June 1981

Saturday was the last day ; some spent the 47
morning In Larnaca doing last minute shopping,
and others visited the monastery at Stavrovounl. Barry Brown and his colleague. Surprisingly ,
security was quite thorough with bag searches
The last match was played at Aylas Nlkolaos , In causing havoc to neatly packed luggage. However ,
the afternoon, against ESBA. Our team scored from good news : the plane was flying to London via
a short corner after 5 minutes through Bev Smalley Athens and not just to Athens, where we were meant
and a goal by Roger Auger four minutes before half· to change planes . The first announcement after
time settled the TA side. A repeat performance by take-off revealed the reason for such thorough
Auger after 53 minutes clinched matters though security ; the Cyrplot President was on board . At
ESBA were not to be outdone and reduced the Athens a number of officials and a guard of honour
arrears 5 minutes before the end. A further goal for were there to meet the President. After 55 minutes
the TA by Maj . Mike Alien and a simple one by we were again airborne and on our way to London,
ESBA brought the final score to 4 · 2. Thus theTA 's flying over Greece, Yugoslavia, Austria and
touring record was P6 , W4 , L2, Fl7, All . Germany. High above the clouds and in magnificent
sunshine, seemed a fitting end to this constructive,
A 'round the table ' chat In the evening productive and enjoyable tour.
highlighted the future of TA Hockey Including the
formation of a recognised club with officials, The TA party consisted of Lt-Col A. W.
fixtures and other relevant matters. Thanks were Landuccl, Maj P . M. F . Alien, Maj . D. W. James,
expressed to Capt. Paul a'Court-Sealy for arranging Maj . l. Mlddlemass , Maj. G. B. Smalley, Capt. P . N .
the trip and to umpire Lt. Col. Arnold Landucci, who a'Court-Sealy, Capt. J. G. Bartlett, Capt. H. T.
had officiated at all the games and been the team 's Edmunds , Lt . C. Parsons , Lt. C. G. Yeabsley , 2/ Lt.
mini-bus driver throughout (hired from PRI at TA R . Auger, S/ Sgt. A. J. Elllngham and Pte . S. J .
members cost) . Palmer (5 QUEENS ).
Editors Note:
On Sunday morning everyone was up early,
breakfasting at 0630. Soon after 0700 , two mini buses In March 81, this same team , representing the
left for the airport, where farewells were said to TA, beat the Regular Army at Aldershot for the first
time, 3- 2!

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48

The 6th/7th (Volunteer) Battalion

Editorial awareness In the Nation at large of the need for
defence forces. There has also been a great Increase
T HE 1st of April 1981 marked the In publicity for the TA and recruitment has , In
tenth anniversary of the formation consequence, shown a noticeable Increase.
and foundation of 6 and 7
QUEENS(V ) and it is perhaps fitting Ceremonial Duties
that the 6th/7th is now very much Two officers and 50 men from B Coy provided a
involved in preparing for the marching contingent and Guard of Honour for the
Presentation of Colours Parade to be Lord Mayor, Sir Ronald Gardner-Thorpe, In the
held on Thursday 16 July at the South Lord Mayor's Show (8 Nov 80); the contingent was
of England Show Ground, Ardingly. commanded by Maj Piers Storle-Pugh. Much credit
All departments are hectically trying Is due to RSM Lively and CSM Denls Cadywould
to assemble all that is necessary to who spent many hours knocking everyone Into
'11ount such a parade. shape. The contingent formed a Guard Immediately
In front of the Lord Mayor's coach and carried out
Life , over the last six months, has concentrated the traditional ceremony In front of the Mansion
around the ceremonial scene: we had a large House on the Lord Mayor's return. Compliments
contingent In the Lord Mayor's Show In November from the Lord Mayor and Authorities can be gauged
and In the same month were responsible for laying from their expressed hope that "representation of
up In Southwark Cathedral the Colours of the 3rd the Queen's Regiment In 1981 w111 be obligatory" !.
and 4th Bns The Queen's Royal Surrey Regt (TA ) . A week later (16 Nov) the battalion laid up the
As these notes are written D Coy (Sutton) Colours of 3 and 4 Queen's Surreys (TA) at
represented the Battalion In a County of London Southwark Cathedral. Headed by the band of the 3rd
Parade at County Hall when the salute was taken by Bn and led by the CO, the battalion provided 3
H .R .H. The Duke of Kent. And on the following day, guards with a fourth from 5 QUEENS(V) and two
the same Company were honoured to be adopted by Colour parties who marched some 4'h miles from
the London Borough of Merton; the ceremony took our dr111 hall In Flodden Road, Camberwell, to the
place at Farrlngdon House , their Drill Hall In Cathedral. The salute was taken by the Colonel of
Sutton. the Regiment at the War Memorial In Borough High
Street. The Colours of the 3rd Queen's Surreys were
As with all Services, we have been affected by carried by Lts Derek Harwood and Peter Chapman
the 'moratorium ' and the very severe cuts Imposed escorted by W02 White, C/ Sgt Cowlard and Sgt
on running costs have reduced the level of a ctivity Dunkley. The Colours of the 4th were carried by Lts
considerably. 'Man Training' days have been cut Davld Wray and Peter Glbson escorted by W02
and each man Is now allowed only 36 days within the Peel, Sgts McLucas and Fisher. They put on a
training year; however , by casting a critical look at faultless performance In front of a packed
training programmes and commitments and Cathedral and again much credit must go to RSM
comparing these to the mandatory requirements, Lively and W02 Davld Bowen (our drill Warrant
we feel that we can master the problem with little Officer) who worked long and hard hours to see that
detriment to the overall efficiency. all were up to standard. Maj Putnam's diplomacy
was tested to the full when conducting the dress
In the TA we are very much aware that, In spite rehearsal the day before ; he found him self
of the acclamation given to us recently by the directing three very senior clergymen who entered
Inspector General of the TA , Gen Sir Frank Kltson , the spirit of the occasion to the full and In fact laid
wherein he stated that the TA provided 40% plus of the Colours up at least eight times before they got lt
the strength of the fighting forces of the Army for a right!
comparatively low corresponding cost of ~% of the Following Is an lndepe'n<!ent report of the
Army Defence Budget, we must be seen to give good occasion by Kenneth Brook, 'a member of the
value for money. It may be that we shall gain from Queen's Royal Surrey Regiment Association :
that typical 'British' volunteer spirit when soldiers
wlll train for a 5-8 hour period only to receive Laying-up of 3 & 4 Queen's Surreys (TA) Colours
training expenses and allowances; In the old days, a
day's pay might have been acceptable. From a study of correspondence and operation
orders I conclude that although one Intention was
Perhaps the most satisfying aspect of the past defined - several were Inferred . They may be
year has been the rise In our strength from 30 summarised as follows : -
office rs and 437 soldiers to 32 and 482 . In total , the 1. The colours w111 be laid up In Southwark
battalion Is now manned to 99 . ~ % of Its
establishment; turn -ove r has dropped significantly Cathedral.
In most companies and the proportion of trained 2. The operation w111 be conducted In such a
soldiers out of our total strength Is higher than ever
before . There Is no doubt that the battalion has seen manner that full justice and honour w111 be
the benefits of the Shapland Report and the general shown to the Colours of a first class regiment by
Its successors.
3. All participants, guests , visitors , past and
present members of the Regiment and
onlookers w111 enjoy themselves as a necessary
contribution to the overall success of the
operation.

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It would take a very jaundiced eye to deny that THE LAYING-UP OF SURREY TA COLOURS IN
any of these intentions were met. The only variable SOUTHWARK CATHEDRAL
factor was - as usual - the weather, but even this
supported the event pretty well. A strong cold wind (Top) The Colonel of the Regiment takes the salute in
kept the clouds moving along, and one short shower Borough Street. The Colonel's party are (from I to r)
fell to settle the dust while the Regimental Sgt. McLucas, Lt. Peter Gibson, CSM Cadywould, Sgt.
Association contingent was being marshalled ready
to join the marching column. Was it really Fisher and Lt. David Wray.
coincidence that the sun shone when the Colonel of (Centre) The Colours of 3 and 4 Queen's Surrey (TA)
the Regiment came to address us? Or did he wait are marched off parade for the last time. Ensigns are
for the rain to pass? Good planning somewhere for (from I to r) Lt. Harwood (hidden), Lt. Chapman, Lt.
someone!
Gibson and Lt. Wray .
Regular readers of the Queen's Surreys (Lower) A solemn moment as the Queen's Colour is
Newsletter will understand why the bulk of the handed over by Col. D. B. Pullen to the clergy at the
effort fell upon 6/7 QUEEN'S(V) but if in doubt,
refer to Col A. R. Martin's article in No. 28 and to altar.
Maj Peter Hill's article in the current issue. Two
colour parties and four guards, the latter each of 3
officers and 66 R and F, formed the uniformed
contingent. No.3 Guard was formed mostly from 5
QUEEN'S(V) personnel, but the rest were all from
the 6th/7th. Estimates of members of the
Regtmental Associations who marched range from
100 to 200, while many more attended the ceremony
itself in the Cathedral.

The march was led by the Band and Drums of 1
QUEEN'S - who else plays "Braganza" quite like
that? I hope the bearing and behaviour of the
marching column satisfied the Colonel of the
Regiment as he took the salute. It looked reasonable
to me, but I was hidden in the middle.

The musical contribution of the band inside the
Cathedral was really excellent. I should like all the
regtmental musicians to know how much their
efforts are appreciated - just how much they add to
the beauty and atmosphere of the occasions when
they are present. My personal, subjective and
biased view was endorsed in the Cathedral by a
German visitor who came to sit by me and with
whom I had a conversation. He was the organist
from a German cathedral - I forget which - and
he was in London for a conference. He came along
to the ceremony as a result of seeing an
advertisement about it. He was quite emphatic and
very sincere about his enjoyment of the music, the
level of its performance and the attendant
ceremonial.

The Service was much to the point and very
effective. The Colours were handed over for laying-
up by the former Commanding Officers of 3rd and
4th Queen's Surreys - Col. D. B. Pullen, OBE ,
TD.DL and Col W. E. McConnell, TD, respectively .

The sermon preached by Peter Mallett (Ven
Archdeacon CB, QHC, AKC - former Chaplain to 1
Queen's and recently retired as Chaplain General to
the Forces) was apposite and delivered In his usual
inimitable style. It was very fitting that a former
chaplain to 4th Queen's Surreys - now Chaplain to
H.M. The Queen - Rev Canon Derek Landreth TD
MA, could assist the Provost of Southwark at the
ceremony. One can only hope that the Provost
appreciated and was not too over-awed by the
calibre of the support available to him from the
Regiment; his efforts were sincerely appreciated
by all.

