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The 60th Anniversary Commemorations VE & VJ
Day
By Archie
Cairns
In May 2005 the Royal
Signals Association with its five Branches throughout Scotland took the lead in
celebrating and remembering 60th Anniversary of VE & VJ Day with a series
of wartime events & displays in Falkirk Town Centre.
The initial plan for this project was conceived way
back in 2004 when I was approached by Jim Sloan Chairman of the Herforder
Association who wished to hold a combined reunion in Scotland between 260
Signal Squadron (SAM) RSA, the Herforder Association together with the five
Royal Signals Association Branches in Scotland.
I explained to Jim that 260 Sig Sqn already had a
reunion planned in April and it was unlikely that many of our members would be
able to participate in a second reunion so close to our annual
event.
After exchanging a series of
telephone calls and emails between us I agreed to lend my support to the
project and Jim sent out letters to all the branches in Scotland to gauge the
level of interest within each district, meanwhile I approached the Chairman of
the Royal Signals Association Major General Tony Boyle CB during the Corps
Reunion at Blandford to determine if the RSA would lend it's support to our
rather risky project. |
Major
General Boyle was very interested in the objectives of our project and gave a
cautious thumbs up providing we met certain criteria and went on to suggested
that we might wish to seek out the help of Major Ronnie Sampson CBE Royal
Signals Rtd. I explained that Jim & I had already approached Ronnie and he
had agreed to Chair our Steering Committee.
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On the 3rd of July 2004 an inaugural meeting was held
at the Dutch Inn at Skinflats near Falkirk to discuss plans to hold a Royal
Signals Association Dinner Dance and Drumhead Service marking the 60th
Anniversary of VE & VJ Day. Following the inaugural meeting the Steering
Committee proceeded to Callendar House to carry out a recce of the proposed
sites for the Drumhead Service.
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- Chairman of the
Steering Committee
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- Ronnie Sampson CBE
- Royal Signals
(Rtd)
- Royal Signals
Association
- Tayside & Fife
Branch
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- Project
Co-odinator
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- Jim Sloan
- Founder Member and
Chairman of the Herforder Association.
- Royal Signals
Association
- Glasgow Branch
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- Press and Publicity
Officer
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- Archie Cairns
- Webmaster &
Standard Bearer
- 260 Signal Squadron
(SAM) Association
- Royal Signals
Association
- RHQ Branch
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- Secretary of the
Steering Committee
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- Jim McMillan
- Royal Signals
Association
- Charman of the Glasgow
Branch
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- Army Cadet Force Liason
Officer
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- Laurie Ellis
- Royal Signals
(Rtd)
- Signals Officer
- Army Cadet Force
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WHERE ROMAN LEGIONS ONCE STOOD
The Steering
Committee visit Callendar Park Falkirk to survey the proposed site for the
Drumhead Service.
An avenue cuts through the
Antonine Wall built by the ROMANS permitting access for a procession from the
main road to the sites natural settings which appear to form a horseshoe shaped
amphitheater providing an excellent backdrop for the Drumhead Service at the
rear of Callendar House. |
CORPS COLOURS
Don't rain on
our parade was the order of the day as five men and a brolly took a stroll
through Callendar Park and good fortune beamed down on them as the rain held
off just long enough to allow the committee to examine the natural features of
the park.
Pictured left to right
Laurie Ellis, Jim McMillan, Jim Sloan and Ronnie Sampson with an umbrella
sporting the Corps Colours. With yours truly on the other side of the camera
lens. |
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CALLENDAR HOUSE
Following a tour
of the grounds the Steering Committee held a meeting with Janet Ritchie who was
kind enough to take us on a brief tour of the main function rooms of the house
and during the tour Ronnie Sampson Chairman of the Steering Committee gestures
towards the picture of Callendar House which will form the backdrop for the
Drumhead Service as Jim Sloan, Archie Cairns and Jimmy McMillan look on.
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SINGING IN THE RAIN
The initial idea to hold such an event in
Scotland was dream't up by none other than Jim Sloan Founder Member and
Chairman of the Herforder Association.
Following discussions at a
meeting held at the Dutch Inn the Steering Committee proceeded to Callendar
House to recce the proposed site for the Drumhead Service.
However nothing could
contain Jim's excitement as he jumped for joy at the realisation that his dream
had taken a step closer to reality when he laid the foundation plans before the
Steering Committee who were pleased to except his proposals. |
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WILLING VOLUNTEERS
Never Volunteer
was the advice every soldier received when he or she joined the Army and isn't
it just amazing how many of us never seem to take that advice. By the time of
the next Steering Committee meeting we had managed to recruit several willing
volunteers to share some of the burden of organising the
event.
Chris Conroy representing
260 Signal Squadron (SAM) Association joined the Steering Committee as Liaison
Officer for the Parade & Drumhead Service. However as time went on our
objectives changed and Chris took on a much greater role in the overall
organisation of this project and I am most grateful to Chris for his tireless
efforts and organisational skills which ensured the success of this high
profile event.
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- Liaison Officer for the
Parade & Drumhead Service
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- Chris Conroy
- 260 Signal Squadron
(SAM) Association
- Royal Signals
Association
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BANK MANAGER
Big projects
like these need a banker to count all the dosh as it trickles in and it is very
important that the right man or indeed woman was chosen to fulfill this task.
Bill Naismith representing Tayside and Fife Branch joined the Steering
Committee as Treasurer and did a terrific job cooking I mean
balancing the books.
Bill was keen
to demonstrate to the Steering Committee just where the money wasn't coming
from and where it was being spent with the aid of his colourful spread sheets,
graphs and charts. Bill also made time when he wasn't counting piles of pennies
to carry out many other important tasks in the run up and during the course of
the reunion weekend.
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- Treasurer
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- Bill Naismith
- Royal Signals
Association
- Tayside & Fife
Branch
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DINNER AT THE DUTCH
INN
On the 4th
August 2004 the Steering Committee with their ladies met for a meal at the
Dutch Inn, Skinflats near Falkirk and afterwards held a meeting to discuss what
progress had been achieved since the inaugural meeting.
