THE HOUSEHOLD CAVALRY JOURNAL
2002/03
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The Household Cavalry Journal Incorporating The Acorn and The Blue and Royal No. 11 2002/03 Editor: Lieutenant Colonel (Retd) JS Olivier, The Blues and Royals. Section Editors: Major AB Methven, The Life Guards Major AD Dick, The Blues and Royals
Colonel-in-Chief Her Majesty The Queen Colonel of The Life Guards and Gold Stick : General the Lord Guthrie of Craigiebank GCB, LVO, OBE Colonel of The Blues and Royals and Gold Stick: HRH The Princess Royal KG, KT, GCVO, QSO Deputy Colonel of The Blues and Royals: Brigadier The Duke of Wellington KG, LVO, OBE, MC Commander Household Cavalry and Silver Stick: Colonel HPD Massey, The Blues and Royals Commanding Officer Household Cavalry Regiment: Lieutenant Colonel MC van der Lande OBE, The Life Guards Commanding Officer Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment: Lieutenant Colonel SH Cowen, The Blues and Royals
The Life Guards Battle Honours Dettingen Peninsula Waterloo Tel el Kebir Egypt (1882) Relief of Kimberley Paardeberg South Africa (1899-1900) Mons Le Cateau Retreat from Mons Marne (1914) Messines (1914)
Ypres (1914) Langmarck (1914) Gheluvelt Nonne Boschen St Julien Frenzenberg Ypres (1915) Somme (1916) Albert (1916) Scarpe (1917) (1918) Broodseinde Poelcappelle Passchendaele
Bapaume (1918) Arras (1917) Ypres (1917) Arras (1918) Hindenburg Line Epehy St Quentin Canal Cambrai (1918) Selle Somme (1918) France and Flanders (1914-18) Mont Pincon
Souleuvre Noireau Crossing Amiens (1944) Brussels Neerpelt Nederrijn Nijmegen Lingen Bentheim North West Europe (1944-1945) Baghdad (1941) Iraq (1941)
Palmyra Syria (1941) El Alamein North Africa (1942-1943) Arezzo Advance to Florenec Gothic Line Italy (1944) Gulf (1991)
The Blues and Royals Battle Honours Tangier (1662-1680) Dettingen Warburg Beaumont Willems Fuentes d’Onor Peninsula Waterloo Balaklava Sevastpol Egypt Tel el Kebir Relief of Kimberley Paardeberg Relief of Ladysmith South Africa (1899-1902)
Mons Le Cateau Retreat from Mons Marne (1914) Messines (1914) Armentieres (1914) Ypres (1914) Langemarck (1914) Gheluvelt Nonne Bosschen St Julien Ypres (1915) Frezenberg Loos Arras (1917) Scarpe (1917)
Ypres (1917) Somme (1918) St Quentin Avre Broodseinde Poelcappelle Passchendaele Amiens Hindenburg Line Beaurevoir Cambrai (1918) Sambre Pursuit to Mons France and Flanders (1914-1918)
Mont Pincon Souleuvre, Noireau Crossing Amiens (1944) Brussels Neerpelt Nederrijn Veghel Nijmegen Rhine North West Europe (1944-1945) Baghdad (1941) Iraq (1941) Palmyra Syria (1941)
Msus Gazala Knightsbridge Defence of Alamein Line El Alamein El Agheila Advance on Tripoli North Africa (1941-1943) Sicily (1943) Arezzo Advance to Florence Gothic Line Italy (1943-1944) Falkland Islands (1982)
Crown Copyright: This publication contains official information. It should be treated with discretion by the recipient. The opinions expressed in the articles in this journal are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the policy and views, official or otherwise, of the Household Cavalry or the Ministry of Defence. No responsibility for the goods or services advertised in this journal can be accepted by the Household Cavalry, publishers or printers and advertisements are included in good faith.
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Contents Preface by The Commander Household Cavalry . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Household Cavalry Regiment Foreword by the Commanding Officer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4 Diary of Events . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 A Squadron, The Life Guards . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 B Squadron, The Life Guards . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 C Squadron, The Blues & Royals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 D Squadron, The Blues & Royals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 Headquarters Squadron . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Pages 4 to 28
Quartermaster’s Department . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21 Quartermaster Technical’s Department . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21 Light Aid Detachment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22 WOs’ and NCOs’ Mess . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24 The Band of The Blues and Royals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25 Regimental Recruiting Team . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26 AGC Field Detachment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment Foreword by the Commanding Officer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29 Diary of Events . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30 The Life Guards Squadron . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32 The Blues and Royals Squadron . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34 WOs’ & NCOs’ Mess . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36 Headquarters Squadron . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41
Pages 29 to 48
Musical Ride 2002 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43 The Band of The Life Guards . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44 Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment Training Wing . . . . . 45 Winter Training Troop and Household Division Saddle Club 46 Equitation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47 The Forge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48
Household Cavalry News All The Queen’s Horses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49 A Truly Golden Jubilee . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50 State Opening of The General Assembly of The Church of Scotland . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52 The Vigil . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54 Queen Mother’s Funeral April 2002 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56 Six Months in the Bosanska krijena . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58 G5 project at the Radic Kindergarten in Gradinska . . . . . . . 61 Op Fresco . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62 Burton on Trent Recruiting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63 Operation Crookham II . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64 Air Cav . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 65 Belize with 1 Royal Scots (1RS) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66
Pages 49 to 86 An Unapologetical Apologist or Too Brave to Die . . . . . . . . . 67 Household Cavalry at ATR Pirbright . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 69 Bosnian Boar Shooting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 69 18 Tp HCR (Windsor Boys School) Combermere Barracks . 70 HRH The Princess Royal Visit to Watton Troop Cadet Norfolk Engineer Squadron - September 2002 . . . . . . . . . . . . 71 Exercise Iron Horse . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72 Exercise Hawkeye Munro . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 74 Exercise Cockney Motown - Berrain Springsss Horse Show 75 Summer Sojourn to The Algarve . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 76 A New Chapter at The Defence Animal Centre . . . . . . . . . . . .77 Household Cavalry Sports Round-up . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .78-86
News from the Associations The Life Guards Association Annual Report . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 87 Minutes of the 68th AGM of The Life Guards Association . .87 The Life Guards Association Charitable Trust Accounts . . . . 88 The Life Guards Association Notices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 89 The Life Guards Association Area representatives . . . . . . . . 90 The Blues and Royals Association . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 92 The Blues and Royals Association Accounts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 93 Minutes of the AGM of The Blues and Royals Association . 93 The Blues and Royals Association Area representatives . . . . 95 Household Cavalry Museum . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 95 Obituaries The Life Guards . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 97 Obituaries The Blues and Royals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 98
Pages 87 to 118
Nominal Rolls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 104 Notices for both Regiments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 109 Musical Ride 2003 Forecast . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 111 Reunions (1 HCR and 2 HCR) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 111 The Household Cavalry Association North East Branch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .112 North Staffs branch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 112 Dorset Branch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 113 Features Berlin - A Double Helping . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 114 London marathon Milestone . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 116 Myrtle Beach Part II . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 116 Hyde Park Barracks - 50 years ago, May 1953 . . . . . . . . . . . . 117 Household Division Golden Jubilee Window . . . . . . . . . . . . 118
Front Cover: HM The Queen’s Jubilee Procession to St Paul’s Cathedral, 4 June 2002 Back Cover: The Stairlining Party at St Paul’s Cathedral.
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Household Cavalry Regiment
Preface By Colonel H P D Massey, The Blues & Royals, Commander Household Cavalry ome 30 Household Cavalry officers drawn from wherever they were serving in the Army and beyond, stood vigil during the Lying in State of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother, leading the officers of the rest of the Household Division as tradition dictates. It was a solemn, dignified and moving period and all were struck by the weight of public interest and affection as, hour after hour through the days and right through the nights, men and women of all ages filed quietly and respectfully past the catafalque. This was followed by the State Funeral Procession, the rear of which was brought up by a detachment of The Life Guards marching with swords reversed. Later, the new Queen’s Life Guard, found by The Life Guards, turned out in front of Hyde Park Barracks to pay a final silent tribute to Her Majesty as her cortege passed by on the way to Windsor.
S
The Commanding Officers have outlined what both regiments have achieved during the year and we all take pride in these achievements. At the time of going to print, D Squadron The Blues and Royals commanded by Major Taylor The Life Guards are on operations with 16 Air Assault Brigade around Basra in Iraq. I can tell you with great pride that they have won the unreserved praise and admiration of their Brigade Commander and others for the courage and competence they have consistently shown. Sadly, there have been casualties. In two separate and tragic incidents so far, LCoH Hull and LCoH Shearer have lost their lives, and a further 5 members of the squadron have been injured. Our hearts go out to their widows and families, and we all pray for the rapid recovery of those who have been injured. On peace-keeping operations, A Squadron The Life Guards and C Squadron The Blues and Royals are both to be congratulated on their highly successful tours in Bosnia. In training, the armoured reconnaissance regiment has excelled, gaining a remarkable proportion of the highest possible crew gradings at Annual Firing. They have excelled in equipment care and servicing being the only such regiment in the Army to win a satisfactory grade on their Equipment Care Inspection (what more senior Household Cavalrymen would remember as the PRE) and went through 3 weeks hard training on Salisbury Plain without requiring a single major assembly change. The Mounted Regiment extended itself fully in order to meet the demands of the Procession to St Paul’s Cathedral for the Service of Thanksgiving on 4 June. They were ably supported by the Windsor regiment who found the Step-lining Party at St Paul’s Cathedral. In addition they sent a Captain’s Escort to Edinburgh, and to Windsor for the pageant, All The Queen’s Horses, on 4 successive nights.
Both regiments have contributed in a major way to the Household Division commitment to Op FRESCO, the provision of emergency cover during the firemen’s strike last autumn and winter. This has been disruptive to everyone and, in particular, the Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment which has had to send the majority of its horses away to the Defence Animal Centre for 4 months. Training continues however in both regiments. The Household Cavalry Regiment has also deployed vehicles and crews at less than 24 hours notice in support of the Police at Heathrow Airport. This outline of achievements and commitments in the past year and of some of the events to come in the current year illustrates the versatility and flexibility of the Household Cavalry across the board. I am pleased to be able to say that the Household Cavalry is fully recruited for officers and close to full strength for soldiers. The latter is thanks to the tireless efforts of the Regimental Recruiting Team under the leadership of Captain Norris and, latterly, Captain Kingston. Phase One Training continues at Pirbright where we are lodged with 59 Bty RA who have made us very welcome. For the time being we no longer train with the rest of the Household Division, although I understand that the Army Training and Recruiting Agency (ATRA) are now reviewing their new infantry training arrangements. This may result in adjustments which we earnestly hope will once more find us training with our Foot Guard comrades. In the meantime Captain Shatliff and his staff are doing admirable work in training our adult recruits and instilling in them a sense of regimental pride in spite of many competing influences. We take pride in the many admirable achievements of individual Household Cavalrymen. It gives me considerable pleasure to record that Brigadier White-Spunner RHG/D was appointed CBE for his work as Commander 16 Air Assault Brigade and that Major Dick, RHG/D was appointed MBE for his work in Kabul. As I write, Brigadier Rollo RHG/D is promoted Major-General and becomes Deputy Adjutant-General. To them all I offer congratulations on behalf of all members of the Household Cavalry. Last September we heard with great pleasure that the Heritage Lottery Fund had decided to support our submission for financial assistance to develop a new Household Cavalry Museum at Horse Guards. This was particularly gratifying as ours was one of only two such submissions in London to be approved. This has been in no small measure thanks to the application and painstaking effort of Major Waterhouse formerly The Life Guards. He is now carrying forward the detailed work and the plan is that the Museum will be ready to open in early 2005.
In the meantime we need £2,000,000. Therefore, both our Colonels were present at the launch of an Appeal in mid-March at Apsley House, thanks to the kindness of the former Deputy Colonel The Blues and Royals, Brigadier the Duke of Wellington. The Chairman of the Appeal Committee is Mr Simon Corbett, formerly the Blues, and I give notice that during the course of this year we will be contacting you all to appeal to your generosity to help us achieve our aim. The Appeal Office is in the Museum at Combermere Barracks and fuller details can be found elsewhere in this Journal. I would add, though, that this is a once in a lifetime opportunity for us all to make a real difference by helping to provide the finest regimental museum on the finest site in London as a tribute to the friends and comrades, past and present, with whom we have all had the good fortune to serve in the Household Cavalry. Now I turn to the Presentation of New Standards and Guidon by Her Majesty on Horse Guards Parade on 21 May. They will replace our present Standards which we received in 1993, while The Blues and Royals were last presented with a new Guidon in 1972. By the time you receive this Journal, preparations for the Parade will be well advanced. Most of you will already know that the number of tickets which can be applied for to watch the Parade is not limited. Lack of space, however, limits us each to inviting one guest only to the lunch afterwards. Tickets for both parade and lunch can still be applied for from HQ Household Cavalry and will be allocated on a first come first served basis. It promises to be a truly splendid and memorable occasion. There has never been a better time to be in the Household Cavalry. We have much to look forward to and both regiments are wellmanned and well-prepared for all the considerable challenges that face them in the coming year.
Household Cavalry Regiment
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Household Cavalry Regiment Foreword By Lieutenant Colonel M C van der Lande OBE, The Life Guards “Best of both Worlds” has been for some time the recruiting motto for the Regiments of the Household Cavalry. For the Armoured Reconnaissance Regiment 2002 has been a year of contrast, variety and achievement in which we have taken our full part in national and international events. Once again our soldiers have distinguished themselves in the Balkans. A Squadron completed their tour in March having collected a prodigious quantity of weaponry from the local populace. Operation HARVEST has become a regular feature of military life in Bosnia and is used to search for weapons hidden since the last war. The Squadron had rich pickings along the River Sava including a triple barrelled anti-aircraft piece found by the Squadron Leader. This, and one of the six 120mm mortars recovered by C Squadron during their tour, have joined the museum display outside Regimental Headquarters. C Squadron took over from A Squadron for the summer tour and continued with the weapon collections, albeit in slightly better weather. Of particular note was the discovery of 301kg of military explosive in a builder’s yard in Dubica, the largest single find of explosive in Bosnia to date. Some of the Squadron, under the leadership of LCoH Short and with the help of funds from the Windsor Lions Club, refurbished a school playground in Banja Luka. The Band of the Welsh Guards made the opening particularly successful. The Regiment has had soldiers in the Balkans at some point in every year since 1994. It is a credit to both A and C Squadrons that such favourable reports should come back of their performances. Major HRD Fullerton and CoH Holden both received Joint Commander’s commendations for their work; SCpl Rogers received a commendation from the Commander MND(SW). Time will tell whether the Regiment will return to Bosnia. The Regiment has sent small parties to Northern Ireland. Lieutenants Williams and White spent last Christmas with 1st Battalion Grenadier Guards and had a suitable number of riots. Lieutenant Armitage took a composite troop over for the marching season to work first with 3
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Household Cavalry Regiment
PARA and subsequently with the Devon and Dorset Regiment. The training and operational experience are proving invaluable to the Regiment. Unfortunately the possible deployment to Afghanistan at the start of the year, which I mentioned in the last Journal, was not realised. This was disappointing but, as will be explained later, there have been other developments on the airborne front. Unusually, the Regiment has been heavily involved in state ceremonial this year. Several officers took part in the Lying in State of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother. Readers would have seen this most moving and dignified event in the press at the time. From a Household Cavalry perspective it was an excellent opportunity for the Service and Mounted Regiments to work together. It was no mean feat to equip so many officers at such short notice. In June the Regiment provided the staircase party at St Paul’s Cathedral for the Golden Jubilee Thanksgiving Service. Again this was a marvellous occasion that demonstrated the versatility and excellence of our soldiers. The Squadron notes cover the detail of the Regiment’s exercises over the year. Suffice to say that the Regiment has been well rehearsed in warfighting. A few points stand out. The TESEX in January on Salisbury Plain, described by the Warminster training staff as “the most demanding battle group exercise they had ever written,” went extremely well. It included road moves to and from RAF Lyneham and found Regimental Headquarters in Marlborough School. In May, Exercise HARLECH EXPRESS, at a very wet Sennybridge, developed our dismounted skills, thanks to a generous allocation of much of the Division’s small arms ammunition pool. In September, as part of the Regimental training month, the Regiment was the first battle group under training to go through the Combined Arms Tactical Trainer (or CATT). This system, housed in a hangar bigger than a football pitch and run by Lieutenant Colonel AP de Ritter LG, allows troops to train in a virtual environment. Crews operate
simulators that interact with each other as if they are real vehicles, move across simulated terrain and replicate real war in almost near perfect detail. It is very realistic indeed and, as state of the art technology, will significantly enhance our training capability in the future. Inevitably, highly trained on Salisbury Plain and the CATT as we were, something different was required. Having turned our equipment round after exercise, the Regiment was committed immediately to preparations for Op FRESCO, the military response to provide emergency fire cover in the event of a fire strike. We had responsibility for North West London and have taken under command at various times elements of the Mounted Regiment, King’s Troop RHA, F Company Scots Guards, some Grenadier Guardsmen and about 60 specialist naval and air force fire fighters. Over the two strikes on which we have been deployed, we have answered over 800 calls: few were serious, many were hoaxes. There was intense competition amongst crews for the Red Goddess engines. The Regiment received some excellent press coverage, well deserved given the very high enthusiasm and professionalism the soldiers displayed throughout the strike periods.
Although some strikes before Christmas were called off, allowing the Christmas programme to go ahead, further strikes have occurred subsequently and there appears scant prospect of an early end to the dispute. We have found time for sport and adventure training. Captain W Lindsay took his department on some gentle hill walking in Scotland. B Squadron had a team building experience in Devon. They have been very quiet about what they actually did, although all came back bronzed and smiling. During the Castlemartin firing period many, having fired, cycled, rock climbed and followed the Pembrokeshire Coast Path. Lt Van Cutsem led a party deer stalking at Braemar. Of more general interest to readers will be the news that it has now been agreed
that D Squadron will continue for at least 3 years and that it will provide the Formation Reconnaissance capability for 16 Air Assault Brigade. The Squadron have exercised extensively with the Brigade over the year and the decision is most welcome news. There is growing acceptance of the central importance and utility of formation reconnaissance in expeditionary operations and for the need for it to be closely integrated with the supported formation. This should lead to greater employment of formation reconnaissance in the future. The barracks rebuild is still firmly on the agenda, with a possible start date of April 2004 for the living accommodation. A full and varied year indeed! When these notes were first written Christmas was fast approaching. The then deepening shadow of events in the Middle East
has now burst. D Squadron were warned for operations at the end of December. After some very rapid and full work up training they deployed to Kuwait with 16 Air Assault Brigade in February. At the time of writing we hear with tremendous pride of the achievements of the Squadron in action but feel deep sadness at the tragic deaths of LCoH Hull and LCpl Shearer and for the injuries to other officers and soldiers. We pray for the speedy and victorious conclusion of the conflict and the safe return of the Squadron. We must wait for the next edition of the Journal for their remarkable story. This has been a busy and varied year for the Regiment in which the reputation of The Household Cavalry has been further raised. We have a full training year forecast for 2003, but we must as always, be ready for the unexpected.
Diary of Events January
March
The Regiment returned to work on 10th January after an extremely welcome leave period. The Formation Readiness Cycle had once again moved on one notch, taking us into our Other Tasks year. To mark this move into the sleepy backwater of the Formation Readiness Cycle, the Regiment departed to Salisbury Plain for a 3 week TESEX. A Squadron continued with their deployment on PALATINE as part of 2nd Battalion Royal Ghurka Rifles Battle Group.
Trade training continued in earnest, which for some culminated in recruit and predeployment firing in Lulworth. B and D Squadrons ran 2 dismounted training packages. The first was a weeklong live fire range package at Lydd and Hythe and the second a public order package at Longmoor. Both packages were designed to prepare soldiers for the more extensive dismounted training programmed for May and to help create, through the use of unfamiliar scenarios and environments, a more rounded and flexible reconnaissance soldier capable of operating in a broader range of operational scenarios. C Squadron deployed to Banja Luka and started their takeover from A Squadron.
February Early February was spent consolidating after the return from TESEX. Internal trade training began in earnest with numerous gunnery courses. C Squadron began their pre-deployment training in preparation for their roulement with A Squadron in Banja Luka.
April Most of the Regiment started April with 2 weeks of leave, however a number of
LCpl Preston, LCpl Jones and Tpr Erskine, A Sqn during Recce Bde Support Troop Concentration
field officers were recalled to assist with the vigil kept as Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother lay in state in Westminster Hall. A Squadron returned from Bosnia, held their medal parade and then departed on Post Operational Tour Leave. B and D Squadrons sent parties down to assist with the trials for the new Combined Arms Tactical Trainer in Warminster. B Squadron also sent a troop to Salisbury Plain to assist with the field evaluation trials for the Tracer programme.
May The main event was the Regimental dismounted training package. The Regiment, less A and C Squadrons, deployed to Sennybridge for a week of live firing and dismounted training. The aim was to further develop and engrain our ability to operate dismounted in four man patrols. The exercise was well supported
CoH Macmillan and LCpl Hull, Sqn Ldrs favourite “heads and eyes only�.
Household Cavalry Regiment
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CoH Fortune handing out a right jab to his opponent.
by instructors from 21/ 22 SAS and ITC Catterick, ensuring that breaks from live firing were filled with a range of highgrade and interesting background activities. The Royal Canadian Dragoons visited us and were in turn visited by HRH The Prince of Wales during the inter Regimental sports day.
June With the squadrons having spent a significant time away from their vehicles since the January TESEX, the focus shifted back on to vehicle maintenance and preparation for Annual Firing in July. However, the Regiment’s Support Troops packed their kit for a further dismounted exercise. They joined a Recce Brigade Support Troop Concentration run by The Queen’s Dragoon Guards on the Thetford Training Area. Much work was done to develop their more specialist skills, such as demolitions and route denial. In amongst this, the Commanding Officer commanded a Step Lining Party of 34 officers and soldiers at St Paul’s Cathedral for HM The Queen’s Golden Jubilee Service of Thanksgiving.
CoH Smith and LCoH Hughes - Surfs Up.
September
November
The Regiment moved down to Salisbury Plane for the month. The series of exercises, known as the ‘CATT Sandwich’, started with a week of troop training, followed by two weeks on the new Combined Arms Tactical Trainer (CATT), and then a final week of troop tests and a Regimental FTX.
Op FRESCO dominated the month. The Regiment was tasked to provide emergency life-saving fire cover to Yellow Sector, London. The area encompassed The City and much of the central areas, North and North West London. 50 crews manned 25 Green Goddesses from 7 Temporary Service Fire Stations. These ranged from the smart and glamorous St John’s Wood Barracks to a more functional Police Compound for wrecked cars in Edmonton. After a flurry of activity on the first 24-hour strike, including many hoax calls, early concerns over the capability of our brave men in their flying machines were laid to rest. Boredom became the greater danger.
October C Squadron returned from Bosnia and the Regiment returned from Salisbury Plain. However, C Squadron’s plans for their Post Operational Tour leave were sadly dashed by the looming possibility of a strike by members of the FBU. Rollback allowed important post-exercise maintenance and administration before training began on basic emergency fire-fighting skills and Green Goddess driver training. The centrally run training programmes were thorough but brief. An extensive continuation-training programme was then put together to allow Green Goddess crews to gain confidence in their equipment and additional experience.
December The traditional Christmas celebrations were in grave danger as a result of the continuing FBU strike action. However, a last minute reprieve was granted with the postponement of strike action until the end of January. The run in to leave went ahead almost unscathed and everyone departed on 20th December.
July The Regiment deployed to Castle Martin for its Annual Firing, each squadron deploying for two weeks. With only limited resources available, crews were allowed to progress no further than Annual Crew Tests. The range time amounted to only one week of the two-week programme, with the remaining time spent adventure training in the balmy sunshine. D Squadron also participated in a 16 Air Assault Brigade exercise in Scotland.
August Summer Leave dominated the month, with most people returning to work on 19th August. There was little time to break into normal routine, as the next round of exercises were less than two weeks away.
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Household Cavalry Regiment
Op FRESCO - side bets are running on which Green Goddess will be buried if the building collapses.
A Squadron The Life Guards hese notes come from Finsbury Barracks, home of The Honourable Artillery Company, where A Squadron finds itself as firemen to the City of London. It seems like yesterday that we were deployed to the North West part of Republica Serpska. Banja Luka was experiencing one of their coldest winters for five years and on Christmas Day the temperature had dropped to –20 degrees. (The Commander of MND(SW) General Von Deipenbrugge had insisted on making an early call to the boys lines to hand out gunfire in the tea). The VIP treatment did not end there, as DCOMSFOR, General Kizley MC, came by Lynx to visit the troop houses at Gradiska and Prnjavor. The visit was well received, less Lieutenant Will Kenyon’s lack of preparation on the room cleaning front. The General decided to look around the boys’ rooms and discovered that a bomb had gone off in the said Troop Leader’s room. As I explained to Lieutenant Kenyon, first impressions count.
T
With half the tour under our belt, there was still much to do and achieve. The weather restricted operations to a certain degree, although CVR(T) continued to prove its worth in the snow and ice. We had our fair share of close shaves on the roads and luckily only a handful of accidents. On one memorable occasion, Lieutenant C W Wren’s Scimitar lost control and skidded into a local’s car. Fortunately, the local’s injuries were only slight, but he was still a little shocked. Eager to win the hearts and minds battle, Lieutenant Wren jumped down, giving the local the standard salutation of, “Dobra dan, kak u ste?” (Good day and how are you?). The answer was
Brick hanging in Banja Luka, December 2001. L to R: LCpl Faiers, LCpl Newton, LSgt Brown, LSgt O’Carroll, LCpl Richards, LCpl Merrell, Tpr Kynoch, Tpr McCabe and Tpr Gordon.
a little less cordial. On another occasion, CoH Holden’s CVR(T) lost control on ice and slid off the road. Eager to investigate, the RMP turned up, only to lose control themselves and crash as well. However, all this bad weather did not prevent A Squadron carrying out a large number of weapon searches, especially in the area of Dubica and Kostunica. Cooperation with the locals was excellent and together with some extremely large finds, such as LCoH Jukes’ barn full of JNA ordnance, or CoH Holden’s recoilless rifles and ammo, the Squadron came away with an excellent record. The “Fullerton Trophy” of a 20mm triple barreled AA gun is currently being decommissioned for display in Windsor. We also managed to fit in a large and demanding firing package at Glamoc, thanks to the gunnery expertise of CoH Auld and LCoH Stokoe. In this second half of the tour, we lost CoH Gardner, (off
Lt Wren, LCpl ‘Boss’ Hogg and LCpl Jaworski on patrol in the Kozara Hills, January 2002.
on promotion to Bovington) and SCpl Rees, who had had such an excellent tour troop leading, (off to the training wing to head up the gunnery effort). In exchange, 2nd Lieutenant N P G van Cutsem arrived, fresh from his troop leader’s course and the pages of high society magazines. We handed over to Major A Lawrence and C Squadron in late March. After a healthy month of leave, we faced a “dismounted” early summer, as we had left our vehicles with C Squadron. We commenced the build up training for Ex HARLECH EXPRESS, the regimental dismounted exercise held on Sennybridge. The performance of the modified rifle, the SA80 A2 was good and there was a marked reduction in stoppages. We next prepared to assist the Mounted Regiment with the considerable undertaking of the Golden Jubilee
Maj Fullerton and Tpr Hogg preparing to take away the 20mm AA gun found near Dubica, January 2000.
