BIRTHDAY GREETINGS

Many happy returns to Harry Lawrence today, sorry it is belated hoping you have had a good day.

 Best Wishes

 John Atkins

Hyde Parks Oasis

Sammy Simpson.

(1) Sammy Simpson, (2) Me and Sammy Burami Oasis .

SAMMY AND DON

please note the SAMMY was the best DRILL PIG on the planet..note his tash and eybrows were made over with MASCARA to make him look good . i forgot to say he used his girl friends MASCARA on his hair to get rid of the grey bits
regards derek leese

Brisbane Trip.

(1) Jenny Talking OZ, (2) A Nasty ! ( 3) A Nice (4) Bliss ,No London No noise (5) Surfers Paradise (6) Meeting Kevin Alexandra ex C/Sqn first time ive seen since Ipoh 61 then again on he's trip to the U.K. From OZ (7) The best Dentist in town. (8) Might come back here !! ( 9) Me and the Aussie Dame ( 10) Now weres the Pom gone.

reunion 2011

 

 

      wishing all those attending the reunion a great weekend , just sorry i cannot make it this year

                            paddy mullins

HOUSEHOLD CAVALRY JOURNAL

Dear Member of The Blues and Royals Association,


I know that a number of Members have been concerned that they have not yet received this years annual Household Cavalry Journal and some mistakenly believe that they have been missed off the distribution.

Due to some difficulties at the printers and the increased number of public holidays this year, the Journal has not been published as early as we would wish however, I have been reliably informed by HQ Household Cavalry that the Household Cavalry Journal will be printed tomorrow (Friday 3 June) and will hopefully be delivered to individual addresses within the next 2 weeks.

Best Regards

PF Stretton

FREDRICK (SAMMY) SIMPSON

Welcome to the bulletin board Sammy.hope you enjoy what you see.

this link is being run by Sammy,s daughter SUE so welcome SUE hope you get the old man moving im sure he will enjoy it

REGARDS DEREK LEESE

BIRTHDAY GREETINGS

Many happy returns of the day tomorrow 2nd June to Colin Rixon, I hear that he will be 65  have a good one, will get you one in at the reunion.

 With best wishes,

 John Atkins

Message from Paul Stretton

Dear Member of The Blues and Royals Association,


I must sadly report the death of Captain JS James (Jimmy) COOMBE (87) on 26 May 2011, he had suffered a stroke some time ago and had a lengthy illness.

Captain Coombe served with The 1st Royal Dragoons February 1944 - July1947.

The condolences of the Association go to his family at this difficult time.



A funeral service will be held at 3 p.m. Thursday 2 June 2011 at St Margaret's, Church Lane, Chipstead, Surrey, CR5 3RD and his family would welcome any members of the Association.

THE ROYAL DRAGOONS REGIMENTAL COLLECT

O God, in whose sight all creatures are manifest and to whose eyes all things are open, grant that the works Thou requirest of the 1st The Royal Dragoons may never be done to be seen of men, but always for Thy Glory, and that, waiting on Thee to renew our strength, we mount up with wings as eagles at Thy word, through Jesus Christ Our Lord.

(TOBIAS,1930)


PF Stretton

Drone-Controllers.wmv

This is a Clino shot with a difference, former gunners will like this.......

Standing Orders

A TIMELY REMINDER:

Extract From Standing Orders
1st The Royal Dragoons 1833

It is impossible to point out in too strong terms the inconveniences which arise, and the evil which follows a Regiment encumbered with women. Poverty and misery are the inevitable consequence to the Dragoon: and it appears only necessary to point out to him what some of their comrades suffer, who have wives and children, to prevent them subjecting themselves to similar hardships.

Random Brisbane /Tasmania

(1) Pete Why and me Brisbane (2) Me and Kevin Alexanda Mt Tamberine were he lives (3) Tom Carolin up from Sydney to Brisbane cooking at my Barbecue arranged by Jenny at her home (4) Mt wellington Tasmania ( Tasmanian devils keep fingers clear !!!




























b..........................................................ecue

BIRTHDAY GREETINGS

 Once again it is birthday time, this time it is to Keith Shaw for tomorrow the 27th May, hoping you have a good day.

 With best wishes for the future,

  John Atkins

BIRTHDAY GREETINGS

Many happy returns of the day on  the 26th May to Ray Borley, Hoping you have a good day.

With best wishes,

 John Atkins

franks picture

Frank,
I have never managed to get 3 shots of any hawk.Hope you don't mind I am doing a digital photo course,so I had a bit of a practice with it.
Bob

I have never managed to get 3 pictures of any hawk they are usually away after the first shot.I hope you don't mind I am doing a photo course so I have used this one for some practice.
bobsignals

P.G being groomed & How many of you could get so close as this .

Photo 2 to 4 . I caught this sparrow hawk hen ? at 0500 hrs the shot where she gave our feral cat a good hiding I missed unfortunately( I'm new to digital Photography ) Frank

So you thought Bin Laden was dead !

So you thought Bin Laden was dead ! this was taken today.

This was taken today. ( No it's not my cocker wearing a snood , Honest ! well it keeps her ears free from her food ) Frank

Jenny bob.

Jenny , Secretary of The Household Cavalry Australasia Branch.

This my view as well !!

Maybe if we circulate this amongst ourselves in Canada, USA & UK, WE will find the courage to start speaking and voicing the same truths.

Australia says NO - Second Time she has done this !

If you agree please SEND THIS ON and ON, to as many people asyou know

AMAZING You must read it !!!!
She's done it again..
She sure isn't backing down on her hard line stance and one has to appreciate her belief in the rights of her native countrymen..
A breath of fresh air to see someone lead. I wish some leaders would step up in Canada & USA & UK.



Australian Prime Minister does it again!!

This woman should be appointed Queen of the World.. Truer words have never been spoken.

It took a lot of courage for this woman to speak what she had to say for the world to hear. The retribution could be phenomenal, but at least she was willing to take a stand on her and Australia 's beliefs.
The whole world needs a leader like this!
Prime Minister Julia Gillard - Australia

Muslims who want to live under Islamic Sharia law were told on Wednesday to get out of Australia , as the government targeted radicals in a bid to head off potential terror attacks..


