THE RIFLES, LIGHT INFANTRY (SHROPSHIRE AND HEREFORDSHIRE) AND KSLI REGIMENTAL ASSOCIATION

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1 THE RIFLES, LIGHT INFANTRY (SHROPSHIRE AND HEREFORDSHIRE) AND KSLI REGIMENTAL ASSOCIATION SH/122 NEWSLETTER SPRING February 2012 THE FUTURE 1. The RIFLES regimental objectives for 2012 set by the Colonel Commandant, General Sir Nick Parker are: To reinforce the significance of the collective identify of the Riflemen. To use our historical characteristics to exploit developments in modern warfare. To strive to realise the potential of every Rifleman. To maintain close ties with our geographical roots. To build a strong family using all 5 Pillars of the Regiment. To reinvigorate our Regimental characteristics. 2. The formation of the Rifles has been a success which we should celebrate as we reach our 5 th Anniversary. Our first 5 years have provided us with the opportunity to create a firm foundation for the future, but this is only the start. Our reputation must be built on a real foundation of achievement. We cannot set a higher entry standard than other infantry regiments and so confidence in our unique characteristics and our distinctive approach to leadership, particularly by our young officers, is key. We have to develop the potential of every Rifleman in barracks and on training, and then exploit this in a complex and constantly changing security environment. Only by doing this will we be able to innovate, be confident enough to take risks and to achieve decisive success in the most challenging circumstances. If we can get this right we can become a truly special regiment, but there is still a long way to go, and our targets for 2012 are designed to take the next step on our path. 3. Please find attached a letter from The Colonel Commandant to all Riflemen. E (RIFLES) Company 4 MERCIAN 4. The last six months have been a very busy time for E Company, as there have been changes to key roles within the company. 5. The main effort for the latter half of 2011 was ensuring that Riflemen had completed the correct career courses. Most of our Rifleman have obtained the Defence Instructional Techniques (DITs) qualification which is the foundation course to be completed by all Riflemen MERCIAN is due to mobilise for Op HERRICK 17 and E Coy has nominated 11 Riflemen to support the Battalion for its (2012/13) commitment. 7. Currently, the Company has soldiers undergoing training for Range Qualifications and Promotional Qualifications whilst the remainder of the Company has taken the opportunity to undertake Adventurous Training and there are currently 4 Riflemen in Malta learning to scuba dive and 2 Riflemen going to Norway cross country skiing. 8. Adventurous training is key to the improvement and development of the soldiers within E Company; it takes Riflemen out of their comfort zone and puts them into situations where they develop leadership skills and team working ability. Good quality adventurous training will allow Riflemen to improve physical fitness and cultivate courageous spirit as well as other key personal skill and attributes which are vital to the development of the Army. 1

2 9. The next twelve months will again be challenging; however E Company is well placed and is reinforcing the foundations on which to build a more successful unit. The following are to be congratulated: WO2 Powell on his promotion to WO2 and appointment as CSM E (RIFLES) Company. CSjt Pollit on his promotion to CSjt and appointment as CQMS E (RIFLES) Company. KEY FORTHCOMING EVENTS Bids to attend those Association events marked with an asterisk* should be sent as soon as possible to this Office, using the proformae at Annexes A and B to this Newsletter. Further details are given below: a. Sun 13 May 12 Shropshire Regiments' Trail. b. Fri 15 and Sat 16 Jun 12 * LI Regimental Reunion (Shrewsbury). c. Sat 15 Jun 12 * Bligny Church Service TA Centre, Copthorne Bks, Shrewsbury. d. Sat 14 Jul 12 (1) Sounding Retreat on Castle Green, Hereford at 1830 hrs (followed by a Reception in the Town Hall). (2) LI and Rifles Association Herefordshire Reunion (Suvla Barracks, Harold St, Hereford). e. Fri 10 and Sat 11 Aug 12 Shrewsbury Flower Show. f. Sun 26 and Mon 27 Aug 12 County of Salop Steam Engine Society Rally (Bicton Heath, near Shrewsbury). g. Sat 06 Oct 12* LI Association Shropshire Autumn Dinner (The Greenhous Meadow Football Stadium, Shrewsbury). h. Thu 18 Oct 12 Rifles Concert in The Royal Albert Hall (London). i. Thu 08 Nov 12 Field of Remembrance (London). j. Sun 11 Nov 12 Remembrance Sunday Church Service and Parade (Shrewsbury). SHROPSHIRE REGIMENTS' TRAIL - SUN 13 MAY The trail will again be organised in 2012 to raise funds for our Regimental Museum in The Castle, Shrewsbury. This task is even more pressing now that the Ministry of Defence has announced it will withdraw our museum support funding from The Trail will take place near Richards Castle, 4 miles South West of Ludlow, on Sunday 13 May, with refreshments and some magnificent high country on the Shropshire/Herefordshire border to walk over. Do come! 13. So, please find some generous sponsors and send in your application to take part using the form at Annex C. If you cannot manage 13 May but would nevertheless like to help raise funds (a massive 6,800 was raised last year) we would greatly welcome a cheque or postal order made out to: 'The Shropshire Regimental Museum'. THE LIGHT INFANTRY & RIFLES REUNION GRAND DRAW Can I first thank all the Light Infantrymen and their friends and families who supported the Reunion Draw last year; the money raised helped enormously. 15. This year everyone will be aware that HQ 5th Division is no longer at Copthorne Bks, which means that many of the services and help that we received free of charge have now gone; in addition the MOD has instituted a variety of charges that also affect us. Together these two measures have significantly increased the cost of staging our Reunion. 16. Let me confirm to everyone this year s Reunion will go ahead and early indications are that even more will be attending; however, to ensure that it 2

