`OPERATION DYNAMO` 75th ANNIVERSARY - paratrooper

‘OPERATION DYNAMO’ 75th ANNIVERSARY SOUVENIR ISSUE
JULY/AUGUST 2015
The Journal of CMTG (Scots)
No 15/1
‘OPERATION DYNAMO’ 75th ANNIVERSARY
COMMEMORATIONS IN RAMSGATE
PAGE 3
th
Maj. Gen. (Ret’d) Charles Ramsay CB OBE Takes The Salute - Operation Dynamo 75 Anniversary Parade in Ramsgate (Pic: Philip Stead)
569 Sqdn; TOBERMORY
CHARITY FUNDRAISING
Page 8
BOYS’ TOYS … DUNKIRK
LITTLE SHIPS & CLASSIC
BOATS Page 15
THE SCHOOLBOYS AND VETERANS
WHO SAILED TO WAR Page 11
CONTENTS
EDITORIAL COMMENT
Welcome to the July 2015
issue of ‘Maritime Frontiers’
This
month
we
present
an
Operation Dynamo 75th Anniversary
special issue. The day was enjoyed
by Frontiersmen who attended the
commemorative event in Ramsgate,
and we hope that you enjoy our illustrated report.
This year of major WWII anniversaries continues with
the VJ Day 75th celebrations, reviving memories of the
50th events back in 1995; massive coordinated firework
displays at several locations on the River Thames in
central London, to a tannoyed soundtrack of Vera Lynn:
the spine-tingling sight of a solitary floodlit helicopter,
flying a large Union Flag beneath, slowly making its way
upstream to thunderous applause … not a dry eye …
And then, the Battle of Britain 75th anniversary.
Articles, photos & news items, especially those with a
maritime and/or military flavour, are welcomed, along
with reports from Legion of Frontiersmen units around
the world. We already have some fascinating content
for the next issue: Published 6th September 2015.
And finally … readers who are wondering who we are,
and what we do, should read the ‘Maritime Frontiers’
panel on Page 6.
GGT Philip Stead [email protected]
st
Admin Officer – CMTG/1 EK Sqdn (Scots)
 Dunkirk Veteran Travels From Ontario
th
 ‘Operation Dynamo’ 75 Anniversary – Ramsgate
3
 ‘Maritime Frontiers’ – Who Are We?
6
 New Recognition for UK Reserve/Regular Service
6
 New Pen & Sword Club Logo Unveiled
6
 Opportunity to Shoot Genuine WWI & WWII Rifles
7
 569 Squadron (Scots) News – Isle of Mull
8
 International Bergmarsch 2015
9
 6 Adam Street, London WC2 – Former Legion HQ
9
 Owner of Dunkirk Little Ship ‘Kingwood’ Fined
10
 Frontiersmen Archives – University of Alberta
10
 The Schoolboys & Veterans Who Sailed to War
11
 The ‘Frontiersmen Historian’ Blog – New Topics
11
 Introducing Lt. Col. William Sloane CAP
12
 A Proud Day at the Australian Coastguard
12
 Kennet & Avon Canal – Forgotten Wartime Role
13
 ‘London Camp Notes’ – 1925 Legion Camp at Keston 14
 Boys’ Toys … Dunkirk Little Ships and Classic Boats
15
 Enabling a Smoother Transition into Civvy Street
16
COVER PICTURES
* A Bitterly Cold Day in Tobermory (Pic: 569 Sqdn Archive)
* Wild Swan Moored at Hurley-on-Thames (Pic: Philip Stead)
* Men of the Royal Observer Corps on a Clifftop near Dover
During WWII (Pic: War Office – Imperial War Museum)
Dunkirk Veteran Travels From Ontario To Ramsgate
Amongst the many visitors who travelled to
Ramsgate for ‘Dunkirk 75’ was 94-year-old
veteran Michael Weller-Bentall (pictured left)
who flew in from Ontario, Canada
Serving with the Royal Berkshire Regiment at the time
of the evacuation, Mr Weller-Bentall was picked up off
the Dunkirk beaches, eventually landing at Sheerness
having being bombed by Stukas … fortunately, the
bomb that hit his ship failed to explode.
Michael Weller-Bentall
(Pic: Roger Ford)
2
Another veteran attending the commemorations was
95-year-old former Royal Engineer Bob Halliday
(pictured right), who recalls that he spent nearly four
days and nights on the beaches, under constant air
attack, before being ordered to form up in single file
and wade out to sea. Rowing boats were sent in to
take them out to the Little Ships some way offshore.
Page 2
Bob Halliday
(Pic: .Roger Ford)
Dunkirk Little Ships ‘Mada’, ‘L’Orage’ and ‘Motor Boat 278’ Moored in Ramsgate Harbour (Pic: Roger Ford)
‘Operation Dynamo’ 75th Anniversary - Ramsgate
The 75th Anniversary of Operation Dynamo (evacuation of
338,000 allied troops from the beaches of Dunkirk in 1940) was
commemorated by a week-long series of events in Ramsgate
commencing 20th May 2015.
‘Dynamo Day’ itself was on Wednesday 20th May, marked by a
Remembrance Service, Military Parade and VIP Inspection of
the famous Little Ships. A number of Frontiersmen attended in
dual role; representing both CMTG/Scottish Command LF and
the Civil Defence Association.
Captains (LF) Andy Smith and David Bonshor, plus Maj (LF) Philip Stead,
were accompanied by Roger Ford (a local freelance photographer and
Thanet Coastal Project ‘Coastal Warden’) for much of the day – which
commenced at 10.30am with a short service for Little Ship skippers in the
dockside Sailors’ Church.
Unfortunately, although passes had been obtained for both events, the
Service of Remembrance & viewing of the Little Ships were scheduled to
take place simultaneously starting at 11.30. Andy Smith opted to attend the
Service, whilst the others made their way to the Little Ship pontoons.
