Page 67 - Bugle Spring 2025

SOUTH WEST
80th Anniversary of the Liberation of Saint Pierre du Fresne, Normandy
In August 1944 the 7th Bn The Somerset
itself is made of granite and bears inscriptions
Light Infantry liberated the small village
in both French and English. The Mayor gave
of Saint Pierre du Fresne in Normandy. In
an emotional speech acknowledging their
the ensuing battle for the village, with the
gratitude and debt to the eight British Soldiers
support of the Royal Artillery, numerous
who died and the men of the 7th Battalion for
enemy infantry were killed. Sadly, during
their liberation.
this action, eight Private soldiers of the
The ceremony concluded with a ‘march off’
Battalion were killed in action.
of the standards, behind French Bagpiper, who
To coincide with the 80th Anniversary, the
played a touching lament.
Mayor, Alain Quehe and a committee decided
I would like to thank all those who
to mark the occasion by erecting a Memorial
facilitated our attendance at this special
Stone to the fallen British Soldiers.
ceremony including those in France: The
My wife, Jan, and I represented The Rifles
Mayor, Alain Quehe and his wife, Annick, and
and Light Infantry Association at the Official
the villagers of Saint Pierre du Fresne who
Unveiling of the Memorial Stone. I carried
made sure that we were welcomed, and most
the old Somerset Light Infantry Association
importantly making sure that the eight men,
Bridgwater Branch Standard for what will
whose lives were so tragically cut short, will
probably be its last trip abroad before being
be remembered for their sacrifice, for eternity
‘laid up’ in St Mary’s Church in Bridgwater,
(Picture 2).
Somerset.
Richard Thompson, The Rifles and Light
A short church service followed by a
Infantry Association
procession to the Memorial Stone. The Stone
THE OFFICIAL OPENING OF THE NEW RIFLES GARDEN IN TORBAY
The official Saturday opening of the new
RIFLES garden in Torbay to reaffirm our
Freedom of the Borough in Torquay was a
great success. The honour guard from 5
RIFLES and the Salamanca Band & Bugles
of 6 RIFLES welcomed Major General Tom
Bewick OBE, The Lord Lieutenant of Devon -
Rear Admiral Chris Snow CBE DL alongside
The High Sheriff of Devon - Commadore John
Keith (Jake) Moores OBE DL and the MP for
Torbay – Steve Darling.
Having these gardens named after our
regiment gives us an immense sense of
pride and is an honour that will be treasured.
They are a credit to those that designed and
created them and reflect many attributes
of our regiment, particularly the sharp
disciplined design, enduring quality of the
sentinel Dartmoor Granite, and all surrounded
by vibrant plants that reflect our regimental
colours of red, black & green.
Credit for this garden lies with SWISCo for
creating the wonderfully designed gardens,
and Darin Clarke the stonemason for his
incredible piece of stonework in the centre. And
of course, all this would not have been possible
without the heartfelt and generous support of
Clear Channel UK and continued support from
Torbay Council and the citizens of Torbay.
All five pillars of the regiment were present
including a great deal of veteran Riflemen from
our antecedent Regiments and Cadets drawn
from across Devon. We draw great strength
from the support we receive from local
communities during these events. This support
truly counts when we Riflemen are far from
home on operations or operating here in the
United Kingdom ensuring the nation’s security.
Written on the centerpiece of the new garden
“May we seek with courage your grace in every
time of need and so be patient and preserve in
running the race that is set before us”.
Swift and Bold!
Having
these
gardens
named
after our
regiment
gives us an
immense
sense
of pride
and is an
honour
RIFLES The Bugle 67