February sapper mag:Layout 1 21/1/09 16:21 Page 59
Saturday started with a visit to the local market, something that always pleases the ladies. A late start as this was to be a long
day. First stop was Rockland Court cemetery where one of our member’s wife laid a wreath at her grandmother’s brother’s grave.
This was very emotional for all as it was the first time the grave had been visited by a member of the family (another reason why
these trips are so important). Next stop was at another cemetery so that Jenny could lay a wreath at a friend’s family headstone.
We then headed into Passchendaele and the Hooge Crater Museum and also made time for lunch. Unfortunately the cemetery
was closed due to repair and maintenance work. It was then time to head back to Ypres and after a coffee break it was time to
carry out that old classic ‘Changing Parade’ in the back of our coach. Our inclusion in the parade at the Menin Gate was autho-
rised by the ‘Last Post Association’ and something to be very proud of. The last post has been played at the Menin Gate by the
local fire brigade every evening at 8pm since the end of WW1 except during WW2 where the ceremony took place in England.
The Glasgow branch Standard took pride of place as right marker when all Standards where marched onto parade to form the
honour guard to the wreath layers. With Standards dipped the wreaths were laid. The Glasgow REA wreath was laid by Jenny,
Corinne and May, who were commended afterwards for their protocol and smartness. Every night hundreds of people gather for
the ceremony and that night was no different. Unknown at
the time but one of the ‘Last Tommy’s’ attended that same
night and TV cameras recorded the event. (A clip was used
during Remembrance week on TV in Scotland). For Rick
it was the sound of all the people humming Amazing
Grace during the wreath laying that topped of a fantastic
parade. Another venue where the REA Standard has flown
and its return requested.
Sunday had a full schedule with a visit to Essex Farm
cemetery, next to which stands a concrete bunker hospital
built by the RE. It is also the place where the poem ‘In
Flanders Fields’ was penned by a Canadian doctor. In the
cemetery amongst the other headstones lay one for a 15
year old soldier. We also took the opportunity to visit a Rick Tootle and other Standard Bearers at the Menin Gate Ypres
German cemetery which we found to be completely differ-
ent to the British ones. The headstones were all laid flat on
the ground because Belgium did not want these places recognised nor for such a cemetery to be allowed on its soil. Back to
Ypres for photos, shopping and lunch before heading to a duty free shop on route back to Zeebruge and our ship back to Hull.
They shall grow not old as we who are left grow old,
Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn.
At the going down of the sun and in the morning,
We will remember them.
Junior Leaders Branch, Annual General Meeting & Reunion 2008,
By Mr David Bishop, Honorary Branch Chairman
The 9th AGM and Reunion of the JLRRE Branch of the REA was held over the weekend of the 3-5th October 2008 at the
Cliffe holiday camp, St Margarets. The 9th year of us meeting has not diminished the enthusiasm for our annual get together with
the numbers attending being on a par with previous years. Late Friday afternoon and evening witnessed the early arrivals form-
ing up to renew friendships and acquaintances.
The AGM on Saturday was opened by the Chairman. A full agenda was discussed with many contributions coming from the
floor. Following his resignation as the Branch President, Secretary and Membership Secretary, tributes were paid to Mr Tom
Graham, the prime mover in the foundation of the Branch all those years ago. Tom had worked tirelessly for the Branch and
remains as a Life Member. Tom, we wish you well and hope to see you at the next reunion.
As a result of Tom’s departure from the Committee the following members were voted into post:
President – Lt Col (Retd) Larry Inge. Chairman – David Bishop, Vice- Chairman & Communication Peter O’Callaghan,
Branch & Minutes Secretary Mick Dobson, Treasurer & Membership Secretary David Ormsby, Newsletter Editor & Standard
Bearer Simon Crowley. Major “Spence” Spencer MBE remains as our Serving Member. Good luck Spence wherever you are.
The Branch has established a new web-site, for which we all received expert tuition, and you can see it all at:
www.rejuniorleaders.co.uk
All the business out of the way, the evening celebrations started at 1930 hours with the Corps Fanfare and the Branch stan-
dard being marched in to Wings followed by a rousing rendition of the C.R.E. After an excellent meal washed down with copi-
ous amounts of wine, and the appropriate toasts, the evening commenced in earnest. The drawing of the raffle, followed by the
traditional charity auction kick started the evening. Presentations of the Group Directors Commendation were made to Dave
Ormsby and Mick Dobson in recognition of their service to the Branch over many years.
We are lucky to have an international membership and one of our regular attendees along with his family, are from
Switzerland. The highlight of the evening was when his daughter, as a charitable act, agreed to sing a Swiss lament in her native
language. This was absolutely breathtaking and a total collection of £100.00 raised which she kindly donated to “Help for
Heroes”. After all the set events, the dancing and carousing finished off another memorable evening.
February 2009 REA
59
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