COTSWOLD BRANCH OF THE ORDERS AND MEDALS RESEARCH
SOCIETY
Meetings are held at Swindon Village Hall, Cheltenham, and commence at 7.00pm for 7.30pm every second Thursday in the month except August.
UPDATE: Cotswold Branch Members' Medal Wants List
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Programme for 2009-10
Date Speaker Subject
2010
11th Feb Graham Pitchfork "Medals to RAF Apprentices"
11th Mar Paul Roberts “A Minor Action in France 1915 1/8th Worcester’s in 48th Division”
8th April AGM and Members Own “Recent Acquisitions”
13th May Dr Ken Sullivan, A.M. “The Order of Australia”
10th June John Barker “R.A.F. in India between the Wars”
12th June “Mini Convention Swindon Village Hall”
8th July Peter Ashford Memorial Lecture UPDATE: Captain Peter Starling, Director of the Army Medical Services Museum will be the guest speaker. Topic to be announced.
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
Minutes of February 2010 Meeting
Meeting of the Cotswold Branch of the Orders & Medals Research Society held at Swindon Village Hall on Thursday 11th of February 2010.
Apologies received from David & Tom Lyall, F. Angus, P. Roberts, M. Clifford, R. Hughes, H. Meadows, J. Mourton and P. McKenna
The meeting commenced at 7.30 pm with Cotswold Branch business. The Secretary welcomed our three guests John Cann, Ian Miller and Simon Wilson, the minutes of the January meeting were read and were proposed by Graham Pitchfork seconded by Andrew Derrick. John then talked about the Mini Convention informing the membership we were unable to get our advert in to the March Journal, but had been successful with Medal News and OMRS North. He then distributed forms for members who are going to display at the convention. He then congratulated Richard Hackett on the award of the Malaysian Pingat Jasa Malaysia which was presented to him (along with another 299 ex service men and women) by the Malaysian Military Attaché at a ceremony Held in Bristol earlier today. This was awarded to all Commonwealth Members of the armed forces who helped to defeat the insurrection in Malaysia. John Barker on behalf of Paul Roberts (our speaker for next month) asked for members to bring any groups or research pertaining to WW1 Gallantry items to go with his talk. It was proposed that a Cotswold Branch ‘medal wants’ webpage be created so that members can list the details of medals that they are seeking. Steve Lewis our web designer agreed to take this on. Our President John Barker then introduced our Speaker, Graham Pitchfork, who gave a lecture on Royal Air Force Apprentices, outlining the creation of the scheme and great value of the apprentices to the R.A.F. He explained that once they finished their apprenticeship they served five years overseas, usually in Iraq or India, thus leading to some interesting medal combinations. He then spoke about several groups to apprentices, showing the long and distinguished careers that these men had. The groups included gallantry awards as aircrew, including a group that begins DSO, DFC, DFM. One group included a GSM with clasps Southern Desert Iraq and Malaya! The stories of these men were thoroughly researched in the way that we have to expect of Graham. The talk included fascinating photographs showing the types of uniform and badges worn by apprentices over the years. Dave Seeney then gave a vote of thanks to Graham and appreciation was shown in the usual way. John Barker and John Scott then showed several interesting groups to apprentices and Ian Miller (guest) showed an Efficiency Medal which he recently purchased and is going to sell back to the recipients grandson. Richard conducted the raffle and £18.00 was raised for club funds. There were 21 members and 3 guests present and the meeting closed at 10.30 pm
Minutes of January 2010 Meeting
Meeting of the Cotswold Branch of the Orders & Medals Research Society held at Swindon Village Hall on Thursday 14th of January 2010.
Apologies received from N. Smith, M. Pittaway, David & Tom Lyall, F. Angus, M. Kippin, P. Roberts, M. Coombs, M. Clifford, J. Barker, D. Seeney, D. Martin, M. Atkinson, R. Hughes and B. Ward
Due to the atrocious weather of the last few weeks, snow ice and now dense fog our numbers were well down. When this became apparent it was decided that Graham Pitchfork will now give his talk on RAF Apprentices at our February meeting as Zak Coombs might not be back in the UK on that date. His (Zak’s) talk will be scheduled later on in the year.
The meeting commenced at 7.30 pm with Cotswold Branch business. The Secretary read the minutes of the December meeting which was proposed by David Gibbons seconded by Steve Lewis. Due to the Christmas/New Year holiday there was only one item on the agenda to be discussed and that was the Cotswold Branch Mini Convention. Chris Hill said that he would try to get members of the London Branch to come by coach (as they did in the past) This should increase the numbers of guests attending. We need to know who is going to attend so the caters are able to do their job. It was also suggested that this event be included in the OMRS Journal and Medal News, secretary to see this is done.
We then had a members own which was another memorable one.
David Gibbons talked on a 5 bar IGS95 to a chap in the Kurrum Militia
Henry Meadows brought a NGS to Lt who was at the Battle of St Vincent
Andrew Derrick a group to LtCol Sparrow Coldstream Guards
Graham Pitchfork a DFC group to a Canadian Casualty, with a Birks Bar and complete documentation
Steve Lewis a Finnish Medal awarded to the next of kin to an officer killed in WW2
Mark Selby a Canal Zone awarded to a chap in the RAF from Gloucester
John Wright a China 1900 to a sailor who was presented the medal by King Edward VII
Chris Hill on a double issue of the 1914-15 trio to a chap who was with the London Scottish then the RNVR who served in France with the Army and Africa with the RNVR.
Chris then went on to tell us of his travels around New Zealand and Singapore and how he managed to get some research from a family in NZ on medals in his collection. It was a very good meeting enjoyed by all who attended. We decided not to have a raffle as the numbers didn’t warrant it. There were 10 members present and the meeting closed at 10.00 pm
Minutes of December 2009 Meeting
Meeting of the Cotswold Branch of the Orders & Medals Research Society held at Swindon Village Hall on Thursday 10th of December 2009.
Apologies received from N. Smith, M. Pittaway, C. Hill, David & Tom Lyall, F. Angus, M. Kippin, H. Meadows, R. Emsley, M. Selby, A. Derrick, G. Pitchfork and P. Roberts
The meeting commenced at 7.30 pm with Cotswold Branch business. The Secretary read the minutes of the November meeting which was proposed by Richard Hugh’s seconded by David Seeney. John read out our President Graham Sackers letter of resignation. All at the meeting expressed their thanks for all the work Graham has done for the Branch over the years. A letter has been sent informing him of Life Membership of the branch being conferred on him by the membership.
Mike Atkinson then proposed John Barker to be the new President, this was seconded by the secretary and all members present voted by a show of hands, which was unanimous in his favour. Gp Capt John E Barker RAF (Retd) accepted the position and is now the Cotswold Branch of the OMRS new President. He took it on the proviso that it was for 3 years and that every 3 years a new person took the position.
There was an e-mail from OMRS telling us that we had been successful with our a request for a grant to buy a projector for power point presentations. Richard Emsley our treasurer is liaising with OMRS treasurer. We hope the grant is through prior to the VAT increase in January!
Mike Atkinson was Quiz Master after winning it last year. As expected of Mike it turned out to be one of the best we have had. It was very fair covering all aspects of our hobby which really tested us. There were 45 questions with 80 being the maximum number of points and this years winner is Steve Lewis. John Barker then took on his new role and presented the winners plate to Steve (which Steve has to get his name engraved on by next year). Peter McKenna conducted the raffle, which raised £13 for club funds. Members had brought food which was enjoyed by all who were there. 14 members present and the meeting closed at 10.00 pm
I should like to take this opportunity to wish all of you a Very Merry Christmas and a Peaceful, Prosperous, Happy New Year. There were 14 members present and the meeting closed at 10.00 pm
Minutes of Novermber 2009 Meeting
Meeting of the Cotswold Branch of the Orders & Medals Research Society held at Swindon Village Hall on Thursday 12th of November 2009.
Apologies received from G. Sacker, N. Smith, M. Pittaway, C. Hill, David & Tom Lyall, F. Angus and M. Kippin
The meeting commenced at 7.30 pm with Cotswold Branch business. The Secretary read the minutes of the October meeting which was proposed by John Barker seconded by Jim Mourton. John then informed the branch that Graham Sacker our president for the past 23 years has resigned the post. He hopes to come to the meetings if and when circumstances allow. It was suggested Graham be given life membership of the branch for all the work he has carried out over the past 20 odd years. A show of hands carried this suggestion and the secretary will write to Graham thanking him for what he has done and informing him of the branch decision. The membership were then asked to go away and decide who they should like to be the next president and give a name/names to be voted on at the December meeting. It was also proposed the the post of President should be for 3 years, thus enabling other branch members to take on the post.
Details were then give of the OMRS North Convention being held on the 23rd 24th and 25th of April 2010. It is being held at the Holiday Inn, Runcorn, Cheshire, rooms can be reserved by telephoning 0871 9429070. The dinner on Saturday can be booked at a later date when details are published. The OMRS committee reminded us that grants are available to branches. The possibility of acquiring a projector for Power Point presentations has previously been discussed and Graham Pitchfork agreed to prepare an application on the branches behalf. Andrew Derrick then proposed that the branch congratulate John Wright our Branch Sectetary on being presented with his South Atlantic Medal on Friday 6th November 2009 by MajGen Wall at John's old place of work. It was 27 years after he qualified that he received it, but well worth the wait.
The theme of the meeting being ’Medals to the Fallen’, the medals shown included a group to a sailor killed at Gallipoli with the Hood Battalion, RND and a pair and plaque to the Glosters. A WWI group to a Captain in Somerset Light Infantry, a Merchant Navy group that spanned WWI and WWII, a trio and plaque to a submariner, an RAF GSM Kurdistan to a man killed in WWII while working on finding German beams, along with an AFM, Africa Star and War Medal to another man who carried out similar work. A South Africa 1853 Medal to one of only 12 men of the Warwicks who survived the sinking of the troopship Birkenhead. A GSM Palestine 45/48 to a Para who was killed in a parachuting accident while serving in the Canal Zone 1953. A Crimea Medal to a Grenadier Guard who survived a wound at the Alma only to die of cholera. A WWI trio to a Coldstream Guard who was killed in 1914 only 11 days after arriving in France, A Sudan Medal to the only man in the Lincolnshire Regiment to be killed at the Battle of Atbara, an Africa General Service Medal, Naval General Service and WWI group to a Private in the Royal Marines, a DCM to a Worcester killed at Gallipoli and a DFC Battle of Britain group to a pilot killed over Malta. A very complete WWI casualty group to another Worcester and a single BWM to a Brigadier-general who was shot by a sniper while inspecting trenches. A Naval General Service Medal to a Royal Marine who served on HMS Superb at Algiers and finally a log book to a pilot who ended up as an Air Vice Marshall. Richard Emsley conducted the raffle, which raised £16 for club funds. There were 20 members present and the meeting closed at 10.00 pm
Minutes of October 2009 Meeting
Meeting of the Cotswold Branch of the Orders & Medals Research Society held at Swindon Village Hall on Thursday 8th of October 2009.
Apologies received from G. Sacker, R. Emsley, N. Smith, M. Pittaway, C. Hill, P. Roberts, D. Hackett, M. Selby, T. Ewing and D. Seeney.
The meeting commenced at 7.30 pm with Cotswold Branch business. The Secretary read the minutes of the September meeting which was proposed by Clive Harmson seconded by Frank Angus. He then read out a letter from Roger Tucker informing the branch of his resignation because of ill health. The membership wished him well and thanked him for the work he did whilst a member of the branch.
Mike Kippin then sent around the room a folder containing photographs and a write up on the day the 3 V.C. recipients Blue Plaques were put on the buildings. He also said that if we were to approach Lord Ashcroft he might be willing to go ahead with what the branch has suggested regarding the other V.C. winners from the town. Mike then invited any members who would like to go to Gloucester Cathedral on the 18th of Oct for the dedication of the Gloucestershire Branch of the Aden Veterans Association’s Standard. David and Tom Lyall then told of a distant relation who is having a blue plaque honouring his service to the Royal Navy and the Linnean Society as well as the town. Andrew Derrick let it be known that he is Australia for three months but he will be organising events in the summer on his return.
Graham Pitchfork talked about the OMRS Convention which he said was very good, it had gone back to more emphasis on the Research Side of the hobby. Secretary’s comment seems it has taken the same format as OMRS North but being in London cost a lot more.
Mike Atkinson gave a fantastic lecture on the “AMHERST” family. He told of two brothers one who was responsible for Canada becoming part of the Commonwealth. The other brother brought Burma into the British Empire, both were distinguished Military Officers who helped to change the history of Britain. He then showed three medal groups to grand sons of these two distinguished people and they followed in their foot steps. One brother fought as an officer with the Coldstream Guards in the Crimea where he was wounded. Another served as a Midshipman in the Baltic and the younger brother fought again as an Officer in the Coldstream Guards with the Camel Corps in the Egypt Campaign. All were meticulously researched one brother kept a diary he was the one who fought in Egypt (this was in a library and had not seen the light of day till Mike asked for it). He complemented the lecture with photographs of paintings which are in private collections, it was also enhanced by the use of power point. He then did a question and answer session. Graham Pitchfork gave a vote of thanks on behalf of the branch and appreciation was showed in the usual way.
John Wright conducted the Raffle. Which raised £15-00 for branch funds. 17 members were present the meeting closed at 10.00 pm.
VICTORIA CROSS BLUE PLAQUES by Mick Kippin
On Friday 11th September 2009, Cheltenham Civic Society unveiled blue commemorative plaques to recognise the heroism of three of the Town’s Victoria Cross heroes.
