T H E C O V E N A N T E R
arrived in Spain with 866 privates and Jake, their fear was no match to the young
arrived back in Portsmouth with 622. The lieutenants. Most probably had nightmares
losses were 204 killed in action and those throughout their life, expecting Jake to
who died on the long, almost foodless pop up at any moment and berate them
march in severe cold conditions. for something they hadn’t done perfectly.
Apart from his friendship with Colonel Overall, I doubt if there is one person
Thomas of the 90th, John Moore is very that was not positively affected by Jake’s
much associated with the Cameronians teachings. He knew the mission and made
(Scottish Rifles) in other ways. He is one of sure that we were all prepared to implement
the creators of fast moving light infantry it properly and maintain the Regiment’s
troops and the regiments using the new fine name and traditions.
rifle whose use was based on a German To RSM Sneddon’s family, Jake will live
idea of 1798 contained in ‘The Regulations in many people’s memories with fondness.
for the Exercise of Riflemen and Light He was the epitome of a British regimental
Infantry.’ These British regiments also used sergeant major and was greatly RSM admired
the German Jaeger green cloth for their by all in the Regiment.
uniforms, a precursor to khaki.
Sir Thomas Moore, the son of a Glasgow David W. Burns
physician, is not forgotten, for in George Ex-1st Bn 1962-1968 Ex-6/7th Btn, D Coy
Square there stands a bronze statue to his (Wishaw), 1961-1962
memory. It cost £3,000.
Terry Mackenzie, the museums’ officer at Sir,
Hamilton stated the following: ‘I guess that While reading Volume 2 of the History Of
the black uniform accessories have a lot to The Cameronians (Scottish Rifles) by Colonel
do with The Cameronians (Scottish Rifles) H.H. Story, I came across quotations from a
being a Rifle Regiment.’ book, which was unpublished at the time
at which Col. Story was writing. The book
Bill Coughlan. was entitled “Their Mercenary Calling” and
was written by Captain Malcolm Kennedy.
Editors Note: Black lanyard - safety cord Captain Kennedy was the last surviving
officers shako! Officer of the Battle of Neuve Chapelle and,
indeed, took the salute at the last Neuve
Letters To The Editor Chapelle Day Parade at Redford Barracks,
Edinburgh, in March, 1968.
Sir,
I would be grateful if any of your readers
I read with sorrow the passing of RSM
could enlighten me as to whether Capt.
Sneddon in the Ed Boyle’s Aden photos.
Kennedy ever published his book and if so,
“Big Jake” was a really colourful character.
where I might see a copy. If he did not, in
When I was in Minden I fainted during
fact, publish it, does anyone know what
one of the Saturday morning parades and
happened to his manuscript?
landed nose first - a text book fall now
I have a copy of a “Soldier’s History” of the
practiced by many in the Guards Brigade!
Royal Highland Fusiliers which I obtained
Jake came forward and started prodding me
from the RHF Museum when the Fusiliers
with his pace-stick, first asking if I had been
celebrated their tercentenary in 1978. Did
out drinking the night before, then telling
The Cameronians (Scottish Rifles) ever issue
me to get up and stop getting blood on his
such a handbook to their men and if so is
parade ground. Fortunately the adjutant
there still a copy in existence?
came to my rescue and told Jake to get me
The other book which I am trying to
assisted to my bed. If he hadn’t jumped in
obtain is a Cameronian Bible. I have
I think Jake would still have me standing
only ever seen one but I should like, if
there today as punishment. Each morning
possible, to obtain one for myself and, more
when I look in the mirror I see the result
importantly, for a very good friend who is
of that memorable occasion, and quite
eager to possess one.
frequently hear Jake’s words.
Fortunately the event comes with a sort of
I look forward to hearing from anyone who
fondness - I survived Jake and he gave me
can help me with these enquiries.
a good story to tell gatherings. I loved to
watch him teach drill to the new subalterns.
yours etc,
If the new riflemen lived in fear of upsetting

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