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Celebrations. A party of eight soldiers contributed to the staircase party at St Paul’s Cathedral. It was a tight “get there” with the last items of ceremonial gear arriving 24 hours before the big day. Now to Gun Camp. We only had to fire our three Scimitar troops and a selection of the Spartans and Sultans up to crew tests, but our one challenge was that many of the gunners were firing shortly after their Class 3 Gunnery Course and we were short of commanders due to courses. Enter the new Squadron Corporal Major, WO2 Stevenson, who took up the challenge to crew command. Results were good, (and I am not just talking of SCpl SQMC Foster’s burger takings). In fact we managed a simple but effective troop FMX on the last day. We then had a week at Castlemartin to cover our ITDs and carry out a little adventure training in the area. The SCM and SQMC headed up some excellent basic rock climbing, producing some potential rock lizards in the shape of Tpr Riley and LCpl Abbott. Each troop then carried out cliff walking, biking and surf canoeing, instructed by our Tiffy, SSgt Conroy. Those that attempted it had an outstanding time, rolling over in the waves on Freshwater West Beach. Sadly, SSgt Conroy has moved on to Germany. We will all miss our Bob Hoskins look alike and the outstanding Tiffy that he is. After summer leave, we were seriously short of troops, having given up men to courses, postings and to assist 3 PARA in Northern Ireland. For Ex WILTSHIRE ACORN, we regrouped to form a full Squadron, thanks to the augmenting of 2 Scimitar Troops from B Squadron and the arrival of Captain RA Gibbs to GW Troop. We deployed to Salisbury Plain for what was to become known as “the CATT Sandwich”. We spent an excellent week carrying out troop and squadron training, bringing together a team that had never worked together before. Weeks two and three were spent at the Combined Arms Tactical Trainer, the new £300 million battle group simulator in Warminster. It was really like a network version of a CD ROM Tank Commander game, but it was an extremely useful training aid. After action reviews brought about many laughs as one could watch selected computer playbacks, such as the errant GW missile flown out of our boundary, past the heads of A Squadron callsign who were on the wrong side of our boundary and on to destroy a T72 at maximum range. Well done LCoH Stokoe! The package certainly helped us for week four, when we were back on the Plain, this time as a Regiment. Having not practiced armoured recce manoeuvres since our deployment to Bosnia, it
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Household Cavalry Regiment
Christmas lunch at Gradiska Troop House with General Kizley. LCoH Jukes, LCpl Camp, Tpr Kynock, Tpr Harris, Tpr Nelson and Tpr Kheirabadhi
was gratifying to see it all come together so quickly, thanks mainly to the experience of the Troop CsoH, namely Matthews, Heaton, Tennant, Holden and Auld. Op FRESCO now loomed and we realized that we had a lot to do in a short period of time in order to get ready for the striking firemen. The troops were organized in eight crews of six and sent off for Green Goddess Training at RAF Henlow. Further confirmatory training, (an excuse for getting very wet) took place at Minley Lake and by November we were ready for the possible industrial action. We were assigned to Finsbury Barracks in the City of London. We had been joined by a Royal Navy specialist breathing team, who have the equipment to enter buildings, whilst we douse the fires from outside. It is now 28th November and we are over half way through the second bout of industrial action, with all crews now baptized by one fire or another. It has been interesting, challenging and fun to be in a totally different role, but we await to see whether any agreement can be reached to save us from a rather family separated run up to Christmas. Signs are not good, but we are making the
most of what is turning out to be a lot of waiting around, interspersed by “shouts” or callouts, the vast majority of which turn out to be minor domestic cooking fires or hoaxes. It has certainly opened our eyes up to the City and to the areas surrounding the financial engine of Britain. It has been a very diverse year, and one the Squadron can be immensely proud of. In true Household Cavalry style, we have adapted our role throughout the year and achieved great results. Sadly we have also had to say goodbye to Captain PG Leavey to HCMR, to SCpl Foster whose talents have been required by tech, to WO2 SCM Carter who has moved onto be the RQMC, to CoH Rogers who has moved onto be B Squadron SQMC, Captain DS Brooks who has become the B Squadron 2IC, to Captain WRG Kenyon who is away learning how to communicate (future RSO) and Lieutenant CW Wren (the pocket gunnery officer). We have said hello to 2nd Lieutenant TWC Edwards, SCpl Fermor (SQMC), SCpl Parkinson (2 Troop Leader), CoH Martin, Sgt Swain (attached from 9/12L), LCoH Forsdick and LCoH Mathison, as well as a large posting of troopers in from HCMR. Promotion to LCpl includes Tprs Howell, Mitchinson, Boswell, Laverty, “Boss” Hogg, Ainsley and Bassett.
The last of A Sqn to leave Banja Luka Airport. LSgt O’Carroll, Tpr Hogg, LCoH Holloway, SCpl Foster and Major Fullerton.
B Squadron The Life Guards 002 was a very busy year for B Squadron, which saw them fighting fires in North London, battling against massed Genforce hoards in Cyberspace, brushing-up on their infantry skills, and enjoying some sun, sea and surf on the North Cornish coast.
2
The training got off to an early start in January, when the Squadron under Major DE ‘Guderian’ Hughes RHG/D exploited the excellent tank county offered by Salisbury Plain in order to undertake TESEX training, and teach C and D Squadrons a thing or two about manoeuvre warfare. This was followed by a cold and extremely demanding period of Troop Tests, during which LCoH Telling received some unexpected Troop Leading experience after Lieutenant Instone suffered an ankle injury. In February the Squadron completed a period of 30mm firing at Castlemartin where crews were tested in some of the most extreme British weather conditions, despite which all crews were able to pass their annual tests. Lieutenant Armitage ensured that the firing period ended with a bang, shortly before his gunner Tpr Skingley was awarded the prize for Squadron ‘Top Gun’. A major achievement, as he had passed his recruit gunner’s course only a short time before. During the months of March and April the Squadron undertook two excellent training packages at Longmoor and Lydd
Ranges. Longmoor concentrated on dismounted skills including a large amount of Operations in Built-Up Areas (OBUA) training, which was conducted under the extremely animated and vocal instruction of LCoH Fry. At Lydd Ranges all ranks completed a comprehensive and progressive small arms package. The Regimental dismounted training in Sennybridge saw a return of the foul British weather, and ensured that the Squadron had not forgotten what it had learned the month before, with plenty of revision of individual and pairs fire and movement. The Squadron also received instruction on survival techniques from Lieutenant Instone, who assured the Squadron that there definitely is more than one way to skin a cat. Members of the squadron will also recall with The Sqn Ldr was to regret lending LCoH Gibson the keys to his car! some fondness the hour-long lesson in knife sharpening given by an led by the local warlord Major RP Maninstructor from 21 SAS. The final exerning. During this phase a patrol led by cise took the form of a counter-insurgenLieutenant JP Thomson and LCoH Gibcy operation during which Major Hughes son proved to be most tenacious in their was unexpectedly kidnapped by the Regidetermination to keep eyes-on their allomental Corporal Major. This left Captain cated target area, and later provided an DS Brooks, the newly arrived Sqn 2IC, to unexpected and rapidly deployable return law and order to the Welsh counSquadron reserve following the final tryside by annihilating the rebel forces attack.
B Squadron Adventurous Training in Cornwall.
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June saw the Squadron departing for a week of adventure training on the North Cornish Coast. Members of the Squadron took part in sea kayaking, surfing, rock climbing and mountain biking. The fantastic weather ensured that it was a relaxed and welcome break for all involved, and the evening activities were approached with as much enthusiasm as those organised during the day. Police sightings of nocturnal naked bathers on Newquay’s main beach cannot be attributed to B Squadron, as thankfully the Local Police were unable (or unwilling) to apprehend any of the individuals involved. The Squadron returned to Castlemartin in July to undertake a sunny and extremely successful annual firing period. The Squadron achieved an excellent standard of Gunnery throughout the period, and ensured that Maj Hughes ended his tenure as Squadron Leader on a real high. Not least because during the highly coveted ‘Officers and Troopers versus NCOs and Warrant Officers’ Cricket match he was able to bowl-out WO2 O’Connor with the first ball of the match before departing for supper with friends. When the Squadron returned from summer leave in September it was sadly temporarily disbanded. Troops and Detachments were loaned to other Squadrons in order to bring them up to strength. ‘A’ and ‘D’ Squadrons with their troops from ‘B’ Squadron were then to undertake what became known as a ‘CATT sandwich’. This delicious sounding event was composed of a week of vehiclebourne training on SPTA followed by
SCpl Bonner in normal pose.
two weeks of battling the Genforce Hoards in Cyberspace at the Combined Arms Tactical Trainer, a virtual reality simulator at Warminster. Squadrons then returned to SPTA in order to complete Troop Tests, during which the B Sqn elements were able to produce some excellent results. 1 Troop under Cornet Moger and CoH Fortune were awarded second place. They were followed closely by Guided Weapons Troop under Lieutenant Armitage and LCoH Telling, who was a strong third place. In October, the Squadron welcomed Major Methven, the new Squadron Leader. The final three months of 2003 were concerned with OP FRESCO, where B Sqn supplied emergency fire cover in the area of Holloway, North London, and provided a command team
(R-L) LCpl Spearing, Tpr Sloney, Lt James, LCoH Fry (hat) and CoH Taylor (no boots).
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Household Cavalry Regiment
in the shape of Captain Brooks and SCpl Rogers to Mill Hill, North-West London. More detail on this can be found in the OPERATION FRESCO article. Members of the Squadron also participated in the Regimental Ski team, the Jubilee Staircase Party at St. Paul’s Cathedral, a Battlefield tour to Ypres, and numerous sporting events. During 2002 the Squadron said goodbye to Major Hughes, Captain Haywood, Lieutenant Lipman, Lieutenant Howell, Lieutenant Instone, SCpl Bonner, SCpl McKechnie, SSgt Ramsey, CoH Vernon, CoH Hepple, LCpl Williams, LCpl Mehrban, LCpl Perry. The Squadron was pleased to welcome Major Methven, Captain Brooks, Cornet Moger, SCpl Rogers, SSgt Willshire,
C Squadron The Blues and Royals Squadron The Blues and Royals proved once again this year that no matter what tasks are thrown at the Household Cavalry they are always met and met with enthusiasm and panache. The Squadron this year in what is officially termed an ‘other tasks’ year certainly had its fair share of tasks. The Squadron responded superbly to these tasks and brought credit on not only themselves but also the Regiment and British Army as a whole.
C
Bagram Airfield and Kabul were the focus at the start of the year with an enlarged one troop and elements of the Squadron Headquarters and Fitter Section warned to join 16 Bde as part of the NATO force in Afghanistan. Sterling work had gone into short notice preparations and the troop once again fell under the axe for its Christmas leave. Despite this, those involved all played key roles in the preparations and to a man were disappointed when notice was withdrawn. From this point the focus switched to the upcoming tour of Bosnia. Despite considerable experience of Former Yugoslavia across the Squadron for many of the newer soldiers and officers this would be their first operational deployment. Preparations began in January with the Sqn participating in Regimental training and several TESEX battles. The TESEX system remains the closest training for high intensity warfare that the British army has and gruelling conditions combined with realistic missions allowed the Sqn to reach a high standard
LCoH Blackburn and Tpr Oldward on Ex Balkan Gunner. Joint Ex with B Bat 1 RHA in Bosnia.
and learn some vital lessons. New drivers performed miracles in keeping their troop vehicles battle worthy, gunners experienced the intensity of action far away from the ranges and all the SQMC department put in sterling performances to ensure the Sqn was ready to go at all times. The effect of fresh bread rolls ‘acquired’ from a local hotel showed how simple luxuries can rejuvenate tired soldiers and how important the supporting elements are to the whole Squadron. This support was to be a continued factor throughout the year as the sabre troops pushing themselves to achieve significant results in both training and on operations found that both the REME and SQMCs department backing them to the hilt.
Pre Bosnia training involved a mad dash from Norfolk to South West Wales as the Squadron initially trained with the Welsh Guards Battle Group, often acting as advisors rather than pupils, then completed their annual firing package. New commanders and gunners alike, who had not had the chance to work together before, constantly surpassed expectations. The Squadron knew it was highly capable and was pulling together in such a manner as to promise an excellent tour of Bosnia. The deployment to Bosnia in late March saw the Squadron returning to the Northern Area of Responsibility in The Republica Srpska. Operations in Bosnia are now characterised by significant action at troop level, with key responsibilities
L to R: LCoH Blackburn, Tpr Cartwright, LCpl Oldwood, Lt Archer-Burton, Tpr Day and Tpr Banham on patrol in Bosnia.
Household Cavalry Regiment 11
Tpr Stones during Op Palatine in Prynjavor, Y22 driver.
placed into the hands of the vehicle commanders to ensure that their knowledge of their area is second to none. Local intelligence is key at assessing the threats to a safe and secure environment. The Squadron handled this marvellously. Local knowledge after a short space of time was exceptional and continued throughout the tour, allowing the Squadron to brief its superiors accurately and to influence policy through accurate assessments. The tour also threw up some interesting operations and some significant weapons seizures, as well as the opportunity for some multi-national operations and training. The Squadron played a significant part in operations against illegal smuggling both into and out of Bosnia, strong relations with local police and the new Bosnia Border Services formed by the troops at the patrol bases ensured creditable results. These links along with clever assessments by the Squadron intelligence officer also meant that Harvest Operations, designed to remove illegally held weapons and munitions from the community were a great success.
Lt Williams and CoH Wheatley. Feb 02, Pre Bosnia training.
The Squadron removed a considerable amount of ordnance after cordon and search operations, most notably 12 large calibre mortars and over 300kg of military explosives. Another great success was the fostering of the local police and civil protection agencies to conduct these searches of their own volition. Training covered live firing, use of artillery and an excellent adventure training package. Troops supported the RA Battery, The Welsh Guards, the Dutch and the Canadians showing the considerable capability of formation reconnaissance with some Household Cavalry drive behind it. Strong links were made with Portuguese, Danes and Dutch Marines, all of whom took away key lessons on the capability of the British, specifically a well worked up recce squadron. The return home did not see the normal long leave to recuperate as the Squadron fell under the shadow of the fireman’s strike within the first
week back. Creditably they met this challenge once again with enthusiasm and flair. Based in Edmonton, a beautiful portakabin city in a car compound opposite Tescos designed to remind us of Bosnia. The Squadron had one of the highest call out rates for the army across the country. All crew members faced a difficult and exciting new challenge not knowing what would meet them on arrival at a fire scene. All incidents were handled extremely professionally drawing praise from Police, Ambulance Services and Military Commanders alike. The prize for the best call out goes to Lieutenant White and LCoH Bennet’s crew for their valiant rescue of 200 female students, in their nighties, at a university hall of residence. The Squadron now takes a well-earned extended Christmas break. This year has been full of varied and difficult challenges all of which have been met professionally and in a charismatic manner. The Squadron has had an extremely successful year.
Ex Balkan Gunner: L to R: Tpr Burgess, LCoH Blackburn, LCoH Galbraith.
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Household Cavalry Regiment
D Squadron The Blues and Royals This has been a year of change. The beginning of the new year saw some new arrivals to D Squadron. Captain R S Evetts joined the Squadron as Second in Command on his return from arduous military duty in Verbier and St. Moritz, thus replacing Captain Berry who had been summoned to Regimental Headquarters. Soon after, Cornets MacEwen and Tweedie arrived from their Troop Leaders Course, and within a short time were happily ensconced in the Squadron and as much a part of the vibrant changes that were about to take place as anyone. As the year progressed there were a number of other new arrivals to D Squadron, but more of that later. In March the Squadron hosted a visit by the Royal Canadian Dragoons, which was most successful in cementing the warm relationship between The Blues and Royals and their affiliated Regiment. A reciprocal visit was planned for some time later the same year, but as with ‘the best laid plans…’ We came second in the Regimental cross-country competition, with a particularly good performance from LCpl McWhirter. There was also a strong showing in the Regimental Boxing, where LCpl Scott and LCpl McWhirter put in a truly courageous
Lt MacEwen gives orders to 2 Tp D Squadron during Troop Tests.
performance against a more experienced opposition. The Squadron conducted a very successful dismounted exercise in Longmoor alongside B Squadron. It was a good environment in which to encourage people to take the initiative and to develop people’s confidence, so that by the end of the exercise there was a palpable sense of improvement; if we had been a team preparing for a match, I knew at this stage we could win. Just before Easter leave the Squadron conducted a March and Shoot at
Pirbright. Everyone put in a superb effort, although 2 Troop, under Cornet MacEwen and CoH Macmillan achieved the highest mark. Unfortunately there were no prizes for Lieutenant Speers who, on being asked to demonstrate one method of negotiating the top of the scramble net, fell from the top and landed with a sickening thud at the feet of the assembled troops. You may have been forgiven for thinking the worst, for it was a long fall, but the situation was saved by the PTI, who told Lieutenant Speers ‘to stop showing off ’. In April the Squadron had an opportunity of testing their wits against a virtual enemy in the multi-million pound Combined Arms Tactical Trainer (CATT). The system was still under trial, and so the aim of the exercise was to identify for the CATT team any serious
Tpr McWhirter, Tpr Spackman, Tpr Wright and LCoH Gerrard extracting their Troop Leader again.
Household Cavalry Regiment 13
West Freugh there were more light hearted moments. I will never forget the look of the twenty or so senior officers in Bde HQ when they heard SCM Reese shout down the field telephone, ‘Mayo, where is my tea? I wanted a cup of tea from West Freugh, not Indo-bloodyChina!’ D Squadron made a lasting impression. When the exercise had finished the Squadron deployed immediately for Gun Camp in Castle Martin. The requirement now was for a change of focus, and the Squadron responded in an admirable fashion. This was evident in the extremely high results achieved.
D Squadron training for the Gulf with 16 AA Brigade.
flaws. Despite this the Squadron used the experience to maximum advantage, and achieved much in but a short time. It was not long however before we were back to dismounted training in the form of a very comprehensive range package at Lydd and Hythe of the type usually reserved for Northern Ireland training. The package included GPMG ranges, urban patrolling, car ambushes, street sniping, pairs fire and maneuver and much more. If perhaps not everyone became crack shots by the end, the experience was invaluable and very good fun. In July the Squadron was detatched from the Regiment to join 16 Air Assault Bde on exercise in West Freugh, Scotland. The Regiment has for a long time enjoyed a close relationship with 16 AA Bde, but this was to serve as a turning point and mark the formal attatchment of D Squadron to the Airborne Brigade. The exercise was demanding and yet required a flexibility which suited the Squadron perfectly. This was not the reconnaissance for which we have so long practiced, yet every opportunity was seized to prove our worth and demonstrate our ability in all areas. But even in
2 Tp roughing it again. Ex Eagles Strike.
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Household Cavalry Regiment
Of course it was not long before the Squadron was training once again. This time we deployed to Salisbury plain. The focus was on Troop Tests. After a week of training on the plain the Squadron moved to Knook camp and settled in for two weeks intensive ‘virtual-fighting’ on the CATT. It was great to see how the incentive of fighting forceon-force brought to the fore the depth of knowledge and not inconsiderable experience inherent within the Squadron. Everyone worked well together. There was no doubt that this was a slick Squadron. But the test of such required yet another change of focus as we dismounted the virtual CVR(T) and took up the reigns on the real thing. Troop tests were demanding, as had been expected, and D Squadron was delighted to retain the lead for the second year in the form of 1 Troop, under Lieutenant Speers and CoH Foster who won over all. From Troop tests to the Regimental exercise, but not to go home yet; D Squadron finished a most demanding month by joining 16 Bde for the final part of their exercise on Salisbury Plain. By this stage Lieutenant Speers had volunteered to command the ambulance; it was time to go home. At this stage in the proceedings the military timetable was somewhat over run
Tpr McWhirter Troop Leader’s Operator !
by national events. The Fire Service fulfilled their intention of going on strike and D Squadron deployed to Regents Park to fight fires. It came as no surprise to me that everyone approached the situation with the utmost professionalism and that the very highest standards were maintained throughout the strike. But in true fashion the professional was never short of panache. I recall LCoH Venables with just one hand on the wheel of a speeding Green Goddess on the wrong side of the road with the other hand out the window pointing at a terrified lorry driver and shouting ‘Get back. GET BACK!’ There can be no doubt that the Squadron rose to this new challenge with gusto. We were sorry during the course of this year to say goodbye to a number of people. SCM Smith left to become the Quatermaster Technical. CoH Macmillan, CoH Findell, LCoH Wall, LCoH Chell and LCoH Hutton also left the Squadron. SCM Rees replaced TQ Smith. We also gained a new troop leader in the form of Cornet Floyd. The future is uncertain. I am sure however of one thing: There could be no better place to be, come what may, than D Squadron!
Headquarters Squadron As ever Headquarters Squadron had a very busy year, from normal training and operational commitments to some members of the Squadron being involved in the Golden Jubilee celebrations in London. The year started with the Regimental deployment on TESEX 5 days after returning from the Christmas break. For the Squadron this meant that a lot of preparation had to be completed prior to Christmas leave. The departments had worked hard and the Squadron deployed on the 8th of January to Westdown Camp without a hitch. TESEX for HQ Squadron was as much of a challenge as it was for the Sabre Squadrons and many valuable lessons were learnt over the three week exercise. One lesson learnt by the Sabre Squadrons, at the expense of one over zealous Troop Leader, was that A Echelon was not a soft target when armed with its hand held anti tank capability. TESEX was the final exercise for the Squadron Leader Major P Stretton who had managed to be selected for another tour in the fatherland with the Rheindarlen Support Unit as their second in command. The Squadron wishes him and his wife Linda good luck in the future. The month of February found the squadron split in two, one half deployed to Castlemartin to support the firing and the remainder in camp. The members of the Squadron who remained in Windsor deployed for four days to Castlemartin to complete ITD training and APWTs. March was declared by the Commanding Officer as individual fitness and training month in preparation for dismounted training in May. I am sure most of the older readers are not surprised to hear that this caused a certain amount of trepidation for the larger and older members of HQ Squadron. After a lot of hard work by individuals and the PT staff, to many peoples surprise. HQ Squadron acquitted its self well in the regimental cross county and were straining at the bit, a lean mean fighting machine ready to take on SENTA in May. After Easter leave the Squadron had a chance to concentrate on in camp administration in preparation for the pending annual external inspection teams to descend on the Regiment at the end of April and the beginning of May. During this time the Squadron continued its preparation for dismounted training with small arms training. The aim was to produce well prepared teams for SENTA. On
HQ Sqn, Op Fresco Training.
the 16th of May the Administration Party deployed followed closely on the 17th by the remainder of the exercising troops which included six teams from HQ Squadron. The HQ teams were formed from a total cross section of the Squadron from all departments, which included AGC, REME and RLC as well as Household Cavalrymen. All of the teams performed excellently and learnt a great deal, not only about military skills but also about themselves and others. In order to ensure that the members of the Squadron who were working in support didn’t feel left out the Squadron Leader dispatched them all on an over night exercise. This proved very popular with the members of HQ Squadron who were exercising troops. All of the squadron, whether taking part or supporting did an excellent job.
June was a full and varied month. The first task was operational training for Captain Lewis, SCM Gibbons, SQMC Stevenson and LSgt Ansty who were put on standby for the evacuation of British nationals from Pakistan. This was closely followed by the HCR’s involvement in Her Majesty’s Golden Jubilee celebrations, by providing the staircase party for St Pauls on 4th June. HQ Squadron were represented on the parade by the Commanding Officer, HQ Squadron Leader, Adjutant, Regimental Corporal Major and ten soldiers from HQ Squadron. Other HQ commitments were four men from command troop deploying to Northern Ireland for the marching season and four men deploying to Gibraltar for two weeks. The Squadron also provided soldiers to take part in Recce Brigades tenday support troop concentration in Thet-
A Echelon on ORP again.
Household Cavalry Regiment 15
Where’s the boat? MT Troop with no wheels.
ford. All work and no play as we all know is not a good combination, so we squeezed in a day of dragon boat racing in The Docklands which was enjoyed by all and made a welcome break from the busy routine. The result of the days racing was a victory to the SHQ boat, however a stewards enquiry was called due to the numbers of men and women in the boat increasing on every race without the other crews realising. The month was completed with command troop personnel receiving their Macedonia medal from Brigadier B W B White-Spunner. July saw the squadron deploying to Castlemartin in support of annual firing. The Squadron had a very successful three weeks completing much of its ITD training and managing to get soldiers away to do adventure training, comprising of rock climbing, surf canoeing, and mountain biking. The majority of soldiers had a testing and exhilarating time, however the bike riders must undoubtedly take the prize for suffering and pain. They did not realise that the Det Commander Lieutenant Terrot had such a gruelling course planned. Departing camp thinking they were off for a ride in the countryside, most of them not applying petroleum gel
SHQ team winners of the Docklands Dragon Boat race
on the bits that matter returned to camp twelve hours later suffering from saddle sores and extreme sweat rashes in places I do not wish to mention. I hasten to add the volunteers for Mountain Biking the next day were reduced dramatically. The Squadron departed for some wellearned leave on the 2nd August. This was the first time in two years that individuals could depart on leave safe in the knowledge that there was no pending operation hanging over them which gave them the chance to totally relax with their families and friends. The Squadron deployed to SPTA on the 2nd of September for a month. Over and above the normal support to the sabre squadrons A Echelon had a very successful training period, managing to brush up on all the low-level skills required to deploy a well-trained and coherent unit. The Squadron played a major part in troop test providing most of the supporting staff and enemy for the stands over the three day, taking part in anything from section attacks, to covert operations. All the soldiers taking part enjoyed this training as a welcome distraction from their normal roll. During the final phase
of the training HQ Squadron provided the enemy for the Commanding Officers exercise. The Squadron Leader’s brief from the Commanding Officer was to provide the Sabre Squadrons with a realistic enemy following GENFOR tactics. This was achieved to great effect down to helicopter assaults, lead by the Quartermaster Technical Captain Tim Carpenter. The Quartermaster Captain Andy Burbidge not to be out done by the QM(T) led a four man CTR patrol that successfully engaged and destroyed one of the squadron headquarters. Not forgetting a valuable part of the Squadron the LAD provided excellent support to the Regiment and also managed to take part in all of the above activities from the EME playing the VANGUARD in his spartan to the ASM providing company position on bridge crossings. October and November saw the Regiment preparing for Op FRESCO with Green Goddess Crew training taking place throughout the month. The Squadron has had a very successful and rewarding year and continues to go from strength to strength and is looking forward to what next year may offer.
