A Blog Page for all KSLI through history. From the very beginnings of these Blog Pages, authored by Derek Lovemore, editor, 1DCLI, 1953, a strong internet friendship evolved with WO2 Bill Griffiths, 1KSLI, RAPC, resulting in regular email contact and exchanges of historical KSLI information. Subsequently Bill’s Memoirs have been posted on a dedicated website (hotlinked). Bill’s strong Regimental connections with KSLI, subsequently gave rise to the publishing of a separate Korea Blog Page (see above header title) where a cross link to the Yapp Family Memorial site is hotlinked. L/Cpl George Yapp KSLI was KIA Korea.
See also KSLI Memorabilia 1939 -2008 published for Bill Griffiths and ably supported by his wide recall of KSLI regimental events.
The particular interest to the Editor is focussed on 1KSLI in Kenya in 1955 or thereabouts and specifically about the events surrounding the accidental death of Lt. Col Cuthbert Brooke-Smith (CBS) in August 1955. Considerable response has been generated through various channels and contact has been established with the immediate family in Truro Cornwall, which has kindly forwarded the photo of the gravesite in Nairobi. We are indebted to the joint efforts of Bill Griffiths and Keith A Forbes (webmaster bermuda-online), both of whom laboured industriously with the editor to rectify the omission of “Sunray’s” name from the National Memorial – now done.
Any KSLI trooper with information to offer is invited to post comment to this Page and add to the omissions in history that so far have been accorded the Lt. Col’s meritorious service to the British Army. Mention of CBS’ posting to Bermuda as GSO2 can be found at bermuda-online.
Carpe Diem!
A picture of Bill Griffiths in the Military Cemetry in Pusan with Pinky's brother Alex, who came to visit his grave, together with the RSM who took all the parades we went on in 2001.
3 Photos below are of Dave Stubbs and son Daniel, remembering the KSLI fallen. Bill Griffiths has supplied the photos and has indicated that Dave follows a long line of Light Infantry ‘Old Soldiers’ and he will be present at Shrewsbury on 19th June 2009. We look forward to meeting up with him.
Dave Stubbs and son Daniel remembering the KSLI fallen
Daniel Stubbs
Dave Stubbs and son Daniel remembering the KSLI fallen
43 responses so far ↓
Derek (Dick) Lovemore #22935157 // December 15, 2006 at 11:33 am |
Update! Update!
WO2 Bill Griffiths (now 76) 1KSLI, RAPC and more, has shown fantastic support to our many interlinked web and blog and LI Guestbook pages. His military story and travel on 6 different HMTroopships, a Carrier and an LST are now published for all his former mates and comrades to see and trigger memory recall. Can anyone improve on his travel record?
Why not YOU? Just take a walk down memory lane. As Bill tells – it’s so rejuvenating!
Postcript added 28th January 2007. Bill Griffiths’ story Long Service and Good Conduct? is now published and offers continuing interest as the chapters unfold. Bill mentions Archie Moulds 1KSLI in his story, and in a round about way, the Editor here will be catching up with Archie in NZ soon – some 54 years after he and Bill parted company in Hereford (?) in 1952. Such is the ‘connectedness’ power of messaging and commenting. Give it a go lads!
Carpe Diem!
Derek Lovemore #22935157 // April 28, 2007 at 9:38 pm |
Comment on 29th April 2007
I’m pinning a (figurative) new medal on your chest Bill, for your undying devotion to your wife Nancy during her eye operation recovery. Best Wishes to you both, Nancy especially, for a quick and full recovery. I’m impressed Bill by your regimental attention to duties and look forward to many many more emails from you in Hereford, keeping me up to date with progress.
For the record also on this Blog, this Editor actually met up with Archie Moulds, mentioned in earlier blogs. Archie is the boy soldier mate of Bill at Copthorne Barracks 1946, written of in Bill’s Memoirs. In February 2007 Archie and I, toasted Bill and Nancy in Te Anau NZ. A hand of friendship linked a world away over a timespan of 50+ years. Why not a similar event for others through this Blog medium.
Carpe Diem!
Derek Lovemore #22935157 // May 5, 2007 at 10:48 pm |
Condolences
We sadly report the death of Doris Griffiths, wife to Bob Griffiths KSLI, brother of WO2 Bill Griffiths KSLI, on Saturday 5th May. Doris would have been 80 years young on 9th May next. Doris had been poorly for some time and was cared for by Bob over many years.
