Page 271 - Rifles 2017 Issue No 3

Bath Branch
Bath Branch continues to be active in supporting Association events. Full membership stands at 35 and in addition there are 25 Associate members. Following on from the Somme Anniversary in 2016 and Armed Forces Day, the Branch gave strong support to the unveiling a VC ‘paving stone’ for Captain Arthur Batten-Pooll SOM LI who won his VC while serving with the 3rd Bn Munster Fusiliers. Brigadier David Godsal our Ri es County Colonel was also present, at Wolverton, representing the Lord-Lieutenant and Eton College.
More familiar activities also occurred including: the annual double hill memorial and parade at Paulton. This marks the site of a WWII glider crash, where 23 men were killed; the rst casualties of operation ‘Market Garden’; the annual 6LI reunion was held at the Drill Hall (former Bn HQ of 6 LI) the old 6th Battalion HQ); the annual 9 SOM LI lunch and draw held at St Audries Bay; and, Sounding Retreat by the Ri es Band and Bugles held at Taunton Castle, enjoyed by all.
The Bath Branch annual dinner was held at the Lansdown Cricket club. Invited guests included the Mayor of Bath and Brigadier Nick Knudsen, Honorary Colonel, Somerset Cadet Battalion (The Ri es) ACF. A Branch visit to the Tower of London which included an evening tour as well as the Ceremony of the Keys, was hosted by Yeoman Warder Shady Lane. The whole event greatly impressed all that took part and nished with refreshments including a prize draw at the Yeomen Warders Club. November was charac- terised by Remembrance with members collecting on behalf of the Poppy Appeal, as well as repre- senting the Regiment, initially at the Field of Remem- brance in the Abbey Churchyard and thereafter on Sunday and Armistice Day. Bath Abbey, Firs Field at Combe Down and the Commonwealth War Graves at Haycombe were each supported in addition to the annual ceremony at the City War Memorial and march through the City, centre past the Guildhall, and concluding with a service at Bath Abbey.
2016 concluded with an evening buffet, a ‘give and take’ prize draw and a six-monthly prize draw. The buffet was provided by our ladies who always attend the December meeting. The Chairman, wished all a very happy Christmas and thanked the ladies. Thereafter the Branch had a strong presence at Taunton Rugby Club, for the Taunton Branch, Christmas Lunch as well as representation
at the Bristol Branch event. 2017 was heralded by a Ladies Dinner Night at which guests included Mrs Debbie Hards from the Taunton of ce and Mrs Candy Janes, who regularly assists at Association events. Lorraine Morgan-Brinkhurst, a Trustee for Somerset’s Army Cadet Fund, also attended. Inter- Branch Skittles soon followed on, this time hosted by Norton Radstock Branch, and this combined with AGM activity seems to signal the end of the worst of winter. Spring was well under way by the time we enjoyed the Norton Radstock dinner.
Between 18th to 23rd June veterans and members travelled to Normandy for a Pilgrimage and Battle eld Tour. Led by Colonel Adrian Amber we visited the beaches where British, Canadian and American forces landed during Operation Overlord. Ceremonies were held at Hill 112, St Manvieu and Bayeux CWGC Cemeteries. At Mouen, we were joined by the Mayor and the local people, for a service at the War Memorial. After the ceremony, we were invited back to the community hall, for refresh- ments. As a token of friendship to the Mayor and community, a picture, titled ‘Somerset’ painted with poppies, daisies and a badge of the Somerset Light Infantry, was presented. This was well received by all and was particularly relevant following the death of Colin Criddle, a Normandy veteran, and Captain Dick Ford who fought in the NW Europe Campaign with 7 SOM LI.
War Memorial at Mouen
SPRING WAS WELL UNDER WAY BY THE TIME WE ENJOYED THE NORTON RADSTOCK DINNER
Presentation to the Mayor of Mouen
THE RIFLES
REGIMENTAL ASSOCIATIONS 269