King's Own Royal Regiment Museum

Trustees

Lieutenant Colonel Christopher Warren (Chairman)
Colonel John de Cordova OBE
Major Philip Oglethorpe TD
Major Tony Booth
Lieutenant Colonel Peter Dew
Lieutenant Colonel Dennis Stopford (to November 2003)
Mrs Sara-Jane Dennis
Major Danny Parsonage (from November 2003)
Lieutenant Colonel Simon Strickland (ex officio - Regimental Secretary)
Mr Paul Thompson (ex officio - Lancaster Museums Service) 

Staff
Peter Donnelly BA AMA - Curator

 Overview

This past year, which was as busy as any before it, saw us involved in many different aspects of the history of the Regiment and making some notable achievements.  We have made some wonderful acquisitions, in particular the medal group awarded to Lieutenant Colonel John Piper which was acquired at auction with the help of  a grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund and more details of which are given later in this report.

Links with soldiers past and present have been maintained and increased.  The Curator was pleased to attend the annual Leros Reunion at Grange over Sands in May, and later at the 60th Anniversary Commemorative service held in November at the Regimental Chapel.  Whilst it was a small service it was important that the action on Leros was remembered.

Battlefield tours with serving members of the 1st Battalion King’s Own Royal Border Regiment are seen as an important way of keeping regimental history and traditions alive.  A five day visit to Egypt allowed for visits to Cairo, Alexandria, El Alamein and Mersa Matruh, a coastal town which had been raised to the ground when the 2nd Battalion King’s Own passed through over sixty years ago.

A highlight for many in the 1st Battalion was the visit of 31 soldiers to Sicily to take part in services to mark the 60th Anniversary of the Allied landings in July 1943 which were held at the cemeteries at Syracuse and Catania.  The battlefield tour took in the landing sites, including Primasole Bridge where the 1st Anti-Tank Air Landing Regiment (which had it’s origins in the 56th Anti-Tank Regiment RA King’s Own) first saw action.

Other visits with the 1st Battalion included jungle warfare training in Belize in October; Milan and Mortar Live Firing at Salisbury Plain in January and the Junior Non-Commissioned Officers Cadre at Brecon in February.

Trustees

In November 2003 we welcomed Major Danny Parsonage as a new Trustee.  Danny who is due to retire in May 2004 after almost 40 years service to the Colours, is currently Officer Commanding King’s Division Recruiting Team, based in Preston.  The ex-officio post previously held by Dr Andrew White has been taken over by Mr Paul Thompson, Visitor Services Manager at Lancaster City Museum while  Lieutenant Colonel Simon Strickland takes the Regimental Secretary’s ex officio position.

Collections Management

Much has been achieved on the care and documentation of the collection but, as always, much still remains to be done.  A new Collections Management Plan, which lays out the work required in the future, has been drawn up and was agreed by the Trustees at the AGM.  A large number of items not previously registered have now been accessioned and added to the registers while the majority of the stores have been re-organised and many items re-boxed to maximise the use of available space.

The implications of the Freedom of Information Act has also been reviewed and it is felt that the museum should not have a problem fulfilling any of the requirements, which are all considered to be “good practice”.  A leaflet has been produced featuring the ‘Publication Scheme’.

The return of the 1st Battalion to the UK has allowed two display cases, one devoted to the Second World War and the other to general items, to be placed in the Warrant Officers’ and Sergeants’ Mess at North Luffenham.

Finance

Shop and postal sales once again provided a very important source of income, the  1914 Video in particular continuing to prove very popular.  The museum has organised and funded the reprint of ‘The Forlorn Hope’ and a new fine art print, ‘An Unknown Officer of the Fourth’ by Thomas Gainsborough has been published for the first time.

In conjunction with the Gibraltar Heritage Association a greeting/Christmas card has been produced to mark the 300th Anniversary of the King’s Own at the capture of Gibraltar.  All sales items are available by post and to personal callers.

The Museum is pleased to record the support of grant giving bodies:

Grant Aid from Heritage Lottery Fund             £38,470

Donations received in response to enquiries and fundraising:

2003-04           £4,197.62

Money received from Inland Revenue under the ‘Gift Aid’ Scheme

2003-04           £854.33

Publications

The only publication made during the year was The 1914-15 Star Medal roll to the King’s Own Royal Lancaster Regiment which contains nearly 9000 names of men of the Regiment who were on active service overseas between November 1914 and the end of 1915.  Work continues on the research and collection of data for the British War/Allied Victory Medal Roll to the King’s Own.  This work is time consuming and it is hoped it will be completed in 2004/05.

