Private Tony Rawson, from 1st Battalion The Royal Anglian Regiment, was killed on Friday 10th August 2007 in Helmand, Afghanistan.

Pte Rawson was killed during a firefight with the Taliban when out on patrol near Jusyalay, north east of Sangin.

His CO said: "Private Tony Rawson was a highly respected member of 1 Royal Anglian and his death is a tragic loss, deeply felt by all members of the Battalion. A close friend to many, Private Rawson was a young man passionate about his job, with a big heart and a generous and trustworthy personality who died courageously in close combat. He was a true Viking who we will never forget."

His mates in 11 Platoon, C (Essex) Company, said: "Mr Nice Guy: Never let anyone of us down even at the hardest of times, a great friend and just a brilliant soldier. Thanks for showing us the ropes when I first got to the Battalion. We felt privileged to be in the same section as you. Missed but never forgotten"

MoD: Private Tony Rawson of 1st Battalion The Royal Anglian Regiment killed in Afghanistan
Lasting Tribute: Tony Rawson
BBC: Tributes to Helmand death soldier

With the Union Flag tucked away in the background and a giant EU flag billowing in centre stage, Britain's Major General Mungo Melvin, Germany's General Major Markus Kneip and a certain monsieur Bernard Chappedelaine from France shake hands on the "Friendship Bridge" during commemorations marking the 250th anniversary of the Battle of Minden (see below).

As you would expect these days, the event, which took place in the town of Minden in north Germany, had to made into a Eurofest. It rejoiced under the banner "Forever Friends in Europe", a name derived from a family of cute little toy bears.

The highlight of the festival was the construction of a military bridge over the river Weser - Friendship Bridge or in euro-speak, Die Brücke zwischen Heimat und Europa. Staged by 412 Amphibious Troop Royal Engineers (Volunteers) and the Bundeswehr's Heavy Engineer Regiment 130, the slick bridging display saw giant M3 rigs rapidly linked up to connect the banks in just minutes.

German divisions fought alongside British troops in 1759; it would be good if they could do so again in 2009. Then we would really know who our friends were.

MoD: Minden Regiments celebrate 250th battle anniversary

On the morning of 1st August 1759 a French army of 51000, which had been pushing its way up through Germany, crossed the river Weser and prepared to take on the pan-German army under Prince Ferdinand of Brunswick. At the time the Germans and British were the Allies (House of Hanover, the Georges and all that ... makes a nice change to be on the same side) and a British army had been marching up the day before to help out against the French. Legend has it that as the British infantry marched along they picked wild red and yellow roses to decorate their hats and uniforms; roses continue to feature prominently in the Minden Day events still celebrated each year by the successor British regiments and red & yellow are the colours of 1 Battalion, the Royal Anglian Regiment's (Minden) flash.
Meanwhile, back on the battlefield....... As the two British infantry brigades prepared to engage the enemy one of those peculiarly British things happened: the order "advance on the beat of the drum" was incorrectly interpreted as "advance to the beat of the drum". The two brigades therefore set off prematurely soon to be met by French cannon fire and attack from several French cavalry squadrons. Needless to say the British infantry withstood the charge and eventually drove the French from the battlefield.

A grateful Prince Ferdinand handed out 3,000 crowns to be distributed amongst the British troops (by the way this amount works out considerably more than today's Operational Allowance).

The 12th Foot - later the Suffolk Regiment and now incorporated into the Royal Anglian Regiment - were awarded Minden as a battle honour for their outstanding bravery in withstanding the French cavalry charge and leading the victorious counter-attack which saved the day.

Apparently on the 1st August each year 6 red roses are delivered anonymously to the British Consulate in Chicago with a card commemorating the Battle of Minden and giving the list of 6 British infantry regiments that fought at the battle.

Happy Minden Day!      Happy 250th!

British Battles: The Battle of Minden
Wikipedia: Battle of Minden

also
Bury Free Press: Suffolk Regiment veterans on parade for Minden Day

A book charting the last 20 years of the Royal Leicestershire Regiment has just been published.

