Reunion issues

"I will be attending the AGM as there is a lot of angry members of the RWFCA who wan to be heard regarding the plans of the RWCA changing the reunion and starting to dictate to branches about how they go on parade. As the secretary of the Welshpool Branch I will be there taking notesto be past on to my members and Major Monty Robinson will be addressing the meeting. Will be in touch" Brian Dando

Hi Brian
As I have never been a member of the RWF Signal Platoon, I think you should have a reunion of sort, as suggested by past platoon members' bi-annual would be good.

I just want to clear up a point on the RWFCA Reunions in Wrexham, I think people are being miss led on this issue that the RWFCA reunions in future will be one in the North one in the South, as an elected member of both executive committee's, this has never been agreed on, the RWFCA is still retaining their own identity and will continue to hold their own Annual reunion in Wrexham every year,until such time as the support doesn't warrant it (as put by some one hence, the " Ball is in our Court" and the RWFCA Reunon is our own destiny wether we want it or not)? The RWRA will hold their own reunion's one in the South, then one in the North in the future years. ( it is only this year that they have "bolted" onto the RWFCA reunion).

I feel that there is a lot of rumours and mislead information going around at this present time about reunions and Regimental Events.

I can assure you that the RWFCA traditions will continue for a many a year, it wont if ex RWF members' continue to be a bit dispondent and angry about it, come let us give our support and carry on with the RWF traditions for years to come.

As I have said before " It's your Association, Support it"

Best Regards
Benny Ball

Hi Benny,

Given your position on the RWFCA Ex Committee, I have moved your post above from the Sigs Reunion thread, so that it can be viewed and responded to separately to the Sigs Platoon business. I have included Brian Dando's comment that initiated your response.

Thanks
Al

Many Thanks Al.
Just replying to Brian's qoute. didn't want it to overcast the thread on the Signals Platoon reunion thread, that wasn't my intention, sorry lads.

BennytheBall

Thanks for the explanation Ian. It makes things a little clearer for me. It is unfortunate that RWF have lost the use of the Barracks but it has happened. It is the beginning of change for the comrades as we have known it for years and we have to accept it. Whether it is Signals, drums, Band or the upcoming Support company function which has kindly been opened for all Ex-RWF, he lads will continue to meet up. You may have to accept that those who live in the South will now look to staying in the South and maintain their identity as Royal Welch Fusliers rather than join in with the new association idea of North and South alternate which I personally believe (in time) will be a South only affair anyway. (more than happy to be wrong but time alone will tell)

Hi Benny,

Thanks for your reply to my thread but it is not as simple as you make it out to be I'm afraid. All my members and other branches members think that the RWCA is trying to take over the RWFCA and there is a lot going on in the background that a lot of members do not know about. Major Monty Robinson is a trustee of the RWFCA and he will be speaking at the meeting regarding the things that are going on that are not as they should be. The committee you mentioned is exactly that and they represent all our members and the president/chairman cannot sack members of that committee willy nilly thats not how committee's work any major changes have to go forward to an EGM or the AGM, remember you represent us not yourselfs. We will be going on parade with our own Standard and not buying the new RWCA standard as we were instructed we were to do on the Secretarys meeting. We regard ourselfs as RWFCA not RWCA if members want to join both they are welcome but the only time we become the RWCA is when there is no members of the old regiment left..

Brian

Brian

Well said Brian, all Comrades who have the future of The Royal Welch Fusiliers at heart should be encouraged to attend this years AGM at Wrexham, I appriciate and have the upmost respect for Comrades and Families who year on year make the long treck to Wrexham from all corners of Wales, some from Holland and Germany and Dilwyn 15, all the way from Canada, Paul Davies in his wheelchair (By car of course) and many more who have to rush home on Sunday ready for work the following day, you are the true Royal Welch Family and long may it contunue, Let us give our support at the AGM to carry on with the RWF traditions for years to come.

Brian

Hi Both Brians

Many Thanks for your comments on my input to this debate, but really guys in regard to the RWFCA nothing has to change at branch level at all, branches remain as RWFCA abviously with keeping a tie with the Regular/TA Bn's of the Royal Welsh, remember there is still a lot of ex RWF guys serving in all 3 Bn's, so I believe we must not cast them aside and keep them interested in the "Espirit de Corps" of the RWFCA with a view of hopefully they will join our RWFCA branches in years to come, as I said before the RWFCA will only survive if the support is there.

