Gloucestershire
Branch will try to have representation at Brize Norton at
the Repatriation of
Servicemen killed in action in Afghanistan .
Members of the public are welcome to
pay their respects along the route, and to that end a
Memorial Garden has been built along the route at Norton
Way on the edge of Carterton to create a suitable, safe
and respectful place for people to congregate. It was
designed
 by
a small group of local people including the RBL,
community representatives from Brize Norton & Carterton
together with serving and retired military personnel.
The design is intended to be a
focus for the public to pay their respects. Poignantly
at the centre of the garden is a flag pole from which
the Union Flag from Royal Wootton Bassett will be flown
on repatriation days. The flag itself was transported to
Norton Way from Wootton Bassett on September 1st and was
dedicated by he Bishop of Oxford at a special ceremony.
The flag and Garden were blessed by the Chaplain to the
RBL.
Planting of trees around the
memorial will take place in the Autumn. There will be
poppies planted in the lawn surrounding the memorial in
remembrance of past sacrifices in the cause of freedom.
Our Branch would welcome any support in the
future months for these repatriation events.
Should any member wish to
attend and requires further information then please contact
Chris Blick at the usual place.
|
|
Armed Forces Day -
Plymouth
30th June 2012
See the "Events" list
below for further details regarding
the Association's involvement. |
| UK Defence Medal
Follow the score on this campaign
to recognise and honour military service wherever
undertaken from 1945 onwards.
Click Here
|
| Pingat Jasa
Malaysian Medal Are you a
recipient of the above? Do you know HMG's
Honours & Decorations (HD) Committee are being asked to
look again at their decision not to endorse the
wearing of this Medal? Why not visit the
National Malaya &
Borneo Veterans Association website for more
information.
Latest as of Nov 10th 2011...
It has been announced that “British Veterans awarded the
Pingat Jasa Malaysia Medal have been given permission by
Her Majesty The Queen to wear it for the first time
during Remembrance events this coming Sunday (13th
November 2011). The Government of Malaysia introduced
this Medal in 2005 and awarded it to British and
Commonwealth Veterans who served in the conflict in
Malaya in the late 1950’s and 1960’s. Approval is not
normally given for foreign medals to be accepted if
British recognition for a campaign has already been
presented. Previously veterans had been able to accept
but not wear the medal. It has now been agreed that they
can both accept and wear the Pingat Malaysia Medal. This
was done to recognise the generous gesture by the King
and Government of Malaysia, and their wish to award the
PJM in recognition of service given by many veterans in
the difficult years leading up to and following the
Malaysian independence. |
Become A Part Of
History
Did you know that it is now possible to record your
wartime memories for posterity as part of a unique film
project? Legasee is a new personalised film service,
which enables your own military history to be recorded
on hi definition cameras for the benefit of future
generations.
Legasee is one of the first consolidated attempts to
document the views of individuals who have served their
country. While remembrance ceremonies and battle
anniversaries are regularly reported on TV, this
coverage rarely focuses on veterans’ personal
experiences for more than a few seconds and is of
restricted value as an educational tool or a record of
individual achievement.
The Legasee service aims to cover military life in much
more depth by focusing on personal stories and
viewpoints. A word of mouth record of your service for
your immediate family and future generations of your
bloodline. The finished film, should you wish, can also
provide a permanent educational resource for school and
college students, giving them access to the individual
views and knowledge of war veterans as part of political
and social history studies. Click on the
Legesee logo for more information. |
| Injured in Aden?
Could you please email me ASAP if you
sustained a lasting injury whilst serving in Aden,
whether or not you are receiving a war pension.
If you are aware of any members in this category who
have not got access to the internet, please pass on
their details to me and I will contact them.
Geoff Giles
avapublicity@adenveterans.org.uk |
|
Branch Meeting Minutes
To view/print a
copy of the Minutes from our last Branch Meeting (Jan 4th 2012) click
on this link. Minutes
|
| Event |
Date |
Description |
RAF Transport
Command Veterans Association Reunion
The Toorak Hotel
Torquay
TQ2 5HS
Tel:01803 400100 |
Fri May 18th- Mon 21st 2012 |
Ex RAF, WRAF/WAAF members of our association are invited to
join the
RAFTCVA at its 2012 reunion.
The following nightly rates per person
affording half board accommodation with leisure facilities
etc are as follows:
Thursday 17th May £47.00, Friday 18th May £58.00, Saturday
19th May £58.00, Sunday 20th May £47.00, Monday 21st May
£47.00 and Tuesday 22nd May £47.00.
The weekend break can be extended either side of these
dates, at reunion rates, to make a longer stay possible.
This will incur a one-off charge of £4 to cover
administration.