The guest-list as a whole is far too lengthy to
spell out here - but selected items give a good
indication of the standing of the Regiment and its
Territorial components In London and Surrey. The
Lords Lieutenant of Greater London and Surrey, the
Mayors of Guildford, Klngston-on -Thames, Relgate

continued overleaf

and Southwark - together with their Mayoresses - been progressive and aggressive and considerable
paid us the honour of attending. Maj-Gen Fergus value has been derived from them; in particular the
Ling CB, CBE, DSO DL attended In his dual signallers (under Lt Slmon Blausten) have
capacity as Vice Lieutenant of Surrey and a former familiarised themselves with the "Larkspur" - a
Colonel of The Queen's Royal Surrey Regt. Maj-Gen vast improvement on the PYE VHF equipment
F . J . C. Plggott CB, CBE, DSO, headed a large which we have had since formation. Mr Blausten
contingent of other senior and distinguished officers has received considerable assistance from Sgt
of the Regiment. The former Commanding Officers Thornton of HQ Coy and PSI C/Sgt Turner (recently
of Regular and Territorial battalions of the Queen's joined from 3 Queens) whose considerable
Surreys were there, together with officers, Warrant experience and expertise has been greatly
Officers and Sergeants who had been on their staffs. appreciated.
A touch of colour was provided by Yeoman Warders
of H.M. Tower of London who had served with the The cooks, under the Battalion Messing Officer
TA battalions. The present Territorial Army and (Lt Derek Harwood) have gone from strength to
Cadet Forces were also well represented. Last but strength and must be one of the 'in-house' success
not least - our own stalwart Majors John Reed and stories of the last two years. We now have 21 cooks
Peter Hill welcomed us In the Cathedral. (of both sexes) headed by S/Sgt Smith ACC and Sgt
The Reunion In the River Room of Glaziers Hall Norton ACC. All members of this section are well
which followed the Service was very well attended Into their B2 or B3 courses and all are eagerly
and provided a fitting end to a really enjoyable looking forward to the South East District Field
occasion. The surroundings were truly delightful Cookery Competition in June when we shall have
and contributed significantly to the warm, friendly entered three teams. (Having been beaten last year
atmosphere, for which the quality and quantity of by a mixed team of WRAC and Medlcs, they are
available refreshments were not wholly determined to reverse the score!) The cooks team
responsible. finished their year with a fine Catering Team dinner
In conclusion, may I say that I have tried to at Horsham on 28 Feb when some 100 guests sat 0
express the feelings of a memorable occasion In
which I am delighted to have shared. If I have (Top) Lt. Anlhony Leonard leads a contingent from
overlooked any point of major Interest or omitted to DCoy to County Hall.
express thanks for or appreciation of anybody's
efforts, then please do not hesitate to complain to
the undersigned who declares such
correspondence on the subject to be already closed! (Lower) The "Eyes-Right" at County Haii-HRH The
K.W.B. Duke of Kent taking the salute.

On 11 April, 30 men from D Coy under command down to a splendid meal . . . cooked by outside
of Lt Anthony Leonard took part In the County of caterers!
London Parade; detachments, representing all the
major TA Units In Greater London paraded outside The writer Is advised that L/Cpl Ennls ACC Is
County Hall behind the Banner presented two years on the scrounge for a good second-hand alarm clock
ago by the County of London to the TA VR - must be a good ringer. Obviously someone got a
Association for Greater London. The Inspection and late breakfast!
salute were taken by H.R.H. The Duke of Kent who
spoke to a number of Queensmen on parade. On the Last year we welcomed Maj Geoffrey Brown
following day D Coy were "Adopted" by the London RAMC(V) who took a strong hold on the medlcs and
Borough of Merton at a parade held at Farrlngdon instituted for the first time a good training
House, Sutton, their drUl hall. The Borough of programme; unfortunately he Is about to leave and
Merton has always taken a keen Interest In D Coy take up command of a Field Ambulance, so we are
and at a Meeting of the Council In Oct last and In looking for another doctor.
recognition of the long and cordial association
which existed between the Borough and the All Coys have spent much time on the ranges ,
Company, the Borough adopted them. The progressing their way through 'Shoot to Kill ' and at
Company paraded under their OC, Maj Tony Prior, the same time completing their range courses to
and after an Inspection by the Mayor of Merton, Cllr qualify for their Annual Bounty. The Battalion
Tom Bull, accompanied by Col C. H. Nice TD DL, Shooting Team has also been hard at work on a
Deputy Lieutenant of Merton, a scroll was succession of ranges and weekends and through a
presented to the Coy . The formal parade was variety of trying weather conditions; this year they
followed by the usual Reception and luncheon which are being run by the most experienced Lt John Day,
was attended by some 300 people . a member of the team since Its formation, who has
taken over from Maj Richard Putnum busily
Training engaged with the preparations for the Colours
In spite of all this ceremonial, a good amount of Presentation. All the team members of last year are
training has been carried out by all Coys and stUI with us and we are also greatly encouraged by
departments : during the last six months there have some new young soldiers. At the start of the year,
been three weekends devoted to Group Training run some thirty Volunteers submitted themselves for
by HQ Coy under Maj Mike Mercer when specialists selection to the team, and after two weekends'
su ch as Armourers , Cooks , Signaller s, Int , Recce practise, the new blood was selected and the team
PI , MT , RPs , Medlcs and Admln Staff have received has every reason to be quietly confident for their
con centrated training with our own staff often first competition this year - the S . E~ Dist Skill at
supported by outside lecturers . The training has Arms Meeting. Cpl Goss (B Coy) In spite of having
moved home, still continues to train with the team ,
Involving a return journey of about 160 miles- su ch
Is dedication'

The preparation for our Presentation of Colours
on 16 July continues at an ever-Increasing pace ;

lDIIIumcd on page 52



52 Visitors to our various drlll halls have included
Brigadier Gordon-Lennlx, the new Chief of Staff
f rom page 50 South East District.

apart from the paper work , the more practical work Personalities
and drlll training Is beginning to take a hold . Each C/ Sgt A. L. H. Cowlard 's award of the BEM was
Coy is to produce a Guard of 66 who wlll be required
to form on the march past rather than take the a just reward for the effort he has put Into running
easier option of turning on the march. Annual Camp the 'Q' side of his Coy - B Coy based at Edgeware
(at Crowborough) wlll obviously centre on the and Hornsey. He enlisted Into the Middlesex Regt
training for the Parade and all the practices wlll (TA) In 1963 and has served In the same drlll hall for
take place either at the Show Ground at Ardlngly or the last 17 years: a train driver by profession, he
on the playing fields at Ardlngly College which have leaves us after the Colours Parade when he wlll be a
kindly been lent to us by the Headmaster so that we member of the Colour Party (Old Colours).
can gain experience on grass and not wear "tread
marks " on the parade ground. The Colour Parties Maj Ashley Wllkln has just completed his tour
have been selected and the now-experienced pair of In command of A Coy at Farnham and has been
Lts Derek Harwood and Peter Chapman wlll carry appointed OC S.E . Dlst Training Team (TA ); he Is
and march off the old Colours and the new wlll be succeeded by Maj Alisdair Meldrum who has just
received and borne by Lts Davld Wray and Anthony completed six months as Bn Trg Officer following
Guthrie. command of HQ Coy which he handed over In Oct
80. We have also welcomed Capts Nlgel Bedford and
On the administrative side, over 1,000 feet of Alan Taite to HQ Coy and D Coy respectively; both
marquee has been ordered; 5,000 chairs, folding recently retired from the regular army and we shall
have been booked from Ordnance together with appreciate their experience. Maj Alan Carter has
2,000 x 6ft folding tables, vast numbers of fire joined us from the Depot, Queen's Dlv as our new
extinguishers, tickets for car parks, stands and Training Major; we hope he wlll enjoy his tour with
lunch boxes. A small gang of ladles has been us before finally leaving the army. The Major has
recruited to arrange £500 worth of flowers , whilst already benefited from being part of the TA ; when
pages of printers proofs for the programme, lunch buying his first house , he was able to persuade the
menu, speeches, place cards, etc, cover office Bn 2IC to survey his purchase and OC D Coy to act
desks. Coys have to arrange to get all their families as his Solicitor!
from their homes - stretching from Edgeware to
Farnham, Sutton to Crawley, to Ardlngly in time for We say farewell to Maj Ewan Christian, his
the parade ; no easy task when husband or boy predecessor, who has been with us for over three
friend will be at camp In Crowborough! Some years and served us loyally In camps from Thetford
remarkable energy and enthusiasm has been put to Sennybrldge and from Gibraltar to Oklahoma.
Into the whole operation and we hope to welcome as (He has not fared too badly either . . . he managed
many friends as possible who care to come to to get on the recce trips for both the latter! ) Ewan
Ardlngly. joins 8 CTT at Guildford and we wish him, his wife
lola and their family good luck for the future.
We also look forward to welcoming the Bands of
the 1st and 2nd Bns and the TAVR Band together We have been happy to welcome back Maj Mike
with the Corps of Drums of the 1st Bn and 5th (TA) Adler as Battalion 2 IC vice Maj Putnum; the latter
Bn and hope that they wlll enjoy their time with us wlll be devoting his time to the Colours Parade
preparing and taking part In what wlll certainly be before taking over command of the battalion on 1
a memorable day for us. Aug. Maj Adler was OC A Coy at Farnham when he
kft us 3 years ago to become a GLO with the RAF :
Officers and Senior NCOs assembled at at that time the Officers' Mess presented him with a
Crowborough at the end of January for a piece of silver and this wlll be taken Into account
concentrated study of the drlll and movement when he leaves next time'
required for the Parade under the direction of Maj
Putnam and RSM Lively; both were ably assisted On 18 Mar Cpl E. L . Hunte of B Coy was
by W02 Davld Bowen and a new find within the presented with a Meritorious Service Certificate by
conrate staff at Horsham - C! Sgt Holmes, who The Baroness Phllllps, H.M's. Lord Lieutenant for
joined us last year from the Grenadier Guards after Greater London. Ptes Wrlght and Blackford and Pte
25 years service during which time he was a drill Hockley WRAC (all A Coy) obtained the 'Best
Instructor at Plrbrlght, taking part In numerous Recruit' award on their respective recruit courses
Trooping the Colour Parades on Horse Guards. The at the Depot and Guildford respectively. The Rev
weekend finished with a rehearsal on the parade Gerald Buss has recently joined us as our Padre In
ground and although at times the weave looked a place of the late Rev John Hughes whose untimely
little complicated, mu ch was learnt by all - In good death we reported In the last Journal. Gerald Is
time we hope! Senior Chaplain at Hurstplerpolnt College Public
School and we hope he enjoys his time with us. Capt
Christmas saw the usual crop of social John Cannon has left us to become a GLO with the
functions; the drlll hall at Sutton had been greatly RAF and we wish him well for the future .
Improved by borrowing some huge and remarkable
back drops from Thames Television film studios. Finally, a word or two of appreciation of Lt Col
All Coys held the usual dinners and children's Mike Duddlng, who has been our Commanding
parties and, since then, the WOs and Sgts have held Officer since Dec 1978; he hands over on 31 July 81
a formal dinner night at the Europa Lodge Hotel, after a dynamic 2'h year tour. Col Mike can best be
Gatwick . described as an academic; certainly all the internal
administrative systems (Including the largest
In January , the Officers' Mess entertained Sir volume of SOPS In the British Army) carry his
Robert Armstrong, Secretary to the Cabinet, who hallmark and there Is no doubt that these systems
spoke after dinner and answered many questions; it wlll be with us for many years to come . Through his
was a rare opportunity to learn from such a senior own endeavours, the Battalion has progressed
civil servant , of the way In which senior Immeasurably; when Col Mike arrived we were stlll
government works.

