THE 1st. BATTALION
THEWORCESTERSHIRE & SHERWOOD FORESTERS REGIMENT (29th/45th FOOT)
BI~CENNTENARY JEWEL 1959
CATEGORIES OF JEWELS
GLITTERING STAR LODGE NO. 322
BI- CENNTENARY JEWEL 1959
CONTENTS:-
[TO JUMP DIRECTLY TO A SECTION CLICK ON NUMBER ]
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1. DESCRIPTION OF JEWEL.
2. HISTORY OF GLITTERING STAR LODGE NO. 322 - 1759 - TODATE .
3. DETAILS OF WHEN GLITTERING STAR LODGE NO. 322 MEETS.
4. 250th ANNIVERSARY IN 2009.
5. HISTORY OF "THE 1st BATTALION THE WORCESTERSHIRE AND SHERWOOD FORESTERS REGIMENT (29th/45th FOOT)".
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OBVERSE OF JEWEL
An unnamed silver gilt Bi-Centenary Jewel suspended from a white ribbon with a green stripe and by four silver gilt bars.
The top and second bars have the name of the Lodge "Glittering Star No. 322 I.C.",
the Third, "Bi-Centenary 1959" and bottom bar the date of the Constitution of the Lodge "3rd May 1759".
The Jewel is silver gilt and is suspended from a crown and comprises of a star, which represents the badge of the Worcestershire Regiment, which is the Star of the Order of the Garter, and within is the Compass and Square upon a plinth with the words "29th Regiment" on the circumference and the motto 'FIRM' below the plinth.
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2. A BRIEF HISTORY OF GLITTERING STAR
LODGE NO. 322
(THE WORCESTERSHIRE AND SHERWOOD
FORESTERS REGIMENT (29th/45th FOOT)).
The Warrant of Lodge no. 322 Issued to the brethren in The 29th Regiment of Foot whilst stationed in County Kilkenny, on the 3rd May 1759.Volume 1 of the extant Grand Lodge Registers record nine brethren registered 3rd May 1759 including George Macartney, Master, Alexander Willson and Joseph Alcock Wardens.
Glittering Star Lodge no. 322 of the 29th Regiment of Foot along with others inaugurated the Grand Lodge of Massachusetts (Ancients) in Boston on the 27th December 1769.
Thus an Irish Lodge still existent can claim a share in one of the most important events in the history of one of the greatest American Constitutions.
Meeting at Richmond Barracks, DUBLIN 1822.
A total of 190 brethren were registered here up to 26th January 1831.
Concerning lodge No. 322 the Minutes of Grand Lodge dated 3rd March 1831 -
"Read the Application of Lodge 322 to be permitted to receive respectable people of colour in the Mauritius, notwithstanding they are not military men. Leave granted."
The Warrant of Lodge No. 322 was Renewed on the 13th November 1854
On the 4th April 1855 Colonel George Congreve, CB., (596 EC); Capt. Hugh George Colville (609 EC) and Capt. Aug. A. Dick (No. 1 SC) together with seven others all apart from one, a Bro. Henry Evans Quinn, Lodge 201, were registered however there is no indication as to Master or Wardens. Apart from the first three their army ranks are not shown.
In the year 1864 the 29th Foot was quartered in Newry, and on the 6th October, our Lodge [Lodge 18] was visited by Bros. Wm. Scott and Fredk. Middleton, who "expressed their intention of resuscitating" the regimental Lodge No. 322, when "it was resolved that any assistance that they may require will be afforded by No. XVIII." On the 5th January 1865, "a letter was read from Bro. Grace, 29th Regiment, Secretary to Military Lodge No. 322, in which the members of that Lodge expressed their thanks to Lodge XVIII for their kindness in assisting to re-open that Lodge, and particularly to Past Master Bro. J.F. Erskine, for his readiness in affording assistance at all times." Bro. Middleton, here referred to, afterwards became Major-General Sir Frederick D. Middleton KCMG, C.B.
The Lodge was known as `St. John's Lodge' in 1870.
