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1 July 2020
RHQ FUSILIERS, HM Tower of London, EC3N 4AB ❖ 020 3166 6909 ❖ www.thefusiliers.org
Contents – 1 July 2020
➢ Fusilier promotions to Brigadier................................ 2
➢ 5 FUSILIERS update from Op TOSCA ........................ 2
➢ 5 FUSILIERS – an Op TOSCA viewpoint ..................... 4
➢ The FUSILIERS website – a source of information ........ 5
➢ FUSILIERS support Harry’s Giant Pledge .................... 6
➢ New Veterans News & Communications Hub ............... 7
➢ People and Places .................................................. 9
➢ Notices ............................................................... 11
➢ How to contribute ................................................. 17
➢ Editorial policies ................................................... 17
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Fusilier promotions to Brigadier
The Col of the Regt and all the Fusilier Family congratulate the following on their
promotion to Brigadier:
• Col J Taylor MBE, late FUSILIERS,who will take over from Brig Mike Butterwick
CBE as Commander Initial Training Group in September 2021.
• Col M Cornwell OBE, late FUSILIERS and PWRR, who will take over from Brig J
Butterfill OBE MC as Commander 12th Armoured Infantry Brigade in August 2021.
5 FUSILIERS update from Op TOSCA
The Battlegroup (BG) arrived in Nicosia
to find it like a ghost town with
absolutely no traffic and the streets
completely deserted as the island was
under Coronavirus lockdown.
5 FUSILIERS are spread throughout the
BG: there are two signallers with the Joint
Operations Centre at the UN Protected Area
(UNPA), along with Sgt Bage providing
medical support. CSgt Hyman and Cpl Owens are both in the TOSCA Regimental
Adventure Training Team (TRATT) delivering adventure training to the BG.
A small number of Fusiliers, including the RQMS, are in Support Company which
provides the logistic and administrative support for the Battlegroup, including QM’s
Dept, RAO, MT, catering, medical and engineering support, all under WO2 (CSM)
Ringer.
The vast majority of the Fusiliers deployed on OP TOSCA form the 102-strong
Operations Company, which is based in Wolseley Barracks in the centre of Nicosia. The
situation on the Green Line is highly complex and Ops Coy have found itself a lot busier
than anticipated. Ops Coy are responsible for security of the UN Buffer Zone (BZ) in
Sector 2. This entails ensuring that the opposing forces (OPFOR) adhere to the 1989
agreement and do not construct or reinforce defences, overman positions, use
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prohibited weapons or trespass into the BZ, in order to reassure the civilian populations
of the Republic of Cyprus and the ‘Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus’ (TRNC).
The sector is split into 3 Areas of Operations (AOs); the west and east AOs are largely
rural and patrolled by 1 and 3 Platoons respectively. The Centre AO, patrolled by 2
Platoon, runs through the centre of Nicosia. The BZ it at its narrowest here with OPFOR
only metres apart in places.
In addition to patrolling, Ops Coy provide the guard force for the barracks and also the
Quick Reaction Force who, during the summer, are largely utilised to coordinate fire-
fighting and cordon areas.
Despite being part of a RIFLES Battlegroup, Ops Coy have still kept the Hackle flying
(figuratively; we all wear the blue UN berets), celebrating St George’s Day and Gallipoli
Day in April (socially distanced, of course).
Op TOSCA 32 is definitely different to what we had expected. Due to Coronavirus, the
Battlegroup wasn’t permitted to walk out and was restricted to Wolseley Barracks and
the BZ, AT was delayed and R&R cancelled. Fortunately, the soldiers have shown great
understanding, haven’t complained about it, and just cracked on with the job.
As from 8 June we have been allowed to walk out and experience some of the Cypriot
culture. Unfortunately, the border crossings are currently all closed to normal traffic,
so we can’t access the ‘TRNC’, though that is expected to change soon and hopefully
we’ll be able to sample the hospitality on the north of the island.
