Worcestershire & Sherwood Foresters(Worcester Branch)

Association Newsletters. 2.

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

RHQ Mercian Nottingham (newsletter@stand-firm-strike-hard.org.uk ) and we will send you the ENews update.

THE WORCESTERSHIRE AND SHERWOOD FORESTERS REGIMENTAL ASSOCIATION

Patron: HRH The Princess Royal
President: Brig P Dennis.

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19 April 2024 WFRA NEWSLETTER Volume 15 Issue 16

OBITUARY 24111548 C/Sgt Henderson Bradshaw

It is with great sadness that we report the death of 24111548 C/Sgt Henderson (Andy) Bradshaw of the Staffordshire, Worcestershire and Sherwood Foresters Regiments who died on April 10 2024. Henderson served in the Milan Platoon in Hemer, Germany. He was a keen sportsman who played cricket and competed in the Inter Coy Boxing Championships. Henderson also served as a PSI with B Coy 3WFR. Andy’s funeral will take place on Tuesday 14 May in Edmonton Crematorium North London at 12:00hrs., The family have requested a Bugler and Standard Bearers if possible. Please contact Robert King on Facebook know as soon as possible so that this can be arranged.

001 BADAJOZ DAY AT NOTTINGHAM CASTLE

On 6 April, members of The Mercin Regiment joined members of the WFRA to commemorate the Badajoz Battle Honour, at Nottingham Castle. Councillor Carole McCulloch The Lord Mayor of Nottingham also joined us and gave an address to those gathered, after the Red Jacket was raised. Special thanks to Lt Dulson (1M) for reading the citation and Act of Remembrance, CSM Walton (4M) for taking the parade and Cpl Thornton & Pte Bramley for bringing the Regimental Mascot. Following the commemorations, all were invited to visit the gallery where the Curator talked to us about some of the exhibits.

002 PRAYER & PICNIC WITH THE ARCHBISHOP OF CANTERBURY AT THE CRICH MEMORIAL. We were honoured to welcome the Archbishop of Canterbury to The Regimental Memorial at Crich on Saturday 13 April. The weather stayed dry for the picnic and prayers where many spent time together and prayed for all those in The Church of England in Derbyshire. The Archbishop of Canterbury led a clypping prayer together, to remembered those no longer with us, those in pain or struggling and prayers were said for our schools, churches and communities.

The children wrote prayers and attached them to the railings to the tower and these have now been taken to Derby Cathedral

003 1 FORESTERS IN CYPRUS FEBRUARY 1963-64 (Continued)

5. THE GREEN LINE IN NICOSIA (Continued)

By late March matters had quietened down, though sporadic incidents still occurred. What follows are some of the stranger happenings.

Kyrenia Gate Patrols One of the perks was the early morning Kyrenia Gate patrol. It was a requirement to go to the area of the Kyrenia Gate to oversee the inspection of lorries coming into Nicosia from the North of the island carrying oranges or lemons. The inspection of lorries was often achieved by the police tipping out all the orange or lemon sacks then expecting the driver to reload them after a cursory search.
The real bonus for us was that there was always a hawker selling freshly cooked pancakes at the gate, so there was never a shortage of volunteers for these early morning duties.
The Flying Bedstead At the end of Kymakli Street was one of the local anomalies in the battalion's area. A section from another company (It is thought they were either from the Drums Platoon or Assault Pioneers. Someone might remember.) They had the misfortune(?) of being allocated a prominent building that controlled a road junction into the Bn's area. Unfortunately it was incomplete when they moved in as construction work had been in progress prior to December 1963 when British Forces took over. Faced with a property with no doors or windows and inadequate protection the section based there were a little dissatisfied with the quality of accommodation. They duly set about completing the construction without access to plans, construction experts or building inspectors, but with a considerable degree of enthusiasm as well as the materials that were on site. Eventually a strange castellated construction surrounded by scaffolding emerged. Control of the traffic barrier was from the ramparts of the building, a builders barrow lift became the quick way of getting to the top and the whole thing became know as The Flying Bedstead.

Unfortunately I have not been able to access any pictures of this construction but I am sure they are out there somewhere. The Protection of Property Incident As explained last week many platoons and sections were billeted in properties vacated by the local population when the Green Line was implemented. The properties closest to the Green Line were left to us as they were in the line of fire between the communities. On taking them over they were usually partially sandbagged to prevent shots penetrating the walls. One of the sandbagged section properties on The Green Line in Nicosia Cpl B……'s section had one of this type of properties. Its immediate surrounds were open to allow for an all round field of fire. The section concerned had put out washing on a clothes line overnight and were upset to find that the next morning certain items had been pilfered. The Section Commander on passing on the details of the loss was told it was not good enough to have theft like this occurring and to use his initiative to prevent further losses. Using initiative involved taking enamel dinner plates, inverting them and painting them khaki and then carrying out correct military minelaying procedures in and around their bungalow. The thefts stopped! A few days later the Daily Mail led with the headline "British Troops lay landmines in Nicosia." and a confused Bn HQ wanted to know who was the guilty party. The "landmines" were duly lifted later the same day!

004 BUDDY BUDDY VETERANS GROUP CHESTERFIELD

005 VETERANS HABITS STUDY

The School of Psychology at Swansea University are looking to understand the pathways to harmful gambling and the access to interventions that will lead to policy and practice solutions alongside their partners at Anglia Ruskin University and AnonyMind. Please see the images below for more information.
To take part in the survey please click HERE

