e-mail Extracts from Issue 102 Jun 04

VIDEO OF PTE POOLEY'S REVENGE
Peter Traynor wrote from Oz asking if a film or video of ‘Pte Pooley's Revenge’ (See Le Paradis) is available. An internet search by the Norfolk Editor drew a blank.
Two links to the film include:
www.djangomusic.com/home.asp
and
http://movies.go.com/movies/P/privatepooley_1962/index.html
B&C 102
Afternote Jun 06:
James Hornby saw it and wrote: ‘I have a video of the above, taken from a German Film some years ago. Could you please put me in touch with Peter Traynor.’
This was done. Thanks James.
Afternote Oct 06:
James Hornby

MILITARY MEDAL OF CPL RS CRITCHER
Trevis Halliday wrote: I would add my thoughts to those commending your web site for its insight into the Royal Norfolk Regt.
My father was a National Serviceman after the war in BAOR and knew Cpl RS Critcher, a marksman, who went to Korea and won the Military Medal.
Where can I obtain the text of the citation?
B&C 102
Webmaster Comments: Thanks Trevis for the site compliment!
Your appeal ref the MM was in the print copy of B&C 102 Jun 03 and Tom Latham telephoned to say he has a lot on your man!
I have e-mailed you with a contact address and tel no for Tom, who will pass on the information. Thanks Tom !
Tom wrote in B&C No 87 Dec 96 and started the Korea reunions.
B&C 105

PENINSULAR WAR AND E NORFOLK REGT
WHAT WAS THE REGIMENTAL MARCH IN 1808?
Dr Caroline Miley wrote from Oz: ‘I am writing a book connected with the Peninsular War and researching the East Norfolk Regt of the period. There seems to be very little published on the Regiment’s history and I have found it very difficult to locate anyone who is knowledgeable about the IX and its history. The Regiment’s official website is very much under construction, has little information and no contact details. I have contacted the IX re-enactment group and have read Hale’s memoirs, Gomm’s letters and Petre’s and Cannon’s histories. I am also collecting information on officers, especially its colonels of the period, Stuart and Cameron. I am keen to continue my research into the Regiment, which seems to have rather a low profile in Peninsular War histories. Can you help or pass on my details to someone who may be able to assist? One of the pieces of information I am particularly trying to pin down is what the Regimental March was in 1808. I believe the march was ‘Young May Moon’ in the early 19th century and later ‘Rule Britannia’ but I do not believe that the song had been published in 1808. So, what was the march then?’

The Norfolk Editor knows a bit more than the proverbial ‘square root of *&* all’ about the tunes - but not a lot ! Rule Britannia, written by James Thomson, was first introduced into ‘The Masque of Alfred’ the earliest performance of which took place at Clevenden in 1740. Dr Arne composed the music. It was first taken into use in about 1881 when the Regiment was first named The Norfolk Regiment.
‘Young May Moon’ was formerly used for marching past in Quarter Column on Ceremonial Parades.
It was suggested Caroline tries Kate Thaxton at the Regimental Museum. If you can help, please contact Caroline via the Norfolk Section Editor or RHQ, Britannia House, TA Centre, 325 Aylsham Rd, Norwich, NR3 2AB, Tel 01603 400290.
B&C 102

KOREA 1951-2 BY BARRY MARSH
I was a National Service Private Soldier with 1 Royal Norfolk (C Coy HQ) having been transferred from the Royal Ulster Rifles when the Norfolks arrived in Korea in Oct 1951.
As I was the first person probably in the company to have a camera and use it as frequently as my access to film allowed, I have photographs which others may like to see again or possibly for the first time. Using the search engine 'Google' and typing in 'Norfolks in Korea' I soon found myself seeing and reading about colleagues of 1951/52. Having owned a computer for only just over a year, I am not sure how to go about showing these photographs on the Internet or in the 'Britannia and Castle' or getting in touch with old army colleagues. Keith Nutter of Northants (See B&C 95 Dec 00 for a quote from Soldier magazine Jun 2000 and his obituary in B&C 95 Dec 00 for John A Plackett) is someone with whom I would like to get in touch.
Does one subscribe to the 'Britannia and Castle' ?
What are the rules and regulations for using this news sheet?
Any help or guidance you can give I would be truly grateful.
I take it for granted that addresses of any kind and telephone numbers are not just handed out to anyone.
My e-mail address (which includes the name 'Taplow' Ed.) is in memory of a life long friend, also a Korean veteran.
With best regards,
Barry Marsh.
Webmaster Comments: Great to hear from you Barry via the wonders of the Internet ! To answer your queries:

