COMBER ROYAL BRITISH LEGION

	The words of Laurence Binyon. The Exortation
They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old; Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn.		At the going down of the sun and in the morning We will remember them.

COMBER BRANCH
ROYAL BRITISH LEGION
Incorporating Dundonald Branch.

In Memoriam.

It is with a sense of both shock and sadness that I heard of the untimely passing of our friend and comrade Matt Smyth. Comrade Major (Ret) Matt (Mant) Smyth M.B.E. passed away in the early hours of Sunday, 6th April 2008. His Memorial service was held in Second Presbyterian Church Comber on Thursday, 10th April 2008 at 1.00 p.m. .

The church was filled almost to capacity with his family, friends, members of the Royal British Legion, Rotary Club of Comber. His daughter read her version of an elegy "I am not there" and his son gave a verbal picture of his long and active life. Matt was born in 1927 in Coleraine. He joined the Indian Army during 1945 and upon returning home he subsequently joined the Territorial Army then the Ulster Defence Regiment. He was married for 53 years and survived his beloved wife by two years. He was always a vital and active man and took up Marathon Running and dabbling in white water rafting at the age of 55. He was a founder member of the North Brown Branch of the U.D.R Association.

After the call to worship the congregation sang Psalm 23 "The Lord's my Shepherd" followed by Scripture Reading and a short address from the Minister Reverend James Cochraine. The service then closed with Hymn No 87 "Be Thou my vision, O Lord of my heart".

Outside it was raining with hail , sombre, dark clouds above us. Matt's coffin was draped with the union flag his beret and medals. He was borne aloft on the shoulders of his close family and friends and a piper played Highland Cathedral and a selection of laments suitable for the occasion. As the procession moved towards The War Memorial it paused for a few moments to enable members of the Royal British Legion carry for a short distance, they were in turn replaced by members of the Ulster Defence Regimental Association. The procession stopped opposite the Memorial and the coffin was placed on a trestle. The Exhortation was given followed by the sounding of Reveille and the raising of the Standards. The Command was then delivered. The final act was safely returning Matt to his family who departed to a private service at Roselawn. The silent crowd then slowly dispersed their separate ways.
Matt had many friends and was a natural leader of men, a genteel and dignified man who shall be sadly missed by us all.
Requiescat

HONOUR THE COVENANT

Click here to visit

TO COVENANT WEB SITE

The Commando Memorial at Spean Bridge, near Fort William.

ALL SOLDIERS ARE EQUAL
Wed 19 March 2008

I was upset to hear that Gurkha Veterans felt compelled to return their military medals. I can understand their deep upset at being treated so disgracefully by the British Government which moved them to do such a thing. There is no excuse for treating any regiment in such despicable manner regardless of the glib reasons given. A Gurkha, like any other Serviceman places his life on the line, so why should they receive less than the rest. Their pensions are lower than for other Servicemen Ł130 instead of Ł1,000 for others. They cannot live on this low figure, even in their native Nepal. Some of these men have given a lifetime of service to the British, why do we offend them with the pittance offered. They have fought side by side with our servicemen taken the same risks so why are they reduced to being unworthy of British Citizenship. All Gurkha's should be entitled to British Citizenship and should be given priority over all other nationalities. These men have earned the right to be British if they desire it, and it must not be refused if they ask. There are scroungers from many nations living here, yet we turn our backs on those who have served us faithfully for almost 200 years.
Their requests are modest, they are not asking anything more than they deserve. Not only do they deserve it but they have earned it over and over again. They have been faithful to us but our Government is betraying them in return. All they ask is to be treated fairly and I will support them in any way I can. Those that I have spoken to agree that Britain owes a deep debt to the Gurkha's. The British people respect and admire the Gurkha's but the Government they have elected have apparently turned their back on these brave deserving men.

CONGRATULATIONS to Comrade George Robinson. I am delighted to announce that George Robinson has been awarded an MBE by Her Gracious Majesty Queen Elizabeth II in the New Years Honours List 2007/08 for his services to the Royal British Legion.
George served in the Russian convoys to Murmansk and Archangel during WWII and has been a life long member of the British Legion.
More details below

Tony Tubbenhaue from Australia RAAF WWII sitting in his Bristol Blenheim bomber.
"On the surface I sighted a long dark shape, alerted my crew, dived, opened the bomb bay doors, slowed so the depth charges wouldn't break up as they hit the sea. Only seconds before dropping, .. a plume of spray rose high in the air ................."

This interesting chap served at my RAF base in Sharjah and is the same age as George Robinson to read the end of this and other great yarns visit the Sharjah page at :-
SHARJAH

DOES THIS NATION HAVE A CONSCIENCE ?.
This nation and it's interests must be defended against anyone who would harm us. The defence of this nation is in the hands of our Soldiers, Sailors and Airmen and without them we would not have the freedom we enjoy today. They are the front line both at home and abroad as they have been since time immemorial. Many have made the supreme sacrifice but even more have been injured so badly they are totally incapacitated. Others have been so traumatised and their minds so damaged that they will never be well again.
When we recruit these young men they are told that they belong to the greatest country on earth and that they will be looked after no matter what happens to them. It is with this belief that they are inspired to undertake the tasks our government decide. This is the Covenant between Nation and Soldier and it must be upheld regardless of the cost.. If we do not honour the covenant how can soldiers have a belief in this country, so why should they put their lives on the line for nothing.
The Royal British Legion can help to some extent with the aftermath and tragedy but this help is dependent entirely on the generosity of those giving to the Poppy Appeal. It is up to the government to honour this covenant by making good their promises and making adequate provision for our injured. It is the government that must help, it was our politicians that sent our men into danger in the first instance. It is my opinion that the government is not living up to the promises that they made and should be more generous in the support they give.
For more information visit the Covenant Web Site above.

