COTSWOLD BRANCH OF THE ORDERS AND MEDALS RESEARCH SOCIETY
It is with regret that we must report that Maurice Wilkes, a member of the Cotswold Branch, passed away on 12 January 2008.
Meetings are held at Swindon Village Hall, Cheltenham, and commence at 7.00pm for 7.30pm every second Thursday in the month except August.
Programme for 2007-08
Date Speaker Subject
13 September Annual General Meeting followed by members own "Recent Acquitions"
11 October Graham Sacker Portugal in the Great War
8 November Roger Tucker A! B! C! OBE/KPM
13 December Annual quiz (LAST YEAR'S WINNER SETS THE QUESTIONS) and a 'piece of Christmas'
2008
10 January Mike Atkinson HMS Belvidera in the War of 1812
14 February Paul Roberts Routs, Retreats and Withdrawals (German Spring Offensive 1918)
13 March David Seeney Territorial Medals
10 April Members Own Annual General Meeting followed by Members Own: Everyone must bring something!
8 May John Barker The R.A.F. between the wars
12 June Mike Kippin The Victoria Cross - A gallantry award for civilians?
10 July Peter Ashford Memorial Lecture Wing-Commander H.T. Price, DFC - Cold War Pilot (fighters & helicopters)
Guests are welcome, please contact the secretary, John Wright, for further details - qcmilitaria@btconnect.com
To join the Orders and Medals Research Society please visit - http://www.omrs.org.uk
Branch News:
Minutes of May 2008 Meeting
Meeting of the Cotswold Branch of the Orders & Medals Research Society held at Swindon Village Hall on Thursday 9th of May 2008.
Apologies received from D and T Lyall, M Kippin, P McKenna, C Hammond, N. Smith, M. Pittaway, Zak Coombs, F. Angus
The meeting commenced at 7.30 pm with Cotswold Branch business. The Secretary read the minutes of the April meeting which was proposed by Dave Seeney seconded by Richard Hugh‘s. .
The Secretary then checked with the members who had said they will give a talk on the dates that he proposed for the next years program, all agreed. Next years program will appear at the end of this report. The branch as been invited to attend a series of lectures at the Trident Centre Warwick the theme is The Lions Kingdom. This is on Saturday 24th May 2008 5.30pm to 8.00 pm at the above venue, more information from the Secretary. David Seeney then brought to the attention of members the evening B-B-Q and Beating the Retreat to be held in Hereford, more information from Dave on sunsetmilitaria@btinternet.com or 01432-870420
With the Treasurer just having an operation and is unable to travel our President Graham Sacker took on his job and collected this years subscriptions off the members present. Those who have not paid he will be at the next meeting!!! Graham then went on to introduce our speaker John Barker who talked on the RAF from 1919 to 1938 (excluding India & The Frontier). He covered Russia, Somaliland, Iraq, NW Persia, Kurdistan, Aden and Palestine. All the campaigns were supported by medals and stories of the recipients and the historical significance on the roll of the RAF policing the Empire. The quality of the content of the lecture was superb and the medals stunning. John talked for about 2 hours and all the membership thoroughly enjoyed it, a question and answer session then took place. At the end of this Graham gave the vote of thinks on behalf of the branch and members showed their appreciation in the usual way. Roger Tucker then conducted the raffle which made £21-00 for club funds. 18 members were present and one guest (Mr M Miller) the meeting closed at 10.45 pm. I should like on behalf of the branch wish Frank Angus and Clive Hammond a speedy recovery from their operations.
2008
11 September - Roger Tucker & Dave Martin - 'It's a small world'
9 October - Members own
13 November - Steve Lewis - 'Six lives'
11 December - Annual Quiz and a 'piece of Christmas'
2009
8 January - Graham Sacker - 'Origins of the L.R.D.G.' & Peter McKenna 'A bag full of gongs'
12 February - Member's Own
12 March - Richard Emsley - 'A paladin of India'
9 April - Mick Kippin - 'Soldiers helping to end the Slave Trade, August 1816'
14 May - Graham Pitchfork - 'Past Lives'
11 June - Recent Acquisitions all members to bring somthing
9 July - Peter Ashford memorial Lecture: Colonel Mullaly on The Gurkhas
Minutes of April 2008 Meeting
Meeting of the Cotswold Branch of the Orders & Medals Research Society held at Swindon Village Hall on Thursday 10th of April 2008.
Apologies received from G. Sacker, N. Smith, M. Pittaway, Zak Coombs and F. Angus
The meeting commenced at 7.30 pm with Cotswold Branch business. The Secretary read the minutes of the February meeting which was proposed by Tom Lyall seconded by Jim Mourton. It was brought to the attention of the committee that the branch felt in light of the increased cost of the Village Hall the Treasurer should approach the OMRS for a grant towards this new expense. Clive said he will see to it. Brian Ward said he would share the job of Functions Officer with another member of the branch, a valunteer is needed. We then had the AGM, the Secretary and Treasurer gave their reports which are at the end of these minutes. What followed was probably the best Members Own we have had here at the branch. All present brought items to talk about. We had 2 members families history brought to life through the fathers medals. Medals to the RAF, RN, Merchant Navy and the Army. Even a mention of a late delivery by the GPO which cost a member a medal needed for his collection, Medals to various campaigns accompanied by in depth research. There was a pair of Boer War medals to a chap in the Gloucester’s who had served with the mounted Infantry, he had kept a daily diary from the time he arrived in South Africa to the end of the war (it has to be unique). Another was about the chap who is from New Zealand and is the only overseas person who has been a Yeoman Warder in the 400 plus year history of this unit. WWI medals to 2 brothers, one in the Glosters and one in the Australian Army. An unnamed WWII group that included the American Silver Star, some unusual photographs of Gloster Volunteers, and the story of a WWI Royal Engineer who was an ARP Warden in WWII. All present commented on what a good meeting it had been and asked if we will do another in the new year. No raffle was held as the meeting went on longer than anticipated so the prizes are stored until the next meeting in May. 21 members were present and the meeting closed at 10.45 pm.
Cotswold Branch of the OMRS Annual Report from September 2007 to April 2008
We have had another good year branch membership has stayed steady with an average of 20 members attending the meetings. Our speakers this year came from the branch and what interesting lectures we have had. We also had a couple of Members Own/Recent Acquitions which again proved popular. Our Christmas quiz was set by Mike Atkinson and you could tell he was number 2 in the medal office! this was won by John Scott. The speaker for the Peter Ashford memorial lecture was Jack French DSM who was awarded his medal for service on HMS Amethyst in the Yangtze incident. He talked us through the whole action and what a story it turned out to be. The post of Functions Officer is still vacant and because of this we have only had one visit and this was to the Gurkha Museum at Winchester. If we do get a volunteer for this post members have shown an interest in visiting the Arboretum in the Midlands and RMC Sandhurst. Tony Sabell was awarded the MBE and Jim Mourton was awarded the Lord Lieutenant's certificate for service with the TA, congratulations to them. Alan Tanner who was a member of the branch moved to the USA and is now serving in Iraq with a US National Guard unit we wish him all the very best. Roger Tucker (Peter McKenna when Roger was away) conducted the Raffle which raised £183-00 for club funds. This concludes my report, I would like a member to propose and another to second this.
J.F. Wright Secretary Cotswold branch OMRS.
A copy of the Treasurer's Report can be obtained from the Branch Secretary.
Minutes of March 2008 Meeting
Meeting of the Cotswold Branch of the Orders & Medals Research Society held at Swindon Village Hall on Thursday 13th March 2008.
Meeting of the Cotswold Branch of the Orders & Medals Research Society held at Swindon Village Hall on Thursday 14th February 2008.
Please note that the Annual General Meeting will be held prior to our April Meeting.
Apologies received from P. McKenna, N. Smith, M. Pittaway and J. Morton.
