JULY 2008

Updated Thursday 31st July

Afghanistan - casualty report - 24937064 Sgt Jonathan William Mathews

It is with great sadness that I announce the death of 24937064 Sgt Jonathan William Mathews (Jon) on Monday July 28th. He was working with the 1 R IRISH Battlegroup as an OMLT mentor in the Lashgar Gah region of Helmand Province, Afghanistan. He was wounded during a fire fight with Taliban insurgents sustaining 1 x GSW to the Chest. He was casevac'd to the Medical facility at Camp Bastion where he underwent surgery but unfortunately died of his injury.

Jon was originally a Royal Scot who spent time at ITC Catterick before transferring to 1st Battalion The Highlanders in 2006 as the RRS formed. He served in D Coy. (He never served with the RSB 1 SCOTS). Mrs Shona Mathews was informed of his death last night. They have two children, William (23) and Meghan (4).

I served with Jon in ITC Catterick in 2005/2006, he became a great friend and was exellent to work with, my thoughts go out to Shona, Megan and the rest of his family at this very sad time,he was a true gent and will be sorely missed.

 Sgt Iain McGinty 1 Scots Guards

The Highlanders Regimental Association.

The Highlanders Regimental Association AGM will take place at Cameron Barracks (HHQ Building) on Friday 5th September 2008, after the Joint Trustees meeting. (PM). Any member of the Association may attend and are requested to inform Capt. (Retd) M.C. Low MBE at HHQ by the 22nd August 2008.

Tel: 01463 224380

E-mail: rhqthehighlanders@btopenworld.com

Museum Shop

Many of the items currently on sale at the Museum have been reduced in price. For further details telephone the staff at the Museum on 0131 310 8701.

Xmas Cards

HHQ has a selection of Regimental Xmas Cards for sale at the bargain price of 12 cards for £2.00. (incl postage).

Our American Cousins pull a plane for charity

Pictures here 

UPDATE:  YouTube video is available by clicking this link:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yNKYAN53WcU

The CHR are about 1 minute 44 seconds in.

I thought I’d share with you some photos taken from the Special Olympics Airplane Pull which was held at DuPage Airport, last Saturday, the 26^th.  The purpose of the pull was to raise funds for Special Olympics Illinois. 8 teams competed against each other to pull a 40,000 pound plane 20 feet in the shortest amount of time.  I put together a team from my bagpipe band.  We came in 4^th place, but raised a lot of cash so were pleased with our results.  Of course we also had the best knees!

Phil.

Philip A. Brankin, 

Chicago Highland Rifles

Pipers Trail and Veterans' Event - Edinburgh

Margaret and Bobby Munro 49 sent photos of the end of the nationwide Pipers' Trail and the reception held for Veterans' Day.

They are here

Marvellous Mimi - update

Mimi broke the female record!

Go to the website to see the great news that she HAS raised over £15,000!

http://marvellousmimi.com/

THE HIGHLANDERS GOLFING SOCIETY

AUTUMN MEETING –19 SEPTEMBER 2008.

The Highlanders Autumn Golf Meeting for 2008 will take place at Aboyne Golf Club on 19 September.  The cost remains £40 for the package which covers all golf, coffee and bacon rolls on arrival, a soup and sandwich lunch and a two course dinner.   There is no part day option.   The morning round will comprise 18 holes and will commence at 0930.  The afternoon round will be of 9 holes duration and will commence at 1445.  Prizewinners at the Spring Meeting will have handicaps cut.

Full details and letter here

Colonel WG McHardy MC CVO MBE

Regret to inform you that Colonel McHardy died yesterday, Sunday 20^th July 2008.

Private Cremation. No Memorial Service. Family Flowers only.

Donations if desired to The Highlanders Museum, Fort George. Ardersier.IV2 7TE

Nev Dewey

Bobby Munro 49 had a phone call yesterday from Madge Dewey in Leicester to say that her husband Nev had passed away. He served with the Seaforths and was a member of the Leicester Branch.

Marvellous Mimi

This Wed, 16th July, Mimi Anderson, the daughter of Col Ian and Merriliee Cameron (and married to Tim Anderson) will attempt to break the Female World Record from John O'Groats to Lands End in aid of the charity "BEAT". Further details and a link to donate towards the £10,000 she is trying to raise are at:

http://marvellousmimi.com/

Keep an eye out for THIS camper van (click to enlarge)

Her daily schedule is  on the left side of the site (JOGLE Schedule). If you are nearby go out and wave Hector flags and blue hackles at her and throw money into the van!