A Heart-warming story.
Some kids are great.
I was collecting for the Poppy Appeal on Wednesday 31 October in Super-Valu Comber when a young boy came in dressed in his Halloween outfit. He lifted his pumpkin and said "Trick or Treat" I put my hands into my pockets and found two coins one was small and the other large. I clenched them in my hands and told him to pick a hand. He chose the hand with the low value coin which I showed him saying to the lad, "Hard luck". I dropped the coin into his pumpkin and then showed him the other coin which I also dropped into his pumpkin. The child was delighted and off he went collecting from other customers.. A few minutes later he returned and tipped the entire contents of the pumpkin onto the table and said "Can I have a Poppy please." I could hardly believe that this young boy was so willing to give up his collection to buy a poppy.. This young man is a shining example to other young people and it made me feel happy that there is one such as him in Comber.
Adrian

A one-legged man with one eye covered by an eye patch stood on the street at the entrance to a busy London tube (subway) station.
He was holding a basket and around his neck was a sign reading, "Help a starving veteran of the Falklands campaign."
A naval officer stopped and read the sign, and began shouting at the passing pedestrians.
"Does it mean nothing to you that a veteran of the Falklands campaign is starving?
Have you no gratitude for his sacrifices?"
He put a 50 pound note in the man's basket and several people followed suit.
"I hope that helps you," the Naval officer said and the man replied ....

"Gracias, Senor."

The Inquisitive Mind of a Child

Why are they selling poppies, mummy?
Selling poppies in town to-day
The poppies, child are flowers of love
For the men who marched away
But, why have they chosen a poppy, mummy?
Why not a beautiful rose?
Because, my child, men fought and died
In the fields where the poppies grow
But why are the poppies so red, mummy?
Why are the poppies so red?
Red is the colour of blood, my child
The blood our soldiers shed
The heart of the poppy is black, mummy
Why does it have to be black?
Black my child, is the symbol of grief
For the men who never came back
But, why mummy, are you crying so?
Your tears are giving you pain
My tears are my fears for you my child
For the world is -
FORGETTING AGAIN.

BRANCH NEWSLETTER
Dear Comrade,
Its now October, the days are cooler and nights are drawing in, it's time to reflect on the past year and to look forward to the next. The Branch is now gearing up for the busiest time of year, both work and play, and we are looking to all our members to lend a hand if they are able.

The past year has seen a number of Branch members pass away:-

Comrade Matt Spratt,
Comrade Frank Tate,
Comrade Adgey,
Comrade Mary Rowan,
Comrade Derek Graham
Comrade Harry Whitaker
WE WILL REMEMBER THEM.

As Always we have had a busy year. The Poppy Appeal total was Ł24,045. 50p, again an increase and this was due to the sterling efforts of Comrade Sam Mcllwrath and his team of helpers, both members and friends.
If you can spare an hour or two for this years appeal please ring Sam on 91873519 and get involved. Over the years the Comber Branch has benefited from the involvement of the Comber Detachment of the Army Cadet Force for our Poppy Appeal and Parades. It was suggested by a Comrade that the Branch donate a trophy to the Detachment, and during our March meeting The Lt Col Blair Mayne Trophy which will be awarded for rifle shooting, was handed over to Comrade Tom Quinn for the cadets.

The main issue facing the Branch this year has been the ongoing saga of the modernisation of the Square. The Branch, during correspondence and face to face meetings put its view forward. That view is, "It is the Branches solemn duty to protect for future generations, the War Memorial and gardens. These were funded by the people of Comber to honour the local men who served their country, and some of whom gave their lives" A result of this is that the plans have been changed and the War Memorial and gardens are safe. Watch this space!

There were one or two changes during the AGM. These are; Chairman, Derek Graham stood down after six years and Billy Rainey was voted in. After the untimely death of our Secretary, Derek Graham (jnr as he was known) myself. Nick Williams, was voted in.

On the sporting front, the Branch would like to congratulate Comrade Rowan Conway for his success at Bisley. He won the Royal British Legion Challenge Cup for shooting.

The new membership cards are now in and we would like to get them issued as soon as possible. If you are unable to attend a meeting, please send a cheque for Ł13 to Mr N. Morrow, 81 High St. Comber BT23 5HJ, who will sendyou your card by return of post.

If you would like to attend the Annual Dinner please contact Comrade Rowan Conway 25 Heathermount Crescent, Comber, BT23 5HW, by not later than the 11 Nov 07, this allows us enough time to order the food and plan the table. If you have any queries please give Rowan a ring.

