1. society
2. unrest and war

MAGAZINE
Issue 3 - October 2014
Remembrance Day Issue
Next
Next of
of Kin
Kin –– Memories
Memories
of
the
First
World
of the First World War
War
Thousands of young men from all
over Scotland gathered at
Stirling Castle to sign up in the
First World War
Remembrance Day
SALUTE
Contents
MAGAZINE
www.salutemagazine.co.uk
Page 23
Page 20
Page 32
Page 4
Stirling Castle’s First World War
explored by thousands
Page 6
Troopship’s humanitarian role
by Peter Myers
Page 8
Changes to Ministry Of Defence
Medals and Clasps following
Sir John Holmes’s Independent
Review
Page 12
Edinburgh Band Remember
City’s WW1 Fallen
Page 17
Legion Scotland Branch Notes
Page 20
Memorials on the Western Front
Page 25
Page 10
Page 30
by John Patchett
This magazine is published by:
Global Media & Exhibitions Ltd.
Page 23
Gibbs Yard, Auchincruive Estate, Ayr,
Ayrshire, Scotland KA6 5HN
Managing Director: Jim Brown
Distribution Manager: Jim Brown
Design & Editorial: Shona McMahon @ Evolution Designs Ltd
Sales Representatives: John Randall
by John Patchett
Page 24
Next of Kin –
Memories of the First World War
Page 26
How World War One changed
gardening
Telephone: 01292 525970
Fax: 01292 525979
Email: [email protected]
www.salutemagazine.co.uk
All branch notes, stories and photographs please
email to: [email protected]
Cover photograph: Stirling Castle, WWl, Recruitment Staff,
October 1916. Image copyright of Argyll and Sutherland
Highlanders Regimental Museum.
Royal Honour for Gurkhas at
the Arboretum
by Gardening Leave
Page 30
Highland Poppy Run 2014
by John Patchett
Page 32
Honorary PDSA Dickin Medal
awarded to heroic WWI animals
by Ian Bilboe
Global Media and Exhibitions Ltd does not make any representation as to the accuracy or suitability of any advertisements contained in this publication and does not
accept any responsibility or liability for the conduct or content of those advertisements and the offerings made by the third parties. Goods or services advertised are not
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Salute Magazine
Page 3
Remembrance Day
Stirling Castle’s First World
War explored by thousands
Visitors flocked to Stirling Castle in early October to step
back 100 years in time to Stirling 1914 to discover more
about the stronghold’s role during the First World War
when thousands of young men from all over Scotland
gathered at its gates to sign up to serve King and Country
in the First World War.
______________________________________________
Over 2,500 people explored the
castle’s perhaps less well known
role as an army recruitment
centre during a weekend-long
event, held in partnership with
the Museum of the Argyll and
Sutherland Highlanders.
______________________________________________
Those coming through the castle’s gates were transported
back a century in time to learn how the castle was
transformed almost overnight. Costumed interpreters took
on the roles of characters ranging from a Quarter Master
to the Medical Officer who would have been based at the
castle at this time and involved in the lives of the many
thousands of new recruits who signed up to serve King
and Country at the castle.
Meanwhile, the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders
Museum, based within the castle gave visitors the
opportunity to trace ancestors who served in the regiment;
whilst the castle’s Chapel Royal, which once housed beds
for reservists and new recruits, showcased a unique display
of First World War images.
Page 4
Stirling Castle, WWl, Recruitment Staff, October 1916.
Images copyright of Argyll and Sutherland
Highlanders Regimental Museum.
Historic Scotland’s Head of Visitor Experience, Content
and Learning, Lorna Ewan, said:
“The castle welcomed more than 2,500 visitors through
its gates for this special event marking the Centenary
year of the outbreak of the First World War. Over the
weekend-long event, visitors had the opportunity to
discover more about the War through costumed
interpretation and interactive educational sessions.
“As the Regimental Depot, the castle was transformed
within days of war being declared. Large numbers of new
recruits came from across Scotland to sign up. Here within
the castle walls recruits were issued their papers, received
their uniforms and underwent medical examinations.
“The event was very successful in helping to highlight
to our visitors a, perhaps, less well known chapter in the
Castle’s long and varied history.”
_____________________________________________
You can find out more about the Museum of the Argyll
and Sutherland Highlanders at: www.argylls.co.uk
Salute Magazine
Remembrance Day
The Association of Wrens
(Women of the Royal Naval Services)
The Association of Wrens was formed in 1920 yet is still relevant
today for those who wish to keep in touch with friends from service
days. Several of our Veterans were featured in the D Day 70th
Commemorative services and TV/Radio broadcasts this year,
including Admiral Lord West’s ‘The History of the Royal Navy’.
The Association is always keen to recruit new members especially
those serving on RN Ships and at establishments. Throughout the
UK and overseas, our formal Branches and local Informal Groups
meet regularly for social get-togethers. We hold a National Reunion
every three years; members find out about all of these, and more,
from The Wren magazine, the AOW website, and the AOW
Facebook page.
There will be one hundred Association members marching at the
Remembrance Parade 2014, led by Chairman Mrs Carol Gibbon
who for many years had the honour of carrying the National
Standard.
The AOW membership card entitles members to a reduction
in the cost of accommodation in the Maritime Club, Portsmouth and
discounted entry to Portsmouth
Historical Dockyard.
Further information from HQ at
Semaphore Tower Portsmouth.
Tel. 02392 725141
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.wrens.org.uk
facebook.com/pages/Association-of-Wrens
Salute Magazine
l to r Val Gleave, Carol Gibbon now
Chairman, & Chris Walker Warwick
Reunion Service 2014
Page 5
The Arundel Castle in peacetime when she voyaged to South Africa
Troopship’s
humanitarian
role
by Peter Myers
An unusual role for the British troopship
Arundel Castle was the repatriation
of Allied and Axis prisoners of war in
1944 - 45. She had already seen
worldwide service as a trooper since
1940 and had taken part in the North
African and Sicilian landings in 1943.
Remembrance Day
The late Jack Thompson, who lived in Glasgow, was
serving as a cook aboard her at the time and years
later told me about the Arundel Castle’s humanitarian
role, which was in contrast to her peacetime
voyages from Britain to South Africa as one of the
Union-Castle Line’s mail ships.
In late 1944, the ship was repatriating POWs from
North Africa to Italy, and Jack said that on the return
voyage they transported some American soldiers to
stand trial before a military court in Oran, Algeria,
after they had been charged with serious crimes,
including murder.
Jack recalled that it was just before Christmas 1944
that they received word to proceed to the French port
of Marseilles where they were to embark about 2,000
wounded German POWs, who were to be exchanged
for the same number of wounded British POWs in the
neutral port of Gothenburg in Sweden.
On Christmas Eve, the Arundel Castle lay off
Gibraltar all lit up, which was in contrast with the
normal blackout regulations. Jack said there was
added poignancy to the occasion when quite a
number of the Germans came up on deck and sang
Christmas carols.
The Arundel Castle sailed independently from
Gibraltar to Gothenburg, and Jack said they were
grateful to be allowed to open the ports and so clear
the foul air from below decks where the POWs were
accommodated.
They arrived in the Skagerrak where they were
ordered to pass through a channel off the north coast
of Jutland in Denmark and which was overlooked by
German shore gun batteries. Jack recalled that the
German gunners wouldn’t have appreciated the V
for victory signs given by the British seafarers. Such
defiant gestures would have also got a cool reception
from the crews of U-boats moored nearby.
The POWs had plenty of French currency and were
keen to buy anything to take home. Jack and his
shipmates thought the French francs were worthless
but did accept a few as souvenirs. Upon their return
to Britain, they wished they had taken more because
the francs turned out to be legal tender.
Salute Magazine
Jack Thompson who served on the
Arundel Castle
As the Arundel Castle docked at Gothenburg her
crew were surprised to find their ship being
welcomed by a German brass band. She was
possibly the only British ship to have had such a
welcome laid on during the war.
The Germans were disembarked and their place was
taken by wounded British POWs. Jack watched their
embarkation and felt sad at the sight of the long line
of war-blinded servicemen being helped up the
gangway. The exchange of prisoners lasted several
hours before the Arundel Castle sailed for Liverpool.
She was still in Swedish territorial waters when a
British soldier, who had been living in Sweden and
had not been included in the exchange, made
himself known. Since the ship had to pass the
German checkpoint to leave the Skagerrak, it was
decided to return him to Sweden where he would
be cared for until the end of the war.
Another liner engaged in the exchange of prisoners
and the wounded between the combatant powers
was the Swedish-America Line’s Drottningholm, which
performed this service for the International Red Cross
from 1940-46.
