(Editor: 13th October 2009) Consequent upon the frustrating denial of “Comments” on the DCLI Blog (no response from WordPress), I have elected to provide an alternative place for Regimentally inclined Comments. 
I hope that my intent will be clearly understood in that it is a place for Regimentally connected history, banter, bullshit, verse and anecdote – of ALL genres – but NOT for “General Banter” – which is well provided for (hopefully). Be advised (with a smile!) that unqualified comments will be deleted! Those of you who are ardent bloggers will recall the September (last) debates (sic) that were related to blog discipline and the solutions that eventually emerged from those exchanges! So, please use this place for your 1DCLI and/or ‘Other Regimental’ stuff that has been finding its way onto (some) unrelated blog pages.
Not just a load of Old Bull
A collection of 1DCLI group photos will be linked here (under construction). At view 'A' Company, Bermuda Detachment, Prospect Garrison 1954
Sgnt Major Bill Griffiths KSLI and Editor at Shrewsbury LI Annual Gathering June 2009. We miss you on the blogs Bill, and send our heartfelt support to you during your current challenging times. Come back 'Ole Mate, we miss you.
Harry Patch Memorial Service, St Petroc's Bodmin: Wendy Joll, Swanny Swanson, Jack Madron (Courtesy: T Joll)
Harry Patch Memorial Service: St Petroc's Bodmin: Hazel Bennett, Russell Bennett, Wendy Joll, Neil Swanson. (Courtesy T. Joll)
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CLICK THESE LINKS BELOW TO VIEW:
HARRY PATCH MEMORIAL ST PETROC’S BODMIN: (Courtesy John Billett)
80 responses so far ↓
Editor in Brisbane // October 12, 2009 at 11:42 pm |
GREETINGS FROM DAHN UNDAH!
This is a fresh blog page that is (hopefully) going to replace the DCLI page that has been shut down to Comments, but is open to View. I regret that I have no apparent editorial control over ‘opening’ the DCLI blog site and despite many requests to WordPress, SFA is happening!
So please use this alternative BUT please oh please! follow the expressed hopeful intent of this page and keep ALL blogging herein, strictly to Reggie Mental stuff.
Geddit?
SWANNY SWANSON // October 13, 2009 at 12:53 pm |
ED, I think this is a very idea of yours, anything about DCLI comments etc, well done D.
SWANNY SWANSON // October 13, 2009 at 5:37 pm |
Ed,
Attended Rex Trevor Wallis’ funeral this afternoon, five of us formed a DCLI Guard of honour including Mike (Nobby) Clarke who paraded the DCLI Standard as Bobby Fox could not attend. The minister mentioned Trevor’s time in the Regiment in BG and Jamaica. All of his family thanked us for forming a Guard of Honour and our being there. I represented all members abroad and in the UK on behalf of the Regiment and Branches.
The Church was full for the service which showed he was well liked and known. The Minister said about how he gained a degree in the Arts which he attained late in his 60s. Each of his sons gave a comment on his life etc, the youngest sang and played the guitar in a tribute to his father which was really touching.
RIP REX you are now out of pain. God Bless you.
Terry Joll // October 13, 2009 at 10:50 pm |
I only met Rex at the DCLI Re-Union in June so cannot say anything about him but as a DCLI Soldier he will be sadly missed.
Rest in Peace Rex.
Terry Joll // October 13, 2009 at 10:53 pm |
Have just returned from the West Cornwall Branch of the DCLI and LI Association. Good attendance once again. The Annual Lucknow Dinner was discussed and this is being held at “The Lugger” hotel in Penzance on Friday 13th November, the nearest Friday to Lucknow Day 17th November.
ALL members of the Regiment, past and present will be welcome. Put a note in your diary
Terry
Editor // October 14, 2009 at 12:31 am |
Terry.
Maybe the Branch might care to invite that prat of a (so-called) landlord from The Union Hotel, to show him how it should be done! Swanny could then give him a crab sandwich – up his Khyber Pass!
