Noticeboard
Updated 28/08/2010
It is with great sadness that I have to inform you of the passing of John Harris who passed away on the 19/August/2010
John served in the early 60's (1963) in 15 Bty.
The funeral will take place next Tuesday the 31st of Aug. at Manchester Crematorium, at 13:20 hrs. Anybody who knew John is most welcomed to attend the funeral.
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ROYAL ARTILLERY REGIMENTAL FAMILY NEWSLETTER
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LEST WE FORGET
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SADLY we say farewell to yet three more of our soldiers as a result of the fighting in Afghanistan .
Bombardier Craig Hopson from 40th Regiment Royal Artillery was killed by an explosive device on 25 July 2009 . He was 24 and from Castleford.
Warrant Officer Class 2 Sean Upton from 5th Regiment Royal Artillery was killed as a result of an explosion on 27 July 2009 . He was 35 and from Nottinghamshire.
Lance Bombardier Matthew Hatton from 40th Regiment Royal Artillery, aged 23 from North Yorkshire ; died alongside 2 soldiers from the 2nd Battalion the Rifles on Thursday 13th August 2009 , as a result of a roadside bomb.
We are all saddened to hear of the deaths of these outstanding soldiers. Like others gone before them, all three had exceptional qualities that earned them the highest respect from their commanders and peers. Their efforts and achievements during their tours to Afghanistan will be remembered by those they served alongside, and here in the association, we all will hold them in the highest regard for paying the ultimate sacrifice in helping to protect us against the threat of terror on our streets.
Our thoughts are with the families and friends of these fallen soldiers at this dreadful and most difficult time.
This Newsletter contains the results of the RAA Grand Draw, RAA Forecast of Events up until the end of the year, The Elizabeth Cross, The Royal Artillery Band Concert in Salisbury , The Service Pensions and Veterans Agency, and Gift Aid for the RACF. Completing the line up we have loads of Reunions for you and finally, in our In Memorium and Last Post sections we have our tributes to members we have lost from the Regimental Family.
But first, a brief report on the
Royal Artillery Service of Remembrance
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The RAA held its annual Service of Remembrance at the National Memorial Arboretum on Saturday 4 July 2009 . The fine weather and the prospect of a marvelous day drew record numbers of members and their families, an estimated 400 people turned out for the event. For the first time ever, we held the service in a marquee which allowed us to seat maximum numbers before attending the wreath-laying ceremony at the Royal Artillery Memorial Garden . Major General John Milne CB led the wreath laying accompanied by the DRA, Brigadier C W Tadier CBE ADC.
We are most grateful to the RASM, WOI N. Kenny and the large number of serving officers and soldiers who supported the event as well as cadets from 97 Cadet Battery in Woolwich and the Leek Detachment, Staffordshire & West Midlands (North Sector) Army Cadet Force who added a special dimension to the whole event. Music was provided by The Lancashire Artillery Band of 103 Regiment.
Pictures of the event can be viewed by visiting: RAA Service of Remembrance
RAA Forecast of Events 2009
November 2009
5th - Field of Remembrance, St. Margaret's, and Westminster . The Royal British Legion Field of Remembrance visited by hundreds of veterans from all over the world in the presence of a member of the Royal Family. To have a cross planted on your behalf go to: Field of Remembrance
8th - Royal Artillery Ceremony of Remembrance, Hyde Park Corner. The central focus of Gunner Remembrance in the presence of the Master Gunner St. James's Park. Join hundreds of veterans and serving soldiers on this utterly magnificent and moving occasion.
The Royal Artillery Ceremony of Remembrance will be held at Hyde Park Corner on Sunday, 8 November, beginning at 1030 hours. The ceremony, which lasts about an hour, consists of traditional devotions, the laying of official wreaths and a march past by representatives of the serving regiment and old comrades. Individuals wishing to lay wreaths are welcome to do so after the ceremony itself. All ranks, serving and retired are strongly encouraged to attend this most moving event.
The preferred dress for the congregation is civilian clothes with hats, overcoats and medals.
Seats, which are limited, should be occupied by 1030 hours. Applications should be made to Capt KJ Gilmore, S03 Recruiting, HQ DRA, Royal Artillery Barracks, Larkhill, Salisbury, Wiltshire SP4 8QT. Telephone 01980 845843 by no later than Thursday, 15 October.
