december 2009 newsletter draft
TRANSCRIPT
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REGIMENTAL FAMILY NEWSLETTER
DRAFT NOT TO BE PUBLISHED
As we rapidly approach Christmas and the end of 2009 I would like us all to spend a little time to reflect on
all those servicemen and women who are on operations and parted from their family and friends. A very
particular thought must be given to all those whos live have been torn apart through the loss of their loved
ones as a result of war; especially those who have died since the year began. As you are only too wellaware the Gunners have suffered the loss of four remarkable men in 2009 and on behalf of its membership,
www.theraa.co.ukwould like to reaffirm our deepest regret on hearing of the deaths this year of:
CAPT Tom H J SAWYER 29 Cdo Regt RA 14 Jan
BDR Craig HOPSON 40 Regt RA 25 Jul
WO2 Sean R UPTON 5 Regt RA 27 Jul
LBDR Matthew P HATTON 40 Regt RA 13 Aug.
TomSawyer Craig Hopson Sean Upton Matthew Hatton
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Christmas Messages from the Mod.
Defence Secretary Bob Ainsworth, Chief of the Defence Staff, Air Chief Marshal Sir JockStirrup, and Permanent Under Secretary of State for Defence, Sir Bill Jeffrey, have all sentChristmas messages to the Defence community.
Left to right: Defence Secretary Bob Ainsworth, Chief of the Defence Staff, Air Chief Marshal SirJock Stirrup, and Permanent Secretary Sir Bill Jeffrey [Pictures: Crown Copyright/MOD]
In his Christmas message, Defence Secretary Bob Ainsworth said how busy 2009 has been forDefence, saying it has scarcely been out of the headlines, and he thanked civilian and military stafffor their efforts during what he described as a relentless pace.
Chief of the Defence Staff, Air Chief Marshal Sir Jock Stirrup, said that like the rest of the nationhe is immensely proud and very grateful for all that Defence personnel have done and will do.
He also said that the spirit of duty before self, of the many before the individual, of obligationbefore rights, epitomises the ethos of our Armed Forces, and at Christmas when the duties ofmany Service personnel keep them in distant and often dangerous locations and away from theirfamilies, this ethos is all the more poignant.
Permanent Under Secretary of State for Defence, Sir Bill Jeffrey, praised the enthusiasm and
commitment of the people he meets across Defence, saying he doesn't take that commitment forgranted. He said at this time of year we think first of those spending Christmas on the front lineand that their courage and sacrifice is an inspiration to all of us.
The three Christmas messages can be read in full at:
http://www.mod.uk/DefenceInternet/DefenceNews/PeopleInDefence/AinsworthStirrupAndJeffreySendChristmasMessagesToDefenceCommunity.htm
http://www.mod.uk/DefenceInternet/DefenceNews/PeopleInDefence/AinsworthStirrupAndJeffreySendChristmasMessagesToDefenceCommunity.htmhttp://www.mod.uk/DefenceInternet/DefenceNews/PeopleInDefence/AinsworthStirrupAndJeffreySendChristmasMessagesToDefenceCommunity.htmhttp://www.mod.uk/DefenceInternet/DefenceNews/PeopleInDefence/AinsworthStirrupAndJeffreySendChristmasMessagesToDefenceCommunity.htmhttp://www.mod.uk/DefenceInternet/Templates/LargeImageTemplate.aspx?img=/NR/rdonlyres/803C442B-FB57-40BA-AA1A-933215117E4D/0/seniorstaff.jpg&alt=Bob%20Ainsworth,%20Air%20Chief%20Marshal%20Sir%20Jock%20Stirrup%20and%20Sir%20Bill%20Jeffreyhttp://www.mod.uk/DefenceInternet/DefenceNews/PeopleInDefence/AinsworthStirrupAndJeffreySendChristmasMessagesToDefenceCommunity.htmhttp://www.mod.uk/DefenceInternet/DefenceNews/PeopleInDefence/AinsworthStirrupAndJeffreySendChristmasMessagesToDefenceCommunity.htm -
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NEW BRANCHES
TYNESIDE SCOTTISH
TYNMOUTH ARTY VOLS
ELSWICK AAASSN.
M62 Coach Bomb Rededication of Memorial
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Two Gunners were among eleven people killed when the coach they were traveling in was blown up by an
IRA bomb on 4th February 1974. Other casualties included eight off-duty soldiers and two young children
(killed) and 12 seriously injured. The two Gunners were Bombardier Terence Griffin and Gunner Leonard
Godden both from 88 Battery, 4th Regiment RA.