Please contact (in the first instance)
Mr James Semple the RAFTCVA Secretary on 01793 728206 or by
email to
my_last_three176@btinternet.com, or lastly by snailmail
to his home address...
187 Severn Avenue, Swindon, Wilts SN25
3NB
...and he will send out a booking form
to be returned with a £30 pp non refundable deposit.
Note: We regret
that this event is not open to non ex RAF types. |
Gloucestershire Airport Visit
Staverton |
Wed May 23rd 2012 @ 18:00hrs |
This event is currently fully subscribed but the Branch
Secretary has opened a reserve list should anyone drop out! |
 ARRC Homecoming Parade
Tewkesbury |
Wed May 30th 2012 @
12:00hrs |
A
parade to honour the homecoming of 170 Pioneer Squadron and
Allied Rapid Reaction Corps in Tewkesbury before the
medal presentation at their Headquarters at Innsworth on the
same day.
Parade assembles at the “Boat House Public House” at St.
John’s Bridge (A38) and marches to Gloucester Road where
“Veterans” and “Association” Standards will be present
outside of Tewkesbury Abbey.
Please come along and welcome the lads
and lassies home. |
 The
Horse Guards
Brokenborough
Nr Malbesbury
Wiltshire SN16 0HZ |
Wed Jun 6th 2012
12:00 for 12:30 |
 Menu
available nearer the time - meanwhile you can check out the
pub's website at...
http://www.thehorseguards.com/
Further details from Sally on 01452 386052 (mob 07796 617499).
Menu
 |
Weymouth Veterans Parade
Weymouth Seafront |
Sun Jun 24th 2012 |
This event starts at 11:00hrs with a
Service of Remembrance followed by the Veterans Parade, a
Vehicle Convoy & RBL Riders.
Any member wishing to attend, should, in the first instance,
contact Chris Blick by May 15th to ensure inclusion in the
ticketing process.
Weymouth Veterans Awareness Week |
Armed Forces
Day Parade
Plymouth |
June 30th 2012 |
The organisation and administration (marching) and deploying
of Branch Standards etc., is the responsibility of the
National AVA Events Organiser, namely Clive Candlin, who
writes...
The Aden Veterans Association is
required to register with the Plymouth City Council the
number of members wishing to take part in the Armed
Forces Day Event, to include those taking an active part
in the Parade, those with disabilities and requiring to
use a wheelchair, and the number of Standard Bearers
reporting from Branches.
It is essential that anyone wishing to be involved by
the closing date of at Plymouth advise me (Branch
Secretary) at the earliest opportunity of their
attendance by noon on Friday 4th May 2012.
The Parade will form up at 10.30 and step off at 11.00
hours and will be followed by a Drumhead Service.
The National Aden Veterans Association will have a place
in the “Veterans Village” on Plymouth Hoe complete with
our Display Boards and National Standard. Also in the
“Veterans Village” will be the AVA Merchandising
Officer, namely Mr James Brandon.
Further information can be found at
http://www.armedforcesday.org.uk/
and/or
http://www.visitplymouth.co.uk/ |
Branch AGM
Stroud Conservative Club
Carlton House
London Road
Stroud |
Wed
July 4th 2012
@ 11:00 |
All members welcome.
It would be helpful to have advanced knowledge of your
attendance to assist with catering. |
Queen's
Diamond Jubilee BBQ
Tarshyne
Cirencester Road
South Cerney |
Sun July 15th 2012
12 Noon until Sunset. |
Our Branch Chairman has kindly offered to host a BBQ in the
grounds of his home, in celebration of the Queen's Diamond
Jubilee. There will be a cover charge of £12.50 per
head which will include 2 drinks and a lunchtime barbecued
meal of a chicken breast, pork medallion & sausages
accompanied by a salad selection - to be followed by a
dessert. Seating is limited,
so for those that can manage to bring their own garden
and/or folding picnic chairs, it will help enormously. |
The
Apple Tree
Waterly Lane
Minsterworth
GL2 8JQ
|
Wed Aug 1st 2012 |
 Menu
available nearer the time - meanwhile you can check out the
pub's website at...
http://www.theappletreeinn.com/
Further details from Sally on 01452
386052 (mob 07796 617499) |
SARA Sharpness Lifeboat Station Visit
Sharpness Old Dock |
Thu Aug 16th 2011
@ 19:00hrs |
This visit is open to members of our
Association and their spouses/partners.
http://www.sara-rescue.org.uk/stations/sharpness/
More info to follow in next newsletter. |
Gloucester Day Parade
Incorporating the Queen's Diamond Jubilee Celebrations |
Sat Sept 1st 2012 |
The Gloucester Day committee has invited
us to join them on this special occasion.