A transport subsidy is authorized for RAA Branches who travel by coach or mini bus.
December 2009
6th - St. Barbara's Day. Celebrated by Gunners all over the world! The RAA's main event will be held at Larkhill. There will be a church service for everyone followed by lunch in the WOs' & Sgts' Mess for RAA branch members . This is one of the 4 national events when branches can claim a transport subsidy. Again, to qualify for this, branches must organise enough members/family/friends etc to warrant travelling by coach or mini bus.
THE RAA GRAND DRAW 2009 – WINNERS!
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THE RESULTS of the RAA Grand Draw 2009 are as follows:
Winners of the top 4 prizes are:
1st prize of £1000.00 is Mrs S Mills of Bristol
2nd prize of £500.00 is Sgt Sheperd of 5th Regt RA
3rd prize of £150.00 is H R Harris of Edinburgh
4th prize of £100.00 is RQMS(T) 105 Regt RA (V)
The following 10 winners each receive £50.00
M Mortimer of Leicester
Gnr Beggs of 266 Bty RA (V)
Gnr Carmichael of 14 Regt RA
D Bale of Salisbury
S Caden of Hartlepool
W Clarke of Newbury
C/O L Green of Salisbury
B Reddle of Colwyn Bay
P Woolmore of Horsham
P A Narroway of Newark
The draw took place at the Royal Artillery Barracks, Larkhill on Wednesday 12th August 2009 and was supervised by Major (Ret'd) R M Begbie (pictured above) – Assistant to the Regimental Secretary.
Congratulations to our winners and to those not so lucky; better luck next time!
Thanks to all those who bought tickets for this most worthy of causes.
THE ELIZABETH CROSS
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The first Elizabeth Crosses and Memorial Scrolls are to be granted from 1 August 2009 (and will be retrospective to the end of the Second World War).
The Elizabeth Cross is made of hallmarked silver and is in the form of a cross with a laurel wreath passing between the arms. The arms of the Cross bear floral symbols representing England (Rose), Scotland (Thistle), Ireland (Shamrock) and Wales (Daffodil).
The Elizabeth Cross will be granted to the next of kin of Armed Forces personnel killed on operations or as a result of terrorism in a mark of national recognition for their loss.
Next of kin will receive the Elizabeth Cross - a sterling silver emblem in the shape of a cross over a wreath - plus a Memorial Scroll signed by The Queen which will bear the name of the person who died.
The Elizabeth Cross and Memorial Scroll will not just be granted to families who have lost loved ones in the recent operations in Iraq and Afghanistan; The Queen's recognition will also be available to the families of those who died in conflicts dating back to 1948, including the Korean War, the Falklands conflict and operations in Northern Ireland.
All eligible Next of Kin of those who died between 1 January 1948 to date are strongly advised to apply, although the MOD Medal Office will endeavour to establish contact with the more recent eligible families, where up to date contact details are held.
For all the details on eligibility and how to apply, log on to: website: Elizabeth Cross
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ROYAL ARTILLERY BAND CONCERT - SALISBURY
The Royal Artillery Band in Concert with Hayley Westenra and Raven, Salisbury Cathedral 23rd October 2009 is in aid of the Forces charities. The Army Benevolent Fund, SSAFA Forces Help and Combat Stress are combining forces to host a thrilling concert featuring leading Soprano Hayley Westenra together with RAVEN, an exciting classical string quartet, in Salisbury Cathedral on Friday 23 October 2009.
Leading the Concert will be the Royal Artillery Band with a special appearance by the Red Hot Chilli Pipers. Master of Ceremonies will be BBC Radio 2 and British Forces Broadcasting Service Presenter, Richard Allinson.
If you wish to attend please contact Penny Brown at: pbrown@armybenfund.org.
Rhythm Force 19th September 2009
You may also be interested in the Corps of Army Music Rock Concert at Kneller Hall, featuring Jools Holland, the Army Big Band, and rock bands from across CAMUS, including the Royal Artillery Rock Orchestra.
Ticket details for both the above events are at ABF Events
The Service Personnel and Veterans Agency - SPVA
The Service Personnel and Veterans Agency - SPVA is aimed at improving personnel, pensions, welfare and support services to members of the Armed Forces and veterans.
The (MOD) places great store on the provision of high quality support services to serving military personnel, ex-Servicemen and women and their respective dependents.
