The
Royal
British Legion
(Registered No. 219279 under the Charities Act 1960)
Garats HaY Branch
(BR 3502)
Branch Patron: Gen Sir Sam Cowan KCB CBE
Newsletter Number 20
March 2006
President: Lt Col D I Whimpenny
Chairman: Mr JA Clark
Vice Chairperson: Mrs JM Farrell
Secretary: Mr RJ White
Treasurer: Mr JR Farrell
Web site: www.garatshay.org.uk
!!!!!ALL CHANGE AT THE TOP!!!!!!
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Change of Branch President The Branch President, Colonel Mike Hill, has resigned as he has retired from the Army. Colonel Mike has served the Branch from its inception, and even though he has been serving for the last few years in the United States, he has continued to promote the Branch and the Legion to anyone who would listen. He was able to speak with authority on Branch matters, and we are all indebted to him. His final address to the Branch can be seen by clicking here. We wish him and his wife, Theresa, all the best as they settle down to a new life in Canada.
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 The new President being presented with his jewel of office by the Chairman |
At the meeting on Saturday, 12 November 2005, the Branch Committee appointed as our new Branch President Lieutenant Colonel David Whimpenny Royal Signals. David has been a Branch member for 7 years, and currently is the Commanding Officer of JSSU, RAF Digby. We welcome him in his appointment. |
Born in Conisbrough South Yorkshire David was educated at Mexborough Grammar School, Leicester University and Sunderland Polytechnic before commissioning into the Royal Corps of Signals in 1985. After tours in York and Herford as a Troop Commander and Operations Officer he was posted as Brigade Intelligence Officer to 12 Armoured Brigade. This was followed by a tour as Adjutant in 71 Yeomanry Signal Regiment. His first encounter with the Y Services was in Bosnia in 1995 which was the beginning of a long association which has endured to this day with tours in Northern Ireland, Upavon, Blandford and London prior to his move to Digby in 2004.
He is a keen sportsman with a passion for both Cricket and Rugby. Sadly advancing years and tired knees means participation in the later is mostly from an armchair. He is married to Christine and has 2 sons James (17) and Christopher (15).
David says “I believe passionately in the cause and work of the Royal British Legion and am immensely proud to serve as your president. I hope to continue the fine work and example set by my predecessor.
MESSAGE FROM THE CHAIRMAN
The time between each Newsletter gets shorter and shorter. Of course they say that when you get older, time flies!!
Since the last letter, we have had the District Conference. For those of you who are not aware, the National Branches have formed a District, and we are obliged to have a District Conference to deal with Charter Motions etc as a prelude to Annual Conference in May. This District Conference, despite the publicity and prior notices, was very poorly attended. If it had not been for members of our Branch and those of St James’ (mainly those on the committee), it would have been a complete disaster. Still, the minutes will be available on the website and hopefully in this edition.
The change of name for our Branch, as carried at our AGM, was ratified by the District Committee on 25 January, and went before the membership Council of the Legion on 26 January where the change was approved. So officially the name of the Branch is now “Y Services (Garats HaY)” National Branch.
This year is the 10th Anniversary of the formation of the Branch at Garats Hay, and as part of the celebrations, a Y Services Dinner will be held in the Officers’ Mess at RAF Digby on 7 April 2006. No doubt our long suffering Secretary may have more to say on this subject.
Enough from me. All that remains is for me to wish you all a happy and sunny summer. May you enjoy your holidays wherever you decide to go. We will have another Newsletter prior to the AGM in November.
God Bless.
John Clark.
Remembrance Weekend 12/13 November 2005
Details of this weekend, with photographs, can be seen by clicking here
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Remembrance
ServiceOur Padre, The Reverend Derek Buxton, said these words during the service:-
“Greater love has no man than this, that he lay down his life for his friends”. These are the words of Christ. What we are giving thanks for today even exceeds these words.
We remember and give thanks today for the men and women who gave their lives, not only for their friends and families, but for unknown millions of people, spread over many decades, who would enjoy the fruits of their sacrifice, yet never feel any gratitude or any need to give thanks. Fortunately there are some, especially those who are in churches today, who are grateful for their sacrifice.
Today with proud thanksgiving, we remember all those in the Armed Forces, and the civilians, who gave their lives not only for their friends, but for the ungrateful as well. This is a very Christian and noble thing to do. The prosperity and welfare we enjoy today is the result of their sacrifice, for if we had not won, as Wiston Churchill said, “We could enter a dark age, for a thousand years”. Like some of you, I can remember our Prime Minister saying “We are now at war!”. We can remember the invasion of Poland, France and Russia. They were perilous times, and it was only the steadfast bravery and the ultimate sacrifice of thousands of men and women, that delivered us from those dark days.
