Visit to the D-Day Map Rooms 

Dated - 13/02/2011 

19 members and friends of the Knightly Order Valiant of St.George visited the D-Day Map rooms and Regimental HQ of the Royal Military Police on Saturday 12th February, a fundraising event for the Queen Elizabeth and Selly Oak Hospitals.

The Regimental HQ (RHQ) of the Royal Military Police (RMP) is situated within the Defence College of Policing and Guarding (DCPG) at Southwick Park. It is home to the RMP Museum and Regimental Shop, as well as providing a focus for Regimental matters and the Royal Military Police Association (RMPA).

The RHQ is headed by Regimental Secretary, Colonel John Baber MBE, who has responsibility for Regimental Events, the Central Benevolent Fund, the RMPA and the RMP Museum. Colonel Baber is a retired RMP Officer, having served extensively in operational tours at home and aboard. He was awarded the MBE for service in Northern Ireland. His principal focus is benevolence, fostering 'espirit de corps' and maintaining the heritage of the Royal Military Police.

Colonel Baber acted as our guide for the day, delivering a fascinating, detailed, erudite and entertaining lecture (within the D-Day Map Room) of the preparations for landing, the gargantuan logistical complexities of the operations, and an insight into the personalities involved in making such pivotal decisions in the Allied war effort. Colonel Baber ‘brought the story to life’, and there was a very reflective mood as we transported ourselves back to 1944, contemplating the gravity of the planning decisions, and their ultimate impact on the course of European history. It was a unique experience to have the story of D-Day recounted with such precision, and to absorb the narrative within the very room that Churchill and his military advisers occupied.

Luncheon was taken at the Golden Lion, a hostelry also steeped in tradition, having been the unofficial Officers Mess in 1944. We were delighted to be joined by Col. Stuart Notholt, Commander of the UK Brigade of Kentucky Colonels. Grand Prior Simon McIlwaine presenting a Kentucky Colonel Commission to Col. Paul Phillips.

Colonel Baber then led a tour of the Royal Military Police Regimental Museum. He explained the history of the military police, from 1511 with the first recorded Provost Marshal in English history being one Sir Henry Guldeford (or Guylford). The Provost Marshal was responsible for maintaining discipline within the English armies together with the King's personal security.  He was also described as the'first and greatest gaoler of the Army'. Key dates in the history of military policing include:

1511        First Provost Marshal of whom a personal record is known
1813-14  Staff Corps of Cavalry raised by Wellington for Peninsular War
1815-18  Staff Corps of Cavalry reformed for Waterloo Campaign
1854-55  Mounted Staff Corps formed for service in the Crimea
1855       Military Mounted Police (MMP) formed to police the new military
               cantonment at Aldershot
1877       MMP established as a Permanent Corps
1882       Military Foot Police (MFP) formed for campaign service in Egypt
1885       MFP established as a Permanent Corps
1926       Corps of Military Police (CMP) formed with amalgamation of MMP
               and MFP 
1937       Field Security Police (FSP) Wing formed
1940       Special Investigation Branch formed - FSP joins new Intelligence
                Corps
1946       Royal Prefix granted to CMP
1953       First RMP Direct Entry Officers accepted
1977       HM The Queen becomes Colonel in Chief 
1992       Formation of AGC Federation Corps of which RMP forms a part of
               the Provost Branch

Colonel Baber’s narrative took us from 1511, right through the Napoleonic campaigns, through Crimea, both World Wars and into the more recent conflicts in Northern Ireland, Iraq and Afghanistan.

The Grand Priory is deeply indebted to Colonel Baber and the staff at Regimental HQ for such a wonderful welcome and a fascinating series of ‘lectures’. We all left with a much richer appreciation of the work of the RMP, and I would certainly recommend becoming further acquainted with not only the history of the RMP, but also with the very diverse, challenging and extremely important work it does today.

Grand Prior Simon McIlwaine (right) thanks Colonel Baber for his excellent tour 

The event also raised much needed funds for the Queen Elizabeth and Selly Oak hospitals in Birmingham. 

Inter faith visit to Coptic Centre in Stevenage

Dated: 27/06/2010 

Members of the Order (many of whom are also members of the Order of St. Lazarus of Jerusalem) joined an Order of St. Lazarus delegation on Saturday on an inter faith visit to the Coptic Centre in Stevenage (by kind invitation of His Grace, Bishop Angaelos).

