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Local HistoryReading Cemeteryis a garden cemetery hiding behind the Cemetery Arch at Cemetery Junction. [That has got to be an unusual way of hiding an eleven acre garden.]Forbury Gardenscontains a striking memorial to the 66th (Berkshire) Regiment of Foot and their heroic stand at Maiwand, Afghanistan (1880).Britain and Russia faced each other across the North-West Frontier. Russia wanted to develop its sphere of influence into the land of treasures that was India, Britain was determined to keep Russia out. This was the imperative that persuaded Britain to sign a Treaty with the ruler of Afghanistan. The intention was that Afghanistan would defend the Indian North-West border. No sooner was the ink dry etc. than the Afghan ruler was threatened and the British were required, but ill-prepared, to defend their ally. Here is a description of the Battle of Maiwand. A Sergeant's dog, Bobby, was rescued and returned to England and was awarded a medal by Queen Victoria. Sherlock Holmes' colleague Dr Watson was described as the former Medical officer of the 66th Regiment and was supposedly wounded in this Afghan Campaign. He would have been one of the few survivors. No Battle Honours were awarded; No citations were written. The memorial in the Forbury Gardens was raised by public subscription and it's not wonky; it represents 'The Lion at Bay'. Garen Ewing has produced a splendid website including details of the Second Anglo-Afghan War, with narrative and memorials from both sides of the campaign. In 1881 the 66th Regiment was amalgamated with the 49th (Princess Charlotte of Wales's or Hertfordshire) Regiment of Foot to form The Royal Berkshire Regiment (Princess Charlotte of Wales's) (49th and 66th) - The Biscuit Boys. In 1959 the regiment was amalgamated with The Wiltshire Regiment (Duke of Edinburgh's) to form The Duke of Edinburgh's Royal Regiment (Berkshire and Wiltshire). Under 'Options for Change' this regiment was amalgamated with The Gloucestershire Regiment. to form The Royal Gloucestershire, Berkshire and Wiltshire Regiment.
New rationalisation followed and on 22 July 2005 they became the Royal Gloucestershire, Berkshire and Wiltshire Light Infantry. The process continues and, subject to the approval of the Army Board and Royal assent, a new regiment consisting of The Devonshire and Dorset Light Infantry, The Royal Gloucestershire, Berkshire and Wiltshire Light Infantry, The Light Infantry and The Royal Green Jackets will be formed in 2007. The proposed name for this regiment is The Rifles.
The Kennet and Avon Canalhas been restored largely due to the efforts of the late John Gould MBE and the Kennet and Avon Canal Trust.
A History of BerkshireDavid Nash Ford's Royal Berkshire History Website features details of all aspects of the Royal County's fascinating & historic past.
to Mr Ghulam Ahmed (of Fourways Pharmacy at Cemetery Junction) for his advice and support in making East Reading a safer place. to Peter Nursten (of Pete's Pantry and other rôles within the East Reading Community) for his leadership both by word of command and also by example.
Thanks
Routine thanks |
Last updated Thursday, 10-Apr-2008 17:44:27 BST
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