Sylvia // October 14, 2009 at 9:44 am |
Terry
Would the West Cornwall Branch of the DCLI be the same one that Ken (RIP) and Joan Launder attended. We always visited them when we holidayed in Cornwall, as Dad and Ken were very good friends. The reason I am asking is, he had loads of photos of the Regiment, and the last time we saw him, he was putting them in some sort of order, sadly he died soon after that visit. If you knew him, you would also know his son (also in the DCLI) who would have access to the photos. I can’t remember him being in Jamaica, but was only young at the time. We had an Xmas card from Joan last year and am assuming she is still here, or her son would have let us know.
This is just an idea I had when I discovered both you and Jack went to a DCLI meeting last night. I have not given it much thought so could be barking up the wrong tree (so to speak).
Jack Madron // October 14, 2009 at 11:28 am |
Good morning Sylvia. I’m afraid I don’t know a Ken Launder but I’m sure Terry or Swanny could possibly help on this. It’s well worth looking into.
Sloop JB // October 14, 2009 at 1:13 pm |
All
My wife and I went to the Museum after the service last Saturday, took photo of Harry’s medals, very impressive. Whilst there I had a look on the upper floor where all the gear from Winchester is being stored. Quite a lot of work to be done yet, they are hoping to be ready by April next year, then everyone can view.
Tom Howell // October 14, 2009 at 1:31 pm |
Sylvia
Are you sure about the name Launder? There was a Ken Maunder who would be of the right vintage. I did not know him well myself but others might.
Tom
Terry Joll // October 14, 2009 at 1:32 pm |
Hello Sylvia.
Yes, I knew Major Ken Launder extremely well and also all his family. I was with Joan and younger son Kim at the TRURO BRANCH Annual Autumn Luncheon held in Newquay.
I also know the other two sons, one who enlisted into the SCLI in the early sixties but only did a very short time. Kim has had poor health for three years now, Joan is still plodding on. They are members of the Truro Branch of the DCLI Regimental Association. who meet each month on the first Monday. Hope this helps
Terry
Jack.
Ken Launder was in 4/5th DCLI after the war he got commissioned and ended as Major. He was Paras at the time of D Day and landed the night before.
Terry
Sylvia // October 14, 2009 at 1:40 pm |
Terry
Thanks for the info, it just crossed my mind that the photos may have been of use to ED, obviously not. Am sorry to hear that Kim is not too well, I expect we will have an update in the ‘Christmas Card Letter’ Joan and Ken were a lovely couple, and the cake she used to make us is out of this world.
Please don’t apologise for your typing, it isn’t you it’s the computer, mine never prints the letter that have struck and sometimes it prints it twice!
Terry Joll // October 14, 2009 at 1:33 pm |
Sorry about my poor typing but it is better than my handwriting
Terry
Terry Joll // October 14, 2009 at 1:37 pm |
TOM
Ken Launder was a pre war TA soldier, joined Paras and returned to Truro after the war and joined the TA in Truro. He was commisioned and when the TA were drastically reduced to just a small cadre of about a dozen or so, Ken was the OC as Major.
Terry
SWANNY SWANSON // October 14, 2009 at 4:37 pm |
All, I served under Maj. Ken Launder in 4/5 DCLI, also great friends with him and his wife, as RBL comrades. Sadly as said Ken passed away few years ago now and will always be sorely missed. Maj. Ken and I were on parade some years ago when the Queen visited Truro for the Centenary of Truro Cathedral representing the RBL, always a first class gentleman.
RIP Ken.
Terry Joll // October 14, 2009 at 5:03 pm |
Swanny.
Ken was a great supporter of the RBL. There is a road named after him in either Saltash or Liskeard named Kenneth Launder Court. More I think about it I am fairly sure it is Saltash.
Terry
Terry Joll // October 14, 2009 at 10:33 pm |
Further to Ken Launder: His younger brother Arnold Launder is the Treasurer of the Truro DCLI Association, he will willingly take enrolment fees from anyone wishing to join this very active and well supported branch.
Terry
ED: Terry, I echo your comments regarding the well administered Truro DCLI Association, having personally experienced the organisational arrangements for the Cassino Dinner last June at Newquay.
C’arn lads – GOYAs and join up!
