ROYAL SIGNALS ASSOCIATION
CARDIFF BRANCH
NEWSLETTER
MAY 2003


THE GURKHA MUSEUM

Members should make a diary note, trip to Winchester and Gurkha museum
wed 17th sept. 03


Our Entertainments Officer, in conjunction with Brian Goode, has arranged the visit as above. Col. Mike Barrett has expressed his pleasure at the prospect of our official visit and rumour has it that there might even In fact enjoy a special prepared Curry More of this anon
Branch members will recall the wish of our Branch to form an association with a Ghurkha Signal Unit
Brian is embarking on this project and hopes to make contact with a particular Squadron that would welcome such an association

Already, a first step towards this goal has been the great interest in our Branch support for the Ghurkha Trust, as evidenced by the number of our members who are displaying the Trust?s Car Sticker.
Any member still requiring one of these. stickers should let the Secretary know.

Soldiers of the. Queen?s Ghurkha Sig are presently serving, not only in the U.K,Brunei and Nepal but also in the 2 Ghurkha infantry battalions and at the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst.
There is also a detachment in the Brecon Military Training Area. Additional major commitments are associated with 2nd and 30th Signal Regiment.. In fact, in just about every place where the British Army is operational the likelihood is that there will also be. an accompanying Ghurkha Signals detachment.
At present there is much concern being expressed at the pay and pension association with a differential between serving British and Ghurkha soldiers. The argument prevalent in MOD. circles is that the pay of Ghurkhas, hence their pension, should be calibrated to accord with the cost of living in their native country, Nepal.


This is My Life

Kate Adie enthralled an evening audience of 500 with a one-off talk on her career as a war correspondent. Kate, left, who was helping to raise funds for the Ghurkha Welfare
Event co-coordinator, Nell Griffiths, said,?Kate has visited Nepal and told us how one Ghurkha saved her life in Kosovo.?


April Meeting

Chairman, Eric Powell, opened the meeting at 8.0 p.m. and welcomed those present (23 in all). He then read out the current month?s rota of names from the Branch Book of Remembrance. The Exhortation was then orated by Bernard Gigg, V/Chairman.
Members, whilst upstanding, were requested to remember those members of the Armed Forces who had lost their lives during the Iraq Conflict.

Members who had sent in apologies included such regular attendees as Gordon Baker, Selwyn Williams and Brian Goode.
Brian has been house-hunting now for some time and, despite a slight dip in house prices, seems to be seeing the light at the end of the tunnel. Don?t move too far away Brian. We need you?


Laying up the Old Standard

Billy Davies, Secretary, stated that contact had been made with Rev. Kimber of St. John?s Church with regard to fixing a date on which to hold a Service at which the Laying-up might take place. Naturally regard has to be paid to fixing a day and date on which most members and affiliated associations might best be able to attend.

It is with some regret that the Branch learned that our previous Standard Bearer, Mel Collier, has fallen victim to Alzheimer's Disease and presently is a patient in St. Woolo?s Hospital in Newport.
Billy is keeping in touch with the situation and will report back on Mel?s progress.

Another of our old comrades from the 53rd, Joan Driscoll has been in contact with Billy and the indications suggest that she is not at all well. Certainly she is unable to come to any meetings. Joan is now living in Llandaff, very near to the Cathedral, and any member wishing to visit her should get the exact address from the Secretary.

Eric read out the letter that he had sent to the S.W.Echo on the subject of the Military Museums at Cardiff Castle, deploring the tunnel-vision shown by CADW in suggesting that any expansion of Museum facilities would detract from the archaeological purity of the site.
Correspondence between Eric and the Rev. Peter Riley was brought to members? attention. Peter assists at St. Woolo?s Cathedral but says that as much as he would wish to attend meetings, his advanced years preclude his driving at night. Any Newport members able to offer Peter a lift would be performing a great service.

Peter Cuckow, RHQ Admin. Offr. has written to say that they will be very pleased to confer the 75 Year Pennant on our new Standard at a special ceremony to be held at Blandford during Re-union Weekend.

