What a fantastic Imjin Lunch at the Taunton Rugby Club.
I would like to thank the following for thier hard work in putting this Imjin Lunch together.
They are Martin Talling and his team. Also a big thank to the ladies that organised the raffle today. Total raised £500.00. So a big thank you all, so well done everyone that took part.
Also a big thank you to the rugby club team that ran the floor. But also those of you that came along this afternoon, and supported this fantastic Imjin Lunch this year. Congratulations to all those that won on the raffle, especially the yoga mat winner. I hope to see you all there next year. Safe journey home. Be good, Be safe. Klaus. Here are some photos from the event.
What a fantastic Imjin Lunch at the Taunton Rugby Club.
I would like to thank the following for thier hard work in putting this Imjin Lunch together.
They are Martin Talling and his team. Also a big thank to the ladies that organised the raffle today. Total raised £500.00. So a big thank you all, so well done everyone that took part.
Also a big thank you to the rugby club team that ran the floor. But also those of you that came along this afternoon, and supported this fantastic Imjin Lunch this year. Congratulations to all those that won on the raffle, especially the yoga mat winner. I hope to see you all there next year. Safe journey home. Be good, Be safe. Klaus. Here are some photos from the event.
The Reunion of the Regimental Band and Corps of Drums will take place on Saturday 4th October 2025 at Upper Lounge, Wotton Hall Club, 138 Barnwood Road, Barnwood, Gloucester, GL4 3JS (this is opposite the entrance to Walls Club) from 19:30 to 23:30 hrs. The cost of the evening is £12pp; donations in support of the less well off would be greatly appreciated.
Members are requested to complete and return the booking section at the foot of this letter with payment and a stamped addressed envelope to the Treasurer. If there are any change of details, or you wish to be removed from the mailing list, please contact the Treasurer. Notification of deaths of members would help in keeping our records up to date and prevent any possibility of distress to the relatives. A telephone call to Treasurer would suffice.
This year you are able to buy tickets via the regimental (RGBW) association portal, if you choose this option, you do not need to complete the form below, tickets will be sent to you electronically when you have paid. Tickets can be bought here www.rgbwevents.org.uk This option can be used for both payment methods and no need to post anything off.
Email Addresses It is our aim to cut the cost of postage for the Reunion and we would be grateful if you could provide us with your email address, even if you are not planning on attending this year. Please Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
The RGBW and Rifles Association are looking for relatives of any soldiers killed since 1948, whilst serving with the Gloucestershire Regiment, The Royal Berkshire Regiment, The Wiltshire Regiment, The RGBW, The RGBWLI, The Rifle Volunteers, or The WESSEX Regiment. We wish to hear from any family relatives from our antecedent regiments, whose relatives were killed on a medal earning tour of duty, or through Terrorist action anywhere in the World and have not received the award of the Elizabeth Cross
No More Parades/Service Notice: It is my sad duty to inform you that 22360965 Private Dennis Keith Victor Mills, a Korean War Veteran of the 1st Battalion The Gloucestershire Regiment, passed away on the 9th February 2025 in Kent. He is survived by his children Kim, Karen & Paul and Grandchildren Gregory, William & Alan. His funeral will take place at the Barham Crematorium Canterbury Road, Barham, Canterbury CT4 6QU on Wednesday the 5th of March at 3.00 pm. No flowers. Donations to British Heart Foundation Enquiries. A British Legion Standard bearer will be in attendance and the Regimental Association has sent a personalised Regimental Poppy Wreath. It would be much appreciated if any member of the association who resides in the Kent area could attend and represent us, for further details please contact the author: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
The Stroud Branch will be meeting at the Old Nelson Brewers Fayre, Stratford Road, Stroud GL5 4AF on Tuesday 4 March at 12noon. Next meeting dates are Tuesday 3rd June, 2nd September and 2nd December which is our Christmas lunch. The venue may change but details will be published.
