Issue 85 Dec 95

THE MACGREGOR MEDAL - ‘THE MEDAL OF THE GREAT GAME’
It is amazing what can be drawn out from a rather bare statement first made in ‘The Britannia’ No 26 Autumn 1939 and repeated in B&C 84 Jun 95, giving news of the 1st Bn, The Royal Norfolk Regiment, in 1939: ‘Hamond is treading the snowy wastes of Tibet for two months.’
The 1939 scribe for A Coy stated: ‘While at the Fort, 2Lt Hamond left us to explore some of the many hills in Northern India and Tibet; speaking from experience we do not envy his idea of a holiday.’
The 7 week expedition of 570 miles on foot was not written up in ‘The Britannia’ due to the war but Maj Bob Hamond tells me it was at his own expense and the organisation and provision of rations and equipment was down to him. As a result of this expedition he became not only the youngest officer ever to be awarded the MacGregor Medal but remains the only Regimental Officer to be honoured.
After the 2nd Afghan War 1879-80 the training of men in the acquisition of intelligence came under the jurisdiction of the Quarter Master General. The medal was founded by the United Service Institution of India in memory of Major General Sir Charles MacGregor KCB CSI CIE, the Quarter Master General, who died in 1887, and was for ‘new information useful for the defence of India.’ The first was awarded in 1889 and nearly every year thereafter a medal was won by an officer and another by an NCO.
After Partition and Independence the old rule for award of the medal was irrelevant so Maj Hamond was asked to assist with the drawing up of new rules. The medal can now be granted for outstanding exploration eg in the Polar regions, sailing round the world and ‘Running across the Himalayas’ also counts!
Since 1947 only 11 medals have been awarded but there have been none since 1972.
Maj Bob Hamond has written a booklet about the 100 years of the MacGregor Medal 1889-1989. It contains a photograph of him at 18 400' in Western Tibet dressed in kit similar to what I wore yesterday to rake up October leaves in Norfolk.
Bob kindly sent the Norfolk Editor an autographed copy, a treasured possession.
He will be attending the lunch in June 1996, staying as usual in Blakeney and would welcome visitors.
At a cost of Ł5.50 including postage, the book is available by contacting the Norfolk Section Editor.

Afternote by Webmaster Feb 96 - Sadly, Bob Hamond died on 11 Feb 1996. The Norfolk Editor was then serving in Bosnia and so unable to attend his funeral. Click here for his obituary and here for a reminiscence of RSM J Tuppeny Rice MM BEM.
Further afternote by Webmaster Jan 07 - The book is no longer in print.

A, B and D COYS IN KOREA 1952 - repeated in B&C 98 Jun 02
'The Britannia' No 40 November 1952 states that A Coy, forward with D Coy, were on 'The Finger' and up against the same problem as B Coy (successive tenants had all had different ideas and in consequence the whole area was a honeycomb of holes, disused cuts and old trash dumps) and needed sorting out in a big way. 'Nevertheless, they succeeded in turning it into a first-rate place and constructing some of the most monumental bunkers in Korea, not the least of which was CSM Paul Boxall's (d 2004). The CP area was in a shocking state of uncleanliness but CSM Tim Chatting (d 2004), better known as 'Camp', soon got the place put right.' The priority task for A Echelon was the conversion of a porridge-like half mile track into an all weather road. 'This was bravely undertaken and with CSM Winkie Fitt (d 1997), as the architect and resident engineer, a most excellent road was produced. Need we say that eventually this road was named 'Winkie's Way.'
The Battalion were ordered back into the line 2 weeks earlier than expected.
'This fact wrecked our Almanza Day plans and the only way we celebrated was by giving Chinky 10 extra rounds harassing fire that night.'
See Almanza Day.

