Friday 18 December 2020

Nadolig Llawen Merry Christmas


 Nadolig Llawen a Blwyddyn Newydd Dda oddiwrth pawb yn yr Amgueddfa.

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year from all at the RWF Museum.

Tuesday 1 December 2020

The Flash

 #OTD 28th November 1834

The wearing of the ‘Flash’ first sanctioned

In 1808 the pigtail was abolished in the army.  Its implementation in the Regiment was very unpopular.  The officers, as a mark of protest, took to wearing the ribbons from the queue bag and formed them into a ‘flash’ slang for a wig & attached it to the collar of their coats. In 1834, when the Regiment returned from abroad, they were ordered to be removed.  An appeal was made to William IV who gave his approval ‘as a peculiarity to mark the Dress of that distinguished Regiment’.






Fleurbaix 1917

 

#MuseumsUnlocked  #Wintertime 

Men of the 15th (Service) Battalion (1st London Welsh), Royal Welsh Fusiliers in the snow-covered
front line trenches at Fleurbaix, 28 December 1917.


Friday 21 August 2020

Lliwio ar gyfer y penwythnos Colouring for the weekend


 

Battle of Albert




ON THIS DAY IN ROYAL WELCH HISTORY

Battle of Albert, France, 1918.

This was the opening stage of the 2nd battle of the Somme 1918. 

It was launched to eliminate the large German salient resulting from their March offensive.  The 2nd, 13th, 14th, 16th & 17th Battalions in 38th (Welsh) Division, and the 4th and 26th Battalions, were all successfully engaged.

Thursday 20 August 2020

Another famous Fusilier born on this day

 Cecil AndrĂ© Mesritz was born in London on 20th August 1909. Initially trained as a mechanic, he acted in amateur dramatic productions before turning professional in 1934. Considering his name to be a disadvantage to furtherment in the British film industry, he anglicised it to Morell in 1936 and changed his name by deed poll two years later. Joining the Old Vic Company, he appeared on stage alongside Alec Guinness and John Gielgud, in films in the late 1930s and in early BBC drama productions.


Enlisting early in World War Two, he served initially as a junior NCO in 2nd Hampshire Regiment before being selected for Officer Training and commissioning from Sandhurst in May 1941. Serving with the Royal Welsh Fusiliers he was promoted to temporary Major in 1943 and demobbed in 1946. Returning to the stage, he established a reputation as a reliable and conscientious actor dividing his time between theatre, television and screen appearing in almost 30 films between 1948 and 1958 including some of the early Hammer horror films.


After appearing in Bridge Over The River Kwai, he was chosen for the starring role in the television science fiction series Quatermass and The Pit, still regarded as one of the best of its genre. By now an established leading man, Morrell appeared as Dr Watson in Hound of The Baskervilles alongside Peter Cushing as Sherlock Holmes and also in the Oscar-winning Hollywood epic, Ben Hur. Appearing in a further 23 films between 1959 and 1979 he was the top billing in Hammer’s Plague of The Zombies (1966) and The Mummy’s Shroud of the following year. Much in demand on television, his credits include episodes of The Avengers, The Saint, Dr Who and The Professionals.


After four years as Vice President of the British actors and performers trade union, Equity, Morell was President 1973-74. A 60-a-day smoker, André Morell died of lung cancer on 28th November 1978 with his last screen appearance as a judge in The Sean Connery and Donald Sutherland caper, The First Great Train Robbery, released after his death. #famousfriday



