18 June 2003

BRIGADIER PROVIDES INSIGHT INTO BOSNIA AS REGIMENT CELEBRATES HIS CBE

Brigadier Andrew Farquhar CBE

Brigadier Andrew Farquhar, who has been appointed a Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) in the Queen’s Birthday Honours, has given the Friends of the Green Howards Museum an insight into the army’s current role in Bosnia at their annual lecture in York.

Formerly Commander of 15 (NE) Brigade, based in York, Brigadier Farquhar has recently returned from a seven-month posting to Sarajevo, where he commanded the multi-national peacekeeping forces. He told the Friends, who had gathered at York’s Worsley Barracks, that he found the Bosnian army demoralised and that crime was rife.

He organised his forces, from 17 countries, to build up an intelligence network that targeted the mafia leaders and corrupt army and police officers. After six months hard work collecting information – often from the elderly women of the villages, they moved against the criminals. Many were captured and are now serving long jail terms.

Brigadier Farquhar, who is an old boy of Pocklington School and a graduate of Sheffield University, praised Lord Ashdown, former leader of the Liberal Democrats and now reporting on the situation in Bosnia for both the United Nations and the European Union. He said that he had brought clarity to the problems by emphasising that law and order leads to justice and jobs. Brigadier Farquhar believes, nevertheless, that Bosnia has a long way to go before the elections scheduled for September 2004.

Before Brigadier Farquhar spoke, the meeting, which attracted more that 60 people, heard Col Bob Stewart, who commanded The Cheshire Regiment in Bosnia as part of the UN force in 1992 and 1993, during the worst of the Bosnia conflict. He gave a graphic account, using ITN film, of the difficulties of his job, facing a lack of a coherent UN structure and the aftermath of Serbian massacres. He said that eventually he had to disobey orders to save the lives of refugees – a decision which cost him his career.

The Green Howards are celebrating another award to one of the Regimental ‘family’ in the Queen’s Birthday Honours. Stan Johnson, a Green Howards National Serviceman and the founder of Eden Camp Modern History Theme Museum at Malton, has been appointed a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE).

Roger Chapman, Curator of the Green Howards Regimental Museum, says, ‘The Friends of the Museum are grateful to Col Stewart and Brigadier Farquhar for their fascinating insight into Bosnia’s immediate past and its present. We congratulate Brigadier Farquhar on his CBE, which was especially for his work during three crises – the severe flooding in the York area, Foot and Mouth Disease and the Selby Rail Crash – and Stan Johnson on his MBE. The Regiment is proud of their achievements.’

12 June 2003

CADETS LEARN FASCINATING HISTORY OF THEIR CAP BADGE

The picture shows Cadets from Cleveland Army Cadet Force. They are all 15 years old, all Lance Corporals and all attend Bydales School. Left to right: Dale Smith, Andrew Wilson, Ryan Tulloch, Diane Simpson, Craig Wilson

Green Howards Army Cadets from across Cleveland have been learning the origins of the cap-badge they wear during a series of visits to the Green Howards Regimental Museum in Richmond.

Throughout June and into early July, every Monday and Thursday evening a group of around 25 Army Cadets and their instructors arrives at the Museum – a total of more than 260 visitors. They are greeted by Museum staff, who explain the distinctive Green Howards badge, which was designed by a princess.

Alexandra, who in 1901 became Queen alongside her husband King Edward VII, was Princess of Wales when, in 1875, she agreed to the Green Howards taking the name of Alexandra, Princess of Wales’s Own Yorkshire Regiment. She also personally designed the badge, which incorporates her own, single-arched coronet, her initial A and the Danish cross, as she came from Denmark. She also, confusingly, added the date, 1875 – although the Regiment was founded in 1688.

As well as learning the history of their badge, the Cadets also explore the Regimental Museum with the help of a 30-question quiz, which takes theme 17th century to the present day.

Captain David Sexton, who served with the Museum’s Curator Roger Chapman in Germany, Colchester and Canada, led one of the recent groups of cadets, from Marske-by-the-Sea. Invalided out of the Army after an accident, he has worked with Green Howards Cadets for the last 18 years.

Roger Chapman says, ‘The Army Cadets who wear the Green Howards cap badge are part of the Regimental “family”, so we feel it is important that they know something of our history. They are all keen to visit the Museum, and they have an added incentive - those who get 28 of the 30 quiz questions correct receive a small prize!’

