent only 4 or 5 months in proposed deployment necessitated a further recce to
Canterbury since we arrived and for much of that they Northern Ireland by the CO , OM and some of the
will have been away on courses and training. Company Commanders in the middle of it. The battalion
reformed at the beginning of January and moved
The period since the last Journal notes was as hectic straight to Stanford for our final period of training . This
as ever. No sooner were we back from post Belize leave was an extremely realistic and worthwhile phase and the
in mid November than the CO and Company Com- knowledge and skills gained at all levels over the
manders left for their main recce in Northern Ireland . previous two months were tested to the full. lt also gave
The remainder of the battalion re-organised in us an opportunity to meet Brig D R Chaundler OBE, the
anticipation of the requirement and search teams were new Commander 5 Airborne Brigade and for him to see
despatched to Chattenden for training. We also got on our level of training. The weather was kind to us
with firing the Annual Personal Weapons Test , some- throughout the period and although it was bitterly cold
thing we had not been able to do in Belize where the it remained mainly dry. As a result we got maximum
only suitable range had been broken or underwater for benefit from the training and, following the Quebec
most of the tour. As soon as the Recce Party returned, Inter Company Patrol Competition which was won by 6
Northern Ireland training got underway in earnest and Platoon with B Company taking the shield, the battalion
the barracks and married quarters were full of patrols returned to Canterbury in falling snow, full of
practising Vehicle Check Points, chat up procedures confidence and looking forward to the forthcoming
and incident drills. We received a wide selection of tour.
excellent briefings, presentations and cadres from the
Northern Training Team and disturbed the peace and Because of the short notice given to us, the
quiet of Canterbury with some helicopter night flying conversion from jungle skills to those needed for rural
training . border operations in Northern Ireland, including all the
normal courses , cadres and presentation , had been
In the midst of all this activity Lt Gen Sir John squeezed into a period some three weeks shorter than is
Akehurst KCB, CBE, Commander UKLF Field Army , normally available . Despite this a high standard of
visited the battalion and as well as presenting LS and training had been achieved and preparation continued
GCs to CSgt Cooper, CSgt Vickers and LCpl right up to our departure. We even fittfJd in a parade at
Cummings, briefed us on why the battalion was being which Commander 2 Infantry Brigade, Brig M R Lee
sent to Northern Ireland so soon after returning from OBE, presented LS and GCs to Sgt Avery and Cpl
Belize. He also kindly took time to explain this to the
wives who obviously suffer the brunt of the problems
caused by all the separation.

With Christmas approaching fast we moved to Lydd
Camp which was to be the base for the battalion 's range
and urban training package. With the help of officers
and NCOs from the Depot, 5 and 6/7 QUEENS (V) we
were able to get maximum benefit from the excellent
facilities provided on Lydd and Hythe Ranges. As the
days progressed the learning curve climbed steeply and
by the end of the package the level of urban and rural
tactics, and shooting skills had risen dramatically. The
Colonel of the Regiment was able to get a first hand
impression of these during his visit which included a
close view of Quebec Company dealing with a " riot" by
the Quebec Band and our under 18 years old soldiers , all
participants surviving with no lasting injuries!

With time so short, the traditional Christmas parties /
had to be crammed in at either end of the Lydd training.
Nevertheless all took place, with the MT sheds playing Plinth erected at the site of Pte Cox's accident in Belize.
host to many of them before being converted into the
movements and freight control centre for the move to
Northern Ireland . With the help of the Quebec Band ,
Miss 3 QUEENS and the Officers, Warrant Officers and

29

5

1. A view of Newtownhamilton . 4. Sgt Nicklin, Milan Platoon, on patrol in Keady.
5. Drumadd Barracks in the snow.
2. Pte Morris and directions to many well -known towns. 6. Pte James, Mortar Platoon , on patrol in Newtown-
3. Sgt Uppington on a search operation in County hamilton .
Omagh .

