The

Frontier Post
The official magazine of the Legion of Frontiersmen of the UK and Commonwealth

April 2004 - Vol. 1

God Save The Queen

Frontier Post
April 2004
Volume 1
Introduction

From the editor

Ladies and Gentlemen, Frontiersmen all: I am

delighted to be able to welcome you to this, the first
edition of the re-launched, new-look Frontier Post,
which has been established as a newsletter for the
Legion for many years.

Dear reader,

2003 has been a momentous year, the culmination of

which was the presentation of new Colours by the Right
Honourable, the Countess Mountbatten of Burma, more of
which is covered within this edition. Another important
occasion was the Legion plot at the Field of Remembrance
at Westminster Abbey, our first in over seventy years and
we enjoyed a good turn-out for the Belgian Day Parade
and also for Biggin Hill.
Our new Editor, Sergeant Richard Gillies is also Troop
Commander of Redhill Troop and a Martial Arts
instructor, so any criticisms should be sent under an
assumed name. Another Martial Arts instructor of
international repute is Sergeant Jaimie Lee-Barron, Troop
Commander of Liverpool Troop. Both Richard and Jaimie
have joined us this year and have shown great dedication
and enthusiasm. Thank you both.
By the medium of this magazine, we hope to inform,
advise and generally educate all Frontiersmen in that
which is important to them, that is: Current news of
relevance to the Legion of Frontiersmen, promotions and
appointments, training, contacts with other uniformed
organisations, events, personality profiles, news from all
units (which will require your input) and in general
whatever is of relevance or interest to all Frontiersmen,
world-wide.
This is YOUR magazine and we want you to enjoy it, but
we will only know what you want to see in it if you tell us,
so, please do write, or e-mail or telephone to tell us what
you think (good or bad, but preferably good) and what sort
of information you would like to be included.

2003 has been a year of ups and downs for me, one of the
nicest ups was to be introduced to an organisation I had
never before heard of, that organisation was the Legion of
Frontiersmen. Since joining I have helped with a number
of events (Security at Biggin Hill, Belgium day parade,
and the presentation of the new colours by the Countess
Mountbatten), met a number of interesting people, and
most importantly of all had a lot of fun.
I write a newsletter for the martial arts association that I
belong to, and I was asked if I would like to produce a
newsletter for the Legion, so after 6 months of planning I
would like to welcome you to Frontier Post. We
currently aim to bring out 4 newsletters each year.
I am a person who believes in learning by your mistakes
and also knowing it is important to receive constructive
criticism. I know that there will be better ways to do
things so. So as mentioned above by Lt Col Grant please
feel free to openly air any thoughts you have with this
newsletter. Do you hate something about it or particularly
like something, this is after all your newsletter and we
would welcome any comments, articles, short stories,
letters or other correspondence from you.
Any articles that you send in must be in 2 weeks prior to
each Quarter end to ensure that they are published. All
material can be sent to the newsletter editor at the
following postal address or email address.
Legion-of-frontiersmen@ntlworld.com

The Editorial team is as follows:

Editor Frontier Post

Legion of Frontiersmen
PO Box 272,
Aldershot,
Hants
GU12 5YU
United Kingdom

Sgt Richard Gillies Editor

Lt Col Wayne Warlow Recruiting and PR
Lt Col Paul Grant Commonwealth Training Officer

I look forward to hearing from you (good or bad) and hope

you enjoy reading this newsletter as much as I have
enjoyed writing it.

Lt Col. Paul Grant

Commonwealth Training Officer

God Guard Thee

Sergeant Richard Gillies
Redhill Troop, UK

UK and Commonwealth command news

Legion Card
An official greetings card has been produced for all troops.
This card has been left blank on the inside so that it can be
used for any occasion. The price has yet to be set but will
depend on quantity ordered.
To order the card please send your address, telephone
number and e-mail address and quantity required to:
Greetings card request, Legion of Frontiersmen
PO Box 272, Aldershot, Hants, UK GU12 5YU

For years I have hoped that I may have this privilege, but
there comes a time when you realise that the time for that
has now gone and it is (rightly) down to some smart,
young member who has the correct uniform.
Do we have any volunteers?
Lt Col P Grant

Troop news
Recruiting
To the best of my knowledge, City of London Troop are
making great headway, with many new members joining,
followed closely by Redhill and Liverpool Troops. These
include martial arts practitioners as well as ex-forces and
police personnel.
Well done to Major Paul Wilkie and sergeants Richard
Gillies and Jaimie Lee-Barron.
Where you lead, others will hopefully follow.
Lt Col P Grant
Mounted troop secondment at Cheltenham
During a discussion with members of the Royal
Gloucestershire Hussars following the Warriors Port Cups
Skill at Arms competition (the Legion of Frontiersmen
team unfortunately lost this one), it was learned that the
regiment was planning a race day at Cheltenham the
following spring.
The RGH knew that we had contacts with the Household
Cavalry Mounted Regiment and they wondered if we
could inquire as to the possibility of loaning cavalry
mounts to act as escorts for the runners and riders. This
was agreed and in due course Major Sandy Sanderson of
the Life Guards was approached and agreed to the loan of
two black trooper mounts.

This card depicts the trooping of the colours at Cookham

The artist is trooper Mike Paterson
Festival of Remembrance
Watching the Festival of Remembrance on TV this year, I
first noted how few servicemen and women were actually
on parade, and this was emphasised when the arena was
finally filled by Boy Scouts, Girl Guides, the Church Lads
Brigade and the Boys Brigade.
It is now time that the Legion of Frontiersmen were once
again seen at this event and with the Centenary looming
large, it is essential that someone, somewhere, does
something to make it happen.
It is also essential that whoever does so, ensures that
whoever actually represents us will do so in a smart and
soldier like fashion; someone who can actually march all
the way across the arena without losing the step.

