Living
memorial for L/Cpl Scott Hardy - fallen Viking
[02/09/10]
Lance
Corporal Scott Hardy, from 1st Battalion The Royal Anglian
Regiment, was killed in action in Afghanistan on 16th March
this year.
On Saturday
last his family and friends dedicated a hornbeam tree to
his memory in the cathedral grounds in Chelmsford, his home
town.
The
plaque at the foot of the tree, which reads "In memory
of our hero, Lance Corporal Scott Hardy 06/06/83 - 16/03/2010",
will serve as a reminder to all those who pass by of the
sacrifice made by Lance Corporal Hardy for his country.
The
Regiment was formed on 1st September 1964 from the three
Regiments of the East Anglian Brigade (The Royal Norfolk
& Suffolk, The Duchess of Gloucester's Own Royal Lincolnshire
& Northamptonshire and The 16th/44th Foot) and The Royal
Leicestershire Regiment.
Civic
Dinner at Havering in honour of the Royal Anglians [26/08/10]
The
history and achievements of the Royal Anglian Regiment will
be honoured and celebrated at a special Civic Dinner hosted
by Councillor Pam Light, Mayor of Havering, and Councillor
Michael White, Leader of the Council on Friday 24 September.
The
dinner will be held at the Territorial Army Centre, 312
London Road, Romford starting at 7pm. The evening will include
a Guard of Honour from the Royal Anglian Regiment Cadets;
a champagne drinks reception and raffle; live entertainment
from the Royal British Legion Band; and a three course dinner.
The guest speaker will be Lt. Lenthall, Officer Commanding
10 Platoon C (Essex) Company, RAR.
Private
Neil Thomas from 1st Battalion The Royal Anglian Regiment
won the Best Recruit award after successfully completing
the 26 week Combat
Infantryman's Course at Catterick.
Pte
Thomas's platoon commander Colour Sergeant Michael Butcher
said: "Private Thomas simply excelled on the course.
He has been an enthusiastic trainee who is also very mature
and this is shown when he helps others along or gets a grip
of them. This is a really well-deserved award for someone
who already has shown the basics of leadership."
Paras'
10 - Roger Micklethwaite takes up the challenge [23/08/10]
The
annual PARA'S
10 event will be taking place this year on Sunday 12th
September at Catterick.
Resurrected
in 2008 after a 15 year hibernation, this 'ultimate endurance
race' will once again be hosted by Pegasus Company, The
Parachute Regiment's training and selection wing, and is
open to anyone who's up for it and can cough up the £25
entrance fee (there is £250 for the fastest entrant).
Not
only is the event a chance for those outside the Regiment
to prove how fit they are and to find out what the Paras
keep harping on about, it is also an ideal fundraising opportunity.
Last
year 2,500 runners took part raising over £100,000
for service charities.
This
year Roger Micklethwaite and associates will be taking up
the challenge and raising money for The Royal Anglian Regiment
Benevolent Charity Fund. The Fund helps serving and former
members of the Regiment and their families who find themselves
in need, hardship or distress.
If you
would like to support Roger & Co. and help them raise
some money for the Royal Anglians, visit his webpage at
In
Memoriam: Aaron McClure, Robert Foster & John Thrumble
[23/08/10]
Private
Aaron McClure, Private Robert Foster and Private John Thrumble
all from 1st Battalion The Royal Anglian Regiment, were
killed while on a fighting patrol near Kajaki, Afghanistan
on Thursday 23rd August 2007.
Of Pte
Aaron McClure his CO said: "At 19 years old, Private
Aaron McClure was already a veteran of over forty engagements
with the enemy. It is tragic that where the Taliban had
failed, it was an accident that has taken him from us. Loyal,
hard working and highly professional, he constantly surpassed
the standards expected, and his loss is a bitter blow to
the whole Battalion." His friend Pte Barker said: "McClure
known to most of his mates as 'Troy' was a hard working
and very determined member of 7 Platoon who would 'work
his socks off' to achieve the best results he could. 'Troy'
had a lot of ambition and would have gone far in the Army.
He will be missed very much by all of us in 7 Platoon and
the Company. Rest in peace mate and my thoughts are with
your family."