The idea of “blue plaques” for at least some of the men from Cheltenham who had been honoured with the award of the Victoria Cross came initially from members of the Cotswold branch of The Orders & Medals Research Society. Cheltenham has an impressive record of 13 men who have received the V.C., plus a further 12 awards to former pupils of Cheltenham College. The three men recently recognised with plaques were all born in Cheltenham: Mr William Fraser McDonell of the Bengal Civil Service, A/Lt.Col Richard Annesley West, The North Irish Horse and Capt Anketell Moutray Read, The Northamptonshire Regiment. McDonell is one of only five civilians ever to be awarded a V.C. Unfortunately, Lord Ashcroft who generously sponsored the plaques to McDonell and West since he has these two crosses in his outstanding collection was unable to make it on the day; but he was well represented by Michael Naxton, the curator of the Ashcroft collection. Following a short introduction by Steven Clarke, Chairman of the Civic Society, citations were read for all three men by myself. The mayor of Cheltenham, Councillor Mr Lloyd Surgenor then unveiled each plaque. Cheltenham’s MP, Martin Horwood then said a few words in conclusion. A reception for the dignitaries and those closely involved with the project was held at Beaumont House after Captain Read’s plaque had been unveiled by the front door of what is now a five-star guest house. Cheltenham Civic Society has already erected 21 blue plaques around the Town to commemorate many of the Town’s famous sons and daughters (see Peter Smith and Sue Rowbotham’s excellent book) and it is to be hoped that these three plaques are just the first of a series to commemorate some more of Cheltenham’s13 VCs.
Branch News:
The Military Intelligence Museum, DISC Chicksands
Monday 14th September 2009
Little did we know, when we set out on the trip to Chicksands, what an epic journey lay before us. Reports that a "Cheltenham to Chicksands Star" is being instituted for the survivors of the long trek, cannot be confirmed at the moment. We were greeted at the museum by Major Alan Edwards who gave us a guided tour of the various rooms, telling the development of military intelligence gathering and analysis over the years. There were several cases of medals, including the Waterloo Medal to Major Colquhoun Grant (Wellington's intelligence officer). There were exhibits on SOE, the enigma machine, photographic interpretation, signals, BRIXMIS and other 'Cold War' intelligence operations. The museum also has an excellent database on awards made to Intelligence Corps personnel and is collecting together citations/recommendations and rolls wherever possible. Another case contained items from the time when Chicksands was a US Air Force base. Ten members and two guests attended and the day was enjoyed by all. Thanks again must go to Andrew and Mike for arranging the trip and (eventually) getting is there!
Steve (one of the "Chicksands Twelve")
Had a letter today the 12th September informing me that Roger Tucker has had to resign from the branch due to ill health, we wish him all the best for the future and hope if he is ever in the area to call in for a "natter"
Minutes of September 2009 Meeting
Meeting of the Cotswold branch of the OMRS held in Swindon Village Hall on Thursday 10th of September 2009
Apologies received from David and Tom Lyall, R. Tucker, N. Smith, P. McKenna, M. Pittaway, C. Hill, P. Roberts, H. Meadows, C. Harmson, B. Ward, K. Burrell and D. Hackett.
The meeting commenced at 7.30 pm with Cotswold Branch business. The Secretary read the minutes of the July meeting which was proposed by Richard Hughes seconded by Mike Kippin. An update was given on the unveiling of the Blue Plaques on Friday September the 11th. A cheque was then presented for our Blue Plaque Fund on behalf of Keith Burrell who donated a cricket bat to be auctioned by Cotswold Auction Company, commission-free. It was proposed that a letter of thanks be sent to Keith and Henry Meadows.Andrew Derrick advised that all members going to Chicksands on Monday 14th September to bring a form of identification. The bus will leave Swindon Village Hall at 9.00 am. Richard Emsley informed the branch that the ‘Blue Plaque Fund’ was close to reaching its target to pay for a plaque to Surgeon-General Manley VC next year. John Barker gave a brief description of the Bentinck Medal, which was awarded by Major-General Sir Henry Bentinck to a few Guardsmen who served in the Crimean War. Twelve members then gave brief presentations on medals ranging from a WWII MM to a commando, a group to a Warwickshire Regiment soldier who, subsequent research proved, was a Para at Arnhem was captured at the bridge. John Barker presented the medals of his two uncles, both killed in WWI. Next we had a Brunei/Borneo pair of medals to a Royal Green Jacket, again research revealed a great story (including being wounded on a punji stick). A Waterloo Medal to a Grenadier Guardsman who many years later died at Chelsea Hospital. A New Zealand WWI trio to a man wounded in Gallipoli who had also worked for the New Zealand Fire Service, 2 casualty groups to Cheltenham men, a Dunkirk DSC group to the captain of a merchant ship that beached itself to get soldiers on board, a MGC MM group with a Belgian decoration and a gold watch and, finally, a board containing examples of 14 WWI Victory Medals, including those awarded by Thailand, Brazil and Cuba - who played such a big part in the Allied victory!
John Wright conducted the Raffle £19 was raised. 20 members were present (2 having left early because of other commitments) the meeting closed at 10.00 pm.
No. 11 Fighter Group Operations Room Bunker, R.A.F. Uxbridge
MONDAY 13TH JUNE 2009
The intrepid explorers of the Cotswold Branch set out on another expedition, this time to visit the 'secret' bunker at RAF Uxbridge which contained the Operations Room of No. 11 Fighter Group during the Battle of Britain. From this room, staffed mainly by the WRAF, the fighters of the R.A.F. were directed against the Luftwaffe attacks on Southern England. The bunker, 60 feet underground, had been sealed for many years and still contains the original equipment used during the war. The table map is set up with the positions of the aircraft on 15th September 1940, when the RAF had to commit every available aircraft, leaving no reserves. The method of plotting aircraft and the board showing the status of the fighter squadrons was explained. We were then free to look around the various rooms desplaying uniforms, medals and documents. A fascinating place and a real sense of stepping back in time.
Minutes of July 2009 Meeting
Meeting of the Cotswold Branch of the Orders & Medals Research Society held at Swindon Village Hall on Thursday 9th of July 2009.
Apologies received from R. Tucker, N. Smith, P. McKenna, M. Pittaway, C. Hill and P. Roberts
The meeting commenced at 7.40 pm with Cotswold Branch business. The Secretary read the minutes of the June meeting which was proposed by Frank Angus seconded by David Seeney.
Mike Kippin then gave an update on the Blue Plaque situation they will be unveiled on Friday September the 11th at the following venues. If more information is required contact the secretary.
1100 hrs Pittville House Wellington Road, GL52 2AE (McDonell)
1145 hrs Oxford Street, London Road, GL52 6DT (West)
1230 hrs Beaumont House Hotel, Shurdington Road, GL53 0JE (Read)
Dave Seeney advised that on Saturday 18th July there will be a ‘Sounding the Retreat’ at Hereford T.A. Centre, along with two talks, Lt-Col. Andy Taylor (ret’d) on the Hereford Regiment in World War One, and Peter Hart on the Gallipoli Campaign. Andrew Derrick advised that all members going to RAF Uxbridge on Monday 13th July must bring a form of identification (driving licence or passport). The bus will leave Swindon Village Hall at 9.15 am.
Henry Newberry mentioned the Gurkhas are holding an open day at Brecon 30th August and a Freedom of the City Parade 6th September.
Richard Emsley then introduced our guest speaker, Lieutenant-Colonel Mullally. Commissioned in 1936, he told of life serving with the 10th Gurkhas on the Northwest Frontier of India and then in Burma against the Japanese. He also told of being stationed in Vietnam at the end of the war, where he and his regiment did their best to assist the local leaders to restore order and rebuild the lives of the Vietnamese people. The arrival of French forces almost wrecked the situation through their heavy handed and brutal treatment of the locals. It is no wonder that they soon turned against the French, eventually leading to the Vietnamese war. Colonel Mullally spoke with candour and humour and an obvious deep respect and admiration for the brave and loyal Gurkha soldiers that he served with.
Graham Sacker thanked Colonel Mullally on behalf of the branch who showed their appreciation in the usual way.
Brian Ward conducted the Raffle which raised £25 towards the cost of the VC Blue Plaque. 30 members and 2 guests were present the meeting closed at 10.00 pm.
Minutes of June 2009 Meeting
Meeting of the Cotswolds Branch OMRS held at Swindon Village Hall, Thursday 11th June 2009
Apologies were received from the Secretary, John Wright, and from Roger Tucker, Nathan Smith, Matt Pittaway, Zak Coombs, Chris Hill, Clive Harmson, David and Tom Lyall, and Peter McKenna
In the absence of the Branch Secretary, the meeting was chaired by Graham Sacker, who welcomed 21 members and three guests.
The minutes of the previous meeting were read and approved, being proposed by John Barker and seconded by Mike Kippin.
Andrew Derrick reported the very successful branch outing to the Trooping of the Colour rehearsal and the Ceremony of the Keys at the Tower of London. Some spaces for the trip to RAF Uxbridge were still available.
This meeting having been designated a “Members Own” with a theme of recent acquisitions, the floor was then thrown open to anyone wishing to address the members in respect of items of interest. Priority was given to Mrs Daphne Symon, one of the guests, who had come along with her husband at the invitation of Steve Lewis to talk about a relative whose medals had come into her possession. This relative, Major Eric Dalrymple Gairdner MD, had served as an army doctor during the Boer War and the Great War, being awarded the DSO & Bar, the Sea Gallantry Medal and the French Croix de Guerre with Palm, in addition to his campaign medals. Mrs Symon read some notes on the doctor, outlining his gallantry awards for extreme bravery in the field, in treating wounded soldiers whilst under fire in “nomansland”, during which he was himself seriously wounded, being shot twice in the chest. The Sea Gallantry award had been in connection with saving of drowning men after the sinking by torpedo of a troopship, in the Aegean Sea. Dr Gairdner survived only until 1933, having suffered serious ill health as a result of his wounds. His magnificent framed medal group was passed around the meeting for all to appreciate.
Fourteen other members later spoke about items they had brought to the meeting and the high quality and diversity of interests was once again much in evidence.
Dave Seeney donated a collector’s medal cabinet for auction, which was carried out in style by Henry Matthews, raising £12.00, which, together with a raffle managed by Brian Ward, raising a further £22, would be placed towards the “Blue Plaque” fund to commemorate one of the Cheltenham VCs.
There being no further business, the meeting closed at 10.30pm
CEREMONY OF THE KEYS AND COLONEL'S REVIEW OF TROOPING THE COLOUR
FRIDAY 5TH - SATURDAY 6TH JUNE 2009
Eight members and one guest gathered at the Civil Service Club on Friday and made their way to the Tower of London to witness the Ceremony of the Keys. A Yeoman Warder explained the history of the ceremony and the events that we were about to see. It is the oldest continuous military ceremony in the world, having been performed every night for over 700 years, without a single break. The escort to the keys on this night were the Grenadier Guards. It was amazing to watch a small piece of British history unfolding before our eyes, as the gates to the Tower were locked for the night. The Warder pointed out that we were now locked inside the Tower and advised us to form and escape commitee. However, a 'secret' door was revealed to us (about which we will say no more....)
Saturday morning we were joined by another member and guest and the party set out to watch the trooping. With rain falling, the Guards marched on wearing their capes. At the order to remove capes, the red tunics were revealed, to spontaneous applause for the crowd. The Irish Guards colour was trooped and what a spectacle it was. We can only hope that the parade on the day goes as well as this last rehearsal.
We then retired to the Civil Service Club for lunch and a drink or two, before setting out for home.
BLETCHLEY PARK
SUNDAY 17TH MAY 2009
On a wet, windy Sunday morning we set out from Swindon Village for a tour of Bletchley Park. Bletchley Park was the predecessor of G.C.H.Q. It closed after World War 2 with the code & cypher school departing to Eastcote, London and later to Cheltenham, where of course it still is. The Bletchley Park site was only finally decommissioned in 1987. By 1991 the site was virtually empty and plans were “in hand” for the buildings to be demolished and replaced by a housing estate. However, as news of the threat spread, a farewell party was organised by Bletchley Archaeological & Historical Society, and attended by over 400 code breakers, and as result of the stories they told, it was decided to attempt the restoration of the site, for posterity. Bletchley Park is known as “the home of the codebreaker”. Our first talk was a demonstration of the most famous of the codes and cyphers to be broken, i.e. the enigma cypher machine. There was an explanation of how it worked and how the codes were finally broken. It came as a surprise to hear that the Polish had broken the original enigma code in 1932, however at that time the cypher was only altered once every 3 months. With the advent of the war the Germans changed the code at least once every day, giving 150 million, million, million possible setting to be chosen from. The Poles decided to inform the British in 1939 when they could no longer break these codes.
More and more people were recruited to join the codebreaking operatives. At its height it is estimated that there were between 10,000-12,000 people, most of them women, working on the site. It was operational 24 hours a day. We saw an operational demonstration of “the bombe”, a machine invented to test possible enigma decyphers, and the rebuilt Colossus (the world's first computer) which was used to decypher the German High Command codes which were encoded on a Lorenz machine (even more complex than engima).
The tour took in the various huts where the codebreakers worked, for example Hut 4 accommodated the codebreakers working to crack the Naval enigma, and it was to this hut that an enigma code book captured from U boat 110, in May 1941, was duly delivered. Hut 6 was the centre of operations to break the enigma cypher used by the German army and air force. The decoded messages from Huts 4 & 6 were passed to Hut 3 for translation, analysis and despatch to intelligence officers on London. Another hut contained an exhibition of the work done by the National Pigeon Service, including pigeons dropped in special containers, by parachute, into enemy occupied territory to carry messages back to UK. A 'Dickin Medal' to pigeon 'Mercury' was included, for carrying messages back from Denmark
An extremely interesting and informative visit that certainly gave us a lot to think about, not least, how did we manage to keep Bletchley Park a secret when, at its height, so many people worked there, all were billeted in the surrounding country side. It is impossible to appreciate the importance of Bletchley Park to the war effort, but it is estimated that their work shortened the war by two years. It is difficult to absorb the information and adequately look around in just one afternoon. It was agreed that a further visit was essential at some future date.
A truly amazing place!! Andrew Derrick
Minutes of May 2009 Meeting
Meeting of the Cotswold Branch of the Orders & Medals Research Society held at Swindon Village Hall on Thursday 14th of May 2009.