The meeting commenced at 7.30 pm with Cotswold Branch business. The Secretary read the minutes of the January meeting which was proposed by Mike Kippin seconded by Richard Hughs. He then mentioned an e-mail regarding funding from the OMRS to branches, this has been passed on to our treasurer Clive Hammond to take appropriate action.
Our President Graham Sacker related to the membership his letter to Tony Sabell congratulating him on his award of the MBE on behalf of the branch and of Tony’s reply.
It was good to see our Treasurer Clive Hammond (who has been ill for some time) back with us, unfortunately a few members had to put their hand in their pockets as Clive had his little blue book with him!!!
Roger Tucker brought to our attention that a lot of Palestine Police Records are held at the Commonwealth museum in Bristol. If you go yourself they will get them out for you to peruse and copy. If you want the staff to do the work for you there is a fee. David Gibbons brought in a book which has recently been published on Swindon in the First Wold War. It seems that a council representative called in to the Tourist Board where this was being sold and told the staff to remove it as it was too heavy and could cause an accident!!! It weighs less than a bag of sugar. Our President Graham Sacker then introduced our speaker Paul Roberts who went on to present a fantastic lecture on the 61st Division particularly the period 21/3/1918 to 2/4/1918. He has set a precedent by using Photographs, medals, maps, a wind up 78 record player with a vinyl record of the period, to the latest computer high tech, power point. His presentation lasted about 2 hours and was thoroughly enjoyed by all members and guests present. Paul then did a question and answer session and was thanked by our President Graham Sacker. Mike Kippin and David Martin then talked on a group each out of their own collections pertaining to this period.
Roger Tucker conducted the raffle which raised £23 for Branch funds.
24 members and 2 guests, Andrew and Chris Taylor, were present. The meeting closed at 10.15 pm.
Minutes of January 2008 Meeting
Meeting of the Cotswold Branch of the Orders & Medals Research Society held at Swindon Village Hall on Thursday 10th January 2008.
First let me apologise on behalf of the branch to Brian Ward for assuming he was taking the post of Functions Officer.
Apologies received from Z. Coombs, N. Smith, M. Pittaway
The meeting commenced at 7.30 pm with Cotswold Branch business. The Secretary read the minutes of the December meeting which was proposed by Richard Hugh’s seconded by David Seeney. Nathan Smith is willing to arrange a visit to RMA Sandhurst if and when he is contacted by the branch with dates. David Seeney informed us that Tony Sabell had been awarded the MBE in the last Honours List. Our president Graham Sacker agreed to write to Tony congratulating him on behalf of the branch. David Gibbons then passed round a book published in Liverpool listing VC winners and their stories. These are on sale at £7-00 all proceeds going to fund for memorials to the winners.
Our President Graham Sacker then introduced our speaker Mike Atkinson who spoke on HMS Belvidera in the War of 1812. Mike started with the display of a medal to Lt Sykes RN an NGS Clasp 1st of June 1794 and then went on to tell the story of his service on HMS Belvidera for the 5 years he was on her during the American war with Britain of 1812. What a fascinating tale it was, Mikes research was some of the best we have ever seen, it has taken him several years to get where he has at the moment. He did say there was a lot more to do to finish the story. He talked for about one and a half hours and all the members thoroughly enjoyed it. Mike then answered any questions our President Graham Sacker gave a vote of thanks and the members showed their appreciation in the usual way.
Roger Tucker conducted the raffle which raised £26 for Branch funds. Graham Sacker donated a metal medal cabinet which Roger Tucker (acting as auctioneer) sold to the highest bidder, Peter McKenna for £40 the money going in to the Branch funds. 26 members were present and the meeting closed at 10.00 pm.
Minutes of December 2007 Meeting
Meeting of the Cotswold Branch of the Orders & Medals Research Society held at Swindon Village Hall on Thursday 13th December 2007.
Apologies received from R. Hughs, Z. Coombs, N. Smith, M. Pittaway, D. Gibbons, F. Angus, P. Schmalish, G. Pitchfork, R. Tucker, A. Derrick, D&M Mabbett
The meeting commenced at 7.30 pm with Cotswold Branch business. The Secretary read the minutes of the November meeting which was proposed by Mike Kippin seconded by John Barker. Our new Functions Officer, Brian Ward reported on the proposed visit To The National Arboretum in Staffordshire in the Spring of 2008. David Seeney then mentioned the theft of the medals including VC’s from the New Zealand Military Museum in New Zealand. Also mentioned was the OMRS North which is taking place the weekend 16-17-18 of May 2008 at Runcorn in Cheshire. There being no other business Mike Atkinson issued paper and pencils and did the Christmas Quiz. There were 50 questions at two points per question and the questions were well thought out and made all who took part really think. The winner was John Scott who it was good to see is making a good recovery from the stroke he experienced last year. Our President Graham Sacker presented John with the winners trophy, which he will hold for a year. He will also have to set the quiz for 2008. All members present had brought food which was enjoyed by all. Brian Ward did the raffle which raised £17-00 for club funds. 14 members were present and the meeting closed at 10.00 pm.
I should like to take this opportunity to wish you all a Merry Christmas and a Peaceful, Happy New Year!
Minutes of November 2007 Meeting
Meeting of the Cotswold Branch of the Orders & Medals Research Society held at Swindon Village Hall on Thursday 8th November 2007.
Apologies received from G. Sacker, R. Hughs, Z. Coombs, N. Smith, M. Pittaway, D. Gibbons, D. Seeney, F. Angus and P. Schmalish
The meeting commenced at 7.30 pm with Cotswold Branch business. The Secretary read the minutes of the October meeting which was proposed by Tom Lyall seconded by Roger Tucker. He then read out a report on the branch’s visit to the Gurkha Museum at Winchester on Sunday October 28th. A vote of thanks was given to Mike Kippin who drove the Mini-bus. Brian Ward suggested a visit to the New War Memorial in the Midlands which was agreed by members present so he is going to look in to it and come back to us later. Mike Kipping then told what was taking place Medal Wise at the Cheltenham Museum (Mike Atkinson‘s Iraq Medal which he designed now has pride of place in one of the cabinets).
Roger Tucker then gave a terrific presentation of A B C which stood for Artillery, Bristol Constabulary, Cyprus Constabulary which was the life of Frederick Barnaby Carter. He served in the RA in WW1 then the CID Bristol Constabulary finally Assistant Commissioner of the Cyprus Police in the period when the EOKA troubles were at their height. The amount of research Roger displayed was fantastic F.B. Carter was one of these chap who kept everything and with the contacts Roger has in the Police Federation he was able to unearth more. The group was MBE, KPM, BWM, Victory, Defence, GSM clasp Cyprus, QEII Coronation, City of Bristol Police LS&GC plus 2 clasps. It also came with miniatures, Cyprus Police Badges, buttons, ID Cards and all manor of things.
Our Secretary proposed the vote of thanks (as our President G. Sacker was away from Town) and the membership showed their appreciation in the usual way.
Steve Lewis then showed and talked about a group of medals he had bought to a chap who was a member of the British Volunteer Company which went to Finland in WW2. He served with the Scottish Rifles 1914-18, being commissioned in 1917.
Roger Tucker conducted the raffle which made £16-00 for club funds. 14 members and one guest (John Drywood) were present and the meeting closed at 10.00 pm.
Branch Trip to the Gurkha Museum, Winchester, Sunday 28 October 2007
Visit of the Cotswold Branch of the OMRS to the Brigade of Gurkhas Museum in Winchester on Sunday October 28th.
This is the first visit undertaken by the branch since our last Functions Officer resigned and it turned out a great success.
