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DUDLEY BRANCH
Amongst other events, Dudley Branch enjoyed Armed Forces Day 2018 and our Summer Lunch.
KIDDERMINSTER BRANCH
We continue to meet regularly and represent the association around Kidderminster. Some of our highlights this year are our Kidderminster Branch Committee hosting
a dinner at The Cavalier Public House, Kidderminster, on the 13 September 2018, to thank those who contribute to the success of the Branch. The Action Plan
of Fund Raising over the next few months was discussed, but mainly a good time socialising and getting to know one another was the agenda for the day. Another successful day was when branch members along with other local associations and the RBL were invited to join Pupils, Parents & Staff of Wolverley CE Secondary School Service of Remembrance, of the ending of Hostilities 100 years ago, and the sacrifices made by the Men and Families of Wolverley during that conflict, and all Hostilities since.
NOTTINGHAM BRANCH
On 6 April 2018, Nottingham branch took part in the ceremony for Badajoz Day. It was held in the Market Square as the Castle was closed for refurbishment. Following
the ceremony, which attracted a large audience in its new location, the attendees were invited into the Council House for refreshments.
Obituaries
APPLEBY
Raymond F APPLEBY late of the Worcestershire Regiment. Raymond served with the Regiment between 1950 - 1952 seeing service in Malaya.
BATCHELAR
Mrs Lois Batchelar, widow of Lt Col T A Batchelar WFR died on 2 August 2018.
BERESFORD
Mr Charles BERESFORD of Matlock, Derbyshire on 16 Nov 2018. Charles was an historian and author (including The Christian Soldier – the life of Lt Col. The Rev Bernard William Vann VC MC & Bar, Croix de Guerre avec palme) and a friend and supporter of The Mercian Regiment and the Museum of The Mercian Regiment (WFR Collection).
BLACKSHAW
23685158 Cpl John ‘Blackie’ BLACKSHAW of Derby died on 8 August 2018 aged 77. Blackie enlisted into 1st Battalion Sherwood Foresters on 20 November 1958 and after training joined it in Malaya. He served with
Dudley Branch Summer Lunch
KIdderminster Branch Dinner September 2018
Service of Remembrance
it in UK, NI Cyprus,and Germany. After amalgamation he served in Warminster for a short while until discharge on 19 November 1970. In 1971 he joined 3 WFR C Coy and served with it until 1974 when he moved to the ACF in Derby until 1989.
COLE
25064939 LCpl Jonathan ‘Jonny’ COLE
of Ironville, Derbyshire aged 39 was found dead on 9 August 2018. Jonny enlisted
into the Army on 18 June 1997 and joined the 1st Bn The Worcestershire & Sherwood Foresters where he served in Sp Coy, B Coy and D Coy. He was later attached to 1 Cheshire and prior to amalgamation, in June 2007, he transferred to 2 Rifles until his discharge on 31 July 2013 on grounds of injuries sustained in Afghanistan. During his career, Jonny served in Tidworth, Bosnia, NI, Chester, Hounslow and Afghanistan
and was awarded the NATO medal (Bosnia clasp), GSM medal (NI clasp), Operation Service medal (Afghanistan), Accumulated Service Medal (for over 1000 days on operations) and the Golden Jubilee medal.
Dudley AFD 2018
Association Members marching on Badajoz Day
COLLINS
481136 Major David COLLINS of Malvern, Worcestershire died on Tuesday 18 June 2019. David enlisted into the 1st Battalion Worcestershire Regiment in 1950. He
is first mentioned in the ‘Firm’ Magazine in 1948 as a cadet, when he was promoted to Cpl with D Company
the 2nd Cadet Battalion the Worcestershire Regiment. Here began a long service
with the Worcestershire Regiment and its successors. He was called up for National Service on the 22 June 1950 at Lichfield, where he was to be stationed for his period of service as an Instructor. On his release
he joined C Coy, 7th Battalion in 1950 and quickly rose through the ranks to be CSM. He was a member of the Battalion contingent at the Territorial Army Silver Jubilee parade
in London. He was always involved with shooting and represented the Company and the Battalion in various competitions including Bisley. In 1967 he won the
THE MERCIAN EAGLE