St GEORGE FOR ENGLAND April 2021
←
→
Page content transcription
If your browser does not render page correctly, please read the page content below
St GEORGE FOR ENGLAND April 2021 In this edition England, Kingdom, Commonwealth: time to celebrate St George’s Day Visionary England – the Lake District The continuing battle for the English countryside Britain’s famous steam locomotives THE ROYAL SOCIETY OF St GEORGE – The Premier Patriotic Society of England Founded in 1894. Incorporated by Royal Charter. Patron: Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II £3.50
B AT T L E O F B R I TA I N H I S TO R I C A L S O C I E T Y “Never in the field of human conflict was so much owed by so many to so few” Official Newsletter of the Battle of Britain Historical Society 2013 Ltd Always Remembered … Never forgotten “Never in the much owe field of human d by so man conflict y to so few” was so Head Office: Calais View, Channel Way, Fairlight, East Sussex TN35 4BP Editor and Managing Director: Graves Registrar: Membership Secretary: John Pulfer BEM JP Steve Maddock Margaret Pulfer Tel: 01424 814866 Tel: 01895 676004 Tel: 01424 814866 Email: johnatbobhs@gmail.com stevewmaddock@gmail.com Email: bobhsmemsec@gmail.com Historian: Nick Hall Battle of Offic AUTUMN / WINTER 2017 Britain Histo ial New Tel: 01427 668122 Email: scampton.1943@btinternet.com slett rical Soci er of theIssue 156 ety 2013 Ltd 100 ye of the Rar AF s “Never in the field of human conflict was so We are now recruiting new members to join the Battle of Britain Historical Society 2013 Ltd. much owed by so many to so few” Head Office: Calais View, Edito Channel r and John Pulfer Managing Way, Fairlig Tel: 01424 BEM JP Direc ht, East tor: Sussex Email 81486 Grave TN35 4BP 6 s Steve Registrar: : johna tbobh Histo s@gm ail.com Madd Tel: 01895 ock Official Newsletter of the Members will receive bi-annual 24 page colour newsletters. rian: 67600 Membersh Nick Hall Tel: 01427 stevew madd ock@g 4 mail.c Marga ret ip Secre tary: Battle of Britain Historical Society 2013 Ltd Email 66812 om Tel: 01424 Pulfer : scamp 2 81486 ton.19 Email 6 43@btinter : bobhs mems net.co ec@gm m ail.com SPRING / SUMMER 2018 Issue 157 The Society has four main aims… • To ensure the Battle of Britain is never forgotten • Head Office: Calais View, Channel Way, Fairlight, East Sussex Editor and Managing Director: John Pulfer BEM JP Tel: 01424 814866 Graves Registrar: Steve Maddock Tel: 01895 676004 TN35 4BP Membership Secretary: Margaret Pulfer Tel: 01424 814866 • To erect plaques in places where the “few’ were educated • • To look after the final resting places of the “few” • Email: johnatbobhs@gmail.com stevewmaddock@gmail.com Email: bobhsmemsec@gmail.com Historian: Nick Hall Tel: 01427 668122 Email: scampton.1943@btinternet.com AUTUMN / WINTER 2018 Issue 158 • To erect granite memorials to the “few” • LIFE MEMBERSHIP STANDARD MEMBERSHIP CORPORATE MEMBERSHIP UK Life members - GB £400 UK members under 18 Years - GB £12 Annual Membership Corporate Members - GB £500 Overseas Life membership - GB £500 UK members over 18 - GB £24 Annual Membership Corporate Sponsor - GB £1500 Overseas members all ages - GB £36 Annual Membership M E M B E R S H I P S E C R E TA RY Margaret Pulfer Email: bobhsmemsec@gmail.com Tel: 01424 814866 Web address: www.battleofbritain1940.net $$%# #%)( $#$#!#$%( '#$%) # &%#% &#$!&%)%#% % !# %!#$#'%&$&#$% % #)# ( #% $&#%%%$% ##)# %&$% '% &%&# #% $($% %# &%% ) &! ! #$ $ %# & &%% &# &#)%'%$& #$(%%(#)&#$'!#%&# %%% % #)# &%#!# %$ # #$#) &$ $ #'%% !$$ %# & &# ## $#'$(# # &"&%)*$ &#$ # %%!#$% &$ ## (#$ #) &! ! '#)##'$'*$)#!&$'%% $% '#%) % '%$& &#$% #(##$##$$)"&%)$!#$# # %#%$ # $% # # #% !$ %% #'$% # +0 +))%)$ -0$,)'*(0&$'$- 0".+(- + "$,- + $(("&()'*(0) ( "$,- + #+$-0) "$,- + !!$ (+ ,,!)+)++ ,*)( ( # -.$))*0#)&+'0+)/ )+$(" -# $("
Contents Vol 19. No. 1 – April 2021 Front Cover: The Queen Victoria Memorial in front of Buckingham Palace 4 From the Chairman 5 Editorial 7 My England St George for England The Official Journal of 8 Dambusters The Royal Society of St George 10 Branch News 16 Overseas Reports The Society stands for: Respect for the Monarchy; Duty to our 16 St George’s Tax Sovereign and our Country; The cause of England and Englishness. 17 Origins of Easter Traditions In accordance with our Constitution, the Objects of the Society are: 18 News 33 Memories of the Battle of One Britain To foster the love of England and to strengthen England and the Commonwealth by spreading the knowledge of English history, traditions and ideals. 34 England’s Railway Heritage Two 38 Letters to the Editor To keep fresh the memory of those, in all walks of life, who have served England or the Commonwealth in the past in order to inspire 39 Heritage of the leadership in the future. Commonwealth Three To combat all activities likely to undermine the strength of England or the Commonwealth. 40 William Wilberforce Four To further English interests everywhere to ensure that St. George’s Day is properly celebrated and to provide focal points the world over where English 33 men and women may gather together. 41 Obituaries 20 A Saint for all Nations 42 Book Review 23 Cinematic England 43 50/50 Club 25 Book Review 27 Overlooked England 47 Membership Affiliations 28 Visionary England 48 Our Branches 32 England’s Veterans 18 50 Shop Window 17 28 34 ST GEORGE FOR ENGLAND 3
FROM THE CHAIRMAN THE ROYAL SOCIETY OF St GEORGE last year by people that they have loved and The Premier Patriotic Society of England nurtured. Founded in 1894. I should imagine that marrying into the Incorporated by Royal Charter. Royal Family is an enormous challenge, Patron: Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II and we can only admire those who rise to Chairman: Joanna M. Cadman it so well. To always present yourself well, Published at: The Royal Society of St George, RSSG, P.O. BOX 397, Loughton, IG10 9GN, England to make the right choices and say the right Telephone: 020 3225 5011 things (or not say what you want to say) E-mail: info@royalsocietyofstgeorge.com Website: www.rssg.org.uk must be completely exhausting from time to Facebook page: www.facebook.com/ time, but there has never been one word of RoyalSocietyofStGeorge Twitter: @RSStGeorge complaint or self-pity from any of the senior Join us on LinkedIn – the Royal Society of StGeorge Official Group Royals. Maybe they are all “trapped”, but Opening times: Monday to Thursday, 10.30 am to 3.30 pm they recognise that they are born into, or Editor: Stuart Millson married into, a life of service and get on with Editorial Address Rumbeams Cottage, Ewhurst Green it. Whilst in some ways they do live a life of Nr Cranleigh, Surrey, GU6 7RR incredible privilege, their life and activities Telephone: 01483 268627 are largely choreographed and controlled by E-mail: joanna@joannacadman.com protocol and tradition and is certainly not as George Andrews, FCIB FCIS FCIArb – President Emeritus Disney would portray the life of a Royal. We Vice Presidents How are you? I The Earl of Aylesford JP look up to them, we admire them, their words, The Lord Cope of Berkeley PC THINK WE