R.S.M. 2nd Battalion Northamptonshire Regt.

Rich Payne · 29-03-2007, 11:47 PM

In response to an off-forum chat with Owen, this is a photograph of my Grandfather, Richard (Dick) Batchelor M.B.E. during his time as RSM. The photograph was taken at Caterham before the Battalion left for Madagascar.

Rich.

Owen · 29-03-2007, 11:52 PM

Cheers for that Rich.
Very impressive.
Any letters home survive?
Did he speak about the war much?

Rich Payne · 30-03-2007, 12:11 AM

Owen, I don't think that any ordinary letters have been kept which is a bit strange really. We do have a nice letter and a Christmas Card from the C.O. Colonel Stephenson written when he left the Battalion.

He died in 1995 so I knew him well and he never had a problem talking about the war years but I realise now that most of it was anecdotal. I suppose it's normal that unless someone (and I'm afraid I didn't) asked specific details, the information would not be forthcoming.

I do remember him telling of jumping into a shell hole at Anzio and grabbing the nearest tin hat only to find that it was rather heavy and that someone had screwed two together !

Serving in 17 Bde with two Scottish Battalions must have made an impression on him as well because he used to say that an English unit was always put in between to stop the Jocks from fighting each other.

Incidentally, this is is rank badge. It has seen plenty of bull.

Rich.

Cpl Rootes · 30-03-2007, 07:52 PM

wow looks a fersome bloke.
Thanks for this Rich

29-03-2007, 11:47 PM	#1 (permalink)
Rich Payne Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2005 Posts: 629	R.S.M. 2nd Battalion Northamptonshire Regt. In response to an off-forum chat with Owen, this is a photograph of my Grandfather, Richard (Dick) Batchelor M.B.E. during his time as RSM. The photograph was taken at Caterham before the Battalion left for Madagascar. Rich.

30-03-2007, 07:52 PM	#4 (permalink)
Cpl Rootes Very Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: With Puff the Magic Dragon, living by the sea Posts: 1,054	wow looks a fersome bloke. Thanks for this Rich __________________ Regards, Alex http://rootsie.wordpress.com/

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29-03-2007, 11:52 PM	#2 (permalink)
Owen Top Moose Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Under the stairs Posts: 8,696	Cheers for that Rich. Very impressive. Any letters home survive? Did he speak about the war much?

30-03-2007, 12:11 AM	#3 (permalink)
Rich Payne Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2005 Posts: 629	Owen, I don't think that any ordinary letters have been kept which is a bit strange really. We do have a nice letter and a Christmas Card from the C.O. Colonel Stephenson written when he left the Battalion. He died in 1995 so I knew him well and he never had a problem talking about the war years but I realise now that most of it was anecdotal. I suppose it's normal that unless someone (and I'm afraid I didn't) asked specific details, the information would not be forthcoming. I do remember him telling of jumping into a shell hole at Anzio and grabbing the nearest tin hat only to find that it was rather heavy and that someone had screwed two together ! Serving in 17 Bde with two Scottish Battalions must have made an impression on him as well because he used to say that an English unit was always put in between to stop the Jocks from fighting each other. Incidentally, this is is rank badge. It has seen plenty of bull. Rich.

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