The Branch meets on a monthly basis in the Rifle Club on the second Tuesday of the month at 1945Hrs. Please come along, lend a hand, have a laugh and enjoy yourself. This November we are meeting on the first Tuesday evening, the 6th this is to enable us to finalise the plans for Remembrance Sunday.

Finally, Remembrance Sunday, this year is on the 11 November. The President Comrade Walter Lindsay UD would like to see all members of the Branch, At St Mary's in the Square at 0945Hrs. Best bib and tucker, don't forget your medals. See you there !
Yours aye,
Nick Williams
Secretary

There are two veterans badges available shown to the left. The one with the red background is for members of the Merchant Navy the other is for ex-members of the three remaining armed services. If you qualify for one of these badges, and you can determine that by clicking on the two links below. These links will take you to the application forms required of each of the two badges.

Simply download and print the required form and post it off to the address on the form. It takes about 3 weeks to receive your badge after checking their records to see that you have a legitimate claim to it.
My badge arrived in a beautiful presentation box with accompanying citation.
Armed Services Application
Merchant Navy Application

Derek Graham 1948 - 2007
7 UDR - Belfast City Centre 1980

Adrian,
May I take this opportunity to say a big thank you to all associated with Comber RBL following the fantastic turn out of members and friends at the funeral of my late uncle Sergeant Derek Graham. I know that Derek prided himself as being part of the best money raising Legion and I would ask that in his memory that this forthcoming year they double their efforts as a mark of respect for him in all he did in fund- raising.
I would especially like to thank all those who turned up on the day of his funeral and to all who offered their condolences, cards or thoughts. To the Legion and especially Sam McIlwrath and Walter Lindsay - my everlasting and deepest thanks.
Derek loved the Regiment and the UDR family, his Legion, friends and Lodge. He was and will always remain my idol.
His picture will be remembered with fondness by many. Thank you to all at Comber RBL for being so loyal to Derek and our family,
Ex UDR Lt Gordon Graham -Derek's nephew

THANK YOU
The Chairman, Officers and Members of Comber and District together with Dundonald Branch of the Royal British Legion would like to thank everyone who contributed a donation towards the Poppy Fund Appeal.

The 2003 collection raised Ł18,341
The 2004 collection raised Ł21,870
The 2005 collection raised Ł21,103
The 2006 collection raised Ł23,000
The 2007 collection raised Ł24,045
The 2008 collection raised Ł30,000 Not the final total.
Some of you may be wondering why the year for the collection is apparently not correct.
The reason is that whatever we collect during the current year will be used the following year.
There is no doubting the generosity of the people of Comber and Dundonald.
How the money raised will be used is explained further down this page.
We would like to take this opportunity to thank the business community for allowing us to place boxes within their premises and to the Supermarkets for bringing us indoors during the cold weather and plying us with welcome cups of tea.
It may seem incredible to you that the Comber branch of the RBL received a donation from Baghdad 2005. During 2006 we received an ammunition case full of quality cigars from Baghdad ...Unfortunately, I did not win this excellent prize, but the raffle raised over Ł300.
Without the help of the volunteers who sell poppies. The kindness and support of the business community who place collection boxes on their counters or let us collect at the doors of their premises these collections would be a lot less. The Churches within the region have helped us in every way possible and it shows us that this community cares about it's veterans. The Comber Branch of the RBL would like to thank you all for your support.

Moneyrea for baps and tay, Ballygowan for brandy, Magherascourse for pigs and coos, but Comber is my dandy.

George Robinson
This photograph was taken in 1941 ( long before I was born ) George had a long and distinguished career in the Merchant Navy during World War II. He sailed frequently on the Russian convoys to Murmansk and Archangel bringing vital supplies to the Russian Front. These convoys sailed into the worst weather on earth and in addition faced the deadly threat of the German U-Boats. It was imperative that these ships got through to assist the Russians in the fight against the Nazi forces who had invaded their country. This had the advantage to the Allied forces in splitting the German forces across two battle fronts. It is approximately 1,600 miles from Scotland to Murmansk and the ships were in grave danger every inch of the voyage. It took a lot of fortitude ( guts we call it today) to face those dangers. Without men such as George and his many comrades, freedom may still have been a distant dream. Thousands of these brave men were lost on these convoys, and we are fortunate in still having George with us today. George is a very active member of Comber Branch RBL and a regular attender at St Mary's Church. You probably don't know that George designed and built his own house which included installing all of the electrics and the central heating.
On the 6th February 2006 George gave a talk to the St Mary's Mothers Union, he held them spellbound listening to his lifetime of experiences. He has begun his 86th year and with God's grace he will be with us for a long time to come.
I am delighted to announce that George Robinson has been awarded an MBE by Her Gracious Majesty Queen Elizabeth II in the New Years Honours List 2007/08 for his services to the Royal British Legion.

Adrian,
Thanks ever so much for your bit on the site.
This picture is from Remembrance Sunday 2006 in Ripon when I managed to get a local Yorkshire man who had served in Korea with the Royal Ulster Rifles to come on parade and he walked for the first time with his newly aquired headdress!!!!
He said he felt very proud and honoured to once again wear the badge as he paraded through Ripon.

