The Britannia
Index of pieces 1939-1949
quoted in the Norfolk Section
The Britannia and Castle		      
In 1927 the first number of the Regimental journal, 'The Britannia', was published under the Editorship of the then Captain MD Jephson. It was not the first time that the Regiment had decided to publish a journal for in 1883 the Officers of the 2nd Battalion, The Norfolk Regiment, published a monthly journal called 'The Britannia'. Unfortunately, this ceased publication after a few months due to lack of support. In 1910 a quarterly journal, 'The Holy Boy' was started but this ceased publication on the outbreak of WW1.
Capt William Gaymer kindly loaned the editor copies of the journal; No 26 Autumn 1939 to the last edition No 54 Aug 1959.
The following were quoted in the B&C.

No 26 Autumn 1939   No 27 Feb 1946   No 28 Aug 1946   No 29 Feb 1947   No 3O Aug 1947    No 31 Feb 1948

NO 26 AUTUMN 1939 repeated in B&C 84 Jun 95

NO 27 FEB 1946 repeated in B&C 85 Dec 95
GLOSS - a man's brilliantine - was advertised at 3/6d; Caley Chocolates announced that their Norwich factory had been demolished by enemy action but they hoped to soon open a new factory and continue producing their acclaimed Fortune chocolates; Morgan's East Anglian Pale Ale, Gaymer's Cyder, Youngs and Crawshay's India Pale Ale, Steward and Patteson beers were then flourishing.
Brief war histories of the 17 Battalions of the County Home Guard, disbanded on 31 Dec 1945, and the battalions of the Regiment 1939-45 were outlined - 1st, 2nd, 4th, 5th, 6th, 7th, 8th, 9th, 30th and 70th. The CO of the Regimental 70th Battalion (Young Soldiers Battalions formed after the Battle of Britain), Lt Col E Thistleton-Smith, had 'managed to get a car out of the RASC by quoting a non-existent authority.'
Of note was No 2 Infantry Holding Battalion formed at Ludham in November 1944 'but it was not a popular station owing to lack of accommodation and facilities for games'.
The solution was obvious - a March move to Great Yarmouth and accommodation in hotels and boarding houses!
'A very pleasant summer of 1945 was spent there before being moved to Dorchester, Commanded by Lt Col George Winter' (and see extract from B&C 85 Dec 95 on his Career.
1st Battalion news from Solingen on the Ruhr revealed that Lt Col Peter Barclay DSO MC had returned as CO.
The Sergeants Mess welcomed the arrival of RSM J Brown and commented that in the new Mess at Espelkamp liquor was a problem, but soon overcome when the bar was renamed 'The Rainbow Club' from the remarkable colours of the drinks on sale. 'Intrepid seekers after knowledge were eventually able to report that the blue had a special delayed action, no doubt popular with Scotsmen, the green was primarily a paint remover, while the yellow was the orthodox filling for V2s.'
The Anti-Tank Platoon, complete with Mr Chad, pin-ups and wireless sets found fairly comfortable quarters at Espelkamp; The Pioneer Platoon regretted the lack of news concerning their former Pl Comd, Tony Gill, 'the only man to bring in 100 prisoners single-handed'; The MT Platoon enjoyed the 'more pleasurable duties of ferrying ATS personnel to dances at Espelkamp.'
From India the 2nd Battalion reported Maj RGD Hare had arrived in November 1945 to take over Command from Maj Aikens but were down to 13 officers and 200 ORs. In October 1945 they took over permanent quarters in the former Indian Cavalry barracks at Haig Lines, the first time the Battalion had been in 'peace time' quarters since arriving in India in 1942. 'It is a welcome change from living rough.'
In 1945 the 2nd Bn Sergeants Mess in India made certain they were kept in practice for the succession of repatriation and farewell parties by entertaining on VJ Day the Officers' Mess, the Corporals' Mess, the Boxing and Football teams, 'a good wet time was had by all and closely followed by a drinking bout in the mess with 2 Dorsets and 1 Royal Scots. Needless to say, the 9th won with plenty to spare. At the end of the session only 3 bodies remained, flat out. (OK Winkie!)' (More on this please Mr Fitt ! Ed.)
A photograph shows Lt Col J Wilkins, RSM S Derry and an unnamed soldier with the 2nd Bn 1945 Boxing Team of CSM B Fitt DCM, Sgt HG Francis, Cpls C Morris and J Tuplin, LCpls W Bonner and C Thackery, Ptes I Thomas, W Baker, J Bye, E Hope, W Stephenson, W Brown, BJ Cornforth, G Lee, G Aldos and AN Other.
The 4th Battalion had been reformed at Morley Hall, Wymondham under command of Lt Col RP Freeman-Taylor.
The London, Kings Lynn and Belfast Branches were attempting to resume meetings.
At the presentation in Norwich in October 1945 of the 'Illuminated Copy of the City Councils Resolution', which conferred on the Regiment as a mark of affection and admiration of gallantry over nearly 3 centuries, 'the privilege, honour and distinction of marching through the City on all ceremonial occasions with bayonets fixed, colours flying and bands playing' were included Major D Jamieson VC (died 2001) as the Guard Commander, Major JB Dye MC as No 1 Detachment Commander, Lt JR Lincoln, temporarily relieved from his duties as OC 2nd Battalion Concert Party, carrying the Regimental Colour and CSM MH Davis DCM MM, the first soldier to be awarded the MM in the War.
The 30th Battalion in Italy were brief but so poignant in their report of a Guardsman NCO who had seen a Britannia badge on a cap in Toc-H, Perigna. Being interested in such things he asked what Regimental badge it was. On being told he said, 'Oh, that VC Crowd.'
Norwich City Council honoured the five Royal Norfolk Regiment WW2 recipients of the Victoria Cross by naming 5 roads after them on a new estate at Costessey near the Dereham-Norwich Road. A list of the 24 men connected with the County or County Regiment awarded the VC since its inception included 2 other Norfolk residents honoured in WW2 - Lt Col DA Seagram of Whissonsett For Valour at the Mareth Line and CSM P Wright of Kirstead for conspicuous bravery at Salerno.

