Page 68 - Bugle Issue 18 Auntumn 2021

WEST
THE RIFLES OFFICE TAUNTON
COVERING THE WEST
It is no accident the two oldest antecedent regiments of The Rifles formed in the same year. What became the 11th of Foot and the 13th of Foot were raised in 1685, around the time of the Monmouth Rebellion. Supporters of the Duke considered the Catholic King James II intent on turning the clock back to pre-reformation days.
After declaring himself King, at Taunton, Monmouth subsequently failed in his attempt to defeat the King’s forces at Sedgemoor. Found guilty of treason the Duke of Monmouth was beheaded within ten days of the battle. Nevertheless, about three years later there was a significant postscript. The landing of William of Orange at Brixham on 5th November 1688, accompanied by Dutch forces, led to
the flight of James II to France. William III and Mary II were crowned as joint monarchs at Westminster Abbey on 11th April 1689. By the time Anne succeeded William as monarch in 1702 several more regiments had formed, in part due to defeat the attempts of James to seize back his crown. Meanwhile the nation was steadily becoming set on a new and exciting course. The roots of The Rifles are firmly embedded in such times.
About two weeks after the death of our former Colonel-in-Chief, the 70th Anniversary of the Battle of the Imjin River was marked. A service took place within the Memorial Chapel of Gloucester’s Cathedral. The Chapel itself is a few steps away from the tomb of King Edward II who, in 1327, was murdered at Berkeley Castle. The long battle of the Imjin River was pivotal in the rapidly changing fortunes that characterised the first year of the Korean War. Later, between mid-1951 and the Armistice being signed on 27th July 1953 fierce fighting at platoon, unit and even formation levels continued to take place across the Korean front, but lines remained fairly static. The Battle Honours of Korea and Imjin are being marked in a service at Gloucester Cathedral on 26th September 2021.
In June those that gave their lives in the Second World War
were remembered
not only at the
funeral of Mr John
Cornwell but also
the opening of the
Normandy Memorial
at Ver-sur-Mer. On
D-Day, John landed in
Normandy with the
Glosters. Riflemen
from 1 RIFLES carried
his coffin in the
beautiful setting of Prestbury’s Parish Church near to Cheltenham’s racecourse. These historic references and many other perspec- tives sprang to mind when listening to a feature on SWIFT (www.theriflesnetwork.co.uk) within the ‘Beyond Service’ tab and ‘Transition Help’ file. Brigadiers Ed Butler and Dan Reeve, together with others, shared thoughts on Army service and how Riflemen might reflect on the benefit of retention by considering ‘Four Ps’: people; purpose; place; and pay.
Whether it be Cadets, Veterans, Regulars or Reservists the challenge of Covid led to inno- vation. Even the role of the Regional Secretary has been aided through the widespread use of virtual meetings saving hours of frustration on motorways and roads. While some are keen to return to normal it will be important to retain the virtual meeting as a part of everyday working practice. The essential business of communicating remains vital to the leadership, management and command of our Riflemen at all levels and amongst all people connected to the pillars. ‘Purpose’ is a word and term that underpins the aim and objectives through which Riflemen conduct their lives. The motivating factors amongst those on opposing sides at Sedgemoor or Korea will have been every bit as persuasive as those that fought
in Afghanistan. With respect to ‘Place’ the Army seldom fails to disappoint and delivers a variety of life that is hard to match. ‘Place’ and history also resonate deeply within commu- nities where people are proud of their county regiment as consequence of past and present deeds as well as family connections. Others will judge matters of ‘pay’ and it is never likely to become a key factor for those joining the Regulars or Reserves. However, should unfair terms and conditions prevail retention and recruitment become big issues.
Veterans, from their place within the community and county, bring a refreshing perspective to any regiment. While member- ship of antecedent and forming regimental Associations may diminish The Rifleman’s
Association (TRA) is beginning to gain traction. For both old and new Associations, the serving regiment, or RIFLES, is a vital component. As more history is created the role between the veteran, Rifleman, archive and museum becomes ever more important. We look forward to formalising TRA within the West and encourage members throughout Herefordshire, Gloucestershire, Bristol and Somerset to reach out across all pillars.
The Battle Honours of Korea and Imjin are being marked in a service at Gloucester Cathedral on 26th September 2021
As a young girl Madame Arlette Gondree
68 RIFLES The Bugle
witnessed the capture of Pegasus Bridge