The British Empire Forces

An Invitation .
Contents;

1. Introduction
2. Membership/Customer Flyer
3. Constitution and Statement of Purpose
4. Training Procedure
5. Communications Policy
6. Uniforms and Equipment
7. Health and Safety Policy
8. Membership Application Form
A invitation to the membership of the units currently styled ‘The
Territorials, The Yeomanry and HM 22nd Foot and other interested living
historians .
As the concluding centenary year for the Great War approaches we
propose to introduce a system of structure and standard forms in order
to consolidate and future proof the unit to ensure the current
membership is maintained and new members find us and it easy to use
through 2018 and beyond.

We suggest that the best and most effective aspects of Living History
groups are cherry picked whilst also being able to address some of the
things that have caused other groups difficulties with the intention of
making a Living History display that is both relevant to the public and
customers but above all else fulfilling and enjoyable to its members.

Enjoy!

Tom and Alistair.

 British Empire Forces 1914 - 1918

British Empire Forces is a Living History group focussing on the life and times of the ordinary British
Soldier during the First World War 1914 - 1918.

We typically represent a section of the Cheshire Regiment on the Western Front. However, our
impressions do not end there. We also show what the regiment looked like and experienced in the
eastern theatres of the war, Gallipoli, Mesopotamia and Salonkia.

Some of our members have a deep interest in the Commonwealth forces called on by Great Britain
in our hour of need. This valuable contribution to the Empires war effort is represented by
Australian, Canadian and New Zealand soldiers being seen in our encampments and demonstrations.
Some of our members have family links to these forces and have researched them in great detail.
We’re happy to accommodate such impressions as it increases the public understanding of the
period.

It is our goal to accurately portray the soldiers of all nations in this great conflict, to honour their
memory and highlight that this was truly a global war.

Do you have an interest in The Great War? Have you ever considered taking up Living History as a
hobby? British Empire Forces is recruiting, full training and guidance on how to get started is
provided.
And we don’t just cater to men, we have a number of female members who represent nurses and
civilians of the era. Perhaps you have a relative from the time you would like to represent? If you are
willing to learn or can teach us something new, we’d love to accommodate like minded individuals.
Your King, Country and Empire need YOU. Answer the call, indulge your love of history and ensure
the memory of those who gave some and those who gave all are never forgotten.
British Empire Forces Statement of Purpose and Constitution

Aim and Principles

To provide guidelines on the unit impression and give clear advice on both what is expected of both
members and the unit, the unit shall be called British Empire Forces, referred to in this document as
BEF or ‘the unit’.

Through living history entertain, educate and inform on the life and times of the British Empire and
Commonwealth soldier.

Financial

An account will be maintained on behalf of the unit at a bank agreed by the committee. Up to three
but not fewer than two cheque signatories will be nominated by the Committee (one to be the
Treasurer). Any one of these must sign every cheque. The signatories must not be related nor
members of the same household.

Records of income and expenditure will be maintained by the Treasurer and a financial statement
given to each meeting.

All members shall be volunteers, there will be no payments to individuals save and except
reimbursement of approved expenses incurred as a result of the purchase of unit equipment or
maintenance of unit equipment. The unit shall operate on a not for profit basis and any fees or other
income generated by the unit shall be used to cover the running costs of the unit, in the case that
additional monies are available after these running costs are met, these monies shall be re-invested
in the unit for the benefit of all current members.

Impressions

The unit’s core impression shall be a private soldier of the Cheshire Regiment between 1914 and 1919
on the Western Front, i.e Kit and equipment as detailed in the document ‘BEF Uniforms and
Equipment’. All members must work towards this core impression and are expected to have gathered
all items necessary within an agreed timescale.

Any number of other Impressions, including those outside the nominated core impression years are
permitted. These may include but are not limited to any military/ uniformed forces serving with the
British Empire and Commonwealth. These may also include, where the scenario allows any allied
forces or indeed belligerent forces if this meets the requirements of the event at the approval of the
Chairman or unit commander.