MUST, almost all of us, be clothes, children and houses fascinate us, and The Lord Butler of Brockwell KG GCB CVO side-swiped and punch drunk by now. we are more stable as a country because of Clifford James Trowse – Past Chairman Mr B M Cronan It’s probably a good thing that most of us them, as well as being admired and respected Mr C P Fairweather (well, me anyway) didn’t take on board the throughout the world for our constancy. Mrs Esme Robinson Sir Henry Paston-Bedingfeld Bt enormity of a pandemic when it started. If you Her Majesty has devoted much of her life His Excellency Air Chief Marshall Sir Stephen Dalton GCB had told me a year ago that we would be in the building the Commonwealth into a family of RAF (retd) third lockdown now, that we would have spent equals that represents over a 2.4 billion people Past Presidents: William R Firth Christmas, our birthdays, a long grey winter, from all corners of the globe, something she John Clemence QPM and now a second Easter without our loved should be rightly proud of. Members of Council Chairman – Joanna M. Cadman ones, I think I would have found it very hard to So whatever words of criticism and self Deputy Chairman – Nick Dutt take. It has all anyway been very hard to take, justification come out of Hollywood, we can Vice Chairman – Christopher Houghton but we seem to be almost institutionalised now have complete faith in our Royal Family. We Honorary Treasurer – Alastair Clement FFA FFTA Honorary Secretary – Michael Riley and live with the restrictions imposed on us by know that they welcomed Meghan – you only Chaplain to the Society – Revd. Roderick Leece the pandemic with resignation. And if that is have to remember the wedding, and the joy General Secretary – Elizabeth Lloyd Website Manager – Christopher Houghton all that we have had to do, we have been lucky. on the faces of the Queen and Prince Philip or North of England Co-ordinator – Michael Riley So many people have lost family, friends and the wonderful moment when Prince Charles Youth Representative – Dennis Stinchcombe MBE livelihoods in this last year and face the future walked down the Chapel to meet Meghan, Membership affiliations – Lloyd James Schools and Projects – Nick Hinchliffe with loss and uncertainty. took her arm, and walked with her to her City of London – Paul Herbage, MBE husband to be – to know that everyone wanted Young Professionals Network – Cdr James Nisbet The Queen Young Professionals Network – Farah London her in the Family, everyone could see how It will be Her Majesty’s birthday this month Council member – Lt. Col. Leslie Clarke much Prince Harry loved her and joined in that Council member – Alan Broomhead and the Royal Society of St George will send love. And that went for the rest of us as well. Administration Centre staff her, our Patron, our very best wishes for long General Secretary – Elizabeth Lloyd Membership Secretary – Jade King life and happiness. Next year the Queen will England’s History and Heritage have reigned over us for seventy years and Charitable Trust Members has done so with unswerving steadfastness, And while I am talking about our pride in Chairman – Bob Smith Secretary – Shirley Hankers grace and dignity. She has never put a foot our Queen and Royal Family, I will reiterate Treasurer and Trustee – Lloyd James wrong; she has never neglected her duty or the my pride in our country, its history and Trustee – Nick Dutt Trustee – Dennis Stinchcombe promise she made to us to serve her country heritage, whatever its flaws. We have a need Trustee – Chris Houghton and the Commonwealth for as long as she to recognise all of the past, the bad as well as Trustee – Michael Riley lived. She has unceasingly been a role model the good, and learn from it. We cannot build Trustee – Nick Hinchliffe to us all. a sound future without a clear understanding Special Responsibilities Standard Bearer – Lt. Col Leslie Clarke It has been a very hard year for Her Majesty of who we are as a country and where we Deputy Standard Bearer – Major Robert A Peedle MBE TD as well for a number of reasons. She has sit in the world. Wiping people and events Yachting Association – Bob Smith also had to suffer the separations and fears out of history doesn’t stop them existing, Photography – Fred Pearson and Georgina Burges caused by the pandemic, and will have felt and I question how we can make the world This Journal is sent free to all full members and is available for purchase at £3.50. Opinions expressed in articles or very keenly the inability to go out among her a better place and give our children a better advertisements are those of the authors and advertisers people as she always has in times of crisis understanding of what would make it so, if and the contents do not necessarily reflect editorial or before. The Duke of Edinburgh is just out of we try to sanitise our inheritance. We need to official RSSG views. This Journal may not be reproduced in whole or in part without the permission of the Editor. hospital – the longest stay he has ever had – build our future on the past, not try to change Opinions expressed in articles or advertisements are those leaving her without her friend and ally of so it or hide it. of the authors and advertisers and the contents do not necessarily reflect editorial or official RSSG views. We many years, just when she must have needed reserve the right to refuse any advertisement or article him the most. This won’t be the first time 2021 without giving a reason. E&O.E. that the Royal Family has been attacked, and There is Spring in the air and a tentative but Design and Reprographics: Jim Duggan I know that they will face this crisis as they growing hope that we may be moving back Tel: 01233 632969. Mob: 07714451952 always do, with dignity, but I can only imagine towards a life outside. Where we can see each Printed by: The Gemini Print Group, Shoreham-by-Sea Tel: 01273 464884 how deeply hurtful it must be to them all, but other again, share meals and experiences, particularly the Queen, for the family to be travel, spend time with our families – even hug ISSN Number: ISSN 2046-8369 seemingly betrayed as they have been in the those we love! 4 ST GEORGE FOR ENGLAND
