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REGIMENTAL BAND REUNION
Twenty five of us, including many of our ladies, will be gathering in the RS Club at 1215 on Saturday 30th September for lunch in the Douglas Room.
Not only will we be in one of the most elegant dining rooms in Edinburgh but we will be in the presence of a recently installed display of silver in custom-built cabinets. I am frequently asked what will become of RS silver because I am involved in a project about its management in Palace Barracks. A quantity remains there although items not in regular use have been returned to the Museum in the first instance, from where some of the more significant items have been placed on display in the RS Club to add to the holding already there.
On arrival in the Club, Malcolm Ross who served in 1 RS in Werl and who is now an expert photographer will take photographs which I’m sure will be available for viewing subsequently on-line.
Although all arrangements are in place, there will still be room at the table for last minute bookings. Anyone you are in contact with who has not yet booked but who would like to attend should email me at wjblythe@hotmail.com by midday Wednesday 27th September.
Mr Gus Birrell
It is with great sadness that we report the death on Friday 22 September 2023 of Mr Gus Birrell, 1RS 1966-1988, TA and ACF 1988-2008. Our thoughts are with his family and friends. Further details will be announced when known.
RIP Gus. One of life’s characters.
Condolences to May and family.
Jimmy and Gill
Mhairi and I are very sad to learn bout Gus. Truly one of the most loyal Old Royals.
I have fond memories of Gus in B. Coy whilst in Osnabruck. R.I.P Gus
John Grosvenor.
Sorry too hear about Gus as I joined in 1966 and served with him at that time, and remember him as
loyal and a great guy too serve with.
My thoughts are with his Family and his mates who became friends with him.
Yours Aye
Alex Moore
Southern Branch
Gus’s funeral details are as follows
Service
On Wednesday, 4th October 2023
11am Mortonhall Crematorium Main Chapel
The family would like you to join them at Gorebridge Bowling Club to reminisce about Gus with some refreshments following the service.
Many thanks
The Birrell Family
My thought’s and prayers are with all the family at this very sad time
Rest In Peace Gus
VOLUNTEERS SOUGHT TO ASSIST LEGION SCOTLAND
Legion Scotland is seeking volunteers to assist with a number of events in the next few months. These are:
Dedication of the Garden of Remembrance, Prices Street Gardens East, Edinburgh, at 100 on Mon 23 Oct 2023.
Dedication of the Garden of Remembrance, George Square, Glasgow at 1100 on Tue 24 Oct 2023.
Festival of Remembrance, Caird Hall, Dundee, at 1900 on Sat 4 Nov 2023.
Armistice Day Service, Princes Street Gardens East, Edinburgh, at 1100 on Sat 11 Nov 2023.
Remembrance Sunday National Service, City Chambers, Edinburgh, at 1100 on Sun 12 Nov 2023.
Legion Scotland Carol Service, Canongate Kirk, Edinburgh, at 1600 on Sun 17 Dec 2023.
Anyone able to assist should email Brian Ward on b.ward@legionscotland.org.uk
Just a quick reminder folks, The Gladdy Murray Golf Trophy will be played at Niddrie Castle Golf Club on Sunday 24th September 2023. Please arrive around 9.30 for the usual bacon/sausage roll with tea/coffee! First tee off 10.50am. If for some reason you are unable to attend,please let myself (Liz Kyle), David Milne, or Bigbri Mcg know so we are not paying for your meal or tee time! Thank you and see you all there.
Well done the Gladdy Murray golfers, especially the organisers. A grand day out.