Membership and Roles

Member: Shall be at all times responsible for the delivery of the principles above, hold the rank of
Private or equivalent with respect to female impressions, participate fully in unit activities, pay the
required annual subscription to remain members. Membership shall be open to any individual subject
to the satisfactory completion and acceptance of the annual membership form. The annual
membership shall lapse on November 11th each year and be subject to renewal using the membership
application form regardless of joining date. The membership application form shall contain the annual
membership fee. Failure to adhere to the rules of the unit may result in membership being suspended
and withdrawn without notice, likewise any gross breach of the Health and Safety policy may result in
the instant suspension or cancellation of membership.

Chairman: Shall be responsible for the running of all aspects of the unit including the nomination of
event commanders, issue unit communications, hold the rank of corporal, fulfil the role of event
coordinator in the event there is no member in this role, production of annual reports, chairing unit
meetings and co-ordinating unit affairs. The Chairman is a committee member.

Armourer: Responsible for all company property including weapons, the care and maintenance of all
company property, the allocation of lend kit, its care and safe return to stores. Regarding weapons
the word of the armourer is final in matters of serviceability and safety, reports directly to the
Chairman. The armourer is responsible for the implementation of the H&S policy. The Armourer is a
committee member.

Treasurer: Shall be responsible for the company funds, incoming and outgoing monies, membership
subscription, the production of invoices, the production of annual accounts or extraordinary accounts
at the direction of the chairman or committee, reports directly to the chairman. The treasurer is a
committee member

Event Coordinator: Shall be responsible for the coordination of all bookings and enquiries for events
and shall liaise at all times closely with the event coordinator in sister units i.e HM 22nd Foot. Shall be
responsible for maintenance of company records, distribution of unit papers, keeping membership
records, reports to the Chariman. The Event coordinator is a committee member.

Event Commander: Responsible for all aspects of maintaining standards in accordance with unit rules
at events, be the point of contact at events for members and organisers, command the unit at that
event, assume the responsibilities and insignia of lance corporal (or equivalent based on scenario) for
that event, be listed on nominated event commander list based on training and recency, report
directly to the chairman.

Instructor: Responsible for the instruction of the membership at events, this may include
presentations to the membership or the public on specific subjects, be on the nominated list of
instructors, reports directly to the event commander.

Unit Meetings

The unit shall hold an AGM to discuss unit business and present reports from the committee which
shall consist of the Chairman, Treasurer, Armourer and Event Coordinator other members may be co-
opted onto the committee at the discretion of the committee. Meetings shall be held on the closest
Sunday to November 11th each year following the annual act of remembrance (i.e. Remembrance
Sunday) or a period not exceeding 15 months from the previous AGM. A standing agenda shall contain;

- Chairman’s report

- Treasurer’s report
- Event coordinator’s report

- Armourer’s report

- Amendment to unit rules and policy

- AOB

Members may submit items to be discussed as AOB in writing not fewer than three weeks prior to the
meeting to the Chairman. All current members have a standing invitation to the AGM. Meetings shall
be considered quorate with two thirds of committee members in attendance.

The Event Coordinator may call an Extraordinary General Meeting at the request of the majority of
the committee giving a written request to the Chairman or Event Coordinator stating the reason for
their request.

The meeting will take place within twenty-one days of the request.

All members will be given two weeks notice of such a meeting, giving the venue, date, time and
agenda, and notice may be by telephone, email or post.

All questions that arise at any meeting will be discussed openly and the meeting will seek to find
general agreement that everyone present can agree to.

If a consensus cannot be reached a vote will be taken and a decision will be made by a simple majority
of members present ad eligible to vote. If the number of votes cast on each side are equal, the chair
of the meeting shall have an additional casting vote.

Amendments to the constitution and unit policies

Amendments to the constitution may only be made at the Annual General Meeting or a Special
General Meeting.

