ON Wednesday, December 14, we received a visit from Terry Ashworth and Ray Turner who has visited us in the past. Both these gentlemen are specialists in Cine Photography and the film they had put together was interesting and informative - The History of the Lancashire Fusiliers.

The film started with a service in Bury Parish Church, the Rev. Smith was taking the service and it was obviously the celebration of Gallipoli Day. The camera focused on the flags on the wall of the church, listing all the battle honours. We visited the Lancashire Fusiliers Museum at Bolton Road and it was here we were introduced to the six Victoria Crosses, the highest award for Gallantry. Six VC's before a breakfast an extravagant claim for any regiment to make but the Lancashire Fusiliers won them in the landing on the Gallipoli Peninsula on April 25 1915. This same gallantry characterised the Lancashire Fusiliers in every action they fought from their formation in 1688. The Fusiliers served in Egypt, West Indies, Maida, Vimeiro and Corouna, the Peninsular war the Crimea and the Indian Mutiny. The regiment saw the 19th century out in a blaze of glory and added Khartoum and the Relief of Ladysmith to its battle honours. A total of 18 VCs were awarded to the Regiment in the First World War, more than any other Regiment in the British Army. During the last war the Regiment served in France, Sicily, Italy, North Africa and Burma.

On April 23 1968, the Regiment was given the freedom of the Borough and we saw the Fusiliers parade through the centre of Bury with Bayonets fixed and drums beating a lively splendid sight.

Another VC awarded to a Lancashire Fusilier in the last war was Frank Jefferson of Bolton

The filming was very impressive and it was truly a great story of a great Regiment, a Regiment whose record of service may have been equalled, but has surely never been surpassed.

Ken Jubb standing in for our president Howard Armstrong thanked our two guests for a first class filmshow, and then informed our members that Howards operation had been a success and that he was showing signs of improvement.

Our volunteer kitchen staff members are to be congratulated regarding the refreshments prior to Christmas. The mince pies, christmas cake and cheese were first class, and enjoyed by everyone. TN