As time progressed it became increasingly obvious that the

RGH were going to have some difficulty mounting the
animals. This was because their best riders were entering
the various races on the day and other individuals were
deployed on operation Julip in Kosovo. To add to this all
but one of their pegging team members with whom we
have done battle with over the years had other duties to
deal with. At this stage OC HQ Sqn approached Col Peel
and asked if the Legion of Frontiersmen could provide one
member to be mounted on the day. He also took the
opportunity to scrounge particular kit such as swords,
sling, sword knots etc with which they were particularly
short.
Capt Jerry Watkins was allocated to the task and in due
course sent off to RHQ at Cirencester for issue of No 1
Dress Kit. The second member was Capt Cretney RGH
and they were both sent for a session with riding staff at
HCMR at Hyde Park Barracks for some sharp reminders
on how to ride service mounts. The NCO named Cpl
Wilis who would bring the horses to Cheltenham, was met
and various admin points tied up.
The race day was on 23 February 2003 and it dawned a
bright and sunny day. Following a briefing with Major
Ponsonby and the Clerk of the course. The HCMR team

was located and the opportunity was taken to meet the

mounts. The two troopers from the Blues and Royals
tacked up the horses and Cpl Wilis gave a final briefing.
The entire escort work proved very straightforward and the
mounts proved admirable (Capt Watkins had met his
before at the Defence Animal Centre Melton Mowbray for
a days hunting). The attending crowds were large and
noisy but proved no surprise to the horses who were both
familiar with such affairs when on public duties in
London. The day ended with a superb dinner and grateful
thanks for CO Wessex Yeomanry.
Capt Jerry Watkins
The Selsey dinner
The day was dark and blustery as I made my way to that
far-flung corner of the British Empire called Selsey.
Iron-grey clouds filled the darkening sky and heavy rain
thrashed across the windscreen of my car as I strained to
peer at the obscured road signs to a place I had never
visited.
Before my journey, I had asked colleagues at work what
they knew about Selsey and how to get there. Most were
not even sure where it was, but one, (an intrepid explorer
who had visited once before) said that it was betwixt
Portsmouth and Dover; a wind-blasted place, with a cold
and stony beach and that the only buildings were a couple
of fishermens huts, unless they had been blown away or
smashed by the grey and aggressive sea which constantly
pounded the shore.
Armed with this useful information, I braved the weather
and set a southerly course, narrowly missing Guildford,
Hindhead, Petersfield, Winchester and Portsmouth, until I
came to a roundabout that gave directions to all places
East and West except Selsey. My intuition said Go right,
young man (Young man? Ha!) and I am pleased that I
did, as I soon came across a native sign carved in Runic
upon whalebone which indicated that Selsey was
somewhere to the left, just past another sign saying Here
be dragons .
You can imagine my amazement when I found myself in
an area devoid of wooden shacks or mud-huts, and which
had real building made of brick and stone! As I drove
deeper into unknown territory, I observed a primitive
native totem on top of a square building to my left, which
looked suspiciously like an angel such as we use at home
in England for Christmas decorations, except that this one
was of monstrous and terrifying size. Had I been driving a
team of horses I have no doubt that they would have shied
and bolted in fear.
Summoning up all of my courage, I ventured onwards,
forcing myself to be brave and tensing up my sinews in
case of any sudden attack by hostiles.
After a few minutes, I found myself confronted by the
churning and steely grey of an angry sea and, had I driven
any further, I would have been lost forever, as I had run
out of road. On my left was a hostelry called the Selsey
Bill, a notorious hangout for pirates, buccaneers and

smugglers and I knew that I had better move on quickly or

suffer the forcible removal of my wheels.
Turning in the road as quietly as I could so as not to raise
any suspicions, I took refuge in a friendly local hostelry
called the Rushmere, where I found many people
celebrating a great victory over a distant land in the
Southern Hemisphere. The Antipodes, I believe. All at
once, those men who had not already done so, tore off
their outer garments to replace them with a white over
shirt bearing a scarlet flower. I guessed that it must be
some religious act, probably to do with fertility.
All seemed to be heavily under the influence of some
narcotic drug, as they chanted strange words, waved their
arms in the air and made loud cheering noises.
Skirting round behind them, I was able to make my way
into a safe and secluded corner of their altar, where I was
able to obtain a sample of this substance from a Vestal
Virgin serving wench. The liquid was of a pale golden
colour with a white, foamy top, reminiscent of the tops of
the waves, which I had so recently observed. I found this
substance to be very palatable, which quickly made my
lips numb, and allowed me to become understood in the
local dialect.
From thence, and suitably fortified, I ventured to my prebooked accommodation within the hallowed portals and
marbled hallway of Cornerways Guest House, where I
rested in preparation for my evening ordeal.
At six thirty of the clock, I again visited the rendezvous
point at the Rushmere, where I once more sampled the
powerful narcotic liquid as I awaited the arrival of
reinforcements. A young local warrior questioned me as to
the provenance of the metal talismans hanging from
coloured ribbons on my outer garment and, being satisfied
with my reply, he staggered away into the blustery
darkness, it being long past his bed-time.
After ten minutes, two members of the advance party
arrived, and I was pleased to accept another of these
refreshing concoctions at their insistence. Some short time
later, the remainder of the war-party arrived under the
command of a stout Captain of Volunteers, His Grace the
Marquis of Brockington, who kindly bought a round and
included me in. I was beginning to like this place.
Eventually, it was time to dine, and I have to say that we
enjoyed the most sumptuous meal, in the most convivial
surroundings. The portions were generous, the quality
magnificent and the price extremely fair.
After the feast (for such it was) we repaired to the bar
where I was forced by a Welshman and a Quartermaster,
stout Yeomen both, to indulge in yet more of this edifying
beverage.
When I awoke the following morning, I found to my
chagrin that someone had strewn my clothes across the
floor, emptied my wallet, poured some foul-tasting
wooliness into my mouth and replaced my eyeballs with
some strange, reddish orbs, upon which some wag had
etched a road-map. My landlady thought it may have been

