The Creully Club - Newsletter

ISSUE NO. 19 FEBRUARY 2003

The President’s Seasons Greetings

Our President Robert Ford sends his best wishes to all members of the Creully Club and the best of success for 2003.

Membership

The Club is pleased to welcome Margot and Peter Kerr, Bob Taylor, John ‘Slim’ Millbrook, M.C Griffiths, Allen Baker, Michael Jones, Roger Day, F A Guyatt, Brian Clarke, Christiana North and Patricia Ann Wautier.

Friends Remembered

It is with deep regret that we report the death of Francis (Frank or ‘Jonah’) Jones - April 2002 and Ken Hart - December 2002

Frank was seriously wounded on 7^th June at Audrieu when an 88 knocked out his tank. Despite his wounds he attempted to get two crew members out of the tank but was again wounded.

After his tank was knocked out he was evacuated to England, and it was in hospital that he met and fell in love with Isabel Pearman who was a nursing sister on his ward. They married and spent forty happy years together. Isabel predeceased him.

Prior to the war Frank was in the Post Office as a Postal and Telegraph Officer and returned after war service where he stayed for the rest of his working life rising to be Chief Superintendent of Accounts and was awarded the Imperial Service Medal

His son Michael Anthony survives him, daughters Susan Mary, Anne and one grand child Simon.

Ken was a popular member of the Creully Club and regularly attended all the Club events as banner bearer. Ken was also Chairman of the RDG Association London and SE Area Branch. He joined the Regiment in February 1945 at Geldern, Germany and served in ‘B’ Squadron throughout his service, leaving it September 1947. Ken was wounded in April 1945 when three of his fellow crew members were killed. Ken was dedicated to the remembrance of those who were killed and the memory of the role the Regiment played in the campaigns in NW Europe.

After the war Ken worked for Royal Insurance.

The funeral was on Thursday 9^th January at Watford during which there was a Regimental Tribute by Cecil Newton with Geoff White, trumpeter and Alan Henshall with the Regimental Banner. As well as the many members of family and friends the Royal Dragoon Guards, Home Headquarters – York, , the London and SE Branch and the Oxford Branch of the Association and the Creully Club were well represented.

We would like to express our sincere sympathy to both their families.

A. G. M - Vince Vincent

Minutes of the Annual General Meeting held at the Roebuck Inn, Alcester on 9th November 2002 at 1500 hours

Present - Secretary, Cecil Newton, Charles Batkin, Bert Clarke, Geoff Cresswell, Sid Dalley, Bernie Glanfield, Ken Hart, Ron Scruton, Vince Vincent.

Apologies for Absence - Phil Berry, Ralph and Joyce Butcher, Alan Gregson, Eric Johnston and Noel Santry. Noel’s letter of apology also mentioned his enjoyment of the November 2001 reunion which he attended and also the memorable pilgrimage to Creully in June 2002 which he had joined. The Meeting expressed their appreciation of Noel’s support. The Secretary read the letter from Eric Johnston in which he said that there had been a successful outcome to his endeavours regarding the very muddy access to Fontenay-le-Pesnel War Cemetery.

Minutes of the Last Meeting - These were read and approved

Matters Arising - Referring to Sid Dalley’s expressed concern about the future of the Creully Memorial, the Secretary reported on developments during the past year with reference to the flags. Three flags - the Union flag, the French tricolour and the flag of the 4^th/7^th R.D.G. - have been manufactured and delivered personally to the Mairie at Creully for display at future ceremonies. The cost of the flags - £365.43, is being borne by H.H.Q. The overhanging trees adjacent to the Memorial will be lopped and the flagpoles cleaned.

The Secretary read out an email from Lt. Col N.C.C. Freeman confirming that the annual dedication of the Memorial would be guaranteed and henceforth included in ‘The Customs and Traditions of the Royal Dragoon Guards’. This statement was warmly welcomed. Lt. Col Freeman also referred to the desirability of attaching plaques to the Memorial, recording the names of those who had lost their lives. The Secretary reported that moves were being made to address this issue.

It was judged relevant at this point to read out a letter from the Secretary to H.H.Q. raising the question of legal responsibility for the Creully Memorial. Sid Dalley and Ron Scruton suggested that this responsibility should be borne by the R.D.G. Association, a view supported by the Meeting.

The Secretary also said that Brian Sutton had written to him suggesting that for the 60^th anniversary commemoration in June 2004 the sharing of a band with the Green Howards would help reduce costs. The Meeting considered this an idea worth exploring.