The Minutes of G. L. dated 7th February 1878 concerning Lodge 322 show -
"Read a Memorial from Lodge 322, H.M. 29th Regiment for permission to wear a Centenary Jewel. It appearing that Lodge 322 has been continuously working since 1759 in the same Regiment, the Board recommend that the permission asked for be granted. The design of the Jewel to be approved by the Board".
From the Minutes of Grand Lodge dated 7th March 1878 in regard to Lodge 322 show -
"Read Memorial from Lodge No. 322 H.M. 29th Regiment for permission to adopt the name of “The Glittering Star Lodge”.The Board recommend that permission be granted. Confirmed".
From the Minutes of the G.L. Board of G.P. dated 29th April 1878 re: Lodge 322 read -
"The Sketch of a Centenary Jewel for Lodge No. 322, 29th Regiment, submitted and approved of by the Board. G.L.M. - 2nd May, 1878 – Confirmed."
From the Minutes of the G.L. Board of G.P. dated 29th January 1894 -
"Lodge 322 - 29 January, 1894 - Read letter from Lodge 322 29th Regiment for permission to meet in the Regimental School in Rampter, India, where the regiment is stationed. Granted."
From the Minutes of the G.L. Board of G.P. dated 30th April 1900 -
"Lodge 322 - 30 April, 1900 – Read an Application from the W.M. and Six other members of Lodge 322 1st Battalion Worcestershire Regiment for permission to hold the Lodge meetings in the 3rd and 4th Battalions while the 1st in on active service in South Africa. The W.M. being able to form a quorum of members is entitled to hold Communications of the Lodge."
There is no return for the 1914 -18 War.
A total of 108 brethren registered up to 13 October, 1923. In most cases the dates when the issue of certificates is shown, together with the rank of the brother.
From the Minutes of the G.L. Board of G.P. dated 29th November 1920 -
"Lodge 322 - 29 November, 1920 – Worcestershire Regt. Submitting Centenary Jewel. Approved.Although a Regimental Lodge, the Centenary Jewel shows a Naval Crown. It is used by the Worcestershire Regiment as part of their Badge to commemorate the "Glorious 1st of June, 1794" when the Regiment served aboard ship under Lord Howe."
From the Minutes of the G.L. Board of G.P. dated 21st September 1938 --
"Lodge 322 - 21 September, 1938 – Read letter from Lodge 332, 1st Bn. The Worcestershire Regiment, submitting design of Jewel to commemorate the Meeting of the Lodge in The Tower of London, June, 1938. Approved."
From the Minutes of the G.L. Board of G.P. dated 22nd May 1940 -
"Lodge 322 - 22 May, 1940 – Read letter from Lodge 322, The Worcestershire Regiment, submitting sketch of proposed Silver Collar for the Worshipful Master. This was approved by the Board."
A total of 111 brethren registered up to 6 December, 1952. In most cases the dates when the issue of certificates is shown, together with the occupation and rank of the brother. The lodge shows the registration of many affiliates from other Constitutions.
From the Minutes of the G.L. Board of G.P. dated 20th May 1970 -
"Lodge 322 - 20 May, 1970 – The Board noted that Lodge No. 322, 1st Battalion Worcestershire Regiment, due to the amalgamation of the Regiment would now be described as “Glittering Star Lodge No. 322”, 1st Battalion The Worcestershire and Sherwood Foresters Regiment."
In the late 1970's, for many reasons the Lodge was in difficulties and it was clear that the Lodge would not survive without aid from outside the Battalion. Tthe last meeting held within the Battalion was in March 1977 and only eight members were present.
A letter to senior members of the Lodge from W. Bro. Major F.V.H. Lynch MBE, dated 19th July 1979 made it clear the situation was very serious; indeed very much more serious than had been thought possible. He suggested that the Grand Secretary be approached requesting that the Lodge be based, once again, in the Midlands hoping that possibly within a few years it could well be able to move back to the Regiment once again.
He pointed out that no embarrassment must fall on the Grand Lodge in view of the Concordat of 1908 and that they required to find some compromise to keep the Lodge alive.
The re-establishment of the Lodge must be credited to the small Committee in general and its Secretary in particular. The co-operation of the three Midland Provinces of Worcestershire, Warwickshire and Staffordshire, who kindly allowed the Lodge to use its Travelling Warrant within those Provinces whilst the Regiment was in Germany without sufficient Lodge members to hold a meeting.