Separately, Gillard angered some Australian Muslims on Wednesday by saying she supported spy agencies monitoring the nation's mosques. Quote:
'IMMIGRANTS, NOT AUSTRALIANS, MUST ADAPT.. Take It Or Leave It.
I am tired of this nation worrying about whether we are offending some individual or their culture. Since the terrorist attacks on Bali , we have experienced a surge in patriotism by the majority of Australians. '

'This culture has been developed over two centuries of struggles, trials and victories by millions of men and women who have sought freedom'

'We speak mainly ENGLISH, not Spanish, Lebanese, Arabic, Chinese, Japanese, Russian, or any other language. Therefore, if you wish to become part of our society . Learn the language!'

'Most Australians believe in God. This is not some Christian, right wing, political push, but a fact, because Christian men and women, on Christian principles, founded this nation, and this is clearly documented It is certainly appropriate to display it on the walls of our schools. If God offends you, then I suggest you consider another part of the world as your new home, because God is part of our culture.'

'We will accept your beliefs, and will not question why All we ask is that you accept ours, and live in harmony and peaceful enjoyment with us.'

'This is OUR COUNTRY, OUR LAND, and OUR LIFESTYLE, and we will allow you every opportunity to enjoy all this. But once you are done complaining, whining, and griping about Our Flag, Our Pledge, Our Christian beliefs, or Our Way of Life, I highly encourage you take advantage of one other great Australian freedom, 'THE RIGHT TO LEAVE'.'
'If you aren't happy here then LEAVE. We didn't force you to come here. You asked to be here. So accept the country YOU accepted.'

Maybe if we circulate this amongst ourselves in Canada, USA & UK, WE will find the courage to start speaking and voicing the same truths.

Brisbane & Tasmania

(1) They went thata way !!! (2) Me and Ken Brown ex Blue Curator of Army Museum Brisbane (3) Who put me car up there ?? (4) Pine Apple Chunks !! (5) Flying the Flag (6) Mine Host (7) Tasmania (8) The Aussie Dame on Strawberrys and Cream !.

350 th anniversary Blue & Royal

Dear Member of The Blues and Royals Association,


Members that had the opportunity to attend the Annual Association Dinner on 7 May 2011 at Combermere Barracks will know that a Commemorative Scroll to mark 350 years since the forming of The Royal Horse Guards (The Blues) and The 1st Royal Dragoons, subsequently amalgamating to form The Blues and Royals, was given to all those attending the Dinner. The scroll, which is on parchment, is in the form of a message signed and sent from The Colonel of The Regiment to our Colonel in Chief, Her Majesty The Queen; an example of this limited edition (only 500) scroll is attached.

If you would like one of these highly desirable, limited edition Commemorative Scrolls, please complete and return the attached order form to The Blues and Royals Association at Home HQ. The cost of each scroll (which are in A4 size and come in a cardboard tube) are £5.00 each (including postage and packaging) and sales will be on a first come first served basis with a maximum of 3 scrolls per member. Cheques should be made payable to “The Blues and Royals Association”.

Regards

<<...>> <<...>>


PF Stretton

Major (Retd)

Household Cavalry Regimental Secretary

Home Headquarters

Combermere Barracks

WINDSOR

Berkshire SL4 3DN



Tel: (Civ) 01753 755132

Tel: (Mil) 94253 5132



2 attachments — Scan and download all attachments
COMMEMORATIVE SCROLL ORDER FORM 2011.doc
33K View as HTML Scan and download

350th Scroll example.doc
2328K View as HTML Scan and download


Quick Reply

BIRTHDAY GREETINGS

Many happy returns to Paul Graver over there in Aus, take a day off and enjoy Paul.

With best wishes,

 John Atkins

Thank you message

To all that have put up photo's and posting, it has been good to see that the BB is being used and there is activity on the site ( keep it up or lose it the choice, (IS YOURS)

76 Sdn RAF Disbandment Day

The Royals.

Only the best for the Royal Dragoons.!!

Yorkshire Air Museum

A few of Many !

(1) Any one for a spin with J.B (2) Any complaints i'll have a word lol. (3) Our Aussie Dame Pos'ing. (4) One for "Don" want a lft. (5) Ron Darling and me Hyde Park Cavalry Sunday.

Golden Oldie's

(1) 4th Troop B/Sqn Ipoh (2) Waterloo Ball i think Ipoh 61 i know Eddie edwards looks on this site !!! (3) Barami Oasis (4) Association Members at the Farewell to Detmold Ball, (5) Dont mind me asking But me and my friend would like to know was you really a Royal Dragoon !

Helmstedt to Berlin

The British Military Train that ran from Helmstedt to Berlin

BIRTHDAY GREETINGS

Many happy returns to Tom Carolan in Aus on Tuesday 17th from everyone here in Blighty, have a good one Tom.

With best wishes,

John Atkins

 

 

BIRTHDAY GREETINGS

Many happy returns of the day to another of the older gentlemen, this one will be 18 tomorrow Stan,may we all wish our old friend Don Remfrey a good time on his special day.

 All best wishes,

 John Atkins  

BIRTHDAY GREETINGS

Many happy returns of the day to Clal Card tomorrow the 10th, hoping you have a good day.

 With best wishes,

  John Atkins

Cavalry Week/end

Fred, With Jack Ovens our oldest know Royal Dragoon at the grand old age of "105" And what a year to celibrate his 105th and our own 350th (2) Brien Allen, Pete Strachan, and Gerald Lowthin The Author of the novel The Eagle, (3) Brien ,Fred,and Pete, (4) Brien, Ted Alyes, Pete.

TWO DOGS DINING

the song of the nightingale

sitting in the garden tonight, listening to the sound of the sun going down,as always, I noticed a nightingale looking for food,when another one (nightingale ) came and joined him the first one was very aggressive and a fight followed,accompanied  by a chorus of song from at least 4 other nightingales up in the trees. so there you have it, when the nightingales are singing so sweetly all night you can bet there is a punch up somewhere near and they are laying  their bets. frank

BBQ CIV

Been a great weekend for BBQ,s but the machine now needs a good degrease and a shine. Good job I still have some gunk left in the 5 gal drum I liberated after the Recce Troop CIV of 1967! Happy days...now where did I leave that quarter five sixteenth?

