Page 91 - MERCIAN Eagle 2022

Colonel Martyn Forgrave introducing HRH The Duke of Gloucester to Cadet L/Cpl Beard, Cadet L/Cpl Lewis and CSM Allen of the Castle Detachment, ACF, Chester
The Japanese flag captured by Sgt. Felthouse in Burma
of his old Regiment. He served with the
2nd Battalion of the Cheshire Regiment during the latter stages of World War Two. Just after the war he also saw service in Palestine and he received the General Service Medal clasp ‘Palestine 1945-48’. William kindly donated his own medals to the Museum collection and his grandfather William Ernest Norman’s medals and memorial plaque alongside a third set of medals awarded to William Edward Norman of the Royal Engineers who had worked on
L/Cpl Derby and the Ram team with Jeannie France- Hayhurst, High Sheriff of Cheshire on the 23rd November
The medal and photograph of Squadron Leader Ronald Wooton
the Mulberry Harbours in Normandy during 1944. All three sets of medals have been placed on display where they will act as a fitting tribute to one family’s service.
Another addition to our World War Two display is the Distinguished Flying Cross awarded to Squadron Leader Ronald Wooton which has been loaned to the museum by his family. Ronald was killed in action on 19th November 1943 while laying mines in enemy waters as part of 178 Squadrons’ operations in the Mediterranean. Notes from the Squadron History state that:
One aircraft was lost on operations during this period (1st October -31st December 1943), being seen to go down in flames. The Captain was S/Ldr Wooton, one of our Flight Commanders, and his loss has been very keenly felt. Information has since been received that two of this crew have escaped and two are wounded and prisoners.
Amanda Derry - Chester resident and lender on behalf of the family explained the medals significance to her.
“Ronnie was my half-Uncle and I only got to know his fascinating story in recent years. I do feel proud of his achievements”.
The medal is displayed exactly as it was in the family home, framed alongside a photograph.
We have also received the donation of
a Japanese Flag donated captured by Sgt Peter Rushton Felthouse while serving with the 3rd Dragoon Guards during the Burma campaign. On the 16th of March, 1945, Sergeant Felthouse was commanding the leading tank of No 7 Troop “C” Squadron in support of the 1st Cameron Highlanders in an attack on a Japanese position. The attack was halted within 50 yards of the objective by machine gun fire and an extremely well camouflaged 2 pounder field gun which opened fire on Felthouse’s tank. His tank received three hits. Despite the heavy fire he remained with his head out
of the turret directing fire at the Japanese machine and field gun positions. His tank destroyed two Japanese Field Guns,
and he gave covering fire to the infantry making a bayonet charge. The attack was successful, with the capture of three Field guns, one Mortar and a Light Machine
gun. Sergeant Felthouse for his leadership, coolness and determination to destroy the enemy without regard for his own safety, was awarded the Military Medal. During the Second World War Japanese soldiers often carried a silk flag of this style signed with good luck messages by family members and other soldiers. The flag is in need of a little conservation and framing as it is quite delicate. We hope to have it on permanent display in 2023.
Temporary Exhibition
Over the last few months cadets from the Castle Detachment of the Army Cadet Force (Mercian) with assistance from Alex, have produced a temporary exhibition.
The exhibition is now open. It explains the organisation of the ACF and the affiliations of Detachments with current Regiments and Corps of the British Army. The exhibition highlights the history of the Cadets, their uniforms, badges, Annual Camps and how the organisation develops cadets’ personal confidence and skills. The displays are accompanied by information supplied by the Cadets themselves explaining why they joined the ACF, the skills they have gained and what they enjoy most. The cadets have worked really hard on the display and it is a credit to them and the ACF.
Colonel Martyn Forgrave pictured with representatives from CityFibre during the drinks reception
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