Admiral of the Fleet Lord Boyce Chats with Clergy
following the Service of Remembrance (Pic: R. Ford)
Held in a 400-seater marquee on the quayside, the Service of Remembrance was
conducted by The Rev. Gordon Warren RN
(Hon) Rtd, with the sermon being given by the
Bishop of Dover, The Right Reverend Trevor
Willmott.
Iain Gilbert, Commodore of the Association of
Dunkirk Little Ships, read the lesson, and
music was provided by the Band of the Royal
Corps of Engineers.
Local dignitaries, visitors and townsfolk were
joined in the congregation by a number of
VIPs including veterans of the Dunkirk
Evacuation, Maj Gen (Rtd) Charles Ramsay
(son of Rear-Admiral Ramsay – who commanded Operation Dynamo back
in 1940), Admiral of the Fleet Lord Michael Boyce (Lord Admiral of the
Cinque Ports) and Air Marshal Sir Graham ‘Dusty’ Miller.
The military parade, formed up by 12.30, and was led on a clockwise
march around the Royal Dock – skirting the town centre - by the Band of
the Royal Corps of Engineers, with the salute taken by Maj Gen Ramsay.
Page 3
Air Marshal Sir Graham ‘Dusty’ Miller Leaving the
Service of Remembrance (Pic: Philip Stead)
Capt (LF) Andy Smith; Maj (LF) Philip Stead; Capt (LF) David Bonshor (Pic: R. Ford)
Participating units included the Army (Princess of Wales’s Royal
Regiment – ‘The Tigers’), Royal Navy (HMS Collingwood), Royal Air
Force, Royal British Legion and Regimental Associations … even a
couple of Home Guard re-enactors tagging along behind!
Royal British Legion Standard Bearers (Pic: Roger Ford)
A VIP Inspection of the 60 or so Little Ships moored in the outer
harbour took place mid-afternoon but, disappointingly, the
expected Hurricane/Spitfire fly-past failed to materialise; early
risers were treated to this spectacle the following morning, when
around 50 of the Little Ships departed with the tide for the return
trip to France – accompanied by an escort of RN vessels (including
HMS Trumpeter), RNLI Lifeboats and Pilot launches. All made it
safely across The Channel, to spend a weekend of further
commemorations and festivities in Dunkirk.
The weather finally broke in the late afternoon - foul weather had
been forecast for the entire day – with Philip Stead and David
Bonshor leaving for home (the latter travelling overnight back to
Scotland) at around 6.30pm.
The Day’s Real VIPs; The Dunkirk Veterans (Pic: R. Ford)
The chilly breeze, and mid-week timing, probably kept families and
working folk away, but there were still plenty of visitors around.
Larger crowds flocked to the resort over the following weekend
when additional attractions included living history displays
(including a sand-bagged, Bofors anti-aircraft gun emplacement on
the seafront); guided tours of Ramsgate’s extensive network of
underground air-raid shelter tunnels; free open-air concerts of
1940s music and tea-dances etc.
The story of the Dunkirk evacuation itself is well known, not least
due to recent TV coverage, and needs no recounting here. But the
Little Ships are a different matter; many people seem confused
about what they were, where they came from, who owned them
then and who owns them now.
Of the roughly 700 small craft involved in Operation Dynamo, a few
were commercial vessels. Generally chosen for their relatively
shallow draft – allowing them to navigate close inshore to the
beaches – these included craft such as flat-bottomed Thames
barges, fishing vessels, RNLI Lifeboats and passenger launches
such as the paddle-steamer ‘Medway Queen’ which had ferried prewar holidaymakers between resorts on the Thames Estuary coast.
The fire-fighting vessel ‘Massey Shaw’, which operated in the
London Docklands during the Blitz, was also pressed into service.
Many are now owned and maintained by charitable organizations.
Princess of Wales’s Royal Regiment, ‘The Tigers’,
Display of Kit and Weaponry (Pic: Roger Ford)
But the vast majority of the Little Ships were privately-owned river
cruisers, yachts and gentleman’s launches … the ‘gin palaces’ of
their day! Many had well-known owners: ‘Bluebird of Chelsea’, for
example, was built for land/water speed record-breaker Sir Malcolm
Campbell (and is now owned by millionaire art dealer Martin
Summers – large wooden boats are expensive to maintain in
pristine condition). And ‘Sundowner’, permanently moored in
Page 4
Princess of Wales’s Royal Regiment and Royal Air Force (Pic: Roger Ford)
Ramsgate Marina, was originally converted for extended family
cruising by one Charles Lightoller – lucky survivor of the ‘Titanic’
tragedy, the ship on which he was Second Officer.
Others have had celebrity owners in more recent years. ‘L’Orage’
(pictured at the top of page 3) was, for many years, the pride and
joy of TV presenter Raymond Baxter, best known for his
commentaries on the Farnborough Air Show and ‘Tomorrow’s World’.
Baxter, himself a former WWII Spitfire pilot, was co-founder of the
Association of Dunkirk Little Ships’ and its first Commodore. The
vessel, now owned by John Calvert, has a secret … in addition to her
main inboard engine, Baxter incorporated an emergency, get-youhome outboard motor mounted in a well, invisible to the casual
observer, without altering the boat’s original appearance.
John Calvert, New Owner of Dunkirk Little Ship ‘L’Orage’
(Pic: Roger Ford)
In the dark days of 1940, many of these civilian-owned leisure craft
were moored on the non-tidal Thames. Douglas Tough, of Tough
Bros Boatyard, was tasked by the Admiralty with assembling a fleet
of suitable vessels.
