The Veteran Issue 4

September - November 2021
The
Veteran
Remembrance
Edition
C e l e b r a t i n g 1 0 0 Y e a r s
o f T h e
R o y a l B r i t i s h L e g i o n

TABLE OF
CONTENTS
3 Meet your New Committee
4 Message from Joe Falzon OSJ BEM
7 New Members
8 Knight Rider
10 District Standard Bearers
11 Poppy Appeal Launch (PAL) Benidorm
12 Our Memorial
18 Welcome to 'Our Poppy Ball'
21 National and Branch Awards
24 'We Served' Womens Royal Naval Service
27 Armistice and Remembrance Services
32 'Least we Forget' The Glorious Glosters
35 'We Served' The Royal Regiment of Artillery
38 Forecast of Events
Contact us
John pratt - Alicante Branch Chairman
Ed Morris - Vice Chairman, Recruiting &
Retention
Mary Kemp - Branch Community Support
Hamish McConnachie - Web Master &
Publicity
Alicante.Chairman@rbl.community
Alicante.Vicechairman@rbl.community
Alicante.BCS@rbl.community
Alicante.Web@rbl.community
2

Meet Your
The Branch Annual General Meeting in October
saw the appointment of a new Branch
Committee for the year 2021 - 2022. The
outgoing Committee was congratulated and
thanked for all their hard work.
New
Committee
At the General Meeting in October your new
Committee was announced
The Outgoing Chairman, Mr Jack Kemp hands over to our
new Chairman Mr John Pratt
John Pratt
Chairman
Ed Morris
Vice Chairman
Mary Kemp
Community Support
& Standard Bearer
Kim Goodchild
Treasurer
Christine Pratt
Social Activities
Sue Parkes
McConnachie
Membership Secretary
Tim McCarthy
Poppy Appeal
Organiser
Louise Franks
Secterary
Hamish McConnachie
Webmaster &
Publicity
Mensha Franks
Committee
Member
3

A Me ssage From
Joe Falzon OSJ BEM
National Vice Chairman
Royal British Legion
Iknow I speak for all my colleagues on the Board of
Trustees when I say that we always relish the
opportunity to contribute to a County/District or Branch magazine. So, I am
delighted that I have been invited by your Immediate Past Chairman Jack
Kemp to introduce this edition of The Veteran, especially as I have so many
happy memories of my recent visit to Alicante Branch – more of that later.
Putting pen to paper to engage with our members, wherever they are, here in
UK or overseas, is very humbling. This has never been truer than this year
when so much has unfolded for the Legion in our centenary year – it is
difficult to determine where to start.
Looking back on 2021, after the disappointments of all the postponements
and cancellations as a result of the Covid-19 restrictions last year, I count
myself fortunate because I have had the privilege of taking a full part in wide
range of events, starting with the Virtual 2021 Annual Conference in May. In
September I joined the Leigh-on-Sea Branch for their Centenary Get Together
and Tea Party as soon as the relaxations of the restrictions permitted. This
was followed by the Suffolk County Centenary Commemorative Service at
Bury St Edmunds. The highlight was the RBL Centenary Service of
Thanksgiving at Westminster Abbey in October attended by our Patron, HM
The Queen and HRH The Princess Royal. And of course, soon after that I was
invited by Spain District North and Alicante Branch to join you for three
amazing events.
On behalf of Josephine, Fi and John Hedges, Bob and Maryann Chambers
and myself I would like to thank you all for your very warm welcome and
genuine hospitality. You were all like a breath of fresh air; engaging and
committed, respectful of each other, full of positive and “can-do” attitudes;
suffice it to say we returned home full of innovative ideas and enthusiasm.
My most enduring memory is the beautiful rendition of Abide With Me by the
ladies (and gentleman) of the West End Worblers.
4

It set the scene for a dignified unveiling of the Alicante Branch Remembrance
Memorial in Castalla, encapsulated by an emotional reading by Sue Parkes
McConnachie of those whose names are forever enshrined in the time capsule
within the memorial. I repeat again my admiration for all those involved who
had the vision and determination to create this memorial – I salute you all
again.
The Branch Poppy Ball that evening was great fun too – it was an immense
pleasure to meet and chat with so many of those who attended, finding lots of
common ground and interests. It will be hard to forget the look on Hamish
McConnachie’s face when he was called up by Jack Kemp for his special
Chairman’s Award in recognition of his “sowing and harvesting” mindset in so
many roles for the Branch. I would finally like to record my thanks to Malcolm
Gregory and June for their patience and company as they ferried and escorted
us from place to place during our stay.
During his address at the RBL Centenary Service of Thanksgiving the Dean of
Westminster kept on repeating that “The Legion is not going away – the Legion
will be here for the next hundred years.” It is up to all of us, as One Legion,
Trustees, Members, Volunteers, Supporters, Donors and Staff to follow through
at every opportunity on our intention of keeping the organisation relevant,
reaching a wider audience, and cultivating the next generation of take over the
baton for the good and benefit of our beneficiaries.
Joe with wife Josephine after the Memorial unveiling
5

Thank You Letter from
Joe Falzon

August-November 2021
The Chairman, his Committee and all Members of the Alicante
Branch of the Royal British Legion would like to give a hearty
welcome to the following new members to the Branch:
Colin Ross
Deb's Ross
George Berridge
David Clark
Sheila Clements
Peter Hillier
Lewis Keable
David Pollard
Linda Ann Pollard
Edward Rivers
Jean Rivers
Alan Walsh
Nan Hamilton
Joan Mary Scully
Ewan Norman Taylor
Peter William Taylor
Tim McCarthy
June Todd
Brian Graham
Tina Graham
Richard Jones
Mark Doyle
Victoria Turnbull
Andrew Talbot
Gerry Landamore
Bob Routledge
The Branch Membership now stands at 245 Members
2021
Figures up on 2020
At the time of going to publication
Poppy Appeal
the full final total for the 2021
Poppy Appeal has not been fully
counted with some Poppy Appeal
Boxes still to come in. The good
news however is that the amount
counted to date exceeds the total
for 2020 which was 5723.86
Euros. A big thank you to all
Branch and Community Members
for their fantastic effort. The final
total will be published as soon as
Fiona Dillon does her bit for the Poppy Appeal on Remembrance Sunday possible.
7