006 FACEBOOK MARKET PLACE SCAM
Fraudulent buyers are leaving Derbyshire Facebook sellers out of pocket – here’s how you can keep safe if you’re having a spring clear out.
The reports we’ve received involve the buyer turning up to collect with a fake proof of payment, such as a screenshot of a bank transfer or payment receipt. This screenshot is then used to convince the sellers to hand over the goods.
However, when the seller checks their bank account, they never received the money and they’re left out of pocket.
Our Sock it to the Scammers video highlights how to protect against this type of scam. Including to always verify that you’ve received payment through a trusted means such as your online banking app or a trusted payment provider.
Tammy Barnes, Derbyshire Constabulary’s Fraud Protect Officer, said: "Most sellers feel inclined to trust a buyer who comes to their house or public place to pick up and pay for items, it has a personal touch. Sellers whether online or in person may be conned by a buyer who claims to have transferred the money but it must be experiencing a delay.
"Unfortunately if you allow a buyer to leave before payment has been received, you may never see the item or the scammer who stole it again.
“Our advice is ‘Stop. Think fraud.’ Don’t be rushed into any decisions and make sure the balance has appeared in your bank account or account with the selling site before sending your items.”
Our #SockItToTheScammers campaign launched earlier this year, with other videos focussing on issues such as romance fraud and fake police phone calls. The campaign has resulted in members of the public remembering the Stop. Think. Tell. advice and stopping the scam in its tracks.
Recent cases in Derbyshire have shown just how much of an impact a marketplace scam can have, with sellers losing out on thousands of pounds by handing over items such as technology, jewellery and vehicles without receiving payment.
In Derbyshire, phones and laptops are the most common items that scammers will take without payment.
For more information on how to avoid online Market Place scams click HERE
007 LOST CONTACT
Mario Carbonaro is trying to contact Ben Hoyle who served with the Mercian Regiment 2008-2015 as they have lost contact.
Mario can be contacted at mariocarbonaro@hotmail.com

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12 April 2024 WFRA NEWSLETTER Volume 15 Issue 15

001 PRAYER & PICNIC WITH THE ARCHBISHOP OF CANTERBURY AT THE CRICH MEMORIAL. SATURDAY 13 APRIL 2024 Update: at the time of going to press, there are a few tickets left however these are mostly family tickets. The church have kindly agreed to facilitate parking for our veteran community so if you do not have a parking ticket and wish to attend, please contact Bev Bunting at pabishopofrepton@derby.anglican.org by Wednesday 10th April. Please note that without a ticket, you will not be eligible to park at the Tramway or on site (there is simply no space). Pedestrian access is available for all.
We are honoured that the Archbishop of Canterbury, the Most Reverend and Right Honourable Justin Welby will be visiting the Crich Memorial a part of his trip to the Diocese of Derbyshire. The Prayer and picnic event is a free event, open for people of all ages, as households, in groups or coming alone to bring your rug and picnic and join the Archbishop of Canterbury in a time of picnic and prayer. The picnic will start at 1230 hours and prayers will be at 1310 hours.
Please note that the site will be closed to cars until after the event and that access by car, for the event, is only available by booking a ticket and having a blue badge. Other parking is available at the Tramway. For full details and how to obtain a, free, ticket, please follow the link on Eventbrite - https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/844631675077?aff=oddtdtcreator

002 MARTIN ROBINSON MEMORIAL SERVICE
This years Martin Robinson (Robbo) Memorial Service will be held at St Clements Church on Church Lane Sutton on Sea LN12 2JB on the 14 April 2024 at 11:30hrs. If you wish you can also attend the Normal Sunday Service with the congregation in church at 10:30hrs.

003 1 FORESTERS IN CYPRUS FEBRUARY 1963-64 (Continued)

4. THE GREEN LINE IN CYPRUS The Green Line The Green Line was the name given to the dividing line between Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot communities in Cyprus. Though initially it was used in Larnaca it quickly became the dividing line in many other places, particularly Nicosia. The background to this line is described in the history of the conflict as follows: Major Perrett-Young (General Young's Intelligence Officer) recalled events of 29-30 December 1963………..

"I believe it was during the Conference break that, at his (General Young's) request, I produced chinagraphs for him from the variety of colours I had brought up from Episkopi in my map case. The 'green' was no random selection. Bearing in mind factional sensitivities, my choice was quite deliberate. Blue and red, apart from the latter's association with the 'enemy', and with their Greek and Turkish connotations respectively, were hardly suitable. 'Green' usually used for marking emplacements/fortifications and minefields, seemed the least controversial". "The meeting continued throughout the night with only one pause to allow the representatives to consult with their colleagues. Time and time again his (General Young's) green chinagraph pencil retraced the line across the talc of his field map, only to be rubbed out and changed in direction to suit the requirements of one side or the other. At last, the pencil wavered no more - and the Green Line was finally and irrevocably drawn". The meeting finished at 05:00hrs (Monday 30th December 1963) having had a 90 minute break at 01:00hrs - Duncan Sandys had made it clear there would be no rest until an agreement was signed.

This is the final signed agreement. Note: The 'talc' referred to was a flimsy type of Perspex which could be used as an overlay sheet. However, talc was the least accurate of the overlays as the map could move around under it if you weren’t very careful and its use cannot be confirmed.
Major Perrett-Young and Captain Christopher Meynell state that General Young did the drawing and amendments himself at the High Commission meeting with (they imagine) the interested parties 'leaning over his shoulder'.

A section of the map above shows the agreed path of the Green Line which stretched beyond the limits of the walled city of Nicosia to both to the west and to the east. Note: The area where 1 FORESTERS was to be located later is in the top right quadrant outside of the Kyrenia Gate and around Ormophita.
Major-General Young then handed the 'Green Line' map and a copy of the typed agreement to Major Perrett-Young who was waiting next door in the Tac HQ. The General's instructions were..........."get on with it"!!

Intelligence Corp NCOs then produced sufficient copies of the map and agreement to go out to the High Commission and Truce Force units. Once the map reached unit level it was then further copied for use by patrol commanders - and others. It is important to repeat that, contrary to other published descriptions, the original Green Line map was drawn by General Young only. A photo of one of the original maps produced at the time which is in the Intelligence Corps Museum is here.

It was along part of the Green Line that 1 FORESTERS moved onto in Nicosia at the beginning of March 1964, primarily along a split area near to Kymakli Street and Ormaphita. Platoons and sections took over and occupied recently abandoned houses or bungalows and were positioned between the divided communities. These were obviously the source of friction and of occasional exchanges of gun-fire between either the two parts of the Cypriot community or the British Army in the middle. A Company, initially commanded by Maj J Need, then Maj C Hince, comprised three platoons, Lt Steadman then 2 Lt R Stockton, 2 Lt Hackett and 2 Lt Dickerson. In the case of my platoon (1 Platoon) we had two outlying sections (Cpl Lowe and Cpl Broadbent) both in small bungalows, suitably fortified. Cpl Lowe's bungalow was known as Bunnies Hutch and I forget the nickname for Cpl Broadbent's bungalow. A third section and Pl HQ were in a small four storey flat complex opposite a Greek Police station. While there were frequent sporadic incidents in the first weeks with fire being exchanged across the Green Line, rapid and accurate response ensured matters gradually quietened down though there was still much going on in other parts of the island. Next week: Events in Nicosia.