In more recent years, the P&O liner Canberra
repatriated 3,000 Argentinian POWs to Puerto
Madryn while North Sea Ferries’ Norland repatriated
other POWs via Montevideo, Uruguay, in the
aftermath of the Falklands conflict in 1982.
Page 7
Remembrance Day
Changes to Ministry Of Defence
Medals and Clasps following
Sir John Holmes’s Independent Review
The Sir John Holmes Independent Medal Review
The Prime Minister appointed Sir John Holmes in
April 2012 to conduct an independent review of the
policy governing the award of military medals. He
issued his report in July 2012, which concluded
that the existing guiding principles were reasonably
based but that there should be greater readiness
to review past decisions. Sir John was therefore
commissioned to review independently a number
of cases which had been brought to his attention
as possible candidates for changed medallic
recognition. The aim was to draw a definitive line
under issues which in some cases had been
controversial for many years, ensuring that
consistency and fairness were respected as far as
possible, in a context where the judgments are
often difficult, but need to be clear and defensible.
This substantial and complex piece of work is now
complete. Each of the reviews has been subject to
detailed discussion by the Committee on the Grant
of Honours, Decorations and Medals and its
conclusions have gained Royal approval.
Responsibility for the implementation of these new
awards rests with the Ministry of Defence Medal
Office (MODMO). A phased approach has been
adopted to allow time for the design and
manufacture of the new awards.
The changes and implementation timescales
are as follows:
NEW CLASPS
Cyprus 1963-64
Those servicemen who served in Cyprus during the
period 21 December 1963 to 26 March 1964 will be
awarded the General Service Medal (1962) with
clasp “CYPRUS 1963-64”. Applications for the new
clasp will be accepted from 1 March 2015 onwards.
The first of the awards will be despatched towards
the end of that month (however these timings remain
under review). Applications will be dealt with in date
order.
Berlin Airlift
The General Service Medal 1918-62 with clasp
‘BERLIN AIRLIFT’ will be awarded for at least one
Page 8
day’s service to all aircrew, RAF and civilians who
took part in the Berlin Airlift operation from 25 June
1948 to 6 October 1949 inclusive. Applications for
the new clasp will be accepted from 1 March 2015
onwards. The first of the awards will be made
towards the end of that month (however these
timings remain under review). Applications will
be dealt with in date order.
Existing Medals/Clasps that are to be awarded
under revised qualifying criteria
South Atlantic
The qualifying period for the award of the South
Atlantic Medal without the Rosette will be extended
from 12 July to 21 October 1982, when the airfield at
Mount Pleasant was completed. Applications for the
South Atlantic Medal, under the new time extension,
will be accepted from 1 October 2014 onwards. The
awards will begin to be despatched towards the end
of that month. Applications will be dealt with in date
order.
Cyprus 1955-59
Those who participated in the suppression of acts of
terrorism in Cyprus between 1 April 1955 and 24
December 1959 will qualify for the General Service
Medal 1918–62 with clasp ‘CYPRUS’ if they served
for 90 days or more. The qualifying period has been
reduced from 120 days, bringing it into line with
the qualifying period for service during the Kenya
anti-terrorism campaign. Applications for the clasp
‘CYPRUS’ under the new qualifying period will be
accepted from 1 October 2014 onwards. The first of
the clasps will be despatched towards the end of that
month. Applications will be dealt with in date order.
How to Claim
Full details on how to claim the new awards are
available at https://www.gov.uk/the-ministryof-defence-medal-office but please note the above
dates from which applications will be processed.
With the exception of the South Atlantic Medal, RAF
and Civilian Pilots are encouraged to submit copies
of their flying logbooks to provide evidence of
eligibility.
Salute Magazine
Remembrance Day
Application Forms
Medal Application Form (For non-serving personnel)
Contact us, write to us at:
MOD Medal Office,
Innsworth House,
Imjin Barracks,
Gloucester
GL3 1 HW
Email: [email protected]
The address provided is for written correspondence only, unfortunately
we do not have the capacity to answer face to face enquiries.
Veterans can telephone the free Veterans Helpline
0808 1914 2 18 for further advice. The
opening times are:
07:30 – 18:30 Mon – Thurs : 07:30 - 17:00 Friday
Telephone enquiries about medals from Serving
Personnel should be directed to the Joint
Personnel Administration Centre (JPAC)
Free Phone: 0800 085 3600
Overseas Civ: +44 (0) 141 224 3600
Mil: 94560 3600
Fax: 0141 224 3586
Questions and answers ....
How do I claim medals – I am a veteran?
To claim medals that have not been issued, please
complete the application form (link above) and return
it to the address stated. The following information (or
as much as possible) will be required:
Service Number, Regiment/Corps (Army/RM),Branch/
Trade (RAF and RN), Full Name, Date of Birth, Rank
and date of discharge, plus, of course, your current
name and address. If you served as a Pilot/
Navigator/Aircrew with the RAF, please submit copies
of your flying logbook to assist in the assessment of
your application. Please ensure only you, as the
veteran, sign the application form.
How do I claim medals – I am the next of kin of a
veteran who is now deceased?
If a service person’s medals were not claimed whilst
they were alive, the medals can still be claimed by
the Next of Kin. However, we require documents to
confirm proof of death and a declaration of kinship
before the medals are issued. ONLY the Next of
Kin may make a claim. If you wish to apply, the
completed application form and a photocopy of
the death certificate should be sent to:
MOD Medal Office, Innsworth House,
Imjin Barracks, Gloucester GL3 1 HW
Salute Magazine
How do I claim medals – I am the next of
kin/relative/friend of a veteran who is still alive
but is incapacitated?
You may apply for veteran’s medals if you hold
Lasting Power of Attorney over the affairs of the
Veteran. If you do not, the veteran must apply
themselves. You must send a copy of the Power of
Attorney with the application.
How do I claim medals – I am not the next of kin of a
veteran who is now deceased?
If you are not the next of kin you cannot apply for the
deceased veteran’s medals.
I already have a General Service Medal. Will I get
another one when I apply for a clasp?
No. If you are already in receipt of the General
Service Medal for which the clasp you have
qualified for then you will only receive the clasp.
If, however, you are not in receipt of the correct GSM
then the MOD Medal Office will issue it with your
clasp.
I was a civilian pilot during the Berlin Airlift.
Will you have evidence of my service?
No, records for civilian airline pilots are extremely
difficult to locate. However, if you send in a copy of
your flying logbook from that period, then we will be
able to assess your eligibility and award a clasp (and
medal if you have not previously been awarded one).
Why has my medal campaign been rejected by the
Independent Medal Review?
The Independent Medal Review was commissioned
by the Cabinet Office and therefore the MOD is
unable to comment on the reasons behind the
findings. All queries should be directed to the
Honours Secretary at:
The Honours Secretary,The Cabinet Office,
70 Whitehall, London SW1A 2AS
Why won’t the first award be made until October and
why will it take so long to bring in the other medals?
In order to establish a dedicated team, run
commercial activity and process the high volume
of applications anticipated takes time. The MOD
Medal Office strives to process applications as
quickly as possible but it must also maintain the
integrity of all awards by assessing the applications
carefully against the strict eligibility criteria.
Do I need to send original documents in support of
my application?
No, photocopies of documents, death certificates,
Power of Attorney are sufficient as the originals are
irreplaceable if lost.
Page 9
Remembrance Day
DISABLED VETERAN TO TACKLE SCOTTISH 100-MILE TGA MOBILITY
SCOOTER CHARITY CHALLENGE ON 100-YEAR WW1 ANNIVERSARY
Andy McIntosh, 42 from Strathaven near Glasgow, is a
retired Army Corporal who despite living with severe
mobility difficulties will be driving a TGA Breeze mobility
scooter 100-miles, to raise military charity donations on the
100th World War One anniversary.
Andy’s challenge and award-winning TGA mobility scooter
Between the 9th and 11th November, Andy will be driving
a Breeze S4 GT loaned by TGA, the UK’s leading mobility
scooter specialist, from Goldens Sands Holiday Park in
Northumberland to the Poppy Scotland offices in Edinburgh.
He is aiming to raise funds for three military charities to say
thank you for their support of him and his family – namely
Poppy Scotland, SSAFA and ABF The Soldier’s Charity.
Despite his disability, Andy is determined to complete this
epic challenge alone and will arrive onboard the Breeze in
Edinburgh before 11am on Armistice Day.
Andy’s mobility scooter of choice is the same model that
won the BBC Top Gear Extreme Mobility Scooter challenge,
which was broadcast on BBC2 in 2012 and driven by
disabled war veterans. More recently, this robust 8mph
TGA scooter set a new world record this summer for: ‘The
greatest distance covered in 24 hours by a mobility scooter.’