NO 28 AUG 1946 repeated in B&C 86 Jun 96
THE BRITANNIA NUMBER 28 AUGUST 1946
Simonds beer, 'famous throughout the British Army' and Gaymer's Cyder were advertised. Austin Reed in London Street and Castle Meadow offered 'sundry devices for making your leave more comfortable.' Claude Benton in White Lion Street addressed the matter of Christmas shopping, 'Most men signally fail to note the rapid approach of Christmas and as a result spend money on last minute gifts that are adequate but not always exciting. The shopping situation being what it is this question of gifts, especially gifts for women, requires a little thought and the exercise of patience. A good lipstick is not easily obtained, an exclusive perfume is a rarity, so that you are bound to be in considerable favour if you can produce the one or the other.' Duff Morgan & Vermont distributed Standard and Triumph cars. Langford's of London Street assured Organisers and Secretaries 'they may safely leave all details of catering for Military Gymkhanas, Hunt Balls and Banquets to their competent and reliable staff.' Mason's of Great Yarmouth offered laundering for collars. FA Stone & Sons had two lines for 'phone and 'grams for arranging the making of your bespoke shooting or golf suit. The East Anglian TSB accepted Savings Stamps and paid interest at a competitive two and one half percent. The Temperance Building Society were only offering interest at two and one quarter percent but could arrange a mortgage at 4 percent.
An advertisement which would not be permitted in these days of political correctness was placed by The Goldsmiths and Silversmiths Company of Regent Street, 'We who speak the tongue that Shakespeare spoke, delight to pay our homage in personal gifts. Unlike other nations we have no love of statues, yet seek to show our esteem in permanent forms. From the early days of our craft, has the skill of the worker in gold and silver been exercised in producing tokens of appreciation and commemoration.'
Commanded by Lt Col FP Barclay, 1st Bn news was from the lovely garden village of Volksdorf, regarded by the scribe as 'just the Cat's Whiskers - a minimum amount of commitments, good billets, a lot of varied entertainment to make the men feel happy here. Everyone is proud of being in the famous Desert Rat Div. Training is carried out every morning and sports in the afternoon.' The 1st Bn Officers' Mess welcomed Captains ES Newey, C Franklin and RA Nunn, 2Lts GR Austen, PL Bird, DA Pigg, KC Lywood, Jimmy WN Perry-Warnes, Colin D McDougall and EP Walsh.
There was no change of surname with RSM J Brown, late HQ Coy, taking over from RSM WJ Brown. The 1st Bn Sergeants' Mess lamented that only two old hands were left, RQMS 'Satan' Jolley and CQMS 'Monty' Howard. Promotions to CSM were announced (and I use the typing of the time - Ed); A Coy Sjt Sheppard MM, who recently rejoined the unit after a spell with the Airborne; B Coy Sjt Webb, late of S Coy; C Coy Sjt Buck; D Coy Sjt 'Ginger' Pascall; S Coy Sjt Moore late Carrier Pl. Sjt (died Oct 02) and Sjt Slapp to HQ Coy.
A Coy reported that during their tour in Wuppertal they were kept occupied by guarding a Hungarian POW Camp, 'which on many occasions was the scene of exciting, if sometimes amusing incidents.' (Can anyone remember any of them? Send them in! Ed)
Using the typing and punctuation of the time, A Coy Orbat was: Coy. Commander Capt. J Rosenthal; Sec. i/c Capt. RA Nunn; Pl Commanders, Sec. Lts JWN Perry-Warnes and CD McDougall; C.S.M. Sheppard M.M.; CQMS Tubby, Pl. Sjts. Chapple, Barrett, Hussey and Hetherington.