the work of villains from the notorious Selsey Bill Tavern,

of previous note.
In all an excellent evening for which I thank Selsey Troop
for their hard work and dedication.
An outlander who must remain anonymous

Articles
To fetch a pale of water.
Once upon a time, there was a lovely little village that had
grown up quite close to a river.
Every morning the inhabitants of the village would
patiently make the trek down to the river to get their daily
water supplies.
All of these people had good, strong, reliable containers
with which to gather the water, and carry it back to their
houses. All except one person that is.
This particular individual was always looked on by
everyone as a little strange, a little bit different. Some
people said that he had been a warrior, others that he was
some kind of monk; perhaps he was both of these!
Anyway, this person always used to take an old cracked
bucket to get his water, and (off course) it always leaked.
It leaked so much that he was lucky if he even ended up
with half the water he had started out with by the time he
got home!
Why do you do this? they would ask him, day in and day
out, as he happily slopped along.
One day, when they asked him, he simply turned and
pointed, and they all let out a big sigh of understanding,
right from the river, all the way to this strange persons
doorstep, there was a pathway full of the most beautiful
flowers you could imagine.
There are several morals to this story;
- Just because you pick something up and carry it, does
not mean it belongs to you.
- You must share the good that you have with others.
- Very few of us are worthy enough to actually drink from
the cup, but all of us are able to catch the drips.
- Evan a bad tool can have a good purpose.
Sergeant Jaimie Lee-Baron
The Legion Poem (Kipling)
There's a Legion that never was listed,
That carries no colours or crest,
But split in a thousand detachments,
Is breaking the road for the rest.
Our fathers they left us their blessing,
They taught us and groomed us and crammed,
But we've shaken the Clubs and the Messes,
To go and find out and be damned (Dear boys)
To go and get shot and be damned.
So some of us chivvy the slaver,

And some of us cherish the black,

And some of us hunt on the oil coast,
And some on the wallaby track;
And some of us drift to Sarawak
And some of us drift up the Fly,
And some share their tucker with tigers,
And some with the gentle Masai (Dear boys)
Take tea with the giddy Masai.
We've painted the islands vermilion,
We've pearled on half-shares in the Bay,
We've shouted on seven-pound nuggets,
We've starved on a seedeeboy's pay.
We've laughed at the world as we found it,
It's women and cities and men,
From Sayyid Burgash in a tantrum,
To the smoke-reddened eyes of Loben (Dear boys)
We've a little account with Loben.
The ends of the earth were our portion,
The ocean at large was our share,
There was never a skirmish to windward,
But the Leaderless Legion was there;
Yes, somehow and somewhere and always,
We were first when the trouble began,
From a lottery-row in Manila,
To an I.D.B race on the Pan (Dear boys)
With the Mounted Police on the Pan.
We preach in advance of the Army,
We skirmish ahead of the Church,
With never a gunboat to help us,
When we're scuppered and left in the lurch.
But we know as the cartridges finish,
And were filed on our last little shelves,
That the Legion that never was listed,
Will send us as good as ourselves (Good men)
Five hundred as good as ourselves.
Then a health (we must drink it in whispers)
To our wholly unauthorised horde,
To the line of our dusty forelopers,
To the Gentlemen Rovers abroad,
Yes, a health to ourselves ere we scatter,
For the steamer won't wait for the train,
And the Legion that never was listed,
Goes back into quarters again (Regards!)
Goes back under canvas again (Hurrah!)
The swag and the billy again (Here's how!)
The trail and the packhorse again (Salute!)
The trek and the laager again!
Military haircuts
According to Sir Garnet Wolesley; It is not easy at any
time to make an Englishman look like a soldier. He is fond
of longish hair and uncut whiskers. Hair is the glory of

woman but the shame of man. In the field, no mans hair

should exceed half an inch in length. This is essential for
the well-being and cleanliness of soldiers. No man can
have that smart bearing which is the outward mark of a
soldier who allows his hair to be so long that he can part
it.
This statement was made in 1896, but to all intents and
purposes, it still holds good for todays modern army.
However, such was not always the case as a century
earlier, short hair had been forbidden and Grenadiers, for
instance, were required not only to have black hair, but
also that it should be worn in a pig-tail, which was of such
a length that it reached the hem of the coat, the regulation
length of the hem being as low as the fingers of the arm,
held down vertically.
In 1795, soldiers were issued with tallow and officers with
hogs lard with which to grease their hair before tying it
back. When properly tied, the hair was drawn back so
tightly that it was difficult to shut the eyes or even to blink,
and it was impossible to do the job without assistance.
In consequence, many officers and soldiers kept their hair
greased and tied up for long periods of time, sometimes
weeks, rather than to disarrange it. It was once noted on a
church-parade that The stench emanating from so many
filthy heads crowded together in the room where services
were performed, was almost too much to bear, especially
in hot weather
From the middle of the 19th Century, short hair was
generally fashionable right up to the turn of the Century,
although some men wore it a little longer and the army
was not especially punctilious in demanding a regulation
haircut. However, during the trench warfare of the First
World War, the men became so infested with lice that a
close crop became necessary just to keep the head
reasonably clean and lice-free. It was also found that
facial whiskers broke the seal of a gas mask with the face
and so allowed gas to penetrate.