Ronnie Sampson announced that Bill Naismith of the
Tayside Branch had accepted the post of Treasurer. Chris Conroy of 260 Sig Sqn
(SAM) Assn was then appointed Liaison Officer for the Parade & Drumhead
Service. Andy McArthur attended the Committee meeting on behalf of the Glasgow
Branch. |
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Meanwhile Jim Sloan & I
visited some of the Scottish Branches to discuss our proposals and set about
the task of trying to recruit individuals from each of the branches to help
organise the event.
- Our goals were simple
enough.
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- 1. Organise a Regional
Dinner Dance reflecting the 1940's Era complete with Swing Band.
- 2. Organise a Wreath
Laying Ceremony, Parade and Service of Remembrance to Commemorate VE & VJ
Day.
- 3. Publish details of
the event to encourage as many ex-members of the Corps to attend.
- 4. Raise the funds
necessary to finance the event.
To the best of our knowledge this was the first time
the Royal Signals Association had organised such an event in Scotland and with
little or no first hand experience we set forth on this mammoth task.
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EDINBURGH BRANCH
On 12th August 2004 Jim Sloan and I
attended the Branch Meeting at Lanark Road, Edinburgh
The
Members of the Victory Day Steering Committee received a warm reception from
the Branch President Paddy Henry MBE and the Chairman of the Branch Brian
Murray MBE.
Edinburgh Branch
Secretary Ian McKay then introduced Jim & myself to the members of his
branch and told us that his members had already held informal discussions about
the possibility of their branch organising a reunion in Scotland and how his
members were keen to hear what we had to say.
After explaining our proposals and what needed to be
done to achieve our goal. Members of the branch were given an opportunity to
discuss the matter and ask questions. |
The Edinburgh members were keen to enquire if branches
from England and Northern Ireland would be allowed to attend. Assurances were
made that RSA Members from England and Northern Ireland would not only be
allowed to attend but actively encouraged to attend.
I
went on to explain the Steering Committees role with support from the branches
was to secure funding, publicise and organise the event. Participation was open
to all members of the RSA.
With
that the Edinburgh Branch signaled their support by giving the project the
THUMBS UP. |
GLASGOW BRANCH
On 17th August
2004 I attended the Glasgow Branch Meeting at TA Centre Jardine Street,
Glasgow.
The Chairman Jim
McMillian called the meeting to order and introduced me to the branch members
as a guest of the RSA Victory Day Steering Committee and informed the meeting
that I had come to talk with the branch about Victory Day 2005.
During the course of the meeting
the Branch Secretary Ivana Muir read out a letter which she had received in
June from Jim Sloan Chairman of the Herforder Association outlining a proposal
to hold a VE Day Dinner Dance and Drumhead Service at Falkirk in 2005. The
Chairman went on to explain that their guest for the evening would give a more
detailed explanation at the end of the meeting. |
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At the end of normal business I addressed the meeting
and after a lively debate followed by a question and answer session the members
were asked if they would lend their support to the project and as can be seen
from the photograph the Glasgow Branch were keen to demonstrate their support
with a V for Victory sign.
Liz
Graham who had been nominated for a post on the Steering Committee whilst she
was away on holiday graciously accepted the position during the branch meeting
and we were delighted to have her join the team as we believe she would be a
great asset to the project and would make a good representative for the Glasgow
Branch.
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FALKIRK TOWN CENTRE
MANAGEMENT
On
18th August Jim Sloan & I attended a very constructive meeting with Falkirk
Town Centre Manager's Assistant, Margaret Foy, to discuss plans to encourage
the shops in the Town Centre to participate in the Victory Day
theme.
Margaret was most helpful
and explained that, in the past, most shops in Falkirk were only too pleased to
participate in community events and thought the shops would want to get behind
us on this one.
Jim Sloan went on
to explain to Margaret that the Cladhan Hotel had very kindly offered to put up
a prize trophy for the shop with the most authentic Victory Day display.
Margaret offered a number of useful suggestions and a long list of useful
contact's and agreed to send out a newsletter telling all the shops about our
plans to turn the Town Centre Clock back 60 years to the 1940's. One might
wonder if that includes 1940's prices. Now is that not a novel
idea. |
I then enquired if there would be any problems with
1940's re-enactment groups setting up displays. Margaret provided a plan to
indicate where display's could be safely erected to avoid obstructing the main
street and allow a clear passage for emergency vehicles to pass through.
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EDUCATIONAL
THEME
Jim's
vision for a simple Dinner Dance and Drumhead Service had certainly grown a few
arms and legs since the idea was first muted. Keen to involve Falkirk Folk in a
living history. Jim went a step further and contacted the local Education
Department to enquire if the eighty schools in the Falkirk area might like to
participate in a Victory Day History Project.
A few hours later the
Education Department called Jim back to say that they thought his suggestion
was an excellent idea and they would set out a history programme to involve
both primary and secondary pupils.
Within a few short days a number of school projects
were in hand, like making Victory Day Banners to hang above the Main Street,
drawing & painting competitions, writing essays on what school life was
like for children growing up in the 1940's. The school project's provided the
children with an opportunity to talk with great grandparents and gain a better
understanding of how much our lives have changed over the past 60 years.
On the 8th June 1946 King
George VI wrote to every child in the Nation.
TODAY, AS WE CELEBRATE
VICTORY I send this personal message to you and all other boys & girls at
school. For you have shared in the hardships and dangers of total war and you
have shared no less in the triumph of the Allied Nations. I know you will
always feel proud to belong to a country which was capable of such supreme
effort; proud, too of parents and elder brothers and sisters who by their
courage, endurance and enterprise brought victory. May these qualities be yours
as you grow up and join the common effort to establish among the nations of the
world unity and peace.
Signed
George R. I.