The private coach was carrying more than 50 people and making its way from Manchester, along the M62,
towards an army base in Catterick, North Yorkshire, when an explosive device in the rear of the vehicle
detonated. The casualties were taken to the nearby motorway service station for immediate treatment.
On 4th February 2009, a service of re-dedication was held to mark the blessing of a new memorial to the
victims. The original memorial has been all but concealed with the expansion of the motorway service
station over the years.
The service was attended by several local dignitaries, relatives and friends of the victims. The RA was
represented by the BC and members of 88 Battery (who also assisted in the service) and the RAA was
represented by the Membership Secretary, several standard bearers and many members from our
branches in the north.
The memorial can be seen at Hartshead Moor service station on the westbound carriageway.
The success of the whole event was largely due to the effors of Maureen Norton, sister of Bdr Griffin who
tirelessly worked to have the memorial relocated. Well done Maureen!
Pictures of the service canbe seen at: Remembering the M62 victims
SANDOWN PARK
MARCH
NEW CHAIRMANWe welcome our new Chairman, Major General John Milne CB. On behalf of all associationmembers and their families we warmly welcome him and his family and wish him a long,successful and happy time as our Chairman and, of course, as Controller of the Royal
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Regiment of Artillery. The following is an extract from General Milne's letter to the branchesof the RAA.
"Dear Fellow Gunners
I have recently taken over as Chairman of the Royal Artillery Association. My predecessorMajor General Mike Shellard was well known to many of you; having been in post for nearly10 years. He did an outstanding job as Chairman and I now pay tribute to him for his manyachievements, and wish him a long and happy retirement.
I am looking forward to meeting as many of you as possible in the coming months andyears. My career in the Gunners covered a variety of roles in different regiments. I served in32nd Regiment in Hildesheim, 16th Regiment in Soest, commanded a Battery in 22ndRegiment in Dortmund, and commanded 2nd Regiment in Munster. My other gunner jobswere Commander Artillery 3rd Division in Soest, and Commander 1st Artillery Brigade in
Dortmund. As you can see I was able to experience all types of artillery at first hand. Awayfrom the Gunners I served in operational headquarters in Northern Ireland, the Gulf, Bosniaand Kosovo, as well as completing a flying tour on helicopters. Needless to say I enjoyedalmost every minute of my 34 years service. For the past 8 years I have been running StPauls Cathedral in London which was an equally busy and rewarding period in my life.
I have already heard much of the wide range of activities that branches of the Associationget up to and I look forward to seeing you both in your branches as I travel the country.There are also the many national gatherings, especially Blackpool, where I hope that weshall meet.
With best wishes to you all
Yours sincerely
John Milne"
APRIL
What a day it was, last Sunday in London. Large crowds, excitement, colourful, pageantry. No, not the
Marathon; Im talking about Gunner Sunday of course. There are pictures on the website and a report in
this newsletter about the day. Also, if you read on, you will find great news on how WWII veterans can get
Lottery Funding for battlefield visits, events country-wide to celebrate National Armed Forces Day,
information about the Northern Ireland Veterans Association Service of Remembrance, information on this
years Aldershot Army Show, a whole stack of Reunions and more! Oh, and before I forget, well done The
Army on their crashing defeat of the Royal Navy at Twickenham yesterday!
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June ? 1st ever national armed forces day
JULY
NMA
Royal Artillery Service of Remembrance
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OCTOBER LAUNCH OF CAR STICKERS AND GIFT AID
FOR ANY EVENT OR CHURCH SERVICE THAT IS RAISING FUNDS FOR THE ROYAL ARTILLERY
CHARITABLE FUND GIFT AID ENVELOPES ARE AVAILABLE FROM THE GENERAL SECRETARY AT
LARKHILL
FOR YOUR ENVELOPES, TELEPHONE: 01980 845698
Or email: (Gift Aid
Envelopes)
November
3. Field of Remembrance 5th November
Each year, The Royal British Legion establishes a Field of Remembrance at WestminsterAbbey, London and Cathays Park, Cardiff.
The Fields become a sea of Remembrance Crosses with scarlet poppies - a touchingsymbol of Remembrance and tribute to the memory of ex-Service men and women who
made the ultimate sacrifice to protect their country.The annual Field of Remembrance in London takes place at Westminster Abbey and this year
falls on Thursday 5th November 2009. Entrance to the Field will be from 9.20 am to 10.30 am.
Those attending should be in place no later than 10.30 am. Major General J Milne CB and
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WO1 (RASM) N Kenny will be in attendance and have offered to plant crosses on behalf of
branches. Requests should be made to the RASM, Artillery House, Royal Artillery Barracks,
Larkhill, Wiltshire SP4 8QT. All requests for crosses should be made by Tuesday 3rd
November. You can also dedicate a cross on-line atwww.secureweb-services.com/lrx/or by
email to: [email protected] are very welcome to attend.