Editor in Brisbane // October 15, 2009 at 11:32 am |
DCLI MEMORIALE
Above is a hotlinked connection to the 1DCLI Memorabilia website (not blog site) which contains many worthwhile photographic memorabilia.
It also provides an alphabetical list of Old Comrades who sadly have passed on. I can only recall 2 additions this year, Vernon ‘Bill’ Edwards and Rex Trevor Wallis, and while hoping that there are no more, it is an open offer to Family and Friends to advise me accordingly of names that you wished placed there as a permanent reminder.
SWANNY SWANSON // October 15, 2009 at 5:32 pm |
ED. Went up my paper shop this morning as I had asked the owner if he could get a Bodmin Gazette for me. No luck. I browsed through the Cornish Issues of The West Britain of different areas in the County. no photos of the Harry Patch Memorial and there were photographers everwhere taking photos when we arrived at Bodmin etc.
I rang Frank Baxter our Hon Sec he had no joy either. So I decided to ring The Rifles Office and the Lady Clerk took my particulars, address etc and she will post The Bodmin Gazette to me which was very nice of her. I asked about postage and she said thats OK you can put a donation in the box when you come to Bodmin again, which I thought was very good of her.
I will download pics when I get them and send to you for the Blog.
Terry Joll // October 15, 2009 at 7:10 pm |
Well done Swanny, I knew we could rely on you. The lady clerk at the Bodmin office is; RHONDA.Look forward to receiving a copy once I get back home on Saturday morning.
I am off to dig a few trenches in Sennelager, live in them for five days, fill them in again and then come on home. Anyone remember doing that?
Terry
Tery
Jack Madron // October 15, 2009 at 9:06 pm |
Terry.
Didn’t dig any trenches there but did dig carrier pits.
Now that’s what you call digging in.
Sloop JB // October 15, 2009 at 7:22 pm |
Tery Joll
We did a spell at Sennelager didn’t dig any trenches there. We did our digging whilst out on army war games. Some bits of ground were too hard to dig but in the Black Forest we were digging in sand. Every time we dug a shovel full out, two fell back in. We didn’t look forward to rifle inspection next morning.
Sloop JB // October 15, 2009 at 9:21 pm |
Follow this link to view The Herald, which has a story of the Memorial Day and 5 photos. Click on next under the photo of Harry to view them.
ED: Spammed JB, now released.
Terry Joll // October 15, 2009 at 9:38 pm |
Was really only joking about the trenches, I shall of course partake of the Bratty & Chips and possibly a beer or three, will stock up on NAAFI Duty Free Booze, for medicinal purposes only you understand.
Terry
PS: Whilst I am away I leave Swanny in charge of the Cornish Pirates.
Editor in Brisbane // October 15, 2009 at 10:33 pm |
HARRY PATCH MEMORIAL ST PETROC’S BODMIN
A Picasa Album collection of photographs taken by John Billett are published under a hotlinked title at the page header.
Thank you JB.
Sloop JB // October 15, 2009 at 11:41 pm |
OK ED, thank you for your quick response.
SWANNY SWANSON // October 16, 2009 at 10:16 am |
Hearing about the digging of trenches in Germany. Just give a thought to us poor Pioneers who through sweat and blood had to build firing Ranges – build the Butts- erect low wired entanglements etc etc in searing heat! You lot had it easy HA HA, and all this in Bermuda with the softest sand on the planet that’s we poor “A” Coy boys had to do.
Sloop JB // October 16, 2009 at 10:59 am |
Swanny
My Hero. I can only take my hat off to you. Whilst on schemes in Germany we were dug in on the edge of a corn field, on the other side of the field were about six to eight tanks. On the order given they started to advance towards us, coming across the field they would stop advancing then do a pirouette, they flattened the corn. Then continued to advance towards us. I didn’t relish this so when they got too close for comfort I jumped out of the trench. I was reprimanded of course but I didn’t fancy being crushed in a trench.
SWANNY SWANSON // October 19, 2009 at 12:56 pm |
Received The Cornish Guardian in the post from Rifles Office from Debbie the Clerk, not a lot of photos of the Harry Patch like we thought we would have and have sent them to our Editor.