7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.

15.

16.
17.
18.

19.

20.

21.
It then became a matter, not only of personal hygiene, but
also of life and death, to have a short haircut and a cleanshaven chin. This rule has never been rescinded and is
still in force today, except in the Royal Navy.
Bedellus
Frontiersmen Management training
or How to avoid a problem
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.

Profess not to have the answer. This lets you out of

having to answer at all.
Say that we must not move too swiftly. This avoids
the necessity of ever getting started.
For every proposal, set up an opposite and conclude
that the middle ground (no motion whatsoever)
represents the wisest course of action.
When in a tight spot, say something that the group
cannot understand.
Say that the problem cannot be separated from other
problems, therefore no problem can be solved until all
other problems have been solved.
Repeatedly ask what is meant by the question. When
it is clarified, there will be no time left to answer.

Retreat into analogies and discuss them until everyone

has forgotten the original problem.
Explain and clarify over and over again what you have
already said.
Appoint a committee to study the issue.
Conclude that you have all clarified your thinking on
the problem, even though no definite conclusions have
been reached.
Point out that some creative minds have struggled
with the problem, implying that it does us credit to
have even thought of it.
Be thankful for the problem. It has stimulated our
best thinking and has therefore contributed to our
growth. It should get a medal.
Carry the problem into other fields. Show that it
exists everywhere, hence there is no immediate
concern.
Look slightly embarrassed when the problem is
brought up. Hint it is in bad taste or too elementary
for further consideration or that any discussion of it is
likely to be misinterpreted by others.
Find a face-saving formula that means nothing to
anyone but that everyone will accept because he can
read into it his own interpretations. This is the highest
art of the good administrator.
Say that we must wait until some expert can be
consulted.
Leave the room to get more information: dont come
back until everyone has left the room.
When you have very limited time to discuss items vital
to the future progress of the organisation, ensure that
you include training and subjects not covered since
the 1930s and insist that they are of relevance today.
If some modern-thinker has the temerity to suggest
that this is irrelevant and out-dated, remind him
forcefully that we were in charge of gas training then
and there is no reason why we should not do so again.
Dismiss all arguments about nuclear, biological and
chemical attacks, specialised clothing and equipment
and vital training as being of no interest or value to
the Legion of Frontiersmen.
Keep your Aldis lamp and signal flags handy in
case emergency services radio, mobile phone or
satellite communication system suddenly fails and
hope that there is someone out there who can read
whatever you are sending.

Histories and profiles - James Henry Lawson

Born Liverpool on 20th July 1872
Son of William Lawson and Sarah Jane (formerly Tyson)
Service in: Boer War,
India, 1914-18 War,
TA (WO1) Legion of Frontiersmen
Home Guard (LDV)
Worked as a tram driver in Liverpool 1921
Died Liverpool in 1941

James Henry Lawson - Holding wreath for Lord Derby

Fun and Games

Crossword

James Henry Lawson 1872-1941

James Henry Lawson - Seated facing the General

Across 1 First action seen

6 Anglicised name for a German cake
8 A little wide on the hips, perhaps?
9 We have a new one
11 Our Founder
12 Lady Ms first name
13 Headgear
15 Badge fit for a king (or a Major)
Down 2 Covers for your front feet
3 Commandant General
4 Regimental Association
5 A type of boot
7 Worn by NCOs
9 Arthur Doyle, not such a barbarian
10 VC
14 Cavalry metal wear

Shooting challenge
About a year ago, Major Paul Wilkie arranged for a
shooting evening at the City of London Police training
facility and underground ranges.
During the course of the evening, twelve Frontiersmen of
assorted ranks and abilities fired a selection of different
weapons, including a Gloch automatic pistol, a sniperrifle, an under-lever Winchester (ala John Wayne) and
other interesting items. We were also shown around the
facility, including different rooms used for hostage rescue
scenarios and an incredible abseiling wall.
During the shooting, we had a mini-competition with a
few pounds in the kitty and at the end of the night. The
winner took the pot.
Some months later, Major Wilkie again arranged for a
shooting evening for Frontiersmen and once again the
same person achieved top score.
On Monday 8 December, Major Wilkie arranged for the
City of London Beadles Guild to visit this facility and to
have a competition shoot. On this occasion, we also fired a
Baton Round gun (rubber bullets) and used an incredible
laser moving target range which is the biggest play-station
in the world. At the end of the evening, the three top
scorers were also (coincidentally) Frontiersmen.
These three Musketeers now throw out a challenge:.Put
up your best shots and we will take all comers. Is there
anybody out there who dares to take us on?
Each Command to form a team of four shooters, making a
maximum of twelve competitors and we will shoot for a
trophy, to be competed for annually thereafter. The trophy
is to be paid for from entrance money in the initial
competition.
Names on a postage stamp please to: Gene Autry, Figure
11 Lodge, Foresight, Browning-on-Sea, SMG 9MM, or
contact the Editor for further details.