Financial Report -The Secretary explained each item and reported a balance of £2976.68 with the Memorial Fund presently at £2555.75. Report was accepted and thanks recorded to the auditor.

Future Events -

Creully 2003 - A small group would be travelling by minibus.

November 2003 - Reunion to be held at the Roebuck Inn, Alcester.

June 2004 - The programme was already in preparation and accommodation/travelling arrangements being made.

Appointment of Secretary - It was unanimously approved that Cecil Newton should continue in his capacity, with expressions of gratitude for all he does.

Any Other Business - It was agreed that in future when the names of all 154 men of the 4^th/7^th Royal Dragoon Guards who died during 1939-1945 are read out, rank will be omitted in line with generally accepted custom, and, for practical reasons, to lessen the time to read a long list of names

The Meeting closed at 16.30 hours.

The Memorial's Future by Lt Col N C C Freeman

The following email, which was later confirmed by letter, was received from Lt. Col. Freeman, Commanding Officer of The Royal Dragoon Guards after an Association Committee Meeting held on the 7^th November 2002:

“I fully appreciate how much the Creully Memorial means to all of you who were there during D-Day (and during the campaigns in Northwest Europe 1940-1945 -Ed) and how much it meant to the 4^th/7^th. I also appreciate that there will, inevitably, come a time when your club will dissolve and your members will no longer be able to make the annual pilgrimage to Creully on 6^th June. I know that the Regiment has provided a piper in recent years but we have not done anything else to formally recognise what in fact is our most impressive memorial. I have discussed this with the Colonel of the Regiment, the Chairman of the Association and the Regimental Secretary.

It seems to us that the Creully pilgrimage is one of the great traditions of one of our parent Regiments and I believe that The Royal Dragoon Guards, as the custodian of the honour and traditions of the 4^th/7^th, should formally play a part in the annual rededication of those who died on D Day (and during campaigns in North West Europe 1940-1945 - Ed).

Therefore it has been agreed that each year on 6^th June at 11 o’clock an officer and a NCO of the Regiment in uniform will always be present to rededicate those who died on D Day (and during the campaigns in North West Europe 1940-1945).

As the present Commanding Officer and on behalf of my successors, I guarantee that this commitment will be met for as long as the Regiment exists. Assuming commitments and manpower permit it, we will also send a piper and a small guard of honour. This will now be formally included in the ‘Customs and Traditions of the Royal Dragoon Guards’, which is the bible of our history, and the annual Association grant to the Regiment will include a specific sum allocated to cover the costs of sending the party to the Memorial.

I hope that this decision will meet with the approval of the Creully Club, since it does ensure that the Memorial will not be forgotten and will continue to be a very significant reminder of the sacrifice of Old Comrades from this Regiment.

In due course, I will send you a draft of the form of words which will be included in the ‘Customs and Traditions of The Royal Dragoon Guards, for your approval and I would be grateful if you could provide me with an appropriate instruction or form of words which you would like to see enacted at the annual rededication, once your members are no longer able to attend.

The Creully Memorial was discussed at the committee meeting of the Regimental Association, which took place last week in London, and it was also agreed that the Association will provide money to engrave the names of those who died and be responsible for its continuing upkeep and insurance liability. However that part is really Association business and I have no doubt the Chairman or Regimental Secretary will write to you separately about it.

Looking ahead, I am aware that the 60^th anniversary will be coming up in 2004. I understand that there is already an acute shortage of accommodation in Normandy for 6^th June but, in principle, we would like to send a larger party, as well as either the Band of the Dragoon Guards or our own Pipes and Drums. However, I will need to get MOD clearance for this as well as finding accommodation; both may be difficult, but we are now on the case and will let you know what success we have in due course”.

Commemorative Plaque at Ver-sur-Mer.

As the years go by the achievements of the Regiment, instead of slowly vanishing into the mists of time, get into sharper focus and none more so than D-Day. The enterprise of landing before the main assault in vehicles that would make Heath Robinson envious is quite remarkable.

To commemorate the event it is proposed to erect a plaque with the kind permission of the Mayor and Commune in Ver-sur-Mer.

The plaque will be of slate size 52cmX30cm and will be inscribed as follows:-

4^th/7^th Royal Dragoon Guards
Remembering the landing by the
Regiment in DD amphibious tanks
five minutes before the main assault
at
La Rivière, 6^th June 1944

Quis Separabit

Feed back on this proposal will be welcomed.

On the 60^th anniversary a short Service of Commemoration will be held at 0720 hours, the time of the landing, at the plaque and to especially remember the 15 members of the Regiment who were killed on D Day.

