From the IG Journal, 1964: THE IRISH GUARDS ASSOCIATION VISIT TO THE FIRST BATTALION IN GERMANY, 1963 Mr. D. Cooper, Hon. Secretary of the Manchester Branch of the Irish Guards Association, writes:- This year, 1963, saw something new in the history of the Regiment, as for the first time an organised party of members of the Association visited a battalion serving overseas, and what a wonderful success this turned out to be. With John Watson in charge, 30 members of the party representing the Belfast, London, Midland, and North of England Branches of the Association, together with a serving member, C.S.M. Maguire, visited the 1st Battalion in Germany, leaving Wellington Barracks on the morning of the 15th May. The journey from London to Dover was very pleasant as the weather improved with every mile, and during the whole of our stay on the Continent we were very fortunate. The crossing to Ostend was find and sunny, and proved a great opportunity for everyone to become acquainted over various types of refreshment. On arrival we were met by Captain Mercer M.B.E., M.M., and Drill Sergeant McComiskey, together with the Battalion coach co-drivers, Lance Corporal O’Hara and Guardsman Callahan. From this moment on we were to experience all the wonderful hospitality which could not be excelled anywhere outside the Regiment. Our first trip was very brief, merely across the road to the Hotel De Neiuwe Sportman, where we had a fine meal of steak and chips, but while awaiting the service we were amply refreshed. Needless to say one old Mick made a great start by attempting to converse in some foreign tongue with a young fellow attending to our wants, only to find this was a very embarrassed Guardsman Banks. Following the meal we set off for Brussels and our first night as guest of the Belgium Army at the Petit Chateau Barracks. Here we were provided with English speaking N.C.O’s who accompanied us in parties for a very enjoyable night on the town. On the 16th we set off for Waterloo where we were met by Brigadier J.O.E. Vandeleur, D.S.O, Lieutenant Colonel R.S. Langton, M.V.O., M.C., and Captain Baker. The Brigadier gave us a very graphic picture of the great battle, and led the party on the very stiff climb to the top of the landmark to continue the story and point out the vital areas. We then descended safely to ground level and visited the museum where members were fascinated by the remarkable panoramic representation of the action depicting a terrible scene of carnage, but truly a great piece of work. We really seemed to be living history, especially being in the company of the Brigadier whose Great Uncle, Major-General Sir John Vandeleur, Commanded a Light Cavalry Brigade in the action. He succeeded Lord Uxbridge as senior Cavalry Commander after Lord Uxbridge lost a leg, and led the final Cavalry charge. This visit ended on a very happy note as we had the pleasure of drinking the health of the Commanding Officer on his birthday. We then moved to a nearby farm to inspect a Memorial to the fallen of the Regiment, and thence travelled on to Landen. Here the main object was to visit the Church to inspect the very beautiful window presented by the 2nd Battalion. Prior to this however we shared a few Lagers while a veritable banquet was prepared for us on the spot of the old field kitchen. A great deal of hard work went into this effort, and it is to be hoped our appreciation was a just reward. Later as we left the Church we found quite a gathering of locals waiting, and there were many inquiries for friends in the 2nd Battalion. It was now time to set off on our journey to join the Battalion at Hubbelrath Barracks, and one sensed the excitement and anticipation of once more being with the Regiment. It was however, indeed, a sad arrival, as we were to learn of the tragic motor accident which had robbed the Battalion of three of its Members. We were then shown to our respective quarters, and later gathered in the Sergeants’ Mess where we held a respectful silence and spent the evening quietly becoming acquainted with the various members. During the official greeting from the Commanding Officer, we learned it was his wish that the tour be carried out according to schedule, and that Friday, the 17th, had been partly set aside to view the Barracks and Battalion activities. We were very pleased to see a very impressive rehearsal for the Trooping of the Colour, and then under the guidance of Captain Baker, inspected various vehicles and weapons, all of which were of course different to the ones we remembered. Many members also enjoyed a visit to the miniature range, even though perhaps many eyes were not as true as they used to be. We were now enjoying the full hospitality