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ABERDEEN
BRANCH
Strike
while the iron is hot. Our two intrepid travellers from the Steering Committee
were determined not to let the grass grow under their feet and a few days after
their meeting at the Glasgow Branch headed north to the Granite City of
Aberdeen.
Just like the many
seagulls that adorn the city sky. After circling three times to find a perch
large enough to park the car. The boys set about asking passersby where the
Scottish Horse Association Club was. After a long and desperate search we found
the entrance to the club hidden away in a corner behind a parked
lorry.
There waiting to greet us
Branch President Norman Strachan, Chairman Ken Sutherland and John Muirhead the
branches budding new Webmaster. At very short notice Ken Sutherland sent out a
signal to all branch members asking those available to attend an extraordinary
meeting. |
The Lowland Branches might be large in numbers but I
have to tell you that the Highland Branch wasted no time in making a commitment
to the Victory Day Project by asking Jim Sloan to reserve rooms at the Cladhan.
They also requested that we send them dinner dance and lottery draw tickets to
them as soon as they become available.
The Aberdeen Branch made us so welcome that we found it
difficult to leave but we promised that when we go to Shetland we will make a
point of calling in to see them when we get back onto the mainland. Alas our
trip to Shetland had to be cancelled on the advice of Richard Hamilton Branch
Secretary.
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R.B.L.S. CLUB
GRANGEMOUTH
On
the 2nd September 2004 the Steering Committee met with officials from Falkirk
Council at the Royal British Legion Scotland Club in Grangemouth.
This was the first full meeting
with the Council since the plan for the Victory Day Commemoration was laid
before the Steering Committee back in July.
Representing the Council Harry Foster, Fiona McLuckie
and Councillor Pat Reid also Bruce Monument representing the Royal British
Legion, Scotland.
Joining the
Steering Committee Bill Naismith our Treasurer from the Tayside & Fife
Branch, Liz Graham our Minute Secretary representing the Glasgow Branch and Ian
Trapp a local lad and former member of the Corps who has agreed to join the
Committee to take on the job of producing the souvenir programme and Dave Smith
from the Herforder Association joined the team to assist Jim Sloan.
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INCREASED WORKLOAD
As the project
began to take shape the workload increased quite dramatically. Liz Graham a
Postal Worker representing Glasgow Branch joined the Steering Committee as
Minute Secretary however due to work and personal committments in the run up to
Christmas Liz was unable to attend as many meetings as she would have liked.
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- Minute Secretary
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- Liz Graham
- Royal Signals
Association
- Glasgow Branch
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COMMEMORATIVE PROGRAMME
Ian Trapp a
local lad from Falkirk and former member of the Corps volunteered his services
to the Steering Committee to take on the job of helping to produce a
commemorative programme designed by myself to help raise funds for the project.
After leaving the Corps where he served in a Para Signals Unit Ian worked on
the Falkirk Herald Newspaper for many years and had established many local
business contacts. With his expert local knowledge he was able to sell
advertising space in the commemorative programme and included a short history
of the events held on VE Day in Falkirk.
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- Deputy Editor
Commemorative Programme
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- Ian Trapp
- Royal Signals
Association
- Glasgow Branch
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VICTORY DAY POSTER
With the
foundation plans for the Victory Day Commemorations now firmly fixed the
massive task of raising awareness fell on my sholders. The first task was to
inform members the public that this event was taking place. I began by writing
to the Editor of every local and national newspaper in the country and most but
not all acknowledged their support. In addition I contacted local and national
radio stations, the Editor of the Wire, RBLS News and Soldier Magazine.
It is very hard to attract the
attention of the public these days with the media constantly pumping out
adverts all the time. So we needed a poster image that would draw peoples
attention. Petra Henderson of the Herforder Association supplied the background
image which clearly tells a story I was able to adapt the image to promote our
event. Five hundred A3 Victory Day posters bearing the Falkirk Council logo and
the Royal Corps of Signals Cap Badge were distrbuted through the five Scottish
branches.
During the course of one
weekend I toured the Borders Region placing posters in every Royal British
Legion and Ex-Service Club from Edinburgh to Langholm and from Bigger to
Eyemouth and I would like to take this opportunity to express my grateful
thanks to every Club President and Sectretary who offered me hospitality during
my visit to their clubs.
Prior to
the project only one RSA Branch in Scotland had it's own website. As a
consequence of promoting this event I was more than happy to build a
distinctive website for every RSA branch in Scotland. |
As the focus on this Royal Signals reunion was
commemorating the end of World War II in Europe and Japan the task of providing
a backdrop for the event fell within my remit. I searched the World Wide Web
for WWII entertainers and reenactment groups who were willing to come along and
set up camp in Falkirk.
I would
like to express my grateful to the following individuals and organisations for
their support in helping us achieve our goal. Tam Macfarlane & Tam Begbie
of the Scottish Military Re-enactment Society, John Webster and Peter Scally
Scottish Military Vehicle Group and British SAS Display, Ian Foster of 57
Rescue WW2 RAF Dispersal Display, Shaun Taylor of the 51st Highland Division
Machine Gun Display, Susan & Garry McDonald Fly Right Dance Company, Deputy
Provost Billy Buchanan for his Wartime Memorabilia Display and last but not
least Jill Daniels and her partner Lewis for travelling all the way up to
Scotland from Leicester to head up our Victory Day Show.
I don't know how, but finding the funding to finance
the event somehow ended up in my lap also. What was that I said about
volunteering earlier. The bulk of the funding for the project was met from the
Big Lottery Fund. I spent many long hours drafting the grant application and
sought professional advice on my final draft before passing it to Chris Conroy
to have it actioned. I also succeded in attracting sponsorship from BP
Grangemouth, A.G. Barr 'Barrs Irn Bru' and the Edinburgh Masonic Club.
A.G. Barr provided soft drinks and
books for the school children whilst BP Grangemouth and Edinburgh Masonic Club
each contributed a handsome cash donation.