Tuesday 18 August 2020

Lord Kensington

 ON THIS DAY IN ROYAL WELCH HISTORY

Kensington Lord H.E.  Lt Col  CMG  DSO  TD

Hugh Edwardes, Lord Kensington was born 3rd Sept 1873, son of the 4th Baron and his wife Grace, an old Etonian (1891) he entered the army as 2/Lt with the 15th Hussars and later served in the Boer War as ADC to Lt Gen. H.M.L. Rundle, for which he was Mentioned in Despatches and awarded the DSO, (27/9/01) “In recognition of services during the operations in South Africa”. He had succeeded his brother to the title  in 1900 as the 6th Baron Kensington. On the outbreak of war, he was gazetted Adjutant to the Welsh Horse Yeo in Aug 1914 and was promoted Lt Col (18/8/14) to command the regiment. He took them to Gallipoli, landing at Anzac, where he saw action from 10th Oct 1915 to Dec 1915 and commanded the rear guard action with 100 men on "Hill 60" for the withdrawal from the peninsula, was Mentioned in Despatches. He then took the regiment  to Egypt and saw action in Palestine, where on the amalgamation with the Montgomery Yeo, to form the new 25th Bn RWF, he commanded the battalion. Was in the fighting in the attacks on both the Wadi Zait and Wadi Shebab during November 1917. Then in May 1918 he took the battalion to France where he saw action until the end of hostilities. Was appointed a CMG and was Mentioned in Despatches again. He was Hon Col. Pembroke Heavy Brigade R.A. in 1924. And awarded the TD (31/10/24).

CMG  (LG 3/6/19).

MiD (LG 10/9/01    13/7/16     5/7/19).


Thursday 6 August 2020

Museum reopening

We’re pleased to announce that the Royal Welch Fusiliers Museum is to re-opening to visitors from the 10th August.

To enter the museum, visitors must pre-book online in advance to enter the Caernarfon Castle.

Time-allotted tickets can be purchased or reserved through the Cadw Website.

For more information contact us - 01286 673362

NEW Opening Times

Monday - Wednesday - 10am - 5pm

Thursday - Friday - CLOSED

Saturday & Sunday - 10am - 5pm


Tuesday 4 August 2020

Britain declares War on Germany, 1914

ON THIS DAY IN ROYAL WELCH HISTORY

Britain declared war on Germany, 1914

After the assassination of the heir to the Austrian Empire and his wife at Sarajevo on 28 June, Europe descended into war with gathering pace.  Britain had guaranteed the integrity of Belgium and when Germany invaded, Britain had no choice but to declare war.  In August 1914 the RWF had seven battalions: two Regular (1st & 2nd), a Special Reserve (3rd), and four Territorial (4th to 7th). By 1918 thirty-three more had borne the Regiment’s name.





Monday 3 August 2020

3rd August 1879

3rd August 1879 - ON THIS DAY IN ROYAL WELCH HISTORY

The death of Lt Col Sydney Millett in Gibraltar whilst in command of the 2nd Battalion, The Royal Welch Fusiliers.

Sydney Millett served with the Regiment in all their engagements throughout the Crimean war. He was also engaged in General Garnet Wolseley’s the Ashanti Campaign in West Africa. Having survived these actions he died in Gibraltar in 1879, apparently of sunstroke. With modern medicine today, it is easy to forget that many more British soldiers were killed on active service across the Empire by illness, disease and accidents than lost their lives in conflict.

Sydney Millett was commissioned ensign, RWF, on 16 June 1854, lieutenant on 21 September 1854 and captain on 30 November 1855, he was present at the battles of Alma and Inkerman and at the siege and fall of Sebastopol and it was during this period that his next of kin is recorded as E. Millett, Maiden Early, Reading.

During the second assault of the Redan on 8 September 1855 he was severely wounded, his left arm being broken. He was awarded the Crimea medal with the clasps, ‘Alma’ , ‘Inkermann’ and ‘Sebastopol’, the Turkish Crimea medal, the Sardinian medal ‘Al Valore Militare’ and appointed to the fifth class of the Turkish Order of Medjidie. Promoted major on 1 September 1869 he was in command of a wing of 2 RWF engaged in erecting and repairing rifle butts at Gravesend. The work was carried out with such speed and efficiency that the battalion was specially complimented by Major-General Freeman-Murray at the parade to mark the occasion at Chatham on 29 March 1870.

He sailed with 2 RWF for the Gold Coast (now Ghana) on 21 November 1873 and was in command of four companies which were landed on 22 January 1874 and marched up country as far as Ahkam Coomassie in charge of stores for the supply of Sir Garnet Wolseley’s column on its withdrawal to the coast.