and

Weybourne and the 5th Bn 1940
Maj Bryan B Coward obe wrote in response to the B&C 84 Jun 95 reference to the Earl of Leicester: In 1939 the Depot related: ‘The Earl of Leicester, in spite of being over 91 years of age insisted on walking around the Barracks and seeing the work done, asking many interesting questions.’
Bryan recalls: ‘In early 1940 he paid a visit to the 5th Bn in Weybourne. Lt Col Gus Scott-Chad invited the noble Lord to dinner in the mess and when I say mess it really was a bit disorderly. The Nissen huts were designed for the summer holiday weather but the January winds off the North Sea were enough to discourage the hardiest of brass monkeys. In any event the Earl, then over 90 and a veteran of Omdurman, regaled us with a few tales of soldiering in what I suppose he regarded as ‘the good old days’. The fact we were all wearing khaki seemed to worry the old warrior. After a while he said: ‘Simply can't understand why you chaps wear this khaki stuff. You know we used to beat 'em in scarlet!’
(Click here for the account of an event at Weybourne 44 years later.)
Bryan served later with 2 Suffolks in India and then in 2 Norfolks from the crossing of the Irrawaddy until the end of the Battalion's service in India. His last army duty was taking the Regimental band to Berlin. He remembers asking Cpl Widdows what made him take up playing the euphonium and being wholly satisfied when it was explained that when he joined the band as a boy, the bandmaster took one look at him and said: ‘You're a big boy. We'll put you on the euphonium!’

The Changi Barbershop
Herbert Widdows (died Dec 2003) had 2 brothers who served in Burma, one served in India, one got away to North Africa with the Royal Artillery and all 5 returned from hostilities. He recalls that shaving cream was not available in Changi but could be made with soap and latex from the rubber tree but the lather did not last long. The late George Clapham (died 1995), captured in Singapore on his 36th birthday, had a wooden lean-to in the corner of D block and acted as camp barber. While shaving one customer, George was often to be heard shouting down the stairs to those queuing with their mug, shaving brush and latex mixture, 'Keep those brushes going - I don't want you to take the edge off my razor!'

Gilly Banthorpe and 1948
Gilly Banthorpe (died 2000) has a memory of instant recall and after the Norwich and District Branch AGM he carried out his first duty as Entertainments Officer with a tale of his presence at the wedding in Norwich Cathedral in May 1948 of Major Hubert Holden MC and Miss Elizabeth Herbert, daughter of the Bishop of Norwich. The Britannia journal for Aug 1948 tells us 'The Regimental Band lent 8 buglers who, supported by a tympanist, sounded 2 most impressive fanfares from the balcony under the West window. They added a gay patch of colour (can we say that these days? - Ed.) to the ceremony in their scarlet tunics.'
What the journal did not report is that Gilly was at the wedding reception in the Bishop's Palace accompanied by his small son Gerry. The only drink available was champagne and Gilly had but a glass. The waitresses, who knew Gilly, kept Gerry supplied. The lad thought it was lemonade and was on his way to his first hangover!
Gilly had just been posted to The Essex Regt in Colchester with other ex-PTC staff (Lt 'Mucky' Mayes, CQMS M Hall and H Hickman, and CSM Belmont) after PTCs were disbanded on 21 April 1948 and a much smaller Regimental depot Admin and Training team established.
Sadly, Gilly informs us, Lt Mayes (died 1997) is now in hospital in Colchester.
Gilly also tells me that in the evenings Maj Holden would say: 'Let's go for a walk.' A shotgun would be produced and Maj Holden always let Gilly have the first two shots.

The Royal Norfolk Regimental Tie
Bill Seymour wrote in B&C 84 Jun 95: ‘It is surprising what the wearing of a Regimental tie or badge does towards this matter. Give it a try chaps and you will be surprised who may stop you in the street one day.’ It certainly works for Bill relates that he was wearing the Royal Norfolk tie in London after the Aug 95 VJ Parade and spotted another wearer. It was Maj Bryan Coward who had come over from South Africa for the occasion. He asked if Bill knew what had happened to Benny MacCrae whom he had recommended for a VC. Bill confirmed Benny had not received it!

5772972 Arthur Roy Chandler was born 20 Feb 1918, enlisted in 1938 and was killed in action in France in June 1940. His sister and his sister-in-law, Mrs Vera Chandler of Norfolk, would be grateful for any information concerning how Arthur lost his life.