We were hoping to have had a lot more photos as I said before, on the day the photographer took loads of pics and one in particular as we arrived, a photo of The West Cornwall Branch enblock. I will email the reporter to see if they have the photo – photos on the day.
Editor // October 19, 2009 at 12:57 pm |
HARRY PATCH MEMORIAL SERVICE
We are indebted to Swanny Swanson for forwarding a scanned copy of the Cornish Guardian, 14th October 2009, which editorialised the Service at St Petroc’s Bodmin. The article also include some fine shots of many of our Mates. The entire article has been ‘doctored’ from the halftone print and published to a Picasa Album, hotlinked at the page header for space conservation.
Thank Swanny for your efforts to obtain the newspaper from The Rifles Office in Bodmin and in turn for their supportive actions in sending a copy to you. We look forward to see more shots that were taken.
Editor in Brisbane // October 21, 2009 at 1:32 am |
REF: KEN LAUNDER
Following the earlier exchanges for Ken Launder and his connection to the RSM, I have published a photo received from Swanny, taken at The Keep in the 80s. Photo is now at view on the RSM page.
SWANNY SWANSON // October 22, 2009 at 11:44 am |
ED. A report in The Cornishman Newspaper dated 22-10-09 (Thanks Section).
The sons of Rex Trevor Wallis; Mark, Jeremy and Julian, would like to express their sincere thanks to the DCLI Standard Bearer and Guard of Honour for their attendance at the funeral of their father and to the West Cornwall Branch DCLI LI Association for their kind thoughts and words of comfort to our Family.
SWANNY SWANSON // October 25, 2009 at 12:50 pm |
ED,
Just had some bad news. Our oldest member of the West Cornwall Branch DCLI LI Association Mr Bert Angwin passed away last night, one of the most unassuming men you would ever wish to meet. A first class Gentlemen and outstanding Soldier in WW2, serving in the DCLI and the Leicestershire Regiment. Bert will be big loss to all of us. No details yet of the funeral, but Mr Frank Baxter our Hon Sec has arranged a Guard of Honour of our Branch and the Standard Bearer, The Branch Bugler to be present. Will give you the details etc when I get them.
PS: Bert has been very poorly for the last couple of months staying at his daughters home.
ED: Sad news indeed Swanny, you seem destined to deliver these advices. I’m sure that the other Bloggers will echo my condolences to the Family and in my case in particular, the fact that I met him at Heamoor British Legion in June. Keep us informed ‘Ole Mate.
Sylvia // October 25, 2009 at 5:58 pm |
Swanny
Please pass condolences to the Angwin family from the Royffe family. Rest in Peace Bert.
Sloop JB // October 25, 2009 at 2:19 pm |
ED Swanny
Here here
Jack Madron // October 28, 2009 at 9:59 am |
I’ve just learned that my old school mate, Tony Downing, Cpl Assault Pioneers. S Coy. Minden. Jamaica has passed away. No details yet but will keep you informed.
Tony, RIP.
ED: Our condolences to the Family, Jack.
Sloop JB // October 28, 2009 at 12:06 pm |
Jack,
Very sad news for you, nothing worse than losing an old mate. Condolences to his family.
Tony, RIP.
Sylvia // October 28, 2009 at 12:39 pm |
Jack
This is sad news, and my heart goes out to you. Rest in Peace Tony.
SWANNY SWANSON // October 28, 2009 at 5:17 pm |
Sad news all round, now had a phone call from Terry Simons’ wife June to say her brother passed away last night, only talking to Jack about him on Monday. Was a close neighbour to him, Dominick Hall.
He was a Korean Vet who served in 21st Lancers and was wounded in Korea, bad news as said. I also knew Tony Downing very well and spoke to him a couple of months ago, he was quite a sick man for some time with severe breathing problems, as Derek says GOYA.
I had asked him for years to come to our DCLI dos, but same old story. RIP Tony and Dominick who was also a close mate who served in the same unit as me in the TA. He was a skilled OTT in the RAMC, a very quiet and laid back man. RIP Dominick, and condolences to June and Terry and their Family.
ED: Swanny, our condolences to the Families.
Sylvia // October 29, 2009 at 7:17 am |
Swanny,
A very sad time for you at the moment, you are in my thoughts. Please pass Royffe family condolences to the families of the deceased.