Around 100 were identified, requisitioned and rafted-up at Tough’s
yard just downstream of Teddington Lock, ready for towage
downstream to Ramsgate by commercial tug. Others made the
voyage under their own steam, skippered by their owners, some of
whom continued to Dunkirk themselves rescuing countless British
and French servicemen.
Of particular interest at this year’s Reunion was the former RNLI
Lifeboat ‘Lucy Lavers’, recently restored to her former glory by the
charity ‘Rescue Wooden Boats’ using a Heritage Lottery Grant.
Her very first trip as a newly-built lifeboat in May 1940 was to the
Dunkirk beaches, and 2015 is the first time she has been back there
since her participation in ‘Operation Dynamo’.
‘Heroine of Dunkirk’, The Paddle-Steamer ‘Medway Queen’
Evacuated 7,000 Allied Soldiers (Pic: Roger Ford)
Following extensive restoration, which saw her looking magnificent
with new sails and a superb varnished mahogany canopy, she left
Wells-next-the-Sea in Norfolk, calling at Lowestoft, Aldeburgh and
Harwich en route to Ramsgate. At each port of call, visitors boarded
the vessel to experience being on a 1940 boat and feel the enormity
of the events she took part in.
After leaving Dunkirk, ‘Lucy Lavers’ made the 385 nautical mile
voyage back to Norfolk, and will give educational trips to help people
understand and experience our rich maritime heritage. Her story will
continue to be told through films, photographs and displays at the
Wooden Boats Visitor Centre in Stiffkey, Norfolk.
Raymond Baxter initiated the very first Dunkirk return trip in 1965,
to commemorate the 25th anniversary: the next will be the 80th in
2020. With their dedicated owners, even more of the Little Ships will
probably participate on that occasion.
How many of the Dunkirk veterans will still be around to
share their stories with us is a different matter …
Page 5
Former RNLI Lifeboat, Dunkirk Little Ship ‘Lucy Lavers’
Now Restored to her Former Glory (Pic: Roger Ford)
New Recognition for Reserve
and Regular Military Service
UK Reserve Forces will be rewarded for their
commitment with a new Post Nominal award &
Regulars may receive a new Long Service Medal.
(Pic: Scottish Command Archive)
‘MARITIME FRONTIERS’
Scottish Command (LF) has an established history of
maritime duties and there was, of course, historically
a CMO Maritime Command – operating vessels off
the UK’s South and East Coasts. ‘Maritime Frontiers’
continues these traditions, supporting Maritime
Frontiersmen wherever they might be.
WHO ARE WE?
The Legion of Frontiersmen was founded in 1905, as a
field intelligence unit; the ‘eyes & ears’ of The Empire, with
members scattered all over the globe. During WWI
volunteer Frontiersmen units fought with distinction in many
theatres, notably Belgium and East Africa. For a full,
authentic history see the Frontiersmen Historian website:
http://www.frontiersmenhistorian.info/
Although many individual Frontiersmen have seen active
service in recent years – from Aden and Malaya, through
Northern Ireland, to Iraq and Afghanistan – the Legion is
today an unarmed voluntary organization, run on military
lines, whose diverse units still maintain a presence across
the world – providing a pool of Civil Defence expertise.
Other activities include charity fund-raising; parachuting;
military re-enactment; target shooting; field-craft; 1st aid
and seamanship training; ceremonial duties; attending
commemorative & remembrance events; and much more …
WANT TO KNOW MORE?
If you have a positive outlook on life, and would like to
know more, please express your interest via the email
address given below. We look forward to hearing from you.
Volunteer Reserves will be able to use the letters VR after
their names after 10 years of service, Defence Secretary
Michael Fallon announced recently. These letters will
follow their name, alongside any other qualifications or
awards. And in recognition of the time and dedication
invested in their military careers, Regulars could be given
a new Long Service medal.
The post nominal will be for all members of the Reserves,
regardless of rank or service, and will be backdated to
1999. The new award demonstrates the Government’s
enduring appreciation for the commitment of the Reserves.
In line with the recommendations set out by Sir John
Holmes’ 2014 independent medal review, Mr Fallon will
seek agreement for the introduction of the Long Service
medal. This will be issued after 15 years of service,
regardless of rank, to recognise the sacrifice and
commitment made by Regulars.
After suitable transition arrangements, the current Long
Service and Good Conduct medal, which is only awarded to
those of other ranks, will no longer be issued. It means
officers, who have no medallic recognition for long service,
would also be rewarded for their dedication.
The good conduct element of the current award has been
reviewed and deemed to no longer reflect a modern force:
individuals who commit an offence early in their career can
be exempt, even if they have many more years of
unblemished service. However, the MOD still expects the
highest standards and the good conduct element will apply
to the last five years’ of the 15-year period for the new
Long Service medal.
Subject to agreement from Her Majesty The Queen, the
MOD will commission a new medal design and aims to
make the first presentations in 2016.
[email protected]
NEW LOGO UNVEILED
The Pen & Sword Club
Recently Revealed its
New Logo
Reflecting the purple
nature of the club's 350
plus members, the new
badge also uses the
dark blue, red, light blue
and commando green of
the membership.
Spotted in Ramsgate - Home Guard Re-enactors Capt. Mainwaring (Bob
Pryor) and Private Pike (Nigel Pryor) (Pic: Roger Ford)
Page 6
An Opportunity To Shoot Genuine WWI and WWII Rifles
RANGE DAYS IN FRANCE …
was born out of the realisation that there
are a large number of people in the UK
interested in military history, re-enacting,
militaria and shooting who would never
actually be able to get to shoot a genuine,
authentic WW1 or WW2 rifle. The UK’s gun
laws now make this very difficult.
(Pic: RDF)
The co-directors, John Gibbins and Richard Griffith, are
both former British Army soldiers, and John also has
extensive service with the Police. Both retired to
France with their wives and started to attend the many
military shows in the region. Establishing themselves
as militaria dealers they soon began to collect rifles
and joined a gun club. The collection of rifles grew and
Range Days in France was the next logical step!
