On Sunday 11^th November the Annual Remembrance Service was conducted by our Chaplain, Canon Derek Buxton.

He spoke in remembrance of all who have fallen or suffered on active service.  I repeat his final words here, as they seem to crystalise our thoughts at Remembrancetide:

It is the Soldier that has given us the freedom of the press, not reporters.

It is the Soldier, not the poet, who has given us the freedom of speech

It is the Soldier, not the lawyer, who has given us the right to a fair trial. 

It is the soldier who salutes the flag - and whose coffin is draped by the flag – who permits the protester to burn the flag. 

It is the men and women, in our armed forces, and in the police, who stand in the face of danger, that we may live in safety.

After the service we gathered near the War memorial. A guard of honour was provided by a tri-service Guard from DISC Chicksands.  Wreaths were laid and silence observed. After saying farewell to many friends, some repaired for lunch to the Quality Hotel, Loughborough. Our grateful thanks to the lads and lasses from Chicksands who travelled at their own expense to be with us.

POPPY APPEAL NEWS as at Monday 10^th March the total stood at £29 million – a fantastic amount!!!!!     

ROYAL BRITISH LEGION  RECRUITMENT   From John Neal 

The Legion has a small Development Team responsible for spreading the Legion gospel amongst the Services and for training and encouraging volunteers at Branch and County level.  Part of their role is to publicise the work of the charity with the aim of recruiting new members, Poppy People to raise funds, and Caseworkers to help deliver Welfare.

The Legion is losing members at the net rate of about 4% per annum, despite recruiting around 40,000 members each year.  The team’s goal of helping the Legion reach its target of increasing the number of new members this year by 5% will not be easy!

At Head Office in London my multi-talented assistant, Tony, maintains records and statistics, looks after my budget, arranges and administers several courses for County Recruiting Officers from booking venues and hotels, through the issue of course joining instructions, to on-site admin and post-course certification!  A former Grenadier, Tony wastes no opportunity to sign up potential talent – his greatest pleasure this year was signing up All Angels, stars of the 2007 Festival of Remembrance, whilst helping out at the Royal Albert Hall!

Working alongside Tony is Emma, for 11 years a member of the RAF.  Emma is the Unit Liaison Officer responsible for keeping in contact with service units and records offices, and for seeking opportunities for the Legion to give presentations and briefings to Service personnel.  She sends out application forms by the thousand as well as hundreds of packs of publicity material.  Using her charm on RSMs and Welfare Officers, Emma helps set up around 100, mainly Army, briefings each year in the UK (including Northern Ireland), and Germany helping us to deliver briefings to up to 10,000 personnel. These two staff members are my Head Office team and they are also entitled to the full use of one of my three hats.

 Each Regional Manager has a dedicated Regional Publicity and Membership Officer (RPMO). These former Servicemen are responsible for delivering briefings to HM Forces, training volunteers at County and Branch level to become good recruiters, and for helping Counties and Branches to arrange and man stands at village fetes and county shows.  The five RPMOs clock up thousands of miles each year promoting the Legion in England, Wales, Northern Ireland and Germany.  Scotland, of course, has its own Legion. Although line management is through the Regional Managers, their direction and guidance comes through me from my boss, the Director of Membership and Regions, Peter Henderson.

Who are you going to sign up in 2008?

RECRUITMENT - Continued

For the first time in my memory our Branch numbers, like those of the Legion in general, have fallen! In our case the losses are mainly due to losing track of cash paying members – hence our love of signing up people on direct debit.

 We need to recruit, and it is really up to you to help. Have you ever introduced a new member? Our branch is really for those with “Y” connections (although we could not actually refuse anyone)

But no matter how tenuous the connection – family, comrades who may have been cooks, drivers, RP, or Pay Corps will be most welcome.

 Do you know of any prospective members? If so, nag ‘em, pass on this copy of the Newsletter – get them interested. Then just let us know their details and we’ll send an application form. (For those with a PC, there is an application form you can download from our web site).

 MEMBERSHIP 

Since the last issue we welcome the following new members:-

 Paul Croxson                   Phil Staples                Keith Hamer                  John Breaker

2008 AGM ARRANGEMENTS

There were some complaints about the standard of service at the Quality Hotel last year. We are considering returning to the Ramada this year, as it has now been completely refurbished. We are also investigating the possibility of holding the actual meeting at the 6^th Form College, and returning to the hotel for meals and accommodation. However, we feel that some would prefer keeping the whole thing under one roof to minimise travelling.