The Breeze delivered 100% reliability and comfort to the
driver during this extreme challenge and will once again
be tested to the limit on this 100-mile journey along the
Scottish east coast.
Andy’s history
Andy served in The Cheshire Regiment for 14 years
experiencing front line action in Bosnia, Iraq and Northern
Ireland. Originally from Manchester, Andy retired from the
Army fully fit to pursue a new career, however in 2008 he
received devastating news. He was rushed to hospital after
collapsing at work and following his stablisation, doctors
discovered he had a very rare vascular condition that was
increasingly affecting his circulation. With over 150 clots
found in his groin area, scans revealed his major veins had
disintegrated so blood flow back to his heart was being
severely restricted. As his condition and mobility worsened
he asked to be referred to the UK’s leading vascular
surgeon, who, following years of tests, concluded
that there was a potential solution.
On the eve of Andy’s 20-hour operation that could help
him walk again, final tests revealed that this procedure
would not be possible and could potentially be fatal.
Andy is now rebuilding his life in the knowledge that his
condition will continually deteriorate and so to remain
positive, has decided to ‘give something back’ by
attempting this 100-mile fundraiser.
Andy said: “There have been a lot of tears since receiving
the news that I can’t be operated on, but I am a man that
never gives up. I've been in some very dark places but I
won't let this beat me. While talking with my partner, I
decided that I needed something to keep me focused and
give me some self worth. Before I tackle John O’Groats to
Land’s End next year on a mobility scooter in the shortest
time ever, I have organised this 100-mile, 48-hour warm-up
event to raise funds for Poppy Scotland, SSAFA and ABF
Page 10
The Soldier’s
Charity. These
charities have
done so much
for my family and
I so it is time to
give something
back.
Andy continues:
“Despite my
walking
difficulties and
health issues, I
am determined
to raise over
£2,000 to help
fellow disabled
servicemen and
Andy McIntosh with TGA Mobility staff
women. I’m
chuffed that TGA has kindly agreed to loan me a Breeze
scooter that is renowned for durability, reliability and
outstanding battery range. I will be attempting this
challenge solo – a tall order, but I will succeed. Why 100
miles? This is to coincide with the 100th anniversary of the
First World War. I would encourage everyone to please
donate to my Just Giving page, it will really make a
difference to the lives of injured veterans and their families.”
Andy’s supporter – TGA Mobility
Daniel Stone, TGA Managing Director concluded: “The
TGA team and I are fully behind Andy and are delighted to
be assisting with fundraising for Poppy Scotland, SSAFA
and ABF. Our Breeze scooter is a tried and tested design
that will deliver all the performance, comfort and reliability
Andy needs during his challenge. This highly popular
model delivers independence with peace of mind to many
individuals across the UK who without ownership, would be
housebound or unable to engage with society. We will continue to work closely with Andy as he finalises his plans for
this 100-mile challenge and the 2015 world record attempt.”
Andy’s TGA Breeze S4
The Breeze range from TGA is an established and highly
respected brand. Both the larger three and four- wheel
models and the compact Midi versions all incorporate the
latest in mobility scooter technology. The Midi models are
ideal for around town with high level of manoeuvrability,
whilst the larger models boast impressive off road
capabilities – perfect for more rural settings.
______________________________________________________
Donate to Andy’s chosen charities at:
www.justgiving.com/
Andrew-Mcintosh42
Folllow Andy on Facebook:
‘100 mile scoot’
For further details on the
Breeze range, contact TGA:
Tel: 01787 882244 Email:
[email protected]
www.tgamobility.co.uk
Salute Magazine
Remembrance Day
Salute Magazine
Page 11
EDINBURGH BAND
REMEMBER CITY’S
WW1 FALLEN
As part of the lead up to the 100th Anniversary of start of the
1st World War the Lowland Band of the Royal Regiment of Scotland
were in France earlier this year to mark the commencement of the
Battle of the Somme on 1 July. Providing musical support to the
Royal British Legion the band participated in memorial services
at the Thiepval Memorial to the Missing of the Somme,
Ulster Tower and Fricourt.
While in France the Band took
the opportunity to pay their respects
at Contalmaison. Contalmaison is
home to the memorial cairn for McCrae’s Battalion;
the name affectionately given by the people of
Edinburgh to the city’s 16th (Service) Battalion
of the Royal Scots. A wreath was laid on
behalf of the Band to the emotive sounds of
“Hearts of Glory”, a piece of music composed
by Craig Herbertson in honour of McCrae’s
Battalion and specially arranged for the occasion
by Capt. Alex Knox, Director of Music
Lowland Band.
Standing under the Standards of all nations in these compelling locations proved a
memorable experience for the Band and served as a moving tribute to the lives lost
to The Great War.
Images on both pages are Crown 2014 Copyright
Digger ready to play the last post.
Ulster Tower Memorial to the 36th Ulster Division
Thiepva
Remembrance Day : our councils pay their respects
Page 14
Salute Magazine
Remembrance Day : our councils pay their respects
Salute Magazine
Page 15
Remembrance Day : our councils pay their respects
Page 16
Salute Magazine
Remembrance Day
Royal Engineers Association - Paisley Branch
For Scotty’s Little Soldiers and Royal Engineers
Association, with The Co-operative Funeralcare,
Lady Lane, Paisley, at The Royal British Legion
Paisley Comrades Club.
The evening started with the introduction to the
Emergency Exits and the naming of the Sponsors
and the people who did the ‘behind the scenes’ work
who included Gordon, Joe, Frank, Geordie & Donnie
along with a few others.
The races started and everyone was in the mood
for a good night. One would have thought, as one
listened to the noise of the spectators, that we were
actually at the races. In Arthur Grants corner, one
lady was yelling so loud she nearly scared the riders
as well as the horses. I think her name was Liz. The
projectionist said they would have had to shout
louder to encourage their favourites on..DUH!!!
Half time saw the raffle where quite a few nice prizes
were won. Some folk handed their prizes back to
raise more funds at the next charity event. Heads and
tails causes quite a few laughs here too. More prize
giving followed with ‘coin at the bottle’ which showed
we had quite a few marksmen here but only one
winner, although, two when you count the charity. We
also had a lovely buffet which was gone in 2 minutes
and poor Joe was still hungry!
Second half...the races are on again, the punters
punting and Liz still yelling Arthur laughing. Charity is
still winning. The auction for the last race consisted of
two prizes: 1st was £120 and 2nd £60. The generous
winners of the second prize gave their winnings to
the charities mentioned.. a big thank you to you all!
Afterwards it was time to start the dancing, as people
here in Paisley know, Jimmy Wilson is the best
dancer in town, we only know this as he keeps
telling us and ‘Jimmy doesn't tell lies’.
A great night was had by all and the charities
certainly benefited. Well done to everyone.
I'm not saying there was any cheating at the raffle,
but a certain R E A Chairman won the same bottle of
Vodka that he donated 2 or 3 times before at different
charity functions. I will say this, the person who drew
the ticket was a complete stranger to Jimmy
“Honestly”. Jimmy says he’ll ring it back next time.
Once again, thanks to all our Sponsors and the guys
in the entertainment committee, a special mention to
the bar staff who put up with our shennannigans and
the “Wee Argyll Nutter’ for his time. Thanks to all the
ladies present, especially those who helped on the
racecourse.
Thank you all
Bobby F.PRO
Attention Readers ....
We would like to request your assistance and help with the production of future editions of the Salute
Magazine. We want your branch notes and to hear all of your own service history stories, including
photographs. If you know of any ex and/or current serving servicemen and women, politely ask them
to contribute. We would also like details and photographs of ex-service personnel who have recently
departed, for our 'last post'. This section will be dedicated in honour of all the forces.
We want all serving or ex-serving men and women to use this magazine to their full advantage, so
please send us your stories, photos, branch notes etc as we are more than happy to print these.
Please email all your information to: [email protected] or call Jim Brown on 01292 525970
Salute Magazine
Page 17
Remembrance Day
Prestwick & Troon Branch
ARMED FORCES & VETERANS ORGANISATION
POPPY APPEAL
Mrs Val McFarlane made 447 poppies last year, one
poppy for each of the soldiers who lost their lives in
Afghanistan, and raised a total of £668.15p. This year
she is helping raise funds for the Poppy Appeal
before she leaves for America to visit her family.
Last year, the Poppy Appeal raised £7.538.82p
collecting in Prestwick, Coylton and Monkton.
School Children’s Talk & Display
Mr Peter Scally, a member of the Branch every year
gives a talk on the War to the local primary schools
in Prestwick and has many items on display for the
children to see. The photograph is of Peter and
children from Glenburn, Kingcase Primary.
This is a photograph of children from St Ninian's
Primary trying out the helmets and leaning on the
siren.