very much the amateurs having just been through a 53
series of dramatic changes. Many of us have
changed our cap badges and our roles three times COL. D. A. H. SIME, OBE, MC, TD
over In nearly as many years and, with his amazing An Appreciation by
dedication and tenacity, he has welded us Into a
really 'professional' unit. The high standards set by the Commanding Officer,
him caused some alarm at first but everyone now On 31 July, Col. Davld Slme relinquishes his
accepts these as a matter of course. appointment as our Honorary Colonel. He was
originally Hon. Colonel of the 6th(V) Bn on Its
Col Mike will be commanding his battalion at the formation in 1971 and was re-appointed on the
Presentation of Colours - a most fitting climax amalgamation of the 6th and 7th in '75. The
both to his command and to the tenth anniversary of presentation of new Colours to the Battalion is an
the battalion since formation. We take this appropriate climax to his tenure of office and I
opportunity of thanking him and his wife for their would like to express my gratitude, and that of
dedication and for all that they have done for us former Commanding Officers, for his wise counsel
over the years ; we also wish them and their family and practical help over the years.
God Speed for the future. Having started his military life in Cambridge
University OTC, Col. David enlisted In the Royal
MAJ M. F. H. ADLER Artillery (TA) in 1940 and , after being
Maj Mike Adler was born in July 1945 and was commissioned In 1941, he served with 78 Field Regt
educated at Downslde School, he was commissioned (subsequently 178 Medium Regt) in 8th Army from
from RMAS (Gaza Company Intake 35) into The then until '46, winning the MC in Italy. After the war
Welch Regt In July '65. He served with 1 WELCH as he qualified as a chartered accountant, and then
Demonstration PI Commander at the School of spent 16 years In industry. He joined the Surrey
Infantry ; as United Nations Platoon Commander Yeomanry (TA) (then a Gunner Regt ) in 1950, and
with the 8th U .S. Army Honour Guard Company in commanded it from 1961-65, for which he was
Korea In 1966; as 10 of 1 WELCH during the Hong awarded the OBE . Although he moved to
Kong riots of '67 , and as Regimental Signals Officer Hampshire in '66 , to take over the family farm, he
In Cyprus and Gravesend . When , In '69, 1 WELCH had two TA appointments In the rank of Colonel -
amalgamated with 1 SWB to form the 1st Bn The as Deputy CRA 44 (Home Counties ) Division , and
Royal Regiment of Wales , Mike was Coy 2 IC and a then Territorial Colonel 52 Sub-Region. He then
Rifle Platoon Commander. There followed a 3· joined Surrey Army Cadet Force, of which he was
month tour in Londonderry and Belfast during the County Commandant from 1968-75.
early months of the current ''troubles'' .
In late '69 Mike resigned from the Regular (c01Wnucd ovcrlcuj)
Army (contrary to common belief, he had not
burned his Company's AB 397 during a riot in Col. David Sime OBE, MC, TD, The Battalion's
Belfast!) and took employment with Glynn Mllis & Honorary Colonel.
Co, Bolt' s Branch, Bankers and Army and Royal
Air Force Agents ; he Is still with them though they
are now part of Wllllams & Glyns Bank Limited,
and Mike currently head of their Services Liaison
Office and Investment Department based in
Farnborough, Hants . He travels extensively.
visiting military units worldwide and is particularly
Involved In lecturing on " Financial Aspects of
Resettlement'' .
The lure of khaki was too great and Mike's TA
career spans 10 years going back to the founding
days of 7 QUEENS(V) when he was a platoon
commander In A Coy at Farnham and later 2IC;
after a spell as Battalion Ops Officer, he
commanded A Coy for five years .
Attending the TA Course at the Staff College,
Camberley , Mike then became a GLO with 506 GL
section attached to 33 Sqn RAF at Odiham ; he
specialised In winter warfare and became the GLO
with the AMF(L) Flight, operating each winter in
Northern Norway . Three years In association with
the RAF and Puma helicopters were probably some
of the most memorable of his career and eventually
he was extracted from his "bone dome" and
brought back to the realities of soldlerlng when, on 1
April '81 , he was appointed Bn 2IC.
Mike Is married and he and his wife, with two
young (very) sons, live on a training area near West
End, Chobham, Surrey.

54 gunner opposition! As a former gunner himself,
Always a very active man, Col. Davld 's that can have been no easy task! Since then he has
followed the battalion's activities closely and been a
Interests In family, farming, ACF and TA were, constant source of encouragement - not least for
during the 1970s, supplemented by the Presidency of Commanding Officers, without In any way seeking
the Frlmley and Camberley Cadet Corps of some to usurp their role. He played a significant part In
150 boys; Chairmanship of the Natlonal Artillery ensuring that the amalgamation of the 6th and 7th
Association, and membership of the Worshipful Bns. went so well and his contacts In the City have
Company of Haberdashers, of which he was Master been put to good use recently In raising funds for the
for an extended "year" from 1975-77 . He Is Colours presentation. The soundness of our
currently Chairman of the Governors of relations with all the trustees of the Territorial
Haberdashers' Aske's School, Elstree. funds of our predecessor units, of whom the Surrey
Yeomanry are one, owes much to him .
His considerable military experience , In peace
and war, and the width of his other Interests, have There are countless other ways In which Col.
been of enormous benefit to both the Battalion and Davld has made his mark - not least by his annual
the Regiment. (It Is, for example, through his good gift of whole stutons to the Officers' and Sergeants'
offices that the Regimental Cocktail Party Is held at messes at camp; a bomb-scare at Otterburn nearly
the Haberdashers' Hall) . His qualities were had one tragically Immersed In a bucket of water by
particularly apparent to Cols. WUson and Hewson a cautious mess steward!
when they commanded 6 QUEENS(V); that
battalion Included three gunner batteries which His ten years In office have seen a virtually
were administered by RA Records, wore gunner' fully-recruited battalion grow from cadres of a
badges and were convinced that they were to be handful of men . We offer him, and Dlana, his wife,
deployed as artUlery at some stage! Col. Davld our thanks for their efforts on our behalf, and our
gave active support to get 6 QUEENS(V) on a very best wishes for the future.
P">per Infantry footing, In the face of Intense

--------11--------

Depot The Queen's wUI result In more of the military part or tbe
Division syllabus being carried out earlier In the year's
training and more training being carried out as a
by Maj P P Crltcbley company rather than as a platoon; this will enable
us to use our scarce training resources to better ef-
In the last six months, there has fect.
been a significant reduction in the
number of recruits arriving at Bass- The Depot has bad a good winter sports season:
ingbourn: as all nine battalions of the we woo the Eastern District Minor Unit Rugby Cup
Division reach their manning ceil- and were runners up In the E. Dlst Minor Units
ings, we fully expect the adult intake Football Cup. The Basketball team, led by W02
Bartle, woo the E Dlst and Area finals but were
to reduce even further. knocked out in the UKLF finals at Aldershot. The
Hockey Team reached the finals of the Army Minor
With greater numbers applying to join the Ar· Unit Hockey Cup. Our Junior Soldiers woo the
my and fewer than normal being accepted, tbe Junior Infantry Company Boxing Championships
Recruit Selection Centre at Suttoo Coldfleld has and the Infantry Soccer Challenge Cup. We hope
become more selective but with a waiting time of up tbls talent - some of lt shortly to arrive In our bat-
to six mootbs to get to the Depot, we have not yet talions - will be put to good use I
noticed the change, but hope to see the effects later
during the year. Our aim now Is to utilise the extra time we bave
created for sport and the skills of our gladiators to.
The Junior intake Is also being reduced this teach recrnlts the major sports.
year; we cancelled the May Intake and expect
reduced numbers for those In June and September. Each of the two Junior Soldiers companies have
recently spent a week's adventure training In Corn·
Before Easter we carried out a small internal wall, based at Peobale Camp. Activities Included
re-organisation to Improve the chain of command Surfcaooelog, Wind surfing, water skllng, Pony
within the Depot. All training support elements trekking, offshore salilog, orienteering by day and
have been brought together into one Training Wing night and sea fishing -all a major success.
under direct control of the 21C whilst all ad·
minlstratlve support elements are now In a Support Our Blsley team are shooting at every possible
Wing under a new OC. opportunity In readiness for the E. Dlst Skill at
Arms meeting where they wUI have to qualify for
The adult training programme has been RASAAM. The Junior Blsley team Is just forming
overhauled to produce, we hope, better progression up and we hope to give IJLB Sborncllffe and JSB
within subjects throughout the 19 weeks training; Taunton a run for their money tbls year.
more time to teach the recruit how to organise
himself, and more time for sport. We have also co ntinued on page 56
recently Introduced a new Inter -section competition
within each recruit platoon covering all major I. A surprise stop during the morning run.
training events within the syllabus In an effort to In· 2. Surf canoeing.
crease competitiveness. 3. Extras for the next Bassingbourn Western?!
4. The Coy Commander showing offi
The Junior Soldiers' syllabus has also been 5. Not many reached this standard .
redesigned ready for the new Intakes. The changes 6. A day's cruise on HMS TY Fiddler.

p
Ir

3 A4

N

H

AA
I
'

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E y.•
Jl>

5

56 sional Brigadier) on Boxing and other occasions. Lt
Col Packham, CO2 QUEENS , also spent a day with
frt~m pugL' S..J us at the end of April, along with Maj Dawson his
2IC. They met a number of Junior Leaders who are
Despite the present round of economies, we due to join their Battalion In September.
have now reached the top of the list of the deprived:
Our long-awaited lOO metre No Danger Area Range JSB TAUNTON
is to be ready for use by the end of the summer. The
Depot rebuild is also at last about to get under way. Six Junior Soldiers for the Regiment passed out
Work on the new Junior Ranks Club is due to start to adult service at the parade on 10 April, when the
shortly and be completed by the end of 82 when con· salute was taken by DRAC, Maj. Gen. J. M. Palmer.
struction of the new cookhouse will begin. Work on There Is a larger-than-usual number under train·
the new accommodation blocks will start in 1982/ 83 ing; this Is because some came from RRF and R .
which will mean, at last, the end of the Infamous ANGLIAN territory (whose regular battalions are
"Black Huts". overstrength) .

The Divisional Brigadier (and Dep. Colonel of C/ Sgt. Giles and Cpl. Friday have returned to
the Regt.) Brig HC Millman OBE, ADC took the the 2nd Bn, to be replaced by Sgt. Buddle and Cpl.
salute at the Junior Soldiers passing out parade Tanner. Cpl. Friday's boxing expertise will be sore·
before Easter. When the next Junior Intake passed ly missed, as he was a leading light in helping
out (in May) the Chief of the Defence Staff, Admiral Queen's Coy to Its second consecutive win in the
of the Fleet Sir Terence Lewin GCB MVO DSC DSC, Inter-Coy Competition; he was unlucky not to have
took the salute. done better as an individual in the Army Novices
Boxing Competition, where he only just lost to the
The Colonel Commandant, Gen Sir Timothy eventual winner in his class. C/Sgt Jones also
Creasey KCB, OBE, paid his farewell visit to the returns to the 2nd Bn in May, to be replaced by
Depot on 9 March; he is succeeded by our present C/ Sgt. Denny; C/Sgt Klamil has retired.
GOC, Maj Gen REJ Gerrard-WrlghtCBE.
Visits to regular units continue and, so far this
Finally, as we are always delighted to see year, have been made to 2 RRF and 1 R ANGLIAN .
members of The Regiment. Why not pay us a visit? A visit to 3 QUEENS, in the programme for the
We have passing out parades nearly every two summer, Is eagerly awaited. We know these visits
weeks which are well worth watching and, on 15. 17 do enormous good in maintaining interest, par·
July, we host the Schoolboys Army Exhibition ticularly among those who are thinking of leaving
which, particularly if you have youngsters, would the Service.
be well worth a trip to Bassingbourn.
The effects of the 'moratorium' cannot be left
IJLB unmentioned: although everyone Is affected, there
always seem to be good reasons why one's own unit
The first half of the year has, as always, been a feels particularly hard done by. The fuel cuts have
busy one at Shorncliffe with normal training being had the most major impact, since we are nowhere
backed up by a number of sporting and military near any ranges or training areas and many of the
competitions. The Company's best performance in families live In Exeter, 32 miles away, or Watchet
these competitions has been in winning the Patrol (18 miles). Apart from a lowering in the quality of
Competition, with Sgt Easton being one of the in· life, some training has had to be curtailed, as have
structors of the winning platoon. sports fixtures and interest visits. "Flexibility" and
"adaptability" have become overworked key-
Another notable success has been J / Ldr Bello, words, but we hope that the end result of our efforts
who has been boxing for the Battalion Team. He will be just as worthwhile. Nearly 400 Juniors are
won ail his fights on the way to the Army Junior due to pass out in August, of whom 21 are destined
Unit Championships, and then won the for the Regiment.
Welterweight title in the Army Junior Individual
Championships at Shorncl!ffe; he also boxed for the As always, we welcome visitors at any time,
Junior Army Team against the Welsh Schoolboys at and would be glad if, notwithstanding the
the end of April and won his bout. moratorium, some of our Recruiters could find their
way to Taunton .
Considerable changes are under way now on the
manning side of IJLB, with the introduction, at last, QUEEN'S CADETS
of Corporals into the training establishment - Cpi
Irvlne is our first new arrival on this scheme, who (Extracts from "The Cadet Journal And
arrives fresh from 1 QUEENS . On the ad· Gazette")
ministrative side, Cpls Boyd, Bishop, Noel and
Lightfoot and L/ Cpls Foster and Gold are ail here , New Assistant General Secretary
mostly under the control of Drum Major Marshail,
who has taken on the appointment of CSM HQ Coy . We are fortunate indeed to have secured
the services of Maj A V Ford (RRW) who
Sgt Pyman is still doing sterling work (especially recently completed ten years in the appoint-
for Salamanca Coy.) in the Driver Training Wing, ment of Chief Instructor at the Cadet Training
but Sgt Hole of the External Leadership Wing has Centre, Frimley Park, and has a knowledge
left us for greater things. and experience of the ACF shared by few
others . It has been a testing period In HQAC·
Officer Manning In the Company is still, FA since Maj Jack East's untimely death, and
thankfully, heavily biased towards the Queen's we take this opportunity to record the debt we
Regiment, with Maj Jones, Capt Hiscock and Lts.
Wright and Sharples keeping the Regiment to the
fore . Sadly for us , Lt Col Coilman, who has been
Quartermaster here for several years , is to retire in
the summer.

