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The King’s Regiment Association
Liverpool Branch
A Branch of the Duke of Lancaster’s Regimental
Association
‘Nec Aspera Terrent’
DECEMBER 2013 NEWSLETTER – ISSUE 41
ELECTRONIC EDITION
WISHING ALL OUR READERS, A VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS AND A
HAPPY, HEALTHY, SAFE & PROSPEROUS NEW YEAR
o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o
‘100’ CLUB
The October 2013 draw was made at City Office, Liverpool on Tuesday 8th October
2013 by Committee member John Butler, and the winner is:
1ST PRIZE (£40) - R J LONG
The November 2013 draw was made at City Office, Liverpool on Tuesday 29th
October 2013 by Committee member Terry Caffrey, and the winner is:
1ST PRIZE (£40) - B GREEN
o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o
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We require your letters, comments,
photographs, stories etc., for inclusion in the
next Newsletter
which will be published in:
FEBRUARY 2014.
The closing date for submission is:
SATURDAY 25TH JANUARY 2014.
Please forward to:
Eric Roper
171 Queens Drive
Liverpool
L18 1JP
email: eric_roper@blueyonder.co.uk
I can scan photographs and return the originals,
but please provide a SAE.
Please enclose a detailed description, ie,
names, dates etc., of any photograph(s).
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DONATIONS TO THE ASSOCIATION
The Committee would like to thank the under mentioned members who have made a
cash donation to the associations general fund. Your generosity is very much
appreciated.
J ARMSTRONG, J BARRINGTON, T BENNETT, R BOARDMAN, G BROWN,
F BURNELL, S CASTELL BEM, R DAVIES, G EDWARDS, D FULHAM,
K GODBEER BEM, B HOUGH, LT COL W HUGHES, E JONES,
R KENNY MBE DCM, C LANGEVELD, V MALONEY, MAJ E McMAHON TD,
J. O’CARROLL, MAJ P OAKLEY MBE, N PICKLES, V QUARMBY, T ROONEY,
E ROPER, D ROSE, W SEFTON, BERNIE SMITH, BRYN SMITH, MAJ R TAYLOR,
J D THOMAS, A THOMPSON, T THOMPSON, G TREBLE, MAJ D VICKERS TD
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The Band of the Duke of Lancaster’s Regiment
Pauline Donovan and the children from Performance Studios presents
A CHRISTMAS CONCERT
at St Chad’s Church, Old Hall Lane, Kirkby L32 5TH
on Saturday 14th December 2013 commencing at 7pm
All proceeds will go to SSAFA
Ticket prices are £5 for Adults and £2.50 for Children
Ticket enquiries 0151 292 0511 or you can pay at the door.
Get in the Christmas spirit with some fantastic music.
Please be seated by 6.45pm
Danny Farley will be collecting food for local food banks.
Please bring any donations with you to the concert
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†
LAST POST
†
FRANCIS NUNEZ, LATE KING’S REGIMENT/T FORCE (BELATED ENTRY)
It is with regret that I have to inform you of the death of
Francis Nunez.
Francis passed away suddenly in hospital, on the 2nd
May 2013, aged 92.
Service took place at St Mary’s Church, Sculcoates, Hull,
followed by Cremation at Hull Crematorium on the13th
May 2013.
Francis was President of his local Royal British Legion
(Hull) and served in that post until his untimely death.
BERNARD (BUTCH) MANNION, LATE 1 KINGS (BELATED ENTRY)
I have been informed by Russ Larkman, that Bernard (Butch) Mannion passed away
suddenly but peacefully at home with dignity on Tuesday 17th September 2013 aged 69
years.
Butch joined the Battalion in Berlin in July 1963 and was posted to D Company.
Service and committal took place on Tuesday 1st October 2013 at Overdale Cemetery,
Overdale Drive, Chorley New Road, Bolton.
He is survived by his ex wife Lillian and children Michelle, Sandra, Deborah, Paula and
Bernard.
COLONEL ANDY PULLAN – LATE 1 KINGS AND 3 YORKS
It is with regret that I have to inform you that Colonel Andy
Pullan died, aged 47, in the early hours of Sunday
morning, 27th October 2013, following a tragic canoeing
accident on the river Tees on Saturday 26th October
2013.
His funeral took place in the chapel at Barnard Castle
School on Friday 8th November at 1130 hrs followed by
burial at Holy Trinity Church Cemetery, Startforth, Barnard
Castle.
Andy was originally commissioned into the King’s
Regiment in 1985. He took command of 3rd Battalion The
Yorkshire Regiment in October 2006 and later transferred
to the Yorkshire Regiment.
Andy retired early from the Army in June this year. He is survived by his widow, Melanie,
and two children Ben and Hannah.
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†
LAST POST
†
MAJOR ROBERT TRANTER OWEN (LATE MANCHESTER REGIMENT)
It is with deep regret that we have to announce Major Robert Tranter Owen died on the
afternoon of the 7th November 2013 in Warrington hospital, surrounded by his family.
His funeral took place on Wednesday 20th November 2013 at Altrincham Crematorium,
Whitehouse Lane, Dunham Massey, Altrincham, Cheshire.