at the Cenotaph on 24 April, accompanied forget a lovely hour with him over a cup of tea by my Deputy and Vice Chairmen, two at the Little Ships Club, where Council used other members of Council and our Standard to meet. He was a true gentleman, courteous, Bearer. I am in discussion with our Parade wryly self-deprecating and with a lovely Commander about the small chance that we sense of humour, and he loved and served the may be able to have a Corp of Cadets with Society so well over a number of years. us, as they can now meet for training, but so I hope that, when we emerge from the last much depends on the health of the country as year of isolation, we will be able to hold a a whole that this remains a remote possibility. service of thanksgiving for George’s life in Rest assured though, that the Royal Society of our Society Church of St George in Hanover St George will be at the Cenotaph to honour Square, if his family are in agreement. our glorious dead, as we have been for so And, of course, we have lost our Honorary many years and will continue to be. member the lovely Captain Sir Tom Moore We are looking forward to holding our to the pandemic, such an irony when he was Battle of Britain lunch at the RAF Club on the beacon of hope and resilience last year. He 17 September. As with everything else that we came to stand for the good in us all, the ability plan at the moment, we don’t know what form to smile in the face of adversity, and to get up this will take, whether social distancing will and do something about it. still be in place, so at present we are not able These are just two of the people known to put a price to the function, but would ask to us that we cannot see or talk to anymore. you to let the office know if you are interested There are so many of them – Tim Brooke in attending so that we can keep you in touch Taylor for one, with that wonderfully So, as we stick our heads outside and sniff with our plans. It will be so good to see you. understated sense of humour and that the air, the Society is starting to plan. endearing habit of laughing at his own jokes. Almost inevitably, the St George’s Day In Memoriam You will be able to think of, and know, so Parade at the Cenotaph cannot take place this Last November we were very saddened to many more. It has been such a sorrowful year. year again – at that stage in April, assuming learn of the death of our past President and But we are coming out of it, summer will all goes to Boris Johnson’s plan, we will be President Emeritus George Andrews. To my come, we will meet again. In the meantime, able to meet outside in groups of six, but regret, I didn’t know George as well as I my very best wishes to you all. that’s it. So, on your behalf, I will lay a wreath would have very much liked to, but will never Joanna EDITORIAL This sainted isle T HE ANCIENT JELLING STONE the saintly soldier became, for the people monument in Denmark, which dates of England, a knight in shining armour from the tenth-century, is profoundly valiantly defending damsels against dragons important to the Danish people. Marking – usually on an English village green. (A the beginning of the Viking transition from far cry from the reality of George as the a worship of the old Nordic gods to the man of action in the army of the Emperor embracing of Christianity, the stone depicts Diocletian!) the face of Christ – yet a Christ who looks Yet St. George was not the only hero remarkably like a Viking. To make the capable of defeating evil. . . . Tucked new religion their own, the creators of the away near the Fowey River, at the monument deliberately shaped it to the hamlet of Golant, Cornwall, is a church contours of their cultural identity, something dedicated to an early Celtic Christian – St. St. Martha’s Church, near Guildford which the mediaeval English managed to Sampson, who was reputed to have fought considerable success in their adoption of St. a hideous, gigantic worm on Bodmin of Christ’s Apostle, St. Andrew – the sea George as their Patron Saint. Moor. Meanwhile, on the Surrey Hills, St. breezes blowing through the ragged arches The real George the Martyr was, as Martha’s church (not far from Guildford) of the still-proud remains. we know, an officer in the Roman Army, records the exploits of a saint whose skill Just like the Viking Christian converts, whose loyalty to his Christian beliefs fired with needle and thread ensured that another we have made our own version of a religion; the imagination of successive generations dragon was defeated, this time by being our shires, villages and towns, all bearing of knights, crusaders and holy men from bound up in what must have been a very the signs and symbols of the saints we have across the European world. Adopted by complicated knitting pattern! And in rural, taken to our English and British hearts. Christian societies from as far and wide as coastal Suffolk, just outside the village Russia, Renaissance Italy and even Ethiopia, of Walberswick, are the ruins of a church Stuart Millson Corrections and clarifications Mrs. Marian Werner of London (one of our the December edition. ‘He’ is in fact a ‘she’: ‘Cuthbert Orde’ – which was, in fact, long-standing members) wrote to advise Ursula Fanthorpe. (Yes, we did know this ‘Sammy Allard’ as drawn by Orde. We us of a gender mistake, in relation to really!). apologise to Battle of Britain author, Geoff U. A. Fanthorpe, mentioned on page 7 of And on page 26, a caption appeared – Simpson, for this error. ST GEORGE FOR ENGLAND 5
My England Carl Portman carl.portman@hotmail.co.uk T HE BEAUTIFUL COUNTY of Shropshire is oft overlooked by the masses, especially when choosing a holiday in England. The good folk of that county often prefer it that way and can enjoy its bounty at their own leisure. Shropshire was home to some very famous people including the poet Wilfred Owen, Clive of India, Mary Webb, Percy Thrower (anyone remember him?) and none other than the great naturalist Charles Darwin himself, born as he was in Shrewsbury. Way back in 1992 when I was living in Shropshire, I hosted a visit from a Russian chess player, and he was very keen to visit one specific place in the county that he had heard a lot about. Ironbridge. In particular he wanted to visit the Ironbridge itself and stand upon it, which he duly did to his great delight. The bridge is the world’s first cast-iron bridge, built Photograph of the Ironbridge by Jeremy Smith over the River Severn near Coalbrookdale day of escape from the hard work and poet To think that in 1779, right there in the J. C. Prince once wrote: birthplace of the Industrial revolution in Shropshire, such a beautiful structure was The bridge is the world’s first cast-iron Once more the ponderous engines are at being erected. At the same time – over in bridge, built over the River Severn near rest, Austria, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart was Coalbrookdale by Abraham Darby III Where Manufacture’s mighty structures rise; composing his sublime music. There was between 1777 and 1779. This bridge is still Once more the babe is pillowed at the history being made all over Europe, and in use today and is recognised the world breast, England and the Iron Bridge occupied over. It was a significant development Watch’d by a weary mother’s yearning eyes. centre stage. Both Mozart and the bridge are because at the time, roads were in a very in our hearts and minds to this day and will poor condition and the most efficient form A single arch of the Iron Bridge had a be far into the future. Shropshire’s county of transport was a barge, using a canal span of just over 100 feet, and the rise of motto is Floreat Salopia which means, ‘may system and of course the River Severn. forty-five feet consisted of five massive Shropshire flourish’. Personally, I could not Vessels laden with everything from coal cast-iron ribs. The weight of the iron think of anything more appropriate for this to wool, cheese, lead and raw materials in the whole interlocking structure was glorious English county. for building, would busily traverse the proudly stated to be precisely 378 tons. It The Ironbridge Gorge Museum is now waterway under the bridge. Sometimes you was repaired many times, but still stands, a UNESCO world heritage site and I can might find a coracle on the river, which is testament to the vision of its maker and the thoroughly recommend a visit. a practice that has almost died out now, toil of the workers assembling it. It was sadly. actually a toll bridge until 1950 when it Imagine the intense, back-breaking labour was then handed over to Shropshire County in filthy conditions. Sunday was the one Council. Carpe diem 2021 DATES FOR YOUR DIARY Friday, 17 September – Battle of Britain Luncheon – RAF CLUB, Piccadilly ALL DATES SUBJECT TO CHANGE DUE TO CONSIDERATIONS OF THE CORONAVIRUS PANDEMIC ST GEORGE FOR ENGLAND 7