Pte
Robert Foster's CO said: "As a junior soldier, Private
Robert Foster settled in remarkably quickly and was a highly
respected Viking. Fiercely loyal to his friends, he had
seemingly limitless reserves of courage and strength of
character way beyond his years. He had a rare quality of
always seeing the bright side of any situation and a mischievous
sense of humour which made him hugely popular." His
Section Commander said: "Fozzy as he was known by all
will be remembered for never turning a dare down. He was
up for anything and kept the comedy value of the section
up when it was most needed. He was a model for the British
Army. It was a privilege to serve with him and we will never
forget him."
About
Pte John Thrumble the Battalion Commander said: "Private
John Thrumble was one of the mainstays and leading characters
within the Battalion. An inspirational model to others and
a caring and compassionate friend to many, he will be sorely
missed. Proven in combat on countless occasions – his
raw courage and ability to raise a smile were invaluable
in these testing times. He joins the ranks of his fellow
fallen Vikings but his reputation will live on and he will
never be forgotten." And Private Barker said: "John
was the joker of the platoon and even the Company, and always
managed to make you laugh whatever the circumstances. Although
he was hard as nails, he had a soft side to him which most
people did not know. He had some ambition and wanted to
stay in the Army and work his way up through the ranks."
"These
people going out fighting giving their lives for us; They do it
selflessly and they never get thanked enough. They
give it all, put their heart and soul into what they do
To make this world a better, safer place for me and you.
"
The
Forest Hill Golf and Country Club will again be hosting
the Vikings Cup and Family Fun Day on Saturday 25th September.
Special
prizes will be awarded to the winners of three events: The
Vikings Cup, The Chris Gray Memorial Trophy and the Gaz
O'Donnell Trophy.
One
of the organisers of the event is Mrs Helen Gray whose son,
Pte
Chris Gray, was killed in action in 2007 whilst serving
with 1st Battalion The Royal Anglian Regiment ("The
Vikings") in Afghanistan.
The
event is open to the public and will include The Royal Anglian
Regimental Drums, The Black Knights Parachute Display Team,
Army climbing tower, military vehicles, rifle shooting range
and many other attractions for the whole family.
All
monies raised will go to The Royal Anglian Regiment Benevolent
Fund.
Thousands
of people lined the High Street in Southend today and gave
a tremendous welcome to the soldiers of 1st Battalion The
Royal Anglian Regiment.
The
Battalion was also granted the Freedom of the Borough and
so, preceded by the Minden Band, the 180 soldiers marched
with fixed bayonets and colours flying.
The
Battalion has recently returned from a tough six-month tour
of Afghanistan and their visit enabled the people of Southend
to show their support for the guys and their appreciation
for the work that they had done out there. During
this latest deployment to Afghanistan, the Battalion sadly
lost five soldiers killed fighting the Taliban: L/Cpl Scott
Hardy, Pte James Grigg, Capt Martin Driver, Pte Robert Hayes
and L/Cpl Adam Drane.
The
parade through Southend was one of a series of similar events
being held in towns across East Anglia to mark the return
of the Battalion from the frontline in Afghanistan.
In
Memoriam: Joseva Lewaicei and Adam Morris [13/05/10]
Private
Joseva Lewaicei and Private Adam Morris, both of C Company
The 2nd Battalion The Royal Anglian Regiment, were killed
in action on 13th May 2006 in Basra, Iraq.
The
two soldiers were killed when they were hit by a roadside
bomb while on patrol in Basra city.
In paying
tribute to Private Lewaicei his CO said: "Private
Lewaicei was a valued and well-regarded member of C Company
and was known as a fun loving and exuberant character. He
was a keen sportsman and had represented the Battalion in
both Rugby and Boxing. He was an exceptional rugby full
back regularly impressing those who saw him play, and was
once offered a professional contract. Immensely strong,
his colleagues will remember with some glee the day he was
finally beaten in an arm wrestle by their platoon sergeant,
although he always maintained he let him win."
And
in his tribute to Private Morris, Lieutenant
Colonel Des O’Driscoll said: "Adam joined the
battalion in Northern Ireland and rapidly made his mark
as an energetic and thoroughly professional young soldier.
He undoubtedly had a bright future ahead of him. Although
Private Morris had only been with 'The Poachers' for just
under two years, he was one of our most promising young
soldiers and had a fine career ahead of him. Always one
of the keenest and most attentive soldiers in the Company
he stood out from many of his peers. At times teased for
his military knowledge, he had an inquiring mind and a desire
to learn. He was well-liked and respected by all the company
for his resolve. He had suffered a leg injury late in 2005
but fought his way back to fitness, determined that he must
deploy on operations in Iraq alongside his many friends.