We pass on our condolences and supportive thoughts for Bob Griffiths and Family at this sad time. Bill’s email is available from this editor at any time, for suitable messages.
Carpe Diem!
Derek (Dick) Lovemore #22935157 // July 30, 2007 at 7:35 am |
KSLI MEMORIES OF 1953 – SERGEANT’S MESS
WO 2 Bill Griffiths has uncovered a memorable Mess photo taken soon after the Regiment returned from Korea and was presented with new Colours. The quality of the photograph is first class and has digitalised exceptionally well.
Many Old Soldiers of the era should recognise themselves and we shall welcome any Memorabilia that they – in turn – would like to contribute for publishing.
Go to our KSLI Memorabilia 1939 – 2007 website. There is space for many more photos – so GOYA (Get Off Your Al-bums) you blokes.
Tempus Fugit!
Derek (Dick) Lovemore #22935157 // November 2, 2007 at 7:07 am |
LT. COL. CUTHBERT ‘TUPPER” BROOKE-SMITH, 1KSLI: KIA KENYA 1955.
The efforts of several interested parties that span the time window from 1949 to the present day, in the unravelling of the Brooke-Smith story – need to be recorded for KSLI history. From the early days of searching for answers in September 2006, the editor has been joined by Keith Forbes, webmaster of bermuda-online. Bill Griffiths 1KSLI from 1946, George Pollock (former Capt RAMC 1955-1957) and others – names yet to be revealed.
To date the Town Council at Church Stretton, the Shropshire Star Newspaper and the Local MP have been appealed to by the parties above and Keith Forbes has individually approached the Armed Forces Memorial Trust asking why the Lt. Col’s service and memory has not been honoured in the time expected dignified manner for all soldiers who are killed while on active service. A reply from the AFMT has so far not been received, a tardiness and more disrespectful attitude that is difficult to fathom.
Lt. Col. Brooke-Smith’s meritorious service to King, Queen and Country is detailed at the 1955 entry to bermuda-online by Keith Forbes, a family friend and British Army Historian.
We hope that other 1KSLI Officers, NCO’s and O.R’s of the era who served with the Lt. Col. – some of whom attended the only occasion of recognition for him at the Church Stretton War Memorial, just a few years ago and long after his death – will join us in the appeal to repatriate the Lt. Col. remains from a nondescript, unkempt grave in Nairobi to his home town of Church Stretton, to be re-interred there with full Military Honours.
Please email me on djkl157@gmail.com or post a comment on this Blog site to show your support.
ED: Logged in on 8th November 2007
The joint appeals from those of us sufficiently interested to see honour done to the memory of the Lt. Col. has met with part success. Keith Forbes has today been informed by the AFMT that a full entry for CBS has now been included, which Certificate can be viewed on our KSLI Memorabilia website (endpages). The complete grave location registry can be viewed on http://www.forcesmemorial.org.uk/ by entering “Cuthbert Brooke SMITH”. Our hopes now rely on a successful outcome for our appeals to the various organisations to repatriate the Lt. Col. from Kenya to Church Stretton with full Military Honours.
ED: Logged in on 28th November 2007
The joint efforts of our ‘Repatriate CBS’ group is showing further results, with fantastic co-operation from the Brooke-Smith Family in Truro that has released a sketch of CBS, now published on the KSLI website (see hotlink above) and additional details of past efforts to have the Lt. Col. properly recorded on the WW2 Memorial at Church Stretton. Jonathan Brooke-Smith is also in email contact with us from Iraq.
Editor // December 8, 2007 at 2:29 am |
BREAKING NEWS!!
On 5th December 2007, just 3 short days ago, we intercepted an appeal from a former German Soldier with a compassionate story of the 1944 battle fields of Belgium, just outside Antwerp. The (then) enemy soldier and his mate, befriended a defenceless British Tommy, who was crippled with 2 broken legs and hiding in a wood. The resultant story of compassion and assistance and now, 63 years on, an attempt to re-unite these WW2 soldiers is being developed on a website “Search for Tommy Atkins 1944″.
It follows that Google Searches thus far have turned up the possibility, however remote, that Tommy was, and hopefully still is, a KSLI trooper.
GO TO: the hotlinked website to study the captivating story, and maybe YOU have something to contribute – a long forgotten snippet of memory – or a friend or family connection who mentioned the event. Please post a blog message if so.
Carpe Diem!
