Worcestershire & Sherwood Foresters(Worcester Branch)

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PLEASE VIEW FLYERS AT BOTTOM OF `ASSOCIATION NEWSLETTERS 1. PAGE. THANKYOU

Association Newsletters. 2.

If you are not in receipt of the WFRA ENewsletter and have internet connection,please contact

RHQ Mercian Nottingham (rhqmercian.notts@btconnect.com) and we will send you the ENews update.

THE WORCESTERSHIRE AND SHERWOOD FORESTERS REGIMENTAL ASSOCIATION

Patron: HRH The Princess Royal
President: Brig P Dennis
Chairman: Lt Col P G Gilby

10 May 2013 NEWSLETTER VOL 4 ISSUE 14

001 OBITUARIES/FUNERALS
It is with regret we inform you that Major Gordon PARKIN of Worcester died on 3 May 2013
aged 79. He enlisted in February 1952 with the number 22640189 and after basic training at
Norton Barracks he joined 1 Worc R in Malaya. He rose rapidly in rank to Corporal in 5 months
and Sergeant in 18. Apart from 2 tours at ERE he spent all his service in the Regiment and
was RSM of 1 WFR 1970 – 73 including the Presentation of Colours Parade in Warminster, the
UN tour in Cyprus, Northern Ireland and Berlin. He spent the last year of his regular service as
RSM 3 WFR before being appointed to a TA commission before retiring in 1982. Always one of
the smartest men on parade he had an impressive parade ground presence.
His funeral is to take place at Worcester Crematorium on Wednesday 15 May 2013 at 1400
hours. Standard Bearers would be welcome. For those wishing to write in condolence to Mrs G
Parkin, her address is held in RHQ Nottingham.

It is with regret that we notify you that 22488234 WO2 A J ANNIS died on 5 May 2013. Jack
joined the Worcestershire Regiment as a regular soldier in the 1950’s and served with the 1st
Battalion in Malaya. After leaving the Army he later joined the 7th Bn the Worcestershire
Regiment at A Company based at Dudley, Worcestershire. On the re organisation of the
Territorial Army in 1967 he joined B Company [Worcestershire] Mercian Volunteers based at
Kidderminster as Colour Sgt [CQMS] where he became one of the mainstays of the new
company. ‘Jack’ as he was universally known worked hard to make the Company a strong
viable entity. He was promoted WO2 and remained the Company Sgt Major until his retirement.
Strongly supported by his own family he did a great deal to develop the strong family ethos
within the Company, which it still maintains today through the Kidderminster Branch of the
Mercian Volunteers Regimental Association. He continued to support the Association functions
until his health made it too difficult for him to attend.
His funeral is to take place at the Gornal Crematorium, Dudley on Wednesday 29 May 2013 at
1100 hours. The family would appreciate Standard Bearers and Association members to be in
attendance. For those wishing to write in condolence to his widow Mrs Rose Annis, her
address is 166 Ashenhurst Road, Russell’s Hall Estate, Dudley DY1 2HX.

TICKETS and FOOD
Entry tickets and food options should be purchased direct from the stadium. All details can be
found at www.tinyurl.com/merciancoloursparade.

It should be noted that tickets for the event can only be purchased through the Rugby
Club and not through RHQ who only issue transport tickets.

TRANSPORT
Seats are limited and will be allocated on a first come, first served basis so it is advised that you
book early. This is the final opportunity to reserve transport as we will be unable to
accept any bookings after 15 May 2013. We very much hope you will be able to join the NEW ROUTE LIST BELOW ` THIS WEEK`S NEWSLETTER

Regiment on this most special occasion. We look forward to seeing you in June.

003 2 MERCIAN CELEBRATION DINNER 6 JUNE 2013
It is confirmed that this Celebration Dinner is open to all past and present serving members
Officers and SNCO’s of all antecedent regiments including 4 Mercian, 3 WFR (V), 4 WFR (V)
and the Mercian Volunteers. Wife’s, partners and friends are thoroughly encouraged to attend.
It is also an opportunity for any past and present member to invite wider friends and family to
this unique event to celebrate the presentation of new Colours. Please remember tickets are
first come first served. For further details contact RHQ.

004 LAYING UP OF COLOURS - WORCESTER CATHEDRAL 7 JUNE 2013
The laying up of 1 WFR/2 MERCIAN Colours will be held at Worcester Cathedral on 7 June
2013. The Cathedral will be open hours and ushers in place from 1230 hours. The ceremony
will last approximately one hour.
Outline Timings: All to be seated by 1330 hours for the ceremony to commence at 1400
hours.
Attendance: The event is open to everyone to attend. All Association members and Standard
Bearers are encouraged to attend and participate.
Refreshments: Refreshments will be available pre and post the event in the Cathedral café.
Media: There will be a photo opportunity with the Colours at 1200 hours. Standard Bearers
and Association members are encouraged to seize this opportunity to record and mark this
historic occasion.
Further details regarding dress rehearsals etc. will be promulgated shortly by 2 MERCIAN.

005 CRICH VOLUNTEERS
Do you like the great outdoors, meeting new people, have a few hours to spare and can count?
If so, we are looking for some volunteers to assist with collecting the money for the car park at
Crich at the weekend, over the summer period. Ideally you would be able to volunteer for half a
day over most weekends but anything less or perhaps more would be appreciated. Interested?
Please contact the site warden, Mr Tanky Harrison direct on tankyharrison@hotmail.com or call
01773 852350.

006 SPONSORED TRIATHLON FOR MERCIAN BENEVOLENT FUND
Three teachers from Kings Hawford School, Worcester are doing the Blenheim Triathlon on 8
June 2013 to raise funds for The Mercian Regiment Benevolent Fund and Acorns Hospice.
They are Mrs Sinclair, Mrs Wadley and Mrs Goodman – collectively known as ‘The Fatbottom
Girls’. Their just giving page if you wish to sponsor these delightful ladies in their efforts is,
www.justgiving.com/blenheimfatbottomgirls2

007 NEAR AND FAR
Jackie Crowe has contacted us on behalf of her brother 23962477 Richard Barry Thomas who
served in the Worcestershire Regiment in Mysore Pl in January 1963 and served until March
1975. Barry came from Wordsley near Stourbridge. She is looking for any friends who may
remember him and she can be contacted on jmcrowe1@btinternet.com

008 FREE CARVERY TO CELEBRATE ARMED FORCES DAY
National restaurant group, Crown Carveries is supporting Armed Forces Day this year by
offering a free carvery or a free breakfast to all army, navy and air force men and women, past
and present, between Monday 24th and Saturday 29th June. All existing, and veteran, service
people wishing to take advantage of the free carvery or breakfast at Crown Carveries, simply
need to visit www.crowncarveries.co.uk or www.facebook.com/crowncarveries to download
the ‘Free Forces Meal’ voucher and present this along with a current ID card (or veteran lapel
badge) to staff at their local Crown Carvery restaurant.
Emily Deaves, marketing manager for Crown Carveries, said: “As the UK’s most regal carvery
brand, we have supported Armed Forces Day since it launched. We hope this tasty offer will
provide a hearty morale boost for all our proud veterans and hardworking military personnel in
the week leading up to and on Armed Forces Day itself, Saturday 29th June.”

009 LE CATEAU LOTTERY
The lucky winners for May’s draw are;
1st - £75.00 Long Eaton Branch WFRA
2nd - £50.00 Mr A Derbyshire of Derbyshire
3rd - £25.00 Lt Col M Holden of Catterick
The tickets were kindly drawn by SSgt Coultas 350 (Robin Hood) Sqn RE (V), at Foresters
House, witnessed by Ms Baines Asst Regt Sec and Mr B Dale today 10 May and names
verified by RHQ Staff. Winners will be contacted by RHQ.
Do you want to take a chance on winning and supporting the Museum of The Mercian
Regiment (WFR Collection)? Contact RHQ for further details or to purchase tickets. Next draw
Friday 14 June 2013. You’ve got to be in it to win it.

010 Dates for your Diary
Sat 11 May WFR Band Reunion Concert . To be held in the Regel Theatre, Teme Street, Tenbury
Wells, Worcestershire WR16 8AA.

Worcester Branch WFRA Presentation Evening at 1930 hours at TA Centre, Dancox
House, Pheasant Street, Worcester WR1 2EE. Admission by ticket only available from
H & L Massam 01905 356537. Tickets cost £2.50 per person.
Mon 13 May Long Eaton Branch WFRA Meeting 1930 hours Brennans, Regent Street, Long Eaton.
All welcome
Nottingham City Branch WFRA Meeting 1900 hours RBL Club, Parliament Street,
Nottingham. All welcome
Tue 14 May Mansfield Branch WFRA Meeting 1930 hours The William IV Inn, 210 Stockwell Gate,
Mansfield NG18 5QE. All welcome
Ilkeston Branch WFRA Meeting 1130 hours Flamstead Centre, Albert Street, Ilkeston.
All welcome
Thu 16 May Dudley & District Branch WFRA Meeting 2000 hours at the Ex-Serviceman’s Club, 51
Hall Street, Dudley. All welcome.
Sun 19 May Worksop Branch WFRA Meeting 1900 hours at the Station Hotel, Worksop. All
welcome
Tue 28 May Worcester Branch WFRA Meeting at 2000 hours at TA Centre, Dancox House,
Pheasant Street, Worcester WR1 2EE. All welcome
Sat 1 Jun Glorious First of June
WFRA Reunion at Worcester Warriors Stadium, Sixways, Worcester
Thu 6 Jun Presentation of Colours to the Mercian Regiment at Worcester Warriors Stadium,
Sixways, Worcester
Fri 7 Jun Laying up of WFR Colours – Worcester Cathedral
Sat 29 Jun Armed Forces Day
Sat 6 Jul WFRA Pre-Crich Supper 1930 hours Foresters House, Chetwynd Barracks, Chilwell,
Nottingham
Sun 7 Jul Annual Pilgrimage, Crich

C A BAINES (Ms)
RHQ MERCIAN (Nottingham)
Foresters House
Chetwynd Barracks
Chilwell
NG9 5HA
E: rhqmercian.notts@btconnect.com
Tel: 0115 9465415

....................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

3 May 2013 NEWSLETTER VOL 4 ISSUE 13

001 OBITUARIES/FUNERALS
It is with regret we inform you that 4981875 Pte Cyril Arthur GLOVER of Nottingham died on 26
April 2013 aged 93. Cyril enlisted into The Sherwood Foresters in June 1940 and served at El
Alamein and Anzio before being transferred to The Royal Leicestershire Regiment in November
1944. His funeral is to take place at The West Chapel, Wilford Hill Crematorium on Tuesday 14
May 2013 at 1100 hours. The family would welcome Standard Bearers and members of WFRA
in attendance.

It is with sadness that we notify you that Mrs Maragaret McGreade wife of the late 22115128
CSgt Raymond McGreade died on 23 April 2013.

TICKETS and FOOD
Entry tickets and food options should be purchased direct from the stadium. All details can be
found at www.tinyurl.com/merciancoloursparade.

TRANSPORT
Transport is available from many of the towns and cities throughout the Regimental recruiting
area. Coach transport is available to anyone who has a ticket to attend the Colours Parade.

Transport tickets can only be purchased from the RHQ Nottingham office at a cost of £5 per
person for the return journey less Worcester City where the cost will be £3.50 return. Please
note that transport tickets must be purchased before the event as there is no facility to buy them
on the day.

The list of routes is below. All routes will take passengers direct to the event by 0930 hours,
which allows those wishing to parade to attend the rehearsal. For Worcester there is a coach to
arrive at the stadium for 0930 hours and a later one for those not attending the rehearsal. When
booking tickets from Worcester City please let RHQ know which coach you would prefer.

ROUTE LIST BELOW `NEWSLETTERS 1'

Please note that we are happy for block bookings of tickets which can be issued to one person
however we do still require the name and contact details of everyone who requires a ticket. Pick
up points and detailed timings will be provided with the tickets which will be issued in May.

Please note that the ticket will be required when getting on the coach. It should also be
noted that tickets for the event can only be purchased through the Rugby Club and not
through RHQ who can only issue transport tickets.
Seats are limited and will be allocated on a first come, first served basis so it is advised that you
book early. We will be unable to accept any bookings after 15 May 2013. We very much
hope you will be able to join the Regiment on this most special occasion. We look forward to
seeing you in June.

003 2 MERCIAN CELEBRATION DINNER 6 JUNE 2013
It is confirmed that this Celebration Dinner is open to all past and present serving members
Officers and SNCO’s of 2 & 4 Mercian, 1 WFR and 3 WFR. Wife’s, partners and friends are
thoroughly encouraged to attend. It is also an opportunity for any past and present member to
invite wider friends and family to this unique event to celebrate the presentation of new
Colours. Please remember tickets are first come first served. For further details contact RHQ.