LATEST - Visit by Matt (Airwolf) Moistner to Normandy War Graves

Our former American Highlander, Matt Moistner, visited several cemeteries in Normandy recently and placed a wreath on behalf of the Regimental Assocation. Pictures and his report are here. Thanks to Matt for doing this.

LATEST: The Queen’s Own Highlanders Association,

Highland Branch Annual BBQ and Pipe Band Display - 31 Aug 08

Will be at Cameron Barracks, Inverness on Sunday 31st August starting around 1300hrs. Details here. Document for download and printing off here

Returns/cheques to Secretary by 22nd August please. NIL RETURNS not required. Letters are being sent out to branch members this week.

Iraq update from 4 SCOTS

The Highlanders, 4SCOTS (minus) have now occupied living accommodation in Camp Douglas. (Named after LCpl Allan Douglas who was killed in BASRA in 2006). The Camp has limited welfare facilities but it does boast SAT phones and Computer Terminals so the lads can communicate with Home. The Highlanders share the Camp with a Company of Royal Anglians - relations are good.

The Jocks' first month (Maj Adrian Rielly - A Coy) in theatre, while waiting for 53 Iraqi Bde to finish their Unit Set Fielding, has been spent on Permanent Veh Check Points (PVCP's) around the Main COB to ensure security. Although dull they have done an excellent job (having relieved the Czech's) and under the direction of RSM Wilson have reorganised the VCP's so they support each other. This has already paid dividends as Hldr Chao-Banda apprehended a thief (escaping the COB) and Lt Jonny Thompson's Pl stopped potential Bomb making equipment from leaving the COB. They have also conducted several training exercises on the use / command of armoured vehicles and weapons systems. This will all assist the A Coy MiTT's when they start with their 53 Iraqi Bde Battalions. 

The Commanding Offr (CO) and his MiTT (Mentor and Trg Team) are working out of Numeniyah several hours away but they are due back in Camp Douglas by the end of July.

Maj Callum Lane and Waterloo Coy are with the SCOTS DG and doing an excellent job in BASRA City. Assaye Pl under Maj Barry McMaster (who will take over from Callum Lane in August) is deployed in support of 50 Iraqi Bde at Abu Al Qasib.

Maj Phil White and B Coy are flat out in support of 16 Air Asstl Bde in Helmand Province, Afghanistan. I spoke to Phil on a 'poor link' yesterday and he was upbeat and full of praise for his lads. They are due out of theatre by late Aug.

That's all for now.  Kind regards

The Queen’s Own Highlanders Association, -Edinburgh Branch. Summer Dance - a Thank You and more photos

Ruth and I would like to thank the committee and members of the above branch for making us so welcome at their summer dance. It was a great night and the Neil Diamond experience went down very well as did the buffet. I would recommend any one in any of our other branches to attend one of the Edinburgh Branch functions.

We both give a very special thanks to Bobby & Margaret Munro for putting us up, or putting up with us whatever the case may be for the weekend , I only wish that Bobby had warned us about the sun and we would have brought our shorts . Seoras and Ruth McIntosh

More photos are here

David Patience - former Regimental Cook 1 QO HLDRS

David died yesterday - his funeral will be at Invergordon Parish Church on Tue 8 Jul starting at 1100hrs. He served in Sharjah, Germany and NI.

LATEST:  Website Visitors

Just for information - this site has had 215,000 unique visitors so far this year. Currently around 1200 people are calling in EVERY DAY from as far as Australia and as near as Forres. Welcome!

JUNE 2008

Updated Saturday 28th June 2008

LATEST:  Jocky Duffus Memorial Service - 27th June 2008 - Fort George

Joan, Allan and the Duffus clan would like to thank everyone who attended the memorial service for Jocky at Fort George on 27 June 2008. Special thanks to the minister Ivan Warwick, Major General Seymour Monro, Billy Kintrae and Andy Venters for their support.

Murdo and Hazel MacLeod - Ruby Wedding Party in Dunfermline

Pictures are here

LATEST:  Edinburgh Branch Summer Dance

Pictures are here and a report on the event is here

Queen's Birthday Honours

Captain Stuart Samson late GORDONS/HLDRS and Director Army Bagpipe Music has been awarded an MBE in the latest list.

