The Waggoner Issue 19 - December 2020 - The Royal Logistic Corps
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The Waggoner
The newsletter of the RASC & RCT
Issue 19 - December 2020
Secretary: Lt Col RW Moore | RHQ The RLC, Building 204, Worthy Down Camp, Winchester, Hants, SO21 2RG.
Email: rascrctsec@rhqtherlc.org.uk
The Waggoner RASC & RCT Newsletter
President of the RASC & RCT Council
Brigadier Paul Evans OBE DL and light a candle which will burn
every Sunday in the Corps Church.
As 2020 draws to a close, we The service was followed by an
can all reflect on what has been equally moving parade at the
“
a quite extraordinary year. For Corps War Memorial, during
I am absolutely some of our members and their which wreaths were laid on behalf
confident that with families, it will have been a very
sad time and our thoughts and
of all our members.
I am absolutely confident that
renewed vigour, we prayers are with them all. For with renewed vigour, we will be
will be able to focus most, it will have been a able to focus our collective energy
challenging and frustrating on making a success of 2021 by
our collective energy period during which we have all supporting our Branches and the
on making a success had to cope with ever changing various planned Association and
restrictions and limitations on Officers’ Club events. What binds
of 2021 by our freedoms which we so often us all to together is the pride we
supporting our take for granted. Above all, we have for our Corps, the
have all had to work diligently to experiences we have shared and
Branches and the make sure that we remain safe the friendships we have made. In
various planned and healthy. the meantime, I would like to wish
I know from personal you all a very Happy Christmas
Association and experience how upsetting it has and a healthy and safe New Year.
Officers’ Club events. been not to spend as
much time as we would
have wished with
families, close friends
and comrades. Indeed,
the pandemic has had
a major influence on the
work of the Association
and Officers’ Club and,
in particular, on our
ability to get together. I
do, however, know just
how hard members have
worked to keep in touch
with each other, using
applications which have
now become so familiar
to us, which previously
we might never have
considered using.
I was particularly
disappointed that we
were forced through
circumstances to cancel
Corps Weekend. We
were, however,
fortunate that COVID-19
restrictions at that time
allowed for a small
group to gather at
our Corps Church, St
Michael and St George.
The Reverend Father
Nicholas Gosnell led a
short but very effective
service during which we
were honoured to turn
the pages in the memorial books Brigadier PAD Evans OBE DL
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RASC & RCT Newsletter The Waggoner
Secretary’s Brief
Lieutenant Colonel Robin contributions that have been driven by restrictions on the
Moore selflessly made by our members staff numbers allowed to attend
during this difficult year has been work due to COVID protection
Despite the COVID pandemic voluntary visits to the National measures and this work
resulting in the cancellation of a Memorial Arboretum to carry out cannot be done remotely due
great number of functions, it was gardening and maintenance in to the security sensitive nature
just possible for some branches the Logistic Grove. Berni Wilkins of the systems and information
to hold limited events during the from the RCT Riders Branch has involved, creating a significant
brief period in the summer when arranged a number of gardening backlog of posts requiring
the restrictions were eased, visits. clearance. In the meantime,
albeit with significant please do continue to send me
modification. Most branches any amendments by post or
were also able to mark email to: rascrctsec@rhqtherlc.
Remembrance Sunday and many org.uk and I will endeavour to
marked VJ Day, just not on the make ad hoc updates, albeit
scale that normally would be slowly with my two finger
achieved. One of this year’s typing skills.
greatest disappointments has I hope that you approve of
been the cancellation of the the new Waggoner format. I
parade at the Cenotaph in would like to thank two people
Whitehall; where we were set to that have helped make this
have our largest ever marching possible. Alan Pike, who has
contingent and even this was very generously produced new
not going to be enough to give Bryan Long ‘dressed for digital RASC and RCT badges,
places to everyone who wished gardening’ which I think you will agree are
to attend. For next year, I shall be a much better likeness of the
seeking to increase our During lockdown, we have had Corps’ badges. Thank you also
allocation and I have kept a new members picking up the to Katherine Lack, who has
record of everyone that had asked baton as some great stalwarts of recently joined The RLC
to march this year so that I can the Association standdown; Communications Team, her
do all that I can to make sure that Colonel Nigel has already made Adobe InDesign skills mean
they can have an opportunity in note of the changes to the that we are now able to format
2021 should they wish. regional chairmen. Similar the Waggoner in-house, giving
Our emphasis now is to be changes have occurred in the us the freedom to be more
ready to restart activities as soon branches. Unfortunately I cannot imaginative with the layout.
as circumstances allow. As I write, cover all of these but would just For future contributions, it
there is more than a feint glimmer like to note Jim Gordon as one would be most helpful if
of hope on the horizon, clearly example of particularly long and contributors could provide
there are still significant hurdles to loyal service to the Association, photographs as individual JPEG
overcome but planning is already until recently he held the post of images at the highest
in hand for many of next year’s treasurer of our Aberdeen Branch resolution available. If you have
functions. We will do everything for 36 years. any problem doing this, please
to be ready to restart activities High on our list of priorities is contact me at:
as soon as we can but will only to comprehensively review our rascrctsec@rhqtherlc.org.uk
commit funds when we know that membership data, with a view
these can legally, and more to improving its breadth and
importantly, safely go ahead. accuracy. Most frustratingly,
It is very encouraging to see we have been unable to start
that the efforts our regions and this work in earnest. The post
branches are making to stay in of Regimental and Forming
contact with their members and Corps Administration Assistant
to keep things running, despite remains gapped. As I reported
all of the obstacles that are in our back in July, a candidate has
way. This has ranged from John been selected for this post.
Phillips’ brain taxing branch However, the Civil Service’s
quizzes during the first lockdown Vetting Agency has been unable
to more informal but equally to security check them and
welcome phone calls to isolated therefore they are still unable to Jim Gordon with his
members. One of the many take post. This issue has been Certificate of Merit
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The Waggoner RASC & RCT Newsletter
Chairman RASC & RCT Officers’ Club
Colonel Colin Constable panelled with oak with the
portraits of ancient Generals hung
When I was asked by the on the wall above. Much of the
Association Secretary to write Corps silver was on permanent
some notes for the Officers’ Club, display on Skinners Horse - a
I thought what on earth am I large, highly polished 19th century
going to write for not a lot has table reputed to have come from
“ May I hope happened during this lockdown! the Indian Army.
There has been no golf, no Opposite the main entrance
and pray that socialising (in spite of a delivery
from The Wine Society!), no
was (as far as I can remember)
the bar which was down a couple
you and your family visits - except on
Facebook, the garden has been
of steps in the bowels of the Mess.