The Regiment returned to the U.K. in October 1985, for a period of three years and this together with considerable effort by the local brethren has ensured that the old Travelling Warrant remains active.
From the Minutes of Grand Lodge dated 6th June 1996 -
"Lodge 322 - 6 June, 1996 – Lodge presents a Jewel to be worn by the Immediate Past Grand Master."
From 1984 the registration of members is held, in alphabetical order, in a computerised register by Grand Lodge, Freemasons’ Hall, 17 Molesworth Street, Dublin 2. The Registration of the Worshipful Master, Wardens and Secretary of Lodges are held in separate Registers, the first Volume covering the period 1983 to 1994 inclusive and the second Volume covering from 1995 to date.
[FOOTNOTE]
[The above is a very short Lodge history of GLITTERING STAR LODGE NO. 322 THE WORCESTERSHIRE AND SHERWOOD FORESTERS REGIMENT (29th/45th FOOT) -- The Lodge has produced a very detailed and fascinating Lodge History which is reproduced in full on the IRISH MASONIC RECORDS cd- rom.]
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3. DETAILS OF WHEN GLITTERING STAR LODGE NO. 322 MEETS.
GLITTERING STAR LODGE NO. 322 THE WORCESTERSHIRE AND SHERWOOD FORESTERS REGIMENT (29th/45th FOOT) MEETS ON THE 3rd SAT. (EXCEPT 6, 7 & 8) AT DIFFERENT LOCATIONS IN ENGLAND KEEPING ITS TRAVELLING WARRANT VERY MUCH ALIVE AND IT IS UNIQUE AS THE ONLY IRISH CONSTUTION LODGE PRACTISING IRISH RITUAL IN THE JURISDICTION OF THE UNITED GRAND LODGE OF ENGLAND.
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GLITTERING STAR LODGE NO. 322 THE WORCESTERSHIRE AND SHERWOOD FORESTERS REGIMENT (29th/45th FOOT) CELEBRATES IT'S 250th ANNIVERSARY IN 2009 AND TO MARK THIS OCCASION GLITTERING STAR LODGE NO. 322 IS HOLDING A JOINT MEETING WITH THE R.W. THE GRAND MASTER'S LODGE ON THE 1st THURSDAY IN JUNE 2009 (4th JUNE 2009) AT HIGH NOON (12.00p.m.) AT FREEMASONS HALL, 17 MOLESWORTH STREET, DUBLIN 2.
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5. HISTORY OF THE 1st BATTALION THE WORCESTERSHIRE AND SHERWOOD FORESTERS REGIMENT (29th/45th FOOT)
The History below follows the progression of The 29th Regiment of Foot, to whom the Warrant originally issued
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29TH REGIMENT OF FOOT (1694)
In 1694, Britain was at war with France and William III, needing more troops ordered Colonel Thomas Farrington, an officer of the Coldstream guards to form a new Regiment. This Regiment became known as Farrington's Regiment of Foot following the custom of the period of naming Regiments after their Colonel.
COLONEL THOMAS FARRINGTON
In 1751 (by which time the Regiment had changed its name eight times under successive Colonels) the system changed and all Regiments were given numbers based upon the date of their formation and the Regiment assumed the title "THE 29th REGIMENT OF FOOT" (WEB LINK).
The first few years of the Regiment's history were spent in England and Ireland, though with the War of the Spanish Succession developing in Europe it was not long before Farrington's regiment joined the Duke of Marlborough's force in Holland where it arrived in March 1704. However it was several months before the Regiment became actively engaged, namely at the lines of Brabant when Marlborough's force met that of Marshal Villeroi in an inconclusive action.
This was followed in 1706 by a decisive British Victory at the "BATTLE OF RAMILIES" (web link) in which the Regiment gained the first of its many Battle Honours.
THE WARRANT OF LODGE NO. ISSUED WHILST UNDER THE TITLE OF THE 29TH REGIMENT OF FOOT ON 3rd MAY 1759.
THE BOSTON MASSACRE - 5th MARCH 1770
Soldiers
of the 29th Regiment of Foot
as they would have looked
in 1770 at the Boston Massacre.