There were very few men in B Coy, stationed at Bad Oldesloe. Capt JC Donald was Company Commander and the only other officer was 2Lt P Walsh. Senior NCOs were CSM Webb, CSgt Stonehouse, Sgts Perry, Friston, Dennington, Blood, White, Bacon and Pratt.
With the game-shooting season about to commence, C Coy reported that the shotguns were being put in good order. 'It is regretted that our old Coy Commander Maj JB Dye MC has left us to take up the arduous duties of Adjutant in that mysterious building known as Battalion HQ.' Major WJ Smart took over and other officers were Lt EA Gray and 2Lt PL Bird, with CSM Buck, CSgt CE Howard and Sgts Kett, Finch, Westbrook and Page. D Coy were honest, '... military training, greeted with mixed feelings from many, was carried on during the mornings. The afternoons however were the time in which most interest was centred. The Coy football team ...' LCpl Fare was mentioned several times for his prowess at Cross Country Running. Command of the company changed from Maj Murdoch to Capt ES Newey then to Maj JNR Hallett and on his appointment as Bn 2IC to Capt R Cousins. On moving to Volksdorf 'Training has been of a much stricter nature than previously and one feature of our work is PT at 0730 hours.' Over 200 men were in HQ Coy, Commanded by Capt PJB Gray with WO2 J Slapp as CSM and CSgt J Dunnington as CQMS. Support Coy were reformed but without the Anti-Tank Platoon and, 'after pleading very convincingly, CSM J Moore (died Oct 02) was allowed to go from HQ to his old love, S Coy.'
The 2nd Bn reported from Ramgarh with quarters in an ex-Italian POW camp. (See below. Ed). The lack of playing fields was an early priority. Hockey, football and basketball pitches were soon established. Lt GH Booth commanded the guard at a parade in which Secunderabad was ceremoniously handed back to the Nizam of Secunderabad.
Of the Battalion who went out India in 1942 only 5 remained; Lt Col JF Wilkins, CO; Maj B Aitkens, OC D Coy; Maj HM 'Dickie' Davies, (died 2002) OC B Coy; RSM S Derry; CSM 'Bungy' Francis and RQMS S Belmont. With an average age of nineteen and a half years the companies were formed from large drafts of all regiments. Major R Webb commanded A Coy, largely Green Howards; B Coy were mainly Norfolks and some from The Queens; C Coy, commanded by Capt CO Lethwaite MC with CSM F Edwards, were mainly from the Queen's Royal Regiment and the York and Lancaster Regiment. Admin Coy officers were Capt EA Deed, OC; Capt MS Downs, MTO; Lt JV Berney, PMC; Lt RG Holmes MM, QM; Lts PI Page and RJ Stevenson, Education; Lt JD Woodthorpe, PRI. Football champions HQ Coy were ready for the next sporting challenge, 'The majority of time is spent on training and many pints of sweat are going to the dhobi stone. There is a big rumour that the Signals are going to be issued with heavier wireless sets to enable them to prepare for any weight lifting competitions which may come off.' Rev JM Preston was the Padre and Lt AC Kerr the MO. The death on duty was recorded of OC Field Security Section, Capt Douglas Burall. The IO, Capt R Crawley, brought his caricatures of the older members of the Mess up to date. (Do they survive? Ed)
In 1946 the 2nd Bn Sergeants Mess had 30 members and reported 'Things have been a bit easier since the return of RSM S Derry and CSM 'Bungy' Francis, looking rather red in the face, due most probably to travelling back to India in the same plane as 6 Army Chaplains. Bungy tells me the air was rather thick and stuffy. Judging by their activities since they returned from leave, the Chaplain's influence has been of little avail. Drink up.' WOs and Sgts not listed above were, CSMs G Hampson, H Bell and A Lee, RQMS J Moody, CQMSs J Porley, J Austin, R Hemsley and J Dodds, Sgts F Stanbury, T Hopkins, B Green, H Bird and R Stamp.