004 MERCIAN REGIMENT BENEVOLENT FUNDRAISING - LONDON TO PARIS BIKE RIDE
Captain Gregory Vosper of the 2nd Battalion will be cycling from Leicester Square to the Eiffel
Tower from 18 to 22 September 2013 in order to raise money for the Mercian Regiment
Benevolent fund. To donate visit http://www.justgiving.com/Gregory-Vosper
Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and totally secure. Your details are safe with
JustGiving – they’ll never sell them on or send unwanted emails. Once you donate, they’ll send
your money directly to the charity. So it’s the most efficient way to donate – saving time and
cutting costs for the charity

005 FREE TO GOOD HOME
2 X OHP, 1 X FSH machine, 1 x guillotine. They have been sitting gathering dust in RHQ and it
is not known if they are in working order or not. If anyone wants them and can collect quickly,
please contact RHQ.

006 ROYAL MILITARY POLICE REQUEST FOR ASSISTANCE
Katrice Lee, the daughter of ex-WO2 Ritchie Lee 15/19H, disappeared from the NAAFI in
Schloss Neuhaus, Paderborn, Germany on Saturday 28 November 1981. It was her second
birthday. Op BUTE is the RMP re-investigation into her disappearance and as part of this
enquiry it is vitally important that every effort is made to trace potential witnesses. If you were
in the NAAFI at Schloss Neuhaus, Paderborn on 28 November 1981, have any information that
you feel may assist the investigation or took part in the searches that followed, it is important for
you to contact the RMP Op BUTE Major Incident Room on 0800 616888, 01980 673657 or via
email at: lf-pma-hia-opbute-mailbox@mod.uk

007 EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES FOR DRIVERS AND CREW
DRL/Express Logistics are advertising for crew and drivers for a number of different roles in a
range of locations including Crewe, Potters Bar, Croydon, Avonmouth, Larkhall and Leeds.
Opening over the next 6 months - Newcastle, Reading, Exeter, East Midlands, exact locations
to be confirmed. The information below provides more details and a point of contact.

DRL/EXPERT LOGISTICS OPPORTUNITIES FOR DRIVERS, CREWS AND MULTIPLE
CREWS
DRL’s acquisition of Expert Logistics has led to a reshaping of the organisation and an
expansion of its delivery services. The Company is in the market for employing a large number
of drivers/crew members as individuals or teams.
What’s on offer?

1. Self employed driver crew – this is where they are totally independent and operate their
own small limited company for them as a crew. DRL/Expert Logistics gives them all the
assistance they need – they call it ‘company in a box’ – and all the training they need.
DRL/Expert Logistics provide the van, the fuel, the uniform, the insurance and the work – just
turn up and be very customer focused. There is no financial outlay.

2. Part of a multi crew or building a multi crew – DRL/Expert Logistics have some ambitious
people who have built multi crew teams so that people can have the opportunity to be employed
within these crews and some may want to build their own multi crew operation. There is still
little investment – it’s all about organisation and motivational skills to run the multi team
operations – again they are given all the support they need.

3. Full time employed premium fleet – DRL/Expert Logistics are also recruiting people to work
as part of its premium fleet which means they will gain other qualifications like gas safe and
electrical qualifications to install products when they are delivered. There are about 300 roles in
total in the area

4. Transhippers – these guys work nights and are at the entry level of employee – they move
product from one vehicle to another in the middle of the night and the company need about 100
of them. This is viewed by many as a way into the business to get other roles. DRL/Expert
Logistics likes to promote from within wherever possible.
The depots are at: Crewe, Potters Bar, Croydon, Avonmouth, Larkhall, Leeds and to open over
the next 6 months: Newcastle, Reading, Exeter, East Midlands – exact location to be confirmed
The MD believes that it is in DRL/Expert Logistics interests to help. There is no financial risk
and they are not being asked to invest any of their funds to get started. What they need to be is
committed and customer focused – the rest DRL/Expert Logistics will make happen for them
and train them where there are gaps. They will also need to be able to drive a 7.5tonne vehicle
– C1 Licence - some will have ‘grandfather rights’ on their licence (test passed pre 1997) and
some may need to get it. DRL/Expert Logistics were voted 5th best company to work for in the
UK in 2012 and 4th in 2013 so they have a great proven pedigree in being a great employer.

Contact: Lorraine Hewlett http://Lorraine.Hewlett@expertlogistics.co.uk mobLorraine.Hewlett@expertlogistics.co.uk mob. 07720505861

008 Dates for your Diary
Thu 9 May Newark Branch WFRA Meeting at 1430 hours The RAFA Club, 23A London Road,
Newark, Notts NG24 1TN. All welcome

Rugeley & District Branch WFRA AGM and Meeting 2000 hours at the Progressive
Working Men’s Club, Mansfield House, Rugeley. All welcome

Fri 10 May Derby Branch WFRA Meeting 1945 hours Rolls Royce Club, 241 Osmaston Road,
Derby. All welcome

Sat 11 May WFR Band Reunion Concert . To be held in the Regel Theatre, Teme Street, Tenbury
Wells, Worcestershire WR16 8AA.

Mon 13 May Long Eaton Branch WFRA Meeting 1930 hours Brennans, Regent Street, Long Eaton.
All welcome

Nottingham City Branch WFRA Meeting 1900 hours RBL Club, Parliament Street,
Nottingham. All welcome

Tue 14 May Mansfield Branch WFRA Meeting 1930 hours The William IV Inn, 210 Stockwell Gate,
Mansfield NG18 5QE. All welcome

Ilkeston Branch WFRA Meeting 1130 hours Flamstead Centre, Albert Street, Ilkeston.
All welcome

Thu 16 May Dudley & District Branch WFRA Meeting 2000 hours at the Ex-Serviceman’s Club, 51
Hall Street, Dudley. All welcome.

Sun 19 May Worksop Branch WFRA Meeting 1900 hours at the Station Hotel, Worksop. All
welcome

Tue 28 May Worcester Branch WFRA AGM at 2000 hours at TA Centre, Dancox House, Pheasant
Street, Worcester WR1 2EE. All welcome

Sat 1 Jun Glorious First of June
WFRA Reunion at Worcester Warriors Stadium, Sixways, Worcester

Thu 6 Jun Presentation of Colours to the Mercian Regiment at Worcester Warriors Stadium,
Sixways, Worcester

Fri 7 Jun Laying up of WFR Colours – Worcester Cathedral

Sat 29 Jun Armed Forces Day

Sat 6 Jul WFRA Pre-Crich Supper 1930 hours Foresters House, Chetwynd Barracks, Chilwell,
Nottingham

Sun 7 Jul Annual Pilgrimage, Crich

C A BAINES (Ms)
RHQ MERCIAN (Nottingham)
Foresters House
Chetwynd Barracks
Chilwell
NG9 5HA
E: rhqmercian.notts@btconnect.com
Tel: 0115 9465415
5

THE WORCESTERSHIRE AND SHERWOOD FORESTERS

                    REGIMENTAL ASSOCIATION
                                     OF
                        THE MERCIAN REGIMENT
                         CRICH BUFFET DINNER
                              TO BE HELD ON
                          SATURDAY 6 JULY 2013
                                       AT
                            FORESTERS HOUSE
                            7.30pm for 8.00pm
                   Dress: Lounge Suit and Medals
Tickets are available now at a cost of £15.50per person from:
              RHQ MERCIAN (Nottingham Outstation)
               Foresters House, Chetwynd Barracks
                    Chilwell, Nottingham NG9 5HA
                             Tel: 0115 9465415

26 April 2013 NEWSLETTER VOL 4 ISSUE 12

001 OBITUARIES/FUNERALS
Nil Reported

002 MERCIAN COLOURS PRESENTATION
The presentation of the New Colours to the Mercian Regiment will be held on Thursday 6 June at Sixways Rugby Stadium in Worcester. The Regiment wishes to assist all member of the Regiment, all Regimental Association Members and supporters (whether belonging to a branch or not) and their families in attending this prestigious and historical event for which entry as well as the lunch options and transport are all subsidised.
TICKETS and FOOD
Entry tickets and food options should be purchased direct from the stadium. All details can be found at www.tinyurl.com/merciancoloursparade.
TRANSPORT
Transport is available from many of the towns and cities throughout the Regimental recruiting area. Coach transport is available to anyone who has a ticket to attend the Colours Parade.

Transport tickets can only be purchased from the RHQ Nottingham office at a cost of £5 per person for the return journey less Worcester City where the cost will be £3.50 return. Please note that transport tickets must be purchased before the event as there is no facility to buy them on the day.

The list of routes is below. All routes will take passengers direct to the event by 0930 hours, which allows those wishing to parade to attend the rehearsal. For Worcester there is a coach to arrive at the stadium for 0930 hours and a later one for those not attending the rehearsal. When booking tickets from Worcester City please let RHQ know which coach you would prefer.

Please note that we are happy for block bookings of tickets which can be issued to one person however we do still require the name and contact details of everyone who requires a ticket. Pick up points and detailed timings will be provided with the tickets which will be issued in May.

Please note that the ticket will be required when getting on the coach. It should also be noted that tickets for the event can only be purchased through the Rugby Club and not
through RHQ who can only issue transport tickets.
Seats are limited and will be allocated on a first come, first served basis so it is advised that you book early. We will be unable to accept any bookings after 15 May 2013.

We very much hope you will be able to join the Regiment on this most special occasion. We look forward to seeing you in June.

ROUTE LIST

ROUTE 1. Chester, Shrewsbury, Kidderminster.

ROUTE 2. Chesterfield, Mansfield, Derby, Burton-on-Trent.

ROUTE 3. Worksop, Newark, Nottingham, Chilwell.

ROUTE 4. Coventry, Redditch

ROUTE 5 Coach 1 Stockport, Macclesfield, Stoke-on-Trent, Wolverhampton. Coach 2 Stockport to Worcester (FULL).

ROUTE 6 Lichfield, Tamworth, Birmingham, Walsall, Dudley, Halesowen.

ROUTE 7 Stafford, Rugeley, Cannock.

ROUTE 8 Worcester City, 2 x 53 seater coach 08:45 hrs. 1 x 53 seater coach 10:00 hrs

003 2 MERCIAN CELEBRATION DINNER 6 JUNE 2013

It is confirmed that this Celebration Dinner is open to all past and present serving members Officers and SNCO’s of 2 & 4 Mercian, 1 WFR and 3 WFR. Wife’s, partners and friends are thoroughly encouraged to attend. It is also an opportunity for any past and present member to invite wider friends and family to this unique event to celebrate the presentation of new Colours. Please remember tickets are first come first served. Full details can be found on last weeks E-Newsletter or contact RHQ for further details.

004 WORCESTER CATHEDRAL 7 JUNE 2013: LAYING UP OF COLOURS
The laying up of the 1 WFR/2MERCIAN colours will be held at Worcester Cathedral 7 June 2013, following the Presentation of New Colours on the 6 June.
Outline timings - All to be seated by 1330hrs for the ceremony to commence at 1400hrs. The Cathedral will be open and ushers in place from 1230hrs. The ceremony will last for approx 1 hour.
Attendance: This event is open to everybody to attend. All association members and standard bearers are encouraged to attend and participate in this historic event. Parade details and dress rehearsals will be promulgated by WO1 Muckle, RSM 2 Mercian shortly.
Refreshments will be available pre and post the event within the Cathedral café.
Media and photo opportunity with the Colours will be at 1200hrs. Standard bearers, Standards and Association members are encouraged to seize the opportunity.
A full instruction from the 2nd Battalion will be produced shortly.

005 Dates for your Diary
Fri 26 Apr
The Mercian Regiment Officers’ Dinner Night, Defence Academy, Shrivenham
Wed 1 May
Worcester Area WFRA Meeting 1100 hours The RBL Club, Cornmeadow Lane, Claines, Worcester WR3 7PL. All welcome.
Fri 10 May
Derby Branch WFRA Meeting 1945 hours Rolls Royce Club, 241 Osmaston Road, Derby. All welcome
Thu 9 May
Newark Branch WFRA Meeting at 1430 hours The RAFA Club, 23A London Road, Newark, Notts NG24 1TN. All welcome

Rugeley & District Branch WFRA AGM and Meeting 2000 hours at the Progressive Working Men’s Club, Mansfield House, Rugeley. All welcome
Sat 11 May
WFR Band Reunion Concert . To be held in the Regel Theatre, Teme Street, Tenbury Wells, Worcestershire WR16 8AA.