I am grateful to the Central Committee of the Royal
Signals Association and the many branches throughout the whole of the UK who
responded so favorably to my appeals for financial support we could never
achieved what we did without your help and on behalf of the Steering Committee
I thank you most sincerely...
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MAJOR GENERAL BOYLE CB
VISITS FALKIRK
On 28th October 2004 the Chairman of the Royal Signals
Association Major General Tony Boyle CB visted Falkirk and met with the Provost
of Falkirk Jim Johnson and his Deputy Bill Buchanan to discuss the plans for
the VE VJ Day Commemorations in May 2005.
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OFFICIAL SEAL OF APPROVAL
During the
meeting the Chairman of the Royal Signals Association Major General Tony Boyle
CB, the Provost of Falkirk Jim Johnson and his Deputy Bill Buchanan posed for a
photograph with Ronnie Sampson and Chris Conroy from the Victory Day Steering
Committee adding their Seal of Approval for our Victory Day Commemoration
Poster .
Five hundred Victory Day posters bearing the Falkirk Council
logo and the Royal Corps of Signals Cap Badge were distributed throughout
Scotland and beyond.
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TOUR OF FALKIRK
Following the
meeting with the Provost and his Deputy, Major General Boyle toured the various
key locations starting off at the Cladhan Hotel the General then visited the
War Memorial at Dollar Park with members of the Victory Day Steering Committee
Ronnie Sampson, Jim Sloan, Archie Cairns and Chris Conroy.. |
CALLENDAR HOUSE
Then on to
Callendar Park to review the location for the Drumhead Service.
The General was delighted with the
plans and the venues the Steering Committee had chosen and during his visit
announced that the Corps Northern Band together with the Pipes and Drums would
attend the Victory Day Commemoration.
The General was then taken on a tour of Callendar House
by Janet Ritchie from Falkirk Council who will be organising the Civic
Reception.
The General then paused
for one last photograph outside Callendar House before returning to the Cladhan
Hotel for a final briefing and lunch with some members of the Steering
Committee... |
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SAMPSON ON SHIPS
Up to this point I have made little mention of the
Chairman of the Steering Committee Ronnie Sampson. Like any bus driver you
really need to know where you are going to ensure you get your passengers to
their destination on time and Ronnie certainly made sure we did just that.
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Renowned for his quality of leadership, tact and
diplomacy duly recognised by Her Majesty who gave him a gong. Ronnie chaired
our meetings with great leadership, wit and sense of purpose ensuring everyone
had a task and was doing it before he headed off on his next voyage of
discovery on one of those cruiseships to some foreign port.
Ronnie was keen to spread the word about our
Commemorations he was seen hanging posters on the signpost at John O'Groats, on
a palm tree on a South Sea Island and even the passengers on board the QE 2
caught sight of him placing a poster on the gang plank of the famous cruise
liner. I'm not really sure how many Signallers arrived in Falkirk from these
remote and distant locations but Ronnie definately received full marks for his
determination and enthusiasm in spreading the word.
Having learned what this man was capable of we knew we
had made the right choice in selecting him as our Chairman and he made sure we
never forgot him by presenting each one of us with a CD of his speeches Sampson
on Ships. |
COMMEMORATIVE PROGRAMME
I had much
pleasure in designing the layout for the Commemorative Programme and was
delighted to see the programme in print.
Message from General Sir Sam
Cowan KCB CBE, Master of Signals and President of the Royal Signals
Association
The Royal
Corps of Signals has traditionally had strong roots in Scotland and it is most
fitting that the members of the Royal Signals Association in Scotland and the
Council and citizens of Falkirk have come together to commemorate the 60th
Anniversary of Victory in Europe and Japan, the days that marked the end of the
Second World War.
 This is the first
occasion that the Royal Signals Association in Scotland has held an event on
this scale and I congratulate all those who have freely given of their time to
the planning and organisation. I also thank the Provost and Council of Falkirk
for their enthusiastic support and contrabution to this day of
commemoration.
I extend a
particularly warm welcome to the World War Two veterans here today; we owe them
an immense debt of gratitude as we do all of those who took part in the War. I
am also extremely pleased to welcome the representatives of many other cap
badges, civil organisations, the Cadet Forces and those of you who have come to
support this event. |
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PREPARATIONS COMPLETE
The weekend of
events was planned to bring together both young and old though a series of
activities. On Saturday 21 May 2005 we created a living history in the towns
High Street with re-enactment groups, static display's of WW2 memorabilia,
military & vintage vehicles. We plan to have live entertainment, which
would include 1940's entertainer is Ms Jill Daniels who bears a striking
resemblance to Dame Vera Lynn. We aim to create a street party atmosphere and
to encourage children, veterans and the local community to participate in some
1940's dance lessons in Jitterbug and Jive. The Northern Band of the Royal
Corps Signals will play music of the period on the town's bandstand in the High
Street. 'Fly Right' a local dance performance and education company based in
Scotland specialises in this kind of outdoor dance activity, interacting with
the local community and passers by encouraging them to get into the party mood
with dancing in the street. With the preparations complete all we had to do was
to oversee all the activities.
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HITS OF THE BLITZ
Jill Daniels,
started her singing career in the late 1970s and even in those far off days her
similarity to Vera Lynn was well recognised and earned her the title "The
Sweetheart of the Midlands" . At that time Jill was selected to work in many of
the top Cabaret Nightclub Restaurants such as the Talk of the Midlands
(Nottingham), Talk of the North (Eccles) Heart of the Midlands(Birmingham)
Embassy Club (London) as support to numerous star acts and bands.
Although Jill was renowned for her
excellent renditions of Vera Lynn favourites. She did not actually specialise
until she was asked to put on a special show for the VE DAY 50th Anniversary.
The VE DAY Shows were a brilliant success and bookings started flowing in for
her wartime show which is known as "HITS OF THE BLITZ". The same success was
repeated for the MILLENNIUM Celebrations and for The Queens Jubilee
Celebrations.
