`Nec Aspera Terrent` - Kings Regiment Association Liverpool

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A Branch of the Duke of Lancaster’s Regimental Association
‘Nec Aspera Terrent’
DECEMBER 2015 NEWSLETTER – ISSUE 53
ELECTRONIC EDITION
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
WISHING ALL OUR READERS, A VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS AND A
HAPPY, HEALTHY, SAFE AND 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
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We require your letters, comments,
photographs, stories etc., for inclusion in the
next Newsletter
which will be published in:
FEBRUARY 2016.
The closing date for submission is:
SATURDAY 23RD JANUARY 2016.
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).
‘100’ CLUB
The October 2015 draw was made at City Office, Liverpool on 6th
October 2015 by Committee member Brian Green, and the winner is:
1ST PRIZE (£40) - BRIAN HOUGH
The November 2015 draw was made at City Office, Liverpool on 3rd
November 2015 by Committee Chairman Major E McMahon TD , and the
winner is:
1ST PRIZE (£40) - M HUNT
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DONATIONS TO THE ASSOCIATION
The Committee would like to thank the following who have made a cash donation to
the associations general funds:
J BARRINGTON, R BOARDMAN, G BROWN, R BURGESS, C COOPER,
J COURTNEY, M DOOLEY, D FULHAM, D GEE, K GODBEER, W HILL,
J HARGREAVES SNR, B HOUGH, M HUNT, J JOHNSON, E JONES, R KENNY,
M KIERNAN, C LANGEVELD, E McMAHON, R MITCHELL, P OAKLEY,
J O'CARROLL, N PICKLES, P PRESCOT, A RITSON, E ROPER, N SCOTT,
R TAYLOR, J THOMAS, A THOMPSON, D THOMPSON, W THOMPSON,
J TUPPEN, D VICKERS, E WILLIAMS
YOUR GENEROSITY IS VERY MUCH APPRECIATED.
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†
LAST POST
†
SYDNEY (SYD) RIDDING
(LATE KINGS)
It is my sad duty to inform you that Syd Ridding
passed away on Friday 25th September 2015, aged
73.
His funeral service took place on Monday 12th
October 2015 at St John Church, Over, Winsford,
Cheshire, followed by internment at Swanlow Park
Cemetery, Winsford, Cheshire.
Syd served with 1 KINGS from 1960- to 1966
COLONEL SIR GEOFFREY FREDERICK ERRINGTON BT OBE
(LATE KINGS)
It is my sad duty to inform you that Colonel Sir
Geoffrey F Errington passed away in the early
hours of Saturday morning 3rd October 2015.
His funeral service took place on Wednesday 28th
October 2015 at St Mary the Virgin Church,
Sellindge, Kent, followed by a reception at Lympne
Castle.
PATRICK JOHN LENAGHAN (SERGEANT - LATE KINGS)
It is my sad duty to inform you that Paddy Lenaghan
passed away on Thursday 19th November 2015.
His funeral service will take place at 1000 hrs on Friday
27th November 2015, at Allambe Memorial Park, 129
Nerang-Broadbeach Rd, Nerang, Queensland 4211,
Australia.
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†
LAST POST
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THOMAS (TOM) LESLIE MEALEY
(LATE KINGS - KOREAN VETERAN)
It is my sad duty to inform you that Thomas (Tom)
Leslie Mealey passed away peacefully surrounded
by his loving family at Halton Haven on 21st
October 2015 aged 82 years.
His funeral service took place at St Michaels
Church, Ditchfield Road, Widnes, on Monday 2nd
November 2015, followed by cremation at Widnes
Crematorium, Birchfield Road, Widnes.
Tom is survived by his wife Irene, daughters Lyn,
Angela, Jenny, son Neil and nine grandchildren.
Tom served with 1st Battalion The Kings Regiment, from 1952 to 1954 and
served in Korea in the Mortar Platoon. After his discharge Tom worked at
English Electric and then Fords Halewood for over 30 years.
DANIEL (DANNY) COLIN FARLEY
(LATE KINGS)
It is my sad duty to inform you that Danny Farley
passed away peacefully on the 3rd November
2015, aged 68 years, in the arms of his loving wife
Kay.
Danny's funeral service took place on Thursday
12th November 2015, in St Chad's Church, Old Hall
Lane, Kirkby at 1330 hrs, followed by a cremation
at St Helens Crematorium, Rainford Rd, Windle, St
Helens at 1500hrs.
