Worcestershire & Sherwood Foresters(Worcester Branch)

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Association Newsletters. 2.

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THE WORCESTERSHIRE AND SHERWOOD FORESTERS REGIMENTAL ASSOCIATION

Patron: HRH The Princess Royal
President: Brig P Dennis

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02 June 2023 WFRA NEWSLETTER Volume 14 Issue 23

OBITUARY 24370308 L/Cpl Nigel J Topliss It is with great sadness that we report the death of 24370308 L/Cpl Nigel 'Toppa' Topliss who died on Saturday 27 May 2023 aged 66. Nigel enlisted with 1 WFR in 1975 and served in B Coy and Mortar Platoon in Belize, Northern Ireland and Germany. Nigel was discharged on 18 May 1981.
in Civilian life Nigel was a delivery driver and a supporter of 'The Baggies' . Funeral details will follow when known.
FUNERAL DETAILS
The funeral service for Peter Roebuck will take place on Thursday 8 June at 12.30hrs at St Laurence's Church, Market Place, Long Eaton NG10 1LT, followed by his burial at Longmoor Lane Cemetery at Approximately 14.00hrs. All are invited to join Peter's family for a wake at the Risley Park Public House, Derby Road, Risley DE72 3SS.
Family flowers only please, but if you would like to make a charitable donation in Peter's memory, these may be made to Prostate Cancer UK by using the donation box on the day of the funeral or alternatively they can be sent to A.W Lymn Funeral Service, West Park House, 33 Lime Grove, Long Eaton, NG10 4LD.

001 WFRA REUNION – SATURDAY 3 JUNE 2023 - UPDATE
The WFRA Reunion 2023 will take place on Saturday 3 June at Worcester Rugby Football Club (WRFC), Offerton Lane, Hindlip, Worcester WR3 8TR. This is our new location and the same as last year. Please do not go to Sixways. Details as follows:

All veterans and serving members are asked to sign in and check their personal logs or complete a new one. The logs are entirely voluntary but do allow RHQ to keep in touch with you and the museums to update their records. There will be a raffle (cash) on the day and anyone who wishes to contribute (alcohol seems be the preferred prize) are asked to drop them off at RHQ Nottingham or bring them on the day. The draw will take place after the Service and any prizes not collected will be kept by the Worcester Branch for future use. There will be food and drink outlets at the Club at normal rugby club prices and attendees are kindly asked not to bring their own picnics. In attendance will be 1 Mercian, RHQ including the IET and the Regimental Mascot, Hereford & Worcestershire Cadets, the Worcestershire Museum, a PRI stand, local clergy and SJA. Musical entertainment will be provided by the Tenbury Town Band. There will be a Drumhead Service at 1500 hours at which time the refreshment outlets will close. Attendees are asked to give due respect to the service. Following the Address, members who wish to march will be directed by CSM 1 Mercian to form up, to parade. Complimentary transport is provided from Silver Street, Worcester WR1 2SG to the event, at 1200 hours. 1245 hours and 1315 hours. Please note the new return transport times of 1630 hours and 1700 hours. The transport is available on a first come, first served basis although it is hoped that priority will be given to the older veteran community and branch members. There is plenty of car parking on site including Blue Badge Holder parking closer to the club. If anyone anticipates difficulties with parking, they are asked to contact the Assistant Regimental Secretary. Please do not drink and drive. The event is a private event for association members and their families and anyone connected to the Mercian Regiment and its antecedents. The police have been informed of the event and there are no known security risks but all attendees are asked to remain vigilant on the day PLEASE DO NOT FORGET YOUR CASH as the WFRA do not have an electronic payment system. All monies raised goes towards paying for your reunion . Any questions should be directed to the Assistant Regimental Secretary, Nottingham cindy.clark247@mod.gov.uk

002 ROYAL BRITISH LEGION COST OF LIVING GRANTS

Members of the Armed Forces community struggling with their fuel bills can apply for emergency energy top up grants of up to £200 per month depending on their financial circumstances, through the Royal British Legion. Link here
This programme is designed to allow them to assist people who need help in a quick and easy way with everyday essentials such as kitchen appliances, clothes, and energy costs. This programme is open to anyone who is eligible for our support struggling to pay for items and services they need. And you can apply online the above link. They aim to assess your application within 5 days of submission.