Knight Rider
Jonathan
with brother
Mark
Jonathan arrives in
Castalla
Jonathan Knight Undertakes Grueling Challenge for the Legion
Jonathan Knight a Member of the Alicante Branch of the Royal British Legion who
undertook a charity cycle ride from Tidworth, Wiltshire, to Campoverde arrived in
Castalla on the 23rd of September.
Jonathan, a former soldier with 24 years’ service supported by his brother Mark driving
the support vehicle undertook this grueling challenge in aid of the Royal British Legion
Poppy Appeal. The brothers reached Castalla on Thursday 23rd to be greeted by
members of the Alicante Branch and members of the Community. The brothers rested
overnight before continuing their journey to their final destination at Campoverde.
Jonathan said, “The Legion has always been there to support the military and their
families and I can think of no better charity to support at this time”. At the time of
publication Jonathan had raised £1335 on his 'Go Fund Me' page https://
gofund.me/1ae36078 Well Done Jonathan, fantastic effort.
8

Charity Ride
From
UK to Spain
15th - 25
September
9

10
Alicante Branch Chairman
and Deputy Standard
Bearer, John Pratt.
Alicante Branch Deputy
Standard Bearer,
Callum Venters
District
Standard Bearers
District North Spain held a
District Standard Bearers
Course on the 14th October, in
Castalla.
The course is an annual event
sponsored by District North
Spain which is held in advance
of the District Poppy Appeal
Launch in Benidorm. Ten
Standard Bearers attended
from various Branches within
the District. All Standard
Bearers were presented with
the course certificate by the
new District Training Officer,
Mensha Franks (Alicante
Branch)
Alicante Branch Standard
Bearer, Mary Kemp.

The Royal British Legion
Poppy Appeal Launch
The Royal British
Legion, Spain District
North held it's Annual
Poppy Appeal Launch in
Benidorm on Saturday
16th October
The Annual Poppy Appeal
Launch for Spain District North
took place in Benidorm again
this year. With the easing of
restrictions the Ceremony took
place in it's traditional location
Captain Ian Clarke RN
spoke on Remembrance as a
serving member of the
Armed Forces
on Benidorms Levante Beach. Legion Members and
veterans formed up and marched along the promenade
with the Torrevieja Pipes and Drums, Chelsea
Branch and District Standard Bearers Pensioners and Branch Standards in the lead. The Main
Ceremony which took place near the Rincon De Liox was attended by Mr Joe Falzon OSJ BEM
the National Vice Chairman of the Royal British Legion, The Mayor of Benidorm, Captain Ian
Clarke RN the Defence Attache from Madrid, RBL Overseas Representative Mr Bob Chambers
and Fiona Hedges Overseas Membership Support. Also in attendance was the Royal British
Legion Concert Band under the musical directorship of Mr David Last. The Last Post, two
minutes silence and Reveille was solemnly observed.
The Alicante Branch of the Royal
British Legion was well represented
with their new Chairman Mr John
Pratt carrying the District Standard,
Mrs Mary Kemp carrying the Union
flag and Mr Jack Kemp their
outgoing Chairman carrying out the
duties of District Parade Marshall.
Several other Branch Members
marched behind the Standards with
the main body of the 'Old and Bold'
A lunch was held after the Parade
which was organised by the
Benidorm Branch of TRBL.
11

Our Memorial

The Alicante Branch Memorial was unveiled by Joe Fazlon OSJ
BEM Vice Chairman of The Royal British Legion on the 17th
of October 2021.
This is its Story
By Hamish McConnachie
Late in 2020 the Committee of the Alicante
Branch were asked to come up with ideas on
how the Branch could celebrate the 100th
Anniversary of the Royal British Legion 1921
-2021, no mean feat considering that Spain
was in full lock down due to the Covid 19
pandemic. Over the next few days I put my
mind to the task coming up with and rejecting
several ideas, a 100th Anniversary Poppy
Ball, well yes we could have one of them but
we needed something to really make a
statement. I had been previously involved in
Remembrance Sunday and Armistice
Services including the 2020 Alicante Branch
Services in El Campello and Castalla
International prior to that we had held
ceremonial services on a beach front, in a car
park, on a bar terrace, in a church and in a
town hall square. Whilst these services had
been extremely successful for both the British
Legion and the local community unfortunately
there is something missing.
In the UK every Village, Town and City has
some sort of memorial that the local
community can gather at centrally during
times of remembrance, a place where people
can gather and remember and honour those
who sacrificed their lives in times of conflict,
we have nothing like that in our local area.
Before I could put my idea to the Committee
I needed to do some homework, design,
materials, cost, fund raising. I put together a
design with the intention of getting three
quotes from builders, I approached local
builder, Alex Cowens first and to my delight
he said I'll build it for free, just supply the
materials, good man Alex, no need for
further quotes.
Our first thoughts on
what the memorial should
look like. A cairn type
construction about 1m in
height with a single plaque
In January I put my Idea privately to the
Branch Chairman, Jack Kemp who called
an online Committee meeting to allow me
to put forward my proposal, success!
proposal passed, now down to the nitty
gritty, location, paperwork, and fund raising
in detail. Ok how do we start? lets form a
Committee, So we have a Committee, Jack
Kemp, Les Hughes and myself, what could
go wrong?
13

In early January I sent a letter in my best
Google Translate Spanish to the the Mayor
of Castalla, Don Antonio Bernabeu outlining
our proposal and asking for a meeting,
meanwhile on the fundraising front we
decided to put together an event consisting
of table top sales, a burger bar, a physical
challenge and a 24 hour music show planned
for the 15th of April (Covid restrictions
allowing) which was the actual date of the
100th Anniversary. A 'Go Fund Me' page was
set up and we decided that we would place a
time capsule under the monument with
memorial cards for anyone who wished to
donate.
Some of the 35
Memorial Cards
interred in the Time
Capsule
After many false starts Jack and I met with
the Mayor and Councilor Asun Vera Vicente
at the Town Hall in June, both, we are
happy to say were fully behind the project
and we were able to submit the paperwork
the same day. To say Asun was helpful
would be a great understatement, she kept
us up to date, and advised us of any further
submissions that we had to make including
an architects report which we had not
planned for, well it was only a 1.9m pyramid
in an open space(yes it's grown a bit) We
handed over my drawings and Photo to the
architect. The architect then produced very
similar drawings with the addition of a
worms eye view, inserted a straight back,
stamped the paperwork (They love their
stamps) and we then submitted the report to
the Town Hall.
Good news! we now have the funds to go
ahead with some left over to make a donation
to the Poppy Appeal, the generosity of the
Branch and Community members was
overwhelming.
While all this was going on we decided to
have another look at the design and the
wording for the plaque and decided that a
pyramid with two plaques was the way ahead.
The new design with
two plaques which I
put together on
Photoshop
Front View My drawings Side View
It was a cost that we
hadn't planned for but it
was a requirement for the
Town Hall and we were
still under budget and
time was running out.
Unfortunately or
fortunately for me it was
Architects drawings
time to go on holiday
leaving Jack to carry out the bulk of the
liaison with the Town hall and trust me that
was no mean feat, I can only sing his
praises for the work that he carried out.
14