Maj Alec D Blount (died 1997) had left for 'civvy street' but his hockey prowess was noted 'A fast forward who attacks fiercely and possesses a powerful hit.' Also of note was Maj HM 'Dickie' Davies, (died 2002) 'Left half, a keen, reliable player, has been in the team since Secunderabad.'
'Bungy' Francis' influence extended to the soccer pitch - 'What with Bungy and his gas rattle and 20 rupees bet offers, things became brighter.' - in a match when they beat 1/8 Lancashire Fusiliers.
The 4th Bn had departed Morley Hall Camp (formerly an Anglo-American hospital) via Wymondham Station for Greece in May 1946 with drafts from the Commandos, Gloucesters, Royal Fusiliers, Essex, Devons, Ox & Bucks Light Infantry, Lancasters, SLI, Parachute, Suffolks, Beds & Herts, Wilts, Yorks and Glider Pilot. They were at Patras with Lt Col RP Freeman-Taylor, CO; Maj NF Read, 2IC; Maj AI Mulholland, Captain Ashton, 2Lt Yeandle A Coy; Maj BE Dillon MBE, Capt PF Linnell, 2Lt Mills B Coy; Maj JM Swainson, Capt WD Folds C Coy; Maj JK Forte, Lt Myers, 2Lt Woodhouse D Coy. HQ Coy Capt RE Selby,OC; Capt ASH Lyon, QM; Capt PGT Swainson, Carrier Offr; Capt JFW Keyes, PRI, Welfare & Education; Lt FM Jones, MTO; Lt MF Green, RSO; Lt DR Ambrose, Pioneer & Messing Offr; Lt JG Pearson, MO.
Missing the 'happy laughter of Scroggie Huggins and Fred Stevens', the 4th Bn Sergeants Mess consisted of RSM Clements; RQMS Watkins; CSMs Easton, Ward, J Brooks, Mann and Hall; CQMSs J Teager and Parr; Sgts H Crooks, A Hilton, J Hood, W Brown, R Marriott, A Taylor, R Williams and F Lomas; Lance Sergeants J Taylor, P Gillen, F Brown, L Lilley and G Grenville.
Photographs show Lt Col RP Freeman-Taylor at the Farewell parade to Gen Sir EP Strickland at Britannia Barracks in Feb 1946 and of the Officers of the 1st Bn, taken at Solingen in March 1946.
The 30th Bn, in Italy, commanded by Lt Col H Harvey MC was disbanded in Jan 1946. Photographs show the Officers and the WOs and Sergeants at Bologna in April 1945.
No 2 Infantry Training Centre at Britannia Barracks reported that a few old sweats were soldiering on; WO2 Gilly Banthorpe was still in the CSM's chair at HQ Coy. On Sport 'We feel we must mention the severe casualties suffered by the rabbits at a certain place called Stanford Battle Area. For further details ask Major Hubert Holden, Lt Mucky Mayes (died 1997) (the WTO), any member of the Weapon Training Staff or certain unscrupulous persons in No 2 Coy, No 2 ITC.' Porky Ward and Tiger Lines had been seen about in Norwich while among those serving were Majors JN Packard 2IC, Larkman OC A, RD Anderson (newly married) OC C and JL Cain; Capts A 'Beefy' Hazelwood OC B, WJT Pryer OC HQ, DP Apthorp, JAR Seabrook and Sam Hornor; Lts AP McArthur, CW Hopkins DCM, AJ Self, Kitchen, Fountaine, Crouch, Anderson, NJ Turner, RKA Bridgens and WJ Hunt; 2Lts Thomas, Rowlinson, MJ Mellows and JD Wigdahl; ORQMS Dade; RSM Burrows; CSM Sewell; CQMSs Driscoll, Martin and George; Sgts Butler, Self, Gower, Hudson; Cpls Gregory, Daniels MM, Dent, Proctor, LCpl Wones and Cpl Proctor, a Norwich City player. And 'Mr Easter, as cheery as ever, is still with us in the boot mending dept.' Bandmaster Mr CH Burgess retired after 46 years of service, 26 with the Regiment and was succeeded by D Harvey.