The event will take place in the Historic
City of Gloucester - the parade commences at 14:00hrs
through the four main gated streets and is to be led by the
Mayor and Sheriff of Gloucester, both wearing full civic
regalia. Following the parade there will be a
reception at Brunswick Baptist Church where hopefully the
citizens of Gloucester, both old and new, will come together
and take the opportunity to socialise and make new friends.
We hope to arrange free car-parking for all those
participating.
Official
Invitation |
The
Twelve Bells
Witcombe
Glos
GL3 4SS |
Wed Sep 5th 2012 |
 Menu available nearer the time - meanwhile you can check out
the pub's website
at...
twelvebells
Further details from Sally on 01452 386052
(mob 07796 617499) |
Remembrance Tour
to Malaysia |
Tue Sep 11th - 24th 2012 |
Nichola Rowlands of the Royal British Legion
has drawn to our attention that they are running a
Pilgrimage tour to Malaysia for veterans and their families.
They can offer bursaries to those who qualify.
Click here for further details. |
Association
AGM
Norbreck Castle
Queens Promenade
Blackpool
FY2 9AA |
Fri-Mon Sep 21st-24th 2012 |
Full details in March edition of "The Dhow". |
Branch
Meeting
Stroud Conservative Club
Carlton House
London Road
Stroud |
Wed
Oct 3rd 2012
@ 11:00 (for 11:15 start) |
All members and their guests
very welcome.
Prospective new members are invited to attend and see what
we do! (For Satnav users the postcode is GL5
2AQ).
It would be helpful to have advanced knowledge of your
attendance to assist with catering. |
45th Commemoration
Of The Withdrawal from Aden
St Laurence Parish Church
Stroud. |
Thu Nov 29th 2012 |
Church Service at 11:00hrs conducted by our Branch Padre The
Rev Brian Woollaston - followed by lunch. More details
will be available at the April Branch Meeting, and in the
April-June Newsletter.
Our
Chairman would welcome any constructive thoughts or
suggestions for this event. |
|
If anyone has stories and/or photographs they would like to
see on this website, then please forward to Chris or Ian.
|
Larkhill Royal School
of Artillery
L to R
Master Gunner Christopher Towning, Denis Sparrow, Josie
Scott, Roy Scott, John Longhurst, Rosemarie Longhurst,
Norman Holford*, Jerry Wilmot, Jean Stubley, Keith Spiret,
Joe Roberts, Norma Rodman, Grahame Harper, Carol Parrant,
Janet Harper, Chris Blick, Curley Knowlton, Keith Brown*,
Angie Smith, Dorothy Blick, David Gearingh, Susan
Ward-Davies,
Councillor Philip Bevan*, Peter Bullers, Ian
Johnstone & Colonel RA Winchester Commandant (HQ) RSA
Larkhill.
(taken on
Wednesday April 18th 2012) *non AVA |
Westminster
Hall, London.
L to R: Mick Kippin, Dorothy Blick,
Josie Scott, Vernon Shelbourn, Norma Rodman, Roy Scott,
Carol Parrant,
Jane Wathern, Chris Blick, Mr.Braithwaite (Tour Guide at the
Palace of Westminster), John Wathern and Sally McLean.
(taken on
October 17th 2011) |
Armed Forces Day -
Edinburgh
Our Standard Bearer
Roy Scott with Richard Waddell (on the right) of the
Scotland Branch
both being indulged by HRH Prince Charles.
(taken on June
25th 2011) |
|
Lunch at The Carpenter's Arms, Miserden Nr Stroud
Group snapshot following an excellent lunch provided
by Keven Allin "Mein Host" whose late Father served
in Aden with
the RAF Police during the 1960's. Keven also
served for 17 years with the RAF before retiring to
his delightful Pub.
(taken on June 1st 2011)
|
|
Best wishes to Keith & Pam Spiret
on the occasion of their 62nd Wedding Anniversary
Keith & Pam Spiret with our Branch Chairman Jerry
Wilmot
(taken on June 1st 2011 in Misarden Park
Gardens) |
|
Armed Forces Day,
Cardiff Monday June 21st 2010
Flag raising ceremony. |
 |
 |
|
Left
to right - Valerie & Michael Peacod (Tredegar),
Chris Blick,
Norma Rodman and Roy Scott. |
Josie
& Roy Scott and Chris Blick |
|
Buckingham Palace
NFA Garden Party
July 8th 2010 |
 |
 |
|
Sheila &
Ian Hone |
Roy & Josie Scott
|
|
Battle of
Britain Service at Ruscombe Chapel
(Situated High on the Cotswold Hills above Stroud)
September 12th 2010
Arranged by the RAF Regiment
Association Glos Branch |
|
 |
|
This was
the first time that the two Associations had come
together to share thoughts and memories of 70 years
ago.