As you may know I am a Branch Secretary and I always make it clear to my branch members that nothing has changed as RWFCA as long as they keep supporting it, otherwise the "branches of the RWFCA tree will wilt and finally die" I personally beleve that coming under the RWRA umbrella (There is no true Royal Welch Fusilier than myself I hope) (I mean under the umbrella only not being fully intergrated into it will keep the RWFCA tree alive)

As for attendance to the AGM and Reunion dinner, it has somewhat dwindled over the years, yes I agree there are alot of RWF ties in Wrexham over the reunion, but can you honestly say how many really support the AGM and the dinner? the true Royal Welchman?

As mentioned before, branch members should not feel dispondent in anyway, as long as they keep supporting their branches and thinking all things RWFCA then the RWFCA will keep on striving.

Just as a matter of interest, our counter parts in other regimental associations are having the same issues.

Long Live the Royal Welch Fusiliers Comrades' Association!

Please I am not trying to "preach the Gospel", but these are my views alone.

Remember its good to talk?

Best Regards
BennytheBall

PS
As regard to the elected members of the executive committees, we do fight our branches corners and are NOT in it for ourselves.

Also as regard to the RWRA branch standards only 7 branches have elected to have one and I can assure my branch is not one, we will continue to proudly parade with our RWFCA standard.

Remember those great words " Its your Association, Support it"

Some very good posts guys. Benny your post is very valid, because you clearly represent a part of the RWFCA that have accepted the new situation, as a non branch member, its not fair that I comment on branch arrangements. However as an Individual Member of the RWFCA, I would like to highlight some areas pertinent to my membership category.

Benny you rightly highlighted the former RWF now serving in the new regiment(I believe you wore both badges?). Surely they will have close affinity to both associations, so much of this is discussion is academic to them at this stage in their life. This is an issue that clearly strikes at those ex RWF who whilst supporting the guys in the new regiment, possibly feel little affiliation to it. I think that's a fair place to be, bearing in mind the previous 300 odd years of unbroken RWF lineage. Some members of the RWFCA want to retain all of the traditions, dress and accroutements. I for one support that view. I really don't understand why that can't prevail. Or are their worries unfounded and this is due to a lack of communication?

Benny mentioned the Individual Members based around the UK and further a field. I do wonder about all of those 1000's of Ex RWF who have never been part of any branch(like myself). Would this now not be the time to re-look at the Individual Membership category. Offer them paid membership of the RWFCA via the Internet. Potential members could sign up and pay via a website(certainly the RWF Forum could do this). The on-line membership would receive an emailed newsletter every quarter. Paid membership would cover admin costs and go towards the funds of the RWFCA. Those members would be drawn firmly into the RWFCA, enjoying the same espirit as the branches. Online members could also chose affiliation to a branch if they so wished.

Eventually the branches will reduce down, but that doesn't mean to say the RWFCA needs to finish within our generation. If the nettle was grasped firmly by the current RWFCA membership and its committee, they could modernise, strengthen their membership, increase their revenue stream and move forward positively. This could potentially make a massive difference, you only need to look at the ex RWF guys we pull in every week into this site to know this could work. Additionally Facebook is swimming with former members of the regiment, who would probably appreciate having a stake in their old regiment via the RWFCA. It would clearly send out a polite message to onlookers that the association is still open for business.

Certainly the RWF Forum could assist the RWFCA in the practicalities of setting up a an on-line membership point and payment portal.

As an Individual Member, mainly living outside of the UK, I would appreciate the opportunity to make a small financial contribution to the RWFCA every year and to be made to feel a valued part of the association.

Just a thought.

Hello Al,
As a like minded RWFCA fan, I will try and expedite the matter of upgrading the RWFCA to become more I T.friendly with both Bob and your help, and your idea of a news letter is most commendable.The news letter could let all the RWFCA branches know of the events we attend. two of these are as follow, Swansea branch have been going to the continent for some 18 years,I do not think these trips are widely known to take place. And on most of these trips Swansea have managed to incorporate Swansea, Bridgend, Carmarthen, Wrexham and London branch members.And we are going again this year in October. We usually visit the Menin Gate and are always to be seen laying wreaths on the Evrecy monument to the 1st battalion who fought in and around Caen, with a great loss of life. The other trip was a fantastic trip to Jamaica in February 1993 when some 58 former comrades and their wives held a memorial service in the Jamaican Defence Force garrison church to remember the loss of young lives lost in the air trooper accident in February 1953, when all aboard were lost with out a trace off Newfoundland. I have also placed on this years agenda to see if a feasibility study can be arranged for a memorial plaque to be placed in Saint Giles church as this accident is not widely known about and I feel a plaque in our RWF church is a must. We also managed to have some relaxation on various trips Dun's River Falls and many others. Let us all remember "United we stand divided we fall" Of course the south Wales branches are always hosting several branches on social evenings. In conclusion we will have the help of Bob Bacon and Al Poole plus the wonderful vehicle of the forum to generate more interest in the advancement of the branches and the RWFCA in general.I am writing a book on the RWF and book 3 incorporates the visit to Jamaica with a proliferation of photos both black and coloured.
Regards RBD aka jungle1810