 It is your weekend, so Nigel would appreciate hearing any views that you may have before he makes the final arrangements.

 Contact him at 12, The Oval, Ashby de la Launde, Lincoln LN4 3LH

                     Or email dig-jssuv-trgoff@digby.raf.mod.uk

EXTRACT OF THE AGM MINUTES

I have listed some of the more important items. A full copy of the Minutes is available on request. Ed

 Matters Arising

Poppy Appeal

£1536 has been donated – this includes £536 raised by RAF Digby

Halsey House

We have donated £1000 to their refurbishment project. The Management team has promised to keep us informed on how our donation is used.

Board of Trustees

Terry Whittles was recommended as our delegate to the Board.

President’s Address

He highlighted the fact that although our Branch was doing well the Legion nationally was seeing numbers falling. He appealed for each our members to try to recruit one new member.

Chairman’s Report

He updated the meeting on District activities, and his objectives.

 Secretary’s Report

Nigel reported that he and a small party had visited the Y plot at the NMA to tidy up. The benches and memorial plaque need some attention and he will be taking a contingent from JSSU Digby to do the work in the Spring.

Membership

Membership has dipped slightly to 452. John Neal spoke of the rate of 4% loss of members nationally, and the urgent need to recruit.

Branch Accounts

John Farrell presented the Accounts to 30/9/07. Even after the donations made we have a healthy total of just under £3000 in the bank a/c

Welfare

The Secretary reported that the 2 cases he dealt with during the year had come to a successful conclusion, and asked members to be on the lookout for any welfare issues.

Standard Bearer

Tom Neal volunteered to stand in at the AGM weekend if required in the future.

The Standard could be sent to a Branch member’s funeral, but this would only be at the request of the family.

Elections

The following were elected:-          Hon Secretary                      Nigel Watton

                                                         Committee Members           Joy White     Dennis Weir     Mike Frankish     Nick Berry

Conference Delegates               Annual Conference               Martin and Linda Foster

                                                         District Conference               Martin Foster and Nigel Watton

Future Events

            A Social meeting will be arranged during the summer at the National Arboretum.

NATIONAL BRANCHES DISTRICT ANNUAL MEETING

 The meeting took place at Pall Mall on 15^th January.

• Terry Whittles was confirmed as the representative on the Board of Trustees.
• District now has its own web site              www.rblnatdistrict.org.uk
• Lt Col Whimpenny will be Conference Delegate
• The District Committee now comprises :-

J Tuckey                                 President

J Clark                                    Acting Chairman

D Street                                  Acting V Chairman

J Organ                                  Secretary

R Manser                               Treasurer

T Dadson                               Training Officer

J Long                                   

D Page MBE

Lt Col D Whimpenny

R Cast

R Simmopns

N Watton

• St James has donated a Standard. Riders Branch will provide a Standard Bearer

The new Legion HQ - Haig House

Haig House is scheduled to open in August/September.  Spread over 5 floors, the building will be open plan with closed offices only for senior staff. There is parking for only 4 cars!

FORTHCOMING EVENTS

Branch Summer event 26^th July, at the National Memorial Arboretum. Register your interest now by returning the slip shown later, or by email to Skip. Full details of timetable, travel, hotels etc will then be sent to you as soon as they are available.

Birgelen Vets

Their AGM and Reunion this year is again at The Cavendish Hotel in down-town Torquay over the weekend of 3^rd – 6th October.

 Call Cyril Harding on 01873 856021 if you wish to book.

The Tel(S) 1942-45 Association

We continue to swap newsletters with the Association. They continue to thrive, and have a total of 153 members.

Their annual reunion will take place 19^th – 21st September at the Ivy Bush Royal Hotel, Spilman Street, Camarthen. Details from Ken and Margaret Edwards On 015 5475 5472

 Langeleben Reunion RSA

Their 15^th reunion will take place at Burleigh Court, Loughborough 23^rd to 25^th May.         Details from Ernie Callaghan, 0208 300 7577

New member Paul Croxson has been pulling together items about the histories of Langeleben and of National Service. His trojan efforts so far can be seen on the Langeleben web site. (www.langeleben.co.uk)  Paul will be very grateful for any further contributions from those who experienced either (or both) of these joys.

5 SPECIAL WIRELESS SECTION

 My thanks to Alex Carmichael, who has sent me a copy of his memoirs of his Y Unit’s role in the Burma Campaign, 1943 – 45. A fascinating insight into their training and experiences monitoring Japanese morse broadcasts.