10 June 2003

LECTURE HIGHLIGHTS LIFE IN POW CAMPS

Dr Peter Liddle presenting his lecture in the Museum's Normandy Room (photo : James Pearson)		Dr Peter Liddle with a POW escape suit at the 'Behind Barbed Wire' exhibition.

Friends of the Green Howards Regimental Museum in Richmond were given an insight into the lives of Prisoners of War in Germany and Italy during World War Two in a lecture by Peter Liddle, Director of the Second World War Experience Centre.

Giving the second of the Museum’s monthly series of adult education talks on military subjects, Dr Liddle, whose father was a POW in 1917, used letters, diaries and interviews to describe life in the Camps. He reminded the audience that many of the German POW camps were very large, with as many as 25,000 men, and all were similar in design.

The prisoners faced many hardships – not only the rigorous regime, in which even a simple action like putting your hand through the wire would get you shot, but also boredom, low morale and the lack of women. Dr Liddle said that only a small percentage of prisoners were involved in escape attempts. The majority found ways of passing the time, with up to 32 different activities, like bands, painting, and learning languages, all organised by the prisoners themselves.

Three former Prisoners of War were in the audience for the lecture, and they confirmed the accuracy of Dr Liddle’s talk. They were among those who helped to set up the exhibition currently running in the Green Howards Museum. Called ‘Behind Barbed Wire’, it uses photographs, papers and objects from POW camps to tell the story of the Green Howards who were imprisoned in Germany and Italy.

The Second World War Experience Centre, based in Horsforth, Leeds, also helped with the exhibition, which runs until 30 November. Founded by Dr Liddle, the Centre is dedicated to rescuing, preserving and studying evidence about how the War affected individual men and women. As well as collecting papers, photographs and artefacts, the Centre spends a great deal of time interviewing people about the memories of war, and preparing transcripts. Dr Liddle’s collection of material about British soldiers in World War 1 is now in the Brotherton Library at Leeds University.

The next lecture at the Green Howards Museum will take place on Saturday 5 July, when David Smurthwaite, Deputy Director of the National Army Museum, will speak about the Burma Campaign of 1942 to 1945. The lectures, which start at 2.00 pm, are open to the public at a cost of £2.50.

6 June 2003

STUDENTS GET HANDS-ON HISTORY AT GREEN HOWARDS MUSEUM

		Practical history is the order of the day for two fifteen-year-olds from Risedale Community College in Hipswell, who are on two weeks’ work experience at the Green Howards Regimental Museum in Richmond. Year 10 students Laura Bennett and Ben Davis are both studying history for GCSE, so when they were offered the chance to undertake their work experience at the Museum, they were very enthusiastic. They have been working alongside Museum staff in many areas of the museum – from helping in the archives and storerooms, to improving facilities for visitors. ‘It’s really good,’ says Laura, ‘and we’ve been made very welcome.’ Ben adds, ‘There’s lots to do, and it’s interesting to see behind the scenes.’ The Curator of the Green Howards Museum, Major Roger Chapman, says, ‘Laura and Ben are very willing to work hard for us, and we hope that they are learning something of the Regiment’s history, as well as what working in a museum entails. We are very pleased to welcome them as part of our continuing programme of work experience for young people.’
Ben Davis and Laura Bennett

6 June 2003

BORDERERS GREETED BY GREEN HOWARDS AT MUSEUM

The Green Howards Regimental Museum played host to veterans of another famous northern Regiment during their visit to Richmond on Thursday 5 June. Twenty-two members of the King’s Own Royal Border Regimental Association and their guests visited the Museum, in the centre of Richmond, as part of a day out that included a look around the town and a visit to Catterick. They were greeted by the Curator of the Museum, Major Roger Chapman, and, after coffee, were taken round the Museum by museum staff and voluntary guides. The Museum then hosted a sandwich lunch before the visitors continued their excursion. Norman Freegard, President of the Embleton Branch of the Association told the guides that this was the first time most of the members had been to Richmond, and they were very impressed by the Museum and the town. Roger Chapman, says, ‘We were delighted to welcome our guests from from the Cumbrian Coast, and they were fascinated by the story of the Green Howards. Groups of visitors are always welcome, and if we know to expect them, we can often offer hospitality to them, and make their visit even more enjoyable ’
		Roger Chapman talking to members of the King’s Own Royal Border Regimental Association