Any proposal to amend the constitution must be given to the Event Coordiantor in writing. The
proposal must then be circulated with the notice of meeting.

Any proposal to amend the constitution will require a two thirds majority of those present and entitled
to vote.

Dissolution

If a meeting, by simple majority, decides that it is necessary to close down the unit it may call a Special
General Meeting to do so. The sole business of this meeting will be to dissolve the unit.

If it is agreed to dissolve the unit all remaining money and other assets, once outstanding debts have
been paid, will be donated to a local charitable organisation. The organisation to be agreed at the
meeting which agrees the dissolution.

At Events
All members are required to follow the lawful orders of the nominated event commander or training
instructor and participate in all unit exercises as directed by the event commander.

Standards of presentation shall be maintained at all times during working hours where no
anachronistic equipment or behaviour is permitted.

Standards of cleanliness and kit are to be maintained in accordance with the impression depicted.

All drills and behaviour standards are to be in accordance with period manuals and procedures, any
training session will be similarly in accordance with period manuals.

Responsibility for the above shall be borne by all members present and shall be checked by the event
commander whose judgement is final at that event.

Weapons

All weapons that are member’s property remain the responsibility of that member/ owner in
accordance with current firearms licencing instructions and legislation. Any Unit owned weapons will
be similarly the responsibility of the unit armourer, these duties may be delegated to the event
commander.

It remains the responsibility of the individual member to ensure they are appropriately licenced to
handle any weapon at events. Each member shall be obliged to present personal licences to the unit
armourer not fewer than once per season and must also be presented without prior notice upon
demand from the chairman, armourer or unit commander.

Any weapons remain clean and serviceable in accordance with the period musketry manual and will
be inspected by the armourer or event commander for serviceability of safety features and general
condition.
BEF Training Procedure

Privates knowledge checks

- Be instructed in and complete satisfactorily Appendix A

Instructors standards

Sound knowledge of chosen subject

Nominated Event commander’s standards

Be current and checked out on the following;

- Instruct Appendix A

- Safety and event handling

- 1st Aid

Command at least one event per season.

Training Schedule

Each area of training shall be subject to based on a recurrent schedule to maintain the minimum
standards of drill and deportment.

All event training sessions to be applicable to and correct for the scenario and stage of the war in
question. For example, gas drills will not be applicable in 1914 scenarios.

Event kit guide lines will take into consideration what equipment is required for the training sessions
to be run at the event.

All infantry are to be instructed in the safe handling of their firearms (even deactivated) and
schooled in the basics of musketry.

Bayonet fighting is to be conducted with instructors, against the target ring and “dummies”.
Emphasis on safety is to be stressed while maintaining the correct aggressive nature of the activity.

Members are to be encouraged to become sufficiently proficient in at least one area in order to run
sessions should the usual instructor be unavailable.

Foot Drill: Soldiers are to be taught the correct position of a soldier, under arms and without arms.
Left, right and about turns are to be taught so they are executed smartly and in unison. Wheels,
column formations and turns on the march to be taught once instructor is happy with the member’s
progress. All soldiers are to learn the basics, regardless of role. Medics will be exempt from any
duties under arms. Nurses are encouraged to also learn the basics of foot drill in order to improve
their impressions and deportment.
Musketry: Instructors will explain and demonstrate the correct loading and firing processes. Once
this is achieved all soldiers to be guided through the correct method to aim and adjust aim as
required. Standing, kneeling and prone firing positions are to be taught and practiced as often as is
deemed suitable and appropriate.

Bayonet Exercises: Each position is to be taught and the likely encounters in which they would be
used. Repetition is key to bring these quickly to mind for speed of application. All bayonets to be
checked at each event to ensure they are fit for service. It will remain the responsibility of each
member to ensure that their weapons are in good order, clean and damage free. Any faulty
equipment is to be serviced or replaced as a matter of urgency.