They now offer family holidays in luxury gites which
includes a day shooting or they can put you in touch
with a B&B. Range Days in France is lucky enough to
be located in one of the most beautiful regions of rural
France, in the South-West along the border between
the Dordogne and the Charente. Great food, great
weather and superb wine!
A day with them begins with some informal safety and
handling instruction as you are introduced to your four
chosen rifles from their extensive armoury. Then it’s
off to lunch and then onto the range where you have
safe, one-to-one instruction at ranges up to 400m.
Other options include 9mm pistols.
At present the guns on offer include WW1 Lee Enfield
SMLE, WW2 Lee Enfield No.4 and No.5 Jungle Carbine,
US M-1 Garand, Soviet Mosin Nagant 91/30 PU Sniper,
Lee Enfield No.4T Sniper and the classic Wehrmacht
Mauser Kar 98k (many of these have interesting
histories!). Further rifles are being added all the time.
Take Your Pick: Lee Enfield SMLE and No’s 4 and 5; Garand M1; Wehrmacht
Mauser Kar 98k; Soviet Mosin Nagant 91/30 PU Sniper and more. (Pic: RDF)
You can follow them through their Facebook page:
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Range-Days-in-France
If you want further details on shooting with them then
why not drop them an email to:
[email protected].
(Pic: RDF)
It has already been suggested that Range Days In France would make an ideal venue for a Legion event in late 2015 or Spring 2016 – perhaps coupled with a
visit to the U-boat pens at Bordeaux. If interested, please contact the editor direct.
Page 7
On Duty in All Weathers … (Pic: 569 Sqdn - Scots)
569 SQUADRON (Scots) NEWS – ISLE OF MULL
The Isle of Mull Cruise Liner Season is Well Under Way,
Raising Funds For Help-4-Heroes and Other Good Causes.
Col (LF) Ken Walker Reports on a Welcome Supply of
Stock Courtesy of the RNLI, Manning Stands in All
Weathers, and a War Memorials Update.
Assembling Stands: Lt. (LF) Jo Weston and Maj (LF) Peter
Campbell (Pic: 569 Sqdn - Scots)
Due to Jo Weston’s quick thinking, and by placing an advert appeal
for books, the RNLI have kindly donated their entire stock - which
amounts to a search for some storage space. (A shock seeing how
many loads; 30 boxes!)
Please help us to store some, however
small in number, so that we may present a goodly quantity when
next we stand. To have turned down this offer would have been most
foolish as we need any amount to boost funds.
To have a good show, a stand stocked with goodies when next
visitors arrive, will be an adventure, with blether and good will … and
most enjoyable.
We were asked by the Harbour Association to stand with the Royal
National Lifeboat Institution on Wednesday 27th May, to await the
cruise liner ‘Silver Explorer’ with some 150 passengers aboard.
Unfortunately they were Swiss and German, not understanding the
significance of Help for Heroes, so did not contribute to either.
Checking Stock: Lt (LF) Jo Weston ( Pic: 569 Sqdn - Scots)
It rained constantly; the day and the duties were bitter cold.
However, the comradeship of 569 Squadron and the RNLI were
closely allied to withstand any wind or rain, therefore a great success
for both.
We were asked to return for a next event, and the next ship. Our
collecting bucket massed the great sum of £6.00; the RNLI much
similar! Some you win …!
Wednesday 3rd June; the arrival of the Cruise ship ’Balmoral’, 1350
visitors, met by troopers of 569 Squadron LoF, Scots.
A report from Capt. (LF) James McWilliam, War Memorials & War
Graves (Scots):
Visitors from Cruise Liner ‘Balmoral’
(Pic:569 Sqdn - Scots)
“Today I completed the record of Mull "killed in action" i.e. those
mentioned on family and other memorials who are buried elsewhere
- mainly in France. I visited Iona (0), Fionphort (1), Kilvickeon/Scoor
(2), Kilpatrick (1). This adds to those already done. The remaining
records will be added after our mainland visit. These entries in the
Compendium can only be derived from personal visits.
I have also found another Memorial which adds a further three to the
above and is too remote for a visit. It is the Memorial to the dead
Page 8
of the Dakota crash. I think these three are buried in Oban.
It was bracing to say the least, but stayed dry.”
BERGMARSCH 2015
How he managed to get a vehicle anywhere near the Scoor
area, which is mighty remote, on his own … he took a risk
as we ever have difficulty crossing soggy ground to the
graves and ruined stones in the middle of nowhere. A task
which needs company for safety in case of illness or bad
weather. I mind the time his tyre blew out on the rough
road with five of us aboard a few years ago.
He has a keen nose for finding memorials and graves; of
course he does lots of research to his credit and success.
We shall accompany him on his next search on the
Mainland in the next few months, mooted Ardgour area
and Ardnamurchan as a listed duty; return by Lochaline.
There is always one name on our Memorial that begs
comment … A story from 1914, told by a relation.
He joined the Argyll & Sutherland Highlanders in
Tobermory in 1914, and was in all their battles and
skirmishes. He was badly wounded and was posted
missing, believed killed.
When he got home, he found his name on Tobermory’s
War Memorial, and it was believed to be bad luck to take it
off.
When the Argyll’s got the Freedom of Tobermory in 1970,
a reporter wrote, “Dead man Salutes Argyll & Sutherland
Highlanders”
A copy is in Stirling Castle and the family were all very
proud of one who returned form the dead.
Of course we include him as we read out the names each
year in November. And why not? …He deserves all.