QM’s Adventurous Training Climbing Baggy Point, North Devon June 2002, LCoH Cordwell, LCoH Hughes and LCpl Costain - The Three Monkeys?
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Household Cavalry Regiment
From FRESCO to Adventurous Training
CoH Burton and LCpl Newcomb take receipt of their Red Ladders for Op FRESCO.
CO HCR with Captain CJ Trietline and RCM Kibble awaiting action.
RHQ Tug of War team. HQ Sqn Inter Department sports competition.
WO2 MA Avison LG on Ex COCKNEY MOWTOWN, USA. House Life?!
Adventure Training, Castlemartin June 2002. CoH Hooper, Tpr Hollis, WO2 Taylor, RAO, Tpr Famam, Tpr Mounsey and Tpr Smith.
Headquarter Squadron HCR June 2002
Household Cavalry Regiment 17
From Bosnia to Bodney
Flag Change in Banja Luka, 30 Mar 2002. Major Fullerton hands over to Major Lawrence
2IC, Ex HARLECH EXPRESS, Senta May 2002
HQ Sqn Ldr , Ex HARLECH EXPRESS, Senta May 2002
Capt Blount,Capt Birbeck and Capt Greanly at the Regimental ‘Skitz’ night.
Lt C Wren and Maj RRD Griffin LG. A trick photograph - Lt Wren is actually smaller than he appears.
L to R: Maj Griffin, LCoH McDowell, Capt Maxwell and Sgt Bonner escorting The Lord Lieutenant of Dyfed during his visit to Castlemartin Ranges.
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Household Cavalry Regiment
Survival: Snares and Newspapers
The CO on Salisbury Plain during Ex HARLECH EXPRESS
Brigadier the Duke of Wellington, Deputy Colonel The Blues and Royals, meeting members of D Sqn during the firemen’s strike.
Capt Leavey and Lt Wren take time out.
Members of A Sqn The Life Guards undergoing combat survival training
Lts Wren and van Cutsern setting a snare.
Op TWISTER, Dec 2001. LCpl Preston, LCpl Hogg and Tpr Benson.
Household Cavalry Regiment 19
HCR in Training
Lt McEwen’s Troop D Sqn, Troop Tests.
LCoH Newell during Regimental Training on Salisbury Plain.
The Assistant Adjutant, incognito, whilst coming top of his Jungle Warfare Instructors Course.
D Squadron Leader.
CoH Smith (QM Dept), Castlemartin June 2002.
Regimental Training, Knook Camp, Salisbury Plain, Sept 2002.
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Household Cavalry Regiment
The Quartermaster’s Department eeking inspiration for this article, I decided to read a few back issues of this fine publication. My eyes dear reader, fell upon the department notes for 1995 which, concluded that “the department is very busy and we eagerly await the £20 million rebuild.” Guess what? Not only are we still busy, we are still waiting for the rebuild, only now it will cost closer to £50 million.
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The year started off, as most years do, with January, and where better to be than on Salisbury plain. The added bonus this year was the TESEX and the opportunity to get kitted out in the latest in electronic fashion, and bleep for a day or two. February saw a small contingent from the department deploying early to Castlemartin for a
recruit firing Gunnery Camp. The rest of the department stayed in Windsor to prepare the accounts for the LSI, a task that resulted in honours all around. The merry month of May saw dismounted training in Wales and the opportunity to get our feet wet. The highlight was the field firing package and the chance to stretch our legs across the Welsh countryside. The assault troop concentration in June gave CoH Smith the eagerly awaited chance to put his skills to the test. Cutting things down and blowing things up, was the order of the day. June gave us the time for a bit of troop bonding, surfing, white water canoeing and mountain biking was the medium and Croyde Bay Devon was the venue. In August we had leave and the
QM’s Department go Adventurous Training.
department spread far and wide, from Florida to Blackpool to Ibiza to Barry Island and all points in between. Refreshed from our travels we spent September back on the plain. Regimental training closely followed by CATT, Troop Tests and the Regimental final exercise. During the year we have said farewell to RQMC Douglas on promotion, CoH Slingsby to civilian life and Captain Lindsay on posting. To fill the gaps we say hello to RQMC Carter, LCoH Watkins, LCoH Couling and Captain Burbidge. Final mention should go to LCoH Hughes who has represented the Royal Armoured Corps at squash and to LCpl Costain who through a lot of selfdenial has been raising money for various charities.
At play.
The Quartermaster Technical Department 002 started with a bang, the Regiment deployed once again to the Salisbury Plain on TESEX. Tech deployed to keep the regiment on the road on this important test exercise.
2
On return to Windsor the QM(T) Captain R Manning RHG/D started to think about his handover and in March handed over the reigns to Captain T Carpenter RHG/D returning from the Guards Company Pirbright. Captain Manning moved on to take up the appointment of HQ Squadron Leader with promotion to Major while the new QM(T) was landed on his second week in the job with the annual Logistic Support Inspection (LSI). Thanks to all the hard work put in by the old QM(T) and his staff the department passed with flying colours. As soon as the LSI was over the next
inspection was looming. This was the onerous Equipment Care Inspection (ECI). Prior to this we had to make sure that our house was well and truly in order and to do this the antiquated Regimental Equipment Care Guide had to have a serious face lift from what was a small pamphlet to something that in the end resembled “War and Peace”. The production of this document kept the QM(T) extremely busy over the summer months while the remainder of the department carried on with the day to day running of the department. During this period the Regiment deployed to sunny Sennybridge to carry out some challenging dismounted training in a very harsh environment with quite extreme weather conditions. The department participated fully in the
activities with CoH Hooper, LCoH Walker and LCpl Beaumont deploying on their feet as part of four man teams leaving the QM(T) to run some very wet small arms ranges. Back in Windsor the department went through a number of personality changes starting with the TQ, WO2 RQMC(T)) Core LG who handed over to WO2 (RQMC(T)) Smith RHG/D and moved onto greater things as the RCM of Manchester UOTC. CoH Hooper and LCoH Beulah RHG/D also left the department to go back to HCMR and were replaced by CoH Carrington RHG/D fresh back from Guards Company Pirbright and LCpl Beaumont LG from HCMR. Last but not least we said goodbye to SCpl Hiscock who left us for civilian life. We wish him all the best for the future.
Household Cavalry Regiment 21
In September the Regiment deployed once again to the Salisbury Plain for Troop and Regimental Training combined with a weeks slot on the Combined Arms Tactical Trainer (CATT) in Warminster. This was a good opportunity for the department to shake itself out in the field, as the majority of us were new to the job. Also while the squadrons
were practicing their war games in the simulators at CATT we were able carry out some much needed maintenance on our trucks and husbandry on our portable accounts. The Regimental training part of the exercise took the form of three days of grueling troop tests followed by a Regimental exercise where HQ Squadron were deployed as the
enemy. We managed to persuade 16 Air Assault Brigade who were exercising along side us to loan us the use of some of their Chinook helicopters which proved great fun especially as many of the lads had not experienced them before. This also came as a big surprise to the squadrons as we descended on them from the sky.
Light Aid Detachment ot surprisingly, 2002 continued much as 2001 had finished and has been a thoroughly challenging and absorbing year for the Light Aid Detachment. The LAD has again suffered from under-manning, but it has managed to enjoy some elements of “play hard” within a very obvious “work hard” ethos. Adaptability and resourcefulness have been two key qualities displayed by our soldiers, particularly with A Squadron, closely followed by C Squadron, deploying on Op PALATINE for much of the year.
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The LAD found itself having to be rather imaginative with its distribution of manpower in January as the Regiment deployed on TESEX. Having only come off SPTA in November, there was a certain sense of déjà vu, yet serviceability remained extremely good considering the rather uncompromising conditions. The Fitter Sections found themselves short of manpower but not short of work, yet every member of the LAD played their part in more ways than one. Of particular note was the exuberance displayed by C Squadron Fitters and their illustrious Tiffy – SSgt James. By closing and engaging with the enemy on several occasions, Staff James transformed his new Class 3 tradesmen, Cfn’s Shaw and Grigg, into steely eyed, coldblooded killers. Cfn Wilson on the other hand, managed to dent the reputation of the Recovery Mechanics by his naive admission of getting 12 hours uninterrupted sleep. Cfn Cowan, the new regimental Specialist with a distinct likeness to Garfield the cat, found himself employed as the OC’s driver. The EME, who was quite keen to survive his tour with the Regiment, found that his nerves were well tested as Cfn Cowan adapted to the driving characteristics of the TUM. TESEX proved to be a very valuable training exercise and allowed a number of ideas to be practised. Prior to deploying much work was undertaken to ensure that as much preventative maintenance
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Household Cavalry Regiment
as possible was undertaken on the fleet, a theme that was to continue throughout 2002. The LAD deployed to Castlemartin in support of firing in both February and July. On each occasion maximum use was made of the training opportunities presented. Sgt Leng conducted CVR(T) familiarisation training for both new and old members of the LAD. The opportunity to conduct Adventurous Training also presented itself in July, and a large number of LAD personnel were able to enjoy the local countryside. Sgt Bradley enthusiastically assisted Lieutenant S Terrot whilst SSgt Conroy and Sgt Cooper organised challenging kayaking on the open sea. The ASM and AQMS ensured that evenings were utilised for sea fishing and this proved to be an enjoyable pastime for many. Sgt Armstrong, who, rumour has it, has served with the regiment since the 17th Century, found himself and his small band of armourer brothers very busy throughout both firing packages. During the firing in February the LAD had a very effective meeting with the IPT, and was able to identify a recurring fault on the top casing of the 30mm Rarden Cannon; it was discovered that a manufactures production error was to blame. An excellent standard of support was provided throughout firing, particularly in July and the pre-fire checks conducted by the Armourers and Instrument Technicians ensured that the vehicles were ready for firing each day. The technical achievements of the LAD over the past twelve months have been significant. LSgt Creighton was awarded a GEMS award for his technical suggestion regarding the Drivers Display Panel on the TNTLS system. Sgt Grime also received a GEMS award for his suggestion relating to TNTLS and Sgt Inman achieved what the IPT couldn’t, and initiated an economic and robust solution to the Remote Firing Handle problem. May saw the Regiment depart on Dis-
mounted Training to Sennybridge with a number of LAD personnel deploying on the ground. LCpl Hewitt, a former Foot Guard, appeared to be in his element and LSgt Brown utilised his sense of humour appropriately to motivate those around him. Sgt Issac left the security blanket of his store and Sgt Inman, whilst enjoying himself, would rather have been in a Lynx. Equipment Support still had to be provided of course, and Sgts Leng and Bradley, ably assisted by LSgt Doyle, were busy throughout. Sgt Leng had a number of recovery tasks, one of particular note involved an over-enthusiastic civilian, with HQ Squadron Leader adopting a hands-on approach during the recovery. Regimental Training in September proved to be one of the Regiments toughest tests and likewise for the ES component. Gearboxes were proving in other Regiments to be rather fragile and there was the keen eye of ES Branch at 3 Div on the Regiment’s performance. The ethos change within the Regiment towards equipment matters was clearly evident as a number of maintenance days were programmed into the training programme and soldiers and officers alike were mucking in on maintenance tasks. With the EME, ASM and the artificers walking the line, maintenance tasks were conducted diligently. Despite the challenging nature of mounted training, not one gearbox failed during the exercise, much to the joy of ES Branch and Recce Brigade. One of the difficulties the LAD has faced over the last twelve months has been its lack of suitably qualified personnel to drive its vehicles. This issue became very apparent to Major Stubbington (BEME) during his visit to the Regimental training, where he saw the ASM driving the LAD Sultan. The BEME’s visit was an enjoyable one, during which he saw the LAD training for warfighting by conducting a number of different recovery tasks, including the recovery of a T 72. Other aspects of the training proved to be very enjoyable,
most notably the LAD’s efforts as OPFOR and the defence of a number of bridges across SPTA. On the lighter side of life, the LAD has managed to complete a number of other activities, albeit tempered by commitments. LCpl Hewitt organised a splendid visit to the Courage Brewery, however a traffic incident on the M4 almost dislocated his plan; fortunately a quick tab up the hard shoulder saved the day, thus preventing the cry “..LCpl Hewitt couldn’t organise a ….in a …”. That accolade would be saved for Sgt Cooper later in the year at SSgt Ramsey’s and the EME’s leaving function! Other visits have included a trip to London with HQ Squadron to indulge in Dragon Boat racing. On the sporting front the LAD has still managed to provide the odd gladiator. Sgt Grime and LSgt Brown have excelled at Golf as has LSgt McAlister. The EME, Maj Crook, found his football aspirations broken, along with his ankle, following a skiing accident. Nonetheless the LAD football team shows much promise if they ever get to play in the Craftsmans Cup competition. Major Crook, SSgt Ramsey, Sgt
Bland and LSgt Congreve all competed in the London to Brighton Bike Ride in support of the British Heart Foundation, and despite the wonderful views provided by the South Downs, it was the bag of chips at the finish that gave the greatest satisfaction. SSgt Ramsey organised yet another tough guy entry for the LAD. Both SSgt Howard and Sgt Robson completed the London marathon and ASM Tait still manages to play Rugby for both the Regiment and his civilian club. The REME’s policy of trickle posting soldiers has ensured that changes to key personnel have been ongoing throughout the year. In February the LAD said farewell to LSgt Hick and LSgt Parker at a splendid lunch in the NCO’s mess. Other notable farewells have been held for LSgt Congreve on promotion, LCpl Richards to the RGBW, and LCpl’s Aust and Chadwick to a new life in civilian street. LSgt Davies also left for Civvy Street and his undoubted talent as a Regimental Ice Hockey player will be sorely missed. SSgt Conroy departed to Germany, and SSgt Ramsey left for Arborfield on promotion. LSgt McCrea tore himself away to Germany with tears in his eyes; the tears weren’t
because he was leaving, but due to Cfn Jones following him. Sgt Robson left to Aldershot and 27 Transport Regiment; a reliable and thoroughly conscientious SNCO, his dry sense of humour will be sorely missed. August 2002 saw WO2(AQMS) Parton leave to take over as ASM of the Staffords and he will be replaced from ATDU by the newly promoted AQMS Speakman. AQMS Parton was seen leaving Combermere Barracks with a copy of the Equipment Care Directive and the LAD Techeval report firmly tucked under his arm! The most recent departure was that of the EME. Major Crook left in considerable style on a charger, escorted by mounted State Troopers. With a stop at the Warrant Officers and NCOs mess to consume a bottle of champagne, and some advice from SCM Gibbons to “keep the heels down sir”, it was an unforgettable moment – Major Crook leaves to 4 Regiment Army Corps, as OC Workshop, but will clearly miss both his Spartan and Seymour, on whom he learnt to ride. On bidding farewell to the old EME it was a case of welcoming the new EME, Captain Johnston, from the Junior Command and Staff Course, just in time to enjoy brick hanging
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Household Cavalry Regiment 23
The WOs’ and NCOs’ Mess n 2002 mess life started late with the New Year’s Dinner in February due to commitments, this was followed by the Mess saying farewell to a large number of mess members who were leaving after 22 yrs; these included WO2s Evans, Maunder, Voice, Harris 23 and SCpls Bridges and Miles. Included in this role of honour the Mess bade farewell to WO1 (RCM) Shatliff who was moving on after being commissioned in to The Blues and Royals. All mess members wish them well in their new careers and futures and welcome the incoming RCM, WO1 Kibble RHG/D.
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February saw the inter mess ice hockey match, during which the RCM was on the ice in a penalty shoot out against the Commanding Officer. The mess team worked hard under the coaching skills of SCpl Horner and Sgt Isaacs even though they were playing against a team of bandits lead by the late QM Capt Lindsay. After a well fought battle on the ice the officers and soldiers won by a slim margin, allowing them to get their hands on the ice hockey trophy for the first time. Preparation is already taking place for the game in 2003. In early March, the Regiment hosted an inter squadron boxing night, (the first for a few years) in which we saw a number of mess members competing in the ring, a courageous effort was made by all fighters. A special mention goes to CoH Fortune for an outstanding display of courage, guts and determination by a mess member. After the boxing the mess members had the honour to host the officers, boxing team and guests in the mess, this finished off an excellent night’s entertainment. The remaining months of spring saw the mess members deployed on Regimental
RCM and Adjt chat in the Mess whilst Lt Spencer Dunville VC looks on.
training. June saw a number of the mess members re-role to ceremonial duties to assist HCMR in the service of thanksgiving for the Golden Jubilee. Sixteen mess members from the RCM down joined the commanding officer to form the staircase party on the steps of St Pauls for the occasion. At the end of June we bid farewell to three of the senior WOs of the mess as they moved on to new jobs. More importantly they where all promoted to WO1 these were; WO2 Core, Douglas and Parton. Congratulations on their promotion and we wish them well in their new jobs. The Household Cavalry Regiment WOs and NCOs mess hosted Derby Day for the Household Division for a third year. With the guidance from WO2 Peat and SCpl McGuire the event was an outstand-
Comd Recce awards CsoH Matthews and Hooper and LCoH Farrimond the LSGC during Dismounted Training, Sennebridge.
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Household Cavalry Regiment
ing success for the Mess and the Division. From the correspondence received it was appreciated by many of the patrons who visited over the two days. The Mess will be organising the Derby for 2003, it would be an honour to see some of the association member at this outstanding event; anyone who wishes more details should contact the RSWO. Although all mess members are now back in Windsor, the remaining months of 2002 have been taken up with regimental firing camp, summer leave, regimental exercise and Op Fresco training in readiness for the fireman’s strike. Due to the pending fire strike there is some uncertainty in the Christmas forecast of events, this has prevented us from holding the mess ball for 2002, we will endeavour to make up for this in early part of 2003.
Brig White-Spunner awards Macedonia Medals to WO2 SCM Gibbons and CoH Hemming.
Band of The Blues and Royals hat better way to start the year than a brisk march up Windsor High Street to mount the Guard at Windsor Castle? Even on the chilly morning of January 2nd, an enthusiastic crowd, comprising mainly of Japanese tourists, had braved the frost to marvel at the ceremony outside the Castle Guardroom. The first of many Guards during the month of January, this engagement served to ‘blow out the cob-webs’ from the Band instruments following a relaxing Christmas Break.
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Notable events during the month of January included The Brass Quintet, (who alongside the State Trumpeters are probably amongst the busiest members of the Band), providing light background music at a fund raising event at The Bank of England. It was also The Band’s first visit of the year for a spot of ‘Square Bashing’ on ‘Gods’ Acre’ for a Passing Out Parade at the Army Training Regiment in Pirbright. After quite a routine start to the year, a Cabaret Marching Display at the Grosvenor House Hotel in London was a welcome addition to the diary, (not least as this was a Category IV - fee-paying engagement!) Then came February. The cobwebs had now gone, the musicians were back into performance mode and the senior management were back into the swing of the administrative jungle. The steady stream of potential future Household Cavalry musicians was now starting to arrive in the form of work experience placements. Over the year, the band was to accommodate 19 youngsters ranging from ages 15 – 26. Following participation in band rehearsals, informal auditions and formal interviews, some successful candidates are already in the Phase 1 Military Training, (transition from civilian to Soldier), two recruits are currently at The Royal Military School of Music, Kneller Hall starting Phase 2 Musical Training, (from Soldier to Musician) and two are currently undergoing the B3 Mounted Dutymans Course - a Household Cavalry Musician is now born. The Band is always pleased to assist the Metropolitan Police with their enquiries, but especially pleased to provide musical support to their many passing out parades at their Training centre in Hendon. The parades bear an uncanny similarity to those of the Army. Was that an ex-Grenadier Guards Drill Sergeant marching up and down the square? Multiple Choice Question: “What do you call a musician with a SA80”?
WO2 Howe leads the Band following a Windsor Castle Guard.
a - SIR! b - Bugsy Malone’s Piano Player. c - Anything you want, but run like mad. d - The Blues and Royals Band on the Ranges. It was that time of year – ITD’s. To say that the band managed a 100% pass rate would be a slight exaggeration, but considering the time constraints and the busy diary we achieved great success. The stringed instruments were again dusted off during the month of March for a number of Investitures at Buckingham Palace. After a well-received concert for The Royal British Legion in Bleanavon, it was time to start thinking about matters Equine. Just to get the band members in the mood for the forthcoming Summer Season’s marathon sessions in the saddle, the band embarked on an 8-hour coach journey to North Yorkshire to provide musical support for
a passing out parade in Catterick Garrison. Many thanks are extended to the designers of the Army ‘White Rhino’ coach seats as this was the perfect acclimatisation process for posterior readjustment in readiness for G10 Saddles. During most of March and April, The Bandmaster, Mr Griffiths, was in Pakistan heading a Short Term Training Team at their Army School of Music in the mountains of Abbottabad. On his return, his horsemanship was a little ropey, but he could certainly cook a pretty good chicken madras. Thanks are extended to the Riding Master and his staff for allowing the Bandmaster to enjoy a comfortable ride on ‘Polka’. The Mounted Season was now upon us with rehearsals for The Major Generals Review, The Queen’s Birthday Parade and of course The Queen’s Golden Jubilee Celebrations. Massed with the Band of The Life Guards, The Blues and
WO2 (BCM) Kitching leads the Band for the final time following the Garter Service in June 2002.
Household Cavalry Regiment 25
Royals Band was proud to be at the forefront of the procession as thousands of members of Her Majesty’s Commonwealth joined in celebration marching down the Mall with jubilant pomp and ceremony. In keeping with the Commonwealth theme, the Band was proud to be able to participate in an event in Windsor during the second week in May. ‘All The Queen’s Horses’ was organised by Major Sir Michael Parker, formerly of the Queens Royal Hussars, in his typically thorough and flamboyant style. Although a cavalryman himself the question does have to be asked whether he understands the workings of a horse’s mind. When organising a Military Spectacular, the following formula should be observed: H + W W I I + F L + P Y R O = F***OOPS***ARGH! (Horse + WW2 Battle Noises + Flashing Lights + Pyrotechnics = DISASTER!) In the true Household Cavalry fashion, the expertise of The Blues and Royals Band saved the day, (and probably Sir Michael’s Knighthood). A well-deserved long weekend was greatly received at the end of June. On return, the band had the pleasure of providing musical entertainment for the Household Cavalry Regiment’s Officers Mess Fancy Dress Summer Ball. The inter-band lottery, (organised for band members to try and guess what the theme is each year), was won by Msn Simon Dodd. He suggested Halloween. The correct answer was in fact Caribbean Beach Party, but as it was so difficult to tell, he got the prize, as he was the closest.
In July, The Blues and Royals Band had great pleasure in performing in a concert with students from The Royal School Hampstead in their own school concert hall. Msn North had spent several weeks previous to the event coaching a number of singers, whilst accompanying on piano, in a specially arranged version of music from ‘Phantom of The Opera’. The event was a great success and it is hoped that it can be repeated annually. Other memorable engagements during this period for the Band included Henley Festival and The Guards Polo Club at home in Windsor. However, the highlight of the year was without a doubt a six day tour of Portugal. The bands members both worked and played hard and it was a relief to return to the UK for some block leave to rest and recuperate. On return from leave it was straight back to our primary role with a concert on the seafront of Scarborough and participation at the annual Household Cavalry Training Camp at Bodney. An idealic setting met the band as we performed a Beating of Retreat and a Concert for The Army Benevolent Fund at Thursford Steam Museum. September was a relatively quiet period, apart from the annual participation in the Festival of Speed at Goodwood Racecourse and numerous cups of coffee with Sterling Moss. LCoH Sparks’ wedding was the highlight of the month and with DJ funky beat-master Griff on the decks it made for quite an enjoyable, (and cheap), night for all. A smashing time was had and our best wishes go out to Karl and Sam for their future. Numerous Windsor Castle Guards came and went, mostly went - due to the rainfall, and it was time for a well-deserved sec-
ond ‘Duty Free Collection’ week overseas in Germany. Because of a long-standing liaison between the Band and the Guideline Coach Company, (who incidentally are the main transporters and sponsors of the England Football Team), we always use their Premier Coach which is painted in the colours of the flag of St George. Imagine the surprise of members of the general public at Dover port when they saw us disembark. The cries rang out “Beckham, Scholes, and Seaman” etc. Unfortunately for them, they were greeted with Bishop, Marsh, Groves and Tulip. The aim of the excursion was to participate in both The British Military Music Show in Halle Munsterland and the Osnabruck Show. The Concert in Osnabruck, which was organised by the Director of Music, Major Robertson and Major Holbrook was a huge success. The Massed Bands Spectacular was equally well received and it was good to meet up with old friends from The Lowland Band of The Scottish Division, The Royal Lancers Band and The Cambrai Band of The Royal Tank Regiment. A special thank you at this point goes out to Msns Dodd and Dudley who volunteered to stay in the UK to assist in providing cover for the Fire Fighters dispute. As the year draws to a close we say a sad farewell to a number of band members: WO2 Billington, (the old soldier), and SCpl ‘Baz’ Haddock to life as civilians and LCoH Collin who successfully gained entry on to the 3 year graduate Student Bandmaster Course at The Royal Military School of Music, Kneller Hall. We wish them and their families well for a prosperous future.
Regimental Recruiting Team “Pressing” On he Household Cavalry Regimental Recruiting Team has had another successful year. Travelling the length and breadth of the country the team has not only raised the profile of the Regiment but has also captured the interest of over 300 potential recruits.
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This impressive figure is not solely attributable to the Recruiting Team but is as a result of the recruiting offices’ abilities to identify events in their local areas, which have recruiting potential.