It was a rather dark and dingy
families stay put to bed, the garden
furniture cleaned and the house
room run by two characters,
“Sailor” and Bryan, but more of
safe during is in reasonable decorative order
(although I am under notice to
them later. On the right of the
entrance hall was the anteroom
these difficult paint the utility room – ugh, I
hate painting!). The poor dog
with large leather chairs which
were hogged by the more senior
times and I has been walked off his feet officers, including David Pepperell
and I have telephoned most of and Howard Bentley-Marchant,
wish you all a my chums so I am at a loss of who were on the course before us
what to write. Then, I started but stayed on to do the Long
Happy reminiscing about Officers’ Mess Equitation Course. Dogs also had
Christmas.
life when I was commissioned in pride of place! Everybody was
December 1963. more senior than us brand new
I reported to Buller Barracks in Second Lieutenants anyway!
early January 1964 where I found, Further along the corridor again
along with the rest of my Junior was the ladies’ room - the only
Officers’ Course, we were to be room where ladies were
accommodated in the Officers’ “officially” allowed except of
Mess (other courses were course for a public function. It was
accommodated in other Messes in very archaic!
Aldershot). This was a wonderful Amongst the Mess Staff, there
old red brick building, built in the were a number of characters,
late 1880s and was rather tired. chief among them was Mr Catell,
It overlooked “God’s Acre” - the affectionately known as “Daddy”
County standard Corps cricket Catell. He was the Mess Chief
pitch which you walked on at your Steward and ruled the Mess, and
peril! We were senior officers, with a rod of iron,
accommodated two to a room. but he looked after us subalterns
There was no heating in them as if we were his own family. No
other than an open fire which our one abused “Daddy”! “Sailor” and
batman lit for us around four pm. Bryan ran the bar - a couple of
The bathroom along the corridor rogues! “Sailor” used to sell French
was equally tired with a large Letters to us subalterns when
chipped enamel bath and no needed, negating the need to go
shower. to the barber or chemist shop,
The public rooms downstairs and Bryan was a jolly good racing
were really quite splendid. The “tipster”. Further along the
entrance hall was very imposing, corridor was the Mess Treasurer,
as one might expect, with, on a retired Brigadier McDermott
table to the left of the door, the whose daughter married one of
Mess Bill Summary Book which our JOC. He was a delightful “old
recorded your daily expenditure boy” who again looked after us
(including your bar bill) for all to new boys. One of the other retired
see. That was quite enlightening! officers who springs to mind was
The dining room, on the left, was Colonel James Burgess. He was
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RASC & RCT Newsletter The Waggoner
one of those who hogged the
chairs in the anteroom for his
after-lunch nap. He was a
wonderful character whose claim
to fame was blowing his hunting
horn along the corridors at two
o’clock in the morning after a
Dinner Night!
There were also quite a
number of characters on our
course. Alan Biggs, who I shared
a room with, was christened
“Gunge” Biggs by his Company
Sergeant Major at Sandhurst and
the name stuck for he certainly
was a mess, as was his half of
our room! He liked his brandy and
always had a bottle on the
go - alcohol in rooms was strictly
forbidden! He left the Army
halfway through his first tour
having failed to impress (say no
more!). Andy Massey,
subsequently CO 22 SAS and
Commander RCT Training Group Mandora Officers’ Mess next door - Buller Officers’ Mess was
(sadly no longer with us), used to almost identical
ride his motorcycle up the stairs
and along the corridors after a
We were allocated horses, mine to book out if we were leaving
Dinner night - it was his party
was “Buller” a beast of a horse the Barracks. Once a month
piece. Graham Rowland, who was
who always trod on my feet and was Church Parade, in Service
car mad; I think he was the only
would not do anything I told it - he Dress and Sam Browne, with the
one of us who had a car! He had
always obeyed Sergeant Rose’s recruits and the Corps Band. An
a rather splendid MG Magnette, a
voice. I was no equestrian lover impressive parade which none of
large saloon motor car, which we
and Graham Rowland and I us really minded. I can hear you
all piled into to go to the WRAC
sometimes skipped riding for a trip asking “what has this to do with
Officer Cadet School at Hindhead.
out in his car - somehow we were the Officers’ Club?” Well, nothing
“Taffy” Drewe was horse mad
never rumbled. The rest of the day really but all members must have
and loved the equitation element
was spent on Corps had experience of Mess life before
of our course. He subsequently
activities - General Mechanical they joined the Club so knew the
commanded the Horse Transport
Principles under Captain Robin form! It has also filled up some
Troop in Hong Kong and I believe
Barton. Always great fun. He column inches for our Association
is still involved with horses with
frequently upset his wife by Secretary!
his wife in Germany. There were
wiping the engine oil dip sticks So, what has been happening
many other “players” - Martin
with his handkerchief! Sergeant in recent weeks? As I indicated in
Cubbitt, David Baker, Phillip Jay,
Soames looked after our my earlier paragraphs,
who was an excellent guitar
motorcycling skills and others, absolutely nothing. Our Secretary,
player and entertained us in the
who I can’t remember, taught us Paul Duncan, has been in
bar and again, sadly, is no longer
Corps Operations and history etc. contact with the various venues
with us, Aiden Bristow whose
Dress was always an that we use to keep them on side
girlfriend followed us in her car on
important issue at Buller. In the for 2021, when hopefully this is all
Exercise LONG CONVOY, when
Mess, on Mondays, Tuesdays and over, and he has been publishing
we drove our trucks around the
Thursdays, we had to wear a suit. the Notices of those who are no
country - all on the course were
Wednesdays, Fridays and the longer with us - that all seems to
good fun and we all got on well
weekend a sports jacket or blazer be getting a lot closer!
together against “the system”!
was acceptable. If you were In conclusion, may I hope and
The daily routine was
Orderly Officer, Blues had to be pray that you and your families
really quite straight forward. Tea,
worn. Uniforms were stay safe during these difficult
courtesy of our batman, at six am,
inspected by the Adjutant, times and I wish you all a Happy
6.30 am to the stables to learn
Captain Jim Goddard, to ensure Christmas and a better New Year
to ride under the Riding Master -
that they met Corps regulations than 2020.
Sergeant Rose (an international
(most did) and, of course, we had
equestrian rider).
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The Waggoner RASC & RCT Newsletter
Chairman RASC & RCT Association
Colonel Nigel Gilbert remembrance.