There are clear customer and business benefits in merging the Armed Forces Personnel Administration Agency (AFPAA) with the Veterans Agency to form the Service Personnel and Veterans Agency (SPVA).
The formation of SPVA has led to the provision of a fully integrated set of ‘through life' personnel services to our serving and veterans community - where a single contact with the Agency will grant access to customer information and advice on pay, pensions, compensation payments, records of service and medal entitlement.
SPVA is staffed by caring and experienced people, who make it their business to understand and empathise with the serving and veterans' community and are committed to delivering a high quality service.
The responsibility for all pension provision, whether a War pension or an Armed Forces pension falls under the direct control of SPVA, reducing the risk of omitting or duplicating information and providing for the first time, a truly joined up pension service.
There is a free helpline on 0800 169 2277 and further information is available online at: Veterans UK
GIFT AID - RACF
FOR ANY EVENT OR CHURCH SERVICE THAT IS RAISING FUNDS FOR THE ROYAL ARTILLERY CHARITABLE FUND GIFT AID ENVELOPES ARE AVAILABLE FROM THE GENERAL SECRETARY AT LARKHILL
FOR YOUR ENVELOPES, TELEPHONE: 01980 845698
Or email: (Gift Aid Envelopes)
REUNIONS
RHA ASSOCIATION AGM 2009
The Annual General Meeting of the RHA Association will take place on Sat, 19 Sep in the Newcome Hall, RA Barracks, Larkhill. The day will include a social gathering followed by a programme of events thus: 1200 - historical vehicle display; 1245 - sandwich lunch and refreshments; 1400 - AGM; 1500 - historical presentation with ' Memory Lane ' film show; 1700 - high tea. 1800 - Dispersal. The event will be at no cost to members and their ladies. Those wishing to attend should contact the Chairman, RHAA, 199 Bulford Road , Durrington, Wilts SP4 8HB. Tel 01980 653426.
266 (GLOUCESTERSHIRE VOLUNTEER ARTILLERY) BTY RA (V)
There will be a formal dinner at The Artillery Ground, Whiteladies Road, Bristol on Sat, 14 Nov to mark the 150th anniversary of the raising of 266 (Gloucestershire Volunteer Artillery) Battery RA (V). The cost of the evening will be £35 and all serving and ex-members of the battery are cordially invited to attend. For more details please contact Capt John Valentine on 0117 9738392 or by email at 100RA-266-PSAO@MOD.UK .
36 REGT RA
The 36 Regt RA Reunion will be held at the Norbreck Castle Hotel, Blackpool from 25-28 Sep. For more information please contact Mr Keith Houldey on 01453 824210 or email sue.keith@houldey.fsnet.co.uk .
1903 AIR OP FLIGHT , KOREA
The next reunion will be held on Wed, 9 Sep at Cullompton, near Exeter . If you have not already received a letter and wish to attend, please contact Ian or Dorothy Dodd on 01747 838345 as soon as possible. If you have photos bring them with you!
67/5 BTY RA OCA REUNION .
The next reunion of 67/5 Bty RA will take place at the Borough Arms Hotel, Newcastle under Lyme on the weekend of 16/17 Oct. All ex-members most welcome. Please contact Tony Arnold on 01980 652579 or email: arnieonavon@aol.com for more information.
3 RHA PPMA
The 3 RHA Past and Present Members Association annual reunion and dinner will take place at the Copthorne Hotel, The Waterfront, Merry Hill, Dudley on Sat, 12 Sep. For further details please contact Paddy O'Neill on 01206 751999 or by email to: boneill@conistonifa.com .
18 REGT RA
The 18 Regt RA Reunion will take place on Sat, 10 Oct at The Charnwood Arms, Leicestershire. To book a room call 01530 813644 and for more information please call Dave Matthews on 02476349167. .
1 RHA ANNUAL OFFICERS' DINNER
The 1 RHA Annual Officers' Dinner will take place in the Assaye Mess, Tidworth, on Fri, 4 Dec. Past members who wish to attend are encouraged to contact the dinner secretary, Maj David Relph, at any time. Those who wish to attend and have not received details of the dinner by 1 Sep should contact Maj Relph at: 1 RHA, Assaye Barracks, Tidworth SP9 7AB or email: david.relph566@mod.uk .
