Doncaster Branch News Letter No 33 November 2020.

Dear Members,Just an update to let you know what is happening within our branch, other branches and the Regiment.

Newsletters.I am still looking for articles written by Branch members of their time in the Regiment and photos for the newsletter.

Email from Regimental Headquarters.

GentlemenI have just been informed by The Royal British Legion that veterans will not be permitted to participate in this year's National Service of Remembrance at The Cenotaph. Public spectators will not be permitted either. No further information was provided, so I cannot tell you any more about how the event will look like. As you know, we were limited to eight passes which were allocated across Branches. I have contacted each of the eight individuals  to stand them down.The National President very much appreciated the willingness of those seven members (Col Toler was the eighth) who agreed to travel to London in November to turn out for the Association and for the Regiment. Earlier this week it was confirmed that the Field of Remembrance Opening Ceremony, usually attended by around a dozen Coldstreamer’s, will be limited to one regimental representative. Colonel D D S A Vandeleur, Regimental Adjutant, will attend.

As the national condition is deteriorating and leading us towards a grim winter, it is clear we cannot hope to meet as one Association again until Black Sunday 2021 - and only then if the pandemic abates and we are again released from restrictions. In the meantime, the outstanding work carried out at branch level to keep in touch with elderly and vulnerable Coldstreamer’s will be supported as much as is possible by Regimental Headquarters, either through the Association or the Welfare Office, or both. Please do not hesitate to ask for help where it is needed.

Stay wellRegards as alwaysBob   

GentlemenWe have received a request from an author (see below) relating to Guardsmen appearing in an episode of Dr Who in 1968. Please pass this on to your Members and let's see if we can find anyone who was involved. Hopefully they were not EXTERMINATED!!! Any information or memories directly to Mr McPhillips please - not  to Regimental Headquarters. Thanks. Please see below,  Name: Rossa McPhillips MBE

Email: Rossa_mac@yahoo.co.ukPhone: 07742173542

Dear Sir,You may not be aware, but during autumn 1968, real soldiers from the Coldstream Guards were called upon by the BBC to assist in action scenes in a 'Doctor Who' story called 'The Invasion' in which they appeared on screen. I have been asked to write an article on this for Doctor Who Magazine which I am excited about.I am trying to get in touch with veterans from the Coldstream Guards who took part in filming during the period 3 Sep 1968 - 13 Sep 1968, probably in and around London. I wish to interview them about how they became involved in filming, their memories during filming and how they reflect on it now in context of their wider army career.  If they have any photos from their time filming that would be absolute gold dust too! Given the current circumstances, the interviews would be through phone, Skype or Zoom and not in person for everyone's safety.Please can you promulgate this message throughout your veteran associations? I hope the article will show the regiment in a good light and be a happy memory for veterans to dwell on.As a former soldier myself, I understand worries about security and the need to do due diligence.  If you would like to check my bonafides, you can get in contact with Doctor Who Magazine at dwm@panini.co.uk.  I look forward to hearing from you.Kind regardsRossa McPhillips

Good morning.

Yet again, The Royal British Legion has been emailing me with further changes to Remembrance Sunday.The changes do not improve our position of non-participation but I have pasted here below extracts so that you are kept in the loop.We were invited to submit the message we would have used on a wreath plaque. It will be placed at The Cenotaph. I have done so:

"THE COLDSTREAM GUARDS ASSOCIATION

COLDSTREAMERS - "SECOND TO NONE"

We Remember Them"

Regards to youBob

Extracts from latest e-mail:" Despite the changes this year, DCMS have asked that The Royal British Legion find a way to represent the veteran community as attendees at the service, with a maximum attendance of up to 30 individuals. As I’m sure you can appreciate, this is a difficult task given the depth and breadth of the Armed Forces community. We have looked to the membership of our Association Stakeholder Group, whom we consult and collaborate closely with to ensure a broad reach across the military services and related veteran organisations in March Past related decisions.For every veteran who would have participated in the March Past, we hope that we have reflected your service through the representation of the service Associations. Those included are COBSEO, Commonwealth War Graves Commission, Merchant Navy Association, Royal Air Force Association, The Royal British Legion, Royal Commonwealth Ex Services League, Royal Hospital Chelsea, Royal Naval Association, Royal Marines Association, Transport for London and War Widows Association ".