DAMBUSTERS The Lancaster bomber and Operation Chastise P RIOR TO THE OUTBREAK of With the modifications completed to World War II, British war planners had twenty-one Lancasters the RAF tentatively studied how they might incapacitate scheduled the operation, named Operation Germany’s industry if the UK were again in Chastise, between 14 and 16 May 1943. conflict with Europe. One suggestion was At this time the water levels in the dam to blow up the dams to create breaches that reservoirs would be at their highest. A breach would cause catastrophic flooding. at this time would cause the greatest possible Unrelated to the British war planning, flood damage.Veteran Wing Commander aircraft designer Barnes Wallis also pondered Guy Gibson was selected to command the the issue. By 1941 he calculated that a new Number 617 Squadron of Number 5 shockwave would cause the most damage, Group. Gibson selected twenty-one crews especially if the bomb detonated underwater from various group squadrons which were to A breach is shown in the Eder Dam on the Weser River in a photograph taken the day following against the dam. The problem was the be based at Scampton in the East Midlands. the attack Germans knew their dams were vulnerable to The crews were told that the mission would a torpedo attack and had installed antitorpedo be against targets that would require low- nets. Wallis wanted to find a way to deliver level flying, at night. Mohne and Eder breached an explosive small enough to be carried by an Trials using unarmed bombs allowed Martin’s bomb veered too far off centre existing Royal Air Force plane, yet be able to Wallis to calculate that the bomb would need before exploding, leaving Mohne Dam still evade the antitorpedo defences. to be released at a height of sixty feet while undamaged. Young’s bomb struck the dam Wallis calculated that a bomb skipped flying at 220mph. The RAF did not possess and sank before exploding. Although the across the water’s surface would avoid the a bombsight or altimeter accurate enough for bomb hit the target, it appeared not to have nets. He designed a cylindrical, air-dropped such an attack. caused any damage. Maltby noticed the dam bomb that was sixty inches long with a Wing Commander Charles Dann solved was beginning to crumble when he released diameter of fifty inches. the bombsight problem. He made a hand-held his ordnance. After four bounces, the bomb Early in 1943 tests showed that the Avro- triangular device from wood with a sighting struck the dam and sank before detonating. Lancaster heavy bomber was capable of hole at the top. The base had nails in place The resulting explosion, as with the previous carrying the bomb. The Lancaster, which which, when lined up with the dam’s towers, four, caused a geyser of water. After ordering carried a crew of seven men, was a very set the release point for the bomb. The height Shannon to prepare for his run, Gibson successful aircraft. It was powered by four issue was solved by the use of two spotlights, noticed a large amount of water pouring off 1,280hp Rolls-Royce Merlin engines. With one on the nose and the other behind the the other side of the dam. He then spotted a cruising speed of 200mph it had a range bomb bay, both angled to create a figure of a massive hole in the structure. Calling of 2,530 miles. It could carry a payload of eight pattern visible from the front of the off Shannon, Gibson notified Group 5 that 14,000 pounds. starboard wing. Mohne Dam had been breached. Sending Maltby and Martin home, he ordered the Modifications others to follow him to Eder Dam. When Wallis’s bomb design was approved Testing The Eder dam was breached after three modifications to the Lancaster were needed Testing began on 16 April at Reculver. On strikes. The five aircraft turned for home. to accomodate it. Powered by American-built 11 May dummy bombs were dropped for the Merlin-28 engines, modifications included first time. Two days later the one and only removal of the bomb-bay doors, installation test with a live bomb took place. Massive flooding of special arms to hold the bomb and The RAF decided to proceed with A reconnaissance flight the same day showed hydraulic gear to drive a belt which produced Operation Chastise on 16 May. The main massive flooding behind Mohne and Eder the backspin of 500rpm which Wallis had targets were were the Mohne, Eder, and Dams. Eighty-seven percent of the water calculated would produce the necessary spin Sorpe Dams. Alternate targets were the held in Mohne and seventy-five percent of to make the bomb skip across the water, thus Lister, Ennepe, and Diemel Dams. the Eder reservoir had been released. The evading the anti-torpedo nets. At 21:00 on 16 May 1943, the crews of flight revealed that power stations, factories, the first wave boarded their aircraft. Due to roads, bridges, and pumping stations were their longer route, the second wave left first destroyed or damaged over a large area. In at 21:28. The first wave departed eleven addition, gas, electricity, and water supplies minutes later. The third wave did not take off were severely interrupted. The casualties, until 09:00. the following day. the majority of which were foreign workers, After making a test run, Gibson lined up totaled 1,341 Mohne Dam and dropped his bomb. After The effect on the German war effort three bounces, it sank and exploded. The has been a source of debate among British bomb detonated too far from the dam. No military experts. Some believed that the breach occurred, but the explosion destroyed heavy losses No. 617 Squadron incurred, the antitorpedo nets. Hopgood’s plane was which amounted to eight Lancasters and hit by the dam’s flak guns on his approach, fifty-six casualties, were ineffective given which resulted in the bomb being dropped that the Germans had patched up the gaps in late. It bounced over the dam and landed Mohne and Eder by October. near the power station behind the dam. Other military experts hold that the strikes The bomb exploded destroying the power had a positive result largely because of station. Hopgood’s Lancaster caught fire and the number of workers and the amount of blew up, but its three crewmen were able to construction materials the Germans had to Wing Commander Guy Gibson escape. Two survived and were captured. commit to rebuild the dams. 8 ST GEORGE FOR ENGLAND