003 NEW ONLINE ARMED FORCES COMPENSATION SERVICE GOES LIVE

Veterans UK, part of Defence Business Services (DBS), has launched a new online claim service to help people to access injury and illness compensation more easily. Veterans UK is responsible for administering compensation and pensions schemes for both serving personnel, veterans and their families. The new service is part of their commitment to modernising the services they provide to the Defence community and is the first step in the digitalisation of DBS’s Compensation Schemes. The aim of claim service to help people to access injury and illness compensation more easily. Link here

004 ARMED FORCES DAY FLAG RAISING - WORCESTER
The Right Worshipful The Mayor of Worcester, Councillor Louis Stephen would be pleased if Worcester Branch WFRA would join him to mark Armed Forces Day 2023 and watch the raising of the Armed Forces Day Flag over the Guildhall on Monday 19 June 2023 at 11.00hrs. The Guildhall High Street Worcester WR1 2EY
If you would like to attend please contact Nigel Fish.

005 SERJEANT WILLIAM CLAY CUBBERLEY
Serjeant William Clay Cubberley
2nd Battalion The Worcestershire Regiment
Serjeant William Clay Cubberley was born on 25 November 1888, in Norton, Worcestershire. He was the eldest of seven children born to William Cubberley and his wife Sarah. His father enlisted into The Worcestershire Regiment on 1 April 1879 and at the time of William’s birth was a serjeant serving with 2nd Battalion. After promotion, he served as a Warrant Officer firstly with 3rd and then 2nd Battalion. William’s childhood was therefore spent living in barracks in Norton, Kempsey and Great Malvern in Worcestershire. William’s father was discharged in 1905, but having previous experience as a Serjeant Instructor, he re-joined the regiment on the outbreak of the First World War and served again until 1916.
William’s uncle, Thomas Cubberley, was also a Warrant Officer in The Worcestershire Regiment at the same time as his father. Thomas’ sons Serjeant Frederick Norton Cubberley and Lance Serjeant Francis George Cubberley, were both killed on the Western Front whilst serving with the regiment. William’s brother Harold James Cubberley served as a serjeant in The Worcestershire Regiment but survived the war.
William himself enlisted into The Worcestershire Regiment and in 1911 was serving as a Drummer with 1st Battalion. By September 1917, Serjeant William Clay Cubberley had transferred to 2nd Battalion. On 24 September 1917 the battalion took over the line near Veldhoek. B Company moved into the frontline while D Company took up positions behind the line near Northampton Farm and A and C Companies moved to positions north of Inverness Copse. The Battalion HQ was located in the Tower in Inverness Copse. The plan was for the battalion to attack on 26 September.
On 25 September the battalion was heavily shelled. This was followed by a German attack which was successfully repulsed in the section of the line held by 2nd Battalion The Worcestershire Regiment. At 05:30 hours on 26 September, the day of Serjeant Cubberley’s death, the Germans redoubled their bombardment making several direct hits on the roof of Battalion HQ. The battalion War Diaries state ‘To carry on in the open under such a fire was impossible. The whole ground was churned up, even the bodies of the killed soon disappeared.’ The shelling made evacuation of the wounded impossible and for twenty four hours stretcher bearers were not able to evacuate the wounded.
At the last hour the plans for the attack were changed due to the heavy losses already experienced by 33rd Division. 98th Brigade and 4th Battalion The King’s Liverpool Regiment would wheel forward in support of the Australian attack at Polygon Wood while 1st Battalion The Queens and 9th Battalion The Highland Light Infantry attempted to retake the ground lost the previous day. All other battalions of 100th Brigade were ordered to stand fast, and 2nd Battalion The Worcestershire Regiment provided supporting fire. They were relieved on the night of 27 to 28 September 1917.
On 30 November 2012 a set or remains were found near Waterstraat during the laying of a pipeline. The soldier was found with buttons and a shoulder title of The Worcestershire Regiment as well as a crown, indicating that the soldier was most likely a Serjeant Major. After unsuccessful DNA testing, the soldier was buried as an Unknown Soldier of The Worcestershire Regiment in Perth Cemetery (China Wall) on 6 September 2017.
During the Covid-19 Pandemic, the Joint Casualty and Compassionate Centre (JCCC), sometimes referred to as “The War Detectives”, began to reinvestigate old cases where DNA was taken but no match had been found prior to the burial of the soldier. This further research revealed that three serjeants of 2nd Battalion The Worcestershire Regiment were still missing from their time in the line at Veldhoek in September 1917. DNA testing was carried out for these men. John Cubberley, the great nephew of Serjeant Cubberley and grandson of his cousin Harold, was found to be a match to the soldier.
As he was missing Serjeant Cubberley had previously been commemorated on the Tyne Cot Memorial. It is believed that he may have been promoted to Company Serjeant Major in the field, but no record of this was made prior to his death. On Wednesday 22 March 2023 at CWGC Perth Cemetery (China Wall), in the Ypres Salient, Belgium, the Unknown Soldier’s grave was rededicated to Sergeant William Cubberley. The Service of rededication was organised by the JCCC and led by The Reverend Daniel Njuguna CF, Chaplain to 1st Battalion The Mercian Regiment accompanied by a Guard of Honour from 1 Mercian. The service was very well attended with representatives from CWGC, RBL, local Belgium politics, WFRA and the UK Defence Attaché from Brussels. The Reverend Daniel Njuguna CF and members of the Mercian Regiment
Regrettably John Cubberley who had provided the DNA that enabled his great-uncle to be identified was unable to come to Belgium for the 22nd March rededication. However the JCCC team arranged for him to come to Dancox House, Worcester, on 16th May with his daughter where he was presented the Union Flag from Sergeant William Cubberley’s grave, a Worcestershire Regiment World War I cap star and notes from the Regimental history that were relevant to his great uncle’s war service. John Cubberley receives the Union Flag from his great uncle’s grave in Dancox House, 24th March 2023. John and Elizabeth Cubberley meet the three ladies from the JCCC who linked him to his great uncle and the Mayor of Worcester