IMPORTANT QUESTION
'The Britannia' No 28 August 1946 posed a question from 4th Bn Sgts Mess:
'Things We Want To Know - The name of the drummer who reported to the QMs stores and asked for a mouse and pullthrough for his bugle, and did he get it?'

RAMGARH
Corresponding with my late father's Best Man Jack Sagrott I noticed his house name was Ramgarh and recalled the photographs of a Ramgarh in the 'The Britannia' No 28 August 1946. (And see above.) Jack confirms that it is the same place he and his late wife Barbara knew so well. 6 months before the Norfolks arrived Jack handed Ramgarh over to a British Training Centre and left to take over at Asanol. He recalls 'there were 5 different camps in Ramgarh and we used to have about 80 000 Chinese troops there at one time and up to 30 Generals.' Jack's uncle was Colour Sergeant George Kady, Musketry Instructor in 1 Norfolk and he has a photograph of the Sergeants Mess at Aldershot in 1912 and of a Section of E Coy when they won the Challenge Cup in 1910. George retired to Framlingham and still has family there.

NO 29 FEB 1947 repeated in B&C 87 Dec 96
Hayward's Gin, with stockists in Calcutta, Bombay, Delhi and Madras was advertised with a verse:

Hushabye Baby
Hushabye Baby, pretty one sleep,
Daddy's gone golfing to win the Club sweep,
If he plays nicely and has a good score
He will buy baby presents galore.
Hushabye Baby, safe in your bed,
Daddy's come home, and he's seeing red.
Mummy will give him some Hayward's, and then
He'll forget he went round in a hundred and ten!