On the form at the end (of the paper newsletter) is provision for those who wish to send a donation towards the cost of the plaque.

Annual Reunion November 2002 by Vince Vincent.

By the early afternoon of Saturday 9^th November nine members of the Creully Club are assembled in the bar of the Roebuck Inn. At 1500 hours the serious business of drinking gives way pro-tem to the serious business of the A.G.M. a report of which appears separately. In the evening we are joined by Roy Willets and his son Simon for the annual dinner, followed inevitably by a post-prandial session in the bar which continues until nearly midnight when, mindful of the Remembrance Parade scheduled for the next morning, time is called.

At breakfast time on Sunday the weather prospects do not look at all favourable, but the heavy rain has in fact ceased in time for the drive into Alcester to join those assembling outside the Swan Inn for the Remembrance Parade. The 4^th/7^th R.D.G. contingent, small in numbers but proudly led by standard-bearer Ken Hart, is now a familiar part of this very impressive gathering, made up of members of the Alcester Royal British Legion, civic dignitaries and representatives of numerous local organisations, from Scouts to fire-fighters.

The Remembrance Service always begins outside the church of St. Nicholas with the Act of Remembrance. The hundreds of onlookers who have lined the main street leading to the church swell the numbers gathered around the War Memorial. At the eleventh hour Binyon’s unforgettable, moving words precede the notes of the Last Post, the moments of silent contemplation - an impeccable observance during which even the sounds of traffic are stilled. As the notes of Reveille fade, the Band’s hushed playing of the 23^rd Psalm is a fitting accompaniment as silently with simple dignity, the wreaths are laid, some twenty-six in all encircling the War Memorial, including that placed by Cecil Newton on behalf of the 4^th/7^th Royal Dragoon Guards.

The church of St. Nicholas is packed as the Service continues inside. Afterwards the Parade reassembles outside and marches past the Marquess of Hertford who, accompanied by Lt. Col. Winter, ex-Grenadier Guards, takes the salute. Before giving the order to dismiss, the Marshall warmly thanks all participants and makes a special reference to the welcome presence of the 4^th/7^th Royal Dragoon Guards, with an invitation to return next year.

There is just time for a farewell drink before setting off homewards and another reunion weekend comes to a close.

A Pilgrimage to Holland, Belgium and Germany 4^th -9^th September, 2002 by Ken Hart

Participants: Cecil Newton, Ken Hart, and Dave Hart.

Wednesday, 4^th September - Cecil arrived at Watford at 14:00 and after coffee the hired Previa was loaded and with Dave driving we set off for Harwich where we booked in at the Continental Hotel (aka The Yellow Peril) for an overnight stay before taking the ferry to the Hook the following morning.

Thursday, 5^th September - After a good English breakfast we made our way to the Ferry Terminal for the 10:40 ferry to the Hook of Holland. Here we were joined by a couple of hundred motorcyclists making their way to Hasselt for the World Superbike Championships. They made a colourful if noisy contribution to the proceedings but I have to say they were impeccably behaved. The usual formalities having been completed we boarded for an uneventful, calm crossing and duly arrived in Holland at around 15:30 local time. A swift drive of some 60 miles saw us safely ensconced in the Postelse Hoeve in Tilburg in time for rest and refreshments before an excellent evening meal.

Friday, 6^th September - An early start was made to visit the War Cemetery at Rheinberg, which was reached after a few navigational hiccups and a tour of the town. Here poppy crosses were laid on the Regimental graves and we then proceeded to Reichswald Forest Cemetery where the process was repeated.

After a pleasant lunch at a restaurant at Groesbeek we visited the National Liberation Museum which among other exhibits contains an impressive diorama of Operation Market Garden and a futuristic dome which purports to contain Rolls of Honour of all Allied servicemen who died between D Day & VE Day although we did find one omission from the 4^th/7^th list.

A short drive for afternoon tea with our old friend Jan Meusles at the restaurant ‘Café ‘tZwaantje’ and a visit to Mook War Cemetery concluded a busy day before returning to the hotel for dinner.

Saturday, 7^th September - Another early start, arriving at Elst for 0930 where we met Neil, the piper from the RDG who was to join us for the next two days as Ian Hutton was not available. We were also joined by Bill Edwardes, formerly of the Worcesters and now secretary and Standard Bearer of the 43^rd Wessex Div. Old Comrades and his wife. Our first task was to affix the Roll of Honour containing the names of the men of the Worcesters, the Somersets and the 4^th/7^th who died in the liberation of Elst onto the rear wall inside the Church.