Event commentaries
The Field of Remembrance, Westminster Abbey.
Some weeks prior to the parade, I had ordered three large
crosses with Legion of Frontiersmen badges attached, to
be placed in our plot. These were for the Commonwealth
Command, UK Command and Welch Command and on
arrival at the Field of Remembrance for our first ever
appearance, I had expected to find the Legion of
Frontiersmen plot to be hidden away in some far corner,
unknown and unrecognised, Forgotten, as becomes a
Frontiersman
Imagine my surprise when I discovered that we were in
fact placed front and centre, and standing next to the senior
regiment of the British Army, the Life Guards. I imagine
that they were somewhat surprised, too!

Legion plot at Westminster Abbey, London

Field of Remembrance
The Inspecting Officer was His Royal Highness the Prince
Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, and as he approached he
looked over my shoulder and said Ah, the Frontiersmen?
I replied Countess Mountbattens Own Frontiersmen, Sir
Before the parade, several individuals showed great
interest and asked many questions. One elderly lady
introduced herself and said that her father and an uncle had
been Frontiersmen during World War Two and another
fellow made himself known who had been a Frontiersman
himself many years ago. I took their details and will now
maintain contact with them.
Another gentleman who must have been in his late
seventies or eighties (who was looking for his grandfathers
Regimental plot) shook my hand and said how wonderful
it was to see the Frontiersmen on parade at last, and then,
overcome with emotion, he began to cry.
To those of you who read this I must encourage you to try
to attend this very important, but not at all difficult parade
next year. All we have to do is to be there. There is no
marching, no forming-up, and no ceremonial drill. You do
not even have to wear uniform. All you do is to find your
plot and stand behind it.
I thank those who made the effort this time, those being
Major Mike Aston, Captain Brian Brockington, Corporal
Toby Humphry and Trooper Mike Paterson, all of whom
were immaculate in their City suits.
On the way out of the area, I was stopped by numerous
individuals who simply wanted to know who we are or to
say how nice it was to see us there.
In all, a very worthwhile day which stimulated a good deal
of positive interest.
Lt Col Paul Grant
A colourful day Cookham trooping of the colour
With swords glittering and spurs jingling, Stetsons
brushed, Strathconas polished and more medals than you
could shake a stick at, (and that was just the RSM!) the
Legion of Frontiersmen was once more on parade

Evidently, the many burnt offerings to the gods had

worked, as the day dawned bright and fresh as
Frontiersmen from all parts of the British Isles and
elsewhere made their way to the sleepy Thames-side
hamlet of Cookham, the family home of our Founder,
Roger Pocock and where many members of his illustrious
family are laid to rest in the ancient parish church.

Sgt Gillies, Trp Lee, Sgt Lee-Barron, Trp Paterson,

Trp Vithayathil, and Lt Suitor at Cookham church
Plaque to Captain Roger Pocock
at the church in Cookham
Amid the dappled shadows beneath the sleepy,
overhanging trees of Willow and Ash and Oak, a variety of
uniforms began to assemble, stimulating much interest
from local residents, some of whom thought that it was a
Boy Scout Jamboree and others who were worried that war
may have been declared.
When a sufficiently large number had assembled and been
refreshed at the local hostelry, Regimental Sergeant Major
Savage (well-named and late of the Grenadier Guards)
formed them up for a final rehearsal on the parade ground
and, with many an ear-piercing bellow he put them
through their paces.

Finally, our principal guests arrived in the form of the

Countess Mountbatten of Burma and the Earl Kitchener of
Khartoum, two names to stir the emotions of any military
man, who along with past Commandant General Pat Hall
were escorted to their places at the front of the church,
which was filled to capacity, and the service began. During
the singing of the hymns, Welch Command made their
presence known by their natural singing talent and
harmonisation. Well done lads! It did not go unnoticed.
The old Colour was brought into the church ceremonially
and handed over to be laid-up and the new Colour was
then processed in, cased in a black, leather sheath and after
removing the black cover, the Colour was blessed and
presented, to be marched out again into the sunlight.

This stimulated even more interest, as one particular

resident leaned over his high garden wall and complained
that there was much too much noise for a Sunday morning,
to which the RSM invited him to wind his neck in, or
words to that effect.
The crowds gathered as the great and the good of
Frontiersmen fame descended upon the ancient, flint-built
church and spilled over into the graveyard and surrounding
areas. Ladies in posh frocks and large-brimmed hats,
gentlemen bowler-hatted and besuited and ceremonial
uniforms aplenty all added to the growing ambience of the
day, which was beginning to look rather like a
Buckingham Palace Garden Party or a day out at Ascot.
Visitors from overseas included a Naval representation
from Poland and several Canadian Frontiersmen, led by
Lt. Colonel Harreson Garner.
Naturally, all took the opportunity for a rare photoshoot in
the sunshine and many historic photos must have been
taken that day. I wonder what our descendants may think
of it in years to come?

Parading the colour pastthe Countess Mountbatten

I was especially impressed with their forming one rank
from two and then back again as they negotiated the
various corners around the furniture of the interior of the
church.
The Colour Party were magnificent and their foot drill was
immaculate, as were the Parade Commander, Parade
Adjutant and the RSM, who glittered like polished jewels
in the Autumn sun.
Once outside, the marching contingent formed-up with the
Colour Party and the remainder made a leisurely way to

the parade ground, where the Colour was Trooped in quick

and in slow time before our Patron and the assembled
onlookers.
Many of those on parade were there for the very first time
in any ceremonial capacity and indeed on any public
parade at all and I applaud their sterling efforts.