4. The Royal Artillery Ceremony of Remembrance 2009
The Royal Artillery Ceremony of Remembrance will be held at Hyde Park Corner on Sunday 8
November beginning at 1030 hours. The ceremony, which lasts about an hour consists of
traditional devotions, the laying of official wreaths and a march past by representatives of the
serving regiment and old comrades. Individuals wishing to lay wreaths are welcome to do so
after the ceremony itself. All ranks, serving and retired are strongly encouraged to attend if
you are not involved in remembrance services elsewhere.
The preferred dress for the congregation is civilian clothes with hats, overcoats and medals,
seats which are limited, should be occupied by 1030 hrs. Applications for seats should be
made to Capt K J Gilmore, SO3 Recruiting, HQ DRA, RA Barracks, Larkhill, Salisbury,
Wiltshire SP4 8QT. Telephone 01980 845843 by no later than Thursday 15th October.
RAA Standard Bearers are to report to the Wellington Arch by 1000 hours for a briefing by the
RASM.
RAA branch wreath bearers are asked to assemble at the East Side of the Wellington Arch by
1015 hours with their wreaths.
REMEMBRANCE 2009
Members and veterans of the Royal Regiment came together at this years
Remembrance services. All over the world services were held to commemorate
those fallen in, and as a result of conflict. Two such services were held in
London; at Westminster Abbey HRH The Duke of Edinburgh opened the Field of
Remembrance and at Hyde Park Corner the Royal Regiment of Artillery held its
annual Ceremony of Remembrance.
The Field of Remembrance:
The Field of Remembrance is
organised by the Royal British
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Legion and is held annually on the Thursday prior to Remembrance Sunday. Major General Milne
and WOI (RASM) Kenny were the official representatives of the Royal Artillery and were pleased to
see a large number of RA veterans attend to pay their respects.
The Royal Artillery Ceremony of Remembrance:
Despite threatening rain, this years RA Ceremony of
Remembrance was one of the best attended in recent years.
RAA Branches from across the British Isles attended with their Standards and cadets from 97 Cadet
Battery supported our parade with pride; carrying the Standards of Branches that have sadly
succumbed to closure.
Officers and soldiers from 47th Regt RA provided the official wreath-
layers while members of 7th Para Regt RHA provided the marching
contingent. The Kings Troop RHA and the RA Band provided full and
spectacular ceremonial support.
The ceremony is a major event in the RA calendar and is
attended by the Master Gunner St Jamess Park and our
most senior officers from across the Commonwealth.
Held at Hyde Park Corner in London this solemn and
moving service is a must for all Gunners past and present and should
be attended at least once by all who have served in the Royal Regiment.
More photographs of the event can be seen by logging on to: http://www.forums.theraa.co.uk
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Souda bay crete
Hyde park
December
St ba and dedication
NOTICES
3. Your RAA On-Line
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The Royal Artillery Association is widely publicised on the Internet and is currently
undergoing major changes and additions. As well as our own website, theraa.co.uk, we now
have a presence on Facebook, the British Army Website (www.army.mod.uk/artillery) and on
ArmyNET. It will take a little while for the latter two sites to be fully operational so I kindly ask
for your patience. These websites provide you with an informative and fun way of finding out
whats going on in the Gunner world and for keeping in touch with Gunner friends and
comrades. Many branches now have websites of their own and more and more branch
members are able to access the internet. Its a good way to advertise your branch and maybeattract new, younger members and an invaluable method of advertising your reunions and
get-togethers.
PUBLIC LIABILITY
Artillery House holds Public Liability Insurance for all UK and Germany based Branches that covers
all Branch business and social activities, Branch fund raising activities and participation in
activities organised by the RBL or other organisations.
Please note that this is not individual personal insurance but covers branches should someone else
be injured when members carryout the activities mentioned above when organised by Branches.
3. The Service Personnel and Veterans Agency - SPVA
The Service Personnel and VeteransAgency - SPVA is aimed at improving
personnel, pensions, welfare and supportservices to members of the Armed Forcesand veterans.
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The (MOD) places great store on theprovision of high quality support servicesto serving military personnel, ex-Servicemen and women and theirrespective dependents.
There are clear customer and businessbenefits in merging the Armed Forces
Personnel Administration Agency (AFPAA)with the Veterans Agency to form theService Personnel and Veterans Agency(SPVA).
The formation of SPVA has led to theprovision of a fully integrated set ofthrough life personnel services to ourserving and veterans community - where asingle contact with the Agency will grantaccess to customer information and advice
on pay, pensions, compensationpayments, records of service and medalentitlement.
