T H E C O V E N A N T E R
Sir, for volunteers to serve with a ‘Scottish
Regiment’, being a Scot by birth, I
Many thanks for the two copies of The volunteered.
Covenanter for the year 2001, as per our The second reason was much more
telephone conversation. practical. Our final training had consisted
I would be most interested to know by of instruction on the Heavy Machine Guns
what means, (other than Bankers Order) (Vicars) we would eventually operate in the
that I can be included in the Location H.M.G. Regiments. A few training sessions
List? As the records will show I have been where we had to gallop around with the
a recipient of the magazine for a number very heavy Base plate, or Tripod, greatly
of years and wish to continue to do so. At reduced my enthusiasm, and the fact that
what date would you wish to receive my Rifle Regiments, are by their nature, lightly
payment for the next issue? armed mobile forces finalised my decision.
I was rather interested in photograph I have to admit the early Boyes Rifle, the
on page 58 of the current issue, headed Bren Gun, and the Two Inch mortar were
Memory Lane. Alas no Battalion is just a wee bit on the heavy side.
mentioned, could it by any chance be of I will close now with my thanks again for
the 9th Battalion, there seems to be some the magazines.
familiar faces which I recognise from my
time with them? I note the date given as Yours etc,
1946 and yet, whilst most of those in the Nat. Gormlay
photograph are wearing campaign medals,
thus confirming active service, the Other Mr N. Gormlay
Ranks all have their tunic collars buttoned ‘HILL COT’ 33, Greenhill Avenue
to the neck. This practice ceased, with Kidderminster
the issue of “collard shirts” and ties I feel Worcs.
sure, some time, in 1944. I would be most DY10 2QU.
interested to hear more on this.
The Article beginning on page 30, (current
issue) “Problems of Reinforcement” made Sir,
most interesting reading. My thoughts
turned to Regimental Numbers. I was very I apologise for not answering your previous
aware when I joined the 9th Btn. In 1943 letter on the future of The Covenanter but
that most of the existing soldiers had I can only plead mitigating circumstances.
Regimental Numbers relating, not only to My wife has been in hospital recently
the Regiment, but also to which Battalion and I also run a retired group for TESCO
they had joined on enlistment. (1st or covering North Staffs, South Cheshire
2nd). and part of Shorpshire. At this time of the
Now, on the other hand, we later year it involves trying to please them all
volunteers, (1942) all had Regimental with Xmas festivities that they want and
numbers at least 8 digits, in my case seventy five per cent of the others who
14401367. These were issued whilst based want something else. This over and above
at the new Infantry Training Centres, in organising trips and theatre visits plus
my case, because I had stated a preference monthly meetings and lunches out. AND!
for the Middlesex Regiment on Enlistment, on top of this I have Bill Couglan after me
went to the I.T.C. outside Chester. This for not remembering things that happened
Centre was staffed, and would supply fifty years ago!
recruits to, the then, Heavy Machine Gun As regards the Regimental Magazine, I
Regiments. If my memory serves me well would be sorry to see its demise. If raising
including The Cheshire Regiment, The the cost is the means of saving it then I am
Royal Northumberland Fusiliers, The wholeheartedly in support of this. It is a
Middlesex Regiment (the D.C.O) and The small price to pay for keeping in touch with
Manchester Regiment. old colleagues.
You may wonder why I had a change I managed to get up to Douglas in May
of heart as to which Regiment I wished and met a couple of people I had not seen
to serve with when I enlisted, being the for years. Elky Clark being one, and he has
Middlesex. There were two reasons, the since been in touch with me. I also have
first, when, having completed my basic been in touch with several of the older
training. On Parade one day a call went out band members. Not so long back I visited
60
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