Marching with The Tigers, by Colonel Michael Goldschmidt, recounts the history of the Royal Leicestershires from 1955 to 1975, including the Regiment's amalgamation with the Royal Anglian Regiment in 1964.

Starting with the Regiment's deployment in Cyprus during the EOKA uprising, the book goes on to describe the

soldiers' time in Hong Kong, Borneo, Malta, Aden (now part of Yemen), Libya, Bahrain, Gibraltar and Northern Ireland.

Col Goldschmidt, a former member of the Leicestershires himself, spent more than three years researching the book. "I felt it was important we made sure the last 20 years were recorded", he said.

Amazon: Marching with the Tigers - the history of the Royal Leicestershire Regiment 1955-1975

On the evening of July 27th 1809 20,000 British troops and their Portuguese allies, commanded by General Wellesley (later to become the Duke of Wellington), together with a Spanish army took on 46,000 French troops under Marshal Victor at Talavera in Spain.

Following several unsuccessful assaults on the British lines, the French eventually gave up and withdrew with the loss of 7,390 killed or wounded. The British lost 5,500, many burnt to death when the dry grass of the battlefield caught fire (interestingly this was a deliberate battle tactic carried out by the Wehrmacht during their approach to Stalingrad in 1942).

Not only had the Spanish refused to fight on a Sunday, they also reneged on their promise to provide food and supplies and even abandoned the British wounded to the French: the Spanish were never trusted after that and Wellington was forced to withdraw back to Portugal.

The 48th Foot - later the Northamptonshire Regiment and now incorporated into the Royal Anglian Regiment - were the stars of the battle making a bayonet charge against a French infantry division driving them from the field. For their heroic action the 48th Foot were subsequently awarded battle honours.

Happy Talavera Day!     Happy 200th!

British Battles: the Battle of Talavera
Wikipedia: Battle of Talavera

Soldiers from the Royal Anglian Regiment were cheered by hundreds of well-wishers when they marched through the streets of two English cities yesterday.

In Peterborough 150 soldiers from 158 (Royal Anglian) Transport Regiment, Royal Logistic Corps (Volunteers) exercised their Freedom of the City when they marched with fixed bayonets and flags flying through the city centre to a parade in front of the Cathedral.

Peterborough Telegraph: Anglian regiment given freedom of the city
Peterborough telegraph: So much to thank our volunteers for
Peterborough Telegraph: Video: Anglians have freedom of city

Northampton Chronicle: Public line the streets to say farewell to regiment
Northampton Chronicle: Parade is a 'morale booster after Iraq'
BBC: Talavera March (photo gallery)
MoD: Soldiers say public farewell to Northamptonshire regiment

Lance Corporal Alex Hawkins, aged 22, of 1st Battalion The Royal Anglian Regiment, was killed in southern Afghanistan on Wednesday 25th July 2007. L/Cpl Hawkins was returning to base near Sangin with his patrol when his Vector was hit by a mine. he sadly later died from the wounds he received.

His CO said: "Lance Corporal Alex Hawkins was one of the most promising soldiers of his generation. A natural leader and trained sniper he was a superb example to others and highly respected throughout the Vikings. He leaves behind some fond memories and a lasting legacy that we will all strive to live up to. Never to be forgotten, he will go down in Regimental history as a true professional and close friend who we feel privileged to have served and fought with."

His friend Lance Corporal Craig Rouse, said: "Any soldier in the British Army would have been honoured to have him fight by his side. He will be sorely missed. Recruits passing out of training should model themselves on him. He was a model soldier."

MoD: L/Cpl Alex Hawkins 1st Battalion The Royal Anglian Regiment killed in Afghanistan
Lasting Tribute: Alex Hawkins
The Telegraph:A season muted by loss for soldiers, families

Yvonne Lawrence, the Mayor of Wisbech in Cambridgeshire, has chosen the Royal Anglian Regiment to be the beneficiary of this year's Mayor's Charity.

One of the events that will help the fundraising is the Hatstand Opera evening

that will be taking place this Saturday.

Nice one, Yvonne!