In Oct 1946 the Secretary of State for War announced a reorganisation of the Infantry. 'Regular Bns would not be disbanded but would, when a reduction is necessary, be placed in a state of suspended animation ie relegated to a Reserve category with no officers or men held on its establishment. It is hoped that Bns will do 8-10 years Home Service, 10-15 years foreign service and 10-15 years in suspended animation.'
The 4th Bn, along with other Territorial Battalions, was disbanded and its members posted. 4th Bn members who had served in Greece were informed ; 'In Corfu in 1860 the 9th Foot had no other uniform but the red tunics and shakos of Home Service but in the following year white uniform was issued with white cap covers and neck shades. Officers in undress wore either scarlet shell jackets or blue frock coats. The same shell jacket was worn unbuttoned at Mess with a gold embroidered waistcoat.' (And see page N22 for more on Corfu. Ed.)
Commanded by Lt Col FP Barclay, 1st Bn news was dominated by preparation for the Presentation of New Colours in November 1946. The 1st Bn Sergeants Mess had moved to Newhaus where 'bottle parties are in full swing' and there was news of the promotion to CSgt of Sgt 'Queer' Toll. In A Coy Lt Col Reg Cousins (died 2001) held the fort for a while and in a 6 day exercise Lt Jimmy Perry-Warnes 'put up a splendid show'. 'We managed to come second in the drill competition and this was to a large measure due to CSM Shepherd MM who has always maintained a very high standard of drill. Capt Peter Farrelly took over temporary command while Maj Bob Hamond was attending to the major tasks of getting married and climbing mountains in Switzerland.' In S Coy 'the Carrier Pl is functioning as such, with Wasp Section ..' (Wot dat? Ed)
The 2nd Bn, Commanded by Lt Col FW Clowes, reported from India where in the 2nd Bn Sergeants Mess 'RSM Derry and CSM Francis are blossoming under the tropical sun ... and we want to know which mess member fired 9 rounds of sten gun ammunition at some breakers of the curfew and only burnt his Carrier driver's neck? The Bn Parade Ground was priority No 1 and the RSM could shout his head off fairly regularly and everyone felt much more at home. One of our greatest tasks was to sort out the native Bearers, Malis, Bhistis, Khansamas, Sweepers and God knows who, all bearing, 'To Whom it May Concern' chitties signed by various old stagers of the 1st Bn.' In Admin Coy, concerning Sports, CSM Francis wanted to know if bets were legal.
No 2 Infantry Training Centre (No 2 ITC) at Britannia Barracks was disbanded in November 1946 and the Regimental flags of the Royal Norfolk Regiment and the Dorsetshire Regiment were lowered for the last time on the departure of the Dorsets, thus ending the close relationship of the Norfolks and the Dorsets - the 'Norsets'. On 8 Nov 1946 the Regimental flag of the 9th Foot was hoisted outside the main gate at Britannia Barracks, where it had flown in a dual capacity since 1942, first with the Northamptonshires then with the Dorsets, marking the formation of No 9 Primary Training Centre (No 9 PTC) 'for dealing with recruits called to the colours and responsible for the elementary training of all Norfolk lads. Interpreters may now be disposed of, most of the staff having complete understanding of the dialect that often leaves 'foreigners' stone cold.' Lt Col George H Winter was warmly welcomed back to the Regiment to command No 9 PTC.
The 54th Foot (West Norfolk Regiment) Colours, torn and tattered after being saved from the burning ship 'Sarah Sands', on its way to quell the Indian Mutiny in 1857, had been hung in Norwich cathedral since 1868. (In 1785 the 54th Foot was given the title the 54th or West Norfolk Regiment. In 1881 it became the 2nd Bn The Dorsetshire Regiment.) In September 1946 the colours were handed over to the Dorsetshire Regiment.
A new District Sign for East Anglian District was approved in September 1946, consisting of a Viking head in white on a red background.
The 2/6th Norfolk Cyclist Bn held their 21st reunion and 1200 Norwich ex-POWs and their families were entertained by the LVA in St Andrew's Hall.
Anonymous donors provided 5 silver bugles inscribed with the names of the 5 Norfolk VCs and also donated were 6 drums and 6 silver bugles in honour and memory of Nurse Edith Cavell, who had been instrumental in helping men of the 1st Bn The Norfolk Regiment escape from Belgium in 1915. The price of the Journal was increased by 6d to 2/-.