30 Akehurst KCB CBE. The latter was accompanied by Maj
M J Cooper QUEENS who was obviously carrying out a
Anderson of the Quebec Band . He also presented the C recee for when he returns to the battalion next January 1
in C's Commendation to Cpl Millen for his outstanding
action in the extraction of Pte Cox from the jungle Despite the pressures of operational commitments we
have managed to continue with some of the essential
following his accident while in Belize . Despite the career courses at Warminster and Brecon . In addition
appalling weather, Canterbury has been cut off by the we have been able to play two rugby matches against
snow, we were delighted that Pte Cox was able to be major units over here, the first games since the battalion
moved from the spinal injuries unit in Odstock hospital was in Fallingbostel in 1985. Sgt Uppington took a day
to be present at the ceremony. Sadly he is still in off from his work as Quebec Company Search Advisor
hospital where he is making a slow recovery from the to win the Northern Ireland Coars-e Fishing Champion-
horrendous injuries that he received in the accident. ships and the Assistant Adjutant has continued to
represent the Army at tennis and netball. Pte Samuels
The battalion deployed to Northern Ireland at the end completed an excellent season with the Army Boxing
of January 1987 to start their 4 month unaccompanied Squad although not quite managing to get into the team
OP CARA CARA operational tour. As an Incremental for the Inter-Services Competition. Throughout the tour
Reinforcement Battalion (IRB) we were spread across we have always been supported by our Rear Party and
the Province from Strabane in County Londonderry to long suffering families and it is to their great credit that
Ballykinler in County Down . The battalion has no the inevitable problems that occur have been dealt with
Tactical Area of Responsibility (TAOR) of its own and at their end, taking a lot of the pressure off the
the platoons and companies are split between 14 husbands in Northern Ireland . The Quebec Band did
separate bases under operational control of 5 different however manage to escape from Guards and Duties for
major units. Battalion Headquarters is situated in a week to visit the battalion and play at the main bases
Drumadd Barracks Armagh from where its role is and was very much appreciated by all who attended the
monitoring and administrative support as opposed to performances.
command and control. eo-located is Fire Support
Company which has no operational function of its own The tour is now some two thirds of the way through .
but whose platoons operate in the South Armagh cities By the time the Journal is published we will be back in
and towns of Armagh, Middletown, Keady and New- Canterbury and preparing for an extremely busy 3
townhamilton, and the surrounding countryside. B month conventional cadre programme. However there
Company, in the East, are based in Ballykinler but also is still some time to go and we still have the visit of
have platoons working from Bessbrook Mill and Commander 5 Airborne Brigade, Brig D R Chandler
Rathfriland in the West, C Company are based mainly in OBE, and the Divisional Colonel, Col J C Holman, CBE,
Rockwood but also operate from RUC Castlederg and to look forward to . In addition we are also expecting
Strabane. Quebec Company are in Omagh and look visits by TVS, representatives of Radio Kent and lnvicta
after an area which includes the police stations in Radio, and journalists from a number of the newspapers
Carrickmore and Plumridge. Quebec and C Companies from Kent and Sussex. There is no doubt that despite
operate in the 8 Infantry Brigade area where Brig M R I the problems of turbulence and separation, this tour has
Constantine OBE keeps more than just a command eye been a tremendous experience for everyone, much of
on them I which will stand them in good stead in the future
wherever that might be!
Although there are still some veterans of previous
tours, for a very large proportion of the battalion this is FOR SALE
their first visit to the Province. Operations are now
firmly in support of the police and involve a mixture of White Belts and Bayonet Frogs
close protection of police stations with more traditional
framework patrolling tasks predominantly on foot . For Contact:
the most, this is also their first encounter with the Irish
countryside. In particular the bogs and Irish equivalent PRI 1 QUEENS
of Beacher's Brook, the blackthorne hedge, which Mooltan Barracks
makes patrolling an endurance test similar to the Grand Tidworth , Hants SP9 7EN
National. Good map reading is also needed if Tel. 0980-46221 (Tidworth Mil) Ext 2419
unintentional border crossing incidents are to be
avoided! To date we have encountered the full range of Visitors to the Third Battalion.
activities, from bombs and murders to finds and
1. General John Akehurst with Lts Michael Williams and
elaborate hoaxes. Of particular note was the find of a
command wire and bomb by Quebec Company's search Paul Beat.
team and the discovery of a number of weapon hides as
a result of good patrolling by members of B, C and Fire 2. The General with lt Michael Williams, Maj Michael
Support Companies.
Cooper (his MAl. the CO and Maj Wayne Harber.
With such a vast area to cover, the Commanding
Officer spends a considerable amount of his time driving 3. The GOC, General R A Pascoe visits Omagh. ~
round the Province visiting the companies. Often this is
in conjunction with visits by senior officers which, in 4. Brig Mike Constantine talking to members of Quebec
addition to such indigenous commanders as the GOC,
Lt Gen Sir Robert Pascoe KCB MBE, CLF Maj Gen A S Company, and .. . .
Jeapes OBE MC and the two Brigade Commanders,
have included the QMG Gen Sir Charles Huxtable KCB 5. With Sgt Uppington, the Northern Ireland coarse
CBE and Commander UKLF Field Army Lt Gen Sir John
fishing champion.

6. Brig Mike opening the new showers in St lucia

Barracks, Omagh - with a guard of honour dressed for

the occasion.