Apologies received from R. Tucker, N. Smith, Z. Coombs, C. Hill, P. McKenna, M. Pittaway and M. Tanner
The meeting commenced at 7.40 pm with Cotswold Branch business. The Secretary read the minutes of the April meeting which was proposed by David Seeney seconded by Frank Angus. It has been proposed to hold a Mini Convention in Swindon Village Hall on Sunday 10th of June 2010. Andrew Derrick and Mike Kippin have agreed, with the help of other branch members to organise the event. Names to the Secretary of members who are going to exhibit asap as space is at a premium. He then cast his net for “Speakers” for the coming season, he will be making out the program in August, again names asap. We had an e-mail off Patrick Street (OMRS head office) congratulating the branch on our web site. Many thanks to Steve Lewis who looks after it for us at no cost to the Branch or Society.
Richard Emsley (Treasurer) read out the financial report for the year ending 31st March 2009, he handed out copies to the members present. The Secretary has a copy here in the minutes for those who did not see them. Richard then let it be know that he was taking subscriptions for the coming year, he must have done well as he had a smile on his face when he left. Our President Graham Sacker then gave his address!.
David Seeney reminded the membership of the 6th June D-Day celebrations being held in Warwick and Andrew Derrick then informed us that the trip to RAF Uxbridge has been changed to the 13th of July. It seems that a film crew is there on the 20th.
Our President Graham Sacker introduced our speaker and branch member Graham Pitchfork (Air Commodore retired) who gave a fantastic lecture on how he came to be writing and how he writes RAF Obituaries for the Daily Telegraph. He elaborated on his intelligence network which helps him to be factually correct, help from family members and friends of the deceased is also put to good use. He went on to tell several stories which he felt should be included of members of the RAF who were not senior officers. Two cases of note two RAF Nurses who landed on the beaches on D-Day, 3 others (the first females) who flew in to the battle field on a Dakota. The stories are not just an obituary but a piece of history which will be kept for generations of researchers to look at in years to come. How families react to the obituary, letters of thanks and letters saying that Dad never told us of his exploits. We were treated to 2 hours and given a fascinating insight on this subject.
Graham Sacker thanked Graham on behalf of the branch who showed their appreciation in the usual way. Brian Ward conducted the Raffle which raised £26 towards the cost of the VC Blue Plaque. A donation for £10 was given by Henry Meadows of the Cotswold Auction Co towards the Blue plaque Appeal. 26 members and 1 guest were present the meeting closed at 10.10 pm.
Branch Visit to Sandhurst Military Academy - Sunday 19th April 2009
On a bright sunny Sunday morning, 17 members of the Cotswold Branch of the OMRS set out from Swindon Village Hall to visit the Royal Military Academy, Sandhurst. The group was made up of:
Frank Angus, Andrew Derrick, David Gibbons, Paul Gibbons (guest), Dick Hackett, Clive Harmson, Richard Hughes, Mike Kippin, Stephen Lewis, David Lyall, Tom Lyall, Peter McKenna, Arthur McKenna (guest), Henry Meadows, Mike Paris (guest), Major Nathan Smith, John Wright.
We arrived at the main gate at 11.35 am, and were met by Major Nathan Smith, R.L.C. (one of our members) who took us up to the main building to meet Dr Anthony Morton, the Sandhurst Archivist, our guide for the visit. We were immediately impressed by the extensive grounds and ornamental lakes covering many acres, at one point forming the boundaries of 3 counties, Surrey, Berkshire and Hampshire.
Our tour started at the main building, the impressive entrance hall filled with flags, banners and rifles made for cadets. We continued through various rooms, named after prominent military figures, including the Marlborough Room, Wellington Room, Le Marchant Room and the Jacky Lord room ( a long standing RSM at Sandhurst), these rooms containing pictures, portraits and gifts presented to the Academy. The story of the "Quit Rent Flags" was also explained to us and an example of these is hanging in the Marlbourough and Wellington Rooms. These ranged from the magnificent to the somewhat tacky!! We then moved on to the magnificent Indian Army Memorial Room, which was the original Chapel. This room contained a wonderful display of medals, portraits, uniforms and other artefacts commemorating the old British Indian Army.
Outside the main buildings were various cannon from the Crimea, France and even Finland (taken at Bomarsund).
We then made our way to the Royal Memorial Chapel, which was originally built in 1879 but since enlarged. Outside the west door is a large bronze statue of soldiers as a memorial to “other ranks”, as a reminder to all the officer cadets of the bond and loyalty between themselves and their men. In the chapel itself there are numerous stained glass windows, many depicting and celebrating past military leaders. Around the walls were regimental panels commemorating officers killed in the 1914-18 war. Our tour ended at 4.00 pm, a late lunch of sandwiches was had in the hired minibus! Thanks and a bottle of wine given to both Dr Morton and Major Smith, for a most enjoyable day, then we embarked on our homeward journey, arriving back at Swindon Village at approx.5.30 pm. We would also like to mention and thank our duty driver Mike Kippin (no you can't add an MID emblem to your medals!)
Andrew Derrick (Functions Officer)
Cotswold Branch of the OMRS Annual Report from April 2008 to April 2009
We have had another good year branch membership has stayed steady with an average of 20 members attending the meetings. We have had new members join to replace others who have moved away or died. As in previous years our speakers were all members of the Cotswold Branch. It never fails to amaze me the quality of the displays and depth of research they produce. We also had a couple of Members Own/Recent Acquitions which again proved popular. Our Christmas quiz was set by John Scott and Mike Atkinson was this years winner.
The speaker for the Peter Ashford memorial lecture was Wing Commander Trevor Price DFC. Trevor talked us through his career in the Royal Air Force from his time flying piston engine fighters through to jets and then the first RAF helicopters. He continued to fly up to the 1970’s in N. Ireland. He covered his time in Borneo for which he was awarded a DFC to go with his campaign service medal with clasps Borneo and N. Ireland.
Major Paul Pitchfork 1 RGR (Graham Pitchfork’s son) was awarded an MC for Gallantry in Afghanistan.
The branch has now three Life members Ray Noyce (Canada) Roland Hill MBE and Clive Hammond.
Mike Kippin and Graham Sacker have convinced the Civic Society to have Three blue plaques put on houses (still standing) of three of the 15 VC winners who lived/came from Cheltenham. Mike put it to the branch that we should pay for one of these, which was agreed, congratulations to them both for such sterling work.
Roger Tucker/Peter McKenna conducts the Raffle which continues to raise money for the club funds and our “Blue VC plaque“.
J.F. Wright Secretary Cotswold branch OMRS
Minutes of April 2009 Meeting
Meeting of the Cotswold Branch of the Orders & Medals Research Society held at Swindon Village Hall on Thursday 9th 2009.
Apologies received from R. Tucker, N. Smith, S. Barker, Z. Coombs, C. Hill, F Angus, G. Sacker and D&T Lyall
The meeting commenced at 7.35 pm with Cotswold Branch business. The Secretary read the minutes of the March meeting which was proposed by Richard Hughes seconded by Mike Kippin. It was suggested that the branch have another Mini Convention in June 2010 Clive Harmson will see what dates are available and report back.
Then followed the AGM, the Secretary read out his report a draft of this is on the Cotswold Branch web page www.qcmilitaria.com. It was proposed by Peter McKenna and seconded by Andrew Derrick.
Richard Emsley our new Treasurer prior to his report thanked Clive Hammond for his work as Treasurer and although Clive is not well he did everything to help Richard settle in to his new job. He will have a full financial report for the next meeting. However being a true treasurer he was quite prepared to take this year’s subscriptions and by the end of the evening he had a smile on his face.
Unfortunately our President Graham Sacker was unable to attend and he will give his address next month.
Mike Kippin gave a fascinating talk on the award of the Naval General Service medal with the clasp Algiers (120 Army Personnel were eligible although only a few lived to claim their medals) His talk covered the action leading up to the Dutch and British Fleets attacking Algiers. He covered the service of Lt Whinyates RE including a copy of the map he drew at the time. Lt Whinyates MGS clasp Algiers is in Cheltenham Museum and is on display with other Whinyates family medals. Mike finished with a question and answer session and the membership showed their appreciation in the usual way.
Peter McKenna conducted the Raffle which raised £19 towards the cost of the VC Blue Plaque. 21 members were present the meeting closed at 10.10 pm
Minutes of March 2009 Meeting
Meeting of the Cotswold Branch of the Orders & Medals Research Society held at Swindon Village Hall on Thursday 12th March 2009.
Apologies received from R. Tucker, N. Smith, M. Pittaway, S. Barker, B. Ward, Z. Coombs and C. Hill
The meeting commenced at 7.40 pm with Cotswold Branch business. The Secretary read the minutes of the February meeting which was proposed by F. Angus seconded by John Barker. He then informed the branch that the AGM was being held at the start of the April meeting, he apologised to the members for this over site. He will be contacting Medal News to have the branch monthly meetings advertised in that publication. Henry Meadows who has recently moved in to the area was welcomed as a new member.
Mike Kippin reported to the branch progress on the Blue Plaques to Cheltenham VC Recipients. These are going to be placed on site in August and it was proposed and seconded that the branch will pay for one of these £150-00. The monies to be raised from the next five raffles.
Richard Emsley then gave a fascinating talk on the life and times of Commandant E.C. Handyside CIE, OBE, KPM and Bar of “The Frontier Constabulary“. He covered the fascinating story of the man who was trusted and feared by all the tribes on the NWF. All his awards were for Gallantry in action and Richard showed this through his diligent research at the India Office (British Library). He also proved with papers found at the said place a citation, which had been prepared and wrote up for the action which cost him his life. He was to have been awarded the second bar to his KPM. It was a memorable lecture which was enjoyed by all. Richard did a question and answer session and Graham gave a vote of thanks on behalf of the membership.
Peter McKenna conducted the Raffle which raised £26 towards the cost of the VC Blue Plaque. 23 members were present the meeting closed at 10.30 pm
Minutes of February 2009 Meeting
Meeting of the Cotswold Branch of the Orders & Medals Research Society held at Swindon Village Hall on Thursday 12th February 2009.
Apologies received from R. Tucker, N. Smith, M. Pittaway, G. Pitchfork. D. Seeney, S. Barker, B. Ward, and C. Hill
The meeting commenced at 7.50 pm with Cotswold Branch business. The Secretary read the minutes of the January meeting which was proposed by Tom Lyall seconded by Mike Kippin.
These three should not be missed, you can bring wives, friends or relations to help make up the numbers, the more who attend the less the cost.
John Barker asked the secretary why we had no mention of our past years activities in the Winter Journal. The secretary then explained the mix up at OMRS headquarters, it will not happen again!!
We then commenced with the “Members Own” and again what a fantastic array of medals come out.
Richard Emsley, Mike Atkinson, Jim Mourton, John Barker, Keith Burrell, Paul Roberts, Adrian Sykes, Mike Kippin, David Martin, Steve Lewis, Richard Hughes, Graham Sacker, Peter McKenna and John Wright all brought items which ranged from one of only 2 Egypt Medals to the Gloucester’s. Medals to the Navigator on RMS Laconia, Three sets of brothers medals including one who was killed in Indonesia in 1946. A Korea/Malaya group to a chap who fought with Speakman VC in Korea, a nurses WWI group, another group with the story of how his second wife came back to haunt the family home. CMG IGS54/IGS95 to a Col in the Rifle Brigade, WW2 Grenadier group, another WW2 RAMC group which included the Atlantic Star. WW2/Korea group to the Gloucester’s Provost Sgt who was wounded and taken captive in Korea. A DSO group to the Worcester’s and an Australian modern group covering the Vietnam period including a QEII ED clasp Australia.
Peter McKenna conducted the Raffle which raised £17 for club funds. 17 members and 3 guests (who have decided to become members) were present the meeting closed at 10.50 pm
Minutes of January 2009 Meeting
Meeting of the Cotswold Branch of the Orders & Medals Research Society held at Swindon Village Hall on Thursday 8th January 2009.
Apologies received from R. Tucker, N. Smith, M. Pittaway, P. Roberts and J Barker.
The meeting commenced at 7.50 pm with Cotswold Branch business. The Secretary read the minutes of the December meeting which was proposed by Zak Coombs MNM seconded by Peter McKenna.
Andrew Derrick reminded members that he need names and a deposit for the proposed visit by the Branch to the Ceremony of the Keys at the Tower of London on Friday, staying over at the Civil Service Club Friday Night. Then on Saturday the Colonels Rehearsal of the Trooping of the Colour on Horse Guards. If booked well in advance the best way to travel to London is by National Express as they leave Royal Well and go direct to Victoria Coach Station. A seat booked well in advance is inexpensive,
This evening was a double bill of speakers, the first to take the floor was Peter McKenna, who had brought three medals out of his collection. The first being the Central Africa medal to a chap in the 27th Bo N.I. Peter then went on to describe the 9 actions that this chap might have taken part in to gain this award. The second medal was the IGS54 clasp Persia to a Veterinary Officer again he talked us through the campaign and the chaps service. His final medal was another IGS54 with the clasp Hunza 1891 to a Surgeon in the IMS one of only 15 European officers involved in the campaign. Peter described the expedition in great detail showing the trials and tribulations all who took part went through.
Graham Sacker then gave his talk on the “Origins of the L.R.D.G” and all was not what it seemed. He described how the L.R.D.G. in WW2 came about, it’s first CO and their role. This was a Red Herring as the story went on to tell how in WW1 the RNAS and Motor Machine Gun Service of the RA (later the Machine Gun Corps) traversed the desert in the early armoured cars. One of the actions Graham talked us through was the relief of the POW’s who were held at a place called Akeim in Libya. The relief force was made up of Army Rolls Royce Armoured cars commanded by the Duke of Westminster and made a crossing of several hundred miles over uncharted desert to find these men. This was complemented with a group of medals to a chap who was there at the time RSM Gibb who was later commissioned. His medal group consisted of DCM, 1914 Star and bar Trio, LS&GC and MSM GVI. This proved beyond doubt that the L.R.D.G did exist prior to 1940.
David Seeney brought a group of medals with the chaps badges documents etc who served in the L.R.D.G in WW2 and was KIA.
A vote of thanks was given by the secretary and appreciation was shown in the usual way to Peter, Graham and David.
Peter McKenna conducted the Raffle which raised £22 for club funds. 22 members and 3 guests (Chris Hill, Richard Hackett and Mike Miller) were present the meeting closed at 10.40 pm
Minutes of December 2008 Meeting
Meeting of the Cotswold Branch of the Orders & Medals Research Society held at Swindon Village Hall on Thursday 11th December 2008.