Eulogies were read out by Dawn Farley-Osborne, Lauren Farley and
Lieutenant Colonel Tony Hollingsworth MBE, a lifelong friend to Danny.
Daniel Farley-Osborne read out the Poem:
The Cloths of Heaven by W B Yates.
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LETTERS PAGE
DAVID BILL, WRITES:
Hello Eric,
We were invited to Liverpool Town Hall on the 19th October 2015 for a Service of
Remembrance and Dedication Service and the addition of names to the Liverpool Roll of
Honour.
I've been delving into my family history for more years than my wife
cares to remember. A couple of years ago, I discovered that my late
father (himself a 9th Bn Kingsman) had a cousin who was killed in
action in 1916. Bootle lad, 52373 Pte Ernest Bill (pictured left), 13th
King's. He enlisted in 1914 and by September 1915, had arrived in
France. Between October 1915 and August 1916, 13th Battalion
saw much action in the trenches of the Somme, including Battles for
Bazentin Ridge and Delville Wood. On the 14/15 August they arrived
at Guillemont and the orders were given to advance on German lines
on the 16th at 5.40pm prompt. Ernest was one of seventy three men
from the 13th King's who lost their lives that day. Sixty four of the seventy three can be
found on the Thiepval Memorial to the Missing of the Somme.
I soon realised that Ernest was omitted from the Roll of Honour, but was included on the
Bootle Civic Memorial and contacted Liverpool City Council to
see if Ernest had the right to be added, as he filled both criteria
easily. He was accepted and my Sister and I were invited to
Liverpool Town Hall at 11.00 on the 19th October for a Service
of Remembrance and Dedication for a Kingsman, Ernest Bill.
On arrival we were offered refreshments and it was at this point
I met John Schofield and Ian Williams (pictured right). I had
contacted John as part of my research and he was most
helpful in pointing me to the right people, without his help, this
day for Ernest may never have happened. John and Ian were
kind enough to give up their time to be Standard Bearers for
the occasion, to represent both the Regiment and their fellow
soldier and I cannot thank them enough.
We then proceeded to The Hall of Remembrance (pictured below left) for the service,
where an introduction Was given by the Lord Mayor of
Liverpool, Councillor Tony Concepcion. This was
followed by a background history of The Hall of
Remembrance, read by the Commanding Officer of 156
Regiment, Lieutenant Colonel David Ashman. Opening
Prayers were said by The Rector of Liverpool, The
Reverend Dr Crispin Pailing and a reading given by Mr.
Jim Ryan, Chairman of The Royal British Legion.
For ourselves, the defining moment of the Service
came as Sgt David Pickles of The Duke of Lancaster's
Regiment played The Last Post followed by a long
silence. Not a minutes silence as expected but a much longer, touching silence, that gave
time to remember "Our Ernest" and reflect how proud we are as a family of what he did.
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LETTERS PAGE
Continued from page 5...
But, I also realised that I am so very proud that Ernest was a Kingsman and I am certain
that Ernest would have felt that same pride, to be called "A Kingsman".
We will be returning to Liverpool on the 8th November 2015 to pay our respects to all of
the fallen
Kindest regards
David Bill
PS
My father was 3772606 Sergeant Reginald Bill, 9th King's, 1939 - 1945. He passed away on the
16th January 1979. I know little about my fathers time in WW2 apart from the fact I think he was
a Colour Sergeant, possibly a PT Instructor and that he served in Ireland. I have been told that he
may have been attached to Anti Aircraft. In the New Year I'm applying for his service records to
see what dad got up to!
Ernest has one remaining cousin sill alive today, Muriel (Bill) Harrison is 98 and lives in a Nursing
Home near Southport.
Ernest had a brother in law who also lost his life in France on the 10th June 1918. Pte 47295
Henry Frank Ricketts King's (Liverpool Regiment) 1st Battalion. He is buried at Bagneux British
Cemetery in France and like Ernest is missing off The Roll of Honour. I am trying to persuade his
living relative to submit his details.