3 continues we do need to be self financing and that means the Reunion Draw. 17. We have once again sent everybody two books of tickets with this Newsletter and we ask if you would please support our Reunion by selling them; to help we have increased the value of prizes which are shown on the tickets. If you can sell more, please send me an to - [email protected] or phone or drop a line to : M G Halliday c/o The Rifles Office, Copthorne Bks Shrewsbury SY3 8LZ 18. This Reunion is so important, and will continue, providing it is well supported by all. We will also continue to support the young men who wear the Green Beret and Silver Bugle today because in time this Reunion in the middle of our recruiting area will become their Reunion. I really hope to see everybody in June. Best regards, M G Halliday. LIGHT INFANTRY ANNUAL REGIMENTAL REUNION WEEKEND JUN The Annual Regimental Reunion will be held on Fri 15 and Sat 16 Jun. Due to the nonavailability of The Rifles Band there will be NO Sounding Retreat on the Friday evening but the beer and food bar will be open for the 1, 2 and 3 LI Reunion. The Waterloo Band and Bugles, a TA Rifles Band based in Oxford, will support the Association Day. Programme of Events is as follows: a. Fri 15 Jun (1) hrs (latest). Bed and Breakfast Association Members arrive at the Reception Centre, Nesscliff Training Camp (Male accommodation only). Supper available up to 1800 hrs. (Ticket holders only). (2) hrs. Shuttle service from Nesscliff to Copthorne Barracks. (3) hrs (latest). (No Barracks entrance ticket required) 1, 2 and 3LI Reunions in the Main Marquee at Copthorne Barracks. The bar will be managed by Casey s who will also produce the usual food for which payment will be required from those who wish to eat. (4) hrs. Shuttle service from Copthorne Barracks to Nesscliff. b. Sat 16 Jun (1) hrs. Regimental Museum at the Castle (Shrewsbury) open to serving and Association Members (free admission - No parking inside the Castle Grounds or outside Castlegates House). (2) 0930 hrs. Shuttle service from Nesscliff to Copthorne Bks starts. (3) 1030 hrs. Bligny Church Service, TA Centre, Copthorne Barracks. (4) 1100 hrs. Beer Tent and cash food stalls open at Copthorne Barracks. (5) 1415 hrs. Association Parade and March Past on the Main Square, Copthorne Barracks. (6) 1520 hrs. (immediately after the Association March Past) Sounding Retreat, Copthorne Barracks. (7) 1930 hrs. Reunion Dinner & Draw, Copthorne Barracks (Shrewsbury) (ticketholders only). (8) hrs. Shuttle service from Copthorne Bks to Nesscliff. 20. Coach and car parking (for those with Car Passes) will be allowed inside Copthorne Barracks on Sat (but not Fri evening). There will be a minibus shuttle service between Copthorne Barracks and Nesscliff Training Camp on Fri evening and throughout Sat. 21. Younger Association Members (who were serving after 1968) are particularly encouraged to take part in the Parade and March Past on Sat 16 (when there will be a separate LI Contingent). Blazer/Jacket, ties and medals (where entitled) are to be worn on parade. 3