Nottingham City Branch WFRA Meeting 1900 hours RBL Club, Parliament Street, Nottingham. All welcome
Tue 14 May
Mansfield Branch WFRA Meeting 1930 hours The William IV Inn, 210 Stockwell Gate, Mansfield NG18 5QE. All welcome

Ilkeston Branch WFRA Meeting 1130 hours Flamstead Centre, Albert Street, Ilkeston. All welcome
Thu 16 May
Dudley & District Branch WFRA Meeting 2000 hours at the Ex-Serviceman’s Club, 51 Hall Street, Dudley. All welcome.
Tue 28 May
Worcester Branch WFRA MEETING at 2000 hours at TA Centre, Dancox House, Pheasant Street, Worcester WR1 2EE. All welcome
Sat 1 Jun
Glorious First of June
WFRA Reunion at Worcester Warriors Stadium, Sixways, Worcester
Thu 6 Jun
Presentation of Colours to the Mercian Regiment at Worcester Warriors Stadium, Sixways, Worcester
Fri 7 Jun
Laying up of WFR Colours – Worcester Cathedral
Sat 29 Jun
Armed Forces Day
Sat 6 Jul
WFRA Pre-Crich Supper 1930 hours Foresters House, Chetwynd Barracks, Chilwell, Nottingham
Sun 7 Jul
Annual Pilgrimage, Crich

C A BAINES (Ms)
RHQ MERCIAN (Nottingham)
Foresters House
Chetwynd Barracks
Chilwell
NG9 5HA
E: rhqmercian.notts@btconnect.com
Tel: 0115 9465415

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19 April 2013 NEWSLETTER VOL 4 ISSUE 11

001 OBITUARIES/FUNERALS
It is with sadness we notify you that Captain John Robinson BENNETT of Mickleton,
Gloucestershire died on 9 April 2013 aged 94. Billy, as he was known, enlisted into the
Sherwood Foresters on 15 July 1939 and served as an OR at the Depot in Derby. On 8
december 1939 he was posted to 168 OCTU at Aldershot and in May 1940 was commissioned
as a 2nd Lieutenant in 8th Battalion The Sherwood Foresters with which he served in Ireland until
1942 when he moved with it to Wrotham in Kent and it re-roled to become 148 Pre-OCTU. He
was posted to the 2nd Battalion where he was wounded at Anzio when he was Mortar Platoon
Commander. He rejoined the 2nd Battalion in June 1944 as Coy Commander HQ Company. In
1945 he went to India and saw service with both the 12th and 13th Battalions The Sherwood
Foresters until being demobbed in 1946. A career followed in Mining in the Steel Rope Industry
until he retired in 1980. For those wishing to write in condolence to his daughters, their
addresses are held by RHQ Nottingham.

It is with regret we inform you that 4984461 Sgt Willim Thomas BECKETT of Sandiacre,
Derbyshire died on 29 March 2013 aged 97. He enlisted into the 14th Battalion The Sherwood
Foresters in October 1940 and served with it in North Africa, the Middle East and Italy. He left
the Army in 1946.

02
2 MERCIAN CELEBRATION DINNER 6 JUNE 2013
2 MERCIAN are hosting an evening Celebration Dinner on the night of 6 June 2013 for Officers,
Warrant Officers and SNCOs Past and Present, the cost and break down of events can be
found below. There are 500 Seats available and it will be first come first served.
Could you please pass the information on to friends, past and present.

003 MERCIAN COLOURS PRESENTATION
The presentation of the New Colours to the Mercian Regiment will be held on Thursday 6 June
at Sixways Rugby Stadium in Worcester. The Regiment wishes to assist all member of the
Regiment, all Regimental Association Members and supporters (whether belonging to a branch
or not) and their families in attending this prestigious and historical event for which entry as well
as the lunch options and transport are all subsidised.

TICKETS and FOOD
Entry tickets and food options should be purchased direct from the stadium. All details can be
found at www.tinyurl.com/merciancoloursparade.
2
TRANSPORT
Transport is available from many of the towns and cities throughout the Regimental recruiting
area. Coach transport is available to anyone who has a ticket to attend the Colours Parade.
Transport tickets can only be purchased from the RHQ Nottingham office at a cost of £5 per
person for the return journey less Worcester City where the cost will be £3.50 return. Please
note that transport tickets must be purchased before the event as there is no facility to buy them
on the day.
The list of routes is below. All routes will take passengers direct to the event by 0930 hours,
which allows those wishing to parade to attend the rehearsal. For Worcester there is a coach to
arrive at the stadium for 0930 hours and a later one for those not attending the rehearsal. When
booking tickets from Worcester City please let RHQ know which coach you would prefer.
If you wish to make use of the transport, cheques should be made payable to RHQ Mercian and
sent to RHQ Mercian Nottingham Office. Tickets can also be purchased direct from the
Nottingham office. When purchasing tickets, as well as telling us the number of tickets required,
please enclose the name of all personnel wanting a seat along with their full name, address,
telephone number and e-mail address as we will send tickets by e-mail wherever possible.
Please note that we are happy for block bookings of tickets which can be issued to one person
however we do still require the name and contact details of everyone who requires a ticket. Pick
up points and detailed timings will be provided with the tickets which will be issued in May.
Please note that the ticket will be required when getting on the coach.

It should also be
noted that tickets for the event can only be purchased through the Rugby Club and not
through RHQ who can only issue transport tickets.
Seats are limited and will be allocated on a first come, first served basis so it is advised that you
book early. We will be unable to accept any bookings after 15 May 2013.
We very much hope you will be able to join the Regiment on this most special occasion. We
look forward to seeing you in June.
ROUTE LIST

004 KIERON HILL MEMORIAL FUND – EVENT 27 APRIL 2013
The family of Kieron Hill are holding a fundraising Event on Saturday 27 April 2013 between
1300 hours and 1500 hours for The Kieron Hill Memorial fund. The event will include a march
from the Memorial to the Winning Post Pub in Clifton, Nottingham. Further details may be
obtained from Mr Norman Packer on 0115 9249505 or normanpacker@hotmail.co.uk
3
005 MILITARY WORK PLACEMENT SCHEME
Skills for Logistics (SfL) has announced that the Military Work Placement Scheme has been
extended until 31 August 2013. The pilot programme enabling 1000 funded work placements,
which was formally launched by SfL and The Logistics Guild last November, was due to end on
31 March.
Commenting on the extension, Dr Mick Jackson, CEO of Skills for Logistics, said: “This is
tremendous news for the Logistics Sector as well as for those leaving the armed forces who are
seeking a new career. The enthusiasm with which the pilot programme has been greeted is a
clear indication of the potential that the Military Work Placement Scheme has to help more men
and women cross the bridge between the leaving the armed forces and taking a role in a civilian
logistics operation.” For more information visit www.logisticsguild.net

006 WW2 DESPATCH RIDERS
Adrian Stear of Classic Bike Magazine is looking for former WW2 wartime despatch riders. He
would like to talk to a veteran particularly about training, day to day life as a 'Don R' and any
experiences they would like to share about riding in the war. Initially it’s just a chat, but it may
develop into a more in-depth interview. Please contact him on adrian.stear@bauermedia.co.uk
or call 01733 468102.

007 POETS CORNER
A contribution from Ronnie Smith, Derby Branch WFRA
The Crich Pilgrimage
First Sunday in July each year they gather at the Tower;
To pay respects to Fallen Friends the Service lasts just half an hour;
The Colour Parties are on Parade they stand so tall and proud;
The Standards Bearers too, are there at the Memorial gathered round;
The Service has begun and stillness fills the Derbyshire air;
People stand on that Hallowed Ground heads bowed in silent prayer;
The Bugler sounds Last Post it sounds forlorn and shrill;
Old Comrades stand proudly to attention on this Sacred Hill;
The Service is coming to and end and people drift away;
Families plant their crosses at the Memorial on this Special Day;
We make our way down off the hill to meet our long lost Friends;
To tell our stories once again we hope this never ends;
Sadly the time has come when we must all go home;
We make our promises to stay in touch by letter or by phone;
Another year will soon be here and we will gather at the Tower;
Pay your respects to these brave men after all it takes just half an hour.
4
008 Dates for your Diary
Wed 24 Apr Chesterfield Branch WFRA Meeting 1930 hours at RBL HQ, Haig House, Gluman
Street, Chesterfield. All welcome
Fri 26 Apr The Mercian Regiment Officers’ Dinner Night, Defence Academy, Shrivenham
Wed 1 May Worcester Area WFRA Meeting 1100 hours The RBL Club, Cornmeadow Lane,
Claines, Worcester WR3 7PL. All welcome.
Fri 10 May Derby Branch WFRA Meeting 1945 hours Rolls Royce Club, 241 Osmaston Road,
Derby. All welcome
Thu 9 May Newark Branch WFRA Meeting at 1430 hours The RAFA Club, 23A London Road,
Newark, Notts NG24 1TN. All welcome

Rugeley & District Branch WFRA AGM and Meeting 2000 hours at the Progressive
Working Men’s Club, Mansfield House, Rugeley. All welcome
Sat 11 May WFR Band Reunion Concert . To be held in the Regel Theatre, Teme Street, Tenbury
Wells, Worcestershire WR16 8AA.

Ilkeston Branch WFRA Meeting 1130 hours Flamstead Centre, Albert Street, Ilkeston.
All welcome
Thu 16 May Dudley & District Branch WFRA Meeting 2000 hours at the Ex-Serviceman’s Club, 51
Hall Street, Dudley. All welcome.
Tue 28 May Worcester Branch WFRA at 2000 hours at TA Centre, Dancox House, Pheasant
Street, Worcester WR1 2EE. All welcome
Sat 1 Jun Glorious First of June
WFRA Reunion at Worcester Warriors Stadium, Sixways, Worcester
Thu 6 Jun Presentation of Colours to the Mercian Regiment at Worcester Warriors Stadium,
Sixways, Worcester
Fri 7 Jun Laying up of WFR Colours – Worcester Cathedral
Sat 29 Jun Armed Forces Day
Sat 6 Jul WFRA Pre-Crich Supper 1930 hours Foresters House, Chetwynd Barracks, Chilwell,
Nottingham
Sun 7 Jul Annual Pilgrimage, Crich

C A BAINES (Ms)
RHQ MERCIAN (Nottingham)
Foresters House
Chetwynd Barracks
Chilwell
NG9 5HA
E: rhqmercian.notts@btconnect.com
Tel: 0115 9465415
5
Ref:

12 April 2013 NEWSLETTER VOL 4 ISSUE 10

001 OBITUARIES/FUNERALS
It is with regret we inform you that 21013238 WO2 (RQMS) Reginald Walter HOAD of Derby
died on 2 April 2013 aged 95. Reg served with the Grenadier Guards during WW2 and after

demob joined 5th Battalion The Sherwood Foresters, remaining with it when it amalgamatedwith the 8th Battalion Sherwood Foresters in 1961 to become the 5th/8th Battalion Sherwood

Foresters. After completing his TA service he joined the Derbyshire Army Cadet Force as Chief

Clerk and served with it from 1976 to 1982. His funeral is to take place at Markeaton

Crematorium on Wednesday 17 April 2013 at 1040 hours. Standards welcome.

It is with sadness we notify you that 23414151 Pte Roy Percy BRIDGWATER of Alcester,Warwickshire died on 4 April 2013 aged 77.

Roy joined The Warwickshire Regiment as a National Serviceman on 13 August 1957 and was then posted to 1st Battalion The Sherwood

Foresters for service in Malaya. He left the Army in August 1959.

002
LE CATEAU LOTTERY
The lucky winners for April’s draw are;
1st - £75.00 Mr D Bennett of Nottingham
2nd - £50.00 Mr I Baldry of Pershore
3rd - £25.00 Col D Sneath of Ravenshead
The tickets were kindly drawn by Mrs Sue Brelsford, mother of Sgt Craig Brelsford MC, at
Nottingham Castle, witnessed by Ms Baines, Asst Regt Sec today 12 April and names verified
by RHQ Staff. Winners will be contacted by RHQ.

Do you want to take a chance on winning and supporting your Museum? Contact RHQ for
further details and to buy tickets. Next draw Friday 10 May 2013.

TRANSPORT
Transport is available from many of the towns and cities throughout the Regimental recruiting
area. Coach transport is available to anyone who has a ticket to attend the Colours Parade.

The list of routes is below. All routes will take passengers direct to the event by 0930 hours,
which allows those wishing to parade to attend the rehearsal.

For Worcester there is a coach to
arrive at the stadium for 0930 hours and a later one for those not attending the rehearsal.

When booking tickets from Worcester City please let RHQ know which coach you would prefer.