Ken. Argyll. GGT
TOBERMORY CRUISE LINER VISITS 2015
Date
29
02
03
09
10
13
22
29
13
17
18
19
22
26
29
31
June
July
July
July
July
July
July
July
Aug
Aug
Aug
Aug
Aug
Aug
Aug
Aug
Vessel
Star Legend
Wind Surf
Magellan
Star Legend
Le Soleal
Boudicca
Magellan
Azores
Star Legend
Azores
Adonia
Star Legend
Europa
Azores
Star Legend
Azores
(Pic: Lt Col Klaus Fink – 6th Para Regt IOC)
7th INTERNATIONAL BERGMARSCH
11th – 13th September 2015
Organized by 6th Para. Regiment (IOC), the Bergmarsch is
a Power Mountain March held at Allgau, Germany, covering
half a dozen peaks rising to 1,833 metres. Participants
include Reservists & active soldiers of the Bundeswehr and
allied/NATO partners plus 6th Para Regiment Legion of
Frontiersmen. Maximum number, 30.
Registration Deadline: 30th June 2015
Lt. Col. Klaus Fink: [email protected]
Times*
0800-1600
0800-1600
0800-1800
0800-1600
1600-2000
1030-1700
0800-1600
0700-1400
0800-1600
0700-1400
0800-1800
0800-1600
0700-1300
0800-1400
0800-1600
0800-1700
FROM THE ARCHIVES
* Approximate
Deadline For The September Issue Of ‘Maritime
Frontiers’ Is 16th August 2015 - Please Ensure
Items For Publication Reach Us In Good Time
Number 6, Adam Street, London WC2, Former International HQ of the
Legion of Frontiersmen. (Pic: CMO CRSM1 Stephen ‘Sticks’ Gallard)
Page 9
Owner of Dunkirk Little
Ship ‘Kingwood’ Fined
Thames Passenger Launch & Dunkirk Little Ship, ‘Kingwood’
Approaching Lambeth Bridge on the Thames (Pic: Paul Farmer)
At the City of London Magistrates on 24th March
2015, Colin Bullock, the Director of River Thames
Boat Hire Ltd, pleaded guilty to two offences under
the Merchant Shipping Act.
Mr Bullock was the owner & sole operator of the’ Kingwood’,
a Thames passenger launch, and Dunkirk Little Ship, built in
1915. The vessel’s Passenger Safety certificate had expired
on 23rd January 2013.
Legion of Frontiersmen IOC Delegation at the 152nd Anniversary of the
Battle of Camaron, Forbach, 2nd May 2015 (Pic: Lt. Col. Klaus Fink)
FRONTIERSMEN ARCHIVES
On New Year’s Eve 2013, the ‘Kingwood’ was involved in a
minor collision whilst attempting to berth at Greenwich pier.
There were no injuries and only minimal damage to the
vessel. She was due to be used as a party boat despite
having no valid passenger safety certificate.
The event had been advertised online. Price per passenger
was £140 including alcoholic drinks; 99 tickets had been
sold. The cruise was abandoned.
Mr Bullock was subsequently interviewed by members of the
MCA Enforcement Unit and admitted that during 2013, he
had carried out 30 cruises even though he was aware he
had no certification. Mr Bullock’s Boat Master Licence (BML)
had also expired some two years previously, he admitted
carrying out 90 trips without a valid BML.
Mr Bullock was fined £3,000 for each offence and £5,000
costs, plus £120 victims surcharge, totalling £11,120.
OFFICIAL ENGAGEMENT
(Pic: CMO CRSM1 ‘Sticks’ Gallard)
A Reminder from CMO RSM1 ‘Sticks’ Gallard that
Legion-related papers & memorabilia are always
required for the Frontiersmen Archives at the
University of Alberta
The medals pictured above were recently received. They
had been purchased by Ric Switzer, a retired Master
Warrant Officer living in Eastern Canada, on ebay for
$500. He had bought them because he hates anyone’s
medals being sold.
He had hoped that the recipient’s family could be found
but, failing that, he wanted the medals to be with the
Legion of Frontiersmen. If the family cannot be located,
they will be donated to the University of Alberta
Frontiersmen Archives.
SINCEREST CONGRATULATIONS
If anyone has anything that might be of interest – all
Frontiersmen Commands – they are invited to contact
‘Sticks’ at the email address given below.
Items can then be sent to him, and he will arrange for
them to be placed in the Archives – when the current
renovations are completed.
Please contact Stephen ‘Sticks’ Gallard:
Capt. (LF) David Bonshor and Sara Rush
th
Who announced their engagement on Saturday 20 June 2015
[email protected]
Page 10
Lt A. Mitchell RNVR from Glasgow Plays HMS Aristocrat Away on the Bagpipes as She Leave for Normandy (Pic: Lt. L. Pelman – Admiralty Official Collection)
THE SCHOOLBOYS AND VETERANS WHO SAILED TO WAR
Bournemouth played a unique and important role in the D-Day and subsequent Normandy beach
landings by the Allied Armies which began on the 6th June 1944 …
Early in 1944, when the Allied top brass were planning Operations Overlord and
Neptune for the invasion of Northern France, they woke-up to the fact that the
anti-aircraft gun-crews in the Defensively Equipped Merchant Ships which would
carry the Allied Armies to the Normandy beaches, were poor at aircraft
recognition. The thought of enemy aircraft passing unrecognised – and Allied
aircraft being attacked by friendly fire from ships – was frightening. What was
the quickest solution?
Eight weeks before D-Day, Supreme HQ Allied Expeditionary Force decided to ask the Royal Observer Corps (ROC) to
provide large numbers of aircraft recognition experts to sail in these ships and advise their gunnery officers which aircraft
to fire at! Why did the Air Ministry ask only ROC personnel?