But I believe that God was also there, working with us, behind the dark clouds of war. You may say that this is chance. I see it as Divine Providence, when a German bomber lost its way during an air raid. Hitler had ordered that London was not to be bombed, fearing retaliation. The lost bomber dropped its bombes on London. Churchill retaliated, ordering Berlin to be bombed. Hitler reacted and ordered attacks on London. Before that he had only bombed airfields, and did not know that within four days they would have been obliterated. Bombing London instead gave time for the airfields to recover. The Battle of Britain followed. We had the use of our airfields, radar and special intelligence for this battle. We knew when the planes were coming, and how many. “Never in the course of history were so many saved by so few”, said Winston Churchill.
Hitler then decided to invade Russia. The barges waiting to invade Britain were removed from the French ports. I can recall our relief, and I believe that God was behind this. I recall that the English Channel was still and calm for several days at the time of the evacuation from Dunkirk. We felt that God was with us – it may be that God was behind Hitler’s megalomania for power, which frustrated his best Generals.
For myself, and for all of you here today, this is a time to remember; a time to give thanks, for every man and woman who gave their lives in the war, as if they died for each one of us. We are also grateful to all those who went to war for us and were not killed, for they took the risk which could have ended in the ultimate sacrifice. To all of them, we give our heartfelt thanks in our remembrances.
I do not find this difficult, for as a boy on D Day, I remember seeing squadrons of aircraft pulling gliders, circling higher and higher into the sky, and then heading for France. I looked up and thought that some of those men would be dead before I ate my school lunch. (We know now that in these glider attacks 90% of the men lost their lives). I cannot forget them, and we cannot cease to remember their families who were deprived of their love and vigour, and we cannot cease to remember those who were injured in mind or body, as a result of war, who are still with us and cared for by the Royal British Legion.
It is 60 years since the end of WW11. But it is 60 years ago, and if we count those who were adolescents and even younger at the time we have three generations, in every nation, who had nothing to do with war. They should all be aware of what happened, but they cannot be forever blamed for the sins of their fathers. In the case of Germany, we are only looking at 12 years of their history, perhaps a little more for Japan.
So today we remember, we give thanks, and we will always carry the sacrifices of our armed forces in our hearts. We give thanks to God for them and their sacrifices, and we remember God’s Divine Providence and we give thanks to him. But we also want to use this time to mark a moment of reconciliation: to our German cousins, and towards the Japanese. Both nations have made apologies, and laid wreaths in penitence at many memorials of remembrance.
Christ died to reconcile the human race, both to God and to each other; person to person; nation to nation; different peoples to different peoples. Christ was the great reconciler – as St Paul wrote “In Christ there is neither Jew nor Greek”. So as Christians, sharing a faith in Christ, there can be neither British, American, Russian, German nor Japanese – for we are all one in Christ Jesus.
Our country now enjoys a peace which demands vigilance, strength and a power, with the capacity strong enough to deal with anything which may threaten our peace or our well being and prosperity. “No predator was ever troubled by the helplessness of its victim”.
The peace so dearly won in two world wars, and maintained throughout the Cold war, can only be retained through strength and vigilance. Let us constantly remind our politicians of this, as they trim Military budgets. We have an obligation and a duty to do this for those who died in the two World Wars and in conflicts since then. We have to preserve that peace which they won for us, at so high a price. Our national strength, and our watchful vigilance, must be our constant concern. They fought to give us peace and prosperity, and we must preserve it for them!
Congratulations
We have received notification that Terry Whittles has been elected to the Board of Trustees representing the National Branches District.
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The Treasurer now has in stock the "Garats HaY Branch" badge suitable to be worn on a TRBL Tie by male members or as a brooch by the lady members of our Branch. The cost is £2.00 per badge, or £5.00 for 3, post free. Cheques should be made payable to "Garats HaY Royal British Legion Branch" and forwarded to the Treasurer as follows: WO1 J R Farrell, JSSU (V), RAF Digby, LINCOLN, Lincolnshire. LN4 3LH
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Branch Standard Bearer
We would be interested to hear from any member who would be willing to take on the duties of Deputy Standard Bearer. Training and expenses would be available.