Always 'Army barmy' he even found a camouflage cover for
the cast on his leg. Adam’s loss has touched and saddened
all of us who had the honour to know him."
Lance
Corporal Scott Hardy and Private James Grigg from 1st Battalion
The Royal Anglian Regiment were killed by an IED in Helmand
on March16th. Their bodies were brought home today.
Hundreds
of people lined the high street of Wootton Bassett showing
respect and grief as the flag-draped hearses carrying the
two soldiers drove past.
Of L
Cpl Hardy his CO said: "Always ready to see the bright
side of life, always ready with banter when the situation
allowed it. Mature and unflappable, he was one of those
individuals who takes life in their stride He was earmarked
to attend
the
Section Commanders Battle Course later this year and we
expected him to pass with flying colours. His performance
leading men in the most demanding of circumstances in Afghanistan
was notable - he was steadfast under fire and hugely brave.
Blessed by a robust sense of humour, Scott was the first
to laugh at life's challenges and keep soldiering on."
And
of Pte Grigg, Lieutenant Colonel Woodham said: "He
was passionate about soldiering too; he thought himself
lucky to have found a job where he could combine the two
things that he loved so much. In turn, we think ourselves
lucky to have worked alongside him. Friendly, polite and
endlessly helpful, he was a real team player that you would
want to have on your team. He was reliable - a man you could
trust."
Captain
Martin Driver of 1st Battalion the Royal Anglian Regiment
died at Selly Oak Hospital from wounds received from an
IED when leading his men against the Taliban.
Captain Driver was Second-in-Command of A (Norfolk) Company
and was serving as Acting Company Commander when he was
tragically killed.
From
the accolades he has received on the MoD website it is clear
that Captain Driver was an amazing soldier, a remarkable
man.
"Martin
served as a 'Viking' officer, died commanding 'Viking' soldiers,
and will never be forgotten."
It is
a very difficult and worrying time for families and friends
when their loved ones are away fighting on the frontline
in Afghanistan. With the tragic news this week that three
members of 1 R Anglian (the Vikings) have been killed, for
the families of those Vikings serving out in Helmand the
need for mutual support must be stronger than ever.
To help
provide this help and support the Viking Family Support
Group was set up two years ago by two Mums, Alison &
Tracey, whose sons were serving with the Battalion.
The
Group's website has a forum which is design to enable all
Vikings and their family & friends to have an easy means
of communication. The forum also serves to provide a reliable
source of information relating to the current activities
and deployments of the Vikings, up coming social events
and a reliable method of support.
An example
of the support the forum has been giving appeared in yesterday's
Southend Standard newspaper. Mrs Hughes, whose son Mark
is on his first tour with the Vikings’ D Company, explained
how much she has been helped by her contacts on the Forum:
“We have talked about whether it’s better not
knowing about what’s going on, but at least now, we
can know and deal with what comes along. You are almost
more prepared. Otherwise, I think your imagination would
work overtime. When people lose a loved one, the group is
very supportive. There is nothing we can really do, but
knowing there is this close-knit group which cares, helps
a bit.”
Reading
the comments in the Standard's article clearly shows the
invaluable service that VikingFSG provides.
The
MoD today announced yet more sad news from the Royal Anglian
Regiment. Two soldiers from the 1st Battalion were killed
yesterday afternoon when they were caught in the blast from
an IED which exploded near them.
At
the time the soldiers were serving as part of the Household
Cavalry Regiment Battle Group tasked with clearing the Taliban
from the area around Musa Qal'ah.
Their
deaths bring to five the number of Vikings killed since
their current tour started last October. A Battle Group
commander spoke of the courage these guys have when every
day they go out on patrol knowing the dangers they face
from IEDs.
These
losses are particularly tragic as they come at a time when
the Battalion has been so successful in their mission to
bring improved security and stability to the local people.
"Their
determined courage in the face of the danger from IEDs and
the sacrifice they have made will not be forgotten."
The
MoD today announced the sad news that a soldier from 1 R
Anglian died yesterday at Selly Oak Hospital from wounds
received fighting the Taliban.