BIRTHDAY GREETINGS

Many happy returns of the day to John Charman on Thursday 5th May, hoping that you have a good one.

 Best Wishes

 John Atkins

Windsor W/end and Cav Sunday

Will I see many ROYALS this time as I believe we were a little thin on the ground last year.
I did not go due through ill health.

Oh Dear!!

What a shame to hear that my good mate and good friend Osama has left the building. This means that I can no longer nip out for quick kebab and a cosy chat. SHAME... I do hope that he isn't going to make a pig of himself with the 40 virgins that have been reserved for me....

BIRTHDAY GREETINGS

Sorry about the belated  Birthday greeting to John Cooper, Hope you have had a good day.

 Best wishes

 John Atkins

becks was improperly dressed.

Did you all watch the Regt reunion world wide on TV today . & did you see Beckinham wearing  his MBE on his R/H lapel. I thought you only wore it on that side if it was originally awarded to a dead relative. drinks all round I think Becks. Frank.

Earth Day

Heh you guys! today is earth day get out and do your bit for the environment if you really care

for your grandchildrens future. and tell us about it Johnie hows your allotment doing.Frank

BIRTHDAY GREETINGS

Many happy returns of the day to Victor Tolhurst for tomorrow 21st April,

 With best wishes,

 John Atkins

Alan Ashdown's photo's sent to me by Barrie Dolphin to put up on site.

Wesendorf 54

All these Photo's were from Alan's Time in the Regiment from 1953,
all the info in written on the back so bear with me as it may take some time to edit them all.
John Atkins

BIRTHDAY GREETINGS

Happy Birthday tomorrow 20th April to David Bramble, hope that you have a good one and get everything that you want, but go steady on the Alcohol.

 Best wishes,

 John Atkins

ARMY PENSIONS 2011

Have any of you had a increase on your pension for 2011
i have a feeling that pensions have been frozen
regards Derek Leese

Nee Soon.

(1) Ray Searle Derek Butcher, (2) Poon Brotrhers Singapore Armoured Car Sqn (3) One for you Don, John (Twitch) Chambers, if you see him in Detmold, Lt Nick Sturge, that i believe is Les Harty talking to him, Sammy Simpson with back to you, ladies !! one could mrs Chambers and Mrs Simpson.

Cant think of his Name !!!

Ian , You did you ever come down to London to a party in my local Pub in Bermondsey, i know it was a Jock who was in 1st Troop B/Sqn with me lol.

Brisbane

Who do you remember !!!

Question !!!

Who Knows were this is !!!

Brisbane Trip.

Nigel (Sack) Reed,Me, Tony Boon.

Photo Album 2011-04-14

1st Troop A Squadron The Royals Berlin 1949

In the picture:
On the left, Robin Bucknall,Troop Leader,3rd from right Sergeant Edwards,Troop Sgt.

Can any body name the rest ?!!

Reunion 2011

Will everyone that intends going to the service at the NMA on the 19th please let me know as it seems that we need to know the numbers for that day, as you may know that members of the Blues are going to be there this year to celebrate the 350th anniversary of the forming of the RHG as well as ourselves,

I am in touch with Ian Taylor from the North Staffs Branch and Capt Peter Thellusson who have taken on the position of organising the service for the 19th, it appears that Capt Thelluson has notified the NMA of the day because of the high ranking officers that will be at the service, it also appears that Ian has received some paperwork to be filled in, upon reading the papers it seems that there may be a charge made by the NMA, we are hoping that it will be owing to how many members will be attending on the day and that we will be within the limit where we will not be charged as it is not certain what the numbers need to be as of this moment in time, when I know more which I hope will be when I have met up with Ian and Capt Thelluson at the NMA within the next couple of weeks.

John Atkins

BIRTHDAY GREETINGS

Many Happy returns of the day for tomorrow the 10th to Ian Munro, hope you have a good day and you get all you ask for.

 Best Wishes

 John Atkins

who is the graffiti vandal of Ipoh.

Just treated myself to an excellent book. if you are into landscape design. it called the vertical garden. (from nature to the city) by  Patrick Blanc. he is an international renowned .Professor and artist .he also has his hair dyed GREEN ! who plants the facades of building with a sort of hydro-culture method .his book is well worth the 32 quid. TO THE POINT in this book I came across a photo of a limestone rock outside of Ipoh &showing through the chinese  writing  was english containing the Foxtrot word it looked like white army paint as issued by the "Scorpion's " tech stores. so come on who is mea culpa .own up so I can raise a barrack damage against you  to pay for me to go and remove it. Frank

How long has it been?

Well it has been quite a while since I made my appearance on here and so many things have happened. In no particular order, there has been a wedding, a granddaughter, floods, cyclones and to top it all, the water restrictions have been removed in Brisbane..we have plenty of water now.

Anyway, hope you have all been behaving yourselves...lol..but then that's a silly thought, knowing you lot...lol.

INGE DAVIS

Welcome to the ROYAL DRAGOONS BB   INGE is the daughter of Lofy Davis and lives downunder. hope you enjoy the Site Inge and can keep your Dad informed as to what goes on.

Regards Derek Leese

photo's from 1949

Kings Birthday Parade
9th June 1949
Berlin
Asqn

R I P SGT HENRY SHERRATT

306219 LSgt Henry Sherratt (89 approx) who served with The Royal Dragoons January 1938 to June 1946, sadly died in January 2011, unfortunately there are no further details available.

HACKER

This was sent to me to put up on the site to warn you of this person, I believe this was going around a while ago, but still better to get it a load of times than get caught out.
>
>IF A PERSON CALLED SIMON ASHTON ( SIMON25@HOTMAIL.CO.UK )
CONTACTS YOU THROUGH EMAIL DON'T OPEN THE MESSAGE. DELETE IT BECAUSE HE
IS A COMPUTER HACKER!!

>

>TELL EVERYONE ON YOUR LIST BECAUSE IF SOMEBODY ON YOUR LIST ADDS
HIM THEN YOU WILL GET HIM ON YOUR LIST. HE WILL FIGURE OUT YOUR ID
COMPUTER ADDRESS, SO COPY AND PASTE THIS MESSAGE TO EVERYONE EVEN IF
YOU DONT CARE FOR THEM AND FAST BECAUSE IF HE HACKS THEIR EMAIL HE
HACKS YOUR MAIL TOO!!!!!....