1 RHA ALL RANKS REUNION
This year's 1 RHA All Ranks Reunion will be held on Sat, 5 Sep at the South Notts Hussars TA Centre, Bulwell, Nottingham . Any ex-member of the regiment who wishes to attend, and who does not have their details recorded, is asked to contact Paul Hughes, 17 Hylton Close, Newton Aycliffe, Co Durham DL5 4BA or by email to: 1rhareunion@live.com .
289 PARA/CDO BTY
An all ranks reunion will be held at Napier House, Grove Park , London on 24 Oct. This will be open to all personnel who served with 289 and partners are also welcome. Please contact Capt Exley, 265 Bty RA (V), Napier House, Baring Road , London SE12 0BH , by or telephone to 0208 8601444 or by email to: 106-265-psoa@mod.uk .
3 RHA ANNUAL OFFICERS' MESS REUNION
The 3 RHA Annual Officers' Mess Reunion will be held in the Hythe Mess, Warminster, on Fri 27 Nov. The refurbishment of the RA Mess forces us once more to change the location. Calling letters have now been posted. Those who wish to attend and have not received details of the dinner by 1 Sep should contact Maj Paul Snodgrass at M (HQ) Bty, 3 RHA, BFPO 30.
Email paulsnodgrass@hotmail.com .
Telephone- 0049 5051 962737 or 0049 1738873068.
94 ( NEW ZEALAND ) BTY RA OCA
A 94 ( New Zealand ) Bty RA OCA reunion will be taking place on the weekend of 12 Sep at Newcastle Under Lyme, Staffs. All former members and serving members are welcome along with their partners.
For full details contact Tony Knight on 01427 873347.
MEN OF QUEBEC 250TH ANNIVERSARY
On the occasion of the 250th Anniversary of the Battle of Quebec, 18 (Quebec 1759) Bty RA will be holding a past and present Men of Quebec reunion and family day at Roberts Barracks, Larkhill, on 12 Sep. The day will start with a parade of present serving members, followed throughout the afternoon by demonstrations of past and current equipment with stalls and attractions for all the family. In the evening there will be a hot and cold buffet with a live band and DJ. All Men of Quebec and their guests are welcome to attend. Point of contact is Lt Nicholas Sharp, telephone 01980 845757 or email: Nicholas.sharp349@mod.co.uk or telephone Sgt Zak Thorpe on 07841 906427.
21 ( GIBRALTAR 1779-83) BTY RA
The annual reunion will take place over the weekend 2-4 Oct at the Anglo-Swiss Hotel, Bournemouth . Details from Chris Morgan. Tel: 01748 830645 or 07802 577447 or email: Chrismorgan222@hotmail.com .
4 REGT RA OFFICERS' MESS REUNION DINNER
4 Regt RA will host a "welcome back to the UK " officers' reunion on 5 Dec at Alanbrooke Barracks, Topcliffe. Depending on demand, transport will be arranged from RSA Larkhill and the London area that morning, returning Sun 6 Dec. Any officer who wishes to attend and does not receive details by 15 Sep should contact the Mess Secretary, Capt M N Wells RA c/o The Officers' Mess, 4 Regt RA, Topcliffe, N Yorkshire, YO7 3EY.
Or the Officers' Mess Manager on (+44) 01845 595411
5 (GIBRALTAR 1779-1783) BTY RA
A battery reunion will be held in The Highlander, Bhurtpore Barracks, Tidworth on Sat 14 Nov. For information contact WO2 (BSM) Pat Donnachie on 01980 656518
IN MEMORIUM
SSGT COLIN ELSOM
SSGT Colin Elsom died on 22nd June 2009 in Branston Village in Lincolnshire aged 69. He was associated with the Royal Artillery throughout his life. He joined the Royal Artillery in 1957 following in the footsteps of his older brother who was in the National Service. Colin completed 22 years, during which time he served in 14 Field Regt (Hong Kong), 34 Light AA (LAD) Regt (Hildon, Germany), P & EE (Shoeburyness), 12 AD Regt (Dortmund, Germany and Northern Ireland, Barton Stacey and Colchester), 3 RHA (Hong Kong), AAC 1 (BR) Corps (Bielefeld, Germany) and HMS TAMAR (Hong Kong Island).