 A bit too lengthy to reproduce here, so I will put it with our Branch memorabilia so that members can peruse the book at our meetings.

                                                                                                        Britannic

…---…     HELP WANTED

No 4 Wireless Company (WO Signals)

In the latest issue of my local RSA magazine appears an article written by ex-Signalman Philip Carley. Philip joined this Company in December 1940, when it was located at Mons Barracks, Aldershot.

He and many of his colleagues were Post Office trained, and became some of the first keyboard and line operators. They were introduced to the Creed High Speed Morse equipment, and worked alongside intakes of Special Operators from Trowbridge, handling traffic from Station X. Initially the traffic was German, but later the work was expanded to cover Italian and Russian traffic.

 The Company later moved to Egham.

They held a reunion in 1994, but Philip has never been able to trace any former members who served in the unit between 1940 and 1942. (Did you? If so I’ll put you in touch - Ed)

Y” and 100 Group

Due to a misprint, I am repeating the following item, placed in the last issue, in its correct form:-

 (Sidney Goldberg has written to me in response – he confirms that it was confirmed by the Head of the Air Historical Branch at the MOD that the wartime intercept logs no longer exist. He says that countless “Special Operators” flew not only with 100 Gp, but with Main Force squadrons as “8^th man”. I have put Wing Cdr Stubbington in touch with Sidney, who has the distinction of being the only airman aboard HMS Rodney during the Normandy landings. He was awarded the honour of Chevalier de la Legion d’Honneur and is heavily involved with the Normandy Veterans Association – Ed)

BRANCH WEB SITE

 As you will know, John Clark, besides his other Branch and District duties, maintains our web pages, and we are proud of its content and quality.

 He is looking for a willing helper to understudy him in this task, and he would like to hear from any member(s) who would like to take this on.

 Contact John if you would like to find out more about what is involved.

WOMEN AT WAR     A series of new displays at the Royal Signals Museum. Opening date: Fri 8 Feb 2008.

A new exhibition Women at War, funded the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF), opened at the Royal Signals Museum. The opening was attended by retired and serving women soldiers from the various regiments depicted in the display  with a strong contingent from the Royal Corps of Signals Gina Lewington, ex WRAC and Royal Signals said of the display; “It is about time that the role of women in the British Army was given some prominence and I am very proud to be here. The films, interviews and archive footage are absolutely fascinating and give a real insight into the essential role that we were given.”

FANY uniform 1907-09

Of particular interest are the new documentaries created by producer Martyn Cox who has spent months recording interviews with ladies from the SOE, Y Service, WRAC and ATS. These films are amazing snapshots, interspersed with personal photographs and archive footage, which give a real insight into the lives of these courageous and dedicated women. The films include interviews with Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal, Honorary Colonel of the FANY. There are four separate displays; The FANY 1907 – 1939, The Second World War 1939-1945, Post War 1945 – 1990, Into the 21st Century.

By the end of the First World War, the FANY had been awarded many decorations, including 27 Croix de Guerre. The SOE and “Y” Service had similarly impressive roles. Three SOE / FANY Agents – Violette Szabo, Odette Hallowes and Noor Inayat Khan were awarded George Crosses, two of them posthumously. Many other decorations were awarded to women for their dedication and heroism. Evidence of the continuing role of women can be seen by the array of medals worn by Major Emma Rae which show her service in Bosnia, Kosovo, Afghanistan.

This exhibition and its outreach material will create new insights into the nation’s heritage and the sometimes hidden but formative role of women within our society. Furthermore it will open the eyes of school children to the bravery, sacrifice and achievements of these women who protected our community and our freedom.

In her own words Odette summarised her wartime experiences with the words; “I am a very ordinary woman to whom a chance was given to see human beings at their best and their worst.”

At the heart of the project are filmed interviews of women describing their duties, emotions and experiences. With interactive touch screen displays this modern and dynamic display illustrates the significant role of Women in the army throughout the 20th Century.The project will also start a national campaign to encourage women veterans who have never told their story to contact local organisations to make a record of their wartime activities. Working with the Imperial war Museum and Oral History Society and many others, the Royal Signals Museum is appealing to anyone with a story or photographs to contact them.

(I see from the latest edition of the Museum’s newsletter that its Director, Cliff Walters, is to retire at the end of March after 12 years at the Museum. We wish him a happy and peaceful retirement - Ed.)