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HELP WANTED
We have added a few names to the listing where we are looking to trace ex members or looking for information. To see them, please click here
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This plaque was placed in the “Y” Service plot at the National Arboretum,
and we spotted it at our recent visit. After making enquiries we
have managed to make contact with the Secretary of this
Association, Vic Simmonds, who lives in Sutton, Surrey. The Association’s members were Naval “Y” Operators, some of whom served in shore stations and some at sea. I shall be sending Vic a copy of this Newsletter, and hope that he might reciprocate |
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Freedom Trail 1
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You will have enjoyed Ken Kenway’s account of his walk on the 2005 “Freedom Trail” in the last issue. Ken tells me that he raised £970 for the Legion, and has sent me the photos below. The group photo is of the RBL contingent who completed the trip. The Monument of Kercabanac stands at a point where there was a German frontier post on what was known as the Zone Interdit. It was inaugurated in 1999 by the Secretary of State for ex-servicemen to the memory of those who gave their lives while assisting those crossing from France into Spain by way of the Chemin de la Liberte |
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Freedom Trail 2 – 10th July 2006 |
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Terry Whittles will be walking the Freedom Trail this year to raise money for the Royal British Legion. It is a four day hike commemorating the guides, couriers and safe-house keepers who kept this route over the Pyrenees between France and Spain open during WW2 for allied servicemen and those fleeing occupation.
It is an arduous journey, carrying all equipment and supplies, with over 30 hours walking – starting in the French foothills of the Pyrenees, traversing the high mountains (around 3000 metres) and down into Spain. Two nights will be spent bivouacking amongst the peaks. Last year a number of participants failed to complete the journey.
Terry will be completing a diary of his experiences which he will make available to any interested sponsor.
If you would like to sponsor Terry or make a donation (cheques payable to “The Royal British Legion”), please complete the form below and send it to Terry at 3 Railway Terrace, Paper Mill Lane, Alton, Hampshire, GU34 2PY; call him on 01420 87096 or email him at terry.whittles@virgin.net.
Those with internet access can donate directly by visiting his secure site www.bmycharity.com/terryw
Name
Address
Telephone
Amount
BRANCH MEMBERSHIP.
Numbers stand at 435. You will have seen that National Conference decided to raise the annual affiliation fee by 50p. Our Branch funds are healthy, and Branch subs will remain at £5. We welcome the following new members who have joined since the last Newsletter:-
Bob Allum of Sleaford Jim Coglan of Loughborough
Sean Gurney of Ashby de la Launde Pat Hickman of Winchester
James Hobson of RAF Digby Peter Hopkins of Coalville
Gerry Kane of Shepshed Major Debi Lomax of Timberland, Lincoln
David Martin of Caithness Simon Neal of Wellingore,Lincoln
James Ruddock-Broyd of Beckenham Glynn Wade of Doncaster
2006 London Marathon
The Branch is sponsoring one of our lady members, Nicky Beresford, (incidentally the first female SUPVR (R)), to run in this year's marathon. One of the prerequisites for her entering is that she has to raise the sum of £1000. At the Remembrance weekend, Dennis Weir managed to raise sponsorship for her to the princely sum of £336 among those members and their partners attending the dinner. We are now asking you to help us send this young lady on her way in style. Please send any sponsorship monies by way of a cheque, payable to The Royal British Legion, to either of the following: Nicky Beresford Dennis Weir 9 Martin Court 11 Bullingham Road Ashby de la Launde Lincoln Lincolnshire LN4 3TW Lincolnshire LN2 4RW
Forthcoming events
10th June 2006 TRBL 85th Birthday Concert at Sheffield Hallam FM Arena.
Tickets £25 and £15 – call The Arena on 01142 565656
90th Anniversary of the Battle of the Somme 4 day Bike Ride
contact Rebecca Pride on 0207 973 7255
VETERAN'S BADGE
Distribution of the Badge has now been handed back to the MoD Veterans Agency.
If you wish to apply for your badge please contact them as follows:-
Tel 0800 169 2277 or email help@veteransagency.gsi.gov.uk
Or write to Veterans Badge Office, Room 6108 Tomlinson House, Norcross, Blackpool FY5 3WP.
You can also download an application form from their web site
http://www.veteransagency.mod.uk/
PIN UP PAGE
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John Lea sent me this lovely picture of Vivienne Leigh. He tells me that his uncle Basil “Vorro” Parsons died in the late 50’s, and he has come across this photo in his papers. Uncle Basil was with 5 Ack in Burma during WW2, and the photo is dedicated to “the boys of No 5 Special Wireless Section SEA with all good wishes. John would love to hear from anyone who knew Basil, and who might throw some light on how he came by the picture.