Best wishes to all in Comber ( especailly all who may remember me, My ex boss Major Lindsay, B Coy, 7 UDR, Big Sam McIlwrath ( RQ ) and the one whose footsteps I just wanted to follow in, Sgt Derek Graham, 22 yrs loyal service, HQ Coy, UDR.
( My uncle and friend! )

Members of Nendrum College together with members of the Royal British Legion at the War Memorial on 11th November 2005.
It is wonderful to see these young people taking an interest in the great historical events in which their forefathers played such a vital part.
Pictures by courtesy of Lester Morrow.

The Officers and Comrades of Comber RBL (Northern Ireland) send fraternal greetings to our brothers in Canada.

Royal Canadian Legion Comber Branch 241
Service to Comrades, Community and Nation

Welcome to the Comber Legion Branch 241
6420 Main Street (Hwy 77)
Comber, ON N0P 1J0
(519) 687-2201 (Phone & Fax)
Our legion is open to members and non-members alike. We welcome anyone that wishes to enter our doors.
The web address is:- http://www.legion241.com/

Today membership of the Royal British Legion is open to everyone in the community. This was passed at a recent Congress of the RBL. In the past membership was open only to those who served their country as a member of any of the armed services anyone else was an associate member now they can be Full Members.
There are many past servicemen living in the community who believe that the Legion is not for them because they did not see action. It is not necessary for them to have seen action, having served their country even for a short time was sufficient. When they joined (even in peacetime) they knew the possible risks they could face, yet they gave service to your country regardless. The work that the Legion does is wide ranging and we welcome all the new members we can recruit. You to can help in many ways, so if your heart is in the right place you are welcome to come along and meet us.
The Royal British Legion exists to provide help and assistance to all comrades who are in circumstances of need. This applies also to those comrades of the future who may face conflict in other places and wars which have not yet come. We will be there for them as we are for the servicemen of the past and present. We are not all aged and infirmed, we are a mix of all ages, from all of the services, a band of brothers and sisters, with a common past. We provide mutual support and just as important comradeship as a band of kindred spirits. We have a range of activities which will keep you interested regardless of your age. You will receive a warm welcome at your Local Branch, just make a point of attending at least once to see what we are about.
Many of us choose not to talk about our experiences, some of the memories are just too painful to put into words. If you don't want to talk it doesn't matter, but should you need to there will be a friend to listen and understand.
There are many people within the community who lost relatives in the various conflicts. They have no way to mark or commemorate their loss other than on Remembrance Day. They are welcome to come along and share together with us that solemn act. If you want to wear the medals of your deceased loved ones, you can do so by placing them on the right breast. You can do this with pride and as a mark of respect to honour those who have gone before. Those wearing decorations on the left breast are the actual recipients, it is also traditional for them to wear the head-dress, tie and blazer badge of their old regiment, if they so wish. You will be welcome to place a small cross in the Garden of Remembrance at the foot of the War Memorial. Those wishing to do this will be called forward towards the end of the service. See The Order of Service at the bottom of this page.
This year twenty-six different organisations placed wreaths at Comber War Memorial and after that many members of the public came forward to place their own wreaths and crosses at the base of the monument thus giving them an opportunity for expression of remembrance to all who have suffered and died in conflict in the service of their country and all those who mourn them. The list of Organisations laying Wreaths is listed at the bottom of this page. Cenotaph is Greek and literally means 'Empty Tomb'.

Comber Branch of the Royal British Legion meets once per month at 7.45 pm (for 8 pm) on the second Tuesday of each month (except June, July and August.) in Comber Rifle Club. We start each year after summer recess in September. Anyone wishing to attend should come along and join in you will be made welcome and given a place within the Branch to make you feel at home with friends and good comradeship. The Royal British Legion needs the support of the whole community, all ex-service personnel should make a point of going at least once to your local branch just to see what we do. This will give you a chance to meet some old comrades and have a chat, and bring back memories of times past.

The following images are courtesy of
Newtownards Chronicle
Click on the image to see the enlarged version and on your back button to return to this page. Some of these images will be slow to download without broadband.

Mr George Piggott,
President of
Comber
Rotary Club
Mr Derek Graham
President
Comber RBL
Comber
Standard Bearer &
Jim Worthington
(right)
George Adams
Sounding
the Last Post

Lt. Col. A.
Montgomery
The Exortation
and Command.
Tom and Maureen
McParland.
from London
In memory of
Lt. Col. Blair Mayne SAS
Major Matt Smyth
Mrs Alice Lappin and
Mr Adrian Hanna
on behalf of
The Royal Air Force.

Comber Rifle Club has graciously opened their extensive facilities to the membership. These facilities include conference room, bar, large screen projection television and much else. I would take this opportunity to thank the Chairman, Officers and Staff of Comber Rifle Club for the use of these facilities.

