Back to Archive Journals

9th-12th-Lancers - Year 2000 - Page 0083

Image details

Regiment 9th/12th Lancers
Year 2000
Transcription 82 REGIMENTAL JOURNAL OF THE 9th/12th ROYAL LANCERS (PRINCE OF WALES’S)
Regimental Museum
www.derby.g0v.uk/museums/lancindx.htm
ne of the most important events this year is the agreement by
Derby City Council to submit a partnership bid with the
9th/12th Lancers Trustees to the Heritage Lottery Fund for finan-
cial assistance in improving the Regimental Museum. Under the
proposals the gallery, which opened in 1973 wouldbe refilrbished
and brought up-to-date with new display techniques.
Over the past twelve months, the Museum has benefited from
the donation of a number of items including a collection of let-
ters written by Sergeant Michael Dickinson, 9th Lancers to his
parents during the Second World War donated by his brother,
and a photograph and cuttings album from Captain Sir William
Peek, 9th Lancers. Sergeant Dickinson died of wounds on 18
September 1944. The medals of Colonel C M Truman, 12th
Lancers were donated by his son. Colonel Charles Montague
Truman (1880 71947) or Billy Truman as he was generally
known, was gazetted to the Regiment in 1900. During the First
World War he commanded C Squadron. He was seconded into
the Tank Corps and it was during this time that he was serious-
ly wounded. In 1921 Truman Commanded the Regiment but
was forced to resign shortly afterwards due to ill health. During
the Second World War he served in the Hampshire Home
Guard. He was a gifted artist responsible for many of the car-
toons in 12th Lancers journal before the First World War, and
was co-author of the humorous booklet ‘the Ypres Alphabet’.
The family of Sergeant Joseph Wright, 12th Lancers donated his
medals and army books to the Museum. Following his service
in the Royal Signals Corps during the Second World War and
against the wishes of his father, Sergeant Wright enlisted into
the 12th Lancers in 1950 and served during the Malayan
Campaign.
During the last 12 months we have, amongst other things, pur-
chased a lacquered metal despatch box used by Captain Herbert
Frederick Wood, 9th Lancers during the Boer War and First
World War. Captain Wood was a talented polo player and played
for the Regiment in many polo tournaments during the early
1900s. He was part of the team that won the Inter-Regimental
Sgt Joseph Wr/ght, 72th Lancers
Co/ohe/ CM Truman, 72th Lancers
Polo Tournament and the Beresford Champion Cup twice. He
retired as Captain in 1911, and rejoined the 9th Lancers in 1914
but was invalided out with pneumonia. He died of influenza
and meningitis in 1918.
Now on to other matters. In March 2000 Museum Day proved
a success with presentations from Captain David Boag, who gave
an illustrated talk on the mechanisation of the 9th Lancers, Mr
Neil Borley gave a brief talk on the work of the 12th Light
Dragoons Re-enactment Group, and Major M R Woolley spoke
on the Regiment’s commitments during the past twelve months.
The highlight of the day however, was Mr Des Maloney’s
impromptu demonstration of the lance drill!
Last but by no means least, with the help of three volunteers 7
Mrs Margaret Smith, Miss Kelly-Jo Cox and Miss Zoe Woods,
the archive database continues to grow. Recently the 12th
Lancers First World War Casualty Register was transcribed onto
computer, and at present work is being carried out on the 9th
and 12th Lancers Second World War Diary.
Angela Kelsall
The Mayor of Derby, Co/ohe/ Mart/and T/Itertoh and M/ss Ange/a Ke/saH at the
Museum Day rh Derby
Title