Heartfelt Thanks to all Supporters as the 1 RIFLES Appeal tops £150,000

6th February 2012

'The phenomenal support that 1RIFLES has received from our local community and friends over the past twelve months has been humbling.  The Swift and Bold Appeal to help the families of our Fallen and injured Riflemen has, to date, raised over £150,000.  On behalf of those hit so hard by the conflict and of those who have taken such comfort from knowing of the support available should they need it, I would like to offer our heartfelt thanks to all of our supporters.  Whilst 1RIFLES’ tour of duty in Afghanistan has been successfully completed some of our injured Riflemen are still recovering, the families of our Fallen still require our unwavering support and there will be mental health injuries that have yet to fully reveal themselves.  Your continued support remains vital to us, and equally to our sister Battalions 2 and 5 RIFLES who are now deployed ensuring continued mission success.  1RIFLES’ programme in Beachley Barracks near Chepstow remains busy.  By April we will have assumed the role of the United Kingdom’s Contingency Force held at very high readiness to support the civil authorities over this summer.  And by the end of the year our preparations for our next scheduled tour to Afghanistan will have begun.  You, our supporters, have been instrumental in enabling this unrelenting service that we aspire to offer our Country.' Lt.Col. James de Labilliere, 1 RIFLES Commanding Officer. 

The Rifles Charity Raceday 

31st January 2012

The first Rifles Charity Raceday will be held at Chepstow Racecourse on Saturday 25th February 2012 in aid of the Regimental appeal Care for Casualties. Why not enjoy a day at the races and show your support for this fanastic cause that supports the long term needs of our wounded soldiers and their families. There will be performances from The Rifles Band of the Bugles throughout the day and the first ever Rifles Race on the race card! Click 'Read More' for ticket details or CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD A PDF about the day. 

Silence is Golden

Megan McKinlay, 12 and Ollie Bovey, 15 have completed a sponsored silence and raised £1614.00 for the 1 Rifles appeal in memory of their late father Lance Corporal Jonathon McKinlay. According to the McKinlay family both children take after their father and have ALOT to say, making this challenge particularly significant. They began the challenge at home at 11am and finished at 4pm. Megan found it most difficult, she was writing things down, and drawing pictures of what she wanted to eat and drink. They even emailed their Grandma, Jonathan's mum to communicate their progress throughout the day while closely watching their countdown clock!

Local Support Continues

Marlow Vets, Chepstow have raised a fantastic £190.86 for the 1 RIFLES appeal. This has been raised through a combination of collecting donations for wristbands and donating a proportion of the sales of 'Frontline' treatment to the cause. Caroline Marlow, partner at Marlow Vets commented, 'We decided to support the 1 Rifles Appeal as through meeting members of the Battalion & their families, we realised what they go through. The Military Wives choir with Gareth Malone & various other recent TV programmes showing active service in Afghanistan also give a massive insight'.

Pictured from left to right; Nurses Candie, Natalie with patient 'Lacey', and Shireen, vet Glenn Marlow and Capt Sam Branston, 1 RIFLES.

Support From Itton Village

Parishoners of Itton Church, a small village near Chepstow and dedicated pupils from Wyedean School continued their fundraising efforts for the Battalion throughout the festive period by holding a December concert. Pupils from Wyedean performed a variety of acts which were thoroughly enjoyed by all that attended. Sincere thanks to all those who donated to raise an incredible £550.00 for the 1 RIFLES appeal.

The Final Episode of Young Soldiers

20th January 2012

Christmas Bugle Wishes

23rd December 2011

Sending 2 and 5 RIFLES Christmas Bugle wishes, be safe... Swift and Bold.

Quins v's Toulouse Charity Collection

22nd December 2011

Ten 1 RIFLES soldiers were invited to attend the recent Harlequins V's Toulouse Rugby match at Twickenham Stoop Stadium to meet the players, enjoy the match and carry a charity collection for the 1 RIFLES Swift and Bold Appeal. Just over £1,720 was donated by the generous rugby crowd! A huge thanks to Stadium Manager, Sarah Roberts for this opportunity. Swift and Bold!

Click HERE to read a write up about the 1 RIFLES appeal that featured in the Match Day Programme.

Undentable Donation of £18,740 Made to the 1 RIFLES Appeal

15th December 2011

Major Boswell, Officer Commanding A Company, 1 RIFLES was part of a three man team that completed a mammouth 'Undentable Run' challenge in memory of Capt Mark Hale in 2010 by running from John O'groats to Lands End (851 Miles in 17 Days). This challenge raised a huge amount of money for some incredible service charties. Last week before 1 RIFLES 'stood down' for their well earned post operational tour leave Major Boswell proudly presented Lt. Col James de Labilliere with a HUGE cheque for £18,740.18 for the 1 Rifles Swift and Bold Appeal as a donation to The Rifles Regimental Trust. SWIFT AND BOLD!