004 WESTERN FRONT ASSOCIATION - EAST MIDLANDS

The 24th Infantry Brigade at Passchendaele. A talk by Martyn Watkinson on Friday 12 April 19.30hrs until 21.30hrs Admission £3.50.
St Peter's Rooms, Church Street, Ruddington, Nottingham NG11 6HD Martyn made his first visit to the branch in 2023 to give his talk on the painting 'Gassed' and has kindly agreed to return to give another talk on a subject of particular interest to him.
This time, his talk will look at the 24th Infantry Brigade and it's involvement in the initial stages of the Third Battle of Ypres, and will in particular focus on the 1st Battalion, Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire Regiment

005 FRIENDS OF THE MERCIAN REGIMENT MUSEUM WORCESTERSHIRE

Programme of Talks 2024 All talks take place at Lyppard Grange Community Centre, Ankerage Green, Worcester WR4 0DZ. Parking is free and unrestricted outside the venue. Saturday 13th April 2024
Georgia and the Rose Revolution of 2003 – eye-witness reflections of a fascinating country in transition by Jo Seaman Jo Seaman will talk about her time working as Director of the British Council in the former Soviet Republic of Georgia 2001-2005. These were exciting and dangerous times, as Georgia teetered towards becoming a failing and lawless state and where every second man carried a gun. Jo’s time spanned the heady period of the Rose Revolution of 2003, and her experiences made such a lasting impression on her that she was compelled to write an autobiographical account in her book, ‘Roses Down the Barrel of a Gun, Georgia: Love and Revolution.’ She met her husband, Mike, there as he was the senior political officer at the British Embassy. Jo and Mike will draw on their varied experiences using her book as a focus. While much has changed for the better, some of the issues which affected Georgia twenty years ago still resonate today, particularly relationships with neighbouring Russia; there are some parallels with the tragic current events in Ukraine.

Saturday 11th May 2024 Napoleon’s Last Posting by Mike Atkinson Having surrendered to the British after his defeat at Waterloo, Napoleon was exiled to the remote island of Saint Helena. Guarded by several thousand troops, it was one British officer that had the responsibility of keeping a close eye on him from his home at Longwood. This Captain would fall under the spell of the Emperor who, when the officer left the island, was given an extraordinary and unique present by Napoleon, which Mike now owns and will bring to the talk.

006 WFRA WORCESTERSHIRE AREA MEETING

There will be a WFRA Worcestershire Area Meeting on Saturday 11 May 11:15 for 11:30 Start at Barbourne Ex Services Club, The Moors, Worcester. WR1 3ED.
This is a chance to get your views on Association matters to the Executive Committee meeting that takes place before the Association AGM in October.
Refreshments will be provided.

007 LOST CONTACT
Mario Carbonaro is trying to contact Ben Hoyle who served with the Mercian Regiment 2008-2015 as they have lost contact.
Mario can be contacted at mariocarbonaro@hotmail.com

008 WORCESTER BRANCH EVENTS Worcester Branch will be at The Berkeley at Egdon, Evesham Road, Spetchley, Worcester WR7 4QL on Friday 26 April 2024 at 12:00 for 12:30hrs for fish and chips informal social lunch. £10.pp
Please reply by email by 20 April, so we have an idea of numbers (in case they got to go fishing) ALL WELCOME.

Social Evening Saturday 18 May at The Maple Leaf, Canada Way, Lower Wick, Worcester. WR2 4XA. 18:00 for 18:30hrs.
There will be a chance for a game of skittles or just meet up for a friendly informal social meeting. The landlord wants to provide some food but must have an idea of numbers. please reply by email by 14 May. ALL WELCOME
If you would like to attend these events please email nigelfish@ymail.com

009 ALBERT BALL MEMORIAL PARADE
On Tuesday 7 May the Albert Ball Parade will take place at Nottingham Castle. Those who wish to attend are asked to be at the side gate next to the main entrance by 1930 hrs and the service starts at 2000 hrs. Branch standards are welcome.If you would like to attend please contact Marion Wells at rafanottingham0243@gmail.com or 07960 460148 to have your name added to the attendance list.

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05 April 2024 WFRA NEWSLETTER Volume 15 Issue 14

001 PRESENTATION TO ROY CRUMP On Saturday 31 March Roy Crump was presented with a certificate of recognition for over 17 years of volunteer work at the Regimental Memorial at Crich. Roy's family and friends were in attendance as he was presented with his certificate by Chesterfield Branch Chairman John Johnson. The was also a plaque in recognition of Roy's volunteer work which was unveiled.
Many thanks to Chesterfield Branch for organising the presentation and the plaque.

002 BADAJOZ COMMEMORATIONS AT NOTTINGHAM CASTLE ON 6 APRIL 2024

This year’s Badajoz ‘Raising of the Red Jacket’ will be held at Nottingham Castle on Saturday 6 April. Complimentary entry is provided to Association Members. Should a member wish to bring a guest, they are to contact Mr Crosby garycrosby1375@live.com so that they can be added to the list. Please wait at the Iron Gates on Lenton Road NG1 6EL. Mr Crosby is responsible for facilitating entry at 1015 hours and 1030 hours. If you do not know Mr Crosby, it is advisable that you bring confirmation of your membership. Please note that there is no parking at the Castle. There is plenty of parking nearby (charges do apply) and good transport links to the Castle. Members will be asked if they wish to march from the Visitors Centre to the Bandstand and will be joined there by members who wish to parade but not march. The Ceremony will commence at 1055 hours. It is expected to conclude by 1110 hours. There will then be an opportunity for photographs with the Red Jacket, the Lord Mayor and the Regimental Mascot. It is hoped that the Lord Mayor will be able to join us for light refreshments afterwards and all are welcomed to join us. This will be followed by a ‘Tour and Talk’ at the Mercian Gallery by the Curator at 1215 hours. There is complimentary transport from the Visitor Centre up to the Castle, for those for whom the walk proves difficult. Please speak to the Assistant Regimental Secretary, on the day.