The
soldier had been serving as part of the Household Cavalry
Regiment Battle Group and had been seriously wounded in
an explosion in the Musa Qal'ah district of Helmand province
on 21st February 2010.
Lieutenant
Colonel David Wakefield, spokesman for Task Force Helmand,
said: " The blast happened while he was on a patrol
to the north of Musa Qal'ah district centre, part of the
ongoing successful operations in the Musa Qal'ah area to
drive the insurgents away from the local people and away
from the district centre."
"He
was one of us, one of our own, who fell doing his duty.
We will remember him."
He is
the third Viking to have been killed during the Battalion's
current deployment in Helmand.
Army
boxing championship: 2 R Anglian through to the Finals! [12/03/10]
The
boxing team of the 2nd Battalion the Royal Anglian Regiment,
the Poachers, last night beat 2 PARA in the Army Boxing
Semi Finals in Celle, Germany.
After a exhilarating evening involving 4 knock-outs and
2 stopped fights the Poachers emerged victorious 5 bouts
to 4.
Rumour
has it, it was one hell of a night!
They now go on to meet 3 PARA in the Army finals on April
15th at the Maida Gym, Aldershot.
Royal
Anglian Regiment: Essex Boys dun good [10/03/10]
Lieutenant
Colonel James Woodham MC, commanding officer of 1st Battalion,
Royal Anglian Regiment, has been paying tribute to the men
under his command currently serving on the frontline in
Afghanistan.
Lt Col
Woodham explained how the Battalion has been playing a key
role in turning the tide "very fast" against the
Taliban in all four of the districts of Helmand - Lashkar
Gah, Gereshk, Musa Qaleh and Nad Ali - in which the guys
have been stationed.
He singled
out C (Essex) Company (NB this story has been taken from
an Essex newspaper) for their success in winning hearts
and minds in Nad Ali district. Engaging with the local people,
providing sustained security and working together with them
to rebuild their communities is what Operation Moshtarak
has been all about and 1 R Anglian has been making a big
difference in this regard - or as Lt Col Woodham puts it:
“It is changing the local dynamic, bringing an ungoverned
area back in to government hands”.
Lt Col
Woodham, however, also pointed out that all this success
has come at a high cost: two soldiers from C Company, L
Cpl Adam Drane and Pte Robert Hayes, were killed fighting
the Taliban in Nad Ali earlier in the year.
In praising
his men, their CO said: “It’s quite humbling to
see the guys suffer the most exacting loss, get on and go
back in to the same area to face the same threat. These
young men are the heart of the British Army and the nation.
At times, we are quick to have a go at the youth of today,
but it is my experience that with a decent environment and
training, they can do the most extraordinary things.”
Lt Col
Woodham went on to say: “We want to say a really big
thank-you to everyone back in Essex. You will see us marching
through the county’s streets this summer to show our
appreciation.”
And,
James, the people of Essex will be turning out to show their
appreciation and respect for the guys as well! [Parades
are scheduled for June 15th in Barking & Dagenham and
June17th in Southend.]
L/Cpl
Andrew Ferguson: the 'miracle of Helmand'
[03/03/10]
A
Taliban bullet passing through his neck a mere 3mm from his
spine isn't going to stop Lance Corporal Andrew Ferguson from
rejoining his mates in the thick of it in Afghanistan.
L/Cpl
Ferguson, serving with 1 R Anglian out in Helmand, was on
patrol and clearing a compound of insurgents when he was
hit by a sniper's bullet. Despite the near fatal injury
and also under heavy fire, he carried on giving directions
to his men until he was medivac'd by US helicopter to the
field hospital at Camp Bastion. After emergency treatment
there he was flown to Selly Oak for surgery.
That
was back in December. Now, instead of being so nearly paralysed,
Andrew is well on the way to making a full recovery. Already
on light duties back at his base in Pirbright, he says he
is looking forward to returning to the frontline.
He's
now known as 'the miracle of Helmand'; his mates tell him
he should have kept his head down!
A Norfolk
brewery has brought out a new beer to raise cash for the
Royal Anglian Benevolent Fund.
The
new beer, called appropriately "Hero", is being
produced by the Wolf Brewery of Besthorpe, Norfolk and for
every cask sold £7 will go to the Benevolent Fund.
The
Wolf Brewery has 200 pubs on its books and from next month
a bottled version of Hero will also be sold in local off-licences
and Tesco branches with 10p-a-pint going towards the well-being
of local troops and their families.