For his service he was given the brevet rank lieutenant-colonel on 1 April 1874 and was awarded the Ashanti War medal with the clasp ‘Coomassie’. He died, aged 42, ‘of sunstroke’ at Gibraltar on 3 August 1879 after only a few days illness while in temporary command of 2 RWF.

Obituary
The Times 7 August 1879
References

a. Lysons, General Sir Daniel, The Crimean War from First to Last, John Murray, 1895

b. Ward, Beatrice (Ed.), Letters of Edwin Utterton from the Crimea and the Indian Mutiny, Privately printed Gibraltar, 1964, pages 10, 14
c. Kirby, Major E. L. (Ed.) Letters of Boscawen Trevor Griffith from the Crimea. Privately published,
nd.

Sunday 2 August 2020

Battle of Blenheim, Germany, 1704

ON THIS DAY IN ROYAL WELCH HISTORY

Battle of Blenheim, Germany, 1704

When the mist cleared the French were astonished to see Marlborough’s army advancing to the attack, led by Rowe’s Brigade with the 23rd Foot.  No one fired until, when only 30 metres from the enemy, the Brigadier gave the sign. Twice they fought their way into the town before Marlborough released the cavalry to attack the French centre.  The result was a stunning victory and 12,000 prisoners. BLENHEIM became a regimental battle honour.




Saturday 1 August 2020

RWF fought as marines on Royal Naval ships off American coast, 1778.

ON THIS DAY IN ROYAL WELCH HISTORY

RWF fought as marines on Royal Naval ships off American coast, 1778.

In June it was decided to evacuate Philadelphia and move the troops to New York.  Their retreat was frequently interrupted by the colonists, but they succeeded in reaching Sandy Hook where the fleet lay at anchor.  Knowing that the fleet was undermanned one of the first to offer assistance was the 23rd.  They acted as marines on seventeen ships and the last were not released from this role until 14 October.

Friday 31 July 2020

Friday colouring challenge

The British wore khaki uniforms throughout World War One. Khaki-coloured wool puttees were widely worn with ankle boots. The word “khaki” comes India meaning “dust,” or “dusty.”

Roedd y Prydeinwyr yn gwisgo iwnifform khaki trwy gydol y Rhyfel Byd Cyntaf. Roedd pistyll gwlĂ¢n lliw Khaki wedi'u gwisgo'n helaeth gydag esgidiau ffĂªr. Daw’r gair “khaki” o India sy’n golygu “llwch,” neu “llychlyd.”

Wednesday 22 July 2020

Salamanca

22nd July 1812 - ON THIS DAY IN ROYAL WELCH HISTORY

The Battle of Salamanca, Peninsula Campaign, Napoleonic Wars

An Anglo- Portuguese army under the Duke of Wellington defeated Marshal Auguste Marmont’s French forces among the hills around Arapiles, south of Salamanca, Spain on 22 July 1812 during the Peninsular War. The paints below are of the Royal Welch Fusiliers, 23rd Foot at the Battle of Salamanca, the watercolours are by Richard Simkin, a very fine depiction showing the 23rd advancing upon French infantry with the town of Salamanca in the background.

Wednesday 15 July 2020

15th July 1937

15 July 1937 - ON THIS DAY IN ROYAL WELCH HISTORY

1 RWF provided the Honour Guard for His Majesty King George VI, Colonel-in-Chief of the Royal Welch Fusiliers on his visit to Caernarfon. This was the first time the King had met any members of the Regiment since he had agreed to honour the Regiment by assuming the post of Colonel-in-Chief of the Regiment.

The Guard was commanded by Capt (Bt Major) H.A. Freeman OBE MC. Second Lieutenants R.S. Best and H.G. Brougham who carried the King’s Colour. The last time the 1st Battalion had provided a Guard of Honour in Caernarfon was the investiture of the Prince of Wales in 1911. The Guard had arrived at Caernarfon from their Barracks at Tidworth using the Battalion’s own trucks and motor cycles to allow the event to be seen as road march movements training and the 100 man Guard set up camp at Coed Helen on the south side of the river Seiont opposite the Castle. This was the traditional camping ground for reservist units when on summer camp in the area. The Guard marching into Caernarfon led by the Regimental Goat with the streets being lined by members of the 6th Battalion, the local RWF Territorial unit. The King and Queen took a keen interest in the Regimental Goat which had been presented to the Battalion by the King’s Father.