Sloop JB // October 28, 2009 at 7:00 pm |
Terry & June,
Peggy and I would like to say how very sorry at your sad loss, I know we didn’t know June’s brother, but that doesn’t stop us from feeling for you and all the family. Please accept our condolences.
Peggy & John.
SWANNY SWANSON // October 29, 2009 at 9:52 am |
ED.
The Funeral of Mr Bert Angwin will take place on Wednesday 4th November 2009 at 2pm at Chapel Street, Methodist Church, Penzance. As said, a Guard of Honour of the DCLI West Cornwall Branch, Bugler Graham Martin, Branch Standard Bearer Bobby Fox, and Members of the RBL will be in attendance.
ED: Thanks for the update Swanny. A fitting tribute to a wonderful Old Soldier in the truest sense. We shall all remember him. Our condolences again to the Family, if you will kindly pass them on.
JT // October 29, 2009 at 10:51 am |
Condolences to family and friends
RIP
John and Annie Tenniswood
JT // October 29, 2009 at 10:52 am |
2 Rifles are marching through Croydon today in memory of one of their KIA from that town.
ED: Wonder how much coverage the Meeja will give?
PS: CHARITY BEGINS AT HOME
In a pig’s arse it does. Read this – it’ll make your hair curl!
Terry Joll // October 30, 2009 at 8:35 pm |
When talking to you chaps at the Re-Union in June the name of JOHN OPIE was mentioned as being in Bermuda with A Coy. Many of you know that John has suffered ill health for several years but he keeps smiling and gets on with things. He never moans or complains and we usually have a good chat when I see him at the hospital, I did not know he was DCLI.
Today I met his dear wife Enid in Tescos and obviously I enquired where John was and she said at home. She further stated that he has spent six months in hospital this year. He remains his cheerful self. He is not on the computer and I told his wife I would pass his regards on to the DCLI pals.
If any member wants to send good will messages send them to me and I will see they get delivered in person. Hope this is in the right place Ed.
Terry
ED: Absolutely the right spot Terry, have 5 more fish fingers! I don’t recall John Opie, my time being Empire Clyde landing (March 54) – Oct 55, mainly 3 Platoon, then 4 Platoon. Would be good to get some more detail and find out if he’s on any of the photos. Give him my regards and best wishes for a healthy recovery.
Sylvia // October 31, 2009 at 6:35 pm |
Terry,
I am sure John Opie wouldn’t know any of the Royffe Family, but that doesn’t stop us all wishing him all the very best, and a speedy recovery
SWANNY SWANSON // November 1, 2009 at 11:16 am |
Terry
Like Derek I can’t recall anyone named Opie when we were there, would I know him? is he a member of any of the Branches DCLI? If you do see him ask him if I would know him, anyway give him my best regards.
I know the feeling of being in hospital for long time, he like me has a very good wife which is a massive boost to his morale.
Terry Joll // November 1, 2009 at 6:37 pm |
I will pass all the remarks to John Opie, he has been crippled with Rheumatoid Arthritis for many years. He is a very good artist. I will ask him which Company he was serving with.
He will most certainly remember the RSM Harold and will have seen the children about the place. Thanks for your kind remarks
Terry
Editor in Brisbane // November 2, 2009 at 9:31 am |
Forwarded by Don Swanson Read the Mail Online article and click the video link at the footer.
2 Rifles granted Freedom of Croydon
The heroes who survived ‘one day, one hour of tragedy’: Battalion that lost 13 men in Afghanistan enjoys homecoming parade
Jack Madron // November 2, 2009 at 9:42 am |
The funeral of Tony Downing, ex DCLI will be this Thursday 5th Nov. 1400 hrs at St Clements Methodist Chapel.
SWANNY SWANSON // November 2, 2009 at 11:46 am |
Hi Jack
Could you put my name down at Tony’s funeral please, as I cannot go due to having my flu jab and appointment is same time 1400 hrs.