Presentation of the new colours Cookham 2003

Countess Mountbatten of Burma and the Earl Kitchener
Following the parade, there was a marvellous reception
where we were generously fed and watered by the Ladies
of the Parish; stuffed with home-made cakes, pastries, tarts
and pies, cream buns, biscuits and all manner of good oldfashioned English fare.
At last it was time to go home, but not before a formal
(Regimental style) photograph, where the RSM once again
came into his own. Placing people precariously on folding
chairs, he built a living wall, several deep, with some
standing at the back, some standing in the middle and
others sitting in the front. Naturally, the most important
VIPs were seated in the centre, and then working outwards
by rank or status, the RSM chivvied officers and other
ranks alike into place, with the phrase This is where
you find out that you are not as important as you thought
you were

2003 Trooping of the Colour on Horse Guards. A tall

laconic New Zealander, he made it sound easy, it was all
very well for him, he captained the armys first IX and was
used to being in the limelight. However it was useful to
learn a little of how the Household Brigrade do these
things in modern days, it seemed a little different in the
earlier times.

The new colour and dignitaries assembled

Inside Holy Trinity church, Cookham
The Ensign serving with Brites Regiment of Foote wrote
in 1648 that the principle function is to carry the Colour,
the Colour contains the honour of the regiment. He had to
act as a rallying point in battle and also to taunt the enemy
by flourishing the colour. I felt I could attend to those
points. He also wrote that an ensign should act with
decorum and restraint and must never get drunk. Hmm,
not so easy!
I neednt have worried. The dress rehearsal was organised
by Sergeant Major Chris Savage on the 28th September and
the Colour party, escorts, and parade commanders were
briefed, drilled, debriefed, and drilled again so all were
confident in their duties.

In all, an excellent day and one which is of great historic

importance to the Legion of Frontiersmen and which will
live-on in the memories of all who participated.
Bedellus
Perspective on the presentation of the new Colours
Jerry, can you make yourself available to act as Colour
Ensign at Cookham?
Er, yes Colonel, Id be delighted
Thus was the request from Colonel Peel in August 2003.
Of course I knew I would be on parade for the event. In
the ranks somewhere, at the back.
Now it appeared I was to fill a rather higher profile
appointment. The first thing I thought I had better do was
to learn exactly what an ensign was. As luck would have
it I had met Lt Dick pinfold, he was with Nijmegan
Company Grenadier Guards and had acted as ensign at

Major Paul Wilkie leads the new Colour from the

Church to the parade ground for the trooping
The morning of the 12th October dawned bright and clear,
a good day for a parade. Following a final briefing from
Sgt Major Savage I formed up with my sword escort of

WO2 (SSM) Eddie OShea, and Trooper Mike Paterson,

both of the City of London troop (COLT). Our first duty
was to slow march the old Colour to the alter of the Holy
Trinity Church for the laying up ceremony. We then left
the church. Next we quick marched back to the alter with
the new colour cased. Following the uncasing ceremony
the new Colour was passed to me by our patron, Lady
Mountbatten, she said a short prayer and the colour was
blessed by the padre.

I introduced myself to a group of Australian officers who

were in Service Dress and slouch hats and they said I
could fall-in wherever I wanted. Nice guys, but pretty laid
back, I thought. Eventually, the Australian Navy parade
marshal called us all to form some sort of a marching body
and I took tail-end Charlie, right at the back, considering
myself honoured to be so easily accepted on their parade.
The Guards band struck up and off we marched, wheeling
left onto Whitehall towards Trafalgar Square and passing
the Cenotaph on our right.
Once past the Cenotaph, we wheeled right across the road
where we halted and faced front, looking down Whitehall
towards Parliament.
The service continued; hymns were sung, prayers said,
National Anthems of Great Britain, Australia and New
Zealand were sung and wreaths laid. It was then time to
march off, and you may appreciate my surprise when we
were ordered to Right Turn.
My tail-end Charlie position now made me parade leader!

Parading of the new colour

Following the church parade the colour formed up with the
detachments and marched to the parade ground. Then in
the manner of the Sovereigns birthday parade the Colour
was trooped past the formed detachments so all could see
and identify the new version. After all, the historic
function of this ceremony was so the troops could
recognise the new Colour during the melee of battle.
Our last action was to fall in with the parade and troop past
our patron in slow and quick time. Once permission was
given we departed the parade ground. I then passed the
Colour to the Sergeant Major who then left with the escort.
My final action was to take over the parade from the
Parade Colonel once the officers had been dismissed and
then have all ranks fall out.
We then enjoyed a splendid lunch at the parish rooms and
stood for a regimental photograph. All in all a fine and
historic occasion. I was proud to be selected as ensign and
proud to be there.
Capt Jerry Watkins
ANZAC day parade - EPILOGUE
Having received my invitation from the Australian High
Commission in London, I attended the ANZAC Day
parade at the Cenotaph on Sunday 25th April along with a
few thousand others, mainly Ozzies and Kiwis. On arrival
at the security check point, I showed my Frontiersmen ID
card and was directed to the Marshal for the mixed
Australian, New Zealand and British Forces marching
contingent.
I pointed out that I was not marching, but was told that as I
was in uniform, I may as well march. No problem,
(thinks I), I will just slide in at the back.