of the Sergeants’ Mess, and were ready for the fine lunch provided before setting off for a visit to Dusseldorf, calling at the Airport then on into the finely built new city, and a little shopping expedition then back to barracks for our evening meal and a few happy hours in the Sergeants’ Mess, where we were happy to meet many of the ladies. On Saturday, the 18th, we were ready after an early breakfast for a full day’s visit to Gummersbach. Unfortunately all was not well as the Battalion bus really disgraced us by breaking down on the Autobahn but thanks to a lot of hard work by Drill Sergeant McCommiskey and Corporal O’Hara, we finally got under way. After stopping for a great haversack lunch we continued through lovely country to Hoffnungsthal where a few of the party remained while we continued our journey to Gummersbach. Some of the boys were able to point out the old Battalion Headquarters and various other places of interest, not forgetting the old Guardmen’s Mess which is now a very fine inn. (Postschenke). Here the pumps and everything were so delightful, as of course everyone gathered there, and there was much fraternising with the result our departure was very delayed. However, we finally set off on our long run back to Barracks, fortunately someone remembering to collect our friends from Hoffnungsthal. As always, a good meal awaited us, then a quick change and on to the Corporals’ Mess for a really marvellous party. What a great effort they made to provide everything one could wish for, and what a happy occasion it was for us all to see everyone including the ladies having such an enjoyable evening. Much later we wended our way to the Sergeants’ Mess where we rounded off the night, or was it morning, and indeed “a good time was had by all.” It was here we heard rumours that the Battalion bus had finally given up, so the proposed Sunday outing to Cologne, which was to be followed by a sail down the Rhine was unfortunately curtailed, but a few members did manage the visit to Cologne as the Welsh Guards kindly loaned their mini-bus, and C.Q.M.S. Hayes took a party in his car. For Monday, the 20th, the programme was a battlefield tour, and we wondered just what would happen as it was not possible to repair the bus for the journey. How foolish we were to wonder, for there bright and gleaming was a fine new German coach complete with driver, and of course fully loaded with refreshments as usual. Once again we were off to an early start with tireless Drill Sergeant McComiskey fully organised for a tough bit of map reading, being in possession of a large scale map only. As one wit remarked we would have been better taking the coach along the railway line. Nevertheless we arrived safely at our rendezvous, which was Joe’s Bridge, where once again we were met by the Brigadier, Commanding Officer and Captain Baker. The Brigadier in fine form related the whole story of the action, and one or two members were able to add their stories having been present in the fighting. We then moved on to Nijmegen to see the famous bridges where such bitter actions were fought, and once again were able to hear the stories from the Brigadier. From here on to “Market Garden” where in spite of the close attention of a very spirited cow (meadow variety) the story was continued by Lt. Col. Langton. We also visited in the area the beautiful War Graves Cemetery where many of our Comrades lay. How perfectly kept are these memorials. Our journey then continued to Arnhem, now another lovely area, where a good deal of shopping was done. The party was recognised as ex-Mick by a very successful looking ice-cream vendor, and it seemed that extra large portions of his wares changed hands, and just as we were about to drive away, he suddenly appeared with an armful of brochures. This was indeed a wonderful day and we covered many miles through Germany, Belgium and Holland, and we saw so much of the areas where our Regiment gave so much. Once again the long drive back to Barracks, and our evening meal, and what else could have rounded off the perfect day so well as the party which followed in the Sergeants’ Mess. One o the outstanding memories of the tour is this farewell party with all its great comradeship and hospitality. We shall remember the presence of the Commanding Officer and Adjutant, Captain Baker and other Officers including the sons of fathers under whom we served. We shall remember the Brigadier who in his brief speech told how he wished he could be back in the Regiment, and the presentation, when each Branch was presented with a Regimental Shield and framed inscription to commemorate our visit, and which we promised would be displayed at every Annual General Meeting of the