4 June 2003

DRUMMER BOY LEADS WALK IN THE SUNSHINE

Sam Rawson, Drummer Boy, and the Mayor of Richmond, Councillor Stuart Parsons		More than 70 people of all ages joined the Richmond Drummer Boy on his traditional Walk from The Green Howards Regimental Museum to Easby Abbey on Sunday 1 June, one of the warmest days of the year. This year’s Drummer Boy, nine-year old Sam Rawson, dressed in a replica of an eighteenth-century Green Howards Drummer, led the group’ alongside the Mayor of Richmond, Cllr Stuart Parsons, who later presented all those who completed the route with a special certificate. The route of the walk follows the path of the legendary Richmond Drummer Boy, who in the 18th century was sent, beating his drum, along a newly-discovered underground tunnel. Soldiers followed the drum beats above ground to see if it went, as they thought, from Richmond Castle to Easby Abbey. He reached part of the way to the Abbey - and suddenly the drumming stopped, and the boy was never seen again. The spot where the sound of the drumming stopped is now marked by the Drummer Boy Stone. The walkers stopped at the Stone to hear the details of the Drummer Boy's story. Roger Chapman, Curator of the Green Howards Regimental Museum, who organises the walk, says, ‘This year we were blessed with wonderful weather – though Sam found it rather warm in his thick uniform! We were very pleased that so many people joined us, and we hope others will be inspired to come along with us next year.’
The Drummer Boy and the Mayor at the head of the walk.

26 May 2003

GET IN STEP FOR THE DRUMMER BOY WALK

Sam Rawson, Drummer Boy

Richmond’s Drummer Boy Walk takes place on SUNDAY 1 JUNE – offering a chance to follow the route of the 18th-century drummer who disappeared en-route to Easby Abbey along an underground passage. Nine-year old Sam Rawson, who lives in Moorside Road in Richmond, will lead the walk this year. A pupil at Richmond Methodist School, he heard at his Cub Scouts meeting that the Green Howards Museum, which organises the Drummer Boy Walk, was looking for a volunteer to lead the walk. Sam will be dressed in a replica of an eighteenth-century Green Howards Drummer as he leads the walk, which starts from Richmond Castle at 3.00 pm on Sunday. With him as he marches along beating his drum will be the Mayor of Richmond, Cllr Stuart Parsons. Children and adults are invited to join them on the easy two and a half mile route from the Castle to Easby Abbey and back. All those who complete the route will be presented by the Mayor with a special Drummer Boy Walk Certificate on their return to Richmond Castle at around 4.45 pm. Walkers are advised to wear boots and to carry a drink with them. The route of the walk follows the path of the legendary Richmond Drummer Boy, who in the 18th century was sent, beating his drum, along a newly-discovered underground tunnel. Soldiers followed the drum beats above ground to see if it went, as they thought, from Richmond Castle to Easby Abbey. He reached part of the way to the Abbey - and suddenly the drumming stopped, and the boy was never seen again. The spot where the sound of the drumming stopped is now marked by the Drummer Boy Stone. The Stone will be one of the places at which the walkers will pause to hear the details of the Drummer Boy's story.

Roger Chapman, Curator of the Green Howards Regimental Museum, who organises the walk, says, ‘This now-traditional walk is a very enjoyable occasion for children and adults, with the chance to learn more about the legend of Richmond’s famous Drummer Boy. We hope that we will be blessed with fine weather, and that lots of people will join Sam on his walk.’

22 May 2003

GREEN HOWARDS SOLDIERS WIN PROMOTION

Eight Green Howards soldiers currently based at Ballykelly in Northern Ireland, have been promoted to Lance Corporal. Their photos, and a brief biography, are given below.