4

32

LCpl Arnold of Fire Support Company , attached to ATO Brigade Reserve, the Recce Platoon have been
for the 3rd Battalion 's tour in Northern Ireland who has fortunate enough to not be tied to any one town and
recently survived being mortared for the fourth time have therefore experienced the different at titudes
around the area . Let me take you on a guided tour .
while serving on tours in the Province .
We started in Antrim , pleasant easy going Antrim .
REFLECTIONS OF THE TOUR SO FAR Day one was a vehicle town patrol and a map was
nowhere to be seen! lOps thought lnt had them, lnt
by CSgt Russell thought ... etc etc ). We snake trailed our way through
the streets , throwing out the theories of depth, mutual
There is no doubt about it, graffiti is getting worse . support and primary routes in order not to get lost. We
The splash of colour that once put a stamp of ignored the population 's remarks like , " Hello do you
individuality on an area has gone . The paintwork used want some tea " Iobviously a ply to divert our attention ,
to be clear cut and well defined Catholic greenery and who did they think they were dealing with , we had been
the Protestant orange. lt used to help orientation if one warned about people like that I) and " Hello soldier, how
was momentarily geographically misplaced! A glance are you " the very idea!
at a wall would be enough to tell you to stop and look at
the map under cover, or to ask someone for directions . I Next we were sent to Toome and Randlestown,
hasten to add , not a tactic developed through personal places of great reputation where Brits are meant to fear
experience! Gone too are the delicate, masterly strokes to tread . Mind you LCpl Lawlor did very nearly have his
of the brush to create a memorable statement like the head removed and replaced with half a house brick.
Bobby Sands, the hunger strikers pre-death quote Onwards then to Portadown , where we were accom-
" Everyman, Republican or otherwise , has his part to modated in the Maze . Patrolling here was no problem ,
play" . This role has now been handed down to another as they gave us maps! The majority of the tasking whilst
generation who consider the aerosol spray can to be the
pen that will produce the inspiration for such glorious in this town was VCP operations so we were vehicle-
squirts as, " Our day will cum . When it cums we'll be borne for almost two weeks. The actual task for an
reddy"! Chat up lines have come a long way in the last " Inter unit co-ordinated vehicle monitoring operation
two months, and its curious how easy it is to adapt the blanketing the southern sector of our tactical area of
line to the environment and area one finds oneself in . In responsibility". lt must have been invented by someone
the country for instance a simple nod , followed by ; who went to the Staff College!
" How ya doing " will encourage the locals to rattle on
about the weather, cow dung and " What a fine job Lurgan was our next port of call and was enjoyed by
yoo 's boys are doing " ! In the town however, where the all . The reception in the town was great although our
public are in abundance , the same " How ya doing " will 'high profi le patrolling ' was not liked by the odd
either fall on deaf ears or will receive a retort similar to Woolworths checkout girl or two! The Catholic estates
" You look like the sort who likes sex and travel ". round Lurgan had not seen foot patrols for 18 months
so we were nicely asked if we wou ldn 't mind popping in
But all this is merely background to what has been a to " assess the reaction". With 6 teams , 3 landrovers, 8
varied and interesting few months in the Province. As armalites and a police support unit we had the most
pleasant and warm welcome you could ever hope for!
However, the Kilwilkie estate certainly had a " you know
where you stand feel" about it. Patrolling was simple,
houses were open plan and easy to control. The local
" Kilwilkie boys" were spoi ling for a riot on one
particular Saturday night, so kit was drawn , riot guns
slung ready and personal injury claim forms prepared .
Unfortunately we were diverted elsewhere and another
unit was tasked to carry out routine mobiles in the area
instead of us. Sure enough they got bricked and petrol
bombed in our place and they cou ldn 't even see the
joke!

Armagh City was our next port of cal l. lt was good to
sleep and patrol from our own beds again . Armagh is
split right down the middle, Republican to the West,
Protestant to the East . lt is a city where something is
meant to happen everyday - shootings, bombings,
INLA murders, robberies, rocket attacks. But nothing
happened while we were there .

Belfast was the final town to have the pleasure of our
company. The reaction was once again very noticeable
and predictable Armalites , webbing and combat
smocks in the city centre are almost as rare as a
weekend in Canterbury! However our travels are now
over and we must settle down for a quiet life in
Newtownhamilton - good things never last forever!

RURAL PATROL IN SOUTH ARMAGH
by Sgt Nolan

0400 Hrs - 3

We move cautiously out of the base . lt is easy for Work and Play in Northern Ireland.
patrols to take this part casually because there seems 1. Quebec Company arrive in St Lucia Barracks. Omagh .
very little threat near " The Mill", but so far we 've 2. Maj Wayne Harber supervises a recovery task.
managed to keep our patrolling standards up. After a 3. 3 QUEENS rugby team playing 1 GREEN HOWARDS in
few hundred metres we fade into the fields of darkness , Londonderry.
and start moving with stealth along the hedgerows,

trying to keep in shadows. From now on we won 't
touch roads unless we' re doing VCPs . Its just too

dangerous.

This is now our fourth day of a five day cycle and
always its the hardest. The strain of climbing over
fences and staying alert has taken its toll , and every time
you raise your leg to get over it seems to get more and
more difficult but we' ll be alright in a few hours when
we get back to the base . In the darkness it is unlikely
that we will even see the other teams in the patrol if they
are doing their job. They' ll be a few hundred metres
away, sending occasional location reports when they
cross roads or dominate high ground, never too far
away but never too close. We continue this way for
another few hours stealthily moving along, not relaxing
at all, taking turns to do VCPs and then not showing
ourselves till the last moment. The better we conceal
ourselves in darkness the less chance we have of being

taken out.

Just before dawn a problem arises. We have a
comms breakdown. We've lost contact with one of the
teams . Its happened before and we all know the drill so
we push on to the RV hoping that the lost team is doing
the same . Its a very lonely feeling to find yourself
wandering around without comms in "Bandit Country".
You never quite know if you are doing the right thing .
Should you push on? Are the other teams pushing on?
Are they looking for you? How far away are they? You
are never sure . The team commander must try not to
panic the men. Sometimes its wise not to tell them but
he keeps transmitting his location, just in case he's
sending and not receiving. My team meets the other
team at the RV but there is no sign of the lost team. We
must wait. 30 minutes later the lost team arrives, the
fault is corrected and we push on .

0645 Hrs -

Dawn is now coming up and straight away, without
having to be told , the teams switch to a daylight
routine . No more sneaking around the hedges. The
tactics change completely we can now see and be seen.
We spread out and move across the middle of fields ,
trying to cover all arcs. We make our own gaps in
hedges and try to select the hardest routes to avoid
booby traps. After a few fences our combats are already
starting to get caught and torn and by the end of the
patrol we'll look like tramps. But better to be cut and
torn than take the chance of being blown up by walking
down the roads .

