ASSOCIATION NEWSLETTERS 1.
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The telephone extension numbers for RHQ MERCIAN Nottingham (0115 9465415) are as follows;
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THE WORCESTERSHIRE AND SHERWOOD FORESTERS REGIMENTAL ASSOCIATION
Patron: HRH The Princess Royal
President: Brig P Dennis
You can also view the Newsletter in pdf format here (http://www.stand-firm-strike-hard.org.uk/index.php/newsletter)
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Patron: HRH The Princess Royal
President: Brig P Dennis CBE
24 March 2023 WFRA NEWSLETTER Volume 14 Issue 12
OBITUARY
24101002 WO2 Joseph Alan Collier
It is with great sadness that we report the death of 24101002 WO2 (ORQMS) Joseph Alan Collier who died on died on Sunday 19 March aged 76.
Joe enlisted with 1 Foresters 26 July 1966 and 1 WFR in 1970 and became Chief Clerk. Joe was discharged on 7 September 1988 and went on to become NRPS with 1 Mercian (V) as ORQMS.
Joe was strong supporter of Mansfield branch until ill health prevented his attendance.
Funeral details will be published when know.
001 CRICH UPDATE
The Crich Warden has tendered his resignation. The site will now be closed until the 1st May when Mr Paul Rice has kindly offered to return as Temporary Warden and Jackie, to run the tea-room, until after the Pilgrimage. The vacancy for a new Warden will be advertised in due course.
002 DEDICATION OF ‘THE SENTRY’ STATUE. TUESDAY 4 APRIL 2023
The Norton Worcestershire Regiment Group (NWRG) are a group of residents from the estate on which Norton Barracks, used to stand. Their enthusiasm for the history of where they live has led to the installation of several information boards and a life sized WWI soldier. This was due to be unveiled last year but was rescheduled following the death of the late, Her Majesty The Queen. On Tuesday 4 April, the dedication of ‘The Sentry’ statue will be given by HRH The Princess Royal. Also in attendance will be the Lord Lieutenant of Worcestershire, Civic Dignitaries, members of 1 Mercian, the Regimental Mascot, the POW Band and guests of the NWRG which include some members of the Worcestershire area WFRA and their Standards.
All members of the WFRA and their family are invited to watch the event (no Standards please, less those invited) Unless in receipt of an invitation, the viewing area is on the grassed area, opposite the statue. Everyone is asked to be there by 1030 hours for the arrival of HRH at 1055 hours. Parking is in the nearby St Peter’s Garden Centre (approx 500 meters) or on nearby roads (please be respectful of residents parking).
Locations:
Statue: Crookbarrow Road, Brockhill Village, Norton, Worcestershire WR5 2GB
Garden Centre: Norton Road, Norton, Worcestershire WR5 2NY
002 BADAJOZ DAY PARADE
Nottingham Branch of the
Worcestershire & Sherwood Foresters Regimental Association
Badajoz day
To be held in front of the Council House
on Thursday 6th April 2023 at 11.00 am
There will be a short parade of veterans to start at 10.40am to commemorate the raising of the red jacket at the
Battle of Badajoz 1812.
Come, see, hear the history of the
45th of Foot (1st Nottinghamshire Regiment)
Our thanks to the Nottingham City Council for their assistance in observing this commemoration
003 INTERVIEW WITH A BATTLEFIELD RESEARCHER
At the recent visit to 1 Mercian I met Peter Mannering who is the Great Nephew of Cpl Herbert Pearce who's grave was rededicated in October 2022. Whilst I was researching the article about Cpl Pearce which was published in Issue eight, I made contact with Michiel Vanmarke a university student who's research led to naming the unknown Worcestershire Regiment Corporal as Cpl Herbert Pearce.
Michiel with members of 1 Mercian
Michiel has been very kind in taking time away from his studies for me to interview him for this edition of the newsletter.
What inspired you to become involved in researching war casualties?