So where are we? The Covid restrictions are
slowly being reduced, Jack still has to carry out
his day job as Branch Chairman and as District
Parade Marshall preparing for Armed Forces
Day. I am doing my day job as Webmaster and
Publicity pulling together articles for 'The
Veteran' our quarterly magazine, organising a
'Burns Wake' to celebrate the Anniversary of the
Bards death (Burn's Night was canceled in
January due to Covid) and starting to organise
our 100th anniversary Poppy Ball which would
be held on the same day as the Memorial
unveiling. Les was on a well deserved break and
we were still waiting for official permission for a
go ahead from the Town Hall. Nervous? well
just a wee bit.
Finally on the 6th of September we were invited
to again meet with the Mayor and Asun at the
Town Hall, its positive, we have the go ahead.
The marble company is given the go ahead to
produce the plaques, a meeting is arranged with
Alex Cowens to discuss the construction, Asun
is requested to get the council gardeners to tidy
up the Memorial garden and to paint the
benches and Jack starts to organise volunteers
to weed the center circle.
Before
After
Without a doubt Jack and his good lady Mary
did most of the work, weeding and painting the
railings but with help from myself, my wife Sue
Malcolm Gregory, Pam Twissle-Cross and
Eddie German the job was done.
Now onto the construction. The materials were
ordered and Jack and myself became semiskilled
workers for Alex. As a working builder
Alex gave us every minute he could spare and
slowly but surely our Memorial started taking
shape.
15

The Unveiling
17th October 2021
From the beginning of the memorial project we
had set our sights on getting as many high
profile attendees as possible for the unveiling,
we already had confirmation of attendance
from Joe Falzon OSJ BEM the National Vice
Chairman of the Legion and Bob Chambers
the Overseas Representative of TRBL from
Belgium, The Overseas Membership Support
Officer Fiona Hedges from the UK had also
confirmed as well as Don Antonio Bernabeu
the Mayor of Castalla. We had also asked for a
representative from the British Embassy in
Madrid to attend, imagine our delight when we
heard we were getting a senior serving officer,
Capt Ian Clarke RN the Defence Attache.
Memorial builder Alex Cowens with Jack Kemp
Joe Falzon unveils the Memorial
The arrival of Mr Bob Chambers and Mr Joe
Falzon with Jack Kemp
The wreath layers, Mr Bob Chambers, Capt. Ian
Clarke RN and Don Antionio Bernabeu
16
The West End Warblers who opened the
ceremony with their rendition of 'Abide with me'
Capt. Ian Clarke lays the first wreath

The Act of Homage
A proud moment for both Sue and I
Joe Falzon with wife Josephine
I get the opportunity to lay a wreath and
pay my respects to 'Fallen Comrades'
Caberfeidh Gu Brath
Don Antonio with Pam
Twissell-Cross
Asun Vera Vicente
Members and guests after the ceremony
17

Welcome to Our
Poppy Ball
The Alicante Branch held their Poppy Ball at Caseta Nova on Sunday
17th October to celebrate the 100th Anniversary of the Royal British
Legion. With nearly 100 Members and guests the evening was deemed
to be a great success. The National vice Chairman Mr Joe Falzon
presented the Branch Chairmans awards on behalf of our outgoing
Chairman Mr Jack Kemp.
Also in attendance was Captain Ian
Clarke RN, the Defence Attache from
the British Embassy in Madrid, Mr
Bob Chambers TRBL Overseas
Representative and Fiona Hedges
our Membership Support Officer from
the UK.
New Branch Chairman Mr John Pratt
(Left) presents outgoing Chairman Mr
Jack Kemp with a gift from the
Committee and Branch Members.
Mrs Lynn Buttery and Mrs Sue Parkes-
McConnachie conducting the grand draw
which raised 440 Euros for the Poppy
Appeal.
18

The Concert Band of The Royal British Legion provided the early
evening entertainment under the musical directorship of Mr
David Last.
Members and Guests were
piped into the Ball
Branch Vice Chairman, Ed
Morris with wife Sue
Terry Burt with wife Lynn
Brian and Iris Charman
Mensha Franks (centre) with guests
Marion Lucey with
Christine Gardiner
19

100th Anniversary
Poppy Ball
Well the Ladies enjoyed themselves
The Local Mafia from El Campello
Left. Alex Cowens
who constructed
the Remembrance
Memorial with his
partner Shelly.
Right. Fi Hedges
MSO with
husband John.
New Member Bob Routeledge seemed to find his feet quickly
The Alicante Branch raised 1049
Euros for the Poppy Appeal from
the two events held on Sunday
17th October and every cent will
remain in Spain
20
Left. Joe Falzon,
National Vice
Chairman with
wife Josephine.
Right. Hamish
McConnachie
Ball Chairman
with wife Sue.

National Awards
The Haig Cup
Jack Kemp receives a crystal plaque representing the Haig Cup on behalf of the
Alicante Branch from The National Vice Chairman Mr Joe Falzon OSJ BEM
The Alicante Branch were announced as the
winners of the prestigious Haig Cup during
National Conference which was held on 15th May
2021. The Haig Cup is awarded for Efficiency and
Progress (Large Branch).
21

Branch Awards
2021
The Chairman's
Pennant
No Problem Bar
Fallen Hero Award
Hamish McConnachie
The Chairman's Pennant
Fiona Hughes
The Chairman's Pennant
Hamish McConnachie
The Chairman's
Pennant
Pamela Twissell-Cross
22
Special Certificate of
Appreciation
Nyke Rossi
The Chairman's Pennant
Jan Bricknill
The Fallen Hero Award, awarded at Branch level. This
is awarded to the Branch Member that has recruited the
most Members since the last AGM.
The Chairman's Pennant of Appreciation, awarded at
Branch Level to Branch Members who, in the opinion
of the Chairman have given the Branch the highest level
of support since the last AGM.
Special Certificate of Appreciation, awarded to Nyke
Rossi for raising the sum of 160 Euros towards the
Poppy Appeal.