I first met Jill
at the 260 Signal Squadron reunion in Loughborough in 2002 and just knew she
would be the right act to head up the 60th Anniversary Commemorations in
Falkirk and I am pleased to say the the Steering Committee trusted my
judgement. |
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Machine Gun Display
Chris Conroy
carried out a risk assessment and set out the plan for the WWII Military
Equipment in the narrow High Street and Callendar Riggs. He placed Shaun
Taylor's Machine Gun Display right at the head of the High Street where it
attracted many visitors throughout the day.
The Machine Gun Display is modeled on the 51st Highland
Division ( Die Hard Gunners)
A Brief History of the
Division
As British forces were
withdrawing from France, Churchill placed the 51st Highland Division under
French command after assuring the French that Britain would 'never abandon her
ally in her hour of need'.
The
move was intended to persuade the French to fight on against Hitler as Britain
withdrew from the continent. |
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The bulk of the British Expeditionary Force (BEF) had
been evacuated from Dunkirk, but the 51st Highland Division was charged with
recapturing the Abbeville bridgehead on the Somme. The plan suffered from poor
co-ordination between Allied artillery, tanks and infantry, and the attack on 4
June resulted in heavy casualties.
The Germans launched a counter-attack the next day,
outflanking the Allies and trapping the 51st Highland Division and elements of
the French 9th Army Corps, who withdrew to the coastal town of St
Valéry-en-Caux. Major General VM Fortune, commander of the 51st, asked
to be evacuated on 11 June. But the Germans were determined to avoid another
Dunkirk and four divisions were put into attack to prevent an evacuation.
Despite fierce Allied defence, the 7th Panzers soon held cliff-top ground
overlooking the harbour, making an evacuation highly dangerous. The Highlanders
were conducting a desperate defence against advancing Germans while trying,
without success, to eject the 7th Panzers from their
positions.
The night of 11 June
was the Highlanders' last chance to evacuate, but Fortune remained unable to
contact the ships he hoped would rescue him and his men. That night, although
Fortune was still hoping for evacuation and elements of the 51st were still
counter-attacking, the French surrendered. By 12 June, Fortune realised that
his position was hopeless and also surrendered. Dense fog had delayed the
Navy's rescue attempt and, although they intended to arrive the next day, it
was too late to save the men who fought at St Valéry-en-Caux from
spending the war in a PoW camp. It wasn't, however, the end of the 51st
Highlanders - the division was reconstituted from the 9th Highland Infantry
Division.
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57 RESCUE
The aims of 57
RESCUE are to collate information relating to Handley Page Halifax crash sites,
including the location of particular crash sites, the amount and type of
wreckage that may be found at the site, photos of the site or aircraft prior to
its demise, any restrictions such as war graves, land access restrictions and
the like, and if at all possible a six figure map reference. In addition to
crash sites.
57 RESCUE aims to
locate and catalogue any surviving Halifax parts, both in museums and in
private collections. This may include parts which are still boxed or identical
parts used on different aircraft types.
57 RESCUE is a member of the Bomber Command Historical
Society; the British Aviation Preservation Council; the British Aviation
Archeological Council; the Handley Page Association; the Bomber Command
Association; and is an honorary member of the Irish Aviation Heritage Council.
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57 RESCUE
Ian Foster is a
member of the Halifax Aircraft Association and the Bomber Command Association
and, together with his partner Jill runs 57 Rescue in his spare time.
Ian has written books on RAF
Eastmoor and RAF Rufforth, and he has been involved in the Halifax scene in one
way or another since he was a teenager.
He worked with the Yorkshire Air Museums Halifax
project in the earlier days, but moving to Scotland precluded him from keeping
in touch there.
From his home
near Falkirk Ian and Jill set up a small reenactment group which participates
at many RAF Commemorative Displays at locations such as RAF Leuchars and Museum
of Flight at East Fortune where they are well received by the visitors.
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Ian told me about the time the group put on a display a
few years back at one of the 617 'Dambusters' Squadron Reunions where they were
photographed in full flying gear next to one of the few remaining aircraft. Ian
told me how uneasy he felt as the Veterans approached the group as they stood
next to the old bomber acting out their role. The Veterans thanked Ian and said
how realistic the group looked which triggered many mixed memories of their
comrades who never made it home.
57 RESCUE'S participation in the Commemorations at
Falkirk were much appreciated by the Wartime Veterans. Ian stunned quite a few
shoppers in the town by cycling up the High Street dressed in a WW2 Pilot's
Uniform complete with handle bar moustache on his RAF issue boneshaker bicycle.
Not the kind of thing you expect to see as you step out of Burger King on a
Saturday afternoon.
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Machine Gun Display
Shaun Taylor's
Display included items of WW2 clothing and equipment and for these two WW2
Veterans a set of Mess Tins appear more interesting than the Machine Gun
Display.
Shaun's small group
travelled down from the north of Scotland to attend the Commemorations at
Falkirk and brought with them all manor of clothing and equipment including,
Battledress Uniforms, Small Arms, Drill Rounds, Ammo Boxes, Ammo Boots, Tin
Hats, Webbing, Blanco, Field Dressings and even a Petrol
Cooker.
Note the interest shown by
the young children with their grandparents. |
AUSTIN CHAMP
Not quite WW2
Vintage the Austin Champ is one of a standardised range of ‘combat'
vehicles introduced into the British Army in the 1950s and was intended to
replace the wartime US built Jeep.
The Champs remained in service until the mid 1960s but
were always expensive to maintain and were uneconomical in their use of fuel.
They were eventually replaced by
the cheaper but adequate Land Rover. The Champs used the smallest of a range of
Rolls Royce engines.
The two Austin
Champs on display were were supplied by Iain Stevenson and Din Azeem and were a
big hit with the public each was kitted out with a radio and messages were
passed between the two vehicles throughout the day. I am most grateful to Iain
& Din for turning out with their vehicles and radio link. |
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Scottish Military Vehicle Group
John Webster
and Peter Scally Scottish Military Vehicle Group and British SAS Display
together with Scottish Military Re-enactment Society put on a fine display of
vehicles and equipment despite the fact that much of the organisations
equipment was damaged by fire a few weeks before the Victory Day
Commemorations.