Both VE and VJ day
I am writing these notes whilst commemorations were either
we are all subject to the most cancelled or curtailed, but I was
“ Let us hope recent lockdown measures pleased to be told that the Corps
imposed by government and had still been represented in one
that...the depending on where you live
within the United Kingdom,
way or another at a number of
ceremonies around the
current some of you will have been
subjected to more curtailment
country, and indeed the eagle
eyed amongst you might well
government in your everyday activities than
others.
have noticed on the BBC news an
RASC veteran speaking with HRH
restrictions are Looking through the calendar
for the second half of this year
The Prince of Wales at the
Arboretum on VJ Day.
eased so that brings sharply into focus how In early September, I
many Regional and Branch attended The RLC and Forming
we can look activities have had to be Corps Association Committee
cancelled due to COVID-19, Meeting by Zoom and I thought
forward with including of course our major it might be useful if I brought you
annual gathering for Corps up to date on the main item under
optimism to Weekend back in July. That said, it discussion which was an update
the New Year. was agreed by the RASC and
RCT Council that within
by The RLC Association President,
Major General Ian Copeland, on
government guidelines, it would the way forward for The RLC
be appropriate for us to go ahead Association. He made clear his
with a shortened Service of frustration that little progress had
Remembrance on the 15th July at been achieved in forming RLC
our Corps Church, St Michael and Branches and his wish to discuss
St George to mark 55 years to the the way ahead with the newly in
date of the formation of the RCT. post Corps Colonel, Colonel Jon
Fr Nick Gosnell officiated and led West (previously CO 27 Regiment
the prayers in the side chapel RLC). There was a good deal of
where there are a number of our discussion and I restated my
Corps memorials. Following long-held view that a starting
readings and prayers, Brigadier point was the link between the
Paul Evans OBE DL turned the Reserve Regiments and the
pages in the Memorial Books as is Forming Corps veterans who
our custom. had served in those regiments.
Following The bond is already there and
the Service, there were a number of examples
wreaths were around the country including 154
laid at the Regiment RLC in Dunfermline and
Corps War 156 Regiment RLC in Liverpool to
Memorial by name but two. I believe the
Brigadier Paul impetus should come from the
Evans OBE DL Corps RSM and RSMs of
and myself. individual regiments.
Last Post and We were also given an update
Reveille were on the Corps museum which is
played by Mark now located in Worthy Down. the
Atkins and the keys having been handed over
Aldershot to The RLC on 1 September. The
Branch building is large and from the
Standard was outside resembles a warehouse.
paraded by David Whiting. The There is no doubt that it is an
whole ceremony lasted for about exciting project and the intention
20 minutes and was a poignant is for it to be opened by HRH The
reminder of the importance of Princess Royal next April or May
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RASC & RCT Newsletter The Waggoner
when she will visit Worthy Down attendance by representatives of Mr Duncan Forbes
for the first time in her role of each plot no longer possible. The presenting Lt Col Jonathan
Colonel-in-Chief. It is understood Poppy Factory kindly agreed to Knowles with a Quaich with
that there will be representation take a photograph of our plot. thanks from the RASC & RCT
from the Forming Corps on the As far as our attendance at the Association Scottish Region
day. Cenotaph, we would have had 60
I am pleased to report that in our contingent; however, it was
your Committee of Management not to be.
were able to meet in person on 9 As we approach Christmas,
September at the Lakeside Hotel our thoughts
in Frimley Green, luckily just prior turn to those
to the Government’s ‘rule of six’. It who are
was a full house, the first for many vulnerable and
years, with 12 of us present. I was lonely during
delighted at the efforts by these
everyone to attend. Needless to unprecedented
say, we maintained social times. Let us
distancing, including ‘masks on’ hope that life
where necessary! Having becomes more
attended various other meetings bearable for us
by Zoom, we all felt that there all and that the
really was no substitute for current
meeting ‘face to face’ or ‘mask to government
mask’ even though social restrictions are
distancing from one another eased so that
tested our hearing (particularly we can look
during lunch!). This was forward with
Lieutenant Colonel Robin Moore’s optimism to the
‘baptism of fire’ as Secretary and New Year.
having been in post since Maureen joins me in wishing
January, his first opportunity to everyone good health and
meet everyone. It was also an op- happiness in 2021. Let us hope
portunity, very belatedly, to thank that we can all meet up with
Lieutenant Colonel friends and colleagues next year.
Jonathan Knowles for all that he Don’t forget to put Corps
has done for our Association over Weekend 2021 in your diaries - it RASC & RCT plot at Field of
the last 14 years. I was pleased will be held on 17/18 July 2021. Remembrance
to present him with a suitably
inscribed copy of the book ‘Gallant
and Distinguished Service, The
RASC and RCT Medal
Collection’ by Lieutenant Colonel
David Owen from all on the
Committee of Management. I was
also delighted to thank both
Roger Sanders and Duncan
Forbes, the outgoing Chairmen of
South East and London Region
and the Scottish Region and to
present them with Certificates of
Merit.
Lastly, it goes without saying
that the Government’s decision to
severely curtail the Remembrance
week commemorations was a
great disappointment to all
veterans. The opening ceremony
for the Field of Remembrance at
Westminster Abbey was a very
closed event, limited to those
conducting the service, officials
and the Royal Party, with Spot your Chairman
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The Waggoner RASC & RCT Newsletter
Buller “on-line” Branch
It has been nearly eight years We now have a
since the Buller Barracks Final number of ladies in the
Parade and this is our first Branch, 18 to be exact,
venture into the Waggoner my wife included, and
Newsletter. We are starting to we hope this will
place our feet firmly on the floor increase further. They
now and meeting up with other have been added into
branches around the country. our fold when they asked
We have two on-line presences, at our meeting in 2018
which actually run side by side. if they could start up
One is our Facebook page and another branch as they
the other is our own Buller wanted to be a part of a
website organised and run by branch and of the
our Treasurer, Mr Jim Titheridge. Association, but also
The Branch, along with because they all get
everyone else, has had a very along wonderfully when
dismal and depressing year so far. we all meet up. We feel
Our members have been staying this is the case with all
indoors, under the Government’s the other branches, as
guidelines on the COVID-19 we see so many wives
Pandemic and no one is happy, and partners involved
but we are doing the best we can in all of the activities,
to avoid the virus. However, we when raising funds for
are to be honest, better off than their branches. Well
other branches, as we have the done ladies, you are truly
internet to help keep us all needed and admired by
together, so well done for us all.