We have had a number of Regimental visits of
late - notably by the Deputy Colonel (and Dlvi·

owe to those who have helped to keep the ship 57
afloat.
of The Queen's Regt TAVR, Kent Police, and Faver-
New Year Honours, 1981 sham Mission took part. Besides displays by Cadets
from each of the six Kent units, there was a gym-
Congratulations to SMI M Todd of Kent nastic display by members of the Junior Leaders
ACF, who was awarded the BEM Regt,RE.

SUSSEXACF A charming Interlude was provided by a group
Motor Cycllng of young Majorettes and amongst the sideshow at-
tractions there was an aerial ropeway and a
In Oct 79 we had to make a sad decision . treasure bunt using mine detectors. The day ended
Our bikes (the 250cc Victor) which had been with all participants assembled In the arena and the
used for seven years were showing signs of Queen's Regiment TAVR Band and 5 Queens Corps
damage and wear in the piston/ring/cylinder of Drums playing the Evening Hymn and Retreat.
vicinity; perhaps the most disturbing thing
was that the spare parts were getting very ex- ULSTER DEFENCE
pensive and Impossible to get. At this point we REGIMENT NOTES
felt that replacement of the six machines
must be considered, those which are finally by Lt-Col. H. N. Tarver
purchased were the BSA 124cc Tracker, 6 Commanding 5 UDR
gears 210 lbs - a similar design to our old
machines but using a 125 Yamaha 2-stroke Few of my readers may realise how many of
engine. our former comrades In The Queen's Regt have
gone on to serve in the permanent cadre of the UDR .
The team were soon feeling at home with As I come to hand over 5 UDR (to Lt-Col Tom
their new machines and the verdict was "very Thomas, R. Anglian), I should like to pay tribute to
nice''. Now we look back at a busy year which this excellent body of officers and soldiers, whose
included displays at Hastings, Polgate Steam pr~fesslonal skills and high (Queen's Regt!) stan-
Engine Rally and the Aldershot Army dards have done so much to make the UDR Into a
Display. thoroughly efficient and reliable fighting force .

Our sponsors have, as always, been kind Terrorists InNorthern Ireland have specifically
to us, supplying such things as oil, spark plugs marked down ex-members of the Regular Army
and crash helmets. We hope to be sponsored and members of the UDR for murder. Those who
with a new set of team overalls for the 1981 carry both these labels are doubly at risk and many
season. Also in 1981 we are hoping to extend of them live and serve In the greatest danger. It Is In
our display to 45 minutes and increase the size the best traditions of both our Regiments that they
of the team to enable more boys to experience do this with soldierly steadiness and cheerful good
the thrill of motor cycle display work. humour, and those who have read this far may like
to reflect for a moment in pride and comradely
Exercising on Salisbury Plain sympathy with these courageous ambassadors of
the Queen's Regt.
Last August the quiet surroundings of Im-
ber Village, Sal1sbury Plain, were shattered It would be nice here to provide a list of those
abruptly as Sussex ACF sprang a well- concerned, so that others could trace former com-
prepared ambush against the Parachute rades; to do so, however, would be recklessly Ir-
Regiment. The Village was transformed into a responsible. As all who have served here know , only
massive ambush by members of 8 CTT, 2nd one copy of this Journal would need to fall Into the
Queens and Queens RIT with two Companies wrong hands for tragedy to follow ; and the ter-
of Sussex Cadets throughout the whole area, rorists are known to be avid collectors of our
waiting for their quarry to appear. The battle Regimental magazines. So my tribute must be to an
found the enemy having to clear each small anonymous but all the more creditable body of
area before being able to move forward, and brave men.
umpires estimated that losses would have
been critical. The past six months has sadly seen 10 UDR lose
their Army Football Cup laurels from last year,
KENT ACF although they reached the semi-final of the Infantry
Cup, losing to the Coldstream Guards who then went
by Maj Davld Barnes JP on to win the final. (This may not be such bad news
for Lt-Col. Bob Acworth who Is due to take over
Kent Army Cadet Force showed Its paces again command from Lt-Col. Tony Ward in the summer.
at their annual Open Day on Sunday, 14 June. For Just think of being responsible for the third year of
the second year running, by kind permission of the an Army championship hat trick attempt in your
Commanding Officer, 1st Bn. The Queen's Regt, the first year of command!)
event was held at Howe Barracks.
For 5 UDR, the big event has been the Confer-
Arena and static displays continued throughout ment of the Freedom of the Borough of Coleraine on
the afternoon and a very attractive programme was the UDR on 28 March 1981. As the local battalion. we
arranged; in addition to two Cadet bands, the Bands provided the Guard of Honour to parade behind the
assembled Pipe Majors of the eleven Battalions .
Responsibility for the drill thus fell to RSM 5 UDR ,
WOl R . P . Wood , who is pictured in a characteristic
pose . (This may be a useful recognition picture for
young soldiers in 2 QUEENS, as he is due to rejoin
them next year !)

58

The only new arrival to the Queen's Regt
Regular cadre In the last 6 months has been W01 P .
S. Anthony as RSM 10 UDR (and thus responsible
for the largest Battalion of the British Army). In
welcoming him as I depart, I can honestly say that
there are few more rewarding or enjoyable ERE
jobs than service with this fine Regiment. I com-
mend a UDR posting to anyone fortunate enough to
be selected.

RSM R. P. Wood, Queen's, at the: Freedom Ceremony
for the UDR, Coleraine, 28 March, '81.

AFFILIATED HM SHIPS

HMS EXCELLENT there are fewer training billets at sea for young of-
ficers and ratings who have been recruited to fulfil
Our Naval friends at Whale Island have a new the manpower shortfall that occurred during the
seven-berther entitled CATHERINE OF mid and late 70's. While the young officer or rating
BRAGANZA (The Colonel of the Regiment attended can only be fully trained at sea, much can be done
her launching ceremony on 18 Dec.last), which Is In aboard a ship In harbour and Kent is now the ship
the throes of fitting out. that Is fulfilling this need, and can be roughly
equated to the Army's 'special to arm training'.
The Regiment has donated £50.00 for the pur-
chase of a hand-bearing compass (which the Yacht KENT therefore has a reduced permanent ship's
Secretary particularly asked for to complete In- company, approximately equating to that of a
strumentation) and a rubberised floating torch 1 frigate, and embarks up to 200 young men under
training for varying lengths of time depending on
The last Captain of HMS EXCELLENT (Cap- their branch and specialisation. In general terms,
tain Richard Bethell) has assured us that the yacht the ship carries out many of the tasks and evolu-
will lie available for charter to qualified skippers In- tions of a ship at sea, but In slower time and ln a con-
The Regiment; she ls , however, fully booked during trolled and safer environment for the benefit of the
July and August. trainees. Thus the young man, when he joins his
first sea-going ship, requires less training, and
For further details, potential charterers should more quickly becomes an effective member of the
contact : ship's company.
Lt Commander H. Metcalf, Royal Navy,
RNDS, KENT Is maintained In an operational state
HMS Excellent, ready to be brought forward to operational service
Whale Island, at short notice should the need arise.
Portsmouth P02 8ER.
(Tel : Portsmouth 22351 Ext 5640/ 5159 (Dockyard) . We are glad to say that we have maintained our
links with 2 QUEENS when a soccer and rugby
HMS KENT team led by Maj Buster Carlston visited the ship on
Trafalgar Day (21 Oct '80) culminating with the
HMS KENT returned from a Mediterranean traditional mess dinner In the evening. In
deployment ln Apr. last year and took over the role December, a small team of sailors led by C.P.O .
of Fleet Training Ship in Portsmouth harbour in Kllian joined the Battalion's weapon training period
June . at Lydd. They all returned having thoroughly en-
joyed themselves and with a great respect for what
Due to the current financial stringency, several their opposite numbers do - but, they haven't yet
of the Navy 's older ships have been paid off and requested to transfer to the Army!
placed in a Standby Squadron at Chatham . Thus

