The Mercian Family Newsletter - The Worshipful Company of Bowyers

Issue 14: September 2015
2
Regimental News
EIGHT YEARS SINCE THE MERCIAN REGIMENT WAS FORMED - The 1st September 2015 marked eight years since The
Mercian Regiment was formed at Tamworth Castle in the presence of the Colonel in Chief, His Royal Highness, The Prince of
Wales.
In the UK, 2 MERCIAN hosted celebrations at Dale Barracks, Chester. Soldiers and officers from the battalion paraded while
the Colonel of the Regiment, Brigadier Williams OBE watched on proudly.
Alongside celebrating the formation of the regiment, 1 MERCIAN commemorated the first anniversary of its formation on the
Canadian prairie amidst gophers, coyotes, elk and of course, surrounded by its armoured vehicles. Due to an exercise, it was
held on the 2nd of September. The battalion padre led a field service and oak leaves were proudly worn by all.
DERBY THE RAM PROMOTED TO LANCE CORPORAL ON FORMATION DAY - Derby XXX was promoted to Lance
Corporal on formation day this month. The occasion was hosted by 2 MERCIAN.
The Swaledale Ram, one of only seven official mascots in the British Army, is now entitled to wear a single stripe on his uniform.
He was resplendent in his scarlet coat with lincoln green and gold facings, emblazoned with the regiment's main battle honours.
Private Derby received his promotion from the Colonel of the Regiment. Commanding Officer of 2 MERCIAN, Lieutenant Colonel
em
are as well behaved as our newest was today -
1 MERCIAN News
BATTALION DEPLOYS TO CANADA - A and C Company have had an excellent start in Canada, arriving safe and finalising
try
unit
Facebook next week.
Before this, B Company returned from its battle group training in Canada, under the command of the Royal Tank Regiment.
This was the first major overseas exercise that some of the soldiers had been on and they performed well throughout. The
highlight of the training was the battle group live firing attacks.
The exercise concluded with some of the company going on adventurous training which included rock climbing, canoeing,
climbing and horse riding in the Rocky Mountains.
2 MERCIAN News
BATTALION SUCCESS AT BRITISH ARMY UK NORTH SPORTS FESTIVAL - Soldiers from 2 MERCIAN recently competed
in the British Army's UK North Sports Festival in Catterick. The event is open to all units based in the North and comprises
athletics, tug of war, golf, hockey, rowing, mountain biking and road cycling.
2 MERCIAN had particular success in the athletics, with its 4x400m relay team crowned champions.
B COMPANY SOLDIERS COMPLETE BOXING CAMP
Personnel from B Company spent a week during early September,
boxing training in various gyms and with a range of local boxers from Nottingham.
Coach Private Emmitt -
-
e on the
coaching side for once. We've put the lads through their paces on this camp that's for sure!"
4 MERCIAN News
MERCIAN RESERVISTS ON EXERCISE SAVA STAR IN CROATIA - Soldiers from 4 MERCIAN arrived in Croatia earlier
this month. They are conducting training alongside the Croatian Army as part of ongoing relations with the British Army.
The demanding exercise focused on dismounted close combat actions in complex terrain, combined with torrential rain, high
temperatures and secondary forestry akin to the jungles of Belize and Brunei.
A potential junior non-commissioned officers course has already taken place. Conducted in Slunj, Croatia, the course
developed the leadership and tactical awareness command tools required of section second in commands.
FOOTBALLERS TAKE PART IN MERCIAN REGIMENT BOOT CAMP - Mansfield Town Football Club players recently
undertook a day's 'Boot Camp' with soldiers and officers of 4 MERCIAN at Chetwynd Barracks, Chilwell. It was part of their
intense pre-season fitness training and a good way of putting the players out of their comfort zones.
They took part in a command task activity designed to get the players working together as a tighter unit and solving physical
problems by working cohesively. This was run by the soldiers and is often used as part of selection for the British Army.
The players went on to take part in some 'shooting' using the DCCT facility. To view the video, click the headline.