SPVA is staffed by caring and experienced
people, who make it their business tounderstand and empathise with the serving
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and veterans community and arecommitted to delivering a high qualityservice.
The responsibility for all pensionprovision, whether a War pension or anArmed Forces pension falls under thedirect control of SPVA, reducing the risk ofomitting or duplicating information and
providing for the first time, a truly joinedup pension service.
There is a free helpline on 0800 169 2277and further information is available online
at: http://www.veterans-uk.info/
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http://www.mod.uk/DefenceInternet/DefenceFor/Veterans/
Seasons greetings and look forward
LAST POST
be In Memoriam, not In Memorium
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CROWNSHAW Lt Raymond Crownshaw died peacefully at home on 16 September, aged 75. Ray qualified as a charteredarchitect before his National Service 1958-1960, serving in 17 Trg Regt RA at Oswestry. In his long professional career he workedon several prestigious projects in the UK and internationally. He was a founder member of the Old Oswestrians RA and his fellowmembers have sent a donation to the RAChD fund at the request of his wife Margaret.HEAD Rosemarie Head, beloved wife of Peter Head, died peacefully on 26 November, aged 81. Mother of Jacqueline andMalcolm and grandmother of Adriana.JONES James Bruce Jones died at the Erskine Home on 28 October. He served in the Royal Artillery throughout World War Two,being discharged in May 1946.McKINNELL SSgt George McKinnell died in the Royal Hospital, Chelsea, on 19 November, aged 86. He joined the RA in 1945and was posted to India to join 123 Para Lt A/Tk Regt RA before serving in Palestine with 159 Para Lt Regt RA. He later served
with 18 Med Regt RA at Lancaster, 68 Selection Regt RA at Park Hall Camp Oswestry and later with 17 Trg Regt RA in the samecamp. He was discharged in 1958 on compassionate grounds.MORRIS Bdr Cifford Morris died in the Royal Hospital, Chelsea, on 18 November, aged 92. He joined the Gunners in March1940, joining 122 Fd Regt RA in Malaya. Captured in the fall of Singapore he spent three years as a POW working in coal mines inJapan.SHERIDAN Thomas Sheridan died at the Erskine Home on 7 November. He served in the Gunners as a National Servicemanfrom 1954 until 1956.SKIPWITH Lt Col Patrick James Townsend Skipwith died peacefully at home on 15 September, aged 93. He served in the
Gunners in Hong Kong 1941 (POW). Vice President, British Legion, Chiddingfold, Surrey. He will be sadly missed by his family and
friends.
Reunions
28 BTY RA, 19 REGT RA, 1970-79
A reunion of 28 Bty (Skeddys Company) RA is planned for the weekend 26 -28 Feb 10, at the Village Hotel, Farnborough. Open toany ex-members of the battery, or serving members of 28/143 Bty (Tombss Troop) RA. If you wish to attend, and you have notalready been contacted, please contact Dave Curless on 01264 391673 or by email to:[email protected] Tony Arnold on01980 652579 or email to:[email protected]
19 REGT RA OFFICERS REUNION DINNER
Will be held on Fri 23 Apr 10 in Aliwal Mess, Tidworth. All those who have previously served as offi cers with the regiment are
warmly invited to attend. Invitations to follow. Offi cers wishing to attend should contact the dinner secretary Lt Sarah Napper on
01980 656502.E-mail [email protected] confi rm current postal address.
RA BOYS, ARTIFICERS AND JUNIOR LEADERS ASSOCIATION The 19th annual reunion of the RABA and JL Assn will be held
over the weekend 23/24/25 Apr 2010 at the Holiday Inn, M6J2, Coventry. Further details of the reunion will be circulated to
members of the association with The Trumpeter in Jan. For information contact David Williams on 01432 769375 or email:
14 REGT RA BATTLE OF KEREN DINNER The offi cers and warrant offi cers of 14 Regt RA will hold a Battle of Keren
remembrance dinner on 20 Mar 2010 in the Packway Offi cers Mess Larkhill. Ex-members of 14 Regt RA who have yet to receive
their invitation should contact Capt Ash Morrell on 01980 845576 or WO2 (TSM) Scott Merry on 01980 845501. Email:[email protected]
ARTILLERY CLERKS The 76th artillery clerks reunion and dinner will take place 23-25 Apr 10 at Larkhill. AGM followed by dinner
on Sat 24 Apr. Full details from the reunion secretary, Capt Ian Constantine, 19 Regt RA, Bhurtpore Bks, Tidworth, Hants SP9 7AS.
Tel 01980 656550, or e-mail [email protected]
mailto:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]