For a full size picture of each of the new Lance Corporals, simply click on the thumbnail image. Return to the news page by closing the window containing the image.
		Marc Bowcock (19) went to St David’s School before joining the Army in 2000. After his infantry training at Catterick, he joined the 1st Battalion The Green Howards, and is now a member of B Company. He enjoys football, boxing, running and gymnastics. The photo shows him being congratulated by Lieutenant Colonel Nick Watt.
		Mark Briggs (23) went to The Dene School before joining the Army in 1996. After his infantry training at Catterick, he joined the 1st Battalion The Green Howards, and is now an experienced member of A Company. He is married to Nicky. His interests include football and snooker. The photo shows him being congratulated by Lieutenant Colonel Nick Watt.
		Andrew Pinkney (20) went to Bishopsgarth School before joining the Army in 2000. After his infantry training at Catterick, he joined the 1st Battalion The Green Howards, and is now a member of B Company. He enjoys football and gymnastics.
		Simon Richards (27) went to Bedale High School before joining the Army in 1992. After his infantry training at Catterick, he joined the 1st Battalion The Green Howards, and is now an experienced member of HQ Company, where he works as a storeman. He is married to Maria and they have two children, Jack and Elle. A keen rugby player, he also enjoys playing basketball and is an intrepid fisherman. The photo shows him being congratulated by Lieutenant Colonel Nick Watt.
		Michael Sawdon (22) went to Rosecroft School before joining the Army in 1997. After his infantry training at Catterick, he joined the 1st Battalion The Green Howards, and is now an experienced member of the Signals Platoon. He married Ella nine months ago. His interests include shooting, swimming, football and fishing. The photo shows him being congratulated by Lieutenant Colonel Nick Watt.
		Robin Scott (21) went to Richmond School before joining the Army in 1999. After his infantry training at Catterick, he joined the 1st Battalion The Green Howards, and is now an enthusiastic member of B Company. He is married to Jody and they have a son, Sam. The photo shows him being congratulated by Lieutenant Colonel Nick Watt.
		Lee Shields (24) went to Northfield School before joining the Army in 1999. After his infantry training at Catterick, he joined the 1st Battalion The Green Howards and is now a member of HQ Company. He is married to Emma. He is a keen sportsman, enjoying football, tennis, squash, running, weightlifting and snooker. The photo shows him being congratulated by Lieutenant Colonel Nick Watt.

22 May 2003

DO YOU LISTEN TO RADIO CLEVELAND ON A SUNDAY MORNING?

Did you know that every Sunday morning Radio Cleveland features the Green Howards. Find out more on the web page "Radio Cleveland and Us".

15 May 2003

RETURN TO ASKE HALL AFTER 60 YEARS FOR DINNER TO CELEBRATE GENERAL

	The Green Howards were last at Aske Hall in the 1940s, when the old stables were requisitioned to house recruits. This return sixty years later, was, by kind permission of the Marquess of Zetland, for a dinner in honour of General Dannatt and his wife Pippa, marking the completion of his nine very successful years as Colonel of the Regiment. Before the meal the General was asked to unveil a portrait of himself – and when he did so he revealed not a formal picture, but a Picasso-like image of him.The joke had been arranged with artist commissioned for the portrait, John Blakey, and General Dannatt was delighted with the joke – but highly relieved when the ‘Picasso’ was removed to reveal the real work, showing him in ceremonial dress. After dinner Field Marshal The Lord Inge – General Dannatt’s predecessor as Colonel of the Regiment, and former Chief of the Defence Staff - paid tribute to General and Mrs Dannatt and gave her a gift on behalf of the Green Howards. General Dannatt responded with a humorous account of some of the highlights of his time as Colonel of the Regiment, and wished his successor, Brigadier John Powell, every success in the post.
	Major Roger Chapman, Curator of the Green Howards Regimental Museum, says, ‘It was very fitting for us to return to the glorious setting of Aske Hall for this very special occasion. We were pleased to welcome both young serving officers and retired members of the Regiment to the dinner – two of the elderly officers, Col Geoffrey Powell and Lieutenant Colonel John Isaac, could count almost 110 years of service to the Green Howards between them!’ The photo shows Green Howards recruits at Aske Hall in 1943.

15 May 2003

GREEN HOWARDS SAY FAREWELL TO COLONEL OF THE REGIMENT

Fourteen standards of branches of the Green Howards Association outside the rear entrance to St Mary the Virgin, Church in Richmond after the annual Richmond Sunday service on 11th May 2003. (photo Major James Pearson)

Green Howards from all over the country celebrated their annual get-together on Sunday 11 May, when 14 Green Howards Association standards were paraded through Richmond after the annual church service.

Taking the salute on what is known as ‘Richmond Sunday’ was the final duty of the former Colonel of the Regiment, Lieutenant General Richard Dannatt, who a few hours later handed over his role to Brigadier John Powell. Earlier, he had laid a wreath of poppies on the Green Howards War Memorial at the top of Frenchgate. The Waterloo Band of the King’s Division led the march-past, and among those on parade was Field Marshal The Lord Inge, former Chief of the Defence Staff.