Comber Branch of the Royal British Legion is a no-nonsense Branch the discussions are kept to an absolute minimum so that boredom is never encountered. The Officers of the Branch are willing and active workers which makes membership a pleasure.
The Branch is very active in charity work assisting ex-Service Personnel in many ways by providing a watchful eye on the elderly and checking that they are not under circumstances of difficulty or distress.
The Branch has a very active Social Life in addition to our attendance at the various annual parades, commemorating The Somme, Armistice, Etc.,
Other activities extend to:-

Bowls

Darts

Golf

Quiz Nights

Rifle and Pistol Shooting (See below)

Annual Dinner

Line Dancing. (Part of Rifle Clubs activities after the RBL meeting)

Archery, coaching by Adrian Hanna in conjunction with Lough Cuan AC.

The sports committee of the Royal British Legion Northern Ireland held its annual rifle and pistol shooting competition on Saturday June 9th . This year it was held at the outdoor range of Comber Rifle Club. The Royal British Legion would like to thank all the Officials and Range Staff of the Rifle Club who assisted on the day. Without their help the meeting would not have happened. A total of 14 teams from around the Province participated and thoroughly enjoyed their day. Competition was fairly intense but the teams representing the Comber Branch excelled themselves picking up no less than four trophies to add to their growing collection.
The following teams represented Comber Branch RBL
COMBER "A" :- Rowan Conway, Adrian Hanna, Nichola Williams, and Terry Wooton.
COMBER "B" :- S.W. Lindsay, Roger Moreland, Howard Simpson and J.M. Smith.
RESERVE :- Nick Williams.
RESULTS :- Winning Team Rifle, Comber "A", Runner up, Disabled Ex-Servicemen.
Individual Rifle, Rowan Conway, Comber.
Pistol Team Winners (after shoot off), Coalisland, Runner up, Comber "A".
Pistol Individual, Tommy Hutchinson, Disabled Ex-Servicemen, Runner up, Rowan Conway, Comber.
Source:- Ards Chronicle.
On a wider front the Royal British Legion in Northern Ireland has a very wide range of sporting and other recreational activities enough to wet even the most jaded appetite.
Did you know the Poppy Appeal provides only half of the funds we need:-
The Royal British Legion is dedicated to help serving and ex-service men and women and their families.

....1,000 people are helped to visit war graves every year.
....over 300,000 calls for help are answered every year.
....54,000 people are helped with war pensions every year.
....5,000 people are helped with a stay in our homes every year.
....100,000 visits are made each year to the house bound or in hospital.
Source:- Royal Air Force News

Veterans from abroad are welcome to make contact via E-Mail for the furtherance of International Cordiality.
To find out more about Comber Branch of the Royal British Legion use the E-Mail address in the box below.

You will need to type the address yourself this is to prevent SPAM

The words of Laurence Binyon.
The Exortation

They shall grow not old,
as we that are left grow old;
Age shall not weary them,
nor the years condemn. At the going down of the sun
and in the morning
We will remember them.

The Command
When you go home tell them of us and say,
"For your tomorrow we gave our today."

The Hon., Barry Bingham
Victoria Cross RN
Bangor Co Down.
Picture "Spectator"
17th March 2005 Captain HMS Nestor
Battle of Jutland
1916

Commander Barry Bingham was only 34 when he commanded HMS Nestor at the battle of Jutland. He was awarded the Victoria Cross for his role in the battle. It was proposed in North Down Council that he should be honoured with a permanent memorial. Details of progress will follow in future revisions of this page.

Able Seaman
James J. Magennis RN
Diver XE-3
Miniature Submarine Victoria Cross.
For action
Singapore Harbour
31st July 1945

Acting Leading Seaman James Joseph Magennis received the Victoria Cross from King George VI on December 5th, 1945. He was active in the Straights of Johor and attached limpet mines to the hull of the Japanese cruiser Takao. His midget submarine XE-3 was jammed under the cruiser and it required tremendous effort to attach the mines, severely hampered by faulty breathing apparatus but he succeeded in his objective.

Edmund de Wind
Victoria Cross 36th (Ulster) Division
Killed in Action
March 1918

(Paddy) Blair Mayne S.A.S
Distinguished Service Order with 3 Bars.
Croix de Guerre and Palm.
Legion D'Honneur
other Honours and Citations

Company Sergeant Major
ROBERT HANNA V.C.
29th Infantary Batallion, Canada.
Born August 1887 at Aughnahoory, Co Down in the Mourne Mountains.
He lead an assault on "Hill 70", Lens, France, 21st August 1917, taking command after all officers were killed. There were 9,000 casualties sustained before taking the hill from the Germans. Presented with the Victoria Cross by King George at Buckingham Palace on 5th December 1917. He returned to Kilkeel then home to Canada. He passed away 15th June 1967.
Update 16th May 2006 Source The Ulster - Scots Agency. Believed to be the Great/Grand Uncle of the author of this page.