On arrival back at the start point, I asked what was to

happen next and was told that we were all to go to
Westminster Abbey for a Gallipoli memorial service.
When I reached Westminster Abbey, I noticed that red
tickets were going one way, yellow tickets another and
blue tickets somewhere else. I had no ticket and so
presented myself to the heavily armed policeman on the
security gate and explained that it had not arrived in the
post.
He checked my LF ID Card and decided that my uniform
was sufficiently kosher and sent me inside the security
cordon to report to a man in a scarlet coat to ask for
directions. This fellow redirected me to a young lady near
the main entrance, in a powder blue blazer who was trying
to sort out another lady who also had no ticket. Waiting
my turn, I overheard their conversation and learned that
she was from the Australian High Commission and had
mislaid her ticket, but that she must get into the Cathedral,
as she was part of the High Commission Staff. She was
then shown into the main entrance where she was directed
to the VIP seats.
The young lady in the powder blue turned to me. Im
with her I said, indicating the High Commission lady who
was hurrying to her seat.
You had better hurry then came the reply, as I was
whisked through and directed to a seat right at the front by
the steps to the High Altar.
Who says that Frontiersmen do not show initiative?
I collected several cards and addresses and very much look
forward to meeting my new-found-friends again on
ANZAC day next year.
New impressions
The Frontiersmen from a new recruit

It has been nearly a year since I originally joined the

Legion of Frontiersmen, this was an institution to which
prior to joining I had never heard of. I have always had an
interest in the military ever since I was a young lad. At the
age of 21 I went to the local TA Centre to join up, I took
all the tests and fitness exams with flying colours. I had
the pick of the crop with regards to which role I could take
on (excluding being a doctor or other professional). I
decided I would join the Intelligence Corp as a Linguist, as
I was pretty good with Languages, I was shipped of to
Ashford in Kent for a couple of days evaluation. Around
this time I got a job offer in the IT industry which was also
a career I was interested in, any way the long and the short
of it was that I took the IT role. Sometimes I look back
and wish I had taken the role in the Intelligence Corp, but
as the saying goes there is no point crying over spilt milk.
So what has this got to do with my joining the
Frontiersmen you ask?
One of my hobbies for the last 20 years has been martial
arts and through martial arts I met a very great man called
Jaimie, who I have known for nearly 8 years. Earlier this
year I mentioned to him my interest in the military and that
sometimes I wish I had gone down that road. He said he
was in a group called the Legion of Frontiersman and that
he was going to form a troop in Liverpool and asked if I
was interested in joining. Now I live just outside of
Gatwick so it took me a while to decide (roughly 1
minute). So on a monthly basis I would head up to
Liverpool (well Wigan actually) to do a bit of training.
When I heard we were providing security at Biggin Hill I
jumped at the chance for free entry to the airshow and food
thrown in as well. I had just purchased an army 12 by
12 tent so the weekend prior to the show I set up this and
my 9 by 9 in the garden and made sure they were water
tight as I was going to supply the tentage for Liverpool
Troop. Knowing Jaimie and the boys fondness for
Whisky I packed a large bottle of Glen Morangie.

When the tents had been erected I laid my kit out and was
invited over for a beer and introduced to some of the
others. I am afraid I can not remember everyones names
for which I apologise, I do remember being very well
treated and having some wonderful conversations with
both Lt Col Grant and Major Edward Watkins, whose Son
Jonathan (Military Police) I was to meet the following day.

The weekend of the show arrived and on the Friday

afternoon I headed off laden down with tents, camp beds,
sleeping bags and various other camping type
paraphernalia. On arrival the only name I had was that of
Lt Col Paul Grant, I asked at the command tent and was
told to pitch my tent behind the Mess tent and Lt Col
Grant would be found around that area as well.
Going behind the mess tent I found a fellow learning to fly
a kite, on closer inspection I was to discover this was in
fact my CO Lt Col Grant. He had just purchased a tunnel
tent and this was the first time he had put it up and the
wind being a strong southerly straight off the top of the
North Downs was not helping with the learning curve.
Dropping my kit and with the help of Lt Marcus Suitor
who had just arrived we set to and erected the tent (with a
bit of help from a couple of others who had wondered by
and been drafted in. Once this had been done I then went
about setting up my 12 by 12 with a bit of help from
those who had helped set up the tunnel tent.

After a good nights sleep and a filling breakfast made by

the troop from Selsey we were given our security briefing
and sent off to our patrol areas. My patrol area for the day
was Airside along the main taxiway, I was to patrol the
area from the Memphis Bell to where the planes were
parked between flights and ensure that the crowds stayed
behind the barriers and did not touch the planes. If there
was to an accident I was to help with the evacuation of the
visitors. It was a bit cold to start with but by 10:00 hrs it

was lovely and warm, lunch was brought out to us in the

guise of Sandwiches and drink around 14:00 hrs.
The afternoon dragged on a bit after the excitement of the
morning but I must admit to getting a great view of the
show during my patrols. I finished up at around 18:00hrs
and when relieved headed back to the camp site for Dinner
and a well earned rest. Liverpool Troop had arrived earlier
in the day and had set up in the 12 by 12 tent, they got
back just after I finished my meal. It was then time for
some of the Liverpool troop had to head off home due to
other commitments but Sgt Jaimie Lee-Barron, and a
couple of others stayed behind. Major Watkins came over
with his son and offered us a drink, we returned the favour
and cracked open a couple of bottles of Whisky which
interestingly enough seemed to attract officers from far
and wide as our tent was duly upgraded to become the
officers mess.
Sunday started bright and early with breakfast and then off
to the bottom of the runway to patrol the perimeter road.
This was a bit of a lonely task as it meant walking up the
stretch of road from the emergency services gate down to
the far end of the road (around 500 yards in all) and also a
footpath that ran through a small piece of private waste
ground. After 4 hours of patrolling this area I was called
back for something to eat and then taken to a new area to
patrol, this was a footpath that ran through a farmers field
at the far end of the runway. I was to patrol this are with
Lt Col Paul Grant, this was good as it gave me a chance to
grill the colonel on the Frontiersmen and their history. As
it turns out we had quite a bit in common. The sun was
now shining brightly, and everyone had come down with a
kind of party attitude so there was no trouble and it was a
nice way to spend the afternoon. We patrolled this area
for around 3 hours and were then relieved for a spot of R
and R back at the camp due to Sgt Jaimie Lee-Barron
needing a lift to East Croydon Station to head home.