PRESTON (KINGS) BRANCH - LADYSMITH DINNER NIGHT
AND DINING OUT OF
MR RON BOARDMAN (BRANCH VICE PRESIDENT)
SATURDAY 27TH FEBRUARY 2016
2016
The branch is holding its Annual Ladysmith Dinner & Official Dining Out or Mr Ron
Boardman (Branch Vice President) at the Masonic Hall, Saul Street, Preston on Saturday
27th February 2016. The dress is jacket and tie or black tie for the gentlemen and cocktail
dress for our ladies. Dinner will be of three courses with a choice of wines and it will be
served at 7.30pm, so you are asked to arrive by 7.00pm. As usual a raffle and
entertainment will be provided and as these dinner nights are very popular early booking is
advised.
The total cost of the evening will be £27 pp, which is payable to the branch no later than
1st February 2016. Places are limited to a maximum of one hundred persons and these
will be allocated on a first come first served basis., after members have been allocated
their seats. Should you wish to attend please contact Mick Satchell on:
01995 606919 or 07787 560302 or by email: info@kingsandmanchesters.co.uk
Please note that monies will not be returned if a booking is cancelled after
1st February 2016.
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LIEUTENANT EDWARD FELIX BAXTER VC
A soldier, who had spent only six months in the Regiment, and barely a
month in his Battalion, was to become one of our greatest heroes. Felix
Baxter died during his first operation whilst serving as an officer of the
Liverpool Irish. The manner of his death was so extraordinary that he was
posthumously awarded the country’s highest award for gallantry, The Victoria
Cross.
He was born at Oldswinford, Stourbridge on 18 September 1885 and
educated at Christ's Hospital, Horsham, Sussex. He became a Liverpudlian by adoption when he
married Leonora Mary Cornish at West Derby Registry Office in 1906 whilst working as a tutor at
Skerry's College. The College prepared students for the competitive Civil Service Exam which had
to be passed before selection for Government Service.
Following the outbreak of the Great War, along with thousands of others, he enlisted in the Army
on 4 September 1914. His hobby was his motor cycle. He was a member of the Liverpool Motor
Club, the West Moorland and Coventry and Warwickshire clubs, and was often seen on the track
at Brooklands in the Tourist Trophy (TT) Race. In 1913, he had won the Liverpool Auto Cycle
Club's Reliability Trials.
He joined the Royal Engineers and as an experienced motor cyclist was ranked as a Sapper and
appointed as a Despatch Rider in the Signal Service – after the war it was to become the Royal
Corps of Signals. The entry rank into the RE was Pioneer, with soldiers being advanced to Sapper
when they passed a trade test.
He was stationed in Liverpool and because of his job came to the notice of senior officers. His
qualities of leadership were so evident that before long he was promoted Serjeant. He was given a
Temporary Commission - a wartime commission - as Second Lieutenant, 8th (Irish) Battalion, The
King's (Liverpool Regiment) (8th KLR) on 17 September 1915.
He trained with the Battalion and deployed to France to join what was known as 1/8th KLR as
reinforcement, in March 1916. He did not know, but he had been promoted to Lieutenant on 19
February 1916 but such was the pressure on the Military Secretary’s Staff that his promotion was
not announced until 1 September, over four months after his death.
As he joined the Battalion it was moving into the trenches in the Bretencourt sub-sector where the
opposing forces were relatively quiet. The Battalion was then moved to the Blairville and Ficheux
sector on 1 April. The chain of command did not like the front line to be quiet and in order to
maintain the soldiers’ “offensive spirit” battalions were ordered to mount raids on enemy positions.
On the whole the raids achieved little, inflicted few casualties on the enemy and were often costly
in casualties. They were far more popular with Staff Officers than with Infantrymen.
The Liverpool Irish were ordered to carry out a raid. On 3 April three officers and 43 soldiers were
selected and trained for a week out of the line at Bretencourt. On 10 April the troops went back
into the Line where recces began for the operation. One new innovation was that the raiders
blackened their faces, not for camouflage but as a form of tactical recognition. A black face
represented a friend.
The first phase of the raid began late on 16 April when 2nd Lieutenant Paul Limrick led a patrol
across 500 yards of No-Man’s Land to begin cutting through the enemy wire obstacles. They
spotted a German patrol in the same area and had to lie still for an hour until the enemy moved
away.
At the same time, 2nd Lieutenant Felix Baxter led his party, which became known as the 'Forty
Thieves', out to lay white tape to mark the route to the objective. Captain James Mahon with the
command group laid telephone wires out towards the enemy in order that he could call for artillery
support if necessary.