Memorial at Elst

Bill Edwardes Ken Hart Neil

Remembrance ceremonies were held at the Liberation Monument to the three Regiments and the Dutch Martyrs monument in the Square. For the ceremonies we were accompanied by the Wessex Griffons Standard as well as our own banner. Wreaths were laid for the three Regiments and also by the Deputy Mayor and other church dignitaries took part in the ceremony.

Following a visit to Driel and the RE’s Memorial it had been our intention to go to Oosterbeek Cemetery, but unfortunately we chose the wrong day as there was a Peace March in progress involving several thousand walkers and we were unable to get to the Cemetery for road diversions. We decided therefore to visit a privately owned museum devoted to “The Island” and the events of 1944-45. This is in Heteren, a few miles from Elst. On arrival at the house we were shown several small items in a glass case in the hall. Just as we thought “Is this it?” we were led into the back garden where a large outhouse contained a remarkable collection of both Allied and German uniforms, weapons and equipment, including some from the Dutch army of 1940 and the Resistance, all relating to units which had been engaged in operations on the Island. These had been presented by local residents or by the original owners and each had a story to tell. Unfortunately the only item relating to the 4^th/7^th was a cap badge. Even that was not strictly correct as it was a large one and at the time the Regiment was there all ranks wore a small one. While we were not able to add to the collection we were able to identify a British steel helmet which had recently been donated as having been worn by a sergeant in the Welch Regiment of the 53 Div.

The final event of the day was an Act of Remembrance at the Roll of Honour which had been placed in the church that morning. This was to follow Mass, which we understood would start at 18:30 and would take about half an hour. On arrival we found that the service was at 19:00 and that we were to spend the intervening time at the church hall. We were introduced to the churchwarden’s daughter who was a gifted orchestral trumpeter and who offered to play the trumpet calls for the act of remembrance. She had found sheet music for the ‘Last Post’, but not ‘Reveille’ so she got a sheet of paper, drew the music staves and copied it from the recording used in the morning. She then played it perfectly.

After attending Mass, an Act of Remembrance was held at the Roll of Honour at which wreaths were laid by Dave and Mrs Edwardes for the Wessex OCA. By the time this was completed it was obvious that we would be unable to get back to Tilburg for diner so we ate in a local restaurant and arrived back at the hotel very late.

Sunday, 8^th September - We arrived at Ooostham about 11:00 to meet Dirk Bertrands, Mathieu Lodewijckx and other members of the Local History Society for coffee before meeting the Mayor, Dirk De Vis for the wreath laying ceremony at the Liberation Memorial and the adjacent Belgium Memorial.

Afterwards the whole party returned to the café where we were entertained to a presentation of a CD made by Dirk & Mathieu recording events of 1940-45 in the village and the dedication of the Memorial in 2000. We were each presented with a copy of this plus an extra copy, which has been sent on to HHQ for their archives. We were also given an umbrella - it poured with rain in 2000 - and copies of the histories ‘De Bevrijding van Ham’ by Carl Rijmen and ‘Bruggen breken, kerken branden’ by Luc Willems.

After an excellent lunch presided over by the Mayor we were conducted to the museum at Leopoldsburg where the curator gave a resume of the history of the barracks and training area following which we were taken to a display of WW2 and later military vehicles and equipment. Cecil was treated to a ride in a White Scout Car while I had a ride in a Bren gun Carrier.

Monday, 9^th September - Following a leisurely breakfast we drove back to The Hook which we reached about 11:00 although the ferry was not due to leave until 16:00. After the exertions of the last three days it was pleasant to wander along the riverside or sit in a riverside café drinking coffee or eating fish and chips until it was time to board the ferry.

On arrival back at Harwich we were greeted by the first real rain, which we had not encountered during the entire trip resulting in a very damp drive back to Watford where we parted company.

My thanks to Cecil for making the arrangements and to Dave for a safe journey.

The Club’s World Wide Web

The September Newsletter has been included in the site also a link has been established with www.fourthtroop.freeuk.com

Lozada Designs have incorporated into the web site the ‘Search’ facility. This enables those who log on to the site to enter a name which they are interested in and it shows all the entries in the web site.

The Memorial Fund

Donations since last September have been received from George Kent - Somerset Light Infantry (second time), Joyce and Ralph Butcher (second time) and Richard Calver with our thanks.

Club Report

The two major events since the September Newsletter have been the visits to Holland, Belgium and Germany (sincere thanks to Dave Hart) and the Annual Reunion all of which are reported in this Newsletter.