future. All too soon came our final day with the Battalion, which proved to be a very emotional experience for us all. Firstly we attended the very moving Memorial Service for Sgt. Hanna, Piper Stewart and Guardsman McKeown, a moment to be remembered always. It was then time for final shopping, packing and farewells, our last meal from the staff who did so much for us, and then the last preparations for moving off. No member of the tour will ever forget our last few minutes with the Battalion. As we marched out to the Pipes and Drums, every man lined our route to cheer us on our way, while the Commanding Officer took the salute. Nor shall we forget the youngest squad who came out to give a final cheer as the Pipes struck up Auld Lang Syne. We hope they heard our response. In spite of the fact that some of us carried scars from the wars, and perhaps could not swing the arms or dig in the heels as well as we did quite a while ago, we do hope we maintained the standard of the Regiment. Now we were on our way back to Brussels, leaving behind great friendships and an overwhelming feeling of gratitude. The journey was a little quiet, no doubt due to a tinge of sadness at leaving, and even the weather broke for the first time, raining heavily on the way. Then our final night at the Petit Chateau Barracks, and for many an early night. Wednesday, the 22nd, we were about early, ready for the journey to Ostend, thence to Dover and London. A final coffee at the Hotel De Nieuwe Sportman, then farewell to Drill Sergeant McComiskey and Guardsman Banks, through the Customs and on board. Even then however it was not quite over, for as we were passing the end of the long jetty, there was Drill Sergeant McComiskey waving his hat in goodbye. We hope he heard our big cheer. Once again we had a fine crossing, the water being quite visible from the bar, then back to Dover and a quick run through to London where the party finally broke up. A few did however stay overnight at the modern Chelsea Barracks, and experienced the hospitality of R.Q.M.S. F. Murphy before turning in. Now it only remains to pay tribute to all who made this tour possible and such an unforgettable success. Thanks firstly to the Lieutenant Colonel Commanding, Colonel J.W. Berridge, M.B.E., for his permission, and to the Commanding Officer of the Battalion, Lieutenant Colonel Langton, M.V.O., M.C., for making it possible. To the Adjutant Captain J.D. Morrogh-Bernard and Captain Baker. To Captain (QM) Mercer, M.B.E., M.M., and R.S.M. Stuart for everything arranged for us, and to all the members of the Sergeants’ Mess for their wonderful hospitality. To all the Sergeants’ Mess for their grand effort and hospitality and the Guardsmen for welcoming our members into their fine club. To Corporal O’Hara and Guardsman Callahan for all the safe journeys under difficult conditions and to Guardsman Banks for his work during the tours, also to all members of the Battalion for their courtesy at all times. Thanks also to the Regimental Adjutant Major J.N. Ghika, R.S.. B. Wild, M.B.E, and all staff at Regimental Headquarters for their arrangements. A very special vote of sincere thanks to Drill Sergeant McComiskey for his untiring efforts which so ensured the absolute success of the unforgettable tour, and finally grateful thanks to Brigadier Vandeleur, Chairman of the London Branch, for all the trouble he took. Through all this we are mindful of the tragedy resulting in the loss of three fine Guardsmen, and our deepest sympathy is extended to their relations. The story of the tour has now been told, the places we visited, the hospitality we received, and the respect which was accorded to us all by all ranks of the Battalion, and the nature of our reaction much be recorded. We realised we had visited the modern generation of Irish Guards, and were very conscious of the strange contrasts. Among our party were ex-Micks who had soldiered in that splendid British Army of pre-1914 days, before aeroplanes had even been adopted as a weapon, and who had faced the horrors of trench warfare in 1914-18. There were those who had known the comparatively mobile warfare of 1939-45 with its mass air raids: which meant we had a cross section covering more than half a century of the Regiment’s history. Our visit to the Battalion made us realise the immense problems which have to be faced by the modern army in a war of ideas and in the shadow of nuclear war, and just how well these present Guardsmen face up to just these problems. There was no doubt whatever in the minds of the whole party who agreed wholeheartedly that the present generation of Irish Guards will maintain the traditions which have been built up by succeeding generations since