Wisbech Standard: Opera for the Masses at St Peter and St Paul's church

The Battle of Salamanca, 22nd July 1812, was arguably the decisive engagement of the Peninsular War. Within the space of a few hours the British and allied forces commanded by the Duke of Wellington soundly defeated a similiar sized French army under Marshal Marmont. The battle was a turning point in the Peninsular War with Wellington finally going on the offensive; some consider it to have been Wellington's finest hour.

The Imperial Eagle, the battle standard of the French 62nd Line (Thomières), was captured by Lieutenant Pearce of the 44th East Essex Regiment. The lineage of the 44th transferred to the Essex Regiment in 1881 and subsequently by a series of amalgamations and restructures to the 1st Battalion of the Royal Anglian Regiment.

Happy Salamanca Day!

British Battles: the Battle of Salamanca
Wikipedia: Battle of Salamanca

After the most successful ‘100 Miles for 9 Smiles’ walk in 2008 in aid of The 1 R ANGLIAN Afghanistan Memorial Appeal, Mrs Christine Bonner, mother of Cpl Darren Bonner who was killed in action in Afghanistan in 2007, has decided to organise another sponsored walk in aid of The Royal Anglian Regiment Benevolent Charity.

The aim of All the 4s is to walk 150 miles in 10 days and through 5 Regimental counties, in order to raise funds for The Royal Anglian Regiment Benevolent Charity.

The Benevolent Charity provides support and financial help to current and former members of the Royal Anglian Regiment and their families who are in need, hardship or distress. Grants totalling £73,000 were distributed to over 250 cases last year alone; some examples of that support been given can be seen on the All the 4s website.

If you like to make a donation or join the walk, visit the website below.

Good luck, Christine and all involved!

www.AllThe4s.co.uk
EDP24: Tragic mum's new bid to help soldiers

The Muslim Council of Britain, is set to receive £45,000 as a result of comments made on the BBC's Question Time programme.

The programme was debating the insults hurled by Muslims at soldiers from The Royal Anglian Regiment during their homecoming parade in Luton last March

During the debate the former editor of the Daily Telegraph said: “I’ve gone to [the MSB]

many times, and said will you condemn the killing and kidnapping of British soldiers in Iraq and Afghanistan, and they won’t. Because these wars are in Muslim countries, they will not do this. They do one thing that is perfectly understandable – they are opposed to the war. That is perfectly legitimate. But there is a bigger step that they take, they say it is actually a good thing, even an Islamic thing, to kill or kidnap British soldiers.”

Because of these comments the BBC offered to hand over £30,000 but this has now had to be up'ed to £45,000.

It seems that the state now turns a blind eye to Muslims shouting abuse at British soldiers marching on the streets of England, but is quite prepared to had over £45,000 of taxpayers' money to the MSB for comments made during a political debate.

Now even freedom of speech seems to be the prerogative one section of the community.

eChurchwebsites: BBC pays head of Muslim Council of Britain £45,000 for ‘libel’
The Express: Take it easy on muslim extremists, police told

see also:

PickledPolitics: A question of allegiance for British Muslims

Northampton will be hosting a military parade on July 25th to commemorate the 200th anniversary of the Battle of Talavera. The anniversary is significant for the county as the battle was the Northamptonshire Regiment's most famous victory. The town is using the occasion to honour past and present soldiers from the county. About 100 veterans are expected to take part in the parade together with soldiers from 'C' Company, 2 Royal Anglians (the

successors of the now disbanded Northamptonshire Regiment), who served last year in Iraq.

The day will also sadly witness the disbanding of the Northamptonshire regiment Association.

Maj (Retd) Bill O'Driscoll, Royal Anglian Regiment Association area secretary, said: "This is a timely reminder to the people of Northampton and Northamptonshire of what the Regiment has done for them in the past and what it is going to do for them in the future."

A historic day for the town and for the county.

Northampton Chronicle: Military parade through Northampton

So, the group of Muslims who shouted abuse at soldiers from the 2nd Battalion, The Royal Anglian Regiment, during their homecoming parade in Luton are now unlikely to be charged. Now there's a surprise.

Labour ministers have instructed the police not to arrest Muslims in "borderline" cases because they are likely to become even more radicalised as a result.