The Scottish
Military Re-enactment Society was raised in 1993. The intention was then, and
is now, to ensure that the memory of those men and women who fought for the
allied cause during World War II, shall never be forgotten.
The Society is a non profit making
organisation and often takes part in fundraising events for various charities,
including the annual collection for the Scottish Poppy Appeal. |
Scottish Military Re-enactment Society
The Society
participates in many events during the year. A typical weekend can include the
static display of equipment, uniforms, weapons and vehicles. They also have a
large tent which houses their audio-visual presentation as well as a "hands on"
equipment display. Training weekends can be arranged for Field-Craft, Map
Reading, Weapons Handling and, if you are really keen, Drill!
Units within SMRS include: a
Combined Operations Section in particular the Small Scale Raiding Force, the
Special Operations Executive, Airborne (British and American), Infantry, Royal
Navy, Home Guard and the Auxiliary Territorial Service.
As well as the vehicle display this tent made from a
WW2 Parachute housed a large collection of WW2 Memorabilia. |
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As well as the Military Vehicle and Weapons Display we
were very fortunate to have a large display of Military Radio Sets which were
provided by a private collector David Topham. David's father had served in the
Corps and David was only too happy to bring along some of his private
collection which included sets from WW2, the Cold War including Russian and
NATO Equipment. Unfortunately our cameraman didn't take a photograph of the
Wireless Set Display.
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ARMY CADET FORCE
The Army Cadet
Force turned out in strength to lend their support for the Victory Day
Commemorations.
The Army Cadet
Force were joined by smaller contingent's from the Air and Sea Cadets and did a
grand job fund raising collecting on behalf of Erskine Hospital, selling
commemorative programmes as well as setting up a recruitment tent to encourage
more youngsters to join the Force.
The Army Cadet Force (Argyll & Sutherland
Highlanders) Falkirk Company is Commanded by Lt. Col. Jim Fraser.
The Cadet Force also has an
element of Royal Signals Cadets and through our Association we were able to
assist the Cadets establish contact with instructors from units based in
Scotland to provide some basic signalling skills.
The Royal Signals Association in Scotland made a
sizable donation to the Cadet Force as a measure of our thanks to the Boys and
Girls for all their hard work. |
HERFORDER ASSOCIATION
Meanwhile Jim
Sloan went on his own recruitment drive to find more willing volunteers from
the Herforder Association to act a Safety Stewards .
The
Happy Herforders assembled in the Cladhan Hotel before joining Chris Conroy and
myself at the display area in the Callendar Riggs.
Jim found no problem recruiting helpers to control the
crowds. I guess it was the shiny jackets that he was seen to hand out in the
hotel reception which guaranteed a front row position for the Corps Band
Display.
Only joking Jim. |
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CORPS BAND ESCORT
Dusty Miller a
member of the Herforder Association who also served in 260 Signal Squadron was
assigned the task of ensuring the Band was dropped off at the starting point
for the parade.
Members who served
with the Squadron during the last tour in NI should remember Dusty who worked
in the Officers Mess and his wife Liz.
Dusty lives in a small village on the outskirts of
Falkirk and although his health has prevented him attending our reunions he and
Liz regularly keep in touch through our website. |
SECURITY IS STEPPED UP
Security is
stepped up in the Callendar Riggs as a large crowd of Herforders wearing
fluorescent orange jackets start to assemble next to the Machine Gun Display.
Liz Miller is on the left of the
picture and by the looks of things I think Jim Sloan and Ian Trapp are helping
Jill Daniels by joining in on the chorus. I suspect they had a few Herfy's
before leaving the Cladhan...
Is
that a 'Carry oot' in the blue bag Ian? |
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JILL DANIELS
Jill quickly
draws a large crowd at the Callendar Riggs Falkirk as she sings the Wartime
songs made famous by Dame Vera Lynn.
Songs like Bless 'Em All, Good Night Sweetheart, White
Cliffs of Dover, It's a sin to tell a lie, Keep the home fires burning, and
We'll Meet Again. |
HITS OF THE BLITZ
It wasn't long
before Jill had the crowd singing along to the old WW2
favorettes:
Doing the Lambeth
Walk, Bye Bye Blackbird, Don't Dilly Dally on the way, It's a long way to
Tipperary, Wish me luck as you wave me goodbye, Won't you come home Bill
Bailey, Lay Down your Arms and many many more. |
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FLY RIGHT DANCE COMPANY
Following major
performance successes in Scotland and the United States, the company
incorporated in September 1998 and has charitable status.
One of Fly Right's principal aims is to offer dance
performance opportunities to those who do not necessarily have a formal dance
background. Their performance group, the members of which all have other
"lives", travels all over Scotland to perform, demonstrate, and generally have
fun!
The company has established
itself at the forefront of dance education in Scottish schools with its
extremely successful education programme, which provides children with a fun
introduction to dance at school. They have plans for a major in-service
programme for teachers as well. |
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JITTERBUG AND JIVE
Falkirk Town Centre came alive as the Fly Right Dance
Company Scotland’s only professional dance company specialising in
traditional Afro-American dance styles such as Charleston, Lindy Hop, Jitterbug
and Jive began their dance demonstrations in the High
Street.
Visitors to the town were
amazed to see dancers doing high kicks and jumps right there in front of the
band stand and it wasn't too long before Susan & Gary had members of the
public joining in. |
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LINDY HOP
The Dance
Company were a great success with the crowd and soon had them 'In the Mood'
with the Lindy Hop, Jitterbug & Jive popular dance routines brought to the
UK by the American GI's in the 1940's when America joined the allies in
preparation for the Normandy Landings. |
The day
wasn't only about entertaining the veterans, there was also some practical help
and advice on hand. The Veterans Agency provided a mobile advice centre and
were on hand throughout the day providing information, help and advice on
issues of concern to veterans and their families.