Despite infirmities amongst some members, they travelled great distances to be at the AGM to assist with the Club’s affairs and to take part in the Remembrance Parade. A very commendable effort willingly done.

The arrangements for the Memorial are reported in Col Freeman’s letter in this Newsletter.

The fortunes of the Memorial have changed dramatically for the better since the Chairmanship of the Association was taken over by Noel Santry and on behalf of us all, Noel, John Etherington, General Cordingley and Colonel Freeman are to be thanked most sincerely for what has been achieved for the Memorial’s future

Jean-Pierre Dupont, Vivien and Walter Saunders and Vince Vincent are to be thanked for their help in obtaining information about the masts behind the Memorial and whether or not flags were available from either the Mairie at Creully or the War Grave Commission in France. It transpires that they are not available

The Union flag, the Regimental flag and the Tricolour were therefore ordered from Ensign Flags and they have done a marvellous job - our flag is quite superb. These have been paid for by the Association.

Joy and I went out for two days in October to Creully with the flags to meet M Lemarr from the Mairie. The overhanging branches of the trees to the sides and back of the Memorial are to be lopped so the flags can fly freely and the masts which are deeply encrusted with green mould are to be cleaned. The flags were handed to M Lemarr and they are to be hoisted before the Service on the 6^th June and lowered in the evening.

I wrote to the then Regimental Secretary when I first heard about the proposed Memorial in 1992 to ask if the names of those killed in action would be shown on it. I brought up the subject with Alan Henshall of HHQ during the Creully visit this year. His response was enthusiastic and he said he would see if the plaques with the names could be in place for 2004. I wrote to HHQ asking if the matter could be put on the agenda for the Association Committee Meeting in November. We are indeed pleased that the Association will arrange for and pay all costs for the plaques on the Memorial.

A letter was sent to HHQ regarding the status of the Creully Memorial - who owns it? Future incumbents of HHQ or the French authorities might assume, wrongly, that the Creully Club is responsible for the Memorial with all the attendant legal liabilities regarding damage to it and to people and property caused by falling trees etc. HHQ have telephoned to confirm that they are making enquiries and that the Association will be taking out an insurance cover.

Our Memorial at Oostham is very well kept and in a pleasant setting by the Church together with the Belgium Memorial. Ours, similar to the Belgian Memorial is in black marble inscribed with the names of those in the two Regiments - 4^th/7^th RDG & KRRC who were killed during the liberation of their town. Inset at the base of the Memorial is an inlay of a spray of red poppies.

Next year the Municipality of Ham are landscaping the area by the Church to accommodate the two Memorials to make a special feature of ‘Remembrance - to remind future generations’ to quote the Mayor of Ham. The dedication will be next November.

It has been noted on previous visits that Driel Museum sadly lacks any reference to the 4^th/7^th Royal Dragoon Guards and so during the visit in September an account of the ‘Dash to Driel’ by the Regiment was added to the display.

Tom Rennock’s plaque (See Newsletter Issue No 16. 2001) was not on display at Groesbeek Museum but the Museum has emailed me to say that it was taken down due to re-arrangements of the exhibits and will be refixed in a suitable place where it will not be affected by strong sun light. We will look forward to seeing the plaque on our next visit.

Correspondence

Carl Rymen Belgium writes - “Whilst in London (at the P.R.O) I stumbled on some interesting information relating to the 4^th/7^th Royal Dragoon Guards. In Oostham a certain Lieutenant won a MC.”

The citation is of Lieutenant Foreman, Richard Randall Barrington (138383, Royal Artillery) 147^th Essex Field Regiment R.A. who, working with ‘B’ Squadron 4^th/7^th Royal Dragoon Guards on the 9^th of September 1944 acting as Forward Observer Officer, engaged at Oostham by determined and fanatical Germans at short range ensured by his behaviour during difficult and trying action, the success of the operation.

Carl has also sent to the Club the interesting article ‘14 juin 1944. Bataille de Chars a Lingèvres par Jean-Pierre Benamou’ from a publication ‘Tactiques’ (see Publications)

George McNulty and George Cummings write enclosing a cutting from The Sunday Post August 25^th 2002. -“It is believed to have been Corporal E Thomas of the 4^th Royal Irish Dragoon Guards who fired the first shot after war had been declared in 1914. He was part of a dawn patrol on Saturday, August 22, which came across a group of enemy cavalry…….”

(Fully described in the Brereton History - Ed)

George Cummings also encloses a cutting from the Daily Sketch dated Friday May 14 1937 captioned

‘Members of the 4^th/7^th Dragoon Guards giving hearty cheers
on the crowning of the King during the Coronation Parade
at Redford Barracks, Edinburgh’.