The following members were in attendance J. Wright, S. Lewis, M. Kippin, C. Harmson, D. Lyall, T. Lyall, R. Hughes, G. Sacker, M. Mabbett, D. Mabbett, P. Schamalish, J. Barker, B. Ward, D. Martin, A. Derrick, R. Emsley, D. Gibbons. 2 others met us at the Museum N. Smith and Matt Pittaway. Unfortunately we were only able to get a 17 seater mini bus and Peter and Arthur McKenna agreed to stand down on the morning as Peter had a very bad cold. Mike Kippin agreed to be duty driver and did a splendid job. We left Cheltenham at 9.30 am and arrived at the Museum at 12.15 to be met by Col Mike Barrett OBE. We watched a short Video on The Gurkhas in the medal room and Mike then followed up with a question and answer session clearing up a lot of the misunderstandings issued by the British media on Gurkhas service, pay etc. We had a packed lunch and Mike opened the bar where Gurkha Beer was tried by a number of us. The medal room was open for our perusal along with the Library; Steve Lewis was given the job of temporary acting unpaid librarian, at the end of which he was put forward for a Stripe!!. The Museum was open and the members took full advantage taking their time looking at the exhibits. At 3.45 pm we had a group photo taken and our secretary (who liaised with Mike to organize the trip) thanked Mike on behalf of the branch. As a thank you the branch has donated a copy of the 2008 Medals Year book to the museum. We arrived back in Cheltenham at Swindon Village Hall at 6.15 pm. Mike Kippin and John Wright returned the Mini Bus and were back in Cheltenham at 7 pm, a good day being had by all who attended.
Minutes of October 2007 Meeting
Meeting of the Cotswold Branch of the Orders & Medals Research Society held at Swindon Village Hall on Thursday 11th October 2007.
Apologies received from John Wright.
In the absence of the Hon. Sec., the meeting, which started at 7.30pm was conducted by Graham Sacker who offered minutes of the last meeting. These were, however, taken as read, proposed by Dave Seeney, seconded by Richard Hughes. John Barker told those present about a book launch to be held at Tudor Museum House, Worcester on 17 October on the subject of "The Defence of Worcester, WWII" - a publication relating to the formation and activities of the Home Guard in the area, which is to go on sale at £14.95.
Members present were encouraged to put their names down for the planned visit to the Gurkha Museum (and others in the same complex) planned for Sunday 28th October. There being no further business, the President offered his own talk on the subject of "Portugal in the Great War". Illustrated by Power-Point presentation, a brief outline of the history of Portugal and its overseas possessions led to an explanation of how and why Portugal became involved in the war, as late as 1916. Details of the movement of troops belonging to the two Portuguese Infantry Divisions and the subsequent Battle of the Lys area of Flanders were illustrated by photographs and front-line diagrams. The speaker brought along a scarce Portuguese steel helmet of WWI vintage and then spoke about a medal group to an Officer of the Machine Gun Corps who had served as liaison officer and interpreter, being taken Prionser of War, and later invested with the Portuguese Order of Aviz.
After the talk, Roger Tucker conducted a raffle, which raised £26 for Branch funds. Twenty-six members were present. The meeting closed at 10.00pm.
Minutes of September 2007 Meeting
Meeting of the Cotswold Branch of the Orders & Medals Research Society held at Swindon Village Hall on Thursday 14th September 2007.
Apologies received from Z Coombs, N Smith, P McKenna, A Derrick and P. Roberts
The meeting commenced at 7.30 pm with Cotswold Branch business. The Secretary read the minutes of the July meeting which was proposed by Dave Seeney seconded by Clive Harmson. Then followed the Annual General Meeting. The three posts of President, Secretary and Treasurer were voted on and the branch unanimously voted the three members who are in post keep their jobs. Roger Tucker asked that it be minuted from all members present their appreciation to the committee for the work they have done.
The Secretary read out his report, this was followed by Clive Hammond our Treasurer who issued to the membership a statement of accounts which show the branch being in a good financial position. It was suggested that the Annual Subscriptions go up to £12-00 this was agreed by all present. Graham Sacker our President then said a few words. Roger Tucker proposed the above as being correct and this was seconded by James Mourton. There followed a Members own Dave Seeney set the ball rolling with two IGS36-39 to the Warwick Regt, John Barker followed with a group to a chap who was awarded the Waziristan 1925 as a member of the RAF. Mike Atkinson brought the new Iraq Reconstruction Medal issued by the FCO (Mike was the chap who designed the ribbon for this medal), David Martin followed with an MM GVI to a chap in the Gren Gds, Mike Kippin talked on a chap from Cheltenham who served with the AHC in Egypt 1882. Graham Pitchfork then produced two RAF groups with the bar Southern Desert Iraq, Steve Lewis on K Boats, Richard Hugh’s with a WW2 RN group to a chap who was awarded a French Croix de Guerre 40 years late. Finally Graham Sacker followed with paperwork relating to the MGC in WW1. It was a real good evening enjoyed by all. Roger Tucker conducted the raffle which made £23-00 for club funds. 24 members were present and the meeting closed at 10.00 pm.
Minutes of July 2007 Meeting
The minutes of the meeting of the Cotswold branch of the Orders and Medals Research Society held in Swindon Village hall on Thursday the 12th of July 2007.
The meeting opened at 7.30 pm, the minutes of the June meeting were read by the Secretary, they were proposed by Roger Tucker and seconded by Richard Hughes. Apologies were received from P. McKenna, S.Lewis, P.Roberts, N.Smith and G. Pitchfork. Mike Kippin read out a letter, which he had received from the Mayor of Cheltenham thanking the branch for inviting him to our Mini Convention, which he enjoyed enormously. Our secretary then brought to the attention of the members that LtCol Mike Barrett OBE has offered to open the Gurkha Museum in Winchester on a Sunday in September or October for a private visit by the branch. Colonel Mike is prepared to come from his home in Ramsgate to do this for us and the secretary needs the names of members and their friends asap to finalise a date. If there is not enough support the visit will not be going ahead as it is unfair to Mike who is giving his time and expertise for free. The next item on the agenda was Annual Club Membership fee
Clive our treasurer who is ill but now improving was unable to attend so Graham our president acted on his behalf and all branch members in attendance paid. A letter was read out from Chris Hill an OMRS member of long standing who (along with others) is hoping to swim the English Channel to raise money for amongst others "The Askari Appeal". If you want to sponsor him you can contact him via DNW. It was the secretary's pleasant duty to introduce our speaker for the 2007 Peter Ashford Memorial Lecture, Jack French DSM, his subject being "The Yangtze Incident", he was the Sparks on HMS Amethyst through out this trying time. Jack who had recently come out of hospital after a very serious operation enthralled us for over 2 hours taking us through the whole stage of events from leaving Hong Kong to the ships eventual return. He had his medals with him for all to see and they were DSM GVI, 39-45 Star, Defence Medal, War Medal, 4 clasp NGS GVI first clasp Yangtze 1949) Royal Navy LS&GC. He was awarded his DSM as the Sparks on HMS Amethyst whilst the action was taking place, a unique honour as the Royal Navy had never in it's history sanctioned such a thing. King George VI presented him with his award at Buckingham Palace on his return to the UK. There then followed a question and answer session which was appreciated by all of us. Richard Hughes brought a NGS Yangtze from his collection along with a book on the Yangtze incident. In it were photographs of Jack which he signed for Richard. There were a number of members who regretted not having a tape recorder or a video camera to record this fascinating story given by a man who was on the spot. Our President Graham Sacker gave a vote of thanks and a bottle of Lambs Navy Rum to Jack on behalf of the branch and a standing ovation was given by the membership. What a man and what a story it will be a hard act to follow. We had 18 members and 6 visitors, Roger Tucker did the raffle, which raised £26-00 for club funds. The meeting closed at 10.15 pm
Minutes of June 2007 Meeting
Meeting of the Cotswold Branch of the Orders & Medals Research Society held at Swindon Village Hall on Thursday 14th June 2007. Apologies received from Z Coombs, N Smith, C Hammond, P McKenna and A Derrick
The meeting commenced at 7.30 pm with Cotswold Branch business. The Secretary read the minutes of the May meeting which was proposed by David Seeney seconded by Matt Pittaway. The Secretary asked for help with next years program and the following members have agreed to give talks (content to be advised later). They are Mike Atkinson, David Seeney, Graham Sacker, Paul Roberts, Roger Tucker, John Barker (late on in the season) and a guest Speaker Roger Perkins.