MAJOR MARK CHADWICK (LATE 1 KINGS)
It is with deep regret that we have to inform you that Major
Mark Chadwick died on 16th November 2013, aged 48 years
His funeral service took place at St Bartholomew Church,
Morton Corbett, Shropshire on Thursday 28th November
2013.
He is survived by his wife Gaynor, stepson Phillip, daughter
Alex and son James .
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OPERATIONAL HONOURS AND AWARDS LIST 4TH OCTOBER 2013
We are delighted that the hard work and success of 1 LANCS in Afghanistan has
been recognised in the October 2013 Honours and Operational Awards list:
OFFICER OF THE ORDER OF THE BRITISH EMPIRE (OBE)
Lieutenant Colonel Nicholas Ian WOOD, The Duke of Lancaster's Regiment
MILITARY CROSS (MC)
Lieutenant (now Captain) William Jordan Campbell BOREHAM, The Duke of
Lancaster's Regiment
MENTION IN DESPATCHES (MID)
Captain Thomas William Wilfred DAVIES, The Duke of Lancaster's Regiment
Acting Sergeant Mark William John STEVENS, The Duke of Lancaster's Regiment
Acting Sergeant Paul Anthony STIRLAND, The Duke of Lancaster's Regiment
Corporal James Clifford Gordon VICKERS, The Duke of Lancaster's Regiment
Lance Corporal Rachel Marie HUGHES, Royal Army Medical Corps
JOINT COMMANDER’S COMMENDATION
Major Andrew ADAMS, The Duke of Lancaster's Regiment
Away from Afghanistan:
QUEEN’S COMMENDATION FOR VALUABLE SERVICE (QCVS)
Colonel Andrew DENNIS OBE, late The Duke of Lancaster’s Regiment
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Mr Percy Bell ex Warrant Officer Class 2, served with the Cadets in 1953, 4th
Battalion South Lancs Regiment PWV from 1959, 1st Battalion The Lancastrian
Volunteers from 1967, 5th/8th (Volunteer) Battalion The King’s Regiment from 1975
until his retirement in 1989, serving some 36 years in all.
After his retirement, Percy became involved with the Warrington Branch of the
Regimental Association. He became their Standard Bearer in 1989, a duty that he
still carries out to date. In 2002 he was made Branch Honorary Treasurer.
Percy (pictured below left) was presented with his Regiment Silver Medal during the
Warrington Branch Regimental Hot Pot Supper on the 4th October 2013 by Colonel
Steve Davies (pictured below right)
HIGHLIGHTS OF PERCY BELL’S SERVICE
1969 – Lined the route on the day of Prince Charles’s investiture as Prince of
Wales at Caernarfon Castle.
1976 – Lowered the 1st Bn The Lancastrian Volunteers flag for the last time at
Knowsley Hall, on rebadging to 5th/8th (Volunteer) Battalion The King’s
Regiment and presenting the 1st Bn The Lancastrian Volunteers flag to the
Museum at Peninsular Barracks, Warrington.
Training the Bn drivers for the move to Germany, by road, for Ex Crusader
and Lionheart.
Met HM The Queens and HM The Queen Mother on two occasions.
Was awarded the Lord Lieutenant’s Certificate in June 1980.
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THE HISTORY OF TROOPING THE COLOUR
From an original programme of ‘Trooping The Colour’
By The 1st Battalion The King’s Regiment
In The Presence Of His Excellency The Viceroy
at Jubbulpore on the 27th February 1935
IN CELEBRATION OF THE 250TH ANNIVERSARY
OF THE RAISING OF THE REGIMENT
The Colours are two in number, one is the King’s Colour, the Symbol of the Crown
to which a soldier’s loyalty is due, the other is the Regimental Colour.
This
represents the soul and traditions of the Regiment. Special honours are always
paid to the Colours in public, all soldiers in uniform standing to attention and
saluting, whilst in civilian dress they and the general public stand, all uncovering
their heads as a mark of respect when the Colours pass.
The origin of Trooping the Colour is unknown but it is believed to have been
connected with Guard Mounting Ceremony, and to have existed in the days of the
Duke of Marlborough. The first official record is found in an order of May 1775
issued by the Duke of Cumberland, the Commander-in-Chief.
The King’s Colour is only trooped in the case of a Guard mounted for His Majesty
The King, Her Majesty The Queen, Members of the Royal Family or his Majesty’s
chief representative in British Possessions or Mandated Territories, or for a
Ceremony in commemoration of the King’s birthday. On this occasion the King’s
Colour is being trooped.
Colours are not normally carried by anyone below the rank of Commissioned
Officer, but the ceremony of “Trooping the Colour” commences with the emblem in
charge of a Serjeant assisted by two sentries ready to guard the Colour s from any
harm.
In a similar manner the four “Guards” are drawn up without their Officers. The
object in both cases is to show that the Non-Commissioned Officers and men are
so trusted that the responsibility of guarding such a sacred symbol can safely be
left in their hands.