The service, in Richmond Parish Church, was led by the newly-appointed Regimental Chaplain, The Rev’d Canon Richard Cooper. The preacher was the Rev’d Clive Artley from Castleton near Whitby, who was commissioned into the Green Howards in 1958. He spoke of his time serving as a Lieutenant during the Malayan campaign, and later, with the Royal Army Chaplains’ Department, as Padre to both the 1st Battalion in Libya and the Territorials, the 4th/5th Battalion of the Green Howards.

After the parade a number of long-serving members of the Regiment were presented with 50-year gold and 25-year silver badges, before all the Green Howards were stood down and spent the rest of the day reminiscing in the ‘Old Comrades’ club.

Major Roger Chapman, Curator of the Green Howards Regimental Museum in Richmond, says, ‘We had an excellent turnout both at church and on parade to say farewell to Lieutenant General Dannatt on his last Richmond Sunday, and as usual the closeness of our Regimental family was celebrated both ceremonially and informally.’

13 May 2003

GREEN HOWARDS SERGEANT AIMS FOR THREE TONNE WORLD RECORD

Green Howards Sergeant Chris Gent has his sights set on a world record – using his upper body strength to take the record for bench presses. Chris, from Guisborough, is currently in training for his world record attempt, which should see him lift 100 kilogrammes from shoulder height to high above his head 30 times in less than 41 seconds – the equivalent of lifting three tonnes. The current world record is held by and other British Army Sergeant, Neil Thomas of SEME. Currently based with the Green Howards Recruiting Team at Catterick Garrison, Chris hopes to make his attempt on the record in around the middle of June, in aid of a local charity. The photo shows Sergeant Gent with his 8-year-old son Arran.

7 May 2003

GREEN HOWARD CHAPTER ENDS AS COLONEL OF THE REGIMENT RELINQUISHES POST

Lieutenant General Richard Dannatt
	Brigadier John Powell

Another chapter in the 315-year history of the Green Howards comes to an end on 11 May as the Colonel of the Regiment for the last nine years, Lieutenant General Richard Dannatt, steps down from the post and is succeeded by Brigadier John Powell.

The handover takes place on what is traditionally known as ‘Richmond Sunday’, when members of the Green Howards come together to mark the Regiment’s long links with the North Yorkshire town. After a church service and march-past of the Green Howards Associations of retired members of the Regiment, at which General Dannatt will take the salute for the last time, he will formally hand over his post to his successor.

Lieutenant General Richard Dannatt CBE MC has had a distinguished Army career, most recently as Assistant Chief of the Defence Staff – in effect the Army’s Chief Executive. He is now Commander of NATO’s multi-national Allied Rapid Reaction Corps, based at Rheindalen in Germany. He will also take over as Colonel Commandant of the Army Air Corps next year – and, characteristically, decided he must learn to fly to have any credibility in the post. He now proudly wears his ‘wings’ on his uniform.

Brigadier John Powell OBE was commissioned in the Green Howards in 1966, and has served around the world. He has been Chief Instructor at the Royal Military Academy, Sandhurst and Commanding Officer of the 1st Battalion the
Green Howards in Northern Ireland. He has been Deputy Colonel of the Regiment since 1996. He has recently updated the Regimental history written by his father, Colonel Geoffrey Powell.

4 May 2003

MUSEUM GIVES AMERICAN CIVIL WAR RE-ENACTORS A GLIMPSE OF THE PAST

Cpl Greg Agar with the Enfield .577 musket	The Kirby family from Tynemouth looking at the display case holding the Curry exhibits in the Green Howards Museum

American Civil War enthusiasts at the Bank Holiday Re-enactment Weekend at Kiplin Hall near Richmond have been helped in their quest for authenticity by The Green Howards Regimental Museum.

A group of those taking part visited the Museum in the centre of Richmond to learn about a Green Howards soldier, Lawrence Curry, who left Britain to become an American officer during the Civil War. The Museum’s display includes many of Curry’s personal items, including his camp bed, as well as his commission signed by President Abraham Lincoln.

Re-enactor Corporal Greg Agar, from York, who is a member of the 2nd Battalion Wisconsin Regiment – The Iron Cross Brigade – of about 1860, and the Kirby family from Tynemouth – Private Hall Kirby, his wife Susan and their son Drummer Cadet Corporal Peter, were shown the Curry exhibits by the Museum’s Curator, Major Roger Chapman. They were also allowed to handle an 1855 Enfield .577 musket on display in the Museum.