Facebook. We are still upgrading the Andy Rae has “something to say”
As an on-line branch we are Buller Facebook page and we
still keeping in touch throughout have added a new memorial page some issues - this is the same
the months and I’m pleased to for our members who have sadly with most of you, but we have to
say, meeting up here and there. passed away. It is always nice to endure these problems and soldier
No one is breaking any guidelines show other newer members that on, “Nil Sine Labor”, as the saying
before you all start, so behave we will never forget our brothers goes.
yourselves. and sisters and that they are I was saddened to receive a
Old 10 Tpt Regt friends Alan always in our hearts and minds. phone call from our first Standard
(Spud) Murphy, Rick (KAT) Ax- We are still growing each year, Bearer Phil Stothard who was
ford and Ken Blake with our membership steadily with us from the beginning of
rising bit by bit and I must say we 2013 to tell me that he had to step
do have our ups and downs, but down due to work commitments. I
mainly we are moving in the would like to express our heartfelt
right direction, towards thanks to Phil for all the hard work
more members and he has carried out on our behalf
spreading the word, and his dedication to the Buller
… “The RASC & RCT Branch, he has never let us down
Association is still and is a fine upstanding
alive and kicking”, individual. He was also the
so come and join Standard Bearer for the WO’s &
us. SNCO’s Club, well done Stotty,
I have started to you will be sorely missed by us all.
add new things By the way, he is still a
into the Branch’s member and still gets a good
Facebook page and ribbing from everyone, it’s just
will endeavour to add work and weekends.
them into the other He has been replaced as our No.1
Buller page, but as ever Standard Bearer by Mr Andy Rae,
Facebook has changed who lives in Basildon, London and
things, which has caused me he has already started to leave his
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RASC & RCT Newsletter The Waggoner
mark, presenting our Standard at
various venues around the London
area including Basildon, during
the pandemic. He presented the
Standard at a former member of 1
Sqn RCT, Mr Mike Capps, funeral
in Wigan, the VJ Day
commemorations in Aug 20 and
he is hoping to parade them at
The Port of Tilbury’s
Remembrance Service on Monday
9 Nov 20 if all goes well.
Just for the record, we have a
number of Standard Bearers
throughout the Branch, due to
our reach as an on-line Branch.
To date, we have three and all
of them are just as dedicated as Buller Branch saying farewell to Mr Alan (Whiskey) Haigh 2018
Andy and we can call on them to
be present anywhere in the from the moment this We have now moved into the
country if and when they are pandemic started and none of us second set of restrictions from the
needed. We have room for two believed that it would have lasted government and we hope that you
more if anyone is interested - this long and still it’s not over. The all come through the restrictions
contact me through the private cancelling of the Cenotaph Parade fully unscathed and in a fit and
messaging system on Facebook. altogether has left a bittersweet healthy condition.
We have all missed the Corps taste with all of us and I ask You can always look us up on-
Weekend, it is the one true event myself; “Would our older line on Facebook: https://www.
in our calendar where we as generation have accepted this?” facebook.com/RASC.RCT.RLC.
Branches can all come It was also nice to watch the Buller.Branch/
together, both for our Friday AGM, almost final days of the or on-line:http://rasc-and-rct-as-
the Saturday afternoon drinks and demolition of Buller Barracks on sociation-buller-branch.btck.
meet ups with the other branch the TV in Sept 20, even though co.uk/ Why not come and have a
members from around the country Mr Wally Whiting was still there look at our pages above and see
and then the Associations’ Dinner shouting on the Parade Square, what you think, we also have a
Dance. We all missed the Church he should have left years ago… guestbook where you can leave a
Service at the Corps church of St Buller Barracks has now been message.
Michael and St George in Queen’s completely demolished and is just Anyway, I am busy at the
Ave. a couple of piles of rubble. It is a moment, so much to do and sort
The Cenotaph Parade was a sad thing to see, but also out since being stuck indoors, so
very disappointing affair and it inevitable as the place was falling to all members of the Association,
has taken our focus away from to bits for many years and needed we hope that you all take care
remembering our fallen brothers to be gone. Deepcut is going the and be safe. Wishing a very Merry
and sisters, but there is same way and so are a Christmas and a Happy New Year
generally nothing that can be number of other great places in 2021 to all members and their
done to correct this. the surrounding Aldershot areas, families.
The RBL has had its hands tied the REME Museum has gone too. Ken Blake - Branch Chairman
Forming up for the Cenotaph march past with other members of the Association in better times
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The Waggoner RASC & RCT Newsletter
Tank Transporter Branch
Despite the very different and members. Tony has
sometimes difficult turned the Ossian
circumstances over the past 10 Hotel into the Forces
months, the Tank Transporter Manor with a remit to
Branch has managed to continue offer affordable
to function, albeit in a somewhat accommodation to
reduced and socially distanced both serving and
manner. retired members of the
The Committee had to make Armed Forces for
the difficult decision to cancel the holidays, short and
October 2020 Annual respite breaks.
Reunion due to the COVID Russ Taylor and a
Dvr Russ Taylor and 50 EK 68
situation. Although the Adelphi number of other members
in Fallingbostel C 1978
Hotel in Liverpool could easily
accommodate all those members only 50EK68, but also the
who wished to stay there, what Scammell Commanders and
it could not do was to guarantee others of our historical vehicles.
that the social distancing In March 2020, before the first
requirements of the time would lockdown, Tony Brown organised
be able to be adhered to. It would a small gathering of former 16
have been irresponsible to go Squadron members who met and
ahead with the Reunion spent a weekend at the Army &
Weekend, taking into account Navy Club in London.
that a good number of those Members are very active on
attending would fall into more social media platforms such as
vulnerable categories. As it Facebook and in particular the
happened, the City of ‘Tank Transporters’ group which
Liverpool was placed under Tier 3 to date has 1,900 members.
lockdown restrictions over the Planning is taking place now
period that the reunion was to for the 50-year anniversary of the
have taken place meaning that Amalgamation of 23 Tank
the reunion would have been have Transporter Squadron RCT
cancelled anyway. purchased, from the front garden becoming 3 Tank Transporter
Notwithstanding this, it gives an of a West Country house, a Mk Squadron RCT in 1971. This event
opportunity to regroup and 3A Antar in need of much TLC. is currently being planned for
prepare for the 2021 Reunion Coincidentally, this Antar, 50EK68, May 2021 at the Eastwood Hotel,
which will more than make up for was Russ’s wagon during his time Nottingham.