Mike Kippin submitted a report on the Mini Convention: THE COTSWOLD CONVENTION, 9TH JUNE 2007:
"The branch mini-convention last Saturday went very well. The Mayor of Cheltenham, Councillor John Rawson, officially opened the event at 10 o’clock. I had originally arranged for a gentleman called Roger Manning to start the day off. He does cameo appearances as either King Edward VII or Lord Chelmsford and I felt that a touch of “royalty” would get the convention off to a good start. However, just two weeks before the event I discovered that he is very ill and can hardly walk! I was very lucky to get the mayor at such short notice, but I think his opening comments were very suitable for the occasion. There were some 15 displays put on by members and I want to record my personal thanks to all those who brought a display along – the day would not have been the success it was without your support. We also had a series of short talks on a variety of subjects.
Patrick Street represented the OMRS General Committee in place of Peter Helmore, who was unable to make it and Kevin Barnes represented the miniature medals branch. Everyone enjoyed the excellent buffet lunch arranged by Clive’s wife. After lunch we continued to talk “medals” well into the afternoon”
Our President Graham Sacker then thanked Mike who single handly organized the event (due to Roger Tucker’s unfortunate Family circumstances) on behalf of the branch. David Seeney told the members of an open day at the Hereford Museum with an antique road show theme, which was open to all and would take place on the 8th of September 2007. It was the turn of the Secretary to introduce our speaker David Martin who’s subject was The Grenadier Guards. It was an excellent presentation covering the early campaigns from MGS, Waterloo through to the present day. He had brought along medals from his collection accompanied with extensive research which was well received by the members. Our President gave a vote of thanks which was endorsed by all members and guests present. It was good to see Roger Tucker back with us after his recent problems, he conducted the raffle which made £23-00 for club funds. 23 members and 2 guests were present and the meeting closed at 10.30 pm.
Minutes of May 2007 Meeting
Meeting of the Cotswold Branch of the Orders & Medals Research Society held at Swindon Village Hall on Thursday 10th May 2007.
Apologies received from R Tucker, Z Coombs, N Smith and C Hammond
The meeting commenced at 7.30 pm with Cotswold Branch business. The Secretary read the minutes of the April meeting which was proposed by Tom Llyall seconded by Mike Kippin. Mike Kippin gave details of times etc to the membership regarding the Mini Convention to be held on the 9th of June in Swindon Village hall. David Seeney mentioned that on the same day the HQ and Museum of the Hereford LI were holding a Bar-B-Q in Hereford and all members were welcome. The speaker for the evening Mr Bob Pond was unable to give his talk on the Yangtze Incident due to an unexpected family commitment. He has agreed to give it as the Peter Ashford memorial lecture on July the 12th. Our Secretary John Wright then gave a talk on Lt Rees who was wounded in 1861 in New Zealand and the chap who saved his life Col Sgt Lucas of the same Regiment (40th Foot) was awarded the VC. The talk was titled “The nearest I will be to owning a VC”. This was followed by a members own Matt Pittaway brought the Blues which were worn by Col Carne VC of the Gloucester’s. Mike Kippin showed a recent acquisition a group of medals awarded to a chap who served in St John’s here in Cheltenham for over 50 years. Graham Pitchfork then showed off a RAF group to a chap who had served in Iraq also on the NWF and in WW2 who’s service had been in Armoured cars in the early part of his career. Peter McKenna did the raffle which made £18-00 for club funds 19 members and 2 guests (including John Wright 91 year old Dad, who still goes on parade with the IGS36-39 clasp NWF1936-37 as his first medal) the meeting closed at 10.00pm
Minutes of April 2007 Meeting
Meeting of the Cotswold Branch of the Orders & Medals Research Society held at Swindon Village Hall on Thursday 12th April 2007.
Apologies received from R Tucker, Z Coombs, N Smith and P Roberts. The meeting commenced at 7.45 pm with Cotswold Branch business. The Secretary read the minutes of the March meeting which was proposed by Clive Harmson seconded by Tom Lyall.
David Seeney brought to the attention of the membership the new methods Spink’s are using via the internet for their Auction service. John Barker mentioned and sent a leaflet round the room informing members of a Display of Regimental Silver held in the Worcestershire Regiment’s museum in Worcester.
Mike Kippin gave an update on the Mini Convention to be held in June. Our President then introduced our speaker, Mr F. Angus who gave a fascinating presentation of the shooting down and escape of Jock Weir a WW2 Air Gunner shot down over occupied France in 1944. This was followed by 3 members who had brought and talked about Escapers (RAF) groups from their own collections. Graham gave a vote of thanks to our speaker on behalf of the branch. Peter McKenna did the raffle which made £21-00 for club funds 18 members being present, the meeting closed at 10.00pm
Minutes of March 2007 Meeting
Meeting of the Cotswold Branch of the Orders & Medals Research Society held at Swindon Village Hall on Thursday 8th March 2007.
Apologies were received from John Wight (Hon Sec), Nathan Smith, Zak Coombes and Andrew Derrick. Attending as a guest was Mr Frank Angus, whose talk on "Bailing Out and Evading - RAF" will be given at the April meeting. A few minor matters relating to branch business were discussed before the meeting was handed over to our speaker, Mr Cyril Richardson, a member of the local RAFA, who gave a talk, in two parts, illustrated by slides on the subject of the RAF in India from earliest days until the end of WW2. Cyril had served there himself during the war and gave graphic descriptions of conditions and his experiences, living and working in temperatures running up to 120 degrees F. Afterwards, John Barker gave a short talk on the subject of the RAF in India between the two World Wars, and displayed a comprehensive collection of medals on the subject, including several prestigious gallantry groups. It was suggested that John should bring these back at some future date since he was hardly able to do justice to the display in the time allowed.
Thanks were expressed to both Cyril and John for their presentations. Twenty-Six members and guests attended and the meeting closed at 10.30 pm.
A few highlights from the Branch viewing of Cheltenham Museum's Medal Collection in August 2006. Prior to the visit the collection had never been on public show.
It includes the outstanding unique family group to the four Whinyates brother's from Cheltenham.
It is with regret that we must report that Maurice Wilkes, a member of the Cotswold Branch, passed away on 12 January 2008.
Meetings are held at Swindon Village Hall, Cheltenham, and commence at 7.00pm for 7.30pm every second Thursday in the month except August.
Programme for 2007-08
Date Speaker Subject
13 September Annual General Meeting followed by members own "Recent Acquitions"
11 October Graham Sacker Portugal in the Great War
8 November Roger Tucker A! B! C! OBE/KPM
13 December Annual quiz (LAST YEAR'S WINNER SETS THE QUESTIONS) and a 'piece of Christmas'
2008
10 January Mike Atkinson HMS Belvidera in the War of 1812
14 February Paul Roberts Routs, Retreats and Withdrawals (German Spring Offensive 1918)
13 March David Seeney Territorial Medals
10 April Members Own Annual General Meeting followed by Members Own: Everyone must bring something!
8 May John Barker The R.A.F. between the wars
12 June Mike Kippin The Victoria Cross - A gallantry award for civilians?
10 July Peter Ashford Memorial Lecture Wing-Commander H.T. Price, DFC - Cold War Pilot (fighters & helicopters)
Guests are welcome, please contact the secretary, John Wright, for further details - qcmilitaria@btconnect.com
To join the Orders and Medals Research Society please visit - http://www.omrs.org.uk
Branch News:
Minutes of May 2008 Meeting
Meeting of the Cotswold Branch of the Orders & Medals Research Society held at Swindon Village Hall on Thursday 9th of May 2008.