Colin loved mess life and was instrumental in setting up the Junior Ranks Club in Napier Barracks, Dortmund . He also became the Social Organiser and Manager for 34's very successful rugby team, the beginning of his exceptional ability as a committee member to every mess, club and organization that accepted his skills. A born organiser, his functions were mentioned for many years thereafter. He was a Welfare Officer in the Lincoln Branch of the Royal Artillery Association.
He will be greatly missed by his wife Gwendoline, his family, members of the RAA and his many friends.
Colin is survived by his wife, Gwendoline, his children, Lynden, Ben and Pippa, stepchildren Shaun and Lee, and foster children Rachel and Shania, as well as ten grandchildren.
The Last Post from The Gunner magazine August 2009 Edition
DARBY - Bill Darby died on 28 June, aged 93. A Gunner to the end and a staunch member of the 14/28th Old Comrades Association. Whist in 14 Fd Regt RA he served with 1, 5 and 13 Btys RA and RHQ.
GIBBONS - It is with great sadness that the HQ Branch of the RAA announce the death of Richard Gibbons, who died peacefully on 25 June. He always had fond memories of his time with the Gunners and the RAA. He will be sorely missed.
HUMPHRIES - Donald James Humphries died on 21 June, aged 71. He joined the RA Mounted Band at Woolwich in 1970, going on to serve in Dortmund and Larkhill. He later transferred to the Band of the Welsh Guards, based at Chelsea . He is survived by his wife and three sons.
STOTT - Maj Kenneth Frederick Stott MBE died quietly on 21 June, in his 91st year, after a brief battle with pancreatic cancer. He was a beloved and loving father and grandfather, and will be sorely missed by all who knew him.
Additional Notice of Death:
BURT Former L/Bdr Brian Burt, late of HQ Battery 49th Field Regt RA, has died aged 57. Funeral service was on Friday 14th August at the Church of St Mary the Virgin, Eastry, Kent followed by interment in Eastry Cemetery . Members of Dover Branch RAA were in attendance.
DISCLAIMER
The RAA cannot accept responsibility for the content of third party websites nor does it accept responsibility for the accuracy of information passed to it from other agencies. If you no longer wish to receive these newsletters then you ha
ve to cancel your subscription. To do that, please follow the directions at the end of this newsletter.
The Royal Artillery Charitable Fund is your Gunner charity that provides benevolence for serving and retired Gunners and their dependants in need. The RAA provides the Comradeship and support for members of the Regimental Family. The RACF and RAA always welcome donations and legacies.
DONATIONS
For those who wish to donate to the RA charities we would encourage you to donate to, The Royal Artillery Association (Donation enquiry-RAA) & The Royal Artillery Charitable Fund (Donation enquiry-RACF) , both of which do sterling work to support Gunners, both serving and retired and their dependants.
You are receiving this message because you have subscribed to newsletters at the Royal Artillery Association website. You can choose to cancel your subscription (unsubscribe) from our mailings at any time by following this link My Preferences If you would like further assistance, please send an email to the administrator Administrator
The Royal Artillery Charitable Fund is your Gunner charity that provides benevolence for serving and retired Gunners and their dependants in need.
The RAA provides the Comradeship and support for members of the Regimental Family.
The RACF and RAA always welcome donations and legacies.
You are receiving this message because you have subscribed to newsletters at the Royal Artillery Association website.
You can choose to unsubscribe from our mailings at any time by following this link. If you would like further assistance, please send an email to the administrator AC-RHQRA-RAA-MemSec@mod.uk
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Veterans Badge is now available to all those who have served in any capacity
the Address to write to is:-
Terry Marsh
Ministry of Defence
Ground Floor
St Georges Court
2-12 Bloomsbury way
London
WC1A 2SH
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Don't Forget if you still require a Copy of the Mendener in full colour please send
£15 - 00 to the Secretary and you will get a copy sent to you for the next 10 years
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Please note my change of E-Mail Address send all correspondence to the
following addresses
or
tonytodd@dsl.pipex.com
Tel No 01387 262378 Mobile No 07790 434945
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If you live in europe and you require a Membership and do not have a English Bank Account and only have Euro's then please contact:-
Paul Goldsbrough
Ober Der Becke 48
58706 Menden
Germany
Tel No 0049
- 02373 - 62031 E-Mail -
: Paul Goldsbrough - goldie01@t-online.de
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