“Local Remembrance Services - Since Covid-19 measures first came into effect, The Royal British Legion has instructed our branches that all activity undertaken by our members must be conducted in accordance with national and local government guidelines. We are encouraging our branches and members to continue supporting local Remembrance services and parades that follow government guidelines and only where social distancing measures can be fully adhered to. Whilst local Remembrance services and parades are important for people to pay tribute to our Armed Forces community, the safety and well-being of members of the public who attend or participate must remain the priority.Note: Local Remembrance services and parades are civic functions that are attended and supported by The Royal British Legion, and whilst we are happy to be consulted and provide assistance to organisers, the Legion is not responsible for, nor takes decisions regarding the delivery of these events. "

BOB JANES NATIONAL SECRETARY THE COLDSTREAM GUARDS ASSOCIATION

Message from our Chairman Ted Shorthouse.

One of our members, Mark Shorthouse, is the owner of Wood’s Tea Rooms in Wood St. Doncaster. 

He’s giving 25% off orders of the day, on and for, 11th November this year. He’s also giving 25% of his takings for the day. Both will be donated to the British Legion Poppy Day.

It would be much appreciated if our members could go to the tea rooms on the day to increase the takings for a very good cause. No phone appointment is necessary by the way. 

I have received this email from our friends at the REME Association Doncaster Branch. I thought the information it contained would be relevant to our members.

Dear All,We have been informed by our President that due to COVID-19, and in line with Government Guidelines, Doncaster Council will not be holding a Remembrance Parade this November.  Members of the public are requested not to visit the cenotaph on Sunday 08th November 2020. However, one member of an Association or Group will be permitted to lay a wreath on behalf of their Branch and Barry Woodward has volunteered to be our representative. (Ted Shorthouse our chairman will be laying a wreath on our branches behalf)

The Council urge the public to stay away and watch the National Service from Whitehall on television, observing a two minute silence in their own homes instead.  If you wish to visit any memorial to the fallen, within the Borough, either before or after Sunday 08th November, then this is currently OK. Please remember to maintain your social distancing.

I would like to thank Barry on behalf of the Branch, for once again being our representative and Adie for advising us on the Council’s decision. Best regardsJoe Dixon-HaxbyBranch Secretary

Birthday Greetings.

I do not know of any birthdays for this month. If it is your birthday this month best wishes for the day from all at the Doncaster branch.

New Members.

We have had three new members join our ranks this month. Mike Reilly, a former 2nd Bn man and Brian Jones, ex Guards Para’s and 3rd Bn man, and David Ponter. David was in the Signals and was posted to Lydd and Windsor with the 1st, Kenya Zanzibar, Aden and Chelsea with the 2nd. He now lives in Toronto Canada Welcome aboard gentleman we hope to see or hear more from you all as soon once the restrictions are lifted.

Help or Assistance.

As members you don’t need me to remind you about the present restrictions stopping us getting out and about. However just a small reminder that Ted Shorthouse and his team and our welfare officer Steph Dodd are there if you require any assistance. If you are wondering how ‘old so and so’ is doing why not give him or her a call? I am sure they would appreciate it.

Veterans Railcards.

Veterans Railcards are now on sale Veterans will receive up to a third off rail travel they normally cost £30 a year but they are on offer for £21 or £61 for three years. Seems like a bargain to me. For further information ring your local train ticket office.

Facebook page & Webpage.I am pleased to announce the branch now has its own Facebook and Webpage to access them;

Facebook - search Doncaster Branch Coldstream Guards Association then ask to be a member

Webpage - www.doncastercoldstream.co.uk

My thanks to Mick Reilly for setting up the webpage on the branches behalf.

Regimental History.

I wonder if any are from the Doncaster area in these pictures.

Discover your Cemetery.

The following article was submitted by our President Major Les Winter. Many thanks. I hope you all find it as interesting as I did? Have any of our members a similar tale to tell?

I have walked though my local cemetery many, many times, doing my daily early morning walk.

There are numerous headstones that catch your eye some plain some statuesque, all placed by loved ones’ over the years. Recently there was a headstone that caught my eye, it was a headstone of a solider. A soldier who must have been exceptional, winning the Military Medal I am intrigued curiosity took over me and I started to do some investigations. However, I soon found out that trying to research a World War II Hero can be very challenging.