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Household Cavalry Regiment
This year has seen a number of changes to the team. CoH Lowe moved on to become the Officers Mess Manager at Knightsbridge (he likes to be referred to as the maitre d’) and was replaced by the inimitable CoH Hemming. In October Captain M Norris, who has worked extremely hard over the last 2 years handed over the recruiting reins to Captain M Kingston. Continuity is provided by LCoH Brown who amongst other things ensures that the team’s vehicles stay on the road. As well as new faces the recruiting team has received some new items of equipment. The ‘Blue Red
Blue’ mini marquee has proved to be a great asset and is the focal point of any show, however its lightweight frame has raised a number of concerns. During a recruiting event at Pirbright the marquee was hit by a mini tornado, carrying it some 50 feet into the air with CoH Hemming holding on to the awning. A member of the public was heard to say that it was the best kite-flying exhibition he had ever seen. In addition to this the team is awaiting the arrival of a brand new Ford Ranger 4x4 and a recruiting caravan, both of which are emblazoned with exciting graphics
depicting the diverse nature of the Household Cavalry. Cyber recruiting is also proving to be a great success. In recruiting terms it provides the recruiting team with an Internet presence with exposure on a 24/7 basis. This enables the team to reach a broader spectrum of potential recruits. This is undoubtedly an extremely useful recruiting tool and has produced enquiries from as far a field as Australia and South Africa. Over 120 information packs have been sent to prospective recruits as a result of internet inquiries. Marketing innovations and technological wizardry are all well and good, however recruitment is ultimately dependant on the hard work of the recruiters, whether part of the Regimental Recruiting Team or working out of a recruiting office. The Regiment’s recruiters spend a great deal of time cultivating good working relationships with local TA Centres, Army Cadet Units, Schools and Local Authorities. Liaison of this nature has increased the Regiment’s profile to such an extent that external organisations are continually requesting the services of the Regimental Recruiting Team. In addition to this, the team has been involved in a number of major recruiting events. In March the team took part in EXPERTECH 02. This was a skills/ training event for young people between the ages of 15 and 16. During the week long event the team had contact with over 1000 individuals. One of the main events of the year was OP LONDON SOLDIER II, which took place in September. The highlight of the two days spent on Horse Guards Parade, where a whole host of military personnel and equipment was assembled. It was a resounding success with an attendance in excess of 20,000. In October the recruiting team took part in OP SOUTHERN SOLDIER. This recruiting surge focused on areas around the M25 and areas south of London. The team was tasked to recruit in areas that are not normally well targeted, such as Dorking, Reigate and Caterham. Although the weather was typically wet the team found this recruiting drive particularly fruitful and have received over 50 inquiries regarding service in the Household Cavalry. Both the Household Cavalry Regiment and the Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment have continued to provide support to the recruiting team by facilitating visits and providing vehicles for recruiting events. This type of support is essential as it provides prospective recruits with an opportunity to see what
CoH Lochrane, Tpr Rennoch and LCoH Brown at the Remembrance Parade Sunderland.
the regiment has to offer. Planning for the forthcoming year is already underway and will be as busy as the last. The recruiting team and those recruiters in offices all over the country remain dedicated to the task in hand and will continue to “press” on.
SCpl Wibberly: Norwich Tel: 01603-624616
If you know of anyone wishing to join, or who would like information regarding the Household Cavalry, the following contacts should be used. Alternatively they can log onto the Household Cavalry website at www.householdcavalry.co.uk.
CoH Bentley: Rochdale Tel: 01706-710538
Regimental Recruiting Team OC – Captain Mark Kingston Tel: 01753 755213 CoH Hemming LCoH Brown WO2 Kershaw: Online office: Email-barracks@easynet.co.uk Tel: 01980-618180
CoH Cox: Croydon Tel: 020 86887226
CoH Bassett: Burton Upon Trent Tel: 01283-568172 CoH Lochrane: Sunderland Tel: 0191-5658817 CoH Gaddes: Strand (London) Tel: 020 79308603
THE WORLD’S FINEST CLIPPERS For all your clipping and trimming needs, service, repair and sharpening requirements contact:
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Household Cavalry Regiment 27
AGC Field Detachment full diary is something that the AGC Detachment never has to worry about at HCR – it just always is! This year has been no exception and from our first deployment on TESEX in January to the nine members of the team crewed on to Green Goddesses on Op FRESCO in November; there has scarcely been a moment for a breather. Operationally, we welcomed LCpl Merrell back from her empire in Banja Luka and now also have LCpl McMullan back after she took up the reins for the final Op PALATINE from March to October (for now anyway).
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However, never let it be said that the Detachment has become all work and no play! Ptes Dimes and Wylie enjoyed their first Ex WORTHY CAUSE in February and, judging by the photos taken off the Piste, their efforts to entertain the locals did not go unappreciated – and we’re not talking skiing here! Unfortunately, the planned 10th Anniversary Corps weekend gave way to a heady trip to Sennybridge for dismounted training where it became apparent why the RAO’s culinary skills in the field are as unmentionable as her pathetic taste in football teams! With memories of traditional Welsh weather fresh in our minds; the thought of an ITD package in Castlemartin seemed less and less appealing. It was therefore a bonus to find ourselves spending ten days on the Pembrokeshire coast during a mini heat- wave, where a healthy spot of adventurous training compensated for the Squadron Leader’s unhealthy appetite for early mornings and potted sports competitions! Sgt Black proved that not only is he a mean basketball player (oh, go on then, we must mention his meteoric success with the Army, Corps and a professional team this year) but he is also a very mean footballer (so mean in fact, that several of the opposition still carry the scars)! At cricket, our Corps player (and Corps recruiting pin-up) LCpl Akhtar showed his true colours – to say that the air was blue after his defeat is an understatement. Those who thought that a sedate cycle ride with the Det Comd would be a safe option quickly found that a 40 mile round trip was only just worth the pub lunch incentive that she seduced us with before setting off! We must also feature L/Sgt ‘Shona get your gun’ MacLaren who left them weeping on the ranges and got herself a recommendation to be an instructor (a compliment from the Cav-
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Household Cavalry Regiment
The RAO relishes the joys of cooking outside.
A big weapon was an everyday occurance for LCpl Maclaren in Castlemartin.
alry – now that is worth a mention). We are sure that LSgt McLaren is reminiscing about those giddy days as she currently stags on in Kosovo with 19 Mech Bde. Meanwhile SSgt Taylor opted to trek the coastline with the QMs overnight rambling club only to find that the promise of plush camping facilities meant that somebody else helped you to put your basher up.
LSgt Anstee on his marriage to Janine (still no wedding cake). LSgt Mills on his marriage to Jodie (again no wedding cake). LSgt MacLaren on her promotion and to LCpls Akhtar and Crawford on their promotion
With squaddie tans fading we prepared for a month on SPTA and obviously, never thoroughly happy unless completely drowning in admin, the Detachment also had a crash course in AP3 training in preparation for Op FRESCO. When not driving or running out hoses from Green Goddesses, WO2 ‘I’m a Crew Commander now’ Taylor cracked the whip (another of her fantasies) and the team passed their annual inspection in true Cavalry style which, is simply, he who plans ahead – plans again!
And a special mention to: LCoH Stafferton who saw the light and transferred in from Blue Red Blue to Red Blue Red. Pte Pretious who has jumped out of the RLC frying pan in to the AGC fire.
Arrivals: Captain Miller Lieutenant Terrot (transferred in from the Engineers) SSgt Taylor Sgt Black (transferred in from the REME) Sgt Mathieson LCpl MacLaren LCpl Greenhalgh (transferred in from the R Signals) Pte Patterson Pte Mills Pte Reid Pte Benoit
Farewells: Captain Simmons on posting to 47 Regt RA. Captain Johnston on posting to HQ 3 (UK) Div SPS Branch. WO2 Kubicsek on completion of 22 yrs and looking for a job as a Lollipop Man (good luck Gwen – you’re going to need it). SSgt Taylor on special leave to join her husband in the Oman for 18 months (envy does not describe our feelings). Sgt Seabright on posting to HQ 3 (UK) Div ES Branch. Sgt Simmons in to Civvie Street as an Independent Financial Adviser (no Tony, we don’t need anymore insurance but good luck to you and Anne in the future). Sgt Shearer on posting to Naples and on promotion to SSgt. LSgt Anstee on posting to HQ 3 (UK) Div G3 O&D. LCpl McMullan on posting to Brunei (another one to go green over).
Congratulations: Lieutenant Terrot on her promotion to Captain and on her engagement to Neil.
Leaving: Ptes Dimes and Wylie eagerly awaiting news of their postings
Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment
Foreword By Lieutenant Colonel S H Cowen The Blues and Royals he assertion that “last year has been the busiest in living memory” has long been the preserve of Commanding Officers in the foreword to the Journal. However I believe that it can be said with confidence this year, as it is unlikely that the wide and varied tasks of 2002 will be eclipsed. The regiment had anticipated a demanding ceremonial season with the Golden Jubilee, however the Funeral of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth, The Queen Mother and deployment on Op FRESCO (firefighting) added to our busy and demanding schedule. These widely contrasting duties represent two themes that have run through our year, the enduring role of the Mounted Regiment and its place in the fabric of the nation and the uncertainty and unpredictability of the current geo-political climate and how it impacts on our commitments.
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The regiment’s natural focus has been State Ceremonial. The sombre mood of the Early Morning Rehearsal for the Funeral of Her Majesty The Queen Mother, the atmosphere of celebration as the Captain’s Escort arrived at All The Queen’s Horses at Windsor and the air of anticipation as the Sovereign’s Escort moved off on the procession to the Service of Thanksgiving, will be indelibly stamped on my mind forever. While these vignettes capture the mood of the nation and the Household Cavalry’s place at its centre, there was a fevered polka rather than a stately waltz of planning and logistics to achieve it. The regiment formed six divisions for the months of May and June. The Adjutant, Captain Bartle-Jones simultaneously prepared three mounting instructions for parades, untried and untested in the Mounted Regiment’s portfolio. The Quartermaster, Captain Maher had teams deployed to Windsor and Edinburgh to sustain the Escorts and the Riding Master devised elaborate training regimes to prepare the Escorts for the crowds. Two divisions, furnishing a Captain’s Escort, traveled to Windsor and Edinburgh in support of the celebrations, whilst four divisions remained in Knightsbridge gearing up for the Service of Thanksgiving. When these two ele-
ments joined for the early morning rehearsal, there were over 260 all ranks, including Massed Bands and Step Lining Party in Mounted Review Order. This caused a “Cinderellaesque” situation in the Quartermaster’s stores with “the ugly sisters of Windsor” trying on the last pair of jackboots and helmet. This rated almost as demanding a Herculean task for the QM’s Staff as turning out 24 officers for the Lying in State of Her Majesty The Queen Mother. The Riding Staff trained 38 remounts for the Golden Jubilee, which represented 20% of horses on Parade. One of the more rewarding reflections is that Trooper Bremner of The Life Guards received the Commander in Chief ’s Commendation for gathering a loose horse in the procession. However, State Ceremonial has not been sacrosanct and the threat of, followed by, industrial action by the Fire Brigade Union has had a major impact on the Mounted Regiment. The normally untroubled waters of RHQ Life at Annual Training were rippled by Warning Orders and planning for support to London District’s deployment on Op FRESCO. Our juggling act was to balance our continued role of Public Duties and Ceremonial with training and reinforcement to FRESCO. Whilst Brigadier Rollo, as Director Military Operations, is familiar with the nuances of mounted duty, his staff were not, and we had to translate “roughing off ” to “Light preservation” of horses so they could understand the timelines for transition into the firefighting role. In the end the transition became blurred as the regiment was tasked with both roles. Thus Hyde Park Barracks metamorphosed into a temporary fire station and produced the unique image of the Sovereign’s Escort marching out of the Barracks for the State Opening of Parliament, while crews prepared Green Goddesses in the background for the fire strike that day. As I write we await the results of arbitration and what the impact of continued support to Op FRESCO will have on 2003. While uncertainty has shaped the latter half of 2002 and our planning for 2003,
we have continued to train well. Regimental Training was excellent at Bodney Camp. The military training, so relevant later in the year, was completed in the first week allowing us to concentrate on equitation for the last two, with 114 Junior NCOs and Troopers competing in the Show Jumping competition. Troops swam their horses in blazing sunshine at Holkham, Brigadier White-Spunner and Colonel Falkner led us around the Handy Hunter, and there was an unseemly rush to collect Blue Peter badges while Blue Peter filmed. We were fortunate that both Colonels of The Life Guards and The Blues and Royals visited us. It is a reflection of the interest in our role that the Chief of the Defence Staff and Commander in Chief LAND have also visited our training for ceremonial in London. Sadly the benefit of this training was redressed by the loss of squadron training (winter camps) due to Op FRESCO. The strength in equitation can be seen throughout the regiment with the dominance of the Household Cavalry in military mounted sports, with the Riding Master, Capt Hayward winning the King’s Cup, CoH Arkley the Queen’s Cup and the Riding Staff winning the Inter Services Team Jumping at the Royal Windsor Horse Show, to Captain Waygood LG, whom people may have heard, competed at Badminton. Outside equitation the regiment thrives
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in competitive sport, with LCoH Woods fencing for the Combined Services and Captain Lipman combining physique and gravity to good effect in the Cresta. Elsewhere we continue to modify and develop our training. The benefit that the Career Management Officer has on career planning and management continues to be felt, with a revision of Mounted Duty Training and its integration with career planning for Armoured Reconnaissance. This allows a more balanced transition to HCR for our young Troopers. The quality of life for junior ranks has also improved with the trialing of Pay as You Dine, a new concept in
catering, which ensures that soldiers only pay for the food they eat. We also seek to broaden our horizons beyond SW7, with our continued liaison with the Garde Republicaine and Guardia Real and our more informal links with the US, Bahraini, Thai, Indian and Pakistani Mounted Troops. Whilst the diary for 2003 appears less crowded than 2002, uncertainty still extends into 2003; with FRESCO possibly continuing and planning for a deployment into the Middle East maturing rapidly. The regiment continues to plan and balance our commitments and
capabilities to support or reinforce deployments where required. In our primary and enduring role, we prepare for the New Standards and Guidon Parade on 21 May and a full ceremonial season, including the State Visit of the President of Russia. We are planning challenging Regimental and Squadron Training for the summer and autumn. This balances the two themes I alluded to at the start. We continue to relish our primary and enduring role, yet the uncertainty of the current world has allowed us to demonstrate our utility and flexibility in other roles as required.
Diary of Events January January proved relatively quiet, the calm before the storm! There were a number of personality changes including WO1 Kitching replacing WO1 Maxwell as RCM. The LG Band moved to RMA Sandhurst as the resident band for 6 weeks, providing a touch of panache to Officer Cadet drill. Dunkirk Ride passed out of Khaki Ride and Casino Ride overcame the final hurdle, Kit Ride.
February During February the Regiment provided support to the Mountbatten Festival of Music, and the Primary Health Care Survey Team. Ethiopia Ride passed out of Khaki Ride and Hindenburg Ride passed out of Drill and Dunkirk completed Kit Ride.
March March saw the return of the horses, which had been out to grass and the build up to the Ceremonial season. 3
members of the Regiment went for glory at the Grand Military Cup at Sandown, although no joy this year Captain Sturgis came a close second. HCMR were narrowly beaten by 1 RTR in the Cavalry Cup (Football), however redeemed themselves by beating the Kings Troop in their Show Jumping Competition. On the last day of the month the Regiment received the sad news regarding the death of HM Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother and were called back off leave to prepare for the funeral.
April April saw the Life Guards providing the Marching Party for the Funeral procession from St James’s Palace to Westminster Hall, with The Blues and Royals providing the Street liners. The Officers of the Household Cavalry were honoured to provide 2 watches (including the first) for Her Majesty’s Lying in State. Once the Funeral and Lying in State was completed, the Regiment turned its focus onto the Ceremonial
The Regiment formed up in front of the Green Goddesses. State Opening 2002
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season. Squadrons completed Troop, Squadron and Regimental drills, Full Kit, Horse and Band inspections all within 2 weeks. The Chief of the
HRH The Princess Royal, Colonel RHG/D, visiting the Regiment at Annual Training Camp
Admiral Sir Michael Boyce CDS visits the Regiment.
The Major General
Defence Staff, Admiral Sir Michael Boyce visited at the end of April and was subject to an escort around Hyde Park and a riding lesson for his ADC!
May May proved the busiest month the Mounted Regiment had had for 25 years. The Major General inspected the Regiment. The Regiment then moved a Captain’s Escort, Musical Ride and Mounted Bands to Windsor, all of which played a key part in Sir Michael Parker’s equine extravaganza ‘All the Queen’s Horses’ on Home Park. The Captains Escort then moved to Edinburgh, to escort Her Majesty for the Opening of the General Assembly for the Church of Scotland.
June And then it was June, a month when the definition of night and day became somewhat hazy. The Jubilee weekend, amazing at it was, included the Major General’s Review for the Queen’s Birthday Parade (QBP) on the Saturday, the Early Morning Rehearsal for the Service of Thanksgiving on the Sunday and the actual parade on the Tuesday, together with a little partying in between! The Parade for the Service of Thanksgiving comprised 6 Divisions, a double Mounted Band and a dismounted Staircase Party at St Paul’s Cathedral, 242 horses in all. The Beating Retreat took place on 11th and 12th and the month ended with a very successful QBP under command of Maj G V Woyka and the Garter service in Windsor.
C in C Land Gen Sir Mike Jackson visiting the Regiment during drills for the State Opening of Parlament.
July July was relatively quiet, with the Regiment recovering from the previous onslaught and the start of summer leave. On the 20th July the Regiment remembered the 20th Anniversary of the Hyde Park Bombing with a short ceremony at the bombing memorial. Build up for Regimental Training began in earnest, coupled with a number of horses and men being sent to Edinburgh to support the Scots Dragoon Guards in the Edinburgh Tattoo. The Regimental Polo Team won the Inter – Regimental Polo Cup at Tidworth, beating the King’s Royal Hussars.
August August saw the annual pilgrimage to Norfolk and the start of Regimental Training. The first week was taken up with ranges, CFT, 24 hour exercise and finishing off with Ex Try Out. The second week saw the honing of the Regiment’s equitation skills, Skill at Arms and Tent Pegging. The final week saw visits from Brigadier B W B WhiteSpunner, Lieutenant-General Sir John Kiszely and the Colonel The Blues and Royals, HRH The Princess Royal. The final day was taken up with a very successful Open Day, despite the absence of the Musical Ride who were at Chatsworth Show.
September September saw the final leave period pass off satisfactorily and an opportunity for the Regiment to settle back into the Ceremonial routine. However not every-
thing was to prove easy, the Regiment began gearing up for the impending Fire Strike, with 10 soldiers being sent on Fire Rescue Team training. Hyde Park Barracks saw the introduction of ‘The Park’, the new Pay as you Dine trial facility, a concept that intends to radically alter soldiers eating practices.
October October saw the Regiment being pulled in two different directions. On the one hand, it saw the return of the “grass” horses and the build up for the Autumn Ceremonial season and on the other it saw a great deal of contingency planning for the impending Firemen’s strike (OP FRESCO).
November November was chaotic, planning for OP FRESCO was at full throttle coupled with planning for the Lord Mayors Show. Sadly, this year without a Band as their horses had to be left out to grass due to FRESCO. The Cenotaph Parade and the State Opening of Parliament on 13 Nov followed. In the middle of all this was a successful visit by C-in-C LAND, General Sir Mike Jackson. Hyde Park Barracks saw the arrival of 4 Green Goddesses, under command Royal Welsh Fusiliers, manned by 4 HCMR crews. All non-essential manpower was sent to provide additional support for the strike and consequently duties became a regular occurrence.
December December, traditionally a time of great festivities, saw the firemen’s strike impact heavily on the forecast of events.
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The Life Guards Squadron ach year the journal proclaims that ‘this year must be the busiest yet.’ However, we believe that the Jubilee Year wins by a good head.
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It started, by contrast, relatively quietly with a large number of horses out to grass before the start of the build-up programme. At the end of March, the Squadron came back from leave in order to provide the Marching Party for HM Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother’s Funeral Procession. For many marching with reversed swords was a novel experience but the gravity of the situation provided an extra impetus to the rehearsals. The ceremonial season now began in earnest. During one rehearsal for the Major General’s Inspection LCpl Mountford, on Yeoman, decided that one circuit of Hyde Park was not sufficient completing a second before his horse settled. But despite a number of unnerving incidents during rehearsals, reminiscent of the 2001 Grand National, the Inspection itself was considered to have gone very well. ‘All The Queen’s Horses’ in Windsor proved equally challenging. The King’s Troop guns made a number of horses a little jittery but it was the pre-recorded sound of Spitfires flying overhead that really threw everyone. The Captain’s Escort had to race to be out of the arena before the tape machine kicked into action. The highlight of the performance was then followed by a slightly dispiriting ride back through Windsor Great Park, all in pitch black and well after midnight.
Sqn Ldr, LCpl Eames, Tpr Smith 62 and Tpr Warren.
After Windsor the Escort moved to Edinburgh to escort Her Majesty for the Opening of the General Assembly for the Church of Scotland. There were some rather lengthy watering orders, through some of the less salubrious streets of the city and the parade was carried out in great style.
was intended, after Chieftain slipped on a drain cover. Luckily Tpr Bremner kept his cool and completed the parade with two horses. Some would describe this as showing off but the Commanding Officer decided to congratulate him. He has just been awarded a Commander in Chief ’s commendation for his efforts.
The parade to the Service of Thanksgiving at St Paul’s Cathedral must remain in the minds of all concerned as one of their proudest moments. The sheer weight and enthusiasm of the crowds, who stretched over such a large distance, made a great impression. Tpr Mann’s memory of it will be a little shorter than
After last year’s downpour all prayed for good weather on the day of The Queen’s Birthday Parade. God demanded a sacrifice in return, however, and Tpr Sloan, diminutive in stature but not in courage, was offered up. He dismounted from Nizfella in front of some very distressed Cub Scouts. They later made a trip to
Keeping the tent in place.
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Tpr Marr.
the barracks in order to present him with a get-well card. Having heard a rumour that he had died in hospital they were much relieved to meet him returning from Queen’s Life Guard. The traditional pilgrimage to Regimental Training in Thetford was made with much enthusiasm, both horses and men keen to escape from London for some bucolic peace. The amount of time spent in the saddle over the last few months obviously benefited standards of equitation, which were deemed to be much improved from previous years. Indeed Tpr King consummate performance guaranteed his win of the OR’s Showjumping competition. Unexpectedly the preparation for the State Opening of Parliament was com-
Shrek (3 TP LG) fancy dress prize winners.
bined with training for Op FRESCO, and planning for the many options which might be presented to the Squadron. At the time of writing we are still unsure as to when the firemen’s strike will finish. Despite the obvious challenges, all ranks have enjoyed the new responsibilities and change in routine that this turn of events has presented. Many day-dreamed of George Medals or saving the occupants of a burning model agency. The reality, however, is more likely to involve extinguishing smouldering toasters, or if one strikes it lucky, a scooter. Over the year we have said goodbye to a number of the command team. CoH Tennant and Captain Giffard have moved to HCR and CoH Howie into
civilian street. CoH Cornok moved to the D&M school in Bovington and Captain Greany to the Army Language School in Beaconsfield. Captain Derry is now OC HCTW in Windsor. The 2IC, Captain Waygood, has been elevated to the position of Riding Master as a result of an excellent performance at Badminton horse trials this year. Congratulations are also due to him as the first military competitor since Captain Philips in the 1980s. To replace all these are: CsoH Beech, Hoggarth and Greensmith and Captains Bond, Lipman and Leavey. Finally we wish the best of luck to the Sqn Ldr, Major Barnard, who is off to spend 6 months in Sierra Leone. We hope that he will not miss his scooter too much but we are confident that what ever happens to him we will ‘read all about it’ in due course.
Tpr Grant looks to the heavens for inspiration and finds none.
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The Blues and Royals Squadron o sooner had the squadron’s grass horses been reunited with their ‘walls’ at Knightsbridge and their transformation from woolly beasts to sleek (well, some of them) animals had begun, when the news of the death of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother was broken. After a regimental call back from leave, the squadron underwent emergency drill training. CoH Jones verbally whipped us into shape so that we were ready for street lining and marching party. The Squadron was providing the Queens Life Guard on both days that the coffin passed through Whitehall and turned out on each occasion.
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Build up training for the Major General’s Parade was seriously curtailed due to the funeral. Consequently charger training amongst others was cancelled. There were few problems during the first rehearsals but once riders and horses had been reunited things went without a hitch. The Squadron entered a show jumping and tent pegging team into the Aldershot show. This rather low-key affair was an ideal chance to do our ‘dirty washing’ and let everyone have a go. The show jumping highlighted a couple of areas that needed improving (riding) whilst the tent pegging team showered itself in glory. Tpr Green came a good fourth in the individual competition and the second in command romped home 1st. The Royal Windsor Horse Show required the Squadron to escort the Colonel on the Thursday night as well as providing a division on the other nights for the Life Guard Standard. It was a
very grand affair and the ultimate spectacle of one thousand horses with the gold state coach was wonderful to behold. However the blacks were not so impressed and it was only some judicial moving of horses and some excellent riding that ensured the event went without a hitch. The Squadron also looked after the Michigan Blue Devil Recon Platoon Tent Pegging Team from Michigan. Their Tent Pegging was a little rusty and a couple of them needed some elementary equestrian problems straightening out but under the watchful eyes of CsoH Jones and Overton they became quite safe and thoroughly enjoyed themselves. So much in fact, that they invited us to compete in their Michigan games later this year.
There was no respite from the late nights and long hours of cleaning after Windsor as the Squadron moved immediately to Edinburgh. Located in the Redford Cavalry Barracks a rehearsal for Operation Tryout was completed successfully – greatly impressing the Scottish police. There were a couple of days for everyone to carry out individual recces of the town under the cover of darkness. We then started rehearsals in earnest with the early mornings actually more accurately being late nights. The spiraling security threat meant that there were many additional security briefings but fortunately these were not necessary. The only down side to a very enjoyable escort was the constantly inclement weather. The Service of Thanksgiving required us to provide a Sovereign’s and Captain’s
CoH Hooper and SCpl Musgrave clear the fence in fine style.
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RHG/D Leader in yet another bizzarre order of dress.
LCpl Game and Tpr Newton relax at Annual Training
SCpl Musgrave (SQMS RHG/D Sqn) in spectacular jumping action.
escort. So it was with trepidation that the march out of over ninety horses, including Queens Life Guard and the Band was published. However the Squadron rose to the challenge and the escort was completed to the absolute satisfaction on the Queen. The rehearsals for the Queens Birthday Parade were becoming virtually second nature as horses and men still toiling under the seemingly neverending stream of parades. The time spent on Regimental Training in Thetford was, yet again, one of the highlights of the Squadron’s year. Not only a great deal of equine silverware came our way, but we also won the volleyball, football and perhaps most surprisingly of all the tug-of-war. The Squadron Leader also claims to have caught more trout than the riding master (using legal tackle)! The Squadron party was a great success, interrupted only by the loud cracking sound emanating from Tpr Woolfenden’s leg as he tried, unsuccessfully, to jump into the lake – we wish him a speedy recovery. The final parade of the year, the State Opening of Parliament, was completed without incident despite the problems faced due to Operation Fresco. The Squadron bids farewell to Major Woyka who goes to 9/12 Lancers as Second in Command and Captain Harrison who goes back to Windsor. Captain Birkbeck goes back to civvy street, but there again, he never really left it. To fill the void Major Dick returns as Squadron Leader from his posting with 16 Air Assault Brigade, Captain Haywood as Second in Command and Lieutenant Lane-Fox as Three Troop leader.
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WO’s and NCO’s Mess he Mess activities were ignited by our first function of 2002, that being the annual ‘State of the Nation’ dinner. The Commanding Officer addressed the Regiment reminding us all of our past achievements in 2001 and what challenges lay ahead for us all during The Queen’s Jubilee year. He informed the Mess that he believed the year was to be one of the busiest ones on record, he was not kidding.