USEFUL LINKS

A new list compiled from many sources, this represents the most definitive list available.
IRISH VICTORIA CROSS RECIPIENTS

Bonjour Adrian,
I would like to put your website address (Comber) on our Website, is this okay?
Perhaps you would like to reciprocate with ours?
I look forward to hearing from you.
Val
Secretary & Webmaster RBL Brittany
Email: SecretaryRBLBrittany@wanadoo.fr
Tel: 02 97 39 75 44
Website: LEGION IN BRITTANY

Monthly Newsletter of the Market Harborough Branch,
An Interesting Page

For those of you that enjoy Service poetry this is the best source on the web.
Poetry from within. The Forces Poetry website has been created for you, anyone. Whether you are or were a member of the armed forces anywhere, a relative or you just want to express yourself then this is where to do it.
FORCES POETRY

To the Dundry Royal British Legion Web site
Memorial Hall, 106 Dundry Lane, Nr Bristol, BS41 8JE
DUNDRY RBL

The Royal British Legion San Francisco, California, U.S.A.
Advice and help for British military veterans, and their families. A very interesting and useful site.
SAN FRANCISCO RBL

If you click on the words Great War Website it will take you to a collection of the best tunes from WWI and II.I am thankful to www.greatwar.nl for permitting download of the Last Post. The bugler is Neville Young.
"TO THE GREAT WAR WEBSITE"

COMBER ONLINE A Web Site dedicated to local News and events.

HOSTING by WWW.SIXGOLDS.COM
TO MAIN INDEX

Graphics © Sixgolds.com / Royal British Legion.
With thanks to the following:-
Edmund de Wind VC from the book "A taste of Comber" by Len Ball & Desmond Rainey ISBN 1 870132 06 8
A book about Comber The town and its history, The White Row Press.
A good read for those interested in local history.
(Paddy) Blair Mayne ©: Mayne Family
James J. Magennis RN ©: RNA Belfast.
Note:- The Official Headquarters documentation of the Original U.V.F. which includes personnel lists, promotions, dismissals, intelligence, and training schedules from 1911 onwards is undergoing conservation. It includes lists of Officers and Men who were "Called to the Colours" and served with the 36th (Ulster) Division and other units during WW1. Inquiries to adrian@sixgolds.com

The Patience Strong Poem
They have passed beyond the stress and storm of mortal strife -
through the gateways of the Morning to a wider life ...
Mourn not their departing. Question not God's ways and means,
Their hands are set to higher tasks midst fair and lovelier scenes.
Great has been their sacrifice - crusading for the Truth - Joy
and glory of their manhood, love and life and youth ... Asking
only this of us - that we with faith and pride - remember in the
after years the things for which they died.

VIOLETTE
This is the poem Violette used to encypher her messages and has become
famous through the film... "Carve her name with pride."
YOURS The life that I have is all that I have And the life that I have, Is yours. The love that I have, of the life that I have, is yours And yours And yours. A sleep I shall have, A rest I shall have, Yet death will be but a pause. For the peace of my years in the long green grass, Shall be yours And yours And yours.

ORDER of SERVICE
The personnel marching in the parade gather in St Mary's Car Park at approximately 10.15 am, it is best if you attend before this time as there is a lot of organising to do by the Parade Commander and to collect your wreath..

The parade is assembled in the reverse order in which the wreaths will be laid. Private Representatives, Civil Organisations The Armed Services and finally the Royal British Legion Comber. Once the parade is correctly ordered it is called to attention, on command, marches in the direction as indicated by the red arrows.

As the parade area is small, mark time until the bearers for Comber R.B.L. are in position, then parade "Halt" is called, followed by "About Turn". This procedure leaves the parade in the correct order for wreath laying.

The order of wreath laying generally follows that at the Cenotaph, Whitehall but may vary slightly to suit local needs. This will be printed in the "Order of Service" sheets distributed prior to the start of the ceremony. The best place for the public to view the proceedings is to take a position at the North West corner of the Garden of Remembrance and makes it easy for you to place your crosses and other momentos.
The Order of Service will vary a little each year:-

Welcome Major S. W. Lindsay UD.

Call to Worship Rev.Prof. R.A.B. Mollan F.R.C.S.

Prayer and Lord's Prayer Very Rev J.Gunn P.P.

Reading Rev. Cannon. J.P.O. Barry M.A., PhD

HYMN O God our help in ages past. St Anne

Reading Rev. R.Mackay B.A. B.D.

Prayer of Intercession Rev. J. Alderdice B.A., B.D.

Statement of Remembrance Rev. W. Gordon B.A., B.D.PhD.

WREATH LAYING

Exhortation Lt. Col. A. Montgomery.

LAST POST

TWO MINUTE SILENCE

REVEILLE

The Command Lt. Col. A. Montgomery.

NATIONAL ANTHEM

Benediction Rev. I. Gilpin B.A., B.D.

Wreaths were laid by the following organisations:-
The Royal British Legion, Comber Branch.
The Royal Navy.
The Royal Irish Regiment Conspicuous Gallantry Cross.
The Royal Air Force.
The Merchant Navy.
The Regimental Association of the Ulster Defence Regiment Conspicuous Gallantry Cross.
The Regimental Association of the Royal Irish Regiment Gallantry Cross.
The Royal Ulster Constabulary, George Cross.
The Western Front Association.
Newtownards Borough Council.
The Police Service for Northern Ireland.
The Royal Ulster Constabulary, George Cross Association.
The Royal Ulster Constabulary, George Cross, Widow's Association.
The families of Comber and District men killed on duty.
The Northern Ireland Fire Service, Comber.
The Northern Ireland Prison Service.
The Army Cadets.
The St., John Ambulance Brigade.
1st Comber Boys' Brigade.
2nd Comber Boys' Brigade.
1st Comber Scout Troop.
1st Comber Girl Guide Company.
1st Comber Girls' Brigade.
2nd Comber Girls' Brigade.
The Rotary Club of Comber.
Comber Community Development Association.
The British Institute of Funeral Directors.
Mr Tom and Maureen McParland. (Private) Lt. Col. Blair Mayne D.S.O. & Bars
Members of the Public may place crosses in the Garden of Remembrance at the foot of the War Memorial when called forward by the Parade Commander.