Physical Training: Each morning following the completion of breakfast and ablutions, soldiers will be
instructed in one half hour session of PT. This will consist of stretches to the arms, legs and body. PT
instructor to choose the activities taking into account the age range and differing physical condition
of all members. It is recommended that some of the more humorous exercises be included to make
the experience light hearted yet beneficial. The session will be concluded with a short jog (100yrds
approx).

Hygiene: Any members not familiar with period cleanliness are to be instructed by a knowledgeable
member in the correct methods of shaving. This is to include both straight and (period) safety razors.
Members are to be encouraged to purchase straight razors for inclusion in their wash roles. Period
safety razors may be carried also as an expedient for maintaining correct military standards. Soldiers
are required to have a suitable hair style and length for their role.

First Aid: Instruction in period correct first aid is to be researched and presented in order to increase
the knowledge of the membership. Any available manuals are to be consulted and a training session
to be drafted for future use.

Any members with first aid training are asked to make themselves known in order to deal with any
emergencies. It is to be encouraged that ALL members have some first aid training or knowledge.
Medics and nurses are asked to build this into their impression.
Appendix A: Standard basic BEF training syllabus
Sources “Musketry Regulations 1909 (with amendments 1914)” War Office

“Infantry Training, 4 Company Organisation 1914” War Office

Foot drill (School of the Soldier)

o Forming Squad up 3 ranks/ numbering a squad ‘telling off’

o Standing to attention

o Standing at ease/ standing easy

o Dressing a squad with intervals

o Turnings by numbers

o Saluting to the front

o Marching, length of pace, correct pace

o Position in marching (a soldierly bearing)

o Marching in slow/ quick time (single rank to start)

o The halt

o Stepping out/ Stepping short

o Marking time

o Change step

o Turning on the march

o Opening and closing a squad

o Reforming (one) rank

o Dismissing with and without arms

Manual of Arms

o Fall in order arms

o Stand at ease

o Attention

o Slope arms

o Present from slope

o Change arms

o Fix bayonets from order

 o Unfix bayonets

o Trail arms

o Inspection arms

o Short trail

o Sling arms from order

o Ground/ take up arms

o Compliments under arms

Loading and Firing

o Know your weapon (naming of parts)

o Basic maintenance

o Test arms

o Loading (position of load standing, kneeling, prone)

o Firing (standing, kneeling, prone)

o Adjustment of sights, taking aim

o Ease springs (unload)

o Eventualities (misfires/ stoppages)

o Safety distances
BEF procedure Communications

Aim

To provide a standard model for internal and external communications for the unit to ensure that
communications are transmitted in a timely and accurate manner.

Internal communications.

Internal Communications are to be in principle from a single source although these responsibilities
may be delegated in accordance with this procedure. Communications are;

General Communications to the whole membership

- Notification of events list for the year

- Warning orders for events
- Reminders for events
- Joining Instructions for events
- Newsletter

Communications with Event commanders

- Instructions including event site contact, event objectives and training exercises.
- Kit list instructions
- Event commanders report submitted not greater than one week after the event (will be
collated to end of year report)

Methods

The primary method of commination shall be email as sent by the Chairman or nominated deputy.

All email communications shall be repeated via appropriate social media as required however the
email remains the sole source of current information by which any updates can be sent.

External communications

Shall be solely by email as sent by the Charmian to any event customers, press and other bodies
seeking information from the unit. All outgoing communications from the Chairman shall include a
CC to any event commanders or delegated parties for oversight and consistency, where those CCd
are required to provide an input these shall be through the Chairman.

Events Communication with Customers

In the event of any member being approached by any party, by any means with the possibility of a
booking these enquiries must be processed through the event procedure and all potential customers
be referred to the event co-coordinator.
BEF Uniforms and Equipment

The British Tommy went to war in 1914 wearing the standard 1902 Service Dress, consisting of
peaked cap, tunic, trousers, brown B4 boots and puttees. These are the basic items you will need to
attend an event and begin building your impression.

