REGISTERED CHARITY NUMBER 214015 RHQ Disclaimer. The Office of the Secretary of The Parachute Regimental Association is required to publish a disclaimer concerning any article or idea passed to branches by way of this letter. This letter provides a conduit between the branches to allow ideas, articles and topics to be viewed and discussed by the branches. Although these ideas, articles and topics appear in this newsletter it does not necessarily reflect the view of this office.

From the Secretary – Maj (Retd) PA Raison

THE PARACHUTE REGIMENTAL ASSOCIATION Patron: HIS ROYAL HIGHNESS THE PRINCE OF WALES, KG, KT, PC, GCB, AK, QSO, ADC

NEWSLETTER 1 October 2019

Please see below the monthly news from RHQ PARA. If you have anything you would like to promote in this, please send submissions by the 25th of each month to the Secretary at secretary@prahq.com Topics:

A. September 2019 Commemorations B. Arnhem 75 C. Arnhem 75 Commemoration Coin D. Arnhem Veterans Medal E. PRA Diaries F. Christmas Hampers 2019 G. Lothian Branch H. Welfare Process

Events I. Pass Out Parades J. Diary Dates

A. September 2019 Commemorations As you are all aware, September was packed with events across the country linked to the 75th Anniversary of Op MARKET GARDEN. The enthusiasm and determination by the various groups and organisations, to plan and conduct these events has been amazing and their efforts are to be commended. A number of new memorials have been commissioned and erected in various places, where any number of Airborne soldiers were based or departed from in preparation for Op MARKET GARDEN. These new memorials, together with the ones that already exist, will ensure that the legacy of Airborne Forces lives on long into the future. You are strongly recommended to explore these memorials if you get the opportunity. The story of why our Airborne colleagues were in each Town or Village is compelling and the sheer volume of the operation is only clear when you see how far and wide they were spread across the country. Well done to all those that were involved in bringing our Airborne Community closer together, in one of our greatest commemorative years to date. B. Arnhem 75 Many Branch members made the journey to the Netherlands in this special year to commemorate the 75th Anniversary of the Battle for Arnhem. Some had planned this for over two years and from what we saw during the commemoration period it was enjoyed by all. As always during the large commemorations, simply getting from A to B is the hardest part. Catching up with old friends you see in the crowd for a few seconds during the various events is a close second. Having seen some for a brief moment they were never to be seen again during the weekend. The level of support this historic event received from very senior members of the Armed Forces has been amazing. This has raised the profile of The Parachute Regiment and Airborne Forces, among the decision

REGISTERED CHARITY NUMBER 214015 RHQ Disclaimer. The Office of the Secretary of The Parachute Regimental Association is required to publish a disclaimer concerning any article or idea passed to branches by way of this letter. This letter provides a conduit between the branches to allow ideas, articles and topics to be viewed and discussed by the branches. Although these ideas, articles and topics appear in this newsletter it does not necessarily reflect the view of this office.

makers of our Armed Forces. It has also reinforced the position of Airborne Forces in the wider Army and esteem that our Airborne Soldiers are held in. There were so many events that took place and photographs that we do not have the space to show them. We will however try to create a gallery on the website and Facebook page for people to see. Here is a quick photo summary of some of the events that we supported. Thursday 19 September 2019

Handover of Arnhem Veterans Club Standard On Thursday 19 September 2019 the Arnhem Veterans Club handed over their Standard to the Hartenstein Museum. The club, formed after the end of the war pledged to close when less than 30 Arnhem veterans remained. Veterans will now be supported directly through RHQ PARA.

After a short introduction by Hiltje van Eck. Frank Ashleigh of the Glider Pilot Regiment (GPR) presented the Standard of the AVC to Sarah Heijse the curator of the Hartenstein Museum. The Hartenstein Museum has been through a long period of renovation and has now been restored from its former glory. if you did not manage to visit during the commemorative period, it is well worth the trip. The Arnhem Boys’ display at the rear of the museum will only be in place for a short period ‘Arnhem Boy’ John Jeffries

REGISTERED CHARITY NUMBER 214015 RHQ Disclaimer. The Office of the Secretary of The Parachute Regimental Association is required to publish a disclaimer concerning any article or idea passed to branches by way of this letter. This letter provides a conduit between the branches to allow ideas, articles and topics to be viewed and discussed by the branches. Although these ideas, articles and topics appear in this newsletter it does not necessarily reflect the view of this office.

