Page 97 - MERCIAN Eagle 2019

who is a relative of L/Sgt Baskeyfield and currently serving in 2 MERCIAN. Bringing the families together with the medals was a special moment which has not been replicated since the King awarded the medals in 1945.
Our chairman of Trustees, Brig Jim Tanner, also ran another successful battlefield tour for museum staff and volunteers. Following the successful trip to St Quentin in France last year, there was
no other choice in 2019 except Arnhem. It was a pleasure to be joined on the weekend by Maj M Brigham from 2 MERCIAN. Evening activities involved catching up
and socialising as all good trips do. But
the days were spent examining the battle and its wider context. We started at the outer perimeter and looked at Operation Garden – the difficult ground task given to 30th Corps as they attempt to relieve the forward based airborne forces. We then moved inwards to examine the Arnhem and Oosterbeek perimeter. The tour ended at the Oosterbeek cemetery where Brigadier Tanner and Maj Brigham laid wreaths on behalf of those who fell.
In August we were able to finally open our eagerly awaited Camp Fisher. An adventure playground built in honour of WO2 Ian Fisher but designed to emphasis those serving in the armoured role. The main piece of equipment installed is designed on a Warrior vehicle which
The two Victoria Cross medal groups in Cyprus with the Commanding Officer Lt Col Mark Davis. He is joined by the daughter of Maj Robert Cain VC Mrs Francine Cain and his granddaughter Miss Emily Cain. Holding L/Sgt Baskeyfields medal group is Major J Peach, who is a great nephew of the VC winner.
event as well as representatives from all
the organisations who helped us with the project and many members of the wider Mercian and Staffordshire Regiment family. Ian’s two boys, James and William with their
is used by 1 MERCIAN today and previously
3 MERCIAN and 1 Stafford’s. We had been able to fund the design and build of this unique playground with support from
In August we were able to finally open our eagerly awaited Camp Fisher
mum Emma, were both invited to be the ones to open the playground and cut the ribbon.
Sadly, this will
be the last article I write for the Mercian Eagle as Director
of the Staffordshire
the Armed Forces Community Covenant Fund and the Heritage Lottery. Once it
was installed however we felt it could do with a bit more adding to its surrounding. By appealing to our local community and Regimental family we were able to secure all the materials and equipment we needed for free. We were very honoured to welcome the family of Ian Fisher to the opening
Regiment Museum. I would like to take this opportunity to say how proud I have been to be able to work with such a professional, courageous and supportive family. Thank you also to everyone who have supported the Museum and our activities over the past few years. I wish you all the very best for the future.
The ‘Jack’ mannequin in the Museum in honour of Lt Jack Reynolds MC.
The group attending the Museum Battlefield study of the Battle of Arnhem in front of the John Frost Bridge in Arnhem. It was the bridge that was sadly, a bridge to far.
THE MERCIAN EAGLE
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