There is something satisfying about watching three
teams moving across open country, dominating high
ground, covering other teams over obstacles. lt gives
you a feeling of pride. We've spent a lot of time training
and working together and its almost telepathy between

34

the team commanders, satelliting and protecting each early; you 've got to be on the helipad in two minutes".
other while tasks are carried out. There's no need for With consumate ease, mugs of scalding hot tea and the
commands, people anticipate the threat and move to try remains of bacon butties are wolfed down as soldiers
and intercept them . The going is hard, it takes a lot of grab rifles, bergans and radios and head for the pad .
effort to keep climbing the fences but despite being The ten minute Lynx flight is normally an opportunity to
tired and the shoulders arching the patrol tries to relax and admire the Irish co untryside passing by several
maintain a professional, alert look, you never know hundred feet below . That is, unless you are the patrol
who's watching. You can't let your weapon carriage commander listening into the crew on the intercom
slacken or flop down when you stop at VCPs or you trying to decide where they are, where they ought to be
make yourself a " soft target". and whether to drop off the patrol by this stream or that
forest .
At last we reach and clear our final RV . The helicopter
will be on its way and we will soon be back at base. As the Lynx touches down , both doors slide open and
Rural patrolling is basic Infantry work and the the troops dash out to take up fire positions . Normally
preparation and planning we put in days before has all goes smoothly but on occasions a bergan strap can
insured that it has gone smooth ly on this occasion. get jammed in the door and, no matter how hard he
There is no problem of motivation when patrolling in tries , the commander can't open the door. After a
South Armagh, the threat is very real. However with highly embarrassing few minutes, the brick final ly leaves
proper planning, good discipline and a professional by another door.
attitude to the task, there is always the satisfaction on
return of a job well done. With antennae fitted and radio checks sent it is time
to start the patrol. Normally these will consist of moving
DAWN PATROL IN THE CASTLEDERG across country to carry out VCPs on the many small
roads in the area. Command and control with only 8
SALIENT people is relatively easy but obstacle crossing can be
hilarious with heavily laden soldiers doing very passable
by Lt Gubbin impressions of circus acrobats. There are a number of
rivers in the patch, the Mourne- Beg having probably
Its 6 o'clock on a Sunday morning and F33 are sitting claimed more of 9 Platoon than the rest put together.
in the cookhouse having an early breakfast before yet This river has a particularly treacherous ford consisting
another patrol into the Castlederg Salient. This one will of uneven, often icy, stepping stones with very deep
be particularly nerve wracking as its the Platoon water in between. Every time a patrol crosses it at least
Commander's turn to subject them to 15 km of hills, one soldier falls in, Pte Flanagan having given the best
bogs, rivers and fences, and fences, and yet more impression of a double somersau lt so far.
fences. The greatest single contribution to the PIRA's
cause in Co Tyrone is the apparent ease with which VCPs form a major part of most patrols and up to half
local farmers can make a perfectly normal field virtually an hour can be spent at each location checking the
escape proof. The classic format of ditch, bank, fence, movement of traffic in the area. On some of the more
hedge, bank, ditch is often complicated by the remains minor roads only a handful of cars will use the route
of dry stone walls and the occasional electrified fence. each day but on the more busy ones it is possible to
achieve some most impressive tailbacks. On these
Back in the cookhouse, and a runner appears from occasions searches have to be restricted to those acting
the Ops Room. "OK guys, the chopper is 45 minutes suspiciously or those with pretty occupants .
Throughout our area the locals are extremely friendly

2 Lt Richard Graham and 5 Platoon. B Company , at Bessbrook Mill.

35

and very easy to chat up . Unfortunately, however, the
Sussex dialect and Irish brogue have absolutely nothing
in common and it is often very difficult to understand
what they are saying . Having said that , the offer of a
cup of tea seldom has to be repeated!

As the patrol draws to a close it is necessary to
confirm times, grids and mode of transport back to
camp. At night this will usually be a civilian vehicle
driven by a member of the MT but during daylight and
early evening it is likely to be by another helicopter. On
return to Rockwood, weapons are unloaded and kit is
returned before the patrol heads for debrief and a well
earned meal. There is then the opportunity to get some
sleep before the cycle starts all over again some 8 hours

later .