The government believes it can "persuade" such people to stop being a threat to our society and "divert" them from further extremism by letting them get away with it.

It would seem that one group can now incite civil unrest with impunity. They can insult British soldiers who have risked their lives for their country without fear of retribution and by doing so can provoke ordinary citizens to react violently, with the inevitable consquences. Of course, those who opposed the Muslim demonstators have been charged.

Not only has Labour let down British troops by failing to protect their honour, it has shown that it is not averse to bringing in a parallel legal system into the UK.

London Evening Standard: Extremists could escape charges in new police tactic
The Express: Take it easy on muslim extremists, police told

Southend was privileged to have CGS General Sir Richard Dannatt take the salute at the parade which formed the highlight of the town's celebrations for Armed Forces Day. On parade were soldiers from the 3rd Battalion The Royal Anglian Regiment, members of other TA units and representatives from local veterans' groups. A military band led the march along Southend High Street to the (somewhat cramped) open area at the top of Pier Hill where the General took the salute before he was whisked off to some other AFD event at Chatham or somewhere. Despite the lack of publicity, there was a good turn out by local residents who applauded and cheered the guys to show their support and their appreciation for the work they were doing.

The day ended with a red, white and blue balloon race which raised money for "Smiles across the Miles", a local group of volunteers who send parcels of goodies out to the guys 'n gals serving on the frontline.

AquilaVictrix: Photos of the Armed Forces Day parade at Southend
Southend Standard: A day to show how really proud we are of our armed forces

It's a national disgrace that after two years the family of Private John Thrumble are still waiting for a date to be set for his inquest - let alone for the inquest to actually take place.

Pte Thrumble, from 1st Battalion The Royal Anglian Regiment, was killed along with two comrades - Aaron McClure and Robert Foster - back in August 2007.

The MoD are blaming "paperwork" for the repeated deferment of the inquest but this is a pathetic excuse. It is indefensible that a family who have lost their son

fighting for his country should be treated in this appalling way.

The MoD are hoping to have a "pre-inquest" hearing in September - so it could well be three years until the family has the answers to how their son was killed.

Southend Echo: Still no inquest date set for John

Corporal Billy Moore MC and Private Matt Woollard both of 1st Battalion, the Royal Anglian Regiment, The Vikings, and both seriously wounded fighting in Afghanistan have set off on a new challenge: to sail around the English coastline.

The journey is part of an initiative run by the Essex-based Cirdan Sailing Trust which works to help young people - especially those who are disabled or disadvantaged - experience life at sea.

Trust chief exec Nick Back said: "The Royal Anglians are our local regiment and this voyage shows our appreciation of the work they have done and continue to do."

Good luck, lads!

2 Royal Anglian, The Poachers have reached their fundraising target of £30,000.

The money raised will support the families of soldiers killed or injured fighting for their country.
Some of the money will also go towards the new Royal Anglian Regiment Memorial which is being set up at Duxford to honour the 68 Royal Anglians who have died since the Regiment was formed 50 years ago.

Captain Martyn Cook, a battalion adjutant, came up with the idea for the wristbands. He said: "We're delighted we've reached the target. The cash will be well spent supporting our soldiers and their families."

About 15,000 wristbands have been sold since June last year, bearing the slogan Supporting Our Heroes – The Poachers.

Leicester Mercury: Soldiers hit funds target

Corporal Darren Bonner of the 1st Battalion The Royal Anglian Regiment was killed on Monday 28th May 2007 in Helmand, Afghanistan.
Cpl Bonner was on patrol near Hyderabad in the Gereshk region of Helmand when the vehicle in which he was travelling was hit by an IED.

Darren's CO said: "Corporal Bonner was an incredibly caring and compassionate man. Behind the

tattoos and the muscle lay a man with huge emotional intelligence, who provided a real father figure to many of the younger soldiers in A Company".

Sergeant Stuart Rumsey, said: "Corporal Daz Bonner was the life and soul of the Company. Professionally talented, no task was beyond his determination to succeed."

MoD: Corporal Darren Bonner killed in Afghanistan
Lasting Tribute: Darren Bonner
The Mirror: A hero's last email home