Hi AlSome very good salient points there on membership of the RWFCA. I Feel Des Williams DCM should be contacted over this and it then can be brought up on the AGM in September.All what I was trying to say is I for one is very angry of some of the negativeness of some of the Branches of the RWFCA, ( I think,that they think the RWFCA is being "sold down the lin?" and its not as long as the support and positive attitude is taken).I'll now get of my "soap Box" and leave other people cast their opinions/views, I am for one a big supporter of the RWFCA and have attended many reunions.Once again Al thank you for your comments.Best RegardsBennytheBall

Like Al, I am an individual member of the RWFCA. I also would be willing to pay towards membership.

Out of curiosity, has anyone got any comments from the RRW/SWB or Welch CA's; and are these CA's still active? It would be interesting to see what their members say about the amalgimation of the CA's into the one CA (RWCA).

Cheers Benny,

I think Des is a member of the forum, so he will hopefully see my idea in his own good time. Its just a suggestion of how to increase membership and up the revenue of the RWFCA. Others may have better ideas or objections. As an individual member I play no part in the association, so its really for the branch guys to get to grips with. Although the RWF Forum by the very nature of its members would obviously be willing to assist. Bob certainly has the technical expertise.

Good luck with the AGM guys, I suspect the answer to all the issues lies in the middle ground coupled with better communication between you all. If the Committee would agree to publishing the AGM minutes on here, that would be a good step forward as well.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by jungle1810

The news letter could let all the RWFCA branches know of the events we attend. two of these are as follow, Swansea branch have been going to the continent for some 18 years,I do not think these trips are widely known to take place. And on most of these trips Swansea have managed to incorporate Swansea, Bridgend, Carmarthen, Wrexham and London branch members.And we are going again this year in October. We usually visit the Menin Gate and are always to be seen laying wreaths on the Evrecy monument to the 1st battalion who fought in and around Caen, with a great loss of life.

---

Thats a great example Don. Those types are trips are the sort of thing that many of us Individual Members would like to be involved in but are not considered. Of course you must always ensure the branch guys get their seats, but at least if this type of stuff was advertised on the web and via an email shot to all Individual Members, you may get guys coming forward to fill any spare seats.

Regarding the non branch members of the RWFCA, I am all in favour of there being a RWFCA Newsletter, published every quarter. It could include such items of meetings, social events and social functions. Regarding the payment into the RWFCA 'fund', a non branch member should be encouraged to donate a fixed sum each year to the 'funds'. I am willing to do this and i believe that a large number of non-branch members will also like to do this.

Hi Benny,

You've certainly generated the sort of discussion that was needed. I think the confusion between RWCA and RWFCA has arisen since the Resignation of Maj Gen Brian Plummer, and Maj General Roddy Porter,.. who seems to have turned Green overnight, replacing him. Brian Plummer did state that there would always be a RWFCA until the last man was standing. Since then the Information being issued from Cardiff has muddied the waters, and with Des Williams being double hattedIt would appear he is being steered to that way of thinking. Des is doing an excellent job in difficult circumstances - I think you have smoothed the waters a little with your words. See you in a couple of weeks.

Regards TC

Hi All,
Some very good points brought out by members in response to my thread, this is good so that all thoes that use the forum hear whats going on. If someone is going to speak at the AGM on any idea regarding the future of the RWFCA and how to strengthen it, then don't forget that you have to notify the secretary Des Williams 14 days before the meeting so it can be put on the agenda, so not long before your too late. I think that we will have new members coming through from the 1st BN RW for a few years yet. As an ex SWB I know how long it takes for the old regiment to filter out of the thoughts and affiliation of the members of the amalgamated regiment. However one day in the very distant future there will be no old members left and that is the time for the RWFCA to become the RWCA and not before. As for all the funds and memorabilia of the RWFCA they would auomatically be transfered over to the RWCA for their use but not before The RWCA can support theirselves and build up their own funds over the years not expect us to subsidise them. Well I think I will shut the F--k up onw and see you all at the comrades weekend