4 22. Those of you planning to attend the Reunion are asked to complete the proforma at Annex A to this Newsletter and return it, with your payment, to this Office by Fri 27 Apr at the very latest. You should note that it will be essential to have a Day Ticket to enter Copthorne Barracks on Saturday and b&b ticket if stopping at Nesscliff Training Camp. You must also carry your Association Membership Card throughout the Weekend. As the Reunion Dinner is likely to be over-subscribed you are advised to send in your bids for tickets right away. No Branch bulk bookings can be accepted and to save on postage, your applications will not be acknowledged. You will receive your tickets and passes at the end of May (not before). LI AND RIFLES ASSOCIATION HEREFORDSHIRE REUNION SUPPER - SAT 14 JUL The Annual Association Reunion Buffet Supper will take place at the TA Centre, Harold Street, Hereford at 1930 for 2000 hrs on Sat 14 Jul. Bids should be made direct to Capt Terry Marsh MBE, 15 Burwood Close, Venns Lane, Hereford HR1 1DQ. Tel: (Mobile) (Home) KSLI KENYAN REUNION - SAT 4 AUG The KSLI Kenyan Reunion will be held on Sat 4 Aug 1400 hrs at the Woodberry Down Pub, Victoria Road, Bridgnorth. For further information please telephone: Ray Gwynne or Vernon Davies LI ASSOCIATION SHROPSHIRE AUTUMN DINNER - 06 OCT 12 * 25. The Annual Association Reunion Dinner will be held this year at the Greenhous Meadow Football Stadium, Shrewsbury at 1930 for 2000 hrs on Sat 06 Oct 12. Applications for tickets ( per person) should be made using Annex B to this Newsletter. RIFLES CONCERT IN THE ROYAL ALBERT HALL THU 18 OCT Through music and anecdotes, The Rifles tell their unique story from the Peninsula War to the present day, climaxing with a look to the future of this forward-thinking regiment. Featured will be the Massed Bands and Bugles of The Rifles, the world famous tenor Wynne Evans and others, hosted by Michael Aspel. It is hoped that tickets ranging from to will go on sale from 5 th March. Please call: or visit the Royal Albert Hall website at for ticket prices and further details. NOTICES GOLF MEETING AT THE REUNION WEEKEND - FRI 15 JUN The golf day will take place on Friday 15th June 12. The first tee off will be 1106 hrs and all golfers should be at the TELFORD GOLF CLUB by no later than 1030 hrs. 28. The cost for the day will be 20 a man and this is for the golf only. I have provisionally booked 2 buggies at 20 each so people requiring one will have to give me plenty of notification to be sure they get one. 29. Participants have to contact me to confirm a place. The 20 fee must be paid to me by no later than 1 June. I would ask all partaking in the golf to please bring a bottle of wine or the likes, this is so all take something away at the end of the day. 30. Anyone who is interested in taking part in this Golf Meeting is to contact Ron Owen (ex 3LI) direct on or him at [email protected] 31. Easter Office closedown. This office will be closed for Easter AD Wed 04 Apr FP Thu 12 Apr Queen s Diamond Jubilee. This office will be closed AD Fri 01 Jun FP Mon 11 Jun Your Address. Please could you let the Rifles Office have your address so that future Newsletters can be hot wired to you. 4

5 34. Useful websites/ addresses. Rifles Office, Shrewsbury - [email protected] Light Infantry and Rifles Association - Shropshire and Herefordshire Branch Secretaries Hereford & Worcester ACF Shropshire ACF CCF Schools Horn Someren The Rifles - Veterans UK SSAFA Forces Help Army Benevolent Fund/Soldiers Charity N A de C Jones N A de C JONES Major (Retd) Rifles Regional Secretary Tel No: Annexes: A. LI Annual Regimental Reunion Application Form. B. Other Events Application Proforma. C. Sponsored Walk Proforma. Enclosures: 1. 2 x LI Raffle Books. Distribution: All Association Members RHQ Rifles (Winchester) 'E' (Rifles) Coy 4 MERCIAN Rifles Offices: Bodmin Durham Exeter Gloucester London Oxford Pontefract Salisbury Taunton 5