The start was easy Horace Hutchinson was born in Bawtry on the 9th September 1917, during World War I was at its height. He had a sister Mary born in 1921 and a brother Ronald born in 1913. Horace worked on the Bawtry Hall Estate as a carpenter which was owned by the Peake family, whose son was a Coldstreamer KIA during World War I. Whilst Horace's family worked for the Peake family living in accommodation provided by the Estate and they lived in the North Lodge, off Bawtry Road.

On 13 March 1942 Horace enlisted into 222 S/L Training Regiment, then posted into 208 Lt AA Regiment.

On the 1 July 1942 he embarked ME on 27 July 1942, no further information as to when he disembarked (maybe, somebody can fill in the missing gap?).

The next time Horace surfaces in April/May/June 1943, when he married Ida Bennett in Keighley, she was a Textile Winder.

At some time, he joined 554 Company Royal Engineers, the company was part of 52nd (lowland) Infantry Division. It appears the 52nd (lowland) Division landed in France in September 1944. The next appearance of Horace is when he was awarded the Military Medal (Immediate) on the night 23rd/24th March 1945, part of Operation Plunder when the Allied Armies crossed the RHINE and invaded Germany.

It is known Horace and his wife Ida returned to live in Bawtry and had a son (name unknown). Sadly, Horace died on 28 November 1950, he was only 33 years old, Ida returned to Keighley sometime after Horace's death. Alas, there was no more information available his medals not known, and any relations have long left Bawtry.

I wonder, if there are any more forgotten soldiers, waiting to be discovered?

(Many thanks to Roger for his help in researching Horace).

Sayings/History.

Micks Incredibly Interesting Facts. (In this case very interesting!)

Youngest British Soldier in First World War.

Sidney George Lewis (24 March 1903 – 1969) enlisted in the East Surrey Regiment in August 1915 at the age of twelve. He fought in the Battle of the Somme in 1916, then aged thirteen, in the 106th Machine Gun Company of the Machine Gun Corps. Lewis also fought in the Battle of Deiville Wood which saw some of the worst casualties on the Somme. He was sent home after his mother sent his birth certificate to the War Office and demanded his return. Lewis was awarded the Victory Medal and the British War Medal. He re-enlisted in 1918 and served with the army of occupation in Austria. He joined the police in Kingston upon Thames after the war and served in bomb disposal in World War II. Later, he ran a pub in Frant, East Sussex. He died in 1969.Although World War I army recruiters often turned a blind eye to underage recruits, another factor may have been Lewis's mature appearance. He was a tall, heavily built boy, growing to 6 feet 2 inches as an adult. The minimum height requirement of the British Army at the time was only 5 feet 3 Inches.

The last soldiers to die in World War I

Private George Ellison, the last British soldier to die

In the closing minutes of World War I, the ceasefire within touching distance, a handful of troops died. As the anniversary of the Armistice approaches, who were these men?

Just after 5 o'clock on the morning of 11 November, 1918, British, French and German officials gathered in a railway carriage to the north of Paris and signed a document which would in effect bring to an end World War I. Within minutes, news of the Armistice - the cease fire - had been flashed around the world that the war, which was meant to "end all wars", was finally over.And yet it wasn't, because the cease-fire would not come into effect for a further six hours - at 11am - so troops on the frontline would be sure of getting the news that the fighting had stopped.That day many hundreds died, and thousands more injured.The respected American author Joseph E Persico has calculated a shocking figure that the final day of WWI would produce nearly 11,000 casualties, more than those killed, wounded or missing on D-Day, when Allied forces landed en masse on the shores of occupied France almost 27 years later.What is worse is that hundreds of these soldiers would lose their lives thrown into action by generals who knew that the Armistice had already been signed.The recklessness of General Wright, of the 89th American Division, is a case in point.Seeing his troops were exhausted and dirty, and hearing there were bathing facilities available in the nearby town of Stenay, he decided to take the town so his men could refresh themselves."That lunatic decision cost something like 300 casualties, many of them battle deaths, for an inconceivable reason," says Mr Persico.

Final fallenSo who were the last to die?