If you wish to make use of the transport, cheques should be made payable to RHQ Mercian and
sent to RHQ Mercian Nottingham Office. Tickets can also be purchased direct from the
Nottingham office. When purchasing tickets as well as telling us the number of tickets required,
please enclose the name of all personnel wanting a seat along with their full name, address,
telephone number and e-mail address as we will send tickets by e-mail wherever possible.
Please note that we are happy for block bookings of tickets which can be issued to one person
however we do still require the name and contact details of everyone who requires a ticket. Pick
up points and detailed timings will be provided with the tickets which will be issued in May.
Please note that the ticket will be required when getting on the coach. It should also be
noted that tickets for the event can only be purchased through the Rugby Club and not
through RHQ who can only issue transport tickets.
Seats are limited and will be allocated on a first come, first served basis so it is advised that you
book early.
We very much hope you will be able to join the Regiment on this most special occasion. We
look forward to seeing you in June.
ROUTE LIST BELOW NEWSLETTERS 1

004 COMMEMORATION SERVICE IN REMEMBRANCE OF PTE ROBINSON
The Chesterfield Branch of the WFRA will be holding a weekend of commemoration for Private
Martin Robinson, who was Killed in Action on 16 April 1972, over the weekend of 13 and 14
April in Sutton on Sea, Lincolnshire. Timings are as follows:
Saturday 13 April at 1000 hours. Working party to assemble at St Clements Church in order to
tidy up the grave area.
3
Sunday 14 April at 1130 hours. Commemoration Service of Remembrance followed by wreath
laying and Act of Homage.
Dress for Service is regimental blazer, regimental tie, beret and medals. Parade outside Church
at 1120 hours ready to commence the Service once the normal Sunday Service has finished.
If you wish to assist and/or join the service please contact the Chairman of Chesterfield Branch:
John Johnson on johntyjohn@msn.com or ring 01246 865900.

005 NEW FINANCIAL SUPPORT BENEFITS FOR VETERANS AND SERVICE PERSONNEL
As part of Government welfare reform, a new benefit called AFIP will be introduced from 8 Apr
13. It is an alternative to Personal Independence Payment (PIP), which is being introduced by
the Department for Work and Pensions to replace Disability Living Allowance (DLA).
Service personnel and veterans awarded a Guaranteed Income Payment of at least 50% or
higher under the Armed Forces Compensation Scheme (AFCS) will be eligible for AFIP to help
cover the extra costs they may have as a result of their injuries. The value of AFIP from 8 Apr
13 will be £134.40 per week.
SPVA will write to personnel who are eligible to receive AFIP explaining the application
process. Further information on AFIP is available at www.veterans-uk.info. Further information
on PIP is available at www.gov.uk/pip.
BACKGROUND
4. As part of the Welfare Reform agenda currently being undertaken by the Department for
Work and Pensions (DWP), Disability Living Allowance (DLA) will be replaced by the Personal
Independence Payment (PIP) for those of working age (age 16 to 64). On 19 July 2012 the
Prime Minister announced that service personnel and veterans seriously injured as a result of
their service should have access to simplified financial support arrangements as part of the
welfare reform agenda. The Ministry of Defence (MOD) has been working with the DWP to
meet this commitment through the introduction of AFIP which is an alternative to PIP for eligible
personnel.
5. Service personnel and veterans awarded a Guaranteed Income Payment (GIP) of 50%
or higher under the Armed Forces Compensation Scheme (AFCS) will be eligible to apply for
AFIP. There is no requirement to undergo assessments or reassessments, unlike PIP. AFIP will
be paid at the rate of £134.40 per week, which is the same amount as the enhanced rates of
both the daily living and mobility components of PIP, and the highest rate of both components of
DLA. It is non-taxable and will not be means-tested.
6. These arrangements do not impact on the eligibility of service personnel and veterans to
other benefits. They can make a claim for other benefits as they do now, and where entitled, will
receive those other benefits. Personnel who were injured prior to 6 Apr 05 and who are covered
by the War Pensions Scheme will be able to apply for PIP, as will less seriously injured service
personnel and veterans.
7. Point of Contact. Specific queries and advice relating to claims should be directed to
the Service Personnel and Veterans Agency. Tel: 0800 169 2277 or by e-mail: www.veteransuk.
info.

006 POET’S CORNER
Association members who wish to submit poems for inclusion in the Newsletter are quite
welcome to do so, although the editor reserves the right to edit/abridge or refuse publication.
Poems that make us pause for reflection and bring to mind times served and comrades served
with are most welcome.
The following contributions are from Ken Bradshaw Ex 1 WFR Band.

`A Soldiers Reunion'

Here comes a soldier to meet with old mates
Remembering the times and some special
dates
A soldier attending a reunion at last
Talk about things that happened in the past
Some of his comrades cannot be there
A few more survivors are having a beer
Laughing at times at what some had done
Staring at the future and what’s to become
Keeping in contact and meeting again
Know some of their comrades had suffered in
pain
Their battles are over their service is done
But they still remember the ones that have
gone
Then there’s tomorrow if they’re still alive
Of a soldiers reunion attended with pride.

`A Soldier'
Who is the Soldier that fights in a war?
Does he know what he’s doing and who it is
for
Is he aware of the risk to his life
Leaving his Parents, his children, his wife.
Who is the Soldier that fights overseas?
Dodging the bullets, the shrapnel with ease,
Is he aware that he could take a hit?
Bobbing and weaving, carrying his kit.
Who is the soldier that defends what is right
Fighting in battles on very cold nights,
Watching horizons for humanly shapes
Hoping he gets them before it’s too late
Who is the soldier that steps on a mine?
Has he been injured or hopefully fine
Is he still hurting or numb from the pain
Will his arms or legs get better again?
Who is the soldier that loses his fight?
Lying in a coffin on board and in flight
How does the country remember this man?
Who will now comfort his family, his Clan?
Remember the soldier for it could be me
One time a hero, but now I am free
I have done battle to keep the world safe
Now I must lie down in destiny’s place.

007 Dates for your Diary
Thu 18 Apr Dudley & District Branch WFRA Meeting 2000 hours at the Ex-Serviceman’s Club, 51
Hall Street, Dudley. All welcome.
Wed 24 Apr Chesterfield Branch WFRA Meeting 1930 hours at RBL HQ, Haig House, Gluman
Street, Chesterfield. All welcome
Fri 26 Apr The Mercian Regiment Officers’ Dinner Night, Defence Academy, Shrivenham
Wed 1 May Worcester Area WFRA Meeting 1100 hours The RBL Club, Cornmeadow Lane,
Claines, Worcester WR3 7PL. All welcome.
Fri 3 May Derby Branch WFRA Meeting 1945 hours Rolls Royce Club, 241 Osmaston Road,
Derby. All welcome
Thu 9 May Newark Branch WFRA Meeting at 1430 hours The RAFA Club, 23A London Road,
Newark, Notts NG24 1TN. All welcome

Rugeley & District Branch WFRA AGM and Meeting 2000 hours at the Progressive
Working Men’s Club, Mansfield House, Rugeley. All welcome
Sat 11 May WFR Band Reunion Concert . To be held in the Regel Theatre, Teme Street, Tenbury
Wells, Worcestershire WR16 8AA.

Nottingham City Branch WFRA Meeting 1900 hours RBL Club, Parliament Street,
Nottingham. All welcome
Tue 14 May Mansfield Branch WFRA Meeting 1930 hours The William IV Inn, 210 Stockwell Gate,
Mansfield NG18 5QE. All welcome

Ilkeston Branch WFRA Meeting 1130 hours Flamstead Centre, Albert Street, Ilkeston.
All welcome
Thu 16 May Dudley & District Branch WFRA Meeting 2000 hours at the Ex-Serviceman’s Club, 51
Hall Street, Dudley. All welcome.
Tue 28 May Worcester Branch WFRA at 2000 hours at TA Centre, Dancox House, Pheasant
Street, Worcester WR1 2EE. All welcome
Sat 1 Jun Glorious First of June
WFRA Reunion at Worcester Warriors Stadium, Sixways, Worcester
Thu 6 Jun Presentation of Colours to the Mercian Regiment at Worcester Warriors Stadium,
Sixways, Worcester
Fri 7 Jun Laying up of WFR Colours – Worcester Cathedral
Sat 29 Jun Armed Forces Day
Sat 6 Jul WFRA Pre-Crich Supper 1930 hours Foresters House, Chetwynd Barracks, Chilwell,
Nottingham
Sun 7 Jul Annual Pilgrimage, Crich

C A BAINES (Ms)
RHQ MERCIAN (Nottingham)
Foresters House
Chetwynd Barracks
Chilwell
NG9 5HA
E: rhqmercian.notts@btconnect.com
Tel: 0115 9465415

5 April 2013 NEWSLETTER VOL 4 ISSUE 09

001
OBITUARIES/FUNERALS
Nil reported

002
GREETINGS ON BADAJOZ DAY – 6 APRIL 2013
LIEUTENANT JAMES MacPHERSON
OF
THE 45TH (NOTTINGHAMSHIRE) REGIMENT
BADAJOZ 6 APRIL 1812
The 45th (1st Nottinghamshire) Regiment of Foot was one of only three Regiments to serve in the Peninsular War for its duration 1808-1814. For the

majority of this time it served in ‘The Fighting Third’ division, under Sir Thomas Picton. Fourteen battle honours, including Badajoz, were awarded to the

Regiment, in recognition of its zealous duty.
The final assault of the third siege of Badajoz took place on the 6th April, 1812. The 45th with the

fighting third were ordered to escalade the walls of the castle.
One of the first up the ladders was Lieutenant James MacPherson of the 45th who, finding the ladder too short, shouted to his men to raise it.

This they did so suddenly that he found himself level with a Frenchman on the ramparts. Before MacPherson could offer any defence he was shot,

fortunately the musket ball struck a silver button on his waistcoat and glanced off. He managed to climb down the rear of the ladder before falling

unconscious into the ditch. On coming round he tried to rise, but his broken ribs made it difficult. However, the bone pressing on his lung moved and

the pain eased.
MacPherson made his way to the keep on which flew the French flag. On reaching the top of the keep he

tore down the French flag and for want of a substitute he took off his jacket and hoisted it up the flagstaff. The British now sensed victory and the

remaining Frenchmen in the castle were quickly put to the sword and bayonet. At about this time Picton sent his ADC Lieutenant Tyler, another 45th man,

to inform Wellington of the capture of the castle.
To this day, a red jacket is raised on the 6th April by the Regiment to commemorate the deed.

Lieutenant MacPherson received no direct reward for his actions. He was present in ten general actions and was twice wounded. He remained a Lieutenant

until his promotion to Captain in 1816 in the 13th of Foot, Major in 1832 and Lieutenant Colonel with the Ceylon Rifles in 1835. He died in 1842.

The 45th (Nottinghamshire) Regiment amalgamated with the 95th (Derbyshire) Regiment to form The Sherwood Foresters (Nottinghamshire

and Derbyshire Regiment). In 1970 the Regiment amalgamated again and became The Worcestershire and Sherwood Foresters Regiment.

In 2007 it became the 2nd Battalion The Mercian Regiment (Worcesters and Foresters).

003
BADAJOZ DAY – NOTTINGHAM CASTLE – 6 APRIL 2013
The Red Jacket will be raised at Nottingham Castle by Major J H Cotterill MBE at 1100 hours on Saturday 6 April 2013. Association members are

requested to be in place on the Green by 1045 hours with the march on of regimental mascot and Standards being at 1055 hours. All Association

members wearing a regimental tie or carrying an Association card will be allowed free entry.

004
THE LE CATEAU CLUB LOTTERY UPDATE
The Le Cateau Club Lottery’s first draw will take place on Friday 12 April with the winners announced on the e-newsletter that day. There is still time to

join and for the cost of less than a pint of beer a month or a bottle of champagne (depending on your tastes) your £24 yearly ticket holds greater

odds of winning than a national lottery ticket or a scratch card. Why not take a chance and support YOUR museum at the same time? For those

wishing to purchase a ticket, please call RHQ on 0115 9465415.

005
MERCIAN COLOURS PRESENTATION
The presentation of the New Colours to the Mercian Regiment will be held on Thursday 6 June at Sixways Rugby Stadium in Worcester. The

Regiment wishes to assist all member of the Regiment, all Regimental Association Members and supporters (whether belonging to a branch or not)

and their families in attending this prestigious and historical event for which entry as well as the lunch options and transport are all subsidised.

TICKETS and FOOD
Entry tickets and food options should be purchased direct from the stadium. All details can be found at

www.tinyurl.com/merciancoloursparade.
TRANSPORT
Transport is available from many towns and cities throughout the Regiment’s recruiting area. Coach transport is available to anyone who has a ticket to

attend the Colours Parade. Transport tickets can only be purchased from RHQ Nottingham office at a cost of £5 per person for the return journey less

Worcester City where the cost will be £3.50 return. Please note that transport tickets must be purchased before the event as there is no facility to

buy them on the day.
The list of routes is below. All routes will take passengers direct to the event by 0930 hours which allows those wishing to parade to attend the

rehearsal. For Worcester there is a coach to arrive at the stadium for 0930 hours and a later one for those not attending the rehearsal. When booking

tickets from Worcester City please let RHQ know which coach you would prefer.
If you wish to make use of the transport, cheques

should be made payable to RHQ Mercian and sent to RHQ Mercian Nottingham Office. Tickets can also be purchased direct from the Nottingham office.