the disappointment of 2020. with 16 Squadron back in 1978. Plans for the 2021 Annual
Members of the Branch have Under the watchful eye of Wayne Reunion are in the formative
continued to remain active in Meadows (who is the voluntary stages, the aim being to provide
keeping in touch with each other. custodian of a number of vehicles a reunion that will be worthy of
The Branch Chairman, Leigh that are taken to military and us all coming together and not
Williams, made a visit to the other shows), there have been just every other year as it was for
Forces Manor in Scotland which visits by branch members to some members, thereby making
is owned and run by Tony Brown Upavon and Lyneham to 2021 a truly memorable
who is known to many of our continue the refurbishment of not experience. Ian Lloyd
A very sad looking Antar Restoration underway
10RASC & RCT Newsletter The Waggoner
17 Sqn RCT ‘Old Pals’
Branch Annual Reunion
A Nissen Hut “dressed for dinner”
Uncle Bulgaria? - A guest and
testament to the Squadron’s old
“Wombles” nickname gained for
litter picking
Despite the threat of a second
lockdown, the Annual Reunion
and AGM went ahead and once
again a good time was had by
all who attended. It was only
three days to go when the
announcement that groups no change there! I quote from a done! In the evening, a raffle was
would be restricted to six from call I received from someone I held and a very nice teddy bear
the day after our event, phew won’t name to embarrass him, wearing our beret and cap badge
that was a close one! (Hi Louge) “Titch, I can see a big was won by the owner of the site,
The new venue was Ashdown flag, Nissen huts and machine gun it wasn’t fixed, but what a nice
WW2 Camp at Evesham. It is a tower, but wave your hands and way to keep her happy. One
mock-up built by enthusiasts and give me a clue where the gate is!” member also donated a large
has the character and feel of the Friday night is traditionally fish framed print of a ‘pig’, it was
‘real thing’. Including a and chip night, so an order was auctioned and made a good
guardroom, lookout tower and placed at a local chippy and addition to the Squadron funds.
Browning machine gun delivered on time and in On Sunday, people started to
(decommissioned, we hope?) and insulated bags, so it was still hot. say their farewells and were
Nissen huts with wood burners. Uncle Bulgaria, the chief Womble, already talking about next year
One hut is the NAFFI, with a was in attendance to ensure no and all being well it won’t be the
kitchen, another is the local mess was left behind! usual 12 months gap, as the plan
re-enactment society meeting Saturday started with a full is to return to the first weekend in
room with lots of nostalgia. One English for those who wanted it, July. The dates for your diary are
hut is fitted out as a barrack room followed by the AGM. At the meet- 1-5th July 2021.
with bunk beds and mattresses, ing, it was decided to bring for- The rear party then spent the
so if you don’t want to camp or ward the eligibility date to join the rest of the day continuing to chill
B&B, all you need is a grot bag to Old Pals. If you served in 17 Sqn out, while two of the ladies
kip in. RCT at any time from 01.01.1972 prepared a supper of Haggis,
The advance party arrived on until 31.12.1979 and you would tatties and neeps, or sea bream
Thursday and soon set up the like to meet up with your muckers, for the non-haggis bashers. The
gazebos, squadron BBQ and put or just keep in touch, please con- table was set in the NAFFI and a
the TAC signs out, naturally we tact the Branch Secretary Richard great meal and music was
use our NATO number- 200. The (Titch) Fry on oldpals17sqn@ enjoyed. Well done Phyllis and Liz!
weather was glorious, so chairs outlook.com or call 07899668433. Here’s looking forward to
and beer were the next order of Saturday afternoon was again next year and no restrictions on
battle. sunny and warm, as it often is in attendance figures.
Friday saw the arrival of the September, so the BBQ was fired
main party and despite TAC signs up and braty’s, frikadelle and
and Sat Nav, some still managed potato salad was washed down
to get lost, good old RCT lads with more cold beer, it had to be Richard Fry
11The Waggoner RASC & RCT Newsletter
1 Squadron Reunion 2020 - 150th Anniversary
It seems that the gods do look benignly on the First
of Wheel! The Squadron was raised in Woolwich
in 1870 and many will have seen that there was
a formal celebratory dinner in Woolwich early in
2020, organised by the latest iteration of the First – 1
Squadron (Queen’s Own Gurkha Logistic Regiment),
before the lockdown due to the coronavirus. There is
a squadron reunion each year in August in
Colchester but it looked as though that particular
part of the 150 celebrations wouldn’t happen as
the virus spread. However, the Government eased
restrictions to allow a socially-distanced, responsible
reunion to take place. The event was organised by
the efficient Delyth and supported generously by the
Association. Delyth persuaded our normal venue,
The Bull, to close its doors to others and The George
Hotel to give up all their rooms to the Squadron. Over
50 Veterans, with some partners, attended the event
safely and the splendid history of the Squadron was
acknowledged.
Colonel Tony Barton
The Retired WO & SNCO Club RASC & RCT
The Club was founded in 1984 by moved to Swansea and found it healthy club membership, the
WO2 (SSM) Dave O’Bee, better difficult to continue organising aim of our club to build friendship
known as “The Animal”. The first from afar. John Fox kindly took and promote and foster Esprit De
dinner was held at the Blue Bell over for two years and then Dave Corps in the “WO and SNCO Style”
Inn at Liss, Hampshire with a took the reins again and took the continues.
total of 27 people attending. club to Wales. Any enquiries regarding the
The Club met twice a year Following the passing of two Club, please contact the Club
after that, and in 1985 we had to “Stalwarts” of the Club Secretary, Bob Wade: bob.
change the venue due to the large Management, Bob Lambdon and wade1@ntlworld.com.
number of people then Tony Dixon, Dave arranged Mr Bob Wade
attending. We moved to the the appointment of a new
Undershaw Hotel (home of the President, Terry Byrne, who took
late Sir Arthur Conan Doyle) at the post in 2009.
Hindhead, where we enjoyed a We decided on a change of
number of excellent functions, but venue in 2014 and our long
once again numbers dictated that relationship with the Wiltshire
another larger venue was required. Hotel and Golf club in Royal
The remainder of our dinners took Wootton Bassett began and
place at the Devils Punch Bowl continues to this day, with our next
Hotel, Hindhead. golf and dinner weekend planned
In 1986, the Club was for 9/10th April 2021, restrictions
officially recognised by the Corps. permitting.
In 1987, Lt Col Bob Lambdon It was a great honour for our
kindly accepted the office as club when Major General Sir
President of the Club and later Martin White KCVO CB, CBE,
Brigadier Tony Dixon became our agreed to be our Patron. Mr Derek Gale and Mr Bob
Patron. Dave O’Bee continued to Today, with a strong Wade laying a wreath on behalf
run the club until 1989, when he Management Committee and of the Club
12RASC & RCT Newsletter The Waggoner
Keeping up our ‘Standards’
Our Association Branch passed, but some will be for out of ‘carry’; lifted into the carrying sling
Standards are our identity. I have area members of our Corps. perpendicular to the front of the
the honour to be the Branch All funerals will present a body, held vertically in the right
Standard Bearer for the Norfolk challenge. You may or may not hand with the arm horizontally to
& Norwich Branch of our know the person or family involved the ground.
Association. Our Standard dates or the location. Our early teaching For a lengthy march or to rest
back to 1948 when our Branch of ‘time spent on reconnaissance from the ‘carry’, the Standard can
formed as the ‘Norwich and is never wasted’ still stands. An be carried at the ‘slope’ - raising
District Branch’ and displays early meeting with the Padre and the Standard from the sling and
the George VI cap badge of the the Funeral Director is a must to lowering it onto the right shoulder.