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After two years steering the mess, it was time for RCM Maxwell to jump ship and take up his commission as the Captain in charge of the Training Wing at the Household Cavalry Regiment in Windsor. A farewell dinning out was organised in February prior to his departure, friends and family travelled from as far away as Canada to attend and he was given a night to remember. The Mess congratulates him on his promotion and wish him all the best in his new job. The Mess welcomes the new Regimental Corporal Major WO1 Kitching and hopes he enjoys his term in the chair. The remainder of the early part of the year was taken up with hosting christenings and various association meetings. As mark of respect and decorum all mess functions were cancelled for one month as a result of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother passing away. An extensive refurbishment of the Mess was taken on with a new bar facility being installed and various decorations being renewed. This is a major task and should be completed ahead of schedule in Spring 2003.
Officers Mess was invited to our own version of the Sport of Kings. This evening turned into yet another gentlemen’s sport, the one that is played at Twickenham, but that’s another story. To record our own version of events that had occurred throughout the year a ‘Skits’ night was organised by WOII Button and CoH Jones amongst others. No stone was left uncovered by the team of impersonators. The most true to life figure was that of LCoH Park who hosted the evening, words alone could probably not do justice to his outfit and performance as WOII Peers. Towards the latter part of the Training Camp the Officers invited the senior members of the Mess to a game of cricket. The Captain of the team CoH McMullen pooled together the mess’s leanest and meanest cricket stars, this as you can imagine took a considerable amount of time to achieve. The scene was set for a championship performance by the two messes, it was close run thing but the Officers mess were victorious by the slenderest of margins. During the months of September and October Mess functions declined as a result of the manpower shortages due to OP FRESCO commitments however in November the Mess hosted HCMR and HCR Wives Club Christmas Party. RCM Kitching did his duty and donned the Father Christmas outfit to enable him to deliver Christmas presents to all the ladies in attendance. Fine gifts as diverse as Dinner for two at the Mandarin Hotel to a set of Charlie Chaplin bookends were raffled off to support the Wives Club.
The Regimental Corporal Major “No wonder I couldn’t find fence 3”
The year 2002 as been a unique year. Not only has the Mess life provided entertainment for all Mess members during this busy year but also has hosted a number of VIPs. Some of the guests to the mess include Her Royal Highness Princess Anne, Admiral Sir Michael Boyce Chief of the General Staff, General Sir Michael Jackson Commander in Chief Land and Lieutenant General J P Kiszely Commander Regional Forces. As I sign off the mess is looking forward to the Brick Hanging Ceremony, this year the Brick is being hung by Major (retd) Tommy Thomson. We all look forward to this event and other events in 2003 with the same gusto as we do every year.
The functions resumed in May as the mess hosted the Combined Cavalry Association Memorial Service. As per usual all Cavalry Regiments were represented and many old friendships were rekindled. As the Jubilee approached the mess members decided that we would celebrate the occasion by holding a Jubilee Cabaret Dinner and Dance. WOII (SCM) Panter worked exceptionally hard to organise it and achieved a wonderful event. The Mess was united with the annual Training Camp at Bodney with the usual enthusiasm along with its full forecast of events arranged this year by WOII Dixon the President of the Mess Committee. WOII Gentle started the entertainment by providing the mess with a night of ‘video horse racing’. The
Chief of the Defence Staff, Sir Michael Boyce, presents LS & GC medals to FLCoH McDonald F, CoH Jones J and CoH Tennent.
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Highs and Lows of Regimental Training
Brigadier BWB White-Spunner.
HQ Sqn Ldrs horse buckles under the pressure.
No one gets past me.
Lt Lane-Fox and CoH Hooper - bird watching.
Capts Snook and Lipman on the Cresta.
What fashion sense the Officers have!
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Drills for OpFRESCO and the Jubilee
LCpl Wayman, Tpr Doody, Tpr Marr and Tpr Jary in the back of a Green Goddess.
LCpl Grant RHG/D mans the pump, Op FRESCO 2002
CoH Greensmith, LCpl Grant, LCpl Wayman, Tpr Jary, Tpr Marr and Tpr Doody ready for action.
The Regiment forms up on South Carriage Drive prior to drills over the Jubilee Period.
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Capt CT Haywood RHG/D and Capt RSI Derry LG in front of the Regiment’s Green Goddess on the day of the State Opening of Parliament.
What a Busy Year!
Tpr Beautyman LG Sqn relaxing after the Junior Ranks cross country.
You are not meant to be here!
Who is the beautiful boy!
Captains Hayward and Birkbeck enjoying themselves.
The Commanding Officer and The Colonel of the Regiment.
Coaching at Annual Training.
Posh Spice and Beckham receiving their prize from the CO’s wife.
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Training Wing at Holkam Beach
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Headquarters Squadron he Squadron returned from leave in mid January after a well earned break following one of the busiest periods in recent years. Little did we know what was about to befall us in 2002.
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The programme for the early part of the year very much followed the normal pattern of events, preparing and repairing equipment, cleaning barracks and generally getting everything ship-shape for the start of the ceremonial season. During March we saw the return of the horses from grass and work began in the earnest, with the Farriers, Saddlers and Tailors coming to the fore under the careful guidance of SCpl Newman the Master Farrier, WO2 Goodwin the Master Saddler and WO2 Button the Master Tailor. At the end of the month with the Squadron about to depart on the first period of Easter Leave, the very sad news of the death of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother was announced. The Squadron and in particular the Quartermasters Department then went into overdrive to ensure that not only were the Marching Party and Street Liners fully fitted out in double quick time but so were the Lying in State Party of 24 Officers. No mean feat considering that the Officers came from far and wide and most had not recently been in ceremonial uniform.
mony and also the Funeral Procession of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother. This was then followed very quickly by a period of parades in London, Windsor and Edinburgh, the like of which has not been seen for many a year. However, with a few minor miracles mainly from the MT, under the control of CoH Crighton, everything, as expected, went well.
The early Spring saw the Regiment take major part in The Lying in State Cere-
Before we knew it we were in June and still pressing on with what is traditional-
Brigadier BWB White-Spunner RHG/D, Commander 16 Air Assault Brigade, presents the Master Saddler and CoH Twyman with the prize for winning the Senior Ranks Handy Hunter.
ly the busiest month of the year on the ceremonial calendar, with one further parade slipped in just for good measure. The Service of Thanksgiving proved to be a challenging time for the Riding Staff, trying to train the Regiments full complement of horses to stand next to a twenty foot bank of sound speakers during the parade. Summer was soon upon us and time to recharge our batteries with some well earned leave, then off to Bodney Camp,
HQ Squadron on the CFT
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LCoH Kendle at HMCR’s Open Day.
“Faster Mr Kitchen” The RCM gives the Commanding Officer a lift
Thetford for a period of Regimental Training. As ever the move went very well as it is now the fourteenth time of going and is looked forward to by all providing a welcome break from London and Ceremonial Duty. Regimental Training for the Squadron is very busy for the first week with Rangers, CFT, BPFA and a 24 hour Exercise to support, but once into the second week we can then concentrate on the mounted skills and trying to win some silverware. The Squadron was well represented in many of the prize givings,
Commanding Officer and Riding Master inspect the Cross Country Course at Regimental Training.
the main success being in the Officers and SNCOs Handy Hunter with WO2 Goodwin and CoH Twyman coming first. A great deal of behind the scenes work goes on towards the final day of the training which is now well established as Open Day, which was a great success and attended by some 6,000 visitors. The latter part of the year again has been a bit of a mixed bag with Green Goddess Training and deployment, Security Duties both here at Knightsbridge and throughout North West London. Whilst also maintaining support to the ongoing
LCoH Clare completes the CFT.
ceremonial duties. The Squadron is currently awaiting a swift conclusion to the Firemans strike in the hope of a little leave to enjoy Christmas and New Year festivities. Many personnel have changed throughout the year, including, WO2 (RQMC) Kibble to Windsor on promotion to RCM. WO2 Mills, WO2 Button, SCpl Brown and LCoH Parkinson to Civilian life. To all those who have either moved on in their career or to civilian life we wish them well in the future and hope to see them sooner rather than later
Colonel Blues and Royals talks to members of the Forge during her visit to Regimental Training.
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The Musical Ride 2002 he Musical Ride formed up in March and, after selection, immediately began a tough training schedule in order to be prepared for All The Queens Horses, the first and most spectacular engagement of the year. The ride consisted of many new faces, both horses and men. Captain W Bartle-Jones RHG/D decided to end the jolly and concentrated on being Adjutant, whilst Captain R S I Derry LG took the reins as Ride Officer. After a comprehensive hand over in “The Atlas Pub”, Captain Derry was confident that the Musical Ride’s first performance in front of ten thousand people and millions of television viewers would go without a hitch.
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All The Queens Horses was a truly spectacular event. We combined a performance with the Mounted Police, which was unique. The music was performed by a huge orchestra ably assisted by the Mounted Band of The Blues and Royals. The performance improved every night until peaking in front of Her Majesty The Queen on the last night. There was no doubt that it was an immense privilege to be a part of such a unique occasion. The ride then disbanded for Silly Season and did not reform until mid June. The next commitment was the Royal Show for four days at the beginning of July. The performances were extremely popular and with careful coordination from the RIT a good recruitment drive was achieved. The Ride was also given the challenge of providing a BBQ and drinks for 100, with no money and only six hours to work with. Five hours later, after a serious charm offensive, The Musical Ride had 2 BBQ’s, 2 Chef ’s, 3 Waitresses, food for 150 people and 18 gallons of cider!
The Ride then attended two one day Shows at Colchester and Kempton. The highlight at Colchester would be the entire audience singing Happy 21st Birthday to Tpr Wolfendale. At the beginning of August the ride headed for Lowther Show which was without doubt one of the most stunning settings for an arena. Unfortunately this natural amphitheater had suffered from an onslaught of rain and rapidly turned into a quagmire. After a brief spell at Regimental Training the ride, for the last time this year, was on the road again, this time to Chatsworth. This country show attracted crowds in excess of 200,000 and the ride rose to the occasion and displayed near perfect performances, both on and off the pitch.
The Ride sadly says goodbye to Captain C T Haywood whose experience, thrust and drive has been an enormous influence over the last two seasons. He is to be replaced by the new Riding Master, Captain R G Waygood who demonstrated at Chatsworth that he was more than up to the challenge. This has been a great season for the ride and this is mainly thanks to the professionalism of the soldiers at all times. The Musical Ride is fantastic PR for the Regiment and with the cooperation of the RIT an invaluable recruiting tool. Next year is going to be an extremely full programme and starts with St Moritz and Zurich in the New Year!
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Band of The Life Guards he Golden Jubilee year began with the Band on a seven week tour of duty at the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst, taking over from The Band of the Adjutant Generals Corps. Since the demise of The Sandhurst Band in the mid 1980s, regular Army Bands are rostered to Sandhurst six times annually. The Band, under the direction of the Bandmaster whilst the incoming Director of Music, Major DW Cresswell, completed equitation training, enjoyed a very successful tour of duty, performing at many parades, dinner nights and church services. Our Trumpeters provided daily routine trumpet calls with typical cavalry style and panache, as opposed to infantry versions to which the academy is more accustomed! The Band hot-footed backed to Knightsbridge on more than one occasion during the tour to support the Regiment, particularly for the kit ride pass-off which included the Director of Music in February. The tour finished on something of a damp note, the rehearsal for the Sovereigns Parade being held in extreme cold and driving rain. The Bandmaster, WO1 DL Wolfendale, barely managed to mumble a few words to the inspecting officer through numb and frozen lips, receiving a somewhat frozen and numb salute for his trouble!
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Following Sandhurst and a short leave period, thoughts turned to the forthcoming ceremonial season. Prior to the Band’s first Queens Life Guard in March, our well-honed marching skills were utilised to good effect on a number of Windsor Guards and a pass off parade at Pirbright. The Band was well represented in the Household Division Orchestra for a splendid Easter Choral Concert in combination with the choir of the Guards Chapel. Also during this period the Trumpeters performed in
Westminster Abbey, The Mansion and Banqueting Houses and the Houses of Parliament. The first engagement with a particular Golden Jubilee theme occurred in April with a concert and beating retreat in combination with the Mounted Trumpeters and Drum Horse from the Band of The Blues and Royals. Initial reservations on arrival about the venue in the shape of Bromsgrove Rovers football ground (far from premiership status) were well and truly overcome after a splendid performance to a large and enthusiastic audience.
the Queens Birthday Parade were made in earnest. On June 4th, resplendent as ever in gold attire, the bands led the parade from Buckingham Palace to St. Paul’s Cathedral for the Golden Jubilee. The sense of pride and remarkable atmosphere on the day has been one of the high points of this memorable year, the State Trumpeters also taking a major roll inside St Paul’s Cathedral.
It was also at this time that the Mounted Regiment began specific preparations for the Golden Jubilee Parade. Details had emerged concerning the parade format, utilising in particular a sound system in the Mall to relay the orchestra and choir’s rendition of Zadok the Priest. These conditions were replicated in Hyde Park for the visit of The Chief of the Defence Staff, utilising the combined bands on foot to represent loud music. Whilst being extremely effective and productive training for the Regiment, it did give the Band first hand experience of the potential hazards encountered by street liners on such an event. Those mounted on these occasions certainly have the better half of the deal!
The combined television and live audiences on that day may have been numerically impressive, but were seen to be surpassed in terms of importance. Having played during the Queen’s lunch prior to the Garter ceremony, the orchestra stayed on at Windsor Castle to play for the Golden Jubilee State Banquet for heads of European states. The guest list for this occasion comprised the majority of European Kings, Queens, Chancellors and Presidents. Having been introduced to the Queen after the banquet, the Director of Music was then personally introduced by Her Majesty to four kings and three queens, an honour and privilege that will remain a life-long memory. Royal occasions continued with the Band’s musical contribution to Royal Ascot, sharing duties with the Band of the Welsh Guards. The Band particularly enjoyed the sing-a-long with the enthusiastic, (if somewhat inebriated!) crowds at the end of the day.
The anticipated furore of May and June was now upon us, additionally complicated for the Band by our second Queens Life Guard, two investitures at Buckingham Palace, the Gold Awards at St. James’s Palace and taking the central roll in the Cavalry Memorial Parade in Hyde Park. With all this and a successful Major General’s Parade behind us, final preparations for the Jubilee Parade, the Household Division Beating Retreat and
July was liberally peppered with Windsor Guards, Guards Chapel and concert performances on the newly opened bandstand in the Jubilee Gardens at Windsor Castle. It also heralded the Band’s first combination of the year with a choir in a concert performance and beating retreat in the wonderful grounds at Clivedon. As heavy a cloud-burst as imaginable interrupted rehearsals for the Beating Retreat, the Band hastily retreating to
HMCR Open Day
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The Bandmaster and LCoH Carter.
the barely adequate protection of a nearby hospitality tent to weather the storm. Thankfully the evening brightened and a sizeable crowd gathered to enjoy our music and marching, and also the Reading Male Voice Choir, with whom we very much enjoyed sharing the stage. A welcome week’s return to the bandstand at Eastbourne followed where we enjoyed superb weather, our usual loyal and enthusiastic audience and found some spare time to enjoy the local amenities along side our twelve concert performances. The run-in to summer leave was punctuated with more guards at Windsor, a pass-off parade for the police at Hendon, and marching at the Guards Polo Club. The autumn brought little respite, despite a short quieter period after leave. Fewer musical engagements did afford the time to complete both the annual fitness and weapons tests, and our footballers gave considerable time and effort to the Kneller Hall team for some match practice in the CAMus trophy. Perhaps the most significant performance at this time was a concert in Lincoln Cathedral in combination with the Minden Band of the Queen’s Division, and our second choir of the year in the shape of the Lincoln Choral Society. We earned a “best concert ever” compliment from the
Army Benevolent Fund organisers with a varied programme that included the finale from Saint-Seans organ symphony and the grand march from Aida with the choir. November began with another ABF event in Chichester (another best one yet grading) where we shared the stage with a wonderful harpist and were joined by the third choir of the year. However, the month really belonged to the Trumpeters. Among their plethora of commitments were the major events of unveiling the Memorial Gates on Constitution Hill, the Festival of Remembrance in the Royal Albert Hall, the Lord Mayor’s banquet and State Opening of Parliament. A welcome return to the Royal Albert Hall drew this phase to a close, again in the presence of Her Majesty, at the world premiere of the latest James Bond Film Die Another Day. Due to the implementation of the highest security arrangements, a convenient exit could not be located, leaving little option to the Trumpeters other than to view the film prior to leaving the premises. The year has drawn to a close with what should have been a whistle-stop trip to Catterick for two pass-off parades, interrupted by a broken clutch on the coach, another investiture and diplomatic
reception for the orchestra and the spreading of Christmas cheer at the usual many and diverse services and functions that herald the on-set of the festive season. The Trumpeters also polished off the year by participating in the Royal Variety Performance, rubbing shoulders with the like of Kylie Minogue, Shania Twain, Enrique Iglesias and Anna Kournikova.
The Band has bid a sad farewell to two of its members during the course of the year. LCoH PC Jarvis leaves after 12 years loyal and talented service, having played cornet, percussion and finally blossoming into a fine bass trombonist and violinist. We wish him and his family every success for the future. LCoH MD Walters has been posted to the Student Bandmaster course at Kneller Hall. His outstanding talents on euphonium and regular position in the trumpet team are sorely missed. We wish him and his wife Fiona a long and successful career wherever it may take them. Swelling our ranks are our newest recruits, Musns EJ Sills on tuba and A Potts on flute and piano, both of whom are currently in riding school, and Musn GW Kennedy on percussion.
Household Cavalry Training Wing t has been yet another busy year for Household Cavalry Training Wing with a total of 9 rides encompassing 70 Soldiers and 6 Officers passing out of Phase 2 Mounted Training. This achievement is a credit to the staff who had the added pressure of training rides during the extremely busy Golden Jubilee Year.
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trips to London to help turn out the band and troops. This glimpse of a ‘silly season’ and notably The Golden Jubilee was definitely an eye opener for the trainees. Later on in the year many of the trainees had the privilege of lining
the Staircase for The State Opening of Parliament. As usual Summer Camp was the highlight of the year, and this was even more so with the addition of Matt from Blue Peter joining in Riding School. Blue
Earlier on in the year Training Wing hosted the Regimental Showjumping Competition. Tpr King was the star of the Show wiping the floor in the Novice events, a member of the winning team event and winning the overall competition on Sebastian. The weekend was tremendous success and special thanks must go to Captain C T Haywood and his team for organising the whole event and also obtaining the excellent sponsorship from Heronden International. The Ceremonial Season provided a brief interlude in the training and several
The Staircase Party walk back to Barracks after the State Opening 2002
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Peter Badges and five minutes of fame were gratefully received by all members of Training Wing. Another highlight this year was the visit of Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal. Knightsbridge Ride gave Her Royal Highness a splendid showjumping demonstration, a fine achievement after just 10 weeks riding. On the leisure side of things, SCpl (SQMC) Carr organised a day at the Newmarket July Course. For many, this was a first time racing and those who followed Surgeon Major Hammond’s method of betting experienced the highs of racing. Those who followed WO2 Dixon’s and CoH Anderton’s method of
betting, didn’t bet at all, but experienced the highs of the bar!
the efforts of WO2 Dixon who thought of and planned the whole exercise.
One of the highlights of Regimental Training this year had to be the Mounted Command Task day. Trainees, in groups, had to navigate, mounted, from stand to stand across the area and complete a command task at each stand. Major Pickard and Major Chauveau very kindly put on two very entertaining command tasks, whilst Captain Tate imparted to the Trainees some of his knowledge on Arrest and Restraint (Kung Fu), never had the trainees been seen to be so attentive! The next day was a huge success, which was all thanks to
During the year we have bade farewell to Captain Blount who has left the Army in order to embark on a career path of sex, drugs and rock n roll; so not too many changes to his lifestyle! WO1 Farmer received his promotion and a posting to ATRA. Also to leave us were CoH Anderton, CoH Jones, LCoH Wyard, LCoH Harrison, LCpl Stockhill, LCpl Salina and LCpl Phillips. The Training Wing welcomes CoH Findell, LCoH McNamara and LCpl Brown.
Winter Training Troop and Household Division Saddle Club o sooner had the Regiment returned from annual camp in Norfolk, Winter Training Troop formed at Hyde Park Barracks and deployed to Melton Mowbray 6th September 2002. 18 horses and 7 grooms settled in to the early morning routine for the autumn, reveille until October was often the wrong side of 0430. The Brigade Major started the 2002/03 season off on the 10th September not only as the first to hunt, but also the first entry in the fallers bottle club!
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Autumn hunting 6 days a week was a great opportunity to get all the grooms and horses out on a regular basis, this proved essential in educating and calming the relatively over fit horse. The initially baked firm ground caused a few
problems with bruised feet, but by mid October shoes were to been pulled off in the holding going (LCoH Mcdonald worked wonders keeping shoes on and feet in shape). Weekends were booked up rapidly with the Belvoir Team Chase accepting two HCMR teams and the Quorn and Fernie Hunter Trials providing additional schooling and fun for the grooms. Op FRESCO curtailed the use of the horses and the uncertainty of future strikes has made it difficult to plan and the horses went to HCTW. The main aim whilst at HCTW was to keep the horses ticking over in suspended animation, and then prepare them for
The Royal Wessex Yeomanry Ride in the Beaufort country held in early December. Preparation for the ride was strongly supported by all mounted Officers who under the instruction of the riding master polished their thrusting skills in Windsor Great Park and the out door school. With the fire fighters digging in it was unlikely that a return to Melton was likely before Christmas leave. To add to the problems the Regiment developed ring worm 2 days before the RWxY ride freezing all movement of horses. All the same Captains MPF Dollar RHG/D (6th) and RT Sturgis RHG/D (3rd) rode round the new inviting RWxY Course having persuading their mothers at the 11th hour to part with their hunters for the day.
Cavalry Race 2002, Waltham House. Capts Sturgis RHG/D, Birkbech RHG/D, Derry LG, Harrison RHG/D.
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Christmas leave passed and ring worm ran its course and with the prospect of The Gulf II looming the fireman were out of the headlines. With a clear window the troop redeployed to Melton 6th January with a skeleton crew. No sooner had the troop reformed after leave a week of frost put a stop to all hunting on horses. This was expatiated when the normally excellent exercise facilities at Melton froze up, along with all minor roads. In one week 105 miles of trotting up and down the A6006 nearly drove man and beast insane. The troop have the remainder of the season to look forward as well as the Harborough Ride, Cavalry Ride and lunch and the Grooms dinner in the following months. It is also intended to compete at local team events and hunter trials.
Winter Training Troop Men and Horses 2003. OIC – Captain RT Sturgis RHG/D 2i/c - LSgt Tavendale SG NCO - LCpl Eames LG Farrier - FLCoH McDonald and FLCpl Hammond Tpr Whittington LG Tpr Allcock RHG/D Tpr Hannerford RHG/D (1/2 season) Tpr Pickard RHG/D (1/2 season) Tpr Swift RHG/D, Gdm Braithwaite ,Welsh Guards Gdm Plummer Irish Guards Berkley Ginger Ross
Saddle Club Saddle Club Saddle Club
Osbourne Trogan
Household Division Household Division
Albert Aquaba Banja Luka Bengazi Yogi
LG LG LG LG LG
Burnaby Cardigan Sepoy William
RHG/D RHG/D RHG/D RHG/D
Equitation hat a year”. We have had the busiest ceremonial season for at least two decades, an extraordinary amount of remounts in training and, what has become normal, three or more rides on the go within the HCTW at any one time. Around this foray of activity the regiment has still managed to participate in both military and civilian competitions.
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The “blue mafia” have held a strangle hold on the military show jumping circuit this season winning the team competitions at Royal Tournament, Royal Windsor, Aldershot, St Johns Wood,
RMAS, HMS Dryad and Windsor Park. It would have to be said, the most successful combination was the three Amigos SCpl Moore, CoH Hackman, and rubber hands Chambers, who eventually got sacked from the team for dropping the whip on two occasions and refusing twice at RMAS. This allowed a well deserved win by LCoH Griffiths and Tprs McKay, and Puddifoot from The Blues and Royals Squadron. The Royal Tournament show jumping proved to be as boring as Schumacher’s domination of Formula 1 this season as 5 of the 8 classes where won by the Mounted Regiment (Haywood, Waygood, Avison, Hume).
Having spent the last 20 years trying to achieve the ambition of riding around the world’s largest 3-day event, Badminton Horse Trials, in uniform, this year that dream was realised. I will make my apologies now to all the people I have bored to death with my stories of Badminton but here is another chance to bore you again. After a lot of coverage in both the national and equine press being quoted as a notable first timer at the grand old age of 39 and first military rider for some 20 years at the great event, the pressure was well and truly on. The general rule of thumb is that first timers do not complete. The com-
Capt RG Waygood, on Master Fred, at Beaufort Staircase, Badmington.
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petition started with some 350,000 spectators, 110 competitors a horse called Master Fred and Dickie Waygood shaking in his boots. The dressage went well and I should have been pleased, but I have to confess to being a little disappointed as I know he could have gone better, at which point we were lying 43rd. The X country was a stiff track requiring accuracy and bold riding at a distance of 41/2 miles. The whole atmosphere was quite different from any thing else I have ever experienced. Peoples’ nerves were at fever pitch. I suppose a sport that has one of the highest numbers of fatalities would contribute to this electric atmosphere. I must say I could not wait to get going after the 20 year wait. I gave myself a good old fashioned Corporal Major’s dressing down the evening before the X country and my only fear was not knowing whether I had what it takes or not. I had decided that if I crashed and burned giving it my best shot then that was fine, but if I
failed through lack of courage then I would never be able to live with my self. “Attack attack attack”. All went according to plan. I took all of the fast routes apart from one and finished with 10 time penalties, which moved me up to 21st place. I had had the ride of my life and in the words of Benjamin Disraeli “a gallop is a good cure for every evil”. Well I felt pretty cured. The following day just left the trot up and show jumping, all went well with a better than average round with 2 fences down leaving me in 20th place. This would have to be the highlight of my eventing career, a moment I will savour for a long time, and at long last I feel as though I have made it. Other notable highlights of the year would have to be LCoH Jim Arkley place on the British Riding Clubs GB team at the European championships held at Hartpury College where the team picked up a very credible bronze medal.
The highlight of Regimental Trainingwas Captain Birkbeck (Ollie to his friend and orderly) 1st place in the seniors show jumping and the coming out of retirement of that well known closet equestrian Major Dave Pickard to take a 4th slot. It was lovely to hear that well known Geordie war cry of “woe gallowa” across the fields of Bodney once again. Captain Chris Haywood has had notable success at all levels of dressage qualifying for the elementary winter championships with Macho Bolero and is knocking on the door for the medium and novice championships. “Good luck Chris”. Finally I would like to thank Singapore Airlines on behalf of the Regiment for their continued sponsorship through out the 2002 season. This sponsorship has enhanced the regiment’s capacity to compete giving riders from grass roots level to the established warriors the chance to represent the regiment with many notable success.
The Forge he year 2002 saw another busy year for the HCMR Forge. It started in early February with a trip to the Royal Veterinary collage for two days Continued Professional Development (CPD) training, and then it was back to work getting ready for the state visit in Windsor. This year we also welcomed two new farriers into the forge; FLCpls Sherlock and Farr Hill and also we welcomed FLCpl Dean who is with us on a two year posting from the Royal Army Veterinary Corps.