When purchasing tickets as well as telling us the number of tickets required, please enclose the name of all personnel wanting a seat along with

their full name, address, telephone number and e-mail address as we will send tickets by e-mail wherever possible. Please note that we are happy

for block bookings of tickets which can be issued to one person however we do still require the name and contact details of everyone who requires a

ticket. Pick up points and timings will be provided with the tickets which will be issued in May.
Please note that the ticket will be required when

getting on the coach. It should also be noted that tickets for the event can only be purchased through the Rugby Club and not through RHQ who can only

issue transport tickets.

Seats are limited and will be allocated on a first come, first served basis so it is advised that you book early.

We very much hope you will be able to join the Regiment on this most special occasion. We look forward to seeing you in June.

ROUTE LIST
Below `Newsletter 1'

006
COMMEMORATION SERVICE IN REMEMBRANCE OF PTE ROBINSON
The Chesterfield Branch of the WFRA will be holding a weekend of commemoration for Private Martin Robinson, who was Killed in Action on 16 April 1972,

over the weekend of 13 and 14 April in Sutton on Sea, Lincolnshire. Timings are as follows:
Saturday 13 April at 1000 hours. Working party to

assemble at St Clements Church in order to tidy up the grave area.
Sunday 14 April at 1130 hours. Commemoration Service of Remembrance followed by wreath laying

and Act of Homage. Dress for Service is regimental blazer, regimental tie, beret and medals. Parade outside Church at 1120 hours ready to commence

the Service once the normal Sunday Service has finished.
If you wish to assist and/or join the service please contact the Chairman of Chesterfield Branch: John Johnson on johntyjohn@msn.com or ring 01246

865900.

007
DATES FOR YOUR DIARY
Sat 6 Apr
Badajoz Day
Sherwood Foresters Officers’ Luncheon Club, Army & Navy Club, London
Nottingham Castle, Raising of Red Jacket at 1100 hours.
Mon 8 Apr
Long Eaton Branch WFRA Meeting 2000 hours Brennans, Regent Street, Long Eaton. All welcome -

Nottingham City Branch WFRA Meeting 1900 hours RBL Club, Parliament Street, Nottingham. All welcome
Tue 9 Apr
Mansfield Branch WFRA Meeting 1930 hours The William IV Inn, 210 Stockwell Gate, Mansfield NG18 5QE. All welcome

Ilkeston Branch WFRA Meeting 1130 hours Flamstead Centre, Albert Street, Ilkeston. All welcome.

Thu 11 Apr
Newark Branch WFRA Meeting at The RAFA Club, 23A London Road, Newark, Notts NG24 1TN at 1430 hours. All welcome
Thu 18 Apr
Dudley & District Branch WFRA Meeting 2000 hours at the Ex-Serviceman’s Club, 51 Hall Street, Dudley. All welcome.
Wed 24 Apr
Chesterfield Branch WFRA Meeting 1930 hours at RBL HQ, Haig House, Gluman Street, Chesterfield. All welcome
Fri 26 Apr
The Mercian Regiment Officers’ Dinner Night, Defence Academy, Shrivenham
Wed 01 May
Worcester Area Meeting, RBL Club, Cornmeadow Lane, Claines, Worcester WR3 7PL at 1100 hours.
Sat 11 May
WFR Band Reunion Concert. To be held in the Regal Theatre, Teme Street, Tenbury Wells, Worcestershire WR16 8AA

Original Signed
C A BAINES (Ms)
RHQ MERCIAN (Nottingham)
Foresters House
Chetwynd Barracks
Chilwell
NG9 5HA
E: rhqmercian.notts@btconnect.com
Tel: 0115 9465415

28 March 2013 NEWSLETTER VOL 4 ISSUE 08

001 OBITUARIES/FUNERALS
It is with sadness we report that 25228073 LCpl Jamie WEBB of Wilmslow, Cheshire aged 24
serving with C Coy 1 MERCIAN died on 26 March 2013 as a result of wounds sustained during
an insurgent attack on his patrol base in Nad ‘Ali in Helmand Province, Afghanistan on 25
March 2013. Jamie joined 1st Battalion The Cheshire Regiment in 2006 and remained with 1
MERCIAN on amalgamation in 2007. He served in Northern Ireland, Iraq and was on his third
operational tour in Afghanistan when he was killed. For those wishing to write in condolence
the contact is Mr D Webb (Father) c/o Lt Col Temminck BEM, RHQ MERCIAN, Heath Avenue,
Whittington Barracks, Lichfield WS14 9TJ.

The repatriation ceremony is to take place at 1430 hours on Thursday 4 April 2013 at RAF
Brize Norton. The cortege is expected to pass Carterton Memorial Garden between
approximately 1515 hours and 1630 hours for those officers, soldiers and members of the
Regimental family who wish and are able to pay their respects. Regimental Standards are
welcome and standard bearers are to report to the Carterton Memorial Garden by not later than
1445 hours for a brief from Maj Eddie Pickering.

002
CONGRATULATORY – OPERATIONAL AWARDS
We congratulate the following:
MILITARY CROSS
Captain Richard Alexander OAKES 4th Battalion The MERCIAN Regiment Infantry attached 4
RIFLES, Tolay Advisor Officer Commanding in Afghanistan 15 Jun 12
As the Afghan National Army (ANA) patrol commander led his troops through a dangerous area
of open ground, Captain Oakes quickly arranged his troops in a fire support position off to a
flank. Both the patrol and the Temporary Check Point (TCP) came under rapid, heavy,
sustained and accurate machine gun and small arms fire from at least four firing points on two
sides. Three firing points were ranged between 200-400 metres away, with the enemy machine
gun suppressing from a flank well beyond the range of most of Oakes’ weapon systems,
making it harder to even identify before it could be suppressed. The ANA commander informed
Oakes that they had ‘multiple casualties’. Thinking, therefore, that this was a mass casualty
incident, Oakes took bold and decisive action, manoeuvring his men across 200 metres of
dangerous open ground. Oakes and his medic then dashed forward to extract what transpired
to be one ANA casualty, who had sustained a gunshot wound to the arm. Coming instantly
under fire, the medic was fatally wounded. Oakes administered first aid to the medic whilst still
commanding the battle, the casualty evacuation, the suppression of the enemy to win the
firefight and the controlled withdrawal of both ISAF and ANA troops. Oakes’ quick thinking,
robust leadership, conspicuous personal gallantry under fire and tactical astuteness all
undoubtedly prevented further loss of life. Oakes demonstrated outstanding bravery, selfless
commitment and determination throughout.

QUEEN’S COMMENDATION FOR VALUABLE SERVICE
Acting Lieutenant Colonel Andrew David COX MBE (3rd Battalion The Mercian Regiment) whilst
employed as Chief of Staff 12 Mech Bde in Afghanistan.

003 THE LE CATEAU CLUB LOTTERY UPDATE
The Le Cateau Club Lottery’s first draw will take place on Friday 12 April with the winners
announced on the e-newsletter that day. There is still time to join and for the cost of less than a
pint of beer a month or a bottle of champagne (depending on your tastes) your £24 yearly ticket
holds greater odds of winning than a national lottery ticket or a scratch card. Why not take a
chance and support YOUR museum at the same time? For those wishing to purchase a ticket,
please call RHQ on 0115 9465415.

004 BADAJOZ DAY – NOTTINGHAM CASTLE – 6 APRIL 2013
The Red Jacket will be raised at Nottingham Castle by Major J H Cotterill MBE at 1100 hours
on Saturday 6 April 2013. Association members are requested to be in place on the Green by
1045 hours with the march on of Regimental Mascot and Standards being at 1055 hours. All
Association members wearing a Regimental tie or carrying an association card will be allowed
free entry.

005 PRESENTATION OF COLOURS – TICKET PURCHASE
Entry tickets and food options may be found at http://www.tinyurl.com/merciancoloursparade
Coach tickets may be obtained by contacting RHQ MERCIAN at Nottingham on 0115 9465415
or rhqmercian.notts@btconnect.com

006 RHQ CLOSURE – EASTER 2013
RHQ Nottingham will be closed for Easter from 1230 hours Thu 27 March 2013 to 0830 hours
Tue 2 April 2013.

007 LOST CONTACT
David Wiggins ex RSM DERR later commissioned into the Staffords is trying to make contact
with Tony Gay ex Worc R and WFR believed to be living in Canada. David can be contacted
on davidwiggins403@hotmail.com

008 MERCIAN REGIMENT OFFICERS’ DINNER – 26 APRIL 2013
The Mercian Regiment Officers’ dinner is to be held at The Defence Academy, Shrivenham on
Friday 26 April 2013. All serving and retired officers of the Regiment and its antecedents are
invited to attend. Details have been published previously or contact RHQ for more details.

009 WFR BAND REUNION CONCERT – SATURDAY 11 MAY 2013
The WFR Band Reunion Concert will be held in the Regal Theatre, Teme Street, Tenbury
Wells, Worcestershire WR15 8AA on Saturday 11 May 2013. Tickets available direct from the
theatre. The concert will be hosted by the Tenbury Town Band and any ex- WFR instrument
players are always welcome to attend and play, if they wish. Rehearsal is from mid-day 11 May
in the theatre. Tickets Adults £7.00, Junior (under 12 £6.00), Senior Citizens £6.00, Student
u/16 £6.00. For more details contact the theatre box office on 01584 811442.

010 Dates for your Diary
Fri 5 Apr Derby Branch WFRA Meeting 1945 hours Rolls Royce Club, 241 Osmaston
Road, Derby. All welcome
Sat 6 Apr Badajoz Day
Sherwood Foresters Officers’ Luncheon Club, Army & Navy Club, London
Nottingham Castle Raising of Red Jacket at 1100 hours.
Mon 8 Apr Long Eaton Branch WFRA Meeting 2000 hours Brennans, Regent Street, Long
Eaton. All welcome
Nottingham City Branch WFRA Meeting 1900 hours RBL Club, Parliament
Street, Nottingham. All welcome
Tue 9 Apr Mansfield Branch WFRA Meeting 1930 hours The William IV Inn, 210
Stockwell Gate, Mansfield NG18 5QE. All welcome
Ilkeston Branch WFRA Meeting 1130 hours Flamstead Centre, Albert Street,
Ilkeston. All welcome
Thu 11 Apr Newark Branch WFRA Meeting at The RAFA Club, 23A London Road,
Newark, Notts NG24 1TN at 1430 hours. All welcome
Thu 18 Apr Dudley & District Branch WFRA Meeting 2000 hours at the Ex-Serviceman’s
Club, 51 Hall Street, Dudley. All welcome.
Wed 24 Apr Chesterfield Branch WFRA Meeting 1930 hours at RBL HQ, Haig House,
Gluman Street, Chesterfield. All welcome
Fri 26 Apr The Mercian Regiment Officers’ Dinner Night, Defence Academy, Shrivenham
Sat 11 May WFR Band Reunion Concert . To be held in the Regel Theatre, Teme Street,
Tenbury Wells, Worcestershire WR16 8AA.
Sat 1 Jun Glorious First of June
WFRA Reunion at Worcester Warriors Stadium, Sixways, Worcester
Thu 6 Jun Presentation of Colours to the Mercian Regiment at Worcester Warriors
Stadium, Sixways, Worcester
Fri 7 Jun Laying up of WFR Colours – Worcester Cathedral
Sat 29 Jun Armed Forces Day
Sat 6 Jul WFRA Pre-Crich Supper 1930 hours Foresters House, Chetwynd Barracks,
Chilwell, Nottingham
Sun 7 Jul Annual Pilgrimage, Crich

C A BAINES (Ms)
RHQ MERCIAN (Nottingham)
Foresters House
Chetwynd Barracks
Chilwell
NG9 5HA
E: rhqmercian.notts@btconnect.com
Tel: 0115 9465415

22 February 2013 NEWSLETTER VOL 4 ISSUE 05

FLYERS FOR THIS NEWSLETTER AT VERY BOTTOM OF PAGE
001 OBITUARIES/FUNERALS
We regret to inform you that Mrs Valerie Welchman of Wooton Courtney, Somerset died in
2012 aged 99. Mrs Welchman was the widow of Lt Col John Roger WELCHMAN DSO who
commanded 2nd/5th Battalion The Sherwood Foresters from October 1943 to March 1946.

002 COLOURS PRESENTATION INVITATION – AMENDMENT TO CONTACT NUMBER
There is an amendment to the contact number for Worcester Warriors Rugby Club published
both in the recent invitational letter and Annex B to the Presentation of New Regimental
Colours. Those wishing to contact the club about purchasing Executive Boxes, children’s
meals or special dietary requirements should get in touch with Worcester on 01905 454183.