Photographs - Send by post either good quality, high contrast photocopies, or, risking Royal Mail, the originals, and I'll scan and place them on site, returning them by post. Better, send me a scanned image by e-mail !
Contact with former colleagues - We generally ask if the subject wishes to make contact with an unknown correspondent or a letter can be sent, for forwarding, via RHQ, Britannia House, TA Centre, 325 Aylsham Rd, Norwich, NR3 2AB.
The exception is where a contact telephone no, e-mail or postal address has already been published in the print copy.
Subscribe to the B&C - Click here !
Rules and Regulations - Click here to see the Editorial Rule !
(I never did get RHQ permission to open this site but it has opened a proverbial whole new world to surfers like yourself ! Maybe my bold step is what is called 'Initiative' ?)

Click here for the Korea Index.
B&C 102 Jun 04
Afternote Apr 06: Click here for Barry's photographs.

PTE TEARLE
The obituary in B&C 100 Jun 03 for William Cecil Chapman mentioned the notable patrol engagement in the Sami-Chon valley, Korea, on 3 Mar 1951: ‘Mr Henson was awarded the MC and Pte Alf Tearle, the signaller, a MID ie Mention in Despatches. In B&C 101 Dec 03 Richard Tearle appealed for details about Pte Tearle as he is researching Tearle family history.
Tom Henson wrote, modestly omitting his MC: 'I have responded to Richard Tearle with info ref the Korea fighting patrol in the Sami-Chon valley on 3 Mar 1951 in which Alf Tearle was my 9 Pl Signaller when we engaged the enemy in strength. Alf was our vital radio link with our 25 Pdr and MMG support, under John Denny, which sealed off enemy retreat ('OBOE - TARE 360 DEGREES, drop, drop and drop again') until we were all ducking, but it did the trick. Alf, in spite of loosing his feeble stick aerial on the 88 set in the dark in long grass, had the wit to connect the trailing aerial, and to resume contact with our valiant Support, to whom we all owe so much!
(Tom, the closest I've ever come to hostile fire, apart from 'Celebratory Fire' in Bosnia in 1996 and 1998, was on STANTA at Archers Range, in Dec 1980 something, conducting a live Pl Attack shoot, when the LMG rounds were seemingly keeping a yard ahead - I made sure my rate of advance tuned to that! And there the occasion in the 1970s when the late John Slaughter, paired with Taffy Coombs on the LMG in the 6 R Anglian Section Competition, while supposedly clearing the weapon, let off a burst while RSM 'Lofty' Knight and I were legging it down the range as Safety Staff. I seem to recall we both danced on the spot! Anyway, as a mere lad of 7 at the time of the award of your MC, salutations and thanks. Ed.)
B&C 102

THE TEARLE FAMILY
Jo Smith wrote: I noticed on the B&C site an appeal by Richard Tearle researching the Tearle family. My granddad was Sidney John Tearle, born in Dunstable on 22 Nov 1880. His father (my great granddad) was Charles Bowler Tearle. He died 18 Mar 1970. I don't know that much about my father’s family, except that my granddad’s family came from either Eaton Bray, or maybe Stanbridge, Bedfordshire, and that he had a few brothers, 4 or 5 I think. My granddad was 31345 LCpl Sidney John Tearle, 2 Middlesex Regt. In WW1 he was awarded the Military Medal for Gallantry after rescuing other soldiers while they were under fire. I have attached the letter he received from King George - right.
My dad, now deceased, was Ernest Leonard Sidney Tearle, born in Dunstable 17 Mar 1917. The only boy, he had 3 sisters. My dad was in the navy during WW2 and I think he mainly worked on mine sweepers. He had 6 children: one girl by his 1st marriage and 5 children by his 2nd. I'm the eldest by his 2nd wife and have 2 brothers and 2 sisters. Our names are Josephine, Valerie, Adrian, Diane and David. I hope this helps in your research, as it seems most of us Tearles come from the same family.

