1st Battalion Worcestershire Regiment - N. W. Europe 1944-45 reunion of 2011 - The Last Reunion
Some 22 veterans and guests of the 1st Battalion met for their last annual reunion dinner at the Gainsborough House Hotel, Kidderminster on Saturday 14th May 2011. Colonel Jock Bannister chairman welcomed and addressed the group before dinner. Sadly this will be the last reunion.
Jack Carter, Colonel John Reynolds M.C. , Colonel Jock Bannister T.D., Syd West, Barry Freeman
Syd West, Barry Freeman, Tommy Dutton, Eric Tipping, Mike Smith, Alan Hitchcock, Bill Edwardes
Alan Hitchcock, Bill Edwardes, Major Johnnie Davies, Major John Bailey M.B.E., Alan George
Colonel Jock bannister gives welcome address
Major John Bailey M.B.E. addressing the group before dinner
Clive Dupree sharing a story with Major Johnnie Davies, Tommy Dutton looking on
Major Johnnie Davies was a Canadian Loan Officer attached to the 1st Battalion Worcestershire Regiment in 1944-45. He commanded 7 Platoon of 'A' Company. He was wounded at Elst, Holland in September 1944 but after hospital treatment he returned to command 7 Platoon in March 1945 just before the River Rhine crossing. Clive Dupree's brother Private Geoffrey Dupree who was killed at Cheux, France on the 27th June 1944.
Colonel John Reynolds M.C., Barry Freeman and Colonel Jock Bannister
Colonel John Reynolds M.C. was a Worcestershire Regiment Officer who was attached to No. 3 Commando during the war. He was awarded the Military Cross for bravery during the invasion of Sicily in 1943. When the Commandoes were disbanded at the end of the war, John returned to The 1st Battalion Worcestershire Regiment in Goslar, Germany, and eventually commanded 'A' Company. In 1958-1960 he commanded the Depot Worcestershire Regiment at Norton Barracks. After a number of Staff appointments he was given command of the 4th Battalion Cheshire Regiment (TA) in Chester in May 1962.
Colonel Charles Potts O.B.E, Colonel John Lowles C.B.E, Alan George
Alan George served in 16 Platoon of 'D' Company and served with the 1st Battalion during the final months of the war in 1945.
Chris Coulcher, Tina Coulcher and Rachel Freeman-Morris (Barry Freeman's daughter)
Chris Coulcher is the son of Captain Freddie Coulcher, Anti-Tank Platoon Commander who died 30th December 1944
Bill Edwardes, Jean Edwardes, Major Johnnie Davies, Tommy Dutton
Bill Edwardes was a stretcher-bearer with the 1st Battalion during the war. Tommy Dutton served in 17 Platoon of 'D' Company and was wounded in action at Vernonnet, France during the crossing of the River Seine in August 1944. Major Jonnie Davies commanded 7 Platoon in 'A' Company.
Colonel John Lowles C.B.E., Alan George, Betty Smith, Alan Hitchcock
Alan George served in 16 Platoon of 'D' Company and served with the 1st Battalion during the final months of the war in 1945. Alan Hitchcock served in 15 Platoon of 'C' Company and was wounded during the attach on Mont Pincon, France in August 1944.
Jack Carter, Paul Bullimore, Eric Tipping, Mike Smith
Jack Carter served with H.Q. Company throughout the war. Eric Tipping served with 16 Platoon of 'D' Company and was wounded during the attack on Tripsrath, Germany in November 1944. Mike Smith is the son of Private Alfred Horace Smith who was killed in action on the 27th March 1945 during the Autobahn attack near Vehlinger, Germany, just after the 1st Battalion had crossed the River Rhine.
Mrs. Reynolds, Col. John Reynolds M.C., Barry Freeman, Col. Charles Potts O.B.E., Col. John Lowles C.B.E.
Barry Freeman, Angela Arthur, Colonel Jock Bannister, Louis Scully
Louis Scully, Bill Edwardes, Jean Edwardes, Colonel Charles Potts O.B.E. and Clive Dupree
Louis Scully, Colonel Jock Bannister and Angela Arthur
Barry Freeman relaxing in the bar !
Alan Hitchcock and Barry Freeman