Band of the Mercian Regiment News
BAND STAR AT BELL STADIUM, SALFORD - The Band of the Mercian Regiment paraded with The Lancashire Artillery
Band at The AJ Bell Stadium in Salford during early September.
It played ahead of the Army vs RAF Rugby League matches and the Salford Red Devils vs Sheffield Eagles game.
In a busy month, the band was also part of the annual Mons Day parade through Chester in commemoration of The Battle of
Mons. Further detail on this is included later on within the newsletter.
Cadets News
DERBYSHIRE CADETS HELP AT NISSAN 'FUN DAY' - MERCIAN affiliated cadets from Derbyshire recently attended a
fun day arranged by Nissan to help combat poverty in the county.
The cadets were on hand to ensure the event ran as smoothly as possible, setting up tents, sorting cans of food that were
donated and acting as a point of contact for any guests.
Other News
BRITISH
ARMY
WATERPOLO
TEAM
CAPTAINED BY MERCIAN OFFICER Mercian
Regiment
Officer,
Captain
Bermingham captained the British Army
aterpolo Inter
The Army finished as runners up and Captain
Bermingham, a hat trick scorer in the Army's
final game said: "The Army put out a strong
performance which can be credited to a good
build up training camp. When it came to the
game against the RAF, unfortunately they
simply had the edge on us.
STREET NAMED AFTER SOLDIER DURING DEDICATION SERVICE
Last month, Sandwell Borough Council held a
dedication ceremony for the naming of Sean Dolan Close in Rowley Regis. Captain Dolan, 1 st Battalion, The Worcestershire
and Sherwood Foresters was from the town and killed in Helmand province, Afghanistan, on Saturday 30th June 2007. He was
taking part in an operation aimed at maintaining the pressure on the Taliban - focusing on the Sangin Valley area, a notoriously
hostile and volatile region. The dedication of the street was attended by members of the WFRA and Mercian Regiment.
MONS DAY PARADE - On Sunday 6 September, The Cheshire Regimental Association paraded through Chester supported
by D Company, 2 MERCIAN and the Band of the Mercian Regiment. After a short service in the cathedral grounds led by
Wilde, Commanding Officer of 2 MERCIAN and Brigadier James Percival.
At the close of the Battle of Mons on 24th August 1914, the 1st Battalion was left exposed to the attack of two German Army
Corps at a village called Audregnies and its heroic stand saved the British Expeditionary Force from disaster. The battalion
was in every major action in France throughout the war and won 35 Battle Honours.
NEW EXHIBITION ON THE WOUNDED BRITISH SOLDIER TO OPEN AT CHESHIRE MILITARY MUSEUM - A new
exhibition entitled
focusing on wounded British soldiers in the
Great War, opens on Saturday 26 September 2015 at the Cheshire Military Museum in Chester.
The exhibition focuses on the casualties of the Great War, looking at the causes of their injuries, where they would receive
treatment and who would look after them. It runs from Saturday 26 September 2015
charges apply. For further information, please email this address.
January 2016 and normal admission
STAFFORDSHIRE REGIMENT ASSOCIATION UNVEIL NEW MEMORIAL - On Saturday 5th September, the rededication of
The Staffordshire Regiment Memorial took place at the National Memorial Arboretum. Over 500 people attended the service,
which was preceded by a parade led by WO2 Greg Hedges.
The rebuilding of the memorial was agreed in autumn of 2013, with association branches and individuals providing incredible
support to raise the £30,000 required. Designed and built by members, it is believed to be the first time that an association has
completed the entire work themselves.
Awards & Honours
The Colonel of the Regiment would on behalf of the wider Regimental family, like to extend the warmest congratulations too:
MERCIAN RESERVIST NAMED BEST RECRUIT - A dedicated Leatherhead soldier has been awarded the title of 'Champion
Soldier' in his troop at a parade to mark the end of his Phase One Army Training.