Hello everyone I was asked to give testomony regards my beloved Regiment and its aftercare so here I am. I was a xmas leaver from school and joined the 1st Battalion Royal Scots the end of 1979 and began my training at Gordon Barracks Aberdeen. By default I should have been a Gordon Highlander but the seasonal intake was full. I grew up in the era when solvent abuse was rife all over Scotland like a rash and there was no way I ever wanted to end up like them. So when I was told about the intake I said to them I would join any regiment in the Scottish infantry Division that had sapce to I got assigned to pick up the batton as one of Pontius Pilates body guards. Our other nickname was the “Boggin Royals” which I really did take offence to given we were one of the oldest regiments in the entire world not just the UK. When I was discharged I went to college and University and reinvented myself ultimately be coming an I.T engineer and consultant. I am a rare species that has dual nationality and has worked for two different governments, that being the MOD in the UK and the DOE in America.. When I got older and was fast approaching the pipe and slippers club I was diagnosed with an auto immune condition called Addison’s and spinal stenosis. It was a sublime diagnosis as President JFK had an identical M.O. Now I am steroid dependant for life and slowly the stenosis I had (2) started to effect my everyday living. In all honesty I never realised there was so much military aftercare out there. My first point of contact was SSAFA, and absolutely fantastic would be an understatement if I was asked to describe them in a few words. They in turn would refer me to Veterans first Point who would turn my life around in a world of crisis at that given time. Back then my physical mobility would start to decay and I ultimately ended up housebound. Luckily for me both entities’ intervention would restore some of my independence and dignity. I had retired ex-servicemen visit me with more medals than I could count, and sit there talking shop like soldier to soldier. They used various charities such as Poppy Scotland and ABF to mention but a few. I was given help regards an orthopaedic bed and a mobility scooter, and moral support from Veterans first point the help they all gave me was priceless. In February this year my wife – soulmate and primary carer – died after an 18 day battle with cancer. It was right up there with losing a squaddie in the theatre of conflict as back in the day you had a platoon, company, and battalion of carers so even just losing one of them was up there with losing your soulmate. As in truth being part of a battalion it was the hugest and tightly knit family you could ever have, I was truly blessed back then. After my wife died I was pretty much compromised and came full circle and moved back to Aberdeen. Moving forward to today, I hope soon corrective surgery will enhance my mobility. Just a matter a week ago again I engaged with SSAFA for a couple of rugs for my house because if want luxury things you need to save up not tax a charity. Any military charity that engages and supports their patreons so to say deserve the full credit they are owed. In my case if my mobility is even half restored I plan to give back what I was given, help and hope no donation could ever cover that. I would like to think even if I have partial restoration of my legs I will fundraise for every military charity that has had such a positive impact on my life when I was rock bottom and felt all was lost. I am also grateful for my elder peers who made an effort to visit my home and discuss my situation (even though I was jealous of all their medals lol) God bless them and thank each and every man that had a fingerprint on my situation. I will never forget that. I would recommend officers to our bread and butter RSM’s read a soldiers mindset and gratitude that the come through for me just when I needed them. God bless and protect every last one of you.
Regrettably the forthcoming Nagpore Dinner, has had to be cancelled due to Lack interest and Numbers. We will refund the members who had already Paid, this will be done in due course. UTR.
Mr Andrew Hogg
It is with great sadness that we report the death on Fri 25 Aug 2023 of Mr Andrew Hogg. Our thoughts are with his family and friends. The funeral will be held at 1000 on Wed 13 Sep 2023 at Kirkliston Parish Church, The Square, Kirkliston, EH29 9AS.
Really sorry too hear about the death of Andy Hogg.
We from the Southern Branch send our deepest sympathy at this sad time.
Alex Moore
Vice Chairman Southern Branch.
The Nagpore Dinner Night is approaching fast, 13 to 14 days to get your names in. Remember your good ladies are more than welcome, so treat her to a Three course Meal Two glasses of wine. Entertainment of Pipe sets courtesy of a Member/ Members of the Regimental Association Pipe Band. WE must not Forget the catch-up with old comrades. DONT miss out. Msg Jamie Colquhoun, David Milne or Indeed myself Paul Robertson. 23rd Sept For the Dinner Night, 18th Sept Will be the Cut-off for a Place.
Word is going round this poignant occasion now cancelled.This is no reflection on the efforts of our new office bearers.Wish to thank The Royal Scots Club for previous memorable years for events such as this.
Mr Tam Buchanan
The funeral of the late Mr Tam Buchanan will take place at 1500 on Friday 1 September 2023 at Seafield Crematorium, 40 Seafield Rd, Edinburgh, EH6 7LD
25 AUGUST
During July and August 1695 the 1st and 2nd Battalions took part in the siege of Namur, southeast of Brussels, Belgium, where The Grand Alliance secured a victory over the French forces in the Nine Years War. For their part in the battle the Regiment was awarded the battle honour Namur 1695.