Denise Friswell // December 15, 2007 at 12:27 am |
Hello
My father was in KSLI Kenya 1955. He Sailed on the HMT Empire Halladale from Liverpool to Kenya. Dad remembers Lt. Col. Brooke- Smith and the ambush.
He recently told me this following a brief telephone call and will explain more of his recollection.
One thing that doesn’t seem to have been mentioned was the fact that the ‘African trackers’ usually wore yellow band around their head/hat. This was to show they were friendly and helping army to track terrorists (to prevent mistaken identities), but unfortunately on this particular day they were not wearing their yellow bands.
Which was the reason (according to the writer) for the accidental shooting – the gunner shot at the unmarked ‘trackers’ believing them to be terrorists. My pater isn’t on line but is very interested in your site – I will be showing this to him. He has only just found out about your site through a recent article in his local newspaper in Ludlow.
I will be getting some more info from him and try and send copies of his old photos.
I hope this has been of some use?
Regards
Denise, daughter of Douglas Friswell KSLI
ED: Many thanks for your contribution Denise and we shall welcome any additional KSLI Memorabilia that Doug might have, additionally of course to further details of the Lt. Col Brooke-Smith accidental death episode.
Cindi Powell // December 20, 2007 at 3:25 pm |
My Dad L/CPL Alfred Seymour was around you guys about that time please, if anyone recollects him and anything he may have done please contact me. He passed away 8/2/02 with so many questions unanswered, RIP.
ED: Thanks Cindi, I’m sure that your post will be viewed by Old Mates, who will then contact me to establish a referral back to you if information turns up for Alfred.
Brian George Taylor // December 23, 2007 at 6:29 pm |
Hi, I’m just putting a comment on your website for my father L/Cpl Brian Taylor from the HQ49 Brigade if anyone remembers him (and yes he’s still with us kicking ass but a computer fobe). It would be nice to know he served in Kenya 1955 to 1957.
ED: Thanks Nikki for this posted comment, which is a welcome addition to our growing contributor list. An industrious few of we former LI soldiers, KSLI troopers and Brooke-Smith Family friends have progressed down the path of proper recognition for “Sunray” who was tragically killed in July 1955 in the Aberdare forest. We are boldly attempting to gain family and government support to repatriate the remains of Lt. Col. CBS from Nairobi to Shropshire. Numerous letters have been sent to various ‘influential’ parties, including CBS’ former Officer comrades of the KSLI of that era in an attempt to rectify the (seeming) errors of omission. Any comment or assistance that Brian Taylor can offer will be greatly appreciated. Current progress on the matter can be viewed on the endpages of KSLI Memorabilia 1939-2007.
If Brian can provide .JPEG photos and/or editorial contribution, we shall include said material in our progress report in due course.
Thank You
Editor Brisbane Australia
Buff Bale 1st KSLI Bugler // February 4, 2008 at 4:48 pm |
Hi Bill,
You have done a great job, brought some memories back. Well done.
Tony (Buff) Bale
Bill Griffiths // February 6, 2008 at 8:28 am |
Hi there Buff Bale. Where are you now? When were you a bugler? Do you remember my brother Bob, COs Bugler – 1945 to 1952? Get in touch would love to hear from you.
Tel 01544 327020
Address: Fairview, Eardisley Hereford HR3 6PQ
Editor // February 6, 2008 at 9:08 am |
Hello Guys
Just a quick reminder about your email address. It is not published unless you include it (accurately) in the body of your message text.
Regards
Bill Griffiths // February 17, 2008 at 7:52 am |
Hi again Buff Bale..
Still waiting to hear from you…I have been racking my memory and I am certain I remember your name now..and I saw Brother Bob yesterday…he would love to know if you remember him. He is now 80 years old, and not on the net, so will depend on me for keeping in touch. Please get in contact. I am living in Hereford at Fairview, Eardisley Hereford HR36PQ.
Bob is living in Norwich now..and sadly his wife died last year..so he is in great need of comfort from old pals like you. LOOK FORWARD TO HEARING FROM YOU.
‘Aucto Slendore Resurgo’
Bill Griffiths.
Bill Griffiths // February 17, 2008 at 7:58 am |
Hi ED.
Derek, can you add my picture to these messages???
Bill
ED: Yes Bill – ’tis called an “Avatar” and it’s loaded via the “My Profile” selection in the upper rhs of the site Menu Bar. I’m not sure of what it is that you see when you open this page – so you may need to ‘open an account’. I’ll advise more clearly when I return from Tasmania.
