Col Andy Taylor OBE, Curator of the Herefordshire Light Infantry Museum, gave a very interesting, intriguing and illuminating talk about the history of the 1st Herefordshire Rifle Volunteers which subsequently became the 1st Herefordshire Regiment – particularly mentioning their role during WWI. As they were a Territorial Force, TF was added to their title and they were attached as part of the Kings Shropshire Light Infantry.

The Mayor, Councillor Harry Bramer, had recently attended the Ross RBL Annual General Meeting where Col Taylor had given a similar talk, and invited him to come along to the Larruperz Centre to show more of his fascinating photographic collection, as well as talking about other aspects of the regiments’ life. The proceeds from the evening supported the Mayor’s charity, Papyrus.

Col Taylor started with a brief insight into his own army career, which led nicely into how the regiment was initially formed in 1861 with some early photographs and documents on screen depicting how it was then and now.

The regiment has seen many conflicts during its time. During conflicts in South Africa in 1900 to 1902, WWI and WWII they received many battle honours. He talked about their time in Gallipoli, having landed in Suvla Bay in August, 1915, and the major role they played during this important time in military history.

Col Taylor based most of his talk on the role of Ross men during all the conflicts, especially during the Boer War and WWI. Audience participation was excellent as photos were being displayed – with many of those people present being able to add information that Col Taylor had not yet been able to discover. Buildings in particular were of interest and many were able to be identified, especially those that are still standing today.

Col Taylor mentioned individual men of Ross in particular together with some of their army records, medals and awards. One such man, Dr Arthur Green, Surgeon at Ross Cottage Hospital and General Practitioner, joined the ranks during WWI and distinguished himself, receiving the Distinguished Service Order or DSO. He returned to Ross after the war to live and continue to practice in New House Alton Street.

A second man of great interest was Sgt Reginald Watkins. Coincidentally, the room where the talk took place is named after him. He received the Military Medal in 1919 and, on discharge from the Army, returned to work as a School Attendance Officer and secretary to the Larruperz Players who were raising money for a community centre in the 1920’s. Col Taylor was able to explain the regimental system of numbering and showed how, from a soldier’s serial number, you could tell when he joined up and how early on in the formation of the regiment. Col Taylor was thanked for coming by Cllr Bramer, who told the Ross Gazette: “Ross Remembers was a really informative and enjoyable evening.”See this week’s paper for more stories like this, available in shops and as a Digital Edition now.