At 0200 the cutting party sent word back that the wire entanglements were so thick that it was not
possible to complete the task. 2nd Lieutenant Baxter immediately went forward to assist and by
0325 they had cut through all but the last two rows of wire and some low wire entanglements.
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“This wire cutting was in itself an extraordinary performance, demanding considerable
coolness and considerable nerve. Once a bell fell from the German wire and made a
rattling noise, but fortunately occasioned no alarm in the enemy’s trenches. Our
machine guns kept up a continuous indirect fire to drown as far as possible the noise of
the wire cutters. As a precaution, however, artillery officers were present in the Battalion
fire trench to support the wire cutting party.”
By 0345 the patrols were back in. At midnight a patrol returned to the wire and confirmed that the
gaps had not been repaired. Captain Mahon and 2nd Lieutenant Limrick with two NCOs then got
to work to cut through the last two rows of wire. The job was completed at 0210 and 2nd
Lieutenant Baxter with 23 soldiers silently cross through and into the German trench. At 0225 the
artillery began a barrage against the German support line.
The storming party cut the telephone wire, and killed the eight Germans on stag. They then threw
bombs down into three deep dug-outs. They could not get down into the shelters which were 12 to
15 feet deep as they only had 6 foot ladders with them. As was no more mischief to be done, 2nd
Lieutenant Baxter ordered the men back. He waited on the parapet and assisted the last
Kingsman out and the patrol retired back to the British trench.
It had been a thoroughly successful operation and a number of the raiders had returned with
helmets and weapons as souvenirs. At the Roll Call the only absentee was 2nd Lieutenant Baxter.
2nd Lieutenant Limrick took out a search party but could find no trace of 2nd Lieutenant Baxter and
he was reported as Missing. He was the only British casualty. Information was received three days
later from a prisoner that the German’s had suffered 57 casualties and that they had also buried
the body of a British officer. This was assumed to be 2nd Lieutenant Baxter. After the war his
grave was found in Boiry St Rictrude Churchyard and his remains were interred at Fillievres British
Cemetery.
The raid had achieved everything that the chain of command expected and on 26 September 1916
it was announced that 2nd Lieutenant Baxter had been posthumously awarded the Victoria Cross.
Sadly by that time 1/8th KLR had been destroyed, on 12-13 September, and there was no one left
to remember him.
The citation for his Victoria Cross was published in the London Gazette:
2nd Lt. Edward Felix Baxter; late L'pool R. For most conspicuous bravery. Prior to a
raid on the hostile line he was engaged during two nights in cutting wire close to the
enemy's trenches. The enemy could be heard on the other side of the parapet. Second
Lieutenant Baxter, while assisting in the wire cutting, held a bomb in his hand with the
pin withdrawn ready to throw. On one occasion the bomb slipped and fell to the ground,
but he instantly picked it up, unscrewed the base plug, and took out the detonator, which
he smothered in the ground, thereby preventing the alarm being given, and undoubtedly
saving many casualties. Later; he led the left storming party with the greatest gallantry,
and was the first man into the trench, shooting the sentry with his revolver. He then
assisted to bomb dugouts, and finally climbed out of the trench and assisted the last man
over the parapet. After this he was not seen again, though search parties went out at once
to look for him. There seems no doubt that he lost his life in his great devotion to duty.
His Victoria Cross is in the Lord Ashcroft Gallery in the Imperial War Museum in London.
Article above courtesy of: Lieutenant Colonel Robin Hodges
Extract from:
The Hodges List of Commissioned Officers and of Kingsmen Mentioned in Despatches 1685-1958
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Will take place at the Avenue Army Reserve Centre,
Townsend Avenue, Liverpool
On Sunday 13th December 2015
1300 - 1800 hrs
Hot Buffet
Raffle
All are welcome, so please come along and
support your association.
* * * FREE * * *
* * * ENTRY * * *
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HUMOUR IN UNIFORM
THE LAST WILL
Ex Kingsman and Henry 'Scouser' Beckett, is on his deathbed, knows the end is near.
His nurse, his wife, and his 3 sons are with him. So, he says to them, "
Dougie, I want you to take the Woolton houses.
Mick, take the apartments over in Liverpool City Centre.
George, I want you to take the offices over in the City Centre."
He looked at his missus. "Kathleen, my dear wife, please take over all the residential
buildings on the banks of the Mersey."