Editor in Brisbane // November 4, 2009 at 1:00 am |
COMMENT RECEIVED FROM SWANNY ON THE GENERAL BANTER BLOG PAGE & TRANSFERRED HERE
All
On a more sombre note, reading the paper and watching the news today. So sad to hear and read about Staff Sgt. Olaf Schmid was killed just a week before coming home to UK yesterday. He was hailed as “a legend” as senior officers paid tribute to the nerveless courage that had prevented casualties on countless occasions.
His CO, Lt Col Robert Thomson of 2Rifles Battle Group, said “He saved lives in 2 Rifles time after time and for that he will retain a very special place in every heart of every rifleman of our Battle Group”.
A crack bomb expert who saved scores of lives as he defused 64 Taliban devices was killed as he tried to to dismantle yet another. S/Sgt Schmid – Born in Truro, Cornwall, and with 13 years Service, was due to come home on November 7th for two-week break to be with wife Christina and stepson Laird five, in Winchester, Hants.
RIP Staff Sgt Olaf Schmid. Royal Logistic Corps attached to 2nd Rifles as bomb disposal expert.
Terry Joll Response (Transferred)
Very sad news ref the RLC Soldier, he is a TRUE HERO. May the dear chap Rest in Peace and the condolences of us all go to his family.
Terry
JT Response (Transferred)
Thanks Terry
Well said
SWANNY SWANSON // November 8, 2009 at 9:55 am |
All
Now got changed into my LI blazer etc to go to our local Armistice Parade with our Branch in Penzance. As you know I missed the Parade last year due to having hospital treatment, first I had missed in over 50 years.
Doris and I went to our local RBL last night and watched the Annual RBL at the Royal Albert Hall on TV, our Heamoor Branch Standard Bearer was there and all picked him out among the crowd of Standard Bearers attending, which made us very proud to have one of our own attending the event.
It has been a very sad week for us with 3 of our Branch members passing away and also the loss again yesterday of another Member of the Rifles killed yesterday in action, I shall pray for them all at our service today.
Jack Madron // November 8, 2009 at 1:17 pm |
Who were the three, Swanny ?
Editor in Brisbane // November 9, 2009 at 12:45 am |
BUT YEAR AFTER YEAR THE NUMBERS GROW FEWER
SWANNY SWANSON // November 9, 2009 at 12:15 pm |
Jack
I got it wrong. I meant to say 3 chaps that died last week, Bert Angwin our Branch Member, Lt Col. Martin Scrase Queens Lancashire Regt, Tony Downing DCLI, Dominic Hall 17/21 Lancers, Terry Simons Brother-in-law.
Sorry for misleading you, I got a bit carried away with so many that have passed on in such a short time. I met Col. Scrase’s widow yesterday after I had laid the DCLI Branch wreath at the War Memorial at Battery Rocks and passed on my condolences.
They lived next door to me when I lived in Newlyn and he was a first class Gentleman and Soldier and his widow was a tireless worker for SSAFA for many years.
Jack Madron // November 9, 2009 at 3:15 pm |
Thanks Swanny.
I was worried I’d forgotten somebody.
SWANNY SWANSON // November 9, 2009 at 12:23 pm |
ED,
Had a good turnout for yesterdays Remembrance services, in the morning marching from St Johns Hall to Chapel St Methodist Chapel; and after to wreath laying service at the Memorial, Mike (Nobby) Clarke and his wife Mary, myself and Doris attended the evening service representing our DCLI Branch at St. Thomas Church Heamoor, Both services were excellent and the morning service was well represented by DCLI members.
Sloop JB // November 9, 2009 at 12:34 pm |
Swannie
Sounds like you had a busy day attending all the services, you really are on the mend, well done.
I attended service at our St Mary Magdeline church then went to the war memorial in our Vivary Park for the wreath laying, very good turnout.
Terry Simons // November 9, 2009 at 5:30 pm |
Thank you all for your condolences to June for the loss of her brother Domonic, they were appreciated.
SWANNY SWANSON // November 10, 2009 at 12:07 pm |
ED
Received in the post this morning a programme from Keith Mannings for the Remembrance Day Service at the War Memorial Portway-Warminster. He paraded with The Yorkshire Regiment through the Town as a Representative of the DCLI and said he felt so proud to do so.