Overall, the Company are doing an outstanding job in a complex environment under
unusual circumstances. The professionalism, industriousness and attention to detail
demonstrated across the company has led to a great number of successes, and Sector
2 has been singled out by the UNFICYP Force Commander for their excellent work and
as an example to the other sectors. We just need to ensure that we can maintain it for
another 3 months and set the conditions for 6 RIFLES who RIP in September before we
can look to heading back to the UK.
Major John Marcon, OC Ops Company
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5 FUSILIERS – an Op TOSCA viewpoint
LCpl Jemma Couchman of 5 FUSILIERS on Op TOSCA talks about the power of communication, enabling her to do her job to a high standard. Cyprus is an island rich in history,
fascinating but also tragic. Now that I
have been working here in Nicosia for
almost two months, I am ever more
aware of the importance of the past and
of what has happened here. This is
because, as one of the signallers in Sector 2, it is my job to pick-up, monitor, and pass
on information about what is happening in our part of the Buffer Zone, activities that
are often shaped by different memories and understandings of the past, which make
the present before my very eyes.
My days are long. I work alternate twelve-hour shifts in our Tactical Operations Centre
(TOC), with one ear pinned to the radio and both eyes darting between multiple
screens, watching our many CCTV feeds. I have to stay alert constantly, keep a clear
and accurate signals log and I need to watch everything unfolding on the screens in
front of me.
It is a role with a lot of responsibility. As well as my monitoring duties, the patrols
require clear direction to be passed down to them in a calm, collected manner. When
we were dealing with a recent fire, for example, and all the risks that entailed, I was
able to ensure that heads were kept cool, that no unnecessary risks were taken, and
that our efforts to bring the fire engine to the site went smoothly.
As a British soldier, I am proud to keep the peace with the UN. I actually transferred
into 5 FUSILIERS, so that I could come on this tour. My brother made me immensely
proud by serving with the British Army in Afghanistan, and part of me always wanted to
follow his example of serving overseas. Peacekeeping, by bringing people from around
the world together, united in a common cause, helps to build international
understanding and cooperation. I think that the wealth and variety of experience that
the British Army possesses means that we can offer a lot, but I also believe that we can
learn a lot too.
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My experience on Cyprus thus far has of course not escaped the impact of COVID-
19. Our lives in camp have had to conform to the need to reduce interpersonal contact
as much as possible. We have also remained in barracks and only ventured out for
operational reasons. This has helped to bring what is a mixed battlegroup closely
together. Most of us are actually British Army Reservists, meaning that we have a
civilian job that we have put on hold for the duration of the tour, and come from a
great diversity of backgrounds. One of the things I’ve enjoyed most is the chance to
get to know new people, and to help forge a hard-working, but positive team.
I nonetheless look forward to venturing out and to seeing more of this truly beautiful
island. With my eyes fixed on the Buffer Zone, I see the scars of conflict every
day. But I hope that the work I am doing here, alongside all other peacekeepers on
Cyprus, will one day contribute to building the kind of carefree peace that many
tourists from my country come to Cyprus every year to enjoy, only a few miles away
from a conflict-zone frozen in time.
The FUSILIERS website – a source of information
The Regimental website
www.thefusiliers.org contains a
wealth of information.
For example, on the website you can find:
• The monthly Newsletter
• The Regimental Strategy
• Welfare and Fusilier Aid Society
material
• Fusilier Association and resettlement advice
• Information on our four Museums
• The Regimental Handbook
• Regimental History and Days
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If you need information on almost any aspect of the Regiment – have a look at
www.thefusiliers.org
FUSILIERS support Harry’s Giant Pledge
The Worshipful Company of Cordwainers “do good and
have” and they have been raising money for Harry’s Giant
Pledge for the Royal Marsden Cancer Charity.
Their major fundraising event of the year, the ‘Cordwainers March
for Harry’, was due to take place at Fulham Palace on Sunday
14 June. With the COVID 19 restrictions in place, the Cordwainers
decided instead to organise a a socially-distanced “Cordwainers
March” where people lived.
The new March was to walk the same distance of 3 or 10 miles in
the local area, park or even garden, sponsored by family and friends for the distance
covered.