Ladies and Gentlemen, Please see below the text of a notice published this morning by the Rifles Taunton Office:
"Many will wish to be be aware of the recent death of General Sir John Waters GCB CBE who has died aged 89 years. John Waters was commissioned into The Gloucestershire Regiment in 1955 and assumed command of 1 Glosters in 1975. In due course it is anticipated that regimental and national newspaper obituaries will give their accounts of his considerable career and life. There will be a Thanksgiving Service on Friday 21 February at 2.00 pm at St. Andrews Church, Colyton, Devon, and a memorial service at RMA Sandhurst in due course. To aid planning for catering, those attending the service at Colyton are asked to notify the Taunton Office of The Rifles by 15 February (Mrs Debbie Hards - 01823 333434 or <This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.>). The Daily Telegraph (published today, Monday 3 February) carries a family announcement and an announcement in The Times is expected tomorrow, Tuesday 4 February."
BACK BADGE REUNION - CALLING NOTICE SATURDAY 22nd MARCH 2025
Introduction. The past year has been all about the Building, launching and Unveiling of the Gloucestershire Regiment memorial. It would only seem fitting that this year's Back Badge reunion theme should celebrate this magnificent work of art standing proudly at the NMA.
The Reunion will be held in the Wos & Sgts Mess Imjin Barracks Innsworth Gloucester GL13 1HW on Saturday 22nd March 2025 Anyone who wore the Back Badge and Their Guests are most welcome to attend.
Please Note: To gain access to the barracks it is planned to have a block booking for speedy entrance. It is therefore requested to add the details of your vehicle.
Background. Some key points for the day include:
Church Service at St Mary de Lode. The service will be conducted by Canon Nikki Arthy who will be accompanied by ex-members of the Glosters band and Standard Bearers. All are welcome to attend and please be seated by 11.15 am, the service will commence at 11.30.
March through Gloucester. Form up under the parade marshal outside the West door on Archdeacon Street and proceed up Westgate Street. A salute will be taken on the steps of the Shire Hall. The march continues up to the cross wheeling right into Southgate Street and right into Longsmith Street where the participants will fall out.
Transport. Mr Andy Casey has kindly donated his minibus ably driven by his wife Shirley also a car for those of you who are disabled, to transport people from Archdeacon Street and Longsmith Street to Imjin Barracks. There will be a slight delay between the two, so marching Veterans requireing a lift (please annotate the proforma). Please be patient.
Reunion. The Mess caterers are arranging a three-course luncheon for £25.00 per head, the same price as 2022/23&24 this includes tea//coffee on arrival at the bar assembly point (drinks can be purchased at the bar). A bottle of red and a bottle of white wine will be on each table, the lounge bar will remain open after lunch for those wishing to partake, and a finger buffet will also be provided.
Widows. The committee wish to encourage our regimental widows to come and join us. Please try to bring one along with you, they are still part of our Regt family.
Standard Bearers. There will be a brief rehearsal at 10.45 in the church.
Numbers. Due to last year's successful event, there is a lot of interest shown, So please get your seat booked early.
The easiest way to provide all the details and book your tickets is online at:
If you cannot complete it online, then you will have to send this proforma to: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or speak to Len on Mobile: 07414 945062
It is my intention to lay on a free trip to the National Memorial Arboretum on Sunday 16th February 2025. For those of you who couldn’t make the unveiling of our memorial.
Details:
1. 53 seater luxury coach departing from the Gloucester TA Centre at 09:30hrs ( free parking for your cars in TA Centre grounds)
2. Visit the Gloucestershire Regimental memorial for a viewing and photographs.
3. Free light luncheon in canteen approx 13:30 hrs
4. Free Ride by train around the whole Arboretum for photographs and interest
5. Travel back to Gloucester by coach at approximately 16:30hrs
Please note this is a free day out not to be missed and I will take the first 50 names posted to me by any means phn, email, msg, WhatsApp etc
Return asap family’s of back badge wearers most welcome
We have recently acquired eight old VHS tapes containing films and recordings about the Glosters dating from Korea and up to and including the Tercentenary Parade in 1994.
It would be great if we could save these transmissions for future generations and as part of our heritage. Having ditched this technology decades ago.