BOOK REVIEW

MAYHEM IN THE MED by Richard Stiles

 A Chronicle of the Cyprus Emergency 1955-1960

 This title has been produced to mark the 50th anniversary of the commencement of that troubled period known as the Cyprus Emergency 1955-60. The book takes the form of a daily newspaper to allow the reader to experience events as unfolding news stories.

 Editorial comment provides a fuller context and the background information necessary for the complete comprehension of this conflict.

 As the sovereign power, Britain's response was to conduct an anti-terrorist operation. This involved troops from all the British armed services - Army, Royal Navy, Royal Marines and Royal Air Force - as well as the British Police Force. These operations in Cyprus were especially dependent upon young national servicemen.

 Over the five-year Emergency many regiments, squadrons, ships and other units were deployed and are often mentioned in the text. The work is illustrated by a number of photographs, some previously unpublished and provided by those who served in Cyprus at the time. This volume will be of great interest to those who were on the island during this period, as well as to historians and military collectors.

 Appendices include:

  Honours and Awards, including Mentions-in-Despatches (about 900 names)

  Roll of Honour (about 400 names)

  Obituaries

  Unit Deployments

 ISBN I – 902366 – 38 - 7

                                This pic is from a recent MOD recruitment advert for EWSO’s……………..

                                    Is that really an air conditioning unit above his head?

EDITOR'S BIT

·         This is my 6th year as Editor, and I hope you continue to enjoy the Newsletters.

·         I would like to express my thanks to the Committee, contributors, the Printer, and my family for their help in producing and mailing the Newsletters.

 ·         I appeal frequently for more items and pictures, and have had some success  -  thanks to those who have responded. But I have noticed that the average age of those who do write to me is about 80!!!  Surely SOMETHING interesting has happened to some of our members SINCE the 2^nd World War???

 ·         A usual reminder to keep us updated with your changes of address. Sadly, each time we mail the Newsletters a considerable number are returned marked “Gone away”, and several emails bounce back to us.

My Local Football Club, Norwich City, has just handed over a cheque for more than £4200 to the Legion’s care home Halsey House, Cromer. The cash was raised courtesy of their Championship game against Plymouth Argyle last November. Both teams wore shirts specially printed with a poppy.

The shirts were then signed by the individual player who wore them, before being auctioned on-line with a certificate of authenticity.

Up the Canaries!

And Finally…………..

This is my penultimate Newsletter, as I do not intend putting my name forward for re-election at the next AGM. The Committee would of course love to hear from anybody who would consider taking over as editor.

The job requires a little knowledge of the PC, a bit of flair, and an enquiring mind. It all takes a few hours, but is very satisfying. I have taken the quality of the newsletter to the limits of my expertise, and look forward to handing over to someone who can perhaps take it up to the next level.

I will, of course, be happy to help the new Editor get to grips with the minor technicalities of the interface with the Printer.

Skip  14, Norwich Rd, Honingham, Norwich NR9 5BS

             Email :- johnaskipper@hotmail.co.uk

MEMORY LANE

Mrs Josephine May (nee Woodward), who’s story appeared in the last issue, has sent me this photo of C Watch awaiting the troop carrier to take them to Beaumanor during WWII……………..

…

..and Madeline Taylor (nee Saunders) sent me these. The one on the left shows a group billeted in Garats Hay, whilst the one below in working gear was taken during cleaning up the newly erected Nissen huts before taking up residence.

Above, L-R

 Grace Flowers

Dottie Jones

Maddy Saunders

Joyce Spotswood

Winnie Drummond

Joan Pussey

Eileen Young

…-.  …-.V E DAY

Last year I received a letter from one of our Senior members, Joan Williams of Woodborough Nottingham, recounting some of her days at Beaumanor.  I reproduce some of it here – I’m sure she will not mind.

 …..I was in B Watch, and knew Rene Goldsmith & Betty Haines. I trained at SOTB Trowbridge and a short term at Shenley, in squad 30. We all seemed to appear at Garats Hay at the same time – I remember sleeping on the top of a 3 bunk bed in the garage and next day we were sorted out into “watches”.

We were very happy at Garats Hay in the nissen huts, and of course within walking distance of Beaumanor – but – once we were sorted into watches we were moved once again – I was at Soar House in Barrow. We ate at the Bulls Head in Quorn. Troop carrier took us to Garats Hay. We had many friends on different watches, but were like ships that passed in the night, quickly changing headphones and straight on with the “listening”.

It was a hard but happy time. Only bad thing was the walk to the canteen for breaks, sometimes in the middle of the night – Lady Jane Gray from Bradgate Park was supposed to haunt the area!