Gordon H Vaughan. // March 16, 2008 at 1:30 am |
Our first month in Kenya D Coy KSLI 1955.
Arrived Kilindini harbour 9th June 1955, boarded train at dockside travelled overnight to Nairobi station where we were met by the 1st Battalion Royal Inniskillen Fusiliers on their way home. Then off to Muthaga about three miles away. After about six days “B” and “D” Coy where sent to the rift valley.
We set up camp in the shadow of Longernot Volcano. After about three weeks 10 and 11 Platoons” “D” Coy were deployed to the 1st Battalion Royal Irish Fusiliers up in the Aberdare forests to do their forest duties. 11 platoon were sent to A coy at their camp at a village next to a sawmill called Pencil Slats on the edge of the forest. After two days we set off with ten days compo rations Officer in charge was 2/Lt Halliday it was all up hill and absolutely hard going. We eventually arrived at our destination looking down into a valley, made a clearing and setup our bivvies.
Next day out on patrol on the third morning we were getting ready to start out when the R.A.F came in bombing and shelling the valley below. Unknowing to us this was the start of Operation Dante. Back out on patrol after a short time the wireless operator received a message to get back to base camp at Pencil Slats. On this Operation 10 platoon had the 1st kill of the Battalion. This was all in the first month in Kenya.
We left the lads of A Coy R.I.Fusiliers to get on with their admin, and we went to join our Battalion for Operation Dante. This was beginning of July.
Nick name Archie.
ED: Many thanks Archie for this contribution. We shall appreciate your recollections of the tragic death of Sunray later this same year.
Gordon H Vaughan. // March 17, 2008 at 7:19 pm |
OPERATION DANTY
The incident on 18th July 1955 as told to me by Pte Alfred Stokes of Ludlow Shropshire, ex A Coy KSLI.
3 Platoon “A” Coy consisting of L/Cpl Fisher, Pte Roberts, Pte Alf Stokes, Pte Doug Edgerton were carrying out an ambush. Curfew was 19-00 hrs till 07-00 hrs. Pte Alf Stokes had finished his one hour stag at 0600 hrs, Pte Doug Edgerton took over the Bren gun. It was just breaking dawn around 0615 hrs, when the silhouette of a figure came into view. On seeing this, Doug opened up with two bursts on his Bren gun. When they approached they saw it was a white man; he had been hit by about ten shots in the groin and just below the heart. He was badly wounded and asked for pen and paper and put down a message congratulating the men and taking full blame for what had happened. He was carried out on a stretcher made up of two bamboo poles and a poncho. He died just as they got to the edge of the forest.
Further down the track an ambulance was waiting, they handed the body over to two men. One could have been Captain George Pollock and the other Sgt Morgan RAMC. Within the next few hours this ambush was pulled out and the men sent back to the main camp of Muthaga. It was only then they were told that the man shot was Lt. Col. Brooke – Smith who had been on a surprise visit and had come up from the rear.
When the funeral took place the men involved on this ambush carried a wreath each which were handed to the officers and one Sgt at the graveside.
Please note that the only person the four men on this ambush saw till they got to the ambulance was Lt. Col. Brooke-Smith.
Archie Vaughan, ex D Coy KSLI.
ED: Archie. On behalf of the many ex KSLI troopers from other times and places, Family friends and connections seeking the truth and those of us ex LI soldiers from other regiments – all of whom have spent many hours seeking a description of the event, we record our thanks. Your description of the tragic simplicity and clear mistaken identity, resulting in Sunray’s untimely death, brings to an end a number of attempts to uncover the story. The KSLI website shows the industry that many have undertaken to bring a fitting final tribute to this gallant Officer.
Bill Griffiths // April 1, 2008 at 9:03 am |
Archie,
Let me add to Ed’s comments that we are all grateful for your contribution to this story which has been so long in reaching its truthful conclusion.
Aucto Splendore Resurgo
Bill
Dorothy Bale (Buffs wife) // July 25, 2008 at 3:11 pm |
Hello Bill,
I can not seem to find photos. Can you give me the website please. (Or am I missing something here)
Thank you
Dorothy
ED: Hi Bill. Are you trailing this thread? Dorothy – if Bill doesn’t reply – just let me know which photos you are referring to and I’ll send you the URL.
