Page 76 - Bugle Spring 2023

SOUTH WEST
REGIMENTAL
REUNION,
DORCHESTER
BARRACKS
There was a change of venue for the Regimental Reunion this year with the Parade being hosted by C Coy 6 RIFLES in Dorchester Barracks.
The day was successful, due to the immense work undertaken by the team at Dorchester and the glorious weather. The morning commenced with the Annual General Meeting which was followed by the Parade led by the Band of the Devonshire and Dorset Regiment, standard bearers and 200 members who marched to the Sports Field, where a short service took place, remembering the Regimental Association, it’s members and those who had passed away. Three members were presented with their Presidential Awards by Lt Col Geoff Nicholls.
Those present were then able to enjoy good company, good food and good weather.
The 2023 Reunion will be held in Exeter on the 20th May – venue to be confirmed.
76 RIFLES The Bugle
THE LI AND RIFLES BODMIN ASSOCIATION
The Association had a busy Summer and Autumn, starting with a Lazy Summer Afternoon BBQ and Cornish Cream Tea in the garden of The Keep in Bodmin. Members were invited to bring their families, dogs, wine, garden marquees and sun umbrellas. Luckily the sun shone, and Alan and Mark cooked for almost 60 people and one lucky dog who was in the right place at the right time when a tray of sausages fell off the table!
Hot on its heels, was the Annual Reunion at The Keep with the Salamanca Band and the Lostwithiel (DCLI) Band entertaining all present as well as some nearby residents. Celebrations continued into the evening with local band ‘For One night Only’ in the new marquee purchased from a donation from the DCLI Trust Fund. The marquee was really appreciated this year, as for only the second time in 15 years, the heavens opened.
Saddened, as we all were, with the announcement of the death of the late Queen, the Association invited members to gather to watch the funeral together at the Victoria Inn. Tea and cake were served on arrival followed by an excellent buffet lunch. A similar event will be arranged to celebrate the Coronation of the King next year.
The Lucknow Dinner went ahead at The Kilbirnie Hotel in Newquay in late October. Guests included Mrs Helen Bishop-Stephens, the new Museum Director of The Keep - Cornwall’s Army Museum, and The Right Honourable Johnny Mercer MP, Minister of State for Veterans’ Affairs who gave an interesting and enlightening after dinner speech.
Some of our members went to London to parade at The Cenotaph in Whitehall. The majority paraded at the DCLI War Memorial at The Keep before marching to the Town War Memorial in Priory Park and then to St Petroc’s Church. A few members met up after
Luckily the sun shone, and Alan and Mark cooked for almost 60 people and one lucky dog who was in the right place at the right time when a tray of sausages fell off the table!
the Church Service at The Victoria Inn for a carvery lunch.
After a two year gap, Maj (retd) Hugo White MBE DL resurrected The Rifles South West Officers’ Club Lunch at the Arundell Arms at Lifton in September. Twenty-two sat down for a sumptuous lunch and a glass of Port was raised to bid farewell to the late Queen and another to welcome the new King.
It is with the deepest regret that we have to inform you all that our dear Hugo passed away at the beginning of September in the Royal Cornwall Hospital Truro. Since the last dinner in October, he had not been too well and deteriorated slowly through November and had recently been admitted to hospital with pneumonia. He was Light Infantry through and through, and the most loyal member of the association and will be sadly missed by
all of us.
In mid-November 14 of our members joined 6 RIFLES for a Black Tie Curry Supper. It is very much hoped this event will be repeated next year.
Also in November, Chairman Nigel ‘Jesse’ James MBE and his wife Tina met members
of the Royal British Legion at Roughtor Car Park, Bodmin Moor. All headed up the slope
to the top of the Tor to view the Memorial Plaque dedicated to all those who lost their lives during 1944/45. The 43rd Wessex Division was a Territorial Army Division formed from south-western counties of Cornwall, Devon, Somerset, Dorset, Wiltshire, and Hampshire. Hill 112 in Normandy was held by 5 DCLI on the night of 10th July and after seeing off 12 counter attacks, the remaining 60 survivors of the Battalion were ordered off the Hill. “All our county Regiments were involved in this attack. I think as an Association with DCLI, SCLI in our name, we will be taking this on every year”, said Nigel ‘Jesse’ James.
DEVONSHIRE AND DORSET REGIMENT