I have been interested in the First and Second World War since I was about 9 years old. My interest in the subject came largely thanks to learning about it at primary school and visiting some local and regional battlefields. At first, I read up on the broad narratives of the wars. However, that quickly changed to me becoming increasingly interested in the regimental and battalion-level narratives, where the personal accounts from the soldiers themselves are much more at the forefront compared to that of generals. I think the real change from being interested to being actively involved in the identification of unknown graves came partly from a series of ceremonies I attended in 2015 and 2016. I learned that members of the public had submitted cases hoping to have identified an unknown grave. In 2017, just before my 17th birthday, there was a rededication service in the Harlebeke New British Cemetery, my local British military cemetery. I was already nudging towards conducting some of my own research into the unknown graves, but at that rededication service I learned more about how the process worked. As an unknown grave had been identified in my local cemetery, I was eager to also begin my own research as the then recently identified grave indicated that it could clearly be done. I have come to realise that becoming an independent researcher was the perfect way for me to do something about the many missing soldiers who were killed in Belgium. In a sense, it is my way of commemorating those who lost their lives in conflict, many of them being around the same age as myself.
How long have you been a researcher?
I wrote my very first case in August 2017, a few days after my 17th birthday. It is odd to say, but I had not actually realised that I have been doing this for almost six years now. Before that, I used to have a small YouTube channel, so I did know a thing or two about gathering data and evidence to write compelling cases. However, looking back on the first 10 to 20 cases I wrote during the 2017-2018 period, it is clear that I was a beginner. I had to figure out how trench maps worked, what processes of elimination entailed, and also how to formulate the possible identification of an unknown grave. Looking back at those early cases I am often embarrassed at how little I knew about the whole process. On the other hand, many of my earlier cases were also bang-on, suggesting that while my cases were not the most complete, my reasoning was often sound. I have certainly gone through a trial and error process from 2017 to now, but I think that is what also makes it so interesting for me personally. I can clearly see that I have grown into writing cases. It is also something to which I can look back and say that I really did all that by myself. During those five years, my research has led to the official identification of nine soldiers, eight of which are British (including a New-Zealand born soldier) and one German. It is important to note that some cases are shared with other researchers. Some cases were handed in at about the same time as someone else. At the start this was somewhat comforting for me as it showed that someone else was of the same opinion as an 18-year-old student who was trying to do his bit.
What do you like most about the research?
Personally, it has always been about the missing themselves. The fact that it is possible to name an unidentified grave is incredibly rewarding. No soldier, no matter where he came from or what his background is, deserves to be listed as missing in action. It is heart-breaking to see all those names on the Menin Gate, Tyne Cot Memorial, or any memorial to the missing in general. Personally, it is very fascinating to learn more about a battle from this one unknown grave of this one missing soldier. The case itself can lead you to a battle where almost the whole battalion was wiped, but it can equally lead you to what many would call a minor action where there were only a handful of casualties. Looking at this battle or engagement from the perspective of this one missing soldier you are trying to identify also creates a sort of emotional bond or connection with that missing soldier. For me, this became particularly apparent in the case of Captain Steele, where for the first time I was able to find a picture of the officer I was trying to identify. It is incredibly rewarding to see a case get accepted after several years of eagerly checking your emails on a daily basis hoping that the result is in your inbox.
While it is primarily about those missing heroes, there is also the home front to be considered. When I met the relatives of Captain Kington, DSO, my first case to be accepted (the Kington DSO case was written by three separate researchers) a new world opened for me. As I had always been focussed on the soldiers themselves I had never envisaged the impact on the relatives. It was therefore incredibly heart-warming to meet the direct descendants of Captain Kington DSO at the ceremony at Tyne Cot Cemetery. I have had the honour of meeting a few relatives now of the various soldiers I have helped to identify and I will never forget those experiences. Identifying a soldier to give the relatives the closure they deserve has now become equally important as providing the fallen with the grave they should have.
It is difficult to pinpoint what I like most about the research as the whole process is equally interesting and rewarding. You get to learn more about battles, you get to see battles through the final moments of a particular soldier, you can occasionally meet relatives, and - having attended several rededication services - you also get to become friends with those who regularly attend ceremonies. Over the past few years I have met a lot of very interesting people. I have also always looked up to the members of the armed forces. Members of the antecedent regiment of the identified soldier always attend the service. So, getting to meet your heroes is also really nice.
What book, website, or other resource do you think is the best you have ever found?
Much of the research feels like a giant jigsaw puzzle where not all pieces are available. It is therefore difficult to single out the best resource as the research is in fact a collection of various incredibly good sources. To start, the CWGC-database is instrumental. Without it, researchers like myself would have a much harder time making a distinction between the missing and the known burials. The CWGC website also provides a range of important documents and research tools. The burial return sheet listing where each body was found after the war is often instrumental in the writing of cases. Thanks to the CWGC-database, a researcher can not only get a sense of the unknown grave, but it is also helpful in constructing shortlists with the most likely candidates (often following regiment, rank, place of burial and other variables).