Details of the Blandford Re-union were also made available and members intending to go were asked to let Billy have details of car numbers etc as soon as possible.


Some items of email correspondence intercepted by the Chairman had given rise to concern. Eric drew the attention of members to the correspondence and was moved to ask if members were confident in the present body of Officers. The answer was decidedly in the affirmative.



Secretary?s Report
Billy expressed thanks to members for allowing himself and Eric to attend the 58 AGM and 57th Branch Reps meeting in London on Sat. 5th April.
Eric had presented a fairly full report in the April Newsletter and he had little to add.

Interestingly, notification had now been received that, for the first time in many years the meeting in 2004
is scheduled to take place on 27th of March.

Members were reminded that tickets for the Annual Wales Festival of Remembrance in November had been ordered.
Because of the early request for tickets Billy, as usual, has been able to obtain first class seating accommodation for those members attending.


Entertainment Report
Carol Richards told the meeting that the BBC Social Club was now booked for the Mid-summer Social Evening and the cost to members would be ?12.50 a head.
The Annual Dinner will be held at the Fairwater Conservative Club on 10th February 2004.
Carol appealed to members for their support in order to keep costs down.
Finally Carol drew attention to the magnificent gift presented to the Branch by Chris Marlow, comprising a beautiful framed tapestry of the coat of arms of the Royal Corps of Signals. This lovely piece will be the top prize at the Annual Christmas Draw


The Treasurer?s Report Daphne Powell, Branch Treasurer, gave a concise report of the Branch financial situation,
She said that despite heavy out-goings in respect of the new Standard, a steady recuperation was taking place, thanks to monthly subs and the raffle, and the present position was a healthy one. Daphne had now been in touch with RHQ and Car Stickers have been ordered and would be available for members at the next meeting.

News from Down Under
This interesting e-mail was recently received by Brian Goode.

Hi.
I have been giving your name and e-mail address as someone who may be able to help me.
If this is not so then please Ignore this and I apologise for wasting your time

My name Is John Hedley Lewis, Army No. 2583756 who joined the R.Signals, 53?s Welsh DW Sign. as a territorial in May 1939, at Drill Hall, Barry, and served in the Corps until de-mobilised at Aldershot in June 1946 after seeing service in the North African and Italian campaigns.
I have lived in N.S.W Australia since 1963, and am wondering if it's possible to obtain from Army Record, a record of my service and, if so, how do I go about it ?? I have been given a website for rsa@rsignals.net but this does not seem to give what I require
I will be extremely grateful if you can help me in any way end will be pleased to repay any expense It may cause you.
Yours sincerely
Hedley Lewis


Happily, Brian was able to point Mr Lewis in the right direction and he has had his queries answered.
Brian was very kind to express the view that I might be too young to have known this gentleman. Oh that it were so. Unfortunately, whereas this comrade?s number was 2583756, mine was 2573858! Sorry Brian.



Annual Prize Draw
The success of this Annual Prize Draw depends entirely upon the continued support of members.
Carol provides a great variety of valuable prizes for the event and at each meeting she is prepared to dispense tickets, at a price of course, for those members wishing to take
part.

The actual Draw 2003 will probably take place at the December meeting whilst the Musical Evening and Buffet is scheduled for November. This latter arrangement will enable performers to come along who would otherwise have other engagements to fulfil during the December period.
Hopefully, the Flute Group will entertain us augmented by other instrumentalists.


Newsletter April 2003

OPERATION TELIC

The Iraq War (Operation Telic)

Whilst media coverage of the Iraq War gives maximum publicity to the ?fighting troops?, which, of course, is only to be expected, it is nonetheless always a matter of regret that the con?tribution of other units tends either to be relegated to a minor mention or not mentioned at all.

A cursory examination of the ?Order of Battle? certainly throws far more light on the role of the Royal Signals in the field of war.
The lst(UK) Armoured Division in?cludes both its Signal Regiment and 30thSignal Regiment. The latter com?ponent is directly responsible for stra?tegic communications. Signallers will be well aware what that entails.