Branch Chairman's Pennant of Appreciation
Fiona Dillon
Over the past eighteen months, Fi has done so much for the Royal British Legion in
general and the Alicante Branch in particular.
Her ability as a professional chef with 'flair' was clear to be seen and tasted by all
members, when Fi decided to make and sell cakes and pastries on a weekly basis. This
was an unbelievably successful achievement which raised 1325.06 euros for the Branch
Poppy Appeal in 2020.
Fi has always stepped up to support other members.
As an example of her 'Service not Self' attitude, when one of our Branch Members was
discharged from hospital and his family were restricted by Covid 19 protocols from
coming to Spain, without a moment of hesitation Fi stepped forward and took the very
poorly patient into her own home.
The gentleman required full-time care due to his very poorly condition and Fi provided the
24/7 care that was required, providing a safe environment for his recovery over, more
than six weeks after which he was fit to walk unaided and return to his own independent
living. Being a trained chef and never having to care in such a demanding way for anyone
before it was great to hear the Branch Member comment that "the care given by Fi was
better than a five star hotel!
You may think that is more that enough for one member, but with Fi the dedication and
commitment to the Branch and the Legion continue!
Fi donated the use of the under-build to her house,
Two, one week holidays which were auctioned, one by the Manchester Branch of the
RBL and one by the Alicante Branch during two 24 hour music events which raised over
600 euros from the respective auctions.
Fiona is the epitome of the Royal British Legion motto "Service not Self"
23

W e S e r v e d
WRENS
Woman's Royal
Naval Service
THE WRNS: FORMATION AND
HISTORY TO THE PRESENT DAY
WRNS; popularly and officially known as the
Wrens was created in November 1917 as a
result of heavy naval losses in the previous
years and a resulting shortage of manpower
for active sea service. Many sailors were
based on shore and it was felt that they
needed to be released to the ships, although
their shore jobs still needed to fulfilled. As in
the civilian world, it was felt that by employing
women to do these jobs, the men would then
be able to go to sea. The promotion of the
Women's Royal Naval Service was "Free a
man for sea service".
Initially, the Admiralty decided that only 3,000
women would be recruited and would mainly
perform domestic duties, such as cleaning,
cooking and serving meals. In the end, over
6,000 women undertook a variety of duties
including some that that been deemed too
difficult for women. There were even units
based overseas, the first one being in
Gibraltar.
The WRNS was led by Dame Katherine Furse.
She was a tireless worker and involved herself
in all matters relating to the service. A basic
uniform was designed, although the Treasury
forbade the use of gold lace on the women's
uniform. They decided on royal blue instead.
Les Hughes 1964 - 1989
The WRNS was in being for nineteen months
before the Admiralty finally disbanded the
service on 1 October 1919, but had made a
tremendous impression during its short
existence. During that period, the service lost
23 women.
With the advent of the Second World War,
there was no hesitation in reforming the
WRNS, and planning began as early as
1938. Dame Katherine was involved in the
planning but thought that a younger woman
was needed to lead the reformed service. In
1939, Mrs Vera Laughton Mathews, who had
served with the WRNS during the First World
War, was invited to become Director of the
WRNS for the Second World War. By 1944,
the service numbered 74,000 women
undertaking a variety of 200 different jobs.
Many Wrens were involved in planning and
organisation of naval operations, as well as
maintenance, some worked in Bletchley

Princess Anne, was Chief
Commandant of the WRNS from
1973 until 1993
The Wrens Memorial at the
NATIONAL MEMORIAL
AROBORETUM
Park as CodeBreakers as well as serving in the OSS.
Thousands of women served overseas and large numbers served in
other branches of the Navy, such as the Fleet Air Arm, Coastal
Forces, Combined Operations and the Royal Marines. In August 1941,
12 Wrens from the Scarborough Y Station volunteered for duty in
Gibraltar and along with another nine Wrens, they boarded the armed
merchant vessel SS Aguila. The Wrens knew their skills would be
much needed in Gibraltar, 12 were to be employed as cypher officers
and nine as wireless operators. A U Boat fired two torpedoes which hit
the side which housed the Wrens cabins and sank the Aguila The
sinking of the Aguila would leave 145 dead but mercifully 16 survivors
none of which were Wrens. During the war, the service lost 303
women. At the end of the war, Mrs Laughton Mathews was created a
Dame and with a greatly reduced service began planning for a peacetime
service, before retiring in November 1946.
As a testament to the valuable service performed by the women's
service, it was made a permanent service in February 1949. Numbers
were reduced as were the range of duties. Service was voluntary and
it maintained its own discipline. However, in 1977, the service was
brought into line with the navy itself and was subject to the Naval
Discipline Act. This allowed a greater number of trades to be
undertaken by women in the service. It also meant they were on the
same parity as their counterparts in the Air Force and Army. This was
the first step towards full equal integration into the Navy, which finally
led to the disbandment of the WRNS as a separate service in 1993.
1990 saw the first women to serve on board ship in a trial period, and
after the disbandment of the service, women were fully integrated into
the Navy. All jobs in the surface fleet are now open to men and women
alike. Women now make up at least one third of all naval ship crews
and sometimes 10% of one crew will be women. Women are also
included in the Submarine Service (See the video page) 25
With Capt Ian Clarke RN at the
Memorial unveiling in Castalla

HMS DAUNTLESS
Do you have any Wrens
in your family?
I’m not referring to the tiny, feathered variety in the garden but the
indomitable ladies who joined the Women’s Royal Naval Service.
Specifically, ladies who joined up between 1946 and 1981 and did
their basic training at Burghfield near Reading which was known
consecutively as Training Depot Burghfield, HMTE Burghfield,
HMTE Dauntless and finally HMS Dauntless.
Dauntless Divisional Photos is a nationwide project, in collaboration
with the Association of Wrens, to gather divisional photographs and
memories from those training days for a Dauntless archive and even
reunite ladies with old friends, share anecdotes and relive Wrennery
adventures.
So if you, your mum, granny, aunt, godmother or even next door
neighbour donned a blue suit and aimed for a life near the ocean
wave, please get in touch on ddpwrens@gmail.com.
Mandy Powell
Project Coordinator
26