SEARCH TECHNIQUES DOWN
TYRONE WAY

by Cpl M J Godfrey

lt came as quite a surprise when I was told by the OC, Sgt Greenhalgh briefing LCpl Mainhood while on patrol
" Cpl G you can write a bit on search ". " But I haven 't in County Down.
found anything yet Sir", said I, trying to wriggle out of
it. " That's alright, you can insert it at a later date, if you their quarters . The moral of the story is if you or your
do". " Fine Sir". So putting pen to paper I shall now boots are not pooh proof, don 't join the Search Team!
describe how A Company team has been doing in
Omagh . First of all , the training we enjoyed at Our first major find of the tour was on the 8th March.
Chattenden. We were given five days in which to We were briefed for an area search around the
transform ourselves from 6 separate people into a crossroads at a place ca lled M cMahon 's Town which is
working team. There was a lot of information to take in just South of a peaceful tourist resort named
and we had to work most evenings as a result . Everything Carrickmore . The area we were given seemed too small
was covered that wou ld be expected of us for any task for the time allotted so I increased it North and South. lt
in the Province . This included clearance, area searches was while doing the initial recce of the area that we
and occupied searches etc. , and all the tools and came across a command wire . Eventually after
equipment available. After the course ended I was co rdoning off and tasking the agencies, ATO confirmed
convinced the instructors were joking when they that this was connected to a twin bucket bomb dug in
expected us to be fully trained searchers, but even at the next to a road sign . Lots of other people had searched
speed we were taught its surprising how much falls into the area before us so we were very pleased . Looking
place once you start searching in the Province. back at all the signs given, it was a very obvious position
for a hit, but we only really realized this after the
Course over, and off to Stanford, where to our incident . At least now we have full faith in our ability.
surprise (including the RS Search Advisor) we found
everything! Then it was off to Omagh and our first Apart from area searches we have carried out a lot of
search for real. "By the way, you've got a derelict to vehicle searches of one type and another, by night and
clear", my trusty Search Advisor informed me . " But we day. You can never know what will turn up next ; it
only did two lessons I gasped". " Thats alright, read the could be anything from a bike to an articulated lorry.
pamphlet". So off we trot with pulling rope in hand . " Be flexible" is the saying . In between planned searches
Isn't it surprising how much your men need explanation and vehicle searches we also supply the odd man for
and demonstration on entry procedure just when you patrols with the platoons , but the majority of our time is
thought they knew how! The first time you clear a spent searching . This is a good idea as we are then
derelict can make you tremble a bit, but when the available at any time for a task and can concentrate on
building doesn't collapse around your ears you get one thing . We operate over most of Tyrone so there's
braver, and as long as you stick to the procedures little chance of boredom creeping in , and each job is
there's no trouble. different from the last one. All things being considered
the job is varied and a challenge, and a fine way to
The majority of our searches are areas with a derelict spend four months in the Province .
or two and if not then a farmyard. The saying goes that
country air is fortifying and healthy. Does that include
sitting in the middle of a farmyard surrounded by cows
with one arm down a drain fishing about in two foot of
sewage . Cows have a rather anti-social aroma and seem
to be forever incontinent when one is searching around

36

5th (VOLUNTEER) BATTALION

EDITORIAL Capt Simon Lacey has returned from the London
District Training Team and is in temporary command of
At Battalion Headquarters w e said farewell to our 'A' Company , Capt Martin Mortimer has re-emerged
Training Major, Maj Nigel Harris, and his wife Lorraine , from the woordwork and goes as 21C D Company ,
as they moved to HQ United Kingdom Land Forces, whilst Capt Mike Pilkington has a shot at SAS(TA)
who will now be treated to the sight of his motorbike selection . Capt Martin Taylor returned , after a spell of
and US Army (Retired) helmet . He made an outstanding illness, as 21C C Company .
contribution to the battalion in terms both of training
and Public Relations. We have at last made a OCdts Neame and Festing have been commissioned ,
respectable man of our Adjutant, Capt Johnny Castle , and we have welcomed Lts Kemp and Beecher, 2Lt
as he has had the good sense to marry Maxine, and has Skirrow and OCdt Burk on transfer from other units.
now moved on to HQ Ulster Defence Regiment . Maj One can only admire their good taste .
Huskisson has just returned from Nigeria and lost
several shades of tan on his first exercise, whether from There has been a great change-round of PSis . W02s
shock, the weather or both is not known. Capt Dixon is Tickner and lsaacs, CSgt Beard and Sgt Holman have
especially welcome as he was once a TA member of the all retired to civilian live after 22 years ' service. CSgts
battalion and no-one can tell him that he does not know Piper and Cullinane and Sgt Kirkaldie have returned to
how the TA soldier ticks . (Actually he ticks quite a lot, the 2nd Battalion , and Sgt Taylor to the 3rd Battal ion .
unlike his Regular Army cousins!). We have welcomed W02 White and Sgt Turrell from
the 1st Battalion , W02 Clark from the 2nd Battalion,

Opening of the Leigh-Pemberton Building

1. The Lord Lieutenant of Kent, the CO Lt Col Charles 3. The Regimental Secretary , Col John Francis and Maj
Joint and representatives of the contractors. Stave Thompson.
2. Lt Col Charles Joint (in uniform) with six former COs 4. A group from HQ Company .
of the battalion: Left to Right : Lt Cols Richard Dixon, 5. The Lord Lieutenant presenting the BEM to BSM
Simon Boucher, Paul Courtenay, John Stephenson , Brig Croxford .
Peter Johnson and Col John Tilleard .

Unsung Heroes of the 5th !Volunteer) Battalion
1. Maj Joe Bass , Administrative Officer.
2. Capt Gawler and CSgt Bartle'tt , MT Platoon .
3. Sgt Bennett, also MT Platoon.
4. Sgt Taylor, Signals PSI.
5. Padre Douglas Walker.
6. Capt Turner , Paymaster.
7. Sgt Wood and Sgt Turner, both ACC.
8. Maj Dulake, RMO .