The nurse is just blown away by all this, and as Doug slips away, she says,
"Mrs. Beckett, your husband must have been such a hard-working man to have
accumulated all this property".
Kathleen replies, "Property? ... The skinflint had a bloody paper round!"
A CUT ABOVE?
Defence budget cuts forced the training team to start practising mock combat using no
explosives, guns or basically any equipment whatsoever.
In a training scenario, the Sergeant in charge tells his recruits that they are under
imaginary fire, and to react accordingly.
The recruits scatter. Crouching down behind vehicles and sheltering in outbuildings, they
get into position to return fire. All except for one, who hasn't moved at all.
The Sergeant immediately notices this recruit standing out in the open, quite relaxed and
unfazed. The sergeant yells at him, "What the devil do you think you are doing Kingsman
Dickers? You're under fire!" So Kgn Dickers takes one step to the left and again,
remains still.
Now the Sergeant is really annoyed. He yells again, "WHAT THE HELL ARE YOU
DOING? You're under imaginary fire, take cover!"
Kgn Dickers turns to him and replies, "I'm taking cover behind this imaginary tree,
Sergeant!"
ASK A SILLY QUESTION
The instructor asked the recruit what he would do if he saw a figure crawling towards his
position while on guard duty.
"I'd help the officer back to his quarters," was the reply.
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HUMOUR IN UNIFORM
PUTTING UP A FIGHT.
On their first morning of training, the recruits are dragged out of bed by the platoon
sergeant and made to assemble outside. "My name is Sergeant Kenny," he snarls. "Is
there anyone here who fancies taking me on?"
The soldiers-to-be look stunned as a six-foot-three, 16-stone muscle-bound recruit raises
his hand and say, "Yes, Sergeant, I think I could!"
Sergeant Kenny approaches the giant and yells, "What's your name recruit?"
"Kingsman Lasham, Sergeant!"
At this, the Sergeant grabs him by the arm and leads him out in the front of the group.
"Kingsman Lasham is now my new assistant.
can take both of us on?"
Now is there anyone here who thinks he
TOUGH TALK
Sergeant Weir was feared as the toughest instructor in the Battalion and was determined
to let the recruits know it as soon as he started his introductory talk. "You people think
you're tough?" he growled. "I'm going to show you what tough really is."
He proceeded to walk to a pond, where he reached in and found a two foot alligator. He
forced open the creatures mouth, stuck in his hand, then placed the alligator on a tree
stump. Taking his sidearm from his holster, he deftly reversed it and hit the alligator over
the head several times with the butt of the weapon.
The alligator went berserk and closed it savage jaws on Sergeant Weir's arm. Without
even flinching, he hit the beast once more, knocking it out cold, ripped the reptile from his
arm and threw it to the ground. He then displayed his torn and bloodied arm without the
slightest sign of distress.
"Right, you delicate bunch of mummy's boys," he bellowed, "is there anyone here with the
guts to have a go at this?"
From the onlookers came a small, timid voice, . "Yes Sergeant, I would like to try."
"Are you sure you can handle it?" asked the amazed instructor.
More confidently the recruit, Kingsman O'Carroll, replied, "Well, as long as you promise
you won't hit me on the head as hard as you hit the alligator."
ON THE RANGES
"Kingsman EcMahon, you are the worse shot I've ever seen!", said Corporal Jutler.
"Does that mean I won't be going to the front?" asked Kingsman EcMahon, hopefully.
"No lad," said Corporal Jutler. "It means you won't be coming back."
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REMEMBRANCE SERVICES 2015
FRIDAY 6TH NOVEMBER 2015
Association Members Stan Castell BEM, Lt Col David Chadwick TD, Brian Green, Joe
McLoughlin, Sgt David Pickles, Eric Roper, Jimmy and Ann Skidmore, Bernie and Lita
Smith, Major D Vickers TD, Ian Williams, along with three standards, attended the
Liverpool John Lennon Airport Memorial Garden remembrance service. The service was
led by Nicky Lees, Airport Chaplain. Readings took place by children from St Christopher's
Catholic Primary School, Speke, Liverpool.
KRAL Branch President, Lt Col David Chadwick TD (pictured below), laid a poppy wreath
on behalf of The King’s Regiment Association, Liverpool Branch.