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26 May 2023 WFRA NEWSLETTER Volume 14 Issue 21

It is with great sadness that we report the death of 23440947 C/Sgt John Slater who died peacefully at home with his family by his side on the 12 May, after a long illness, at the age of 85. John served with 1 Worcs and 1 WFR and was discharged on 23 September 1977.
All that knew him are welcome to attend his final farewell at 14.30hrs on 7th June 2023 at Wyre Forest Crematorium Minster Road, Stourport-on-Severn. DY13 8BD and afterwards at the Crown and Sandys, Main Road, Ombersley. WR9 0EW.
OBITUARY It is with great sadness that we report the death of Peter Roebuck who died on 18 May. Peter served with the Robin Hood Rifles Corps of Drums and 3WFR. Peter was an active member of Long Eaton and West Notts Branch and played the bugle at many WFR Association events.
Further details to follow when known.

001 WFRA REUNION – SATURDAY 3 JUNE 2023

The WFRA Reunion 2023 will take place on Saturday 3 June at Worcester Rugby Football Club (WRFC), Offerton Lane, Hindlip, Worcester WR3 8TR. This is our new location and the same as last year. Please do not go to Sixways. Details as follows: The event opens at 1200 hours (we ask that you do not arrive earlier to allow set up of the event) and closes at 1700 hours. The WRFC will remain open for anyone that wishes to remain afterwards. Entrance is £2 (cash) per adult and all costs will go towards the cost of the event. All veterans and serving members are asked to sign in and check their personal logs or complete a new one. The logs are entirely voluntary but do allow RHQ to keep in touch with you and the museums to update their records. There will be a raffle (cash) on the day and anyone who wishes to contribute (alcohol seems be the preferred prize) are asked to drop them off at RHQ Nottingham or bring them on the day. The draw will take place after the Service and any prizes not collected will be kept by the Worcester Branch for future use. There will be food and drink outlets at the Club at normal rugby club prices and attendees are kindly asked not to bring their own picnics. In attendance will be 1 Mercian, RHQ including the IET and the Regimental Mascot, Hereford & Worcestershire Cadets, the Worcestershire Museum, a PRI stand, local clergy and SJA. Musical entertainment will be provided by the Tenbury Town Band. There will be a Drumhead Service at 1500 hours at which time the refreshment outlets will close. Attendees are asked to give due respect to the service. Following the Address, members who wish to march will be directed by CSM 1 Mercian to form up, to parade. Complimentary transport is provided from Silver Street, Worcester WR1 2SG to the event, at 1200 hours. 1245 hours and 1315 hours. There will be return transport at 1700 hours and 1800 hours. The transport is available on a first come, first served basis although it is hoped that priority will be given to the older veteran community and branch members. There is plenty of car parking on site including Blue Badge Holder parking closer to the club. If anyone anticipates difficulties with parking, they are asked to contact the Assistant Regimental Secretary. Please do not drink and drive. The event is a private event for association members and their families and anyone connected to the Mercian Regiment and its antecedents. The police have been informed of the event and there are no known security risks but all attendees are asked to remain vigilant on the day.

