Standard Bearer

The Royal Artillery Clerks' Association Standard Bearer - Mr Andrew Jones (former Sgt(AC))

Andrew Jones represents the Artillery Clerks' Association at various parades and occasions throughout the year, proudly presenting the Association Standard.

Andrew has been the Standard Bearer for the Association since it was commissioned in 2000. The Standard was paraded for the first time at the St Barbara's Day parade in Larkhill on Sunday 3rd December 2000.

The Standard has been dedicated at St Barbara's Day without fail since 2000 but has also represented the Association at other events. To name a few, the "Farewell to Woolwich" celebrations at Woolwich in May 2007, the "Festival of Remembrance" celebrations in November 2010 at the Albert Hall, with regular attendance at the "Royal Artillery Parade" at Esher and "Gunner Sunday (Royal Hospital Chelsea)".

When he can, Andrew will make an effort to parade the standard at the funerals of our members who have sadly passed over the years.

Andrew provides a Standard Bearers report every year for Crossed Quills of which past and present copies can be found on our Association Crossed Quills webpage.

The Legend of St. Barbara - The Patron Saint of Artillerymen

According to legend, Sain Barbara was the extremely beautiful daughter of a wealthy heathen named Dioscorus, who lived near Nicomedian in Asia Minor. Because of her singular beauty and fearful that she be demanded in marriage and taken away from him, he jealously shut her up in a tower to protect her from the outside world.

Shortly before embarking on a journey, he commissioned a sumptuous bathhouse to be built for her, aproving the design before he departed. Barbara had heard of the teachings of Christ, and while her father was gone spent much time in contemplation. Fron the windows of her tower she looked out upon the surrounding countryside and marvelled at the growing things; the trees, the animals and the people. She decided that all these must be part of a master plan, and that the idols of wood and stone worshipped by her parents must be condemmed as false.

Gradually she came to accept the Christian faith. As her belief became firm, she directed that the builders redesign the bathhouse her father had planned, adding another window so that the three windows might symbolize the Holy Trinity. When her father returned, he was enraged at the changes and infuriated when Barbara achnowledged that she was a Christian. He dragged her before the prefect of the province, who decreed that she be tortured and put to death by beheding. Dioscorus himself carried out the death sentence. On his way home he was struck by lightening and his body consumed.

Saint Barbara lived and died about 300 A.D. She was venerated as early as the seventh century. The legend of the lightening bolt which sruck down her persecutor caused her to be regarded as the patron saint in time of danger from thunderstorms, fires and sudden death.

When gunpowder made its appearance in gthe Western world, Saint Barbara was invoked for aid against accidents resulting from explosions - since some of the earlier artillery pieces often blew up instead of firing their projectile, Saint Barbara became the patron saint of the artillerymen.

Saint Barbara is usually represented standing by a tower with three windows, carrying the palm of a martyr in her hand. Often, too, she holds a chalice and a sacramental wafer and sometimes cannon are displayed near her.

In the UK, the feast of Saint Barbara is celebrated on December 5th and is traditionally recognised by many branches holding a Church Paradee on the closest Sunday to the 5th, and some Regiments and Associations hold a formal dinner.

The following video by the Royal Artillery Sergeant Major, Richie Mealand outlines the history of St Barbara.

The Garrison and Royal Artillery Regimental Church of St Alban with St Barbara, Larkhill

The Garrison and Royal Artillery Regimental Church of St Alban with St Barbara is one of the Larkhill landmarks. It stands in its own grounds next to the main entrance of the Royal School of Artillery. Built just over 60 years ago in red brick it has a classic 1930s interior which must be one of the best in the country. With its fine collection of memorials it is always worth a visit or come along to find a quiet place for prayer and contemplation.

Sunday Service - 1000 hrs Morning Worship or Holy Communion

First Sunday of the month is a family service

Special services are listed on the Church noticeboard.

Weddings and Baptisms are by appointment.

Tel: 01980 845289 Garrison Chaplain and Church Office.