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farewell to our Veterinary Major J Holmes after 3 years serving with us and welcomed Major M C E Morrison. September also saw the Army Team competing in the International Shoeing Competition where they achieved 9th Place. The Army competition held in November at the Defence Animal Centre saw FLCpl Newman win the Military Farrier class and FLCpl Hamilton come second in the apprentice class.
November also saw the final parade of the year, which was the State Opening of Parliament after which most of the horses were sent out for some much deserved grass. Aside from farriery duties, 2 Farriers were seconded to Op FRESCO – driving Green Goddesses! The end of this year sees us saying goodbye to two farriers who are leaving the Army in early February, FLCoH Carrel and FLCoH Conroy who leave us having both served in the forge for 7 years.
This summer saw The Queen’s Golden Jubilee along with the usual parades. This meant that the going was quite tough for the forge due to a large amount of horses needing what seemed like endless amounts of new shoes. After the summer period it was time for summer camp and some much needed rest and a chance to defend our Volleyball crown. The forge day out was a memorable one with a paintball match against MT Troop and the Household Divison; this match saw many large bruises and many scores to settle next year. After camp, we welcomed back FLCoH Darlington after successfully passing his Class 2 exams. In late September we said
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SCpl Newman RHG/D and LCpl Hamilton LG.
Household Cavalry News All The Queen’s Horses by Capt N P Harrison, RHG/D o celebrate The Queen’s Jubilee, Major Sir Michael Parker was called in to jazz up the Royal Windsor Horse Show. The resulting pageant was of enormous scale with the finale involving 1,000 horses parading in the arena. This fact was instantly seized upon and the whole show was to be known as All the Queen’s Horses. The 1,000 horses ranged from those of the Household Cavalry, to the stalkers’ ponies that are used at Balmoral, as well as some of The Queen’s racing and eventing horses. Captain R G Waygood LG, who came 20th out of 80 at Badminton, rode in the parade.
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The Household Cavalry was to play a major part in the proceedings: escorting The Queen from the grounds of Windsor Castle to the show; performing a shortened Musical Ride; escorting the State Coach around the arena and taking centre stage in the final salute. In addition we competed in the show jumping and tent pegging competitions. As we planned to move directly from Windsor to Edinburgh, to escort The Queen to the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland, without returning to Knightsbridge. With 150 horses in Windsor and then Scotland, it was an undertaking guaranteed to send a shudder down the most hardened Quartermaster’s spine! Fortunately our Quartermaster, Captain V P Maher, was equal to everything and all went without a hitch.
The pageant lasted from Thursday 16th May to the evening of Saturday 18th May when The Queen was present. The constant changes before the first night served to keep us on our toes and keep things interesting. The weather for the Monday night rehearsal was abysmal, the torrential rain sapping the horses’ energy and making them far more sluggish than usual. This turned out to be a blessing, as the arena could not have been more intimidating for the horses. We felt the pageant’s alternative name might have been: One thousand horses disappear into the night scared out of their wits. The arena was dominated by a 40 foot high Lion and Unicorn framed by an illuminated Windsor Castle in the distance. Surrounding the 130m by 75m surface was a 150 voice choir accompanied by a 75 piece orchestra. These were directly behind our Mounted Band, which impressed everyone who appreciated their musical and riding sills. The pageant had some surprises. We didn’t count on The King’s Troop firing its salute so close to us, providing us with a few interesting moments. By Saturday the horses barely batted an eyelid – although this may be due to the number of troopers hanging off the more flighty ones! During this interval it was possible to see potted races, hunts, dressage tests, polo matches and displays by the mounted police and The King’s Troop, Royal Horse Artillery. The commentary
throughout the performances was provided by Dame Judi Dench, Edward Woodward and Robert Hardy. The show ended late at night with the return to Combermere Barracks through Windsor Great Park. There was many a spectator in pyjamas peeking around curtains as we rode past the cottages in the park. We returned to barracks just after midnight, for an unusual Regimental Dismount in the pitch dark. One of the pageants’ most impressive aspects was escorting the State Coach weighing four tons and requiring eight willing Greys to pull it. Riding by the wheel, it was possible to see the incredibly fine details and much documented oscillation as it moved. The State Coach’s size was overwhelming; with its very large wheels and ornate gilding, one would half expect it to be drawn by unicorns. Maybe this was a consideration of Sir Michael Parker, given the presence of ‘ Pegasus’, and bridle-less horse being ridden by a winged lady earlier in each performance. All the Queen’s Horses was great fun to perform in. It was an interesting and different commitment to the usual escorts and parades. I hope The Queen enjoyed it as much as the thousands of spectators. It was a great tribute to the Regiment that it was asked to take centre stage on such a spectacular tribute, the like of which is unlikely to be seen again for many a year.
The Regiment forms up - State Opening 2002.
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By Captain E J Bond, The Life Guards une 4th 2002, a day that will be etched in to the memories of millions, began very much like any other morning for the men of the Household Cavalry during this busy season. The enormity of the occasion failed to alter the essential daily tasks that precede any day’s work at the Mounted Regiment. With the preparation of kit, briefings and rehearsals done, it was down to the familiar tasks of feeding and mucking out the 250 horses stabled at Hyde Park Barracks. The Household Cavalry Regiment also got involved and four Officers and 30 NCOs and ORs left their vehicles behind and donned ceremonial uniform to provide the Staircase Party at St Paul’s Cathedral.
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It was during this relative calm that people began to first realise the historic relevance of what they were about to embark upon. Reports of a 2 million strong crowd and a choir of 3000 had filtered through. The previous nights spectacular concerts, culminating in one million voices raised together singing our National Anthem had begun to concentrate our minds. Throughout British history there have been but five Kings and Queens who reached their “Golden Years” as a monarch, and the 4th of June’s celebrations stood a very high chance of being the most spectacular of all. It certainly had little in the way of competition from Henry III who, having been in the middle of a civil war and spending the previous two years imprisoned by Simon de Montfort, had little time to concentrate on too spectacular an affair. Instead, any comparisons that were going to be made were inevitably going to be
Arrival at St Paul’s Cathedral.
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Household Cavalry News
with The Queen’s own Silver Jubilee. Then she visited 36 counties in three months with the celebrations being not only marked by the ceremony in London, but by street parties throughout the land. How would today’s society choose to display its feelings towards the monarchy 25 years on? The answer was already there for anyone in Central London, or with a television, to see. Over one million people lined the route that morning, and another 50 million people around the world watched as the vanguard of the Household Cavalry stepped out in to the light in front of Buckingham palace. A division each of The Life Guards and The Blues and Royals formed the Captain’s Escort that was to accompany the initial coaches. These were to contain the Princes William and Harry, The Duke of York as well as the Earl and Countess of Wessex amongst others. (27 other minor members of The Royal Family were somewhat less ceremoniously driven to St Paul’s by mechanised coach!) The sun glinted off every piece of highly polished leather and metal as they moved off from the palace and down the mall, flanked by a vast flag-waving crowd lining each side some twelve deep. Once the Captain’s Escort had departed, the Massed Bands of The Household Cavalry soon followed on, past the palace and through the ranks of the choir. The Band was closely followed by two guns of the Kings Troop RHA, effectively making up the start of the Sovereigns escort. As they made their way down The Mall, Number 1 and 2 divisions of the escort took up their positions awaiting The
Gold Coach outside the palace. During this time the troops had ample opportunity to take in not only the proximity, but also the somewhat daunting size of the speakers and screens that surrounded both the men, and the already excited horses. As The Gold Coach, carrying Her Majesty and The Duke of Edinburgh appeared, the choir struck up with the national anthem, only to be nearly drowned out by the roar of the crowd. Never more than then did we think ourselves lucky to have spent those many hours riding through Hyde Park, past the speakers and crowds that had been generated for our benefit to prepare our mounts for the occasion. In a day full of spectacle, The Gold Coach still afforded one of the greatest wonders.
Arrival at Temple Bar.
Colonel The Blues and Royals.
Commissioned in 1760 by George III, it weighs four tonnes, is 24 feet long and is pulled by a team of eight horses, each looking as imposing and impressive as the coach itself. This was only the third time The Queen had used the coach, the first being at her Coronation and the second at her Silver Jubilee. Once in position, the Escort began its three and a half mile journey through the capital towards St Paul’s Cathedral for the Service of Thanksgiving being held by Dr George Cary, Arch Bishop of Canterbury. Throughout the entire route the crowds hardly let up their constant cheering, testing the horses’ nerve in what must be the largest parade they will ever see. Once we had arrived at St Paul’s, you could almost sense the feeling of relief that went through the ranks in the knowledge that all had gone well. This was a time to reflect upon the experience and I was surprised later to learn where our thoughts led. For many on parade, the last time they had gone down The Mall was for the funeral of The Queen Mother only weeks before and the tone of the occasion could not have been more different. However there was a sim-
ilarity that could not be avoided. Both parades had reaffirmed in the strongest possible way the depth of respect and affection that this country holds towards The Royal Family. The timing of the parade for the Mounted Regiment, being in the middle of a very busy season, had both its advantages and disadvantages. The Regiment had spent the last few weeks preparing for, and taking part in, the funeral of The Queen Mother, The Major Generals Review, The State Opening of the Scottish Church Assembly and the Windsor Horse Show. We were also preparing for the Trooping of the Colour, the Garter Ceremony and, for the Bands, the Beating of the Retreat. This busy schedule had everyone working extremely hard to produce the results that were achieved. Many days began with the afore mentioned 05.30 parades in Hyde Park, where the conditions of the day were replicated, and we would ride continuously back and forth through loud speakers, bands and frantic, whistle blowing, banner waving crowds. As well as preparing the horses for the occasion,
Captain’s Escort.
this would enable us to identify where certain horses should be placed in the pack, to calm the more jittery of them. With the need for six divisions and two Bands, the Regiment’s largest turn out in 25 years, our “remounts” were required. These are the young horses that had just passed out of training and for many of them, this was to be their first parade. In the end, they were to account for 20% of our total strength and the way in which they remained under control is a credit to both the training staff and to their riders. A more successful, spectacular or appropriate event could not have been hoped for. Even the 20, 000 others that were to later on that day parade down The Mall could not better capture the spirit of The Jubilee. It was State Ceremony as only the British could produce and as always, the Household Division played an intrinsic and defining role.
The Band progressing through Trafalgar Square.
Household Cavalry News
51
By Captain R T Sturgis, The Blues and Royals The Queen, accompanied by HRH The Duke of Edinburgh, at 1000hrs on Saturday 25 May 2002, opened the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland. As part of the arrangements for the day, HM The Queen moved from the Palace of Holyrood House to the General Assembly escorted by a Captain’s Escort with The Life Guard Standard supplied by HCMR. Soldiers from the 1st Battalion The Highlanders lined the route in parts. The Captain’s Escort escorted HM The Queen back to the Palace of Holyrood House and then dispersed back to Redford Barracks.
HM
One Captain’s Escort in one week, there seemed nothing to complain about and much to look forward too. After all, the majority of the Officers, soldiers and horses had been performing at the Royal Windsor Horse Show the previous week in the pageant ‘All The Queen’s Horses’. This had involved a solid week of late but exhilarating nights for all concerned. By the time coaches and horseboxes deployed from Combermere Barracks early on Monday morning, all passengers were looking forward to a good undisturbed sleep up the A1 to Redford Cavalry Barracks in Edinburgh.
The Life Guards Division at the Palace of Holyrood.
temporary stalls had been erected for the 72 horses. The 100 officers and soldiers were accommodated in the substantial robust granite messes and barrack blocks. In its hey day the Cavalry Bar-
The bickering on the coaches slowly died down and wide eyes shut. I smiled to myself, for the idea that we were all tired of pageant and performance once again seemed distant. It had been almost 3 months since I had had the pleasure of been introduced to HM The Queen at Royal Lodge, Windsor after the Grand Military Race Meeting. Her Majesty had then told me of her trip to New Zealand and Australia to start her Jubilee tour, and since then it had been non-stop on a vast celebratory tour. A point later highlighted by Captain OB Birkbeck RHG\D when questioned by a Lady-in-Waiting as to how busy the Regiment must be. He quickly replied that he thought, ‘Not as busy as you’! Arrival at Redford Cavalry Barracks (RCB) was made painless as possible by a welcoming advance party from the QM’s department and our hosts 52 Highland Brigade. Despite the name Cavalry Barracks there were in fact no stables, and
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Household Cavalry News
The Blues and Royals leading the escort.
racks must have been magnificent, lines and lines of stables, forage stores and support buildings all built to the imposing Georgian style that Edinburgh is celebrated for.
After the necessary briefs the normal routine of watering orders, both stable management and kit cleaning routine fell efficiently into place. We were to carry out training drills, conduct an Early Morning Rehearsal and perform our Escort before returning south. Due to security requirements it was not going to be possible to march from Redford to Holyrood House. This meant the fleet of horseboxes that had brought the Escort north were required to box us in for the Early Morning Rehearsal and the Escort. This was something I feel Lothian and Border Police took great joy in organising, taking the “Camel Train” type escort round the most scenic routes with great efficiency. To complete the Escort preparation, all that remained was an early morning rehearsal. Much to the amusement of all involved reveille was sounded at 0030hrs, this enabling the run through to be completed in time for a welcome breakfast back at Redford’s cookhouse. I would be most surprised if any locals were aware of this dawn raid on their capital with the exception of a drunk driver heading home in the early hours. He would not have been lying if he told the police the reason he had ended up in a field was because he swerved to miss 25 horse boxes winding their way through the suburbs. On arriving at the foot of Auther’s Seat we unboxed on to Broad Pavement and with the assistance of an additional boxing party (30 pax) from Knightsbridge donned raincoats and rode on Holyrood House. A damp and fresh morning enhanced an idyllic sunrise above Scotland’s Capital.
Escort through Edinburgh.
The local authorities had laid tonnes of sand along the length of the Royal Mile to enable traction as we worked our way up the hill to the General Assembly. This was essential as a strong working trot was required if the Scottish Stage Coach’s Greys were to reach the summit without stalling. In turn the pace the divisions needed to move at was vigorous, and somewhat hairy on the return trip. All the same every one returned with confidence, ready for the Escort the following day.
the moors to our north. Marching orders were given and all moved off like clock work. The narrow sided climb was over as a few locals braved the elements; the tight down hill turn to the General Assembly cheered us on as we halted to deliver HM The Queen to the Assembly. Before we all knew it we had “about turned” on Princes Street, reformed the Escort and safely returned HM The Queen to The Palace of Holyrood House. After all the preparation and anticipation the job was over.
A 0300hrs start on Saturday morning enabled us to arrive in good time on Broad Pavement. With the Royal Company of Archers formed up along side the full Highland Bands all that was required was a break in the weather. The day was more suited to a days sport on
Before we all knew it the rear party were sweeping the parade square. The dancing of the nights away with Scotland’s students and the entertainment by The Highlanders on the eve of an early morning was all behind us. At least the journey back to Knightsbridge was downhill.
Escort returns to Palace of Holyrood.
Household Cavalry News
53
By Lieutenant Colonel H S J Scott - The Life Guards e have always been required to keep in touch with the clothing store, where our helmets and tunics are tagged with our names. The day after Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother died, people began to turn up at Hyde Park Barracks and finish getting kitted out. The Regimental Adjutant completed ringing round to assemble the necessary officers. Drill began Monday 1st April to get the swords moving in harmony, in lev’ee style, so without stamping of feet or sharp movements. It was with muted joy that we greeted friends not seen for many months coming together for this momentous ceremony.
W
The Major General had made Commander Household Cavalry responsible for the Lying-in-State as far as the Household Division was concerned. Therefore, on Wednesday we practiced in Mounted Review Order (dismounted) on the replica catafalque that had been whistled up in the gymnasium at Chelsea Barracks under the eagle eye WO1 Harding Grenadier Guards of the All Arms Drill Wing. On the Thursday morning Commander Household Cavalry rehearsed us for three hours in Westminster Hall both before and after demonstrating the drill for mounting and relieving vigils to all those in the Household Division who had been detailed to take part.
Watches of six hours each were to be provided from the Household Cavalry and each of the five Regiments of Foot Guards, Her Majesty’s Body Guard of the Honourable Corps of Gentleman at Arms, The Queen’s Body Guard of the Yeomen of the Guard, and the Queen’s Body Guards for Scotland, The Royal Company of Archers. The King’s Troop Royal Horse Artillery also did a stint on the roster with one of the Irish Guards’ vigils. By Friday 5th April, the day of the Funeral Procession, all was set. Our job was emerge from the top of the staircase on the words “Go in the peace of Christ”. Duly the moment came and the first watch consisting of four officers, Colonel H P D Massey RHG/D, Lieutenant Colonel A P de Ritter LG, Major J P Eyre RHG/D and Major H R D Fullerton LG descended the stairs to approach the catafalque, in turn, and march up the steps, wheel into position of “Rest on your swords reversed”. We lived in dread of tripping over spurs going up or down steps, getting scabbards caught between legs, or God forbid, getting wobbly in position and causing one of the waiting men to appear at one’s elbow forcing one to take the walk of shame. Should this happen WO1 Harding had advised us to return our kit to the Quartermaster and look for a job in the City. It never did.
We all valued the chance to pay our respects by playing a small part in the ceremony. Each vigil lasted 20 minutes in each hour, so six each per watch. As The Household Cavalry did 2 watches each member undertook twelve vigils. The two waiting men watched from the top of the stairs for each of the four standing on the catafalque to wilt. The waiting role was easy as you could survey the scene and observe the comings and goings. The real job was standing by the coffin. We were there to guard and keep watch. She should not be alone or be disturbed. The senior post was on the right side at The Queen Mother’s feet, facing diagonally outwards, then on the left side, then in the same manner the head positions. By coincidence the junior post was also the most in sight of cameras, so the world’s press and television footage dwelt first on a tall parachuting Major in The Life Guards, in red tunic and white plume. We were told not to watch people’s feet as they walked passed by the coffin - a sure way to lose balance in the awkward position of looking down with one’s tunic collar reducing air and blood supply. Each found a way to stay concentrating and alert, urging Big Ben to strike and indicate the passing of a portion of our watch before the traffic of people halted to allow the stately changing of each watch. The
Front Row Left to Right: Lt Col N M A Ridley, Lt Col P J Tabor, MVO, Lt Col A P de Ritter, Col H P D Massey, Lt Col H S J Scott, Lt Col (Retd) J S Olivier, Lt Col M C van der Lande, OBE, Lt Col F G S Lukas Middle Row: Lt Col S H Cowen, Maj H R D Fullerton, Lt Col C B B Clee, Major R R D Griffin, Maj G V de la F Woyka, Maj G G E Stibbe, Maj C A Lockhart Top Row: Maj J P Eyre, Major J D A Gaselee, Maj D E Hughes, Maj J R Wheeler, Maj M P Goodwin-Hudson, Maj R C Taylor
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vigils continued without interruption from midday Friday to midday Monday 8th April. People filed by without ceasing except for an hour each day. Then the cleaners emerged from a side door, hoovers rumbled, carpets were straightened, and candles were tended. It felt strange being still while the cleaners were at work. The serenity was only briefly interrupted while these essential tasks were discharged swiftly and as discreetly as possible. The atmosphere in Westminster Hall was cool and reverend. People moved slowly and silently being unhurried by police or Black Rod’s staff, with few hushed whispers. While people of all ages filed past, the majority was over 30, and probably more women than men. They were dressed to queue rather than in their Sunday best, but that is not to take anything away from their respectful personal tributes to the much loved Queen lying in her coffin.
LYING IN STATE WATCH 1 05 APRIL 2002 WATCH 12 08 APRIL 2002
THE LIFE GUARDS THE BLUES AND ROYALS Lieutenant Colonel A P de Ritter Colonel H P D Massey Lieutenant Colonel H S J Scott Lieutenant Colonel F G S Lukas Lieutenant Colonel N M A Ridley Lieutenant Colonel P J Tabor MVO Lieutenant Colonel M C van der Lande OBE Lieutenant Colonel S H Cowen Major P R L Hunter Lieutenant Colonel C B B Clee Major G G E Stibbe Lieutenant Colonel (Retd) J S Olivier Major R R D Griffin Major G V de la F Woyka Major J R Wheeler Major C A Lockhart Major J D A Gaselee Major J P Eyre Major H R D Fullerton Major D E Hughes Major R C Taylor Major M P Goodwin-Hudson Captain J B C Butah Captain W Bartle-Jones Capt R A H Peasgood Captain R T Sturgis Capt J G Rees-Davies Captain O B Birkbeck Captain J H Blount
Many crossed themselves: some stopped, bowed, and moved on while others nodded. A few bobbed a curtsy, but most simply moved slowly past, mentally photographing the scene. It is estimated that about 225,000 people filed past - all peacefully, and in a manner the sceptics might not have expected. They were feelings of thanks, gratitude, respect, pride, and hope. It was something of which we were all pleased to have been part. This outpouring of national gratitude for an outstanding example of simple human goodness and duty has established its own place in the national memory. God Save The Queen.
The Life Guards Officers ready for inspection.
Before the crowds.
Last minute adjustments.
Household Cavalry News
55
By Captain C T Haywood RHG/D t was with great sadness that the Regiment learnt of the death of Her Majesty
I
The Quuen Elizabeth The Queen Mother, on Saturday 30th March. After the much-publicised fall she sustained during the Christmas break it was evident that she was becoming very frail. As with anything of this nature, when the announcement of her death came, every one was very saddened to lose such a much-loved member of The Royal Family who had seen, and done so much during her 102 years. Her amazing life story has been and will be written, by many great and not so great authors, but to the Household Cavalry she was always a great friend. Officers, NCO’s and troopers giving the customary eyes left or eyes right on route to The Queen’s Life Guard had always stared rather too long, hoping for a glimpse of the great lady. As her death occurred during the Easter leave period the phone lines into Hyde
The Life Guards Marching Party.
The Queen’s Life Guards turning out for HM Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother’s Funeral Procession passing through Horse Guards.
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Household Cavalry News
Park Barracks soon become busy with all ranks ranks ringing in expecting the call back. The Commanding Officer called a conference to give the key appointments an overview of our commitments from now until the Funeral. The first task being to call back all those away on leave. The Corporal Majors and their clerks set to work, and within 48hrs everyone was back. The recall system put in place for just such an eventuality really did work. At lunch time on Monday the Kings Troop RHA fired a salute in Hyde Park, which started the state ceremonial process which would end once the coffin had left Westminster Abbey to make its way to Frogmore at Windsor to lay along side her husband George V1. That night the Regimental Adjutant, and the Adjutant Captain W Bartle Jones attended a briefing given by HQ London District giving the details of the Funeral Procession from the Queens Chapel to Westminster Hall and the Lying in State. On Tuesday 2nd April once the tasks were known the Sabre Squadrons parading in Dismounted Review Order for a fitting parade followed by the first of many Drill parades. Personally the last time I had slow marched with my sword reversed, was on the Funeral of Lord Louis Mountbatten of Burma back in 1978, I had forgotten just how uncomfortable it was. The Blues and Royals Mounted Squadron were to provide the Street Liners from the Queen’s Chapel at St James’ to the start of the Mall. The Life Guards Mounted Squadron were to provide a Marching Party, commanded by the Squadron Leader, Major J R D Barnard assisted by his Second in Command, Captain R G Waygood and Captain R S I Derry. Along with Captains J H Blount, J R Greany, T A H Giffard and A R Tate of The Life Guards and Captains, M P F Dollar, O B Birkbeck and myself were to be Marshals, tasked with marching with the various units which would make up the Funeral procession. The job of the Marshals would be to keep all the divisions the correct distances infront and behind the Gun Carriage. Officers of The Household Cavalry were also tasked to perform at The Lying in State. After many periods of Drill, the early morning rehearsal took place very early on Thursday 4th April. Dressed in Escort Rehearsal Order Winter; which consisted of Helmet & Plume, Great Coats, Boots and Breeches with Swords at the reverse. We stepped off from the car park at Wellington Barracks to emerge into the darkness with only the sound of the marching feet, accompa-
nied by the hushed dulcet tones of the Garrison Sergeant Major. It was an eyrie sight to behold as we made our way to the form up point at St James. With Mounted Police Officers at the front followed by the Royal Air Force Bands, representatives from the Commonwealth; Royal Air Force Queens Squadron, Grenadier Guards, Royal Marines Band, Royal Marines, Royal Navy, Foot Guard Bands. This was followed by the Major General London District and his Staff, who were directly in front of the Gun Carriage, surrounding the Coffin were the Pall Bearers and Colonel/Commandants of those Regiments which HM had been Colonel in Chief. Behind the Guard Carriage the Princes and Princess of the Blood, other members of the Royal Family were followed by Senior members of the Royal Household. This group were followed by the Chief of the Defence Staff and his Service Chiefs, a detachment of representatives of HM’s Regiments, The Royal Artillery Band, a Dismounted detachment from The Life Guards, and finally a further section of Mounted Police. The column seemed to stretch forever. Once in position on this dark cold still morning the only sounds audible were those of the Gun Carriage horses keen to do their job. The waiting was soon over. The Coffin draped in the Union Flag emerged from the Queen’s Chapel. At exactly 0600hrs the Funeral Procession moved off on route to Westminster Hall. The Band struck up with Beethoven great funeral March, everyone steadfast in keeping the step and desperate to make the rehearsal a success. There were no other chances to get this right only the big day. The route took the procession from Queen’s Chapel at St James onto the Mall, Horse Guards Approach Road, Horse Guards into Whitehall down onto Parliament Square when the Gun Carriage left the Procession and entered into Parliament halting outside the North door of Westminster Hall at 0630hrs. It was amazing the number of people who had come out to watch the rehearsal many on their way to start work stopped to watch. Young lad’s even taking their Baseball hats off as a mark of respect for the weighted but empty coffin. The rehearsal went well, however, it arrived almost 2 mins too early. Late that evening we attended a debrief by the Brigade Major London District and the Garrison Sergeant Major. The second of the two explained clearly which areas of the parade were to be sorted sharpish!!.