NO 30 AUG 1947 repeated in B&C 88 Jun 97
THE BRITANNIA NUMBER 30 AUGUST 1947
Commanded by Lt Col Alan Cubitt, 1st Bn news was from Detmold. It had been a very hard winter, described by CSM Ted Shepherd MM as 'absolutely deadly'. Capt RA Ferrier was Adjutant, Major Jack Dye MC the Training Officer and new officers welcomed were: Majors Rees and Gibbons, Captains Brian E Dillon MBE, Elliot, Hely-Hutchinson, Munday and Ward, Lts Martin, Mellish, Sweet, 2Lts Best, Buxton, Bird, Carter, Haines, Hastings, Mason and Metcalfe. A Hunt Club was formed and Major Jack Dye, Lt de Rooij and Miss Howard represented the Mess in various Gymkhana. 'Shooting was very much to the fore during the winter and proved a profitable pastime for the families. Capt Reg Cousins and Lt Jimmy Perry-Warnes always managed to bring back a full bag. 2Lt Buxton shot two fine pig, a welcome addition to the ration, and Capt Brian E Dillon brought in the odd roebuck.
The Dorsetshire Regiment were training nearby in Sennelager and thus we were once again able to renew our liaison and their officers dined in our mess.'
(The Editorial of THE BRITANNIA No 27 in February 1946, when it commenced publication after a lapse of 6 years concluded, 'One final word must be said of our traditional friends The Dorsetshire Regiment. No amalgamation with another regiment could have been more welcome than that which now exists in No 2 Infantry Training Centre at Norwich and No 2 Holding Battalion at Dorchester. The sight of the 2 Regimental Flags flying from the same flag staff evokes pleasant memories of the past, and, we feel sure, is a happy augury for our future friendship.'
A photograph in THE BRITANNIA No 30 August 1947, titled 'The Norsets 1943-46' shows that flag staff in October 1946, flying the two flags.
THE BRITANNIA No 31 February 1948 p16 details further 'Norset' links. In 1914 the 2nd Bn The Norfolk Regt embarked for Mesopotamia and was besieged at Kut in 1916. Two Battle Honours were gained for the Regiment at Kut: 'Kut Al Amara 1915-17' and 'Defence of Kut Al Amara', the former borne on the Colours. After the fall of Kut a new composite 2nd Bn was formed, composed of 2 coys 'Norfolks' and 2 coys 'Dorsets' and distinguished itself at the crossing of the River Tigris at the Shumran Bend. The Bn came to be known, if not officially, as the 'Norsets'. This name was continued in the 1939-1945 War when the ITC (Infantry Training Centre) at Norwich consisted of 'Norfolks' and 'Dorsets'.)

(Click here for the letter from Harold C Huggins with more on Kut
and click here for references by Lt Col ET Lummis concerning the Dorset/Norfolk link. Ed.)

RSM 'Bill' Brown left for civvy street and CSM Buck held the reins until RSM 'Johnny' Fisk, recently returned from East Africa where he had been serving with the King’s African Rifles, took over. Drum Major K Moore led the band in a parade while The Drums 'formed the ambidextrous task of A/Tk Platoon'. In A Coy Capt Reg Cousins (d 2001) ran the Pay office and Lt Jimmy Perry-Warnes was posted as MTO to Operation Woodpecker May to Oct 1947. (Operation Woodpecker took many men away from training and an account by Lt CV Cecil Smith appeared in THE BRITANNIA No 31 February 1948.)
CSM Ted Shepherd MM (d 1998) starred in the hockey team and was married in May 1947. (So that means Ted and Jean Shepherd celebrated their Golden Wedding in May 1997. Congratulations to you both. Ed)
The Battalion Boxing Team won the BAOR Inter Unit Championship though Capt Ben Chapman sustained an injury to his eye.
The War Memorial Cottages appeal, launched in March 1946, set a target of £20 000 to provide, erect and endow the cottages. This target was increased to £30 000 and preliminary clearing of the site commenced. Lt Col Bassett F Hornor DSO OBE JP, the Treasurer, reported that by May 1947 £22 207 18s 4d had been raised. Interesting contributions were a freehold bungalow at Costessey, given by Major LC Bell of Johannesburg, sold at auction for £700 and £7 from the North Elmham Meat Pie Scheme Committee.

No 31 Feb 1948 repeated in B&C 89 Dec 97

The Britannia 1950 - 1959

Editorial Rule
 To qualify for inclusion in the B&C there is only one rule - something described must have been said to have happened. 
The authority is the Editor, British Army Review No 114 Dec 96, `If the facts don`t fit the legend, print the legend’.

However, the rules of good taste, respect and confidentiality are always applied.

Rule Britannia!

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 B&C Norfolk Editor