the formation of the Regiment, and well fulfill the aspirations of Lieutenant Colonel FitzClarence, V.C., who on the occasion of the Presentation of New Colours on June 28, 1913, by H.M. King George V, stated in his speech in reply to His Majesty: “I beg to assure your Majesty that it will be our earnest endeavour to show in peace and in war, that devotion to duty which has distinguished the older Regiments of the Brigade, and the Colours presented to us today will be an incentive to duty and self-sacrifice in future.” These sentiments expressed by one of our most distinguished Commanding Officers 50 years ago have been fulfilled to the last letter, and we have no doubt will continue to be fulfilled so long as the Regiment remains. It has not been possible to record every item of happiness we experienced, nor describe in detail all the hundreds of miles we travelled, but there is no doubt that the memories each and every on of us have of this tour will live with us always, and we trust that in future years this wonderful experience may be enjoyed by other members of the Association. 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From the IG Journal, 1964: THE IRISH GUARDS ASSOCIATION VISIT TO THE FIRST BATTALION IN GERMANY, 1963 Lieutenant Colonel R.S. Langton, M.V.O., M.C., Commanding Officer 1st Battalion, Irish Guards, writes: The possibility of a visit to the 1st Battalion in Germany by a party from the Association was first discussed by Brigadier Jo Vandeleur and myself in 1961 before the Battalion left Caterham. However, because of the heavy training commitments on the Battalion during 1962 I reluctantly had to say that we would not be able to manage it that year but we would plan a visit during 1963. So plan we did and it was decided that the most suitable dates would be in May when the whole Battalion would be “At home” preparing for the Queen’s Birthday Parade. There were many ‘alarms and excursions’ before the great day itself, not least of which was the threatened rail strike scheduled for the chosen day of departure. However that was very efficiently overcome by Regimental Headquarters whilst at this end we managed to smooth over various officials who though that they out to have a “look in” when so illustrious a body was to pass through their various countries. And so came the day - the 15th May - and the party, led by Captain Jimmy Watson, arrived at Ostend. They were met there by those two stalwarts, Captain Paddy Mercer, the Technical Quartermaster, and Drill Sergeant McComiskey, with the Battalion bus. Meanwhile, I and my wife motored to Brussels to meet Brigadier Jo Vandeleur and Colonel Tommy Lindsay, who came by air. We met in the Prince Albert Officers’ Club, the doors of which had very kindly been opened to us by the Belgian Army authorities, and so, with my brother, Major T.B. Langton and his wife, who had been staying with me, and Captain James Baker, and Paul de Remusat, who had organised this part of the visit, the reunion got off to a good start in the bar of the club. The Ostend Party were due to arrive at 1800 hours at Petit Chateau Barracks where they were to stay the night as guests of the Belgian Army. There was no sign of them at 2000 hours so, seeing no cause to worry, as I would have done with a party of younger soldiers, we went off to dinner and sure enough it was later reported to me that the party had arrived in fine fettle having “dallied” for a while in Ostend. (I never have found out what the dalliance actually consisted of ! ). The next morning we all met in Le Petit Chateau Barracks and despite the Ostend and Belgian Army hospitality of the night before, everyone was on parade and as far as I could judge - fit. The bus then drove off to Waterloo, whilst the Brigadier and I paid our respects to the Belgian Commandant. The city authorities were disappointed that the party was not able to pay an official visit to the Hotel de Ville, but this was impossible to fit in. At Waterloo we were given an excellent insight into the battle by Brigadier Jo. It was a fine morning, and I think the magic of military history, particularly as expounded by the Brigadier, touched everybody there. There were some dubious faces looking at the steps to the top of the Memorial Mound. But with Darky Curtain in the lead all go to the top, and safely down. We then drove round to Hougemont Farm, which was equally interesting. As it was my birthday we had (we must admit) paused for some refreshment amidst all this culture. Let me hastily say that I had forgotten, my wife only just remembered and somehow (as usual) Captain Mercer knew that it was my birthday and from the back of the bus he and Drill Sergeant McComiskey produced a bar of