The Royal Society of St George Established in 1894 | Incorporated by Royal Charter | Patron: Her Majesty The Queen The Royal Society of St George is partnering with Harney & Sons Tea Company to produce, market, and sell the Imperial Windsor Blend Tea, in support of the Royal Society’s educational programmes for young people. The Royal Society of St George (RSSG), a charitable organisation, was founded in England in 1894 with the goal of fostering English values and the English way of life. From its inception, it has enjoyed the support of prominent public figures in England and throughout the British Empire. Its first Royal Patron was Queen Victoria; since then the society has enjoyed the patronage of every reigning monarch, including the current British monarch, Queen Elizabeth II. The Society’s Charitable Trust actively provides financial support to help young people fulfill their scholastic and career potential. Harney & Sons is a celebrated gourmet tea company located in Millerton, New York. Founded in 1983 by John Harney, it has grown from a hands-on cottage industry into one of the leading gourmet tea companies in the USA. It is still a hands-on family business now headed by John’s sons, Mike and Paul Harney. Harney & Sons has produced The Imperial Windsor Blend exclusively for The RSSG. The Imperial Windsor Blend is a medium bodied tea with briskness and a wonderful aroma, containing black teas with rose petals. The partnership will produce, market, and sell the Imperial Windsor Blend tea globally, with particular emphasis on promoting the tea to its direct, branch, and affiliate members throughout the world. In return for the exclusive right to market and sell this RSSG-supporting blend, RSSG will receive a quarterly royalty of 10% of gross sales, allowing The RSSG to build its support programmes and assist more young people, needed now more than ever. About The Royal Society of St George The objectives of The Society as laid down in its Royal Charter are to: • Foster the love of England and to strengthen England and the Commonwealth by spreading the knowledge of English history, traditions and ideals; • Keep fresh the memory of those in all walks of life who have served England or the Commonwealth in the past, to inspire leadership in the future; • Combat all activities likely to undermine the strength of England or the Commonwealth; and • Further English interest everywhere to ensure that St. George’s Day is properly celebrated and to provide focal points all the world over where English men and women may gather together. UK ORDERS – please order via our Shop Window on our website www.rssg.org.uk or via the order form on page fifty-one of this Journal All UK enquiries to the RSSG Administration Centre – telephone 020 3225 5011 or email: info@royalsocietyofstgeorge.com USA, CANADA, INTERNATIONAL AND BULK ORDERS – please contact Harney & Son’s distribution agent, Mark Cooper via telephone - +164 65 29 93 11 - or via email – markcooperltd@verizon.net The Royal Society of St. George The Premier Patriotic Society of England Incorporated by Royal Charter: Patron: HER MAJESTY THE QUEEN Battle of Britain Luncheon Friday, 17 September 2021 – Time: 12.30pm for 1pm Venue: The Royal Air Force Club, 128 Piccadilly, London, W1J 7PY Price – To be confirmed Price includes: Sparkling wine reception, followed by an excellent three course meal fine wines served throughout, coffee and mints Guest Speaker – To be confirmed Please come and join us at our Annual Luncheon Dress: Men – lounge suits – Ladies – smart attire – Medals may be worn Please contact the office to reserve your place at this very popular event at: The Royal Society of St George, Administration Centre, P.O. BOX 397, Loughton, Essex, IG10 9GN, England Telephone: 020 3225 5011 Email: info@royalsocietyofstgeorge.com Website: www.rssg.org.uk Facebook page – www.facebook.com/RoyalSocietyofStGeorge – Twitter account – @RSStGeorge ST GEORGE FOR ENGLAND 9
NEWS FROM AROUND THE BRANCHES BATH ship to be, by his estimation, at a depth of twenty-four feet and rising rapidly. Pam Preece Hastening back on deck, he and First In the absence of any Branch activities Officer Ligtoller immediately started to to report, hopefully for not much longer, get passengers into the lifeboats, trying not I turned to Somerset’s Forgotten Heroes entirely successfully, to stick to the custom by Roger Evans. There I found some of, “women and children first”. Once, two interesting characters and their stories, such lifeboats were fully loaded permission was as that of Herbert John Pitman who was sought and given for them to be launched. Third Officer on the ill-fated Titanic. He Herbert Pitman’s first instinct was to stay was born at Sutton Montis, near Castle Cary, on board ship to help with further lifeboat November 1877, so would have been thirty- launches but was ordered to stay on one of four at the time of setting sail. As the ship the lifeboats being launched and take overall was considered to be unsinkable, not a lot of command of both. Ordering the oarsmen to notice was taken of the messages received pull well away from the stricken vessel they warning they could encounter ice. Belting could only look on helplessly at tragedy along at full speed when the look-out unfolding before their eyes. People were in spotted this hulking great iceberg the Titanic the water crying and screaming for help but was going too fast to take avoiding action. there was nothing they could do for fear of Meanwhile, Herbert Pitman had finished his being overwhelmed and capsizing. watch at 08:00 pm and retired to his bunk. Jolted awake by a crunch and tearing sound, Rescue his first thought was that the anchor had Ordering the two boats under his command been lowered, but why? Donning a dressing to be lashed together so they would not drift gown he went up on deck to find out what apart in the darkness, the survivors waited was going on. Nothing much it appeared, so patiently for help to arrive which it did Lady Georgiana Cavendish. portrait by Thomas he went below to his cabin to get properly in the form of the Carpathia. Undaunted, Gainsborough dressed. He was in the middle of this when Herbert Pitman continued his career at sea. the Fourth Officer burst in to tell him they He retired to the village of Pitcombe where Georgiana Spencer had bit an iceberg. Fully dressed and back he died in December 1961 and is buried Not so long back, the aristocracy, as well as on deck, Herbert Pitman found the lifeboats in the local churchyard. As a postscript, royalty, had little if any choice as to whom being prepared for launching. All seemed I read on Wikipedia that the Carpathia they would marry. However, they usually calm with no hint of the panic to come; after took on board the Titanic’s lifeboats as had some idea in advance as to when it all they were on an unsinkable ship, weren’t well as her surviving passengers as they would be. Georgiana Spencer, according to, they? were considered too valuable to jettison. ‘Passionate Lives’ by Evelyn Hall-King was They were handed over to the ship’s only told of it by her mother on the actual Women and children first representatives in New York from where morning of the day itself. I am sure there On receiving orders to go below to they seem to have vanished from history. was a good reason for this and the best I can investigate how much damage had been Not surprising really; why would you want come up with is, that William Cavendish, caused by the collision, Herbert Pitman to keep such graphic reminders of that tragic the fifth Duke of Devonshire, was cold, found the water in the bowels of the event. aloof and a frightful snob, once declaring that his cousin Henry Cavendish could not William Cavendish, fifth Duke of Devonshire, Titanic departing Southampton on 10 April 1912 painted in Rome by Pompeo Batoni, 1768 10 ST GEORGE FOR ENGLAND