The Warrant Officers who have been commanding the Guards assemble with the
Officers on the saluting base. This is a relic of the days when they were so
collected together in order to draw lots for their Guards, to receive the pass-word
and other necessary orders.
The original programme was sent to me by:
Ex Drum Major John Thompson, Ex 5th/8th (Volunteer) Battalion The King’s Regiment
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LETTERS PAGE
TONY DUCKWORTH, WRITES:
Hello Eric,
Was just trying to think when the last was that we may have met – sometime at 5/8 – some
years ago? I do remember 5/8 KINGS coming over to Osnabrück in the mid 80's – that
can't the last time surely? Anyway, I got a copy of your last newsletter off Paul Ditchfield –
and the attached is a little write up on the subject of "Four Kingo's with More Than One
Bottle of Beer!!" Four of us over here in Iraq, working for the same company and on one
day in each two month period we are all in the same place! The picture documents that
last time, a few day's ago
ONE BOTTLE OF BEER……….
In the words of the old song “One bottle of beer between the four of us, glory be dah de
dah de dah de dah de dah, the four of us would etc, etc. We all know how it ends. Well
here are “The Aforementioned Four” and I can personally confirm that there have been ‘a
few’ cans of beer sunk by ‘The Four’ since we have been here!
Where are we? Well, by several circuitous routes all four; Steve Piercy, Paul Ditchfield,
Mark Bell and Tony Duckworth have all ended working at the same place in Iraq, after
completing many years service between them and going their own separate way’s after
leaving the Army, we have all ended up here at Iraq Energy City (IEC), just south of Basra.
IEC being a secure ‘camp’ where oil and gas companies are accommodated and have
warehouse facilities etc. An amazing place, which less then 3 years ago was just a piece
of barren desert.
One of the facilities here at IEC is a new, and quite amazing, Sports Centre. Steve is a
frequent user; Ditchy did once set off to go there but got a phone call and headed back to
the office. Mark knows where it is (!) and me, ‘I can’t seem to find my trainers……..!!
All four of us are doing well, keeping fit and healthy and they extend a welcome to any
Kingo’s who may be passing by – do pop in – but please bring your own bottle of beer!
Regards and best wishes to all ex Kingsmen, wherever they may be.
Tony
Email:
Skype:
tony.duckworth@petronorgroup.com
tony.duckworthHSE
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LETTERS PAGE
MAJOR P OAKLEY MBE, WRITES:
Eric,
Since my 'rant' in the last newsletter I have had some responses, all of which has been in
support. What is clear is that people cannot find the rationale behind closing Townsend
Avenue but keeping TACs in some little towns open despite size and parlous recruitment.
This prompted me to write the attached letter, not copied to RHQ in respect of the 'no
argument and not to challenge directive '!
Best wishes,
Peter
Dear Mr Hammond,
I write to you in regard to the closing of the infantry TAC in Townsend Avenue, Liverpool,
the loss of the TA battalion, and the non-recruitment of infantry in that city.
I must begin by declaring a personal interest in the subject. I come from Liverpool and
from the age of fifteen served in the city regiment, The King’s Regiment, for thirty four
years. During my service I served two years in the Liverpool Recruiting Office and later
two years as the Regular Quartermaster of my regiment’s Territorial Army Battalion, 5/8
KINGS.
I know from my own experience with them that 5/8 KINGS, based at Townsend Avenue,
epitomised the type of reserve the regular army will need in support of them. Tough, well
trained and motivated they deservedly earned and maintained the respect of the regular
battalion they supported. It is beyond comprehension that the country should lose such a
vital addition of its army.
General Houghton recently said the recruitment levels to the reserves, are running at
around half the planned levels. The city of Liverpool quite clearly is a large pool of potential
recruits of both men and women. It therefore does not make any sense at all not to raise
and keep at least an infantry company in the city, given its long and honourable history of
military service both Army and Navy. What is even less understandable is that some of the
smaller towns in the North West have held onto their TACs. It is worth comparing
populations in these towns as they will indicate what might be the recruiting potential:Blackpool:
147.000
Blackburn:
140,000
Preston:
132,000
Barrow-in-Furness: 69,000
Workington:
24,000
When these figures are compared to the nearly half a million population of Liverpool (and
Manchester which is even larger) someone clearly has not done their homework, hence
has not been able to make a balanced judgement.
(Continued on page 9)
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LETTERS PAGE
In conclusion I believe you have not been not well advised by the military in the closure of
TACs and recruitment of reservists. Therefore may I urge you, along with your military
advisers, to look again at the great potential that Liverpool has in continuing to provide a
first rate dedicated and loyal reserve? With a well-orchestrated city wide recruitment drive
you will, I have absolutely no doubt, reduce the deficit in reservists that the country is
currently faced with.
Yours sincerely,
Peter Oakley
Copy to:
General Sir John Houghton GCB CBE ADC Gen.
BERNIE SMITH, WRITES:
Eric,
I write in response to the letter by Major Peter Oakley MBE, in the October 2013
Newsletter regarding the proposed closure of Townsend Avenue TAC, Liverpool.
Well done to Peter for having the courage to say what everybody thinks, but sadly too few
will actually voice their opinion on this subject.