Over the years, I have acquired many books of Pen & Sword. Especially Rawson’s British Expeditionary Force series is excellent as it features a lot of maps highlighting the disposition of the various units during key battles. It then becomes possible to cross-trace the location of burial with the area of operation of the various regiments. When I started out, I did not use the war diaries as you still had to pay a fee to download them. I did not want to spend all my pocket money on war diaries as I did not know if they would have the information I needed. However, this changed during Covid as the National Archives allowed free downloads for singed-up members. From then on I could consult the war diaries free of charge, which turned out to be such a great help. Now I cannot imagine writing a case without using the regimental war diaries.
Another key resource are the many websites of towns, villages, schools, universities and other institutions which provide a small biography of their fallen. These sometimes have very important eye-witness accounts, approximate burial locations, or provide incredibly interesting background stories of the fallen. In fact, I would urge everyone who has additional information on missing soldiers to contact the website of the towns and villages to update their roll of honour pages as such information sometimes constitutes the evidence required to successfully complete a case.
A final resource worth mentioning are the online versions of the trench maps. The trench maps, in combination with the burial return sheets provided by the CWGC, allows a researcher to pinpoint the exact location of initial burial. To be able to pinpoint the exact location where a soldier was found after the war can sometimes greatly strengthen the case for a particular candidate, especially in case eyewitness accounts or approximate burial locations coincide with the place of burial.
What has been your most interesting case?
All cases are interesting as they all work differently. They feature different soldiers, have different characteristics, or the case itself just works differently. If I had to choose I would choose the case of the German Leutnant der Reserve Rudolf Metzner, an 18-year-old German officer who was buried as an unknown soldier at a British cemetery in Béthune, simply because the case worked so differently compared to the usual Commonwealth-based cases. The grave was that of an unknown German officer of 242. RIR, who died on 15 May 1916. Because it was about a German soldier, I could not rely on the Commonwealth Memorials to the missing. For Commonwealth cases, the CWGC provides a useful toolbox for the researcher. The CWGC database, for example, allows to search missing soldiers relating to an unknown grave of a soldier with rank X from regiment Y who was killed at place Z. All missing soldiers of that rank and from that regiment will appear in just a few mouse clicks. For German cases, this is not possible as no such database exists.
Instead, I had to turn to the German regimental histories and what is called the regimental Ehrentafel, the regimental casualty list of the First World War. It was then key to distinguish the actual missing from the list and cross-reference them to the Bethune Town Cemetery. Only one officer of the 242. RIR was missing on the front opposite Béthune from around the date of death listed on the grave. However, that still did not confirm that that officer was actually buried at Béthune itself, a few kilometres behind the British frontline. Fortunately, the archives of the International Committee of the Red Cross confirmed that Metzner – the only officer of the 242. Reserve Infanterie Regiment missing for the period of May 1916 at La Bassée – had in fact been buried by the British at Béthune. In the end it was a standard process of elimination that carried the day with the unknown officer (Second Lieutenant/Lieutenant) of 242. RIR who died on 15.05.1916 matching the particulars of Leutnant der Reserve Rudolf Metzner, 242. RIR, 15.05.1916. What made it more interesting for me was the fact that it was a German case in the first place. The sacrifices made by both sides should never be forgotten. Unfortunately, it would appear that the German authorities won’t be organising a rededication ceremony for the 18-year-old Metzner. At the time I wrote the case, I was an Erasmus student in Germany, so I had somewhat of a connection with Germany as well.
Which case has given you the most satisfaction?
The case which has given me the most satisfaction is probably the case of the New-Zealand-born Captain Oliver Steele, of the Royal Berkshire Regiment who was killed on 25 October 1914. It was the very first case for which I found a photograph of the soldier I was trying to identify. Furthermore, it was also one of the more challenging cases I wrote as there were two unknown graves for just one missing individual. The case came down to disproving the most likely grave for being too far from the place of death, and having a wrongly identified button. I was able to prove that the initial identification of an unknown 1914 Berkshire Regiment Captain at Zandvoorde was incorrect as an officer’s button with a dragon had been misidentified as being from the Berkshire Regiment. While the dragon closely resembled that of the Berkshire Regiment, the button was actually an officer’s button of the Border Regiment, which also uses a dragon as button design. By disproving the most likely grave, the case turned into the standard process of elimination with Captain Steele being the only officer of the Royal Berkshire Regiment to have been killed south of Broodseinde, from where the remains were recovered. All other missing officers of the regiment were killed elsewhere in the Ypres salient. Furthermore, eyewitnesses placed Steele exactly at the location where the remains of the unknown Royal Berkshire Regiment officer were found, thus confirming the fact that the missing Captain Steele was in fact the unknown Royal Berkshire Regiment officer buried at the Divisional Collecting Post Cemetery and Extension.