be described as a gentleman because, “he Duchess. Georgiana was in Bath when a worked for a living”. In contrast, Georgiana little bird whispered in the Duke’s ear about was a warm, happy-go-lucky teenager, being her pregnancy. It didn’t take him long to two days shy of her seventeenth birthday on confront and tell her she must go abroad to her wedding day, who might have kicked up have this child. Unfortunately for him Bess one almighty fuss if she had had a chance to had to go too. She could not live with him learn something of her intended. That it was while his wife was absent. A baby girl was a brilliant match materially, there can be no born and the two ladies rattled round the doubt. The Duke was enormously wealthy Continent for a couple of years. Georgiana and in the very highest ranks of the nobility. missed her children very much and sent them notes, little presents and souvenirs Fashion Icon from wherever they happened to be. In time, Georgiana became a fashion icon Eventually, they were summoned home. The with whatever she wore being copied by little girl was farmed out to Charles Grey’s those who could afford it, especially the parents to be cared for. No way was any huge hats, one of which she wore in a child other than those he had fathered be Gainsborough portrait, that today is known raised under the Duke’s roof. as a picture hat but then as a Devonshire hat. Shortly after she married, Georgiana However, it took time. Scarcely more than became addicted to gambling. She lost newly-weds, a contemporary saw the Duke huge amounts and was often seen being and Duchess in a London park and recorded Bess in 1787, painted by Sir Joshua Reynolds handed into her carriage weeping bitterly it in a letter to a friend. after another evening of heavy losses at the Elizabeth (Bess) Foster card tables. She cadged money from anyone We saw the young and handsome In her day to day life, she was generous, she could, family, friends, even servants, Duchess of Devonshire walking in such charitable, gave lavish entertainments eventually resorting to money lenders. A and undressed and slovenly manner. Two and universally loved by all with the very slippery slope! of her curls came quite unpinned and possible exception of her husband. Then fell lank on one of her shoulders; one the Duke did fall deeply in love, with shoe was down at heel, the trimming of Georgiana’s best friend, Lady Elizabeth Last years her jacket and coat was in some places (Bess) Foster. Bess fell pregnant and, in The Duchess’s last years were not very unsewn; her cap was awry and her cloak, the time-honoured manner, went abroad happy. She suffered crippling headaches which was rusty and powdered was to give birth. On her return the baby was and eye problems, with blindness in one eye flung half on half off. She had hold of the passed off as being fathered by an unnamed resulting in her wearing an eye patch. It was Duke’s arm who is the reverse of herself, French Count but when Bess soon fell not long before she morphed from a rosy- for he is ugly, tidy and grave. pregnant again with no sign of a foreign cheeked beauty with red-gold hair into a fat, Indeed, they were as chalk and cheese. sire, the truth was obvious to all. Whether coarse skinned frump. If Georgiana tried to show her husband any Georgiana had any say in the matter or She adored her children and tried to affection he was deeply embarrassed and not (probably not) Bess moved in with the create for them the happy and loving brushed her off and her giddy, frivolous Devonshires and her children brought up atmosphere she and her brother and sister manner annoyed him immensely. One with the legitimate offspring. had grown up in. She still supported the thing they did wholeheartedly agree on was Whigs but did not go out in the streets to support of the Whig Party. In the run up to Charles Grey canvas as before. She died aged forty-nine a 1784 election, Georgiana was so enthused Charles Grey, a handsome young Whig had genuinely mourned by all those who had and supportive she was out in the streets been trying his luck for years and finally known her. It goes without saying that the trading kisses for votes. succeeded in his aim to seduce the lovely Duke and Bess married. FENLAND The Chairman thanked members for National Chairman Joanna Cadman and their support in the first part of 2020, which Robert Peedle, together with our Chairman Peter Dennis, Press Officer from March onwards had been a terrible Brian Kierman, to affiliate the Wisbech Fenland branch held their AGM via year, with all functions and activities Sea Cadets to our Society. It is hoped Zoom on 19 January 2021. The following having to be cancelled. We can, however, that a framed certificate of Affiliation officers were elected for the coming year: confirm that current membership stands and Membership will be presented to the Chairman: Brian Kierman; Vice Chairman: at sixty-three, of which nine are founder Commanding Officer as soon as possible Peter Dennis; Secretary: Tracey Kierman; members. in 2021. Treasurer: Colin Harvey; Press Officer: On 3 February 2020 Robert Peedle MBE It is planned to have another Zoom Peter Dennis; Almoner and Standard visited us to create a two page spread in the meeting sometime in March when, it is Bearer: John Smith; Chaplain: Rev. David Journal on the branch and the Fenland area. to be hoped, we can plan a programme of Addington. On the same date, we were joined by events for the latter part of the year. ADVERTISE YOUR BUSINESS HERE ADVERTISING RATES BY APPLICATION TO HEAD OFFICE The Administration Centre, P.O. BOX 397, Loughton, IG10 9GN, England info@royalsocietyofstgeorge.com Tel: 020 3225 5011 ST GEORGE FOR ENGLAND 11