6 ANNEX A TO SH/122 DATED 27 FEB 12 To: RIFLES OFFICE FROM: COPTHORNE BARRACKS NAME:... SHREWSBURY SY3 8LZ BATTALION/PLATOON:... LIGHT INFANTRY REGIMENTAL REUNION, SHREWSBURY JUNE 2012 ADDRESS: POSTCODE:... TELEPHONE NO: NAMES OF REGIMENTAL GUESTS (INCLUDING SPOUSE/PARTNER): NAMES OF NON-REGIMENTAL GUESTS: CAR MAKE AND REGISTRATION NO:... NAME OF DRIVER:... MY REQUIREMENTS ARE: TICKET NO REQUIRED PRICE EACH TOTAL COST Sat 16 Jun COPTHORNE BARRACKS DAY TICKET Sat 16 Jun - CAR PASS FOR COPTHORNE BARRACKS Sat 16 Jun Bligny Service Church Attendance No Charge No Charge No Charge/No ticket issued ACCOMMODATION AT NESSCLIFF (MALE ONLY) ADMIN CHARGE AND BREAKFAST 15/16 JUN ADMIN CHARGE AND BREAKFAST 16/17 JUN MEALS SUPPER (NESSCLIFF) FRI 15 JUN REUNION DINNER (SHREWSBURY) SAT 16 JUN PACKED LUNCH SUN 17 JUN EACH EACH 9.00 EACH EACH 5.00 EACH TOTAL COST I ENCLOSE A CHEQUE/POSTAL ORDER FOR... MADE PAYABLE TO: RIFLES ADMIN ACCOUNT (SHREWSBURY) I WISH TO PARK MY CARAVAN AT NESSCLIFF TRAINING CAMP (Please Tick)... Please return this form WITH A STAMPED ADDRESSED ENVELOPE FOR YOUR TICKETS to reach this Office NO LATER THAN 27 APRIL A-1

7 ANNEX B TO SH/122 DATED 27 FEB 12 To: RIFLES OFFICE FROM: COPTHORNE BARRACKS NAME:... SHREWSBURY SY3 8LZ BATTALION/PLATOON:... ADDRESS: POSTCODE:... TELEPHONE NO: LI ASSOCIATION SHROPSHIRE AUTUMN DINNER, PROSTAR STADIUM, SHREWSBURY - SAT 06 OCT 12 I wish to book per person. Names of Regimental Guests (including Spouse): Names of non-regimental Guests: If possible I would like to be seated at the same table as:... I enclose a cheque for... made payable to the RIFLES ADMIN ACCOUNT (SHREWSBURY) PLEASE RETURN THIS FORM, WITH A STAMPED ADDRESSED ENVELOPE FOR TICKETS NO LATER THAN FRI 21 SEP 12 (THERE IS NO NEED TO RESPOND TO THIS FORM UNLESS YOU WISH TO ATTEND THE DINNER) B-1

8 SPONSORED WALK 2012 IN AID OF THE SHROPSHIRE REGIMENTAL MUSEUM ANNEX C TO SH/122 DATED 27 FEB I am interested in taking part in the sponsored walk on 13 May There are likely to be.. (number) in my party. Please send Walk Instructions and sponsor forms for the following to me: Name... Name... Name... Name... Name... (Put additional names on the back of this form if necessary). 2. Please send the above to: Name:... Address: Tel: Signed: For those unable to attend, but wishing to make a donation to the Museum, please make your cheque payable to 'Shropshire Regimental Museum'. 4. Send this form to: The Secretary The Friends of the Shropshire Regimental Museum Shropshire Regimental Museum The Castle SHREWSBURY SY1 2AT C-1

9 From: General Sir Nick Parker KCB CBE ADC Gen, Colonel Commandant Regimental Headquarters The Rifles Peninsula Barracks Romsey Road WINCHESTER Hants SO23 8TS Tel: DFTS (9)4271 Extn 5127 Civil: (01962) st February 2012 On this fifth anniversary of The Rifles, I am writing to you and all Rifleman to say how very proud I am of the Regiment s achievements so far. I am particularly grateful for your contribution in getting us to where we are today, whatever part you have played. This a great milestone for us. It offers an opportunity to reflect on five years at the cutting edge of military operations, and on the way the Regulars, Reserves, Cadets, Regimental Associations and our Communities have all contributed to our success. Regardless of rank, we all serve as Riflemen in a regiment that is both proud of its traditions and determined to play a distinctive part in future security challenges. We have made what is acknowledged to be an impressive start, adding further to our history and underpinning our traditions; but it s not our style to stand still. We must cement the position of The Rifles in the Army s Order of Battle as the forward-looking organisation that it is. I know that there is uncertainty about the future, but we can embrace and shape this change. The Rifles is able to demonstrate all that is best about the British Regimental System with a strong identity, real opportunity for our people and a family which provides support for us all. Using our anniversary year as a platform, I want us to strengthen our collective identity by ensuring we all understand the Regiment s and the Rifleman s most distinct characteristics. By relying on our mutual respect, self-discipline and a relentless desire for innovation, we can continue to achieve great things both at home and on operations. I am absolutely confident we are on the right track. Together we are building a great and unique Regiment, and this has been made possible by the commitment of Riflemen of every rank. My sincere thanks to you all. Swift and Bold! Copy to: All serving Riflemen

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