PLEASE DO NOT FORGET YOUR CASH as the WFRA do not have an electronic payment system. All monies raised goes towards paying for your reunion . Any questions should be directed to the Assistant Regimental Secretary, Nottingham cindy.clark247@mod.gov.uk

002 ARMED FORCES SUPPORT IN WORCESTERSHIRE

Did you know there are a range of dedicated services available locally for those who are serving in the Armed Forces or have served and their families, particularly in times of need. Many are just a phone call away. The Worcestershire Armed Forces Covenant Partnership works closely with local partners and statutory providers to ensure that no member of our local Armed Forces community faces disadvantage. Please visit Worcestershire’s Armed Forces Covenant web pages for a list of organisations at Local support for the armed forces community | Worcestershire County Council
or alternatively email wafcc@worcestershire.gov.uk

003 THE BERKELEY AT SPETCHLEY After the Area meeting on Saturday 13 May some members of Worcester Branch called in to say hello to Simon Gresty the new Landlord at the Berkeley at Spetchley, where Worcester Branch have held their Annual Dinners. Simon is an ex Woofer and of the Mercian Regiment, Simon said that ' I was D company Mortars back in 2005 with 1WFR and then went to 2 Mercian during 2007'. Simon said any members of the Association are welcome to call in at the Berkeley, Evesham Road, Spetchley, Worcester, WR7 4QL. The Berkeley has a function room for hire and the pub offers a range of food with the carvery being very popular the pub also has four B&B rooms. Simon can be contacted on Email sigresty3544@hotmail.co.uk Landline 01905 954 705 Mob.07861 664 542.

004 FOREST FORCES

The Armed Forces Hubs run monthly at Nottingham Forest Community Trust. These hubs will now be moving to the first Monday of the month, 18.00 - 19.30hrs at the City Ground. Each session offers peer support on topics such as wellbeing, health and veteran experiences and all attendees are fellow veterans.
To book your place, please visit www.bookwhen.com/forestforces.
The next session is Monday 5th June, 18.00 - 19.30hrs.

005 LOST COMRADES
Tom Frisby is looking for William Walter Webster. Bill trained in Alma or Inkerman platoon Derby and served together with Brian Bell 1958-60 in Malaya. On returning home Bill joined the police force
If anyone has any information please contact Sue Bell 07742 138 125.

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19 May 2023 WFRA NEWSLETTER Volume 14 Issue 20