Stan Brine writes enclosing a letter in the Daily Mail from Bob Taylor of Great Torrington, Devon. “The recent TV programme Journeys To The Bottom of the Sea presented the story of the Duplex Drive (DD) tanks, American Shermans fitted with flotation skirts enabling them to be launched off landing craft three miles from Omaha beach on D-Day.

The skirt allowed the tank to approach the beach under-water, and when it reached the shore, it suddenly appeared from the sea, the skirt collapsed and the tank was ready for action.

My brother, Ed (Ted) Taylor, was one of the drivers in the 4^th/7^th Royal Dragoon Guards whose tank landed on Sword Beach (sic) on June 6.

When they emerged from the water, the skirt jammed on a wooden box that held a periscope and would not collapse completely.

This prevented the gun from being traversed and brought into action. He was ‘volunteered’ to get out and chop the box away.

He said he had never been so scared in all his life. The tank was eventually blown up by a German mine in the Falaise Gap and, although he survived, he spent the rest of his life picking shrapnel out of his body.

He often spoke of the many fatal disasters they had during their training crossings to the Isle of Wight, with water swamping the skirt and sending the tank and crew to the seabed”.

(Ed - Tpr E J Taylor ‘C’ Squadron, driver in Capt. Nick Wide’s tank was badly wounded along with the co-driver Tpr W Spencer at Posty 9th August 1944).

Charles Batkin also sent a copy of the letter that he had received from Bob Taylor.

Roy Swain writes - “I enclose a presentation of the D Day landing craft; you should find yours amongst them”.

What Roy has enclosed is a ‘L.S.T Club’ chart showing the embarkation ports for The Assault on Normandy 6 June 1944 Operation ‘Neptune’ together with the reference numbers of all the LSTs that took part. An interesting addition to our archives. Not wishing to labour a point but our method of transportation was by LCTs.

The total number involved is 173 from ports all along the south coast and the Isle of Wight arriving at the beaches on the 6^th June with a follow up force from Sheerness, Southend and Harwich

Joyce Butcher writes - “Please excuse me writing this on behalf of Ralph……. at the moment even writing this would make him breathless… so he has been struggling now for a long time. Still as the saying goes we soldier on”. On behalf of all of us Ralph, our sympathy and very best wishes to you.

Madame Jouanneau Suzanne Montrouge, France, writes - “I am sorry about the delay in sending you these photographs taken of your friends in the restaurant (taken in the Ranconnière 7^th June 2002). It was a very good day to remember……. it is due to your dear fallen comrades that delivered us from the Nazi that we can have such enjoyable days What joy…………”

Lunch at the Hotel Rançonniere

Brother Cyrille             Cecil Newton
John Etherington         M. Marie - Mayor of Lingèvres
                                            Vince Vincent
                                                Alan Henshall

Alain, the Mayor of Tessel and Nicole Paysant send their best wishes for a Happy New Year to all members of the Creully Club.

Marcel ten Böhmer of ‘the Betuws war-museum The Island’ writes - “I have a tank suit and a black beret. Is it possible you can help me on a WWII cap badge from the 4^th/7^th Royal Dragoon Guards? Hope you can help me”.

Ed - If anyone has a WWII 4^th/7^thR D G cap badge. Would you care to donate it to this excellent Museum. Could you please ring me first in case I have already received a badge. It will be gratefully received by Marcel

Eric Johnston writes - “I have been in correspondence with the War Graves Commission about the condition of access to Fontenay-le-Pesnel War Cemetery. When Joan and I visited in June after heavy rain the track was virtually impassable to cars and pedestrians. When I took it up with the WGC they were not very co-operative - “we could not take action on someone else’s property”. I then wrote to the Director of the French WGC office who undertook to speak to the local landowner. This resulted in the Normandy Supervisor of the WGC visiting the Mayor of Tessel who consulted the Conseil General du Calvados and the outcome is that a ditch is to be installed along the side of the track in 2003. I felt the French were on my side!”

Noel Santry Chairman of the Association writes - “………Ken will be sadly missed by the Association and the Creully Club. However at this sad time I wish both you and the Creully Club a Happy New Year”

John Pearson writes - “The restoration of the Valentine is going well (see Newsletter No 18) and plans for Operation Smash (Commemoration 4^th April 2004) are coming along. I have the enthusiastic support of both the Tank Museum and National Trust so things are looking good”

George Walford of the Queen’s Own Rifles of Canada writes - Yours is a wonderful web site, a history lesson. A thank you to your members who bought us the drinks. Hope to see some of you in June 2003.