Apologies received from R. Tucker, R. Hughes, B. Ward, N. Smith, M. Pittaway, P. Roberts, J Barker, F. Angus, Lyall Brothers, A. Derrick, D. Seeney and P. Schmalisch.
The meeting commenced at 7.50 pm with Cotswold Branch business. The Secretary read the minutes of the November meeting which was proposed by Mike Kippin seconded by Jim Mourton. The Secretary passed round the membership the proposed forthcoming visits which have been organised by our Functions officer. Final Rehearsal of the Trooping of the Colour and the Ceremony of the Keys. A visit to RMC Sandhurst and Bletchley Park. He will want numbers at the January meeting or you can contact him direct. Mike Kippin then reported on the meeting with the Civic Society held earlier that day. They are keen to have 3 blue plaques (out of the four short listed) placed on the houses where the recipients of the VC lived. The Civic Society when informed there are 15 VC winners with Cheltenham connections, might be persuaded to have a plaque with all 15 put on a memorial on the promenade. It is hoped that the unveiling of the plaques will take place in June 2009 and the branch will be invited and expected to make a donation. Martin (Zak) Coombs brought his Merchant Navy Medal for the Membership to look at. He told us of his service with P&O and his time in the South Atlantic on the Hospital Ship Uganda. Graham Pitchfork proposed a congratulatory toast to Zak which was highly endorsed by all present. John Scott then commenced with the QUIZ, it consisted of 27 questions which had us all thinking, some of us were in shock, shows we do not read the Medal Year Book from cover to cover!!!. It was a very fair test and congratulations to Mike Atkinson on winning. Our President Graham Sacker thanked John for doing the quiz and the rest of the evening was taken up with eating the food which was brought and partaking of the Demon Drink. All of us would like to wish all who read this a Happy Christmas a Peaceful, Prosperous and Happy New Year.
Peter McKenna conducted the Raffle which raised £15 for club funds. 13 members and 2 guests (Richard Hackett and Steve Barker) were present the meeting closed at 10.20 pm
4th December 2008 presentation of the Merchant Navy Medal at St. Michael Paternoster Royal Church, City of London. M.P. Coombs, MNM with Admiral Lord West of Spithead, who presented the medals, and Surgeon-Captain Rick Jolly, OBE (Royal Marines, retired). Below is a report on the day:
On Thursday the 4th of December Martin Coombs and his wife Tracey invited my wife (Barbara) and I to accompany them to the Medal Presentation ceremony which was held at St Michael Paternoster Royal College Hill London EC4. His other guests were Captain Rick Jolly and his wife Susie and what a wonderful day it turned out to be. There were 11 medals awarded which were presented by Admiral Lord West of Spithead, GCB DSC DUniv (he was the Captain of HMS Ardent in the Falklands War). The citations were read out by Sir Robert Balchin DL who is a member of the Medal Committee (he designed and produced the Medal). Captain Matthew Easton made the welcoming address, James Fitzpatrick MP the Shipping Minister was in attendance along with Captain Rod Johnson who is the chief coast guard and Captain John Sail who is the President of the Merchant Navy Association. The Missions to Seamen was represented and the Secretary Revd Michael Kuelemans MNM MTh CertEd (who also holds this medal) was there. The ceremony commenced at 2 PM and after the presentations, photographs, food etc ended at around 4.30 pm. It was interesting to talk to some of the recipients about their medals, to mention two, CPO Summers holds the Arctic Medal and the MNM which is a rare combination and Martin Coombs now holds the MNM and the South Atlantic Medal. All the recipients were very unassuming and a delight to talk to and I managed to get their autographs, which are on the back of my program (see photograph). I felt honoured and humbled to be able to attend this ceremony as a friend of Zak’s and a member of the OMRS. This medal is the first to be to be given (in the past 150 years) specifically to Britain’s Merchant Service to commemorate Meritorious Service and Acts of Courage and it was a great honour to be present.
John F Wright Past, President and founder member of the Cotswold and Hong Kong Branches of the OMRS, now Secretary of the Cotswold Branch.
The recipients Martin and John
NEWS: Yesterday, 21 October, the London Gazette announced the award of the Merchant Navy Medal 2008 to M.P. Coombs, Executive Purser, Artemis, P and O Cruises, for services to cruise liners and the South Atlantic Medal Association. Our congratulations to Zak on his award and we look forward to seeing it mounted with his South Atlantic Medal!
The medal was instituted in 2005 and 10 are awarded each year, on Trafalgar Day. It is number 242F in the 2009 Medal Year Book and carries the postnominals MNM.
Minutes of November 2008 Meeting
Meeting of the Cotswold Branch of the Orders & Medals Research Society held at Swindon Village Hall on Thursday 13th November 2008.
Apologies received from R. Tucker, P. McKenna, R. Hughes, B.Ward G. Pitchfork, N. Smith, M. Pittaway, Z Coombs, R. Emsley and P. Roberts
The meeting commenced at 7.40 pm with Cotswold Branch business. The Secretary read the minutes of the October meeting which was proposed by Tom Lyall seconded by Frank Angus.
The Secretary passed round the membership two Letters, one from an OMRS Member of the Police Force asking backing for the Police LS&GC to be awarded after 20 years and not the 22 years as it is now. This will bring it in line with other Civil uniformed Service i.e Ambulance etc. The other was the citation for Paul Pitchfork’s MC. He then informed the meeting of Martin Coombs award of the Merchant Navy Medal, which was in the London Gazette 21st October 2008. Martin will be awarded it on the 4th of December in London congratulations were asked to be passed on by all branch members.
Andrew Derrick informed the branch that due to lack of interest for the visit to the National Arboretum on the 16th of November he decided to cancel a coach and those who are interested will share a car.
David Seeney then told us of the New Form which the OMRS Convention might be taking. If and when I have information from the Society it will be passed on to the branch.
Graham Sacker introduced our speaker Steve Lewis who talked on the lives of six men.
1. Private Joseph Lewis, Royal Marine Light Infantry, who fought in China 1862, and Japan 1863-1864, for which no medals were issued but 3 VCs were awarded.
2. Lieutenant William Hill, 1st Gloucesters, who was captured at Nicholsons Nek during the Boer War and tried tunnelling out, blowing the electric lights and bribing guards in attempts to escape.
3. A Finnish businessman, Kaarlo Granath, who escaped being drafted into the Imperial Russian Army in 1902 and was awarded the Draft Resistor’s Medal. He was executed in 1918 by Finnish Red Guards during the Finnish War of Independence.
4. George Stokes, who served with the Royal Naval Air Service Armoured Car Squadron in Georgia, Rumania and Russia before returning to the UK and transferring to the RAF. He then joined 166 Squadron which was planning to bomb Berlin using the RAFs first 4-engined bomber, the V1500 Super Handley. The 3 bombers were preparing to take off on the morning of 11 November 1918, when the raid was cancelled.
5. John Murray Graham, who served with the Scottish Rifles, King’s African Rifles, Royal Irish Constabulary Auxiliary Division, British Volunteer Company of the Finnish Army, and Royal Air Force.
6. Finally, the story of Bronislaw Karalus, who served with the Polish Army in 1939, was a prisoner in the Soviet Union during Stalin’s massacres of Polish prisoners, was released to make the terrible journey to Palestine to join the new Polish Army that would fight in Italy. He won the Virtuti Militari during the assault in Ancona in July 1944 and was wounded soon after. After everything that they had been through, his Division was then told that their part of Poland was being given to the Soviet Union. He settled in Cheltenham until he died in 2005.
Steve then answered several questions. Our President Graham Sacker thanked Steve on behalf of the members who showed there appreciation in the usual way.
Mick Kippin then showed a medal issued for the Bristol Volunteers after the Napoleonic Wars.
Tom Lyall then conducted the raffle which raised £16-00 for club funds. 17 members were present and 3 visitors, Steve Barker, Graham Hervin and Richard Hackett the meeting closed at 10.00 pm
Minutes of September 2008 Meeting
Meeting of the Cotswold Branch of the Orders & Medals Research Society held at Swindon Village Hall on Thursday 9th of October 2008.
Apologies received from G. Sacker, G. Pitchfork, N. Smith, M. Pittaway, Z Coombs and P. Roberts.
The meeting commenced at 7.30 pm with Cotswold Branch business. The Secretary read the minutes of the September meeting which was proposed by Roger Tucker seconded by Clive Harmson
The Secretary passed round the membership two e-mails from Peter Helmore and Patrick Street (OMRS committee members) requesting comments/suggestions for what form the members see the way the OMRS Convention should take. The consensus of opinion was to copy the OMRS North who have a well tried, tested successful formula. If a hotel could be found in the London area which offers similar facilities to that of the OMRS North the Convention could again be a roaring success. It was good to see Clive Hammond with us again. Clive was delighted to accept Honorary Life Membership from the branch. He and the new Treasurer Richard Emsley did a hand over take over of all branch financial matters. Richard is now officially “In the Chair”. Andrew Derrick then outlined a proposed visit to The National Arboretum in Staffordshire on the 16th of November. He also mentioned two visits which he hopes will be well supported for next year, more on those later. Mike Kippin then told the branch how the Cheltenham Civic Society were looking at possibility of 2 Blue Plaques, out of the 14 Cheltenham VC recipients being erected, more info when he has it. Roger Tucker then mentioned that it is hoped in the not too distant future, a service will be taking place at the grave of Henry Hook VC at the churchyard at Churcham (where he is interned) and thought the branch might attend. We then had a members own and again what an evening it turned out to be, terrific, where do these items come from. Medals from all three services and the Police, an Oil painting bought in an antique shop on being researched found to be that of a chap who was killed at the Massacre at Cawnpore. The award of a “tin of sardines” by President Tito to two RAF chaps after finding he (Tito) had run out of medals!!! Being shown the vast amount of research which, when you know how to find it is available on the internet. Two French awards to the RN for WWI service against the Greeks, and a Sea Gallantry Medal group to a soldier. Our thanks go to the 12 members who took part. Roger Tucker then conducted the raffle which raised £19-00 for club funds. 21 members were present and it was good to see Chris Hill visiting the branch the meeting closed at 10.35 pm.
Minutes of September 2008 Meeting
Meeting of the Cotswold Branch of the Orders & Medals Research Society held at Swindon Village Hall on Thursday 11th of September 2008.
Apologies received from C Hammond, N. Smith, M. Pittaway, David & Tom Lyall, F. Angus, Z Coombs and B. Ward.
The meeting commenced at 7.30 pm with Cotswold Branch business. The Secretary read the minutes of the July meeting which was proposed by Pete McKenna seconded by Mike Kippin
Graham Sacker (President) informed the branch that Clive Hammond has had to resign due to ill health as Treasurer, a position he has held for many years. The branch wished to express their thanks to Clive, it was proposed by the Secretary and seconded by Roger Tucker, Clive be given Life Membership to the branch which was endorsed by the members. Richard Emsley was proposed and seconded to take over as Treasurer, he will meet up with Clive and the other members of the committee for a hand over take over. Mike Kippin then read out his letter on behalf of the branch to the Cheltenham Civic Society requesting Blue Plaques to be fixed to the houses (which are still standing) of the towns VC recipients. (copy on file). John Barker ask that congratulations to Paul Pitchfork (Graham’s son) on his award of the MC for Afghanistan be entered in the minutes it was fully endorsed by the membership. Graham then introduced our speakers Roger Tucker and David Martin who gave a talk on “coincidences” It started with a group that David had bought to a chap in the Grenadier Guards who later joined the Oxford City Police ending with the rank of Superintendent. This chaps police service (information) was given to Dave by Roger who was in the Oxford City prior to it going in to the Thames Valley Force. Dave saw a group on a list which he told Roger about this was to another Superintendent who served in the Oxford City force. In the meantime Roger had bought another group to another Superintendent in his old force. Roger had known two of these three men and worked for one as a young police cadet in the late 50’s. But to crown it all Rogers father Eric who is 93 and must be our oldest speaker had served with all three and was able to give a full personal account of all of them. It was a fantastic talk and showed the true sprit of our hobby which is collectors helping others with research etc. Graham then thanked the three speakers, Eric who at 93 was a mine of information, incidentally he retired as a Superintendent of Oxford City Police.
Roger Tucker then conducted the raffle which raised £21-00 for club funds. 23 members were present and one guest (Mr R Hackett) the meeting closed at 10.30 pm.
NEWS: Major Paul Ralph Gareth Pitchfork, The Royal Gurkha Rifles, Graham's son, has been awarded the Military Cross for service in Afghanistan. Congratulations on behalf of the branch for this well deserved recognition. "The dramatic recapture of Musa Qala threw up scores of tales of battlefield bravery, but none of them might have happened had it not been for the foresight of Major Paul Pitchfork. The officer commanding 'A' Company, 1st Battalion, The Royal Gurkha Rifles led from the front as his men defended Sangin district centre, the loss of which would have seriously dented the coalition operation in Musa Qala. After fighting off as many as 60 Taliban fighters during a contact on the fringes of Sangin bazaar on December 9, Major Pitchfork realised that his troops would have to take preventative action to kill off any potential counter-attacks. Moving his company down Sangin’s principal riverbed early the following morning, Pitchfork was able to re-engage the enemy at first light. In a fire-fight that lasted more than ten hours, the inspirational officer was under direct fire as he commanded his troops against a determined enemy. In the absence of a Joint Tactical Air Controller, Major Pitchfork also assumed responsibility for controlling support from Apache helicopters at considerable personal risk. Despite taking two casualties, he manoeuvred his men through waist-deep water along the river in an attempt to engage the enemy’s flank, coming undercontact three more times before the Taliban withdrew at last light. His Military Cross citation reads: “Pitchfork demonstrated the very highest standards of leadership, courage and initiative under fire and in the face of a most determined enemy threat.” (Ref: Soldier Magazine)
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.
THE COTSWOLD CONVENTION, 9TH JUNE 2007: Mike Kippin
"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.
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.
Meetings are held at Swindon Village Hall, Cheltenham, and commence at 7.00pm for 7.30pm every second Thursday in the month except August.