The7 Armoured Brigade, generally known as the ?Desert Rats? has its own Signal Squadron, and whilst little is heard of 1st Armoured, a great deal is heard of 7 Armoured who are closely engaged in the battle for Basra.

16 Air Assault Brigade has its Signal Squadron as a major component and 102 Logistics Brigade has 2 Signal Regt. providing all its communication requirements.

What a job this latter must be! This Brigade has 3 Field Hospitals, one of which is manned by Volunteers,a General Support Medical Regt., No.3 Battalion, R.E.M.E., 3 Regts. of the Logistic Corps, No.5 Regt. R.M.Police together with Royal Engi?neer teams including No.12 Engineer Brigade to cover airfield support, Bomb Disposal &c..

Bringing all these units into communi?cation must pose a daunting task to even the most experienced members of the Royal Corps of Signals.

What the general public often fails to realise is that supporting arms, par?ticularly members of Royal Signals are often just as much exposed to combat as anyone else and this is particularly true in war of continual movement as is the case in Iraq. In?deed a single armoured column is always in danger of ambuscade from the flanks, as we have seen already in the case of the American columns. There is also the inherent difficulty of providing communication in such a fluid situation. Those veterans who have had experience of this kind of situation will readily appreciate how equipment designed for mobile war?fare, whilst readily workable on ma?noeuvres is often a sight less reliable when the compost hits the fan!
Perhaps this is why we now have ?embedded journalists? to tell us all what?s going on!



58th AGM & BRANCH REPS. MEETING


With an interesting departure from precedent the meeting this year was held at the Victory Services Club, near Marble Arch. This proved to be a major improvement all round as the acoustics in the basement hall, were greatly improved on last year and the luncheon buffet was almost gourmet in comparison with the White City TA. Centre.

Billy and Eric spent the previous evening at the Union Jack Club where the Chairman provided a Curry Supper for us residents and as many reps. as had opted to come along.
A very convivial evening it turned out to be with tables for eight covers set out fully laid and principal RSA Officers spreading themselves about. Our table was graced with the presence of the Master of Signals, Maj. Gen. Sprackling who is a real Rugby buff. With us also was Elgin, from the West Wales Branch together with his charming wife, Linda.

Whilst this occasion might be hard on those whose taste in curries is next to non-existent, at least there was a choice of chicken or beef.

The supper was an innovation last year and it has to be said that there is more chance of serious mixing with other representatives at this kind of occasion than in the more formal setting of the actual meeting. The following morning, those of us billeted at the Union Jack Club took ourselves off to Marble Arch by tube and found it an easy walk to the Victory Services Club.

True to form the Chairman, Gen. Boyle started proceedings dead on time and kicked off with a change to the Agenda. Thus it was that Item 11 on the Agendas became Item I and we were addressed by Brigadier David McDowell MBE. ADC, the Signal Officer in Chief (A).
In the light of present events this was not surprising as the SO in C, must be a very busy man indeed these days.
Interestingly, Brigadier McDowell rose from signaller, then six years in the ranks to his present high office! He pointed out that at present there were 6 Signal Regiments and 5 Squadrons serving in the Iraq theatre of operations.

Admittedly, equipment wise, some of the equipment in use was 20 years old but nonetheless was proving quite adequate. There was, however, brand new equipment already in service in tandem on which ?24m had been spent. Remarkably, this equipment had been just three
months in being made available for service.

The Corps is still undermanned, he admitted, but the shortfall of 1.8% is the best for years.

A real feather in the cap? for the Corps has been achieved for Blandford where the Royal School of Signals will be developed to provide training for all three services, all under the direction of a Brigadier.
The SO in C went on to say that HRH Princess Anne had sent a message to all Royal Signal soldiers serving in the Iraq assuring them of her deep concerns for their welfare and expressing the hope that it would not be long before they were restored to their loved ones.

The Chairman, Mal. General Tony in his report made it quite clear that his intention was to deal with the outcome of the seminar on Future Progress which he had convened the
previous year.

