100TH ANNIVERSARY OF 2ND BATTALION, THE GREEN HOWARDS COLOURS
21st November 2009

The buffet luncheon

On the 17^th November the 2^nd Battalion Green Howards Association met to mark the 100^th anniversary of the presentation of Colours to the 2^nd Battalion, The Green Howards, by her majesty Queen Alexandra at Windsor in 1909.

A group of veterans from the 2^nd Battalion assembled with wives and guests to record the original presentation. Major General Andrew Farquhar (Chairman of the Green Howards Museum Trust) opened the proceedings with a talk on the meaning of the Colours to the Battalion and Regiment. Lt Col Barry Smeaton (Chairman of the Green Howards Association), Miss Lynda Powell (Director/Curator of the Museum) and Canon Richard Cooper (Chaplain to the Regiment) were guests.

Some of the Battalion Silver was on display. In particular the 'North Riding Trophy a fine silver statuette showing soldiers of the Regiment dressed as in four periods of its history with the drums and Colours central. It was presented by Sir Hugh Bell, Lord Lieutenant of the North Riding at Fulford Barracks, York in 1911. It had been bought by public subscription to record the first occasion the Battalion had been stationed in its home county after nineteen years of foreign service.

The Loyal toast was given by Chris McGurk, Mr Tom Sivell at 103 years of age, proposed 'The Regiment' and the final toast was raised by Mr Bert Walker to 'The Colours'. All were heartily endorsed.

Mr Tom Heron spoke with humour on his remembrance of the Colours and the parades upon which they had been displayed. The Regimental Chaplain, Canon Cooper gave a commemorative address, a reading and a blessing on the Colours and all who had served under them. Mr Peter Etherington (MC for the event) then outlined the history of the Colours and the memorable events of 1909. He also explained how a proposal by Lt Col Arthur de Salis Hadow of the 2^nd Bn led to the formation of the Green Howards Association.

In conclusion Mr Stan Johnson M.B.E presented a sterling silver commemorative dish to Maj Gen Farquhar He in turn entrusted it to Miss Lynda Powell for safe keeping and display with the silver in the Museum. The dish had been presented to the 2^nd Bn Branch on its formation by Colonel 'Mike' Roberts who had re-raised the Battalion at Barnard Castle in 1952.

Some 35 people attended the largely informal meeting. Being Green Howards, they took full advantage of a splendid Buffet with wine, soft drinks and the splendid 'Yorkshire Warrior' ale which had been supplied 'free gratis' by Peter and Paul Lee of Cropton Brewery. Pickering.

 A memorable occasion indeed!

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