John Atkins

Reg Brown

I have been trying to get Reg on the phone for three weeks and I finaly got him today,he told me that he has been in hospital and only came out yesterday, I am not sure what he was in for but as I say he is now back at home and feeling fine. If anyone has got his Phone no maybe they would like to give him a bell.

John Atkins

Promotion

Hello,
Greetings.  I have been wondering how one obtained promotion through the ranks in our regiment.  I only did National Service in the Royals and served in Egypt and Germany.  I don't recall any fellow National Service man being promoted from Trooper to Lance Corporal, I was in HQ Squadron, perhaps some lads were promoted in other squadrons.

If one one wanted to make a career in the military and quite naturally wanted to experience advancement, what did one have to do?  Were there courses that could be taken that made one eligible for promotion?  Or, did it depend on an Officer or a senior NC0 noting one's character and skills and then their putting forward your name for promotion?  If so, what characteristics would they have been looking for in an individual?

Don't quite know why this topic crossed my mind, but I thought that it would be interesting to hear your views.

Regards to all.

Colin.

Where is everyone

Have all our members gone into hibernation or have they deserted and gone onto facebook now, come on everyone has all your memories of your service days dried up, there must be someone out there that has got something to say even if it is a load of cobblers,so come on use it or lose it don't just leave to the same people all of the time.

John Atkins

BIRTHDAY GREETINGS

Happy birthday to Barry Dolphin today, sorry it is late as I did not know that it was your Birthday until Derek told me tonight, hoping you have had a good day, (enjoy the tie)

 John Atkins

 

 

new way to loose weight.

Just escaped from the rehab clinic at Bad Meinberg ,if ever any of my fellow expats in germany get offered the chance to go there .DON'T . there are lots of better places  like

Belsen and auschwitz after a OP on my pancreas. followed 8 days later with the removal of my stomach I was sent there where they gave me at first the wrong food  which upset me so much that I was bedridden for 5 days and unable to eat. I was given the wrong treatment. and left the place in a worse state that I was in when I got there. and had to go to E & A at our local hospital it was discovered that I now have a ruptured navel. (anybody got an old penny and a bit of elastoplast )?

It seems there were a lot of birthdays in march at the moment my alcohol drink must be no more than 14% vol and no more than 50 ml .that is one schnapps glass of sherry and one of port Gents to your health. and after such a long time without I shall probably be a little pi**ed perhaps that is the best first step back to normality. 

I've lost 19 kilos. and they said I didn't have the Guts to diat. Frank

RIP

The Blues and Royals Association - The Passing of a ColleagueWednesday, 23 March, 2011 11:25From: "Paul Stretton" View contact detailsTo: "Dick Hennessy-Walsh" Dear Member of The Blues and Royals Association,


I must sadly report that Lt Col George E Evans OBE ARCM psm (85years) who served with the Band of The Royal Dragoons and the Band of The Blues and Royals between April 1966 - December 1982, passed away on Monday, 21 March 2011.


Lt Col George Evans had been the Director of Music for Bands of The Royal Dragoons and then The Blues and Royals when he held the appointment between1974-1977. He had also been the Senior Director of Music for the Army School of Music, Kneller Hall.

The sincere condolences of the Association go to his widow Joy, daughter Jane and family at this very sad time. The family wish to have a private family funeral with a Memorial Service for friends and colleagues at a later date, details of which will be passed when known.


THE BLUES AND ROYALS REGIMENTAL COLLECT

O Lord Jesus Christ who by the Holy Apostle has called us to put on the armour of God and to take the sword of the spirit, give thy grace we pray thee, to the Blues and Royals that we may fight manfully under thy banner against all evil, and waiting on thee to renew our strength, may mount up with wings as eagles, in thy name, who livest and reignest with the Father and the Holy Ghost, ever one God, world without end. Amen.


PF Stretton

Denis Sowerby

Denis was taken into hospital yesterday as he had been having chest pains, I phoned his wife Jean last night and she said that he was having tests done and that he may have to go and have a stent inserted,

May we all wish him a speedy recovery and back on the site soon.

John Atkins

BIRTHDAY GREETINGS

Many happy return of the day for tomorrow the 25th to Ray Brown, hope that you have a good one.

 With best wishes

 John Atkins

BIRTHDAY GREETINGS

Many happy returns of the day to John Plumb tomorrow the 21st, hoping you have a good day,

 With best wishes,

 John Atkins

 

 

birthday

Happy birthday PATRICK HOWLETT [79]? to late for your bus pass.did you get the card?

BIRTHDAY

Happy birthday to DAVID FRAMPTON [15th] just one more year and then his bus pass    have a good day                                              

list of members for reunion

B ALLEN / ROSE
B DOLPHIN
C CARD / FRIEDA
C CRIXON / JANET
D BEST / JOAN
D LEESE
T BRIDGEN
D SMITH /WIFE
D SOWERBY /JEAN

I MACINTOSH /FLORENCE
J AITCHISON /BARBARA
J ATKINS / MARGARET
J COOPER /WIFE
M DECARTERET /WIFE
J MATTHEW /MIRIAM
J PRIEST /MARTHA
K SHAW /MARGARET
MATTHEW /WIFE
NOBBY EVANS /WIFE
R BROWN PAULINE
REG BROWN /SUSAN
S FREEMAN /SON&WIFE
S MACKAY
T AYLES
T LYONS /WIFE
T SMITH / WIFE
T SUSSEX
T WORT / IRENE
J KELLY / WIFE
J LOUCH / WIFE
P RYAN / JEAN
B BENNETT /MARIA
K BUFFERY /JEAN
P PLUMB
R FROST
G BLAXLAND /MARGARET
N DOYLE
A GILLARD
R BORLEY
C BEST
R KENDON
Cpt P THELLUSTON / WIFE

This is the list that I have of members that have informed me that they will be attending the reunion this year, if there is anyone on the list that will not now be able to attend can they please let me know ASAP, also if there is anyone that is booked in to the Premier Inn that find that they cannot attend will they please let me know and I will cancel for them and book someone on the list that needs a room.

John Atkins

Reunion 2011

Will all members please note the costing for this years reunion will be £8 per person, which will comprise of £5 for buffet £2 for the charity and £1 towards the poppy wreath and flowers for Ann Taylor for covering the service at the NMA on the Sunday.