British Military Operations
1945 to 2005
Including Humanitarian activities. British land, sea and air forces have given valuable service in many places round the World. Some of the jobs they have undertaken, even in peacetime are challenging in the extreme. They come to pick the broken pieces of humanity after disasters and try to restore something approaching normality to the victims. Over 12,000 have been killed or injured doing these duties. They serve us, they are the ambassadors of our nation, and we should do all that we can to support them.
"Vivimus ut serviamus"

1945-48 Palestine Disturbances
1945-Present, West Germany/Unified Germany
1946-47 Egyptian Riots
1946-48 Indian Riots
1948-49 Berlin Airlift
1948-60 Malaya Emergency
1950-53 Korean War
1952-60 Kenya
1955-59 Cyprus
1956-Suez Military Intervention
1963-65 Brunei Emergency
1964-67 Aden and Radfan
1966-Zambian oil lift (Rhodesian embargo)
1967- Hong Kong "Red Guards" Riots
1967-Belize (Earthquake)
1968-Bermuda Riot dispersal
1968-69 Antigua Civil unrest
1968-UK (Torre Canyon disaster)
1969-present Northern Ireland
1969-1976 Dhofar (Oman)
1969 Turkey (Earthquake)
1970 Romania (Flooding)
1971-Pakistan Refugee evacuation
1971-Pakistan (Famine)
1972-UK (Scottish Islands food supplies)
1972 Nicaragua (Earthquake)
1973-Egypt UN Peacekeeping support
1974-Cyprus Evacuation of Nationals
1974-present Cyprus (United Nations)
1978-Lebanon UN (supporting Fijian troops)
1979-Iran Evacuation of civilians
1979-80- Rhodesia Disarming fighting factions
1980-New Hebrides Civil unrest
1982-The Falkland Islands Conflict
1983-Lebanon, Peacekeeping
1983-Aden, Evacuation of British Nationals
(civil war)
1973-Nepal (Food and relief supplies)
1973-Algeria (Flooding)

1973-Cambodia (Food relief)
1973 Pakistan (Flooding)
1973-Senegal (Food)
1974-75 Australia (Cyclone)
1975 Angola (evacuation)
1976 Turkey (Earthquake)
1978 UK (Amoco Cadiz)
1979 Jamaica (Flooding)
1984-85 Ethiopia (Famine)
1987-88 Gulf,Mine sweeping / clearance
1989 Monserrat (Hurricane)
1991-present The Gulf War and "No Fly-Zones"
1991-Kurdistan, Kurdish "safe areas"
1991-2001-N. Iraq Northern "No fly" Zone
1991-2001-S. Iraq Southern "No fly" Zone
1992-present Bosnia
1992-2001Bosnia, UN Peacekeeping (post civil war)
1993 Guatemala (Refugees)
1994 Rwanda (Medical supplies)
1994-Yemen, Evacuation of various embassy staffs
1995 Monserrat/Antigua (Volcano)
1995 Somalia (Relief supplies)
1995-Angola, Peacekeeping (post civil war)
1996-Rwanda Support for mass grave locating
1997-Congo, Evacuation British nationals (civil unrest)
1998-Congo, Evacuation British nationals (civil war)
1999-Kosovo, NATO Peacekeeping (post civil war)
1999-East Timor,UN Peacekeeping (civil unrest)
2000-present Sierra Leone Peacekeeping
2000-Mozambique (Flooding)
2001-Macedonia 2001 Disarming fighting factions
2001-Afghanistan Stabilisation Force
2001-India (Earthquake)
2001-Afghanistan (Food Aid)
2003- Remove Saddam Hussein's regime in Iraq
2003- Stabilisation duties in the Congo
2003-Cote d'Ivorie, Evacuation of British nationals
2005-Op Garron Aid relief flights, "The Tsunami "
2005-Op Incirlik Aid relief flights, Pakistan earthquake

My thanks to UNITED KINGDOM MOBILE AIR MOVEMENTS SQUADRON
(UKMAMS) Website for this information.
http://www.ukmams.co.uk/History.htm

SixGolds INTER-SUBJECT NAVIGATION MENU 2008

SIXGOLDS MAIN INDEX ROYAL BRITISH LEGION St MARY'S CHURCH HISTORY St MARY'S WALKING GROUP

IRISH VC RECIPIENTS WINE MAKING KITES and RADIO ABOUT GI0SMU

ABOUT SIXGOLDS RAOB SHARJAH Reserved Reserved

Welcome	Major S. W. Lindsay UD.
Call to Worship	Rev.Prof. R.A.B. Mollan F.R.C.S.
Prayer and Lord's Prayer	Very Rev J.Gunn P.P.
Reading	Rev. Cannon. J.P.O. Barry M.A., PhD
HYMN	O God our help in ages past. St Anne
Reading	Rev. R.Mackay B.A. B.D.
Prayer of Intercession	Rev. J. Alderdice B.A., B.D.
Statement of Remembrance	Rev. W. Gordon B.A., B.D.PhD.
WREATH LAYING
Exhortation	Lt. Col. A. Montgomery.
LAST POST
TWO MINUTE SILENCE
REVEILLE
The Command	Lt. Col. A. Montgomery.
NATIONAL ANTHEM
Benediction	Rev. I. Gilpin B.A., B.D.