003 COLOURS PRESENTATION – TRANSPORT
The Regiment wishes to assist all Association Members and supporters (whether belonging to a
branch or not) and their families in attending the Colours Presentation and both the event and
lunch will be subsidised.
It is also our aim that we will be able to provide transport at a subsidised rate from various
locations around the country. To enable us to establish the appetite for this, you are asked to
contact RHQ Nottingham to register your interest. It would be preferable if you would e-mail us
at rhqmercian.notts@btconnect.com but please feel free to ring if you are not able to e-mail.
We will need to know your name and how many seats are required as well as your home
town and the nearest/most convenient large town/city to you. Please note that there is no
requirement to contact us if you have already registered your interest through your Association
Branch or previously to RHQ. The proposed routes and pick up towns are;
ROUTE 1 CHESTER, SHREWSBURY, KIDDERMINSTER

ROUTE 2, CHESTERFIELD, MANSFIELD, DERBY,
BURTON-ON-TRENT

ROUTE 3 ,NEWARK, NOTTINGHAM, CHILWELL,
COVENTRY, REDDITCH

ROUTE 4, STOCKPORT, MACCLESFIELD, STOKEON-
TRENT, WOLVERHAMPTON

ROUTE 5 LICHFIELD, TAMWORTH, BIRMINGHAM

ROUTE 6, RUGELEY, CANNOCK, WALSALL,
DUDLEY, HALESOWEN

ROUTE 7 , WORCESTER CITY TO STADIUM PARK
AND RIDE

ROUTE 8, DOVER

ROUTE 9 , COLCHESTER

ROUTE 10, SALISBURY, WARMINSTER, STROUD.

Once we have a clearer picture of locations and numbers wishing to use transport we will be

able to work on cost and timings and further information will be published.

004 MERCIAN REGIMENT OFFICERS’ DINNER – 26 APRIL 2013
The Mercian Regiment Officers’ dinner is to be held at The Defence Academy, Shrivenham on
Saturday 26 April 2013. All serving and retired officers of the Regiment and its antecedents are
invited to attend. Further details below newsletter.

005 ARMY v NAVY RUGBY MATCH – TWICKENHAM – 27 APRIL 2013
The annual Army v Navy rugby match takes place at Twickenham on Saturday 27 April 2013
with KO at 1500 hours. This rugby match, which is the premier event in the Military Calendar, is
preceded by the combined Services U23 v Oxbridge U23 with KO at 1200 hours. Tickets are
on sale from www.arutickets.com @ £20 per adult, £10 Juniors and £10 Family.

006 WW1 CENTENARY IN DERBYSHIRE
A unique new project is being launched in Derbyshire to discover how communities around the
county would like to commemorate the centenary of the First World War in 2014, whilst
exploring what impact both the First World War and Second World War had on local people.
The project, which is called Derbyshire Lives through the World Wars, is being run by
community organisation Bright Ideas and local volunteers, on behalf of Derbyshire County
Council, with funding from the Arts Council. For more details please see the flyer below newsleter.

007 LOST CONTACT
Steve Rose (24129798) is trying to locate Dennis (Dabba) Baker who served with him in the
Assault Pioneers 1 WFR from 1970 – 79. Steve can be contacted on steve.rose@rollsroyce.
com (Note change of contact email)
The son of Bill Eckley who served in The Worcestershire Regiment Band between 1957 and
1965 is looking for people who knew his dad and has any memories of him. He can be
contacted on liroma@hotmail.com

008 ARMED FORCES SUPPORT – EAST MIDLANDS
A new Armed Forces Support Centre has recently opened in Beeston, Nottingham. The centre
provides employment support as well as signposting advice on housing, health and finance for
veterans and their families from across the East Midlands, including Nottinghamshire,
Derbyshire and Leicestershire.
Centre Details: Address: 2 Cross Street, Beeston, Notts NG9 2NX (in the units opposite
Sainsburys Petrol Station) Tel: 0115 9220320
Opening Times;
Mon/Tue/Wed: 1030-1500 hours
Thu: 1300-1700 hours
Fri: 0930-1330 hours
If any one uses the centre and would like to share their experience please inform the Assistant
Regimental Secretary. All contact will be treated in confidence. Thank you

009 LISTENING MATTERS
Listening matters is an independent and impartial listening, life coaching and mentoring group
run by veterans for veterans. It is based in Stourbridge town centre. Further details can be
found on their website http://listening-matters.blogspot.co.uk or by contacting them by phone on
07466 436389 or e-mail listeningmatters@nym.hush.com If anyone uses the service and feels
able to share their experience, it is requested that you contact the Assistant Regimental

Secretary so that we can promote the service further. All calls will be treated in confidence.
Thank you.

010 CHARITY CONCERT FOR HOUSES2HOMES ANNOUNCED FOR 16 MARCH 2013

Supported by BRITISH GAS

Houses2Homes (H2H) is holding a Charity Concert to raise vital funds.

The event will be held at the Lindhurst Rooms, Mansfield Civic Centre on Saturday 16th March
2013. Doors open from 1830 hours - performance starts at 1930 hours.

The Carlton Male Voice Choir www.carltonmvc.org will perform on the evening as will

“The Army Wives Choir”. The concert will also be recorded for broadcast on BFBS.
Tickets are £12 each or a table of 10 can be purchased for £100. Tickets can be bought by
phoning 01623 656766, emailing mansfieldcc@sodexo.com or visiting the Lindhurst Rooms at
Mansfield Civic Centre.

H2H has attracted much media attention over the last month, having been let-down by a large
military charity at the beginning of the project and is running out of funds to keep the veterans
on the apprenticeships, trainers on site and to purchase building materials for the homes. Also
with further announcements of redundancies in the armed forces this year, projects like H2H
will be crucial to help veterans gain new skills to access employment. It is thought that up to
one in 20 people leaving the armed forces find it difficult to get a job and become homeless for
six months or more. Successful completion of this first H2H initiative in Nottinghamshire will
enable the replication of further projects like this around the country, up-skilling more veterans
and housing more ex-service families.
British Gas has been a key supporter of Houses2Homes and has kindly sponsored the Charity
Concert. Andrew Bacon, Regional Director for British Gas in the East Midlands, said: "We are
delighted to join forces with Houses2Homes to sponsor what promises to be a great night.
Undoubtedly the proceeds of this concert will help more veterans rebuild their lives - either by
learning new skills or moving into a new home - so we wanted to make sure the fund-raising
gets off to a flying start."
The Concert was initiated by The Carlton Male Voice Choir who got in touch with H2H after
seeing a television appeal. With around 80 members they are one of the country's most popular
choirs performing at venues nationwide. Alan Dawson, Concert Secretary, said 'The
Houses2Homes project suits the ethos of Carlton Male Voice Choir perfectly. Many of the choir
has links to the armed and emergency services. The choir will take great pleasure in performing
at the Charity Concert to help raise funds for this initiative".
Sodexo have donated the venue cost for the evening. Darrell Farnsworth, General Manager
said "Sodexo and the Lindhurst Rooms, Mansfield Civic Centre are pleased and proud to
support Houses to Homes and to support our Military Veterans. This event is not only a great
way to raise money but also to raise awareness of this great charity and the superb work they
are doing to support Military Veterans".

011 NOTTS COUNTY FC v CARLISLE UNITED – 2 MARCH 2013 please see flyer below `newsletter1'
Notts County take on Carlisle United at the Meadow Lane Stadium, Nottingham on Saturday 2
March 2013 at 1500hrs. Jack Hawksley, one of the 2 MERCIAN WiA soldiers is to place the
ball prior to Kick Off and Association Standards will be in situ. Serving members of the Armed
Forces and Veterans can obtain free tickets for the match for themselves and their families by
calling on 0115 9248626 or the Notts County Ticket Office on 0115 9557210 or from the ticket

office at the football ground. Veterans need to produce their Veterans Badge if collecting tickets
from the ticket office at the ground. There will be collectors at the match collecting money for
SSAFA Forces Help.
From 1100hrs there will be a TA LIVE Recruiting Fair held opposite the ground in the area
known as the Boat Yard, so please go along and say hello. See attached flyer.

012 SATURDAY 15TH JUNE

ABF The soldiers Charity & Allenton RBL

Please see flyer below `Newsletters 1'

013 Dates for your Diary

Wed 27 Feb Chesterfield Branch WFRA Meeting 1930 hours at RBL HQ, Haig House,
Gluman Street, Chesterfield. All welcome
Fri 1 Mar Derby Branch WFRA Meeting 1945 hours Rools Royce Club, 241 Osmaston
Road, Derby. All welcome
Wed 6 Mar Notts & Derby WFRA Area Meeting at 1030 hours Foresters House, Chetwynd
Barracks, Chilwell, Nottingham
Mon 11 Mar Long Eaton Branch WFRA Meeting 1930 hours Brennans, Regent Street, Long
Eaton. All welcome
Nottingham City Branch WFRA Meeting 1900 hours RBL Club, Parliament
Street, Nottingham. All welcome
Tue 12 Mar Mansfield Branch WFRA Meeting 1930 hours The William IV Inn, 210
Stockwell Gate, Mansfield NG18 5QE. All welcome
Ilkeston Branch WFRA Meeting 1130 hours Flamstead Centre, Albert Street,
Ilkeston. All welcome
Wed 13 Mar WFRA Executive Committee Meeting 1030 hours RHQ Mercian Heath
Avenue, Whittington Barracks, Lichfield, Staffs WS14 9TJ
Thu 14 Mar Newark Branch WFRA Meeting at The RAFA Club, 23A London Road,
Newark, Notts NG24 1TN at 1430 hours. All welcome
Thu 21 Mar Dudley & District Branch WFRA Meeting 2000 hours at the Ex-Serviceman’s
Club, 51 Hall Street, Dudley. All welcome.
Tue 26 Mar Worcester Branch WFRA AGM at 1930 hours prompt at TA Centre, Dancox
House, Pheasant Street, Worcester WR1 2EE. All welcome
Wed 27 Mar Chesterfield Branch WFRA Meeting 1930 hours at RBL HQ, Haig House,
Gluman Street, Chesterfield. All welcome
Sat 6 Apr Badajoz Day
Sherwood Foresters Officers’ Luncheon Club, Army & Navy Club, London
Fri 26 Apr The Mercian Regiment Officers’ Dinner Night, Defence Academy, Shrivenham
Sat 1 Jun Glorious First of June
WFRA Reunion at Worcester Warriors Stadium, Sixways, Worcester
Thu 6 Jun Presentation of Colours to the Mercian Regiment at Worcester Warriors
Stadium, Sixways, Worcester
Sat 29 Jun Armed Forces Day
Sat 6 Jul WFRA Pre-Crich Supper 1930 hours Foresters house, Chetwynd Barracks,
Chilwell, Nottingham
Sun 7 Jul Annual Pilgrimage, Crich

C A BAINES (Ms)
RHQ MERCIAN (Nottingham)
Foresters House
Chetwynd Barracks
Chilwell
NG9 5HA
E: rhqmercian.notts@btconnect

MERCIAN REGIMENTAL OFFICERS’ DINNER NIGHT 26 APRIL 2013 – WARNING ORDER
Introduction

1. The MERCIAN Regiment will hold a Regimental Dinner night in the Defence Academy Officers’
Mess on Fri 26 Apr 13. Note the change in location due to increased costs at RMAS. This is the
night before the Army Navy rugby match.
Event Format

2. The dinner night will start with a short service in the Defence Academy Chapel. This will be
followed by pre-dinner drinks in the Main Bar of Officers’ Mess Roberts Hall. Dinner will then be
served in the Officers’ Mess Roberts Hall Dining Room before retiring for post dinner drinks.

3. The Army Vs Navy rugby match will take place at Twickenham the following day (27 Apr 13).
Return transport will be provided to the ground (at cost). Further details are shown in Para 9.e.
Attendance

4. With 1 MERCIAN due to have recently returned from Afghanistan, the event offers an excellent
opportunity to gather in celebration of what we have achieved as a Regiment and to renew interbattalion
friendships. The Colonel of The Regiment hopes all those serving officers not directly
committed to operations will make every effort to attend.