FRIDAY 6TH NOVEMBER 2015
Association Members, John Butler and Terry Caffrey, led by Major Eddie McMahon TD,
took part in a remembrance service at St John’s Garden, Liverpool. Remembrance
crosses were laid on behalf of The King’s Regiment Associations.
SUNDAY 8TH NOVEMBER 2015
Members of The King’s Regiment Association, Liverpool Branch, The King’s Regiment
Association, Knowsley Branch, along with former members of the King's Regiment,
attended the remembrance service at the Liverpool Cenotaph, which stands on St
George's Plateau.
Major Eddie McMahon TD, laid a poppy wreath on behalf of the KRAL.
After the service, following behind The Regimental Band of The Duke of Lancaster's
Regiment, Association members took part in a march past.
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Following the Cenotaph Service, association members attended a short service at the
King’s (Liverpool) Regiment Memorial in St John’s Garden and Terry Caffrey (pictured
below) laid a poppy wreath on behalf of the Association.
WEDNESDAY11TH NOVEMBER 2015
Association Members and standard bearers, Stan Castell BEM, Brian Green, Kenny
Malam, John Schofield and Ian Williams, led by Lt Col Tony Hollingsworth MBE, took part
in a remembrance service at Exchange Flags, Liverpool (pictures below).
Lt Col Tony Hollingsworth MBE laid a poppy wreath on behalf of the Liverpool Pals, Major
Eddie McMahon TD laid a poppy wreath on behalf of the Duke of Lancaster's Regiment
and Mr John Butler laid a poppy wreath on behalf of the King's Regiment
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(October 2015)
It’s been over sixty years since I served in Berlin and in the back of my mind, I wanted to
revisit it before it’s was too late! Many questions needed answering, "what’s left, has it
changed and can I remember anything?”
So with the assistance of my son James, and with the help of Easyjet we embarked for a
long weekend to Berlin! On route I cast my mind back to how Berlin was in 1954-56, I was
only 19 years of age, miles away from home, being posted to the Berlin Independent
Brigade (BIB HQ) and the wonderful cosmopolitan city of Berlin.
On arrival we were met by an ultra modern and friendly city, it’s got a real synergy with its
old and new architecture! So as I toured the city I could still see the landmarks of my time
amongst the new.
I enjoyed visiting the usual landmarks, Tiergarten, Russian
Memorial, Brandenburg Gate, Reichstag, Potsdamer Platz,
Checkpoint Charlie etc.
We enjoyed eating out on the
Kurfurstendamm Straße, eating Bratwurst, Currywurst & Pommes,
and drinking many Berliner Pils.
The landmark that brought tears to my eyes
was that of the Olympic Stadium, I don’t know
why, maybe it’s because I could still vividly
picture myself swimming there for the
Regimental Water-polo/Swimming Team…Who
knows, but it was good to be back and having
memories flooding back!
There was one disappointment though…I wanted to visit Spandau; I kept remembering my
time at Wavell Barracks and the Prison! Unfortunately for me, it’s all gone, Spandau is
now a nice pretty German town with all of it’s allied past erased!!!
I’m so glad I went back; call it a bucket list tick in the box if you
will? To me, Berlin felt more alive in my time than it does
today, having the Allied forces with the segregation of Berlin in
place, Spy’s, Russians…For a 19 year old, it was very exciting!
So yes, you
you can go back but it’s never the same!
Jim O’Carroll (One Bomb)
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HAPPY 90TH BIRTHDAY BOB LEECE (LATE KINGS)
Bob Leece, IP at the Royal Hospital Chelsea, pictured centre, with Lt Col Tony
Hollingsworth MBE and Brigadier Peter Rafferty MBE, Colonel of the Regiment,
at the September 2015 Preston Kingsman's Dinner, celebrated his 90th birthday with his
family and friends in Wimbledon on Sunday 11th October 2015.
SEEKING VETERANS OF THE KOREAN WAR
A national charity, the Legasee Educational Trust, is looking for Korean War Veterans from
the North West region to come forward and tell their stories about their experiences of the
Korean War for a major new educational project.
The interviews will be added to Legasee Educational Trust’s growing national digital film
library, which contains over 300 hours of interviews and photographs from veterans of
military actions, as well as being used to in projects with a number of local schools.
All veterans received a free DVD copy of their interview to share with friends and family. A
number of Korean War veterans including some Kingsmen have already stepped forward
but if you or anyone you know would like to take part in this project more information can
be found at:
legasee.org.uk/korea or by contacting the Project Manager, Mrs Dale Copley on:
Email:
dale@legasee.org.uk
or
Telephone:
07841870445.