Roger Chapman says, ‘Curry was a fascinating man, and the Regiment is proud of its links, though him, with the American Civil War. We were delighted to welcome Corporal Agar and the Kirby family to the Museum to give them a glimpse into what life was like for an officer during the War.’

The Kiplin Hall Re-enactment Weekend, on Sunday and Bank Holiday Monday, includes living history camps and a battle reconstruction each afternoon. Kiplin Hall was the home of the 1st Lord Baltimore, the founder of the State
of Maryland.

2 May 2003

GREEN HOWARDS HOST THE KING AND QUEEN OF NORWAY AS COLONEL OF THE REGIMENT RELINQUISHES POST

Select one of the thumbnail photos above to see a larger image and find out more about the picture itself.

The King and Queen of Norway were the guests of senior members of the Green Howards at the Tower of London on 25 April, when the retiring Colonel of the Regiment, Lieutenant General Richard Dannatt hosted a dinner.

King Harald V is Colonel-in-Chief of the Green Howards. He is the fourth member of his family to hold to honour – his great-grandmother, Queen Alexandra first took the role; she was succeeded by the King’s grandfather, Haakon VII, and his father King Olav V.

The dinner was held in the Officers’ Mess of the Royal Regiment of Fusiliers, and after dinner the guests watched the nightly Ceremony of the Key in the Tower. The King took the salute during the ceremony.

The dinner marked the retirement of Lieutenant General Richard Dannatt as Colonel of the Regiment, a post he has held for nine years. Guests at the dinner included both his predecessor as Colonel of the Regiment, Field Marshal the Lord Inge, and his successor, Brigadier John Powell, who takes over the role on 11 May.

Lord Inge is a former Constable of the Tower of London, and guests were able to meet one of the Yeoman Warders at the Tower, former Green Howard Regimental Sergeant Major Derrick Coyle, who is Raven Master at the Tower.

The dinner took place 63 years to the day after the 1st Battalion The Green Howards landed in Norway in 1940, to assist the Norwegians who were then under attack from invading German troops.

Along with His Majesty and Queen Sonja, other guests at the dinner included the Norwegian Ambassador, Mr Tarald Brautaset and his wife; the Lord Lieutenant of North Yorkshire, Lord Crathorne, and Lady Crathorne; Sir Ernest and Lady Harrison; Lady Inge, Mrs Dannatt and Mrs Powell; retired and serving members of the regiment and their wives; the Regimental Chaplain, Canon Richard Cooper, Rector of Richmond; the Deputy Governor of the Tower, Lieutenant Colonel Dallow, and his wife; and Major Rydning, ADC to His Majesty the King of Norway.

The dinner was the seventh official visit of His Majesty the King of Norway to his Regiment since he became Colonel-in-Chief in 1991.

29 April 2003

MUSEUM LOOKS FOR ARP UNIFORM TO HELP LOCAL SCHOOLS’ HISTORY STUDIES

ARP Wardens

Do you have an old ARP uniform that you could give or loan to the Green Howards Museum in Richmond?

The Museum is helping Lynda Powell, Museums Officer for Richmondshire, to prepare special hands-on history boxes for local primary schools. They will be packed with genuine objects that will teach the children about life on
the Home Front during World War II. The Museum has already supplied many objects, including ration cards and Civil Defence armbands – but it has no Air Raid Precautions (ARP) equipment.

They are looking especially for a blue APR uniform, as well as an ARP helmet, rattle and whistle. They’d also like a stirrup pump, an essential piece of ARP equipment.

Major Roger Chapman, Curator of the Green Howards Museum, says, ‘This is a very imaginative scheme to take history right into schools. The children can learn what it was like for people during the war, by trying on gasmasks and making their own evacuation labels. As the ARP Warden was a distinctive part of life in the war – as well as in ‘Dad’s Army’! – we hope someone will have a uniform or equipment tucked away that they could offer us.’

Anyone who can help with the ARP uniform and equipment should contact Roger Chapman on 01748 822133.

19 April 2003

GREEN HOWARDS BOXERS SWEEP THE BOARD IN ARMY CHAMPIONSHIPS

The Regimental Boxing Team

The Green Howards Boxing Team has swept the board in Army boxing, becoming the first Infantry team to win both Army Championships in the same year.