Armistice Day
11th Hour of the 11th Day of the 11th Month
The Alicante Branch held their Armistice Day
service in the Garden of Remembrance at the
Castalla International urbanisation. Wreaths
were laid by Ed Morris, Branch Vice Chairman,
Les Hughes and Ian Haig.
Standard Bearers Jack Kemp, Union Flag
Callum Venters, Branch Standard and
Mary Kemp Spanish National Flag
Branch Members Les and Denise Dewson
Wreath Layers (top left)
Les Hughes on behalf of
the Womens Royal Navel
Service (Wrens) Ed
Morris on behalf of the
Alicante Branch of Royal
British Legion (above)
and Ian Haig (Left) on
behalf of the residents of
Castalla International.
Branch Members Malcolm and June Gregory

'Least we Forget'
100 Years of Rememberance 1921 - 2021
Branch Members Joan and George
Mollins
Branch Member Sandy Powell
Branch Membership Secretary
Sue Parkes McConnachie
Branch Members Marion Lucey, Margret Palmer and Jill Henderson
28

Remembrance Sunday
Sunday 14th November 2021
On a lovely Sunday morning on the promenade
at El Campello the Alicante Branch carried out a
somber act of Remembrance for the fallen. The
Service started with a reading of John McCrae's
'In Flanders Fields' by Sue Parkes McConnachie
followed by a welcome and thoughts on
Remembrance by Branch President Jack Kemp.
Wreaths were laid by John Van Der Houwen, Les
Dewson, Hamish McConnachie and Andrew
Bellman whilst the pipe tune 'Flowers of the
forest' played in the background. The Exhortation
was recited:
They shall grow not old, as we that are left
grow old:
Age shall not weary them, nor the years
condemn.
At the going down of the sun and in the
morning
We will remember them.
The Last Post was sounded and a Two Minute
Silence was observed followed by Reveille. The
Spanish National Anthem and the National
Anthem of the United Kingdom brought the
ceremony to a close.
Branch Members and members of the public
were then given the opportunity to lay wreaths
and crosses for the fallen.
29

El Campello
Remembrance Sunday
John Van Der Houwen Les Dewson Andrew Bellman
30
Bob & Debbie Routeledge
John Van Der Houwen &
Kathleen Verigotta
Fiona Dillon
“They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old: Age
shall not weary them, nor the years condemn. At the going
down of the sun and in the morning, We will remember
them.”

Branch and District
Boundaries
Spain District North
The Alicante Branch area stretches from
the Mediterranean coast including El
Campello and Alicante City and inland to
Alcoy and Villena. Branch Meetings take
place on the first Thursday of the Month. In
even numbered months: At the
International Club, Camino Real de
Villajoyosa 11, La Font, El Campello, 03650
In odd numbered months: At Amigos De
Onil, Calle Biar 20, 03430 Onil, Spain
All meetings are followed by a Social Lunch
within the local area.
You don't have to be a resident within the
Branch boundaries to join the Branch,
many of our members live in the UK,
Germany and other countries as well as
different regions within Spain.
Alicante Branch Boundaries
The Legion in Spain – District North, operates
from the French border to Baza in Andaluca –
an area larger than the size of the UK.
Our 14 branches offer comradeship to
members as well as social activities and with a
network of hardworking caseworkers and
branch community support members, we
deliver a service to our beneficiaries resident in
the area. Enquiries are many and varied. The
Legion also coordinates with other Armed
Forces charities to give the best possible
service to our beneficiaries.
Branch Boundaries within
Spain District North
31

Battle of the Imjin River
Korea
22–25 April 1951
The
Glorious
Glosters
From 22 to 25 of April 1951 around
750 men of the Gloucestershire
Regiment and Troop C. 170th
Independent Mortar Battery, Royal
Artillery, fought a force of over 10,000
Chinese regular troops. Towards the end
of the Battle the Glosters were completely
surrounded and running out of
ammunition. Some men were reduced to
fighting with bayonets and fists. Against
overwhelming odds the Glosters held the
line against the Chinese for four days.
When they were finally given the order to
break out only forty men managed to reach
safety. The Chinese captured or killed the
rest. The Glosters’ actions in delaying the
Chinese allowed the rest of the United
Nations forces time to regroup and block the
advance of the enemy towards the South
Korean capital Seoul.
For their heroic stand during the Battle of
the Imjin River, Korea April 1951 the
Glosters were awarded by the President
of the United States of America, the
Presidential Unit Citation, the highest
American award for collective gallantry in
battle.
Battle of the Imjin River
Early in April, the 29th Brigade,
supported by the 45th Field Regiment
RA and under command of the United
States (US) 3rd Infantry Division, took up
scattered positions on a 9-mile front
32

along the Imjin river.The 657 men
of the 1st Battalion, the
Gloucestershire Regiment’s
fighting component, supported by
C Troop 170th Heavy Mortar
Battery RA, were thinly spread on
the brigade's left flank in positions
set back some 2,000
yards from the river, guarding a
ford near the village of Choksong.
After nightfall on 22 April, the Chinese
launched the Spring Offensive, the first
phase of which was designed to eliminate
the US 3rd Division, the 29th Brigade and
the South Korean 1st Division. Success
would allow them to attack the US 24th and
25th Divisions in the flank and leave the way
open to Seoul. Against the four battalions of
the 29th Brigade the Chinese had amassed
the 63rd Army, comprising the 187th, 188th
and 189th Divisions; some 27,000 men in 27
infantry battalions.
First night – attacks on A and D
Companies and the F echelon
At 22:00, a 17-man patrol from C Company
in position on the river bank, supported by
the guns of the 45th Field Regiment,
engaged the leading Chinese troops three
times as they attempted to cross the ford.
The patrol withdrew without loss when it
began to run out of ammunition, and the
assaulting troops finally gained the opposite
bank. During the night, the Glosters' forward
companies were attacked, and by 07:30, A
Company, outnumbered six to one, had
been forced from Castle Hill. An attempt to
retake it failed, and the company, now at
less than half strength and with all officers
killed or wounded, fell back to Hill 235. The
withdrawal left D Company's position
exposed and, with one of its platoons badly
mauled in the overnight fighting,
What I must make clear to you is that my
command is no longer an effective fighting
force. If it is required that we shall stay here,
in spite of this, we shall continue to hold.
Lieutenant-Colonel Carne to Brigadier
Brodie
Afternoon of 24 April 1951
it too retired to the hill. B Company had not
been pressed during the night, but the
withdrawal of D Company on its left and
the Fusiliers on its right left the company
exposed, and it fell back to Hill 314 In the
afternoon. The later loss of the F Echelon
position meant that the battalion was now
cut off.
Men of the Glosters, Battle of Imjin River
Second night – attacks on Hill 314
At 23:00 on 23 April, the Chinese
resumed their attack, throwing the fresh
189th Division against the Glosters' B
and C Companies around Hill 314.
Through the night the men of B
Company, led by Major Edgar Harding
and outnumbered 18:1, endured six
assaults, calling in artillery on their own
position to break up the last of them. Low
on ammunition and having taken many
casualties, the company was forced from
33