5. The Regimental Officers’ Dinner Night is open to the following people:
a. All serving MERCIAN officers, including RRF and RIFLES officers serving with 4
MERCIAN.
b. All officers from other Regts or Arms and Services who are currently attached to 1,2,3 and
4 MERCIAN, e.g., REME / AGC SPS Personnel.
c. All non MERCIAN officers who have served as Company Commanders with the Mercian
Regiment.
d. All retired MERCIAN and antecedent Regimental officers.
e. All members of the Regimental Council.
f. All MERCIAN cap-badged cadet officers.
g. Selected non-capbadged officers who have served previously with The Mercian Regiment,
such as a RMO or OC LAD. These must be personally invited by a MERCIAN Officer and will attend as a paying guest. Once a guest has accepted the invitation to attend, the inviting officer must inform the organiser.

h.Specified Officer Cadets at RMAS and potential officers as identified by the Regtl Sec who
will attend as paying guests.
Co-ordinating Instructions

Maj (Retd) J.B.Massey
Regimental Headquarters
The Mercian Regiment
Heath Avenue
LICHFIELD
Staffordshire
WS14 9TJ
Telephone: 01543 434392 Mil: 94422 4392
Facsimile: 01543 434359 Mil: 94422 4359
Email: RHQMERCIAN-Asst Regtl-Sec Staffords@mod.uk
Web: www.army.mod.uk/mercian
Ref: 04.G3.03.01
Date: 22 Nov 12

6. Timings.
a. NLT 8 Mar 13 – Attendance to be confirmed with RHQ MERCIAN.
b. 261900 Apr 13 – H-Hour – Defence Academy Chapel.
c. 261930 Apr 13 – Pre Dinner Drinks – Officers’ Mess Roberts Hall Main Bar.
d. 262000 Apr 13 – Dinner served – Officers’ Mess Roberts Hall Dining Room.
e. 262230 Apr 13 – Post Dinner Drinks – Officers’ Mess Roberts Hall Main Bar.
f. 271100 Apr 13 – (Optional) Transport to Twickenham – Coach departs from the Officers’
Mess car park.
g. 271800 Apr 13 – (Optional) Transport to the Defence Academy – Pick up from original
DOP.
Service Support

7. Dress. The dress for the evening will be Black Tie (miniatures may be worn). Regimental
cummerbunds may be worn. These are available from Mrs Melanie Lane at the RHQ PRI shop –
email: RHQMERCIAN-AsstWelfareClk@mod.uk Tel: 01543 434 390.

8. Accommodation.

Accommodation will be reserved for MERCIAN one star officers (and above)
who require it. Accommodation within the Defence Academy is available for other serving and
retired officers to book – the relevant from is attached at Annex B. Accommodation is in Templer
and Mountbatten blocks and breakfast is 'Pay as you Dine'.
9. Attendance Confirmation and Costs. Costs are broken down as below. Please note that
there is no capacity to accommodate late bookings or delayed payments.
a. The cost of the dinner night is £55 per person. An attendance return can be found at
Annex A. This is to be sent to RHQ MERCIAN with payment as per the address given.
The return, including payment, is to be received No Later Than 8 Mar 13.
b. Post-dinner drinks are available in the Officers’ Mess bar and will be served on a cash
basis.
c. Accommodation costs are:-
(1) Serving Officers are on duty - £0.60 plus breakfast £1.58

(2) Retired Officers Non Entitled Rate - £19.55 plus breakfast £1.58

d. Army Vs Navy rugby match tickets are £25.00 and can either be booked by individuals
online at infrugby@hotmail.co.uk or Battalion Rugby Officers are to arrange block bookings
with Capt Lee Davies (2RWELSH-QM-QMT on 94342 2535). Both these methods will ensure
that Officers will receive a match ticket in the Mercian block and a wrist band which allows
entry into the Infantry Tent.

(1) Application forms for individual Officers and Battalion Rugby Officers are
attached. To ensure that you are grouped in the correct area, please state you
are in the Mercian Regiment.
8
(2) Tickets are on sale between 1 December 2012 and 31 March 2013.
e. The cost of transport to / from Twickenham is £20-00. To secure a seat please contact Mrs
Melanie Lane at RHQ nlt 22 Mar 13 – email: RHQMERCIAN-AsstWelfareClk@mod.uk Tel: 01543
434 390.

10. Locations. The main gate location is annotated on the map at Annex C, the remainder of the
locations will be tac-signed at that point. All guests (both mil and civ) must enter through the main
gate only

.
11. Identification. All guests must provide officially recognised photographic ID to gain entrance
to the Defence Academy. Passport, driving licence and MOD90s are all acceptable.
Command And Signal

12. Communications. Any queries regarding the event are to be directed to the undersigned.

13. Distribution. Please forward this Warning Order to those who are eligible to attend who may
not have received it. If you have received this Warning Order from a fellow officer and not from
RHQ, please e-mail Mrs Melanie Lane RHQMERCIAN-AsstWelfareClk@mod.uk, so your current
contact details (preferably civilian as well as military email), can be added to the relevant database
and you can be kept up to date with future events.
Electronically signed
J.B.Massey
Maj (Retd)
For Col of the Regt

Annexes:
A. Attendance Confirmation

B.Accommodation Contacts List – TFO in Jan 13.

C.Def Academy Map. please see flyer below `newsletters 1'

..................................................................................................
9
ANNEX A TO
04.G3.03.01
22 NOV 12
MERCIAN REGIMENT OFFICERS DINNER NIGHT 26 APRIL 2013 – ATTENDANCE
CONFIRMATION
Number..........................Rank / Title
Surname................................................................
Post Nominal Information

Contact Number_________________

Contact Email________________

I will be attending the MERCIAN Regimental Dinner on Fri 26 April 2013.

Please tick if you require the vegetarian___________ option
Please state if you have any other special dietary requirements____________________

Please state if you have any other special requirements (e.g. require wheelchair access)___________________

I enclose a cheque for:________________
The dinner only (£55)

+ Coach to Twickenham (£75)
(Please make cheques payable to RHQ MERCIAN)
If after booking you find that you are unable to attend the Dinner, please note that refunds will not
be issued after 1 April. Please return no later than 8 Mar 2013 to:

Mrs M Lane,
RHQ MERCIAN
Heath Avenue,
Whittington Barracks,
Lichfield,
Staffordshire,
WS14 9TJ

......................................................................................................
10
ANNEX B TO
04.G3.03.01

22 NOV 12

MERCIAN REGIMENT OFFICERS’ DINNER NIGHT 26 APRIL 2013
ACCOMMODATION
Defence Academy Accommodation Booking Form
Number................................
Rank / Title....................................
Surname...................................

Post Nominal Information
Contact Number.......................................
Contact Email......................................................
Address.......................................................................................................................................................................................
Postcode.............................................................

Please return no later than 8 Mar 2013 to: Mrs M Lane,
RHQ MERCIAN
Heath Avenue,
Whittington Barracks,
Lichfield,
Staffordshire,
WS14 9TJ

..................................................................................................
11
ANNEX C TO
04.G3.03.01
22 NOV 12
MERCIAN REGIMENTAL OFFICERS’ DINNER NIGHT 26 APRIL 2013 – DEFENCE ACADEMY
LOCATION

..........................................................................................................................................

12
Shining a light on history

– new project asks local people how Derbyshire should
commemorate First World War centenary

A unique new project is being launched in Derbyshire to discover how communities around the
county would like to commemorate the centenary of the First World War in 2014, whilst exploring
what impact both the First World War and Second World War had on local people.

The project, which is called Derbyshire Lives through the World Wars, is being run by community
organisation Bright Ideas and local volunteers, on behalf of Derbyshire County Council, with
funding from the Arts Council.

Project Leader Helen Bates from Bright Ideas explains:
“With the First World War centenary and the 75th anniversary of the start of the Second World War
both coming up in 2014, we wanted to focus on the experience of local Derbyshire people and how
they were affected by both World Wars and their aftermath. As well as recognising the military
aspect, we also want to explore how the World Wars affected all areas of life, by shining a light on
the Derbyshire home front.”

Although the First World War centenary and the 75th anniversary of the Second World War are
national events, the project is keen to find out how local communities would like to commemorate
them, to make them relevant and special to Derbyshire.
Whilst traditional heritage venues like museums, libraries and archives will have an important part
to play in commemorative events, the project is also keen to help communities plan their own
activities and mark the World Wars in a way that means something to them.

Helen says:

“Both World Wars had an incredible impact on everyone who lived through them and on
Derbyshire as a county. We want to share and commemorate those individual stories, rather than
simply focusing on the history of that time. We also want to tell the untold stories, by talking to
people and asking them to share photographs, letters, diaries and other memorabilia. We also
want to support communities to bring history to life in different ways, whether that’s through art,
music, drama, poetry, street performance, an event focusing on a local memorial or something
else.”

As well as communities, the project is keen to hear from local businesses, to see how they’d like to
get involved.

As part of the project, the organisers are also carrying out a survey of material in Derbyshire,
including documents and artefacts, which show what was happening in the county through the
World Wars.

Helen concludes:

“By talking to communities we’re hoping to develop a highly original calendar of events unique to
Derbyshire, both for local people and as part of the wider national First World War centenary and
75th anniversary of the Second World War, whilst exploring and commemorating every aspect of
the World Wars, on the county and the people who lived through them.
We may not even know their stories, but all of us have relatives who experienced and played a part
in this tumultuous time in history and this project is about recognising and remembering them.”

To find out more about the project please call

Helen Bates on 0785 446 6183 or email
helen@derbyshirelives.com
13
To share your plans or ideas with the project, please let them know how you’d like to
commemorate the world wars by completing a short survey on the project’s website
http://derbyshirelives.wordpress.com/

Follow the project on Twitter: @Warlives

You can also write to the project:
Derbyshire Lives through the World Wars
C/o Chesterfield Library
New Beetwell Street
Chesterfield
Derbyshire
S401QN

1 February 2013 NEWSLETTER VOL 4 ISSUE 04

001 Obituaries/Funerals
It is with regret we inform you that 3461274 George WHIDDETT died on 29 January 2013 aged
90. George enlisted into the Lancashire Fusiliers on 15 July 1941 later serving with the West
Yorkshire Regiment and then the East Yorkshire Regiment before transferring to 1st Battalion
The Worcestershire Regiment on 19 July 1946. He served in Berlin, Germany, Malaya, West
Indies and UK before leaving the Regiment on 23 September 1963. His funeral is to take place
at Worcester Crematorium on Wednesday 6 February 2013 at 1430 hours. Donations, if
desired, for Help for Heroes, may be placed upon the collection plate available at the Service.
For those wishing to write in condolence his Daughter Mrs Olga Todd can be contacted at 10
Albert Road, Worcester WR5 1EB

002 COLOURS PRESENTATION INVITATION PLEASE VIEW NEWS LETTERS 1 BELOW NEWSLETTER
The invitation to attend the Colours Presentation, to be held on 6 June at Sixways Rugby Club
Worcester, is attached to this e-newsletter. The invitation, which details all aspects of the day,
extends to all members of our Regimental family and all of our supporters and it is requested
that you pass the invitation onto your family, friends and contacts that may not otherwise be
aware of this historical event. We look forward to you joining us.

003 LOST CONTACT
Steve Rose (24129798) is trying to locate Dennis (Dabba) Baker who served with him in the
Assault Pioneers 1 WFR from 1970 – 79. Steve can be contacted on
steve.rose@rollsroyce.com

2
008 Dates for your Diary
Sun 3 Feb Kidderminster and District Branch MVRA are holding their AGM at 1100 hours
at the TA Centre, Birmingham road, Kidderminster
Mon 11 Feb Long Eaton Branch WFRA Meeting 1930 hours at Brennans, Regent Street,
Long Eaton. All welcome
Tue 12 Feb Ilkeston Branch WFRA Meeting 1130 hours Flamstead Centre, Albert Street,
Ilkeston. All welcome.
Mansfield Branch WFRA Meeting 1930 hours The William IV Inn, 210
Stockwell Gate, Mansfield NG18 5QE. All welcome
Thu 14 Feb Newark Branch WFRA Meeting at The RAFA Club, 23A London Road,
Newark, Notts NG24 1TN at 1430 hours. All welcome
Thu 21 Feb Dudley & District Branch WFRA Meeting 2000 hours at the Ex-Serviceman’s
Club, 51 Hall Street, Dudley. All welcome.
Wed 27 Feb Chesterfield Branch WFRA Meeting 1930 hours at RBL HQ, Haig House,
Gluman Street, Chesterfield. All welcome
Sat 1 Jun WFRA Reunion at Worcester Warriors Stadium, Sixways, Worcester
Thu 6 Jun Presentation of new Colours to the Mercian Regiment at Worcester Warriors
Stadium, Sixways, Worcester
Sun 7 Jul Annual Pilgrimage, Crich

Original Signed
C A BAINES (Ms)
RHQ MERCIAN (Nottingham)
Foresters House
Chetwynd Barracks
Chilwell
NG9 5HA
Tel: 01159 465415
E: rhqmercian.notts@btconnect.com

25 January 2013 NEWSLETTER VOL 4 ISSUE 03

001 Obituaries/Funerals
It is with sadness we inform you that Maj John S BAILEY MBE TD of Worcester died on 17
January 2013 aged 86. John was commissioned into the Worcestershire Regiment in 1943.
He served in Italy in 1944/45 with 1 KORR and after the war with 7 WORC R in Malvern,
Evesham and Worcester until 1967. He was Stewardship Adviser to Worcester Diocese until
1979 and a member of the General Synod, then Diocesan Secretary in Leicester. He was
awarded the MBE for his charitable work in 2007. His funeral is to take place at St Barnabas
Church, Green Lane Worcester on Friday 1 February 2013 at 0930 hours.