In addition to this a grey wool shirt was worn under the tunic along with cotton or wool underwear
consisting of vest and drawers (long johns). Wool socks were worn inside the boots.
The infantry was equipped with the 1908 webbing equipment, this allowed the soldier to carry all his
necessary items and fire his Short Magazine Lee Enfield rifle.

Each soldier also carried a wash roll (top) which held all the items required to maintain personal
cleanliness, eating utensils and polishing buttons, badges and brass work. A spare pair of laces for
the boots was also included. A sewing kit (bottom) was also issued to repair uniforms and reattach
buttons.

All commonwealth infantry were issued a set of mess tins from which to eat and prepare basic meals
and hot drinks. The mess tins were carried in a tan or khaki cover.
Additional clothing consisted of a cap comforter, balaclava helmet, gloves and greatcoat. A spare
shirt and pair of socks would also be included in a soldiers kit.

From 1915 the danger of gas attacks became a very real threat to the men in the trenches of all
armies. British and Commonwealth forces were issued gas hoods to protect them from this new and
deadly weapon.
In 1916 the brodie helmet was introduced as a general issue item, reducing the cases of head
injuries considerably. The introduction of this head gear required a modified cap to be issued instead
of the stiff service dress cap. The Soft Cap was easily stored in a pocket or small pack when helmets
were worn.

Later that year a new type of gas protection was introduced, the gas hoods having proved some
what limited in their effectiveness. However, both types of gas protection would be seen carried
together.

The majority of commonwealth troops used these items during their service and wore variations of
the 1902 service dress. However it was not uncommon to see troops from around the empire
wearing standard British issue items by the middle of the war, many adopting the same pattern for
ease of supply.
The notable exception to this being the Australians, who developed their own uniform style prior to
WW1.
War in the Middle East and Africa

Fighting in the Middle East and the African colonies required a different uniform entirely from those
used on the western front.
The standard uniform was made from Khaki Drill cotton, much better suited to the hot climate found
in both areas. Caps were largely replaced with the Wolseley pattern pith helmet as protection from
the sun.

Standard equipment remained unchanged.

Approved vendors: Where to get all this stuff (vendors listed in order of preference)

1902 Service Dress:

Pegasus Militaria www.pegasusmilitaria.com

Khaki Devil http://www.khakidevil.co.uk/

Soldier of Fortune www.sofmilitary.co.uk

What Price Glory http://www.whatpriceglory.com

Boots, B5:

William Lennon and Co www.rufflander.co.uk/product-category/heritage-footwear/world-war-1-

b5-boot/

Soldier of Fortune www.sofmilitary.co.uk

Shirts:
Pegasus Militaria www.pegasusmilitaria.com

Khaki on Campaign http://khaki-on-campaign.webs.com/ww1pricelist.htm

What Price Glory http://www.whatpriceglory.com

Underwear, vests:

Darcy clothing http://www.darcyclothing.com/shop/underwear/short-sleeve-three-button-vests-

un210.html

or

http://www.darcyclothing.com/shop/underwear/vintage-shirt-company-short-sleeve-vest-
un2100.html

Members are welcome to wear a more modern style of long johns if they wish or a more accurate
pair, cut to a period style can be purchased through the group. These items are recommended to
prevent chaffing from the rough wool uniforms.

1908 Webbing Equipment – Marching order:

Khaki Devil http://www.khakidevil.co.uk/

Soldier of Fortune www.sofmilitary.co.uk

Brodie Helmet:
Prairie Flower Leather Company (USA based maker of excellent replicas)
https://pflco.com/helmets.html
Ebay, militaria fairs, antique shops etc for original helmet shells.
BEF Health and Safety Policy.

BEF Health and Safety Policy.