New research by the BBC's Timewatch tells the story of some of the last to fall in WWI.The final British soldier to be killed in action was Private George Edwin Ellison. At 9.30am Pte Ellison of the 5th Royal Irish Lancers was scouting on the outskirts of the Belgian town of Mons where German soldiers had been reported in a wood.Michael Palin looks over Private Ellison's war record

Aged 40, Pte Ellison was not the typical conscript, says military historian Paul Reed."He was a pre-war regular soldier; we can tell this by his number (L /12643) which is consistent with a man who enlisted in the early years of the 20th Century. He may even have been a Boer war veteran, considering his age."It must have been odd for Pte Ellison to be back in Mons again. This is where his war started four years earlier when he was part of the British Expeditionary Force retreating from Mons in August 1914, just weeks after the outbreak of the war."During his four years at the front, George saw every type of warfare," says Mr Reed."He went into the first trenches as the war became deadlocked. He fought in the first gas attack, and on the Somme in 1916, watched the first ever tanks go up to the front."Almost a million British soldiers had been killed in those intervening years, yet almost miraculously Pte Ellison had so far escaped uninjured. In just over an hour the ceasefire would come into force, the war would be over and Pte Ellison, a former coal miner, would return to the terraced street in Leeds to see his wife Hannah and their four-year-old son James.And then the shot rang out. George was dead - the last British soldier to be killed in action in WWI. Although the last British soldier to die, Pte Ellison would not be the last to be killed that morning. As the minutes ticked towards the 11 o'clock ceasefire, more soldiers would fall.At 10.45 another 40-year-old soldier, Frenchman Augustin Trebuchon, was taking a message to troops by the River Meuse saying that soup would be served at 11.30 after the peace, when he too was killed.

Astonished enemyAugustin Trebuchon's grave - along with all those French soldiers killed on 11 November 1918 - is marked 10/11/18. It is said that after the war France was so ashamed that men would die on the final day that they had all the graves backdated.Just minutes before 11am, to the north around Mons, the 25-year-old Canadian Private George Lawrence Price was on the trail of retreating German soldiers.It was street fighting. Pte Price had just entered a cottage as the Germans left through the back. On emerging into the street he was struck by the bullet which killed him.But Pte Price's death at 10.58 was not the last. Further south in the Argonne region of France, US soldier Henry Gunther was involved in a final charge against astonished German troops who knew the Armistice was about to occur. What could they do? He too was shot.The Baltimore Private - ironically of German descent - was dead. It was 10.59 and Henry Gunther is now recognised as the last soldier to be killed in action in WWI.Ninety years later, George Ellison's granddaughters Catherine and Marie make an emotional first visit to the cemetery where their grandfather lies. Pte Ellison's granddaughters visit his grave for the first timeCatherine knows he died just five days short of her own father's (George's only son James) 5th birthday. "It must have been terrible for my grandma" she says.It's the first time anyone from the family has seen George's grave. As the two sisters lay white lilies beneath their grandfather's headstone, Marie echoes what many families in Britain today still feel about those who gave their lives in that war.

"We are very proud."

Competition Time.Ok this month’s competition is a word search kindly designed and forwarded to me from Pete Wilkinson. (Thanks Pete) There is a hidden name within the grid (See clue) Once you have worked it out ring Ted Shorthouse on 07824 880516 with your answer first correct answer wins a bottle of wine. Good luck!

FORECAST OF EVENTS 2020.

Sunday 08th November Remembrance Sunday.

Wednesday 11th November Remembrance Day.

Tuesday 10th November Monthly meeting and Games night against the Royal Marines. Cancelled.

Tuesday 08th December Monthly meeting, Christmas theme. There will be a buffet/raffle. Cancelled.

FORECAST OF EVENTS 2021.

TBC.

NOTE:All events are subject to support and attendance by Branch members. To spread the cost and to make up the numbers local Coldstream branches and other Regimental Associations may also be invited (Sheffield Branch, REME, Royal Engineers etc.). Timings and information, including possible costs, will be passed on in further newsletters.

Events are also subject to cancellation or change at short notice.

My Details.

For further information regarding anything in this newsletter, any other business or enquires please don't hesitate to get in touch with me.

My address and contact details are:

22 Westgate RoadBeltonDoncasterDN9 1QGEmail pete7889@live.co.ukTel: 07971 075944.

“Buttons in Twos”

Peter DoddHon Secretary