Page 130 - MERCIAN Eagle 2011

1st Battalion Worcestershire Regiment N.W. Europe 1944-1945 Final Reunion
22 Veterans and guests attended their last annual reunion dinner in Kidderminster in May and the Chair, Colonel Jock Banister, addressed the group which has been meeting for the last 40 years. During the 11 months of the campaign in 1944-1945 the 1st Battalion will be
in 1945, the commander of the 43rd Wessex Division, Lieut.-General Sir G. Ivor Thomas, K.B.E., C.B., D.S.O., M.C. said of the Battalion “The Battalion never had a failure. If dour, dogged fighting, either in attack or in defence, came our way, if sudden counter-attacks came in
remembered for the part it played. We can look back with pride and remember Mouen, Hill 122,
in 1944-1945 the 1st battalion will be remembered for the part it played
from all directions,
it always seemed to be the 1st Battalion Worcestershire Regiment in the thick of it, and on more than one occasion reported as being surrounded, neither
the capture of
Mont Pincon, the
crossing of the Seine
at Vernon, the fight at Elst during the advance towards Arnhem, the battles of Tripsrath, Reichswald Forest, Cleve, the Goch Escarpment and the final advance across the Rhine. After the war
I myself nor anyone else ever worried or had the slightest fears as to what the result would be. That is a tribute I am proud to pay as I was to have the Battalion under command.”
WFRA Annual Reunion, Worcester
The 4th June saw the annual reunion in Worcester at the Rugby Stadium with over 700 in attendance; serving soldiers mixing with those who have retired, young mixing with the not so young but still sprightly and family members joining in the fun.
The sun shone on the Worcestershire Regimental Silver Drums as Col (Retd) Westley OBE MC took the salute. The service was led by the Reverend David Piggott and the Association was led on parade by LCpl Derby XXIX. Following the service, Colonel Richard addressed the Association
and gave updates on the 2nd Battalion’s preparations for Afghanistan and the recent tour by 1 MERCIAN and the current work of 3 MERCIAN on Op HERRICK.
Over £300 pounds was raised by the Worcester Branch and our thanks go to Harold and Libby Massam for organising this as well as to all those who came along to make the Reunion a success – see you next year!
The Worcester Regiment Silver Drums making a rare appearance at the Reunion
Worcester Plaque
On 4 Oct 11, Lt Col Wilford, the CO of 4 Mercian, along with Lt Col (Retd) Jackson OBE and Maj (Retd) Prophet attended the unveiling
by the Chairman of the County Council of a plaque in the Guildhall to commemorate those from Worcestershire who have died in action since WWII.
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Worcester
The Worcester area has seen lots of events in the past year:
Exeter Cathedral
On 9 July members of the WFRA joined
the Mayor of Worcester and other civil dignitaries including ones from Vernon, France, in Exeter Cathedral for a Valedictory Evensong for the 43rd Wessex (Division) Association and Beating the Retreat.
The Standards were on parade from old Regiments of the 43rd and from the areas in France where the 43rd fought in WWII.
Vernon Trip
On 26th August, 11 members
of the Worcester Branch were invited by the Mayor
of Vernon to attend the annual laying of flowers and wreaths as a mark
Arthur Gough, Veteran of 1st Battalion The Worcestershire Regt WWII laying a cross at the grave of Pte Treadgold 1st Battalion The Worcestershire Regt
of gratitude
to the men
of the county and the 1st Battalion the Worcester Regiment who gave their lives to the town and assisted the townsfolk with their freedom from Nazi German occupation following the battle on 19-25 August 1944.
Worcestershire Regiment Malay Vets
Amid the lovely surroundings of the Malvern Hills some of the Malayan Veterans – 1952- 53 joined Albert Camden at his home
for an informal, personal Reunion and to celebrate his birthday in July. During their time as National Servicemen and, as very young men they travelled to Malaya on the troopship The Empire Windrush and formed a bond that has never been broken. Sadly their number reduce as time goes by but they are never forgotten. Each year the day is enjoyed with great hospitality provided
The Worcestershire Regiment Malay Vets with the WFR Worcester Branch Standard
by Albert and his team of ‘Lady Veterans’. Also, fitting for the day, ‘bashers’ are built in his garden adding to the authenticity with memorabilia and photographs on display.
THE MERCIAN EAGLE