OBITUARY Brigadier GR Durrant CBE FRCVS
Worcestershire Regiment/Royal Army Veterinary Corps
24th February 1932 – 11th May 2023 Although not from a farming background Geoffrey Durrant spent his early years with cattle and horses in Wirral, Cheshire. Educated at Calday Grange Grammar School, he worked on farms in Cheshire and Cornwall before attending Harper Adams Agricultural College. He reported to Norton Barracks for National Service in October 1955 and was commissioned from Eaton Hall OCS into the Worcestershire Regiment on 4th August 1956. The Army became the central interest in his life. He was seconded from 1 WORCS to 3rd (Kenya) Bn King’s African Rifles between September 1956 – August 1957. Deemed too old for a Regular Commission he immediately joined the Territorial Army and spent 9 years as a Lieutenant and Captain in the Suffolk Regiment and Somerset Light Infantry, while qualifying as a Veterinary Surgeon at Bristol University in 1964. After practising in Blandford, in December 1966 he gained a Regular Commission in the Royal Army Veterinary Corps (RAVC) despite advice that he might never reach any rank above Major.
Initially based at the RAVC Depot, Melton Mowbray, he was first posted to Singapore 1968-70 where he commanded both a Ghurkha Dog Company and a unit of Chinese and Indian troops attached to the Singapore Guard Regiment. He returned to Melton Mowbray to be both Adjutant and Veterinary Officer and in 1971, he was suddenly posted to Oman for the Dhofar Campaign attached to 22 SAS; an experience of great interest and intense activity that saw him awarded an MBE in January 1973. In stark contrast between 1973-75 he was posted to King’s Troop RHA in London. In early 1975 he was posted to Hong Kong where he commanded a Chinese unit attached to 48 Gurkha Brigade. He made numerous visits to Nepal to advise on Gurkha agricultural resettlement. On departing he was appointed an honorary life member of the Gurkha Brigade Association. Returning to UK in 1977 he served for three years as a staff officer in the Veterinary and Remount Department of the Ministry of Defence, during which time he defied the earlier career advice and was promoted to Lt Col. In 1980 he became Commander Veterinary Services, Northern Ireland, for three years before returning to Hong Kong as Chief of Veterinary Services. This tour was cut short as he was promoted to Colonel to be Commander Veterinary Services BAOR based in Sennelager where he cared for Pte Derby when 1WFR were based in Hemer. This was a time of consolidation of relationships with NATO colleagues and units in Germany and the foundation of the RAVC TA (BAOR) from British subjects resident in Germany. In 1985 he returned to Melton Mowbray as Commandant where he led the refurbishment of the Army Dog Training School, reorganisation of the equitation training, initiation of a Home Defence structure for the county of Leicestershire and development of the RAVC TA in the UK. On promotion to Brigadier in May 1987 he was appointed Director Army Veterinary and Remount Services at Aldershot. Over nearly 4 years he finalised dog training for all three services, developed Post graduate training for Veterinary Officers, particularly in the field of Public Health and initiated negotiations for the incorporation of Veterinary Services as an integral component of Defence Medical Services.
He retired in December 1990. In January 1991, he was awarded CBE, Honorary Colonel Commandant RAVC, Honorary Colonel RAVC TA and his existing appointment as Queens Honorary Veterinary Surgeon to HM, Queen Elizabeth II was extended for a further four years. In retirement, he was President North Curry Branch of the Royal British Legion and was County Chairman of Somerset Committee of Army Benevolent Fund, Member of Council Veterinary Public Health Association, Member of Council Comparative Medicine Section of Royal Society of Medicine, and a part-time Veterinary practitioner in Taunton. He was also Honorary Senior Lecturer, Environmental Department, University of Leeds where his field of study was the impact of modern methods of agriculture on the environment and the sustainability of the UK soil into the 21st Century. In 2001 aged 69 he came out of retirement to assist with the Food and Mouth outbreak as a veterinary surgeon and found himself back in Worcestershire.
His two sons were commissioned into The Worcestershire and Sherwood Foresters Regiment and the The Light Infantry respectively.
His funeral will be held at the Church of St. Peter and St. Paul, North Curry, Somerset on Wednesday 31st May at 2pm.
Letters of Condolences may be sent to: Mrs Lesley Durrant, 12 Portmans, North Curry, Taunton, Somerset. TA3 6NL.

