Page 205 - The Rifles Bugle Autumn 2019

The Faithful Inkerman Dinner Club Victoria Cross Stone Ceremony
The VC Stone ceremony was held on its tradi- tional date, 4 November, for the first time since its relocation from Aykley Heads. As usual the weather was kind and the sun shone down on a bright, fresh November morning. There was a good turn-out of FIDC members for the memorial service, where the names of all those DLI soldiers and officers who were awarded the Victoria Cross and whose names are inscribed on the stone, were read out by the Chairman Mr Ralph Harrison. 2 Lt Richard Wallace Annand VC of 2nd Bn DLI was especially remembered as the DLI Victoria Cross winner who was awarded his Victoria Cross for his action on the River Dyle in Belgium in 1940. The President outlined the events leading to the award and read from his citation.
Later, Capt Annand, on his retirement from the military, and as a result of the injuries he sustained during World War 2, became involved in helping disabled people. He was a founder member of the British Association for the Hard of Hearing, which became Hearing Concern in 1963, and was also involved in the founding of the Durham County Association for the Disabled. Buglers from The Durham Army Cadet Band & Bugles sounded the calls. The Exhortation was spoken by The Chairman and the Kohima Epitaph by Mr Brian Laverick Secretary/Treasurer. Wreaths were laid by The President Lt Col John Heron, the Rifles Secretary Major Chris Lawton MBE, DL and Major Paul Wharton MM Chairman of the DLI Associ- ation. After the ceremony complimentary refresh- ments were provided by the Café on the Green.
Members of the FIDC attended the opening address and wreath laying on Sunday 4 November 18
Maj (Retd) Paul Wharton MM laid a wreath on behalf of the DLI Association
John Norton and Michael Langelier with Rifles Bugles at the newly re-located DLI VC Stone Ceremony on Palace Green
THE RIFLES
RIFLES OFFICES AND ASSOCIATIONS 203