GLOUCESTERSHIRE Patron: Mr. Edward Gillespie, OBE, Her Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenant for Gloucestershire President: Councillor Pam Tracey, MBE Chairman: Mrs. Pat Ayres, MBE Sadly the pandemic restrictions continue to affect our lives, even though there is now light at the end of the tunnel. We were hoping to re-start Branch activities with our annual New Year Lunch in January but that fell by the wayside. Normally we begin detailed planning for our St George’s Day Service at least six months before the day, but with the announcement of another lockdown at the end of 2020 and the prospect that it would continue for several months, planning for the 2021 Service was put on hold. Finally we took the sad decision in early February that we would have to abandon the Service for this year too. Nairac winners Whilst our four 2020 Nairac winners received their Award cheques by post last April, we still want to present them with their Certificates in person, not only to make it a special occasion for them but to give our members a chance to meet them. We are tentatively planning an event in August to which we will invite them, their families and friends. One of the Awardees, young carer Brian Kobani, gained the place at Imperial College for which he had worked so hard and we hope he will be able to take full advantage of that opportunity as restrictions are lifted. Another 2020 Nairac Awardee, Heather Kent, was one of three finalists for the Young Litter Hero Award 2021 run by the UK’s Keep Britain Tidy Snowdrops at Cerney House Gardens Network. It’s wonderful that our young people are being recognised for their work asking for nominations for the 2021 Awards appearing, along with a few hellebores and for and in the community, which is what the which would also be presented at our other intrepid plants. It’s amazing how they Nairac Awards aim to do. We are currently August event. survive even the hardest of frosts. This Whilst the committee has morning I heard a busy woodpecker – why continually communicated don’t they have headaches? We used to see through the lockdowns by a lot of wrens in our garden but then they email and telephone and seemed to vanish, so it was wonderful when occasionally with Zoom a pair was intrepid enough to nest under meetings, it hasn’t been the our back porch a year ago and I’ve spotted same as meeting to face to one in the garden just now. Hopefully that face. Zoom meetings can be means they are coming back along with our unpredictable with talk-overs, ‘normal’ life. It won’t be long before the empty chairs, phones ringing Forest of Dean is carpeted with bluebells. (or other happenings) in the With the impressive vaccination roll-out background and connections as a result of the brilliant hard work by failing. We look forward to scientists, volunteers, armed forces and so getting together again as a many others, there’s definitely cause for committee and Branch events optimism. resuming as soon as possible. For further information about the Branch At least nature carries and its (hoped soon to be resumed) activities on regardless. The clumps contact Margaret Fuller, Branch Secretary, of snowdrops in the garden on 01291 625069 or glosrssg@outlook.com were a joyful harbinger of or see the Branch’s page on the National Heather Kent, Young Litter Hero spring and now daffodils are website. 12 ST GEORGE FOR ENGLAND
Councillors David Thornewell and Roger Mitchell fly the flag at Holy Trinity, Larkfield, Kent NORTH DOWNS President, Group Captain Patrick Tootal, OBE At the time of writing, the continuing Covid crisis has meant that the branch’s normal activities have been suspended. However, we have tried to “tick over” as best we can – beginning with a flag-raising ceremony at Holy Trinity Church, Larkfield. For some years now, the flagpole at the church had been somewhat neglected – with not even the flag of the Diocese being flown. Now that Holy Trinity has joined with the Church of St. James the Great, East Malling in a new benefice, the time seemed to be right to put Larkfield on the map again. With funds donated by East Malling and Larkfield Parish Council, three new flags have been procured: the Union Jack, the banner of St. George and the white horse banner of Kent – the “Invicta” flag. The new parish figure of the “unknown soldier” stands close to the Holy Trinity flagpole, so local councillors thought it an ideal setting for the first of their flag-raising events. But this is not the only ambition for the church and community: plans are being formulated for a regular work-party to tidy the churchyard and ensure that gravestones, trees and wildlife are all conserved. Alongside the old village school building nextdoor, Holy Trinity and its environs are the only listed buildings in Larkfield. So – a conservation campaign worth pursuing. Finally, our recruitment drive has – as you can probably imagine – not been a roaring success at this time of uncertainty. But we have managed to bring in one new member! Welcome to the fold – to hardworking Liberal Democrat Councillor, Roger Mitchell, pictured in the photograph (above, Roger is on the right) with Cllr. David Thornewell, Parish Council Chairman. St George and the Dragon at East Malling Church, Kent ST GEORGE FOR ENGLAND 13
SEAHAVEN BRANCH President: Laurie Holland; Chairman: Bob Peedle, MBE; Secretary: Linda Wallraven. As with all branches another lean period with not a great deal to report but in view of the Government’s roadmap, we are now able to start planning for a function on Monday 12 July to commemorate the founding of England in 927AD by King Athelstan. Then in August we hope to have our annual picnic in Bishopstone. Just hope that things plan out as they should in the battle against Covid-19 and life returns to near normal soon. We are all pleased because the Lord Lieutenant of East Sussex, who has been a superb supporter of our branch, retires in August and he and Margaret have kindly agreed to join us. So we look forward to welcoming Sir Peter and Lady Field into the fold. Sir Peter received a knighthood (KCVO) in this year’s New Year’s Honours list, a well deserved award which we all applaud. Now we have the chance to get active again as a branch we can start to plan to be in a better position to raise funds in order to help local charities and worthwhile projects. We are now waiting to get the opportunity to present a certificate from the RSSG Charitable Trust to the Newhaven Youth Football teams following the match funding to help with equipment. Sir Peter Field KCVO JP with RSSG Chairman The number of teams they support has risen considerably and had stretched their resources. cutting our Anniversary Cake in January last year WATERLOO (1896–1952), and Commonwealth realms This has shown Europe and the rest of We were proud to see our President, since 1952. It recognises distinguished the World how resilient and innovative Lieutenant Colonel Nana Kofi Twumasi- personal service to the Monarch Britain can be. Our Health Service and Ankrah, RVO, on two occasions recently, Our Chairman, Bob Smith, wrote to Care professionals; scientists; uniformed as Equerry to the Queen. The first was TA TA (the name by which he is usually Services; armies of volunteers and when he stood near to our Monarch for called) congratulating him on being awarded kind-hearted citizens have been in the the Trooping of the Colour ceremony, this great honour. frontline of this battle and performed with televised at the unusual venue of Windsor distinction. Castle quadrangle; the second, pictured At Christmas our President wrote We must remain safe and share