ED: (11/11/09). Thanks for update Swanny. Good to know that most Old DCLI’ians remember the call on this Armistice Day. Your doctored 2007 clip now posted to your own Blog page.
SWANNY SWANSON // November 14, 2009 at 10:32 am |
ED.
The West Cornwall Branch DCLI-LI Association held their Annual Lucknow Dinner at the Lugger Hotel last night. There were over 50 attended and a first class meal. I have sent you the menu card Derek with meal details etc. On the Top Table, Guests included, Maj. Hugo White. Maj. PTressider (RE) and their wives, Mr Mike Clarke, Chairman. Mrs M Clarke didn’t attend because of flu. Mr F Baxter Hon. Sec-Hon Treasurer and his friend Hazel. Mr. Frank Grigg and his wife. Maj. P Michell our President and his lady friend Madeline.
The meal was excellent with the biggest main meal you could imagine, followed by the biggest sweet (reminded me of the sweet selection we used to get in The Buckaroo in Bermuda), followed by coffee.
Mine Host was first class and his staff were the same they were so polite and couldn’t do enough to make us welcome. Peter Michell in his speech said it was 21 years since we were at the then named Marine Hotel. In those days it was a regular venue for DCLI functions. All and sundry asked to be remembered to all our DCLI family and friends all around the globe and in the UK. To finish it was the biggest meal I have eaten prior to my illness last year.
ED: Thanks Swanny, good reporting as usual. How did the crab sandwich go down?
Sloop JB // November 14, 2009 at 11:10 am |
Swanny
Well done again, I’m glad you all had a good evening. The meal you had sounds absolutely delicious. What a good attendance you had with 50 members and wives there.
Terry Joll // November 14, 2009 at 1:55 pm |
Swanny
Also on Top Table was our dear friend and great supporter Mrs Elizabeth Bolitho, plus of course yours truly and Mrs Yours Truly. Yours truly was once again Toastmaster.
It was a great evening and as our tame Bugler Graham Martyn was AWOL former Bugler Dennis Barratt stepped in at two minutes notice, sounding the Dinner Call and Lucknow call on my own Bugle, Dennis has not lost his touch. A good time was had by all.
Terry
SWANNY SWANSON // November 14, 2009 at 4:25 pm |
Terry
My apology for not putting your’s and Wendy’s name on the top table and Mrs Bolitho, getting absent minded. Neil.
SWANNY SWANSON // November 15, 2009 at 9:15 am |
ED,
This meal was light years ahead of F**kfaces Union Hotel – you and I will go there next weekend? I will get all the bloggers online and arrange a meal, and no Crab sandwiches HA HA.
I only said to John on the phone last week about that debacle of a meal at the Union, still we learn by our mistakes. The Lugger Hotel has a very good trade all year round, and Mine Host was very good to bother to get our Branch a sit down dinner, usually he only does a Carvery. Also Derek the staff of waitresses etc were excellent and very polite and not a Crab sandwich in sight.
ED: Very Good Swanny. Pity that it took the lengths that it did during the Re-Union week to establish that we were all dealing with a dickhead at the Union – staff included. We must have handed that hotel some prime custom over the several evenings that we all attended. Anyway ‘Ole Mate – haven’t you read the blogs? – no more crab sandwiches for you, only snoek and chips!
Terry Joll // November 15, 2009 at 6:07 pm |
Swanny.
No problems but you know I like things to be correct in all aspects. No half measure are acceptable from you Pioneers Staff.
Nice to see you enjoying yourslf on Friday. Give our armest wishes to Doris.
Terry
SWANNY SWANSON // November 16, 2009 at 10:54 am |
I see in todays paper there are a lot of top brass Officers are spending most of their time in inhospitable places like The War Office. Not a very good example to our War Torn Troops on the front line in Afghanistan, but whats changed? My late Father who served in the Great War always said LIONS LED BY DONKEYS! So whats changed?
Jack Madron // November 16, 2009 at 2:51 pm |
Swanny.
We can’t send top brass out there. It’s not safe. Same reason our two young warriors from Buck House aren’t out there. They might miss a night or two boozing in Soho. Poor diddums.