When we served in the Regiment, pride in its history was instilled into us. We continue to
carry that pride today, but unfortunetaly, those in authority who made their mark through
time served in the Regiment, now seem to have turned their backs on it.
Once again, well done to Peter Oakley.
Regards
Bernie
Ed Note:
Simplistically and in my humble opinion, the failure to recruit TA Soldiers into the Duke of
Lancaster’s Regiment here in Liverpool maybe due to two of many possible reasons.
1.
The War in Afghanistan – I am sure there are a lot of parents, wives, girlfriends etc,
who may have pressurised their nearest and dearest not to join because of the risks
involved whilst the war was ongoing.
2.
The Duke of Lancaster’s name, as yet, does not have any correlation with
Liverpool, unlike The King’s, who had very close connections to the City over many, many
years and still does today. I remember when I enlisted into the King’s Regiment in 1964,
the reason I was accepted into the King’s was because my father had served prior to and
during WW2 with the King’s (Liverpool) Regiment. Other recruits in my intake, bar one
(Paddy Faulkner), who had wanted to join the King’s, had to join one of the other
regiments within the then ‘Lancastrian Brigade’.
With the proposed closure of the Townsend Avenue TAC, the likelihood of reversing this
trend may well be doomed, thus leaving no Infantry TA unit in this great and proud City. A
very, very sad day indeed!
Eric Roper
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HUMOUR IN UNIFORM
HOME ON THE RANGE
The Lone Ranger and Tonto walked into a saloon and sat down to drink a Beer.
After a few minutes, a big tall Kingsman walked in and said "Who owns the big white horse
outside?"
The Lone Ranger stood up, hitched his gun belt, and said, "I do....Why?"
The Kingsman looked at the Lone Ranger and said, "I just thought you'd like to know that
your horse is about dead outside!"
The Lone Ranger and Tonto rushed outside and sure enough Silver was ready to die from
heat exhaustion. The Lone Ranger got the horse water and soon Silver was starting to feel
a little better.
The Lone Ranger turned to Tonto and said, "Tonto, I want you to run around Silver and
see if you can create enough of a breeze to make him start to feel better."
Tonto said, "Sure, Kemosabe" and took off running circles around Silver.
Not able to do anything else but wait, the Lone Ranger returned to the saloon to finish his
drink.
A few minutes later, another Kingsman struts into the bar and asks, "Who owns that big
white horse outside?"
The Lone Ranger stands again, and claims, "I do, what's wrong with him this time?"
The Kingsman looks him in the eye and says,
"Nothing, but you left your injun runnin!"
WISDOM
An old ex Kingsman goes to the Wizard to ask him if he can remove a curse he has been
living with for the past 40 years.
The Wizard says, 'Maybe, but you will have to tell me the exact words that were used to
put the curse on you.'
The old Kingsman says, without hesitation, 'I now pronounce you man and wife.'
IN SICKNESS AND IN HEALTH
A doctor examining a woman who had been rushed to casualty, took the husband,
Cpl Taffrey, aside, and said, 'I don't like the looks of your wife at all..'
'Me neither doctor,' said Cpl Taffrey. 'But she's a great cook and really good with the kids.'
FAIR JUDGEMENT
'Sgt Jutler, I have reviewed this case very carefully,' the divorce Court Judge said, 'and I've
decided to give your wife £250 a week,'
'That's very fair, your honour,' Sgt Jutler said. 'And every now and then I'll try to send her a
few quid myself.'
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HUMOUR IN UNIFORM
MATING CALL
Two Red Indians and a Kingsman were walking through the woods. All of a sudden one of
the Red Indians ran up a hill to the mouth of a small cave.
'Wooooo! Wooooo! Wooooo!' he called into the cave and listened closely until he heard an
answering, 'Wooooo! Wooooo! Woooooo! He then tore off his clothes and ran into the
cave.
The Kingsman was puzzled and asked the remaining Indian what it was all about.
the other Indian crazy or what?'
'Was
The Indian replied 'No, It is our custom during mating season when Indian men see cave,
they holler 'Wooooo! Wooooo! Wooooo!' into the opening. If they get an answer back, it
means there's a beautiful squaw in there waiting for us.
Just then they came upon another cave. The second Indian ran up to the cave, stopped,
and hollered, 'Wooooo! Wooooo! Wooooo!' Immediately, there was the answer. 'Wooooo!
Wooooo! Wooooo!' from deep inside.
He also tore off his clothes and ran into the opening.
The Kingsman wandered around in the woods alone for a while, and then spied a third
large cave. As he looked in amazement at the size of the huge opening, he was thinking,
'Hoo, man! Look at the size of this cave! It is bigger than those the Indians found. There
must be some really big, fine women in this cave!'
He stood in front of the opening and hollered with all his might 'Wooooo! Wooooo!
Wooooo!'
Like the others, he then heard an answering call, 'WOOOOOOOOO,
WOOOOOOOOO WOOOOOOOOO!'
With a gleam in his eye and a smile on his face, he raced into the cave, tearing off his
clothes as he ran.
The following day, the headline of the local newspaper read...............