I am looking for someone who has a VHS player and the necessary leads and software to copy these recordings down to either DVD or preferably USB Sticks. If there is anyone out there who could help, please get in touch at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Your assistance in this matter is much appreciated
The Commemorative Lunch on the 74th Anniversary of the Battle of the Imjin River will take place on the 13th of April 2025 at the Taunton Rugby Football Club, Veritas Park, Hyde Lane, Bath pool, Taunton, Somerset, TA2 8BU.
The two-course carvery & dessert menu, including tea & coffee, is £15.00p per person, which is excellent value, thanks to being generously discounted by the Regimental Association.
Online payment by bank transfer is the preferred payment option but cheques will also be accepted.
The funeral service for Colonel T B Dutton (Terry) who died on 19 October 2024 will be held at St. Michael & All Saints Church, Urchfont, Wiltshire, SN10 4QP at 14:00 hours on Monday 18 November 2024, following an earlier Commital Service for family only. There will be tea and refreshments in the Urchfont Village Hall, close to the Church, following the service. The family have requested that there should be no flowers but those who wish to may a charitable donation to Dementia UK. Directions to Urchfont and a link for making donations can be found at:
Service Notification A celebration of the life of Mrs Sonia Miller will take place at 1400hrs on the 25th Novemeber 2024 at Sedgemoor Crematorium, Stretcholt, Bridgwater, Somerset.
This will be followed by a wake at the Orchard Inn, 102 Church Road, Highbridge TA9 3SA.
Letters/Cards of Condolance to the two sons and families can be sent to David Miller, 5 The Hazels, Abbeymead, Gloucester, GFL4 5WN.
No Flowers please, instead donations would be appreciated to The RGBW Association Somerset, either on the day or by online for details please email the County Chairman This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
All friends within the veteran community are welcome to attend the service, those wishing to attend the wake afterwards are requested to RSVP to the County Chairman This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. before the 20th November, so that numbers can collated for the family.
No More Parades/Service Notice As previously reported, Colonel T B (Terry) Dutton OBE - Late Glosters, sadly passed away, aged 84 years, at Merlin Court Care Home, on Saturday the 19th of October 2024, where he had been receiving specialist care for dementia for some years.
A much-loved father, grandfather and uncle, he will be reunited with his beloved wife, Angela.
Terry will be greatly missed by family and friends. A service celebrating his life will be held at 1400hrs on Monday 18th November 2024 at St Michael & All Angels, Church Lane, Urchfont, Devizes, Wiltshire, SN10 4QT.
The wake will follow in the Village Hall behind the church at 1500hrs. The directions and full details of the events are at this link. The County Chairman for Somerset will attend with a bugler, any local attendees would be appreciated. “By our deeds, we are known.”
William Anthony FoxBILLPassed away peacefully in hospital comforted by his loving family, on October 25th 2024, aged 96 years of Moston. The loving and devoted Husband of Gemma. A precious and cherished Dad of Ian, Dee, Sean and Rosy. A caring and cherished Grandad of Imogen, Aimee, Isabella, Ava, Amelia and Lexi. Treasured Great Grandad to Florence and Matilda. Dear Brother to Joe, and loving God Father to Chris Hughes.
Bill was a Gloster & fought at the battle of Imjin River, & was then POW
Bill will be deeply missed but fondly remembered by all his family and friends.
Requiem Mass to take place at St Dunstan's RC Church, Moston on Tuesday 19th November at 10:00am followed by Interment at St Joseph's Cemetery.
All enquiries to Stewart McCrakan of Greater Manchester Funeral Service, Moston Tel: 0161 681 1864
Towns and villages all through Holland are celebrating the 80th anniversary of their liberation in WW2. One of the largest celebrations is a weeklong set of activities in Roosendaal. Educational films, displays, re-enactments, displays, marches and events took place from 26th Oct – 3rd Nov 2024.
The Glosters were part of the 49th Inf Div, nicknamed the polar bears, other units involved included the 4th Lincolns,1/4 KOYLI, Hallams Bn, 11th Royal Scots, 1 Leicesters, 1/7th DWR, 1 SWB, 2nd Essex and supported by 55, 69, 89, 143, 185 RA, 49 Sigs, 2nd Kensingtons and 9 RTR. The division formed part of Monty’s drive up towards the ports of Rotterdam and Amsterdam and east towards Arnhem.