38

1. First Aid in 'Noddy Suits ' . 3
2. Members of the Recce Platoon.
3. Chemical reconnaissance in progress.

CSgts Churcher and Adams and Sgt Belas from the 3rd The Band of The Queen 's Regiment (TA) competed in
Battalion, and CSgt Brown from the Depot. the first Divisional TA Band Competition. Such is the
record of excellence of this band that it came as no
At the Battle Group Trainer various people rehearsed surprise to those of us who know it that they won. On
unfamiliar roles , and the newly-arrived Adjutant found the same weekend the cooks , backed by the OM, Maj
that he was Ops Officer as well. Just as the battle was Bill Marshal! , won the Combat Caterer Competition in
hotting up, the CO announced his own death with his the South of England , and go on to the UKLF final.
well-known wolfish grin, but managed in the course of a
ten-minute death-throe of truly Wagnerian proportions At the opening of the new buildings in Canterbury in
to pass on some advice to the 21C , who continued to October, the BSM, W02 Croxford , was presented with
wage the war, resisting the temptation to leave off long a well-deserved BEM , the Drum-Major, W02 Fairfax
enough to carry out a real life burial ! received the clasp to the TEM, and Sgt Green of the
band received his TEM . Cpl Sneye returned to B
Exercise March Hare was held, as you might expect , Company . I imagine he is still one of very few section
in April , and rain , fog , wind and Somme-like mud commanders in the Regiment with a degree in Maths,
contrived to make this inter-section competition even although ' A ' Company had until recently a private with a
more strenuous than usual. Cpl Body and his section PhD!

from 9 Platoon (Seaford) , won the third year running , As I write , C Company looks forward to Ex
bringing great honour to this, the most remote outpost Snowplough in Scotland , Battalion Headquarters looks
of the 5th Battalion empire, and Lt Scoones is now forward to Ex Mainbrace in Germany, and nobody looks
demanding the right to keep the cup and burn the JIB forward to the Battalion Audit.
assault course .

39

6th/7th (VOLUNTEER) BATTALION

EDITORIAL attendance from members of 5 QUEENS lVI and 5
RRFIVI .
There are many things in the Territorial Army which
change little . This battalion is in the middle of its fourth In November the Rifle Companies started a series of
reorganisation in 20 years . We glance enviously at our Company weekend exercises where they are given
training objectives but organise and implement their
sister battalion 15 QUEENS lVII who have again missed own training . An important development for the
Territorial who joins his local TA Company and it is to
all this and we get on with another reorganisation . that he has his first sense of belonging .

Without doubt we are getting on with it very well, The first quarter of the year has had as its training
almost to the point of being victims of our own success. theme , ' Skill at Arms'. There was also a very successful
inter-company competition held at Pippingford Park
At long last we have permission to build a new TA which was won by Salerno Company after cu lminating
Centre at Brighton (see below for a PSI view of Somme in a hair raising stretcher and boat race . The race was
Company's development) and we started on 1 April organised by the Joint Services management lex RAF
1987 a detached platoon at Worthing. This new and RN officers) of Alamein Company . We are now
Company has done very well but there are great moving on to the second quarter's training theme of
difficulties in running it with only a portacabin as a base . ' Patrolling'. Nicholas Soames, the MP for Crawley,
We hope the building of the new TA Centre will start visited us during the weekend and took a lively interest
this June with the promise of completion in August in all he saw .
1988 I 14 months at best !I
Like their Regular counte rparts , TA officers attend a
We have been training potential officers for 8 QFIVI large number of courses . Capt Kwame Carter describes
for a year now and will be starting a further intake in one such course below. While he was enjoying his
April 1987. Our Albuhera Company is now up to sojourn in Warminster we entered two teams for the
strength again, both officers and men . Our Clapham Courage Trophy , a competition for the TA in London
platoon is ready to be transferred. We will probably give and Lt Francis Tusa has written a short account of this
8 QFIVI something approaching 200 all ranks . There is grand event. Other military activities performed by our
little chance of us replacing that large number, despite hard working and enthusiastic WRAC members are
all our hard work on the South coast . described by 2Lt Pam Sleigh .

We are rightly proud of what we are achieving for the Activities - 1: Forming B (Somme) Company
Phase 11 Enhancement of the TA but there are lessons
for future reorganisations . Firstly, it takes at least ten CSgt PSI Songhurst's view -
years to have a broad foundation of SNCOs in a TA
battalion . !We will lose a number to 8 QFIVII. Secondly, The forming of B ISomme) Company personnel was
reorganisations of this nature whittle away at the well in hand and I was the final link in the chain when I
investment the officers and SNCOs have put into the was posted to 6/7 QUEENS lVI on the 3 March 1986.
battalion over a 10 year period. Thirdly , every new
company and new battalion reduces existing units' Starting a Company from nothing and , at the same
recruiting areas. Fourthly, the pool of recruits for the TA time , learning what breed a TA soldier is, was quite a
is not getting any deeper. The demographic trends, the daunting task.
changing nature of the working week, the greater
sophistication of spare time activities and the continuing I decided that the first priority was indenting for
large TA wastage rate are making the tide run against stationery and Infantry pamphlets which take a long
us . time arriving. In fact, they did eventually arrive .

This battalion is doing the task set with some style but My job was made much easier on 2 April 1986 when
it will be at some cost . We hope this present the new permanent staff , which included a Permanent
reorganisation will last for many years . Staff Admin Officer IPSAOI , Non Regular Permanent
Staff CQMS , Storesperson and Clerical Officer,
ACTIVITIES together with the TA management - the OC, 21C ,
CSM , CQMS, met at Brighton for the first time . The
Introduction meeting was held in a portacabin erected just a week
before . lt soon became clear that the temporary offices
There are many things in the TA which change little . were too hot in the summer and too cold in the winter .