NAKED KINGSMAN RUN OVER BY TRAIN!!
HEAVENLY SENT
A Kingsman appeared before St. Peter at the Pearly Gates.
“Have you ever done anything of particular merit?” St. Peter asked.
“Well I can think of one thing,” the Kingsman offered.
“On a trip to the city centre in Liverpool , I came upon a gang of bikers who were
threatening a young woman. I directed them to leave her alone, but they wouldn't listen.”
“I approached the largest and most tattooed biker and smacked him in the face, kicked his
bike over, ripped out his nose ring, and threw it on the ground. I yelled, Now, back off or I'll
kick the hell out of all of you!”
St. Peter was impressed, “When did this happen?”
“A couple of minutes ago.”
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LETTERS PAGE
ENA ELWELL, WRITES:
Mr Roper
Thank you for the addition in your October 2013 Newsletter.
I mentioned in an earlier email I have fond memories with Kingsmen I have worked with
over my 31 years service.
Kindest regards
Ena Elwell (late DWR)
ROBIN McGRATH, BRANCH SECRETARY, SSAFA MERSEYSIDE, WRITES:
Eric
Thank you for sending me the October 2013Newsletter and more importantly thank you for
including the Military Wives Choir poster for SSAFA.
Your Newsletter is very informative and I particularly like the joke about the Kingsman and
the Para!!
With regards
Robin
PETER DAVID HEATON (24862758), WRITES:
I was a Junior Leader at JIB Ouston, Newcastle upon Tyne. I served with 1st Battalion
The King’s Regiment from January 1989 to March 1991.
It would be good to hear from anyone who knew me.
Regards
Peter
Telephone: 07947575231
E Mail:
davidpheaton@gmail.com
CAPTAIN MICK HUNT, WRITES:
Eric,
I thought that the attached may be of interest for the
Newsletter/Association members.
This Liverpool Pals Memorial is located in the village of
Montauban, which was liberated by the Liverpool Pals.
The 17th Battalion was fighting with 30th Division on
1st July 1916 and were one of the few British units to
successfully achieve their objective by the end of the first
day of the Battle of the Somme.
With warmest regards
Mick
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LETTERS PAGE
HENRY BECKETT, WRITES:
Hi Eric
This link below was forwarded to me. Is it known to the community
http://www.soldiersofthequeen.com/page4-AlbumGroup8thRegimentofFoot.html
Kind Regards
Henry (Clive)
KAREN WHITE, WRITES
Would love to know if anyone remembers my father-in-law: 22572318 James Ernest White
from Kirkby, who served in 1st Battalion The King's (Liverpool) Regiment in Korea,
Germany and Hong Kong.
We believe he was briefly one of the guards of Rudolph Hess at Spandau Prison, Berlin.
Any memories would be fantastic, as I would like to put together memories of 'Big Jimmy'
for my husband (his son) and his wife/sisters. I look forward to hearing from you.
Thanks
Karen
Telephone : 07762 519747
Email:
kdwhite41@hotmail.com
RON (WHITEY) EVANS, WRITES:
It would be great to hear from anyone who knew me from my time with 1 KINGS. I served
in Kenya, Gil Gil and Muthaiga Camps.
Regards
Ron
Telephone : 01606556977
Email:
garstonian@talktalk.net
VINCE MALONEY, WRITES:
Eric,
Thanks for the October 2013 Newsletter. It was a great read and I enjoy the letters pages,
which gave me the idea to write and to mention a new book release “British Soldiers of the
Korean War, told in the soldiers own words. The book is written by Stephen F Kelly
(Manchester). Some Kingsmen have their say, ie, Bill Hurst and Jim Lucock plus Jim’s
photograph. John Smith, Chairman of the Liverpool KV also contributes. I don’t have any
info re purchasing the book, just to say it is a good read.
Regards
V Maloney
Ed note:
I have checked on the Amazon web site and the book is available, from £8.62 in
printed form. The book is also available for a Kindle download.
On the Amazon web site http://www.amazon.co.uk/ enter
ISBN 978-0-7524-8727-4 in the search engine.
Page 14
LETTERS PAGE
JIMMY SEVILLE, WRITES FROM NEW ZEALAND:
Hi Eric,
Please note my new email address.
I got on to the newsletters yesterday and was going through them when I saw that
‘Storming Norman Rushworth’ had died.
I last met Norman in Withington in 2002. I had just walked into a pub, can’t remember the
name of it, and was getting a pint with my brother. As I was standing at the bar a fella
came in and stood next to me. I gave him a cursory glance and recognised him straight
away. I asked him “Do you want a pint mate”? “‘Narr it’s alright lad” he said.
I went and sat down and watched him. He hadn’t recognised me. When he got his pint he
went and sat in the next ‘cubby hole’ and I said “Norman sit here lad”. He stopped in his
tracks and stared at us with this look of lost time and who is that! Then the memory part of
his brain came rushing back. “Jimmy”! Yep sit here lad and have a pint with us. We had
a few that afternoon and spent lots of time catching up on 22 years of days gone by.
Norman came to Charlie Company from Malta when the Loyals Regiment got disbanded.