I am going to ask members for there suggestions this year as to which charity they wish the proceeds to go to, Doug Best will be doing the raffle for the charity of his choice so do the members going to the reunion wish to put the money in with Dougs or Help For Hero's, other suggestions that members can put forward will be appreciated.

I will be sending out Email to those on computers with my home address to send their cheques and phone those that do not have a computer, Can all members please let me have their cheques before the end of May, if anyone cannot attend please let me know before the end of May as after then their money will not be able to be refunded.

John Atkins

BIRTHDAY GREETINGS

Many happy returns of the day to Ted Pentecost for today 10th, have a good one.

Best wishes

 John Atkins

 

 

BIRTHDAY GREETINGS

Many happy returns of the day to Kevin Alexander on the 9th also, have a good one.

 With Best Wishes

 John Atkins

BIRTHDAY GREETINGS

Many Happy returns of the day to Adrian Gillard on 9th, have a good one,

 With Best Wishes

 John Atkins

Lofty

Lofty Davies,then and now.

Lofty

Lofty is coming over to my place for a roast tomorrow ( Tuesday). I will show him this site as he does not have a PC. Please sennd messages if you wish.

BIRTHDAY GREETINGS

Many happy returns of the day Monday 7th to Brian Allen our one and only (Grumps) have a good one pal.

 With best wishes

 John Atkins

LISA

LISA WELCOME TO THE BB Lisa is the Daughter in Law of are old pal RON BEST (RIP)  she is logged in as LISAH17 hope you enjoy looking around the SITE Im sure give it time you will get the hang of it

regards DEREK LEESE

BIRTHDAY GREETINGS

Many happy returns to Fred Fearns 2nd March hoping you have a good birthday, With best wishes for the coming year and many more in the future.

 John Atkins

Freds photo's put into one album

One for you Don.

Me and the Aussie Dame (Jenny) looking for some guy named Russell lol !!

New Zealand

Any news of our ex-comrades in NZ. Hope they are all well.

 

Regards.  Doug.

HALEY SKYDIVING

HALEY THE HELP FOR HEROES GIRL Skydiving at LAKE WANAKA NEW ZEALAND
She is the MAD ONE of the family

I'm back

Just been released from Hospital  2 major OPs only just survived them ,just edited my email a/c& I'm knackered,off in a few days to Lippeland and rehab then back for a 3rd OP not so major this time I'll get back when I' ve had rest . Frank

Sergeant Patrick Hanlon

August 28, 1965 Based at Celle, near Hambury, Germany, Sergeant Patrick Hanlon of The Princess of Wales''s Royal Regiment was refereeing an impromptu football match when the top floor of a nearby biscuit factory suddenly caved in.

Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1358850/Hero-soldier-Sergeant-Patrick-Hanlon-saved-10-German-workers-daring-rescue--daughter-selling-memorabilia.html#ixzz1EYC1G9G6

NMA service

I have been informed that the Royal Horse Guards will be holding a service at the NMA on the same day in June for their 350th, there will be around twenty five attending including two trumpeters, I do not see that there will be any problem with it.

John Atkins

Some Photo's from Helene Meikle

Some of the band members by kind permission of Helene.

BIRTHDAY GREETINGS

Many happy returns of the day to Denis Sowerby on 19th, have a good one and don't go giving Sid any of your chocolates as you know they are not good for him, but thinking of it they are no good to you either so keep them for me when I see you, hope you enjoy your meal.

 John Atkins

Museum @ Hartlepool

Had a great afternoon yesterday. Visited the Heughbattery Museum at The Headland, Hartlepool.  Well worth a visit if/when in the area. Has a long history, going back to the 1800s.

Visit/review the website.   www.heughbattery.com 

Majority of exhibits are cannon and artillery weapons, but some really interesting items.

They recently took delivery of a Chieftan Tank, Saracen APC and Ferret Scout Car.Sadly, no Saladin.

The previous owner had to remove them off his site, so he donated them to the Battery.

The armour have no insignia. I!m hoping to get printed "Eagle" transfers to attach to the turrets.

Regards  Doug.

For your amusement

Was driving to work this morning when I saw an RAC van parked up. The

driver was sobbing uncontrollably and looked very miserable. I thought to

myself 'that guy's heading for a breakdown'

Brigadier Heathcoat-Amory

Brigadier Heathcoat-Amory

Brigadier Roderick Heathcoat-Amory, who died on 27th July 1998, aged 91 was awarded an immediate MC at El Alamein in 1942. He was originally recommended for an immediate DS0 with endorsements by his Brigade Commander and the Commander-in-Chief, Middle East Land Forces, General Alexander. But the award was downgraded to an MC by General Montgomery, commanding the 8th Army. On the night of November 1 1942, Heathcoat-Amory was in command of a squadron of the Royal Dragoons, who broke through the enemy minefields at Alamein. It took until daylight before they were clear of the minefields, but Heathcoat-Amory pushed on to his objective through enemy positions, regardless of the opposition. Under his direction, the squadron was subsequently responsible for the destruction of more than 100 enemy transport vehicles, a tank and several guns; and they also captured of a very large number of prisoners. The citation for his MC commended Heathcoat-Amory's conspicuous ability and devotion to duty throughout this hazardous operation covering four days behind the enemy lines".

Roderick Heathcoat-Amory was born on January 30 1907, the fourth son of Sir Ian Murray Heathcoat-Amory, Ind Bt. The second son, Derick would become Chancellor of the Exchequer under Harold Macmillan, in 1958, and the first (and last) Viscount Amory in 1960. Roderick’s great- great grandfather John Heathcoat, who in 1808 had invented the bobbin net machine, a revolutionary mechanism for making silk and cotton nets, had started the family firm of Heathcoat and Co. In 1816, the Luddites, fearing the machinery would put men out of work, destroyed 55 machines at Heathcoat's plant at Loughborough. As a result, he moved to the more peaceful area of Devon, taking his workforce with him. A man of vision and a model employer, he built up a prosperous business near Tiverton. Young Roderick began his education at Ludgrove preparatory school. His parents visited him just once during his five years there, but that was unexceptional in those days. At Eton he paid insufficient attention to his studies, and failed to get up to Christ Church, Oxford.