HEALTH AND SAFETY INSTRUCTION

1. Definitions.

a. Senior Officer. ‘Senior Officer’ means the member of the British Empire Forces (BEF) at an
event who is badged as the most senior officer or Non-Commissioned Officer (NCO) present
according to the rank structure of the British, German and French armies during the period
1914-1918.
b. Weapons. The term ‘weapon’ includes all firearms, shotguns, de-activated firearms, trench
weapons, grenades, swords and bayonets.
c. Ammunition. ‘Ammunition’ is defined as all blank firing rounds and empty cases used in all
calibre of weapons deployed by the BEF. Live rounds are not permitted at BEF events. A copy
of the instruction will be provided to those individual/groups.
d. Cleared. A weapon is ‘cleared’ when it contains no rounds of ammunition in the barrel,
breech or the magazine. Each weapon has separate clearing drills that will be apply as per
the relevant period service instructions.
e. Designated Display Area. This may be a formally separated area provided by the host
organisation, or a temporary one set up by the BEF. There is no requirement for barriers but
it will be a clearly identified area and access controlled by members of the BEF or the host
organisation. A designated display area also includes any area specified for the firing of
volleys at a military funeral.
f. Medical Sharps. Any item of medical equipment with sharp or pointed edges including
scalpels, syringes and saws.
g. Edged Weapons and Tools. Bayonets, swords, knives and axes or any tool with a sharp edge.

2. Introduction. As a living history group the BEF is dedicated to accurately depicting the life and role
of soldiers and volunteers in the Great War for the education of BEF members and the general
public. The nature of the equipment used and aspects of the living history carry a small level of risk
that needs to be mitigated by the application of straight forward Health and Safety measures. As a
Unit and as individuals we have a simple duty of care for fellow members and the public. The Health
and Safety measures are in keeping with many of the military regulations in force in the early 20th
Century and will not compromise the historic authenticity of displays. The proper application and
adherence to Health and Safety measures is a reflection of the professional ethos of the BEF.

3. Scope. These instructions apply to all BEF events – public and private training. They also apply to
all BEF members and any individual or group that joins the BEF for an event.2 A copy of the
instruction will be distributed to all new members on joining the BEF and to guests at events.

4. Individual Responsibilities. All members are to read and comply with the direction given in this
instruction, the Arms and Ammunition Safety and Security Code of Conduct and with Risk
Assessments for individual events. It is incumbent on members to act at BEF events to avoid and
prevent accidents. Members deemed by the Committee of the BEF to be putting others at risk
through acts of omission or commission are liable to be expelled from the BEF.
5. Weapons. The separate Arms and Ammunition Safety and Security Code of Conduct lays out the
rules for the possession and use of weapons and ammunition by members of the BEF, including
possession of the appropriate certification.

a. Blank-firing Firearms. When using blank firing weapons:

(1) They are only to be discharged by trained members of the BEF. Training is provided
by the BEF.
(2) They are only to be discharged on the command of the senior officer or NCO
present.
(3) They must never be discharged outside of a designated display area.
(4) The public will be prevented from approaching closer than 20m when weapons are
discharged.
(5) The public must be warned of the noise of fire and the risk from debris.
(6) Members firing weapons over prolonged and sustained periods are strongly advised
to wear appropriate ear defence (Ear plugs that are not visible to the casual
observer. Available at Boots chemist or Google “Ear Plugs” for firms that offer
discreet cheap soft foam and putty products eg.
http://www.enhancedlistening.co.uk/Shooting-Earplugs/c-1- 322/).
(7) The senior officer or NCO present must ensure that all weapons are cleared, using
the correct drills, before and after displays using blank firing ammunition.
(8) When weapons are discharged in the direction of a live enemy firing must cease
when the live enemy comes within 50m of the weapon.
(9) Members are responsible for the proper care and maintenance of blank-firing
weapons and ensuring they remain serviceable and safe to fire.
(10)The senior officer or NCO present at an event will check all blank-firing weapons for
serviceability at the beginning of an event. This will include a check for blockages
prior to blank-fire demonstrations and displays.

b. All Firearms. All weapons (deactivated and blank-firing) must be in the control of a member
at all times that they are not under guard in centralised secure storage.