Attention
Readers ....
We want your branch notes and to hear all
of your own service history stories, including
photographs. If you know of any ex and/or
current serving servicemen and women,
politely ask them to contribute. We would
also like details and photographs of ex-service personnel who have recently departed,
for our 'last post'. This section will be dedicated in honour of all the forces.
We want all serving or ex-serving men and
women to use this magazine to their full
advantage, so please send us your stories,
photos, branch notes etc as we are more
than happy to print these on your behalf.
Please email all your information to:
[email protected] or call
Jim Brown on 01292 525970
Page 18
Salute Magazine
Remembrance Day
Knightswood Branch
Nearly 200 of our
members gathered
in the club to honour
one of our most
loved members by
celebrating his
becoming a
nonagenarian.
Ivor Clucas
reached 90 on 21st
September 2014 what he calls the
‘youth of old age’
- and he can prove
it by still dancing
regularly every
Sunday evening
when visiting the
club with his wife
Neta.
Ivor tried to enlist in 1942 only to be met with “you
are on war work” - he immediately joined the Home
Guard based in Hyndland School. On one occasion
the janitor reported Ivor missing and when the C.O.
discovered Ivor was at a local dance hall he was
frog-marched back to school, severely censored
and fined half-a-crown.
Ivor has always had a passion for fancy dress
costumes and when invited to a Fancy Dress Dance,
Ivor went as Charlie Chaplin. He practiced the walk
to perfection and on arrival proudly made a grand
entrance, only to find he was the only one dressed
up - I’m sure he felt a proper Charlie!
When the RBLS opened its doors to members of
the Home Guard, Ivor joined the Knightswood
Branch/Club - where he served 19 years as
Treasurer, during which time he earned a Gold Badge
and Honorary Life Membership. He has always
been ably supported by his wife Neta, an ex WRAF,
who was Treasurer for the Social Section of the club.
and trust that they will both be able to attend
Knightswood for many more years to come.
John A Stewart - Branch/Club Chairman
Ivor also acted as Duty Officer on occasion and one
particular night as he was checking out the front
door, he was clobbered with a baseball bat by
would-be robbers. The robbers got nothing but
Ivor got hospitalised with a fractured skull.
We wish Ivor and Neta good health and happiness
Salute Magazine
Page 19
Remembrance Day
MEMORIALS ON TH
In the last edition of ‘Salute’ I gave a brief
account of the founding and work of the
Commonwealth War Graves Commission in
relation to individual burials. Their remit was
different when there were no remains to inter,
an increasingly frequent state of affairs when
so many deaths were caused by high explosives
and collapsed earthworks. Memorials to the
fallen come in many forms.
The largest British War Memorial in the world is at Thiepval
and it lists over 72,000 British and Commonwealth dead
who have no known grave. Most of these fell in the
second half of 1916, starting with the 20,000 killed on
1 July on the first day of the Battle of the Somme. It is
an imposing 43 metres high and its majestic bulk is
frankly unforgettable, as was intended by its architect,
Sir Edwin Lutyens.
Thiepval Memorial
on the Somme
There are also 300 Commonwealth and 300 French graves
in the grounds, to symbolize their joint sacrifice and the
continuing co-operation between the CWGC and the
French authorities. Most of those laid to rest here are
unidentified and many were unearthed during the building
of the memorial. When a body is found, as still happens
occasionally, and its identity is confirmed, the name is
erased from the memorial wall, hence a series of blank
lines on the stonework.
No such problem exists for the many privately funded
memorials in the vicinity, which remember specific
regiments. Particularly well crafted are some of those
of the Pals Battalions. The Accrington one reflects the
famous brickworks from which many joined up as Pals to
Page 20
Regimental lists on the Menin Gate
be guaranteed
to serve with
their workmates,
with consequent
mass sadness
back at home
when the worst
happened, as it
did in July 1916.
Another poignant
Accrington Pals Memorial
memorial is the
Newfoundland
Regiment Caribou at
Beaumont Hamel. This single
battalion from the Dominion,
which did not join Canada till 1949,
was part of the “incomparable”
29th British Division. This was the
last to be formed from the Regular
Army and it had already served
with distinction at Gallipoli. The
Newfoundlanders were already
battle hardened but on 1 July
1916 they suffered nearly 90%
casualties. The lone caribou is
Newfoundland Caribou at
understandably a sad creature
Beaumont Hamel
to behold.
South African Memorial at
Delville Wood
Staying on the Somme, the
South African Memorial at
Delville Wood commemorates
their citizens who died in all the
campaigns of the Great War,
with names in registers rather
than inscribed. Their missing
are also listed at Thiepval.
Salute Magazine
Remembrance Day
E WESTERN FRONT
by John Patchett
A final example
from the Somme
is the Lochnagar
Crater, man-made
of course but
created by a
single explosion
of 24 tons of
ammonal early
on 1 July 1916,
Lochnagar Crater
rather than, as
with most other
memorials, designed and built with patience and care.
The site was bought in 1978 by Mr Richard Dunning to
be preserved as a monument; it is 91 metres across and
21 metres deep. The huge detonation could be heard in
London. A single large cross on the rim is a stark pointer
to its original grim purpose.
The Menin Gate at Ypres is the other main CWGC
Memorial to the missing. The plan had been to include on it
all Commonwealth casualties lost in the Ypres Salient
but with nearly 55,000 names listed, there was no more
space and those 35,000 British and New Zealand troops
who died after 15 August 1917 are remembered instead at
the Tyne Cot Memorial near Passchendaele.
Menin Gate at Ypres
large numbers of
missing engraved,
including 20,000
at Loos.
As on the Somme,
the number of
memorials on the
Salient would be
daunting to list.
One which does
have a distinct
aura is known
as the “Brooding
Soldier,“ the
Canadian 1st
Division Memorial
at St Julien near
Ypres. As seen
here on a wet
Canadian St Julien Memorial
and misty day the
figure grows out of
a block of stone with sad and quiet menace, remembering
the first gas attacks of 1915.
Any idea that the monument movement is at an end is
quickly dispelled by events this year. The Australians have
opened an ambitious museum project at Fromelles. The
Black Watch Association unveiled a very fine statue at
Zonnebeke to remember all their 9,000 comrades who
died but in particular their 1st Battalion at the First
Battle of Ypres in late 1914. The new Welsh Memorial by
Langemarck recalls with the national dragon all soldiers
from Wales who took part in the hostilities.
If you want to follow up this subject there is a wealth of
information on-line, particularly through the CWGC. I still
like to have to hand the guidebooks produced by Major
and Mrs Holt, which are regularly updated. If you plan to
make a trip I again recommend the services of John Marr
of Battlefield Select Tours on 01463 238016 who has plenty
of experience of tailor-made touring and an excellent record
of customer satisfaction.
Surmounted by a lion symbolising both Britain and
Flanders, the Menin Gate was designed by Sir Reginald
Blomfield as a practical gift to the citizens of Ypres as no
archway had existed there before the Great War. It was
completed in 1927 and the nightly ceremony of sounding
retreat by the local fire brigade soon became a popular
and moving memorial in itself. During the later German
occupation the tradition was continued at Brookwood till
the Polish Armoured Division recaptured the town.
The names of the missing are listed by regiments and rank
within regiments, as shown on the enclosed picture of the
129th Baluchis and Coke’s Rifles, now both part of the
Pakistan Army. There are other CWGC monuments with
Salute Magazine
Barnsley Pals Memorial
Page 21
Remembrance Day
Page 22
Salute Magazine
ROYAL HONOUR
FOR GURKHAS AT
THE ARBORETUM
by John Patchett
Next year, 2015, marks
200 years of Gurkha
service with the British
Crown. On 23 September
2014 the first in a series
of events to celebrate this
anniversary was held
at the National Memorial
Arboretum in Staffordshire
when HRH Princess Anne
officially opened the
Gurkha Memorial there
to all who had served
since 1815.
HRH Princess Anne admires the plaque
attended Morrison’s Academy in Crieff and later Dundee
University to qualify as an architect. In between these
academic periods he had fought and been seriously
wounded in Burma with the 3rd Battalion of the 10th Gurkha
Rifles. He was hospitalized for many months back in UK.
He never returned to the Far East but served briefly with the
Black Watch until demobilised. In his civilian career he
rose to become the County Architect for Warwickshire.
His grandson kindly drove him to the event, which he,
like us, thoroughly enjoyed.
Durga Patchett at the
QARANC Memorial
This takes the form of a traditional Nepali chautara, the
stone-built resting place where travellers can lean or
temporarily shed their heavy loads whilst walking on the
steep Himalayan footpaths. The ceremony was attended
by well over 400 representatives from the various Gurkha
associations. I was invited as a former member of the 10th
Gurkha Rifles, along with my wife Durga, who had served
as a nurse in the QARANC, having enlisted in Nepal.
