The_Poppy_March_2012.pdf - The Western Front Association

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Planning a trip to France? L’Automobiliste … PRENEZ GARDE! For some years now it is has been strictly forbidden under Article R413-15 of the French ‘Code de la Route’ (highway code) to carry a speed camera detector in a vehicle in France, regardless of whether or not it is being used. Penalties can include fines of up to 1,500 euros (£1,290) confiscation of the device and of the vehicle. Until recently this legislation did not apply to satellite navigation or other GPS/phone based systems, capable of displaying fixed speed camera locations as points of interest (POI). However, a new French law came into effect from 3rd January 2012, to extend the carrying of such devices to include Satnav or GPS/phone systems capable of showing speed camera sites as POI. As well as now banning these devices, the French government is actively installing around 400 new fixed speed cameras and taking down road signs that indicate the location of existing fixed speed camera sites. What should you do? If you have a Satnav device capable of displaying camera locations in France, then you must at least disable the speed camera alerts before driving in France. It is recommended that you contact the manufacturer of the Satnav for advice as it is likely that a software or database update is available to actually remove speed camera data from the device for France. Those drivers who have a Satnav system built into their car should contact the vehicle manufacturer in the first instance. The French Police are not allowed to investigate your unit GPS/Phone etc. but the Customs & Excise (Douanes) can do so by law and it is reported that checks are likely to be made when leaving ferry or Eurotunnel terminals. Encore … PRENEZ GARDE! Another new motoring law that is being introduced into France, this July, is the requirement for all motorists to carry a single-use breathalyser kit in their cars, so that they can test themselves, as necessary, to ensure they are below the French drink-drive limits. Motorists found with between 50mg and 80mg of alcohol in their blood can be fined €135 (£116) and lose six out of 12 points on their driving licence. Above that, then a driver risks a fine of €4,500 (£3,880) the loss of his licence and a prison sentence 0f up to two years. Motorists are being urged to carry at least two of the single-use breathalysers, to show the police that they have a ready-to-use kit available, if stopped. The Police will, of course, use their own breathalysers to carry out any roadside test. Those drivers caught without a kit will risk a fine of €11 (£9.50) but the French have stated that there will be a period of grace until November 2012, before they start issuing penalties. Breathalyser kits cost between £1 and £2 each and will be available from ferry and Eurotunnel terminals on this side of the Channel. French Police are expected to carry out random checks on drivers to ensure that they understand the latest drinkdriving rules. Just a reminder of what you will now be compulsorily required to carry when driving in France: • Breathalyser • Luminous vest (gilet) • Warning triangle • GB sticker or number plate with EU logo • Motor insurance certificate • Headlamp converters • BOTH paper and photo card parts of UK driving licence Recommended: • Spare bulbs for external lights • Fire extinguisher • First-aid kit n 18
Branch Battlefield Tour 2012 – Messines, Third Ypres and Courtrai Remembrance Day at Brock Barracks Passchendaele in the Autumn of 1917 Sunday 10th June to Friday 15th June 2012 Thanks to the efforts of Don Farr and Ian Fenne everything is now in place for this year’s tour with reservations at the Albion Hotel*** in Ieper confirmed and travel arrangements for the mini-bus, cars and P&O Ferry crossings all booked. Planning for the trip is well under way and presenters will be busy researching their chosen subjects over the next couple of months. Mike Lawson will be shortly drafting the itinerary, following recces to the areas around Mesen (Messines), Passendale (Passchendaele) and Kortrijk (Courtrai) by Don, Mike and Michael Orr in early April. Sunday 13th November 2011 The Chairman, Bridgeen Fox, about to lay a wreath at the Cenotaph, Brock Barracks, Reading at the Service of Remembrance 19
Page 1 and 2: Poppy THE THE NEWSLETTER OF THE WES
Page 3 and 4: Proposed Branch Visit to Reading Ol
Page 5 and 6: Harry Alfred Hiscock was born in Re
Page 7 and 8: Millicent Duchess of Sutherland Amb
Page 9 and 10: with the No.9 Red Cross Hospital, w
Page 11 and 12: had come back (Lieut A. Dayrell-Ree
Page 13 and 14: The Bridcutts of Benson by Rob Love
Page 15 and 16: In 1919 he was part of The North Ru
Page 17: securing it, the Lusitania took her
Page 21 and 22: Programme for 2012* Details of the

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