(1) When weapons are handed to other members, or placed in or retrieved from
centralised storage, the member taking control of the weapon must clear the
weapon using the correct drills.
(2) Weapons may only be handled by members of the public after being cleared by the
member using the correct drills. The weapon must remain in the control of the
member at all times. Live firing weapons must never be handled by the public.

c. Edged Weapons. When handling edged weapons they:

(1) Should remain sheathed and in the control of members at all times when not in
secure storage.
(2) May be drawn to show a member of the public but may not be handed to a member
of the public. The member must warn members of the public to stand clear as he
draws and fixes the bayonet, and he should take care that no one is stood behind.
(3) Bayonets.

i. Normally bayonets will be fixed and un-fixed in display area. Where

bayonets are fixed or unfixed in camp, this will be done in ranks at the
 command of an officer or NCO. Any member of the public considered to be
too close should be directed to move back before proceeding with the drill.
ii. The senior officer or NCO present will assess the ground on which
demonstrations using fixed bayonets are conducted for trip and slip hazards.
The presence of such hazards will inform his conduct of the demonstration.
iii. May be fitted for demonstrations against a live enemy. However, the
demonstrating troops will port their arms and halt on reaching a minimum
of 4m from the enemy.
6. Ammunition.

a. Authorised Ammunition. No live ammunition is permitted. Only blank ammunition obtained

from BEF authorised sources may be used. Ammunition will be checked for serviceability
before being used (Check that there are no signs of tampering, damage or erosion).
b. Storage. Blank ammunition will be stored under guard in an ammunition box away.
c. Mixing of Ammunition Natures. Blank ammunition is not to be mixed with ammunition of
any other nature (Dummy or live). The senior officer or NCO present is to ensure that only
blank ammunition is distributed for displays and demonstrations.
d. Empty Cases.

(1) Empty cases are to be recovered where possible.

(2) Members of the public are to be warned of the dangers of retrieving blank rounds or
empty cases from display areas. Empty cases should not be handed to members of
the public.

e. Misuse. No member will alter or tamper with blank ammunition.

7. Pyrotechnics. Displays and demonstrations using pyrotechnics are run by professional special
effects personnel. Such displays are carefully choreographed and subject to regulation. Therefore
members participating in such displays and demonstrations will:

a. Be fully briefed on the display/demonstration including safe and danger areas.

b. Conduct a dry rehearsal.
c. Abide by the instructions of the pyrotechnic experts at all times.
d. Not interfere with un-discharged or discharged pyrotechnics, in particular, mis-fired
pyrotechnics.

Any events with pyrotechnic demonstrations or displays will be attended by St John’s Ambulance or
other accredited First Aid organisation.

8. Medical Sharps. The General Hospital displays a variety of medical instruments that have the
potential to injure BEF members and the public if mishandled. Particular care should be taken with
scalpels and needles. Therefore:

a. The displays of medical instruments must not be left unattended at any time.
b. Members should prevent any individual handling equipment where they consider the
individual unsuitable to handle it (Due to age or mental capacity).
c. An individual permitted to handle items must be closely supervised.

9. Field Kitchen and Soyer Stove. Both these pieces of equipment become very hot whilst in use.
Therefore:
 a. Care must be taken in siting the equipment away from combustible material (Stately homes
or crops for example). The equipment will only be used outside and must not be used inside
buildings or tents or close to buildings or tents. The advice of the host organisers should be
sort.
b. The equipment must not be left unattended once the fires are lit or whilst the equipment is
hot.
c. Members cooking or stoking the equipment should use the protective gloves provided.
d. Where necessary two people should lift heavy dixies onto and off the equipment.
e. Care should be taken to ensure that the fires are completely extinguished before the
equipment is loaded into transport.