Every day, round-the-clock, throughout the Second World War, the Royal Observer Corps, though a civil part-time
organisation, was the RAF’s over-land air intelligence network. Dubbed ‘The eyes and ears of the Royal Air Force’, it was
responsible for identifying and tracking all hostile and friendly aircraft flying over the British Isles. The volunteer crews of
the 1,500 ROC observation posts were aircraft recognition experts.
An Air Ministry Confidential Order, issued to the ROC on 29th April 1944, called for volunteers to serve two months in the
Royal Navy as Petty Officer Aircraft Identifiers. Eight days later the first batch of one hundred Observers arrived at a
rapidly organised depot in Bournemouth, One week after that, the first ones had joined their ships. They came in every
shape and size, and every age from seventeen to seventy, including at least three schoolboys!
The Royal Bath, Bath Hill Court & East Cliff Hotels were taken over. Bournemouth residents were surprised to see in the
town large numbers of men in RAF style battle dress with ‘Seaborne’ shoulder flashes, Royal Navy arm badges & wearing
black berets. What nationality were they?
In total, 796 Seaborne Observers ultimately spent a week of specialised training in Bournemouth before joining British
and US ships of the invasion fleet. Many took part in the D-Day assault, with others sailing from different ports during the
next two months, ensuring that their ship’s gunners fired only at enemy aircraft.
By the beginning of August most Seaborne
Observers were back home at war-work, the
schoolboys were back at their desks, and all
were watching the skies again, day and night,
for the RAF.
This article, by Derek James – ROC
Seaborne Petty Officer RN, which
originally appeared in the June 2014 issue
of ‘Javelin’ – the Newsletter of No 12
Group, ROC Association – is reproduced
here by kind permission of the
Civil Defence Association.
A REMINDER THAT THE ‘FRONTIERSMEN HISTORIAN’ WEBSITE IS
ACCOMPANIED BY AN EXTENSIVE REGULARLY-UPDATED BLOG:
https://frontiersmenhistorian.wordpress.com/
TWO BRAND NEW TOPICS WILL BE ADDED DURING JULY 2015:
th
 ‘Frontiersmen & The Sea’ - Frontiersmen Marine Commands - (16 July)
th
 ‘The Flying Frontiersmen’ - The Legion’s Air Command - (27 July)
- Websites maintained by Countess Mountbatten’s Own Legion of Frontiersmen -
Page 11
INTRODUCING Lt Col WILLIAM MARTIN SLOANE CAP
Lt Col William Martin Sloane, CAP, is an attorney at law in Maryland and
Pennsylvania, who spent 35 years on the staff of the General Assembly of
Pennsylvania, including a term as Democratic Chief Counsel to the House of
Representatives. "CAP" is Civil Air Patrol [the U.S. Air Force Auxiliary] in which
he has been the Pennsylvania Wing Legal Officer since 1997.
Bill is a dual UK-US citizen whose father was born in Glasgow. He travels
frequently in connection with his duties as Deputy Political Advisor for Legal
Affairs to the International Parliament for Safety and Peace [Italy] and as ProChancellor of Int’l University for Graduate Studies [British West Indies]. In
addition he teaches part-time at Atlantic University [Virginia] and Mount Saint
Mary's University [Maryland].
Bill will now lead the new 1st Battalion USA (Scots) under the patronage of Col
Ken Walker, LF, and will be dragooning fresh Frontiersmen. Prospective
members are welcome to contact him at [email protected]
SCOTS COLONEL COMMANDANT, KEN WALKER, COMMENTS:
Why should a USA Lawyer and member of the USA Air Force Auxiliary want to join Scottish
Command LOF? We always say it is our distinct after-shave! But ... It is most understandable
that we appeal to his Glaswegian beginnings and the ties to the old country …where ever a
SCOT may eventually make his home, his heart remains in Scotia, where a thousand welcomes
always await.
Can we use a man of calibre and experience in our worldwide band of rascals and devoted
volunteers? We take what the original concept of adventurers had in mind, who formed what
we are today, and any who provide a willingness to prolong the tenure of our old regiment and
make a contribution will have a place with us, gladly..
We take all good persons, from the disabled and those who have little but themselves to offer, to the very top of society.
For our family is diverse, and it is that very diversity that makes a formidable whole.
We need fresh blood to bring new ideas and it does us good to see we can still attract to the tartan, and our proud
tradition of service to the country. I am enthused by what is happening these last years past, with a new vigour and
signs of a bright future for all Commands, when we get these enquiries which hold us all together.
With the rapid depletion of our armed forces there is a vacant role for a Reserve Force of Disaster Aid Volunteers, and
with the proper staffing we can meet this challenge.
I note the sun is appearing over the islands to warm the day as I write, and this latest news does really warm the
cockles, and brings with it a contentment we can all share. Ken. Pnr. Scottish Command LOF. GGT
A PROUD DAY AT THE AUSTRALIAN COASTGUARD
A surprise turn up at a recent meeting at the Coast Guard,
when Fellow crewman, and a former employee of mine, Able
Seaman Ryan Attwood RAN, turned up for our monthly
meeting.
Ryan is currently serving on the ship HMAS ‘Sydney‘ on its
decommissioning tour. The ‘Sydney’ will leave for The Gulf
shortly for its final role of duty. During this duty Ryan will be
in the role of a boarding party operative.
During a recent G8 conference in Brisbane, the Russians sent
a naval ship to Australian waters to intimidate the Australian
Prime Minister who had criticized Russian Premier Putin.
Ryan told us that the Sydney was berthed in New Zealand at
Left to Right: Able Seaman Ryan Attwood; Crewman W. Makin;
S&R Officer J. Saleba (Pic: Crewman R Borritt)
the time and orders were given to head at full speed to
Brisbane and to arrive under cover of darkness to surprise the
Russians. At the break of day the Russian ship was aware of the HMAS Sydney and after a stand off period the Russian ship left the
local waters of Australia. The Cold War still exists! As Ryan's former Deputy Commander and fellow crewman, I wish him all the best
with his Naval career.