News of Members

Paul Mills will be staying in his new home in Normandy for the first time at Christmas. Paul and Beatrice say that they have now reached the stage with the house of putting it together and not ripping it apart.

Harry Newman ex Royal Berks Regt is undergoing treatment for cancer. We all wish Harry a successful outcome to his treatment. Harry had a very close attachment to Lingèvres as he was a friend of the landlord of the bar there. Sadly the landlord has died and his wife has moved to Courselles.

GeorgeKent ex Somerset Light Infantry has been in hospital but says he is getting better by the day. We wish George a speedy recovery back to good health. George, who is a member, is Secretary the Light Infantry Regimental Association (Somerset) Bridgewater Branch and has been a valuable contact between the Creully Club and the S.L.I in connection with the Elst Pilgrimage. Thanks George.

Alan Gregson has had a very nasty attack of shingles which has affected his right eye and treatment means that the eye will be closed for 12 months. However Alan says he is making progress and ‘getting there’.

Vivien and Walter Saunders are moving from Tessel to the Cape, South Africa. at the end of January in connection with Walter’s work as an author, also Vivien writes, “I can practise law as I have the bits of paper. And the weather, and the low Rand”.
Vivien and Walter regularly attended the Memorial Services, also they were a great help with the Club’s arrangements in France and generous with their hospitality. They will be missed by all their friends in the Club.

Alastair Morrison has been seriously ill in hospital with a virus infection. We are glad to hear that Alastair is on the road to recovery and wish him a speedy return to good health.

Guy Pether is happy to report that he is back to good health.

Dave Hart has been asked if he will be the Banner bearer for Creully 03. Dave has said it will be an honour to do so.

Those we have known

Lieutenant Colonel S.R.M. Jenkins MC, DL. - Colonel Jenkins followed a family tradition as his father, Simon was in the 7^th (Princess Royal’s) Dragoon Guards. Lieutenant Jenkins as he then was, was an accomplished horseman, he became a highly skilled showjumper, gaining a place in the British Showjumping team and in 1939 winning the international Prix des Nations Cup in Rome. He jumped a clear round on Susan in the Prince of Wales Cup at Olympia in 1939 and also won the Albert Duke of York’s Cup at Richmond and numerous other prizes. This all ended September 1939 and in June the then Major Jenkins was Squadron Leader of ‘B’ Squadron leading the attack on D Day on King Green Sector of Gold Beach with DD amphibious tanks.

In September 1944 Major Jenkins took over as Second in Command of the Regiment and in 1953, promoted to Lieutenant Colonel he took command of the Regiment. During the campaign in NW Europe he was awarded the MC and then a Bar to his MC.

On his retirement he was elected to the Gloucestershire County Council and was Chairman of the Education Committee for four years, He was Deputy Lieutenant of Gloucestershire in 1969, Alderman of the Council two years later, High Sheriff in 1975 and Deputy Lord Lieutenant in 1989 and was also Chairman of the Governors of Westwoods Grammar School. Colonel Jenkins died in 1991 after a short illness and the funeral was at Northleach Parish Church, Gloucester.

Front Row

L/Cpl Stan Talbot Sgt Jimmy James, Capt Able, Maj Steve Jenkins
Lt George Moore, Sgt Jack Watson, L/Cpl Bob Neager

Middle Row

Jack Baker, Dick Calver, Wally Dunn, Mac MacDonald,
Tom Rennocks, Cole?, L/Cpl Jack Weir

Back Row

K Ellis, Brocklehurst, L/Cpl Geoff Cresswell, Eric Dolby, Williams?

The cheerful group photograph of HQ Fighting Troop ‘B’ Squadron taken at Heveningham Camp reflects Lt.Col (then Major) Jenkins’ personality and popularity. The fate that was awaiting members of this group was indeed tragic. Seven were killed, six wounded, one POW and another wounded and POW. Amongst these casualties was the Second in Command who was killed, a Lieutenant who was captured, tortured and killed by members of the 12^th SS and two Troopers, one badly wounded, shot dead after being captured.

Photographic Record of Headstones

Photographs of the headstones at the Reichwald and Rheinberg War Cemeteries were taken during our visit there on the first day of our Oostham/Elst Pilgrimage. Luckily it was a clear and bright day so they have come out well.

Photographs of headstones are still required in the following cemeteries: -

Belgium at La Hulpe, Nevilles Brussels Lessines, , Essars.

