Page 158 - Bugle Autumn 2014

Cdt Company Serjeant Major in deep thought about the sacrifice made and the freedom we have today
but one of them, 240528 Private William Rawson aged 18 was sadly listed as ‘missing in action’ on 21 July 1916. Cadet Rawson saw his Great Great Uncle’s name on the Thiepval Memorial and commented ‘The history of my four ancestors has been passed down through generations of my
The Honorary Colonel of Gloucestershire ACF Major General Sir Evelyn Webb-Carter said ‘The idea of a visit to the battlefields of the Somme was inspirational. Most young Cadets had little grasp of the facts of the Great War. The trip clearly had a great impact on Cadets both young and
respects to the ‘Glorious Glosters’ and the day will long be imprinted on my memory. They were so obviously interested and moved, as was I’.
The ACF Commandant Colonel Lance Ranson said ‘This centenary year is hugely significant for us all and the Cadets have
family and it is really memorable to see the Somme Battlefield where they would have fought together. To see my family name on the Thiepval Memorial for the first time is one of the most moving moments of my life’.
Cadet Harry Simms from Innsworth Platoon also researched his relative whose name is listed among ‘The Missing’ on the Thiepval Memorial. Cadet Simms said ‘I have seen pictures of the Thiepval Memorial and my relative’s inscription but it is so much more real to be here with my fellow Cadets and to see the sacrifices made
by so many from Gloucestershire and the country. The Thiepval Certificate will be
put up at home to remind my family of my Great Great Uncle’s sacrifice. It will also be so much more meaningful when we parade at our war memorial on Remembrance Sunday.’
Gloucestershire ACF (The Rifles) at Thiepval War Memorial remembrance Service.
old and the visits to
the cemeteries and
the Memorial to The
Missing at Thiepval
made them realise
the enormity of the
war. Many have
resolved to return
and so this has been
a most worthwhile
journey from comparative ignorance to an understanding they might not otherwise have gained. A brilliant plan which
reflects great credit on all concerned in Gloucestershire ACF.
Colonel Rob Dixon OBE, who commanded The Gloucestershire Regiment and is now the County Colonel for The Rifles commented: ‘It was wonderful to see this generation of ACF Cadets paying their
learnt so much about The Great War and the impact that it had on families, communities and our country. Many of the Cadets and Adults were very moved by the experience’.
Major Kevin Shayle the OC of Alexandria
Company commented: This was a very humbling visit to the cemeteries and memorial which really puts into perspective the sacrifice the fallen soldiers had made. Walking through the actual trenches brought to light how harrowing it must have been for them in the Great War’.
Cadet Jacob Gueye from Cinderford Platoon said: ‘Parading at the Thiepval Memorial and visiting the cemeteries was
SI Angela Peacock placing a Remembrance Cross at Thiepval
‘It was wonderful to see this generation of ACF Cadets paying their respects to the Glorious Glosters’
156 XXX
THE RIFLES