Brian

Hello Bertie 01,Al, Tony Corbett.
Firstly re Bertie;s comments on the RRW set up of their comrades associations. Y Cymro list the following branches I quote the RRW have a branch in London who meet quarterly in London (Royal Chelsea Hospital )the RRW also have a Birmingham Branch who meet 2nd Wednesday each month but the list states the following Feb/March/ September/ October. In general the RRW are fairly well spread in both south and mid Wales.Y Cymro also list the following Associated branches 6/S.W.B.(Now closed) 2nd Mons meetings as arranged.Whilst in Cardiff for the A.F.Day, several members of the RRW expressed the view they did not like the new standard? I think the RRW are in a state of flux regarding most of the details of the merger and the new standard and the timing of any possible mergers with the various RWFCA branches which of course must be equitable and on a mutual agreement basis. And to conform to the best interests of the RWFCA branches. My branch only want to remain RWFCA for as long as possible and are finding it difficult to put our point across.As regards my personal feelings I have had a difference of opinion with Cardiff on several issues. But after a little water has passed under the bridge I found Colonel Gooderson, Major Wheadon,Major Hooley quite compatible and amenable during the course of my meetings and talks with them. The main obstacle that my branch find difficult to understand is why so many diktats are being issued to us as RWFCA branches WITH OUT THE PROPER CONSULTATION AND THE USUAL VOTING SYSTEM BEING ALLOWED TO ENTER THE EQUATION, AND THE FACT THAT THE RIGHT OF FREE SPEECH HAS BEEN OVER RIDDEN. Free speech is a RIGHT not privilege, certain people have been allowed to filibuster with out let or hindrance, whilst others are ordered to keep quiet. In response to Tony Corbett's observations he is perfectly correct in his opinion of our Regt secretary Des Williams (D.C.M.) he is a most hard working man and honest and helpful to both the RWFCA branches and myself.Now regarding Al's point on enlarging the RWFCA comrades association. I have passed his e mail over to Des for his consideration. Re the trips we make I will also try and expedite circulating info and seating availability on the forum with the Swansea social secretary and see if these trips can accommodate "Individual members". If any of the forum supporters and branch members have any queries or ideas speak up at the A.G.M. This A.G.M. can be best likened to our water shed, now is the time to do away with ambiguity and the apparent loss of free speech and DEMOCRACY.
Regards to all my readers,RBD akajungle1810

This has been a most interesting and thought provoking thread which I think has brought to the forefront some of the major issues that are vexing RWFCA members be they branch or individual members.

The crux of the whole matter is that the RRW comrades and comrades from their antecedent regiments (SWB and the Welch Regt) have never ever enjoyed the democratic system that has existed since the formation of the RWFCA and that is probably the structural divide that Cardiff cannot quite get their heads around at present....it's always been a top down, high ranking commissioned officer driven entity for them which is not the case for those of use privileged to have served in the RWF.

For any organisation to flourish and/or survive it has to be relevant to the people it is constituted to support....the old fashioned, outdated top-down model is a dinosaur of the past and we as those fortunate to represent the element on the RWRA from the RWF are making every effort to ensure the new Regimental Association is relevant to all its members and not a military dictatorship!

With regards to the RWFCA....we are a fully constituted entity on our own right, and it would take the agreement of the members to disband and be subsumed into the RWRA.....and your Executive has said categorically that whilst there's RWFCA members still standing and wishing to keep the RWFCA alive then that's what will happen......but be warned! You need to support it to make it viable to continue.

A quarterly newsletter created electronically and for those dinosaurs who have not yet discovered the electronic era...a hard copy format is a brilliant idea.....but for it to work then stories and pictures will have to keep coming in on a very regular basis.

I'm RWF through and through and always will be. But like those far-sighted people back in the early 1920's who formed our Association I feel it's our responsibility to ensure the comradeship and welfare we enjoy with those we served with is there for our lads and lasses who now serve with the new Regiment as they rely on us to make that home for them when they leave the Army.

I hope this clears up any/all of the issues raised in this thread. If you have any questions prior to the AGM ask Des, or bring them to the floor of the AGM on 3rd September at 1200hrs in the War Memorial Hall in Wrexham.

Cofion cynnes/Kind regards

Hingey:smileicon:

Hi,

To echo TC's post, an interesting and overdue debate in view of the current speculation regarding the future of the reunion and in particular the RWFCA.