10. Fire.

a. Prevention.

(1) No naked flames are permitted in tents or buildings used for displays or sleeping
accommodation.
(2) Covered oil and candle lamps may be used. Oil should be stored in sealed metal
containers away from sources of heat.
(3) Water filled fire buckets are to be located next to the Field Kitchen, Soyer stove and flag
pole.
(4) No heaters of any type may be used in tents or unventilated buildings except where they
have been fitted and passed by the appropriate industry qualified specialist (Gas Safe
Register or registered electrician). Only flumed heaters may be used in these
circumstances.
(5)

b. Actions on the Outbreak of Fire.

(1) On discovering a fire, shout ‘FIRE, FIRE, FIRE’ to alert others of the hazard.
(2) Evacuate any building or tent immediately ensuring that all personnel (BEF members
and the public) leave the hazardous area.
(3) If there is no risk to life attempt to extinguish the fire using the fire buckets or other
available fire-fighting equipment. Otherwise do not enter the area.
(4) Call the emergency services as required on 999.
(5) All personnel should assemble at the flag pole and the senior officer or NCO present
should take roll call.

11. Medical Emergency. Incidents involving BEF members or the public should be dealt with in the
following way:

a. In case of any acute medical emergency call 999.

b. Seek help from on-site St John’s Ambulance Brigade or other accredited medical staff or
organisation. All members should make themselves aware of the location of on-site medical
facilities on arrival at events.
c. Members with current medical or First Aid qualifications should make themselves known to
the senior officer or NCO present at the beginning of the event.

12. Hygiene. Food is cooked on the Field Kitchen and Soyer stove.
 a. Those preparing, cooking and eating food should wash their hands prior to handling the
food.
b. All cooking and eating utensils should be washed and clean before and after use.
c. Raw meat should be prepared on a separate work surface to vegetables.
d. Food should be covered to prevent contamination by flies and dirt.
e. Waste should be disposed of in covered bins or sealed plastic bags.

13. Trip Hazards.

a. The principal trip hazard comes from tent guy ropes. The tents should be sited so as to
discourage members of the public from walking between tents. Any other area with public
access should be checked for trip hazards.
b. Axes and picks are to be laid flat in an area away from the public. They are not to be stuck in
the ground causing a trip and impaling hazard.

14. Loading and Unloading.

a. Heavy items should be lifted with care and by more than one person when necessary.
Manoeuvre of heavy items such as the Field Kitchen should be under supervision of one
individual.
b. Loading and unloading of BEF commercial transport is to be done under the supervision of a
qualified haulier.
c. Members with medical injuries are not required to lift heavy equipment.

15. General Site Security.

a. When manning of the site is reduced by absence on arena displays, sufficient personnel
should be detailed to act as a rear party to ensure the security of the camp. Removable
items should be secured in tents.
b. During silent hours equipment should be secured in tents/accommodation. Ideally
tents/accommodation displaying equipment should be used as over-night accommodation
and no tent left unoccupied.
c. Where tents/accommodation are unoccupied they are not to be used for storage of arms,
ammunition or medical sharps.
d. Other items should be stored as appropriate to their value and the assessed risk from crime
in the area. Members remain responsible for their own property and taking reasonable
measures to protect them from theft and damage. It is recommended that individuals insure
their personal property.

16. Members are reminded that any event or talk they have organised is only an official BEF event
and therefore covered by BEF Insurance if permission has been sought and obtained from the BEF
Chairman and the BEF Secretary has been informed prior to the event taking place.

17. A Risk Assessment will be produced for each event by the BEF Secretary in consultation with the
Chairman and BEF event coordinator.

18. Summary. Health and Safety is largely a matter of common sense. All members are responsible
for their own health and safety and that of those around them. The simple measures identified
above can be applied without compromising the historical integrity of the BEF displays and
demonstrations.
T Denton
Chairman
08 AUG 17