Mick Low- Cairngorm Hike for Service Charities

Captain Mick Low from Home Headquarters in Inverness took part in the Cairngorm Hike on 15th June to raise money for Service charities including The Highlanders. Please read his report here along with a picture of journey's end.

The Colonel of the Regiment Brigadier MP Dodson MBE

Brigadier Dodson is to takeover as DMS, in charge of the Army Personnel Centre Glasgow.

 MEMORIAL SERVICE FOR JOCKY DUFFUS MBE MSM

It is confirmed that there will be a Memorial Service in the Regimental Chapel at Fort George at 1200hrs on Friday 27th June 2008 for Jocky. Joan and the rest of the family will be in attendance and all are welcome. The euology will be given by Major General Seymour Monro and Pipe Major Andy Venters will play during the service which will be taken by Rev Ivan Warrwick.

The Pink List (Maj - Lt Col)

The Pink List came out this morning and the following SCOTS Officers have been picked up for promotion to Lt Col in the coming 12 months;

531434 Major Ronnie L Coutts MBE - Hldrs

525873 Major Toby AW Ingram - RSB (Was a Gordon then a KOSB)

501660 Major Alan D Middleton MBE - RHF

541709 Major Phil J White MBE - Hldrs

540106 Major Ben MA Wrench - BW

528409 Major Mark JF Ewing - BW

540444 Major John A Menzies - BW (Late Entry)

An excellent result for the SCOTS and especially the Hldrs.

Highland Poppy Run

Sunday 24th Aug. The Highland Poppy Run (Cycle, Run or Walk either 5 or 10kms) around Fort George starting at 2pm. (Fancy Dress welcome) Entry Fee £3.50 adults and £2 for children (5-16).

For more information or to download Sponsor / Entry forms check out; www.poppyscotland.org.uk or call Peter on 01381 621572 or the events team on 0131 550 1559.

MAY 2008

Updated: 29th MAY 2008

NEW! Op Banner Commoration Service - 10 Sep 08

0n 10th September 2008 in St Paul’s Cathedral there is to be a Service to mark the end of Operation Banner in Northern Ireland . 

The purpose of this notice is to draw the attention of everyone to this important commemoration and to encourage those who may wish to attend to apply early for invitations for the places that are available in St Paul ’s Cathedral.  Please note applications may not be made before 5th June 2008.

The following points were made:

1.    Purpose of the Event.  “To honour members of the UK Armed Forces and the MOD Civil Service who lost their lives or were injured in Northern Ireland and the over 300,000 personnel who served in the Province since 1969”. 

2.    Attendance.  Primarily for:

a.    Armed Forces veterans of service in NI from 1969-2007 who earned the GSM 1962 ( Northern Ireland ).

b.    Families of members of the Armed Forces killed in NI.

c.    Families of members of the Armed Forces killed outside of the province as a result of NI related terrorist action.

d.    Families of members of the Civil service killed in NI who worked closely alongside UK Armed Forces in NI.

e.    Families of Armed Forces Veterans who served in NI 

f.    Members of the Civil Service who worked closely

alongside UK Armed Forces in NI.

3.    The Event.  The Op Banner commemoration will comprise 3

elements:

a.    A service of Remembrance in St Paul ’s Cathedral at 11am to which 2000 people will be invited.

b.    A march through the City from St Paul ’s Cathedral to the Guildhall (subject to sufficient eligible attendees wishing to march)

c.    Receptions in the Guildhall, St Paul’s Crypt, the Vintners and Skinners Halls between 1pm and 3pm.

4.    Invitations.  The event will publicised on Thu 5 Jun 08 by MOD

and will appear on the SPVA website. www.veterans-uk.info  which will include information about the event and application forms for invitations.  There will also be helpline numbers and addresses to which members may apply for invitations.

UPDATED - MEMORIAL SERVICE FOR JOCKY DUFFUS MBE MSM

It is confirmed that there will be a Memorial Service in the Regimental Chapel at Fort George at 1200hrs on Friday 27th June 2008 for Jocky. Joan and the rest of the family will be in attendance and all are welcome. The euology will be given by Major General Seymour Monro and Pipe Major Andy Venters will play during the service which will be taken by Rev Ivan Warrwick.

Edinburgh Branch office bearers and committee

An updated list of contacts is here

NEW!  Scouse invasion of Inverness

The gory truth of the recent invasion in pictures is here

Promotion to full Colonel

The following SCOTS officers have been picked up on the Blue List for promotion to Colonel in 2009 or when their next appointment starts.