It is with regret that we inform you that 22797121 Cpl Derek GOODMAN of South Normanton,
Derbyshire died on 19 January 2013 aged 78. ‘Benny’ joined the 2nd Battalion Sherwood
Foresters in March 1952 as a National Serviceman and was posted to the Royal Warwickshire
Regiment in March 1953 for service in Korea. He left the Army in 1955. His funeral is to take
place at Mansfield Crematorium (Newstead Chapel) on Friday 1 February 2013 at 1345 hours.
Standards are welcome.

It is with sadness we inform you that 2Lt John Edward HOWLETT of Loughborough died in
October 2012. John served with the 1st Battalion Sherwood Foresters as a National Service
Officer 1952 – 1955. For those wishing to write in condolence, his wife Betty may be contacted
at 16 Ashleigh Drive, Loughborough, Leicestershire LE11 3HW
Friends of the Regiment:

It is with sadness we inform you that Mrs Eileen Shrimpton wife of ex WO2 (CSM) Charlie
Shrimpton (1 WORC R) died on 8 January 2013 aged 83.

002 Honours and Awards
We congratulate Lieutenant Colonel (Retd) Richard Lindsay MARTIN (WFR) on being awarded
the MBE in the New Year’s Honours List for services to the City of London Corporation.
003 TRANSPORT FOR THE PRESENTATION OF COLOURS – 6 JUNE
The Mercian Regiment will be presented with their new Colours on 6 June. This prestigious
event, to be held at the Sixways Stadium Worcester, will provide the only opportunity to see all
four battalions on parade as well as the Associations and their Standards. The day will also be
an opportunity to meet with friends old and new and the Mercian Regiment will be shortly
issuing an invitation for all.
The Regiment very much sees this as an occasion where they wish for the involvement of the
Regimental family and all of our supporters. The Regiment and RHQ would like to assist all of
our Association Members and supporters (whether you belong to a branch or not) and their
families in attending and the event and lunch will be subsidised.
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It is also our aim that we will be able to provide transport at a subsidised rate from various
locations around the country. To enable us to establish the appetite for this, you are asked to
contact RHQ to register your interest. It would be preferable if you would e-mail us at
rhqmercian.notts@btconnect.com but please feel free to ring if you are not able to e-mail. We
will need to know your name and how many seats are required as well as your home
town and the nearest/most convenient large town/city to you. I apologise for the short
notice but responses are required by Wednesday 30 January.
Please note that there is no requirement to contact us if you have already registered your
interest through your Association Branch.
Once we have a clearer picture of locations and numbers wishing to use transport we will be
able to work on cost and timings and further information will be published.

004 Nottingham Branch WFRA – February Meeting
The Nottingham Branch WFRA Meeting which was to have been held on Mon 11 February
2013 has been cancelled. Next Meeting 2nd Monday of March 2013

005 Worcester Branch WFRA – Meeting Dates
The Worcester Branch WFRA has changed its Meeting periods from monthly to bi-monthly. The
next meeting will be on the last Tuesday of March 2013 (29th)

006 Fundraising – “Help for Hugo”
Former pupils and Staff of Old Swinford Hospital School in the West Midlands are running
fundraising events in aid of Hugo, the son of the late Capt Rupert Bowers 2 MERCIAN a former
pupil of the school who was tragically Killed in Action in Afghanistan March 2012.
Old Swinford Hospital’s Subject Leader for Psychology, Dr Jane McGee, has had
her first story published and is donating all her royalties to help Hugo.
The 1,300 word story - ‘The Spider That Came in From the Cold’ - is published
online and can be downloaded for just 39p. An Arachnophobia Workshop at
Dudley Zoo was the inspiration for Jane’s book. “I attended the event with a group of students
from OSH and we discovered that most people develop a fear of spiders from how these eight
legged creatures are portrayed in films, stories and the media generally.” said Jane. “By writing
this story for 5-7 year olds, I hope it will help children develop a more positive view of spiders
and inspire an interest in nature.”
Two charities will be the beneficiaries of Jane’s hard work. Help for Hugo the fund set up to
provide financial support for Hugo Bowers and Winston’s Wish, the charity for bereaved
children, who have already been providing support for Rupert’s widow Vicky and son Hugo.
Eddie Porter and Chris Bramley, who are old school friends of Rupert, are organising a 500 km
charity bike ride ‘Help for Hugo’ from 19-23 March. Currently serving with the Royal Marines,
this will be a massive challenge for Eddie who was shot through the pelvis in Afghanistan and
has only just learnt to walk and ride a bike again!
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How to help:
If you wish to sponsor the personal trust fund for Hugo, please send a cheque payable to Old
Swinford Hospital to: Help for Hugo, c/o Mr Peter Jones, Headmaster, Old Swinford Hospital,
Heath Lane, Stourbridge, West Midlands, DY8 1QX.
Or donate to Winston’s Wish via link: http://www.virginmoneygiving.com/eddieporter
Or download ‘The Spider That Came in From The Cold’:
http://alfiedog.com/products-page/dr-j-e-mcgee

007 Postcard Sale – The Ram & The Star
In the 1970s a set of postcards called The Ram & The Star comprising 15 postcards and
complemented by a brief history of the Regiment, depicting The Worcestershire Regiment, The
Sherwood Foresters and The Worcestershire and Sherwood Foresters Regiment were
available on sale at £7.99. As the publishers of these postcards have ceased trading, the
Designer Rob Chapman has forwarded the remaining stock to sell for the benefit of the Crich
Regimental Memorial Tower Fund. This collectable set, soon to become a rarity, can be yours
for the exceptional sum of £10.00 (incl p&p) from RHQ Nottingham

008 Trent Rifle Lodge
A FORMER shooting lodge used by the Robin Hood Rifles is to be sold off at auction. The old
Trent Rifle Club lodge house, in Trent Lane, Long Eaton, will go under the hammer next month.
It is owned by Nottingham City Council, and has been let out as a residential property since
1974. The lodge was built in about 1887, and has a historic association with the Sherwood
Foresters as it was used by the regiment as a shooting lodge for its officers.
The lodge house is set within a 0.4 acre plot, and also has open fields on three sides. It is set to
go to auction at Nottingham Racecourse on Tuesday, February 5, with the auction starting at
2.30pm. It has a guide price of £125,000 to £150,000. To view or for more details call Bob
Crocker at Savills on 0115 934 8080.
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008 Dates for your Diary
Tue 29 Jan Worcester Branch WFRA Meeting TA Centre, Dancox House, Pheasant
Street, Worcester WR1 2EE at 2000 hours. All welcome
Wed 30 Jan Chesterfield Branch WFRA Meeting 1930 hours at RBL HQ, Haig House,
Gluman Street, Chesterfield. All welcome
Fri 1 Feb Derby Branch WFRA Meeting 1945 hours at Rolls Royce Club, 241 Osmaston
Road, Derby. All welcome
Sun 3 Feb Kidderminster and District Branch MVRA are holding their AGM at 1100 hours
at the TA Centre, Birmingham road, Kidderminster
Mon 11 Feb Long Eaton Branch WFRA Meeting 1930 hours at Brennans, Regent Street,
Long Eaton. All welcome
Tue 12 Feb Ilkeston Branch WFRA Meeting 1130 hours Flamstead Centre, Albert Street,
Ilkeston. All welcome.
Mansfield Branch WFRA Meeting 1930 hours The William IV Inn, 210
Stockwell Gate, Mansfield NG18 5QE. All welcome
Thu 14 Feb Newark Branch WFRA Meeting at The RAFA Club, 23A London Road,
Newark, Notts NG24 1TN at 1430 hours. All welcome
Thu 21 Feb Dudley & District Branch WFRA Meeting 2000 hours at the Ex-Serviceman’s
Club, 51 Hall Street, Dudley. All welcome.
Wed 27 Feb Chesterfield Branch WFRA Meeting 1930 hours at RBL HQ, Haig House,
Gluman Street, Chesterfield. All welcome
Sat 1 Jun WFRA Reunion at Worcester Warriors Stadium, Sixways, Worcester
Thu 6 Jun Presentation of new Colours to the Mercian Regiment at Worcester Warriors
Stadium, Sixways, Worcester
Sun 7 Jul Annual Pilgrimage, Crich

Original Signed
C A BAINES (Ms)
RHQ MERCIAN (Nottingham)
Foresters House
Chetwynd Barracks
Chilwell
NG9 5HA
Tel: 01159 465415
E: rhqmercian.notts@btconnect.com

18 January 2013 NEWSLETTER VOL 4 ISSUE 02

001 Obituaries/Funerals
It is with regret that we inform you that 22593211 Pte Eric Albert HODGKISS of Brierley Hill,
West Midlands died on 24 March 2012 aged 79. Eric served as a National Serviceman with 1
WORC R in Malaya.

002 Honours and Awards
We congratulate Colin Cadell Wagstaff (late Capt WFR) Chairman and Founder of Kings World
Trust for Children, South India on being awarded the OBE in the New Year’s Honours List for
services to education and young communities in southern India. (LG Issue 60367 - 29/12/12)

003 Regimental Charity Golf Day – September 2013
From Lt Col (Retd) K Seddon MBE BEM
“I am aware that The Regimental Charity Golf Day is not being played until September the 18th
2013 but I have posted the entry form early so that you have it in your diary.
I have been selected as the 2013 Club Captain at Rufford Park Golf and Country Club which is
a great honour. My role as Captain allows me to nominate a Charity for the year and for 2013 I
have decided to nominate The Mercian Regiment and also Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.
Funds raised throughout my year as Club Captain will be shared by the nominated charities.
Can I request that you post early interest if you wish to enter by just ringing me on
07739210584 and once you have done that I will be chasing you closer to the date regarding
finalised teams and payments. Many thanks for your continued support towards this worthwhile
event.”
Keith has raised over £5700 for the Regimental Charities from previous Golf Days. The 2013
Entry Form is attached.

004 Coach Trip to NMA Alrewas – 5 June 2013
Derbyshire Submariners organise an annual coach trip to the NMA Alrewas which is open to
everyone. There are no criteria to be ex-forces and anyone who would like to visit this
wonderful site of Remembrance either to pay homage or just walk is more than welcome.
Details of the trip and how to book are on the attached flyer.

005 WW2 Two Pounder Shell Cases with the badge of the Sherwood Foresters
The following items are offered for sale on ebay; Listed in category: Collectables Militaria
World War II (1939-1945) Other World War II Militaria Sale ends 20 January 2013 at 12:31
GMT

000 Dates for your Diary
Tue 29 Jan Worcester Branch WFRA Meeting TA Centre, Dancox House, Pheasant
Street, Worcester WR1 2EE at 2000 hours. All welcome
Wed 30 Jan Chesterfield Branch WFRA Meeting 1930 hours at RBL HQ, Haig House,
Gluman Street, Chesterfield. All welcome
Fri 1 Feb Derby Branch WFRA Meeting 1945 hours at Rolls Royce Club, 241 Osmaston
Road, Derby. All welcome
Sun 3 Feb Kidderminster and District Branch MVRA are holding their AGM at 1100 hours
at the TA Centre, Birmingham road, Kidderminster
Mon 11 Feb Long Eaton Branch WFRA Meeting 1930 hours at Brennans, Regent Street,
Long Eaton. All welcome
Nottingham City Branch WFRA Meeting 1900 hours RBL Club Parliament
Street, Nottingham. All welcome
Tue 12 Feb Ilkeston Branch WFRA Meeting 1130 hours Flamstead Centre, Albert Street,
Ilkeston. All welcome.
Mansfield Branch WFRA Meeting 1930 hours The William IV Inn, 210
Stockwell Gate, Mansfield NG18 5QE. All welcome
Thu 14 Feb Newark Branch WFRA Meeting at The RAFA Club, 23A London Road,
Newark, Notts NG24 1TN at 1430 hours. All welcome
Thu 21 Feb Dudley & District Branch WFRA Meeting 2000 hours at the Ex-Serviceman’s
Club, 51 Hall Street, Dudley. All welcome.
Wed 27 Feb Chesterfield Branch WFRA Meeting 1930 hours at RBL HQ, Haig House,
Gluman Street, Chesterfield. All welcome

Original Signed
C A BAINES (Ms)
RHQ MERCIAN (Nottingham)
Foresters House
Chetwynd Barracks
Chilwell
NG9 5HA
Tel: 01159 465415
E: rhqmercian.notts@btconnect.com
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1 MERCIAN REGIMENT ASSOCIATION, ORGANISATION CHART	2 US WARPLANE TRIBUTE TO L/CPL KIERON HILL. 2MERCIAN

3 WOODSETTS PARISH CHURCH AND ITS ROLE AS A WAR MEMORIAL	4

5 Crich Memorial walking stick	6

7