His Grace, Bishop Angaelos

The morning and early afternoon programme (as below) included the "The Liturgy of Saint Basil, Bishop of Caesaria", and was followed by a very fitting visit to the Coptic Orthodox Cathedral of St. George.

10.30am Liturgy in Archangel Michael and St Anthony Coptic Orthodox Chapel in the Manor House (pictured below)
12.30pm Lunch
1.00pm  Talk and tour of Coptic Orthodox Cathedral of Saint George

"Built in a characteristic cross shape and traditional Coptic style and decoration, the cathedral is complimented by modern functionality which will allow worshippers and visitors to enjoy a comfortable and uplifting spiritual experience.

The new building has distinctive Coptic elements such as a vaulted roof over the length of the structure, a traditional domed Coptic bell tower with Coptic design stationed over the church and crowned with a Coptic Cross. The interior of the cathedral is decorated with an iconostasis (icon bearer) and intricate, hand-carved woodwork which has all been designed and prepared by skilled craftsmen in Egypt. It frames beautiful specially-commissioned traditional Coptic icons dedicated to the saints of the church, creating an atmosphere of holiness within the quiet and peaceful surroundings and giving the feeling of our heaven on earth." [source: Coptic Centre Website]

A beautiful depiction in wood of St. George slaying the Dragon (St. Georges Coptic Cathedral)

Another depiction of Saint George slaying the dragon (wonderfully embroidered)

Some of the Coptic Icons and exquisite wood carvings inside the Cathedral

Speaking about the importance and meaning of the visit: Grand Herald Chev. Steve Nimmons KCStG OLJ said: "it has been a moving experience and pleasure to join the visit and to share in the ancient traditions of the Coptic Faith. The openness, welcome and great sense of hospitality was truly wonderful, the visit to St. George's Cathedral and the very generous time given over to questions, provided the visitors with a greater depth of understanding of Coptic traditions and the persecution it sadly suffers in less tolerant regions of the world. The Cathedral is exceedingly impressive, as is the self-determination and self-assurance of the community, and the warmth and generosity of our welcome and acceptance."

Grand Prior H.E. Simon McIlwaine GCStG CLJ extended thanks on behalf of the Knightly Order Valiant of St. George to His Grace Bishop Angaelos. Noting "the importance of the inter faith work of the Order and the need for continued vigilance against religious intolerance and persecution", the Grand Prior also expressed a wish to "nurture the relationship between the Order and the Coptic Diaspora in the United Kingdom."

Annual Investiture Service Held at Rochester Cathedral

Dated: 23rd May 2010

The annual Service of Investiture of the International Knightly Order Valiant of St. George was held on Saturday May 22nd at Rochester Cathedral in Kent.

We were blessed once again this year with incredibly clement spring weather. It was a great pleasure to welcome the Officers and Honour Guard of our affiliated regiment, 3 Batt. The Princess of Wales's Royal Regiment.

Soldiers from 3PWRR providing an Honour Guard at Rochester Cathedral

Knights and Dames processed into the cathedral led by a piper and representatives from 3PWRR.

During the service, lessons were read by H.E. Dame Muriel Taylor GCStG (Psalm 100), and by H.E. Col Dame Iris J Karaszy-Kulin MKN GCStG DCLJ CMLJ (Philippians Chapter One, Verses 2-7 and 9-11).

The choir sang a beautiful rendition of "God So Loved The World" by John Stainer, then giving the first public performance of a new hymn written by our Grand Director of Music Dr. Keith Salmon KCStG.

The Order was very pleased to welcome H.E. Paul Grant, Grand Master of the Military Order of the Sword of England to the service.

H.E. Paul Grant, Grand Master of the Military Order of the Sword of England pictured (below right) outside Rochester Cathedral

The sermon was delivered by Rev. Br. Michael Powell CJ KStG and eruditely reflected on modern values and the need for chivalric conduct in today's society. It explored 'gender stereotypes', the shallowness of 'fame seeking' and posed thought provoking questions on related subjects.