I am privileged to know him as a friend. I wish him Safe Sailing. Commander Wayne Makin
Page 12
Hexagonal Infantry Pillbox at Benham Bridge (Pic: Pierre Terre)
THE KENNET & AVON CANAL – Forgotten Wartime Role
In 1940, faced with the threat of
imminent German invasion, defences were
hastily erected along a series of anti-tank
‘stop lines’. The Kennet and Avon Canal
became ‘GHQ Stop Line Blue’.
The Kennet & Avon Canal
Designed to halt, or at least slow down, an invasion
force heading for the Midlands industrial heart of
Britain, GHQ Stop Line Blue was strengthened by
construction of hardened field defences – which, in
practice, meant pillboxes and anti-tank obstacles at
every canal bridge and lock.
These included gun emplacements, minefields,
hedgehogs, hairpins, concrete cylinders/cubes,
barbed wire entanglements and trench systems.
The pillbox building programme began in May 1940,
with seven different designs (often modified during
construction), the most common being of a small,
hexagonal shape designed for infantry crews using
Bren guns.
The largest (Type 28A) were rectangular, with
either one or two main embrasures suitable for 2pounder artillery pieces, plus a smaller Bren gun
chamber built to one side. Pillboxes were never
brick built; owing to a materials shortage bricks
were often used as external ‘shuttering’, but all had
a reinforced concrete core structure.
Concrete pits designed for 6-pounder anti-tank guns
were constructed on high ground above the canal.
One of two separate Type 28A Pillboxes at Hungerford Common (Pic: Roger Davies)
Sockets for removeable Hedgehog anti-tank barrier – on lane between Kennet &
Avon Canal bridge and railway line, near Crofton
(Pic: Gaius Cornelius)
SCOTTISH COMMAND REGULATION GARMENTS
Regulation Scottish Command Clothing, available to Frontiersmen,
Auxiliaries & Friends of Scottish Command. Full colour embroidery, with
gold lettering, on bottle green garments. No Minimum Order.
SWEATSHIRTS -Sizes XS to 4XL … £14:50
http://www.combatlogos.com/ourshop/prod_3447472-LOF-Sweatshirt.html
POLO SHIRTS – Sizes XS to 4XL … £12:00
http://www.combatlogos.com/ourshop/prod_3447443-LOF-Polo-Shirt.html
T-SHIRTS – Sizes XS to 4XL … £8:00
http://www.combatlogos.com/ourshop/prod_3447473-LOF-TShirt.html
Tel: 07809-718789 http://www.combatlogos.com [email protected]
Page 13
‘LONDON CAMP NOTES’ – 1925 Legion Camp at Keston
Not all publicity is good! The ‘London Camp Notes’ reproduced below, first
published in ‘The Frontiersman’ of April 1925, underline the age-old folly of
holding meetings in local hostelries & having a canteen on site at camp.
Read past the shooting awards and it becomes a funny story, but one with a
serious side. Anyone aspiring to the name ‘Frontiersman’ will be in the
public eye, and any error in behaviour, dress or deportment will be applied to
ALL who call themselves Frontiersmen by watching, sharp-eyed exservicemen.
* All material on this page is reproduced by kind permission of Countess
Mountbatten’s Own Legion of Frontiersmen *
“A noteworthy feature of the camp held at Keston was the shooting, which was
held in a true shooting range in the camp grounds. Prizes were given by Captain
Burchardt-Ashton, Captain F C Thorne and Lieutenant E Johnston-Noad.
The results were: .303 Service Conditions, NRA targets, possible 25: Capt F C
Thorne 22; Sergeant Smith 19; Lieutenant E Johnston-Noad 16. .50 bore
Winchester, rapid fire, allowed 20 seconds: Sergeant Smith 15 seconds-6 rounds6 hits; Captain Thorne 19 seconds-6 rounds-6 hits; Lieutenant Koszelski 23
seconds-6 rounds-6 hits. 45-70 Winchester, deliberate, possible 16: Sergeant
Smith 14; Captain Thorne 12; Lieutenant Noad 9. 45-70 Winchester, rapid,
possible 30: Lieutenant Noad 25; Captain Thorne 24; Sergeant Smith 23.
Every opportunity was given to the men to compete, and if they were absent or at
the bar when the shooting took place it was entirely their own fault. The guns that were worn at the waist were enough
to sink a battleship, but those who competed were only about twelve men. We have to thank Commandant BurchardtAshton for the use of the rifles and ammunition, and last but not least the encouragement he gave to those who helped
to make the camp a success. It is to be hoped that more men will support the organizers of future camps and not regard
camp as an opportunity to leave home for the sole object of prowling around looking like stray cowpunchers.
Generally speaking, the camp this year has been a mixed success. There was too much liquid exercise. The Church
Parade was a wash-out, and it is to be hoped someone apologised to the vicar.
Whoever is Camp Commandant next year will have to take command and close the canteen when necessary without
consulting anyone as to the advisability of doing it. On the Thursday evening of the opening of the camp a regrettable
incident occurred at the corner of Rye Lane, and it is a pity that men who hold rank and are expected to control other
men should so easily lose control of themselves, but perhaps it is as well to draw a veil over this as well as the incident at
a certain hostelry at Keston on Sunday evening. This is the kind of thing that damns the Legion in the eyes of the public.
At least one of the officers present ought to have known better. His junior certainly did the right thing.
Next year there should be proper sleeping accommodation in the shape of ‘haybags’, good clean straw or blankets. Many
of the men who have turned forty may be quite tough enough for service on campaign after they have got hardened off
a bit, but to fetch men out of a feather bed at a moment’s notice and sleep them rough on an overcoat with a brick for a
pillow is not quite the thing; our climate may easily pack them up with pneumonia.