Page 16
25TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE VICTIMS OF V2
AND NORTHERN IRELAND
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 24th October 2015 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 17
Dave Williams and John Nichol
Minden, Germany (Circa 1970)
Dougie Shipman
Belfast (Circa 1970/1971)
The late John Jobes
Prisoner during Northern Ireland Training
Minden, Germany (Circa 1969/1970)
All the above photographs sent in by
Dave Williams
Page 18
L to R: Derek Thompson and Percy Thrower
Junior Kingsman - One Sgt, One Cpl and one LCpl at IJLB Shorncliffe.
Who are they and what year was it taken?
Sent
nt in by Colonel M A Grant
Se
GrantHaworth CBE
Page 19
TURNING THE LEAVES – LIVERPOOL ANGLICAN CATHEDRAL
THURSDAY 12TH NOVEMBER 2015
1914-1918
SGT A CHESTERS
LCPL H CLARIDGE
LCPL G COLEMAN
.
TURNED BY
MAJOR E McMAHON TD
Ex 5/8 KINGS
1939-1945
PTE H WOOD
PTE J WRIGHT
PTE E YATES
TURNED BY
LT COL D CHADWICK TD
Ex 5/8 KINGS & LUOTC
KOREA
CSM W CHAPMAN
KGN J EVANS
MAJ P B STEPHENSON MBE
Turned by
MAJOR K HASTIE TD
Ex 5/8 KINGS
THANK YOU TO EVERYONE WHO ATTENDED THE NOVEMBER
2015 TURNING OF THE LEAVES.
THE 2016 TURNING OF THE LEAVES WILL TAKE ON:
THURSDAY 17TH MARCH 2016 AT 5.30 PM
THURSDAY 9TH JUNE 2016 AT 5.30 PM
INCLUDING
INCLU
DING THE READING OF THE
KOREAN WAR ROLL OF HONOUR
THURSDAY 29TH SEPTEMBER 2016 AT 5.30 PM
THURSDAY 3RD NOVEMBER 2016 AT 5.30 PM
On behalf of all the members of the King's Regiment Association,
Liverpool Branch, I would like to take this opportunity to thank
Canon Myles Davies, the Cathedral Choir and all the Cathedral
Staff involved for their valued assistance during the Turning of
the Leaves Services throughout 2015.
Page 20
The Regimental Association of
The Duke of Lancaster’s Regiment
& St Chad’s Church Kirkby
Presents
A CHRISTMAS CONCERT
Featuring
The Regimental Band of The Duke of
Lancaster’s Regiment,
Mezzo Soprano Danielle Louise Thomas
and The Key Stage 2 Choir from
Kirkby Church of England Primary School
On Saturday 5th December 2015 starting at 7pm at St Chads Church,
Old Hall Lane, Kirkby, Merseyside L32 5TH.
Could you please be seated by 6.45pm
All proceeds will go to The Regimental Charity of The Duke of
Lancaster’s Regiment (Charity number 1116946)
Please pay on the door on the night,
£5 for Adults and £2.50 for Children
Get in the Christmas Spirit with some fantastic music!
Page 21
HOW THE BRANCH IS RUN
The Branch is managed by a management committee that meets quarterly at
1200hrs on selected Tuesdays at Walker House.
The committee is elected at the Annual General Meeting each year.
CURRENT COMMITTEE
BRANCH PRESIDENT
Lieutenant Colonel David Chadwick TD
CHAIRMAN
Major Eddie McMahon TD
SECRETARY
John Schofield
Telephone: 07788 994621
Email: jonnylad@tiscali.co.uk
NEWSLETTER EDITOR
Eric Roper
Tele: 0151 733 5946
Mobile: 07951 785876
Email: eric_roper@blueyonder.co.uk
TREASURER
Major Dennis Vickers TD
ASSISTANT TREASURER
Vacant
COMMITTEE MEMBERS
John Butler, Terry Caffrey, Major John Cashen, Stan Castell BEM,
Brian Green, Joe McLoughlin, Norman Pickles,
John Schofield, Russell Start, Ian Williams
STANDARD BEARERS
John Schofield, Stan Castell BEM, Brian Green, Ian Williams & Kenny Malam
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
© 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