News From the Glosters

Poppy Trains

Somerset Poppy Train 

Several train stations in Somerset will welcome the arrival of a 'Poppy Train' to transport wreaths to London for remembrance weekend.  Six trains will work to collect over 200 wreaths from GWR stations ahead of the London service on Friday, November 10.  The Great Western Railway service will mark 70 years since the end of the Korean War, remembering particularly personnel of the Gloucestershire Regiment and the Royal Fusiliers, who were involved in some of the heaviest fighting.  Taunton Railway Station will be the first of the Somerset stops for the Poppy Train, which is expected to arrive in the town at 7:24 a.m. on Friday, November 10. 

The train will then travel north through Sedgemoor and into North Somerset before diverting towards London Paddington Station.  It will make stops to collect wreaths at the following Somerset stations:

  • Bridgwater - 7:35 am
  • Highbridge & Burnham - 7:42 am
  • Weston-Super-Mare - 7:55 am
  • Weston Milton - 7:59 am
  • Worle - 8:03 am
  • Yatton - 8:09 am
  • Nailsea & Backwell 8:15 am

Planned engineering work preventing trains from running between Penzance and Plymouth, will be mitigated by support from a Royal Navy helicopter, and a bus to collect wreaths from stations through the region and carry them to Plymouth.  Danny Greeno, CEO of The Veterans Charity, said:  “We are very proud to have wonderful support from GWR for this Remembrance initiative which is now in its fourth year.  "Poppies To Paddington will once again be hugely poignant, paying respects to the fallen.  "Thanks to great support from the military and railway communities, wreaths are still able to complete their journey from across the South-West to Paddington to form the backdrop to the annual Remembrance service on Platform 1.  “Bringing communities, service personnel and Veterans together to remember in this special way is so important to ensure the sacrifices of the fallen are never forgotten.

The RGBW Association County Chairman for Somerset will be at Highbridge Train Station to present a Gloster Poppy Wreath to commemorate the return of our Imjin heroes from the Chinese prison camps 70 years ago.  It would be greatly appreciated if any other Association members could be in attendance at any of the stations listed at the stated time to meet/greet the train,  “By our deeds we are known”

Yours aye

Martin Talling

County Chairman

memories of 13 Platoon, D Coy 1965

The following has been received:

Good Morning Gentleman,
Following your latest communication , I was curious to know how many old and bold are still with us from 13 platoon D Coy, which was my platoon after being commissioned from Mons OCS in 1965. Paul Arengo Jones was the senior sub in D company, some other bloke commanded 15 platoon I think, and Bobby Martin was the OC. George Thomas was the CSM and the Bn was commanded by HENRY RADICE !!!! Adjt was David Godfrey and his asst was Tim Cooper. Jeremy Mermagen was sigs Officer and Mike Smith- Rewes was the mortar comd. Swaziland was the posting.

Cpl Panga Price will live with me for ever as will Cpl Nobby Clark !!!!!! and Len Keeling (Then pte Keeling) I know you won't forget me Len!! . How I wish memories did not fade.

Best wishes to all old Glosters

Peter McNaught

Gloster Regimental Memorial Update

memorial.png

We are pleased to announce that we are now an accredited Charity!

We are presently waiting for

HMRC to approve this formally so that we can then push forward on reclaiming Gift Aid. This entitles us to use the Gift Aid scheme.

Gift Aid is a scheme run by the government that enables charities to increase the value of donations made by reclaiming basic rate tax that has been paid on the gift. At the moment, we can claim 25p per £1 donated, so on a gift of £100, we will actually receive an extra £25, at no cost to the donor which we can use to help towards the final balance.

The Slashers golf society on tour 2023.

The Slashers golf society on tour 2023.

The Slashers golf society on tour 2023.
We decided on Sueno golf hotel Belek Antalya Turkey twelve months in advance as we had been to this destination on four previous occasions, it is considered to be one of the best golfing destinations available, the society has been touring for over twenty years to many different countries such as Tunisia , Morocco, Spain & Portugal but none compare with Turkey for value,
This years tour was organised by Steve Bennion & Steve Knight both ex Glosters there organising skills are extremely good when it comes to golf tours , twenty four guys went on tour competing for a team prize ( the Salamanca trophy ) & the main prize The coveted Primrose Jacket ,
The first night is always a late night and some didn’t get to bed as it’s an all inclusive holiday so there were a few sore heads to start the weeks golf ,
Day one was a warmer in the bank team Texas scramble competition played in 36 degrees luckily we were in buggies with plenty of water, it’s a great friendly format where everyone can ease into the week ,
The facilities at the hotel are excellent the staff are very good and there is so much choice of food there is something for everyone ,
We played 5 straight rounds of golf with a rest day at the end of the week , however some guys played even on there rest day ,
The Twenty four players are divided into two equal ability teams 28th & LXI and play over two rounds for the trophy , this year the winners were team 28th captained by Tim Perrins ex Glosters,
The primrose jacket is the main competition, The jacket belonged to the England cricketer Tom Graveney who donated it to the slashers society , each year we play for the jacket on tour , the winners name is embroidered on the jacket and presented to that individual at the annual slashers August meeting,
This year we played two great courses , the Dunes & The National for the jacket with the winner scoring a magnificent gross four over par on the National 43 Stableford points ,and a par round on the Dunes course 36 points ,
The top Three were 1st place Roy Evans , 2nd place Matt Evans 3rd place Ron Cooke ,
The tour is finally is the end of tour dinner ,where we dress in planters order society ties and toast the king & Regiment , this year the dinner was organised by Graham ( Butch ) Sargent who did a fantastic job in booking a complete restaurant solely for our group with waiter service and a 5 course meal , needless to say it was a fantastic end to a perfect week ,
Roy Evans
Chairman