Harry’s Giant Pledge was set up in 2019 by Cordwainer James Shaw and his wife,
following the diagnosis of their young son, Harry, with Ewing’s Sarcoma, a rare bone
cancer. Sadly, five-year-old Harry died in June 2019. Harry’s Giant Pledge will fund
pioneering research into a new treatment approach for children with sarcoma
cancers. Monies raised will help to fund a Royal Marsden research team and help the
Harrys of the future.
The FUSILIERS were quick to show their support with donations and runs and walks.
Three examples (in order of exertion) were:
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1. Col of the Regt doing a 10 mile run
2. 1 FUSILIERS Rear Operations Group doing a RAPTC-arranged shuttle run
3. The Regt Sec taking his dog for a walk
New Veterans News & Communications Hub
On 11 June 2020, a new on-line platform on GOV.UK was launched to inform all
veterans with news about current initiatives and services that support for the
Veteran community.
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The page aims to boost a positive Veterans narrative and promote collaborative and
coordinated communications across the Charity, Government, and commercial
sectors.
Follow the link to view the new hub
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/veterans-news-and-communications-hub
The schematic below is taken from the new hub.
It also links into Veterans Factsheets that details key facts and data about military
veterans in the UK, focusing on:
• Employment
• Health
• Housing
• The Justice system
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These Veterans Factsheets can be found at the link:
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/veterans-factsheet-2020
People and Places
Fusilier Association (Warwickshire) on Normandy Day
Col Bob Carrurthers, Chairman, with CSgt Bert
Page who joined the Royal Warwickshire
Regiment on 6 June 1956.
Bert remembers a welcome gift of a pack of 5
Woodbines and a couple of beers that day. (For
the younger readers, Woodbines were a cigarette
brand, cheap and of low quality...as always, no
expense spared by the Army.)
In January 1941 the 70th (Young
Soldiers) Battalion was raised, mainly from
the Pheasey Estate in North Birmingham.
Within a couple of months they had recruited
500 young soldiers and was later regarded as
the best Young Soldiers Battalion in 47
Division. Many subsequently joined the 8th
(Midland Counties) Parachute Regiment and
some would have been in Normandy in 1944.
Col Bob Carruthers and CSgt Bert Page are
standing in front of six trees in their memory at the National Memorial Arboretum.
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Northumbria ACF Cadet on Normandy Day
On Normandy Day, Northumbria Cadet Logan Leiper laid a
Poppy Cross at the beach in a solo tribute to mark the
commemoration of D-Day. Due to COVID19, Nortumbria
ACF’s plans for a full commemoration had to be cancelled
but Logan was determined that he would pay his respects,
regardless. Good man...
Farewell to CSgt Ian Bounds of 5 RRF (V)
CSgt Ian Bounds, who recently died
from Covid 19, served for 21 years with the
Regiment, most of which in B Coy 5th
(Warwickshire) Bn (V).
The Fusilier Association (Warwickshire) formed
a Guard of Honour for Ian’s funeral, with Col
Bob Carruthers reading a prayer especially
written for Ian by Rev Keith Punshon.
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Notices
Support for Fusiliers during the COVID 19 Epidemic
COVID19, and the actions to reduce its spread and
impact, are continuing to cause widespread global
disruption and uncertainty. With both Battalions
on operational tours overseas, additional
measures are being put in place to best to support
the families (and extended families) that remain
behind.
We are aware that a number of our Fusilier
community will be, and feel, very vulnerable
during these unprecedented times. RHQ FUSILIERS has also received a number of
offers of help from our community. Without being prescriptive, it is incumbent on all
members of the community to look out for others - family, friends, colleagues and
neighbours, to identify vulnerable and isolated people, and people that may require
help, and do what they can to assist safely, including signposting them to relevant
organisations, both locally and nationally.
Many Fusiliers will know of elderly, infirm or vulnerable people in their immediate
location, regardless of whether they are military veterans. We encourage all Fusiliers to
do what they can to support them, either in person if safe to do so, or remotely via
whatever means is available.
For all UK Veterans in hardship and need, the Soldiers, Sailors and Air Force Association
(SSAFA) and the Royal British Legion (RBL) are operating as near normal as possible.