Lt Col James Hopkinson OBE, HQ Land Forces,

Lt Col Paul Harkness MBE, ICSC, Watchfield, Shrivenham,

Both were Hldrs and commanded 4 and 2 SCOTS respectively.

4 SCOTS off to Iraq again

The Highlanders (4 SCOTS) Battlegroup HQ (Lt Col Jamie Campbell), A Coy (Maj Adrian Reilly) and the Echelon will deploy to Southern Iraq where they will train the Iraqi Army. D Coy (Maj Calum Lane / Barry McMaster) will deploy as part of the SCOTS DG Battlegroup and are known as Waterloo Coy. All are part of the 7th Armd Bde deployment.

Old Battalion photos

Stewart Anderson and Colin 'Duke' Farrell have provided some photos of Ronnie Hardie and other 'weil kent' faces here. Enjoy working out who are the young looking chaps!

1 SCOTS SITREP

The latest 1 SCOTS SITREP from Iraq is here Afternote: they returned home this week to Dreghorn Barracks, Edinburgh.

Found this - Jocky Duffus on the right, David in the Middle and Albert far left. Click to see full sized one. UPDATED Meanwhile a photo has surfaced of Jocky when RSM 3 UDR. Click to see full sized one

"Please accept this photograph I have kept of Jocky and myself. He gave it me on the day it was developed being a person never wanting to keep momentoes like this. I'm the ugly one on the right (He would appreciate that banter). Please feel free to pass this on to anyone that may wish to have it, I know that no one else has ever seen it before maybe because as Highlanders we were absent of our Khaki Bonnets

Regards

Mike McIntosh (Alias Tosh 05)

p.s. They were good times and I was proud to have known him, it was a real honour."

ROYAL REGIMENT OF SCOTLAND CALENDAR

The 2009 Royal Regiment of Scotland calendar is being put together and will be available soon. Details are on the poster. Click to enlarge. If it won't show properly (some peoples' screen sizes are set differently) click here to download as a pdf file.

RONNIE HARDIE

GG emails with news about ex WO2 (RSWO) Ronnie Hardie the renowned Bisley shot who is now in Hospital in Kilmarnock and seriously ill. If anyone is passing or in the area then he would appreciate a visit. GG will visit at the weekend. Details are:

Cross House Hospital Kilmarnock (Ward 2D)

GG will be updating the Guestbook with further details as they occur. Please refer there for phone numbers etc.

UPDATED 9 MAY 08

Just a note from...Ronnie's...Sister Betty George Coghill...in Canada...To let you know how much we...Appreciate...what you are ALL doing for Ronnie...We are sure it is giving him a lift...to hear from you, and share a laugh from the past.

Many Thanks...

from his Mam...Sisters...Jean..Winkie.'..Betty and brother Michael.

UPDATE: George Monaghan will visit Ronnie Hardie tomorrow night (Saturday 3rd May). GG has visited and sent this:

Just returned from visiting Ronnie in Hospital, first of all thank you from the bottom of my Highland Heart for visiting Ronnie. He was gob smacked; a special mention to the Elgin Loons Card which he has in pride of place on his medicine table with a Blue Hackle attached.

Gents if you would like to leave Ronnie a message you can phone this number 07003-258-724. You can't speak to him, just listen to the answer machine and carry on from there. He would love to hear from you all.

GG

 

See the Guestbook for visit updates

 

Another picture from Mick McIntosh (05) ex CQMS/CSM A Coy 1 QO HLDRS - this is the Signals Platoon in Berlin in 1968.Click for full size.

Mick Low- Cairngorm Hike for Service Charities

Captain Mick Low from Home Headquarters in Inverness is taking part in the Cairngorm Hike on 15th June to raise money for Service charities including The Highlanders. Please read his appeal for donations etc here

APRIL 2008

Highland Branch AGM Minutes

Minutes of the Branch AGM held on Saturday 15th March 2008 at Fort George are here

Jocky Duffus

It was with very great regret that we reported on the death of John 'Jocky' Duffus MBE MSM former CSM Sp Coy 1 QO HLDRS and RSM 3 R IRISH. The very well attended funeral took place at Second Killyleagh Presbyterian Church at Killyleagh Co Down, at 1200hrs Saturday 26th April 2008. More tributes to an awesome soldier are in the Guestbook including this from Lt Col Bobby Towns:

........there was a good turnout at Jocky's funeral.  For your information in addition to The Duffus Family and Paddy Nash the following attended from the Regimental Family, Tam Hunter, Robin Cole, Tim Lewis, Paddy Bashford (ex Armourer),Colin Ponting, 49, Peter Finlayson, Ben Higgins.  Ian (Shumff) MacKenzie was the Piper.  Apologies if I have missed anyone.  Joan fully understood that a lot more of you would have attended in person if there had been a bit more time however, the law of the land dictates that the funeral must take place within 3 days.  