The day of the funeral arrived overcast but dry, with Squadron runs at 0630hrs then Breakfast. The horses had been given a Sunday Routine, and would be looked after by those not involved with the parade. At breakfast I had strong recollections of the funeral procession for Winston Churchill, as a young child I had watched sat on my father s shoulders in Whitehall close to Horseguards. I wondered if the day ahead would be similar in spectacle and emotion. We left Hyde Park Barracks at 0800hhrs to Wellington Barracks where we had a 2 hr wait prior to forming up on the Square at Wellington Bks. Once formed up, final adjustments were made and expectation filled the air,. We waited for the word of command to quick march. Everyone was keen to get on with the job. The size of the crowds soon became apparent as we marked in quick time to our start point at St James. Many people had pitched their place on the route either the previous night or very early that morning. Once formed up we waited for the appointed time when the coffin would appear out of the Queen’s Chapel and be placed on the Gun Carriage. A hush fell as the time came, only a horse snorting and the noise of the Pall Bearers feet broke the silence. The drums then started the Funeral March began and the procession moved forward, unsteady at first everyone trying to move smoothly feet downwards and outwards. The marshal’s looking forward and behind telling their detachments to speed up or slow down, sometimes quietly calling the step to the lines of soldiers, sailors or airmen close to them. We moved snake like, along the route. The crowds were quiet and solemn some crying some saying goodbye, or other comments to bid their farewell to a special lady. The noise of the marching feet always there, sliding and crunching downwards and outwards on the tarmac and gravel laid to give the horse pulling the Gun Carriage the grip the needed. At the cenotaph the eyes left and then the eyes front. Then into Parliament Square, the Gun Carrage and coffin left the Procession, to halt outside the Great Hall at Westminster where it would lay in State. We marched back to Wellington Barracks changing into Quickstep. It wasn’t until we had formed up and fallen out that everyone breathed with relief that we had done the job well, and we began to realise what we had just been involved in. The funeral of one of the most enduring people the 20th century had seen.
Household Cavalry News
57
Six Months in the Bosanska Krijena Squadron The Life Guards deployed to the North West Republika Srpska, (part of the Serb controlled area of Bosnia) in September 2001 for 6 months, as the Armoured Reconnaissance Squadron of the 2nd Battalion The Royal Gurkha Rifles Battle Group, commanded by Lt Col INA Thomas. At the time, two events were focusing interest and media attention away from Bosnia. Firstly NATO operations in the Former Republic of Macedonia were in full swing and at a much bigger level, the world had just woken up to the nightmare of global terrorism. The Household Cavalry had only been away from Bosnia for two years and this would be the 16th Squadron deployment for the Regiment. So many Balkans Veterans had resigned themselves to much of what they had seen and done before in Bosnia. However, one particular action changed that initial view.
A
That action was the withdrawal from Bosnia of the Czech Battle Group, whose area of operations was the North West part of Multi National Division South West MND(SW). The speed of their withdrawal was a surprise at the higher level and it fell upon both the Canadian and British Battle Group, as part of MND(SW) to take over the large area of Prijedor, Dubica and Kostajnica. The area contains the Kozara Hills and mountain, an area that is sacred to all Serbs for its defiance against the Croatian Ustasha and the Nazis during World War II and the quite unbelievable slaughter of Serbs, Jews and gypsies in the aftermath of the Axis victory. The area also included two Opstinas (counties) of Kostijnica and Dubica, which have towns of the same name that border Croatia and the Serb Krijena and straddle the international boundary line of the Rivers Una and Sava. Whilst C Company 2 RGR took control of the large Opstina of Prijedor, the two border Opstinas were taken over by A Squadron. The area is referred to by the locals as “the Bosanska Krijena”. A Squadron still had three other large Opstinas to patrol and it meant that the new areas could only be covered by two troops. The early tasks for the two troops, (namely 2 & 3 Troop) was to gather what information had been made available from the Czech Battle Group and then get out and recce routes, areas and meet officials, including the VRS Reserve Brigades and the Mayors of the two towns. What was astounding was that although a large amount of well-documented information was available in terms of demographic
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statistics, patrols off the main roads had not been a priority of the previous Battle Group. As the area had seen little fighting compared to other parts of Bosnia, it would seem only natural that such a policy of minimal patrolling would suffice, however events and information were going to change that. It is worth explaining a little about the two opstinas of Kostajnica and Dubica. Going back many hundreds of years, the area had been almost all ethnically Serb. Just as the area to the north in Croatia used to be called “the Serb Krijena”, so this area in Bosnia was called “the Bosanska Krijena”. Krijena is Serbo-Croat for border region and the origins of the Serb people there is that they were allowed to settle from other areas of Bosnia from where they had been ejected by the Ottoman Empire, on the understanding that they would serve the Austro-Hungarian Empire in defence of Europe against the Turks. More recently, the vast majority of Croatian Serbs fled the Serb Krijena in 1995 after the Croat offensives of Op LIGHTNING and STORM. The Bosnian Serbs in Kostajnica and Dubica stayed, with the Rivers Una and Sava acting as the stop line for the offensive. The bridges in the towns were all blown (by both sides) in 1995, although the border towns of Dubica and Kostajnica were shelled from Croatia, (a little publicised fact in 1995). A little further east in Gradiska, the Croat Offensive actually attempted an assault on the town. So a new fear lay in the minds of the Bosnian Serbs. The rebuild of the bridge in Kostajnica was completed during our
A Sqn leader on patrol at the Svinjar Rebro site south of Prinjavor, Feb 02.
tour, but it remained closed due to a dispute over the exact line of the international border. An indication of how fragile the trust is between the two countries. After the Croat offensives in 1995, a fear left from WW2 struck the remaining Serbs, when exactly the same thing happened, but that time there was no stop at the Rivers Una and Sava for the Ustasha. From 1941, what followed over a four year period was the systematic destruction of all things Serb in the region; property, buildings, religious sites and of course, the genocide of the people. The town of Dubica is said to be equalled only by a town in Poland for the percentage of the population that were murdered by Axis Troops. In fact today’s population of 30,000 is roughly the same as it was before 1941.
A Sqn Troops with some of the illegal weapons that they found.
The author on right with his prize find, a triple barrelled 20mm AA gun.
We quickly realised that the local population had a story to tell. Everywhere one went, there were memorials to massacres, partisans and heroes of the defence of the Kozara. Anyone over the age of 75 who we met, remembers their brothers and parents being taken away or killed. Anyone aged in their forties had parents who fought or seen the massacres. Anyone in their twenties had grandparents who had been through it all. It might sound like any part of Bosnia at any time in the past 100 years, but there was something especially evil about what occurred here. A town in Croatia called Jasenovac, on the Bosnian border, situated where the Rivers Una and Sava meet is of particular note. It was the scene of some of the most brutal genocide of any part of WW2. Figures vary, but the concentration camp at Jasenovac and across the river at Dornji Gradina were responsible for the deaths and torture of hundreds of thousands of Serbs, Jews and Gypsies during WW2. There is a reminder of the genocide, in the shape of an enormous oak tree that has been placed on a plinth on the Bosnian Serb side of the River Sava, which is called “Hitler’s Tree”. This was where the Ustasha hanged many of their victims. Indeed the stated aim of the Ustasha was to eliminate the Serbs of the Krijena by killing a third, converting a third and ejecting a third of the population. A fact that demonstrates the reality of the genocide is that the first young man available for national service in Tito’s new Yugoslav Army, did not enter service until the 1960s. Indeed the area has taken 50 years to rebuild itself back to where it was in 1941. Tito’s Regime gave little assistance to the community. It became very clear to us that SFOR Troops were still not welcome by many in the area. Although the locals realised that SFOR was there to prevent the conflict
from reoccurring (and they still perceived a threat from across the border and were happy to see us patrolling the contested area of the river), we still felt that we were part of an occupying force. So it was vitally important for us to gain credibility from the locals and hence the need to get out amongst the community, something the British Army has always been good at. We had also been briefed that it was likely that there was still a considerable arsenal of weapons in the area, both held in secret caches and in people’s houses. Whilst “Operation HARVEST”, the SFOR operation to gather in weapons from the war had been successful in other areas, it had not produced much in Kostajnica and Dubica. Initial reports gathered from the VRS and Mayors and Police stated that all weapons had been handed in at the end of the war. However, intelligence reports suggested otherwise and Lieutenants Wren and Anderson came back with rumours of weapons and ammunition being stored by locals at an individual level (i.e. civil defence kit) and of weapons dumps. These dumps were likely to be on the withdrawal routes of the Serb Krijena Army, who had come from the Serb held Krijena in Croatia. Once they had crossed the bridges over the Sava and Una, they made for Prijedor, dumping their weapons off in barns and houses. However, such a theory was always disputed by the locals. After a few small weapons finds, we got the feeling that the locals did not like the idea of volunteering to give their weapons back, even if they did not feel that they would ever use them. They preferred SFOR Troops to find weapons for themselves. In some cases the reason for their reluctance to volunteer equipment was a loss of pride, in others it was because they felt that someone, be it tenyears before, had issued them the equipment and that one day they would have to return it to the State. The QM system appeared to be alive and well in Bosnia! It was clear to us that firstly we needed to persuade locals that handing weapons in was a further step towards “normality” in the region and secondly we needed to identify where equipment would be hidden and what would be the best way of finding it or getting it handed in. Some excellent IPE studies by CoH Rogers, our own experienced Int SNCO, (on his 4th Balkan Visit) led to us choosing the areas we wanted to concentrate on. Next we had to win the battle of wills with the locals. Careful patrolling in the first few months, combined with informing the mayors of our general intent, went a long way to break the ice. We were also extremely fortunate to have an RE (TA) SNCO, Sgt M Ryan working as our G5 officer. Through his experience in civy street, he managed
Major Fullerton with a Yugoslav MG 53 found on Operation Harvest.
to identify projects, get quotes, see value for money and most importantly get funding from MND(SW). He was successful in most of the areas that we had targeted for weapons searches and we therefore had good reason to tell the locals that we (SFOR Troops) were putting funding directly into communities, whilst at the same time taking away dangerous weapons from the civil community. So the planning for our HARVEST Operations began. We required attached arms for assistance, such as extra search teams from 2RGR BG, EOD Teams, (a prerequisite for HARVESTS), search dogs, (with the marvellous callsigns of “Wagtail 1 & 2), RMP support, G5 teams, mobile rebro stations, (the area is blocked from Banja Luka by 1000m high hills and 70 kms!). Initially the operations were done without local knowledge, but as time went on, we realised that a media campaign allowed locals to prepare for SFOR Troops, carrying out door to door searches. The policy of searching houses without a warrant was questioned by some locals and examined by our Legal Branch at MND(SW), but a robust line was taken by Lt Col INA Thomas and it allowed us to search where we wanted. The great secret was getting “the foot in the door”, not unlike being a door to door salesman! As always, it was the work of the 4 man teams, often led by a JNCO that created success in the finding of weapons. All teams were told to take their time when talking and not to mention weapon searching at first. It was often only after a coffee, or perhaps something a little stronger and a long chat about the war, (and there were many to choose from, let’s face it) that the occupant might admit to owning anything from an assault rifle to an anti aircraft gun! Locals were extremely reluctant to give up hunting
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rifles and hand guns, so teams were briefed to concentrate on slightly larger equipment. The method had the right effect. If a local could keep his hunting rifle, he was far more willing to show the 3 mortars in his barn, along with a laser target marker that he really had no use for! Of course there was always a need to remain vigilant with all ordnance. On the previous HCR tour there had been British fatalities during HARVESTS. Whilst the search teams were out, SHQ would set up with EOD at a central point and await the arrival of weapons and ordnance from locals. In one instance, an old man arrived on his tractor and trailer, along with all the ancillaries to a mountain 76 mm howitzer and 40 high explosive shells for the gun! Sadly no howitzer was found on follow up searches. In another instance, I stopped at a farmhouse by the River Una, which stood next to a rather harrowing memorial. I asked the house owner about the memorial and he told me that it was where 40 women and children had been executed by an Ustasha raiding party in June 1944. It seemed incredible that anyone would want to firstly live next to the site of such a massacre and secondly live so close to the border. He answered, of course, that this was his home and that until 1990, people from both sides of the river were neighbours and friends. To cut a long story short, after being welcomed into his house, receiving the customary Balkan coffee and slivo, I then learnt about the massacre in the area. I then left, but at the last moment, my interpreter, Alex, asked if I had any EOD back up. I said no, but that they could be on site soon. He said that the owner had spoken to him and had “a few” weapons that he would like to get rid of. Half an hour later, he had pulled out 2 x MG 53s, (GPMG equivalents), 3 anti tank rounds, piles of small arms ammo, grenades and he made a statement saying that as the head of the Forty Serb women and children were executed on this site in June 1944 by the Ustacha.
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area and an ex sapper of the JNA, he had collected up to 30 rocket launched grenades in the post office. It certainly put a new meaning to “get the most from your post”! At this point, even EOD said that they would come back another day with a bigger truck! It also turned out that the man’s son had had a near fatal accident with a HEAT round that he had found and had tried to saw in half. A classic example of what happens when mixing ordnance with children. There are too many fascinating stories to tell about the people of the Bosanska Krijena and of A Squadron Troops who found weapons caches. However, it would be wrong of me not to mention the massive ordnance find of LCoH Jukes, who late in the day of the third day of a HARVEST operation, in the freezing rain, found a barn full of JNA ordnance, (2 x bedford truck loads), or of CoH Holden and his section who, with the help of their interpreter, tracked down 2 recoilless rifles along with a stockpile of shells, hidden in a wood. The point is that the finds and the operations carried out by A Squadron made time on tour disappear and gave soldiers a tangible success for the tour. It further encouraged HARVEST operations in the other A Squadron Opstinas, including Prinjavor in the east, where 1 Troop successfully got the local authorities to carry out their own weapons collection, which brought in more equipment that has ever been found in any SFOR HARVESTS. It was a first for any Opstina in Bosnia and is now being followed up by other Opstinas as best practice. What is perhaps missing from this article is any mention of Bosnian Muslims. It is true to say that within Opstinas of Kostajnica and Dubica, there were destroyed Muslim houses and stories of how many fled the area during the war. However, there were no reported atrocities against
Lt Chris Wren examines a bayonet handed in during Operation Dubica, Jan 02.
Muslims in the Opstinas that one has heard from so many other areas of Bosnia, (one official was bold enough to tell me proudly that all Muslims had been evicted, but that they had been able to do so peacefully. I bit my lip on hearing this). The Bosnian Muslims have always been a minority in the area and they are returning in reasonable numbers, in safety. The fact is that the concern of the Bosnian Serbs of the Bosanska Krijena is that of their relations with the Croatians on the other side of the river. Sadly the suspicions on both sides still remain and many Krijena Serbs remain bitter about not being able to return to Croatia. Ultimately, it will need a lot more discussion at a political level between the two nations to heal the scars of the last war. Time will be a greater healer than anything else, but it will take more than bridges being rebuilt across the rivers for there to be real trust in this part of the Balkans. However, hopefully our weapons collections have given the people more confidence about a peaceful future.
G5 Project at the Lepa Radic Kindergarten in Gradiska By LCoH ADW Short, The Blues and Royals aving arrived in Bosnia in April of 2002, C Squadron settled into our six month tour, that has become pretty much routine over the last ten years. Troops always hope to cement a good relationship with local people. So it came as no surprise when 3 Troop tried to achieve this with the people of Gradiska.
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We learnt that there was a very kind offer of £1,000 donation from the “Lions Club of Windsor”. This was intended to help improve the lives of the people in Bosnia. The Squadron’s search for a worthwhile and deserving cause began. Whilst out on patrol in the town of Gradiska, it was pointed out to me by the interpreter that charity work done by previous recce regiments had been gratefully received. It has helped to improve the lives of people both young and old. On this particular patrol we went past the local kindergarten school, which had a run down and unusable playground. I learnt from the school director that the majority of funds the school had were used to educate and feed the children. This meant that things like the playground were at the bottom of the list of priorities being addressed. On returning to the troop house I broached the subject of repairing the playground and trying to incorporate and involve the local people, where possible, and to invest the £1,000 to restore the playground to its former glory. After various discussions with the Squadron Leader I was given the go ahead to make the project work. These were the conditions: it was to be completed prior to the Commanding Officer’s visit, so he could offi-
cially open the playground, and it was to be a joint project with the local community. After long discussions with the School Director a job list was drawn up of what needed to be done, and who within the town would be able to contribute and assist in the repairs. The playground’s frameworks were repaired and then replaced by the local technical college staff and pupils. The local motorbike shop repaired the slide. Fibreglass, normally used to repair motorbike faring, was used to repair a large hole at the top of the slide. This left the painting of the metal work and wood treatment down to as many hands that could be mustered on a morning, before the temperatures soared into the 30’s. Having completed the initial job, we realised we still had a large amount of money leftover. After further discussion with the School Director to what else could be provided, it was decided that a large table and benches, so that some lessons could be held outside, were needed, which became a permanent fixture in the playground. In addition to this the World Cup was fresh in everybody’s minds. After a little bit of gentle persuasion, the technical college agreed to make mini goals for the children. The opening of the school playground was a great day. For something that started out as a small gathering of local dig-
Before…
nitaries and members of SFOR, once the news got out that the Welsh Guards Band were going to be playing at the opening there was suddenly a large amounts of interest from local media and the people of the town of Gradiska. This incorporated with a “free” barbecue could only be compared to the “feeding of the 5,000”. Throughout the whole project the relationship between the soldiers at the troop house, the children, their families and the local people of Gradiska grew from strength to strength, even to the point that whilst on patrol people would stop us and ask how we were. Now having finished our tour, I feel a great sense of achievement having been able to give something to the people of Gradiska that will be used by children for years to come. This is something that would not have been possible without the financial support from the “Lions Club” and the hard graft of all involved, both military and civilian.“LONG LIVE THE BLUE RED BLUE ETHOS”
…After
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Op Fresco By Lieutenant R J Moger, The Blues and Royals he Household Cavalry can be proud to add another chapter to its illustrious history. Not only is the Regiment one in which you can ride, drive or fly, but now you might also find yourself extinguishing raging car fires or even tackling highly dangerous incidences such as singed hairdressing towels or smoldering motor-scooters. Though the number of hoax calls was overwhelmingly frustrating and the threat of tediousness crept in during the “quiet periods”, I doubt that there were any who did not find the experience memorable and rather enjoyable. Indeed the exhilaration of being tasked for a “shout” was frequently matched by the ability to legally race (when travelling downhill and accompanied by a prevailing wind) through and around rush hour traffic to a situation requiring our expert assistance.
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Preparation for our role as temporary service firemen began with a day of instructional training in October at RAF Henlow. Supervised exercises in the running out of hose lengths and in the scaling of rickety ladders left us in no doubt that if the circumstances demanded, we could quite confidently battle even a towering inferno. However just in case this episode of instruction was not wholly sufficient, the Regiment spent a day practicing drills in the rain at Minley Lake and also undertook a sustained period of continuation training on the parade square at Combermere Barracks. Apart from
Containing the fire.
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flooding C Squadron block, the preparation proved unquestionably valuable in furthering the experience of the crews. It was also during this time that crews got to work alongside the “Breathing Rescue Teams” formed from personnel of the RAF and Royal Navy complete with very smart white vans emblazoned with as many reflective stickers as they could find space for. And so it came to be on Tuesday 12th November that after two false starts, Green Goddesses from the Regiment finally trundled out of the gates of Combermere Barracks and slowly made their way up the M4 towards their respective Temporary Service Fire Stations in North London (Yellow Sector). A Squadron to had endure the hardships of life as guests of the Honourable Artillery Company in the City, meanwhile on the Holloway Road, B Squadron risked their very lives each time they set foot outside of the protective gates of their posting. C Squadron established their portacabin camp opposite Tesco in Edmonton and D Squadron took up residence at Regents Park Barracks. HQ Squadron were installed at Kingsbury and a composite element of the various squadrons found themselves based in the challenging environment of the Officers Mess at Mill Hill complete with gymnasium and solarium. The first strike to actually take place was a 48-hour affair commencing at 1800hrs
LCpl Dowsett, B Sqn LG and team on the hoses.
the following day. Having endured the last minute cancellation of the first strike, it was amidst much excitement that the various elements of the HCR began to receive its first calls minutes later. Much to the annoyance of the crews and also to the assembled members of the press who trailed behind the aging Green Goddesses eager for stories of Army blunders, the majority of these initial taskings would prove to be hoax calls. Nevertheless a spate of car and bin fires provided returning crews with sufficient tales of inexplicable bravery and instances of dynamic heroism. Trophy hunting also became somewhat of a sideline entertainment with the BART team attached to B
Handing over the contact to the London Fire Brigade.
Squadron apparently overjoyed at the need to have donned their respiratory equipment to salvage a piece of burnt bread from an over-zealous toaster. If any doubts about the ability of the Army to cope in the absence of the regular fire service persisted after the first fire strike, then these were comprehensively doused during the more prolonged eight day strike that started on the 22nd November. Again there was a large level of bogus calls to waste our time however, there were a number of more interesting assignments. Lieutenant J White and LCoH Bennet and their crew for example were unquestionably delighted to discover that an alarm at a London university hall of residence had forced over two hundred scantily dressed female students out into the open while their safety was assured by these gallant men of C Squadron. The fact that this crew had deployed, as a complete unit is a feat that could not always be said of B Squadron’s Y4C. Indeed although I have recently read that a well dressed soldier is said to have more respect for himself, I doubt that Tpr Walker used such an excuse when he had to be left behind on a callout because he could not be found, only for it to be subsequently discovered that he was off being measured up for a suit by his bespoke tailor.
Meanwhile, SCpl Dear and his crew from HQ Squadron discovered that despite the blanket press coverage, Shell petrol station attendants apparently spend their spare time away from planet Earth. Having stopped on his forecourt, the attendant correctly observed that the fifty-year old Green Goddess was certainly ‘not from around here’ and reliably informed them that ‘usually fire engines are red’. Thanks for that. Tales from A Squadron in the City tended not to come by word of mouth, but rather could be found in the feature columns of the Sunday Telegraph. In dramatic detail it is explained how the crew of Y1D battled a pile of singed towels at a hairdresser’s salon. Demonstrating his infinite wisdom, Lieutenant N P G van Cutsem advised the distressed ladies that drying towels in a microwave was probably not the most sensible course of action. In general, the opinion of the media seemed to swing wholly behind the Army as it became clearer that the job they were doing was actually rather good and was exceeding all expectations. Members of the Regiment were interviewed not just for the newspapers but also for various radio and television programmes and just in case anymore missed him on the BBC Morning News, CoH Irwin left the viewing public firmly
assured that he is indeed a member of ‘B Squadron The Life Guards’. One of the very pleasing points to come out of the strike was the ease of integration of a variety of different Regiments, arms and civilian services. F Coy The Scots Guards provided a guard force that as expected, was an example of utter professionalism. The RAF and Navy personnel who comprised the respective BART teams also seemed to enjoy the challenge of their role immensely. The Ambulance service was very helpful in offering advice and the Police provided a very useful escort service. It is rumoured however that the latter became extremely suspicious of the two characters being driven around in a maroon Ford Mondeo who seemed to be present at the scene of every major incident in the Yellow sector. I believe that investigations are still ongoing, although it is rumoured that the occupants have strong resemblances to the CO and RCM. In hindsight, the fire strikes provided the Regiment with a new challenge that was fulfilled with enthusiasm and the utmost professionalism, overall a job very well done. Editors note: Op FRESCO continues three months after this article was written.
Burton on Trent Recruiting By CoH Basset, The Life Guards s you are probably aware the Regiment is on a major recruitment drive at the moment. I have been quite lucky within my career and have been away to some great places. When the job of recruiting came up I was a bit apprehensive at first as the thought of sitting behind a desk did not excite me. However I heard that the Army was setting up a Commonwealth Recruiting Team, their job will be to tour places like St Lucia, Australia and Canada trying to recruit likely applicants. I thought with my luck this posting was in the bag, however after talking to Captain Carney, the position for a recruiter came up in Burton on Trent, Staffordshire, (not quite the same as the Caribbean) but I was looking forward to the challenge.
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After completing my 4 week course down in Bovington, it was time to get the map out and see when Burton on Trent was. Entering the recruiting world certainly opened my eyes to what is expected of an Army Recruiter. My posting
started in early December just before the festive season. This is a quiet time in recruiting, so it was a good opportunity to learn the job, it was the first time there had been a Household Cavalry recruiter in the area for quite some time. The first
thing I had to do was educate the other recruiters on what the job entailed, and then try to encourage the applicants to choose our Regiment. For those of you who have worked in recruiting you know how hard this can be.
Major Villiers ACO Stoke with three applicants for the Army Foundation College starting Sept 03.
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Since arriving I have managed to enlist nine applicants into the Regiment, and I have another ten on my books. A very good area for us to recruit from is schools and cadet units, this year I managed to recruit six applicant into the Army Foundation College. Believe it or not the job of recruiting can be quite hard, of course it does have its perks, but if you are willing to work hard then the job is very satisfying and rewarding. Most people see recruiting as a nine to five desk job, every weekend off and a bit of an easy life. The first thing I learnt when I came to Burton ACIO was you only get out what you put in, because we are a small office we have to get out and visit schools and carry out lectures, organise shows and brief job centres. Most of the big recruiting offices are in major cities, so they have people walking in every 5 mins, but with us it is much different. One year on and things have gone quite well for myself, with the experience I have learnt over the last years things can only get easier. There is a lot to learn in recruiting, the Army has over 150 different trades and 1400 different career paths. It is my job to understand the
Major L Villiers with potential recruits.
fundamental requirements for each job. What does makes things a lot easier is to have a very good senior recruiter. (Office manager WO2 Steve Lane), with his experience and knowledge it makes things run a lot more smoothly. There are also two other recruiters in my office, Sgt Mark Collacott 1st Battalion Staffords and Sgt Taff Powell 26 Regi-
ment Royal Artillery. If anyone is thinking of a career in recruiting it is definitely worth it. With a bit of luck this time next year should be just as prosperous as the last, with the commitments of HCR and HCMR the more people we get into the Regiment, the easier things should get. (We Hope)
Operation Crookham II By Lieutenant TJ Armitage, The Life Guards n June 2002 the opportunity was presented to the Regiment to send a multiple (a small integrated infantry section) to Northern Ireland, working as part of the 3 PARA orbat over the marching season. The Commanding Officer’s proviso was that we returned eligible for a medal. The multiple was rapidly assembled from HQ, A and B Squadrons, and a lot of phone calls were made to try and establish where and when we would be going, and what we needed to take with us. One would like to report that a firm idea of what we were doing rapidly unfolded, but we were very much in the hands of 3 PARA.
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Towards the end of June we found ourselves on Lydd ranges, conducting public order reinforcement training and a range package designed to revise marksmanship principles and baton gun handling. The multiple found itself attached to B Company, forming a platoon alongside a multiple from the Royal Irish, and augmented by a number of Northern Ireland veterans from 3 PARA, who did not seem particularly enamoured about returning to a theatre they had only left a few months before.