Dorothy Bale (Buffs wife) // July 26, 2008 at 4:31 pm |
Hi ED,
Any photos from Hong Kong, Korea, I believe Bill has some on web. We would be interested.
Thank you. Dorothy
ED: Chapter Four Dorothy – click this link to browse Chapter 4 – then try successive chapters that are linked internally. Try the KSLI Memorabilia site also
wg52neg // July 30, 2008 at 10:00 am |
Hi Dorothy,
Sorry I didn’t get in touch earlier – been sort of out of action. But spoke to Buff the other evening – had quite a nice chat. Have you been able to get on to the sites Ed gave you?
There are lots of photos there now and we are always looking for more to add to it – so if you have any – let me or Ed have them and we will include them.
All best wishes for now. The bugle is sounding for ‘Cookhouse’ better go – Nancy wants some breakfast
Bill Griffiths
my email address is
bill@billgriffiths.wanadoo.co.uk
ED: Just to add to Bill’s comments, Dorothy. Any photos that are scratched, torn, folded or faded can be retouched. If you can get ‘em scanned – please use the .jpeg format – otherwise – we can probably arrange for that to be done for you.
Ted Hambling // July 31, 2008 at 1:21 pm |
Hi Bill
You are doing a fine job. My step father was KSLI 2nd Batt joined up pre-war – was in East Indies at outbreak of WW2 – was evacuated at Dunkirk – retrained in Inverurie(?) – was attached to the Middlesex reg M.G. I have an old photo of Z Machine gun coy Aldershot, I think it is 1937’s.
I had a number of years with 5 LI (V) Harold Street Hereford and loved it, Sergeant Major was Vernon Davies. All the best Bill
Regards Bro,Ted
Dorothy Bale // September 7, 2008 at 4:40 pm |
Hi Bill,
I know it is sometime since I was in touch but with Tony being ill at the moment I have not had time to look for any photos but will look and if I find any will email them. I hope you and your wife are well. Regards Dorothy
Paul (Barney) Barnes // September 17, 2008 at 12:24 am |
Not sure if this is the right place for this, but this is a song that I’ve been known to stand up and sing, when Ive had a few sherberts, it was sung by one of the musicians of the Band and Bugles of the 3rd Battalion the Light Infantry (K.S.L.I.) I learnt it whilst serving in 3 L.I.
It’s called SOLDIER BOY
A brave young soldier boy named Geordie, is the hero of this song he crossed the sea to serve his country, he went to serve out in Hong Kong.
His wife he left back home in Gateshead, but soon his heart began to long, for the company of a female though he knew that it was wrong.
He crossed the harbour in a ferry, took a rickshaw to Wanchi, and in a dimly lighted bar there, a slant eyed maiden did aspy.
Coca Cola for this maiden, art for eighty he did buy, but when he asked her for her favour he was greeted with this cry.
Meee no likey Blitish Soldier, Yankee Sailor me adore, Blitish pay one dollar only, Yankee pay one dollar more.
Yankee call me honey darling, Blitish call me bloody whore. Yankee here for one night only,,
Blitish here for ever more.
End..
I thank You
Barney.
P [Buster] Sisley 4042830 // September 29, 2008 at 3:20 pm |
Having recently had my autobiography published – ‘A Shropshire Boy’ . I am now attempting to put together a pictorial record of the band of the Kings Shropshire Light Infantry 1945-1957 While I have a number of photographs I feel there are still a number of others of interest out there. If any one would care to submit said photographs I will of course ensure their return .
A.P.Sisley 33 Allison Avenue. SWADLINCOTE DERBYS D E II 9 B S
ED: Seems like a mission for our Senior NCO
Buster, have you checked out our KSLI Memorabilia and also the Bill Griffiths Memoirs?
Editor // November 22, 2008 at 4:50 am |
4KSLI ALBERT CANAL, MERXEM BELGIUM, SEPT. 1944
Some of you Old KSLI & LI Soldiers might have been following my quest to identify ‘Tommy Atkins”, injured on or about 18th September 1944, near Merxem, Belgium. I’ve devoted an entire website – designated “The Search for Tommy Atkins“ (hotlinked) and have compiled much information of the Allied action around the Albert Canal at this appropriate time. We are unfortunately no closer to closing our quest and clearly the chances in 2008 of finding a living identity who is aged at least 88, is fairly remote.