34
it's positions by the seventh assault at
08:10, and just 20 survivors made it to Hill
235, to which the battalion HQ, Support
and C Companies had already withdrawn.
With the Glosters' position still vital to the
integrity of Line Kansas, Carne received
orders at 07:00 on 24 April from the 3rd
Division commander, General Soule, to
stand his ground. He was advised that
reinforcements, comprising tanks of the 8th
Hussars and Philippine 10th Battalion
Combat Team and the troops of the
Glosters' own rear echelon, were being
sent up route 5Y. The armour got to within
2,000 yards of the Glosters' position before
being halted in an ambush around 15:00,
condemning the Glosters to another night
alone on Hill 235.
Third night – last stand on Hill 235
By the afternoon of 24 April, the Glosters,
with C Troop 170th Mortar Battery now
fighting alongside as infantry, had been
reduced to an effective fighting force of
400–450 men. They were low on
ammunition, though in their favour the
45th Field Regiment were still able to
provide support. Estimates of the opposing
force range from a regiment (three
battalions) to a division (three regiments)
The Glosters fought through the night of
24–25 April, during which the peak was
briefly occupied by the Chinese,
LEAST WE FORGET
thus threatening the Glosters' whole
position on the hill. It was recaptured in a
counter-attack led by the adjutant, Captain
Anthony Farrar-Hockley, and the Chinese
launched seven attacks in one hour in an
attempt to take it again, all without
success. Their assault on the hill was
finally broken up after sunrise by airstrikes.
That morning, with Chinese forces
infiltrating miles behind the lines, UN forces
began to withdraw to Line Delta. On Hill
235, the Glosters had very little
ammunition, no hope of relief and, with the
45th Field Regiment on the move, no
artillery support. Carne received
permission to attempt a breakout at 06:05.
He had no choice but to leave the
wounded, estimated at some 100. The
survivors split into small groups and
attempted to evade the Chinese
surrounding them to reach friendly lines.
Just 63 men made it.
After the battle
The Glosters' stand had plugged a large
gap in the 29th Brigade's front on Line
Kansas which would otherwise have left
the flanks of the South Korean 1st and US
3rd Divisions vulnerable. General James
Van Fleet, commander of the US Eighth
Army, described the stand as "the most
outstanding example of unit bravery in
modern war", and in a letter to General
Ridgeway, commander-in-chief of UN
forces in Korea, he wrote that "the loss of
622 officers and men saved many times
that number" The 29th Brigade
commander, Brigadier Thomas Brodie,
christened the regiment The Glorious
Glosters, and Hill 235 became known as
Gloster Hill, at the foot of which the
Gloucester Valley Battle Monument was
built in 1957.

'We Served' A Personal Account
The Royal Regiment
of
Artillery
The Royal Regiment of Artillery – Why?
A lot of what we do in life reflects on our
parents, partners, spouses, and children.
So, I often contemplate on why I have made
some of the decisions in life I have. Why
leave school and join the Armed Services,
was it because both my mother and farther
were in the services, long before I was born
my mother was in the Luftwaffe my father
was in the army, serving in the Durham
Light Infantry (DLI), so maybe being the last
of three boys it was down to me to follow in
my parents footsteps so to speak, why did I
become a Drill Instructor in the Army, was it
because I was borne in a Drill Hall in
Stanley Co-Durham, I was borne at the
position of Attention, lol.
So, why the Artillery, yes I know you have
been told it many times before, it was
because of the Recruiting Sergeant, I asked
to join the Parachute Regiment, and was
told at the time it was full, and I believed
what I was told, the recruiting Sgt was from
(yes I know) the Royal Artillery and he said
we have paratroopers in the RA, why not
join the RA, the rest was history so to speak.
On the 12th September 1978, I stepped
through the gates of The Junior Leaders
Regiment Royal Artillery, Gamecock
Barracks, Bramcote, Nuneaton, now home
to 30 Signals Regiment.
Article by
Jack Kemp
My 40 year Army Career had started, 40
Wardrop Battery, Porteous Troop, Junior
Leaders Regiment Royal Artillery
(JLRRA) first stop a lovely old man who
said good afternoon, how would you like
your hair, after he stopped laughing at
how many gullible and trusting boys, he
had said that too he preceded to give you
a Short, Back and Sides in about 30
seconds flat, next.
During the first week, we attended what
was called “Sounding” now we had a
warning from our Troop Bdr (Corporal)
well more of an order than a warning, DO
NOT JOIN THE JLRRA BAND, so off I
went, picked up a Bugle, (did not have to
wait over two years for this one – Branch
joke), attempted to produce something
that resembled a note failed miserably,
into the next room, pick up a Snare Drum
and try and play some sort of drum beat,
well for a lead drummer of the Air Training
Corps (ATC) Sussex Wing Band, this
should have been easy, but in my head
was the Troop Bdr – DO NOT JOIN THE
JLRRA BAND, so failed, dropped the
sticks, no resemblance of a drum roll,
35