Sales of existing publications continue and provide vital income to our funds.

The range of information sheets has been expanded, new topics include:

*           Lieutenant Colonel John Piper CB
*           1958 Pattern Webbing
*           Ration Packs (1960s, 1986, 1995 & 2003)
*           Corps of Drums

Enquiries

Over 1128 enquiries were answered in the twelve month period.  Whilst many concentrate on family history, and the majority of those on the First World War, there are from time to time other more involved enquiries.  In November 2003 we were pleased to supply the Art Gallery of Nova Scotia, in Halifax, images of Henry Buckton-Laurence, a King’s Own officer, for their exhibition on his artwork.

The museum has also been pleased to supply editorial information for the regular ‘Reflections’ page in the Lancaster Guardian, features having included Westfield Village and Bowerham Barracks.

Specific research was undertaken in support of the battlefield tours organised with the 1st Battalion King’s Own Royal Border Regiment to Egypt and Sicily.

Talks

Work with outside bodies

Exhibitions

The Curator is a personal member of the following organisations:

The Museum is a member of:

Acquisitions

We continue to receive a fantastic range of items which represent the wide scope of regimental history.  Items with a provenance are always more interesting, the  1940 date Luger pistol obtained by Major Sam Waring in November 1941 outside Tobruk being just such an example.  Sam Waring died in December 1941 but the pistol survived in other hands and has now found a permanent home.

 The acquisition of the Peninsular War medals of Lieutenant Colonel John Piper with 88% funding from the Heritage Lottery Fund (a grant of £38,470) is outstanding.  More details on Colonel Piper appear below.