Apologies received from D and T Lyall, M Kippin, P McKenna, C Hammond, N. Smith, M. Pittaway, Zak Coombs, F. Angus
The meeting commenced at 7.30 pm with Cotswold Branch business. The Secretary read the minutes of the April meeting which was proposed by Dave Seeney seconded by Richard Hugh‘s. .
The Secretary then checked with the members who had said they will give a talk on the dates that he proposed for the next years program, all agreed. Next years program will appear at the end of this report. The branch as been invited to attend a series of lectures at the Trident Centre Warwick the theme is The Lions Kingdom. This is on Saturday 24th May 2008 5.30pm to 8.00 pm at the above venue, more information from the Secretary. David Seeney then brought to the attention of members the evening B-B-Q and Beating the Retreat to be held in Hereford, more information from Dave on sunsetmilitaria@btinternet.com or 01432-870420
With the Treasurer just having an operation and is unable to travel our President Graham Sacker took on his job and collected this years subscriptions off the members present. Those who have not paid he will be at the next meeting!!! Graham then went on to introduce our speaker John Barker who talked on the RAF from 1919 to 1938 (excluding India & The Frontier). He covered Russia, Somaliland, Iraq, NW Persia, Kurdistan, Aden and Palestine. All the campaigns were supported by medals and stories of the recipients and the historical significance on the roll of the RAF policing the Empire. The quality of the content of the lecture was superb and the medals stunning. John talked for about 2 hours and all the membership thoroughly enjoyed it, a question and answer session then took place. At the end of this Graham gave the vote of thinks on behalf of the branch and members showed their appreciation in the usual way. Roger Tucker then conducted the raffle which made £21-00 for club funds. 18 members were present and one guest (Mr M Miller) the meeting closed at 10.45 pm. I should like on behalf of the branch wish Frank Angus and Clive Hammond a speedy recovery from their operations.
2008
11 September - Roger Tucker & Dave Martin - 'It's a small world'
9 October - Members own
13 November - Steve Lewis - 'Six lives'
11 December - Annual Quiz and a 'piece of Christmas'
2009
8 January - Graham Sacker - 'Origins of the L.R.D.G.' & Peter McKenna 'A bag full of gongs'
12 February - Member's Own
12 March - Richard Emsley - 'A paladin of India'
9 April - Mick Kippin - 'Soldiers helping to end the Slave Trade, August 1816'
14 May - Graham Pitchfork - 'Past Lives'
11 June - Recent Acquisitions all members to bring somthing
9 July - Peter Ashford memorial Lecture: Colonel Mullaly on The Gurkhas
Minutes of April 2008 Meeting
Meeting of the Cotswold Branch of the Orders & Medals Research Society held at Swindon Village Hall on Thursday 10th of April 2008.
Apologies received from G. Sacker, N. Smith, M. Pittaway, Zak Coombs and F. Angus
The meeting commenced at 7.30 pm with Cotswold Branch business. The Secretary read the minutes of the February meeting which was proposed by Tom Lyall seconded by Jim Mourton. It was brought to the attention of the committee that the branch felt in light of the increased cost of the Village Hall the Treasurer should approach the OMRS for a grant towards this new expense. Clive said he will see to it. Brian Ward said he would share the job of Functions Officer with another member of the branch, a valunteer is needed. We then had the AGM, the Secretary and Treasurer gave their reports which are at the end of these minutes. What followed was probably the best Members Own we have had here at the branch. All present brought items to talk about. We had 2 members families history brought to life through the fathers medals. Medals to the RAF, RN, Merchant Navy and the Army. Even a mention of a late delivery by the GPO which cost a member a medal needed for his collection, Medals to various campaigns accompanied by in depth research. There was a pair of Boer War medals to a chap in the Gloucester’s who had served with the mounted Infantry, he had kept a daily diary from the time he arrived in South Africa to the end of the war (it has to be unique). Another was about the chap who is from New Zealand and is the only overseas person who has been a Yeoman Warder in the 400 plus year history of this unit. WWI medals to 2 brothers, one in the Glosters and one in the Australian Army. An unnamed WWII group that included the American Silver Star, some unusual photographs of Gloster Volunteers, and the story of a WWI Royal Engineer who was an ARP Warden in WWII. All present commented on what a good meeting it had been and asked if we will do another in the new year. No raffle was held as the meeting went on longer than anticipated so the prizes are stored until the next meeting in May. 21 members were present and the meeting closed at 10.45 pm.
Cotswold Branch of the OMRS Annual Report from September 2007 to April 2008
We have had another good year branch membership has stayed steady with an average of 20 members attending the meetings. Our speakers this year came from the branch and what interesting lectures we have had. We also had a couple of Members Own/Recent Acquitions which again proved popular. Our Christmas quiz was set by Mike Atkinson and you could tell he was number 2 in the medal office! this was won by John Scott. The speaker for the Peter Ashford memorial lecture was Jack French DSM who was awarded his medal for service on HMS Amethyst in the Yangtze incident. He talked us through the whole action and what a story it turned out to be. The post of Functions Officer is still vacant and because of this we have only had one visit and this was to the Gurkha Museum at Winchester. If we do get a volunteer for this post members have shown an interest in visiting the Arboretum in the Midlands and RMC Sandhurst. Tony Sabell was awarded the MBE and Jim Mourton was awarded the Lord Lieutenant's certificate for service with the TA, congratulations to them. Alan Tanner who was a member of the branch moved to the USA and is now serving in Iraq with a US National Guard unit we wish him all the very best. Roger Tucker (Peter McKenna when Roger was away) conducted the Raffle which raised £183-00 for club funds. This concludes my report, I would like a member to propose and another to second this.
J.F. Wright Secretary Cotswold branch OMRS.
A copy of the Treasurer's Report can be obtained from the Branch Secretary.
Minutes of March 2008 Meeting
Meeting of the Cotswold Branch of the Orders & Medals Research Society held at Swindon Village Hall on Thursday 13th March 2008.
Please note that the Annual General Meeting will be held prior to our April Meeting.
Apologies received from
R. Tucker, N. Smith, M. Pittaway, Zak Coombs, P. Roberts and B. Ward
The meeting commenced at 7.30 pm with Cotswold Branch business. The Secretary
read the minutes of the February meeting which was proposed by Clive Harmson
seconded by John Barker. The membership were informed that Jim Mourton was
awarded the Lord Lieutenant's certificate for service with the TA.
A number of photographs were sent round the room which Zak Coombs had taken
on his last cruise. These were of members of P&O and a guest wearing
their medals, some unusual groups. A letter from the secretary of the RGH
Association was read out relating to the Annual dinner to be held at the
Victory Club. Steve Lewis had given a talk at Quedgeley RBL on Wednesday
night, where it was suggested they (RBL) had a visit to the National Arboretum
later this year. He has asked their Secretary to contact us to see if we
could share transport. Speakers were asked to cover next years program and
the following came forward: R. Tucker & D. Martin, G. Sacker & P.
McKenna, S. Lewis, G. Pitchfork, M. Kippin, R. Emsley, LtCol S. Mullaly 10
GR. David Gibbons is hoping to get a chap from Swindon to talk on Swindon
in the World Wars. Our President Graham Sacker then introduced our speaker
David Seeney who gave a fascinating talk on Territorial medals to other
ranks and what a subject!! It is a good job Dave had done his homework because
it is a mine field. His presentation was by power point and came with a good
selection of medals, documents and some of these modern fakes. Several members
brought medals from their collections and what gems. There was a group with
a TEM awarded to a chap in the Glosters RAC a unit which only existed for
9 months, another which started with DFC, AFC and ended with a TEM. Then
there was a group which contained TFWM, MSM and MID for service in India
another which included a Fire Brigade LS&GC as well as a TFEM. Dave then
answered any questions and was thanked by Graham and the membership showed
their appreciation in the usual way. Peter McKenna conducted the raffle which
raised £22-00 for Branch funds.