UPDATE: Cotswold Branch Members' Medal Wants List
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Programme for 2009-10
Date Speaker Subject
2010
11th Feb Graham Pitchfork "Medals to RAF Apprentices"
11th Mar Paul Roberts “A Minor Action in France 1915 1/8th Worcester’s in 48th Division”
8th April AGM and Members Own “Recent Acquisitions”
13th May Dr Ken Sullivan, A.M. “The Order of Australia”
10th June John Barker “R.A.F. in India between the Wars”
12th June “Mini Convention Swindon Village Hall”
8th July Peter Ashford Memorial Lecture UPDATE: Captain Peter Starling, Director of the Army Medical Services Museum will be the guest speaker. Topic to be announced.
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
Minutes of February 2010 Meeting
Meeting of the Cotswold Branch of the Orders & Medals Research Society held at Swindon Village Hall on Thursday 11th of February 2010.
Apologies received from David & Tom Lyall, F. Angus, P. Roberts, M. Clifford, R. Hughes, H. Meadows, J. Mourton and P. McKenna
The meeting commenced at 7.30 pm with Cotswold Branch business. The Secretary welcomed our three guests John Cann, Ian Miller and Simon Wilson, the minutes of the January meeting were read and were proposed by Graham Pitchfork seconded by Andrew Derrick. John then talked about the Mini Convention informing the membership we were unable to get our advert in to the March Journal, but had been successful with Medal News and OMRS North. He then distributed forms for members who are going to display at the convention. He then congratulated Richard Hackett on the award of the Malaysian Pingat Jasa Malaysia which was presented to him (along with another 299 ex service men and women) by the Malaysian Military Attaché at a ceremony Held in Bristol earlier today. This was awarded to all Commonwealth Members of the armed forces who helped to defeat the insurrection in Malaysia. John Barker on behalf of Paul Roberts (our speaker for next month) asked for members to bring any groups or research pertaining to WW1 Gallantry items to go with his talk. It was proposed that a Cotswold Branch ‘medal wants’ webpage be created so that members can list the details of medals that they are seeking. Steve Lewis our web designer agreed to take this on. Our President John Barker then introduced our Speaker, Graham Pitchfork, who gave a lecture on Royal Air Force Apprentices, outlining the creation of the scheme and great value of the apprentices to the R.A.F. He explained that once they finished their apprenticeship they served five years overseas, usually in Iraq or India, thus leading to some interesting medal combinations. He then spoke about several groups to apprentices, showing the long and distinguished careers that these men had. The groups included gallantry awards as aircrew, including a group that begins DSO, DFC, DFM. One group included a GSM with clasps Southern Desert Iraq and Malaya! The stories of these men were thoroughly researched in the way that we have to expect of Graham. The talk included fascinating photographs showing the types of uniform and badges worn by apprentices over the years. Dave Seeney then gave a vote of thanks to Graham and appreciation was shown in the usual way. John Barker and John Scott then showed several interesting groups to apprentices and Ian Miller (guest) showed an Efficiency Medal which he recently purchased and is going to sell back to the recipients grandson. Richard conducted the raffle and £18.00 was raised for club funds. There were 21 members and 3 guests present and the meeting closed at 10.30 pm
Minutes of January 2010 Meeting
Meeting of the Cotswold Branch of the Orders & Medals Research Society held at Swindon Village Hall on Thursday 14th of January 2010.
Apologies received from N. Smith, M. Pittaway, David & Tom Lyall, F. Angus, M. Kippin, P. Roberts, M. Coombs, M. Clifford, J. Barker, D. Seeney, D. Martin, M. Atkinson, R. Hughes and B. Ward
Due to the atrocious weather of the last few weeks, snow ice and now dense fog our numbers were well down. When this became apparent it was decided that Graham Pitchfork will now give his talk on RAF Apprentices at our February meeting as Zak Coombs might not be back in the UK on that date. His (Zak’s) talk will be scheduled later on in the year.
The meeting commenced at 7.30 pm with Cotswold Branch business. The Secretary read the minutes of the December meeting which was proposed by David Gibbons seconded by Steve Lewis. Due to the Christmas/New Year holiday there was only one item on the agenda to be discussed and that was the Cotswold Branch Mini Convention. Chris Hill said that he would try to get members of the London Branch to come by coach (as they did in the past) This should increase the numbers of guests attending. We need to know who is going to attend so the caters are able to do their job. It was also suggested that this event be included in the OMRS Journal and Medal News, secretary to see this is done.
We then had a members own which was another memorable one.
David Gibbons talked on a 5 bar IGS95 to a chap in the Kurrum Militia
Henry Meadows brought a NGS to Lt who was at the Battle of St Vincent
Andrew Derrick a group to LtCol Sparrow Coldstream Guards
Graham Pitchfork a DFC group to a Canadian Casualty, with a Birks Bar and complete documentation
Steve Lewis a Finnish Medal awarded to the next of kin to an officer killed in WW2
Mark Selby a Canal Zone awarded to a chap in the RAF from Gloucester
John Wright a China 1900 to a sailor who was presented the medal by King Edward VII
Chris Hill on a double issue of the 1914-15 trio to a chap who was with the London Scottish then the RNVR who served in France with the Army and Africa with the RNVR.
Chris then went on to tell us of his travels around New Zealand and Singapore and how he managed to get some research from a family in NZ on medals in his collection. It was a very good meeting enjoyed by all who attended. We decided not to have a raffle as the numbers didn’t warrant it. There were 10 members present and the meeting closed at 10.00 pm
Minutes of December 2009 Meeting
Meeting of the Cotswold Branch of the Orders & Medals Research Society held at Swindon Village Hall on Thursday 10th of December 2009.
Apologies received from N. Smith, M. Pittaway, C. Hill, David & Tom Lyall, F. Angus, M. Kippin, H. Meadows, R. Emsley, M. Selby, A. Derrick, G. Pitchfork and P. Roberts
The meeting commenced at 7.30 pm with Cotswold Branch business. The Secretary read the minutes of the November meeting which was proposed by Richard Hugh’s seconded by David Seeney. John read out our President Graham Sackers letter of resignation. All at the meeting expressed their thanks for all the work Graham has done for the Branch over the years. A letter has been sent informing him of Life Membership of the branch being conferred on him by the membership.
Mike Atkinson then proposed John Barker to be the new President, this was seconded by the secretary and all members present voted by a show of hands, which was unanimous in his favour. Gp Capt John E Barker RAF (Retd) accepted the position and is now the Cotswold Branch of the OMRS new President. He took it on the proviso that it was for 3 years and that every 3 years a new person took the position.
There was an e-mail from OMRS telling us that we had been successful with our a request for a grant to buy a projector for power point presentations. Richard Emsley our treasurer is liaising with OMRS treasurer. We hope the grant is through prior to the VAT increase in January!
Mike Atkinson was Quiz Master after winning it last year. As expected of Mike it turned out to be one of the best we have had. It was very fair covering all aspects of our hobby which really tested us. There were 45 questions with 80 being the maximum number of points and this years winner is Steve Lewis. John Barker then took on his new role and presented the winners plate to Steve (which Steve has to get his name engraved on by next year). Peter McKenna conducted the raffle, which raised £13 for club funds. Members had brought food which was enjoyed by all who were there. 14 members present and the meeting closed at 10.00 pm
I should like to take this opportunity to wish all of you a Very Merry Christmas and a Peaceful, Prosperous, Happy New Year. There were 14 members present and the meeting closed at 10.00 pm
Minutes of Novermber 2009 Meeting
Meeting of the Cotswold Branch of the Orders & Medals Research Society held at Swindon Village Hall on Thursday 12th of November 2009.
Apologies received from G. Sacker, N. Smith, M. Pittaway, C. Hill, David & Tom Lyall, F. Angus and M. Kippin
The meeting commenced at 7.30 pm with Cotswold Branch business. The Secretary read the minutes of the October meeting which was proposed by John Barker seconded by Jim Mourton. John then informed the branch that Graham Sacker our president for the past 23 years has resigned the post. He hopes to come to the meetings if and when circumstances allow. It was suggested Graham be given life membership of the branch for all the work he has carried out over the past 20 odd years. A show of hands carried this suggestion and the secretary will write to Graham thanking him for what he has done and informing him of the branch decision. The membership were then asked to go away and decide who they should like to be the next president and give a name/names to be voted on at the December meeting. It was also proposed the the post of President should be for 3 years, thus enabling other branch members to take on the post.
Details were then give of the OMRS North Convention being held on the 23rd 24th and 25th of April 2010. It is being held at the Holiday Inn, Runcorn, Cheshire, rooms can be reserved by telephoning 0871 9429070. The dinner on Saturday can be booked at a later date when details are published. The OMRS committee reminded us that grants are available to branches. The possibility of acquiring a projector for Power Point presentations has previously been discussed and Graham Pitchfork agreed to prepare an application on the branches behalf. Andrew Derrick then proposed that the branch congratulate John Wright our Branch Sectetary on being presented with his South Atlantic Medal on Friday 6th November 2009 by MajGen Wall at John's old place of work. It was 27 years after he qualified that he received it, but well worth the wait.
The theme of the meeting being ’Medals to the Fallen’, the medals shown included a group to a sailor killed at Gallipoli with the Hood Battalion, RND and a pair and plaque to the Glosters. A WWI group to a Captain in Somerset Light Infantry, a Merchant Navy group that spanned WWI and WWII, a trio and plaque to a submariner, an RAF GSM Kurdistan to a man killed in WWII while working on finding German beams, along with an AFM, Africa Star and War Medal to another man who carried out similar work. A South Africa 1853 Medal to one of only 12 men of the Warwicks who survived the sinking of the troopship Birkenhead. A GSM Palestine 45/48 to a Para who was killed in a parachuting accident while serving in the Canal Zone 1953. A Crimea Medal to a Grenadier Guard who survived a wound at the Alma only to die of cholera. A WWI trio to a Coldstream Guard who was killed in 1914 only 11 days after arriving in France, A Sudan Medal to the only man in the Lincolnshire Regiment to be killed at the Battle of Atbara, an Africa General Service Medal, Naval General Service and WWI group to a Private in the Royal Marines, a DCM to a Worcester killed at Gallipoli and a DFC Battle of Britain group to a pilot killed over Malta. A very complete WWI casualty group to another Worcester and a single BWM to a Brigadier-general who was shot by a sniper while inspecting trenches. A Naval General Service Medal to a Royal Marine who served on HMS Superb at Algiers and finally a log book to a pilot who ended up as an Air Vice Marshall. Richard Emsley conducted the raffle, which raised £16 for club funds. There were 20 members present and the meeting closed at 10.00 pm
Minutes of October 2009 Meeting
Meeting of the Cotswold Branch of the Orders & Medals Research Society held at Swindon Village Hall on Thursday 8th of October 2009.
Apologies received from G. Sacker, R. Emsley, N. Smith, M. Pittaway, C. Hill, P. Roberts, D. Hackett, M. Selby, T. Ewing and D. Seeney.
The meeting commenced at 7.30 pm with Cotswold Branch business. The Secretary read the minutes of the September meeting which was proposed by Clive Harmson seconded by Frank Angus. He then read out a letter from Roger Tucker informing the branch of his resignation because of ill health. The membership wished him well and thanked him for the work he did whilst a member of the branch.
Mike Kippin then sent around the room a folder containing photographs and a write up on the day the 3 V.C. recipients Blue Plaques were put on the buildings. He also said that if we were to approach Lord Ashcroft he might be willing to go ahead with what the branch has suggested regarding the other V.C. winners from the town. Mike then invited any members who would like to go to Gloucester Cathedral on the 18th of Oct for the dedication of the Gloucestershire Branch of the Aden Veterans Association’s Standard. David and Tom Lyall then told of a distant relation who is having a blue plaque honouring his service to the Royal Navy and the Linnean Society as well as the town. Andrew Derrick let it be known that he is Australia for three months but he will be organising events in the summer on his return.
Graham Pitchfork talked about the OMRS Convention which he said was very good, it had gone back to more emphasis on the Research Side of the hobby. Secretary’s comment seems it has taken the same format as OMRS North but being in London cost a lot more.
Mike Atkinson gave a fantastic lecture on the “AMHERST” family. He told of two brothers one who was responsible for Canada becoming part of the Commonwealth. The other brother brought Burma into the British Empire, both were distinguished Military Officers who helped to change the history of Britain. He then showed three medal groups to grand sons of these two distinguished people and they followed in their foot steps. One brother fought as an officer with the Coldstream Guards in the Crimea where he was wounded. Another served as a Midshipman in the Baltic and the younger brother fought again as an Officer in the Coldstream Guards with the Camel Corps in the Egypt Campaign. All were meticulously researched one brother kept a diary he was the one who fought in Egypt (this was in a library and had not seen the light of day till Mike asked for it). He complemented the lecture with photographs of paintings which are in private collections, it was also enhanced by the use of power point. He then did a question and answer session. Graham Pitchfork gave a vote of thanks on behalf of the branch and appreciation was showed in the usual way.
John Wright conducted the Raffle. Which raised £15-00 for branch funds. 17 members were present the meeting closed at 10.00 pm.
VICTORIA CROSS BLUE PLAQUES by Mick Kippin
On Friday 11th September 2009, Cheltenham Civic Society unveiled blue commemorative plaques to recognise the heroism of three of the Town’s Victoria Cross heroes.
The idea of “blue plaques” for at least some of the men from Cheltenham who had been honoured with the award of the Victoria Cross came initially from members of the Cotswold branch of The Orders & Medals Research Society. Cheltenham has an impressive record of 13 men who have received the V.C., plus a further 12 awards to former pupils of Cheltenham College. The three men recently recognised with plaques were all born in Cheltenham: Mr William Fraser McDonell of the Bengal Civil Service, A/Lt.Col Richard Annesley West, The North Irish Horse and Capt Anketell Moutray Read, The Northamptonshire Regiment. McDonell is one of only five civilians ever to be awarded a V.C. Unfortunately, Lord Ashcroft who generously sponsored the plaques to McDonell and West since he has these two crosses in his outstanding collection was unable to make it on the day; but he was well represented by Michael Naxton, the curator of the Ashcroft collection. Following a short introduction by Steven Clarke, Chairman of the Civic Society, citations were read for all three men by myself. The mayor of Cheltenham, Councillor Mr Lloyd Surgenor then unveiled each plaque. Cheltenham’s MP, Martin Horwood then said a few words in conclusion. A reception for the dignitaries and those closely involved with the project was held at Beaumont House after Captain Read’s plaque had been unveiled by the front door of what is now a five-star guest house. Cheltenham Civic Society has already erected 21 blue plaques around the Town to commemorate many of the Town’s famous sons and daughters (see Peter Smith and Sue Rowbotham’s excellent book) and it is to be hoped that these three plaques are just the first of a series to commemorate some more of Cheltenham’s13 VCs.