1RIFLES Bring Home 1st Annual Cpl Palin Memorial Trophy

7th December 2011

The first annual Cpl Palin memorial trophy match was played out between Chepstow Town XI and 1RIFLES XI in front of substantial crowds at Caldicot Town Football Club on Thursday 1st December 2011. Swift and Bold feet from the 1RIFLES team saw them bringing home the trophy with a 4-0 win, goals came from Sjt Gribble, Cpl Cartwright, Cpl Fairington and the last from Cpl Palin's father in law seconds before the final whistle! Organised by friends and colleagues of Cpl Palin and generous individuals in the Chepstow Town community a fantastic evening was had by all and £354.00 was raised for the 1 RIFLES Swift and Bold Appeal. Sincere thanks to everyone that contributed to this heart felt event. (Better luck next year Chepstow!). See the 1 Rifles Swift and Bold Appeal Facebook page for more photographs!

1 Rifles In The News 

29th November 2011

Click on 'Read more' for links to stories online and in the press following the 1 Rifles Freedom of Chepstow and Medals Parade at Beachley Barracks on the Thursday 17th November 2011. The 1 Rifles tour of Afghanistan might be over but the fundraising isn't. Help us to continue raising that total by spreading the word of the appeal. encouraging people to make a donation and wearing your 1 Rifles wristband with pride!

Bold Support From Scottish Actor Dougray Scott

15th November 2011

World famous actors are now supporting the cause... Dougray Scott was pictured wearing a 1 Rifles wristband recently whilst filming a train crash sequence for his latest film called 'Last Passenger' (with full crash make up still in tact!). SWIFT AND BOLD   

The Final Homecoming

9th November 2011

After an official ceremony in Afghanistan last week marking the end of the 1 Rifles tour (Click HERE to watch British Forces News Story filmed in Afghanistan) families were overjoyed to be welcoming home soldiers from A Company and the remainder of the 1 Rifles Battlegroup at Beachley Barracks yesterday. This final home coming was marked by a ceremony at the front gate where Major Boswell extinguished the flame that had been burning in a lantern since the Battalion deployed to mark the last soldiers return. Click HERE to watch BBC News coverage of the homecoming and ceremony at Beachley Barracks. Click HERE to watch BFBS News coverage of the return.... WELCOME HOME!

Selling Like Hot Cakes

8th November 2011

Cakes and goodies baked by the family and friends of LCpl McKinlay have been raffled and sold at a cake sale at the Council offices in Dorchester to raise money a huge £750.00 for the 1 Rifles appeal. Click on the picture to see an enlarged version of this fantastic Rifles cake in Regimental colours! A huge thank you to everyone involved! Check out our Become a Fundraiser page for more fundraising ideas!

Families Welcome More Boys Home

4th November 2011

The past week has seen both B and C Companies return home from theatre to their proud families. Just one more week to go and both HQ and A Companies will also be on home soil seeing the Battalion's redeployment complete.Swift and Bold.

Click 'Read more' for all the links to media coverage of the homecomings so far.

Battalion Girls Beat The Boys Home!

1st November 2011

Like the Battalion in theatre the girls were making SWIFT AND BOLD progress on their Afghan-athon Challenge during the last weeks and days of the Herrick 14 tour. On Friday 28th October following a count up of the latest miles they recorded that they have finally achieved the last leg of the distance back from Camp Bastion to Beachley Barracks!! Over £1,000 raised by 40 wives collectively running, swimming, cycling, walking and rowing 10,370 miles in 26 weeks and coming in to finish before the main body of the Battalion return home from theatre! A stirling effort by all. Well done ladies! Make a donation HERE...

Bold Gesture From Young Supporter

1st November 2011

A brave young supporter, 12 year old Teagan Penny had his 32 inch long hair cut off (not every last inch) at Toni & Guys salon in Gloucester before he started his new term at Newent Community School this year. With all his sponsorship now gathered in he is going to be presenting a cheque to the 1 Rifles appeal for £460.00! Swift and Bold.

Appeal Reaches £100,000 Milestone

27th October 2011

Having reported that we had achieved the landmark fundraising figure of £50,000 less than three months ago the 1 Rifles appeal has now passed the £100,000 point! This is a real achievement for the Battalion and testament to the level of support that we have received from families, friends, the local community and beyond.  As the Battalion returns home from their tour of duty in the coming weeks please continue to spread the word of the appeal and wearing your wristbands with pride so we can achieve the next milestone of £150,000 before long! Click HERE to make a donation.

TA Homecoming

24th October 2011

TA soldiers came home to cheering families and friends at Beachley Barracks last week. Click on the links for some fantastic news articles and pictures.... Bournemouth Echo 1, 20th October 2011; Bournemouth Echo 2, 20th October 2011; Gloucestershire Citizen, 14th October 2011; Exeter Echo, 14th October; Exeter Echo 20th October.