Some photos from the tour

 

RE: Les Allen’s Funeral & Wake

I would like to add my thanks to all who attended, despite the Clergy, it was an outstanding day with amazing feedback and thank yous from family & friends.
The undertakers were particularly impressed with our professionalism and conduct.
Attached is a video link to the service which I did not know was running.
Well done everyone, “By our deeds we are known” was never more demonstrated!

Yours aye
Martin Vine

PS: Hope everyone got home OK, I had to stop halfway for a power nap 😊

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kv-pgO2s780

Service of Thanksgiving in Gloucester Cathedral

D

Dear Fellow Back Badge Wearer,

In November 1953 around 400 Prisoners of War from the Gloucestershire Regiment returned to Gloucestershire after two and a half years in captivity in North Korea after being captured at the end of the Battle of The Imjin River in Korea in April 1951.

On their return, they all attended a Service of Thanksgiving in Gloucester Cathedral during which The Carne Cross was presented to the Cathedral.

The cross was fashioned from a rock with a nail by Lt Col Carne during an extended period of solitary confinement, and used by the soldiers in church services within the prison camp and smuggled out when the prisoners were exchanged.

On the 70th Anniversary of the arrival of the prisoners back in Gloucestershire we will be holding a Service of Commemoration to honour them and their fallen comrades from both the battle and the period in the camps. This service will be held on 25th November 2023 and will be based on the original service held in the cathedral 70 years ago to the week. The service will include the ceremonial re-presentation of The Carne Cross to the Cathedral.

We would like to invite you to this service which will take place at 1630hrs on Saturday 25 November 2023 in Gloucester Cathedral. All veterans and families are welcome to attend, dress suited & booted or smart civvies (former would be a preference). All those planning to attend should RSVP to Len Keeling at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. with all names, to ensure we have the appropriate seating available. No march this time, expecting a large gathering of veterans and families so get your seat reservations in early.

“By our deeds we are known”

Help Wanted – Regimental History/WW2 Buffs/Previous Contacts With the Dutch Polar Bear Foundation.

On D–Day 1944, the 2nd Battalion The Gloucestershire Regiment landed at Normandy as part of the 56th Independent Infantry Brigade, where it formed the right flank of the 50th (Northumbrian) Infantry Division on Gold Beach. It remained attached to the 50th Division until 10 June, after which it was attached to the 7th Armoured Division until 12 June, then reverting to the 50th Division and came under command of the 59th (Staffordshire) Infantry Division in early August 1944. On 20th August the brigade was permanently attached to the 49th (West Riding) Infantry Division, known as “The Polar Bears”

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Post Funeral Report - Leslie Alfred Ralph Allen, 1st Battalion The Gloucestershire Regiment, 1930 – 2023

Post Funeral Report - Leslie Alfred Ralph Allen, 1st Battalion The Gloucestershire Regiment, 1930 – 2023

Yesterday saw the funeral of Les Allen take place at Romsey Abbey, Hampshire and later a celebration of his life at Totten. The regiment was well represented with the last commanding officer giving a regimental tribute, both County Chairman's with four standard bearers in attendance and a total of eight standards on parade. The Korean military attaché, Lt Col Yang was also present with his family. It was also nice to see many other non-Gloster veterans on parade. There is a video link attached for the service and a photo taken at the wake after a well-earned beer.
Feedback from the family was outstanding and made all the hard work very worthwhile, the association really does live up to "by our deeds we are known"
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kv-pgO2s780

Update on HM Forces Veterans’ Cards

Update on HM Forces Veterans’ Cards

We receive quite a lot of enquiries about Veterans’ Cards and are aware that our members are keen to hear about advancements in this area.
The latest news is that work is underway to develop the digital verification system required to begin the second phase of the card rollout (to those who left the Armed Forces before December 2018).
The Office for Veterans Affairs (OVA) has led this work through the prototype stage, and it has now passed to the MOD for development and roll-out.
The Government will begin issuing cards by the end of this year and will be engaging with veterans over the coming months to participate in the Beta testing phase.
For future updates please visit GOV.UK where the latest news on progress will be shared.