RASC. establish your part in To pay respects, the Standard is
proceedings. Early sight of the lowered or dipped i.e. for the
Order of Service is essential to National Anthem, Last Post and
establish if and when ‘Standards’ the Committal at a funeral. It is
are to dip. Church or Crematorium lifted from the carrying sling,
hazards include steps, low placed under the right arm and
hanging lights, obstacles and lowered with the pole spike resting
other trip hazards. There may be on the ground. The Standard is
several Standards on parade, so then spread on the ground to the
a joint approach is needed with right of the pole.
someone in charge to ensure Then, after all that, just be
space to carry and dip and to give sure to turn up at the right venue,
commands. Normal routine would at the right time and in the right
be to meet the hearse at the sight kit. Although the drill is similar,
entrance and take the lead to the please note our Standards are not
point where the coffin is offloaded, colours, flags or banners! So, next
take post inside the venue and be time you see a Standard Bearer
part of the service. On conclusion, on parade, a simple ‘thanks’ won’t
then exit the venue first and take go amiss. Finally, don’t be shy to
post at the graveside or next to volunteer for the job.
the funeral flowers in a garden of
“Too old for a show parade” remembrance and then on Terry Byrne
dispersal of the family and guests,
All our Branch Standard ‘fall out’.
Bearers will have a busy schedule Before every outing as a
with many events to cover. Most Standard Bearer, there is of course
areas will have Annual Parades or the ‘kit prep’. The carrying sling
Memorial Services for Armed and boots or shoes to be bulled,
Forces Day, ‘D’ Day, VE Day, VJ black and brown polish, yellow
Day, Battle of Britain, duster and spit needed.
Remembrance Sunday, RASC & Medals, cap badge, brasses (lots)
RCT Corps Weekend and local to be polished. Trousers and shirt
Civic Events. In Norfolk, I have pressed, tie, tiepin, cufflinks and
the ‘add-ons’ of Trafalgar Day, a gauntlets, clean and serviceable.
parade at Nelson’s Monument in Beret shaped and brushed and
Great Yarmouth, the Desert Rats blazer, buttons and badges in
memorial service at High Ash good order.
near Thetford, with on average 20 Some basic drill is also
Standards on parade. The required. All carried out solemnly,
Standard is also paraded at in a ‘smart and soldier like
Regional meetings and Branch manner’. When at ease or to
events. attention, the Standard is at the
The greatest honour and ‘order’ with the pole base on the
privilege is to be asked to attend, ground, held perpendicular into Lt Col Terry Byrne MBE with
with the Standard, at the right shoulder. To pay respects Standard at the order, I wonder
funerals. These events will mainly or to step off on the march, the if his neighbours know that he
be for branch members who have Standard is brought to the was in the Corps?
13The Waggoner RASC & RCT Newsletter
A visit to the
too high is very important. Also,
it is useful to have a bit of a chill
in the air, as this helps to keep the
staff moving, after all they have
a lot to do in preparation for the
new museum
museum’s opening in May 2021.
The Central Gallery currently looks
like it has just been in-loaded for
a very strange operation, with all
sorts of crates boxes and
equipment ranging from horse
drawn carriages to more recent
mechanically propelled vehicles.
The Central Gallery will be very
impressive once its fully dressed,
with its exhibits and display
cases. This is considerably larger
than the Central Gallery in the old
Deepcut Museum, it can accom-
modate many more displays and
will include eight vehicles. The
museum will also use more
contemporary
presentation methods; visits will
start at the Central Cinema where
a short audio-visual presentation
is available to introduce what is
on offer and to highlight key
A large Black Box Skanska, the builders, and as a exhibits. The museum has a large
result, a “change control order” is number of interactive stands
required just to turn the heating where visitors can explore
Recently, Major (Retd) Simon down, oh the joy of bureaucracy. exhibits and undertake tasks,
Walmsley, The RLC Museum’s I am pleased to report that by learning more of the story of The
Director, very kindly agreed to the time I concluded my visit, the RLC and all its forming Corps.
give me a tour of our new problem had been rectified and Touch screen displays will be
museum. I arrived at the that there was no blood on the positioned around the museum,
appointed time and phoned two rather impressive crossed where visitors can delve into detail
for admission – the modern axes behind Simon’s desk, he was on stories which interest them,
version of the knocking on the a Pioneer if you had not guessed. finding additional information,
door to the beat of “Wait for the Our new museum is a images and film.
Waggon”. I was greeted at the purpose-built structure, which One of the museum’s star
door and allowed to pass at pain is a part of the redevelopment attractions will be the RCT Medal
of masking up and maintaining of the Worthy Down site under Collection. Previously hidden
social distance. Project Wellesley. It is a “black away in the Headquarters
I was given a warm box museum”, in more ways Officers’ Mess, it will now be
welcome and the museum was than one. “Black box” museums
a balmy 22°, however I could are ones where the environment “Which box did I put the
not help noticing a slightly frosty can be fully controlled, with light screwdriver in?”
atmosphere, what could be the humidity and
problem? Two staff from Amey, temperature
the company who will be looking all kept within
after FM in Worthy Down are on strict limits.
parade in front of Simon’s desk. I This will help
soon realise the problem, one that to preserve our
is often faced in veterans’ more delicate
households up and down the artifacts for
country - someone has had the future
audacity to turn on the heating generations
and it is only mid-October. The and is of
issue is further complicated by the course why
fact that the building has yet to not having the
be handed over to Amey by heating set
14RASC & RCT Newsletter The Waggoner
accessible to the general public 1823 Watercolour of the Royal Waggon Train by C S’tagerhoek
for the first time. This remarkable,
world-class medal collection is
simply outstanding and a must for
those with an interest in medals.
This collection, together with the
museum’s own comprehensive
medal collection, covers virtually
every campaign ever undertaken
by the British Army and an
example of nearly every type of
honour and award issued from
the late 1700s to today will be on
display.
An Archive Department and
Research Room will be
available for those wishing to use
the library or conduct research.
The RLC Museum holds records
reaching back over 200 years, and those with an interest in my attention during my walk
including many rare and valuable military history. The museum will round, was a slightly used looking
texts and scripts. This is host lectures and talks on a range Can-Am Bombardier. I am told
supported by some of historical subjects. It will also that it is a runner, but not
state-of-the art digital house a temporary exhibition, roadworthy, what would have
imaging equipment which will change every been described as “battle
which will help to six months. The first worthy” and I am sure we have
further record focusing on poetry all ridden far worse back in the
collections and art produced day. Yes, I did fancy a “cabbie”, it
and to make by soldiers from would be great to get a whiff of
it more the Crimean two-stroke, despite all its short
accessible. War to WW2. comings compared to a modern
An Space motorcycle, drum brakes, just 26
example of precludes my bhp at 7,500 rpm (250cc the raw
this work is covering all the power - not) and a gearbox prone
an image of fascinating and to trouser-threating seizures. Now
a very fine memory all that is required is for me to
watercolour provoking items persuade the Museum Director
painting of the that will be on that this is a good plan, I will let
Royal Waggon display, I shall you know if I succeed.