Meeting of the Cotswold Branch of the Orders & Medals Research Society held at Swindon Village Hall on Thursday 14th February 2008.
Please note that the Annual General Meeting will be held prior to our April Meeting.
Apologies received from P. McKenna, N. Smith, M. Pittaway and J. Morton.
The meeting commenced at 7.30 pm with Cotswold Branch business. The Secretary read the minutes of the January meeting which was proposed by Mike Kippin seconded by Richard Hughs. He then mentioned an e-mail regarding funding from the OMRS to branches, this has been passed on to our treasurer Clive Hammond to take appropriate action.
Our President Graham Sacker related to the membership his letter to Tony Sabell congratulating him on his award of the MBE on behalf of the branch and of Tony’s reply.
It was good to see our Treasurer Clive Hammond (who has been ill for some time) back with us, unfortunately a few members had to put their hand in their pockets as Clive had his little blue book with him!!!
Roger Tucker brought to our attention that a lot of Palestine Police Records are held at the Commonwealth museum in Bristol. If you go yourself they will get them out for you to peruse and copy. If you want the staff to do the work for you there is a fee. David Gibbons brought in a book which has recently been published on Swindon in the First Wold War. It seems that a council representative called in to the Tourist Board where this was being sold and told the staff to remove it as it was too heavy and could cause an accident!!! It weighs less than a bag of sugar. Our President Graham Sacker then introduced our speaker Paul Roberts who went on to present a fantastic lecture on the 61st Division particularly the period 21/3/1918 to 2/4/1918. He has set a precedent by using Photographs, medals, maps, a wind up 78 record player with a vinyl record of the period, to the latest computer high tech, power point. His presentation lasted about 2 hours and was thoroughly enjoyed by all members and guests present. Paul then did a question and answer session and was thanked by our President Graham Sacker. Mike Kippin and David Martin then talked on a group each out of their own collections pertaining to this period.
Roger Tucker conducted the raffle which raised £23 for Branch funds.
24 members and 2 guests, Andrew and Chris Taylor, were present. The meeting closed at 10.15 pm.
Minutes of January 2008 Meeting
Meeting of the Cotswold Branch of the Orders & Medals Research Society held at Swindon Village Hall on Thursday 10th January 2008.
First let me apologise on behalf of the branch to Brian Ward for assuming he was taking the post of Functions Officer.
Apologies received from Z. Coombs, N. Smith, M. Pittaway
The meeting commenced at 7.30 pm with Cotswold Branch business. The Secretary read the minutes of the December meeting which was proposed by Richard Hugh’s seconded by David Seeney. Nathan Smith is willing to arrange a visit to RMA Sandhurst if and when he is contacted by the branch with dates. David Seeney informed us that Tony Sabell had been awarded the MBE in the last Honours List. Our president Graham Sacker agreed to write to Tony congratulating him on behalf of the branch. David Gibbons then passed round a book published in Liverpool listing VC winners and their stories. These are on sale at £7-00 all proceeds going to fund for memorials to the winners.
Our President Graham Sacker then introduced our speaker Mike Atkinson who spoke on HMS Belvidera in the War of 1812. Mike started with the display of a medal to Lt Sykes RN an NGS Clasp 1st of June 1794 and then went on to tell the story of his service on HMS Belvidera for the 5 years he was on her during the American war with Britain of 1812. What a fascinating tale it was, Mikes research was some of the best we have ever seen, it has taken him several years to get where he has at the moment. He did say there was a lot more to do to finish the story. He talked for about one and a half hours and all the members thoroughly enjoyed it. Mike then answered any questions our President Graham Sacker gave a vote of thanks and the members showed their appreciation in the usual way.
Roger Tucker conducted the raffle which raised £26 for Branch funds. Graham Sacker donated a metal medal cabinet which Roger Tucker (acting as auctioneer) sold to the highest bidder, Peter McKenna for £40 the money going in to the Branch funds. 26 members were present and the meeting closed at 10.00 pm.
Minutes of December 2007 Meeting
Meeting of the Cotswold Branch of the Orders & Medals Research Society held at Swindon Village Hall on Thursday 13th December 2007.
Apologies received from R. Hughs, Z. Coombs, N. Smith, M. Pittaway, D. Gibbons, F. Angus, P. Schmalish, G. Pitchfork, R. Tucker, A. Derrick, D&M Mabbett
The meeting commenced at 7.30 pm with Cotswold Branch business. The Secretary read the minutes of the November meeting which was proposed by Mike Kippin seconded by John Barker. Our new Functions Officer, Brian Ward reported on the proposed visit To The National Arboretum in Staffordshire in the Spring of 2008. David Seeney then mentioned the theft of the medals including VC’s from the New Zealand Military Museum in New Zealand. Also mentioned was the OMRS North which is taking place the weekend 16-17-18 of May 2008 at Runcorn in Cheshire. There being no other business Mike Atkinson issued paper and pencils and did the Christmas Quiz. There were 50 questions at two points per question and the questions were well thought out and made all who took part really think. The winner was John Scott who it was good to see is making a good recovery from the stroke he experienced last year. Our President Graham Sacker presented John with the winners trophy, which he will hold for a year. He will also have to set the quiz for 2008. All members present had brought food which was enjoyed by all. Brian Ward did the raffle which raised £17-00 for club funds. 14 members were present and the meeting closed at 10.00 pm.
I should like to take this opportunity to wish you all a Merry Christmas and a Peaceful, Happy New Year!
Minutes of November 2007 Meeting
Meeting of the Cotswold Branch of the Orders & Medals Research Society held at Swindon Village Hall on Thursday 8th November 2007.
Apologies received from G. Sacker, R. Hughs, Z. Coombs, N. Smith, M. Pittaway, D. Gibbons, D. Seeney, F. Angus and P. Schmalish
The meeting commenced at 7.30 pm with Cotswold Branch business. The Secretary read the minutes of the October meeting which was proposed by Tom Lyall seconded by Roger Tucker. He then read out a report on the branch’s visit to the Gurkha Museum at Winchester on Sunday October 28th. A vote of thanks was given to Mike Kippin who drove the Mini-bus. Brian Ward suggested a visit to the New War Memorial in the Midlands which was agreed by members present so he is going to look in to it and come back to us later. Mike Kipping then told what was taking place Medal Wise at the Cheltenham Museum (Mike Atkinson‘s Iraq Medal which he designed now has pride of place in one of the cabinets).
Roger Tucker then gave a terrific presentation of A B C which stood for Artillery, Bristol Constabulary, Cyprus Constabulary which was the life of Frederick Barnaby Carter. He served in the RA in WW1 then the CID Bristol Constabulary finally Assistant Commissioner of the Cyprus Police in the period when the EOKA troubles were at their height. The amount of research Roger displayed was fantastic F.B. Carter was one of these chap who kept everything and with the contacts Roger has in the Police Federation he was able to unearth more. The group was MBE, KPM, BWM, Victory, Defence, GSM clasp Cyprus, QEII Coronation, City of Bristol Police LS&GC plus 2 clasps. It also came with miniatures, Cyprus Police Badges, buttons, ID Cards and all manor of things.
Our Secretary proposed the vote of thanks (as our President G. Sacker was away from Town) and the membership showed their appreciation in the usual way.
