Page 60 - Bugle Autumn 2023

NORTH
THE NORTHERN REGION OVERVIEW
Now that the new boundaries of the region have been confirmed the size of the task of how to engage and deliver the support to our Riflemen, past, present, and future, and their families has become clearer. I suspect it will require an even bigger reliance on technology but is very much still “Work in Progress.”
Sadly, the untimely deaths of riflemen at the start of the year who had not been long left the regular battalions and the aftermath for their families has brought back into sharp focus the need to remain in contact with each other and know what to do if concerned. The requirement for an active, vibrant Rifleman’s Associations across the whole country is clear.
As always at this time of the year activities are mostly low key while preparations for the more prestigious events are being planned. The most memorable events of the period were the Sir John Moore Memorial Service at York Minster and the naming of Luke Farmer Way
in honour of Rfn Luke Farmer who was killed in Afghanistan while serving with 3 Rifles. The cooperation between Lukes family the local housing authority, council, 3 & 8 Rifles, and veterans proved that anything is possible.
Looking forward, the main focus this year is The Rifles Great Norther Gathering in Newcastle on 26th August. Headed up by TRA (The Rifleman s Association) North East
it will be not only an opportunity to meet old friends but also for riflemen and their families to be entertained and amused. Needless to say, there will be plenty of opportunity to eat and drink in the various themed bars, browse around the Rifles themed street market, and experience the Kids Zone.
...not only an opportunity to meet old friends but also for riflemen and their families to be entertained and amused
GUYZANCE COMMEMORATION
The Annual Commemoration took place at the Memorial by the weir at Guyzance on the
60 RIFLES The Bugle
Anniversary of the Guyzance Tragedy on 17 January 1945 when eight trainees of the DLI and two from the Duke of Wellington’s Regt from nearby Felton Camp, were drowned when the boat in which they were practising river crossings in preparation to them joining the invasion of France in the Normandy Campaign of 1945 was washed over the weir and all the trainees, weighed down by their heavy equipment were drowned. The Assn Vice-Chairman Maj Mike van der Gucht laid a commemorative wreath.
NEWS FROM DURHAM