It was
local pub licensee Dougie Clarke who persuaded the brewery
to launch the beer after he was inspired by reading a book
about his own grandfather, Sgt Frank Clarke, who fought
with the 1st Battalion, Norfolk Regiment at the Battle of
Mons in 1914.
The
Norfolk Regiment was created in July 1881 as the county
regiment for Norfolk. It became the Royal Norfolk Regiment
in 1935 and was amalgamated with the Suffolk Regiment in
1959 to form 1st Battalion, the East Anglian Regiment. This
in turn was further amalgamated in 1964 into the Royal Anglian
Regiment. 'A' Company, 1st Battalion, R Anglian retains
the name "Royal Norfolk" in honour of this proud
regimental history.
Mr Clarke
said: “The Norfolk Company of the Regiment returns
from a tour of duty in Helmand Province in April and we'll
be throwing a party for the boys at [his pub] the Duke of
Wellington in early May to celebrate the launch of the beer
and their return from the war zone.”
John
Edwards, owner of Wolf Brewery, said: “We hope the
beer will play its part in demonstrating to our soldiers
that we are behind them in the difficult challenge they
face in a very dangerous part of the world.”
Sounds
like a good excuse for a pint - think I'll just nip round
to the pub.
Royal
Anglian Catterick Six - Soldiers walk for Veterans Aid[19/02/10]
Six
soldiers from the Royal Anglian Regiment are going to walk
the 230 miles from their base in Catterick, N Yorkshire
to the Barnet TA Centre in London ...... in 12 days. And
they're doing it all to raise funds for Veterans Aid.
The
man behind the fundraiser is WOII Danny Morgan and the other
five in the team are Cpl Lee Davison, Cpl Gav Watts, Cpl
Michael Foster, L/Cpl Dave Murray and Sgt Michael Butcher.
Not
content with simply walking the 230 miles, the guys are
planning to give it an extra twist by overlaying it with
the rigours of a Tactical Advance to Battle (TAB) - i.e.
adding in weighted patrol packs and moving at a rapid pace.
They
leave the Infantry Training Centre at Catterick on Monday
22nd February and will arrive at Barnet on Friday 5th March.
20 miles a day carrying 45lbs: piece of cake!
“At
the end of the day these men and women, who we and Veterans
Aid are trying to help, have given the best years of their
lives ensuring that the country in which we live stays safe
and free from enemies. And now they face the biggest fight
of their lives. So I feel that it is only right to show
that the bond and the brotherhood upon which the Forces
thrives extends beyond the day on which you hand in your
uniform.”
All
the best, lads!
Man
down – help now!
Visit
Veterans
Aid, click on "Donations" and select Soldiers
Walk for VeteransAid in the 'Additional
details - I would like my donation to support' box.
Soldiers
from C (Essex) Company 1st Battalion The Royal Anglian Regiment
are in the forefront of the current offensive against the
Taliban, Operation Moshtarak.
Attached
to the Grenadier Guards Battlegroup, the men from C Company
are currently involved in fierce fighting in and around
Check Point Paraang in the Nad-e-Ali District of Helmand
Province.
In
fact, according to their CO, Lt Col James Woodham MC, the
guys have been engaged in fierce fighting on an almost daily
basis ever since the Battalion returned to Afghanistan last
October. Since then, in spite of the heavy insurgent activity,
the Vikings have brought such a significant improvement
in security that the area is already seeing a steady return
of local people to their villages where they can begin to
rebuild their lives.
The
Battalion's achievements in Operation Moshtarak will mean
that they will be able to consolidate these security gains
by extending their control over a larger area. However,
sustained improvement in security will only be fully achieved
when responsibility for it is taken on by local forces.
To bring this about C Company will soon begin embedded partnering
with the Afghan National Army and Afghan National Police.
Just as the 2nd Battalion did so successfully in Iraq when
they worked alongside Iraqi security forces in the Military
Transition Teams, so too now will the 1st Battalion help
local Afghan forces bring peace and stability to their country.
It should
not be forgotten that all this success has sadly come at
a high cost: the loss of Pte Robert Hayes and L/Cpl Adam
Drane, killed fighting the Taliban in December and January.
R.i.P.
email:
aquilavic[at]hotmail.co.uk
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