Train, which the endeavour to give some
RLC Museum recently more details of what is on
successfully secured at Lieutenant Colonel Robin Moore
offer after the museum is fully set
auction for the very modest sum up and open for business.
of £250. This painting was Can-Am Bombardier
However, one item that did grab Motorcycle
unknown to us and has not
previously been used in any of our
histories, a quite remarkable find,
painted in 1823, only eight years
after the Battle of Waterloo, it is
now the museum’s oldest image
of the Royal Waggon Train. We
do not know where it has been for
the last 200 years, some
homework for the museum staff?
When it opens, the new RLC
Museum will be the largest
military museum in the
Winchester area. Keen to carve
out their place in the local area,
the museum team will focus on
attracting youth groups and
school children, as well veterans
15The Waggoner RASC & RCT Newsletter
VETERANS RAILCARD
The new Veterans Railcard is now on sale.
Until 31 March 2021, the Veterans Railcard is on sale for an introductory price of £21 for a
one-year Railcard (the normal price is £30) and £61 for a three-year Railcard.
The Veterans Railcard offers savings of 1/3 on rail travel. You can also nominate a
companion to get 1/3 off when travelling with you and up to four children travelling with
you get 60% off.
For more information and to buy online visit: www.veterans-railcard.co.uk
Remembering our fallen
Despite the restrictions placed on gatherings, our branches throughout the country made great efforts
to observe acts of Remembrance not only in November, but also to mark VJ and on other significant
anniversaries. A small sample of these acts are recorded in the following photographs:
1. Buller Branch Standard being paraded at
Basildon on VE Day.
2. Salisbury Branch marking Remembrance
at The Army Flying Memorial.
3. Doncaster Branch marking
Remembrance.
4. Hull Branch in the Logistic Grove at the
National Memorial Arboretum.
5. Perth Branch marking Remembrance.
6. Liverpool Sefton Branch, following
Remembrance Service, presenting a cheque
for Christmas presents for local children in
need.
7. Perth Branch laying a wreath at
Kirkcaldy.
8. Brig PAD Evans OBE DL and Col NEL Gil-
bert laying wreaths at the RASC & RCT
Memorial on the 55th Anniversary of the
formation of the RCT.
16RASC & RCT Newsletter The Waggoner
17The Waggoner RASC & RCT Newsletter
The Duke of Gloucester
I was halfway through my first 16-week Railway Course at
Op Banner Tour, in Moscow Longmoor in September 1972 and
Camp, Belfast, when we received thus have professional and
the very sad news that our recreational in the subject…and
Colonel-in-Chief, HRH Prince yes, I am a commissioned train
Henry, Duke of Gloucester, had spotter from my youth.
passed away on 10 June 1974. As part of my 60th Birthday
The spirit of the Duke lives on celebrations, I treated myself to a
however as one of our Main Line trip on a Special train, on 21
steam locomotives that has been October 2016, hauled by The
preserved to haul Special trains, Duke from Preston to Carlisle
is named “Duke of Gloucester”. over Shap, returning on the Settle
It was built in 1954 and was and Carlisle line, over the famous
the prototype Class 8P 4-6–2 Ribblehead viaduct. The ascent
No.71000. of Shap was in record time for a
Owing to the imminence of 13-coach train, and we breasted
the 1955 Modernisation Plan, no the summit at 50mph The first Colonel-in-Chief
more were built and “The Duke”, I digress. The main aim of this Royal Corps of Transport
as he is affectionately known, is article is actually to request that Field-Marshal H.R.H. The Duke of
therefore unique, in the true sense readers consider “putting their Gloucester Earl of Ulster K.G, K.T,
of the word. The locomotive was hands in their pockets” as it were, G.C.B, G.C.M.G, G.C.V.O, A.D.C.(P)
named to commemorate HRH and make a contribution to the
Prince Henry, Duke of Gloucester’s costs of the current “Heavy 4-6-2. There are also many
Honorary Presidency of the 16th General” overhaul, and volunteer groups working on the
International Railway Congress subsequent maintenance. Full Heritage Railways themselves.
held in London in May 1954. details are at the website: They play a key role in the
It was withdrawn from www.theduke.uk.com. It is a tourist and leisure markets, which
service in the early 1960s and lay registered charity and thus any themselves are a significant part
in derelict and unloved donations may be Gift Aided, of the UK economy.
condition for 12 years, until a increasing the value accordingly. I am sure that HRH Prince
group of steam railway Subs start at £5 per month, (price Richard, Duke of Gloucester, The
preservationists were able to of 1.5 pints of beer approx.?). RASC & RCT Association’s Patron,
purchase the hulk from Dai Why should I? Well in these Deputy Colonel-in-Chief of The
Woodham’s scrapyard in Barry, troubled times, with the COVID-19 RLC and Patron of “The Duke
South Wales in 1974. It was then crisis, many organizations like the Trust” would welcome, and be
painstakingly restored over 13 Heritage Railways’ Movement, most grateful, for your support. He
years at the Great Central need all the support they can get. has donated to the Trust many of
Railway Workshops, The Movement directly, and the family’s model railway gifts
Loughborough with some indirectly, provides several received over the years, so the
modifications to the original thousands of jobs throughout the Trust can raise funds accordingly.
design, because it was not a good country, with repair and You may also wish to
“steamer” and thus not popular refurbishment workshops and consider taking your
with footplate crews at the time, new build projects such as “The grandchildren, for instance, on one
with its heavy consumption of Prince of Wales” 4– 8 -2 Mikado, of the “The Duke” hauled Specials
coal. Patriot class 4-6-0, “The Unknown in 2021/22, or go to view it on
I attended the Officers’ soldier and “Hengist”, a Clan class its journey along the Main Line. I
hope you may be inspired to
support the “The Duke” along
these Lines. I shall be chuffed if
you do – and so will “The Duke”,
no doubt! N.B. Just one and half
pints of Ale. And if you do apply
please put “RASC/RCT” or “RLC”
after your name, so we have an
audit trail of the origins of the
donations for this Campaign.