Friday 20 September 2019 Stone of Friendship

On Friday the 20th of September 8 members of the Bolton Branch joined veterans, the Regtl Lt Col and members of the community at the stone of friendship at the Hartenstein Museum. It was a short service and the Regtl Lt Col laid flowers at the memorial located at the entrance to the Museum. Tom Beck represented Bolton PRA as Standard bearer and there was also an American contingent present. Airborne Monument Nassaustraat

An annual service of Remembrance was held on Friday 20 September 2019 at the Remember September 1944 Monument at Nassauplein, Arnhem. This marks the area where the South Staffs Regiment and 3 Para fought during the battle. It is also famous for being the area that Gen Urquhart hid from the Germans for 3 days. The house he hid in (No 14) can still be seen and has a plaque to remember him by. Veteran Sam Kendrick (Left) attended the service.

REGISTERED CHARITY NUMBER 214015 RHQ Disclaimer. The Office of the Secretary of The Parachute Regimental Association is required to publish a disclaimer concerning any article or idea passed to branches by way of this letter. This letter provides a conduit between the branches to allow ideas, articles and topics to be viewed and discussed by the branches. Although these ideas, articles and topics appear in this newsletter it does not necessarily reflect the view of this office.

Veterans and locals Regtl Lt Col lays a wreath With veteran Sam Kendrick Airborne Plein – Arnhem

Last Post

Standards march on

REGISTERED CHARITY NUMBER 214015 RHQ Disclaimer. The Office of the Secretary of The Parachute Regimental Association is required to publish a disclaimer concerning any article or idea passed to branches by way of this letter. This letter provides a conduit between the branches to allow ideas, articles and topics to be viewed and discussed by the branches. Although these ideas, articles and topics appear in this newsletter it does not necessarily reflect the view of this office.

Ginkel Heath, Ede

The service was led by Lt Col Andy Waring (Below), CO 4 PARA. Who spoke of the strong bond and friendship that had developed with the British and Dutch people. We were honoured to have the presence of the Colonel in Chief of The Parachute Regiment, HRH Prince Charles. He was accompanied by Princess Beatrix of the Netherlands, who represented the Dutch Royal Family (Top Left). Veteran Geoff Roberts (KOSB) laid a wreath with the Col Commandant, Lt Gen Sir John Lorimer (Bottom Left).

REGISTERED CHARITY NUMBER 214015 RHQ Disclaimer. The Office of the Secretary of The Parachute Regimental Association is required to publish a disclaimer concerning any article or idea passed to branches by way of this letter. This letter provides a conduit between the branches to allow ideas, articles and topics to be viewed and discussed by the branches. Although these ideas, articles and topics appear in this newsletter it does not necessarily reflect the view of this office.

CWGC Cemetery, Oosterbeek, Arnhem

Pegasus on parade with Pte Cochrane

The Director of Music (DOM) marches on the Band of The Parachute Regiment

REGISTERED CHARITY NUMBER 214015 RHQ Disclaimer. The Office of the Secretary of The Parachute Regimental Association is required to publish a disclaimer concerning any article or idea passed to branches by way of this letter. This letter provides a conduit between the branches to allow ideas, articles and topics to be viewed and discussed by the branches. Although these ideas, articles and topics appear in this newsletter it does not necessarily reflect the view of this office.

4 PARA Colour Party

Standards of The Royal British Legion enter the cemetery at Oosterbeek. On the right are the CO’s of all the Battalions of The Parachute Regiment.

REGISTERED CHARITY NUMBER 214015 RHQ Disclaimer. The Office of the Secretary of The Parachute Regimental Association is required to publish a disclaimer concerning any article or idea passed to branches by way of this letter. This letter provides a conduit between the branches to allow ideas, articles and topics to be viewed and discussed by the branches. Although these ideas, articles and topics appear in this newsletter it does not necessarily reflect the view of this office.

Standards of The Parachute Regimental Association march on.

The Col Comdt, Lt Gen Sir John Lorimer along with Chief of the General Staff (CGS), Gen Mark Carleton Smith. Gen Carlton Smith is a former 16 Air Assault Brigade Commander.

REGISTERED CHARITY NUMBER 214015 RHQ Disclaimer. The Office of the Secretary of The Parachute Regimental Association is required to publish a disclaimer concerning any article or idea passed to branches by way of this letter. This letter provides a conduit between the branches to allow ideas, articles and topics to be viewed and discussed by the branches. Although these ideas, articles and topics appear in this newsletter it does not necessarily reflect the view of this office.

Veteran Geoff Roberts lays a wreath assisted by the Regtl Adjt Maj Danny Leitch

The ‘Flower Children’ of Arnhem. Originals from 1945 returned for the 75th Commemorations

REGISTERED CHARITY NUMBER 214015 RHQ Disclaimer. The Office of the Secretary of The Parachute Regimental Association is required to publish a disclaimer concerning any article or idea passed to branches by way of this letter. This letter provides a conduit between the branches to allow ideas, articles and topics to be viewed and discussed by the branches. Although these ideas, articles and topics appear in this newsletter it does not necessarily reflect the view of this office.