Captain Steele’s rededication ceremony is also something I will never forget. As the rain came pouring down, I was presented with the folded Union flag – something which I never believed to be possible. The case of Captain Steele already meant a lot to me for a variety of reasons. The folded flag was like the embodiment of the officer I had helped to identify. I framed the flag, and I have it displayed in my room, close to Steele’s portrait.
Which period of military history do you enjoy researching the most?
The period of military history I like to research the most is the First World War. Particularly, the 1914 campaign and the Final Advance of 1918 interest me most. However, ever since visiting the Normandy battlefields in 2020, I have very much enjoyed researching the Normandy landings and the subsequent liberation of France as well. I first learned about the First and Second World War in primary school, when we went on a class excursion to the Atlantic Wall Defences along the Belgian coast. There’s a well-preserved site at Raversyde, with Pak-guns, anti-air defences and a variety of bunkers from both World Wars spread across the dunes. At Harelbeke, where I am from, we also have a British Military Cemetery. I really enjoy researching the written accounts and sometimes being able to link those accounts with my experiences of growing up in the area. I would, for example, know the farm that was hampering the advance of a regiment as they tried to cross the river Lys south of Harelbeke. I would know the area where the 4/Worcestershire Regiment crossed the Lys at Harelbeke and how one of their companies would advance towards Stasegem on 20 October 1918. While a lot of the area has changed, some farms and waterways have stayed the same. I also really enjoy researching the 1914 campaign as I think I was drawn to the heroic narratives that often flow from the battles of Mons, Le Cateau, Aisne, and First Ypres.
Do you collect any military memorabilia?
I used to collect a thing or two, but I never turned into a full-fledged collector. I do have an M1907-pattern 1911 Wilkinson Sword bayonet and a deactivated Mills bomb, along with other bits and bobs like casings, cartridges, and a variety of reproduction WW2 uniforms.
If you could travel back in time as an observer which battlefield would you visit and why?
I think it would have to be the Final Advance in Flanders, October 1918 (Battle of Courtrai) for the particular reason that I live near Kortrijk (Courtrai). I personally find it so interesting to read about the battles that happened at my doorstep. In fact, when I started out with my research, the first cemeteries I went to in order to find possible unknown graves were those small cemeteries in my neighbourhood such as the Vichte Military Cemetery, Heestert Military Cemetery and, of course, the Harlebeke New British Cemetery. The battle of Courtrai is also a little known battle in the First World War. I am currently working on writing a detailed narrative of the whole Final Advance in Flanders in 1918. If only we could turn back in time as an observer to find who was buried where. It would certainly make my research a lot easier and would greatly reduce the list of missing.
What advice would you give someone starting out as a battlefield researcher?
Only very recently I was contacted by someone who wanted to write some identification cases himself. The ‘Commemorations’ section on the CWGC website features a very interesting list with the completed and ongoing cases. For those thinking about starting to write a case themselves, the CWGC list can prove to be very interesting to get to grips with some intricate details of a research case. Through the list, new researchers are able to trace for themselves how an unknown grave was identified. For me, much of my research began as I wanted to learn more about the battles in my own area. I had a strong connection with the battle of Kortrijk/Courtrai 1918, which was really a good base to start the research. I bought some books, divisional histories and eventually also downloaded the war diaries of the units involved. I headed to the cemeteries in my neighbourhood to look for promising unknown graves which had both a rank and regiment listed on them. Given the British regimental system, starting out as a battlefield researcher can very well originate from there too. Focusing on just a battalion or one particular regiment, like the Worcestershire Regiment, can really be beneficial in any research as it deviates from the standard corps or divisional focus. It is also fascinating to compare a unit’s history with the actual graves of those who fell and are now buried in the many cemeteries across the former Western front. While campaigns are very interesting in general, I think research becomes really interesting when you are able to link it to something personal. For me this was investigating the battles close to where I live, but for others that might be learning more about the casualties of their cities, towns or parishes, or a particular regiment.
Do you have any other hobbies or interests?