Last month the team won the Army Novice Grade 3 title when it convincingly defeated the 2nd Battalion The Royal Green Jackets by six bouts to three. As a result of this emphatic victory, some of the Green Howards team members
were upgraded, so that they will be unable to compete at Grade 3 level in the future.

The Regiment’s Boxing Officer, Regimental Sergeant Major ‘Robbo’ Robinson, from Redcar, took the daring decision to enter the same team into the Grade 2/1 Competition. This meant extra training in March and April for the Green Howards team at the 1st Battalion’s station at Ballykelly in Northern Ireland, under the keen eye of the trainers, Sergeant Tony Ray from Eston and Corporal Glen Elsdon from Middlesbrough, as they prepared to face boxers with much more experience at the higher level.

The final took place as part of a three-day tournament between a number of top boxing regiments, held in Aldershot. Lance Corporal John Smith at Cruiserweight and Lance Corporal Mark Humber at Welterweight, both from Hartlepool, were awarded gold medals in the tournament, and the team captain, Lance Corporal McDonald, won silver. Their performance was enough to win the championship for the Green Howards.

The boxing team members are now back in Ballykelly, where the 1st Battalion The Green Howards supports the Police Service Northern Ireland. In January next year the Battalion will relocate to Chepstow on the Welsh border, from where they will train for jungle warfare.

19 April 2003

GREEN HOWARDS BONFIRE HELPS GREAT NORTH AIR AMBULANCE

Select one of the tumbnail photos above to see a larger image and find out more about the picture itself.

A bonfire and fireworks display organised by the 1st Battalion The Green Howards at Shackleton Barracks in Ballykelly, Northern Ireland, helped raise more than £300 for the Great North Air Ambulance.

At the ambulance’s launch at Richmond Castle on Wednesday (16 April), the cheque was presented to the Great North Air Ambulance by Catterick-based Sgt Chris Gent of the Green Howards Recruiting Team. Also helping to make the presentation was the Richmond Drummer Boy, dressed in 18th-century Green Howards costume.

The 1st Battalion was approached by a retired Green Howards Captain, Patrick Ralf, who until very recently the Air Ambulance’s Fundraising Manager. The Battalion’s Commanding Officer, Lieutenant Colonel Nick Watt, readily agreed to help, and asked Regimental Sergeant Major ‘Robbie’ Robinson to organise an event.

The bonfire and fireworks party was organised by soldiers from all the Battalion’s companies, and included toffee apples, gluhwine and a beer tent. The evening was a great success with all their serving soldiers and their families. The money raised was split between the Air Ambulance, the army Benevolent Fund and the Soldiers Welfare Fund.

Sgt Chris Gent says, ‘The Green Howards recruiting area is Teesside and North Yorkshire, and the Regimental Headquarters are in Richmond, so it was very appropriate for me to present this cheque to the Air Ambulance at Richmond Castle. Our soldiers are very keen to support local causes, and were pleased to help the local air ambulance’.

15 April 2003

GREEN HOWARDS IN NORTHERN IRELAND TRAINING

Green Howards are currently undergoing intensive four-day training sessions in Scotland on rural patrolling techniques., which they will use in their work in Northern Ireland.

10 April 2003

EASTER EGG-STRAVAGANZA AS REGIMENTAL MUSEUM OFFERS SPECIAL QUIZ PRIZES

Free chocolate Easter Eggs are on offer at the Green Howards Regimental Museum in Richmond to all children who complete its special ‘Pieces of Eight’ quiz – which takes them to all corners of this award-winning museum – on Good Friday, Holy Saturday, Easter Sunday and Easter Monday.

The Museum tells the story of North Yorkshire's Regiment from its formation in 1668 right up to the present day. The quiz encourages children to discover the uniforms, medals and Regimental silver, and see interactive video footage of both World Wars. The Museum includes 16 of the Regiment’s 18 Victoria Crosses won in action between the Crimean War of almost 150 years ago and World War 2. Visitors can also learn about the Richmond Drummer Boy, who was sent down a secret passage from Richmond Castle to Easby Abbey, beating his drum, and disappeared.

Roger Chapman of the Green Howards Museum says, 'Children who get all the answers right in our quiz – and we do give them plenty of clues if they need them! – always receive a special certificate. If they visit us over the Easter weekend they'll receive an extra reward in the shape of an egg for all their efforts.'