However, intelligence continues to flow, albeit impacting indirectly on the theatre of war at that time. We are in contact with the son of Sgnt GR Jones, “A” Company 4KSLI and await further news of the Sgnt’s reports of the KSLI bridgehead established in the Battle for Antwerp, Sept 1944. While this detail might not clarify the Tommy Atkins identity, we can at least demonstrate that we can – all of us – with effort, bridge a timespan of some 64 years and still communicate with a living WW2 hero – who is willing to divulge his battle history.
My website connects the reader to the book ” The Great Mistake” by Peter Beales and pages 135-136 relate (in part) the 4KSLI involvement in the fierce fighting against German armour.
I’m posting an advance Thank You to Sergeant GR Jones for his forthcoming Memoirs, we look forward with pleasure to more accurate detail from someone who was there.
Carpe Diem!
Dorothy Bale // December 5, 2008 at 11:29 am |
Hi Bill,
Just to let you know Buff Bale passed away on the 5th of November after a long illness. I previously said I would send you some photos. I have some but do not know who most are.
Regards Dorothy Bale
Bill Griffiths // December 13, 2008 at 1:17 pm |
Dorothy,
So sorry to hear the very sad news. Buffy was a great guy, loved by many, a very sad loss. He is now in safe hands. God Bless his soul, and God bless you too.
Bill
Bill Griffiths // December 13, 2008 at 1:24 pm |
Hi Ted, (Bro Hambling) didn’t realize you were looking through this. How are things with you? Nancy and I are still plodding on, albeit a lot slower these days, not up to 140 to the minute these days. Great to hear from you
WBro. Bill
Jack Rumfitt // December 30, 2008 at 12:16 pm |
Hi. I am sorry to see that Buff Bale has passed on, as he was with me in the KSLI. I was in C company at Chelsea Barracks in 1948, but transferred to the Bugle Section, in 1948. Bob Griffiths was my NCO, then also Cpl Crawley, plus many others. I was in contact with Buff, when I lived in Chester – Le – Street, Co. Durham; that was the last time I heard from him and that would be in 1996.
I now live at, 33 Cheshire Ave, Birtley, Chester – Le – Street, Co. Durham DH 3 2BB and I am now 78. I have the Regimental Journal from when the Regiment was in London, and it has all of the names and what was there at that time.
My regards to Buff’s wife, all the best to all who served with me at the time, and to all who served with the KSLI.
Jack, 22201082 L/Cpl
ED: Thanks Jack. I’m sure that Bill Griffiths, who is a regular contributor to these blogs will pick up your message and convey the content to his brother Bob.
Jack Rumfitt // January 8, 2009 at 2:26 pm |
Hello All, served in KSLI from 1948 – 53 Anyone remember me. Look forward to hearing from you all.
Bill Griffiths // January 10, 2009 at 1:59 pm |
Hi Jack,
I was in Chelsea Barrracks 1948, the good old days. Bob is my elder brother now living in Norwich. Tel no; 01692 652966 if you would like to give him a call, I am sure he would be pleased to hear from you. He is now 81, living on his own and I am 78 same as you.
He left the Bn in 1952 when we came home from Korea and I stayed on till 1970 having transferred to the Pay Corps in 1954. By the way, Chelsea Bks has just been sold and will soon become a big residential site. I went there last year, not a single soldier in sight, probably all still in bed.
Great to hear from you – keep in touch, this is a great site maintained by our great Editor Derek. Best wishes for the new year.
Bill Griffiths.
Bill Griffiths // January 10, 2009 at 7:33 pm |
Hi Jack,
Me again. Just read an article saying that Chelsea Barracks has just been sold to a property developer for, wait for it -£900 million. And to think that we were paid peanuts to flatten the ground all those years ago with our hob nailed boots – all thirteen studs in each boot, polished till they shone like silver, ready for them to build. Ain’t no justice in this world is there?
All the best again,
Bill
Jack Rumfitt // January 14, 2009 at 9:01 pm |
Hi Bill, am pleased to hear from you. Yes Chelsea Barracks was some place; that was the place when all the battalion was on parade and we were guinea pigs for the now flu jabs. We were asked if we liked eggs and we had to go to one side of the square and the ones who did not like eggs had to go over the other side. Do remember that, as I said before I was in C company, when the regiment went to Chelsea, we were at Smithfield Barracks North Wales, to be trained up for royal duties. RSM Brittain and RSM Knight were the ones that put us through the drill for royal duties.
I’m not too good on computers as yet, I will have to get a good friend of mine to send some photos, as he is the one who helps me.