some quality. Time was therefore getting on when we finally drove off to Landen where we were to meet another old stalwart. Sergeant Ennis, my Officers’ Mess Sergeant, who was in charge of “A” Echelon and lunch. I did however persuade Brigadier Jo to stop at a certain cross-roads nearby to Waterloo in order that we could hear the story of another minor Waterloo that took place the day ofter the liberation of Brussels, in September 1944. This is recorded in the Regimental History, but it was the first time any of us had heard the story from the Brigadier himself. Then on to Landen and lunch. A great welcome awaited us from the people of Landen where the 2nd and 3rd Battalions were billeted for a few bitterly cold weeks during Christmas and the Ardennes offensive 1944/45. An Advance Party (strength one), had in fact gone on ahead direct from Ostend, so our arrival was expected. We inspected the “memorial window” given to the church by members of the Regiment, and renewed many old acquaintances. Although we were not to know it immediately, it was here that tragedy struck as a small party of the Battalion, travelling to Landen to prepare the lunch, met with a fatal accident, three out of the four being killed. I was able the next day to ask that this should not shed a blight over the rest of the tour as I knew the three would not wish it so. This I think was achieved, and here I would like to say thank you to the Association members for their wonderful support, and sympathy generally over the whole sorry business. The next day was spent touring barracks and departments of the Battalion and generally gossiping. I was able to fit in an official welcome which had not been possible the day before and this, conveniently, was in the Sergeants’ Mess before lunch. On Saturday Drill Sergeant McComiskey took the party to Gummersbach and Hoffnungsthal where the 2nd and 3rd Battalions were stationed immediately after the war. Unfortunately my “pride and joy”, the Battalion bus, broke down and we had to resort to a “hireling”. A blow to our pride but the Association members were very kind, and apart from a sly dig here and there, the matter was not mentioned again. All will be pleased to learn that the bus is back on the road and better than ever. After Gummersbach the party returned by steamer on the Rhine from Konigswinter to Koln. Sunday, the 19th was spent quietly (as far as I could judge ! ) either making local visits or watching the 4th Guards Brigade Polo Tournament. On Monday we all set out to the Escaut Canal to do “Jo’s Bridge”, the break out over the Escaut and the advance to Arnhem - Operation Market Garden. Again we were lucky with a fine day. The area west of “Jo’s Bridge” is much built up and there is a fine new bridge. Brigadier Jo gave a vivid description of the remarkable bouncing of the bridge nineteen years ago. “Those who were there” were also able to add life and much interest to the tale. The Brigadier went on to describe the “breakout” and we then drove on along the route of Operation Market Garden. We stopped on the way at the War Cemetery just outside Valkenswaard. A peaceful spot and beautifully kept as, indeed, they all are. Then on to Nijmegen Bridge. Conveniently i had been called on some weeks previously to give a presentation of the Nijmegen crossing to the Officers and N.C.O’s of another brigade, together with an American Top Sergeant who had been in one of the leading boats of the 82nd Airborne’s assault river crossing, so the notes came in useful. Finally we moved across the river and up to Elst where the Battalion group had finally halted. We then drove back through Holland to a Sergeants’ Mess social evening. Tuesday, 21st May, was the final day in the Battalion. A photography in the morning followed by an “official farewell” again in the Sergeants’ Mess. Then after an early lunch the party was fallen in by Captain Watson; they marched through the barracks, led by the Pipes and Drums with the whole of the Battalion lining the route and cheering. I was accorded an “eyes left” and I confess I was very much moved at seeing these magnificent “comrades” who in a few days living amongst us, had proved themselves such in the best sense of the word, marching out of the gate and away home, we hope with happy memories and a desire to join us again. For us it was a memorable week and we are grateful for the friendship and interest shown by every member of the party. It is not possible to mention by name all those involved in this epic visit, but a small roll of the party is attached. Similarly, I and the Regimental Sergeant Major and others, have received so many letters that it is impossible to quote from them all. I have chosen three from which