Any questions regarding the event should be directed to the Assistant Regimental Secretary cindy.clark247@mod.gov.uk

003 1 FORESTERS IN CYPRUS FEBRUARY 1963-64 (Continued)

3. ENGAGEMENT IN KALYVAKIA Capt D G Hood, Recce Pl Comd, 1 FORESTERS

The village of Kalyvakia lies just at the foot of the Kyrenia Hills. it was here in late March 1964 that a patrol of the Recce Platoon came under fire. This was a rather one-sided fire fight the local Greek Cypriots shot at a small patrol I was leading in Kalyvakia, in the foothills of the Kyrenia Hills, North East of Nicosia. This fracas lasted for about 3 hours during which time we were subjected to MG fire and rifle fire and the occasional grenade, which fell short.

The Recce Pl shot well and there was no further incursion, though the Greek Cypriots seemed willing to expend large amounts of ammunition. Recce Pl Cpl Wooley, Pritchard and Cpl Thompson

004 READING OF DUBLIN DAYS - Pte ARTHUR WINFIELD'S MEMOIR OF THE FIGHTING IN DUBLIN DURING THE EASTER RISING

Reading of Dublin Days-Private Arthur Winfield’s Memoir of the Fighting in Dublin during the Easter Rising Event details: Tuesday 9th April at 1300Hrs

On April 9th Guest speaker John McGuiggan,BL, will be provide a reading of the Memoir of Private Arthur Winfield of the Sherwood Foresters. The memoir covers the experiences of Private Winfield whilst he was in Ireland with the Foresters.

The reading will take place in Learning Lab 3. WFRA Members get in for free on production of their green WFRA Card. Serving Mercian Soldiers can contact RHQ Nottingham for entry Location is Learning Lab 3 at Nottingham Castle

005 ALBERT BALL MEMORIAL PARADE
On Tuesday 7 May the Albert Ball Parade will take place at Nottingham Castle.

Those who wish to attend are asked to be at the side gate next to the main entrance by 1930 hrs and the service starts at 2000 hrs. Branch standards are welcome. If you would like to attend please contact Marion Wells at rafanottingham0243@gmail.com or 07960 460148 to have your name added to the attendance list.

006 WFR BAND REUNION 2024

This years band reunion is on Saturday 19th October 2024 at the Coopers Brook, Mansfield Road, Daybrook, Nottingham. It is open to all ex-Band Members and their Partners of the Worcestershire & Sherwood Foresters Band & Drums. The Worcester Band & Drums and The Sherwood Foresters Band & Drums are also welcome.
On the day of the reunion we will meet up in the bar of the Coopers Brook at 1400 hrs for Drinks and a catch up.
The Reunion Dinner will take place at 1930hrs up stairs for a Three Course sit down meal. Those attending will be required to pay for their Meal in Advance as Confirmation of their attendance.
A Menu Selection Form will be Posted on the Woofers Band Reunion Facebook Page. However, if you are not a user of Facebook please contact me by email, so we know who will be attending.
We Look forward to seeing more Old Friends from our Glory Days.
It is Important that Confirmation of Attendance be given by no later than the 25th September 2024. Payment for the meal can be made by Cheque or Bank Transfer. Details of how to do this will be on the Meals Selection Form.
Please contact Ken Bradshaw by email to; ken.bradshaw18@ntlworld.com.

007 REMEMBRANCE SUNDAY 2024
This year the annual Service of Remembrance will be held at the Cenotaph on Whitehall on Sunday 10 November 2024.

ELIGIBILITY
The eligibility criteria is as follows:
Ex-service personnel from the UK and the Commonwealth who have served the Crown.
Retired emergency services personnel from the UK and Commonwealth who have served the Crown.
Partners or first-generation family members of those who served in His Majesty’s Armed Forces and have died. This only includes the following:
Wives, husbands, partners or civil partners Siblings Parents Children
Those marching on behalf of their organisations that have historically played a significant role in times of conflict, supporting the Armed Forces community or who are key organisations in Remembrance.
Please note, this is a veterans’ parade, therefore serving personnel are not permitted to take part. Civilians cannot take part unless they meet the eligibility criteria above.
A carer of a veteran requiring wheelchair assistance.
1 May All association ticket requests to be submitted. Any applications received after this date will not be accepted.
15 May RBL to confirm 2024 ticket allocation to each association. Registration opens.
22 August Deadline for associations to complete individual participant information. Registration closes.
30-31 October E-tickets and joining instructions sent to participants.
Further details on how many places to be allocated to our association will be published at a later date. Neil Howard has requested 35 this year.

008 HEADSTONE APPEAL FOR ARTHUR THOMAS FOWLER
18677 Arthur Thomas FOWLER 10th Battalion, Worcestershire Regiment

Died aged 20, as a result of wounds received in action at Neuve Chapelle, France, 24 November 1916 Buried in an unmarked grave Charfield Parish Churchyard. (A few of us are working to get recognition by the CWGC and change this fact!)

Arthur Thomas Fowler was born in early 1896. He was the son of Thomas and Emily Fowler, who lived in Station Road, Charfield. One of six children as noted in the 1911 census. An Army Pension record has survived for Arthur, which does give some details of his service. He attested for military service on 3 September 1914 at Wotton under Edge, stating his age to be 19 years and 1 month (he was in fact 18) and his occupation to be a mill hand in a textile company. He was sent for training with the 10th Battalion, Worcestershire Regiment at Tidworth, Salisbury Plain and was part of the battalion when it first landed in France. on 19 July 1915. For the remainder of 1915 the battalion was located in relatively quiet sectors of the Western Front and on 4 January 1916 it went into the front line trenches at Neuve Chapelle. Here, on 6 January 1916, Pte. Fowler sustained a stomach wound the War Office communication, as reported in the Dursley Gazette of 29 January 1916 stated ‘wounded in action 6th instant with bullet wound left side’.

He was passed down the medical evacuation line from Field Ambulance, to Casualty Clearing Station and on to a Base Hospital in Calais, from where he was repatriated to Colchester Military Hospital. His condition was further complicated by appendicitis. He reportedly had treatment at hospital at Romford, Essex, Birmingham and Plymouth, before being discharged from the Army as ‘no longer fit for military service’ on 18 October 1916. Having returned home his condition continued to cause concern and he was admitted to Bristol General Hospital, where he underwent another operation and subsequently died on 24 November 1916, aged 20.

