Page 198 - Bugle Autumn 2014

The Keep Museum
The museum is under new management having seen the retirement of Capt Colin Parr. The new curator is Chris Copson,
who has moved a few miles west from the Tank Museum at Bovington. Chris is the first non-military curator to be employed by the museum’s trustees, so there should be a slight change of emphasis as he brings his expertise to bear. In particular, he has already started to publicize The Keep through an energetic programme of lectures to school children, among others.
MOD support for the fabric of the museum’s building has continued after last year’s complete re-pointing of the masonry. New heating, replacement lift control mechanisms and upgrading of the roof covering have all been completed within the past months.
Collating the artefacts held by the museum seems to be a never-ending task, with 68,500 separate items having been added to the Collection Management System since its inception. Unfortunately there are many
thousands to go, so
even with a full-time
volunteer uploading
information, it is difficult
to add more than 150
items per week. And of
course new items are
being received most
days. For instance we
have recently been
delighted to receive the
medals of Brigadier Charles Woodhouse, a former Colonel of the Dorset Regiment and
Last Post
Bill Chuter commemorating the anniversary of D-Day with curator Chris Copson
guest of honour was Bill Chuter – 100 years old and a veteran of the Dorset Regiment’s Three Assault Landings on Sicily, Italy and Normandy
his son Jock, who helped form the modern SAS. A close relative, Anthony Woodhouse,
is a member of the board of trustees of the museum.
Already a popular destination for visitors to the area, the museum has recently gained top marks from Trip Advisor which should help to increase footfall even more.
The 70th anniversary of D-Day was celebrated with a function
attended by approximately 160 people and
where the guest of honour was Bill Chuter – 100 years old and a veteran of the Dorset Regiment’s Three Assault Landings on Sicily, Italy and Normandy.
Like many military museums, The Keep has been conducting a series of displays to mark the centenary of the outbreak of the First World War. A “trench experience” gallery has recently been completed with financial assistance from the Heritage Lottery Fund. It was officially opened by the Lord-Lieutenant and Kate Adie on 23rd July – just in time for the centenary on 4th August.
The following members of the Devons, Dorsets and Devon and
Dorsets died during the past year:
2013 2014
Mr K Rendall (Ken) of Mere, died on 30th October aged 80. He served with the Dorsets from 1954-56 as a dog handler in the UK and Hong Kong. Later in life he was a valued committee member and standard bearer of the Gillingham Branch, often carrying The Rifles Standard on parade.
Maj R G Bate-Jones MBE (Robert) of Southport, died on
28th July aged 87. Having reached the rank of WO1, he was commissioned in 1968, eventually becoming QM 1 R Hamps. He retired in 1981 and was Commandant of Halton and Altcar Training Areas for some years.
Mr W J St Clair (Willie) of Marden, Kent, died in July aged 66. He joined the Army as Pte Rodrigues in the late 60s before changing his name. He saw service in Germany, Malta, NI, Kenya and Cyprus. He was an influential member of the Bn Boxing Team. He completed his 22 years service at the School of Infantry.
WO1 (RSM) A K Penhaligan (Anthony, known as Pen) of Tiverton, died on 18th September aged 44. He joined the Army in 1986 and served with 1 D and D from 1987-07 and then with The Rifles until his death. He served in the Falklands, Belize, Denmark, Germany, Kenya, 5 tours of NI, Bosnia and Iraq. He was honoured to have been selected to act as escort to the 1st Battalion Colours when they were laid up in Exeter Cathedral in 2007. His final appointment was as RSM of Exeter UOTC.
Capt J B StV Hawkins (Brian) of Dorchester died on 12th April aged 84. Having served briefly with both 1 R Hamps and 1 Gloster, he joined the Dorsets in 1950, serving in Austria, Korea, UK and W Germany
Mr M Amos (Malcolm) of Colchester died on 27th April aged 58. He joined the Army as a junior soldier in Exeter and served with 1 D and D from 1973-95, in Cyprus, Ireland, Germany and Kenya. He was a leading member of the Corps of Drums before being appointed Provost Sergeant.
Mr C Butt BEM (Charlie) of Gillingham died on 2nd May aged
94. He served with 4th Dorsets during WW2. During the Normany campaign he was the COs bugler and sounded the advance for the successful attack on Hill 112.
Mr J Beazer (John) of Beaminster died on 21st June. He joined as a junior soldier in 1961 and went on to serve in British Guiana, Malta, Cyprus, BAOR, Canada, Kenya, Berlin and NI. He was a notable member of the MT Platoon for many years.
WO1 (RSM) W L Thacker (Wally) of Southampton died on 13th July aged 81. Having initially been badged R Hamps, he joined
the Devon and Dorsets on amalgamation in 1958, serving in W Germany, Korea, Kenya, Cyprus, British Guiana, Malta, Belize and 2 tours of NI. As a CSgt he was an instructor at RMAS. He will be remembered as an outstanding RSM of 1 D and D.
196 REGIMENTAL ASSOCIATION NEWS
THE RIFLES