They all came to us in Minden (Germany) and some found it hard to settle into their new
Regiment. It didn’t take long though as they were all Northerners. We loved Norman to
bits. Me, Les Gilman, John Smith and Paddy Riley. Norman adapted into the King’s and
became a great character who was a stickler for having clean boots. He had a ready
smile and a great sense of humour in a Regiment that was full of born comedians! He was
soon boxing at Regimental level and trained by Mr Clive Bugg himself.
I was saddened to hear of his passing as he was such a kind hearted person and never
had a bad word to say about anyone.
On another note Eric,
(1) have they given you an MBE yet? (2) What is going to happen when you die?
Ed note:
No and not likely re the first question and I have no plans yet for the second!
I presume it’s you being so happy that keeps you going Jimmy?
I am well and still working in the ambulance. Only have 5 months to go and then get the
pension. I was in UK this year for about three weeks in July; it was me that brought all
that great weather. We took a holiday on one of the long ships in Germany and did the
canals from Budapest to Amsterdam. Had a fantastic time and then spent time in UK slept
in 10 different beds as we spun up and down the country visiting family.
If you get the chance Eric, do the canals trip, its 14 days of relaxation. Had beer and
sausages at 1030hrs in Bavaria!
That’s all for now mate. We will all meet up one day on one of the other sides!
Take care Eric
Jimmy Seville
New Email Address:
jeseville@clear.net.nz
Page 15
23RD ANNIVERSARY OF V2
AND NORTHERN IRELAND MEMORIAL SERVICE
Shortly after 4 o'clock on the morning of 24th October 1990, a massive bomb exploded at
the permanent vehicle checkpoint on the Buncrana road out of Londonderry, a few
hundred yards from the border with the Irish Republic. The bomb was estimated to have
consisted of about 750 kg of home-made explosive. It is thought that the bomb was
contained in a vehicle which was driven into a search bay at the checkpoint. As a result of
this attack, five soldiers were killed and nine injured, one very seriously.
The soldiers killed were serving with the 1st Battalion the King's Regiment, based at
Ballykelly. The checkpoint and about 25 houses in a nearby estate were extensively
damaged; some residents were injured and many other houses sustained blast damage.
A Poignant memorial service was held at St Georges Hall for soldiers from the
King’s Regiment killed in Northern Ireland. The service at the King’s Regiment
Northern Ireland Memorial in St John’s Gardens on Saturday 26th October 2013 was
organised by former King’s Regiment soldiers in memory of colleagues who died.
ROLL OF HONOUR
24060500 CPL ALAN BUCKLEY 13/05/72
24153597 KGN EUSTACE EVERET (BILLY) HANLEY 23/05/72
23868738 KGN MARCEL JAMES (JIMMY) DOGLAY 30/05/72
24269306 KGN JAMES (JIMMY) JONES 18/07/72
24129922 KGN BRIAN THOMAS 24/07/72
24177738 KGN RENNIE LAYFIELD 18/08/72
24262329 KGN ROY CHRISTOPHER 30/08/72
24026570 SGT DENNIS (TOM) DOOLEY 15/03/75
24236914 KGN JIMMY GOLDS 20/06 75
24279321 KGN DAVID OWEN 14/10/75
24242822 KGN PETER KAVANAGH 14/11/75
24463680 KGN CHRISTOPHER ROBERT SHANLEY 11/04/79
24428848 LCPL STEPHEN LAWRENCE RUMBLE 19/04/79
24380552 LCPL ANDREW MARTYN WEBSTER 09/05/79
24493332 LCPL STEPHEN BURROWS 24/10/90
24797412 KGN STEPHEN ROY BEACHAM 24/10/90
24802418 KGN VINCENT JOHN PAUL SCOTT 24/10/90
24797926 KGN DAVID ANDREW SWEENEY 24/10/90
24789824 KGN PAUL DESMOND WORRALL 24/10/90
also remembered are
Pte Lee A Company 1 DWR attached to 1 KINGS in 1972
Mr Patsy Gillespie also murdered by the IRA on 24 Oct 90
Page 16
BATTLE OF CORIANO 15TH – 17TH SEPTEMBER 1944
In the Winter 1978 edition of the Regimental Journal there is a letter from R H Glaze about
his part in the Battle of Coriano. Short reminiscences often provide clues to wider events
and whilst reviewing the letter to see if it provided any information for the Historical Record
of The King’s Regiment which I am writing, I discovered that a little additional research led
to some surprising facts, not the least of which was that by September 1944 there may
have been few Liverpudlians serving in 2nd Bn The King’s Regiment (Liverpool).
In 1944 2nd Kings was into its sixth month of fighting with 4th Division in Italy when in midSeptember it was attached to the Canadian Corps. As the Battle of Coriano was drawing
to a close 28th Brigade was to mount a two battalion-up attack, with 2nd King’s on the
right, to seize the high ground west of Ospedaletto. This was to be a bloody three day
operation at the end of which the wounded Major J A deV Reynolds was to be awarded
the DSO for his “inspirational leadership” of A Company. The official story of the action is
told in ‘The Story of The King’s Regiment 1914-1948’ by Lt-Colonel J J Burke-Gaffney MC,
page 150-151. Coriano was to be awarded to The King’s as a Battle Honour.