The responses from branches to the ?Plan for Change? had been heartening, informative and diverse. About one matter there had been unanimity, i.e. the need to change that part of
the constitution dealing with the objects of the R S.A

Recognising that present conditions meant that the R.S.A.?s impact on the ?efficiency? and ?morale? of the serving Corps was minimal there was no need for such aims to be
retained. On being put to the vote, the change was agreed unanimously.

General Boyle made it plain that his priorities were, 1. Benevolence, and 2. Comradeship.

The main issues which should concern the R.S.A. in the future, he identified as Recruiting (Soldiers and Officers), Advertising, Unit Affiliation (where possible) and the internet.
Addressing the last he stated that a Webmaster is already in place and he had just appointed a Web Editor.

Area Managers.
Whilst the appointed Area V/Chairmen had fulfilled a function he was of the opinion that their present scope was limited. This situation could be rendered more meaningful by the appointment of ?Area Managers?. These functionaries could, together with Branch Officers, form an Area Committee on the same lines as the Central Committee from which it would obtain its terms of reference and to which it would report.

RE-unions. Turning to the responses received in respect of future Re-unions it was clear that three alternatives presented themselves. The first was the ?status quo? The second was to hold the event every two years. Lastly, to hold one annually together with a ?Day Reunion? in some other place similar to the format some years past when a Day Reunion was held at Blandford together with the larger event at Catterick. He said ,a definitive decision on this would be taken at next year?s A.G.M..

Diaries.
The production of a R.S.A. Diary is still under consideration, but the prospect of obtaining a R.S.A. Credit Card has no chance of fulfilment.

At this year?s Blandford Re-union there will be a Drum Head Service on the Sunday, preceding the March Past. Inclement weather will not necessarily lead to a cancellation or removal to another venue as adequate cover will be provided for Clergy, Bandsmen and Congregation.

Membership Secretary?s Report

Peter Cuckow, Admin. Offr. Told the meeting that 636 Life Members Were enrolled during 2002 making the total Branch Membership 6500 together with around 3,500 in the ?RHQ Branch.
An expected drop in 2003, due to the APC no longer supplying details of discharges, will probably be offset by the recent surge in Internet applications.

The 5th (London) Corps Assn. closed in Oct 02 but the Birgelen Vets. Assn. has applied for affiliation. The 12/15/18 Air Formation Assn has changed its title to Air Formation Sig. Regt. Assn..
Peter stated that the rule requiring Branches to send in their, amended, lists of members needed to be applied more vigorously.

Associate Membership should be encouraged and steps were being taken to ensure that they have a proper card issued, in blue, similar to the Life.Membership Card.

Useful acquisitions available are the Re-union Video, priced at ?8, RSA Pens, at ?2 and RSA Car Stickers, once again available at SOp.

March Meeting


Of the 21 members present, none was more welcome than our old comrade and past Standard Bearer, George Isom.
With regard to the proposed Laying up of the Old Standard at St. John?s Church, Billy said that he was still pursuing the matter.
Gordon reported that the funeral of Lt.Col. Martin Williams had taken place on 10 March and proper Branch Representation was accorded at the obsequies.
Carol indicated the programme of Social Events. A Midsummer Social will be held on Sat 21st June and, with Brian Goode?s assistance a trip to the Gurkha Museum will take place later in the year. Carol was also able to obtain the services of our loyal member Rob Sandford who will help to organise the Annual Dinner 10th February 2004 at which Peter Cuckow will be our principal guest.



FEBRUARY MEETING

In spite of the Wales/Bosnia game not too many apologies for absence were recorded. Whether or not this is an indication that our Rugby supporters outnumber those of the Soccer fraternity there is no way of knowing. Truth to tell, Welsh Rugby these days and, dare one mention it, even Cardiff Rugby has not a lot going for it. On the other hand, with Cardiff City bobbing for promotion and the Welsh FA team having its best run for 127 years, the round ball is more and more attracting a greater enthusiastic following than ever.

Business commenced as usual with Eric reading out the month?s rota of names from the Book of Remembrance, after which Bernard, Vice Chairman delivered the Exhortation.

It was interesting to note that our scheme for transporting members who otherwise would be unable to come fell foul, in one case because of a prior engagement with the telly and another because of insufficient notice not having been received by the aspiring passenger.