The Arboretum is a huge project, started in 1997 and
covering 150 acres with 50,000 trees already planted.
We went down a day early to explore but our findings and
photographs will have to wait for a future article. Suffice to
say it is well worth the long journey. The variety, size and
nature of the monuments is astounding and, contrary to
common belief, it embraces much more than the military.
The weather was very kind and arrangements ran smoothly
with a welcoming coffee before assembly at the site, a short
walk away. There the Princess inspected a Guard of Honour
composed from various Gurkha units. She was welcomed
by the President of the Gurkha Brigade Association and a
short religious service was held according to Christian,
Hindu and Buddhist rites. After the unveiling of a very
smart plaque with the badges of the many Gurkha units
past and present, the crowd returned to the marquee for
a buffet and the chance to meet Princess Anne.
Readers of ‘Salute’ may recall that a couple of editions
ago I mentioned my friendship with Jim Tainsh who had
Salute Magazine
Burma veteran Jim Tainsh
with Durga and John Patchett
We came across another interesting link with Scotland on
an individual tree plaque to remember William Scroggie
who, as shown, served in the Gordons, 9th Gurkhas and
Gunners, as well as later helping the SAS in Malaya, not
to mention the Gurkha Welfare Trust. An Edinburgh friend
with the same surname, but
unrelated, I later discovered had
met him at a Fettes College reunion,
shortly before his death, proving
again what a small world we live
in, brought together often by pure
chance.
We feel that we have done
enough driving now to celebrate
the Gurkha anniversary but we
would definitely like more time
to study the ever growing
Arboretum.
William Scroggie, a Scottish
hero of many conflicts
Page 23
Page 24
Salute Magazine
Remembrance Day
Next of Kin – Memories
of the First World War
Monday 4 August 2014 marked the centenary of the
outbreak of the First World War, a conflict which would
irreparably transform the face of Scotland and the rest of
the UK and Europe forever. Of the 690,000 Scotsmen who
went to war, 74,000 were never to return, killed in combat
or by disease. A further 150,000 were seriously maimed.
The exhibition can be visited at National War Museum
Castle Hill, Edinburgh, EH1 2NG from 18 Apr 2014 - 31
Mar 2015. Tel: 0300 123 6789. Following the exhibition at
the National War Museum, this display will tour eight venues in Scotland until 2017, with each partner contributing
new, local content.
The devastating impact of this unprecedented carnage
was felt by families and communities in every part of
Scotland and throughout the world. Next of Kin, a
landmark exhibition by the National War Museum of
Scotland which opened on 18 April, explores the
enduring human cost of the of the conflict through the
belongings of those who experienced the horrors of
the Great War first-hand, passed from relative to
relative, down through the generations.
For many of those who served in the conflict, keeping
objects connected to this seminal period in both their own
lives and history was their own private way of remembering
the past. Families also treasured objects as a means of
grappling with the absence or loss of their loved ones.
The exhibition shines a light on eight personal histories
which reveal the impact the First World War had upon the
servicemen and women and their families at home
in Scotland using postcards, letters, photographs
medals, memorial plaques and other artefacts.
One such story is that of Seaforth Highlander George
Buchanan from Bathgate who was killed in action
aged 27 on the first day of the Battle of Loos on 25
September 1915.
On display is a photograph of Buchanan in uniform,
his service medals, the last letter he wrote home, just
a fortnight before his death, a memorial plaque sent to
his next-of-kin by the Government after the war, and
the letter from the battalion chaplain to his mother
confirming his death after weeks during which he had
been posted missing in action. You can read the
original letter at the exhibition (copy shown on the left)
Together, these five simple objects tell the story of young
man which is at once unique and horrifyingly typical of
Scottish soldiers at the time. Buchanan was among the first
of thousands to perish in a battle in which Scottish infantry
battalions comprised almost half of the British assault
force.
The exhibition will run until March 2015 after which it
will go on tour, bringing the story of Buchanan and
others to eight venues located throughout Scotland who
will contribute their own artefacts and stories unique to
their locale.
A difficult but integral chapter in Scotland’s history,
Next of Kin is a compelling and poignant experience
for those looking to gain a deeper understanding of the
profound human tragedy of the First World War and its
all-encompassing legacy.
Salute Magazine
George
Buchanan
• Dumfries Museum and Camera Obscura –
21 March to 20 June 2015
• Rozelle House Galleries, Ayr – 4 July to
28 September 2015
• Hawick Museum – 5 October to 21 Decemmber 2015
• Low Parks Museum, Hamilton –
23 December 2015 to 29 March 2016
• Grampian Transport Museum, Alford –
April to August 2016
• Inverness Museum and Art Gallery –
September to 7 November 2016
• Perth Museum and Art Gallery –
11 November 2016 to 6 February 2017
• Orkney Museum – 18 February to 20 May 2017
Article courtesy of VisitScotland.com
www.visitscotland.com/
about/history/ww1-centenary
Exhibition at: National Museums Scotland
www.nms.ac.uk
Visit Scotland is available on:
www.visitscotland.com
Page 25
Remembrance Day
How World War One cha
Dig for Victory first emerged in WW1 and not just WW2
as many people think. WW1 saw the nature of gardening
change dramatically, essentially from a focus on beauty
to a focus on usefulness. Of course many in Britain in
the early 20th century grew vegetables to eat but this
was less thought of as gardening. Seed companies
saw a massive change from dealing with horticultural
specialists working in the big gardens of the day to
amateur gardeners turning cherished flower beds into
cabbage patches.
During WW1 not only did the gardeners of the great
houses go off to war, as we know from the sepia pictures
of gardeners before they left, but those who stayed
behind faced high prices and harsh shortages.
With the outbreak of war, seed companies had drawn
attention to the need to plant late autumn and winter
vegetable crops. In Spring 1915 adverts were placed in
major papers encouraging people to plan to grow half as
much again as they did in 1914.
“The time has arrived when everyone possessing a
garden, what ever its size, should seriously consider
how to employ it to the greatest advantage under the
exceptional economic conditions which now prevail,”
said a seed pamphlet of the period. “The high prices
now being demanded and readily paid for vegetables
are indicative of the very real shortage that will exist of
these essential foods unless the position is boldly faced
and those who have gardens put them to judicious use”.
Instructions focused on planting on July 29th and
the crop reaching the table in 7 weeks. The secret of
success was to sow only early maturing varieties and
in thinning out the plants immediately they appear
(instead of transplanting) so that they receive no
check in growth.
________________________________________________
A gardening revolution had started.
________________________________________________
Gardening therapy is now used to help veterans at Gardening Leave’s two
Scottish sites. Pictured are veterans and volunteers at Auchincruive, near Ayr.
Page 26
Salute Magazine
Remembrance Day
anged gardening
The Gardeners of Britain will never be the same again –
Women and WW1
We are all familiar with the images of women working in
factories for the first time around WW1 but they also
gardened and farmed for the first time too.
Thousands of farm workers joined up and the fields were
left empty. Approximately 1,000,000 agricultural workers
went to war and by 1915 farmers were feeling the strain
of the labour shortages that this created. However many
farmers thought women were not physically capable of
doing such work. Some women also expressed concerns
about lack of knowledge and appropriate clothes and
even shoes. For many, a woman land worker was of the
lowest social order and were horrified by the idea of getting women to replace the male farmworkers. But Britain
was dependent on imported food and that made the
country very vulnerable as the war continued.
1916 “The victory or defeat in this great war may be
brought about in the cornfields and potato lands of
Great Britain”. The pressure was on. It was estimated
that 40,000 full-time women farmworkers were needed.
In all this it seems strange to hear the levels of concern
over dignified clothing for women in the fields. A
“uniform” was developed that did include trousers
but with a knee length tunic to be worn over the trousers
at all times. They sang as they worked “the men must
take the swords and we must take the plough” and by
1918 shirts and breeches could be worn. Women have
not looked back.
The issue of increasing the amount of land put to food
production, new methods and the potential of women
to work in agriculture all became important topics and
County War Agricultural Committees (CWACs) were
set up and a complex wide-ranging number of activities
were developed and women started to be the land army
that was needed. By 1916 this was formalised in to the
Women’s Land Corps.
Gardening Leave employs
female horticultural therapists
as well as male – Wendy
from the charity's Erskine
site with a veteran
Spring of 1916 was snowy and wet, a problem for
sowing and indeed that year saw low levels of sunshine.
The president of the Board of Agriculture said in late
New WW1 vegetable seed range supports Gardening Leave
Franchi Seeds has launched a new range of
traditional vegetables grown by both sides during
World War 1 – and will be supporting modern-day
veterans with every seed packet sold.
