Page 72 - Bugle Autumn 2024

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RIFLEMEN IN CALAIS
Each year we remember those who fell
in the courageous stand at Calais where antecedent regiments of The Rifles fought a rear-guard action against the German army, in the process allowing allied troops to evacuate at Dunkirk.
This 22nd of May in Calais was a very windy day and even though we attempted to lay the Regimental Wreathes during the Service of Remembrance they just would have blown into the sea.
The Service was conducted by the Reverend Norman Denis a fellow Rifleman who despite the weather conditions persevered and all went well.
It was an early start for those who joined the coach in London at 0630hrs and picked up others at Folkstone before boarding the Ferry to Calais.
We all gathered for lunch at our usual venue before making our way to The Green Jacket Memorial for the Service.
It was certainly a family occasion with three sons of those who fought in the battle in 1940 present, and the eleven-year-old Great-Great Grandson of the late George Sutherland KRRC along with his Dad.
Next year will be the 85th Anniversary and it is hoped that we can make it a fitting tribute to all those fought in the battle, enabling us to live in comparative peace today.
Richard Frost MBE (KRRC/2GJ/2RGJ)
It was certainly a family occasion with three sons of those who fought in the battle in 1940 present
VETERAN RIFLEMAN TAKES FLIGHT
an explosion left him fighting for his
In February, veteran Riflemen Stephen Vause had the opportunity to enjoy an indoor skydiving experience at iFly in Basingstoke. Stephen was just 19 and serving with the 4th Battalion The Rifles, when an explosion near Basra left him fighting for his life in 2007. He was on his first tour of duty and the attack
left him severely disabled.
The indoor skydiving trip was arranged by Royal Star & Garter, which provides specialist 24-hour care for Stephen,
and Help for Heroes, which organised
the experience, following a request life from Stephen. He received specialist
support from instructors and his own private physiotherapist, both before and during the flight.
Stephen commented “It was the most amazing, exhilarating feeling I’ve experienced in a long time. Since I suffered my injuries
I haven’t been able to walk, but for a few moments, I was able to fly, and it felt incredible. I really did feel like I was flying.”
Helena Maher the Home Manager at Royal Star & Garter in Surbiton, where Stephen lives commented: “I’m so happy that we were able to work with Help for Heroes and make this happen for Stephen”
72 RIFLES The Bugle