I have today received an email from Brigadier (Retd) AC Vivian CBE, London Branch President, requesting me to inform all London Branch members of the content - indeed, I feel that forum members (including those purporting a Branch but still don't have one) should be included:

Dear Gerry,

I have been in touch with Gen Roddy Porter concerning the rumour that all comrades Branches, be they RWF or RRW, are to amalgamate. He assures me that this is not so. Only those Branches who wish to merge may do so. The remainder, and that includes us the London Branch, will continue as we are. However, for the future all comrades Branches, be they RWF or RRW, will be administered, and I mean administered, under one organisation to be called the ROYAL WELSH ASSOCIATION. So it would appear that Des Williams will work for the RRW as well as the RWF. We should stress that we wish that the RWF comrades reunion should remain in WREXHAM, and nowehere else! I shall make this point to Gen Porter. I hope this clears the air a bit - we should continue to monitor the situation closely!"

Regards, Anthony Vivian

General.


It's been a pretty multi topic debate, I have the following contributions to make at present:

Trustees.

Brian Dando informs us of Major Robinsons involvement regarding Trustees and his intension to raise the issue at the AGM.

Lt Col Nic Channing Williams, Chairman The Royal Welch Fusiliers Officers' Association, and a member of The London Branch RWFCA, has assured the Branch that trustees have the option of making their own vote regarding merging and amalgamation. He will be at the AGM.


Non Branch Vets - Recruitment

It's been a pretty multi 'topic' debate, again as I've previously said, overdue, but I make particular reference to those not belonging to a Branch, not privvy to Regimemtal update or event as a result of either not being in a Branch catchment area or the forum.

London Branch probably has the widest geographic spread compared to our counter Branches. Examples are: Berlin, Birmingham, Bulford, Warminster, Margate Kent, Surrey, Sussex, Farnborough, Chippenham, Colchester. We really are a mixed bunch but we also make the effort!!

Branch membership is 32 - 22 are on email. In addition to myself, our Branch Chairman - Tony Corbett, Social Secrtetary - Lofty 23 plus a few other members are on the forum so we really are fortunate to have a hands on availability with regard to day to day events that concern matters such as the reunion and most importantly the future of the RWFCA and have the ability to update our Branch members accordingly.

We meet quarterly, 3rd Mon Jan, Apr, Jul (AGM), Oct at The Royal Hospital Chelsea 1300hrs for 1330hrs. We have the usual hard core attendees who delight and look forward to the meeting which afterwards ascends to the Pensioners Club - the highlight of the afternoon and the chewing of the fat!!

Trips and visits are co-ordinated by our Social Secretary which have included a day out at Windsor Castle, The Tower of London, to name a few. We have also on occasion tagged onto other reciprocal Branches with overseas War Graves/Battlefield ventures.

Branch Subscriptions are £10.00 - Direct Debit paid 1st June.

We have recently recruited Major (Retd) Larry Bohana (Warminster) and Mr David (Ned) Huntley (Hemel Hempstead) and still working on Colonel Dick Clarke and Roger Ball (Berie Ball 01) who keep threatening to join us.

Members outside of any RWFCA Branch catchment area are more than welcome. Indeed, splintered individuals, who do not belong to any particular Branch, give a misleading figure as to the actual all up total of the RWFCA. You can also deny yourself any benefits available throughout the RWFCA if you are not a member.

MY MESSAGE FOR THOSE OUTSIDE OF BRANCH CATCHMENT AREAS, JOIN US AT LONDON BRANCH.

Speak to you soon,

Gerry 43
Hon Secretary
London Branch RWFCA

Gerry

Many thanks for your post. The letter from Anthony Vivian is both illuminating and I will say a little concerning:

1. Des Williams already works for the RWRA as the Assist Regt Sec (North) and has primary responsibility for Welfare Matters for the RW and for the Comrades...he also is the Secretary of both the RWFCA and the RWRA as Merfyn Lloyd is the Chairman.....just to clear that point up.

2. This next point is what worries me is Roddy Porter's statement (as outlined in your post) “However, for the future all comrades Branches, be they RWF or RRW, will be administered, and I mean administered, under one organisation to be called the ROYAL WELSH ASSOCIATION."