COLONEL GH WINTER
Colonel George Henry Winter was a Regular with the Norfolk Regiment. Born in 1899 he was the son of Lt Col BE Winter of Ashby Lodge, Norwich and married Jocelyn Bates who was brought up in Norwich and that is probably where they met.
Adjutant of the Regimental Depot 1925-1928 and of the 1st Bn The Norfolk Regiment 1929 - 1932, he returned from India in 1935 to attend at the Guildhall, Norwich for the reading of the Proclamation of the Accession of King Edward VIII and was Adjutant of the OTC at Queen's University, Belfast from 1936 - 1940.
The 'History of the Royal Norfolk Regiment 1919-1951' by Lt Comdr PE Kemp RN states, 'Maj GH Winter, who had joined the (2nd) battalion at Hotham Hall, on the way to Driffield, on June 22nd, took over command of the battalion from Maj Wood that evening and was promoted Acting Lt Col on the 25th.'
He commanded the 2nd Battalion The Royal Norfolk Regiment from Jun 1940 - Jul 1943. After training in Britain and inspection by HM King George VI in April 1942 they went by troopship from Glasgow to Bombay via Freetown and landed in Bombay in June 1942. Combined Operations and jungle training was carried out to develop the specialised type of fighting required in the Burma terrain against the Japanese.
Command of the No 43 India Beach Group followed from August 1943 - August 1944 and he spent part of the war near Didcot and ran a POW camp in Scotland.
He commanded No 2 Holding Battalion in Dorchester in 1946 then in February 1947 'The Britannia' noted the formation of a new organisation named No 9 Primary Training Centre 'for dealing with recruits called to the colours and responsible for the elementary training of all Norfolk lads.' Lt Col Winter was to command this as 'OC No 9 PTC', living at Mons House, with Maj HT Crane, Captain RD Anderson, Lts AP McArthur, JM Pettitt MBE and Maj AE Grant MBE as QM. 'The Britannia' records that he was warmly welcomed back to the Regiment.
In November 1947 he retired from the army after 39 years service, was granted the honorary rank of Colonel in 1948 and went to live at East Rudham where he commanded 3rd Cadet Battalion The Royal Norfolk Regiment.
He and his wife Jocelyn moved to Aynhoe Park. She died of cancer in 1970 and he died on 18 October 1975 aged 76.
(Colonel Winter was an uncle of my cousin. Does anyone know anything more about him? Editor)
See the piece by Maj Tom Styles' A Tale of a Penny from B&C 87 Dec 96.

Gilly Banthorpe was asked if he had known Colonel George H Winter. Immediately, he replied, 'Dick Winter. Scratchy is what we called him. He was always scratching his a.... He was a sod. If his Routine Orders mentioned litter we knew he would be on the warpath. He would go round the barracks and if he found a fag packet under a bush would date and initial it then hide it again. Then in the morning he would take me, as Company Sergeant Major, around again checking for litter. Of course, he knew where he had hidden the empty packet of woodbines and if it was still there you got a right roasting!'
Maj Sam Hornor added: 'History does not relate exactly how this little game ended!'
Click here for the tale of Col George, Malaria pills and Breeches and here for 1947 Grass Cutting by LCpl Watling

SCRATCHY was the nickname we gave to a 6(V) Bn Training Major for the same reason stated above. Not Major William Reeve - he was called something else!

WERE YOU FOOLED COLONEL?
I wonder if Colonel Dick Flower (died 25 Oct 2000) knows about the following ruse? In 1975 he was Honorary Colonel of A (Royal Norfolk) Company and visited us at Annual Camp at Wretham on Stanford Training Area. It was a family Sunday and coaches brought families from far flung Braintree, Cleethorpes and Dunmow. But 99% of A Company had gone home so we had a problem when it came to the afternoon 'March Past the Honorary Colonels' - but not for long! Company Commander David James (right) obtained permission from Ron James, OC 'B', to borrow his company for the occasion. The writer proudly marched at the head of this huge contingent, CSM Alec Barr at the rear lending a touch of authenticity, while David James, at the dais, received compliments on the quality of marching, high turnout and impeccable uniforms from Colonel Flower. Once round the corner 'B' Company did a double march and fell in for a second pass of the dais past their real Honorary Colonel!