These organisations have robust procedures in place to handle urgent and immediate
cases and provide the correct level of assistance.
• SSAFA https://www.ssafa.org.uk/
Telephone 0800 731 4880
• RBL https://www.britishlegion.org.uk/get-support/
Telephone 0808 802 8080
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These organisations are resourced and prepared to operate on a 24-hour basis and
remain the first point of call for all assistance requests. Requests for assistance to
SSAFA and RBL will now not involve a face-to-face or home visit while the current
emergency measures are in place. However, the casework that all charities need in
order to make a decision can still be completed remotely.
General and welfare support for all UK Veterans is available from the UK Veterans
Service and they can be contacted between 0800hrs and 1600hrs.
• VETERANS UK: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/veterans-uk-contact-us…
Telephone: 0808 1914 218
When the helpline is closed / limited due to COVID-19 restrictions, callers in need of
immediate emotional support will be given the option to be routed to The Samaritans
24 hour helpline.
• The Samaritans: https://www.samaritans.org/how-we-can-he…/contact-
samaritan/ 24 hour helpline.
Telephone: 116 123
RHQ FUSILIERS, operating remotely, will try to coordinate non-urgent assistance
using the Fusiliers Association network. Please contact us at:
Email: [email protected]
Telephone: 0203 166 6909. RHQ remains staffed (at the moment) 0930-
1400hrs Monday to Friday.
The Fusiliers Aid Society (FAS) for serving and former members of the Royal Regiment
of Fusiliers and their antecedent Regiments is operating normally. The FAS staff are
working from home and aim to provide an as near normal service as possible.
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Fusiliers Direct – Product of the Month
Opportunity for Hertfordshire Veterans to have their say about access to
Healthcare
As members of the Hertfordshire Armed Forces Covenant Board, promoted locally as
Hertfordshire Heroes, we are launching a survey to better understand the healthcare
needs and priorities of veterans in Hertfordshire.
The Board brings together business, military organisations, charities, the NHS and local
authorities in a shared commitment, part of which is to ensure that no veteran faces a
disadvantage when accessing public services.
Although it is not a garrisoned county, ONS data estimates that there are 36,000
veterans living in Hertfordshire. However, as in other parts of the country, there is
relatively little data on specific issues or priorities of the Armed Forces community.
Finding out more about veterans and their experience is vital for our work to ensure the
Armed Forces community face no disadvantage in accessing services.
To find out more, watch this video from the Hertfordshire Armed Forces Covenant
Board’s Chairman, Cllr Terry Douris.
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The Veteran Healthcare Access survey, which is funded by Hertfordshire Public Health
and conducted by Healthwatch Hertfordshire, will be available on the Healthwatch
Hertfordshire website until the 27th of September 2020.
If you are someone who has served in the Armed Forces and is accessing health
services in Hertfordshire, we would like to hear from you. Please share your views and
experiences by following this link: www.hertfordshireheroes.org/veteranhealthsurvey
If you would like more information about this project, or would like to request the
survey in a different format, please contact Annabel on 01707 275978 or
A new Book from Howard Lycett – “Phoenix Dragon”
Howard Lycett, former 2 FUSILIERS has not been wasting his time during lock down.
He has just published his second book on Amazon.
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Phoenix-Dragon-Howard-Lycett-
ebook/dp/B089KGTS73/ref=tmm_kin_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=&sr=
This time, it is about a fictional operation in South Armagh.
All events below are subject to change or cancellation, depending on the
COVID 19 restrictions in place at the time. Watch out for RHQ FUSILIERS
announcements.