THE ROYAL HONG KONG REGIMENT 59
(THE VOLUNTEERS) The Middlesex Regt. under command of Lt. Co l.
by W02 J. A. Frost Stewart, OBE, MC, and their roil (as machine
gunners) was to fight alongside the Volunteers and
Having had the honour, as a Queensman, to other forc es in Hong Kong .
serve with this fine Regiment for the last year, I
thought it an opportune moment to give readers who On 8 Dec 1941, Japanese aircraft attacked Kai
are not familiar with it, an Insight into Hong Kong's' Tak airfield and it was reported that enemy troops
Volunteer-Mllltary force. were crossing from China by the hundreds thus
The Royal Hong Kong Regiment is a part-time signalling the invasion of Hong Kong by the
Volugteer Military unit slmllar to a TA unit in the Japanese.
United Kingdom; it Is supplled and maintained by
the Hong Kong Government and has very close ties The Middlesex Regiment's strength at the time
with the Regular Army and other forces in the was 36 officers and 728 other ranks ; by Christmas
Colony. day (17 days later ) 45% were reported as killed or
missing and Hong Kong had fallen.
The Regiment consists of some 600 local men
who train mainly at weekends and in the evenings In the Volunteers ' history of 1941 , The
on the same system employed by our own TA . Middlesex are well remembered and men from that
The men speak both English and Cantonese and Regt. have always been welcomed. Today we are
come from a cross- section of the whole community Queensmen and the successors to the old Die -hards .
and about 90% are Chinese. The Regiment Is The Volunteers hold us in high regard . (It can be
organised into four recce Squadrons, and a Support disconcerting to hear a Chinese Volunteer give one
Squadron which provides a Signals troop, an Escort a short summary on the history of one 's own
and Liaison troop (Recce platoon), an Assault Regiment! )
Pioneer troop, an Intelllgence Section and a
Training Wing. In addition there is a Home Guard Within the last year the complete Regiment was
Troop, an Admin Troop, a Junior Leaders called out to support local forces in stemming the
Squadron, the Band and a number of civilian flow of Ulegal immigrants from China ; their local
'attachments'. Within the organisation there are knowledge and the fact that the Volunteers speak
also members of the British Regular Army serving Cantonese and Mandarin largely contributed to the
on 'Loan Service Contracts'; nine such regulars are success of the operation.
currently serving and ail are from different arms
giving the Hong Kong Regiment a good cross- Loan service to the RHKR presents one with a
section of experience to draw from during training. tremendous challenge: all training is the entire
The Commanding Officer, Operations and responsibility of the attached Regular officers and
Training Officer, Quartermaster and Regimental warrant officers and as these come from the Royal
Sergeant Major, although on loan service from the Armoured Corps, Light Infantry and Infantry, ail
Regular Army, are part of the organisation. In trying to interpret a common training directive,
addition there are five WOs2 Permanent Staff diplomacy and understanding are needed to ensure
Instructors (one attached to each Squadron) who training runs smoothly.
advise, organise and assist in ail training matters;
they also act as liaison officers between the Hong Kong has changed a great deal since Gun
Volunteers and the Commanding Officer. Club Barracks were occupied by members of the
I joined the Regiment last Aprll and my Queen's Reg .: there is the tunnel from Kowioon to
responslbllity is for Training Wing and Support lHinoknigngKHonogn;gtKheonngewanudnKdeorwglrooounn;dthtreaiinncsryesatseeminatlhsoe
Squadron ; as a PSI my task is to advise the more population and the vast bullding programmes
senior members of these establishments on ail underway.
training matters.
The Regiment's volunteer officers, even though By the time this goes to print, we will have
they hold down civlllan employment during the day, completed the first part of training camp and a new
show remarkable knowledge and enthusiasm when recruit cadre will have started (end of May ). For
training their soldiers. Many of them as well as the Volunteers and permanent staff much planning
SNCOs attend courses run by the Regular Army and preparation will have gone into making such
both in Hong Kong and the UK. training a success (with much more to follow
As far as is known there has always been a throughout the year) keeping the standard of the
Volunteer force in Hong Kong recruited from the Volunteers to the highest possible level.
local Chinese community and controlled by the
Government. In fact , the birth of the Volunteers is The Hong Kong Regiment is a proud Regiment
recorded as 30 May 1854 , when 99 men signed the - not only within itself but also of its close ties with
Colonial Secretary's Circular calling for volunteers regiments of the British Army . They value their
to protect the interest of the Colony ; to this day alllance with us and, since I have been there, they
those 99 are stUl honoured. have welcomed at least five ex-members of the
Over the years the Volunteers have had to Regiment who have visited Hong Kong.
suffer disbandment and uncertainty - but they
have also had their memorable moments, one of The Diehard's cap badge is featured on the
which resulted in today's alllance with the Queen 's crest of a hill at Fanling.
Regiment.
During 1941 the strength of The Volunteers, with
attachments, was about 2,200 and their task was to
join the regular forces in the defence of Hong Kong
against an impending attack by the Japanese.
Serving in the colony at this time was the 1st Bn .

60

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take cover fro m an insurance
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o r wri te to D.P. GardinerTD.

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A LOT M O RET H AN MONI:Y AT
T il E ~ I C;\' O I· T H E 13 L ACK HOR ~ I:.

Letters 61

46 Tlle Klln HUI, West Kent Regt. This seems to me to be an extraor-
Blean, dinary oversight as the Regiment played a very
Canterbury, Kent. significant part In the battle as the award of six
MU!tary Crosses and four Military Medals bear
To : The Editor witness. It would be nice If the record could be put
straight - perhaps In the next edition of the book.
Dear Sir
The 30th Anniversary of the call-up of 8t Squad, (A second edition Is already out but Gen LJoyd-
Owen has agreed to put the record straight If a third
Potential Leaders Platoon, Home Counties Bde edition Is published- Ed).
Depot, Is In Nov '81.
The General also mentions the low morale of
The Squad 's Instructors In '51 were Sgt Bartle the troops . I believe that this Is a grossly unfair
(Middx) andCpl Weeks-Pearson (R. Sussex). statement. The Island was very difficult to defend,
perhaps Impossible without any air cover, never-
After passing out, most members of the Squad theless the troops fought hard, as anyone who has
went to the Army School of Education, read the account of the battle In Lt-Col Charles
Beaconsfleld. Chaplln's Regimental History (of The Queen's Own
1920-1950) will realise ."
Would any former member Interested In a Reu-
nion, please communicate with me at the above ad- Editor's Note - Col Harold Scott commanded HQ
dress. Coy of the 2nd Bn The Queen 's Own Jn Leros. Since 1t
was I (an old Queen 's Own man myself) who
Yours faithfully reviewed Gen Lloyd Owen 's book, I apologise to Col
PHILIP H. BUSS Harold and all who fought with 2 RWK In Leros for
Inadvertently failing to comment on this omission ln
The following Js extracted from a letter dated 18 the text.
Jan '81 from N. D. J. Harr1s Jn Dubal, United Arab
Emirates- Ed:- ***
MARRIAGES
... "We have been here five years now .. . I am the KNOCKER-WILLOUGHBY. On 14 February 1981,
Personnel Manager of a large group of Arab Com- Col. N. B. Knocker, OBE, and Miss Angela
panies based In Dubal and we are not In too much of Wllloughby at All Saints, Netheravon. Miss
a hurry to return home just yet.'' Wllloughby Is the youngest daughter of Maj .
Gen. Sir John and Lady Wllloughby, of Codford
NIGEL HARRIS St. Peter, near Warmlnster, Wiltshire . Lt. Col.
(Retd.) John Stephenson was best man.
Maj . R . P. Smith TARVER-BRADING . The wedding of Mr . C. E .
Editor, 'The Men of Harlech', Tarver, son of Col. and Mrs. Charles Tarver,
The Barracks, Brecon, Powys LD3 7EB. and Miss S. Bradlng, whose announcement of
an engagement appeared In the June '80 Issue ,
February 1981 took place on 18 July '81.

Dear Sir, FORTHCOMING MARRIAGES
I am collecting material to produce a book call-
Mr. W. R. Morris and Miss C. E. Aaron
ed 'Dogs and Mad Englishmen' . It wlll be a selec- The engagement Is announced between Lt.
tion of stories about soldiers and their famUies and WU!Iam Morris, The Queen's Regt, only son of Maj .
the special relationship they established with and Mrs G. M. Morris , of Wadhurst, Sussex, and
animals during their service overseas. Catherlne, youngest daughter of Dr. and Mrs. J .
Aaron, of Hardwick, Northants.
I should be grateful to receive contributions
from readers about their experiences, not only with Mr. D. A. B. Andrews and Miss A. J . Stride
dogs but from the wide range of animals that fall In- The engagement Is announced between Davld ,
to the category of 'pets' . son of Lt. Col. and Mrs D. H. Andrews , of
Rockbourne, Hants. and Antonla (Tonl) , daughter
Yours sincerely of Mr . and Mrs . T . de B. H . Stride, of Chelsea and
BOB SMITH Punta Gorda, Florida.

TO PUT THE RECORD STRAIGHT Mr. N. W. MaUbews and Miss M. S. Peckham
The engagement Is announced between
The following Is extracted from a letter dated 5 Feb Nlcholas, eldest son of Mr. and Mrs . G . G. A.
'81 from Lt. Col . H . E . Scott DL: Matthews, of Spaldlng, and Madelelne , elder
daughter of Lt. Col. and Mrs A. D. Peckham , of
" I very much enjoyed reading recently the Chain Lane, Warmlnster.
story by Maj -Gen Davld Lloyd Owen of the Long
Range Desert Group entitled Providence Their Mr. S. G. Fisher and Miss J . M. Condry
Guide (reviewed In the Dec . '80 number ). The engagement Is announced between
Stephen, son of Lt. Col. and Mrs R. D. Fisher, of
In lt he gave a very detailed account of the bat· Hlldenborough, Kent, and Judlth Mary, younger
tie for the Island of Leros In Nov. '43. Strangely he daughter of Mr. and Mrs. H. A. Condry, of East
mentioned every Regiment which took part In the Sheen, London , SW14.
battle with the exception of The Queen 's Own Royal

62 from 1926-1952. Regimental Secretary of The
Queen 's Royal Surrey Regt . from 1959·1965 and
Maj . A. J. Pearson and Dr. G. C. Court a Military Knight of Windsor from 1965-1980 .
The engagement Is announced between (See obituary) .
Anthony John Pearson, The Royal Green Jackets, WILKIN - On 4 December 1980 In Canada , Col.
elder son of Gen . Sir Thomas and Lady Pearson, of Hugh Wilkln OBE , MC, late The Queen's Own
Streets House, Ross·on·Wye, and Gilllan Charlotte, Royal West Kent Regt., aged 81 years .
only daughter of Lt. Col. Davld Court and the late BUCKNALL - On 7 December 1980, Lt-Gen.
Mrs Mary Court, of Drynham Lodge, Weybridge . Gerard Corfleld Bucknall, CB, MC and Bar, LL,
DL, lately Colonel of The Middlesex Regt. Lord
Mr . J. E. Blake and Miss J . J . G. Elliott Lieutenant of the County of Middlesex and
The engagement Is announced between Julian Assistant Lelutenant of Greater London . Aged
Blake, of Haddenham, Bucks, son of the Late Dr 86.
and Mrs E . W. Blake, of Brundall, Norfolk, and CROSTHWAITE- On 7 January 1981, Lt. Col. John
Jennifer, eldest daughter of the late Col. G . G. Durnford Crosthwalte, DSO, MC and Bar, aged
Elliott. DSO, MA and Mrs Elliott, of Blshopsbourne, 90 years.
Kent. GRIMSHAW - On 12 February 1981, Maj . W.
Grlmshaw, late The Queen's Own Royal West
Mr. N. M. Evans and Miss F. J. Ogilvie KentRegt.
The engagement Is announced between PRESTIGE - On 19 February 1981 at Canterbury,
Nicholas Mark, only son of Mr. and Mrs. C. J . Maj . J. T . R. Prestige, MA , TD, late The Buffs.
Evans, of The Willows, Burton Lane, East Coker, MEYRICK - On 21 February 1981 at Barnes,
near Yeovll, and Flona Jane, only daughter of Col. London, Maj. Kelth Cecil Meyrlck, TD, late The
J. B. Ogllvle, OBE, TD, ADC and Mrs Ogllvle , of Queens' Own Royal West Kent Regt.
Nutklns, The Rise, Sevenoaks, Kent. OLIVER - On February 26 1981, Lt-Gen. Sir
Willlam Oliver, GBE, KCB, KCMG, DL, of
Mr. P. J. Shlpster and Miss D. Dodman Little Crofts, Sweethaws, Crowborough. (See
The engagement is announced between Pleter, obituary).
eldest son of Col. and Mrs. J . N. Shipster, of ELLIOTT - On April 28 , 1981, at his home, The
Woodbrldge, Suffolk, and Domlnlque, only daughter Paddock, Blshopsbourne, Nr Canterbury, after
of Mr. and Mrs. B. Dodman, of Radlett, Herts. a short Illness, Col. Geoffrey Grahame Elliott,
Maj. P . D. McLelland and Miss L. M. Blackham DSO, MA, late The Queen's Own Royal West
The engagement Is announced between Maj. Kent Regt.
Peter McLelland, The Queen 's Regt., only son of
Col. D. J. McLelland, CBE , TD, DL, and the late BAKER- On 17 }an '81 after a long illness Brig E. E. F.
Mrs. McLelland, of Old Coulsdon, Surrey, and (Freddie) Baker, CB, CBE, DSO, MC, TO , DL, JP,
Lorna, daughter of Air Commodore T. H. late The Middlesex Regt (DCO).
Blackham, OBE, DFC, DL and Mrs. Blackham , of
Llanmaes, South Glamorgan. BUCKNALL-On 7 Dec '80 after a long illness,
Lt-Gen. G. C. Bucknall, CB, MC, DL, late of The
DEATHS Middlesex Regt (DCO) from 1952-59.
WHITFIELD - On 21 November 1980 at Farnham,

Sheelagh Whitfleld, widow of Maj-Gen. J . Y.
Whltfleld , CB, DSO, OBE , last Colonel of The
Queen's Royal Regt.
DUNCOMBE - On 29 November 1980, Col. Harry
Graham Duncome DSO, aged 78. Served In The
Queen's Royal Regt. and The East Surrey Regt.