We returned from Camp and started a new training However, this did not dampen our spirits, for the first
cycle. item on the agenda was how to attract likely recruits .
For a soldier in the Regular Army, recruiting is not
A battalion exercise on Salisbury Plain . The theme something that you have to worry about. But with the
here was FIBUA and the cut and thrust of the battle was TA it is life's blood itself . One of the ways to attract a
very realistic . We had a number of visitors from our City potential recruit is to descend on to the streets , in my
Livery Companies and the events of the exercise case Brighton , and almost like a Parlimentary candidate
became a talking point at a number of City functions . tell people what life in the TA is like .

A successful Autumn Cadre Period was held at This was slightly difficult for me, having only spent
Crowborough . The JNCOs Cadre reached high stan- three weeks in the TA myself . This form of recruiting
dards and was attended by students from other was supplemented by other methods including TV and
battalions as well as our own . W e were pl eased to have

40 The track reco rd of each individual was , to say the
least, varied - with students from all over the country.
radio coverage over several weekends . it all paid off From well known units to the lesser known . Coupled
handsomely when on the 16 April 1986 a total of 83 with this , there was a wide variety of civi lian
potential recruits walked through the front door of our occupations , from farmers to teachers which, as one
open evening. When I say front door I should point out might expect, ce rtainly ensured that sy ndi cate
that the building belongs to our neighbours , the Royal discussions were lively .
Engineers Squadron . We have the facility of 2 lecture
rooms and a drill hall. A new drill hall will eventually be For the duration of the course , the students were
built at Preston barracks sometime in 1988. divided into two syndi cates, each with a Regular Major
as OS . The course was a well balanced mix of
All our potential recruits must attend a selection presentations by the Tactics Wing, School of Infantry,
weekend which involves passing a BFT, assault course discussions, TEWTS and , of course, the inevitable FTX.
and an education-type test . The successful recruit will
then start a mammoth documentation process and kit The first week was one of extreme " brain-strain "
issue before he begins life in the TA. with facts upon facts being thrown at us together with
copious amounts of pamphlets and notes for inward
This is where I had my first grey hair. I now had sixty digestion and horror upon horror, evening course work!
recruits and only two JNCOs to train them . There was
nothing else for it but to roll up my sleeves and help with lt was at th is point that the resourcefulness of the TA
the drill and weapons instruction . As yet there were no Officer shines through. In my syndicate , eight of us
weapons issued to the company and so my second grey having spent the first night wading through exercise
hair appeared! With the help of other local TA units I notes, rapidly pooled resources on subsequent nights
managed to beg and borrow but not to steal ! and together with often fervent and heated discussion,

The training of recruits for fitness on a Tuesday night proceeded to dispense with each night's assignments
and basic Infantry skills on Wednesday night continued with surgical precision . Individual tasks were allocated ,
until October, except for a short break when only for consolidation just prior to last orders in the Mess .
trained soldiers attended annual camp.
I am pleased to report that save for one occasion our
The culminating point for me in 1986 was taking the timing was impeccable .
recruits to Crowborough Camp and organizing a two
week recruit course . This tested all the skills they had TEWTS with TA Officers must be , to say the least,
learnt so far. Even more rewarding was when a soldier one of the most interesting areas of the course for the
from B (Somme) Company passed out as best shot and Regular Army to hear .
best recruit . Since then I have seen the Company grow
from strength to strength , winning the inter company In particular combat appreciations - I quote
orienteering competition in February 1987. " Heading : Ground - The ground to left is gently
undulating , of sandy loam with cha lky outcrops . A fine
At Preston Barracks there are some 80 soldiers / covering of grass, albeit of the wild variety gives rise to
recruits on strength and although we have gained some good sheep rearing pastures . To the centre, the soil
extra space in the form of a gymnasium, things can still progresses to a chalky loam, somewhat of a problem for
be a little tight and very difficult. This 1 April 1987 we water retention . Possible need for a piped water supply ;
have started a new platoon at Worthing , which will in- suitable for summer grazing". As you may have
crease the Company size. The goal for this new platoon guessed, such a description was given by a farmer (from
will be to have a list of potential recruits waiting to join Yorkshire) to the sheer delight of his fellow students and
this fine young Company. the utter bewilderment of the OS!

Activities - 2 : Attending TA Courses On a more serious note though , the TEWTS which
were covered were extremely comprehensive, opening
Capt K I A Carter writes - up one's mind to the ramifications of the All Arms
battle, in defence, attack, FIBUA, withdrawal and in
The students for the All Arms Tactics Course No 40 guarding Key Points .
assembled at Hythe Mess, Warminster on Saturday 7th
March 1987. Suffice to say that they were thought-provoking and
there was as one wou ld expect a wide variety of views
A gaggle of young thrusting Captains had all decided and opinions as to the strategy to adopt.
to find out just what their OCs really did! (Myself
included). The FTX, in the second week, was our chance to
prove that we had at least assimilated some knowledge
Certainly nobody expected the ensuing fortnight to from the first week's onslaught.
be anything like a holiday . The ominous sign being the
arrival of pre-course reading on the door mats of all No expense was spared, with full engineer support,
those students, who three weeks prior to the course fighter ground attack aircraft, helicopters, recce troops
were still contemplating their attendance . A fact borne and Scimitar, forward observation parties, mortar fire
out when it became apparent that a change in the controllers, a troop of tanks and last but not least,
weather also hastened their decision - the course troops from the resident demonstration battalion - 2
capacity had thinned rapid ly, so that on registration day RGJ. What more could you want ? Nothing? - No not
only 19 out of 48 students had actually taken the at all . Just no foul -ups because it could be catastrophic!
plunge .
These demonstration troops were extremely under-
Undaunted, yours truly duly presented himself to the standing, especially when tasked with carrying out
Divisional Sergeant Major on 7th March 1987 and thus some rather dubious tactical manoeuvres. The only
embarked on the next stage of his TA career pro- limitation to the variety being the respective students'

gression .