Rev. Br. Michael Powell CJ KStG being congratulated by the Grand Prior

Promotions within the Order were made, particular congratulations are extended to H.E. The Chevalier Simon McIlwaine MKN GCStG KL CLJ MMLJ MA FRSA FRSM ACIArb, H.E The Chevalier Mark Haley MKN GCStG CLJ MMLJ, BSc. and H.E. Dame Muriel Taylor GCStG, all having attained Knight Grand Cross.

H.E The Chevalier Mark Haley MKN GCStG CLJ MMLJ receives congratulations from H.E. Col Dame Iris J Karaszy-Kulin MKN GCStG DCLJ CMLJ

Grand Priory Officers were also formally appointed. The Order is particularly pleased to welcome H.E.The Chevalier Howard Doe MKN GCStG as Deputy Grand Prior.

H.E. Dame Muriel Taylor GCStG was also appointed as Commander of The Commandery of the Duchy Of Lancaster (our first regional Commandery in the United Kingdom). Dame Muriel was also appointed Director of Charitable Affairs and is pictured below being congratulated by Dame Iris.

We welcomed four new Knights and one Companion into the Order during the Investiture.

Postulants awaiting Investiture

We welcome our new Chevaliers most heartily and wish them a very long and successful association with our Order.

We also welcomed our first Companion of the Order (Ian Smart), who takes an historical 'pride of place'.

Dame Angela King GCStG CMLJ is pictured below being congratulated by the Grand Prior on her appointment as Deputy Grand Secretary of the Grand Priory of the United Kingdom

Chevalier Eur Ing Steve Nimmons KCStG OLJ FBCS CITP CEng FRSA FIMIS FIAP FLS FSA Scot BSc. DIS. was reaffirmed as Grand Herald of the United Kingdom Grand Priory.

The ceremony was a success in no small part due to our Marshals. Chevaliers Roger Joseph Earnest O’Brien KCStG and Chev I W Tough KCStG KLJ MMLJ JP are profoundly thanked for their exemplary work.

Chevalier Paul. A. Phillips KStG, who is doing splendid work and arranging our forthcoming trip to the Historic Portsmouth Dockyard was appointed Grand Banner Bearer of the Grand Priory of the United Kingdom.

The Service of Investiture concluded, we retired for luncheon. At the luncheon Chevalier Steve Nimmons proposed the toast to the Grand Prior, and in so doing presented the Grand Priory with a Humanitarian Silver Medal on behalf of the Red Cross Society of Mongolia. He went on to present an "Honorary Tar Heel" ("Honorary Citizen" of North Carolina) award to the Grand Prior on behalf of the Governor's Office in North Carolina. The Grand Prior proposed the toast to Grand Patron Dame Iris J Karaszy-Kulin MKN GCStG DCLJ CMLJ who replied with personal thanks to all who attended the Service and worked to make the Order such a success. H.E The Chevalier Mark Haley MKN GCStG CLJ MMLJ proposed the toast to the guests, and we were honoured to have H.E. Paul Grant, Grand Master of the Military Order of the Sword of England respond on behalf of the guests.  H.E.The Chevalier Howard Doe MKN GCStG, Deputy Grand Prior proposed the toast to the new members. He explained the historical context of the Order and its centrality in defending freedom. 

Grand Priory Extends Thanks to Investiture Choir 

Dated: 23rd May 2010 

The Grand Priory extends sincere gratitude to the choir who performed at our Investiture Service on May 22nd 2010 at Rochester Cathedral.

The quality of music and singing was exceptional, and really set a beautiful mood for the service.

The choir consisted of:

• Sophie Pentecost BA mus, MA Performance
• Laura Moretto BA mus
• Laura Maggs BA mus, MA Choral Studies
• Jessica Brake BA mus
• Jamie Gater BA mus, PGCE
• Richard Payne, BA English & Creative Writing, MA Creative Writing
• Rhys Hughes BA mus, MA Choral Studies
• Peter Noble BA mus

The choir was very ably conducted by Jonathan Cook (BA mus), and the organist was the very accomplished Julian M. Sampson MSc FRICS FAAV.

We were treated to the first public performance of a new hymn "Praise Ye The Lord", written by Grand Director of Music H.E. Dr. Keith Salmon KCStG.

The Grand Priory extends particular thanks to Rhys Hughes BA mus, MA Choral Studies who played a central role in putting this together.