Some times it was hard to remember all of the things that we had to do, but we got there. We had a lad who came to the regiment from I think the Middlesex, came into the Bugle section – called Smokey Rolls, did you remember him? He was the only bloke who could go into the shower with a rolled cigi and bring it out dry. He used to roll it back into his mouth and when he was done roll it out dry and continue to smoke it.
I lost a good friend in Korea who came back with me when I was on leave at the time. He had never been on a train before. I took him to Bordan Hants with me. He was not due to do his training for 4 weeks. I was then done with my training and had to join the KSLI 1st Batt in 1948, and later he came to Chelsea when his training was complete. I was down to go to the DLI, but there was a lot of other regiments that had to form the 1st Batt KSLI, so I was not alone for the regiment. All was well, yes I had good times, I was over the moon when we had to go to Kowloon, had some good times there and then to Korea.
I think some of the lads had mixed feelings about going there, but it was to be – and we lost a lot of friends there. That’s where (I lost) my mate from home who came back with me from my leave, name John Pinkerton. When we came back from Korea, I went to see his family, who just lived in my home town, his dad had been in the 2nd world war.
Well Bill as you say that the Barracks at Chelsea have been sold, but I have some good memories of that place, it’s also good to hear that your brother is well. I will try and send some photos,
Cheers and all the best till next email
Jack
Bill Griffiths // January 15, 2009 at 7:44 am |
Hi Jack,
Great to hear from you and all your memories of good times from yesteryear, when we were all young lads enjoying life, having fun, doing our job and most of all, making good friends. Yes I remember Smoky Rolls, he even used to have a fag in his mouth when he was duty Bugler. I even remember him on a sports day in Sek Kong, running in a sports race, round and round the track, puffing away and leaving a smoke trail behind him. A great character.
I went back to Korea in 2001 with a party of ex KSLI guys, and Pinky’s brother Alex came with us, and received I think, a re-visit Medal. I have a picture of him with me, talking to the RSM who was in charge of the various parades we went on, he was wearing Pinky’s Korean Medals and I also visited Pinky’s grave, and took pictures of it.
Yes Jack, we had great times, in a fine Regiment which we were proud to serve in, and as you also say, lost a lot of good pals during the Korean War. I have a Roll of Honour on my living room wall, which I look at every single day, without fail, remembering those who didn’t come back with us.
Waiting to hear from you again
All best wishes,
“Aucto Splendore Resurgo”
Bill
Jack Rumfitt // January 15, 2009 at 1:21 pm |
Hi Bill. Yes we rise again with increased splendour. I have some photos of the band at Chelsea, but when this was taken I could not see your name at the time this was taken, so did you come later? I have all the names at that time and also all of the names of the Buglers. Your brother, B.Maj Curnow, Sgt. H Haynes, Cpl C Smith, L/Cpl H Morgan, Buglers, Clayton, Whittaker, Thorne, Bowyer, Hanlon, Cornish, Creed, Donald, Gould and then we had nine, transfered from the Som LI. How I went to the Buglr Section was after I did a lot of royal duties. I used to always stick my hand up for Bank Guard, as we got a shilling every time you went there. In those days – it got you five Players cigs, a cup of tea and a scone. As you know we only got ten bob a week then, the Players Weights, was cheap cigis in them days.
I remember when the ship pulled into Hong Kong from our tour of Korea, and you and others got married, and came back with your wife. Was the ship called Empire Fowey, or was it some other name, cannot remember? – the ship we sailed on to go to the Far East.
I think we were at Salisbury Plain Barracks weren’t we? and I do not remember the ship we went on.
I remember it was rough at parts at sea, like the Bay of Biscay – I dont know if thats how you spell it, but it sounds the same, Ha Ha. It was also rough at the Indian Ocean, as I was down at the wash and toilet room doing my cleaning duties, and the ship was dipping and rolling, and a lot of lads were sea sick, it never bothered me. Should have been a sailor.
Yes, Smokey Rolls came to my home town on leave and stopped at my home and we went to the big town fair, we called it the town moore, where all the show folk put up their rides and lots of other side shows. That’s where he met his wife to be. We were still at Chelsea and later on he said he was going to get married, so we made arangements for the wedding and got leave. I was best man and Buff Bale also came to his wedding. Had a good time but Buff and me had to come back to barracks after our weekend leave,and Somkey had a full weeks leave.