the following extracts: “I would like to express my thanks to all members of the 1st Battalion Irish Guards or the overwhelming hospitality shown to the Irish Guards Association, on our recent visit to the battalion. I am just beginning to recover my senses.” In these days of cynicism it was a joy to experience a comradeship which I am certain no other regiment in the British Army possesses. As we marched out of the barracks headed by the Corps of Drums, and the Battalion cheering, this was surely the climax of our visit, and as we fell out to board the coach many handkerchiefs discreetly appeared as tears rolled down cheeks.” “I write to you to express my thanks to you and all Irish Guardsmen for the wonderful hospitality you showed to us while staying with the Battalion last week. It is something I shall never forget. It was nice to meet old friends and to make new ones, and the send-off you gave us will no doubt be talked about in the Regiment for years to come. I can only repeat that old saying “It took the Micks.” ” “Here I am in my own home once again. It is hard to realise that this time last week I was enjoying the wonderful hospitality of the 1st Battalion Irish Guards. I enjoyed every moment of my stay and I think everyone else did a lot. To the former members of 2 Squadron, 2nd Battalion Irish Guards who were billeted over the bridge at Landen. The town has now a more prosperous look about it. A new estate of well-to-do houses lies to the left of the town, one does not now have to walk the 300 yards up and over the bridge to reach the other half of the town, a new subway connects the two. Quite a few people have moved but those still there still have a warm corner in their hearts for us. Gummersbach has taken on a new look, the tramline which ran for miles and miles to dear knows where has been lifted and buses serve the outlying villages. The trees in the main street have disappeared and all the shops given a face lift. The Other Ranks Canteen is still there, under new management. We mean an old SS man there who had no hard feelings for us, though one of his companions had no time for us. The vehicle park on the left on the way to H.Q. Squadron is now a lovely garden of flowers. The football field where the Colours were Trooped has been ploughed up and a new pitch has been made for the left of the top end of the old one. Houses now have been built where the plots once were, the carp pond is still there and the old school just the same, except that brick buildings have replaced the wooden ones at rear of school. The gap in the wall at rear of H.Q. is still there after all these years, but all other traces of our being there have been removed.” The Hon. Secretary of the Liverpool Branch, Mr. Chris Corrigan was, I think, the most prolific writer and we are most grateful for his and all the other letters. Perhaps, in ending this dull account of what I think was a remarkable occasion in our Regimental life, I may quote the closing phrases of all Mr. Corrigan’s letters, so well known to all of us: “Quis Separabit: Up the Micks”. [sharedmedia=gallery:images:17879] [sharedmedia=gallery:images:17880] [sharedmedia=gallery:images:17881] [sharedmedia=gallery:images:17882] [sharedmedia=gallery:images:17883] [sharedmedia=gallery:images:17884] [sharedmedia=gallery:images:17885]
good day dbf,sm.20may.2013,-02:19pm.re:IG.assosiation trip,belgium.holland.germany.they had a greast trip.the weather was fine both ways.they were well received by all regimental associats and the public,they are great diplomats for there country,great post.regards bernard85
The Times, 18 May 1963 http://www.veterans-uk.info/afm2/certificate-hi-res.php?SerialNo=X13901 Surname: HANNA Forenames/Initials: William Rank: Sgt Service: Army Service Number: 22216517 Regiment/Corps: IRISH GUARDS Date of Birth: 04 April 1931 Age: 32 Date of Death: 16 May 1963 Cemetery Name: Ballymoney Cemetery Address: Co Antrim Included on Armed Forces Memorial: Yes Included on Roll of Honour: Yes http://www.veterans-uk.info/afm2/certificate-hi-res.php?SerialNo=X13894 Surname: STEWART Forenames/Initials: John Lewis Rank: Bdsm Service: Army Service Number: 23495754 Regiment/Corps: IRISH GUARDS Date of Birth: 21 August 1941 Age: 21 Date of Death: 16 May 1963 Cemetery Name: Banbridge Included on Armed Forces Memorial: Yes Included on Roll of Honour: Yes http://www.veterans-uk.info/afm2/certificate-hi-res.php?SerialNo=X13899 Surname: McKEOWN Forenames/Initials: Patrick Joseph Rank: Gdsm Service: Army Service Number: 23877477 Regiment/Corps: IRISH GUARDS Date of Birth: 14 August 1944 Age: 18 Date of Death: 16 June 1963 Cemetery Name: Belfast Included on Armed Forces Memorial: Yes Included on Roll of Honour: Yes QS