Fusilier Association (London) – Branch events in 2020
The four London Area Branches have made use of the facilities at RHQ having their
reunions and annual dinners in the Mess. Maj McCarthy, RHQ (S) Secretary will always
try to prioritise the Association branches that are wishing to book the room. It is a
special venue and one that we know you are proud where to host guests. The current
Branch events for 2020 are:
9 October 1RF & RRF Branch reunion
16 October City of London RF/RRF Branch reunion
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4 December City of London RF/RRF Branch reunion
11 December 1RF & RRF Branch reunion
The Association 1st Battle of the Marne Pilgrimage – Sep
Despite ever ongoing uncertainty about travelling outside the UK and health concerns
of some attendees, the annual trip to the Champagne region of France is still on at time
of writing. Numbers have reduced but a hardcore of determined Fusiliers still wish to
remember the sacrifices of our former comrades in the BEF in 1914. Dates are 10th to
14th September 2020. A few hurdles yet to overcome but the outlook is hopeful.
Richard Adams.
Central Branch Annual Dinner – 10 Oct
Remembrance At the Village Hotel, Coventry. Details to follow, but for those
interested, please put the date in the diary.
2020 Whitehall – Nov
Once again, the Fusiliers will be attending the RBL Remembrance Parade in London in
November. Our application to attend as the Royal Regiment of Fusiliers has been
successful and we have asked for 60 places. RBL will tell us on the 29 June how many
places they have given us.
As at 18 April, we have 41 names who want to attend. If others wish to attend, please
email Steve Fitt, Secretary Fusilier Association (Lancashire), at:
Please note that if you are not 100% sure about attending, please do not apply. In
previous years, no-shows have meant places have been lost which could have gone to
others. An accompanying carer counts as one place.
The critical dates are:
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• 17 August - Deadline for associations to complete individual participant
information.
• September & October - Tickets and Joining Instructions sent to associations for
forwarding to individuals.
The Fusiliers Association Northern Ireland Branch, St Georges Day reunion –
April 2021
This reunion will be held over the weekend of 23 - 25 April 2021, and will be the
40th anniversary of the handover / takeover between the 2nd and 3rd battalions. The
event is open to all Fusiliers and attached support arms. The details are below:
Tickets
Tickets are £30 each. The cost for attending and not having a meal will be £15
each. Please note we have had to limit the number for the dinner, so please
book early. If you would like more information please email any of the below:
Roger Marston [email protected]
Paul Manuel [email protected]
Craig Hepburn [email protected]
Programme
• Fri 23 Apr – meet for drinks at the ex-Servicemen’s Club at 2000
• Sat 24 Apr – A trip to visit the Palace Barracks Memorial Garden. We need to
advance information of who is attending and will use a single coach for ease
of entry.
• Sat 24 Apr – St Georges Dinner
Starter Traditional Vegetable Broth
Main Turkey & Ham with Chipolata, Sage & Onion Stuffing & Chef’s
Gravy. Served with Seasonal Vegetables & Potatoes.
Dessert Trio of Mini Desserts
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Tea or Coffee
Includes half bottle of wine per person.
Please inform us as soon as possible of any Vegetarian requirements.
The evening will begin at 1900. Dinner is 2000, the bar will be open until
0100.
Dress: dinner suits, lounge suits, blazers, medals. Dress for women is
evening / cocktail dress.
• Sun 25 Apr – sights of Northern Ireland at your leisure
Accommodation
None reserved but there is an abundance of local B&Bs to fit all budgets that can
be found on Trip advisor. A typical cost is £90.
How to contribute
Contributions are welcome from anywhere in the Fusilier Family. Articles should
be no more than 150 words, ideally with a good photo and caption. Get them to
[email protected] by the 25th of each month.
Archive copies are held in the Regiment’s Dropbox account.
Please note that the Editor and RHQ make every effort to ensure factual accuracy and
whilst we might edit articles for reasons of space, we do not censor them. Any
mistakes are purely accidental and no harm or slander is ever intended.
Editorial policies
Photos
The Editor accepts photographs for publication on the understanding that those
submitting them have, where required by data protection legislation, obtained consent
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to publication from those depicted. Anyone who believes this is not the case or has a
DPA related concern should contact the Editor.
Non Endorsement of products or services
The Newsletter is not a place for personal or classified adverts. However, on occasions,
we will publish details of former Fusiliers’ products or services for sale. We do this in
the spirit of family goodwill but our publication is not an endorsement or seal of
approval of the product or service in question. As always, caveat emptor – let the
buyer beware.