The UK at Ipswich, Birmingham, Bristol, Crayford

France at Marquise Dunkirk, St Desir, Longuenesse.

Netherlands at Laren.

Regimental Casualties

Alan Henshall of HHQ has researched with the Commonwealth War Graves Commission the Regimental casualties for the proposed plaques for our Memorial and has found 35 names additional to the those contained in the 1992 booklet as follows: -

Brussels Town Cemetery

Tpr K R Ludlow - 01/04/45

El Alamein War Cemetery

Lt M Ballard - 01/11/42

Bayeux War Cemetery - Calvados

Capt D G P Leavey -28/07/44

(see Newsletter No 16 - 2001)

Halfaya Sollum War Cemetery

Tpr J D P Daly - 18/06/41

L/Cpl D G Morrill - 18/06/41

Tpr F Rotherham - 18/06/41

Douai War Cemetery

L/Cpl H R Blackman - 08/01/40

La Bernerie-en-Retz Communal Cemetery - Loire-Atlantique

W O Class II (S.S.M.0) E J Savin - 17/06/40

(Lost in S.S.Lancastria - Liverpool)

La Delivrande War Cemetery, Douvres - Calvados

Major A J Fitzwilliam-Hyde - 21/06/44

Munster Heath War Cemetery - Telgte, Nordrhein-Westfalen

Sgt D R Robson - 30/12/45

Khayat Beach War Cemetery - Israel

Sgt S Berrington - 24/06/46

Cpl L Bradley - 29/06/4.

L/Cpl H J Johns - 15/07/46

Tpr E A Vowles - 15/07/46

Cpl W C Young - 15/08/46

Ramleh War Cemetery

Sgt C W Blackley - 17/09/47

TprK Firmstone - 12/12/46

Cpl A K Fleming - 01/03/47

Tpr T Hutchison - 01/03/47

Tpr K Jackson - 18/09/47

Tpr D P Killick - 17/09/47

Tpr G Perry - 17/09/47

Tpr C Webster - 01/09/47

Acona War Cemetery

Lt J C R Type - 04/07/44

Taukkyan War Cemetery - Myanmar

Capt D M E McGillycuddy MC, MM– 27/06/44

(attd The Gurkha Rifles)

Hereford Cemetery - Herefordshire

Sgt T W Taysom Croix de Guerre (Belgium) - 07/02/47

Humbertson Cemetery - Lincolnshire

Tpr A G E Goulding - 10/04/47

Lea (St. John the Baptist) Churchyard - Hertfordshire

Lt J Grey MC - 09/08/43

Leeds Roman Catholic Cemetery - Yorkshire

Tpr E Broome - 11/08/44

Allepo War Cemetery

Lt A N O P Hill-Lowe - 03/02/43

(attd 3^rd King’s Own Hussars)

Barking (Rippleside) Cemetery- Essex

L/Cpl T R Bacon - 09/03/41

Cardiff (Cathays) Cemetery - Glamorganshire

Major H C R Bolckow - 17/01/44

Preston (New Hall) Cemetery - Lancashire

Tpr J F Nickson 08/10/45

Standish (St Wilfrid) Churchyard - Lancadhire

Tpr H Marsden - 25/05/40

Uxbridge (Hillingdon) Cemetery - Middlesex

Tpr E Baker - 02/01/41

I would be glad if anyone knew these members of the Regiment and also the circumstances of their death could please let me know for our records.

Information on those buried at Khayat Beach War Cemetery and Ramleh War Cemetery has been supplied by Vince Vincent

Focus on Feedback

Wilf Taylor writes referring to September Newsletter No 18 - Club Report - "Just a note to point out that the awards to Lt Apps and Sgt Fry are in the wrong order. The MM is awarded to N.C.O’s and O.R’s and the M.C. is only awarded to officers. I am sure you would have known this but someone must have accidentally crossed them over". Thanks Wilf - stupid computer!!

Eric Johnston writes: - "I was interested in the tank in the Moray Firth. The tank is actually in Burghead bay in the anchorage outside the small harbour. It was discovered in 1963 by a team of divers from Marine Laboratory, Aberdeen who were carrying out routine work in the area. The tank is sitting upright with the gun pointing to the shore and the hatches open.

The tank is believed to be a Sherman. I think it may be a 13^th/18^th Hussars tank. My recollection is that all 4^th/7^th tanks waded ashore successfully on Burghead beach but the DD tanks had to return to Fort George because the sea was so rough. It was certainly a wild January night. I was in a wading tank and remember we had to get out of the tank to tighten the holding chains and the bottom plates of the LCT were bending under the strain".