He was in receipt of the silver war badge, given to those discharged early through injury but with exemplary conduct. This discharge may be the reason for his grave not having the recognisable Commonwealth War Graves Commission headstone.
If you would like to make a contribution towards a headstone for Arthur please follwo the link below. Arthur Fowler headstone appeal

009 PRAYER & PICNIC WITH THE ARCHBISHOP OF CANTERBURY AT THE CRICH MEMORIAL. SATURDAY 13 APRIL 2024

Update: at the time of going to press, there are a few tickets left however these are mostly family tickets. The church have kindly agreed to facilitate parking for our veteran community so if you do not have a parking ticket and wish to attend, please contact Bev Bunting at pabishopofrepton@derby.anglican.org by Wednesday 10th April. Please note that without a ticket, you will not be eligible to park at the Tramway or on site (there is simply no space). Pedestrian access is available for all.
We are honoured that the Archbishop of Canterbury, the Most Reverend and Right Honourable Justin Welby will be visiting the Crich Memorial a part of his trip to the Diocese of Derbyshire. The Prayer and picnic event is a free event, open for people of all ages, as households, in groups or coming alone to bring your rug and picnic and join the Archbishop of Canterbury in a time of picnic and prayer. The picnic will start at 1230 hours and prayers will be at 1310 hours.
Please note that the site will be closed to cars until after the event and that access by car, for the event, is only available by booking a ticket and having a blue badge. Other parking is available at the Tramway. For full details and how to obtain a, free, ticket, please follow the link on Eventbrite - https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/844631675077?aff=oddtdtcreator

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29 March 2024 WFRA NEWSLETTER Volume 15 Issue 13

OBITUARY It is with great sadness that we inform you that 19003736 Pte Wilfred Henry Bradley died on 4 Feb 2024 aged 99. Wilfred originally joined the General Service Corps before transferring to the Sherwood Foresters on 12 June 1945 . He later transferred to the Royal Lincolnshire Regiment on 23 February 1947. His funeral has taken place.

OBITUARY It is with sadness that we report that Sgt William James Reginald Morris passed away aged 85 years, on the 12th March 2024. William served in the Worcestershire Regiment and Worcestershire and Sherwood Foresters Regiment serving 22yrs, discharged at the rank of Sgt. Whilst serving William represented the Battalion as a cross country marathon runner. In civilian life William was a lorry driver. William`s funeral will be held at 15:00hrs on Friday 5th April 2024, The Gedling Crematorium, Catfoot Lane, Lambley, Nottingham, NG4 4HQ.
Bugle, Standards and Association members welcome and invited afterwards to The Arrow, in Arnold, Gedling Road, Nottingham NG5 6NY. Letters of condolence can be sent to William`s daughter :-Linda Kelly and family. 76 Carmel Gardens,
Nottingham. NG5 6LZ.

MEMORIAL SERVICE Lt Col JD Hetherington OstJ - Memorial Service 2 April 2024 -
Letters of condolence should be sent to: Mr and Mrs H Roome (Harry and Prue)
The Duchies Mill Lane Pirbright Surrey GU24 0BT
The family would also be grateful of notification of intention to attend the Memorial Service on 2 April at 2.00pm at St Wynstans Church, Repton DE65 6FH and afterwards in the Undercroft at Repton School.
To meet this request please inform Mark Dack at the Newsletter newsletter@stand-firm-strike-hard.org.uk so that appropriate arrangements can be made.
The bridge over the River Trent at Willington is closed on 2nd & 3rd April.
If you are approaching Repton from the South you should travel via Burton on Trent and Newton Solney, from the North via Derby and Aston on Trent and Milton and from the East via Ashby de la Zouch or Melbourne and Milton.

001 BADAJOZ COMMEMORATIONS AT NOTTINGHAM CASTLE ON 6 APRIL 2024

002 RE-DEDICATION OF ROLL OF HONOUR – 27 APRIL 2024 A re-dedication service will be held by St Augustine Church, Chesterfield, for the Roll of Honour for the 72 men, from the parish of Birdholme, Chesterfield who died in WWI; 42 were Sherwood Foresters and 2 were Royal Engineers, with the remainder including RN and other cap badges. All are invited to attend. The service commences at 1100 hours on Saturday 27 April 2024 at St Augustine Church, 220 Derby Road Chesterfield Derbyshire S40 2EP . Parking at the church is limited but there is plenty of parking at Tesco, next door

003 READING OF DUBLIN DAYS - Pte ARTHUR WINFIELD'S MEMOIR OF THE FIGHTING IN DUBLIN DURING THE EASTER RISING Reading of Dublin Days-Private Arthur Winfield’s Memoir of the Fighting in Dublin during the Easter Rising

Event details: Tuesday 9th April at 1300Hrs On April 9th Guest speaker John McGuiggan,BL, will be provide a reading of the Memoir of Private Arthur Winfield of the Sherwood Foresters. The memoir covers the experiences of Private Winfield whilst he was in Ireland with the Foresters. The reading will take place in Learning Lab 3. WFRA Members get in for free on production of their green WFRA Card. Serving Mercian Soldiers can contact RHQ Nottingham for entry Location is Learning Lab 3 at Nottingham Castle

004 PRAYER & PICNIC WITH THE ARCHBISHOP OF CANTERBURY AT THE CRICH MEMORIAL. SATURDAY 13 APRIL 2024

We are honoured that the Archbishop of Canterbury, the Most Reverend and Right Honourable Justin Welby will be visiting the Crich Memorial a part of his trip to the Diocese of Derbyshire. The Prayer and picnic event is a free event, open for people of all ages, as households, in groups or coming alone to bring your rug and picnic and join the Archbishop of Canterbury in a time of picnic and prayer. The picnic will start at 1230 hours and prayers will be at 1310 hours. Please note that the site will be closed to cars until after the event and that access by car, for the event, is only available by booking a ticket and having a blue badge. Other parking is available at the Tramway. For full details and how to obtain a, free, ticket, please follow the link on Eventbrite - https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/844631675077?aff=oddtdtcreator

005 1 FORESTERS IN CYPRUS FEBRUARY 1963-64 (Continued)