Private Alexander Truelove (20) was one of 124 Army Reservists that marched onto the parade square at Army Training
Regiment (Grantham) to mark the end of their Phase One training.
The final stage of training saw the recruits immerse themselves in Army life. They learn everything they need to know to fulfil
their role including military terminology, drill, shooting, physical fitness, weapon handling, first aid, field craft and map reading
He collected his award from Major General Ranald Munro,
reservist. He will now join 4 MERCIAN.
MERCIAN SOLDIERS WIN AWARDS DURING TRAINING AT ITC CATTERICK - Three Mercian Regiment soldiers who
completed their Combat Infantryman's Course last month at ITC Catterick have won awards for their commitment and hard
work during training.
Private Ryan Blain, 24, from Frodsham in Cheshire won the 'Soldier's Soldier' award. An award voted for by his fellow soldiers
and as such, is held in extremely high regard. To win this award the soldier must have shown outstanding selfless commitment
and loyalty to his fellow soldiers.
Private Keiran Walsh, 18, from Derby won the award for 'Best PT' (Physical Training). This award is for the soldier in the platoon
that has excelled in all the physical areas of the training course, consistently outperforming his fellow soldiers. This is not only
during structured PT lessons, but also in the field.
Private Jack Atheron, 18, from Prenton in Cheshire won the award for 'Best Shot'. Being one of only two soldiers to achieve
the level required to be made a 'marksman' during the ACMT (Annual Combat Marksman Test), a shooting assessment every
soldier must pass each year.
Obituaries
It is with regret we inform you that the below have passed away. Our condolences are with their families and friends. Full
obituaries will be in The 2015 Mercian Eagle:
Kenneth William Baddeley of Paignton, Devon died on 25 July 2015 aged 96. He joined the Suffolk Regiment in November
1939, before being commissioned into the Worcestershire Regiment in 1944. He joined the 1st Battalion in Normandy in July,
was wounded by shell fire on 4 August and evacuated.
Major Bryan Keith Robinson TD of Long Eaton, Derbyshire died on 15 August 2015 aged 84. On leaving the Regular Army,
Bryan joined the Territorial Army as a Sergeant and served with 3rd Battalion, The Worcestershire and Sherwood Foresters
amongst others. Bryan retired in 1988 but continued his links as the long-time treasurer of 3 WFR Association.
Harold Millward of Congleton died on 18 August 2015 aged 81. He was called up as a National Serviceman in 1952 and after
basic training joined 1st Battalion, The Worcestershire Regiment in Malaya.
Lance Corporal Barry Hill of Pedmore, Worcestershire died on 22 August 2015. He enlisted in the Worcestershire Regiment in
1954 and served with the 1st Battalion in Iserlohn, the West Indies, Minden and Lydd.
Private Edgar Merrey of Sudbury, Derbyshire died on 22 August 2015 aged 97. Edgar served with the 7th Battalion, The
Worcestershire Regiment during WW2 and took part in the Battle of Kohima in 1944. He also served in Egypt and survived
when his ship was torpedoed in the Mediterranean Sea by Italian dive bombers.
Private David Elwyn "Chalky" White of Bilborough, Nottingham died on 31 August 2015 aged 77. Chalky enlisted into 1st
Battalion, The Sherwood Foresters in January 1959 and served with it until 1965. Chalky saw service in Malaya, Cyprus, N
Ireland and Colchester.
Major Chris Parnham TD died on 4 September aged 72. In 1974, he joined 3 WFR and from 1975-77 served with 1 WFR in
Ballykelly, Colchester and South Armagh. He then spent five years in the UDR before serving as a Company Commander in 1
Wessex.
Regimental Annual Calendar
Sunday 4 October 15 - Uttoxeter Races
Monday 21 December 15
Thursday 5 November 15 - Field of Remembrance
Wednesday 17 Feb 16 - Meeanee Day
Sunday 8 November 15 - Remembrance
Wednesday 6 April 16 - Badajoz Day
For further information on any of the above, please email the Communications Officer.
Ferozeshah