British Military Operations 1945 to 2005 Including Humanitarian activities. British land, sea and air forces have given valuable service in many places round the World. Some of the jobs they have undertaken, even in peacetime are challenging in the extreme. They come to pick the broken pieces of humanity after disasters and try to restore something approaching normality to the victims. Over 12,000 have been killed or injured doing these duties. They serve us, they are the ambassadors of our nation, and we should do all that we can to support them. "Vivimus ut serviamus"
1945-48 Palestine Disturbances 1945-Present, West Germany/Unified Germany 1946-47 Egyptian Riots 1946-48 Indian Riots 1948-49 Berlin Airlift 1948-60 Malaya Emergency 1950-53 Korean War 1952-60 Kenya 1955-59 Cyprus 1956-Suez Military Intervention 1963-65 Brunei Emergency 1964-67 Aden and Radfan 1966-Zambian oil lift (Rhodesian embargo) 1967- Hong Kong "Red Guards" Riots 1967-Belize (Earthquake) 1968-Bermuda Riot dispersal 1968-69 Antigua Civil unrest 1968-UK (Torre Canyon disaster) 1969-present Northern Ireland 1969-1976 Dhofar (Oman) 1969 Turkey (Earthquake) 1970 Romania (Flooding) 1971-Pakistan Refugee evacuation 1971-Pakistan (Famine) 1972-UK (Scottish Islands food supplies) 1972 Nicaragua (Earthquake) 1973-Egypt UN Peacekeeping support 1974-Cyprus Evacuation of Nationals 1974-present Cyprus (United Nations) 1978-Lebanon UN (supporting Fijian troops) 1979-Iran Evacuation of civilians 1979-80- Rhodesia Disarming fighting factions 1980-New Hebrides Civil unrest 1982-The Falkland Islands Conflict 1983-Lebanon, Peacekeeping 1983-Aden, Evacuation of British Nationals (civil war) 1973-Nepal (Food and relief supplies) 1973-Algeria (Flooding)	1973-Cambodia (Food relief) 1973 Pakistan (Flooding) 1973-Senegal (Food) 1974-75 Australia (Cyclone) 1975 Angola (evacuation) 1976 Turkey (Earthquake) 1978 UK (Amoco Cadiz) 1979 Jamaica (Flooding) 1984-85 Ethiopia (Famine) 1987-88 Gulf,Mine sweeping / clearance 1989 Monserrat (Hurricane) 1991-present The Gulf War and "No Fly-Zones" 1991-Kurdistan, Kurdish "safe areas" 1991-2001-N. Iraq Northern "No fly" Zone 1991-2001-S. Iraq Southern "No fly" Zone 1992-present Bosnia 1992-2001Bosnia, UN Peacekeeping (post civil war) 1993 Guatemala (Refugees) 1994 Rwanda (Medical supplies) 1994-Yemen, Evacuation of various embassy staffs 1995 Monserrat/Antigua (Volcano) 1995 Somalia (Relief supplies) 1995-Angola, Peacekeeping (post civil war) 1996-Rwanda Support for mass grave locating 1997-Congo, Evacuation British nationals (civil unrest) 1998-Congo, Evacuation British nationals (civil war) 1999-Kosovo, NATO Peacekeeping (post civil war) 1999-East Timor,UN Peacekeeping (civil unrest) 2000-present Sierra Leone Peacekeeping 2000-Mozambique (Flooding) 2001-Macedonia 2001 Disarming fighting factions 2001-Afghanistan Stabilisation Force 2001-India (Earthquake) 2001-Afghanistan (Food Aid) 2003- Remove Saddam Hussein's regime in Iraq 2003- Stabilisation duties in the Congo 2003-Cote d'Ivorie, Evacuation of British nationals 2005-Op Garron Aid relief flights, "The Tsunami " 2005-Op Incirlik Aid relief flights, Pakistan earthquake
My thanks to UNITED KINGDOM MOBILE AIR MOVEMENTS SQUADRON (UKMAMS) Website for this information. http://www.ukmams.co.uk/History.htm

SixGolds INTER-SUBJECT NAVIGATION MENU 2008
SIXGOLDS MAIN INDEX	ROYAL BRITISH LEGION	St MARY'S CHURCH HISTORY	St MARY'S WALKING GROUP
IRISH VC RECIPIENTS	WINE MAKING	KITES and RADIO	ABOUT GI0SMU
ABOUT SIXGOLDS	RAOB SHARJAH	Reserved	Reserved