41

2

1. Somme Company finish the boat race Cambridge 5

style!
2. Mr Nicholas Soames MP, talking to recruits and
trained soldiers at Pippingford Park .
3. Capt Guthrie supervising the Stretcher Race .
4. The downhill slope of the Stretcher Race.
5. Farewell to the RSM.

Company Group Commander's imagination . Certainly
the DS kept a watchful eye on the proceedings and
subtly suggested alterations to plans where necessary!

Activities - 3: The Course Trophy

Lt F Tusa reports -

An injured sergeant and a stranded corporal on the
Friday night are things which frequently affect the TA.
Luckily , although their experience was soundly missed ,
there were extra soldiers willing to lose a precious
weekend in the cause of 4 Platoon 's greater glory in The
Courage Trophy.

The competition gives a chance for an 8-man team
from a platoon to see how they really measure up

.. against units from all over London District with impartial
judges and little chance for accusations of favouritism .
The Stands are wide ranging , from the niceties of AFV
identification, to a good , honest 6 mile yomp over
Chobham ridges . The Saturday is rushed from 0700
hours to at least 1700 hours . Little more than 20 minutes
separating Stands and the physical exhaustion is

42 received a lot of comments about how hard it must be
to be a woman.
matched easily by the mental, as maps are hurriedly
checked as the race for the next Stand (God, which one One aspect of the TA I enjoy very much is a Range
is it?) starts. The reward, whatever the actual result, is Weekend. Whilst I am only allowed to fire the SMG 1
seen when the free beer is issued by the sponsor, and have recently passed a Range Management Course
cans are ripped open before the anti-climax of the drive which means I can now run a Range . I am often amused
home. at the look of surprise on soldiers ' faces as they come to
fire their APWT and are confronted with me explaining
Activities - 4: The WRAC's role in training the shoot and giving orders for the practice. On my first
range I was extremely nervous especially as the rest of
2Lt P Sleigh - a comment the range team were some old and bold SNCOs . I feared
they would not listen to me or would notice all the
it's five o'clock on Friday evening and the weekend mistakes I made or would try to take over. After a rather
begins here as I swop my white optician 's coat and hesitating start things went well . The main problem at
ophthalmoscope for combat jacket and SMG . it's the the start was my voice which would not carry to the end
start of another TA weekend exercise. This time we are of the firing point and the soldiers could not hear my
off to lmber Village on Salisbury Plain for a FIBUA orders. A megaphone was produced by an NCO who 1
exercise with 4 RAW . I arrive at the TA centre at think felt sorry for me and what power this extra volume
Horsham which is the location for Battalion HQ and HQ gave me!
(Alamein) Company. There is much activity in
preparation for the weekend ahead . 1. Field Marshal Lord Bramall presenting The Burberry
Trophy to Cpl Singh .
As Assistant Adjutant with 6/7 QUEENS (V) my role 2. Cpl Kelly receiving the Meritorious Service Certificate
on an exercise such as this is as a watchkeeper in from the Field Marshal.
Battalion HO. I know that over the next two days I am
not going to get much sleep.

The WRAC are employed as clerks, drivers,
signallers, cooks and medics and on exercise usually
work in echelons, Battalion HQ and Company HQ
locations.

They are as involved as the men in loading kit and
checking and preparing vehicles, and a WRAC clerk is
busily checking the nominal roll so that those present all
get paid! As we are not due to leave Horsham until the
early hours of Saturday morning I take the chance of a
couple of hours' sleep by the radiator in the office -
probably the last time I shall be warm for the whole
weekend.

The WRAC are very much a minority in 6/7 QUEENS
(V) . Until recently I was the only woman officer (now
there are 2 of us), and there are under 40 WRAC in the
battalion. They are mainly in HQ Company, with the rifle
companies having a WRAC clerk and medic. The
WRAC are fully integrated into Alamein Company and
work alongside male soldiers in all platoons. They are all
trade trained to the same standards as the men and are
as capable . In some cases they prove to have more
ability in teaching and instructing than their male
comrades .

Naturally a lot of teasing takes place which is
generally very good natured and most of the girls are
equally good at teasing. In fact, they are very perceptive
as was proved at the battalion 'Smoker' where nobody
escaped their vicious attacks (albeit good humoured) on
battalion personalities . Mind you I did not escape either
as I was the subject of satirical verse sung by the regular
PSis .

On exercise, WRAC work in echelon, as signallers
and as clerks they are expected to do much the same as
the male soldiers including digging trenches . On one
occasion I found myself being handed a spade and told
to dig . After three trenches and no lunch , but a
sunburnt face , I had a deepening conviction that the
Geneva Convention must have some clause about
female officers not doing manual work . I went into Tac
HQ and was promptly accused of sunbathing and