Steve Lewis then showed and talked about a group of medals he had bought to a chap who was a member of the British Volunteer Company which went to Finland in WW2. He served with the Scottish Rifles 1914-18, being commissioned in 1917.
Roger Tucker conducted the raffle which made £16-00 for club funds. 14 members and one guest (John Drywood) were present and the meeting closed at 10.00 pm.
Branch Trip to the Gurkha Museum, Winchester, Sunday 28 October 2007
Visit of the Cotswold Branch of the OMRS to the Brigade of Gurkhas Museum in Winchester on Sunday October 28th.
This is the first visit undertaken by the branch since our last Functions Officer resigned and it turned out a great success.
The following members were in attendance J. Wright, S. Lewis, M. Kippin, C. Harmson, D. Lyall, T. Lyall, R. Hughes, G. Sacker, M. Mabbett, D. Mabbett, P. Schamalish, J. Barker, B. Ward, D. Martin, A. Derrick, R. Emsley, D. Gibbons. 2 others met us at the Museum N. Smith and Matt Pittaway. Unfortunately we were only able to get a 17 seater mini bus and Peter and Arthur McKenna agreed to stand down on the morning as Peter had a very bad cold. Mike Kippin agreed to be duty driver and did a splendid job. We left Cheltenham at 9.30 am and arrived at the Museum at 12.15 to be met by Col Mike Barrett OBE. We watched a short Video on The Gurkhas in the medal room and Mike then followed up with a question and answer session clearing up a lot of the misunderstandings issued by the British media on Gurkhas service, pay etc. We had a packed lunch and Mike opened the bar where Gurkha Beer was tried by a number of us. The medal room was open for our perusal along with the Library; Steve Lewis was given the job of temporary acting unpaid librarian, at the end of which he was put forward for a Stripe!!. The Museum was open and the members took full advantage taking their time looking at the exhibits. At 3.45 pm we had a group photo taken and our secretary (who liaised with Mike to organize the trip) thanked Mike on behalf of the branch. As a thank you the branch has donated a copy of the 2008 Medals Year book to the museum. We arrived back in Cheltenham at Swindon Village Hall at 6.15 pm. Mike Kippin and John Wright returned the Mini Bus and were back in Cheltenham at 7 pm, a good day being had by all who attended.
Minutes of October 2007 Meeting
Meeting of the Cotswold Branch of the Orders & Medals Research Society held at Swindon Village Hall on Thursday 11th October 2007.
Apologies received from John Wright.
In the absence of the Hon. Sec., the meeting, which started at 7.30pm was conducted by Graham Sacker who offered minutes of the last meeting. These were, however, taken as read, proposed by Dave Seeney, seconded by Richard Hughes. John Barker told those present about a book launch to be held at Tudor Museum House, Worcester on 17 October on the subject of "The Defence of Worcester, WWII" - a publication relating to the formation and activities of the Home Guard in the area, which is to go on sale at £14.95.
Members present were encouraged to put their names down for the planned visit to the Gurkha Museum (and others in the same complex) planned for Sunday 28th October. There being no further business, the President offered his own talk on the subject of "Portugal in the Great War". Illustrated by Power-Point presentation, a brief outline of the history of Portugal and its overseas possessions led to an explanation of how and why Portugal became involved in the war, as late as 1916. Details of the movement of troops belonging to the two Portuguese Infantry Divisions and the subsequent Battle of the Lys area of Flanders were illustrated by photographs and front-line diagrams. The speaker brought along a scarce Portuguese steel helmet of WWI vintage and then spoke about a medal group to an Officer of the Machine Gun Corps who had served as liaison officer and interpreter, being taken Prionser of War, and later invested with the Portuguese Order of Aviz.
After the talk, Roger Tucker conducted a raffle, which raised £26 for Branch funds. Twenty-six members were present. The meeting closed at 10.00pm.
Minutes of September 2007 Meeting
Meeting of the Cotswold Branch of the Orders & Medals Research Society held at Swindon Village Hall on Thursday 14th September 2007.
Apologies received from Z Coombs, N Smith, P McKenna, A Derrick and P. Roberts
The meeting commenced at 7.30 pm with Cotswold Branch business. The Secretary read the minutes of the July meeting which was proposed by Dave Seeney seconded by Clive Harmson. Then followed the Annual General Meeting. The three posts of President, Secretary and Treasurer were voted on and the branch unanimously voted the three members who are in post keep their jobs. Roger Tucker asked that it be minuted from all members present their appreciation to the committee for the work they have done.
The Secretary read out his report, this was followed by Clive Hammond our Treasurer who issued to the membership a statement of accounts which show the branch being in a good financial position. It was suggested that the Annual Subscriptions go up to £12-00 this was agreed by all present. Graham Sacker our President then said a few words. Roger Tucker proposed the above as being correct and this was seconded by James Mourton. There followed a Members own Dave Seeney set the ball rolling with two IGS36-39 to the Warwick Regt, John Barker followed with a group to a chap who was awarded the Waziristan 1925 as a member of the RAF. Mike Atkinson brought the new Iraq Reconstruction Medal issued by the FCO (Mike was the chap who designed the ribbon for this medal), David Martin followed with an MM GVI to a chap in the Gren Gds, Mike Kippin talked on a chap from Cheltenham who served with the AHC in Egypt 1882. Graham Pitchfork then produced two RAF groups with the bar Southern Desert Iraq, Steve Lewis on K Boats, Richard Hugh’s with a WW2 RN group to a chap who was awarded a French Croix de Guerre 40 years late. Finally Graham Sacker followed with paperwork relating to the MGC in WW1. It was a real good evening enjoyed by all. Roger Tucker conducted the raffle which made £23-00 for club funds. 24 members were present and the meeting closed at 10.00 pm.
Minutes of July 2007 Meeting
The minutes of the meeting of the Cotswold branch of the Orders and Medals Research Society held in Swindon Village hall on Thursday the 12th of July 2007.
The meeting opened at 7.30 pm, the minutes of the June meeting were read by the Secretary, they were proposed by Roger Tucker and seconded by Richard Hughes. Apologies were received from P. McKenna, S.Lewis, P.Roberts, N.Smith and G. Pitchfork. Mike Kippin read out a letter, which he had received from the Mayor of Cheltenham thanking the branch for inviting him to our Mini Convention, which he enjoyed enormously. Our secretary then brought to the attention of the members that LtCol Mike Barrett OBE has offered to open the Gurkha Museum in Winchester on a Sunday in September or October for a private visit by the branch. Colonel Mike is prepared to come from his home in Ramsgate to do this for us and the secretary needs the names of members and their friends asap to finalise a date. If there is not enough support the visit will not be going ahead as it is unfair to Mike who is giving his time and expertise for free. The next item on the agenda was Annual Club Membership fee
Clive our treasurer who is ill but now improving was unable to attend so Graham our president acted on his behalf and all branch members in attendance paid. A letter was read out from Chris Hill an OMRS member of long standing who (along with others) is hoping to swim the English Channel to raise money for amongst others "The Askari Appeal". If you want to sponsor him you can contact him via DNW. It was the secretary's pleasant duty to introduce our speaker for the 2007 Peter Ashford Memorial Lecture, Jack French DSM, his subject being "The Yangtze Incident", he was the Sparks on HMS Amethyst through out this trying time. Jack who had recently come out of hospital after a very serious operation enthralled us for over 2 hours taking us through the whole stage of events from leaving Hong Kong to the ships eventual return. He had his medals with him for all to see and they were DSM GVI, 39-45 Star, Defence Medal, War Medal, 4 clasp NGS GVI first clasp Yangtze 1949) Royal Navy LS&GC. He was awarded his DSM as the Sparks on HMS Amethyst whilst the action was taking place, a unique honour as the Royal Navy had never in it's history sanctioned such a thing. King George VI presented him with his award at Buckingham Palace on his return to the UK. There then followed a question and answer session which was appreciated by all of us. Richard Hughes brought a NGS Yangtze from his collection along with a book on the Yangtze incident. In it were photographs of Jack which he signed for Richard. There were a number of members who regretted not having a tape recorder or a video camera to record this fascinating story given by a man who was on the spot. Our President Graham Sacker gave a vote of thanks and a bottle of Lambs Navy Rum to Jack on behalf of the branch and a standing ovation was given by the membership. What a man and what a story it will be a hard act to follow. We had 18 members and 6 visitors, Roger Tucker did the raffle, which raised £26-00 for club funds. The meeting closed at 10.15 pm
Minutes of June 2007 Meeting
Meeting of the Cotswold Branch of the Orders & Medals Research Society held at Swindon Village Hall on Thursday 14th June 2007. Apologies received from Z Coombs, N Smith, C Hammond, P McKenna and A Derrick
The meeting commenced at 7.30 pm with Cotswold Branch business. The Secretary read the minutes of the May meeting which was proposed by David Seeney seconded by Matt Pittaway. The Secretary asked for help with next years program and the following members have agreed to give talks (content to be advised later). They are Mike Atkinson, David Seeney, Graham Sacker, Paul Roberts, Roger Tucker, John Barker (late on in the season) and a guest Speaker Roger Perkins.