Col David James March 2000

Maj Ron James March 2000

Click photographs to enlarge

CSM Alex Barr in 2001 with his 'Black Watch'

LT COL ALASTAIR VEITCH
The June 1995 B&C 84 issue recorded the obituary of Alastair Veitch who died in March 1995.
He commanded 6(V) Bn The Royal Anglian Regt from 1983 to 1986. He was my CO.
Men are often described as ‘very private’ and Alastair Veitch was certainly such a man. In private conversation he was very amusing and his humour sometimes surfaced in public. During the handover of accommodation at the end of annual camp at Wretham he demanded that the fire buckets be emptied of water saying: ‘The spiders might drink it.’
In January 1995 a cheque was sent from the Norwich and District Branch Association to the Royal Anglian Museum Appeal for the attention of Lt Col Trevor Veitch and my letter included the following :
‘When serving with your brother Alastair in 6 ROYAL ANGLIAN, over lunch at Bassingbourne some older resident officers were discussing their early days in the Regiment. One recalled that Alastair and his brother would bet on absolutely anything. Alastair was bet he would not speak to a new subaltern for 6 months. They left the table before I heard the outcome so if I see him at the 6 ROYAL ANGLIAN dinner on Saturday I must ask!’
Sadly, I did not see Alastair at the dinner in January 1995 and heard from Lt Col Trevor Veitch in March 1995, informing me Alastair had died, saying: ‘He was on duty to the end, attending a meeting of the Royal British Legion at Woodbridge 36 hours before he died.’
And he added: ‘I read your letter to him at his home about a week before he died and we had a really good laugh. It really tickled him to hear that his reputation for betting, and for not speaking to newcomers, was still well known. However, the greatest chuckle was reserved for my reminding him who the object of his silence was - it was me - his brother! The wagers book at Little Warley shows that Alastair didn't speak to me for several months and he won his bet.’ JLR

Bill Brinkley remembered by Gen Jack Dye
Maj Gen Jack Dye CBE MC gave an address at the Thanksgiving Service on the life of this truly upright and honourable man. Included were the following, the first addressed to the grandchildren: ‘It may surprise the Grandchildren to know that we, as young officers, thought Grandpa absolutely terrifying. As you know he had a very deep voice and as a subaltern, one of our worst nightmares was to pick up the telephone in Company Office and hear the voice ‘Adjutant speaking’. Worse still if it were accompanied by a request to see him at 9 the next morning. A sleepless night followed wondering what latest misdemeanour had been discovered. I can see it all so clearly now. Bill sitting straight backed on the edge of his chair. Hat on. Eyes boring into you. Another 7 days Orderly Officer.’
Speaking of the Bn preparing itself in Scotland for its role as an assault Battalion for the Normandy Invasion in 1944: ‘Frequently we were put ashore in small crafts in varying depths of water, night and day, winter and summer on obscure islands and on the mainland of the West Coast. Bill was then commanding D Company. The voice transcended any Atlantic Gale. While others floundered about, the men of D Company had no doubt where their Major was. I can hear the rallying call now but dare not repeat it in this quiet place.’
And after Bill was appointed to Command the 1st Bn, The Royal Norfolk Regt, on an active service tour to combat the EOKA Terrorist organisation: ‘We joined a Commando Brigade with its own customs and procedures. This posed no problems for our Commanding Officer. He ignored theirs and carried on with the IX Foot Traditions. In the end Marine Brigadier Rex Madoc who was a great friend of the Regiment, accepted that Colonel Brinkley was not for turning and should be allowed to command in his own style.’
And speaking of a Mess Guest Night: ‘While we were still at the table, a message was handed to the Commanding Officer. Bill rose to his feet and said: ‘Gentlemen, we are required to resume operations immediately. I will give my orders in ten minutes. Please attend as you are.’ So we sat in the Operations Room in our Mess Kit and received instructions. I am sure it tickled Bill's sense of fun and of his deep feeling for history to give his orders to his Officers just once, dressed and bemedalled as we were. Shades of Corunna and the burial of Sir John Moore.’
(Click here for Lt Col Bill Brinkley's obituary.)