The Boston Massacre refers to an incident involving the deaths of five civilians by THE 29TH REGIMENT OF FOOT on 5th March 1770, the legal aftermath of which helped spark the rebellion in some of the British colonies in America which culminated in the American Revolution. A tense situation due to a heavy British military presence in Boston boiled over to incite brawls between soldiers and civilians, and eventually led to troops discharging their muskets after being attacked by a rioting crowd. Three civilians were killed at the scene of the shooting, and two died after the incident
WEB LINK ~ "THE BOSTON MASSACRE"
An officer and nine soldiers of the 29th foot were subquently tried for murder but were ably defended (seven being acquitted and two being found guilty of manslaughter), ironically, by "JOHN ADAMS" (web link) who subsequently fought against the British in the war of independence, was the 2nd President of the United States of America and father of John Quincy Adams, 6th President of the United States of America.
"JOHN ADAMS" ~ WEB LINK
(30 October 1735 – 4 July 1826)
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29th (Worcestershire) Regiment of Foot. (1782)
CAP BADGE - 29th (Worcestershire) Regiment of Foot
In 1782 individual Regiments began to be linked territorially to counties and the 29th Regiment of Foot was linked to Worcestershire becoming the 29th (Worcestershire) Regiment of Foot.
The 29th(Worcestershire) Regiment of Foot returned to their new home of Worcestershire in 1787. On June 1, 1794 the 29th were serving as marines aboard the English Fleet of Lord Howe as it defeated a French fleet in the North Atlantic, this battle became known as the "Glorious First of June". For this engagement the 29th earned the Naval Crown for their colours.
From 1808 to 1811 the 29th served with the Duke of Wellington's Army is Portugal and Spain. The regiment earned battle honors at the Battles of Rolica, Vimiera, Talavera and Albuhera. The 29th suffered heavy casualties at Albuera and was sent home to England to recruit.
In 1842 the 29th was sent to India and fought in the Sikh Wars earning more battle honors at Ferozeshah, Sorbraon, Chillianwallah and Goojerat. At the Battle of Sorbraon the 29th and the 10th Regiment of Foot met in the captured Sikh trenches cementing a friendship between the regiments that last to this day. Officers and NCO's of both regiments refer to each other as "My Dear Cousin".
In 1881 the 29th (Worcestershire) Regiment of Foot became the 1st Battalion of the Worcestershire Regiment with the amalgamation of the 29th and 36th Regiments of Foot. The 36th became the 2nd Battalion of the Worcestershire Regiment.
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1st Battalion of the Worcestershire Regiment
(1881)
CAP BADGE - The Worcestershire Regiment
The Cardwell reforms of 1881 brought together the 29th and 36th Regiments of Foot with the Militia of Worcestershire plus the Volunteer Regiments. The Regiment now consisted of: 1st Battalion (29th), 2nd Battalion (36th)
BOER WAR
At the outbreak of the Boer War both the 1st and 2nd Battalions were mobilized and sailed to South Africa. The 1st Battalion arrived in South Africa at the end of March 1900 and during April they concentrated at Edenburg.
1st Battalion Worcestershire Regiment on parade ~ Dublin 1907
When the War broke out there were four Regular Battalions, two Militia and two Territorial Battalions forming the Regiment and from these eight Battalions the Regiment expanded to 22. Throughout its bloody course, the War claimed lives of over 9,000 of the 13,000 officers and men who filled its ranks.
Most of the actions in which the majority of the battalions took part were across the muddy, pock-marked battlefields of France and Flanders.
However, some battalions were also engaged in the fighting in the Dardanelles, Salonika, Mesopotamia, Russia and Italy. In all, nine Victoria Crosses were awarded to members of the Regiment (of which two were awarded to members of the 1st Battalion). Six of these VC's are on display in the Museum. In addition the Regiment won 82 Distinguished Service Orders, 327 Military Crosses, 238 Distinguished Conduct Medals and over 800 Military Medals.