Left to
right: Chris Blick, Dorothy Blick, Norma Rodman,
Jane Wathern, Rev Brian Woolaston (Vicar of nearby
Whiteshill Parish Church and form Army Padre), John
Wathern & Sally Welzel. |
|
|
Any ex RAF members of our Association that served in
Transport Command may be interested to know that they there
is an RAF Transport Command Veterans Association to which
they might also wish to belong. For further details
click here. |
 |
"The
Armed Forces of Aden 1839-1967"
By Cliff Lord & David Birtles
Published in 2000 by
Helion & Co - ISBN 1 874622 40 X |
|
A compact book full of
historical facts, and though a ‘limited
edition’ is still available by searching ‘on
line’. It contains detailed records of the
armed forces that were raised in, or
seconded to, Aden and the Protectorates
during the 128 years of British rule. It
also gives an insight into the political and
military involvement of Britain, India,
Yemen, Turkey, plus internally that of the
Protectorates, during those years of
political change in ‘South Arabia’.
It is also a well illustrated book opening
with the usual introductory chapters
followed by the factual military history of
Aden itself. Maps and a plentiful cross
section of old photographs help to highlight
those years of almost continual military and
political change.
Of the 112 pages, over 50 are devoted to a
comprehensive Directory of the Units who
served there – including some fascinating
old organisations – to name a few the 1st
Yemen Infantry, 23 Fortress Company Royal
Bombay Sappers and Miners, Aden Defence
Light Section Indian Submarine Corps, Desert
Guards, Lahej Trained Forces (I hate to
think what the untrained forces were like?)
& Mukalla Prison (warders or inmates?) – all
playing their part amongst the array of
multinational forces who kept some form of
law and order. Exactly how this was achieved
– especially with submarine and miners units
- can only be gleaned from the book!
A selection of factually historical
appendices finish off the book, each one
listing such things as the comparative
tables of Arabic / British ranks, specific
operations of early times, lists of British
military formations who served over all the
years, badges and insignia, honours and
awards and a comprehensive glossary of terms
and abbreviations.
The Armed Forces of Aden is a reference book
and besides making a refreshing read, it
also presents a detailed insight into the
complex political and military history of
Aden during its 150 years of strategic
emergence as both a deep water and well
protected port on the newly opened sea route
from Europe to the Middle and Far East, just
as the world was opening up to the advent of
oil, trade and empire building by European
nations.
Chris Morton (Major Ret’d, British Army -
Aden 1965-66) |
| Hardback :
Amazon.co.uk |
Paperback:
Amazon.co.uk |
|
|
 |
Chris Morton has brought this publication to our
attention and as we all have a connection with this
neck of the woods it is likely to contain something
for everyone.
"Without Glory in Arabia: The British Retreat from
Aden" |
|
"I bought this book
as a present. The person who received it had
once served in Aden. He said it was one of the
best books on the subject he had ever read." |
"The book brought
back many memories (good and not so good) of
Southern Arabia 1965-67 and helped to explain what
was going on seemingly behind the scenes. The
first half concerns events "up country" and the
second in Aden itself. For me it put a useful
new perspective on an eventful period" |
|
|
Source:
Amazon.co.uk |
Chris Morton's endorsement |
|
|
 |
Denis Sparrow has assembled photographs and memories
both past & present, of his time in Aden serving
with 45 Commando Royal Marines and of his return
visit in 2007.
"Aden In Pictures - In Which We Served"
This book contains upwards of 700
photographs, some his own, others contributed by
members of our Association. Without doubt it
will stir memories in us all - some sad, but mostly
happy. Of course that rather depends on your
definition of the word - for those ascending a
mountain wearing full kit and carrying a rucksack
and weapon in 100+ degrees - "happy" might be
stretching it a bit!
"This book has been lovingly produced
by one who was there, some of the photographs are
his own, others provided by some of the many who
were equally keen that this period of history should
not be forgotten. It records a period of time that
is now a part of history and the photographs will
serve as a reminder of what once was. Historians
will appreciate it for the pictures bring the place
to life, Scholars will appreciate it for it tells of
a time long forgotten, and Veterans will appreciate
it for reminding them of a time long gone, when “we”
were young!" Ted "Doc" Wade (Ex RN
Commando attached to 45 Comando RM). |
|
|
£29.50 (small discount available for Branch members)
- please contact
Denis
directly by E-mail. |
|
|
Quarter 2 Newsletter 2012 |
If these notes have whet your appetite, then please
look further at the National Web Site for details of membership, or
contact one of the following officers of the Gloucestershire Branch.
|