In the 1978 Regimental Journal Ex-Cpl Glaze of A Company described what the final
attack was like from his perspective.
“In the early hours of the 17th September we moved along a road just below a ridge, and
then to the left for quite a way to some cross-roads which led through a gap to the valley
beyond, where we joined up with the other King’s Regiment parties.
Everything was done with the utmost quietness, and at 4.30 am we moved through the
gap and advanced in single file down into the valley. When we got onto the flat there was
a slight gully running along the left side of the roads which we made use of.
It was alright from the gap going down the slope, but when we reached the flat of the
valley enemy machine guns in front opened up with intensive fire. An MG in front on the
extreme right was firing across our line of advance, but in our slight depression we were
able to get below the red and white tracer bullets from it. In the darkness we could see the
outlines of buildings dotted about on the left and forward of us our objective, where fires
were burning and gradually made some light.
One will never forget the Commanding Officer, he walked up the centre of the road, cool
and calm, waving us on and calling “Come on A. Come on B. Come on C. Come on A.
Come on B. Come on C. (Lt Col W V H (Robby) Robins King’s Own took command in May
1944 after the previous CO had died of wounds.)
We were in the thick of it now, and against the burning objects in front one could see the
silhouettes of others in the advance. Bullets were flying everywhere, the tracer like a
dozen angry wasps nests. The enemy machine gun on the extreme right (they used
Spandaus) was troubling us. Lt Johnson called up the Bren Gun and with the Numbers
One and Two set out across the field to deal with this even through the odds were so
much against them silencing the gun.
It was still dark and the order came, “Corporal call up the 2 inch Mortar and fire Smoke
Bombs.” This we did and the advance moved up to the objective, a line of buildings, some
with the top storeys burning and one with an enemy machine gun firing from it.
Page 17
We took cover, little though it was, in this line of buildings when the warning came “An
enemy tank ahead” (they normally used the Tiger Tank Mk IV, and they were deadly). An
NCO was asked to take the PIAT (Projector Infantry Anti-Tank) to deal with it. No sooner
was this order given, when a Liverpool voice close by said to the NCO, “I’ll come with you.”
By now the darkness was just beginning to turn and dawn was breaking. The two moved
out to the right with the anti-tank weapon to just below a small bank. They fired the first
bomb, but simultaneously a second tank brought its gun to bear and exploded a shell in
their position.”
My research showed that the three day operation cost 24 Kingsmen their lives with
another 80 wounded. It is possible to identify the PIAT team as the only NCO to die on the
17th September was Sjt Thomas William Oliver Wright and the only Liverpudian to be
killed in the operation, also on the 17th September, was Pte Edwin Thomas Haworth. The
Bren Gun team cannot be identified but the Platoon Commander who took them across
the field was Lt Peter Anthony Johnstone of The Buffs (Royal East Kent Regiment). He
came from Dorset and is buried as a Buff not a Kingsman with the others in the Coriano
Ridge War Cemetery.
The Coriano Ridge War Cemetery is 3.5 kilometres west of riccione
The casualties reflect the effect of the six months of operations on the Battalion. In March
1944 it had been a pre-war Regular Battalion with many long service soldiers but had
suffered so many casualties that by September the reinforcements came from across
England and Wales. Of those buried at Coriano, only four came from Lancashire, one was
a volunteer from the Irish Republic and the others from places as far apart as Essex,
London, Sheffield and Flintshire. Sjt Wright was from Taplow in Buckinghamshire.
If you have any stories which you think would be of interest for the
Historical Record please contact Lt Col Robin Hodges on
729hodge@armymail.mod.uk or 01380723371
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The book "Difficulties be Damned" (History of the King's Regiment) by Patrick Mileham has
been dramatically reduced in price and is now available from the Regimental Shop at only
£10 per copy, was £45! Order through the Shop Manager, Mr Dave Pennington.
His contact details are; 01772 260591 on Tuesday to Thursday each week.
Please order early if required for Christmas.
Major (Retd) AM Turner
Area Secretary, Manchester (0161 273 6191)
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Page 18
REMEMBRANCE SERVICES 2013
THURSDAY 7TH NOVEMBER 2013
Association Members, (pictured below - left to right) Jimmy Skidmore, John
Schofield, Sgt Dave Pickles, Stan Castell BEM and Brian Green, attended the
Liverpool John Lennon Airport Memorial Garden remembrance service. Also in
attendance were Martin Burke, Bernie & Mrs Lita Smith, Mrs Ann Skidmore, Lt Col
David Chadwick TD, Capt Mick Hunt, Joe McLoughlin and Eric Roper. The service
was led by Nicky Lees, Airport Chaplain. Two readings took place by children from
St Christopher's Catholic Primary School, Speke, Liverpool.
Mr Jimmy Skidmore, (pictured below left) KRAL Member, laid a poppy wreath on
behalf of The King’s Regiment Association, Liverpool Branch.
