News Archive
Release of DERR music double CD - a New Year treat for you!
10th Jan 2007
Released this month is this ultimate music double CD of the Regimental Band and the Corps of Drums of the 1st Battalion The Duke of Edinburgh's Royal Regiment.
This treat for military music fans and ex-members of the Regiment includes 45 tracks taken from four recordings:
- Regimental Band recording for Regimental Association reunion 1961
- Corps of Drums recording in Cyprus 1985
- Regimental Band - "The Farmer's Boy" recorded in London 1987
- Regimental Band and Corps of Drums - "Airmobile Infantry" recorded at Catterick 1991
The 1961 recording has never previously been released. The 1985 Cyprus recording had limited distribution and it includes the Corps of Drums singing the Farmer's Boy.
Reasonably priced, this double CD will fit in well with Martin McIntyre's new book on the Duke of Edinburgh's Royal Regiment, to be published later this month.
To order your copy of the double CD go to the Music Section of our on-line shop – and order. It's as easy as that!
Unveiling of Memorial Plaque
27th Nov 2006
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On Saturday 25th November during a rainy morning a memorial plaque was unveiled here at the Wardrobe in memory of those who have died while serving with the Royal Gloucestershire, Berkshire and Wiltshire Regiment and the Royal Gloucestershire, Berkshire and Wiltshire Light Infantry.
The dedication service took place in the memorial garden and among those attending were the families of the soldiers who lost their lives, including the wife and the mother of Brigadier SWJ Saunders killed in Athens in 2000.
The plaque was unveiled by Brigadier Davidson-Houston, Deputy Colonel of the Regiment and the service was conducted by the Reverend Fran Myatt CF, Chaplain to the 1st Battalion.
Tom Venn's funeral #1 - see Archive News for more images
10th Nov 2006
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As we do not have the ability at present to upload more than one image per news item, we make no apologies for presenting several items concerning the same event; the funeral of Tom Venn, killed in action in October 1944 as part of the 5th Wiltshires and buried with full military honours on 8th November 2006.
Tom's coffin is taken into the cemetery.
Tom Venn's funeral #2
10th Nov 2006
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The funeral party makes its way down the cemetery past the firing party. The funeral party was furnished by the successor regiment to the Wiltshires, the Royal Gloucestershire, Berkshire and Wiltshire Light Infantry. The weather could not have been better; cool, little breeze, hazy, autumn leaves falling from the trees, ideal for such an occasion.
Tom Venn's funeral #3
10th Nov 2006
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At the grave the Union flag is gradually folded, prior to removal and eventual presentation to the family. The funeral was attended by many local people; the Dutch people certainly do not forget the sacrifice made to regain their freedom.
Tom Venn's funeral #4
10th Nov 2006
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Mourners salute as the Last Post is sounded.
Tom Venn's funeral #5
10th Nov 2006
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Two mourners who travelled from England for the funeral stand by the gravestone that will be installed at Tom Venn's grave. On the left is Ron Garner, who served in the Intelligence Section of 5th Wiltshires throughout the conflict following the Normandy landings. Ron was in a forward Observation Post for several days just a few hundred yards from where Tom Venn was killed. On the right is Jeff Matthews, former member of 4th Wiltshires (TA) and who, for over 20 years, has taken Old Comrades and their families to the areas where the 4th and 5th Wiltshires fought.
Tom Venn's funeral #6
10th Nov 2006
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The members of the funeral party from 1 RGBWLI were proud to be part of this memorable farewell to a fallen comrade. They also took great pleasure in meeting and talking to ex-5th Wiltshires soldier Ron Garner. After the funeral ceremony the party were all too happy to be photographed with Ron.
World War 1 war diaries - new edition for 1st Wiltshires
24th Oct 2006
A brief note to say that we have now published a new edition of the 1st Wiltshires' battalion war diary. In addition to colour maps, we have included a full index and a Roll of Honour.
To order, please go to our online shop.
TV coverage of the Salisbury Freedom parade
20th Oct 2006
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Local TV company, Vision-News, attended the Salisbury Freedom parade on 14th October. Their report on the occasion can be seen at their web-site www.vision-news.tv
Included are interviews with two Old Comrades, Les Devine and John North, two members of the Wiltshire Army Cadet Force, CSM Lucke Woodman and Sgt Amber Davies, as well as a local politician Kevin Wren.
Also interviewed, but not broadcast, were members of the 1st Battalion's Colour party, seen in the image above.