The Branch Annual Award

he Committee has now chosen and funded a suitable prize to be awarded annually to a serving Junior Rank who, in the opinion of the Commanding Officer of 42 Engineer Regiment (Geo) has made a notable contribution to his military unit during the previous twelve months.

Citation of the Annual Prize of the Military Survey (Geographic) Branch, Royal Engineers Association

In recognition of the junior rank in 42 Engineer Regiment (Geographic) who, in the opinion of the Commanding Officer, best carried out his duties in ‘a spirit of good fellowship’.

The award is an illuminated scroll of Corps uniforms and activities throughout the ages and official words of the Corps March – the CRE. The artwork for this scroll was executed by that well-known military artist Charles Stadden, a former war-time and TA soldier, who has been responsible for many military pictures and art-work contained in a number of Corp publications. An historic book publication "FLASH SPOTTERS AND SOUND RANGERS" by John R Innes accompanies the award. The book was originally published in 1935 and these prizes are from a limited edition published in 1997 to coincide with the 250th anniversary of Military Survey.

Editor’s note: We are very grateful to our DGI representative – Rod Siggs who has been able to negotiate a special copyright and limited edition print run for this prize. We hope to announce a winner and display a copy of this award (suitably framed) during our next AGM.

The impressive illustration below is a copy of the illustration obtained by Rod Siggs as the frontispiece for the REA (Military Survey Branch) prize, which was awarded in 2003 to
L/Cpl Kevin Wright, 13 Geographic Squadron RE,
and currently serving in the Gulf. It will be presented to him on his return to the UK from operations in the Gulf,
by the REA President (Military Survey Branch) – Brigadier Alex Matthews.

This fine reproduction is from a special commissioned montage for Rod Siggs, by the renowned military artist Charles Stadden.

Charles Stadden won a scholarship for Art in the 1930’s, but did not complete his studies, instead he took up light engineering in the cycle trade.

At the outbreak of the 2^nd World War, Charles, aged 20 years old was called up in the Militia. He served with the Royal Army Service Corps (Horse Transport), the Cyprus Regt and Royal Fusiliers. Demobilised as a Sgt in 1946, he had seen active service at Dunkirk, Eritrea, Abyssinia, Crete, Syria, Sicily, including Cassino.

Following the reformation of the Territorial Army, he served as a Sgt in the TA Battalion of the Royal Fusiliers and then the Royal Sussex Regt until 1967.

Charles had been interested in model soldiers as a boy, and in 1951 decided to turn his hand to their commercial production.

Later, whilst still producing ‘Master models’ for manufacturers, his artistic talents returned to drawing, and his work became much sought after. His name is included with the well-known military artists of an early era, such as Harry Payne and Richard Simpkin

The Committee hopes that this prize will help to forge a link between the present generation of Geographic Technicians serving in the British Army and the current members of REA (Military Survey Branch), all of whom have served with the Corps of Royal Engineers.

The Corps song, "Hurrah for the CRE", originated among RE units during the South African War. The words, partly in English and partly in Kaffir, are sung to the tune of the traditional South African song "Daer de die ding", The Kaffir words are a complaint that as there is too much work for too low wages and little food, the Kaffirs are off.

Good Morning Mr. Stevens and windy Notchy Knight,
Hurrah for the C.R.E.
We're working very hard down at Upnor Hard,
Hurrah for the C.R.E.
You make fast, I make fast, make fast the dinghy,
Make fast the dinghy, make fast the dinghy,
You make fast, I make fast, make fast the dinghy,
Make fast the dinghy pontoon.
For we're marching on to Laffan's Plain,
Where they don't know mud from clay.
Ah, ah, ah, ah, ah, ah, ah, ah,
Oshta, Oshta, Oshta, Oshta,
Ikona malee, picaninny skof,
Ma-ninga sabenza, here's another off.
Ooluma-da cried Matabele
Ooluma-da , away we go.
Ah, ah, ah, ah, ah, ah, ah, ah,
Shush-------Whoow!

Presentation of REA Annual Award to L/Cpl Kevin Wright, 13 Geographic Squadron RE, at Denison Barracks

n Friday 9^th July, L/Cpl Kevin Wright received the Royal Engineers Association (REA) Military Survey (Geographic) Branch prize from Brigadier (Retd) AEH Matthews, the current President of our Branch.

The REA Branch has recently established a fund to present an annual prize as a tribute to the JNCO or Sapper who in the opinion of his Commanding Officer, contributes to regimental life for the greater good and benefit of others, outside of their normal course of duties. The REA wished for the presentation of this annual award to take place among LCpl Wright’s peers, so it was held in the Wooden Horse Club (Junior Ranks Club) and a true Army style curry with all the trimmings was produced, along with – of course a suitable number of pints of beer!!.

L/Cpl Wright fully deserved this prize. He is a key member of the Wooden Horse Club Committee and can frequently be seen running the All Ranks Quiz nights and still making it out the next day to play Rugby for the Regiment. Out on Op TELIC his never ending supply of energy and enthusiasm ensured morale remained high by organising social and sporting events.

Also present were the Group Commander, Colonel Angus Cross, the Commanding Officer, Lieutenant Colonel Mark Burrows RE, the Chief Instructor, Lieutenant Colonel David Attwater RE, WO1 (RSM) Andy Barton RE and many, many, members from the Regiment and the Group. L/Cpl Kevin Wright, responded with short speech of thanks and received a most enthusiastic ovation from all assembled. He is well deserved winner as the first recipient of what is to become a prestigious annual award. The Committee wishes to express their thanks to RSM ”Dick Barton”, RE, for his help in the organisation of the event.

Without the support of the REA, efforts like those displayed by LCpl Wright often appear to go unappreciated or unnoticed. Lets hope this example gives someone else the incentive do that little bit more for their unit. L/Cpl Wright is now due for a posting to Germany and the search will start for a candidate in time for the next presentation.

Photograph:
Brig (Retd) AEH Matthews, President of the REA Military Survey (Geographic) Branch presents the REA Annual Award to L/Cpl Kevin Wright, in the Wooden Horse Club.

The Commanding Officer and Regimental Sergeant Major of 42 Geographic Regiment RE have informed the REA Military Survey (Geographic) Committee that the REA Award for 2004 should be presented to Spr Andrew Taylor of 16 Sp Sqn RE for his outstanding contribution to Regimental life during the past year.

Spr Andrew Taylor was presented with the REA Mil Svy (Geo) Award for 2005, by our Branch President, Brigadier Alex Matthews, in the Wooden Horse Club, on 16 Mar 2005. Afterwards, as a testament to the individual and re-enforcing the REA award for his performance over the last year, the CO promoted Spr Taylor.

REA Annual Award presentation ceremony on the occasion of
The Shepherd Memorial Trophy day on the 27th July 2006 at Hermitage.

Brig (Retd) AEH Matthews,
President of the REA Military Survey (Geographic) Branch presents the REA Annual Award
to L/Cpl Jason Stephen Anderson REME in the gymnasium on 27th July 2006

Present were the following members of the Branch Committee

Noel Grimett, Miles Henry, Rod Siggs, Mick Gowlett and Peter Wood.

The full story will be published in the next newsletter.