The next camp must be run by stern discipline, and there must be organisation, and the theatrical cowpunchers I have
mentioned had better keep out of it. I am not a Pussyfoot, but no man the worse for drink should be allowed into camp,
unless it is to be put in the clink until he has recovered his reason.”
PRIZE COMPETITION
Unfortunately, there are no surviving pictures of
Frontiersmen camps in the 1920s, the one included
here dates from the 1930s … presumably illustrating
respirator training.
But the surreal image lends itself to some amusing
captions! The best alternative caption received will
win a 12-month subscription to the new ‘Maritime
Frontiers’ magazine, print edition, mailed to your front
door. Closing date: 31st July 2015. Entries to:
[email protected]
Legion of Frontiersmen’s Summer Camp – Circa 1930s
(Pic: Countess Mountbatten’s Own Legion of Frontiersmen Archive)
Page 14
‘Wild Swan’ Moored at Wargrave-on-Thames Alongside a Field - Row
Across the River to Reach Her: £40/Week! (Pic: Philip Stead)
BOYS’ TOYS … Dunkirk Little Ships and ‘Classic’ Boats
Often mistaken for a Dunkirk Little Ship, and
a real head-turner wherever she went, ‘Wild
Swan’ was one of those boats you fall in love
with at first sight … but The Editor had to
choose between maintenance and cruising …
Originally built in 1910 as the lifeboat for a cargo vessel
on the Great Lakes of America, ‘Wild Swan’ had
somehow arrived in Liverpool during the early 1950s,
where she had been purchased by a chap who wanted
a sound hull to be professionally converted into a
comfortable river cruiser.
At around the same time, a young boat-builder named
Peter Freebody, who had just finished his
apprenticeship and acquired the family boatyard, was
looking for his first commission – and landed the job. I
was lucky enough to meet Peter, who by then had
become one of the most respected wooden boat
builders in England, in 2007 just a short time before he
died.
Perhaps, like one’s first love, boat-builders have a
particular fondness for their first craft? She had, he
said, been built outdoors under a tarpaulin and, having
no van at the time, he had towed the two 30ft
mahogany side strakes from the timber yard behind his
motorbike, using a couple of bogie wheels! Nearly fifty
years later, he still knew the position of every screw!
And little had been altered since the day she was built –
apart from the addition of an anchor winch and Kent
Clear-View screen by someone with the sea in mind.
But, with all those acres of mahogany to be varnished
each year, painted canvas decks to maintain, an old
BMC diesel in need of endless spare parts, and a hull
that already had a few ‘tingles’, one had to decide
which one enjoyed most: cruising or maintenance!
A real little ship, despite being only 28ft x 9ft 6” … but
she had to go (at a slight profit) after just one season –
I enjoy my cruising too much – in favour of a lowmaintenance ‘plastic’ alternative. But I shall always miss
that full-size cocktail cabinet! PS
Visiting Peter Freebody at Hurley-on-Thames (Pic: Philip Stead)
As Purchased: Looking for’d – Cocktail Cabinet to port! (Pic: Philip Stead)
As Purchased: Looking Aft towards the wheelhouse (Pic: Philip Stead)
Page 15
Enabling A Smoother Transition Into Civvy Street …
Every year thousands of Forces Leavers
seek to secure a new career in the Civilian
work place. Cross Deck Ltd was set up to
aid this process.
Formed by former Royal Marine, Dixie Dean, Cross
Deck has provided forces leavers with a tool to
enable a smoother transition into Civvy Street.
Dixie says, “It is often a hard leap to make from
Soldier to Civvy, many ex-soldiers don’t realise
they have loads to offer employers.
I served in the Royal Marines for 22 years and
didn’t have a clue what to do when I left, so I
CEO Dixie Dean and Aloma Watson, Managing Director (Pic: Cross Deck)
know how difficult it can be.
At Cross Deck, we want to get the right jobs for
the right people. It matters that we continue to take care of our military guys and girls even after they have left
the service.” Cross Deck is able to offer sound advice and employment opportunities with well known employers
throughout the UK, whilst putting you in touch with the most suitable training companies for your needs, should
you need to up skill or simply have ELCAS credits to use.
Your skills personality and qualifications will be fundamental to your success in achieving your chosen career.
Not only can Cross Deck offer you a recruitment service and good knowledge of course providers we also advertise
the services of useful companies who will be able to aid your transition, from CV Writer Sian Richardson to
specialists in Tax Refunds, the professionals are at your fingertips.
Why not see for yourself what we can offer by visiting www.crossdeck.co.uk and registering as a member, it’s
free to become a member and we may be able to help you in securing your future.
If you are a Course Provider, Employer, Advertiser or Franchise Company we are able to promote the services you
offer at a reasonable rate. Please call Stacey on 0844 567 57 57 or email [email protected]
Remember it’s your career, your future …
‘MARITIME FRONTIERS ‘ e-Edition is distributed free of charge to members of Scottish Command (LF),
CMTG and Affiliated Units
Non-members may subscribe, receiving 6 issues per year, at the following rates:
Electronic edition – by email - £3:99 per year
Printed edition – by post - £7:99 per year
Contributions for publication are welcomed; illustrated articles, photo’s, letters, events, news, appeals etc.
Advertising is free to LF personnel (all Commands) and charities. Trade Advertisers - please ask for Rate Card.
For Subscriptions and all other queries please contact: [email protected]
07925-558780
© 2015 CMTG
‘Maritime Frontiers’ is a not for profit, subscription periodical published
bi-monthly by Philip Stead on behalf of CMTG (LF).
No editorial or advertising content may be reproduced, in full or in part,
for review purposes or otherwise, without the written permission of both
the editor and, where applicable, individual authors.
Page 16