From Albert Duffus:

I would like to take this opportunity on behalf of Joan and the Duffus clan to thank every one for their messages of sympathy and kind wishes at the news of Jocky's sad passing. The funeral took place at Killyleagh Presbyterian Church on Saturday 26 April. Special thanks to the regimental members who were able to attend. The family appreciate that at such short notice it was difficult for many to make arrangements. Hopefully a memorial service will be arranged in the near future. 

Annual Dinner - Highland Branch - 15th March 2008

Pictures are here

Highland Branch Functions

Change of date for the BBQ

BBQ Cameron Barracks now Sunday 31st August 2008

Dinner Dance Chieftain Hotel Inverness Saturday 15th November 2008 - further details follow.

B Coy 4 SCOTS in Afghanistan

A report from OC B Coy (Major White) and photos of the Jocks in action are here.

Edinburgh Branch News

The Edinburgh Branch will be hosting a Neil Diamond Tribute Act at its Summer Dance on Friday 20th June 2008 at the Royal Navy Club, Edinburgh. All former Queen's Own Highlanders and members of the Regimental Family will be made most welcome. Tickets are a bargain at £15.00 per head. More details and the latest news from the Edinburgh Branch are here
 

New Link - 51st Highland Brigade

Please pass this info on to anyone you feel ought to know and might wish to visit us. Many thanks in advance for your help and support. Kind regards, Ian Livingstone.

www.51hd.co.uk - the Official 51 Highland Division Website and Online Museum - Read our detailed History and browse photographs, maps and personal accounts from those who fought with the 51HD.

Closure of the Liverpool Scottish Museum

We have posted a new newsletter (No. 7) to the Internet on the Museum's website. I apologise for troubling you with a second newsletter in under six months but the sad news of the impending closure of the Liverpool Scottish Museum from 30 September 2008 needs wide circulation. Further updates will be maintained on the website and further issues of a newsletter. Further details and forecast of events is here
 

Liverpool Scottish Annual Dinner

The above event will be held at the Adelphi Hotel, Renshaw Street, Liverpool on 24th October 2008 starting 1930hrs for 2000hrs. The theme for this year's event will be the 90th anniversary of the cessation of hostilities of WW1. The event is well attended by Queens Own Highlanders, most of whom are indigenous to the area but others travel great distances to be with us. Enquiries to Colin Hughes Hon Sec. Accommodation is available at the hotel at preferential rates.

THE GURKHA WELFARE TRUST

Sheriff  Derrick McIntyre has recently taken over as Chairman of The Scottish Branch of the GWT. He is keen to establish a presence in the North and North East of Scotland (Already exists in the East and West of the Central Belt). Full details of their work are here

If you are interested in supporting the GWT and Sheriff Derrick McIntyre then you can contact him by e-mail as follows; sheriff.dmcintyre@scotcourts.gov.uk

The GWT Website is; www.gwt.org.uk     

Seaforths in World War 1

Mr William Purdon served with the SEAFORTH in World War 1. His grandson Michael Purdon of Virginia USA (whose own son serves with the US Marines) has kindly sent some photos which are here. They have been copied to the museum.

1 QO HLDRS in Berlin

Mr Ian 'Flip' Kerr has kindly sent some photos which are here. They have been copied to the museum.

MARCH 2008

Updated: week ending 15th March 2008

Death - Lt Col PS Kerr-Smiley

You will probably be aware by now that Lt Col P.S. Kerr-Smiley (Simon) died last Friday in aged 73. His Daughter Mrs Nicolson has this afternoon confirmed the Funeral arrangements.

Funeral to be held at St Mary's Church, Huntingfield, Near Halesworth, Suffolk at 11.30am on Wednesday March 19th 2008.
(Huntingfield is approx 3 miles SW of Halesworth off the B1117 by the Queens Oak. Norwich would be the nearest big airport 35 miles to the North).

