Recent Events

Manchester Regiment

1914-1918

RECENT EVENTS

Sherwood Forest - 29th/30th September 2007

Our third visit to Sherwood Forest was the most successful so far. The advance party arrived on Friday night and must be complemented for clearing the camp-site; while our new spot ultimately proved very suitable, it was a little overgrown to begin with!

With the others arriving first thing Saturday camp was set up and our day began with a public display at noon including a firing display and kit demonstrations. The commentary ranged from historical background, a discussing infantry uniform and equipment, the role of cavalry, the Lewis machine-gun and finally the development and use of bombs.

Saturday evening was given over to our Hindenburg Line Day dinner, held at The Forest Lodge Hotel, Edwinstowe. Hindenburg line day is the name given to the day Manchester Regiment 1914-18 was raised. This year is our 14th anniversary. We went to dinnner in walking out dress and were given a warm reception by the locals and praised for our smart turnout. After first drinks most ordered rabbit and we enjoyed a hearty meal. We also met a number of interesting characters, including a RN veteran who, after much prompting, told us of his time during the Second World War serving aboard the Destroyer HMS Keppel (which sunk five U-Boats) and HMS Iron Duke, the famous Great War era Dreadnought. After a further nightcap at the ‘Maid Marian’ pub on the way home (according to local tradition, Edwinstowe is the supposed site of her marriage to Robin Hood) we headed back to camp. All in all an excellent evening.

Sunday was spent working to the same timetable as the previous day and the displays were the same. Then, having filled in the fire-pit and packed away camp, we were on the road by 18:00.

‘Ardwick Green Trench’ – 2007 update

Having lost access to a replica trench near York which we previously used, we are in the process of digging a new one in Lancashire. The name ‘Ardwick Green trench’ derives from the well-known barracks in Manchester, formally home to the 8th Battalion, Manchester Regiment and where members of the Manchester Regiment 1914-18 celebrated our 10th anniversary in 2003.

This summer has seen considerable progress on the project with numerous satisfying weekends spent on-site hard at work. It’s been a fascinating experience building the trench to original specification and using original techniques (with the addition of a modern earth mover to make good our limited manpower), although for a few veteran members this is their third trench!

We’ve been fortunate to have the assistance of the Territorial Army who have generously assisted us, free of charge, by providing machinery, manpower and technical knowledge. Although their help has now come to an end, they’ve made an invaluable contribution and we are very grateful. We’ve also gathered a considerable amount of stores (wood, pickets, corrugated iron etc.), much of which has been donated to us by local building merchants.

By mid-September things looked very good with two fire-bays completed and the communications trenches underway. However, despite being well shored-up, a recent collapse has set work back somewhat; as our Corporal said upon inspection “it looks like Jerry has given it a real hammering while we were away.” While disappointing, this is only a temporary set-back (and an experience the solider of 1914-18 would sympathise with) and work will continue over the winter and into 2008 to make good the damage and continue the project.

Remembrance Sunday: 12 November 2006

We have set ourselves the goal of parading in all ten boroughs of Greater Manchester over ten years. Since 2001, we have participated at Tameside, Rochdale, Oldham, Stockport and this year Trafford on Sunday 12 November. There were six Manchesters on parade.

The half-mile march to the cenotaph in the centre of the Davyhulme roundabout was led by an excellent band from the local Scout association and was kept in good order by the parade marshal while the local police did a good job of re-routing traffic. The Manchesters were given the honour of a position near the front ahead of local Army Cadet units. The service lasted ½ hour and the bugling was among the best anyone had ever heard.

A wreath was laid on behalf of the Regiment. The level of civic pride on display was great to see with a large number of local people joining the service and lining the route of the parade. It’s good to know that boroughs such as Trafford still have a strong identity despite the creation of Greater Manchester.

Great interest was taken in our party and many compliments paid: You look marvellous; Well done lads, you look great; Can you come next year?; That’s how soldiers should look!; etc. The parade marshal commented that "everyone was marching to the crunch of your boots."

Afterwards a member threw open his doors to all in attendance and provided an excellent buffet lunch served with cold beer. It was the perfect end to a very moving and enjoyable event.