_______________________________________________
The new 23-strong product range includes Peas
(Britain), Golden Onions (France), Cabbage
(Germany), Berlotto Bean (Italy), Green Bell Pepper
(Austria), Aubergine (Greece) and Tomato (Spain).
A traditional recipe for each vegetable is printed on
the back of every seed packet. Mushy peas, French
onion soup, sauerkraut, moussaka, pasta e fagioli and
gazpacho are just some of the recipes to feature.
Priced at £2.49, the seeds are available online
http://www.seedsofitaly.com and at selected retailers.
Gardening Leave, which
uses horticultural therapy
to help troubled Armed
Forces veterans, will
receive 15% of sales
from each packet sold.
The charity will also be using the seeds to grow
vegetables at its four projects around the UK in
special raised beds, with veterans harvesting and
cooking the tasty produce once grown.
Heather Budge-Reid, chief executive of Gardening
Leave, said: “This is a wonderful opportunity for
gardeners today to link the past and the present.
At Gardening Leave we use vegetable growing and
eating to help veterans heal their invisible wounds
and make their transition to civilian life.”
www.gardeningleave.org : [email protected] : Tel: 01292 521444
Gardening Leave, Gardens Unit, SRUC Auchincruive, Ayrshire KA6 5HW
Salute Magazine
Page 27
Remembrance Day
Founded in 1915, Blind Veterans UK helps exService men and women live independently with
sight loss, regardless of how they lost their sight.
eyes. That’s when I was told nothing could be done to save
my sight.”
One such veteran is registered blind former tank
commander Tom Bryden who will be marching to the
Cenotaph in London on Remembrance Sunday representing
Blind Veterans UK.
Tom was diagnosed with age-related macular degeneration
and registered blind the same day. He says “It was a huge
shock and quite traumatic, but I’ve never been the kind of
person who just lays back and accepts bad news. I wanted
to know what I could do.”
86 year old Tom was called up to join the Army in 1946 and
joined the 4th Royal Tank Regiment. He served as tank
commander in Palestine while the region was under British
control, where his unit was tasked with keeping the peace.
Since 2005, Tom has received free and comprehensive
support from Blind Veterans UK to help him live
independently with sight loss. The charity has trained him
to walk with a white cane, use a computer without his sight,
and supplied him with gadgets to make life easier.
Tom says “We’d been called into an area where the local
Jewish and Arab population had been firing at each other
since the early morning. The plan was to trundle in with a
tank so they would back down.
“When we arrived, there were no bodies and I thought something weird was going on, so I radioed in to check we were
in the right place. Command confirmed the location, so we
carried on. That’s when we realised it was an ambush – we
drove straight over a landmine.”
Tom sustained a throat wound from a piece of shrapnel and
was critically ill. He says “I had a young wife at home at the
time, so it was a big concern, but I pulled through.”
Decades after leaving the Army, Tom started having problems with his sight. He says “I’d taken up painting and was
getting to a good level, but my sight was getting quite hazy.
My GP sent me up to the hospital so they could check my
Page 28
Tom will be joining Blind Veterans UK on Sunday 9
November to march to the Cenotaph for Remembrance
Sunday. He says “I’m hugely proud to be a part of Blind
Veterans UK and to march with them. Before the march,
we will be paying our respects to Sir Arthur Pearson, who
founded Blind Veterans UK nearly 100 years ago.
“Taking part in Remembrance Sunday means that I’ll be
able to show respect for those who have lost their lives in
service. Remembrance Sunday is always very moving and
I remember feeling tears trickling down my cheeks last time
I took part.”
Blind Veterans UK believes that no one who has served our
country should battle sight loss alone. Today, the charity
supports over 3,900 blind and vision impaired veterans
and is reaching out to more ex-Service men and women who
may be eligible for support. For more information about the
charity and its work, please visit www.blindveterans.org.uk
Salute Magazine
Remembrance Day
Salute Magazine
Page 29
Finishing line medal presentation
HIGHLAND POPPY
RUN 2014
by John Patchett
The runners start from Fort George
On 7 September the Highland Poppy Run saw over 100
enthusiasts of all ages taking part in this well established fun
fundraiser, starting and finishing in historic Fort George near
Ardersier. Poppyscotland first organized this event in 2008 and
since then it has gone from strength to strength. Money raised
goes to help veterans and their families in Scotland.
Masterminded this year by Danny Streames, Poppyscotland
Community Fund Raiser for the North of Scotland, there were
categories for walking, running and cycling, covering 5 or 10km
according to individual choice. All received a souvenir medal,
presented this year by veterans from the Parachute
Regimental Association Branch in Inverness.
Successful cyclist with marshals and medal
Help to the event was also provided by many Poppyscotland
volunteers as well as 2nd Battalion, The Highlanders Army
Cadet Force, who all made sure that those taking part enjoyed
a pleasant and safe afternoon out in the scenic surroundings.
Next year looks like being a similar success so make sure you
book on-line in good time with Poppyscotland.
Page 30
Army Cadet Force helpers
Salute Magazine
Remembrance Day
Honorary PDSA Dickin
Medal awarded to
heroic WWI animals
In this centenary year of the Great War, veterinary
charity PDSA’s award - the first Honorary PDSA Dickin
Medal ever presented in the charity’s 97 year history ensures that all the animals that served on the front
line during World War I are duly recognised for their
gallantry and devotion to duty.
(Left) Jimmy the Donkey and (right) Rifleman Khan
WW2 Hero...Rifleman Khan
Khan was a German
Shepherd dog - who lived
with the Railton family in
Surrey. Trained to find
explosives, Khan worked with
Corporal Muldoon of the 6th
Battalion, The Cameronians
(Scottish Rifles)
Jimmy the donkey was born on The Somme
in June 1916 and saw active service as the
mascot of the 1st Scottish Rifles Regiment,
ferrying injured soldiers.
After the war he was brought back to the UK.
With his story, he was purchased by the
RSPCA and brought to Peterborough from
1920 till 1943 to raise funds. He was so
successful - that, on his death, civic funds and
donations were raised to bury him and erect a
memorial in Central Park, Peterborough.
A local school, ‘ Southfields’, adopted Jimmy
for a WW1 project and won a prize with Anglia
TV and for the past three years have held a
parade and service in Central Park which the
Mayor and civic dignitaries attend as well as
representatives of other organisations
including 2 uniformed officers of the RSPCA.
Corporal Muldoon and
Rifleman Khan were with
the 6th Battalion during the
attempt to free Walcheren
Island and South Beveland
from Nazi invaders. As they
made their way across to the
muddy bank, their boat came
under heavy fire and capsized. Khan made for the
shore, but Muldoon could not
swim and struggled in the
water, amid the falling shells.
As Muldoon sank from view,
Rifleman Khan returned to
rescue his friend, dragging
him to the shore.
For this act, Rifleman Khan
was awarded the Dickin
Medal on 27th March
1944.The Dickin Medal is
awarded to animals
displaying gallantry and
devotion to duty. It is
commonly known as the
animals’ Victoria Cross.
After the war, Khan was
returned to the Railton family.
However, he was reunited with
his handler when they led
the parade of Dickin Medal
winners in the National Dog
Tournament. When Harry
Railton saw the bond between
the handler and his dog, he
knew he could not separate
the friends again and gave
Khan into Muldoon’s
permanent care.
Rifleman Khan and Lance
Corporal Jimmy Muldoon
spent their remaining years
together in Strathaven, far
away from the mud and falling
shells of Walcheren.
This year there were 6 Standards including
the Cameronian (SR) Standard, 5 association
members, 60 school children and 150 public.
It was organised by the local Royal British
Legion.
Rifleman Khan and
Lance Corporal
Jimmy Muldoon
Pupils from Southfield school pay tribute to Jimmy
Story & Image courtesy of The Cameronians
(Scottish Rifles) http://cameronians.siteiscentral.com/1901/people/muldoon_rfn_khan
This year the PDSA, using ‘Warrior’, a WW1 horse, as a representative in tribute to WAR HORSE, granted a
posthumous honourary Dickin Medal to ALL animals that took part in WW1. This meant that our Sgt Jimmy, mascot of
the Cameronians Scottish Rifles, was now an H.D.M holder and the Cameronians have Dickin Medal for both world wars.