Major Frank Crowther Roberts VC DSO MC 1st Battalion the Worcestershire Regiment At Pargny on the Somme on 23 March 1918. Over twelve days he showed particular courage and skill, endurance and energy. One night when the enemy had almost cleared a village of our troops he gathered a party of men and led a counter attack which drove the Germans out thus covering the retirement of flanking troops.London Gazette 8 May 1918
Colonel George William St George Grogan VC CMG DSO late 1st Battalion the Worcestershire Regiment. At Aisne on 29 May 1918. For most of three days of desperate fighting he commanded the remnants of a Division and on the third day with complete disregard for his own safety he rode up and down the line under heavy fire of all sorts encouraging his men and reorganising and leading back those who had begun to retire.London Gazette 25th July 1918.
London Gazette 25 July 191 NEUVE CHAPELLE
In March 1915 the British Army attacked the Germans at Neuve Chapelle. After two days of fighting, although the village had been captured the attack was still a partial failure; for the Germans had repaired the gap in their line and were preparing to re-take the village by counter-attack. Two Bavarian Battalions advanced against the front held by the 1st Battalion, who held their fire. When the enemy was within 70 yards the whole Battalion fired their 'mad minute' (at the rapid rate of fire of 20 rounds per rifleman per minute) and the Germans fell in large numbers. 'A' Company cleared the enemy from the abandoned trenches on the right, while the rest of the Battalion drove them back into their own lines and took part of the enemy trenches. Unfortunately this advance was unsupported and the Battalion was isolated and nearly surrounded. Although several attacks were beaten off, they were forced to withdraw across the open ground and met with heavy loss. On the following morning the Battalion was withdrawn into reserve, however, the situation had been saved by the defeat of the counter-attack and the ground previously won was held.
The counter-charge of the 1st Worcestershire against the 21st
Bavarians
As peace returned to the World, one after another the fighting Battalions of the Regiment were disbanded or reduced to Cadre and the soldiers who had gained the final victory came back in small parties to England. Between the Wars the 1st Battalion, apart from a period of active operations during the troubles in Palestine, divided its time between India, China and England in a relaxed peacetime way; with, in India, the usual diversions of polo and game shooting for the officers.
When the War was imminent the 1st Battalion was in Palestine and its war service was, therefore, destined initially to be in the middle East.
SUDAN
The first Regular Battalion to join battle with the enemy was the 1st Battalion. They moved from Palestine, via Egypt to the Sudan and following the entry of Italy into the War, formed part of the British force which attacked the Italian Colony of Eritrea in 1941. The first Italian resistance came at El Gocni from which, after stiff fighting the enemy was ejected. Barentu was likewise successful and essentially a company battle in which 'A' Company played a prominent part. Ahead lay the fortress of Keren whose steep rocky approaches added to the stiff Italian resistance, however, this was also captured although the battalion suffered heavy losses.
1st Battalion Worcestershire Regiment Officers at Barentu, Eritrea (2nd February
1941)
TOBRUK
At the end of August 1941 the 1st Battalion moved to the Western Desert, where in the summer of 1942 they took part in the Gazala Battle and in the defence of Tobruk. The Gazala line stretched from Gazala on the coast some fifty miles south to Bir Hachim. It consisted of a series of isolated infantry localities, wired and mined, which were called "Boxes" and between which were large gaps that could neither be held by artillery fire nor plugged by tanks. One such locality was Point 187 near Acroma, midway between Gazala and Tobruk, where the Battalion stood to meet the German onslaught. By 13th June 1942 the Germans had penetrated the surrounding defences and the Battalion Box became isolated. Enemy tanks attacked relentlessly and although some twenty of them were knocked out, all of the Battalions anti-tank guns had become casualties. Throughout the day the Battalion stayed true to its Motto of "FIRM" and as evening fell and with the desert a blazing inferno, orders were received for the Box to be evacuated.
At Tobruk the German attack, which was launched on 20th June 1942 was heralded by a fierce air bombardment after which came well co-ordinated artillery fire from both the Germans and Italians. This in turn led to a massive Panzer attack against which resistance was virtually impossible. Any attempt to break out to the coast was forestalled by the enemy who were too thick on the ground. A general surrender was ordered - unlike at Corunna and Dunkirk where the soldiers of the Regiment had withdrawn to safety; at Tobruk few escaped being made Prisoners of War.
