Baxterbear was TREEKLED to help the families of members of 3 RIFLES who were recently deployed on Operation Herrick in Afghanistan. Baxterbear was featured in Mascot magazine, in the article reproduced below:
With Riflemen of 3rd Battalion The Rifles Deploying on Op HERRICK to Afghanistan on October half-term upon us, some diversionary entertainment was needed for the young families of the Battalion. A visit to Edinburgh Castle, home of the Garrison Headquarters, fitted the bill, especially if Baxterbear is at home.
The late October visit proved a great success with children manning the arrow slits and even scaling some of the rock faces within The Castle walls. Places of interest around The Castle included the Regalia of Scotland (Crown Jewels and Sword of State), the National War Memorial commemorating the names of over 148,000 Scottish Service personnel killed in the First World War, and St Margaret’s Chapel dating from the 12th century.
The trip concluded in The Castle Club located in the Barrack Block where the children heard the story of Baxterbear’s visit to The Castle and as a special treat, Baxterbear appeared in person to enthral all those present. During the Second World War, Baxterbear inspired Squadron Leader Baxter to remain positive while trapped by his parachute that was entangled in the jungle canopy after ejecting from his fighter plane over Burma. He was eventually freed by Gurkhas after 5 days.
CSM Coxan, Colour Serjeant Coxon and Corporal Yates have been doing their bit to keep a positive attitude among the families of 3 Rifles during the Battalion’s operational tour and Sharpe’s Retreat has proved a lively Welfare Centre for the Redford-based Unit.