Page 67 - Bugle Issue 18 Auntumn 2021

Remnants of the depot
As development of “Copthorne Keep”, an estate of around 250 houses on the site of Sir John Moore Barracks, continues apace, there is little to show of the Depot fondly remembered by many “Bugle” readers. Luckily, the Keep itself is to be preserved, albeit as six luxury apartments, two with roof terraces at the top of the towers which offer an unrivalled view of the town.
Amongst the artefacts saved from the demolition teams is the concrete plaque celebrating the opening of the Light Infantry Brigade Depot on 1st April 1963. Prior to that date, recruits joining the county Light Infantry regiments had been trained in Bodmin, Taunton, Pontefract and Durham as
well as Shrewsbury. The plaque was erected just inside the main gate of Sir John Moore Barracks, on the left side, and was extricated by CSjt Decca Winter and his team just before the buildings around it were demolished in 2016. A new brick wall was built inside the Army Reserve Centre (the home of E Coy 8 RIFLES) and the plaque remounted, so that it can be enjoyed Light Infantry veterans and future generations of Riflemen.
Also saved were the Queen Mother’s Gate, the KSLI and Herefords cap badges from
the main gate, and the Minden Eagle, now standing outside the Museum in Shrewsbury Castle.
Also saved were the Queen Mother’s Gate, the KSLI and Herefords cap badges from the main gate, and the Minden Eagle
MIDLANDS
NEWS
FROM THE
ASSOCIATION
BRANCHES
Telford Branch (LI and RIFLES Association) has already restarted its monthly meetings, with members pleased to be able to get together again, albeit socially distanced. A late summer social is planned for 11 Sep 21, with a trip to the Birmingham Military Tattoo on 28 Nov 21 and the Christmas Draw on 18 Dec 21.
Shrewsbury Branch (LI and RIFLES Association) will reassemble for its first monthly meeting on 1 Oct 21, with the Christmas Dinner Dance taking place on 4 Dec 21. Thanks are extended to all Branch members who have been reaching out to support frail and vulnerable comrades, and the Branch is
very happy that its membership numbers remain undiminished.
Cannock Branch (LI and Rifles Association) reports a falling membership after the death of two members during the last 18 months. Chairman Patrick Warren would love to hear from Riflemen settling in the Black Country – they would be made most welcome at the Branch’s monthly meetings, which recommence on 27 Jul 21.
North West Branch (RGJ Association) was represented by Branch Chairman, Dave Judge at the Commemorative Service for HRH The Duke of Edinburgh held at Liverpool Cathedral on 18 Apr 21. The Order of Service, which had on its back cover a photograph of our former Colonel in Chief wearing his RIFLES tie, was put together by the Branch’s President, Lt Col Sean McEvoy.
Rifleman’s Association Midlands Branch has yet to be set up, but anybody who has served in The Rifles (Regular or Reserve) since 2007 and would be interested in getting together with comrades
is urged to contact the Midlands Office. It is envisaged that members of the Branch would meet for social events at various locations around our large patch (Chester to Peterborough, Shrews- bury to Carlisle to Belfast) on an informal, periodic basis.
RIFLES The Bugle 67