2. INITIAL DEPLOYMENTS The first days into Cyprus saw 1 FORESTERS deployed into Anzio Camp in Dhekelia described then as a dirty, dusty, desolate and not in very good condition. Deployment of companies followed. Initial deployment of two rifle companies was to Larnaca and (at that stage) the only defined Green Line, the line that supposedly separated Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot communities. The term was then used in other locations, especially in areas in Nicosia, that 1 FORESTERS would take-over later. An additional role was to assume the peace-keeping role in Larnaca District, a rural area around Larnaca. This was to last until the end of February/ early March when the whole Battalion moved into part of Nicosia. Our narrative jumps forward several weeks from arrival in Cyprus and follows the deploy-ment of 1 FORESTERS Recce Platoon to Kophinou Police Station in mid February. This was a typical deployment and it soon transpired that there was a need to prevent local factions of the two sides of the community from killing one another or more accurately shooting at one another. The task was accurate but the Cypriot shooting was not! (Capt D G Hood MC Recce Pl Comd) 13 Feb 64 - "We were tasked to escort Turkish shepherds to a nearby Greek village to collect some 80 sheep that had been "rustled" after their shepherds had been murdered. The anImals were released."

Kophinou Police Station 15/16 Feb 64 "Ayios Theodorus, is a village a few miles from Kophinou in Larnaca District. A free-for-all fire fight between Greek and Turkish Cypriot community was going on. Managed to stop the shooting and joined by platoon (Lt P Lockwood) of C Coy (Maj Tony Bartholomew). Nevertheless this restarted the next day and only resolved when Greek and Turkish Cypriot "officials" plus the Brigade Deputy Commander talked sense into the warring factions, though I think both sides were short of ammunition. I made an attempt to get the Greek and Turkish Muhktars (village headmen) to agree a ceasefire. They signed an agreement but sporadic shooting continued until last light - I later realised that the Muhktars did not have much influence over local hot heads" The Ayios Theodoras Militia

These events were well reported in The Guardian by Michael Wall, one of the few report-ers to leave the safety of the Ledra Palace Hotel in Nicosia under the by-line Village learns to hate.

Recce Pl in Kophinou L-R: Pte Sole, Cpl Dennis and Pte Bayley plus locals

006 FRIENDS OF THE MERCIAN REGIMENT MUSEUM (WORCESTERSHIRE)
Programme of Talks 2024 All talks take place at Lyppard Grange Community Centre, Ankerage Green,Worcester WR4 0DZ. Parking is free and unrestricted outside the venue. Saturday 13th April 2024 Georgia and the Rose Revolution of 2003 – eye-witness reflections of a fascinating country in transition by Jo Seaman Jo Seaman will talk about her time working as Director of the British Council in the former Soviet Republic of Georgia 2001-2005. These were exciting and dangerous times, as Georgia teetered towards becoming a failing and lawless state and where every second man carried a gun. Jo’s time spanned the heady period of the Rose Revolution of 2003, and her experiences made such a lasting impression on her that she was compelled to write an autobiographical account in her book, ‘Roses Down the Barrel of a Gun, Georgia: Love and Revolution.’ She met her husband, Mike, there as he was the senior political officer at the British Embassy.

Jo and Mike will draw on their varied experiences using her book as a focus. While much has changed for the better, some of the issues which affected Georgia twenty years ago still resonate today, particularly relationships with neighbouring Russia; there are some parallels with the tragic current events in Ukraine.

007 WORCESTERSHIRE SOLDIER AT THE COMMANDERY

All Members The Worcestershire and Sherwood Foresters Regimental Association

Please could I ask for your support for a very exciting initiative taking place in Worcester, which is the creation of the “Worcestershire Soldier at the Commandery”. Museums Worcestershire will work in partnership with The Mercian Regiment Museum (Worcestershire) and the Worcestershire Yeomanry Museum Trusts to join their collections and stories from 1694 to the present day with the existing Civil War display. It will offer the opportunity to understand the contribution soldiers from the county have made to international, national and local military and social history in more than 300 years. Over 130,000 men served in the Regiments of Worcestershire in World War 1 with over 10,000 paying the ultimate sacrifice. Many thousands more served in World War 2 and in subsequent wars, operations and deployments from Malaya, Northern Ireland, Afghanistan and Iraq as well as on United Nations operations in Cyprus and Bosnia. Their service represents a very proud and important part of Worcestershire’s heritage. Perhaps you and your friends had relatives who are part of this rich history? This display will pay homage to their service, courage and sense of duty. It is important that we and future generations never forget these soldiers and this museum will help us to remember them all. This will greatly enhance the iconic building’s tourist appeal in the historic part of the City. By using its educational capabilities it will be a place to which young and old alike can come to learn and study. It is expected that the overall costs of this project will be in the region of £1,200,000. Worcester City Council have designated £175,000 from central government’s post-Covid Towns Fund and the two charities have committed £105,000. The National Heritage Lottery Fund have agreed to a £243,200 development grant. So we have already identified £523,200 funds towards the cost. The remainder of the costs will need to be raised from grant making trusts, individual and corporate donations. We shall also be seeking a follow-on delivery grant from the National Heritage Lottery Fund.

Please could you to consider supporting this excellent project in a number of ways:

First, as a private individual with a Gift Aided donation.

Secondly, be an advocate to support of the project. Thirdly, you may be aware of any corporate bodies that might consider sponsoring one of the new exhibition cases? Display cases will have a QR code to enable visitors to self-guide using their mobile phones. Descriptions of the case selected will start with “Welcome to Display case Number … sponsored by …” We would particularly welcome a case funded by the Regimental Association. To benefit from this publicity sponsorship of a case will cost £10,000. Please could you consider contributing to this excellent project? Donations can be made to:

Account Name: Worcestershire Soldier at the Commandery

Sort code: 30-99-50

Account number: 33306868

Thank you very much for your support.

008 ARMED FORCES HUB 28 JUNE 2024 AT CHESTERFIELD TOWN HALL
This event has been running for 11 years by the District Armed Forces Champion for Derbyshire and Staffordshire, Department for Work and Pensions based at Chesterfield. It is known as the One Stop Shop, under 1 Roof where so that the Armed Forces Community can meet the Forces Support/Charities face to face. It will be combined with a careers fair for the public. In attendance will be the Armed Forces Regular/Reservists Recruiters. It is hoped that the Armed Forces Councillor, the Lord Lieutenant, The High Sheriff and Mayor/Mayoress will be in attendance as well as an RAF Flypast. Please RSVP as per the invitation.