Mike Kippin submitted a report on the Mini Convention: THE COTSWOLD CONVENTION, 9TH JUNE 2007:
"The branch mini-convention last Saturday went very well. The Mayor of Cheltenham, Councillor John Rawson, officially opened the event at 10 o’clock. I had originally arranged for a gentleman called Roger Manning to start the day off. He does cameo appearances as either King Edward VII or Lord Chelmsford and I felt that a touch of “royalty” would get the convention off to a good start. However, just two weeks before the event I discovered that he is very ill and can hardly walk! I was very lucky to get the mayor at such short notice, but I think his opening comments were very suitable for the occasion. There were some 15 displays put on by members and I want to record my personal thanks to all those who brought a display along – the day would not have been the success it was without your support. We also had a series of short talks on a variety of subjects.
Patrick Street represented the OMRS General Committee in place of Peter Helmore, who was unable to make it and Kevin Barnes represented the miniature medals branch. Everyone enjoyed the excellent buffet lunch arranged by Clive’s wife. After lunch we continued to talk “medals” well into the afternoon”
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Our President Graham Sacker then thanked Mike who single handly organized the event (due to Roger Tucker’s unfortunate Family circumstances) on behalf of the branch. David Seeney told the members of an open day at the Hereford Museum with an antique road show theme, which was open to all and would take place on the 8th of September 2007. It was the turn of the Secretary to introduce our speaker David Martin who’s subject was The Grenadier Guards. It was an excellent presentation covering the early campaigns from MGS, Waterloo through to the present day. He had brought along medals from his collection accompanied with extensive research which was well received by the members. Our President gave a vote of thanks which was endorsed by all members and guests present. It was good to see Roger Tucker back with us after his recent problems, he conducted the raffle which made £23-00 for club funds. 23 members and 2 guests were present and the meeting closed at 10.30 pm.
Minutes of May 2007 Meeting
Meeting of the Cotswold Branch of the Orders & Medals Research Society held at Swindon Village Hall on Thursday 10th May 2007.
Apologies received from R Tucker, Z Coombs, N Smith and C Hammond
The meeting commenced at 7.30 pm with Cotswold Branch business. The Secretary read the minutes of the April meeting which was proposed by Tom Llyall seconded by Mike Kippin. Mike Kippin gave details of times etc to the membership regarding the Mini Convention to be held on the 9th of June in Swindon Village hall. David Seeney mentioned that on the same day the HQ and Museum of the Hereford LI were holding a Bar-B-Q in Hereford and all members were welcome. The speaker for the evening Mr Bob Pond was unable to give his talk on the Yangtze Incident due to an unexpected family commitment. He has agreed to give it as the Peter Ashford memorial lecture on July the 12th. Our Secretary John Wright then gave a talk on Lt Rees who was wounded in 1861 in New Zealand and the chap who saved his life Col Sgt Lucas of the same Regiment (40th Foot) was awarded the VC. The talk was titled “The nearest I will be to owning a VC”. This was followed by a members own Matt Pittaway brought the Blues which were worn by Col Carne VC of the Gloucester’s. Mike Kippin showed a recent acquisition a group of medals awarded to a chap who served in St John’s here in Cheltenham for over 50 years. Graham Pitchfork then showed off a RAF group to a chap who had served in Iraq also on the NWF and in WW2 who’s service had been in Armoured cars in the early part of his career. Peter McKenna did the raffle which made £18-00 for club funds 19 members and 2 guests (including John Wright 91 year old Dad, who still goes on parade with the IGS36-39 clasp NWF1936-37 as his first medal) the meeting closed at 10.00pm
Minutes of April 2007 Meeting
Meeting of the Cotswold Branch of the Orders & Medals Research Society held at Swindon Village Hall on Thursday 12th April 2007.
Apologies received from R Tucker, Z Coombs, N Smith and P Roberts. The meeting commenced at 7.45 pm with Cotswold Branch business. The Secretary read the minutes of the March meeting which was proposed by Clive Harmson seconded by Tom Lyall.
David Seeney brought to the attention of the membership the new methods Spink’s are using via the internet for their Auction service. John Barker mentioned and sent a leaflet round the room informing members of a Display of Regimental Silver held in the Worcestershire Regiment’s museum in Worcester.
Mike Kippin gave an update on the Mini Convention to be held in June. Our President then introduced our speaker, Mr F. Angus who gave a fascinating presentation of the shooting down and escape of Jock Weir a WW2 Air Gunner shot down over occupied France in 1944. This was followed by 3 members who had brought and talked about Escapers (RAF) groups from their own collections. Graham gave a vote of thanks to our speaker on behalf of the branch. Peter McKenna did the raffle which made £21-00 for club funds 18 members being present, the meeting closed at 10.00pm
Minutes of March 2007 Meeting
Meeting of the Cotswold Branch of the Orders & Medals Research Society held at Swindon Village Hall on Thursday 8th March 2007.
Apologies were received from John Wight (Hon Sec), Nathan Smith, Zak Coombes and Andrew Derrick. Attending as a guest was Mr Frank Angus, whose talk on "Bailing Out and Evading - RAF" will be given at the April meeting. A few minor matters relating to branch business were discussed before the meeting was handed over to our speaker, Mr Cyril Richardson, a member of the local RAFA, who gave a talk, in two parts, illustrated by slides on the subject of the RAF in India from earliest days until the end of WW2. Cyril had served there himself during the war and gave graphic descriptions of conditions and his experiences, living and working in temperatures running up to 120 degrees F. Afterwards, John Barker gave a short talk on the subject of the RAF in India between the two World Wars, and displayed a comprehensive collection of medals on the subject, including several prestigious gallantry groups. It was suggested that John should bring these back at some future date since he was hardly able to do justice to the display in the time allowed.
Thanks were expressed to both Cyril and John for their presentations. Twenty-Six members and guests attended and the meeting closed at 10.30 pm.
A few highlights from the Branch viewing of Cheltenham Museum's Medal Collection in August 2006. Prior to the visit the collection had never been on public show.
It includes the outstanding unique family group to the four Whinyates brother's from Cheltenham.
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Admiral Thomas Whinyates (5 clasps) and
Major-General Frederick Whinyates, Royal Engineers who was awarded a Naval General Service Medal |
General Sir Edward Whinyates Royal Horse Artillery commanded the Rocket Troop at Waterloo |
Major-General Francis Whinyates Madras Horse Artillery |
Lieut-Colonel Percy Lloyd Jones Royal Army Medical Corps He was killed in France 1916 |
Captain Singer 60th Foot |