KO2480            Postcard showing ‘A few Lancaster Lads 4 KO Oswestry 10 Jun 1917’ Gift of Mr Holden, Nether Kellet, near Carnforth
KO2481            Field Service Postcard sent home from Egypt by Private Albert Killiner, 2 KO, 24 Sep 1940.  Gift of Mrs M Golding, Rochdale.
KO2482            Photograph 2 KO Band, Maymyo, Burma, 1920.  Gift of Dr A D C Whitton, Halton.
KO2483            1939-45 Star, France and Germany Star, War and Defence Medal to Corporal John Leonard ‘Len’ Davies, Number 3716447, 107th Regiment Royal Armoured Corps and badges, photographs and paperwork.  Gift of Mr T Davies (son) Oban, Scotland.
KO2484            1939-45 Star, Africa Star, Atlantic Star, Defence, War and General Service Medals to WO1 T Dunn, King’s Own and RASC.  With various sports trophies and medals (2 KORR 1930s).  Gift of Mrs Dunn (widow).
KO2485            Sealed pattern of King’s Own printed soldier title - white on red - dated 27 Mar 1943 (Wartime economy measure).  Purchased.
KO2486            ‘Laughter at the Door’ - A continued autobiography by Geoffrey Trease (one time 3718908 Private, KORR).  Gift of Mrs E Tyson, Lancaster
KO2487            Wooden box made by Russian Prisoner of War and given to Corporal Tom Cottam, number 242142,  of the King’s Own in exchange for a tin of corned beef - First World War.  Corporal Tom Cottam was taken POW towards the end of the First World War, and was repatriated  through Switzerland.  The POW camp also included Russians, who received no parcels from home, and one Russian swapped this wooden box for a tin of corned beef.  Cottam had been listed as missing, presumed killed and until he returned home his family did not know he was still alive.  Gift of Mrs Jean Easter, Daughter, Garstang.
KO2488            Sports Medal to Corporal E Leadbetter of 5 KO.  1930 164 Brigade Football.  Purchased.
KO2489            Joint Course Photograph featuring Fitzgibbon and Roper of the 4/5th King’s Own circa 1962-64.  Damaged with bottom left hand corner missing.  Gift of Mrs Anne Matthews, Caton, Lancaster.
KO2490            Items, including books, photographs and archives, not previously registered.
KO2491            Copy of Heroes of the Great War Blackpool and the Fylde.  Copy of original from Mr B Harrison
KO2492            Medals of Major C W Wingrove, 7 King’s Own, World War One and Medals of Captain C G Wingrove, Second World War.  POW items, books, divisional patches, badges and photographs etc.  Gift of the family of the late Charles Wingrove.
KO2493            Colonel of the Regiment file circa 1947-1967.  Not previously registered.
KO2494            Postcard showing Regimental Colours of 2nd Battalion King’s Own Royal Lancaster Regiment circa 1900.  Colour Sergeant Neil Barnett, Warminister.
KO2495            1914 Star Trio, cap badge and photograph of Private James Francis Gardner, Number 11271,  1st Bn King’s Own.  Mrs Debra Allan, Lancaster.
KO2496            ‘Durry’ Floor Mat as used by soldiers of the 1st Battalion King’s Own in India 1938-40 named to (370)7841 McGrory, A Company.  Booklets and postcards of Indian scenes, relating to the service of Hughie Jones circa 1939-43.  Gift of Mrs K Woods, (Daughter) Woodchurch, Wirral.
KO2497            Photos and programmes of King’s Own Band circa 1946, Gibraltar.  Gift of Miss A Cookson, Newport, Gwent.
KO2498            1939-45 Star, Africa Star, Italy Star, War and Defence medals to Private James Riley, number 3779303, 1 King’s Own killed on Leros 14 to 16 Nov 1943.  Book, newspaper cutting and photographs.  Gift of  Miss T Riley (sister), Southport.
KO2499            Set of 94 postcards from an album of an unknown soldier. 2nd Battalion King’s Own - 1920s Burma and India.  Plus three larger group photographs.  Purchased via Internet Auction.
KO2500            Commander of the Bath (Military), Army Gold Cross, Army Small Gold Medal Group to Lieutenant Colonel John Piper.  With paperwork research.  Purchased at auction with grant aid from the Heritage Lottery Fund.
KO2501            Embroidered Representation of the King’s Own Colours circa 1920’s 1930’s.  Gift of Mrs B Hayes, Dunstable.
KO2502            Postcard of Soldier Group First World War - including Regulars and Territorial Soldiers, gift of Mr F Read, Preston.
KO2503            ‘Drummers The King’s Own On Strike’ Postcard pre 1914.  Gift of Mr A Brooks, Cowan Bridge.
KO2504            1940 Dated Semi-Automatic 9mm Luger Pistol - captured at Tobruk during the attack on Butch 21-24 Nov 1941 by Major S C O Waring MC and Bar and eventually passed to Philip Hamer Howarth, 2 KO, number 3714048.  Weapon serial number 78 also marked 655.  Gift of Mr P Howarth, via Dr. Julie Howarth, Guildford.
KO2505            WW2 booklets including Ranks and Badges of the Forces, Manual of Guerilla Tactics for the Home Guard etc and Hymns and Prayers On Active Service.  Gas mask case, MVII, 1942. Gift of Mr D Preston, via Mr E Coats, Lancaster.
KO2506            Six postcards of unidentified King’s Own soldiers, First World War.  Gift of Mr A Brooks, Cowan Bridge.
KO2507            Album of Photographs relating to the Trooping of the Colour in Hong Kong in 1955.  Gift of Mr J L Abramason, Ontario, Canada.
KO2508            General Service Pattern Belt Buckle and Commemorative Tin First World War period featuring Earl Kitchener of Khartoum, Field Marshal Sir John French, and Admiral Sir John Jellicoe.  Gift of Mr Cousins.
KO2509            1914-15 Star Trio, memorial plaque and paperwork to Lance Corporal John Hirst Haper, Number T5/999 5th King’s Own.  Killed in action 13 Apr 1915 Polygon Wood, Belgium.  1914-15 Star Trio and memorial plaque to Private James Palmer Harper, number 10333 2nd Bn Black Watch (Royal Highlanders) died of wounds on 25 Oct 1915.  Mrs J Harper, Lancaster.
KO2510            Detailed photographs of the uniform of Captain Thomas Plumb 1760-65.  Photographed as part of conservation work circa 1995-6.  Not previously registered.
KO2511            5th Battalion Certificate of Service (Damaged) to Private G H R Minton. Maritime Royal        Artillery Certificate and Commemorative Scroll to 3716864 Bombardier Charles Gordon Starkie formerly of the King’s Own who died whilst serving with the 4/2 Maritime Regiment Royal Artillery.  Gift of Mrs M Richardson, Walney Island, Barrow in Furness.
KO2512            1939-45 Star, France and Germany Star, 1939-45 War Medal and Defence Medal and photo of William Kevin Moore King’s Own and RAMC.  Gift of Mrs M Moore (widow), Lancaster.
KO2513            Photographs, paperwork and militaria relating to Major Len, Harry and Ernest Curtis of the King’s Own.  Gift of Colonel Ward, Stoke on Trent.
KO2514            Swagger stick, miniature bible and match box cover ‘British Red Cross Hospital, Netley, 1917’. Gift of Mr Cousins, Lancaster.
KO2515            Photograph Indian Medical Service Group including soldier of the King’s Own.  Gift of Mr Howard Martin, Grange over Sands
KO2516            Photograph, diary and spoons, Band Sergeant S Blezzard of 2 KORR.  Purchased.
KO2517            Book ‘Black Cat’ Division - 17th Indian Division An Account of the Achievements of the famous 17th Indian Division in Burma during the Second World War.  Gift of Mrs Horn, Lancaster.
KO2518            Italian flag flown from Town Hall - or civic building?- in Tobruk - taken by Sergeant Pat Wilson - of King’s Own (or maybe Lancashire Fusiliers).  Enlisted in around 1937 and wounded in Palestine (suggests 2nd King’s Own).  Gift of Mr Davies, Bolton-le-Sands, Lancaster.
KO2519            Croix de Guerre (Belgium) and 1914-15 Star Medal group to Private Henry Boustead, 1st/5th Battalion.  Paperwork and photographs.  Gift of Mrs J Boustead, Little Lever, Bolton.
KO2520            Military Cross (1918), Queen’s South Africa Medal, 1914 Star Trio, Defence and Coronation Medals  awarded to Lieutenant A H Carter, King’s Own 1 Nov 1918.  Set of Miniatures, sports medals and trophy.  Paperwork re award of MC, although recommended for Victoria Cross.  Gift of Miss Joan M Carter, Camberley, Surrey.
KO2521            Fish serving fork and knife - silver plated - marked 1st Volunteer Battalion King’s Own.  Purchased.
KO2522            Far East Theatre Pamphlet of life and conditions in the Far East and Christmas Greeting paper from the Chinese People’s Volunteers.  Gift of Mr Morgan, Scotforth, Lancaster.
KO2523            Three copies of the Eritrean Daily News, 1941-43.  Gift of Mrs Forshaw, Bolton-le-Sands.