Branch News:
The Military Intelligence Museum, DISC Chicksands
Monday 14th September 2009
Little did we know, when we set out on the trip to Chicksands, what an epic journey lay before us. Reports that a "Cheltenham to Chicksands Star" is being instituted for the survivors of the long trek, cannot be confirmed at the moment. We were greeted at the museum by Major Alan Edwards who gave us a guided tour of the various rooms, telling the development of military intelligence gathering and analysis over the years. There were several cases of medals, including the Waterloo Medal to Major Colquhoun Grant (Wellington's intelligence officer). There were exhibits on SOE, the enigma machine, photographic interpretation, signals, BRIXMIS and other 'Cold War' intelligence operations. The museum also has an excellent database on awards made to Intelligence Corps personnel and is collecting together citations/recommendations and rolls wherever possible. Another case contained items from the time when Chicksands was a US Air Force base. Ten members and two guests attended and the day was enjoyed by all. Thanks again must go to Andrew and Mike for arranging the trip and (eventually) getting is there!
Steve (one of the "Chicksands Twelve")
Had a letter today the 12th September informing me that Roger Tucker has had to resign from the branch due to ill health, we wish him all the best for the future and hope if he is ever in the area to call in for a "natter"
Minutes of September 2009 Meeting
Meeting of the Cotswold branch of the OMRS held in Swindon Village Hall on Thursday 10th of September 2009
Apologies received from David and Tom Lyall, R. Tucker, N. Smith, P. McKenna, M. Pittaway, C. Hill, P. Roberts, H. Meadows, C. Harmson, B. Ward, K. Burrell and D. Hackett.
The meeting commenced at 7.30 pm with Cotswold Branch business. The Secretary read the minutes of the July meeting which was proposed by Richard Hughes seconded by Mike Kippin. An update was given on the unveiling of the Blue Plaques on Friday September the 11th. A cheque was then presented for our Blue Plaque Fund on behalf of Keith Burrell who donated a cricket bat to be auctioned by Cotswold Auction Company, commission-free. It was proposed that a letter of thanks be sent to Keith and Henry Meadows.Andrew Derrick advised that all members going to Chicksands on Monday 14th September to bring a form of identification. The bus will leave Swindon Village Hall at 9.00 am. Richard Emsley informed the branch that the ‘Blue Plaque Fund’ was close to reaching its target to pay for a plaque to Surgeon-General Manley VC next year. John Barker gave a brief description of the Bentinck Medal, which was awarded by Major-General Sir Henry Bentinck to a few Guardsmen who served in the Crimean War. Twelve members then gave brief presentations on medals ranging from a WWII MM to a commando, a group to a Warwickshire Regiment soldier who, subsequent research proved, was a Para at Arnhem was captured at the bridge. John Barker presented the medals of his two uncles, both killed in WWI. Next we had a Brunei/Borneo pair of medals to a Royal Green Jacket, again research revealed a great story (including being wounded on a punji stick). A Waterloo Medal to a Grenadier Guardsman who many years later died at Chelsea Hospital. A New Zealand WWI trio to a man wounded in Gallipoli who had also worked for the New Zealand Fire Service, 2 casualty groups to Cheltenham men, a Dunkirk DSC group to the captain of a merchant ship that beached itself to get soldiers on board, a MGC MM group with a Belgian decoration and a gold watch and, finally, a board containing examples of 14 WWI Victory Medals, including those awarded by Thailand, Brazil and Cuba - who played such a big part in the Allied victory!
John Wright conducted the Raffle £19 was raised. 20 members were present (2 having left early because of other commitments) the meeting closed at 10.00 pm.
No. 11 Fighter Group Operations Room Bunker, R.A.F. Uxbridge
MONDAY 13TH JUNE 2009
The intrepid explorers of the Cotswold Branch set out on another expedition, this time to visit the 'secret' bunker at RAF Uxbridge which contained the Operations Room of No. 11 Fighter Group during the Battle of Britain. From this room, staffed mainly by the WRAF, the fighters of the R.A.F. were directed against the Luftwaffe attacks on Southern England. The bunker, 60 feet underground, had been sealed for many years and still contains the original equipment used during the war. The table map is set up with the positions of the aircraft on 15th September 1940, when the RAF had to commit every available aircraft, leaving no reserves. The method of plotting aircraft and the board showing the status of the fighter squadrons was explained. We were then free to look around the various rooms desplaying uniforms, medals and documents. A fascinating place and a real sense of stepping back in time.
Minutes of July 2009 Meeting
Meeting of the Cotswold Branch of the Orders & Medals Research Society held at Swindon Village Hall on Thursday 9th of July 2009.
Apologies received from R. Tucker, N. Smith, P. McKenna, M. Pittaway, C. Hill and P. Roberts
The meeting commenced at 7.40 pm with Cotswold Branch business. The Secretary read the minutes of the June meeting which was proposed by Frank Angus seconded by David Seeney.
Mike Kippin then gave an update on the Blue Plaque situation they will be unveiled on Friday September the 11th at the following venues. If more information is required contact the secretary.
1100 hrs Pittville House Wellington Road, GL52 2AE (McDonell)
1145 hrs Oxford Street, London Road, GL52 6DT (West)
1230 hrs Beaumont House Hotel, Shurdington Road, GL53 0JE (Read)
Dave Seeney advised that on Saturday 18th July there will be a ‘Sounding the Retreat’ at Hereford T.A. Centre, along with two talks, Lt-Col. Andy Taylor (ret’d) on the Hereford Regiment in World War One, and Peter Hart on the Gallipoli Campaign. Andrew Derrick advised that all members going to RAF Uxbridge on Monday 13th July must bring a form of identification (driving licence or passport). The bus will leave Swindon Village Hall at 9.15 am.
Henry Newberry mentioned the Gurkhas are holding an open day at Brecon 30th August and a Freedom of the City Parade 6th September.
Richard Emsley then introduced our guest speaker, Lieutenant-Colonel Mullally. Commissioned in 1936, he told of life serving with the 10th Gurkhas on the Northwest Frontier of India and then in Burma against the Japanese. He also told of being stationed in Vietnam at the end of the war, where he and his regiment did their best to assist the local leaders to restore order and rebuild the lives of the Vietnamese people. The arrival of French forces almost wrecked the situation through their heavy handed and brutal treatment of the locals. It is no wonder that they soon turned against the French, eventually leading to the Vietnamese war. Colonel Mullally spoke with candour and humour and an obvious deep respect and admiration for the brave and loyal Gurkha soldiers that he served with.
Graham Sacker thanked Colonel Mullally on behalf of the branch who showed their appreciation in the usual way.
Brian Ward conducted the Raffle which raised £25 towards the cost of the VC Blue Plaque. 30 members and 2 guests were present the meeting closed at 10.00 pm.
Minutes of June 2009 Meeting
Meeting of the Cotswolds Branch OMRS held at Swindon Village Hall, Thursday 11th June 2009
Apologies were received from the Secretary, John Wright, and from Roger Tucker, Nathan Smith, Matt Pittaway, Zak Coombs, Chris Hill, Clive Harmson, David and Tom Lyall, and Peter McKenna
In the absence of the Branch Secretary, the meeting was chaired by Graham Sacker, who welcomed 21 members and three guests.
The minutes of the previous meeting were read and approved, being proposed by John Barker and seconded by Mike Kippin.
Andrew Derrick reported the very successful branch outing to the Trooping of the Colour rehearsal and the Ceremony of the Keys at the Tower of London. Some spaces for the trip to RAF Uxbridge were still available.
This meeting having been designated a “Members Own” with a theme of recent acquisitions, the floor was then thrown open to anyone wishing to address the members in respect of items of interest. Priority was given to Mrs Daphne Symon, one of the guests, who had come along with her husband at the invitation of Steve Lewis to talk about a relative whose medals had come into her possession. This relative, Major Eric Dalrymple Gairdner MD, had served as an army doctor during the Boer War and the Great War, being awarded the DSO & Bar, the Sea Gallantry Medal and the French Croix de Guerre with Palm, in addition to his campaign medals. Mrs Symon read some notes on the doctor, outlining his gallantry awards for extreme bravery in the field, in treating wounded soldiers whilst under fire in “nomansland”, during which he was himself seriously wounded, being shot twice in the chest. The Sea Gallantry award had been in connection with saving of drowning men after the sinking by torpedo of a troopship, in the Aegean Sea. Dr Gairdner survived only until 1933, having suffered serious ill health as a result of his wounds. His magnificent framed medal group was passed around the meeting for all to appreciate.
Fourteen other members later spoke about items they had brought to the meeting and the high quality and diversity of interests was once again much in evidence.
Dave Seeney donated a collector’s medal cabinet for auction, which was carried out in style by Henry Matthews, raising £12.00, which, together with a raffle managed by Brian Ward, raising a further £22, would be placed towards the “Blue Plaque” fund to commemorate one of the Cheltenham VCs.
There being no further business, the meeting closed at 10.30pm
CEREMONY OF THE KEYS AND COLONEL'S REVIEW OF TROOPING THE COLOUR
FRIDAY 5TH - SATURDAY 6TH JUNE 2009
Eight members and one guest gathered at the Civil Service Club on Friday and made their way to the Tower of London to witness the Ceremony of the Keys. A Yeoman Warder explained the history of the ceremony and the events that we were about to see. It is the oldest continuous military ceremony in the world, having been performed every night for over 700 years, without a single break. The escort to the keys on this night were the Grenadier Guards. It was amazing to watch a small piece of British history unfolding before our eyes, as the gates to the Tower were locked for the night. The Warder pointed out that we were now locked inside the Tower and advised us to form and escape commitee. However, a 'secret' door was revealed to us (about which we will say no more....)
Saturday morning we were joined by another member and guest and the party set out to watch the trooping. With rain falling, the Guards marched on wearing their capes. At the order to remove capes, the red tunics were revealed, to spontaneous applause for the crowd. The Irish Guards colour was trooped and what a spectacle it was. We can only hope that the parade on the day goes as well as this last rehearsal.
We then retired to the Civil Service Club for lunch and a drink or two, before setting out for home.
BLETCHLEY PARK
SUNDAY 17TH MAY 2009
On a wet, windy Sunday morning we set out from Swindon Village for a tour of Bletchley Park. Bletchley Park was the predecessor of G.C.H.Q. It closed after World War 2 with the code & cypher school departing to Eastcote, London and later to Cheltenham, where of course it still is. The Bletchley Park site was only finally decommissioned in 1987. By 1991 the site was virtually empty and plans were “in hand” for the buildings to be demolished and replaced by a housing estate. However, as news of the threat spread, a farewell party was organised by Bletchley Archaeological & Historical Society, and attended by over 400 code breakers, and as result of the stories they told, it was decided to attempt the restoration of the site, for posterity. Bletchley Park is known as “the home of the codebreaker”. Our first talk was a demonstration of the most famous of the codes and cyphers to be broken, i.e. the enigma cypher machine. There was an explanation of how it worked and how the codes were finally broken. It came as a surprise to hear that the Polish had broken the original enigma code in 1932, however at that time the cypher was only altered once every 3 months. With the advent of the war the Germans changed the code at least once every day, giving 150 million, million, million possible setting to be chosen from. The Poles decided to inform the British in 1939 when they could no longer break these codes.
More and more people were recruited to join the codebreaking operatives. At its height it is estimated that there were between 10,000-12,000 people, most of them women, working on the site. It was operational 24 hours a day. We saw an operational demonstration of “the bombe”, a machine invented to test possible enigma decyphers, and the rebuilt Colossus (the world's first computer) which was used to decypher the German High Command codes which were encoded on a Lorenz machine (even more complex than engima).
The tour took in the various huts where the codebreakers worked, for example Hut 4 accommodated the codebreakers working to crack the Naval enigma, and it was to this hut that an enigma code book captured from U boat 110, in May 1941, was duly delivered. Hut 6 was the centre of operations to break the enigma cypher used by the German army and air force. The decoded messages from Huts 4 & 6 were passed to Hut 3 for translation, analysis and despatch to intelligence officers on London. Another hut contained an exhibition of the work done by the National Pigeon Service, including pigeons dropped in special containers, by parachute, into enemy occupied territory to carry messages back to UK. A 'Dickin Medal' to pigeon 'Mercury' was included, for carrying messages back from Denmark
An extremely interesting and informative visit that certainly gave us a lot to think about, not least, how did we manage to keep Bletchley Park a secret when, at its height, so many people worked there, all were billeted in the surrounding country side. It is impossible to appreciate the importance of Bletchley Park to the war effort, but it is estimated that their work shortened the war by two years. It is difficult to absorb the information and adequately look around in just one afternoon. It was agreed that a further visit was essential at some future date.
A truly amazing place!! Andrew Derrick
Minutes of May 2009 Meeting
Meeting of the Cotswold Branch of the Orders & Medals Research Society held at Swindon Village Hall on Thursday 14th of May 2009.
Apologies received from R. Tucker, N. Smith, Z. Coombs, C. Hill, P. McKenna, M. Pittaway and M. Tanner
The meeting commenced at 7.40 pm with Cotswold Branch business. The Secretary read the minutes of the April meeting which was proposed by David Seeney seconded by Frank Angus. It has been proposed to hold a Mini Convention in Swindon Village Hall on Sunday 10th of June 2010. Andrew Derrick and Mike Kippin have agreed, with the help of other branch members to organise the event. Names to the Secretary of members who are going to exhibit asap as space is at a premium. He then cast his net for “Speakers” for the coming season, he will be making out the program in August, again names asap. We had an e-mail off Patrick Street (OMRS head office) congratulating the branch on our web site. Many thanks to Steve Lewis who looks after it for us at no cost to the Branch or Society.