On VE Day “B” watch reported for duty and were told the traffic was very heavy – I was watching 9^th Panzer Div and took more log… messages – most exciting. One of our operators took that message from Admiral Doenitz but we were not told, and went off watch very happy. 4 of us got ready and made for  London – we booked in at the Catholic Women’s Club in Victoria, had beans on toast at Lyons Corner House, saw the King and Queen return from Windsor. We had a return salute from him and a smile from her! The time just flew – we were in Birdcage Walk from late afternoon and joined in the celebrations. The Queen and Princess Margaret came from the balcony at the Palace and came down into the crowd – most gratifying.

Last year I had the honour of an invitation to the Palace Garden Party. My friend and I represented the War Widows Association. We were presented to Her Majesty and I was able to remind her of VE Night. Whilst holding my hand she said “Thankyou for bringing it to my mind – you had been there for some time, but we were allowed only 10 minutes” but she remembered the ATS and said I would have been one of those she spoke to.

(Thanks for that. Joan is in her 86^th year, but is still actively involved in War Widows meetings. She also writes a super letter, in lovely handwriting which puts mine to shame!  Ed)

Between Monday 28 May 2001 and Monday 4 June 2001the centenary celebration of the Royal Navy’s Submarine Service was held at HM Naval Base Clyde, at Faslane on the Gairloch in Scotland.

 To celebrate this event, submarines from the United Kingdom, United States, Russia, Poland, Portugal, Norway, Sweden, Spain, Germany (2), France and Holland gathered together for the week.  Also in attendance was the Sweden deep sea rescue ship, HMS Belos.  A submarine from Canada did not arrive, but docked in nearby Campbeltown.

 WO1 John Clark serving with 5 Comms Coy (V), DSSS,  (now JSSU(V)) at Chicksands, was one of the party of interpreters deployed for duty with the foreign submarines.  WO1 Clark was attached to the Russian submarine “ ВОЛОГДА” ( VOLOGDA).

                                       VOLOGDA with Portuguese and Norwegian boats

WO1 Clark is, as far as is known, the first Intelligence Corps member to visit a Russian Navy submarine.  During his visit, the officers and men of the VOLOGDA were very friendly and answered every question put to them.

                                                                                                                                       Under the boat's crest 

With boat’s coxswain

A full programme of events and visits was laid on for the Russian and other crews.  These included:

v  Visits to Stirling Castle, Wallace Monument, Rangers and Celtic football stadiums, Murrayfield Rugby stadium

v  Football match between the Royal Navy and the rest of the world (RN won 5-3), followed by a Barbecue (both traditional and paella from the Spanish crew) and a Social.  The match, in the latest tradition, included a streaker, albeit a foreign Naval officer!

v  Tour round Argyle and Bute

v  Glengoyne Distillery visit followed by a visit to Balloch where free meals were laid on by MacDonalds.

v  Various dinners and lunches for VIPs with socials for senior rates and sailors.

v  Local fair at Helensburgh

v  Church parade

v  A three-day trade fair by sponsors was held in the Warrant Officers’ and Senior Rates’ Mess, mainly for businessmen and contractors.

The highlight of the week was the Centenary Commemoration Parade before HRH The Princess Royal, and attended by many VIPs.

      Halsey House, Cromer

LAST POST     We regret to record the deaths of the following members:-                               Mrs Barbara Preston                               Mrs Mary Cameron                               Mrs Peggy Holmes                               Mr D E Rostron                                                        May they rest in Peace

                 Google Earth” view of Woodhouse area,

showing the new MOD College

bottom left.

 The Secretary is planning a Summer get together at the National Memorial Arboretum on 26 July.  

  He is obtaining details and prices from local  Hotels, and the Alrewas TRBL Branch has agreed we can use their clubhouse for a drink or two during the event.

 Exact date and details are yet to be arranged, and of course the whole thing depends upon sufficient interest from the Membership.

 If you are interested, just complete and return the slip AS SOON AS POSSIBLE. Full details will then be sent to you as soon as they are available.

I am interested in attending the Summer Meeting at Alrewas. Please send me full details when available.   Name…………………………………………………………    Possible No in party……….   Address……………………………………………………………………………………                           ………………………………………………………………………………                           ………………………………………………………………………………   Tel………………………….  email………………………………………………………     Please post the completed slip to  John Skipper, Jubilee Cottage, 14, Norwich Rd, Honingham, Norfolk NR9 5BS   Or register your interest by email to:-  JohnASkipper@hotmail.co.uk