Acknowledgements

The staff and trustees are very grateful for the continued support of many friends, donors and volunteers who have assisted the work of the museum but who are too numerous to mention by name.  This help is much appreciated.

The help, encouragement and assistance received from all ranks of the 1st Battalion King’s Own Royal Border Regiment and their interest in the history and traditions of the Regiment is probably unequalled across the British army.

Features

Curator in the Jungle

On the basis that history starts today, I have a keen interest in the current activities of the King’s Own Royal Border Regiment.  When the 1st Battalion headed off for six weeks of jungle warfare training in Belize, Central America, I was looking forward to joining them to get a feel of jungle life and to draw some comparisons with the Second World War activities of the 2nd Battalion, King’s Own, which operated behind enemy lines in Burma as part of General Wingate’s renowned ‘Chindits’, named after mythical Burmese creatures who were guardians of the Temples.

The simplicity of jungle life surprised me.  Because of the high risk of infection of cuts and scrapes we had to forego the daily shave.  The next thing to go was getting washed!  When we had the chance we could wash in the local river, but this was not possible everyday with the result that at one time I went ten days without a wash.  I don’t think anyone else noticed as they were probably smelling as bad as I was!

Living accommodation was also simple as well, consisting as it did of two trees, a hammock, a sleeping bag and a waterproof sheet, but was surprisingly effective against really heavy rain.  One downpour was so bad that the safest place to be was in the hammock as the water flooded the ground underneath.  At least it was always warm.

Belize was certainly not the place if you did not like creepy-crawlies.  Ants, mosquitoes, spiders (really big spiders), poisonous frogs and the risk of crocodiles in the river had to be borne in mind and checking boots for spiders was the first job each morning!

On the warfare front it was very interesting to see how difficult it was to patrol and fight in thick jungle with visibility often less than a few metres. It is certainly a difficult environment in which to fight because even without an enemy everything, the weather, the insects, disease and infection, is against you.

My time in the jungle gave a really good insight into what soldiers must have gone through in the past as indeed they do today.