OBITUARIES

Lt·Gen Sir Willlam P OLIVER, family had been connected since 1804 , while his
GBE, KCB, KCMG, DL forebears had held Influential positions In
Maidstone In the 17th and 18th centuries (Jurats,
late The Queen's Own Royal West Kent Regt. Chamberlains, Mayors, and Recorders ); they
had also been closely connected with All Saints'
Maj -Gen Dennis Tal bot writes : Church where their memorials are, Including the
All those who knew him, and particularly all Oliver family window on the West side of the
North door. It was very appropriate, therefore,
those who served with him In the old Queen's that he should have been commissioned Into The
Own, will have been shocked and saddened by Queen's Own, on 24 Dec 1920 . (Later, he was
the news of General Bill 's sudden death from a followed by his younger brother, Major M. P .'
heart attack on February 26th ; he had been at Oliver, who left the Army after serving some ten
home but was rushed to hospital In Tunbrldge years and now lives In Italy. )
Well s.
Bill joined the 2nd Bn In Cologne, serving
Bill Oliver was born on 8 Sept 1901 ; he was with lt in Silesia, Dublin, Ballyklnlar, Woklng,
edu cated at Radley College and the RMC San- Guernsey and Aldershot, and was Lt-Col E. H .
dhurst. He was the elder son of Captain P . V. Norman's Adjutant from 1927 to 1930 ; during this
Olive r , R N, of Sutton Valence , with which his period he represented the Battalion at Rugby

63

Obituaries .............................................................................

and Cricket. He was then an Instructor at the Ar· Dover College. He was made a Deputy Lieute·
my School of PT (from 1931 to 1932) and, after nant of Kent in, I think , 1958.
passing through the Staff College at Camberley,
he was posted to the 1st Bn in India Reglmentally, he Is best known and
(Secunderabad) in 193~; a few months later he remembered, of course, for his time as Colonel of
was appointed Staff Captain at Army HQ, India The Queen's Own and President of the Regt. Past
and two years after that, GSO II Meerut District. and Present Association. He took over from
It was while he was in India that he met and mar· Brigadier N. I. Whltty, DSO, on 17 Jan 1949 and
rled Miss Elizabeth Marjorie Brlnd, daughter of handed over to me on 15 Oct 1959 on the eve of his
Lt·Gen Sir John Brlnd, GOC·in·C Southern Corn· departure for Australia. He always maintained
mand; the wedding took place at St Mary's that to be chosen as Colonel of one's Regiment
Church, Poona, on 4 Oct 1938. was the highest honour that could be paid to an
Infantry Officer, and there Is no doubt that his
In 1939, Bill rejoined the 1st Bn (then at love for his old Regiment and his long connection
Shorncliffe) for a short time, and this was follow· with it, remained as one of his most precious
ed by three years on the Staff as an Instructor at memories; indeed, he maintained a close in·
the Senior Officers School and then as GSO I {SD terest in Regimental affairs as President of the
& T) at HQ Southern Command. After a short Regimental Committee - In particular in the
period in command of a Bn of the Welch Regt in Regimental Museum, and the activities of the Of·
1941, he reverted to the Staff as GSO I {Ops) HQ ficers' Club - to the end. His Colonelcy saw
Eastern Command and then DDMO at the War many changes; the reduction to one Regular and
Office. In 1943 he was posted to the Middle East, one TA Battalion and, looming on the near
first as BGS, 9th Army In Syria, and later as horizon, the forthcoming amalgamation with
Director of Military Operations; he was then ap· The Buffs. But there were many highlights too -
pointed Chief of Staff, GHQ Middle East, in the Bicentenary ceremonies at Maidstone and
which highly responsible position he ended the the Regimental Ball in London In 1956, as well as
War as a Temporary Major General. For his war the Presentation of new Colours to the 4th/5th Bn
services he was made a CB and awarded the (TA) at Tonbrldge that year. He did much to
OBE; additionally his foreign decorations in· enhance and cement the very close relationship
eluded the United States Legion of Merit {Corn· that grew up between HRH Princess Marina, our
mander), and the Greek Cross of the Royal Colonel·ln·Chlef, and her Regiment, as her great
Order of the Phoenix. interest in it and her many visits to Its various
units, activities and functions Illustrated. Also
Reverting to Brigadier, Bill was a Student at during his time as Colonel much active service
was seen by the Regular Bn - In Malaya, Cyprus
the Imperial Defence College in 1947 and, the and Suez. General Bill was closely Involved with
following year, commanded 31 Independent all the foregoing and many other Regimental
Brigade In BAOR; after this he returned to the matters and he gave to them considerable
IDC as the Senior Army Instructor in the rank, thought and time; but once he had made up his
again, of Major General. In 1951, he became mind over any problem, everything he did was
General Sir Gerald Templer's Chief of Staff at quick and decisive. He had a very ready wit, a
HQ Eastern Command, the start of a close tremendous sense of fun and a gr~at enthusiasm
association which led to his appointment as Prin· for life; he will be greatly missed by all who
cipal Staff Officer to Templer In 1953, when the knew him.
latter was High Commissioner for Malaya dur·
ing the Emergency there, and later as VCIGS at To his wife, Betty, and to their daughter
the War Office (19~~ to 1957) when Templer was Rosemary (In the USA) and to their son John (In
CIGS. Australia), go deep and sincere sympathies from
all of us in Bill's old Regiment.
In the interim, he had held the very Important
post of GOC Berlin {British Sector) 1954·55. Editor's Note
General Bill's outstanding Army career came to Among the large congregation of Regimen·
an end in October 1957 when, as a substantive
Lieut General and a KCB (awarded in 1956), he tal friends who attended the Funeral held at All
elected to retire and to start a second, and equal· Saints' Church, Crowborough on Thursday 5
ly distinguished career in the diplomatic field. March, were: Maj Mike Archer, Maj and Mrs
Bertie Blake, Lt·Col and Mrs Peter Buckle, Lt·
From 1957 to 1959 he was Principal Staff Of· Col Richard Dlxon. Lt-Col 'Pug' Durtnall, Maj
ficer to the Secretary of State at the Corn· John Durtnall, Lt·Col and Mrs Pat Elgood, Lt·
monwealth Relations Office, and then a highly Col Tony Franklin, Col and Mrs Raymond
successful and greatly liked High Commissioner Grace, Mrs Una Gwllliam, Miss Freda Gwllliam
in Australia till1965 . His last appointment in this and Capt Micky Gwllllam, Lt-Col and Mrs Ian
field was as Commissioner General for "Expo McMillan, Mrs Pardington, Capt Mike Smith,
67" in Canada from 1965 to 1968. For his Maj·Gen Dennis Talbot, Maj Hugh Tennent, Col
diplomatic services, Bill was made GBE and 'BUck' Waring (also representing Maj-Gen Geof·
KCMG and, although retired for the second time, frey Howlett) and Mrs Waring, Maj Guy
he continued to have unofficial contacts with the Weymouth (also representing Maj-Gen and Mrs
CRO until he died. With his energetic personality Charles Tarver, and Col and Mrs 'Bosun ' Pulver-
and active mind he soon found plenty to occupy man) . Maj-Gen Sir Gerald Duke, one time Chief
him in retirement: he dabbled in the business Royal Engineer and a close friend of the Ollvers,
world - was a non-executive Director of Viyella gave the Address - a very moving performance
{1968·69), and a Consultant for Arrow Enter· and without a single written note. The Regimen·
prises from 1969 for many years. He was Chair· tal Sergeant Major (WOl D. H. Moore) and six
man of the Board of Governors of his old school.
Radley College, and was also a Governor of

64

Obituaries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .,

PSis of the 5th (V) Bn The Queen's Regt provid- suited Lt Ollver, I hit him, only once, and down
ed the Bearer Party and a bugler from their he went.
Corps of Drums sounded the Last Post and
Reveille. One was left with a feeling that, all In Later on, In Woklng, Capt Ollver was the Ad-
all, " General Bill", as he was affectionately jutant, and I was a CSM.
known by all ranks, would have approved.
When we were training In Mountain Warfare
I understand that no Memorial Service Is be- In Syria (19.3), I remember Brig Ollver visiting
Ing planned. the battalion (I was then Capt QM) and saying "I
wish I could have commanded this Brigade."
Col 'Bosun' Pulverman, as "an old friend",
writes : He was a brilliant officer and a thorough
I first got to know Bill well when I came back gentleman. I remember speaking to Col Pulver-
from the 1st Bn The Queen's Own In India to the man when I was writing a book and he said
2nd Bn In Guernsey In 1928. There was still some "General Bill was not only brilliant, he was at
'feeling' between Battalions and my reception least two jumps ahead of me ." Two years ago I
was not unduly cordial. asked Sir WUiiam If he would write a foreword
At dinner on my first night I sat next to Bill for the book entitled " Old Soldiers Never Die" .
who was Adjutant. We had quite a Jot to drink He consented, took considerable trouble with the
and by the end of the evening, we mutually decid- proof-reading, and his advice was first class. My
ed that officers from both Battalions were really sympathy goes to Lady Ollver and her famlly.
much the same and reasonably decent chaps!
We played rugby football and tennis for the Regi- Col Harry Grabam
ment; In fact Bill and I played tennis for Guern- DUNCOMBE, DSO
sey against Jersey - almost Internationals?!
We had a lot In common: we acted In several Graham Duncombe, who died on 28 Nov 1980,
Guernsey amateur theatrical productions was one of a number of outstanding fighting com-
together under the direction of Lady Sackvllle - manders of the Second World War. He enlisted In
wife of the Governor. the ranks of The Scots Guards during the First
Bill was a very efficient Adjutant but always World War and was commissioned Into The
joined In any fun or prank when not on duty . Queen's Royal Regiment In 1926.
Some of the happiest times we had together were
In Alderney where there was not too much work Soon after the last war Graham commanded
and plenty of time to chase the girls. There, I met the 1/ Mh Queens In Germany . In 1946 he took
my wife VIolet, whom Bill already knew. command of the 1/6th Queens shortly before lt
Even at that early stage of his career, lt was left the Lebanon for operations In Palestine . He
quite obvious that Bill would go far: he passed In- transformed this Battalion, which was beset by
to the Staff College at the first attempt. In 1930 all the Immediate post war problems of rapid
we moved to Aldershot where I took over Adju- demobilisation and a constant change round of
officers and men, Into one of the best units In the
tant from him. It was then I realised that he Command. I had the great good fortune to be one
could do about three things fast while I did one of his company commanders at this time.
thing slowly! A year later Bill was Best Man at Graham Inspired us all. He had that rare gift of
my wedding In London; needless to say the ar- knowing exactly when to slacken or tighten the
reins over us; every officer and man In the Bat-
rangements were faultless. talion would have followed him anywhere.
Thereafter our paths only crossed from time
His humour was both Infectious and unique. I
to time , but whenever we did meet - at Reunion well recall being christened 'Bwana' Immediate-
Dinners; In Guernsey; at the cricket tent and so ly he discovered that I had served with KAR.
on, we started where we had left off - lt was 'Piumsters' were those unfortunates who, try as
always so easy. Several times over the years I they might, could never keep uniform tidy, and
have asked for his help and lt has always been In his office was the famous stamp PTYBFO
given . I was so looking forward to his coming to which was marked on any unclear letter from
our Golden Wedding this year as he had promis- higher authority.
ed but alas, it was not to be.
I have lost an old and staunch friend and I A great sportsman himself he encouraged us
shall miss him very much. VIolet and I send Bet- to take part In all competitions and Insisted on
ty and the famUy our sincere condolences. the proper award of colours to those who per-
R.O.P . formed well. It was a rare moment when he won
Maj BertJe Pond writes: the plunge In the Command swimming cham -
I remember Sir Wllllam joining the 2nd pionships and that wonderful moustache surfac-
ed at the very end of the pool, to the tumultuous
Queen's Own from Sandhurst ; this was In Col- cheers of the whole Battallon.