The Vetarans Agency who had set up their mobile stand
in the Callendar Riggs reported that the had received many enquires from
Veterans throughout the day and had been able to arrange assistance for a
number of ex-servicemen and their widows.
The chap from the Veterans Agency later wrote to me and
thanked us for inviting them to our event and added that they would not have
made contact with these veterans had the event not been organised by the RSA in
Scotland. |
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CHANGE IN TEMPO
The music
quickly changed tempo as the Corps Northern Band struck up and began to march
the length of the High Street.
The
Corps Northern Band is based at 34 Signal Regiment (V) York and every musician
in the band is a member of the TA.THE NORTHERN BAND OF THE ROYAL CORPS OF
SIGNALS
The
weather was fine and sunny as the Corps Band marched down Falkirk High Street
to the Bandstand at Callendar Riggs. |
34 SIGNAL REGIMENT (V)
The Corps Band
will need no introduction to most and as usual, performed to it's highest
standard. |
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CROWD JOINS THE PARADE
A large crowd
which had gathered at the west side of the town where the band had formed up
joined the colourful parade as it moved through the High Street past the
shopping mall. |
CORPS PIPERS
A contingent of
five Pipers from 32 (Scottish) Signal Regiment (V) accompanied the Corps Band.
Due to operational commitments other members of the Corps Pipes and Drums were
unable to attend the Commemorations.
In 1920 The Lord Strathspey, Chief of Clan Grant, gave
his permission for the Red Grant Tartan to be worn by the Pipes & Drums of
51 (Highland) Signal Regiment TA.
The Grant Tartan had previously been worn by the Royal
Engineers from which the Royal Corps of Signals was formed.
Through their affiliation with 51
(Highland) Regiment the Queens Gurkha Signals wear the Red Grant.
In 1967 the then Lord Strathspey
extended the wearing of the Red Grant to 32 (Scottish) Signal Regiment (V).
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BAND STAND
The Northern
Band came to a halt in front of the Band Stand where they performed a selection
of tunes to the crowds delight. |
CROWD SWELLS IN NUMBER
The Northern
Band of the Royal Corps of Signals, accompanyed by Pipers from the Corps Pipes
and Drums gave a polished performance at the Callender Riggs in the centre of
the town.
A large crowd quickly gathered to watch and appreciated
the spectacle and demonstrated their appreciation with prolonged applause.
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SCHOOL CHOIR
The Northern
Band provided an accompaniment to a one hundred strong school choir who sang a
special song which was written many years ago for the Town of Falkirk and had
never been sung before.
Unfortunately the photographer had his camera trained on the band as the
children sang their hearts out. |
PRIZE GIVING
The Provost of
Falkirk Jim Johnson gave a short speech and handed out the prizes to the school
children who had entered the various competitions and had just handed over to
the Chairman of the Royal Signals Association Major General Tony Boyle CB when
the heavens opened and everyone scattered for cover. The Northern Band headed
for the tiny Bandstand which was quickly overwhelmed and they had to seek
refuge elsewhere.
As the downpour
continued the event was all but abandoned as most of the Veterans and VIP's
headed for the Bar in the Cladhan Hotel. Jill Daniels took up the microphone
and started singing again as the rain continued falling from the sky
demonstrating what a true professional she is. As Chris and I returned to the
Bandstand to clear up after lunch Jill was still singing to a small but
dedicated crowd. |
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VICTORY DANCE CLADHAN
HOTEL
As the
activities were underway in the town centre a small group stayed behind at the
Cladhan Hotel to decorate the room for the Victory Dance.
Isabel McMillian made a magnificent table setting for
each table with candles and ribbons in the Corps Colours and Union Jacks to
complete the setting.
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CLADHAN HOTEL
Jim McMillian
Secretary of the Steering Committee and Chairman of the Glasgow Branch RSA
helps to coordinate the room for the Dinner Dance with Dusty & Liz Miller
giving a helping hand. |
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DINNER DANCE
In the evening a
Dinner Dance held in the Cladhan Hotel was attended by the Master of Signals,
President of the Royal Signals Association, General Sir Sam Cowan KCB
CBE, and his wife Lady Anne Cowan, Major General Tony Boyle
and his wife Ann; the Signals Officer in Chief (Army), Brigadier John
Thomas MBE ADC; the Corps Chaplain, Reverend Peter Clemett and his
wife Gael; the Provost of Falkirk Jim Johnson, Deputy Provost
Billy Buchanan and Councillor Pat Reid of Falkirk Council.
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IN THE MOOD
Jim and Madge
Sloan pose with Ian Trapp for a photo during the Victory Dinner Dance as the
Swing Band get the Veterans on the floor with Glen Miller's wartime favorette
'In the Mood' |
SHOW STOPPERS
Show Stoppers
Ann Conroy with Black Marketeer Andy McArthur all dressed up in their 1940's
outfits set the stage for the Victory Day Dance.
Andy arrived
at the dance with his little brown briefcase full of silk stockings, knicker
elastic and other nick knacks in short supply hoping to make a quick sale.
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GOOD HEALTH
Hilda & Archie and his sister Mina drink a toast.
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GOOD COMPANY
Joyce Logan a
former WRAC Signaller from the Edinburgh Branch with her father a WW2 Veteran
team up with the gang from 260 Sig Sqn (SAM) Association. |
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The evening was a great success, and the swing band
and cabaret act was in fine form enticing many couples onto the floor, where
their fancy footwork was a marvel to see.
Those who weren't on the floor accompanied the band by
tapping their feet in time to the music. Many WW2 veterans attended the
function. Members from a number of RSA Branches and Affiliated Associations
from across the country attended the dance. Some having travelled all the way
from Reading and Bournemouth.
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Jill Daniels and Andy
McArthur
After a
full day singing in Falkirk High Street Jill Daniels changed into her RAF
Flight Sergeant's uniform to give a brilliant cabaret performance at the dinner
dance on the Saturday Night demonstrating what a versatile and professional
performer she is.