Having heard good reports of New Zealand, Heathcoat-Amory decided to go there to make his fortune. Discouraged by his failure to do so in a short time, he came home and joined the Army, obtaining a commission via the Supplementary Reserve. After passing the necessary examination, he was granted a regular commission in the Royal Dragoons. He went out to join the regiment in India, at Secunderabad, where he enjoyed polo, pig-sticking and shooting although, as he would firmly point out, military training began at 6.30am and continued until lunchtime: One incident from his time in India always stuck in his mind. He recalled how during a military review at Delhi, the Viceroy's wife, Lady Willingdon, sent for the Commander-in-Chief, Sir Phillip Chetwode, and said she thought there should be more entertainment. Might it be possible, Lady Willingdon wondered, for a wild animal fight to be arranged? “Certainly your Excellency”, replied Chetwode. “Shall I apply to the Bishop of Lahore for some Christians to throw to them!” This, Heathcoat-Amory recalled, did little to improve an already frosty relationship.

In 1935, as Mussolini's invasion of Abyssinia threatened a wider war, the regiment left India for Egypt. But in the event the situation quietened down, and in 1936 Heathcoat-Amory returned to England, making the most of the chance to hunt with the Warwickshire and to hone his skill as a pilot. In 1938, the regiment was sent to Palestine to deal with the Arab rebellion, but by the time war broke out the next year Heathcoat-Amory was back in England, halfway through the Long Equestrian Course at Weedon. After an unsuccessful attempt to transfer to the RAF (for which he was already too old), he was posted back to Palestine where the regiment was then being mechanised. In May 1941, equipped with armoured cars, the Royals were sent to the Western Desert, to carry out reconnaissance duties and to harass the Germans. Soon afterwards they were posted to Syria to take preventive action against the Vichy, pro-German government of that country During a patrol in Syria, Heathcoat-Amory's armoured car overturned on a sand dune, landing on top of him and breaking all his ribs on one side and three on the other. While convalescing, he had a part-time job as Liaison Officer with the Polish Brigade, after which he returned to the regiment in February 1942.

In June and July 1941, the Royals were engaged in the Gazala battles, where the 8th Army was out-fought by the superior guns and tanks of the Germans, and retreated to the El Alamein position. Here Heathcoat-Amory was given command of ‘C’ Squadron, took part in the victory at Alam Halfa at the end of August, and on November 1 was given the task of leading the way through the German minefields at Alamein. After Alamein, the Royals were in the van of the Army's drive to Tunisia, but here Heathcoat-Amory went down with nephritis, and was evacuated to hospital in Alexandria. He recovered in time to land at Taranto, Italy, in September 1943, but as the front there was static, the Royals were posted back to England to be re-equipped and trained for the North West Europe campaign. At the end of July 1944, they landed in Normandy and became the Advanced Guard of l2 Corp, then of 30 Corp, and were involved in the battle to reach Arnhem. The regiment saw some tough fighting in Holland, crossed the Rhine, fought its way up to Bremen, and at the end of the war had the task of disarming the 120, 000 German troops in Denmark. At the end of the North West Europe campaign, Heathcoat-Amory was mentioned in despatches. Heathcoat-Amory's next appointment was to command and then disband the North Irish Horse, followed by a similar assignment with 15th Scottish Reconnaissance Regiment. This melancholy task over, he was sent to the Staff College, Camberley. In January 1949, he was given command of his regiment. Heathcoat-Amory's final appointment was the command of 11th Armoured Brigade, TA, in Yorkshire. He retired in 1958 and settled in Yorkshire, where he was Joint Master of the Sinnington Hounds for 12 years, helped with the point-to-point races and the Pony Club, and also served on the rural District Council. In 1971, he was High Sheriff. A lover of all outdoor sports .Heathcoat-Amory caught his first salmon at the age of 90. He had a deep love of nature and after the war made many trips to Africa to see the wildlife. He enjoyed life to the full and took great pleasure in helping others to do the same.

Roderick Heathcoat-Amory married, in 1947, Sonia (nee Denison), the widow of his cousin Gerald Heathcoat-Amory, who had been killed in Normandy In 1939 They had a son, the MP David Heathcoat-Amory, and a daughter.

" good old Royals

Name them

Colonel Hans Von Luck

Colonel Hans Von Luck

Colonel Hans von Luck, wartime Panzer leader, died in Hamburg on August 1 1997 aged 86. He was born at Flensburg on July 15, 1911.