JT // November 17, 2009 at 9:20 am |
Jack
Be fair. Ginger knob having admitted he is thick as a plank. (GCEs in colouring, beads and mud pies) is on permanent training to be helicopter pilot (when he has time). We hope he will do adding up and joined up writing in the next few years. Good luck lad.
SWANNY SWANSON // November 16, 2009 at 11:33 am |
More sad news another member of The Rifles killed yesterday, on the news another Cornish Rifleman is being flown home today killed last week. The Rifles have now lost more troops than any other Regiment serving in Afghanistan and several of those killed were TA Soldiers. Makes your heart bleed for all our brave men who have died for Queen and Country.
Graham Martin // November 16, 2009 at 10:27 pm |
All at the Lucknow dinner,
My apologies for not attending and sounding The Lucknow call as promised, the reason being that Carol’s mother passed away on the Thursday night/morning. My thanks to Den for standing in at such short notice. He taught me the call especially for the evening, glad all turned out well in the end and we have found a decent venue.
Hopefully you were all happy with the bugling at the Remembrance Parade. I wore Pete’s (Joe) beret with pride.
Graham.
Graham.
Terry Joll // November 17, 2009 at 6:42 pm |
Graham
Our condolences to your family at this sad time. No matter about the bugling, there wil be plenty more chances for you to strut your stuff. Next thing for you to learn is to change hands.
Terry
SWANNY SWANSON // November 19, 2009 at 9:49 am |
ED
Just had an email from Trevor Webb to say his wife passed away yesterday morning at 10-45. He asked me to pass on the news to all of his old mates etc. I rang Frank Baxter and Nobby Clarke and also Keith Mannings in Frome. When I phoned Nobby his wife Mary said her brother in law was found dead in his chair at his home near them on Tuesday morning last.
I sent Trevor a reply email passing on condolences on behalf of all his mates at home and abroad and all members of the DCLI Branches.
ED: Thanks Swanny from us here in OZ. Sad times for many folk back there.
Sylvia // November 19, 2009 at 6:38 pm |
Swanny
Please pass condolences to the bereaved families from all the Royffe family.
Terry Joll // November 19, 2009 at 6:07 pm |
Swanny, Thanks for the latest. Very sad news that another of our Regimental family has passed away.
Mine and Wendy’s condolences to the family.
Terry
SWANNY SWANSON // November 24, 2009 at 1:39 pm |
ED
Terry Joll mailed me last week about going to C/Sgt Schmid who was killed in Afghanistan. His funeral is taking place in Truro Cathedral today, I had to decline because Doris had a doctors appointment this morning and both of us went to see him about Doris’s worsening arthritic problems.
This funeral will be on our local TV programme news today, and listening on our car radio there was a big attendance for this very sad event.
Terry Joll // November 24, 2009 at 8:21 pm |
Along with ten members of the Truro DCLI & LI Association, I attended the very emotional Funeral Service today at Truro Cathedral for Staff Sergeant Olaf Schmid of the RLC.
His Widow held up very well and gave an emotional tribute to him.The Branch Standard of the DCLI was carried by Peter Male who made the journey down from Somerset to show his respects and to carry the Standard with great pride. The Cathedral was filled to overflowing.
Rest in Peace OLAF, the Bravest of the Brave.
Terry
ED: Thanks for the update Terry.
Olaf Schmid RIP
Sloop JB // November 25, 2009 at 8:56 am |
Well done everyone who attended Truro Cathedral to honour Staff Sgt Olaf Schmid yesterday. His wife showed great restraint and dignity, a very Proud Lady indeed.
RIP Olaf.
SWANNY SWANSON // November 25, 2009 at 9:31 am |
ED
As a Member of Truro Branch of DCLI Assn, I would like say thanks to those attending Staff Sgt Olaf Schmid’s funeral service at the Cathedral yesterday, and a special thanks to Peter Male for carrying the Branch Standard after driving all the way to Cornwall from Somerset. Without saying, I am proud to belong to our Light Infantry family and the respect for the Rifles is still being carried on as it has always been. The feeling of them in respect of S/Sgts Schmid just shows the cameraderie still exists.
RIP OLAF or OZ as he was known as to 2 Rifles and all ex RGJ-LI Soldiers.