these here at the Tomb of the Unknown Warrior, We are coming to the close of a precious moments with those few loved in Westminster Abbey, commemorating the challenging and eventful year, in which ones we are able to see. In the absence of lives of those who fought and died for our we have endured a pandemic and large gatherings, we should connect to all country, so that those who were left could the economic and social fallout of its our people in whichever way possible as live in Peace. relentless restrictions. It’s unlike anything a gesture of community and friendship. And what do the letters after his name many of us have ever faced; however the We look forward to a brighter New signify? The Royal Victorian Order (RVO) great British public have stoically carried Year, with several new vaccination is awarded at the discretion of the Monarch on despite the hardship, as we have in programmes combined with other of the United Kingdom and the Dominions years gone by. initiatives that aid us on the long road to recovery, and we all hope for a brighter and more joyful 2021.” 2020 Branch Subscriptions As our Members were unable to enjoy any of the activities during 2020 the Committee unanimously decided to waive subscriptions for the year. However the Membership were given the choice of voluntarily paying this year’s subscription, in which case the monies would be donated to NHS Charities Together, again chosen and agreed unanimously by the Committee. The response has been staggering, around £1500, and should our total be matched by the Royal Society of St. George Charitable Trust, the contribution to this well-deserved charity will be no less than £3000. 2021 Events Whilst a full programme of events is waiting The Patron of the Royal Society of St. George, Her Majesty the Queen together with the President of to be put into effect, we just have to be the Royal Society of St. George Waterloo Branch, Lieutenant Colonel Nana Kofi Twumasi-Ankrah, RVO patient and stay safe. Patience is a virtue! 14 ST GEORGE FOR ENGLAND
WILTSHIRE BRANCH Neil passed away peacefully at home on 27 September 2020. His funeral was blessed Branch Patron: Colonel James Arkell, TD with sunshine as his coffin was draped in Chairman: Mr Lloyd James the Union flag for his service in the Royal Secretary: Mrs Pat Wallington Engineers. Upon this sat a small flower Treasurer: Mrs Peggy May arrangement of white flowers with a red cross. In Memoriam It is with much sadness that the Branch Chris Wannell reports the loss of three of its keen members Chris and his wife Audrey were former and supporters all of whom will be missed members of the Wiltshire Branch. Born by us all. The sympathies and prayers of all in 1941 in Chippenham Chris’s interest in the Wiltshire Branch members are with their fire engines as a boy led him to join the loved ones. Auxiliary Fire Service in the early 1960s and he became a retained Fireman before Jane Henderson moving to Wootton Bassett. As a Branch Council member Jane brought Chris and Audrey married in 1967 and her characteristically cheerful and positive have two children Heather and Martin. Chris outlook to meetings and was a willing help worked as an Engineer at St Ivel in Wootton with various events. Bassett where he became a Councillor in the Born Inez Rosemary Jane on 11 April Neil Sutcliffe with wife Ann on the left at Henley early 1970s and a founder member of the 1945, Jane, as she was known to us, Royal Regatta Carnival Committee in 1971. Chris served especially enjoyed music. This included as a Councillor for forty years and was 2020 and was much loved by her husband twice Mayor of Wootton Bassett. playing the piano, composing and singing, Ian whom she had been married to for particularly as part of Bristol Choral Chris remained a retained Fireman until forty-nine years, their daughters and 1996 ending his career as Officer in Charge Society, Malmesbury Abbey Choir and grandchildren Lily, Rachael, Sophie and Malmesbury Singers. of the local fire station. After his retirement Ewan. he raised more than £100,000 for the Fire Jane also enjoyed gardening and had many friends from her teaching career at Fighters Charity through his work with his Redland High and Clifton High School. Jane Neil Sutcliffe 1943 fire engine named “Martha” that he also had many friends from East Hampstead In addition to being a keen supporter of our bought and restored in 1975. Chris received College, from her role as Chairwoman Branch activities, members may know Neil the Fire Charity Lifetime Achievement of the Old Girls Society, as Parish office well for arranging attendance at the Henley Award in 2018. secretary in Malmesbury, on the PCC and Royal Regatta on alternate years. Neil very Chris enjoyed visiting steam fairs with his with Probus. kindly sponsored our day membership of four grandchildren Bradley, Poppy, Daisy Faith also played an important part the Remenham Club, securing one of the and Holly and was a keen supporter of in Jane’s life as she regularly attended best vantage points and best ways to enjoy a steam rallies as far away as the Great Dorset Malmesbury Abbey where her funeral perfect English day out. Steam Fair and Isle of Wight Steam Rally. reflected her social nature, passion for music Neil was born on 5 August 1934 in Chris passed away on 8 February 2021 and strength of her faith. Blessed with a Surbiton, Surrey. After studying Agricultural and his funeral on Friday 26 February warm and sunny afternoon many local Engineering at Chelsea Polytechnic he saw his coffin carried through Royal people lined the path of the cortege to the completed his National Service from Wootton Bassett high street on the back of Abbey. 1956–1957 with the Royal Engineers on his beloved fire engine “Martha” closely Jane passed away on 3 September Christmas Island. He married Ann in 1961 followed by his 1930s fire engine “Belinda.” and they had a son Ian in 1966. Flags were flown at half mast at fire stations Having started off with a horticultural across Dorset and Wiltshire as a mark of contracting business Neil became interested respect for this former Fireman and great in buying and selling antiques at markets. charity fundraiser. This started off as a side line that eventually ended up with him running his own antique shop in Twickenham and restoring furniture at home in Surrey to sell. Neil’s interest in rowing resulted in him winning cups at various regattas on the Thames in the 1950s and his talent for rowing also saw him cox the Molsey Boat Club. He and Ann enjoyed attending Henley Regatta virtually every year up until her passing in 2015. They also enjoyed Scottish Country Dancing together for many years. In 2003 Neil and Ann moved to Evershot, Dorset. They became involved in the church, village events and supported the Cattistock Hunt. Neil made many new friends locally and particularly enjoyed the Thursday night banter over the odd glass of wine at Summer Lodge hotel which they Mourners line streets for firefighter and former Jane Henderson lived next door to. mayor Chris Wannell ©Swindon Ad ST GEORGE FOR ENGLAND 15
You can also read