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BOOK REVIEW
by Christopher Winn
ISBN 009190207X
£9.99
iIn 1914 Laurence Binyon sat on the clifftop above Polzeath, Cornwall. There he composed the lines well known to us all:-
They shall not grow old, as we that are left grow old:
Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn.
At the going down of the sun and in the morning
We will remember them.
This little book is full of such county by county details and drawings of fascinating and unique places which either are or should be famous. A compendium of facts and anecdotes that offers an exciting new kind of guide to England.
I’ll be keeping my copy in the car to add lots of interest to visits around the country.
From The Editor
Members’ memories, photos
or any items of interest
WANTED – Please!!!!!
Email addresses
Thanks to all who have contacted me to update their email addresses. We can now contact over half of our members electronically, and I will be emailing to remind them when this and future Newsletters are available to view on the web site.
Please keep us up to date with any changes.
John “Skip” Skipper, Jubilee Cottage 14, Norwich Rd, Honingham, Norfolk NR9 5BS
email : skip@Honingham75.freeserve.co.uk
CALLING ALL ATS GIRLS
I spotted an article in the Aviva Pensioners magazine WW11
Supplement a contribution from a lady named Olive McEntyre from
the Wirral. She recounted her experiences of being a Special
Operator at Garats Hay between 1943 and 1946. I made contact
with her and she was delighted to hear all about us and more
recent times. She would, obviously, love to hear from anyone who
remembers her. I’ll pass on any contact details to her.
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BLETCHLEY PARK APPEAL 
Action This Day Released : Feb 28, 2006 When Churchill’s top codebreakers wrote to him, in 1941, starved of resources to do their essential work, the Prime Minister ordered, ‘Action this day!’
WHERE YOUR HELP IS MOST NEEDED NOW:- PHILANTHROPIST SIDNEY E FRANK’S FOUNDATION CHAMPIONS ALAN TURING AT BLETCHLEY PARK WITH A £500,000 MATCHED FUNDING DONATION FOR A NEW EDUCATIONAL BUILDING
Alan Turing, the inspirational mathematician at the heart of Bletchley Park’s WW2 codebreaking successes is to be honoured by the late American billionaire Sidney E Frank’s Foundation. Mr Frank was probably best known in the UK for the campaign to raise awareness of RJ Mitchell, recently commemorated by a national exhibition in London. Like Alan Turing, Mitchell did not receive the public acclaim that historians and experts believe he deserved. Before he died in January 2006 Mr. Frank had decided to champion Alan Turing’s memory and work through the education and exhibition programmes initiated by Bletchley Park Trust. Among the plans is a new wing to our National Codes Centre’s Block B, right at the new entrance to the Park. The building will be a Centre with many exciting features.
BUT BEFORE IT CAN BE COMMENCED WE NEED YOUR HELP TO MATCH FUND THE FRANK FOUNDATION’S £500,000 (WE HAVE SO FAR RAISED £134,000 SINCE OCTOBER 2005)
Bletchley Park is not publicly funded (though we have had government grants for capital projects). The Bletchley Park Trust alone is responsible for restoring, developing and investing in the historic site as a whole. Now you can continue Churchill’s decisive support and help Bletchley Park Trust keep Bletchley Park alive: • Your visit counts. Without your active support, the future is uncertain. All revenue and grants received go towards maintaining The Park and developing it in a way that is meaningful for future generations. We regularly introduce new exhibits and events so do come soon. • Join our Friends. Telephone for an application form or contact us via the website. Bletchley Park Friends receive newsletters, special offers and advance information. • Donations are always acknowledged and always welcome. Bletchley Park Trust is a Registered charity no. 1012743. • Planning for the Future - whatever the gift, a legacy will help preserve this living legend.
Together with other fundraising, legacies underpin Bletchley Park’s educational programmes for people of all interests and ages, particularly children
Write to Bletchley Park Ltd, The Mansion, Bletchley Park, Milton Keynes MK3 6EB Tel 01908 640404 or visit their web site www.bletchleypark.org.uk
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The Border
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LAST POST We are sad to hear that Branch Member Ron Edwards has passed away. We also regret to record the deaths of John Cassels, Jim Claffey and of Bill Parry. They were not members of the Branch, but were well known to many of us. Our condolences go to their families. May they rest in peace |
Remembrance Service, Woodhouse November 2005