001 WFRA REUNION – SATURDAY 3 JUNE 2023

The event opens at 1200 hours (we ask that you do not arrive earlier to allow set up of the event) and closes at 1700 hours. The WRFC will remain open for anyone that wishes to remain afterwards. Entrance is £2 (cash) per adult and all costs will go towards the cost of the event. All veterans and serving members are asked to sign in and check their personal logs or complete a new one. The logs are entirely voluntary but do allow RHQ to keep in touch with you and the museums to update their records. There will be a raffle (cash) on the day and anyone who wishes to contribute (alcohol seems be the preferred prize) are asked to drop them off at RHQ Nottingham or bring them on the day. The draw will take place after the Service and any prizes not collected will be kept by the Worcester Branch for future use. There will be food and drink outlets at the Club at normal rugby club prices and attendees are kindly asked not to bring their own picnics. In attendance will be 1 Mercian, RHQ including the IET and the Regimental Mascot, Hereford & Worcestershire Cadets, the Worcestershire Museum, a PRI stand, local clergy and SJA. Musical entertainment will be provided by the Tenbury Town Band. There will be a Drumhead Service at 1500 hours at which time the refreshment outlets will close. Attendees are asked to give due respect to the service. Following the Address, members who wish to march will be directed by CSM 1 Mercian to form up, to parade. Complimentary transport is provided from Silver Street, Worcester WR1 2SG to the event, at 1200 hours. 1245 hours and 1315 hours. There will be return transport at 1700 hours and 1800 hours. The transport is available on a first come, first served basis although it is hoped that priority will be given to the older veteran community and branch members. There is plenty of car parking on site including Blue Badge Holder parking closer to the club. If anyone anticipates difficulties with parking, they are asked to contact the Assistant Regimental Secretary. Please do not drink and drive. The event is a private event for association members and their families and anyone connected to the Mercian Regiment and its antecedents. The police have been informed of the event and there are no known security risks but all attendees are asked to remain vigilant on the day.

002 VISIT TO THE REF MUSEUM HENDON
Join us for a Great Day out! Visit the RAF Museum LondonnExplore the fascinating story of the RAF and of the thousands of ordinary Servicemen and women who have served in it and whose invaluable contribution has shaped the world that we live in today. With 6 hangars full of exhibits, interactive and hands on displays and activities and family trails makes this a great day out! Date: Saturday 24th June 2023 Cost: £30.00 pp Coach departs Croft Road, Worcester at 8.00am Ankerage Green, Warndon Villages at 8.15am Possible pick up at Upton Warren at 8.30am Departs RAF Museum at 3.30pm. For further information please contact: Sandra Taylor, Events Organiser, Friends of the Mercian Regiment Museum Email: friendsoftheworcesters@gmail.com Tel: 07919 522 840

003 FRIENDS OF THE MERCIAN REGIMENT MUSEUM (Worcestershire)

2023 Saturday 24th June 2022 Visit to RAF Hendon Museum
Explore the fascinating story of the RAF and of the thousands of ordinary Servicemen and women who have served in it and whose invaluable contribution has shaped the world that we live in today. With 6 hangars full of exhibits, interactive and hands on displays and activities and family trails makes this a great day out!
Coach departs Croft Road, Worcester at 8.00am Anchorage Green, Warndon Villages at 8.15am
Possible pick up at Upton Warren at 8.30am Departs RAF Museum at 3.30pm. £30pp Saturday 15th July 2023 Interactive Presentation by Simon Bendry – The On-Going Work to Recover and Identify the Missing of the First World War
An introduction to the historic and modern-day work of the Commonwealth War Graves Commission’s Recovery and Commemorations Teams. Using an educational resource you have the opportunity to work in small teams to try and identify the (virtual) remains of a First World War Casualty.
Time: 13.30 for 14.00hrs start.
Lyppard Grange Community Centre, Ankerage Green, Worcester WR4 0DZ.
Friends £3 Non-Friends - £5 Light refreshments included.

Tuesday 18th July 2023 Talk by Rosie Barron
A talk about the work of the MOD War Detectives and their work to identify the missing of the First and Second World Wars, from discovery of human remains, to their full military burial. The talk will follow the case of Serjeant William Clay Cubberly, of 2nd Battalion The Worcestershire Regiment, whose remains were discovered in Belgium in 2012. Time: 19.30 for 20.00hrs start. Lyppard Grange Community Centre, Ankerage Green, Worcester WR4 0DZ.
Friends £3 Non-Friends - £5 Light refreshments included.

30th September 2023 Talk by Paul Handford
In 2012 Paul purchased a group of WW1 medals for Herbert Mowle Kendal, a British civilian volunteer ambulance driver who was purported to have been ‘Killed in Action’ in May 1918 whilst driving his ambulance in support of the French Army. His body was never recovered. However, research revealed that his death was not recorded or indeed recognised by the Commonwealth War Graves Commission. His death seemed to have been forgotten! By translating French War Diaries, examining records contained at the International Red Cross (Geneva) and other research material and retracing Mr Kendal’s movements on the day of his death, a large dossier of evidence was submitted to the Commonwealth War Graves Commission. The case was scrutinised by the National Army Museum (NAM) and the CWGC accepted Paul’s findings. Mr Kendal is now the first ever WW1 British civilian casualty to be commemorated on a CWGC War Memorial (Soissons).
Time: 13.30 for 14.00 start. Lyppard Grange Community Centre, Ankerage Green, Worcester WR4 0DZ.
Friends £3 Non-Friends - £5 Light refreshments included.