Junior Leaders Regiment Royal Artillery
so back to the Troop knowing I had
pleased the Bdr, that was until the next
Sunday when at 10:45 sharp the Bdr
shouted, get on Parade, we fell in three
ranks and was Marched off to Church,
however I noticed a smaller squad, who
looked very pleased with themselves and
went in a different direction, I can
remember thinking I wonder why they are
not going to Church, someone said they
are off to Band Practice, did not take me
many Sundays to ask if I could go back to
“Sounding” why Kemp, you was crap the
1st time why will this be any different, after
the very nice Trumpet Major (not) told me
what a very bad young recruit I was (not so
polite) for not demonstrating what I could
do with a Snare Drum I joined The JLRRA
Band and never went back to Church for
the rest of my time at Bramcoat.
36
The Junior Leaders Regiment Royal
Artillery came to occupy Gamecock
Barracks near the village of
Bramcote, Nuneaton in April 1959
and were disbanded in 1993. The
regiment was the army training
establishment for the future noncommissioned
officers of the Royal
Artillery. They were granted the
Freedom of the Borough on 8th
December 1971
The Nuneaton Mayor Jimmy James inspects the
assembled parade. JLRRA c1972.
I became the Lead Drummer of the
Band, performing all over the UK and in
1979 even performed at the Edinburgh
Tattoo with two of our other Members
from the Branch Mark Knight and John
Crompton, before joining my first
Regiment post training, which was 4th
Field Regt RA, at the time a 105mm Lt
Gun Regt stationed in Lille Barracks,
Aldershot.
So, my adult career in the Army had
started, so rather than send you to sleep
covering the next 39 years, if Hamish is
happy, I will provide a whistle stop tour
of Gunner to Major Kemp over the next
few editions.
I'm sure that we are all looking
forward to the next installment
from Jack,
Members, to make
this magazine
interesting we need
input from you. If
you have a story to
tell please contact
me. Yours Aye
Hamish.

The Video Page
Our Video page is designed to complement and give further information on articles
that appear within the Veteran.
Females in The Royal Navy
Click Here
Click Here
Unveiling of the Remembrance Memorial
Castalla 17th October 2021
Made in the Submarine Service –
Emily's Story
Click Here
Click Here
Glorious Glosters
Remembrance Sunday, Wreaths and
Standards
37

Forecast of Events
Alicante Branch meets at 12:00 pm on the 1st
Thursday of the month:
In even numbered months: At the International Club, Camino Real de Villajoyosa 11, La
Font, El Campello, 03650
In odd numbered months: At Amigos De Onil, Calle Biar, Onil, 03440
All meetings are followed by a Social Lunch within the local area.
Our weekly casual 'Meet & Greet' takes place at the No Problem Bar on
Thursdays at 15:00. Come along and meet some of the members.
December 2021:
January 2022:
No meeting due to Christmas Lunch.
6th January Branch Monthly Meeting, Onil followed by lunch.
25th January Burns Night, Black Bull , Castalla International
February 2022:
March 2022:
April 2022:
June 2022:
3rd February Branch Monthly Meeting, El Campello followed by lunch.
3rd March Branch Monthly Meeting, Onil followed by lunch.
7th April Branch Monthly Meeting El Campello followed by lunch
3rd June Jubilee Tea Party Caseta Nova
TBC 40th Anniversary of the Falklands Liberation
25th June Armed Forces Day
38

Help us to assist
The Royal British
Legions
Beneficiaries
We would love
more
Caseworkers,
Across District
North Spain
Training will be
provided if you
can assist with
any of the
voluntary
positions
Do you have a few
hours to spare on
an ad hoc basis?
Do you won’t to
be a House Bound
and Hospital
Visitor?
BRANCH COMMUNITY
SUPPORT
By volunteering
some of your free
time you can
assist
The Royal British
Legion
You can make a
difference and
improve the
quality of life for
one of our
Beneficiaries here
in Spain
ALICANTE BRANCH
CONTACT DETAIL
Branch Community Support
Name: Mary Kemp:
Mobile: +34 711 039 685
Alicante.BCS@rbl.community
Alicante Branch Web Page
Alicante RBL Facebook Page
We are Responsive,
Dedicated and Committed,
we provide support before
you join the Branch and after
you join the Branch, we play
a huge part in supporting the
local communities within our
Branch area.
Our BCS Committee Member
is only a phone call or email
away and works in the
strictest of confidentiality.
Alternatively, if
you find it hard to
get out, why not
be a Telephone
Buddy for
someone who is
isolated either
through illness or
location and
would love to
hear another
voice
The primary aim of TRBL is to support serving members of the Royal Navy, Royal Marines, British Army,
Royal Air Force, Reservists, Veterans and their families, many Veterans & their families live within the
Branch catchment area.
Join the Alicante Branch you will be made most welcome.
For more information on the Branch or joining call the Branch Chairman Jack Kemp on: 711 012 668
THE ROYAL BRITISH LEGION (TRBL) – IN SPAIN
Provides lifelong support to the Armed Forces
Community, to our serving men, women, veterans and
their families
Pamela Twissell-Cross
District Community Support Coordinator (Spain North)
Registered Charity No. 219279
Tel: +34 676 451 780, Mon to Fri 09:00 – 14:00 hours
Email: spainnorth.communitysupport@RBL.community
Spanish NIF N8261536
39

New
Series
The Victoria Cross
The origins of the Victoria Cross can be traced back to 1854,
when Britain found itself fighting a major war against Russia.
The Crimea War was one of the first ‘modern wars’, complete
with reporters from the major newspapers of the time, Describing tales
of derring-do from the front line for the news-hungry folk back home. And, whilst
the bravery of the gallant officers involved could be recognised via the Order of
the Bath, an award founded by George I in 1725, no such award was available to
acknowledge the heroic actions of the ordinary British serviceman. Other European
countries already had awards for their armed forces that did not discriminate
against class or rank. And so in early 1856 with increasing public support, Queen
Victoria ordered the War Office to strike a new medal, the Victoria Cross, which
was made open to all members of the British armed forces regardless of rank. The
award was to be backdated to 1854 in order to recognise acts of bravery from the
Crimea War.
Since then a total of 1356 Victoria Crosses have been awarded in its 150 year
history. In its early years the use of the new honour appears prolific, with more
VCs awarded to those soldiers who fought to suppress the Indian Mutiny than to
the soldiers who fought in the Second World War. In just one day alone, on 16th
November 1857 at the Relief of Lucknow, no less than 24 VCs were awarded.
In 1879, at the now famous Battle of Rorke’s Drift, a small British contingent of
only 137 stood firm against an army of thousands of Zulu warriors. For that one
single battle, eleven Victoria crosses were awarded. It was originally thought that
the medals were cast from the bronze of two Russian cannons that were captured
at Sebastopol during the Crimean War. More recent research however, reveals the
medals to be made from metal of Chinese origin, possibly from captured Chinese
weapons that the Russians reused at Sebastopol.
Only thirteen VCs have been awarded since the end of the Second World War. The
most recent being presented to Private Johnson Beharry for actions in Iraq. In 2004,
when exposed to ferocious enemy fire, Private Beharry steered his own Warrior
armoured vehicle away from an ambush, leading five other Warriors to safety.
Beharry suffered a head injury as a result. Returning to duty the following month,
he again suffered a serious head injury whilst reversing his Warrior out of yet
another ambush. In addition to saving his own life, Private Beharry undoubtedly
saved the lives of his injured commander and the other crew members of the
Warrior.
40
Military awards and decorations of the
United Kingdom
For Valour