After the service, all who attended were invited to take light refreshments, kindly
provided by the Airport authority.
FRIDAY 8TH NOVEMBER 2013
Association Members took part in the remembrance service at St John’s Garden,
Liverpool. Mr Cyril Askew (pictured right), our oldest member, aged 96, laid a
poppy wreath on behalf of The King’s Regiment Association, Liverpool Branch.
SUNDAY 10TH NOVEMBER 2013
Members of The King’s Regiment Association, Liverpool Branch along with KRAK
and IKRA members, attended the remembrance service at the Cenotaph in
Liverpool.
Major E McMahon TD laid a poppy wreath on behalf of the Regiment. After the
service, following behind The Regimental Band of The Duke of Lancaster's
Regiment, Association members took part the march past.
Following the Cenotaph Service, association members attended a short service at
the King’s Regiment Memorial in St John’s Garden and Mr Cyril Askew (pictured
above right) laid a poppy wreath on behalf of the Association.
Association members then retired to the TAC at Townsend Avenue for light
refreshments and a buffet lunch, kindly provided by 4th Battalion The Duke of
Lancaster's Regiment.
Page 19
TURNING THE LEAVES – LIVERPOOL ANGLICAN CATHEDRAL
THURSDAY 21ST NOVEMBER 2013
1914-1918
PTE C AMER
2 LT E AUSTIN
LCPL J BATES
.
TURNED BY
MAJ EDDIE McMAHON TD
Ex 5/8 KINGS
1939-1945
PTE AVES
CPL L BAKER
SGT C BAMBURG
TURNED BY
JOHN BUTLER
Ex 1 KORB
NORTHERN IRELAND
KGN V J P SCOTT
KGN D A SWEENEY
KGN P D WORRALL
TURNED BY
ERIC ROPER
Ex 1 KINGS & 5/8 KINGS
NOVEMBER 2013 ATTENDANCES
J BUTLER, MAJ E McMAHON TD, E ROPER, D THOROLD,
MAJ D VICKERS TD, J WOODS.
A very disappointing turnout. We must have hundreds if not thousands of ex
Kingsmen in and around the Liverpool area. as well as serving Kingsmen with
4 LANCS and LUOTC etc.
Surely some of you could spare half an hour on one of the four Thursday per year
to remember our fallen comrades.
Thank you Derek Thorold, who travels from Anglesey four time a year to attend.
THE 2014 TURNING OF THE LEAVES CEREMONIES WILL TAKE PLACE AT
THE LIVERPOOL ANGLICAN CATHEDRAL ON:
THURSDAY 13TH MARCH 2014 AT 5.30 PM
THURSDAY 5TH JUNE 2014 AT 5.30 PM
THURSDAY 25TH SEPTEMBER 2014 AT 5.30 PM
THURSDAY 6TH NOVEMBER 2014 AT 5.30 PM
Page 20
HOW THE BRANCH IS RUN
The Branch is managed by a management committee that meets quarterly at
11.30am on selected Sundays at Townsend Avenue.
Any member of the Branch is welcome to participate.
The committee is elected at the Annual General Meeting each year.
CURRENT COMMITTEE
CHAIRMAN
Lieutenant Colonel Ray Hughes QVRM TD
DEPUTY CHAIRMAN
Major Eddie McMahon TD
SECRETARY
John Schofield
Telephone: 07788 994621
Email: jonnylad@tiscali.co.uk
NEWSLETTER EDITOR
Eric Roper
Tele: 0151 733 5946
Email: eric_roper@blueyonder.co.uk
TREASURER
Major Dennis Vickers TD
ASSISTANT TREASURER
Norman Pickles
CESRA REPRESENTATIVE
Terry Caffrey
COMMITTEE MEMBERS
John Butler, Terry Caffrey, Captain John Cashen, Stan Castell BEM,
Brian Green, Joe McLoughlin, Roy Mitchell, Russell Start
STANDARD BEARERS
John Schofield, Stan Castell BEM & Brian Green
Any of the above committee member can be contacted through:
c/o City Office Liverpool
The Duke of Lancaster's Regiment
Room 9, Walker House, Exchange Flags, Liverpool L2 3YL
Tele: 0151 242 2322
Association members meet at Townsend Avenue TA Centre between 12 pm and
4 pm on the 1st & 3rd Sundays of every month excluding Bank Holidays.
Please lend your support and meet up with old friends.
© Published by the King’s Regiment Association, Liverpool Branch
http://www.kral.org.uk/
Printed Version By:
The Print & Copy Centre, 7A Rose Lane, Mossley Hill, Liverpool L18 8AD
Telephone: 0151 724 1738
AN INVITATION
FOR YOU TO ATTEND
THE KING’S REGIMENT
ASSOCIATION LIVERPOOL
CHRISTMAS SOCIAL
1300 HRS SUNDAY 8th DECEMBER 2013
TOWNSEND AVENUE TA CENTRE, LIVERPOOL
FREE ENTRY
FREE BUFFET
RAFFLE ETC
Open to all ex Kingsmen, serving Kingsmen
& all association members
Please come along and support this event and make it bigger and better
than last year.