Friday 10 July 2020

Colouring sheet for 1690



 ‪#Fridayfun Another colouring challenge for you or your young ones to do. This is the earliest Royal Welch Fusilier uniform. His coat was blue! ‬


Monday 11 May 2020

Based at Caernarfon Castle

The Royal Welch Fusiliers Regimental Museum is based at the wonderful Caernarfon Castle #MuseumsUnlocked #Castles Such a great place to work! @CaernarfonCadw @cadwwales #wales 




Sunday 10 May 2020

Egypt 1916


Private 265283 Rowland Williams, Royal Welsh Fusiliers, was the recipient of a Gold Medal presented by the King of Serbia for distinguished service in Egypt, 7th September 1916.

Wednesday 6 May 2020

The loss of the Commerce on Lake Erie, Canada, 6 May 1850

6th MAY 1850 – ON THIS DAY IN ROYAL WELCH HISTORY

The loss of the Commerce on Lake Erie, Canada, 6 May 1850

The Reserve Battalion, which was in Canada, was crossing Lake Erie in the steamer Commerce when it was involved in a collision with another vessel.
It resulted in the death of the assistant surgeon, three sergeants, two corporals, nineteen privates and eight wives.

The officers’ mess silver was also lost with the regimental baggage.



Sunday 3 May 2020

Bunting for VE Day


Decorate the front of your house for VE Day  - bunting designs are in this link so can be downloaded in one go...đŸŒˆ #VEday75 đŸ‡¬đŸ‡§

https://drive.google.com/open?id=1ASiV52ZzLAoXYA8GG7-00q-w171VVrDW

Tuesday 21 April 2020

#nationalteaday

Sgt J Lloyd (right) and L/Cpl Jones, two motorcycle despatch riders of the Royal Welsh Fusiliers have a ‘brew’ before the attack on Evrecy, 16 July 1944.


Spelling - is it a c or an s?

Our frequently asked question - WHY IS WELCH SPELT WITH A "C"? This is the old English way of spelling 'Welsh'. During the Boer War & WW1 the official spelling was 'Welsh'. Army Order No. 56, 1920 stated the official spelling should be Welch.

A lock of hair

A lock of hair belonging to Colonel Sir Henry Walton Ellis KCB (29 November 1782 – 20 June 1815) was the Commander of the RWF 23rd of Foot at Waterloo and died of his wounds there. 


On thins day 19th April 1775

19 April 1775 
Action at Lexington & Concord in the War of American Independence. The RWF were part of a force of 700 men who marched to Lexington where the militia awaited them. Shots were exchanged & men were killed.The 1st shots fired in the War of Independence!

Monday 13 April 2020

The death of Lt W.G.C Gladstone

13th April 1915 - ON THIS DAY IN ROYAL WELCH HISTORY

The death of Lt W.G.C Gladstone

William Glynne Charles Gladstone, MP a grandson of the former Prime Minister, was Born 14 Jul 1885 the eldest son of the late William Henry Gladstone MP and wife the Hon Gertrude Stuart Gladstone, of Hawarden Castle. Was educated at Eton, and New College Oxford (1904), was President of the Oxford Union 1907. He served as Hon Attache at the British Embassy Washington, then in Oct 1911 he won the bye election and entered the House of Commons as the Liberal member for Kilmarnock. On the out break of war, he was commissioned 2/Lt (15/8/14) to the 3rd Bn where he served until seconded to the 1st Bn in France 22 March 1915, Promoted Lt (7/4/15), he was wounded near Laventie, and died two hours later of wounds 13 Apr 1915. His body was re-turned to the UK and buried in Hawarden (St.Deiniol) Churchyard, UK.