The RGBW Association was invited to take part in the celebrations at the end of the week to acknowledge the participation of the 2nd Battalion The Gloucestershire Regiment. The townspeople of Roosendaal were extremely courteous and grateful for the handful of various association representatives from the UK to be in attendance. They take their liberation extremely seriously; it is taught at an early age in schools and celebrated by all age groups.
On the first day, we were taken to “Camp Thruster” where there was a large display of military vehicles and equipments. The enthusiasm and dedication were evident with many of them private collectors of equipment and memorabilia. Most of the vehicles (over 20) were also in private hands after being lovingly restored over the decades. The pride and joy of the display was an immaculate Churchill tank in full working order, the only private example in Europe. During the evening, we were invited to a concert starring the Brentwood Imperial Youth Band, proudly wearing their Polar Bear badges.
Day two involved going around the Roosendaal area on a battlefield tour and meeting up with the local veterans in the town's first in/last out pub - Café De Veestallen. This was the first building secured by the British forces on entering Roosendaal and remained undamaged throughout the war. Most of the internal fitments and decor have remained unchanged since WW2 and are fitting to the loyal veterans' watering hole. The various local army associations sadly closed over the years as their memberships declined, but one of the locals, a Colonel from the Dutch commandos, started an all-arms Roosendaal Association four years ago and it has now over 100 members around Roosendaal, from all services and units, a fantastic achievement,
After a liquid lunch the veterans from all countries fell in outside, standards raised to greet the columns of re-enactment vehicles and men, proudly led by the Churchill tank. After falling in behind we all marched to the memorial square where the Polar Bear monument is located. The band gave a rendition of wartime tunes, regimental marches and national anthems before the wreath-laying ceremony which was led by the Duke of Wellington Regiment and The Gloucestershire Regiment, followed by the mayor and all the various dignitaries and representatives. After the service was finished there was a photo shoot for about an hour (there were about 1000 locals in attendance) and then back to that famous pub for more food and drink.
Overall,
It was a memorable visit for which I am extremely grateful to have been invited. The locals take their liberation extremely seriously and is a foundation for their freedom and democracy. I would like to thank the owners of the Tongerlo Hotel for their impeccable service and for spending so much time with us. I am also grateful for the party from the Duke of Wellingtons who adopted me over the weekend. Attached are several snaps made; I will add some of the professional pictures when they become available. “By our deeds, we are known” Martin Talling, County Chairman.
No More Parades It is my sad duty to inform you of the passing of Mrs Sonia Miller, widow of Phil (Dusty) Miller, formerly 1st Battalion The Gloucestershire Regiment. Sonia passed away peacefully and with great dignity on Saturday 2nd of November 2024 at Weston Super Mare Hospital after a brief illness. Sonia was an enormous supporter of Phil in his decades of Regimental Association positions and a stalwart member of the Somerset Branch in her own right. Sonia initiated the Somerset branch raffles and raised funds for over 10 years and her sterling work over many decades was recognised with the President's Certificate of Appreciation, the highest association award. Sonia was a dear friend to so many of us and will be greatly missed. Her two sons Richard & David are leading the family arrangements and I will notify everyone of the funeral details when confirmed. Rest in Peace Angel.
Tommy's funeral will be held at Cheltenham crematorium on the 14th Nov at 12:00 hrs. The wake details will be published on the Order-of-Service
Tommy was a well know figure and a veteran of the Imjin River battle with 170 Bat RA attach to 1Glosters he was made a honorary Gloster so let's give him a Glosters send off! Reggie ties please lads
Due to multiple association events falling over one weekend, next year's Imjin Lunch will now be on Sunday the 13th of April 2025 and not Sunday 27th of April 2025 as previously notified; Can everyone please ensure their diaries are updated.
Online booking for this event will be available from next week.
The funeral for Roy Mills will be held at the Baptist Church, Commercial Road, Cinderford GL14 2RP on 7th November 2024 at 12:30 hrs followed by a private family internment.
Reggie ties please gents let's give Roy a Regimental send off.
Wake detailed will be published on the Order of service sheets.