I'm quite happy with that as a benign statement. However, it could also mean that our financial independence will be subsumed into the RWRA coffers and become part of the old guard methodology of administration where RHQ knows best and the rest are subservient to this. This I cannot subscribe to and would take this up with the Charity Commission as the money's in the RWFCA are from (in the main) our days pay scheme and it's our to do as we would with and not the Royal Welsh Regimental Headquarters.....if this is the case then there will be rebellion on the 3rd September!
I do hope someone will show this post to Roddy Porter (who I might add is due at any moment to leave the Regular Forces) as he must be made aware that the RWFCA will at this present moment in time will not be subsumed in-part or whole into the RWRA as there are still far too many RWF comrades out there who would not wish this to happen for many years to come.

Cofion cynnes/Kind regards

Hingey

This has been a very interesting thread and one I feel has been brewing for some time. First of all I agree with Tony Corbett regarding Maj General Roddy Porter considering he was badge RWF he seems to have "Turned Green" on these matters and it was a lot of his implementation that has been the fuel for the debates that rage on today. The Bargoed & Blackwood Branch has the view that we remain staunchly RWFCA until the last man standing, however we welcome the formation of the RWA if it means the guys that currently serve get the same sense of comradeship etc as we currently enjoy when its their turn to leave. Not only that but as we're now "associated" to the RWA we feel that hopefully our ranks will be boosted by guys from the 1st & 2nd Battalions from our area when they leave and find the Bargoed & Blackwood Branch in their area. Does it matter if they are 1st or 2nd Bn as long as they keep our Branch going? Obviously at this moment in time we're very, very much RWFCA and follow its ethos religously but we're all getting older and eventually we'll be joining that great Battalion in the sky and meeting up with those great characters who have gone before but knowing that the Bargoed & Blackwood Branch (that I helped form) will still be going long after I've gone means more to me than anything else that has been debated on here.

Paul,
Re your last thread. I asked the specific question on a meeting in Cardiff " Would all efforts to make any soldier who retires be actively encouraged to join the new ROYAL WELSH ASSOCIATION " The W.O.'s present said yes that is the case. More nails knocked in our coffin. But you are to be commended for your extreme optimism.
Regards as ever RBD

Paul,
Re your last thread. The first thing I have put on my agenda submitted to Wrexham for OUR A.G.M. is to safe guard our Constitution and money as I have done on the last three executive meetings. Any other dislikes can be brought up on A.O.B.How about a new motto for the RWFCA. it should read "THE RWFCA KNOWS WHAT IS BEST FOR THE RWFCA"
Regards RBD aka jungle1810

0n the 15th of march 1960 i joined the RWF and at the same time joined the RWFCA and remain a member to this day, and as long as i have got a breath in my boddy i will remain a true RWFCA member. i dont travel to reuinon at wrexham due to ill health but if that will change in the future and i do go to wrexham i will stand proudly shoulder to shoulder with my RWFCA members as ourRWFCA standerd is paraded passed us. long live the RWFCA.

Well said Wally

Brian

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Paul Hinge

Gerry

Many thanks for your post. The letter from Anthony Vivian is both illuminating and I will say a little concerning:

1. Des Williams already works for the RWRA as the Assist Regt Sec (North) and has primary responsibility for Welfare Matters for the RW and for the Comrades...he also is the Secretary of both the RWFCA and the RWRA as Merfyn Lloyd is the Chairman.....just to clear that point up.

Hingey

---

Excellent post Paul. Just a thought, it must be extremely difficult to be Secretary/Chairman of the both associations, whilst all of this discourse is taking place in the background.

All,

I have followed the thread with great interest and from my perspective having served with 1RWF, 1 R WELSH and now currently serving as the RQMS with 2 R WELSH see all points of view but ulitmately know this issue will take time to resolve and move forwards. From a serving member point of view the merger has worked and the boys in both battalions are cut from the same cloth whether they be from the North or South. I think with the ineveitable cuts on the horizon we should be concerned about the future of the Royal Welsh, because if one battalion is cut there is a line of anticendancy potentially lost forever. I think regardless of past cap badge we have to be unified across the board to ensure the Royal Welsh and the history of its forefathers carries on. If we do not get it right there could be a comrades association in the future with no tangible connect to a living and active welsh regiment. It is not my intention to cause discord on this thread because I am very proud of my RWF routes and I know my father (Vic 39) and brother (Vic 84) 50 years service between them in 1RWF are as well. However, what ever happens in the future with RWFCA must be balanced with what could happen to 1 or 2 R WELSH in the next few years.