Well, as a certain sage was once heard to remark, ?The man that never made a mistake never did anything!?

No doubt, all will come right in due course.

Gordon gave a full report about our more disadvantaged colleagues. Martin Williams is in very failing health but, in spite of a series of strokes, Joan Driscoll is now back at home and is reasonably stable. Chris Marlow, here left is still awaiting a minor op

eration. George Isom?s health is much improved and there is every chance that he may be present at our next meeting.

Although she has been very much under the weather for some weeks with that nasty virus going the rounds it was good to see Mary Lister handling the monthly raffle for us

Plans for Progress

Probably the most important item of correspondence was the briefing received from the Chairman of the R.S.A., Maj. General Tony Boyle outlining a prognosis for progress. Eric went through the documentation indicating the salient points arising therefrom. Discussion on priorities favoured, in respect of proposed actions, association with a serving unit seemed most desirable.

Such a unit need not be too localised since in this day and age communications can quite easily form a very satisfactory link, particularly when coupled to the prospect of social visits.





Jimmy and the?Endeavour

?

Some years ago a popular and light ?hearted programme called ?Find the Link? set out to find a connection between two people who, at face value, seemed to have nothing whatsoever in common. Eventually, a contestant would win the round by deducing by question and answer that perhaps, ?They both have beer in their left shoe!?

So, what?s the connection between our popular, Jimmy Lister, and the ?Endeavour?.Well, the latter is now docked in Cardiff Bay undergoing some refurbishment and is open to visitors. It will remain docked here until next March. During opening times Jimmy will occasionally be on hand hosting those who come to visit.

Jimmy is no stranger to sails and sailing having already clocked up more than a few sea miles ?before the mast?.

The present ?Endeavour? is a replica of the ship commanded by Capt James Cook during his famous voyages of discovery around New Zealand, Australia and the South Seas.

A recent BBC TV programme followed the fortunes of those who sailed this ship, replicating, as faith fully as possible, the original voyages of the great explorer.

It was an absorbing and enjoyable programme.



So, dear reader, do not be surprised if a familiar hirsute face should appear in front of you when you next take a trip to Cardiff Bay and board the" Endeavour?. It won?t be Capt. Cook of course!



HOLOCAUST REMEMBERED

These schoolchildren were among those students and pupils from South Wales schools and colleges who gave readings during the very moving Holocaust Memorial Day Service held at Cardiff?s City Hall.

The ceremony, which has now become an annual commemoration, was attended by Mr Billy Davies and Mr Gordon Baker, both representing the R.S.A. Cardiff branch.

Some hundreds of Christians, Jews and Civic Dignitaries from around the Principality attended the event.

Organised by Cardiff City Council, the ceremony not only called to mind the victims of the Holocaust but also paid tribute to all victims of genocide throughout the world.

Prayers in memory of the millions of victimes were read by the Rev. Stewart Lisk.

Cardiff?s Lord Mayor, Russell Goodway,said, ?We believe the Holocaust must have a permanent place in the nation?s collective memory. We must never forget the lessons of the past and we must always remain vigilant against hatred, persecution and tyranny.?

Holocaust Memorial Day was instituted three years ago to raise awareness of the Holocaust as well as issues of tolerance and racial harmony in today?s society.

The significance of 27th January as the date on which the commemoration is held recalls the actual date on which prisoners at the infamous concentration camp of Auschwitz-Birkenau were liberated.



Royal Signals Deployment

The Army is currently deployed in over 80 countries around the world. These deployments vary from single military advisors to full operational deployments.

Wherever the Army is deployed it is certain that Royal Signal units are also present. It is always a source of annoyance that whereas so many units are named in the press, particularly the glamorous ones like the Desert Rats, the Royal Marines, the S.A.S. and so forth, Royal Signals is hardly ever mentioned. Surely this is not because the Corps is looked upon as a non-combattant unit like the RAMC! After all, the signaller is a fighting soldier. Moreover he is a fighting soldier who is able to do much else besides fighting. Even when the army is not deployed in a fighting role communications have still to be maintained