In his memoir, Panzer Commander, published in America in 1989, Hans von Luck recalls the astonishment he felt when, in the 1960s, he was invited to the Staff College at Camberley to lecture to young British officers on the German experience of the Normandy battle of 1944. The consciousness of having been the servant of an evil regime, doubly drummed into him through five years as a prisoner of the Russians between 1945 and 1950, made him reticent about talking of his war. But when he stood up to address his first Staff College audience, it was to hear himself described by Camberley's CO as "a fair and courageous opponent". The awkwardness passed, and he was regularly invited back.
Staff College audiences were particularly interested to hear what a German had to say about the controversial Operation Goodwood, the British 2nd Army's apparent attempt to break out of its bridgehead at Caen in July 1944. As commanding officer 125 Panzergrenadier Regiment, von Luck had played an important part in repelling the most massive Allied tank attack of the entire Normandy campaign. On one occasion he even ordered the commander of a flak battery at gunpoint not to train his 88mm guns skywards looking for aircraft, but to use them against the advancing British tanks. "Either you're a dead man or you can earn yourself a medal," von Luck told the reluctant flak commander, levelling his Luger pistol at him. Faced with this steely determination, the young officer complied, and the anti-aircraft guns became anti-tank guns, with devastating effect on the British armour.
The repulse of Goodwood brought acute disappointment verging on outrage to the Chiefs of Staff, the press and the British public, and its effects reverberate among military commentators to this day. That three complete armoured divisions - whose way forward had supposedly been eased by an immense carpet of bombs dropped by 2,000 aircraft - should have been stopped in their tracks by vastly inferior German forces, was considered a disgrace. Tedder, Eisenhower's deputy for the NW Europe campaign, furious at the squandering of such massive air power for such limited objectives, called for Montgomery's head. Montgomery, in a perhaps retrospective adjustment of his aims, said that no breakout had been planned; Goodwood had been a "battle of position" intended to draw German forces into a war of attrition and allow the Americans to break out on the western flank of the bridgehead - which indeed they later did.
On the German side, von Luck's initiatives - besides the flak battery, he had rounded up much other artillery and got it pointing in the right direction - earned him the praise of the corps commander. He was used to such notice. From early on in his career he had been a protege of Rommel, who in 1942 had had him brought from the Russian front to North Africa to command his "pet" unit, the 3rd Panzer Reconnaissance Battalion. Poland, 1939; France 1940; Russia 1941-42; North Africa 1942-43; NW Europe 1944; and finally the Eastern front again just before the final collapse in 1945, von Luck had been in the thick of just about every campaign of the war.
Hans von Luck was born into the Old Prussian officer class. An ancestor had fought against the Tartars in the 13th century; another had served Frederick the Great in the Seven Years War. Remarkably, given such a military background, his father was a naval officer, which accounts for von Luck's birth at Flensburg. But the father's career was an aberration. Hans von Luck went to army cadet school, from where he was posted to a cavalry regiment. But from this he was uprooted and sent to one of the first motorised battalions in the Reichswehr. At first he was disappointed not to be a cavalryman, but the move ensured that he was in at the birth of Germany's formidable panzer forces. In Saxony in 1932 he met Erwin Rommel who trained him in infantry tactics.
In August 1939 von Luck's armoured reconnaissance regiment was on manoeuvres on the Polish frontier when it had its blank cartridges exchanged for live ammunition. At 0450 hours on September 1, it rolled over the Polish frontier to begin what would, for von Luck, be more than five-and-a-half years of almost continual fighting. By the middle of September, with the Polish armies routed, von Luck's unit was in Warsaw.
For the invasion of France and the Low Countries in the following spring, he found himself in a panzer division commanded by Rommel. The young company commander had already made an impression on the famous general, and when, on May 28, 1940, the commander of 37 Panzer Reconnaissance Battalion was killed in northern France, Rommel appointed him, over the heads of many more senior officers, to lead the unit. In the aftermath of Dunkirk, von Luck's battalion continued the pursuit of the French Army southwards, encompassing the surrender of Fecamp without having to bombard the picturesque resort.
Von Luck's third campaign began at 4am on June 22, 1941, when Hitler launched Operation Barbarossa, the invasion of the Soviet Union. His panzer division was part of the Northern Army Group aiming for Minsk as a prelude to assaulting Moscow itself. Von Luck actually managed to insert a patrol into the suburbs of the Russian capital before counterattacks and the onset of winter flung the Germans back. By that time he knew that Rommel, in North Africa, was asking for him and, though his divisional general would not at first release him, by the spring of 1942 he was reporting to his old boss in his desert HQ.
For von Luck the fight against the British in the desert was always to be the most "sporting" contest of the war. The deep bitterness of the French campaign and the dehumanizing ethos of the Russian front, were absent. The to-and-fro nature of the struggle meant that both sides got to know each others units - sometimes each others personalities - quite intimately. A captured German medical officer might be "swapped" for a supply of synthetic quinine of which the British were in short supply. Towards the end of the campaign, in a Tunisian desert bivouac, a bedouin suddenly came to von Luck's tent and presented him with a letter. It was from the CO The Royal Dragoons and read:
Dear Major von Luck, We have had other tasks and so were unable to keep in touch with you. The war in Africa has been decided, I'm glad to say not in your favour. I should like, therefore, to thank you and all your people, in the name of my officers and men, for the fair play with which we have fought against each other on both sides. I and my battalion hope that all of you will come out of the war safe...
After the close of the Tunisian campaign von Luck spent some time in Berlin before going to Normandy where, on D-Day, he was commanding a tank regiment of 21 Panzer Division near Caen. When he saw the massed parachutists and gliders of 6 Airborne Division descending on Normandy early on June 6, 1944, he longed to counter-attack at once. But his formation was forbidden to move without a direct order from Hitler, who slept in until noon. Later, after the repulse of Goodwood, he fought his way back to the Germany's Rhine frontier and was involved in some tough fighting against the Americans in the Vosges Mountains.
Had he finished his war there, his future might have been different. But in February 1945 his panzergrenadiers were switched to the eastern front, where he was taken prisoner by the Russians in the desperate fighting on the Oder around the fortress of Kustrin in April. He then faced almost five years' grim labour in the Soviet Union, first as a coal miner, then as a building worker in the Caucasus.
He was released in the winter of 1949-50, but found his hometown in ruins. His private life was in ruins, too. He had formed an attachment during the war to a girl he was not then allowed to marry, because she had a Jewish great-grandparent. By the time he returned from imprisonment her circumstances had changed. They remained friends but he found a new life as a coffee merchant, spending some time in Angola. He married and fathered three sons.
His British Staff College visits brought him into touch with Major John Howard, whom, had his unit been allowed to move forward, he might well have driven off Pegasus Bridge in the small hours of D-Day. Through Howard he met the American historian and presidential biographer Stephen Ambrose who wrote a foreword to Panzer Commander.
Von Luck also advised the Ministry of Defence on its 1979 instruction film Goodwood. He was even asked to lecture on the topic to the Swedish Military College; this small neutral state regarded his July 1944 counter-attack as a classic of its kind, with a lesson for any country that might find itself subject to amphibious invasion. Howard and von Luck were often to be seen together, both at D-Day reunions, which initially he had been reticent about attending, and at seminars arranged by Ambrose when he was a professor at New Orleans.
His wife Regina and sons survive him.

C/O Sir Desmond Fitzpatrick

I'm sure many of you will remember Sir Desmond Fitzpatrick who was our C/O. I came across this obituary in the Daily Telegraph recently and thought you might like to know. It was dated 18 Oct 2002.