Please pass this info on to anyone you feel ought to know and might wish to attend. Simon was a QO Cameron Highlander and QO Highlander.

ANNUAL DINNER – HIGHLAND BANCH - SATURDAY 15^TH MARCH 2008 AT THE SERGEANTS’ MESS FORT GEORGE (THE BLACK WATCH (3^RD BATTALION THE ROYAL REGIMENT OF SCOTLAND))

Some 60 members attended and a great night was had by all. Thanks to those who travelled far to attend. Pictures follow.

Edinburgh Branch Annual Dinner  

Photos are here and a report by the Chairman, George Givens is here

FEBRUARY 2008

Updated: week ending 17th February 2008

The Highlander Newsletter

An updated 40 page newsletter including Association, Allied regiments and Regular/TA regimental news is here and may be of interest to readers. To save it to your PC right click and 'save as' or just click to read on screen.

May I ask that if you DO download or read that you quickly click this link which will send me a message so we can work out how many people get copies from this site. If you wish to add your email so we can email the next one direct to you feel free to do so but there is no obligation.

If you wish to just read it online as a booklet then click here. Adjust size by sliding the small triangle at the top. Pages will move forward or back`when you click the arrow at the top. 

ANNUAL DINNER – HIGHLAND BANCH - SATURDAY 15^TH MARCH 2008 AT THE SERGEANTS’ MESS FORT GEORGE (THE BLACK WATCH (3^RD BATTALION THE ROYAL REGIMENT OF SCOTLAND))

The Annual Dinner will immediately follow the AGM which is being held at 1900hrs on the same date but upstairs in the small bar. Full details are here including a reply slip. Letters are being sent out.

£25.00 per head all inclusive of VAT, menu, ED Pay etc)(Guest is £27.50) Cost rise due to civilianised catering now in place at the Fort and beyond Army control.

UKNDA

A newsletter from the UK National Defence Association, a new group that seeks to encourage the Government to keep their side of the Military Covenant and maintain our Armed Forces properly is here and may be of interest to readers. It comes recommended by Major General SHRH Monro

1 SCOTS (Royal Scots Borderers) - Iraq tour report No 2

An updated newsletter from 1 SCOTS in Basrah is here

JANUARY 2008

The Runway Mile

RAF Kinloss is inviting the public to ‘Run a Runway Mile’, down the Station’s main runway on Sunday 16th March in aid of Sport Relief. The invitation comes as part of Sport Relief’s Run A Mile challenge where individuals or teams can run from 1 mile or up to 6 miles to enjoy sport, have fun and to raise money for charity.   There will be 3 waves of runners beginning from 1030 hrs.    Registration for the event is online, at www.sportrelief.com.  Places are limited therefore anyone wishing to run at Kinloss should register early to secure a place.

The cost of entry is only £2 for children, £5 for adults, and £12 for a family – based on 2 adults and 2 children.  Details are here and a poster is here

Edinburgh Branch Summer Dance  

Friday 20^th June 2008 at the Royal Navy Club, Edinburgh. The committee has found that hiring a suitable venue for a Saturday night during the summer months is not easy and have therefore had to opt for a Friday night.  The Royal Navy Club however, is ideal for our purposes – good parking, good disability access, a good function room with plenty of room to hold the dance, and club bar prices to boot!  We are therefore hoping that by giving everyone plenty of notice of the date we will still attract those members who live further afield and who might need to build in some travelling time during the day.  The entertainment will be a highly recommended Neil Diamond tribute act.

For tickets contact Danny Carruthers on   01506 829766

NOVEMBER 2007

Regimental Museum Newsletter

Latest version is here.

Regimental and Divisional Command List

Latest list of those officers selected for command appointments is here.

Regimental Association - Liverpool Contingent

The Liverpool contingent were organised by Ronnie Baybut and attended a reunion in the Adelphi Hotel Liverpool. The photos from this function are here.

Regimental Association - Highland Branch - Dinner Dance

The photos from this function held in Inverness on Saturday 10th November are here - thanks as always to Margaret Munro

Rembrance Ceremonies - Edinburgh Branch

The Edinburgh Branch (specifically Bobby Munro 49) attended the Annual Garden of Remembrance. Pictures here.

OCTOBER 2007

Sigs Pl 1 QO HLDRS

The Signals Platoon 1 QO HLDRS have a website with photos of their recent reunions and "Tactical Awareness Seminars" also known as pl Smokers.