009 WORCESTER BRANCH - FISH & CHIPS Worcester Branch will be re starting their Fish & Chips @ £10. per person once a month on a Friday the 26th April 2024.
12:00 for 12:30hrs at the Berkeley Pub, Evesham Road, Spetchley, Worcester. WR7 4QL Please contact by email:- nigelfish@ymail.com so we can have an idea of numbers attending.

010 DERBY BRANCH MEETING
The next meeting of the Derby Branch WFRA is on Friday 5th April.
Venue is the Allestree Social Club, 39 Cornhill, Allestree, Derby. DE22 2FS.
Dress is casual and the meeting commences at 1945hrs.
All welcome.

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22 March 2024 WFRA NEWSLETTER Volume 15 Issue 12

OBITUARY It is with sadness that we inform you that James ‘Jimmy’ Francis S BRENNAN of Frankley, Birmingham, died on 21 February 2024 aged 75. Jimmy was born in Eire and came to England aged 16. He joined the Worcestershire Regiment, aged 18, in 1966 and served in Mainland UK, NI, Germany and Gibraltar. He served for 9 years and it is believe that he reached the rank of either LCpl or Cpl.
Jimmy' funeral will take place on Tuesday 26 March at 1400 hours at Waseley Hills Crematorium, New Inns Lane, Rubery, Birmingham, B45 9TS. It has been requested that there are no flowers and donations can be made to Cancer Relief. The funeral will be followed by a Wake at the Greenlands Inn, 105 Longbridge Lane B31 4LF. All association members are welcome and the family have asked if any Standard Bearers can attend

OBITUARY It is with great sadness that we inform you that Paul ‘Chevy’ CHASE died on 13 March 2024 aged 42. Paul served with the Cheshire Regiment and amalgamated into The Mercian Regiment.

MEMORIAL SERVICE Lt Col JD Hetherington OstJ - Memorial Service 2 April 2024 -
Letters of condolence should be sent to: Mr and Mrs H Roome (Harry and Prue)
The Duchies, Mill Lane, Pirbright, Surrey GU24 0BT.
The family would also be grateful of notification of intention to attend the Memorial Service on 2 April at 2.00pm at St Wynstans Church, Repton DE65 6FH and afterwards in the Undercroft at Repton School.
To meet this request please inform Mark Dack at the Newsletter newsletter@stand-firm-strike-hard.org.uk so that appropriate arrangements can be made.

001 BADAJOZ COMMEMORATIONS AT NOTTINGHAM CASTLE ON 6 APRIL 2024

002 PRAYER & PICNIC WITH THE ARCHBISHOP OF CANTERBURY AT THE CRICH MEMORIAL. SATURDAY 13 APRIL 2024 We are honoured that the Archbishop of Canterbury, the Most Reverend and Right Honourable Justin Welby will be visiting the Crich Memorial a part of his trip to the Diocese of Derbyshire. The Prayer and picnic event is a free event, open for people of all ages, as households, in groups or coming alone to bring your rug and picnic and join the Archbishop of Canterbury in a time of picnic and prayer. The picnic will start at 1230 hours and prayers will be at 1310 hours. Please note that the site will be closed to cars until after the event and that access by car, for the event, is only available by booking a ticket and having a blue badge. Other parking is available at the Tramway. For full details and how to obtain a, free, ticket, please follow the link on Eventbrite - https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/844631675077?aff=oddtdtcreator

003 SOME MEMORIES OF BEING SPEARHEAD BATTALION - DECEMBER 1963

As has been published in recent newsletters the Cypriot High Commission in London is hosting a reception for those the UNFICYP group of 1964. It is a suitable time to therefore reminisce on some of the events of December 1963-June 1964. There are only 5 or 6 officers who survive from that time and over the next few weeks we will try and run some stories of the operational deployment to Cyprus and the Battalion's role. We are keen to have additional input from anyone who deployed with the battalion at the time, including photos, which should be initially sent to Mark Dack at the Newsletter newsletter@stand-firm-strike-hard.org.uk.

1. SOME MEMORIES OF BEING SPEARHEAD BATTALION AND THE CALL OUT DECEMBER 1963

Background. 1 FORESTERS, based in Hyderabad Barracks in Colchester were commanded by Lt Col PG Litton. They were nominated as Spearhead Battalion in 19 Air-Portable Brigade in Colchester for the period before and after Christmas 1963. The role of the battalion was such that when on stand by all equipment had to be packed appropriately. Kit bags were filled, (some may remember stencilling names and sub unit on their bags), weapons would be wrapped in protective hessian in bundles, other items were packed in wooden boxes and special precautions were taken over hazardous freight - like No 1 Burners! This had been completed prior to the Christmas break but there was no warning that anything untoward was going to happen. While some of the Battalion had been allowed home on leave part of the Battalion were restricted to Hyderabad Barracks or the immediate area in and around Colchester on 2 hours notice to move. As said there was really no indication that anything was about to happen………………………………………………………… but!

In those distant days there was a tenuous system to recall soldiers should there be a requirement to do so. Telegrams were sent to all those on leave telling them to return immediately. As a back up police in Nottinghamshire, Derbyshire and locally in Colchester were sent lists and tasked to tell men to return to barracks. As explained below - it worked!

Capt John Cook ( Asst Adjutant - 1 FORESTERS) "I recall having dinner with my mother on Christmas night 1963 and when later watching the BBC News in the evening we saw Greek & Turkish Cypriots shooting each other in Nicosia. I remarked that as Spearhead Battalion we may well be there tomorrow. "Oh dear no", she cried, shortly before the telephone rang…..The rest is History as they say. I recall that the Bn strength was 774 all ranks and that by the end of the day after Boxing Day we had 773 in or en-route to Nicosia via Brize Norton. One guy, I forget his name, didn’t get his telegram. I doubt we could achieve it today even with Whats Ap Groups!"