The Museum is open daily from 10.00 am to 4.30 pm each day over the Easter weekend, except for Easter Sunday, when it opens at 2.00 pm. Children under 16 are admitted free when accompanied by an adult.

04 April 2003

GREEN HOWARDS SCHOOLBOY FOOTBALL TROPHY WON BY MIDDLESBROUGH SCHOOL

The photo shows the captain of the St David's team, Mark Dearlove, receiving the Green Howards Trophy from Captain Steve Mincher.

Talented footballers from St David’s RC Technology College in Middlesbrough have won The Green Howards Under-16 Trophy for Schoolboy Football in a close match against Hartlepool rivals St Hild’s C of E School.

This was the 32nd annual final of the competition, which is organised by the Cleveland Schools Football Association. It has been sponsored by The Green Howards since 1972 as part of the Regiment’s commitment to its recruiting area in Teesside and North Yorkshire.

Both teams had strong support from parents and fellow pupils for the final, which was played on neutral ground at Northfield School in Billingham. In an exciting match St David's, under their captain Mark Dearlove, beat St. Hild’s, who were captained by Chris Gilligan, by three goals to two. The referee was Martin Dwyer. Green Howards Captain Steve Mincher, of Catterick-based 122 Army Youth Team and in charge of the Regiment’s recruiting team, presented the Green Howards Trophy to St David’s, who were coached by James Walton, and also congratulated St Hild’s and their coach Alan Gibbon on reaching the final.

Captain Mincher said, 'The Green Howards are delighted to continue our long association with this very special competition, which recognises the valuable hard work done locally by youth and sports movements. The Regiment is proud of its own sporting achievements, and is keen to encourage sport throughout the area.’

03 April 2003

SPECIAL WORK EXPERIENCE FOR DAVID IN GREEN HOWARDS MUSEUM

The photo shows teacher Julie O’Mahony with David Groom

Work experience at the Green Howards Regimental Museum in Richmond is proving ideal for 16-year-old David Groom from Richmond, a student at Mowbray School in Bedale.

Studying military history and learning about militaria are his hobbies, so when David was asked where he would like to spend two weeks finding out about the world of work he asked to be sent to the Green Howards Museum.

He is helping the Museum Assistant Paul Cooper in a variety of tasks. His computer skills have proved valuable in adding the accession forms for objects in the Museum on to a database. He has also been helping in the stores, with filing in the archives and helping with the cleaning of the Regiment’s silver and its large collection of ‘Mousey’ Thompson furniture.

David’s two weeks at the Museum were organised by teacher Julie O’Mahony, the Year 11 tutor. Visiting him during his first week she said, ‘David is really enjoying his work at the Green Howards Museum, and we are grateful to
the staff for making him so welcome. His experience here will be very helpful for his future.’

The Curator of the Green Howards Museum, Major Roger Chapman, says, ‘David’s enthusiasm for his work is a great asset to us, and he is undertaking some really useful work for us. We are pleased to have been able to offer him work experience with us.’

Mowbray School has 150 children aged from 2 to 16 years who have moderate learning difficulties.

03 April 2003

LOOK OUT FOR THE GREEN HOWARDS!

The photo shows the two recruiting teams, with the caravans. The new one, which will be based in Teesside, is on the right.

Two teams of recruiters from The Green Howards – the local Army regiment for Teesside and North Yorkshire – will be out and about in the area over the coming months with their recruiting caravans – one of them new – encouraging young men to consider a career in the modern, technologically-advanced Infantry.

The recruiting teams will visit town centres and other public areas, with information about life as a Green Howards soldier. They can talk about pay and conditions, training and life as a regular soldier.

They can also tell interested local people about the wide variety of sports that are available to soldiers – the 1st Battalion the Green Howards have just won the Army Boxing Championships, and are Army Skiing Champions. All
new recruits to the Regiment have the chance to learn to drive within their first twelve months of posting.

The 1st Battalion is currently serving in Northern Ireland. In January 2004 they will be posted to Chepstow on the Welsh border, from where they will retrain for jungle warfare, as a rapid-reaction force that is ready to be flown abroad at short notice.

Captain Steve Mincher, who is in charge of the recruiting teams, says, ‘The Green Howards will be very visible on local streets and we hope that as many lads as possible will call in to see us. On our recruiting team we have a couple of 17-year-olds who have just completed their Infantry training, so they can tell potential recruits at first hand what it involves.’

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