This issue will mark the end of our first years Association with First Empire and I would like to take this opportunity to thank Dave Watkins and his team for not only producing a splendid magazine, but also for all the help and support he has given to the NA over the year. I look forward to a long and mutually beneficial partnership.

To readers whether NA members, subscribers, or even if this is the first time you have seen this magazine, could I encourage you to join the NA and help us to ensure that the facilities available to all those with an interest in the Napoleonic period improve and develop. A strong, healthy, and growing membership will enable us to do so much more.

My final task in this issue is a very sad one as I have to record the deaths of 2 stalwart friends to the Napoleonic Association, Jack Sibley, and Fred Bauer.

For Jack I cannot find better words than those expressed in a letter from David Banks, British Brigade Commander, to the 42nd Royal Highland Regiment.

“It is with the deepest regret that I have heard the sad news of the passing of dear Jack Sibley. Ever since joining the Napoleonic Association, Jack has been one of the great characters, always ready with a smile and a kind word, not to mention the witty comment. I will always remember Jack doubling up the hill to Waterloo village flying his colours after the last reenactment in 1990 -- we younger mortals were gasping for breath, but Jack showed us all up with his stamina.

It was only a few weeks ago that he was at Northolt where he carried my Brigade colour for me on the battlefield. He will be sadly missed.

I can only convey my deepest sympathy both personally, and on behalf of the members of the British Brigade, to yourselves his closest colleagues.

I also convey my sympathy to his wife who I had the honour of meeting for the first time at Northolt.

Jack Sibley was one of those increasingly rare and valuable people who combined honesty, integrity, and a sense of duty to his fellows, kindness and a sense of humour. He was in short one of those few people who can truly be set up as an example to us all. He was a great man, and I know that I shall miss him, as we all will.”

Coming on top of this news it was tragic to hear from Germany of the death of Friedrich Leonhard Bauer. “Unser Frieder”.

Fred Bauer was Secretary of the Napoleonische Gesellschaft, our sister organisation in Germany, and a great friend and colleague. Only a few weeks ago I was talking to Fred about arrangements for the Waterloo event in 1995. Fred was instrumental in establishing the European Napoleonic Federation, a body to link the activities of enthusiasts in Germany, France, and Britain as well as others across Europe. It will be difficult to find another who cares so deeply, and who will work so hard for the benefit of us all.

His earnest wish was to bring together into a greater union the various groups who represent Napoleonic Interest across Europe, in a spirit of friendship and cooperation. The continued success of the European Napoleonic Feredation will be a fitting epitaph for all his work.

I know I can speak for all the members of the Napoleonic Associa-tion in conveying our deepest sympathy to his wife, Anna, and all the membership of the Napoleonische Gesellschaft.

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