21st October 2023 Nursing in the Falklands War on HMHS Uganda by Liz Omerod Lyppard Grange Community Centre, Ankerage Green, Worcester WR4 0DZ 13.30 for 14.00 start. Liz’s talk is from a personal perspective and includes the practicalities of turning a cruise liner into a hospital ship. It is illustrated with slides including those “before and after” views of the clinical and other areas.
Liz joined the QARNNS in May 1972 at the Royal Naval Hospital in Gosport. She worked in several different clinical areas including 3 years in the A & E department. Following a 6 month course in Cardiac nursing in London, Liz returned to the joint Intensive & Coronary Care Unit at the Naval Hospital in Plymouth. Following service on the Uganda where she was Senior Nursing Officer on Intensive Care Liz returned to the Plymouth Naval hospital to complete her commission.
Leaving QARNNS in 1985 she became a Palliative Clinical Nurse Specialist with the Macmillan Service in Cornwall and later in West Berkshire. Now retired Liz has done some work as a volunteer at the hospice in Hereford and has delivered many talks on her experiences in the Falklands. Time: 13.30 for 14.00 start. Lyppard Grange Community Centre, Ankerage Green, Worcester WR4 0DZ.
Friends £3 Non-Friends - £5 Light refreshments included.

9th December 2023 Friends Christmas Social
Lyppard Grange Community Centre, Ankerage Green, Worcester WR4 0DZ Time 11.00 – 13.30 Price of tickets to be confirmed.
Contact Sandra Taylor: friendsoftheworcesters@gmail.com 07919 522 840.

004 LOST COMRADES
Tom Frisby is looking for William Walter Webster. Bill trained in Alma or Inkerman platoon Derby and served together with Brian Bell 1958-60 in Malaya. On returning home Bill joined the police force
If anyone has any information please contact Sue Bell 07742 138 125.

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12 May 2023 WFRA NEWSLETTER Volume 14 Issue 19

001 WORCESTERSHIRE WFRA AREA MEETIING
The Worcestershire WFRA Area meeting will be held on Saturday 13 May 2023 in the Lounge at Barbourne Ex Services Club, The Moors, Worcester. WR1 3ED at 11:15 for 11:30 start. Tea, coffee and biscuits provided.
002 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.

003 MUSEUM OF THE MERCIAN REGIMENT (WFR COLLECTION) - FUNDRAISING FOR THE FUTURE OF THE MUSEUMIf you're booking a holiday, please use #easyfundraising! You can raise a BIG donation for Museum of the Mercian Regiment (WFR Collection) at no extra cost to yourself! Plus, for a limited time, book with selected travel brands and you'll be entered into their giveaway for your chance to WIN £1,000 spending money! If you're not supporting us on easyfundraising yet,
sign up here: https://www.easyfundraising.org.uk/causes/museum-of-the-mercian-regiment-wfr-collection?&utm_medium=Email-share&utm_source=Facebook&utm_campaign=travel

004 FOREST FORCES NEWSLETTER

RAF Association - Navigating Dementia - Advice and support for carers - The RAF Association are running an accredited training course to help support members of the RAF community who are caring for someone living with dementia. The training course will include information about dementia, sources of support, self-help for carers, and the opportunity to talk openly with people in a similar situation. The course is open to veterans, their family members, and anyone else that is part of the veteran community. Attendees are also very welcome from nearby branches. The session will be held at: RAF Association Nottingham Branch, Saturday 17th June 2023 (9.30-3.30). To attend the training course, please book your place by emailing Dementia@rafa.org.uk.