Basis of story and images supplied by Ian Bilboe
Salute Magazine
Page 33
____ Social clubs who welcome ex-servicemen & women _____
KIRKWALL
STROMNESS
BRECHIN
Junction Road Tel: 01856 873297
9-11 John Street , Tel 01856 850731
Functions / Facilities include:
We extend a warm Orkney welcome
to all visiting Legion members and
guests. Club facilities include two
lounges. Games - darts, dominoes,
pool tables, Saturday bingo
Music on special occasions
Tel: 01356 622562
2 BANK STREET, BRECHIN,
DD9 6AX
Dancing to live music - Saturday •
Bingo - Wednesday & Sunday
Lunches - Saturday & Sunday
Snooker • Pool • Darts
All Legion visitors are assured of a
good old-fashioned Orkney welcome.
See www.rbls-kirkwall.org.uk
THURSO
Welcomes all Legion visitors to our Clubrooms:
First class facilities including lounge with soft music
Large function hall and games room
Bingo Every Sunday At 7.30pm
Bingo Every Wednesday At 7.30pm
Northern Nashville Country Music Club
last Fri of month
Saturday evenings Sing Song in lounge
Bar lunches Saturdays - Dancing on occasions
Memorabilia Display
Come and visit us when in this area,
a warm welcome awaits you
LONGNIDDRY
Carnoustie Branch
An open invitation is extended to all Legion
Members when visiting or on holiday.
88 Dundee Street, Carnoustie DD7 7PH
Opening hours:
Mon-Thurs 5pm - 11pm
Fri & Sat 12.30pm - Midnight
Sun 12.30pm - 11pm
Hope to see you soon
Riverside Road, Thurso. Tel 01847 893417/893377
Open Seven Days a Week
LINKS ROAD, LONGNIDDRY
Tel: 01875 853241
CRIEFF
FRASERBURGH
Extends a warm welcome to all Legion
visitors. Club open every evening.
Function Hall, Lounge Bar,
Games room, snooker, pool & darts.
Bus Parties by arrangement with
Branch Sec.
Tel: 01764 652937
ELLON
Lower Victoria Hall, Station Road
We welcome Members, Guests and
Visiting Legion Members
We have dancing on alternate Fri & Sat nights 8.30pm
Bingo every Fri 7pm
Bar opens Mon & Tue 4.30pm-11pm,
Wed, Thu & Sun 11.30am-11pm
Fri & Sat 11.30am-11.45pm.
Lunches: daily Wed-Sun, 11.30am-2.30pm
Suppers: Fri, Sat, Sun, 4.30pm-6.30pm
Usual Club facilities
Bus parties welcome by arrangement
Tel 01358 720512
Welcomes all Legion members and friends
First class club facilities
Saturday: Lounge entertainment & dancing
Sunday: Bingo
Bus Parties welcome by arrangement with Secretary
Tel: (01346) 518964
STRATHSPEY
31 The Square, Grantown on Spey
A warm welcome to all Legion
Members and their guests
Bingo – Mondays at 8pm
Free live music most Sat 9.30pm - 12.30am
Pool and darts
Hall & catering available for functions and parties
Bar meals available Fridays & Saturdays
Bus parties welcome by prior arrangement
Contact Secretary on 01479 873690
NEW DEER & MAUD
Blairgowrie, Rattray & District
Gladstone Terrace, New Deer, AB53 6TU
9 George Street, Blairgowrie
Extends a warm welcome to all
Legion members and visitors.
Opening times:
Mon-Thur 7pm-11pm / Fri-5pm-12am
Sat-11am-12pm / Sun-12.30am-11 pm
Bingo every Sunday-8pm
Occasional live music/disco/Pool/Darts/Dominoes
Bus parties welcome on application
To Alice Gillespie, Club Secretary
07789 849880
Page 34
Welcomes all Legionnaires
and friends
Monday - Friday: 7pm - 11.45,
Saturdays - Sundays: open all day
Saturday night: live bands and dancing
Bus trips arranged through Secretary
Welcomes Legion Visitors
Club facilities include Games Room,
TV Lounge. Bingo – Thurs and Sat nights
Monday-Thursday Open Daily 7-11pm
Friday 4-11.00pm
Saturday 11am-Midnight
Sunday 12.30pm-9pm
Tel: 01250 876497
Extends a warm welcome to
Members and Visitors
Dancing most Saturdays
Bingo every Sunday
Bus parties will be made welcome.
Application to Branch Secretary
Tel: 01241 854940
PRESTONPANS BRANCH
Bingo Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday Sunday
Live Band Dancing - Saturday and Sunday
Club Refurbished - Bus Parties welcome on
application to Secretary. Smaller groups of
visitors welcome anytime
Rope Walk, Prestonpans
T: 01875 810264 / 811446
F: 01875 811446
Website:www.prestonpanslegion.co.uk
E Mail:[email protected]
STONEHAVEN
26 Market Square, AB39 2AB
Home of the Fireballs
Welcomes all Legion members & friends
Open all day – all week
Dancing/Music alternate Saturdays
Bingo Tuesday & Sunday night
Legion Bus Parties by arrangement
Tel Secretary 01569 763655
LERWICK
Welcomes Legion Visitors to the
Shetland Isles
This large Club has a Public, Lounge
& Games Bar with regular Bingo,
Live Music and Disco.
Facilities include Full Sized Snooker
& Pool Tables and 8 Dart Boards.
Bar Meals ony on Saturdays
Tel: 01595 692325
Salute Magazine
____ Social clubs who welcome ex-servicemen & women _____
EAST KILBRIDE
MONTROSE
NAIRN
Adjacent to football park and close to bowling green
Welcomes all Legion members
and bus parties
Meals available by arrangement
Open all day – Thursday, Friday,
Saturday and Sunday
Bingo Thursday Night
Snooker-Dominoes-Darts
Tel:01355 233545
BANCHORY
DUNBAR
3 CAWDOR STREET, Nairn
16 Wellington Street
Welcomes all Legion members
and guests to our comfortable
Club and entertainments
Members & Guests Welcome
Bus parties welcome, contact us
for prior arrangement.
Tel: 01667 453201
Extends a warm welcome to all
Legion visitors to their clubroom
CROSSGATES
Welcomes all members and friends
Bingo - Fri, Sun & Mon
Dancing & Cabaret - Sat
Gamesroom - Pool, Darts etc
Bus parties catered for by arrangement
Meals on request
Telephone 01383 511478
KELSO
In the Beautiful Scottish Borders
You’re always sure of a warm welcome in
our friendly Club
• Pre-book an excellent home-made meal
for your coach party
• Bingo etc every Saturday and by arrangement
• Camping and Caravan Site within easy access
• Trout Fishing on the Tweed and the Teviot
• Golf Course, Swimming Pool and Ice Rink
Be sure to visit us soon
66 Roxburgh St, Kelso TD5 7DH 01573 224506
FORRES
SANQUHAR ROAD
Tel 01309 672131
Welcomes Club members and
friends to their Clubroom.
Mon - Thurs: 7pm - Midnight
Fri: 11am - Midnight
Sat: 11am - 1am
Sun: 12noon - 11pm
Dancing to CDs every three Saturdays
And to a live band once a month (Saturdays)
Tue and Sun evening bingo
Catering and bus parties on application
To Club Secretary Tel. 01674 676 604
website: www.banchorylegion.com
email: [email protected]
We extend a warm welcome to Legion Members
and Guests to Ravenswood Residential Club
when visiting Royal Deeside.
Single & Double Rooms : Bed & Breakfast
Lunches & Evening Meals Available
Dancing & Bingo every weekend
Bus parties by arrangement
For reservations Tel - 01330 822347
147 HIGH STREET
Legion Visitors Welcome
Bingo on Wednesday,
Saturday & Sunday
Dancing every Saturday
Live Music
Bus Parties Welcome
Tel: 01368 863275
DALKEITH
LEVEN
26-30 Buccleuch Street, Dalkeith
North Street, Leven Tel 01333 426058
Email: [email protected]
❥ Function suite, lounge bar, games room
❥ Entertainment every Sat & Sun afternoons
❥ Visitors welcome
The function suite is available for private
parties every night (except Sat). To book, please
contact the Secretary at the above address.
For catering, please contact Bar Steward
Jimmy Reynolds, 0131 663 3235
Isle of Bute
Branch
Shop and Drop in centre
RBLS Merchandise
Welcome to Legion
members and friends
8 Deanhood Place, Rothesay
Website: rblsbute.webs.com
Welcomes all Legion members and friends
Bingo - Wed nights and Sun afternoons
Sat nights - Bingo / Dancing to live bands
Country & Western every fourth Friday
Disabled and Catering facilities
Functions & Bus Parties welcome by arrangement
Contact Club Steward Maureen Boyd
BATHGATE
58 North Bridge Street
An open invitation is extended
to all Legionnaires
Lounge, games room, function suite
Open every day for bar lunches
Bingo and cabaret every Friday
Legion members and parties very welcome
Email: [email protected]
Contact Secretary 01506 652723
GALASHIELS BRANCH
& SOCIAL CLUB
DUNFERMLINE BRANCH
DUNKELD & BIRNAM
The Auld Grey Toun
Welcomes Legion Members
22 Park Street, Galashiels
Tel: 01896 752457
Wed - Bingo • Sun - Dancing
Also game of Bingo - Sing Song
Hall available for functions & parties on
Fridays & Saturdys. Catering can be arranged.