The‘Flower Children’ of today continue the tradition C. Arnhem 75 Commemoration Coin

OPERATION MARKET GARDEN – 75th Anniversary September 2019

REGISTERED CHARITY NUMBER 214015 RHQ Disclaimer. The Office of the Secretary of The Parachute Regimental Association is required to publish a disclaimer concerning any article or idea passed to branches by way of this letter. This letter provides a conduit between the branches to allow ideas, articles and topics to be viewed and discussed by the branches. Although these ideas, articles and topics appear in this newsletter it does not necessarily reflect the view of this office.

This coin was commissioned by The Parachute Regimental Association (PRA) at RHQ PARA, from an original idea by Maj Curt Vines.

The cost is £10, with all proceeds going to the central fund of the PRA. Please note the top band on the image (in grey) will be engraved on the side of each coin (quite unique).

There are a small number of coins still available from RHQ PARA and anyone wishing to purchase one should email Julia on: admin@prahq.com or call on 01206 817077. D. Arnhem Veterans Medal The Airborne Commemoration Foundation (ACF) commissioned a coin as a token of remembrance, honour and gratitude towards the Arnhem veterans, on the occasion of the 75th commemorations of the Battle of Arnhem, September 1944. The colour of the ribbon depict all those involved in this commemoration: The Dutch citizens (red, white and blue), the Airborne troops from Great Britain (maroon), the Polish troops (grey) and the official Dutch decoration colours (blue and orange). The half oval in the medal depicts the Arnhem (John Frost) bridge, undersigned by the Airborne Pegasus emblem and the Polish parachute Eagle emblem. We are aware that there were a number of Arnhem veterans that were unable to travel and therefore we have arranged to collate the names of these veterans in order to present them with the medal in the UK. If any Branch of the Association, or individual, is aware of any Arnhem veterans in their area please let me know. Once we have the names I will pass them on to the ACF for any additional verification so that the medals can be issued. All names are to be sent to the Secretary on: secretary@prahq.com or by telephone on:01206 817073. E. PRA Diaries Please see details of PRA diaries for 2020 at the end of this newsletter. F. Christmas Hampers 2019 The Airborne Forces Security Fund (AFSF) has once again confirmed the provision of Christmas Hampers this year to the value of £85. They will be distributed to proven ex-Airborne soldiers and their dependents in need. They do not have to be members of the Parachute Regimental Association. The hamper comprises of 60 items delivered in a sturdy cardboard box anywhere in the UK with postage included in the price. In each box is a letter wishing the recipient 'Christmas Greeting from the Chairman, Trustees and staff of the Airborne Forces Security Fund'. Many of the recipients are widows or widowers living alone and the items have been chosen with the idea that several meals could be made up from the hamper contents. Each PRA branch is asked to give us the name of three recipients, however, this is not a hard and fast rule, so as to exclude anyone in need. Regional Secretaries have the option to nominate an additional three worthy and eligible named recipients. The AFSF also send hampers to our annuitants and those living in Stoll. In addition, we send cheques for £85 to those living in 'military' residential care on their behalf, for example, Scottish Veterans Homes, Queen Alexandra Hospital Home, Star and Garter Home and Erskine. We also send cheques to those living in non-military homes. Our Chelsea Pensioners receive a cheque for £25 as this is the stated limit set by The Royal Hospital. However, in order to make up the £85 they also receive a slightly reduced hamper. Attached to this newsletter are the covering letter and the application form, which must be filled in completely regardless of the method of delivery and returned to Mrs Gwen Appleton at the Airborne Forces Security Fund, RHQ PARA, Merville Barracks, Circular Road South, Colchester, CO2 7UT by Friday 13th December 2019. G. Lothian Branch The Lothian Branch are pictured below at a day out at The Royal British Legion (Scotland) Roslin Branch on The 31st August. The photo includes members of the Branch and others who help organise the Branch Clay Pigeon Shoot.

REGISTERED CHARITY NUMBER 214015 RHQ Disclaimer. The Office of the Secretary of The Parachute Regimental Association is required to publish a disclaimer concerning any article or idea passed to branches by way of this letter. This letter provides a conduit between the branches to allow ideas, articles and topics to be viewed and discussed by the branches. Although these ideas, articles and topics appear in this newsletter it does not necessarily reflect the view of this office.