Lieutenant Colonel John Merritt
18RASC & RCT Newsletter The Waggoner
Memorial service for Driver
Paul ‘Geordie’ Bulman RCT
The 19th May 2021 will be the 40th anniversary of
the loss of Paul Bulman while serving with 17 Sqn
RCT, supporting 1st Battalion Royal Green Jackets
at Bessbrook Mill, South Armagh.
Paul was the only soldier from the Squadron to
be killed in action during the whole of Op Banner. He
was carrying out an early morning patrol in a
Saracen APC with section call sign 42 Foxtrot
consisting of four Royal Green Jackets; LCpl Winston,
Riflemen Bagshaw, King and Gavin. As they stopped
to check a culvert, an IED was detonated directly
under the vehicle, there were no survivors and this
was the largest single loss of life the British Army had
suffered since Warrenpoint.
Neil McFee who was in the same section as Paul
has been keeping in touch with Paul’s family and
with their blessing, he is organising a service at the
graveside to mark the special occasion. The location
is Preston Cemetery, North Shields, NE29 9NJ. The
service will commence at 10.45 and will be followed
by a reception at the Royal Quay’s Premier Inn Ferry
Terminal North Shields.
All personnel and their partners who served in 17
Sqn RCT (regardless if at the same time as Paul or
not) are invited to attend, but can you please confirm
Driver PK Bulman’s grave by email to: neil.mcfee@sky.com.
Obituary
Colonel Peter Leslie Patrick Douglas OBE
Colonel Peter Leslie Patrick Douglas OBE started his
long association with the Army as a TA soldier before
joining the RASC at 26 years old as a Driver, in 1964.
He had a full and successful career serving in Malaya,
Hong Kong, Germany and of course the UK, first in
the RASC then, RCT, The Gurkha Transport Regiment
and finally The RLC, retiring as a Lieutenant Colonel.
Following his Regular Army service, he re-enlisted
at the rank of Full Colonel as Colonel Commandant
of the Wessex ACF, with the RGBW and latterly the
Rifles.
A keen sportsman and a passionate supporter of
Service charities, Colonel Peter was a stalwart of the
British Ex-Forces Wheelchair Sports Association and
County Welfare Officer for the Royal British Legion in
the South West. Fittingly, Colonel Peter’s funeral was
held on 11th November at 1000hrs, just in time for
the two minutes silence at 1100hrs.
19The Waggoner RASC & RCT Newsletter
Obituary
Major John Poyntz RCT involved with hovercraft until the MOD pulled the
“A man of great charm and decency, and with an plug on this project. He also spent periods in both
almost legendary status.” Borneo and Cyprus. However, it was his time at the
Longmoor Military Railway (which, with breaks,
stretched from 1955 to 1969) that would perhaps
prove the most influential on his future career.
While at Longmoor, Poyntz witnessed the worst
peacetime accident on a military railway when ‘8F’
No. WD512 passed a signal at danger in fog during
October 1956. The resulting head-on collision with a
diesel shunter-hauled train killed six.
More light heartedly, he was on duty during the
making of the 1966 film The Great St Trinian’s Train
Robbery – and is also credited with the fastest
traverse of part of the system, at the regulator of
The following is an extract of an obituary written ‘WD’ 2-10-0 No. 601 Kitchener.
for “STEAM RAILWAY” Magazine in November 2020 Later, as the Cold War approached its climax,
by Tony Streeter. Poyntz would become OC of the RCT’s 79 Railway
Major Poyntz, who died on 2 Nov of cancer, was Squadron’s operations for the British Army of the
for years the main contact for heritage lines at Her Rhine. As well as internal railways in depots such as
Majesty’s Railway Inspectorate. He took over from at Mönchengladbach, this included operating in West
Major Peter Oliver in 1989 – straight from the Royal Germany’s main line network, and Poyntz held the
Corps of Transport, where he had been in charge of title of ‘Eisenbahnbetriebsleiter’, an officially
the Army’s railway operations in Germany. recognised position equating to operations
While at HMRI, he was responsible for, among other manager. Activities included preparing for the Army
things, signing off new works on preserved lines, to take over control form the Deutsche Bundesbahn
such as giving approval for the reopening of and ensure access to Berlin in case of Warsaw Pact
Midsomer Norton in Somerset. Dealings with steam aggression – and soldiers regularly drove DB
railways were just a part of his activity at the locomotives under supervision. They also undertook
inspectorate: as accident officer, Poyntz was on technical courses on the motive power of choice, DB’s
24-hour standby and the first point of contact for diesel-hydraulics.
some of the UK’s most serious railway incidents in
recent years including Southall, Ladbroke Grove and The following is reproduced from reminiscences from
Hatfield. He continued to hold that role until after the former colleagues:
Great Heck derailment of 2001. On a tour to Cyprus, the Austrian General
However, his memory of railway accidents went Commanding the Force was asked to present him
back much further: in 1952, aged 14, John Poyntz with his medal as it would be his first medal in a very
and his family made a trip from South London to see long career. Research unveiled two amazing strands
the aftermath of Britain’s worst peacetime crash, the came to light about this amazing English Eccentric
double collision at Harrow & Wealdstone that killed Gentleman and Officer.
112. He would later tell friends of his memories of Licences: Having joined as a Sapper his first
looking over the parapet of the adjacent road bridge. licence to drive was for a Steam Railway Engine, his
Born on May 27 1938 in Hammersmith, John David second for a Diesel Railway Engine and his third, in
Pierrepont Poyntz came from a military family – an the rank of Sergeant, a Ramp Powered Lighter during
ancestor had been a general in the Parliamentary the Indonesian Campaign, his fourth, in the rank of
Army during the English Civil War – and he himself Staff Sergeant for a Hovercraft in 200 Trials Sqn RCT
would join the Royal Engineers in 1955. He worked and his fifth in the rank of WO1 in Northern Ireland,
his way up through the ranks to Warrant Officer for a car.
before, by now in the Royal Corps of Transport, he Medals: At the time of our UN Tour, he had no
gained a commission in 1975. The man who had medals but during my research I realised that he
been nicknamed ‘Monty’ by Army colleagues – should have had a GSM for Indonesia and for
supposedly owning to a resemblance to the famous Northern Ireland. When I asked him why not he said
Field Marshal – became a Major in 1983. that as Skipper of his vessel he didn’t think it right to
Railways would be just a part of Army life that ask for a medal for himself and so left his name off
over nearly 35 years would take him around the the roll for his crew and, as an independent WO1 in
world: other activities included hovercraft and landing NI, he didn’t think it was his place to apply for himself.
craft. Amongst his varied talents, John was one of the John was one of life’s true Gentlemen, a true
RCT’s pioneer hovercraft pilots when the Joint English eccentric, and a joy to be with because he
Hovercraft Trials Unit was set up and remained was both so engaging and entertaining.
20You can also read