Richard Emsley (Treasurer) read out the financial report for the year ending 31st March 2009, he handed out copies to the members present. The Secretary has a copy here in the minutes for those who did not see them. Richard then let it be know that he was taking subscriptions for the coming year, he must have done well as he had a smile on his face when he left. Our President Graham Sacker then gave his address!.
David Seeney reminded the membership of the 6th June D-Day celebrations being held in Warwick and Andrew Derrick then informed us that the trip to RAF Uxbridge has been changed to the 13th of July. It seems that a film crew is there on the 20th.
Our President Graham Sacker introduced our speaker and branch member Graham Pitchfork (Air Commodore retired) who gave a fantastic lecture on how he came to be writing and how he writes RAF Obituaries for the Daily Telegraph. He elaborated on his intelligence network which helps him to be factually correct, help from family members and friends of the deceased is also put to good use. He went on to tell several stories which he felt should be included of members of the RAF who were not senior officers. Two cases of note two RAF Nurses who landed on the beaches on D-Day, 3 others (the first females) who flew in to the battle field on a Dakota. The stories are not just an obituary but a piece of history which will be kept for generations of researchers to look at in years to come. How families react to the obituary, letters of thanks and letters saying that Dad never told us of his exploits. We were treated to 2 hours and given a fascinating insight on this subject.
Graham Sacker thanked Graham on behalf of the branch who showed their appreciation in the usual way. Brian Ward conducted the Raffle which raised £26 towards the cost of the VC Blue Plaque. A donation for £10 was given by Henry Meadows of the Cotswold Auction Co towards the Blue plaque Appeal. 26 members and 1 guest were present the meeting closed at 10.10 pm.
An unusual group of medals!
Former member of the branch and ex-Royal Signals, Alyn Tanner, who emigrated to the USA and joined the National Guard, has recently served in Iraq and now has an unusual group:
Former member of the branch and ex-Royal Signals, Alyn Tanner, who emigrated to the USA and joined the National Guard, has recently served in Iraq and now has an unusual group:
Branch Visit to Sandhurst Military Academy - Sunday 19th April 2009
On a bright sunny Sunday morning, 17 members of the Cotswold Branch of the OMRS set out from Swindon Village Hall to visit the Royal Military Academy, Sandhurst. The group was made up of:
Frank Angus, Andrew Derrick, David Gibbons, Paul Gibbons (guest), Dick Hackett, Clive Harmson, Richard Hughes, Mike Kippin, Stephen Lewis, David Lyall, Tom Lyall, Peter McKenna, Arthur McKenna (guest), Henry Meadows, Mike Paris (guest), Major Nathan Smith, John Wright.
We arrived at the main gate at 11.35 am, and were met by Major Nathan Smith, R.L.C. (one of our members) who took us up to the main building to meet Dr Anthony Morton, the Sandhurst Archivist, our guide for the visit. We were immediately impressed by the extensive grounds and ornamental lakes covering many acres, at one point forming the boundaries of 3 counties, Surrey, Berkshire and Hampshire.
Our tour started at the main building, the impressive entrance hall filled with flags, banners and rifles made for cadets. We continued through various rooms, named after prominent military figures, including the Marlborough Room, Wellington Room, Le Marchant Room and the Jacky Lord room ( a long standing RSM at Sandhurst), these rooms containing pictures, portraits and gifts presented to the Academy. The story of the "Quit Rent Flags" was also explained to us and an example of these is hanging in the Marlbourough and Wellington Rooms. These ranged from the magnificent to the somewhat tacky!! We then moved on to the magnificent Indian Army Memorial Room, which was the original Chapel. This room contained a wonderful display of medals, portraits, uniforms and other artefacts commemorating the old British Indian Army.
Outside the main buildings were various cannon from the Crimea, France and even Finland (taken at Bomarsund).
We then made our way to the Royal Memorial Chapel, which was originally built in 1879 but since enlarged. Outside the west door is a large bronze statue of soldiers as a memorial to “other ranks”, as a reminder to all the officer cadets of the bond and loyalty between themselves and their men. In the chapel itself there are numerous stained glass windows, many depicting and celebrating past military leaders. Around the walls were regimental panels commemorating officers killed in the 1914-18 war. Our tour ended at 4.00 pm, a late lunch of sandwiches was had in the hired minibus! Thanks and a bottle of wine given to both Dr Morton and Major Smith, for a most enjoyable day, then we embarked on our homeward journey, arriving back at Swindon Village at approx.5.30 pm. We would also like to mention and thank our duty driver Mike Kippin (no you can't add an MID emblem to your medals!)
Andrew Derrick (Functions Officer)
On the steps of the College |
Outside the Royal Memorial Chapel, Sandhurst |
Cotswold Branch of the OMRS Annual Report from April 2008 to April 2009
We have had another good year branch membership has stayed steady with an average of 20 members attending the meetings. We have had new members join to replace others who have moved away or died. As in previous years our speakers were all members of the Cotswold Branch. It never fails to amaze me the quality of the displays and depth of research they produce. We also had a couple of Members Own/Recent Acquitions which again proved popular. Our Christmas quiz was set by John Scott and Mike Atkinson was this years winner.
The speaker for the Peter Ashford memorial lecture was Wing Commander Trevor Price DFC. Trevor talked us through his career in the Royal Air Force from his time flying piston engine fighters through to jets and then the first RAF helicopters. He continued to fly up to the 1970’s in N. Ireland. He covered his time in Borneo for which he was awarded a DFC to go with his campaign service medal with clasps Borneo and N. Ireland.
Major Paul Pitchfork 1 RGR (Graham Pitchfork’s son) was awarded an MC for Gallantry in Afghanistan.
The branch has now three Life members Ray Noyce (Canada) Roland Hill MBE and Clive Hammond.
Mike Kippin and Graham Sacker have convinced the Civic Society to have Three blue plaques put on houses (still standing) of three of the 15 VC winners who lived/came from Cheltenham. Mike put it to the branch that we should pay for one of these, which was agreed, congratulations to them both for such sterling work.
Roger Tucker/Peter McKenna conducts the Raffle which continues to raise money for the club funds and our “Blue VC plaque“.
J.F. Wright Secretary Cotswold branch OMRS
Minutes of April 2009 Meeting
Meeting of the Cotswold Branch of the Orders & Medals Research Society held at Swindon Village Hall on Thursday 9th 2009.
Apologies received from R. Tucker, N. Smith, S. Barker, Z. Coombs, C. Hill, F Angus, G. Sacker and D&T Lyall
The meeting commenced at 7.35 pm with Cotswold Branch business. The Secretary read the minutes of the March meeting which was proposed by Richard Hughes seconded by Mike Kippin. It was suggested that the branch have another Mini Convention in June 2010 Clive Harmson will see what dates are available and report back.
Then followed the AGM, the Secretary read out his report a draft of this is on the Cotswold Branch web page www.qcmilitaria.com. It was proposed by Peter McKenna and seconded by Andrew Derrick.
Richard Emsley our new Treasurer prior to his report thanked Clive Hammond for his work as Treasurer and although Clive is not well he did everything to help Richard settle in to his new job. He will have a full financial report for the next meeting. However being a true treasurer he was quite prepared to take this year’s subscriptions and by the end of the evening he had a smile on his face.
Unfortunately our President Graham Sacker was unable to attend and he will give his address next month.
Mike Kippin gave a fascinating talk on the award of the Naval General Service medal with the clasp Algiers (120 Army Personnel were eligible although only a few lived to claim their medals) His talk covered the action leading up to the Dutch and British Fleets attacking Algiers. He covered the service of Lt Whinyates RE including a copy of the map he drew at the time. Lt Whinyates MGS clasp Algiers is in Cheltenham Museum and is on display with other Whinyates family medals. Mike finished with a question and answer session and the membership showed their appreciation in the usual way.
Peter McKenna conducted the Raffle which raised £19 towards the cost of the VC Blue Plaque. 21 members were present the meeting closed at 10.10 pm
Minutes of March 2009 Meeting
Meeting of the Cotswold Branch of the Orders & Medals Research Society held at Swindon Village Hall on Thursday 12th March 2009.
Apologies received from R. Tucker, N. Smith, M. Pittaway, S. Barker, B. Ward, Z. Coombs and C. Hill
The meeting commenced at 7.40 pm with Cotswold Branch business. The Secretary read the minutes of the February meeting which was proposed by F. Angus seconded by John Barker. He then informed the branch that the AGM was being held at the start of the April meeting, he apologised to the members for this over site. He will be contacting Medal News to have the branch monthly meetings advertised in that publication. Henry Meadows who has recently moved in to the area was welcomed as a new member.
Mike Kippin reported to the branch progress on the Blue Plaques to Cheltenham VC Recipients. These are going to be placed on site in August and it was proposed and seconded that the branch will pay for one of these £150-00. The monies to be raised from the next five raffles.
Richard Emsley then gave a fascinating talk on the life and times of Commandant E.C. Handyside CIE, OBE, KPM and Bar of “The Frontier Constabulary“. He covered the fascinating story of the man who was trusted and feared by all the tribes on the NWF. All his awards were for Gallantry in action and Richard showed this through his diligent research at the India Office (British Library). He also proved with papers found at the said place a citation, which had been prepared and wrote up for the action which cost him his life. He was to have been awarded the second bar to his KPM. It was a memorable lecture which was enjoyed by all. Richard did a question and answer session and Graham gave a vote of thanks on behalf of the membership.
Peter McKenna conducted the Raffle which raised £26 towards the cost of the VC Blue Plaque. 23 members were present the meeting closed at 10.30 pm
Minutes of February 2009 Meeting
Meeting of the Cotswold Branch of the Orders & Medals Research Society held at Swindon Village Hall on Thursday 12th February 2009.
Apologies received from R. Tucker, N. Smith, M. Pittaway, G. Pitchfork. D. Seeney, S. Barker, B. Ward, and C. Hill
The meeting commenced at 7.50 pm with Cotswold Branch business. The Secretary read the minutes of the January meeting which was proposed by Tom Lyall seconded by Mike Kippin.
These three should not be missed, you can bring wives, friends or relations to help make up the numbers, the more who attend the less the cost.
John Barker asked the secretary why we had no mention of our past years activities in the Winter Journal. The secretary then explained the mix up at OMRS headquarters, it will not happen again!!
We then commenced with the “Members Own” and again what a fantastic array of medals come out.
Richard Emsley, Mike Atkinson, Jim Mourton, John Barker, Keith Burrell, Paul Roberts, Adrian Sykes, Mike Kippin, David Martin, Steve Lewis, Richard Hughes, Graham Sacker, Peter McKenna and John Wright all brought items which ranged from one of only 2 Egypt Medals to the Gloucester’s. Medals to the Navigator on RMS Laconia, Three sets of brothers medals including one who was killed in Indonesia in 1946. A Korea/Malaya group to a chap who fought with Speakman VC in Korea, a nurses WWI group, another group with the story of how his second wife came back to haunt the family home. CMG IGS54/IGS95 to a Col in the Rifle Brigade, WW2 Grenadier group, another WW2 RAMC group which included the Atlantic Star. WW2/Korea group to the Gloucester’s Provost Sgt who was wounded and taken captive in Korea. A DSO group to the Worcester’s and an Australian modern group covering the Vietnam period including a QEII ED clasp Australia.
Peter McKenna conducted the Raffle which raised £17 for club funds. 17 members and 3 guests (who have decided to become members) were present the meeting closed at 10.50 pm
Minutes of January 2009 Meeting
Meeting of the Cotswold Branch of the Orders & Medals Research Society held at Swindon Village Hall on Thursday 8th January 2009.
Apologies received from R. Tucker, N. Smith, M. Pittaway, P. Roberts and J Barker.
The meeting commenced at 7.50 pm with Cotswold Branch business. The Secretary read the minutes of the December meeting which was proposed by Zak Coombs MNM seconded by Peter McKenna.
Andrew Derrick reminded members that he need names and a deposit for the proposed visit by the Branch to the Ceremony of the Keys at the Tower of London on Friday, staying over at the Civil Service Club Friday Night. Then on Saturday the Colonels Rehearsal of the Trooping of the Colour on Horse Guards. If booked well in advance the best way to travel to London is by National Express as they leave Royal Well and go direct to Victoria Coach Station. A seat booked well in advance is inexpensive,
This evening was a double bill of speakers, the first to take the floor was Peter McKenna, who had brought three medals out of his collection. The first being the Central Africa medal to a chap in the 27th Bo N.I. Peter then went on to describe the 9 actions that this chap might have taken part in to gain this award. The second medal was the IGS54 clasp Persia to a Veterinary Officer again he talked us through the campaign and the chaps service. His final medal was another IGS54 with the clasp Hunza 1891 to a Surgeon in the IMS one of only 15 European officers involved in the campaign. Peter described the expedition in great detail showing the trials and tribulations all who took part went through.
Graham Sacker then gave his talk on the “Origins of the L.R.D.G” and all was not what it seemed. He described how the L.R.D.G. in WW2 came about, it’s first CO and their role. This was a Red Herring as the story went on to tell how in WW1 the RNAS and Motor Machine Gun Service of the RA (later the Machine Gun Corps) traversed the desert in the early armoured cars. One of the actions Graham talked us through was the relief of the POW’s who were held at a place called Akeim in Libya. The relief force was made up of Army Rolls Royce Armoured cars commanded by the Duke of Westminster and made a crossing of several hundred miles over uncharted desert to find these men. This was complemented with a group of medals to a chap who was there at the time RSM Gibb who was later commissioned. His medal group consisted of DCM, 1914 Star and bar Trio, LS&GC and MSM GVI. This proved beyond doubt that the L.R.D.G did exist prior to 1940.
David Seeney brought a group of medals with the chaps badges documents etc who served in the L.R.D.G in WW2 and was KIA.
A vote of thanks was given by the secretary and appreciation was shown in the usual way to Peter, Graham and David.
Peter McKenna conducted the Raffle which raised £22 for club funds. 22 members and 3 guests (Chris Hill, Richard Hackett and Mike Miller) were present the meeting closed at 10.40 pm
Minutes of December 2008 Meeting
Meeting of the Cotswold Branch of the Orders & Medals Research Society held at Swindon Village Hall on Thursday 11th December 2008.