H. Welfare Process The Regimental Welfare Team at RHQ is ready to help, at short notice anyone, who requires assistance. The system is very clear and available to assist any member of the Parachute Regiment or Airborne Forces in need. The process is designed to ensure transparency and provide an audit trail (unlike others) for any assistance given, which is a lawful requirement. The first part of the process must be initiated by a SSAFA or RBL caseworker. They will complete Form ‘A’ which is then submitted to the Regimental Welfare Team. They will then allocate funds from the Regimental Charities as required. The following numbers are very useful and should be used if you do not know your local SSAFA or RBL office number: SSAFA Helpline: 0800 731 4880 RBL Helpline: 0808 802 8080 Any individual or Branch that requires assistance from the Regimental Welfare Team can call them on: 01206 817102 (Laura) or 01206 817103 (Sue). All information shared is confidential. See the website for further details. EVENTS The events calendar on the website is being constantly updated. If you are organising an event in your area, please let us know so that we can promote the event on the website and Facebook page. I. Pass out Parades (POP) The scheduled Pass Out Parades for 2019/2020 are as follows: Please note that the Pass Out Parade of 806 Tamera Fri 13 Sep 19 has been cancelled. 807 Breville Fri 11 Oct 19 808 Bruneval Fri 29 Nov 19 809 Oudna Fri 14 Feb 20 810 Arnhem Fri 17 Apr 20 811 Normandy Fri 19 Jun 20 The parades take place at Helles Barracks, Catterick. The support that members of the Association give to our recruits is outstanding. Please ensure that you make contact with ITC Catterick CSM at:

REGISTERED CHARITY NUMBER 214015 RHQ Disclaimer. The Office of the Secretary of The Parachute Regimental Association is required to publish a disclaimer concerning any article or idea passed to branches by way of this letter. This letter provides a conduit between the branches to allow ideas, articles and topics to be viewed and discussed by the branches. Although these ideas, articles and topics appear in this newsletter it does not necessarily reflect the view of this office.

John.Willis443@mod.gov.uk prior to attending as cancellations do occur, due to non-formation or amalgamation. J. Diary Dates There are a few events in the calendar for this year and it would be great to see you all at some of these. If you have any dates for 2020 please let me know at the earliest opportunity so that they can be added to the diary. Full details of events should be sent when available and updated accordingly. 5 Oct 19 WO & Sgts Mess Past & Present St Athan, Wales 7 Nov 19 Field of Remembrance Westminster Abbey 8 Nov 19 St Pauls/St Lawrence Jewry London 10 Nov 19 Remembrance Day Cenotaph, Whitehall 22 Nov 19 Red Devils Reunion Blackpool For further details please contact Jackie at jackie.smith1@ntlworld.com Tel: 01980-594853 or the Imperial Hotel at reservations@imperialhotelblackpool.co.uk Tel: 01253-623971.

Details of all these events and others are available on the Web Page at www.theparachuteregimentalassociation.com

Paul Raison

REGISTERED CHARITY NUMBER 214015 RHQ Disclaimer. The Office of the Secretary of The Parachute Regimental Association is required to publish a disclaimer concerning any article or idea passed to branches by way of this letter. This letter provides a conduit between the branches to allow ideas, articles and topics to be viewed and discussed by the branches. Although these ideas, articles and topics appear in this newsletter it does not necessarily reflect the view of this office.

PRA Pocket Diary 2020 The Liverpool Branch will be offering Parachute Regimental Association Diaries in the same style as previous years. This will be a Red flash on the front and back cover, with the Regimental Badge overlaying the Pegasus and Parachute Regimental Association printed in silver with the same organiser diary and notepad. Unfortunately, last year they were left with a considerable number of diaries which were not sold, so the total number available will be 1000. Because of this, it will be necessary to increase the delivered price per diary to £3.20, including postage and packing. The minimum order to meet this price is 8 diaries, which provides the best weight to achieve the lowest postage rate for small orders. Can each Branch Secretary that wishes to order diaries, please complete the information below? Please ensure that the PRA Branch and delivery address for the diaries is completed and a cheque covering the value of the number ordered is attached and sent to the correct address. To enable the diaries to become ‘self-funding’ and not the Liverpool Branch paying in advance of delivery. Orders can be e-mailed direct to: michaelwhurst@yahoo.co.uk Cheques should be made payable to PRA Liverpool sent to my address indicated above. The diaries are expected to be delivered in August, so if branches would wish to take some to Arnhem, in September, would you please note this on your application, so that priority can be given to these orders. The information required for each order is as follows: PRA Branch: Delivery address: Number of 2020 diaries @ £3.20 Required Cheque for total amount payable to ‘PRA Liverpool’:

Orders are to be sent to: Michael Hurst 9 Jedburgh Drive Melling Mount Liverpool L33 1EQ Tel: 0795 642 3679