Best Regards

Vic 53

Well put Vic. I think however that it is easier for yourself and those still serving to adapt to the changes that are afoot by the very fact that you have served with both regiments (RWF/RW). It is harder for those who are "one badged" to accept when it appears (as it has), that the head shed has "turned green" overnight and has not bothered to give any statement to the contrary. Perhaps this Forum is felt unworthy despite it's huge membership of Royal Welch Fusliers or maybe that is the exact reason for not doing so - too many people willing to speak their minds. As you rightly say who knows what will happen in the future with cuts around each corner, perhaps Welsh Battalions will be intergrated into some sort of Southern division. More reason perhaps that The RRW association and the RWF association remain as strong as ever for the new Battalions to fall back on with the traditions still alive and well if it all goes belly up. How would it be with an association barely two or three years old starting all over. Never happen...........with these fickle politicians anything is possible. If I know these guys like I think I know them, there will always be Royal Welch Fusliers. They will support the New Regiment and will always keep a welcome to those who who feel their roots are RWF but they will remain Royal Welch Fusiliers and NO General, serving or otherwise, "Green" or otherwise will change it.

Gwyn,

I understand your sentiments. In the present climate I do not think the Royal Welsh will be amalgmated with an English regiment, however, I think a Royal Welsh battalion could be cut. Presently, the principality provides 3 infantry battalions, the Royal Welsh and the Welsh Guards. The Welsh Guards are unlikley to take a hit therefore one of our battalions could. I would then surmise that both battalions will be subsumed into one, forming The Royal Welsh (23,24,41,69 of foot). This in effect would sever the direct anticendancy connection between the 1st Bn with RWF and the 2nd Bn with RRW as is currently. You are right in your observation with regards to those still serving accepting change easier, but then not to have done, would have been unproffesional and unjust to all those who went before and to all those that have enlisted into this great welsh infantry regiment since March 1st 2006.


Vic

Hello All,
In a recent thread re the A.G.M. I placed on the forum, I mentioned to Hingey that more points can be raised on A.O.B. This has been countermanded in an e mail I received today. It now appears that if the branch secs/members do not put any complaints on the agenda (14 days before the Meeting minor or other wise). They will be told to sit down. PRO BONO PUBLICO.You have been warned make sure if you have any complaints add them to the agenda for the A.G.M.
Regards RBD aka jungle1810.

Vic

Just to clarify, my comment "easier for yourself and others still serving". It should not be mistaken for it was easy to do for you guys- not at all. I realise that it must have been difficult for those of both Battalions to endure the change as it occured but as "Leaders" do, you accepted the inevitable and got on with it. That for me is what makes a good leader regardless of Rank. Your point about one Battalion is an interesting one and reinforces the point I made about the need for RWF and RRW Comrades to remain steadfast in maintaining their identity for as long as those members still exist. It seems to me that some people are looking at an easy option for administration purposes with the comrades situation, well perhaps the wrong people are controlling administration. It is no coincidence as well you know, that Quartermasters are ex-rankers and for very good reason. I must admit my knowledge of the Association set-up is limited to the extreme and I dont for one minute pretend that I understand the politics of it all but I am left with many doubts about the way changes are being made and the speed at which they are happening.

From some of the comments I have read over some period of time, it seems that Ex -Servicemen in our Association speak when asked and question with vetted questions. Whilst being totally against all forms of anarchy and for control and organization, I believe in the freedom to express ones self freely. We are not serving soldiers, we no longer dance to every tune on a whim and we dont "get on with it, and complain later". If high ranking officers wish to head the Comrades, they should forget their heady days of Command and lead as fellow Ex-Servicemen with respect for the same regardless of rank, and if that is not possible well hey, there is always Westminster.

Well said Gwynn, I new my instincts were right all those years ago with my selection process. this as deffinately been an eluminating blog. alas I fear it will not get much time at the AGM unless someone has already posted a point for discussion,like a soap on a rope wet it and it is difficult to get hold of,Vics revelation is even more alarming. Looks like we could be heading back to were we started with the numbers game, wonder how General Jackson feels now?
TC

Tony,

Please note my point is not based on fact merely a supposition. Everyone is aware that infantry battalions and in line with other arms will be taking a hit from 2015 onwards. Upto 7 Inf Bns' are likely to be affected and obviously this will come from across the differing Inf Divs. We would all be naive not to think we as 1 & 2 R WELSH are not suscepitable to further cuts or changes.

I hope this clarifies this issue and that my food for thought does not result in this thread being directed away from the original RWFCA issue.

Best Regards


Vic

Does anyone think that the powers that be might amalgamate all infantry battalions into one(i.e the rifles.) therefore what would happen to all comrades if that should occur. Just a thinking that if that happened where will we be.