German medics tend the wounded
NORMANDY TO THE ELBE
On 1st January 1943 the 1st Battalion was reformed by disbanding the 11th Battalion, a Service Battalion formed in May 1940 and drafting its personnel to the 1st Battalion. Soon after D Day in 1944 the Battalion arrived in France and their first action, which resulted in the capture of Mouen, was described by the Divisional Commander as "one of the slickest attacks of the war". After the break out came the spectacular drive to the Seine - over one hundred miles in three and a half days. This was followed by some intense fighting in which every man in the Battalion - drivers, clerks, orderlies and signallers fought like demons. The fierce fighting gave cover to the armoured drive to Belgium and Holland. After a spell of comparative quiet the Battalion once more went into battle, to try and relieve the gallant men of Arnhem. The battle to keep the corridor open was some of the fiercest the Battalion had experienced and in the fighting round the Nederijn three of its Company Commanders were killed. From then on it was only a matter of time before victory in Europe was assured and when it came the Battalion had reached an area North of Luneberg, thus ending the advance from Normandy to the Elbe.
THE POST WAR YEARS 1945 - 1970
Since the Second World War the changing role of the Army resulted in drastic reductions.
During the Post War years the Regiment continued in its usual down to earth way. Not least during the Malayan Emergency in the early 1950s, when it established a fine reputation through its operational successes. A campaign in which the George Cross was awarded to Awang Anak Rawang, a tracker attached to the 1st Battalion.
AWANG anak RAWANG. Iban Tracker, Johore, Federation of Malaya
During operations against the bandits in Malaya
in May
1951 a
section of a platoon of the Worcestersbire Regiment was ambushed by about 50 of
the enemy. The leading scout was killed instantly and the Section Commander
fatally wounded. Awang anak Rawang was hit through the thigh bone and at the
same time a soldier, moving behind him, was hit below the knee, the bullet
completely shattering the bone. Awang anak Rawang. although wounded and lying
exposed under heavy rifle and automatic fire, collected his own weapons and that
of the soldier and dragged him into the cover of the jungle. In view of the
impending bandit attack Awaug. completely disregarding his own wound, took up a
position to defend the injured man. There he remained, firing on every attempt
made by the bandits to approach, and successfully drove off several attacks.
Ultimately Awang was again wounded, the bullet shattering his right arm and
rendering further use of his rifle or parang impossible. Despite loss of blood
from his undressed wounds, be dragged himself over to the wounded soldier and
took a grenade from the man’s pouch. He resumed his position on guard, pulled
out the pin of the grenade with his teeth and with the missile in his left band
defied the bandits to approach. So resolute was his demeanour that the bandits,
who had maintained their attacks for some forty minutes, and who were now
threatened by the other sections, withdrew.
The coolness, fortitude and
offensive spirit displayed by Awang anak Rawang were of the highest order.
Despite being twice severely wounded he showed the utmost courage and resolution
to continue the fight and protect the injured soldier - The London Gazette
20th November 1951.
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The 1st Battalion The Worcestershire and Sherwood Foresters Regiment (29th/45th Foot) (1970)
The above Cap Badge of The Worcestershire and Sherwood Foresters Regiment (29th/45th Foot) combines elements of the Cap Badges of both The1st Battalion,The Worcestershire Regiment and the 1st Battalion The Sherwood Foresters (Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire Regiments)(45th Foot) shown below.
On the 8th February 1970 The1st Battalion,The Worcestershire Regiment amalgamated with the 1st Battalion The Sherwood Foresters (Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire Regiments)(45th Foot) to form The 1st Battalion The Worcestershire and Sherwood Foresters Regiment (29th/45th Foot).
On 16th December 2004 the Secretary of State for Defence announced, under the Future Army Structure, that the Worcestershire and Sherwood Foresters Regiment (29th/45th Foot) would become the 2nd Battalion The Mercian Regiment (Worcesters and Foresters).
On Saturday 1st September 2007 a new Regiment entered the order of battle of the British Army. That Regiment is THE MERCIAN REGIMENT(Worcesters & Foresters) and was formed by the merger of all regular and territorial elements of three (historically four) famous Infantry Regiments: The 22nd (Cheshire) Regiment, The Worcestershire and Sherwood Foresters Regiment and The Staffordshire Regiment.
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