Go to:  http://www.signalplatoon.pwp.blueyonder.co.uk

The Malaya, Brunei and Borneo Veterans' Association (Scotland)

The Association have recently designed their own blazer badges as shown below which are available from (A) Magellan Flags,(on left) (B) Gold Wire Badge Company (on right). Click thumbnail for full size.

(Opens in new window - lose after viewing). If you are interested in purchasing a badge please forward cheque for £18 made payable to MBBVA(S) (this is inclusive of P & P.) to Bill Jackson  15 Glenalmond Terrace  Perth PH2 0AU (Tel: 01738 639693) or email Bill_jackson@blueyonder.co.uk for further details.Could you please pass this information to Association members in your area who may not be on e-mail.

Regimental Association - Edinburgh Branch

Edinburgh Branch AGM was held on 23rd September 2007, the 204th anniversary of the Battle of Assaye. The meeting minutes are here

SEPTEMBER 2007

PJM Malaysia Reception - Edinburgh

A photograph of those who attended at the end of August is on the Association page.

The Chicago Highland Rifles

The CHR are a tribute/ceremonial unit who carry out honour guards and parades in Seaforth Mackenzie tartan and associated uniforms. Phil Brankin the CSM has sent some photos of a recent honour guard for the Vietnam Wall and they can be seen here. Many thanks Phil.

Highland Branch Annual Lunch/Pipe Band Display

Some 190 people attend the Buffet Lunch and Pipe Band display held last Sunday by Highland Branch.

Thanks to all those who travelled so far - especially London Branch, Nottingham and Edinburgh. Some pictures taken by Margaret Munro and Pat Gillespie are here.

With 14 pipers and 7 drummers on parade the Pipes and Drums were exceptional!

More photos to follow.

UPDATE: Tosh had provided copies of the photos available on a DVD with music of the event. Click the DVD for the photos and details of how to purchase. £2 from each DVD sold goes to the Museum and £1 to the Pipe Band.

A photograph taken at the PJM MALAYSIA RECEPTION IN Castle Street EDINBURGH on 27th August. Personnel (left to right) are Tam Nisbet, Jimmy Skinner, Havis Brown, Stewart Anderson and Charlie Stewart 61. Thanks to Stewart Anderson for the photo.

Edinburgh Tattoo

Captain Stewart Anderson braved gale force winds and rain to get some excellent pictures of the Tattoo Parade along Princes Street. They are here. 

Malaya Medal Award Ceremony: Margaret Munro sent photos of the ceremony held at Perth.  They can be found here

Malaya Medals - more photos from the ceremony at Perth are here.

Visit to Dubai: Stewart and Doris Anderson visited Dubai recently and have provided some photos so that those who served in Sharjah in 71 and 76 can see how much it has changed.  Photos are here.

Annual General Meeting - Edinburgh Branch

The minutes of the AGM held on 17th September 2006 are attached here

Pictures from the Edinburgh Branch function held on 2nd December 2006 are here (Thanks to Stewart Anderson and Margaret Munro for the photos)

Strathclyde Branch Dinner Dance - pictures

Pictures from the Strathclyde Branch function are here

Lt Col SJC Tootal late QO HLDRS now PARA

A picture of him here on the MoD website (click on picture 15) He was QO HLDRS/HLDRS then went to 1 PARA as 2IC and now commands 3 PARA in Afghanistan

Hasn't his hair gone grey - must have been the tour as Adjutant 1 QO HLDRS prior to Amalgamation that did that!

Updated:

Many of you will recall Captain SJC Tootal, the former Adjutant 1 QO HLDRS and the first Adjt 1 HLDRS in Dreghorn who later transferred to the Parachute Regiment in order to bring a bit of Highland panache and style to them.  He has been awarded the DSO for his outstanding leadership in combat for the recent tour in Afghanistan where he commanded 3 PARA where he saw his men also win many gallantry and operational awards, including a posthumous VC and a posthumous GC. Congratulations from all who knew him.  Pictures from The Stan are  here (click on picture 15 for SJC)

British War Cemetery in Iraq

UPDATE:  24 Nov 06 Brigadier Hughie Monro CB accompanied by two pipers (one of whom you may recognise as Colonel The Hon AJC Campbell!) was at a Remembrance Sunday parade at Habbaniyah. Pictures are here. Thanks to Terry Pearson and his colleagues for all their hard work.

A high quality version of the film they made is available for download or playing online here  (36 Mb)