Vic
Your points are of important to RWFCA matters and thank you for them, but what Peter said is also important, can you imagine numbered rifle regiments with the 1^st and 2 RWR in brackets (To be forgotten) with the H.Q in say Yorkshire or Wiltshire, from past expirience looking from the outside, it really hurts, we need to hold on to our independence,values and tradition before our name and funds vanishes over the Border to be forgotten, and to think that the Top brass will fight this kind of move, pull the other one.

Brian

Hi All
I have just spoken to Des Williams over the phone (he rang me reference Richard Jones funeral) and he informed me that the Standard Bearers Competition and the Shooting Competition have been cancelled due to the lack of support only 1 entrant for the Standard Bearers Comp and he was from a RWRA Branch. He also mentioned that there were only 130 sitting down the the Annual Reunion dinner on Saturday evening and 70% of those that booked are RWRA members,(is that not trying to tell us something)? so my question is? with all this "spouting off" about keeping the RWFCA Reunion alive, has this done us any justice by the lack of support for it?

Des (Arthur before him)and the girls at Wrexham work very hard on the organisation side of things to lay on what has been in the past and hopefully this will be a success, but I feel this year and years to come, unless we "rally around" and give more support then it won't.

As I said before there will be lots of so called ex RWF members in Wrexham over the Reunion weekend drinking in the Fusilier or the Nags Head etc etc, but very little will be supporting the AGM and Dinner.

I was going to put my "pennies worth" in at the AGM, but having thought what is the point if the support isn't there, I'll only be laughed of the park.

To All those that will be supporting the functions at the Reunion I "salute" you.

Yours
BennytheBall

Benny,

Having only joined the London Branch 20 months ago, i was asked by the late Don Matthews to take on the roll of standard bearer for the branch (although not knowing anything about standard bearing), as the standard bearer we had, had other responsibilies and the standard had not been on any duties for a while, plus the fact i was the youngest member of the London Branch.

My first duties as a standard bearer was at Don's funeral, which i struggles with as i am waiting for reconstruction surgery on my shoulder (which i will now have shortly after the Reunion), so i informed our secretary (Gerrycc943) that there would be no way that i could do the Standard Bearers Competition at Wrexham, so that was the reason that the London Branch would not participate in this years competition

Myself and Wayne Davies 48 (London Branch) will be attending our 1st Reunion, we will both be at the AGM and at the Dinner saturaday night

A fair point about the numbers attending Benny, it must be very disheartening for Des and the girls. This will be the 4th reunion I have missed due to overseas work commitments.

In the interest of balance Benny.

15 forum members have "spouted off" on this thread. From my guestimate calculations:

10 are active branch members of the RWFCA, within that group I think 5 of them are or have been Branch Secretaries.
1 is a serving member of the new regiment and formerly a member of 1 RWF.
The remaining 4(Including myself) are all 22yr + former WO's & SNCO's who contributed a days pay to the association for every year of their service.

Thanks

Hi

Benny has hit the nail right on the head....I had a similar conversation with Des yesterday.

Vic is absolutely right to raise the concerns re the loss of 7 Inf Batt in the next round of cuts and yes Tony you're right General Jackson although very much a soldiers, soldier when in front line command was seduced by the previous Westminster administration to fall in line with the Americanisation of the British Armed Forces when our strength in adversity has always been the county/family linkage that regiments such as the RWF provided...indeed they were very much assigned recruiting areas throughout the UK and we as a country will regret the day that we ever followed that line. So let’s start a campaign to ensure the Armed Forces stays relevant to Britain and not the USA.

For us to continue to be a relevant entity we must support all that the RWFCA puts on in our name otherwise we will wither on the vine and die out! Now I know that sounds dramatic but it's the reality of the situation.......support us or lose us......that's the message!

Can I ask everyone to pass around the message that we need a Scale A parade for the AGM at 1200hrs on Saturday 3rd Sept at the Memorial Hall? If you have any questions for the President or Chairman re the RWFCA or our relationship with the RWRA then please put them in writing through a Branch to be with Des by Friday 26th August.......It's our chance to ask the perhaps awkward questions but it's also an opportunity to hear everything from the horse’s mouth and not just from the well honed rumor machine!

Cofion/regards

Hingey:arghh:

Benny I'm a so called ex RWF member and if I choose not to attend the AGM and the dinner that is my choice!! I did with others attend a Wrexham branch meeting a few years ago in the hope that the current members would change a few things and maybe move into the real world, but to avail hence we didn't attend again.

Sid