While almost all of my spare time goes to the identification of unknown graves, I do take great pleasure in watching a few sports. I am a devoted Aston Martin Racing fan, and I try to watch everything from the Le Mans 24h to F1 to root for a factory or factory-supported AMR team. I also really love watching biathlon as I find the combination of shooting and skiing simply marvellous. It is not that well-known as a sport, at least not in Belgium, but the fan-base is really nice and inviting. I would occasionally watch a game of rugby too, particularly the Six-Nations tournament. Other than that most of my spare time is devoted to my research. I used to have a YouTube channel with which I made WW2-related documentaries, but researching unknown graves has taken precedence over that. It might be rather pessimistic to say, but I have learned that life is unpredictable. Many boys or men of my age did not get to grow up as they should. That’s why I try to get the most out of every day and why I would like to identify as many soldiers while I still can.
Michiel, thank you so much for taking time away from you studies to answer my questions and giving us an insight into what it takes to be a battlefield researcher. May I take this opportunity to wish you the best of luck with your studies and identifying more unknown soldiers.
004 CWGC NEW HEADSTONE DEDICATION FOR PTE H H TINGLE ON 21 MARCH 2023
Due to the curiosity of the pupils of Granby Junior School, Ilkeston and the tenacity of one of their school Governors, Cllr James Dawson, the unmarked grave of 58483 Pte Herbert Henry TINGLE was given the respect he deserved with his unmarked grave being given a GWGC one.
In 2018 the pupils were immersed in an Armistice project looking at who from their school went to war, when they came across Herbert Tingle who was an Assistant Headmaster.
Originally from Kettering, he moved to Ilkeston with his wife in 1915 and they had a daughter in 1915. In 1916, Herbert joined the Army and was posted to the 10th Bn, The Sherwood Foresters and as a keen musician was part of the Sherwood Foresters Regimental Band. After contracting Rheumatic Fever whilst on active service in the trenches, he was demobbed in 1919 and returned to take up his teaching job. Unfortunately due to his illness, he was unable to take up the role completely. He died aged 31 on the 16 January 1920. His funeral was well attended and his wife and child returned to Kettering.
Although he is named on both the Ilkeston and Kettering War Memorials, his grave remained unmarked. The pupils and Cllr Dawson began research the soldier and this lead to an application to the GWGC being submitted and accepted. The gravestone was placed a few years ago but the re-dedication service had to be cancelled 3 times until today when a re-dedication service was held and the gravestone unveiled by the Lord Lieutenant of Derbyshire and the only remaining family member of Herbert, his great niece Yvonne.
Also in attendance were RHQ Mercian, Museum staff, the Regimental Mascot and his handlers, and members of the WFRA, as well as Civic Dignitaries, staff, and pupils from Granby School, and members of the RBL.
005 VETERANS SUPPORT
The following are available to support veterans and their families who may be experiencing mental health difficulties;
Forcesline Tel: 0800 731 4880 (between 9am and 5pm Monday-Friday)
Combat Stress (24 hours)
Veterans and their families; Tel: 0800 138 1619
Serving personnel and their families; Tel: 0800 323 4444
Samaritans (24 hours); Tel: 116 123
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17 March 2023 WFRA NEWSLETTER Volume 14 Issue 11
OBITUARY
Major John Robinson TD
It is with great sadness that we inform you that that Major John Robinson TD of Southwell died on the 13 March 2023. Originally a South Notts Hussar, he was a Battery Commander with 3WFR on formation and became 2IC in 1973. John remained a stalwart supporter of WFR and Crich as well as the SNH after retirement from the TAVR in 1976.
OBITUARY
24111879 Cpl Malcolm Baynes
It is with great sadness I report the death of 24111879 Cpl Malcolm Baynes.
Malcolm {Malkie) Enlisted into the Army in April 1967 for 6 years and completed his basic Infantry training at Whittington Barracks, Lichfield in October 1967. On completion of his training, he joined The Worcestershire Regiment and served with the Regiment in Gibraltar, Bulford and Cyprus before taking part in the Amalgamation Parade which saw his parent Regiment amalgamate with The Sherwood Foresters Regiment.
The First posting for him with 1 WFR was Warminster where the Regiment carried out the role of Demonstration Battalion. He then moved to Berlin and then Northern Ireland before leaving the Army in 1973. throughout his military career Malcolm gained promotion up to the rank of Cpl. He was also the engine room for the Regimental Football Team where he became Team Captain, a position he relished.
Back in civilian life Malcolm settled in Flint, North Wales. His initial employment back in civilian life was working for British Telecom in Saudi Arabia, Africa and Tehran training locals.