Webmaster comment: It is a chastening thought that, without the internet, Richard Tearle would never have seen the obit in B&C No 100 Jun 03 for William Cecil Chapman, written by John Denny, which mentioned the Signaller Pte Tearle, and Jo Smith would not have known Richard was researching the Tearle Family. Furthermore, it is amazing that King George personally wrote, in 1918, a letter to LCpl Sidney Tearle, on his demob, having rescued other soldiers while they were under fire. Thank you Jo.
B&C 102

MM OF LCPL SIDNEY JOHN TEARLE
Paul Moseley came across the references above to the Tearle family and wrote:
'I was interested to note Jo Smith's comments regarding LCpl SJ Tearle as I have in my collection, this brave gentleman's Military Medal. Unfortunately, I have none of his other WW1 medals. As a collector and researcher of Gallantry medals to the Middlesex Regt in WW1 I would be pleased if Jo would kindly photocopy the letter received from King George V and I would be interested if she has any photos, either in uniform or civvies.'
Webmaster comment: Paul offered to reimburse any costs incurred and asked that details be passed to Jo. This was duly done. Isn't the internet wonderful !
[B&C 103]

WO2 JOHN SLAPP - 87 in FEB 04 AND VISITING NORMANDY IN JUN 04
John Slapp Jnr wrote about his father 2323842 John Slapp, born 8 Feb 1917. ‘He was a Norfolk for the majority of his service from 1934 to 1960 except for the periods on detached duty with the Essex Regt and 4 KAR. On subsequent detached postings he wore the Britannia .He served in India with the 1st Bn until they came home to prepare for Normandy. He landed with the Regt and ended up in Bremen at the end of hostilities. In 1946 he was CSM HQ Coy, then an Essex Regt CSM 1951 and CSM 4 KAR 1951-53. He originally joined the Royal Signals in 1934 before transferring to join his brothers Alfred and George in the Royal Norfolks in 1935. He is mentioned in ‘Thank God and the Infantry’ on p96 after the liberation of Helmond and is in the Sergeants photograph in the official history. There is also mention of him in a 1946 B&C when he was promoted to CSM HQ Coy. My father is proud of being a Norfolk and is taking part in the Normandy reunion in June.’
B&C 102

BANDSMAN CHARLES CHRYSTAL THOMAS - 96 IN MAY 04
Rose Thomas in Oz wrote about her father 5768839 Charles Chrystal Thomas, born on 19 May 1908. ‘I have just 'stumbled' upon your site, and am marvelling at all of it ! I have been trying, without success, to find anyone who may remember my Dad and who may like to contact him. A number of the items I have read on your site have been related to me by him over the years! Born in Middlesbrough in May 1908 he joined up in 1926/7, was at Colchester with 1 Norfolk and shipped out to Shanghai in 1928. Always known as Thommo, he was a bandsman, playing the flute and accordion etc. He also wrote script and music for, and acted in, a number of revues. His mates were Slonkey Merrett and Ginger Maxwell. After Shanghai he went to Egypt and then on to India, where he served until he resigned from the army in 1939 after 12 years service. He has told me stories of Waziristan, Solon Hill and much much more. My memory is not half a good as his, but he can remember the names of every campsite, village and the names of roads. He was in India when the Norfolks were given the 'Royal' title and they all received medals for their service there. Dad will be celebrating his 96th birthday in May at home in Australia. I would also like to receive your publication as he would be so interested!’
Webmaster Comment: Without knowing the exact date an e-mailed birthday greeting was sent to Oz and arrived 2 days before Thommo's 96th Birthday which, sadly, he had to celebrate in hospital. Rose printed out the greeting and said: 'I hope he will be on his feet again very soon. He's a marvellously strong man and his mental powers are exceptional.'
The B&C £Sterling cost per year to Australia is £6 plus £2.50 postage. If you wish to subscribe you may care to know that transferring money is very expensive for amounts under £10 so the quickest, though not the safest, way is to send me the equivalent in US$. Contact me for my postal address via the Norfolk Section Editor.
B&C 102
Webmaster Afternote Mar 05: Thommo died on 24 Mar 2005. Click here for his obituary.

MISSING AFTER LE PARADIS
From Rob Snowball came a query concerning his Great Uncle 5771119 Drummer Ronald Edgecombe 2 Royal Norfolk, the brother of his grandmother Ruby who in Jun 04 was aged 92. Ronald, a drummer in HQ Coy, was wounded around the time of the Le Paradis massacre on 27 May 1940. He was supposed to be in a Red Cross station / Field Hospital near Dunkirk 2 weeks after the farm incident then he disappeared. Can a reader shed any light as to what may have happened? If you can help Rob, please e-mail him via the Norfolk Section Editor or by post to RHQ, Britannia House, TA Centre, 325 Aylsham Rd, Norwich, NR3 2AB, Tel 01603 400290.
[Not in print copy B&C 102 but answer in B&C 103]
Webmaster Comment: Click here for an answer