ogne, 1920. . After the disbandment of the 1/ 6th , Graham
I was boxing In the Army Championships stayed In the Middle East to command the 2nd
East Surreys; he was therefore a natural choice
and two young officers were sitting at the ring- to be the first Regimental Secretary on
side ; one was 2/ Lt Ollver. I was having a fairly amalgamation In 19~9 . Upon retirement from
easy bout and , In the second round, when I turn - that appointment he became a Military Knight of
ed towards the two officers and winked, I receiv- Windsor where he and Blllle derived great
ed a tremendous blow which floored me and pleasure from entertaining their friends on great
almost knocked me out; I tried to open my jaw State occasions.
but could not do so . I carried on and beat my op-
ponent and as I left the ring, the two officers con- I shall never forget a superb Infantry leader,
a great mentor and a devoted friend to my fami-
gratu lated me . ly .
At the pleblslte In Poland when a German In-
R .S.N.M.

65

Obituaries ............................................................................

Maj J. T. R. PRESTIGE, TD, MA joined 4 Buffs, then commanded by Lt-Col Guy
Ollver, DSO, who had been 2IC 5 Buffs when John
John Theodore Radcllffe Prestige was born joined them InN Africa. He commanded HQ Coy
a Man of Kent, the son of Sir John and Lady and took over the duties of PMC. Never did an
Prestige of Bourne Park, Blshopsbourne, Kent. Officers ' Mess fare better, In spite of the fact
He went to Chilverton Elms Preparatory School that war-time rationing was still In operation!
at Wootton In East Kent and then on to Radley . He took a great delight In producing the best,
At Radley (according to Tony Money, ex 5 Buffs, largely subsidising it from his own pocket. In due
who was at school with him) he was "Always course he was awarded the Territorial Decora-
ready to keep the form amused In subjects he did tion, of which he was justly proud.
not enjoy, by humourous, not unkind, comments
directed at the master In his pompous sounding When the war ended he returned to Cam -
voice. He was very much a character and a bridge to complete his Interrupted studies. On
popular boy and his fellow schoolboys admired coming down from the university he played with
and were amused by his snobbery, which was not the Idea of being called to the bar but never In
taken too seriously. He was always known as 'Sir fact sat his finals (although his father thought he
John' ." He was a keen Radlelan and kept In had!) . He joined the family firm of J . Stones &
touch with his old school during the war by Co (Charlton) Ltd and became a director before
writing with news of his own and of other Old retiring In 1963. During this time , he was made a
Radlelans. member of The Order of St John of Jerusalem
and also a Liveryman of The Shipwright's Com-
On leaving school he went up to King's , Cam- pany.
bridge where he read history and law, eventually
obtaining a second class degree In both. He was When Col Ted Argles gave up the
also a keen runner and on one occasion secretaryship of the Kent branch of SSAFA, John
represented the University. succeeded him and he was still serving when he
died. He devoted a great deal of time and energy
The Second World War Interrupted his to this work and will be extremely difficult to
undergraduate life and, on Its outbreak, he replace.
enlisted voluntarily Into The Suffolk Regiment
with whom he did his Initial training before going He was twice married: In 1947 he married
to OCTU and being commissioned Into The Buffs. Hilary Flndlay (daughter of Col and Mrs Harold
He joined the 8th Bn (which was commanded by Flndlay) and they had three children - Sarah
Lt Col W. H. Rowe, DSO and formed part of The Loulse , Jane and Robert ; In April '71 he married
Buffs Brigade) and was with them when they Joyce Laker.
underwent gunner training prior to being con-
verted Into the 9th Medium Regt RA . However John's funeral took place at St Mary's
John was not born to be a gunner and he was Church, Blshopsbourne, on 25 Feb . The church
posted to lOth Buffs, a holding battalion, from was packed, a great tribute to him ,
whence he was drafted toN Africa (In charge of demonstrating the great affection In which he
a Worcester Regt draft). Shortly after arriving was held by so many people of all walks of life.
In Algiers , he joined ~ Buffs In Guelma In June Although a sad occasion it was not a mournful
1943. After a brief spell In a rifle company he one . He would have approved of the bright
became 3' Mortar Platoon Commander, until hymns and have been particularly appreciative
taking over B Coy. at the end of May '44 . Un- that his coffin was borne out of the church to the
fortunately very shortly afterwards he was strains on the organ of The Regimental march
wounded In the arm by a shell splinter when the "The Buffs".
Battalion's advance was halted just north of Cit-
ta della Plave (Italy) and eventually he was ln- He will be greatly missed because above all
vallded home, being awarded a small disability he was a man full of genuine kindness, sympathy
pension. He was a good Regimental officer and and generosity. He had a great sense of humour
for an Infantryman, there can be no higher and I have a shrewd suspicion that much of his
praise . pomposity was put on and very much with his
tongue In his cheek .
Shortly after the reformation of the TA, John
May he rest In peace .

E .G.C.

Advenising Agents : Service Nev•spapers Ltd., ,P.O. Box 4, Farnborough, Hants . GU14 ?LR. Tel : (0252) 515891
Ed1tor: R.H .Q., The Queens Reg•ment, Howe Barracks, Canterbury, Kent.
Printers: Kent County Printers, Canterbury, Herne Bay and Deal, Kent.

66

JOIN THE TERRITORIALS

After serving with the regular army why not remain with the Queen's
Regiment and join a Territorial Battalion? We can offer all the fun and
comradeship of soldiering and at the same time allow you to continue with
your job. We need men with your experience and knowledge.

5 QUEENS (V) 6/7 QUEENS (VI
BHQ Horsham
BHQ Canterbury HQ Coy. Horsham
A Coy. Farnham (Wednesday)
HQ Coy. Canterbury
Camberley
A Coy. Guildford
B Coy. Edgware (Tuesday)
Kingston Hornsey (Tuesday)

Hounslow (Tuesday) C Coy. Crawley
Haywards Heath
B Coy. Broadstairs
D Coy. Sutton (Tuesday)
Dover Camberwell (Tuesday)

Sandgate

C Coy. Hastings

Eastbourne

Seaford

E Coy. Tonbridge

Maidstone (Wednesday)

Sevenoaks (Wednesday)

Come along any Drill Night and see for yourself.
Drill Nights are on Thursday (8-1 0 p .m.l unless otherwise indicated .
Details of service and full addresses of the various Drill Halls can be
obtained from the Orderly Rooms at Canterbury (Tel. 62769/613971 or
Horsham (Tel. 66111 ).

JOIN THE TERRITORIALS

67

GRAND REUNION
1981

* On Sunday 2 Aug. (from 1200 to 1800 hrs.)

* At Howe Barracks, Canterbury

* For All Queensmen, past and present, Old
Comrades of our founding Regiments, and their
families

* Bars and Refreshments
* Outline Programme

- DRUM HEAD SERVICE (including participation by
Old Comrades)

- MISCELLANEOUS DISPLAYS (including Victoria
Crosses and Regimental Silver)

- DISPLAY OF MODERN WEAPONS AND
EQUIPMENT

- BEATING RETREAT BY MASSED BANDS
AND DRUMS

PLEASE NOTE THE DATE IN YOUB DIABY

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69

REGIMENTAL ASSOCIATION For audited accounts, see over
NOTES
WARRANT OFFICERS &
by Maj E. A. McCartby SERGEANTS

The annual meeting of the Regimental (PAST & PRESENT) DINNER, 1981
Association Executive Committee was held in
London on 16 Jan "81; all our battalions were A Regimental Dinner will be held on Sat 12 Sep 1981
represented except 1 QUEENS who were. for all Warrant Officers and Sergeants who have
unfortunately (or fortunately?) sunning themselves served with The Queen's Regiment since formation
in Belize . We were delighted to have the Colonel of (including those who have subsequently been com·
the Regiment attend the meeting who gave a short mlssloned) . It will be hosted by the Wos' & Sgts'
address on how he saw The Association developing Mess of the 2nd Bn .
over the next five to ten years. He reminded us that
The Regiment had now been formed for almost All those wishing to attend should apply for further
fifteen years and a positive effort should now be information to :
made to establish Association Branches where our
members can meet old chums and associates in the The Regimental Sergeant Major
Regiment and. more Important, provide a focal 2nd Bn The Queen's Regiment
point for them to keep up to date with Regimental Hyderabad Barracks
affairs. It was appreciated that the Regiment now Colchester
found Its soldiers from a much wider geographical Essex
area than in the past and, after discussion, it was C027NZ
agreed that volunteers, to establish (as a
beginning) branches in four main areas, be called SSAFA EXTENDS WELFARE
for : these are, The North (Manchester/ Liverpool) ; COVER TO RESERVISTS'
The Midlands (Birmingham Area) ; The East FAMILIES
(Colchester/Chelmsford); and the South East
(London/Canterbury). Anyone wishing to make a (News Release Jan 1981)
start with the formation of a Branch should write to
RHQ who will provide all the detail and assistance The famllles and dependants of all past and
required. present members of the Territorial and Reserve
Forces are now eligible for every kind of SSAFA
It was also agreed that a Dinner be held on 12 help, including advice, counselling, general welfare
September 1981 In Hyderabad Barracks , and, where necessary, financial grants.
Colchester, for all past and present Warrant
Officers and Sergeants of The Regiment. Those This extension of SSAFA's welfare cover to the
wishing to attend this first venture (it Is hoped this famllles of Reservists as well as of other serving
will become a regular feature of Regimental and ex-Service men and women was approved by
affairs), should wrtte to RSM V. D. Ebbens at 2 the Council of SSAFA at Its January meeting .
QUEENS .
It Is an Important peacetime extension of help
During 1980, as will be seen in the abridged which was hitherto only available when the'
version of the audited accounts, the 'Day's Pay' Reservist was mobilised or called for training.
scheme contributions from all ranks amounted to Several SSAFA branches have in the recent past
£26,688, including the tax refund we are able to taken part at the invitation of local Reserve Units in
claim from Covenanted subscriptions. Of this sum, their mobilisation exercises.
£2,768 was disbursed as grants to assist members
and ex-members of the Regiment who have found Now SSAFA's 6,000 voluntary representatives
themselves in financial difficulties (a total of ~1 all over the UK and Ireland are standing by to help
cases were dealt with); £6,000 was donated to the Reservists ' famllles at any time If required . In case
Regimental General Purposes Fund, which Is of need, families should contact their local SSAFA
avallable for expenditure on projects directly representative whose address can be found at main
benfltting the serving soldier; £2,000 was donated to Post Offices and Citizens Advice Bureaux, If not In
the Army Benevolent Fund; and a total of £12,000 the telephone directory.
was Invested In accordance with the
recommendations of the Regimental Investment SSAFA workers seek always to give "the ready
Committee. help of friends to friends", the Association's guiding
principle for nearly a century. Often ex-Service
The generosity of all members of the Regiment men and women themselves, they are mostly
subscribing a days' pay to the fund Is deeply volunteers, rooted In the community, aware of local
appreciated by the Benevolent Committee who wish conditions and so able to exert pressures where
to record a sincere vote of thanks to all concerned, needed on behalf of families. Often they plug away
especially to the battalion Paymasters for their at housing departments, fuel boards and local
untlring efforts to recult those members in their authorities, or see a family through problem after
battalion who, for one reason or another, have problem for years. Their aim Is always the
'escaped the net' and are not participating In the practical one of helping people to help themselves.
scheme .
Last year SSAFA dealt with 38,000 family
Finally. a reminder to all: another Grand problems, 10,000 concerning those now serving,
Reunion will be held at Howe Barracks on Sunday 2 28 ,000 being ex-Service. Financial assistance
August 1981 and, with the lessons learned from our amounted to £638,000, much of which came from the
first one, last year, it promises to be a day well grant- making Service benevolent funds.
worth noting in your diary.