006 AUTHORS TALKS - FREE ONLINE EVENT
Date and time - Wednesday 17th May 2023 19.00 to 20.00hrs.
Location - Online.
On the evening of 16 May 1943, nineteen Avro Lancasters took off from RAF Scampton to undertake 617 Squadron’s first offensive attack since its formation a few weeks earlier. Loaded with Barnes Wallis’ newly designed bouncing bombs, the Bomber Command crews set course for their targets – the vital Möhne, Eder and Sorpe dams that served the Ruhr, the Third Reich’s industrial heartland. By the time the survivors began landing back at base at 03.11 hours the following morning, eight of the Lancasters had been shot down. However, both the Möhne and Eder dams had been breached, while the Sorpe was damaged. The flood waters that the attacks unleashed poured downstream, wreaking havoc on the surrounding countryside. Albert Speer, Hitler’s Minister of Armaments and War Production, later wrote: “That night, employing just a few bombers, the British came close to a success which would have been greater than anything they had achieved hitherto with a commitment of thousands of bombers.” In 1990, the renowned historian and author Dr John Sweetman published his seminal work on the events before, during and after Operation Chastise. His book was the result of decades of research into the famous attack, in the course of which Dr Sweetman corresponded with or interviewed many of the individuals involved – from the scientists to senior officers, and from groundcrew to the very airmen who delivered Barnes Wallis’ bouncing bombs to the dams. Such was the relationships that developed over the years, Dr Sweetman became a close friend to many of these individuals and their families. Some of the information contained in the interview transcripts and letters he received was included in his original book; much more, however, was never used. This is particularly the case with the many letters and conversations which Dr Sweetman received or had after his book was first published – much of which adds to, or elaborates on, the narrative of the events in May 1943. Dr Sweetman has delved into his remarkable archive of material to present unseen sections of it here, for the historian or general reader, for the very first time.
About John JOHN SWEETMAN’s many publications include The Schweinfurt Raids and Oil Strike – Ploesti describing American raids, Cavalry of the Clouds, The Dambusters Raid and Tirpitz – Hunting the Beast about British air operations during the two world wars over Europe. Married with two sons and four grandchildren, he lives in Camberley. Live Talk

John will talk about his book. Hosted by Company of Makers' co-founder Steve Bomford. Q&A John's talk will be followed by an interactive Q&A session, so you'll have the opportunity to get involved and he'll answer as many of your questions as we can squeeze in.

006 INDIVIDUAL PLACEMENT & SUPPORT
90%of people with severe mental illness want to work,
yet only 8% are employed
IPS Grow & Futures Positive are changing that!
Did you know Nottinghamshire & Derbyshire NHS offer Employment Support to individuals accessing Community Mental Health Services?
No, well these well-established teams deliver a programme called Individual Placement and Support (IPS), which offers individualised support in line with an individual’s
preferences. So, what is IPS? Individual Placement and Support (IPS) is an employment support approach that was originally developed for people experiencing mental health and addiction issues. The
approach is now increasingly being implemented in a range of settings including supporting veterans, people with physical health issues and prison leavers. Why use IPS? Access to the right job with the right support plays a key role in recovery, confidence and
expands social networks. Suitable work is good for wellbeing – Getting back into employment can be a vital part of a recovery journey. Individuals experiencing severe mental illness who find paid work show reduced symptoms, gain financial independence,
and have improved quality of life. Want to know more?
Then you can access more information about our services and how you can self-refer on
the links below. Nottinghamshire NHS
Employment Support Services for people using secondary mental health services, Future’s
Positive (nottinghamshirehealthcare.nhs.uk)
Derbyshire NHS
work your way (derbyshirehealthcareft.nhs.uk)
We work with employers too! If you are an employer, with recruitment opportunities then we can support you too! Our
service is FREE, and we will come and meet with you at your place of business to find out more about the company, vacancies, and your recruitment process. We will work closely with you and offer a job matching service with the clients who are looking for an
opportunity to become a valued member of your team.
To find out more you can contact. Jamie Jones (Derbyshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust) Email: jamie.jone9@nhs.net
Mob: 07585 992 519 Claire Sharpe (Nottinghamshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust Email: claire.sharpe@nottshc.nhs.uk
Mob: 07825 858 450 Leissa Philpott (Nottinghamshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust) Email: leissa.philpott@nottshc.nhs.uk
Mob: 07824 104 334

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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