of us jumped into the two response landrovers, and

headed off across the field to where they were located.
When we spotted the youths (approximately 10 girls and
boys aged from 16 to 20) we all de-bussed and fanned out,
initially there was some verbal hostility, but the officer in
charge handled it well and we eventually guided them off
the field without any physical confrontation.
This was the first time I had really met anyone outside of
Liverpool Troop (all of whom I knew from my martial arts
anyway). I certainly came away with a lot of new friends
and also the impression that here was something worth
getting involved with. So much so that 4 months later I set
up my own troop in Redhill (Currently 8 of us), and we are
closely tied with the City of London Troop.
Sergeant Richard Gillies

Forthcoming events
June 2004
Biggin Hill Air show
The legion of Frontiersmen is to provide 24-hour
security at the air show.
Normandy Parachute jump
There is an opportunity for a static line jump from a
Dakota, for appropriately qualified personnel, on the
60th anniversary of the D-Day landings, onto some of
the original drop zones, and then to take part in some
of the re-enactments and celebrations. Authentic kit
and parachutes will be used. Anyone interested should
contact the UK Command Adjutant Major FPL
Manson TD for further details.
July 2004
Belgium National Day Parade
Horse Guards parade and Cenotaph, London
Belgian war memorial
Brookwood Military Cemetery
November 2004
AMICALE Service of Remembrance
Kensal Green Cemetery, North London
Executive Council Meeting
Agenda Items should be sent to Command HQ in
writing. South London
RELAIS SACRE Service of Remembrance
Westminster Abby and Belgian Embassy
Remembrance day parade
The Cenotaph, London

My final duty of the day was patrol the same area I had
patrolled Saturday but this time with Lt Col Grant and a
lady trooper from Selsey. This was quite a relaxed time
with the only bit of excitement happening when it came
over the radio that a little girl had gone missing
(fortunately to be found a short while later). Once finished
we headed back to camp, just as we arrived a call came
over the radio, apparently a group of youths had been
drinking in the beer tent and were now causing trouble. 12

December 2004
Legion Annual dinner

Items wanted and for sale

Private items for sale

Disclaimer - We do not accept any responsibility for any

private articles offered up for sale by individuals, any
purchases are done so at the buyers own risk.

Lt Col Jonathan R Farmer

CO Welch Command
Major Michael Walters

For Sale
Officers Service Dress cap, slightly worn but in good
condition one Size 7 and one 7 - 20.00 each

Australian Command Commandant

Maj Gen Alan Murchison

Number One Dress (Blues) tunic (Ex Lord Lieutenant)

Chest 40/42 Waist 34 - 20.00

British North American Command

General T Reed

Sam Browne belts (Generally smallish waist, around 30

32) - 15.00

Canadian Command - Commandant

Brig D Mack

Frontiersmen metal (staybrite) titles - 5.00 per pair

Malta G.C. Command - Commandant

Lt B N Tarpey

Frontiersmen metal (brass) titles - 10.00 per pair

One brand new and unissued Sam Browne - 30.00

Legal Officer
Major Simon Mumford

*Brown Strathconas (Tall Field Boots with buckled fronts)

100.00 per pair with wooden trees. These are possibly
size ten or twelve. These boots were worn by a named
Officer in World War One.
Ladies brown field boots immaculate - size 5 - 30.00

Records Officer
Major Edward Watkins

Brand new and unworn tan leather tall riding boots,

incredible soft leather, size approximately 7 (8) - 50.00

Recruitment and Liaison

Lt Col Wayne Warlow

Overall trousers with double yellow stripe and zip fly,

Waist 34, Leg 31 - 15:00

Command Quarter Master

Lt Stan Williams

Brown riding boots, Size 7, New sole and heel - 40:00

Historian
Capt Geoff Pocock

George Boots size 8, Boxed for spurs, Worn once - 25:00

There are other items. Please ask, price excludes postage
Lt. Col. P. Grant
Commonwealth Training Officer
Brand new Stetson - 45.00
Major Paul Wilkie
City of London Troop

Important Contacts
General enquires can be made to:
Legion of Frontiersmen,
PO Box 272, Aldershot, Hants GU12 5YU
Patron
Countess Mountbatten of Burma
Commandant General
General Ronald J Potter
Senior Deputy Commandant General
Richard Sturrock
UK Command Adjutant
Major Finian Manson
CO UK Command

Commonwealth Training Officer

Lt Col Paul Grant

Editor Frontier Post

Sgt Richard Gillies

Quiz answers
Crossword answer

Department of Intelligence, Security and Terrorism Studies

International Institute for Specialised Education and Research

Knightsbridge University
Denmark

International Conference on
Intelligence, Security and Terrorism Studies:

The Role of Intelligence in Combating Modern Terrorism

at
Greater Manchester Police Training School
Sedgley Park
on
28th, 29th & 30th May 2004
Details from:
Prof. E. de Silva
Prof. J. Lee-Barron

e.desilva@iuser.org
jelebuk@yahoo.co.uk

International Institute for Specialised Education and Research (IISER) 69 Piccadilly Manchester M1 2BS
Registered in England 03909302