He then set up his own very successful distribution business in and around Cheshire and the Wales areas. He was also a very keen golfer for his Club and County. Malcolm held the honour of President and Club Captain of Padeswood and Buckley Golf Club and also the Past Captain of Flintshire past Captains Golf Society, he was still a full member before his death.
At home Malcolm wished for nothing more than spending time with his Partner Val, his family and his beloved dogs. He also enjoyed his gardening, annually growing sufficient vegetables to keep not only himself but many friends well fed.
Malcolm's funeral will be on Wednesday 29th March at 11:00 Hrs at Flintshire Memorial Park & Crematorium
Oakenholt Lane Northop, Mold CH7 6DF
Refreshments after the service will be at Padeswood & Buckley Golf Club Station Lane, Padeswood Lake Rd, Padeswood CH7 4JD
FUNERAL DETAILS
The funeral of Michael John Millward will be held on Friday 17 March at 13:30hrs at Chesterfield Crematorium Chesterfield Road, Brimington, Chesterfield S43 1AU.
001 WFR BAND AND DRUMS REUNION
This years Band & Drums Reunion will be taking place on Saturday 21st October 2023. At The Coopers Brooke. Mansfield Road, Daybrook Nottingham. NG5 6BH.
Next door to this venue is a Premier Inn Hotel.
We advise that anyone that wishes to attend the Reunion Book a room at this Hotel.
Partners of Band & Drum Members are also welcome to join us on the day.
To Book your Place at the Reunion Dinner please contact the Organiser;
Ken Bradshaw at ken.bradshaw18@ntlworld.com. Where there is a Menu Selection to choose from. Payment is required in advance to confirm attendance.
There is a “WOOFER BAND (WFR) REUNION” Facebook Page where anyone can visit . Any past Members of the Band and Drums can join the Facebook Page and connect with as many “Old Friends” as they can.
002 BADAJOZ DAY PARADE
The Badajoz Parade 2023 will take place in the Old Market Square, Nottingham on Thursday 6th April 2023 at 1100 hours.
For any Association Veterans wishing to take part, it will be a very short march on the flat from the left lion to Parade in front of the council house steps where the scarlet coatee will be raised on the Council House flagpole.
Anyone wishing to parade is to meet at 1040 hours for a briefing at the left lion.
Dress is Regimental blazer, ties, berets and medals.
Full admin instruction to follow in due course.
003 VETERANS RUGBY 4 ALL FESTIVAL
Worcester Warriors Foundation in partnership with YSS are hosting a free Veterans Rugby 4 All Festival at Sixways Stadium Sunday 16th April 2023. The event has been organised in order to engage with veterans and their families living in Herefordshire and Worcestershire and to offer them a fun family day and the chance to catch up with friends old and new over an action-packed day. A range of military charities will be on hand offering information, advice, and guidance as well as opportunities to get involved with Worcester Warriors Foundation inclusive programme of activities, catering for ages and abilities.
It would be fantastic to see as many people as possible. For further information please contact:
Chris.stephenson@warriors.co.uk
004 CWGC NEW HEADSTONE DEDICATION FOR PTE H H TINGLE ON 21 MARCH 2023
Following the postponement of the dedication service in September 2022 due to the death of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, the new headstone dedication service for Pte Herbert Henry Tingle, late of the 10th Battalion Sherwood Foresters and former assistant master of Granby Junior School Ilkeston, will take place on Tuesday 21 March 2023. The dedication will be led by Reverend Farther Julius Anozie and His Majesty’s Lord Lieutenant of Derbyshire, Mrs Elizabeth Fothergill CBE will also be in attendance. The ceremony will be held at Ilkeston Park Cemetery, Cantelupe Road, Ilkeston DE7 5HT.
All Standard Bearers, WFRA members and their families are invited to attend. Please assemble for 1030 hours with the service starting at approximately 1045 hours.
005 VETERANS SUPPORT
The following are available to support veterans and their families who may be experiencing mental health difficulties;
Forcesline Tel: 0800 731 4880 (between 9am and 5pm Monday-Friday)
Combat Stress (24 hours)
Veterans and their families; Tel: 0800 138 1619
Serving personnel and their families; Tel: 0800 323 4444
Samaritans (24 hours); Tel: 116 123
M A DACK
for Executive Committee
Social media :-
Mercian Museum (WFR Collection)
Mercian Museum (WFR Collection)
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