Well Bill, will give your brother a phone call tonight after six 15/1/09, Cheers nice to hear from you, must go now and have my mid-day meal as I am diabetic plus lots of tablets, I have to inject my self twice a day, I suppose it keeps me going. So once again cheers.
Jack
Bill Griffiths // January 15, 2009 at 6:03 pm |
Hi Jack,
Just a quick reply to your latest blog. I was at Kneller Hall when the Bn first went to Chelsea, and I came back in November ‘48. The ship we went to Hong Kong on was The Empress of Australia and I also remember all the sea sickness.
The ship we came back on was the Empire Trooper – sailed from Hong Kong the day after I got married, 56 years ago and to me it seems just like yesterday. I have asked Derek (Editor) if he can include the picture of me with Alex Pinkerton at The Military Cemetery in Pusan. Keep on submitting your memories, it is what keeps us Old Un’s going. Cheers for now
Bill
ED: Photo requested now posted to lead page on this KSLI Blog. Scroll to end of leader (before the Comments).
Jack Rumfitt // January 16, 2009 at 2:06 pm |
HI
Hi Bill, was on phone to your bro, Bob on thursday 15th 09, but phone was on answer, that was after six thirty but was engaged, so tried a bit later, still could not get through, so left a message on machine. At about between eight and nine the phone rang and I think it was his grandaughter saying he was in the bath and would ring later, which he did. We had a good chat about Chelsea Barracks, and Kow-loon and San-wai, plus Korea, I said I would send him some photos of Chelsea, and others.
Thanks for letting me know which ship we sailed on to the Far East, and the one we came back on, I could not remember, sometimes my memory lets me down, but thanks. All I do remember was that when we got into warm weather, I and others slept on deck,whith our hammock and towel, that was just in case it got a bit cold ,so we would cover ourselves with the towel.
I saw the photo with you at Pusan Cemetery and Pinky’s brother, I am sorry to say that I have never been to cemetery. We played the Last Post there before we left for home. The DLI were the ones who relieved us, so if you would like to see the photos I am going to send to Bob,some might interest you, or you can use on your web.
Have a nice weekend, Cheers, Jack.
Will be intouch later, t.t.f.n
Jack Rumfitt // January 31, 2009 at 1:02 pm |
Hi Bill. Had a nice chat with your brother on the 30/1/09. I had sent him some photos – just wanted to know if he got them OK. We talked about old times, and I also looked at your book on the web – that brought good memories. I also still remember about the policeman waiting for us to come out of the gates, as I was in C company then and we were first on Royal Duties, to relieve Welsh Guards. I think he got a shock at the speed we were marching at but the next time was a copper on horse back. We had a good laugh at that.
Bob was saying that your good wife is not too good, hope all will be well, I did not know that you had written a book on the Regiment, as I read it an it was quite interesting; brought some good memories back
Well I hope all is well, hope to hear from you again, all the best.
Jack.
Dennis Hall // March 23, 2009 at 2:17 am |
Hi! there I was in Kenya with the KSLI. From 1955 to 1957. Spent most of my time when not out on patrol working in the arms cote, “C” Company. I have heard stories of the ambush. I would like to hear from any one who was there at that time. Dennis Hall now living in
We will raise again with increased splendor,
Archie Vaughan. // March 28, 2009 at 2:44 pm |
Hi Dennis. Some of the lads in C coy joined D coy in August 1955. John Marston, Dick Bissell, Tom Morris and lots more. Lads I meet from time to time from C coy Mick Devereux, Brindly Powell, Jim Fletcher, the boxer from Leominster.
If you look on this KSLI page under Gordon H Vaughan to read the messages I have left on the Ambush July 1955. Please get in touch.
Regards Archie Vaughan.
Brian Gittins // April 16, 2009 at 6:28 pm |
My late uncle Wilf Talbot was wounded at Baron in 1944 when with 4th Bttn KSLI. Any chance anyone remembers him?
jm grindle // May 21, 2009 at 11:10 pm |
Any memories of my late uncle Sgt Major Peall KSLI in Korea?
ED: Thanks for inquiry JM. Maybe Bill Griffiths, Korean Vet will pick up your comment.
Liam Buckley // May 23, 2009 at 9:26 pm |
Looking for anyone that remembers Lieutenant Colin Buckley 1st KSLI N. Africa, Italy, Palestine from 1944-47. Have many photos of the battalion, including Lt Richardson. If anyone has any recollections would appreciate it.
Thank You
Liam Buckley
Son