70 REGIMENTAL ASSOCIATION GENERAL PURPOSES FUND 201.45
a s at 31 December 1980 276 .84
1979 478.29
139 Income
9.37
35 Building Society Inter est . ... . .. . .. ...... .... .. .............. . . . . .
80 Grand R eunion ... . . . . . .. . ..... . ..... . .. ... . .. ............. . . . . .. . 23.00
10 52 .94
Excess of Expenditure over Income . .
402 .72
Expenditure 9 .00

Audit . ..... . ... .. ... . . ..... ... . . ..... . .. . ... . ..... . .. . . ..... .... .
Wreaths ............ . ....• . ........... . . . ....... . ........ . . ......
Donations ............ . .•. . ........ . ... . ...•..... . ... . .. . .........
Grand R eunion . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . • . . . . . . . . . . ....... . .
Assn Newsletter . ......... . .... . . . ..... . ... . . . . ... . . . . . . ....... .. .
Surplus of Income over Expenditure . . . ........ .

BALANCE SHEET

Current Asse ts 10 .00
Sundry Debtors . . . ... . . . .. ... . .. . . .. . . ..... ..... .. .. . . . .. .. ....• . 147 .73
654 2369 .69
166 Cash at Ba nk . . . . . . .. ... ... . . .... ..... . . . . .. . . ... . .. . . ... . . 2527.42
2168
2988 Building Society Deposits .... . .. . ... . . ... . .... . . . . . ... . . . . . . . . . .. . 133 . 00
2394.42
~ Less Current Liabilities
2404 Sundry Creditors .......... • . .... ....... .... .... . . . . . . . .• . • . • .... . 2403 .79
9.37
2390 ACCUMULATED FUND 2394
14 (Surplus )
As at 31 De cembe r 1979 ..... . . ........ .. .. ... .
2404 Less E xcess of Expenditure Income .. ...... . ..... ... .. . .. . . . . .

REGIMENTAL BENEVOLENT FUND
a s at 31 Dec ember 1980

1979 Income

3614 Sub sc r iption s from Offic e r s ... .... .. . .. . . . .... . . . ...... ... .. .. . . . . 467 2 .19
14364 17641.61
Subscriptions from Other R a nks . . . . . . . .. .... . .. . . . .
127 345. 00
186 Donations .. ... .......... . .. . . .... . . .... . . . . . .. . . . 1088 .98
2371 3251. 28
4828 Deposit Account Inter est . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ............... . .
2133 6424 .77
27623 Investm ent Incom e . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .........•... . ..
33423 .83
75 Bequests . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ... .. • ...... •. .... . . . . ... ..
4159
3790 Tax R efund s . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ........... .

10 E xpenditure
47
8081 Au dit Feed ................. .. ........ . .. . . 103 .50
19542 2768. 03
27623 Assistance . . . . .......... . •.. . . . . . .. 8000 .00

Grants (GPFund/ ABF ) .... .•. ... . .. ... . ..... 70 .00
81.94
Donations . . . . . . . . . . . ... . . .. ... . . . ...... . .
11023.47
Misc e ll aneou s Expe nditure ..... .. . .. ........... . . 22400 .36

Surp lu s of In com e ove r E xp enditure ........ .. ...• . .. 334 23.83

71

1979 BALANCE SHEET 56379 .91
50204
Investments at Cost ................ .

Current Assets

1346 Cash at Bank - Current Account . . ... . ...... . .. . . . ...... .. . 3588. 00
5407 12234.40
Deposit Account ........ . . . ... . ............ . . . . . . .
10 .02
57 Cash In Hand . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . ........... . .......... .. .
1220 3447 . 43
7114 Sundry Debtors - Shop . . . . . . . . . .............. . .. . ........ .. . 12108.93
31378.78
15154 Loans .. . ... . . .. . ... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. .

Shop Stock at Cost . . .. . . . . . . . . . ... . .... ... .

Less - Current Liabilities 103.50
Audit Fee . . . ......... . . . .. ...... . . . . . . . . . . ... . ... . . 28 5 . 31
Sundry Creditors ........ . .... .. ..... . . . .. .. . ..... . .
388.81

14876 ACCUMULATED FUND 30989.97
65080 87369 .88

45594 General Fund as at 31 Dec 1979 . . . . . . . . . . . . .............. . . . 65079 .83
1180 624 .28
44414 Less - Loss on Sale of Investments .......... . .. . . .. . . . . . . . . . .. .. .
64455.55
19542
1124 Add

Surplus Income over Expenditure

Benevolent Fund . . . . . . . . . . . . ... . . . . 22400 .36
513 .97
Regimental Shop ..................... . . .

22914 .33
87369 .88

Certified that the Income and Expenditure Account and Balance Sheet dated 31 December 1980 has been
prepared from and are In accordance with your books and records and the information and explanations give n
to us.

Messrs Larking & Larking

February 1981 Chartered Accountants

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 II. Thus even in peace-time the problem continues.

The sole object of the Army Benevolent Fund Is to try to lessen this suffering. It does
this by making contributions to the Corps and Regimental Associations and National
Service charitable organisations which have been set up for this purpose. All the money,
which ts used tn this really good cause Is given voluntarily, by means of donations and
b equests. You can help by giving as much as you possibly can yourself- and by recom-
mending others to do the same.

Donations and Legacies should be sent to:

THE ARMY BENEVOLENT FUND

Patron : Her Majesty Tbe Queen

Duke of York's Headquarters, London, S.W.3. Telephone: 01 730 5388

(Registered under the War Charities Act. l!MO)
(Tbls gpace donated by : W . NASH LTD., ST. PAUL'S CHAT, Kent)

72

The Queen's Surreys
Association

After considerable work and reorganisation, Lt Mathlas Everard, a young Irish ottlcer of the
the Museum re-opened for Its second season at old Queen's, displayed exceptional gallantry and
Clandon Park, West Clandon, on 1st April. Amongst leadership during the assault on Monte VIdeo ln Feb
particular changes and additions, pride of place 1807. After heavy fighting, ln which 22 of his
goes to the mounting and encasing of the Colours of specially selected force of 30 had been kUled or
2nd Bn The East Surreys ; these Colours were wounded, Lt Everard was the first to enter the town.
presented after the War by General Foster to The Regimental History recorda, "For his gallant
replace the old 70th ones brought back from conduct on this memorable occa!son, Lt Everard
Singapore but were retired only three years later, was presented with a sword by the Patrtot!c Fund at
when the first reductions In the Regular Infantry Lloyds and honoured wlth a Presentation of the
were Imposed . The Colours are thus In especially Freedom of the City of Dublin.••
fine condition; they have been mounted most
beautifully by Mrs Roupell who has done nearly all The other officer wa1 Capt Edward Carey
the stitching required and by Lt Col H. R. D. HUI Flemlng of the 2nd Slit Regt at the Battle of
who designed the case. They are very well worth Albuhera ln May, 1811, ln which he waa badly
seeing. wounded ln the head. Flemlng, an officer with nine
years • service, had obtained his Captaincy ln the 11t
Mrs P . G. E . H111, amongst many other things, 31st Regt after the action at Ro•etta ln 1807. He
has completed the re-display of the photographs of retired as a Major General and died ln 1880.
the Regimental VCs; these have all been re-
photographed to a smaller size . She has also We are Indebted to Mr Herbert Heather of
organised displays of photographs Ulustrat!ng some Leicester for his Information on theae Lloyda
of the Regiment's actions during the 1939-45 War Presentation Swords.
and since.
P .G.E.B.
Just before she died, Mrs Whltf!eld gave to the
Museum Gen Whitfield's decorations and medals, THE QUEEN'S ROYAL SURREY REGIMENT
which Include his badges of the CB, Commander of GOLF SOCIETY
the Legion of Merit USA and his Red Star (these are
now shown on one of his uniforms ). We have also Autumn Meetln, at Rlcbmond GoU Club, Subrooll
received from Capt C. M. Estall MC, who lives near Park
Colchester, his extremely distinguished and unique
collection of medals. Unfortunately we were rained off on Thura 16
Oct and all competition• were played on Frt 17th;
There ls therefore quite a lot of change and the results were:- Autumn Bowl Lt K. J . Power;
more Interest, and the Museum Trustees hope for Glasgow Greys Cup Lt Col J. F. Sherrard; Veteran•
more than the 17,000 visitors who came In last year. Halo Lt Col J . F . Sherrard; Petrt Plate Lt Col J . F.
Sherrard; Healea Memortal Trofhy Brt, M. J . A.
During the winter we have said goodbye at Clarke; Harry Adcock Memorta Trophy Lt Col J .
Clandon to Mr Aubrey Parnell MBE and his wife, G. W. Davidson .
who gave us much enthusiastic assistance and
support during the setting-up period . He has been Dates for 1981
replaced as Administrator of Clandon Park by Mr Match v Royal Marines- Tuea 7 July
Donald Campbell, who served ln the 60th during and Autumn Meeting - Thurs/ Frt 15/16 Oct
after the 1939-45 War .
A WEST COUNTRY COCKNEY TOWN CRIER
A private viewing of the Museum took place on
Monday evening, 6 April, for some of the In a recent BBC ••Down Your Way"
dlstlngulshed citizens of Surrey, and for the many programme, Mr Brlan Johnston Interviewed the
people outside the Regiment, who had helped ln Town Crier of Dorchester; he Is former Pte R . A.
various ways ln the setting up of the Museum . (Bob) Walker who joined the 2/7th Bn The Queen's
royal Regtment (TA) ln May 1939. After serving at
LLOYDS PRESENTATION SWORDS the ITC and ln 13 Queen's he was posted to 1 Queen 's
and served with that battalion ln Burma from 1942
In the early years of the 19th century, the to '45 , and later with HQ 45 Army Group. An LCC
Patriotic Fund of Lloyds presented swords to Ambulance Driver prior to the War, on release from
officers who had distinguished themselves In battle . the Service In '46 he became a long-distance lorry
Out of 17~ so awarded , only six went to Army driver, until he retired ln 'H. and took up his present
ottlcers, the others going to officers of the Royal occupation. In thls capacity he has made ottlcial
Na vy and Royal Marines. Ottlrers of two of our visits to Canada, Bavaria, and several other places.
form er Regiments were honoured with this unique A former native of Paddington , he reckons he Is the
distinction . only Cockney Town Crier ln the West - and he is
doubtless right! He now lives at 13 Coles Lane.
Yeomlnster, Dorset.