These US Marines are in a bar. Every time a buddy comes
in he high fives this Marine and yells, "Two weeks!"
They keep doing this until the bartender asks, "What's all
this two weeks stuff?" A Marine tells him their friend
finished a puzzle in two weeks.
The bartender says, "So, what's so great about that?" The
Marine replies, "It said on the side of the box 4 to 6 years"
MILITARY HUMOUR
A man is flying in a hot air balloon and
realizes he is lost. He reduces height and
spots a man down below. He lowers the
balloon further and shouts: "Excuse me,
can you tell me where I am?"
The man below says: "Yes, you're in a hot
air balloon, hovering 30 feet above this
field."
"You must be an NCO," says the
balloonist.
"I am" replies the man. "How did you
know?"
"Well," says the balloonist, "Everything
you have told me is technically correct,
but it's no use to anyone."
The man below says "You must be an
Officer".
"I am" replies the balloonist, "But how
did you know?"
"Well," says the NCO, "You don't know
where you are, or where you're going, but
you expect me to be able to help. You're
in the same position you were before we
met, but now it's my fault."
What’s the difference
between the Boy
Scouts and the Army?
The Boy Scouts have adult supervision.
Having passed the enlistment physical,
Jon was asked by the doctor, “Why do
you want to join the Navy, son?”
“My father said it’d be a good idea, sir.”
“Oh? And what does your father do?”
“He’s in the Army, sir.”
What’s the difference between a fighter
pilot and a fighter jet?
The jet stops whining once you turn the
engine off.
True Story
Credit Kelvin Hunter

ALL DRINKS 10p
Four retired Matelots are walking down a street
in Pompey, They turn a corner and see a sign
that says, "Old Timers Bar - ALL drinks 10p."
They look at each other and then go in,
thinking, This is too good to be true. The old
bartender says in a voice that carries across
the room, "Come on in and let me pour one for
you ! What'll it be, gentlemen?" There's a fully
stocked bar, so each of the men orders a
martini. In no time the bartender serves up four
iced martinis - shaken, not stirred and says,
"That'll be 10p each, please." The four guys
stare at the bartender for a moment, then at
each other. They can't believe their good luck.
They pay the 40p, finish their martinis and
order another round. Again, four excellent
martinis are produced, with the bartender again
saying, "That's 40p, please." They pay the 40p,
but their curiosity gets the better of them.
They've each had two martinis and haven't
even spent a pound yet. Finally one of them
says, "How can you afford to serve martinis as
good as these for 10p?" "I'm a retired
Bootneck," the bartender says, "and I always
wanted to own a pub. Last year I hit the Euro
Lottery jackpot for £140 million and decided to
open this place. Every drink costs 10p. Wine,
spirits , beer - it's all the same." That's some
story!" one of the men says. As the four of
them sip at their martinis, they can't help
noticing seven other people at the end of the
bar who don't have any drinks in front of them
and haven't ordered anything the whole time
they've been there. Nodding at the seven at the
end of the bar, one of the men asks the
bartender, "What's with them?" The bartender
says, "They're feckin Squaddies". They're
waiting for Happy Hour when drinks are halfprice."
42

Poets
Corner
The Story of Sid and Dolly
She made a blue dress to wear at the dance
Full of excitement she hoped for romance
She danced with a soldier heading for France
As he walked her home, he said.............
"Can I write to you Dolly, for you are the one
I will be thinking of when I am alone
Wait for me Dolly and when I come home
I'll dance with you once again".
Each day in the factory, the heat and the noise
Sewing kit bags for soldier boys
She smiled to herself remembering the dance
And hoped she would see him again.
Sid sat in the dugout and started to write
It's lonely here, and cold of a night
I'll be back home soon. There won't be a fight
And I'll dance with you once again.
In a church on the seafront on a dull day in May
She joined the nation to hope and to pray
On a beach in Dunkirk in the dark and the rain
He hoped he would see her again.
She wore a blue dress and stood by his side
Her soldier'd returned to make her his bride
As he held her close to have the first dance
She thought of the words that he'd said.
"Can I write to you Dolly, for you are the one
I will be thinking of when I am alone
Wait for me Dolly and when I come home
I'll dance with you once again".
Maureen Deller
Dear Dad
I wish I had known you,
but you died when I was ten
I would like to ask you,
How it was for you back then.
Mum said you didn't talk much
Men didn't then, and yet
You must have had some memories
Difficult to forget.
As a child I wasn't interested
To hear about the war
I never thought to ask you
I thought it was a bore.
Now each year at this time
I feel a little sad
That I never really got the chance
To say "Thank you Dad!"
Maureen Deller
Remember
That time of year has come again
When we reflect and remember them
Polish our boots and press our kit
Remember those fallen that didn't make it
We shine our medals
Place them on our chest
Remember our friends
We have laid to rest
Remember those that went before
Those that were lost in another war
People think it's for soldiers old
Now it's time for them to be told
Rightly so we should do it with pride
Mark of respect for them that died
Show the world they didn't die in vain
For there families I feel the pain
Gordon Alexander
43

The Alicante Branch
of the
Royal British Legion
"Service not Self "
Visit our website at
http://branches.britishlegion.org.uk/branches/alicante