Strictly Come 1 Rifles

21st October 2011

Strictly Come Dancing stars, comedian Rory Bremner and dancing partner Erin Boag were spotted wearing their 1 Rifles wristband by Karen Randell and her children at rehearsals in the Forest of Dean this week! Great snap!  

Bath Rugby Wear Their 1 Rifles Wristbands (and banner) With Pride!

19th October 2011

Bath Rugby Club recently hosted life long supporter Serjeant Spender at a club training session where they were proud to don their 1 Rifles wristbands and pose for this picture with one of our appeal banners! Sjt Spender was seriously wounded whilst on operations earlier this summer in Afghanistan and since his return has spent plenty of time at his beloved club. He will no doubt claim this has aided his swift and bold recovery!

For Our Tomorrow, They Gave Their Today.

A Concert of Remembrance, The Fitzhardinge Consort
(12th November 2011, 7:30pm, St.Peter's Church, Henleaze, Bristol, BS9 4LD)

In Memory of Lieutenant Daniel Clack (25.03.1987 - 12.08.2011). A Concert of Choral Music to include Faure: Requiem, The Last Post, and anthems by Bairstow, Rutter, Vaughan-Williams, and Guest. Tickets: £10, £7 (concessions), £5 (NUS). Contact This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . Supporting The Rifles Care For Casualties Appeal. www.facebook.com/fitzhardinge.Click to enlarge picture for more details.

Tickets for this event can not be purchased through The First Battalion The Rifles/1 Rifles Swift and Bold Appeal, please contact the organiser directly.

A Video Message from The Commanding Officer 1 RIFLES

15th October 2011

Lt Col James de Labilliere has sent us a video message from Afghanistan.  Its well worth a watch.  Click on this link to watch it.

Cook for the Cause - 1 Rifles Swift and Bold Recipe File

12th October 2011

Tasty recipes have been generously donated for this file by Michelin Star Chefs, Forest of Dean and Wye Valley producers and restaurants and members of the Battalion have taken time to contribute their own family favourites. Also included are some fantastic recipes from well-known food fanatics including Kate Humble, Adam Henson and Alex James, plus winners of our local schools competition who entered locally sourced recipes fit for a ''hungry hero''. This is a fantastic stocking filler with all proceeds going to the 1 Rifles Swift and Bold Appeal! CLICK HERE TO GET YOURS

Charity Auction Supported by England Cricketer

10th October 2011

Retired English Cricketer Darren Gough has been supporting the 1 Rifles appeal by wearing his wristband with pride and generously donating a signed cricket bat for a charity auction organised by the Wainwright family at The Sun Inn in Monk Bretton, Barnsley. The auction raised over £2,000 for the appeal, thank you to everyone that supported!

Swift and Bold Support from Scott Redding

10th October 2011

British rider Scott Redding is wearing his 1 Rifles wristband with pride! SWIFT AND BOLD! Donate today to get your wristband...

Ross Kemp Return to Afghanistan

Wearing a 1 Rifles Wristband With Pride
29th September 2011

Ross Kemp met 1 Rifles soldiers on his recent trip to Afghanistan to film his new Sky 1 series 'Ross Kemp Return to Afghanistan' and was proud to show his support for the Battalion's appeal by wearing a 1 Rifles wristband. Swift and Bold.

Wifles Gun For The Finish Line

Run To The Beat Nike Music Half Marathon
27th September 2011

Rifle-mums, wives, fiancés and girlfriends pounded the pavements of London on Sunday 25th September in this year's Run To The Beat Nike Music Half Marathon to aid of the 1 Rifles Appeal. Proud to be running in branded in 'Wifles' vests in distinct Regimental colours the girls stood out from the crowd in what was for the majority their first (and last!) Half Marathon attempt. All kept their heads down, powered through and recorded Swift and Bold times to be proud of! See the 1 Rifles Appeal Facebook Page for more pictuires and click HERE to show your support and make a donation.     

Trip to Camp Bastion For a Sugar Rush and a Cheryl Crush

Capt. Sam Branston, 2IC C Company
22nd September 2011

Wk ending 17th September 2011... Cobra 31A were briefed on an important operation this week. This operation would take them away from the comforts of PB2 for a couple of days. Their mission: to go to Bastion and meet pop star Cheryl Cole. Never have a group of Riflemen been so openly excited. It would even be worth the two hour ride to bastion in the cramped back of the Mastiff (air conditioning broken as standard), an experience that has come closer to snapping the mental health of the multiple than anything the insurgents could rustle up.

Royal Visit to CP JEKER

Lt Findlay Guerin, B Company
22nd September 2011

Wk ending 17th September 2011... This week’s highlight has been a Royal visit to CP JEKER, of all places. We played hosts to the Duke of Kent for an extremely short stop over, what was planned to be a whole afternoon turned into a short hour. In that time we managed to give him a brief of our area of operations and a chance to have a chat with many of the Riflemen within the company.