Service Notice Update - Leslie Alfred Ralph Allen, Ist Battalion The Gloucestershire Regiment, 1930 – 2023

Funeral details have now been updated, for Korean and Imjin veteran Leslie Alfred Ralph Allen, 1st Battalion Gloucestershire Regiment, who died on the 19th of July 2023.

The last commanding officer 1 Glosters, two county chairmen and a four-man standard party will support the family at the service, providing the Regimental drape, wreath and standards; the Rifles are supplying a bugler.

All association veterans and serving Rifle personnel are invited to attend.

The funeral will take place at Romsey Abbey, Church Lane Romsey SO51 8EP at 11 30am on Thursday 24th August.

There will be a celebration of his life held afterwards at the Totton Recreation Club, 66 Rumbridge Street, Totton, Southampton, SO40 9DS. “By our deeds, we are known

The Funeral of Leslie Allen,

No More Parades - Service Notice: Funeral details have now been released for Korean and Imjin veteran Leslie Allen, 1st Battalion Gloucestershire Regiment, who died on the 19th of July 2023. The Association County Chairman will be supporting the family at the service, providing the Regimental drape and wreath and the Rifles are supplying a bugler. We are still trying to supply standard bearers. The funeral will take place at Romsey Abbey, Church Lane Romsey SO51 8EP at 11 30am on Thursday 24th August. There will be a celebration of his life held afterwards at the Totton Recreation Club, 66 Rumbridge Street, Totton, Southampton, SO40 9DS.

Burma Cup 2023 - results

The match between us & Farmers boys for the Burma cup took place on Friday 23rd June 2023 , the venue was Broome manor GC 6 The Fairway , Swindon , SN3 1RG.

Burma cup match results,


Farmers boys. 6. Slashers. 4.
Steve Riddell (13). V. David Llewellyn (13) Won 3/2
Ron Cooke. (19) Halved v Tony Dixon (14)
Dave Gardiner (18) won 2/1. V. Tim Perrins (24)
John Marsh (24) V. Steve Knight (17). Won 4/3
Peter North (16). Won 2/1. V. Graham Sargent (14)
Toby North. (22). Halved. V Roy Evans ( 9)
David O’Hara (9) Won 3/2. V. Gary Hopkins (24)
Darren Drury. (21). V. Steve Bennion (16). Won. 4/2
Kevin Flay. (11). Won 4/3. V Brian Wakfer. (16)
John Ledgister (13) won. 4/3. V Dean Mitchinson. (5).

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Slashers Golf Society annual meeting

Gents
This years Slashers Golf Society annual meeting is being held at Brickhampton golf club on Friday, the 4th of August, and this year we are supporting the efforts of the Gloucestershire Regiment Memorial fund,
Therefore, I am asking you all to make every effort to attend this year’s meeting we are hoping to get the numbers up, so we are asking you to invite your friends and family to attend, there will be prizes for guests the more the merrier , If you are able to invite your friends and make up a fourball, even better, they can all go out and play in a four ball together.
Hoping for your support .

View details of The Gloucestershire Regiment Memorial fund, here  The Proposed Regimental Memorial (glosters.org) 

The Burma Cup

The match between us & Farmers boys for the Burma cup will take place on Friday 23rd June 2023 , the venue is Broome manor GC 6 The Fairway , Swindon , SN3 1RG.
Arrive 0845 hrs first tee 1000hrs ,
The teams must consist of ex soldiers from respective regiments with a maximum handicap of 24 ,
We are looking to field a team of eleven , we are one man short so if anyone fits the above criteria please contact me , (dress. primrose shirts with back badge )
Our team is ;
Dean James Mitchinson, Roy Evans, Tony Dixon, Steve Bennion,
Brian Wakfer, Graham Sargent, Dave Llewellyn,
Steve Knight,
Tim Perrins, Gary Hopkins ,

Funeral of Major Philip Henry Hall MBE

The funeral of Major Philip Henry Hall MBE will take place at All Saints Church, Lydiard Millicent, Nr Swindon, SN5 5LS on Monday 20th March 2023 at 11.00 am. Family flowers only, donations if desired may be made to Myeloma UK (Myeloma.org.uk) and ABF, The Soldiers Charity (soldierscharity.org). The service will be followed by a reception at the Bolingbroke Arms, Hook Street, Royal Wootton Bassett, SN4 8DZ. All are welcome to attend but please inform either Mrs Debbie Hards (01823 333434 // This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.) or Mrs Tracey Clarke (07887 556364) in advance. Several will know Sandra Hopwood, Phil’s partner, and correspondence may be addressed to her at 12 St Peter’s Close, Goodworth Clatford, Andover, Hants, SP11 7SF. Mrs Tracey Clarke is Philip Hall’s daughter and next of kin.
Letters of condolence may be sent to Tracey at 26 Goose Green, Hook, Hants, RG27 9QT.

Please be warned there is limited parking in the vicinity of All Saints Church.

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