Conferences and Meetings also welcome.
Also Bus Parties catered for on prior
application to Hon Secretary.
60 New Row, Dunfermline, Fife KY12 7EF
Tel: 01383 723921
Extends a warm welcome
to all Legion members.
Club facilities include - Main Lounge, Games
Room - darts, dominoes, pool etc. Saturday Dancing to live bands Bus parties welcome
by arrangement with Club Secretary
Salute Magazine
Legionnaires and Visitors Welcomee
FRI, SAT, SUN,
Usual Club games
Bus Parties by arrangement
TEL SEC
01350 728884
Page 35
GRANGEMOUTH
4 Dundas Street, Grangemouth
Extends a warm welcome to all
Legionnaires, friends and visitors.
OLDMELDRUM
We welcome Members, Guest and Visiting
Bus parties welcome and catering
available by arrangement.
Saturday - Bingo & Live Bands
Contact the Secretary or Chairman
Legion Members
Dancing Sat Night
Bingo Wed & Sat
Bars Open Daily
Other Facilities Available
Bus Parties by Arrangement
01324 485359
Market Square, Oldmeldrum
Te: 01651 872527
MILLPORT
PAISLEY COMRADES
Isle of Cumbrae Branch & Club
13-19 RENFREW ROAD
0141 889 9281
4 Reid St, Millport.
Welcomes all Legion visitors and Guests
Tel 01475 530052
Open all day every day
●
●
AVIEMORE &
ROTHIEMURCHUS
Burnside Edge, Aviemore, PH22 1SG
Welcomes all Legion Members
North end of village by ambulance station
We are open Monday - Thursday from 5pm,
Fridays from 2.30pm, Saturdays from 12pm and
Sundays from 12.30.
Tuesday Bingo, Sunday Quiz & Bingo
Tel: 01479 810 892
KEITH &
& DISTRICT
DISTRICT
KEITH
Legionnaires and visitors are all welcome
Fri & Sun - Bingo. Sat - Dancing
Lounge Bar, Pool, Snooker & Darts.
Hall is available for functions &
parties. Catering for bus parties
by arrangement
Open for lunch & dinner every day
except Wednesday
Bingo- Folk Nights - Parties catered for
Fully equipped Games Room, Function
Suite and Lounge - all with own Bar
A warm island welcome awaits you
Bingo & Dancing Sat/Sun to live music
Branch Tel: 01542 882320
Secretary Tel: 01542 832638
TURRIFF & DISTRICT
IRVINE
ARBROATH BRANCH
2 West Road, Irvine
Extends a warm welcome
to legion members and friends
wheelchairs available to visitors
Saturday : Dancing
Sunday : Bingo
Bus parties welcome
www.turriffroyalbritishlegion.co.uk
Extends a warm welcome to Legion members
and friends. Take advantage of our well
appointed Club when visiting the North East.
Single, Double & Twin Bedrooms
Newly refurbished and all en-suite
Dining room to seat 60. Bed & Breakfast
Usual Club Activities and Entertainment
Coach parties catered for
Reservations and terms:Contact Club Manager Yvonne Massie
Tel: 01888 563231 Fax: 01888 569155
OLDMACHAR
BRANCH CLUB BRIDGE OF DON, ABERDEEN
Extends a warm welcome
to all Legion visitors
Bingo Wednesday, Saturday & Sunday
Dancing Saturday Meals Saturday night &
Sunday lunchtime Sports include snooker,
darts, dominoes etc
Weekend Bus Parties on application to:
Club Secretary, 23 Balgownie Road, Bridge
of Don, Aberdeen Tel: 01224 704717
●
We extend a warm welcome
to all Legion members
Helen Street DD11 3AP
Bingo/Pool/Lounge and Main Bar
Dancing every weekend
Bus Parties Welcome
By Arrangement with Club Secretary
Contact Hon Secretary for prior arrangements
Tel: Secretary 01294 313164
TEL 01241 873964
JEDBURGH
LEWIS BRANCH
57 High Street
WELCOMES LEGION VISITORS
Club facilities include Games Room, Lounge
and Large Dance Hall. Legion bus parties only
on application to Hon Secretary.
Bingo every Friday night,
Dancing every other Saturday,
Call in and see us when in this Area.
Tel: Jedburgh 01835 863200
CUMBERNAULD
INVERURIE
SouthMuirhead Road
Blackhall Road
Entertainment & Bingo Thursday,
Friday, Saturday and Sunday
Jubilee Function room Wedgeworth
Lounge and Recreation room.
BUS AND PARTIES WELCOME BY
APPOINTMENT
Telephone Secretary: 01236- 726728
Welcomes all Legion members and
guests to their Clubrooms
Page 36
Balloch Road, Keith AB55 5EN
Bingo every Wednesday, Saturday & Sunday
Evenings and occasional Friday nights.
Occasional live music in Main Bar Friday
Nights and Sunday afternoons.
One full-size snooker table, 1 pool table, darts
Bus parties welcome by prior arrangement with
Hon Secretary 01467 620567 01467 621936
30 South Beach Street, Stornoway,
Isle of Lewis
Tel: 01851 703756
Welcomes all Legion Members
Club Facilities include 2 Lounges, 1 Bar
Live Music every Saturday Night
Games Room: Snooker, Darts.
Experience a warm and friendly welcome
EDINBURGH CENTRAL
33 Rodney Street, Edinburgh, EH7 4EL
0131 557 8164
www.rblsedinburghcentral.org.uk
Tuesday-Thursday 6.30pm-10.15pm
Bingo Wednesday Evenings
Friday-Saturday 12.00pm-11.30pm
Bingo, Singing and Dancing
Hall Available for Functions
VISITORS WELCOME
Salute Magazine
BEAULY & DISTRICT
Mid Street, Beauly IV4 7DP
Welcomes all Legion
members and friends
NEW PITSLIGO
Gives a warm welcome to
Legion Visitors
1st Saturday of month Dancing to live bands
Dancing - Saturday
Bingo - Sunday
TV, Dominoes, Darts,
Pool. Bus Parties by
arrangement
Tel: 01463 782650
46 High Street, New Pitsligo
Function room & Lounge bar
Bingo - Wednesday
COCKENZIE & PORT SETON
COLDSTREAM
Harbour Road, Cockenzie, EH32 OHX
Drill Hall, High Street, Coldstream
Welcomes All Visitors
Bingo Friday, Saturday &
Sunday. Saturday - Dancing to
live bands. View overlooks the
Firth of Forth
Tel: 01875 810103
DINGWALL
High Street, Dingwall
Welcomes all Legion
members and friends
OPEN ALL DAY EVERY DAY
Sky Sports Live
Excellent food served in Marches Restaurant
Functions, conferences &
meetings catered for 01349 863278
ww.rbls-dingwall.org.uk
Salute Magazine
A warm welcome assured to all
Legionnaires and friends
Bingo – Sunday & Tuesday evenings
Occasional Saturday evening dances
Bus parties welcome by arrangement
BUCKIE AND DISTRICT
Welcomes Legion visitors to their
spacious clubrooms and hall
Facilities include:Wed (Oct-Apr) 2-4pm, Tea,
Dancing
Bingo - Frid 8.30pm, Sun 7.30pm
Sports - Snooker, Darts, Bowls etc
65 High Street, Buckie
Tel: 01542 832636
KNIGHTSWOOD BRANCH
WELCOMES ALL LEGION
VISITORS AND FRIENDS
01890 882014
Fri Evenings: Dancing/Bingo
Sat Evenings: Dancing/Bingo/Cabaret
Sun Evenings: Dance/Sing-along
Bus parties may be accommodated
by prior arrangement
via Branch Club Secretary at
17 Cairntoul Drive, GLASGOW
or by calling: 0141 954 4103
FORFAR
DUNKELD & BIRNAM
Contact Vice Chairman on
OLDEST BRANCH IN
SCOTLAND
ACADEMY STREET
Welcomes all Legion Visitors
Tel: 01307 463204
BINGO: Thursday & Sunday
DANCING: Selected Saturdays
Open every evening & all day Sat & Sun
Bus Parties Welcome
Arrangements can be made
for meals, bingo and bar
Welcomes Legion Members
FRI, SAT, SUN,
Usual Club games
Bus Parties by arrangement
TEL SEC
01350 728884
Page 37
Remembrance Day
Page 38
Salute Magazine