General Sir Desmond Fitzpatrick, who has died aged 89, was that rare combination, an outstanding front-line commander and a highly successful staff officer; after winning an MC in Palestine in 1939 and a DSO in Germany during the Second World War he became C-in-C, BAOR, and Commander, Northern Army Group, in 1968. In April 1945, the 8th King's Royal Irish Hussars, equipped with Grant tanks and scout cars, were ordered to capture Tostedt and advance north to cut the Hamburg-Bremen autobahn. The town was defended by infantry armed with bazookas, anti-tank and self-propelled guns, and there was at least one Tiger tank in the area. The obvious approaches to the town were blocked by demolitions, and alternative routes were extremely difficult for the tanks. Fitzpatrick, the commanding officer, made several reconnaissance missions, in person, under heavy fire, and by the time the daylight failed the 8th Hussars had driven back the enemy and captured the town. With the assistance of an infantry battalion, Fitzpatrick mopped up the remaining resistance during the night and consolidated his position. The next morning, on arrival at the autobahn near Hollenstedt, the regiment came under fire from 88 mm guns and took a number of casualties. By skilful manoeuvring, Fitzpatrick by-passed the opposition at Hollenstedt and pushed down the autobahn towards Hamburg, destroying eight 88s on the way. Halting only for nightfall, Fitzpatrick drove relentlessly on towards the river Elbe. After a stiff action in which many infantry positions and anti-tank guns were overrun and 200 of the enemy taken prisoner or killed, he finally reached the river. The 8th Hussars subsequently captured the concentration camps at Belsen and Fallingbostel, and liberated thousands of Allied prisoners of war and internees. Fitzpatrick's leadership was recognised by an immediate DSO.

Geoffrey Richard Desmond Fitzpatrick was born at Ashvale, Aldershot, on December 14 1912, the son of Brigadier-General Sir Richard Fitzpatrick, DSO. He was educated at Eton and RMC Sandhurst before being commissioned into the Royal Dragoons (1st Dragoons) in 1932. The regiment was ordered to Palestine in 1938, and Fitzpatrick won his MC in operations against Arab terrorists. In 1940, the regiment was mechanised and Fitzpatrick, then adjutant, moved with his unit to Syria in 1941 to take part in operations against the Vichy French. Fitzpatrick saw action in the Western Desert, where the Royals were equipped with armoured cars and deployed as a reconnaissance regiment. He attended Staff College at Haifa, and in June 1942 was appointed brigade major of 2nd Armoured Brigade, playing a key role in the planning for the battle of Alamein. It was entirely due to his work over many weeks that the brigade's move forward to the assembly area, and subsequently to battle, on the nights of October 23 and November 1, went without a hitch. During the battle, Fitzpatrick was constantly at Tactical HQ and often under heavy fire. As a result of his efforts much valuable information was passed back which enabled divisional, corps and army commanders to make plans that led to the Germans' defeat. He was appointed MBE. After a spell as GSO1 at 1st US Corps and a period at the War Office, Fitzpatrick re-joined the Royals at Hilvarenbeek in Holland in October 1944 to take command of A Squadron. The town was the centre of a salient into the enemy positions, and its tall church tower was a valuable observation point. The verger was resigned to most of the problems associated with the church's position on the front line, but he called on Fitzpatrick to remonstrate about the gunners attached to the squadron, who were doing their ranging during his choir practice. The Germans regretted the capture of the church tower and attacked A Squadron's positions every night. Fitzpatrick decided that the only way to keep them quiet was to be aggressive throughout the day. In one of several successful sorties, he dismounted part of his squadron and led his men in an infantry attack. Early in 1945, Fitzpatrick was posted to command the 8th Hussars, joining the unit in Holland and finishing the war at Hamburg. After a number of staff appointments, he went to Camberley as an instructor, before taking command of the Royals in the Canal Zone in 1951. Six years later, he was appointed Chief of Staff 1st (British) Corps in BAOR and, in 1959, he was selected by Lord Mountbatten to become Assistant Chief of the Defence Staff at the Ministry of Defence, during the formation of the unified MoD and the Defence Staff. An appointment as Director of Military Operations at the War Office followed in 1962.

Fitzpatrick's colleagues at the time credit him with the possession of a photographic memory; however complex his brief, once assimilated, he could recall it at will. In successive years, from 1964, he was made Chief of Staff BAOR, GOC-in-Chief Northern Ireland and Vice Chief of the General Staff. On his promotion to general in 1968, he was appointed Commander-in-Chief BAOR and Commander Northern Army Group. In 1970, his final Army appointment was Deputy Supreme Allied Commander Europe. After retiring from the Army in 1973, Fitzpatrick was appointed Lieutenant-Governor and commander-in-chief of Jersey where he made many friends during his five-year tour of duty and became a highly proficient sailor. Retiring to Suffolk, Fitzpatrick devoted many hours to regimental work, but found time to enjoy fishing and shooting. A perfectionist in everything he did, his somewhat formidable presence was lightened by a sardonic sense of humour. In 1969, when the Royal Horse Guards and the Royal Dragoons were amalgamated to form the Blues and Royals, Fitzpatrick, as Colonel of the Royal Dragoons, handled the many problems involved. He was appointed ADC to the Queen in 1959. He was Colonel of The Royal Dragoons (1964-69), ADC General to the Queen (1970-73), Colonel Commandant, RAC (1971-74), Colonel of the Blues and Royals and Gold Stick in Waiting to the Queen (1979-98). He was appointed KCB in 1965, GCB in 1971 and GCVO in 1997.

Desmond Fitzpatrick died on October 12. Mary Sara Campbell whom he married in 1944, died in 1996. He married secondly, in 1998, Lettice Errington (nee Stafford-King-Harman), the widow of Major George Errington. She survives him together with a son and a daughter of his first marriage.

re: http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/obituaries/1410496/General-Sir-Desmond-Fitzpatrick.html

Ian Kempster

Hi Gents 

I have just found this note from Margaret  on face book, is there any one out there that can help her with her request.

Margaret Kempster My husband, Ian Kempster, enlisted in Feb 1971 and was discharged in Aug 83, he served 3 tours in N Ireland, 3 tours in Cyprus, and 4 tours in Baor, he recently died and I am looking for anyone who might have known him and had a photograph of him hidden away somewhere. I Hope you can help me.

Regards George Mcginlay

MARK GANGE

Welcome to the ROYALS BB Mark hope you enjoy looking around and that you find a few old Pals.

Mark was in the Regt 1961-1969 then was a BLUE/ROYAL till 1971

he was in the Officers Mess for a time and then in the REGT POLICE with Jock Sweeney and Paddy McCormack

regards Derek Leese