2Lt Mike Tulloch (Pl Comd - B Company,1 FORESTERS) "B Company were on the quickest level of standby (2 hours notice) - so we led the way. The first flight out from UK was interesting: it was very foggy, we were loaded up, doors shut, the pilot started up and taxied, seemingly endlessly, around the airfield. He announced the visibility was too bad to go anywhere and we would return to the terminal to try again in the morning. The next thing we knew was he rev’d up and we were airborne. Duncan Sandys, (Foreign Sec or Minister of Defence at the time) was with us sitting at the back with the CO. After about an hour the pilot came back to apologise to the senior men and said he had been unable to see anything at all and was about to take us back to the terminal when the station commander had appeared in a Land Rover alongside the plane pointing his arm and shouting “Cyprus is that way - so get b****y going” hence our slightly unexpected departure! Giles published a cartoon of it in the Daily Express."

004 D-DAY 80: A GIANT TRIBUTE FOR YOUR LOVED ONE Remember a loved one or commemorate the fallen with a Tribute Plaque at the British Normandy Memorial.
To mark the 80th Anniversary of the D-Day landings and in collaboration with Standing with Giants – we are offering an opportunity for the public to remember a loved one with a Tribute Plaque that will be displayed at the British Normandy Memorial. Plaques ordered by 6 May 2024 will be displayed alongside the Standing with Giants installation for the summer of 2024, allowing ‘your giant’ to stand amongst peers. Thereafter, the plaques will remain in a designated and visible area in the grounds of the British Normandy Memorial, for a minimum of 5 years. For £150 sponsorship, you will be able to dedicate a black plaque with a printed white inscription, attached to a 1.2m stake that will stand in the wildflower meadow of the British Normandy Memorial in the summer of the 80th Anniversary of the D-Day landings. You will also be offered the opportunity for your plaque to have a silhouette of a soldier, sailor or pilot – if appropriate/required.
You can provide the wording for a personal dedication on the plaque with up to 10 lines of text. Each line of text can have a maximum of 45 characters including spaces.

To order your tribute, please make your sponsorship donation here. And email with the subject: GIANT along with your inscription to: julie.verne@normandymemorialtrust.org.

005 WORCESTERSHIRE SOLDIER AT THE COMMANDERY All Members

The Worcestershire and Sherwood Foresters Regimental Association Please could I ask for your support for a very exciting initiative taking place in Worcester, which is the creation of the “Worcestershire Soldier at the Commandery”. Museums Worcestershire will work in partnership with The Mercian Regiment Museum (Worcestershire) and the Worcestershire Yeomanry Museum Trusts to join their collections and stories from 1694 to the present day with the existing Civil War display. It will offer the opportunity to understand the contribution soldiers from the county have made to international, national and local military and social history in more than 300 years. Over 130,000 men served in the Regiments of Worcestershire in World War 1 with over 10,000 paying the ultimate sacrifice. Many thousands more served in World War 2 and in subsequent wars, operations and deployments from Malaya, Northern Ireland, Afghanistan and Iraq as well as on United Nations operations in Cyprus and Bosnia. Their service represents a very proud and important part of Worcestershire’s heritage. Perhaps you and your friends had relatives who are part of this rich history? This display will pay homage to their service, courage and sense of duty. It is important that we and future generations never forget these soldiers and this museum will help us to remember them all. This will greatly enhance the iconic building’s tourist appeal in the historic part of the City. By using its educational capabilities it will be a place to which young and old alike can come to learn and study. It is expected that the overall costs of this project will be in the region of £1,200,000. Worcester City Council have designated £175,000 from central government’s post-Covid Towns Fund and the two charities have committed £105,000. The National Heritage Lottery Fund have agreed to a £243,200 development grant. So we have already identified £523,200 funds towards the cost. The remainder of the costs will need to be raised from grant making trusts, individual and corporate donations. We shall also be seeking a follow-on delivery grant from the National Heritage Lottery Fund. Please could you to consider supporting this excellent project in a number of ways: First, as a private individual with a Gift Aided donation. Secondly, be an advocate to support of the project. Thirdly, you may be aware of any corporate bodies that might consider sponsoring one of the new exhibition cases? Display cases will have a QR code to enable visitors to self-guide using their mobile phones. Descriptions of the case selected will start with “Welcome to Display case Number … sponsored by …” We would particularly welcome a case funded by the Regimental Association. To benefit from this publicity sponsorship of a case will cost £10,000.

Please could you consider contributing to this excellent project? Donations can be made to: Account Name: Worcestershire Soldier at the Commandery

Sort code: 30-99-50 Account number: 33306868

Thank you very much for your support.

006 ARMED FORCES HUB 28 JUNE 2024 AT CHESTERFIELD TOWN HALL
This event has been running for 11 years by the District Armed Forces Champion for Derbyshire and Staffordshire, Department for Work and Pensions based at Chesterfield. It is known as the One Stop Shop, under 1 Roof where so that the Armed Forces Community can meet the Forces Support/Charities face to face. It will be combined with a careers fair for the public. In attendance will be the Armed Forces Regular/Reservists Recruiters. It is hoped that the Armed Forces Councillor, the Lord Lieutenant, The High Sheriff and Mayor/Mayoress will be in attendance as well as an RAF Flypast. Please RSVP as per the invitation.

007 FOREST FORCES The next Forest Forces Breakfast Club will take place at the City Ground on Friday 19th April, 10am-12pm. Spaces are limited, so please book your place asap using the link below:

https://bookwhen.com/forestforces

008 WELDER REQUIRED FOR A VETERANS PROJECT
Forces Vets Afloat are a charity that restores canal barges to provide homes for homeless veterans.
They are looking for someone with welding skills to help with their latest project. There is a small amount of funding to cover expenses.
For more information https://www.forcesvetsafloat.co.uk/
Andy Flint andy@forcesvetsafloat.co.uk

009 OPERATION ASHBOURNE - 40's WEEKEND

010 YARNS OF VALOUR EXHIBITION

A stunning crocheted statue of a soldier that wowed TV viewers when it was put up in an Erewash churchyard has now got pride of place at the borough’s museum. The 6ft tall soldier's first duty will be to form the poignant centrepiece of an exhibition called Yarns of Valour, which salutes the stories of service people and civilians involved in conflicts around the world includding many who lost their lives.
The Yarns of Valour exhibition includes unseen photographs from the Museum collection and it will run until 13 July.
The award-winning Erewash Museum is open Thursdays to Saturdays from 11am to 4pm near Ilkeston’s Market Place. Entry is free.

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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