Customs and Practice
Customs and Practice
Speeches It is not customary in the Regiment’s Officers’ Messes to have speeches after dinner – indeed it is traditional not to do so. If there is a requirement for a few words to be said (of thanks, farewell, etc) then this could be done in the Anteroom beforehand, or immediately after Grace has been said.
Silver and Property The Regiment possesses a wealth of silver, pictures, medals and other property. Every officer should make it his duty to familiarise himself with the property held in the battalion in which he is serving. Important Regimental Chattels are described in Part II. It has been a custom of Messes over many years for officers to make presentations to the Mess. There is no set reason or occasion on which this should take place, but voluntary presentations are a mark of affection and pride in the Regiment and are to be encouraged. They are of course always optional, and it is quite acceptable for a group of officers to club together to make a presentation which may bear their names for perpetuity.
WARRANT OFFICERS, NONCOMMISSIONED OFFICERS AND SOLDIERS The Regimental Sergeant Major
Immediately post-commissioning, all officers are invited to RHQ and, among other things, will be invited to subscribe to a number of Regimental causes. One Days Pay Scheme – The most important subscription is to the One Days Pay Scheme. This is a scheme whereby all ranks are asked to contribute one day’s pay (spread over a 12-month period) towards the welfare of personnel in the Regiment. Officers’ Dinner Club – All serving officers are expected to be members of the Officers’ Dinner Club. The Regiment also welcomes and encourages the active friendship, support and companionship of the retired officers’ community. Farewell Present – officers are asked to subscribe to a Farewell Presentation fund. This allows officers to be presented with an appropriate present by their fellow officers on the occasion on leaving the Army.
The RSM will be an example to all in dress, demeanour and conduct both in and out of barracks. He will at all times be active and zealous for the reputation of the Battalion and will endeavour in every way to set a tone corresponding to the great responsibility and trust of his position. He will continuously observe the character and conduct of the NCOs to encourage their professional development and be unremitting in detecting and checking any neglect of duty or unsportsmanlike conduct on the part of either NCOs or soldiers. He must not hesitate to bring to the notice of the Commanding Officer or Adjutant, as appropriate, any matter which he may consider would be beneficial or prejudicial to the interests of the Battalion and must always be prepared to give confidential advice to the Commanding Officer. The Sergeants’ Mess is under his immediate direction, as is the Corporals’ Mess, and he is responsible for their good order, tone and regularity. He will keep the senior NCOs’ duty roster with accuracy and fairness, and in detailing the number of soldiers each company is to provide daily for duty he will be careful that each furnishes its proper proportion. At the proper time, he will parade at the Orderly Room all accused and witnesses, and others who are brought before the Commanding Officer. He will ensure that they are sober, clean and properly dressed. He will set the standard of drill in the Battalion and will frequently attend the Guard Mounting and such other parades as may be ordered.
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Subscriptions