Apologies received from R. Tucker, R. Hughes, B. Ward, N. Smith, M. Pittaway, P. Roberts, J Barker, F. Angus, Lyall Brothers, A. Derrick, D. Seeney and P. Schmalisch.
The meeting commenced at 7.50 pm with Cotswold Branch business. The Secretary read the minutes of the November meeting which was proposed by Mike Kippin seconded by Jim Mourton. The Secretary passed round the membership the proposed forthcoming visits which have been organised by our Functions officer. Final Rehearsal of the Trooping of the Colour and the Ceremony of the Keys. A visit to RMC Sandhurst and Bletchley Park. He will want numbers at the January meeting or you can contact him direct. Mike Kippin then reported on the meeting with the Civic Society held earlier that day. They are keen to have 3 blue plaques (out of the four short listed) placed on the houses where the recipients of the VC lived. The Civic Society when informed there are 15 VC winners with Cheltenham connections, might be persuaded to have a plaque with all 15 put on a memorial on the promenade. It is hoped that the unveiling of the plaques will take place in June 2009 and the branch will be invited and expected to make a donation. Martin (Zak) Coombs brought his Merchant Navy Medal for the Membership to look at. He told us of his service with P&O and his time in the South Atlantic on the Hospital Ship Uganda. Graham Pitchfork proposed a congratulatory toast to Zak which was highly endorsed by all present. John Scott then commenced with the QUIZ, it consisted of 27 questions which had us all thinking, some of us were in shock, shows we do not read the Medal Year Book from cover to cover!!!. It was a very fair test and congratulations to Mike Atkinson on winning. Our President Graham Sacker thanked John for doing the quiz and the rest of the evening was taken up with eating the food which was brought and partaking of the Demon Drink. All of us would like to wish all who read this a Happy Christmas a Peaceful, Prosperous and Happy New Year.
Peter McKenna conducted the Raffle which raised £15 for club funds. 13 members and 2 guests (Richard Hackett and Steve Barker) were present the meeting closed at 10.20 pm
4th December 2008 presentation of the Merchant Navy Medal at St. Michael Paternoster Royal Church, City of London. M.P. Coombs, MNM with Admiral Lord West of Spithead, who presented the medals, and Surgeon-Captain Rick Jolly, OBE (Royal Marines, retired). Below is a report on the day:
On Thursday the 4th of December Martin Coombs and his wife Tracey invited my wife (Barbara) and I to accompany them to the Medal Presentation ceremony which was held at St Michael Paternoster Royal College Hill London EC4. His other guests were Captain Rick Jolly and his wife Susie and what a wonderful day it turned out to be. There were 11 medals awarded which were presented by Admiral Lord West of Spithead, GCB DSC DUniv (he was the Captain of HMS Ardent in the Falklands War). The citations were read out by Sir Robert Balchin DL who is a member of the Medal Committee (he designed and produced the Medal). Captain Matthew Easton made the welcoming address, James Fitzpatrick MP the Shipping Minister was in attendance along with Captain Rod Johnson who is the chief coast guard and Captain John Sail who is the President of the Merchant Navy Association. The Missions to Seamen was represented and the Secretary Revd Michael Kuelemans MNM MTh CertEd (who also holds this medal) was there. The ceremony commenced at 2 PM and after the presentations, photographs, food etc ended at around 4.30 pm. It was interesting to talk to some of the recipients about their medals, to mention two, CPO Summers holds the Arctic Medal and the MNM which is a rare combination and Martin Coombs now holds the MNM and the South Atlantic Medal. All the recipients were very unassuming and a delight to talk to and I managed to get their autographs, which are on the back of my program (see photograph). I felt honoured and humbled to be able to attend this ceremony as a friend of Zak’s and a member of the OMRS. This medal is the first to be to be given (in the past 150 years) specifically to Britain’s Merchant Service to commemorate Meritorious Service and Acts of Courage and it was a great honour to be present.
John F Wright Past, President and founder member of the Cotswold and Hong Kong Branches of the OMRS, now Secretary of the Cotswold Branch.
The recipients Martin and John
NEWS: Yesterday, 21 October, the London Gazette announced the award of the Merchant Navy Medal 2008 to M.P. Coombs, Executive Purser, Artemis, P and O Cruises, for services to cruise liners and the South Atlantic Medal Association. Our congratulations to Zak on his award and we look forward to seeing it mounted with his South Atlantic Medal!
The medal was instituted in 2005 and 10 are awarded each year, on Trafalgar Day. It is number 242F in the 2009 Medal Year Book and carries the postnominals MNM.
Minutes of November 2008 Meeting
Meeting of the Cotswold Branch of the Orders & Medals Research Society held at Swindon Village Hall on Thursday 13th November 2008.
Apologies received from R. Tucker, P. McKenna, R. Hughes, B.Ward G. Pitchfork, N. Smith, M. Pittaway, Z Coombs, R. Emsley and P. Roberts
The meeting commenced at 7.40 pm with Cotswold Branch business. The Secretary read the minutes of the October meeting which was proposed by Tom Lyall seconded by Frank Angus.
The Secretary passed round the membership two Letters, one from an OMRS Member of the Police Force asking backing for the Police LS&GC to be awarded after 20 years and not the 22 years as it is now. This will bring it in line with other Civil uniformed Service i.e Ambulance etc. The other was the citation for Paul Pitchfork’s MC. He then informed the meeting of Martin Coombs award of the Merchant Navy Medal, which was in the London Gazette 21st October 2008. Martin will be awarded it on the 4th of December in London congratulations were asked to be passed on by all branch members.
Andrew Derrick informed the branch that due to lack of interest for the visit to the National Arboretum on the 16th of November he decided to cancel a coach and those who are interested will share a car.
David Seeney then told us of the New Form which the OMRS Convention might be taking. If and when I have information from the Society it will be passed on to the branch.
Graham Sacker introduced our speaker Steve Lewis who talked on the lives of six men.
1. Private Joseph Lewis, Royal Marine Light Infantry, who fought in China 1862, and Japan 1863-1864, for which no medals were issued but 3 VCs were awarded.
2. Lieutenant William Hill, 1st Gloucesters, who was captured at Nicholsons Nek during the Boer War and tried tunnelling out, blowing the electric lights and bribing guards in attempts to escape.
3. A Finnish businessman, Kaarlo Granath, who escaped being drafted into the Imperial Russian Army in 1902 and was awarded the Draft Resistor’s Medal. He was executed in 1918 by Finnish Red Guards during the Finnish War of Independence.
4. George Stokes, who served with the Royal Naval Air Service Armoured Car Squadron in Georgia, Rumania and Russia before returning to the UK and transferring to the RAF. He then joined 166 Squadron which was planning to bomb Berlin using the RAFs first 4-engined bomber, the V1500 Super Handley. The 3 bombers were preparing to take off on the morning of 11 November 1918, when the raid was cancelled.
5. John Murray Graham, who served with the Scottish Rifles, King’s African Rifles, Royal Irish Constabulary Auxiliary Division, British Volunteer Company of the Finnish Army, and Royal Air Force.
6. Finally, the story of Bronislaw Karalus, who served with the Polish Army in 1939, was a prisoner in the Soviet Union during Stalin’s massacres of Polish prisoners, was released to make the terrible journey to Palestine to join the new Polish Army that would fight in Italy. He won the Virtuti Militari during the assault in Ancona in July 1944 and was wounded soon after. After everything that they had been through, his Division was then told that their part of Poland was being given to the Soviet Union. He settled in Cheltenham until he died in 2005.
Steve then answered several questions. Our President Graham Sacker thanked Steve on behalf of the members who showed there appreciation in the usual way.
Mick Kippin then showed a medal issued for the Bristol Volunteers after the Napoleonic Wars.
Tom Lyall then conducted the raffle which raised £16-00 for club funds. 17 members were present and 3 visitors, Steve Barker, Graham Hervin and Richard Hackett the meeting closed at 10.00 pm
Minutes of September 2008 Meeting
Meeting of the Cotswold Branch of the Orders & Medals Research Society held at Swindon Village Hall on Thursday 9th of October 2008.
Apologies received from G. Sacker, G. Pitchfork, N. Smith, M. Pittaway, Z Coombs and P. Roberts.
The meeting commenced at 7.30 pm with Cotswold Branch business. The Secretary read the minutes of the September meeting which was proposed by Roger Tucker seconded by Clive Harmson
The Secretary passed round the membership two e-mails from Peter Helmore and Patrick Street (OMRS committee members) requesting comments/suggestions for what form the members see the way the OMRS Convention should take. The consensus of opinion was to copy the OMRS North who have a well tried, tested successful formula. If a hotel could be found in the London area which offers similar facilities to that of the OMRS North the Convention could again be a roaring success. It was good to see Clive Hammond with us again. Clive was delighted to accept Honorary Life Membership from the branch. He and the new Treasurer Richard Emsley did a hand over take over of all branch financial matters. Richard is now officially “In the Chair”. Andrew Derrick then outlined a proposed visit to The National Arboretum in Staffordshire on the 16th of November. He also mentioned two visits which he hopes will be well supported for next year, more on those later. Mike Kippin then told the branch how the Cheltenham Civic Society were looking at possibility of 2 Blue Plaques, out of the 14 Cheltenham VC recipients being erected, more info when he has it. Roger Tucker then mentioned that it is hoped in the not too distant future, a service will be taking place at the grave of Henry Hook VC at the churchyard at Churcham (where he is interned) and thought the branch might attend. We then had a members own and again what an evening it turned out to be, terrific, where do these items come from. Medals from all three services and the Police, an Oil painting bought in an antique shop on being researched found to be that of a chap who was killed at the Massacre at Cawnpore. The award of a “tin of sardines” by President Tito to two RAF chaps after finding he (Tito) had run out of medals!!! Being shown the vast amount of research which, when you know how to find it is available on the internet. Two French awards to the RN for WWI service against the Greeks, and a Sea Gallantry Medal group to a soldier. Our thanks go to the 12 members who took part. Roger Tucker then conducted the raffle which raised £19-00 for club funds. 21 members were present and it was good to see Chris Hill visiting the branch the meeting closed at 10.35 pm.
Minutes of September 2008 Meeting
Meeting of the Cotswold Branch of the Orders & Medals Research Society held at Swindon Village Hall on Thursday 11th of September 2008.
Apologies received from C Hammond, N. Smith, M. Pittaway, David & Tom Lyall, F. Angus, Z Coombs and B. Ward.
The meeting commenced at 7.30 pm with Cotswold Branch business. The Secretary read the minutes of the July meeting which was proposed by Pete McKenna seconded by Mike Kippin
Graham Sacker (President) informed the branch that Clive Hammond has had to resign due to ill health as Treasurer, a position he has held for many years. The branch wished to express their thanks to Clive, it was proposed by the Secretary and seconded by Roger Tucker, Clive be given Life Membership to the branch which was endorsed by the members. Richard Emsley was proposed and seconded to take over as Treasurer, he will meet up with Clive and the other members of the committee for a hand over take over. Mike Kippin then read out his letter on behalf of the branch to the Cheltenham Civic Society requesting Blue Plaques to be fixed to the houses (which are still standing) of the towns VC recipients. (copy on file). John Barker ask that congratulations to Paul Pitchfork (Graham’s son) on his award of the MC for Afghanistan be entered in the minutes it was fully endorsed by the membership. Graham then introduced our speakers Roger Tucker and David Martin who gave a talk on “coincidences” It started with a group that David had bought to a chap in the Grenadier Guards who later joined the Oxford City Police ending with the rank of Superintendent. This chaps police service (information) was given to Dave by Roger who was in the Oxford City prior to it going in to the Thames Valley Force. Dave saw a group on a list which he told Roger about this was to another Superintendent who served in the Oxford City force. In the meantime Roger had bought another group to another Superintendent in his old force. Roger had known two of these three men and worked for one as a young police cadet in the late 50’s. But to crown it all Rogers father Eric who is 93 and must be our oldest speaker had served with all three and was able to give a full personal account of all of them. It was a fantastic talk and showed the true sprit of our hobby which is collectors helping others with research etc. Graham then thanked the three speakers, Eric who at 93 was a mine of information, incidentally he retired as a Superintendent of Oxford City Police.
Roger Tucker then conducted the raffle which raised £21-00 for club funds. 23 members were present and one guest (Mr R Hackett) the meeting closed at 10.30 pm.
NEWS: Major Paul Ralph Gareth Pitchfork, The Royal Gurkha Rifles, Graham's son, has been awarded the Military Cross for service in Afghanistan. Congratulations on behalf of the branch for this well deserved recognition. "The dramatic recapture of Musa Qala threw up scores of tales of battlefield bravery, but none of them might have happened had it not been for the foresight of Major Paul Pitchfork. The officer commanding 'A' Company, 1st Battalion, The Royal Gurkha Rifles led from the front as his men defended Sangin district centre, the loss of which would have seriously dented the coalition operation in Musa Qala. After fighting off as many as 60 Taliban fighters during a contact on the fringes of Sangin bazaar on December 9, Major Pitchfork realised that his troops would have to take preventative action to kill off any potential counter-attacks. Moving his company down Sangin’s principal riverbed early the following morning, Pitchfork was able to re-engage the enemy at first light. In a fire-fight that lasted more than ten hours, the inspirational officer was under direct fire as he commanded his troops against a determined enemy. In the absence of a Joint Tactical Air Controller, Major Pitchfork also assumed responsibility for controlling support from Apache helicopters at considerable personal risk. Despite taking two casualties, he manoeuvred his men through waist-deep water along the river in an attempt to engage the enemy’s flank, coming undercontact three more times before the Taliban withdrew at last light. His Military Cross citation reads: “Pitchfork demonstrated the very highest standards of leadership, courage and initiative under fire and in the face of a most determined enemy threat.” (Ref: Soldier Magazine)
Branch Trip to the Gurkha Museum, Winchester, Sunday 28 October 2007
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.
THE COTSWOLD CONVENTION, 9TH JUNE 2007: Mike Kippin
"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.
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 |