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The Cabaret ended sometime after midnight. The Dinner
Dance had been such a roaring success no one wanted it to end but gradually
everyone soon drifted off to bed about an hour or so after the bar had closed.
Sunday Morning
We got up sharp
on Sunday morning and headed down for a full Scottish breakfast. The weather
was not good the rain was pouring from the heavens and it seemed it would not
let up. Chris & I had a meeting to discuss our options as to whether we
should go ahead with the outdoor Drumhead Service or opt for the wet weather
programme. It was decided at that point we should wait to see if the weather
improved. In the meantime I had to head off to Callendar House with the other
Standard Bearers to meet the Corps Padre.
War Memorial Dollar
Park
On the
Sunday morning vetarans assembled at Falkirk Town Hall for a short march up the
hill to the War Memorial at Dollar Park where a short service was held. A
bugler played the Last Post.
The
Master of Signals General Sir Sam Cowan KCB CBE accompanied by the Provost of
Falkirk Jim Johnson, The Signal Officer in Chief Brigadier John Thomas MBE ADC
and the Deputy Provost of Falkirk Bill Buchanan pay homage at the wreath laying
ceremony at the War Memorial, Dollar Park Falkirk.
The dignitaries stand silently as a piper plays
Floo'ers o' the Forest, a fitting tribute to those who never returned home.
Together with its membership of retired signallers, the
Serving Corps, Territorial Army units, ATS, WRAC, Army Cadet Force, the Royal
British Legion, Scotland and Veterans from several Scottish Regiments attended
the wreath laying ceremony held on Sunday 22 May 2005 at Dollar Park on the
west side of Falkirk.
On the
other side of the town the Standard Bearers had assembled at Callendar House in
the pouring rain to meet with the Corps Chaplain and the RSM of 34 Signal
Regiment (V) for a brief rehersal but conditions were so bad that we had to put
the wet weather programme into effect, and the Service was relocated to Graeme
High School due to the continuing inclement weather.
Following the wreath laying ceremony the dignitaries
joined the Veterans for a Drumhead Service conducted by the Corps Chaplain
Peter Clemmet who gave a very moving service. The Master of Signals read the
lesson. The school hall was filled to capacity. At least two hundred veterans
wearing a variety of cap badges were in the congregation and were joined by the
joint cadet forces and TA.
DRUMHEAD SERVICE
The Northern
Band of the Royal Corps of Signals accompanied by pipers from 32 (Scottish)
Signal Regiment (V) provided music for the Drumhead Service.
Royal Signals Association Standard
Bearers from several branches across the UK accompanied by Standard Bearers
from all three Services and the Royal British Legion Scotland lined the walls
of the school assembly providing a colourful backdrop to the proceedings.
Six drums bearing the Corps
Insignia form the Alter for the Drumhead Service at Graeme High School.
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FINE TUNING
The hall was
filled to capacity as the Corps Band tuned their instruments in readiness for
the Drumhead Service. |
REMEMBRANCE
Jim McMillian
chats with the Pipers as we await the arrival of the Master of Signals General
Sir Sam Cowan KCB CBE. |
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STANDARD BEARERS
The Standard
Bearers had no time for a rehearsal in the assembly hall however with the hall
packed to capacity they performed well. |
ROYAL SIGNALS STANDARDS
Bill McNamara
Glasgow Branch gives some last minute instructions to Andy McArthur also of the
Glasgow Branch carrying the Catterick Branch Standard. |
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Members of 260 Sig Sqn (SAM)
Chris Conroy
seated with Liz and Dusty Miller await the start of the Drumhead
Service. |
DRUMHEAD SERVICE
On the other
side of the town the Standard Bearers had assembled at Calander House in the
pouring rain to meet with the Corps Chaplain and the RSM for a brief rehersal
but conditions were so bad that we had to put the wet weather programme into
effect, and the Service was held in Graeme High School instead.
The
Corps Chaplain gave a moving Service, and the Master of Signals read the
lesson. The School Assembly was filled to capacity. At least two hundred
veterans wearing a veriety of cap badges were in the congregation and were
joined by the joint cadet forces and TA.
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Civic Reception
Callendar House
Following the Drumhead Service the Provost of Falkirk
Jim Johnson gave a Civic Reception in Callendar House, where he thanked the
Steering Committee for organising the weekend of events in conjuction with the
Council. The Provost then presented the Corps with an engraved Silver Salva to
mark the occasion. In return the Master of Signals thanked Falkirk Council, and
presented the Provost of Falkirk with a Silver Statue of "Jimmy". During the
Civic Reception Pipers from 32 Signal Regiment (V) played a tune specially
written for the day. The Pipe Major then presented the Provost with a framed
musical score of the pipe tune specially written for the Falkirk
Commemorations.
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The Pipes & Drums of the Balaclava Pipe
Band
of the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders Association.
Following
the Drumhead Service the WWII Veterans were bused back to the Cladhan Hotel for
lunch where they were greeted by the Pipes & Drums of the Balaclava Pipe
Band of the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders
Association.
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BALACLAVA PIPE BAND
The Band played
a selection of tunes as the Veterans filed into the hotel reception.
No
doubt most of them would have kept in step with the big bass drum as they
trooped up the wheelchair ramp and into the bar for a quick drop of lubricant
before lunch. |
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BALACLAVA PIPE BAND
It was a such a
great pity that the weather had turned so fowl and the rain had fallen so heavy
on the day, as this was probably the last opportunity these Veterans would have
to march to the beat of a military band.
The last opportunity to march
with an Old Comrade by their side.
The last time they would received a
salute from a serving General of the Corps. |
Following lunch at the Cladhan Hotel the Veterans were
each presented with commemorative pin by the Provost of Falkirk after which
many of the Veterans accepted an invitation to attended a trip on the Falkirk
Wheel organised by the Royal Signals Association in Scotland. But many were
quite happy to enjoy a chat over a pint with an Old Comrade.
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