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The pace of the training was intense, the public order serials required physical stamina and a cool head, as we learned how to use our shields and hickory sticks in combination with Saxon and Snatch vehicles to hold or disperse crowds. As was to be expected 3 PARA provided an extremely violent and determined civpop armed with wooden blocks, baton rounds and petrol bombs, which they threw at us with alacrity, having identified us by our blue red blue DZ flashes. Certainly the lighter members of the multiple such as LCpl Smith felt the full weight of their aggression, and our comfort zones were undoubtedly exited. We all hoped that , once deployed, the deterrence of the baton round and crowds less devoted to gym workouts would make our job easier. Such hopes were soon dispelled when we were educated on the arsenal of projectiles we could face, these ranged from; catapulted ball bearing that shatter shields, to bags of acid and crossbow bolts, to pipe bombs. Despite some trepidation are left Lydd impressed with the professionalism of 3 PARA and what could be achieved by combining effective equipment with
good teamwork and robust command and control. Almost immediately we were deployed to Northern Ireland to attend a course mandatory for all personnel deploying into the Province. We were taught the basics of patrolling, other aspects of soldiering pertinent to service in Northern Ireland, and given some historical background on the hostilities. From there we began our own phoney war, trapped just outside Belfast in RAF Aldergrove, awaiting the arrival of 3 PARA. It was during this period that the multiple’s passion for 5-aside football developed, pioneered by respective team captains Tprs Howland and Barfoot. The opportunity was also seized to visit a fascinating aerial photography unit based there, conduct helicopter drills, and to see just how well the RAF are looked after. On 3 PARA’s arrival we were rapidly issued our public order kit and then conducted a road move to another barracks. It then transpired that we would be used as a public order troops during the Orange marches up the Garvaghy Road to Drumcree Church. We were
LCpl Chinn, LCpl Boswell, Lt Armitage, LCoH Moore and Tprs Hall and Barfoot.
Tpr Barfoot outside Drumcree Church.
lucky enough to get our own situation briefing from Captain E P W Haywood RHG/D who was watch keeping there at the time. Sadly, instead of being deployed as a formed multiple we were split up within B Company and attached to different multiples. Some of us were fortunate to be placed in the two multiples of the Guards Parachute Platoon, where we felt most at home. We soon moved forward to Drumcree High School, settled into our classrooms, and manned a rotation system that included patrolling the confrontation zone along the Garvaghy Road, providing security as the Orangemen conducted their march to the Church of the
Ascension in Drumcree, and forming a guard force to prevent any breach of the crowd control obstacle on the Drumcree bridge. Fortunately for the peace process, but frustrating on a personal level the period past without incident, or the chance to wield a hickory stick.
adventurous training, and to realise how beautiful the low threat parts of Northern Ireland are. During our time with them all of us managed to get out on some local patrols around the County Down area, and to climb Slieve Donard, Northern Ireland’s highest peak.
The dilemma remained of how to occupy our remaining time in Province, in order to fulfil the Commanding Officer’s desire. Not surprisingly units deployed in Northern Ireland can always use extra manpower, so the 1st Battalion The Devonshire and Dorset Regiment kindly agreed to host us. Our time with them not only allowed the refreshing of a Regimental friendship that had developed in the Gulf and Bosnia, but the chance for some more patrolling, some excellent
Whilst the tour could be described as one multiple, one month, one medal, there was actually much more to it, we were in the Province for 36 days and during that time gained a great deal of experience of the realities of Northern Ireland, how operations there work, and of the wider Army. I know a number of members of the multiple would relish the chance to return to the Province, and that all of us would extol the hospitality of both 3 PARA and the 1st Battalion The Devonshire and Dorset Regiment.
Air Cav By LCoH R Tate, The Blues and Royals little over four years ago I plucked up courage and declared my intension to become an Army Pilot. After a mountain of paperwork was sent to Middle Wallop, all I had to do was wait for a reply. What a long wait that turned out to be! The letter finally arrived to report to RAF Cranwell for a set of aptitude tests, medicals and some basic exams (maths, IQ, map reading & general military knowledge).
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Once I had passed these exams,I completed a 13 hour flying grading course, plus an intense interview. So in early April 2000 I turned up at Middle Wallop to begin what was to become a very long course! Once the initial admin has been completed I moved up to RAF Cranwell to begin
ground school. This takes five weeks or so and is a bit of a shock to the system after mucking out horses in Knightsbridge! Once the exams are over (there are a lot of these) the flying begins. I then had a 40 hour fixed wing flying course, which taught me the basics rules of the air, and trained me to fly solo. Once I had completed this course I was able to move onto helicopters, at last. I went back to ground school to learn all about how helicopters stay in the air, and sat a few more exams! Only then did I get the chance to get into a helicopter, a Squirrel, seven months after starting the course. Here the flying is split into two phases; 1st is basic rotary, where you learn how to fly the beast, the second is advanced rotary, which is where you apply your skills and begin to use the
LCoH R Tate RHG/D
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helicopter as a tool. It was at this stage that we came across a problem: foot and mouth. We had to stop flying for two and a half months for fear of spreading the outbreak on our skids. Once this was over, there were more exams and flying tests before returning to Middle Wallop. Here we got taught how to do things the Army way, i.e. map read instead of navigate. The heights we operated at got lower as we moved into the tactics phase. This all takes another six months or so. The end of the pilots course came in January 2002 when I was awarded my wings. All was not over as the last two years training was not on military helicopters. A couple of months later I began my Lynx Mk 7 conversion course. This takes nine weeks or so, and the learning curve is still as steep as ever, as there are now two engines with double the work load!
So after two and a half years on the course, with somebody sat next to you watching your every move and picking you up for the smallest of errors, I was free! I am now attached to 4 Regt AAC Wattisham in Suffolk where we carry out an anti tank role (what does a scimitar look like?). Since arriving here it’s been non stop, we have just begun the training year (so Salisbury Plain is becoming a familiar place once again), however it looks very different from the air and only takes a few minutes to cross! The Pilots course is hard, both mentally and physically. Keeping the internal drive going for such a long time takes its toll. You see some good friends fail, and you are only ever three flights away at anytime from being RTU’d. On the other hand, the rewards in the end make up for everything, flying around at twen-
ty feet between trees, under wires and landing on top of mountains day or night make it all worthwhile. Even bringing a Lynx into Windsor creates a large smile on ones face! Apache is coming, so life will be different in the future, our squadron (669) is due to convert in a couple of years time, the play station era is here! The Pilots course is open to all LCpl (recommended Cpl) upwards, and is a great way to spend a couple of years on an ERE posting. The HCR was well represented ten years ago, unfortunately today there is only me. If I can make it any of you can. So lets ride, drive and fly with the Household Cavalry!
(The picture was taken at RAF Shawbury, during the Advance Rotary Phase, on the Squirrel Helicopter).
Belize with 1 Royal Scots (1RS) By Captain R S Evetts, The Blues And Royals ne sometimes hears rumours of unusual or slightly exotic opportunities within the British Army. Rarely however do they land in one’s lap. On one mercurial Sunday morning last March, I found myself standing beside the Regimental fax machine, somewhat impatient to send my fax and be gone, when with a whirr it spilled a page into my lap. It began, “Urgent request for Jungle Warfare Instructors to train 1 RS in Belize.” I could hardly believe my luck. On 12th May 2002, I landed at Belize City Airport, little prepared for the job of instructing 160 ‘Jocks’ in Jungle Warfare. After only a few days in camp we deployed into the jungle. The six hour road journey ended abruptly on the banks of the river Macal. Here, we crossed on foot, shouldering our kit for the next month, already pouring sweat and rudely bitten. On the far side I saw my first snake, lazily winding its way past us, unperturbed. This was ‘Kinloch’s Camp’.
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I had always thought that the jungle would be flat. However, excepting estuarine or coastal jungle the terrain is invariably very steep. This makes movement though the trees quite hard work, and creates all sorts of logistical difficulties. Our first task on arriving at Kinloch’s was to familiarise ourselves with the area. Having struck camp (a hammock and basha strung up between two trees) we set off to reconnoitre the 66
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area. In some places the undergrowth was so thick it really did become impassable. One was constantly snagged by ‘wait-a-while’. The maps lacked detail. What water there was lay in stagnant pools, often teeming with insects. The lack of primary canopy meant that the sun was never really effectively screened. The going was hard, and made more so by encounters with the local fauna. On my second day I came face to face with a Tapier. These large black animals can weigh up to 500 kg and tend to charge when scared. As I cautiously retreated and then attempted to circle around it I bumped into the second Tapier. This one eyed me
Captain Evetts (l) with Jock in the jungle.
warily, then began stamping its hooves on the ground. I remained quite still, and at length the two of them loped off, angry and stamping through the jungle. The very next day I was teaching close target reconnaissance and stepped on a snake. I realised instantly and leapt as far away as possible, expecting all the while to feel its fangs sink into my leg. I was fortunate. The snake whipped off into some dead scrub, which was promptly set alight by a section of very excited Belizian Defence Force soldiers. At length I assumed the snake must have died and began to walk away. A
piercing shriek brought me running back. The snake had leapt from the flames like an arrow, through the air and past the heads of the soldiers. Thus galvanised, the hunt was on. At last, surrounded, they beat it with sticks. As it lay dying it repeatedly bit itself in a frenzy. This they call the ‘Springing Boa’. We call it the ‘Ferre de Lance’. I was very lucky to have escaped its bite. The first two weeks were non-tactical, and so in the evening one was able to wash in the River Macal (which we soon found out contained a large number of crocodiles and was home to the extraordinary ‘Fishing Spider’ which walks on water). One evening whilst washing I
felt something land on my shoulder. I brushed it off negligently. As I brushed at the insects I noticed that the wings fell away. I splashed these off me. With rising panic I now felt them all over me. I turned around; the very sky was darkened by a swarm of these creatures. We all ran back to the trees, and for the next forty minutes remained covered in writhing insects; they crawled in your ears, up your nose, into your mouth and seemed to penetrate all clothing. These flying termites very nearly drove us mad but were otherwise harmless. Another nuisance were the ticks. I never found less than five ticks on me in a day. The trouble with ticks is that they are quite hard to remove if you don’t know what you are doing. At length I became quite
proficient at twisting them off and they ceased to bother me. But there was more to the jungle of Belize than at first met the eye. This whole area had once been home to the Mayans, and the training area was littered with remnants of their civilisation. The ruins at Caracol were amazing. Here the jungle was somehow more majestic. The enormous pyramid of the central temple is invisible until you almost walk into it. Then it rises dramatically from the jungle floor, at its top, which towers above the canopy, one can see for a great distance over the country of Belize and into neighbouring Guatemala. The vista is of unbroken jungle, wreathed in mist and shimmering gold in the setting sun.
An Unapologetical Apologist Or Too Brave To Die By Capt Ethan Bond, The Life Guards “The Bull charged and Romero waited for the charge, the cape held low, sighting along the blade, his feet firm. Then without taking a step forward, he became one with the bull, the sword was in high between the shoulders, the bull had followed the low swung flannel, that disappeared as Romero lurched clear to the left, and it was over.” And so, with a daring display blending heroics, tradition, spectacle and violent death, ends Ernest Hemingway’s masterpiece Fiesta. And so too, ended this Officer’s first experience of Spanish National Day. Fortune, and the fact that I could order a beer in Spanish, had conspired to snatch me, like two monsters in a fairy tale, from the safe confines of ceremonial duties in London. They smiled knowingly as Tpr Richardson of the Blues and Royals and I boarded our plane at Heathrow in ignorance of what was to await us upon arrival at Madrid. We were there to march, as part of the British contingent, in the Spanish National Parade. With a season of parades in London, Windsor and Edinburgh just behind me I felt easily up to the job, but as I was soon to learn, the Spaniards do things quite differently to us. We were to arrive five days before the parade and I wondered if this was going to be time enough for the requisite briefings and endless rehearsals I had grown so accustomed to. Surely a parade through the nation’s capital, with the salute being taken by King Carlos,
involving 4,200 soldiers, 246 vehicles and 86 aircraft, was going to take quite a bit of co-ordinating. It came as no surprise then that the first thing that happened was a spot of drill, our bags still as yet unpacked. Half an hour later we were informed that being of sufficient calibre, the Drill Sergeant needed us no more. We were to form up on the day, one hour before the Parade and he would answer any questions then that we might have. If we could find him. What then followed was a mad dash, whistle stop tour of Spain, hosted impeccably by our ever-attentive counterparts from the Guardia Real. Our remaining time was filled with galleries, cathedrals, museums, palaces and
historical sights too numerous to list, all perfectly rounded off by the Spanish love of good food and some very fine wines. I shall not attempt to describe here those heady few days and nights. Instead we shall move swiftly on to the big day itself. The 12th of October is the day when the Spanish Forces march through the capital in a popular display of nationalistic pride. No one is left out. Thus with Leopard 2’s leading the way, every aspect of military service is represented by members of their unit in the appropriate dress. The Royal Guard will march in step, in their ceremonial uniforms, whilst the Mountain Troops will struggle past under vast bergans in their fleeces and Gore-tex. They might well be followed
Inside the Arena
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by 13 year old Army Cadets or 80 year old veterans in an eclectic mix of uniforms dating back through NATO and the days of Franco, to WWII. In the spirit of post 9/11 Spain had decided to invite her NATO allies to join in the party. If I had thought the Spanish looked a mixed bag, then we were the pick ‘n mix of the show. Navy, Army and Air Force of fourteen different countries, all ranks, were represented in 48 people. I immediately saw why time was not wasted in rehearsal. With Turks, Italians, Germans, Greeks, Portuguese, Dutch and Americans, to name but a few, all adopting wildly different marching styles, and paces, our hosts had decided that variety was the spice of life. Why bother to dilute our individual flavours with some form of generic drill? In the end we all did our own thing. And somehow it actually worked. We arrived, we marched down the road, we stopped marching and as quickly as it had begun, it was over. Then we ate. Lunch finished, our hosts’ left for their daily siesta and I continued with the tradition I had begun on day one, that of using every spare moment to explore Madrid. And so I found myself at a bull fight. Well, as it turned out, nine bull fights. This most bloody of blood sports finds few supporters outside of Spain and what attention it does receive tends to paint it as immoral, cruel and indefensible. What I saw was a display of courage, skill and showmanship, a mix of both tragedy and comedy that far outshone anything one can find on stage or screen. Curiously the violence and death for which bull fighting receives so much criticism seemed to affect me remarkably little. The bull exists not as a dumb animal brought to the slaughter, to tease and torture, as so many would have us believe. It is a brave, noble and truly dangerous opponent who, as I was to witness, will easily maim or kill those who dare to face him. A true fighting bull is so intelligent that if the fight goes on for too long he can be almost impossible to kill, as he learns very swiftly the tactics of the men. In addition to this he seems to fear nothing. Earlier this century, when such things were more acceptable, fights used to be staged between fighting bulls and elephants, tigers and lions. The bull usually won. Over 25 yards he can outrun a horse from a standing start and can turn much quicker than any polo pony. At four years old he has the strength to lift both a horse and its rider on his horns, which often reach up to three feet long. The largest bull I witnessed fighting
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The Picador moments before his dismount.
weighed 1320 pounds, the same as a medium drum horse. Were it not for the bull fights, these magnificent animals would be all but extinct, they are far too dangerous to breed for any other reason. The men who fight these bulls train intensively from a young age and it may well take up to fifteen years to become a Matador, the man who actually delivers the killing blow. These men are revered as heroes within Spain. Having seen them perform it is easy to see why. It is not my intention to recite the pattern of a fight, nor to recount the rules, but several peculiarities stand out to such a degree that they must be mentioned. There exists a type of man referred to as an Espontaneo. As the name might suggest, this is a member of the public who, so caught up in the display that he feels he must, spontaneously, take part. I witnessed one such foolhardy fellow. As he leapt into the arena he had perhaps four seconds grace before he had a horn through his thigh and a second through his shoulder. He was promptly thrown behind the bull, who had turned before he hit the ground and pawed him with his enormous hooves until distracted by the fighters and the man dragged off. Whilst this may be classified as madness rather than bravery, one of the finest displays of true courage was soon to follow. Two fights later a bull emerged so keen for the fight that as the Picador (a bull fighter mounted on a horse who uses a lance to attack the bull as it charges him) arrived, the bull immediately attacked. Ignoring the lance in his shoulder, and the weight of the man on the end of it, the bull pushed on until his horns were underneath the front of the horse and within seconds both rider and mount were on their backs. At this the bull immediately ignored the horse and began
to attack the man, as he lay pinned beneath his mount. Again the bull was successfully distracted and the Picador, bloodied but unbowed remounted, picked up a fresh lance and, amid much cheering, went straight back into the fray. This type of courage typifies the machismo world of bull fighting, never more so than when dealing with the bulls themselves. It is in the bravery of the bull that the true spirit of the fight resides. It is an interesting point to note that not all fighting bulls die in the ring, and very much like the ancient gladiators, there is a chance for reprieve. If it is deemed that a bull is lacking sufficient strength, that his impressive levels of aggression are not impressive enough, the crowd brings out green handkerchiefs waives them in the air and demands that the president stops the fight. This happens regularly and I witnessed this on three occasions. At the other end of the scale, the bull can on occasion be so proud and ferocious that he wins the respect of the crowd and at this they again press the president to spare his life. This lucky bull will then spend the rest of his days out to grass and siring a whole new generation of fighting bulls. And so my experience of Spanish National Day ended with the most Spanish of all things, which perhaps coincidentally, echoed so many of the qualities that we look for in our Armed Forces today, and indeed have done so throughout the ages. We now live in a society that is becoming ever more “soft”. With country pursuits being threatened and any number of us likely to be branded criminals in the future for following the time honoured traditions of our fore fathers. It is incredible to think that our European neighbours can enjoy freedom from such political correctness and at the same time, preserve so many key qualities of man that we in Britain risk losing.
Household Cavalry at Army Training Regiment Pirbright By Captain T W Shatliff, The Blues and Royals n June the Foot Guards had their last pass out at Pirbright. The Guards Company ceased to exist and they moved to Catterick to be trained. The Household Cavalry Recruits therefore moved from Guards Company to 59 ( Asten ) Battery Royal Artillery. A smooth transition with little fuss, the permanent Staff took on the task of integrating with our friends in the Royal Artillery, and started to train some 50 Recruits during the year. At ATR(P) we have some 12 Household Cavalry Staff (see below) all dotted over different Sub-units, but the main bulk of personnel belong to 59 Bty, where all potential Household Cavalrymen will conduct their training.
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Mid year saw a well earned break and an opportunity to take the staff away adventure training to Thorny Island. Led by WOII(BSM) Holland we were all qualified in Power boating level II within the week, and took the opportunity to take the Royal Artillery Yacht down the Solent. In April 2003 we see another change and further integration into the Battery with Imjin Troop being renamed to one of the oldest of our Battle Honours, Tangier, further evidence that the transition is moving in the right direction. LCoH Walker, although injured through hockey, keeps the Stables ticking over, with the recruits spending time on basic stable management over the weekends.
Being debriefed on snow - three recruits who had never seen it.
The introduction of retention weekends at both Windsor and Knightsbridge has proved to have worked giving the Recruits a better insight as to what is to come in Phase II Training. This year sees more Household Cavalry than ever, with a predicted 84 Recruits coming through the door, keeping Le
Cateau and Tangier Troops fully manned throughout the year. COH Brown leads the way in the Training Teams, with more HCR staff than ever before. This year we say farewell to WOII M Sandercock who moves onto Cyprus to take up the post of RQMS, having spent some seven years here at Pirbright, we wish him well.
Household Cavalry Staff 59 Bty ATR Pirbright
Other Staff at ATR Pitbright
Captain T W Shatliff RHG/D Captain J E M Howell LG CoH Brown LCoH Ireland LCoH Galbraith LCoH Timms LCoH Pickard
WO2 Sandercock MTWO SCpl (SQMC) Polley CoH Hockings LCoH Hodgeson LCoH Head
Bosnian Boar Shooting by Captain W R G Kenyon, The Life Guards rom September through to March of this year I was fortunate enough to serve as a Troop Leader in the Prnjavor Opstina – part of the UK Recce Squadron’s area, in NE of the Republika Scpska. During my first few weeks in Bosnia it rapidly became apparent how important civil – military relations were to the success of our mission. Thus, burdened by duty, I was forced to accept, amongst other things, a number of shooting invitations. And so during my six months I had to endure some fantas-
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tic game shooting, the most fun/dramatic of which was a day’s boar shooting in early January. There was actually a serious background to these days out. There exists throughout the RS a large field sport fraternity. It is not made up of lunatic former soldiers but rather men from all sides of the various ethnic divides who belong to legitimate organisations with stringent laws. In a relatively unstable society, they are probably the best examples of inter – ethnic harmony and
cooperation. Sadly, however, they have often clashed with SFOR soldiers over the issue of OP HARVEST. This has been an ongoing operation to remove illegally held weapons from the local communities in an effort to promote a more stable society. It is a noble aim, however its execution has been poor. Confusion over both the definition of illegal weapons and the legality of locally issued permits has led to weapons being removed that were patently for sports shooting. When combined to the aggressive manner with which those
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before us had carried out their house searches, it antagonised large elements of the rural community against SFOR. As such in early October an enraged giant of a Serb turned up at my troop house threatening legal action over the loss of a hunting rifle. Standing level with his midriff I swore silently at my predecessors whose rewards I was reaping. Multiple cups of tea later and I was to spend the next 5 months shooting with this man – Balkan style. The highlight of the Bosnian season was a day’s boar shooting in early January. A party of ten – four Serbs, three Muslims, two Ukrainians and myself – assembled at an early hour. A couple of quick slivos to ward off the early morning chill and off we marched into the forest with myself wondering what the possible EOD implications of this was. The plan was simple enough, get in extended line and let the dogs flush out the animal. In a rather amusing twist I was armed with an M48 that had been converted for hunting. It was the military version of these weapons that we were so desperately trying to find. It is a beautifully balanced weapon and fires a round large enough to penetrate one of our Scimitars. I felt pretty confident. However, after two hours of waiting with only my interpreter and a guide I was beginning to wonder whether this might be revenge for our OP HARVESTS here I was about to be abandoned in a particularly cold forest. Thankfully I was mistaken and lunch was soon called. A healthy broth, more slivo and a lot of animated discussion concerning the tactics for the day and we were dispatched back into the forest. Shooting lunches were always a high-
Lt Kenyon undercover with VRS.
light whether it was the Bosniacs spit roasting a whole lamb or a more liquid Serb affair. The hospitality offered to me throughout was fantastic. The next hour or so was probably the most dangerous of my operational tour. There were ten armed men, of which nine had had a very healthy lunch, and all of whom were keen to get amongst the action. No one knew where the others were, let alone where the boar might appear. I quickly found a large tree and hid the other side. The kill itself was a brief affair, a lot of shouting and shooting. Confusion reigned and the boar lost. Once it had been located by the dogs, the game was up. It was at this stage that I was grateful it had not come near me. It was enormous, a lot larger than my reading of Asterix had prepared me for. Had my shooting not been of its usual high standard, then I suspect it would have fallen on some
poor unfortunate in the MOD to explain to my family their son’s death at the hooves of a Bosnian boar. The general consensus at post match drinks was that the day had been a resounding success. I left nine drunk and happy Bosnians to play football with a ball courtesy of SFOR G5 projects and a dead boar as the sole spectator. Unsurprisingly field sports occupy a very high standing in what is still a predominantly rural society. I strongly recommend anyone who is about to serve in Bosnia to get involved. It is not only a chance to shoot or hunt in very beautiful countryside but also offers a unique insight into the very society that we, as soldiers, are attempting to fix. Indeed, it is sadly ironic that what Bosnians regard as an inalienable right which has survived amidst so much turmoil, is, for us, an assaulted privilege.
18 Troop HCR (Windsor Boys School) ACF Combermere Barracks By Captain R J Oakley-Watson LG (Berks ACF) he Troop’s year started with, what is rapidly becoming an annual event, the winning of the Blundy Trophy (for the third consecutive time). Thanks in no small part to the dedication of the team coach SCM Sharp LG and the hard work, over many range nights, of the shooting team. This competition marked the departure from the Troop of Cdt S/Cpl Johnstone for the regular Army, but not before he secured the best cadet shot in Berkshire for a record third time.
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The military training programme got off to a flying start with the usual JNCO cadre in February, a range weekend at Pirbright in April and Spring Bank Camp once again at Browndown in May, culminating in annual camp, which was this year held at Fort Tregntle in Cornwall. This was an excellent choice for cadets to train, as it was built of granite and therefore almost indestructible. The fort was one of Lord Palmerston’s Follies, erected to defend Plymouth from the French and whose guns all
faced inland! However the scope for exciting training was unlimited and the ranges were just outside the fort walls, on the beach. Her Majesty’s Golden Jubilee celebrations figured in the troop’s calendar with a fieldcraft display and air rifle range being predominately manned by cavalry cadets at The Celebration of Youth Festival held at Marlow. The author of this piece had the honour of escorting HRH Prince Philip The Duke
of Edinburgh as he inspected some very proud cadets. All the years training was put to the test with the annual inter military skills competition sponsored by the REME at Airborfield in October, the Troop coming an acceptable fifth after some contentious scoring caused by an over complicated points system. And so to Remembrance Day Parade at Windsor Garrison Church where the cadets, for once still, in respectful silence while our wreath party followed their regular brothers to lay tribute to the fallen. At the time of writing I am informed that the shooting team are through to the finals of both the Blundy Trophy and The Collins Cup, so it could be another load of silver for 18’s shooters. The Troop continues to flourish within our home here at Combermere and we are always thankful for the continuing support and assistance given by our ever
HRH Prince Phillip talking to LCpl Farge and Tpr Cullen with Capt Oakley.
busy parent regiment. (18 Troop is open to all children of serving and ex mem-
bers of the Regiment over 12 years of age at secondary school).
HRH The Princess Royal Visit To Watton Troop Cadet Norfolk Engineer Squadron September 2002 Taken from an article for the Wayland News and the Army Cadet Journal rmy Cadets in Watton became the first in Norfolk to receive a royal visit in September 2002 when HRH The Princess Royal dropped in for a few lessons in first aid. Dressed in riding boots, jodhpurs and grey jacket, The Princess came fresh from a private visit to the Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment (HCMR) at their summer training camp at Bodney Camp, near Watton, on the Stanford Training Area. HRH is Colonel of The Blues and Royals one of the Regiments of The Household Cavalry.
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The Watton Troop have been affiliated to the Household Cavalry for the last six years. The Princess talked to every member of the Troop before presenting awards and watching demonstrations of first aid, assembling and cleaning rifles. The visit was organised by SCpl Mark Wibberley, The Life Guards, based in Norwich at the Army Recruiting Office. “Because of the Links between the Household Cavalry and the cadets we thought we’d invite The Princess Royal to show her some of the young acorns
turning into oak trees,” he said. “We wanted her to see what the cadets do and she was genuinely interested. She had seen the end product with the troops at Bodney. It was a nice visit and a big honour for the cadets.” What was supposed to be a flying halfhour visit over ran by 15 mins as The Princess chatted to cadets from other troops of Cadet Norfolk Engineering Squadron, including Attleborough, Diss, King’s Lynn and Thetford. Lance Corporal of Horse Nathaniel Harris, 18, was presented with his County Colours for Athletics and the Bodney Shield, the award for Watton Cadet of the Year. Nathaniel, from Griston near Watton, was one of only 13 cadets in the country to go on a Wilderness Challenge trip to Africa in July. “Princess Anne asked me about how long I’d been in the cadets and my trip to Africa. She was a really nice lady,” he said. Other cadets presented with awards were: Trooper Tom Pearce (One Star Certificate and Eastern Region Colours
Norfolk Cadet presenting flowers in the Regimental Colours to HRH
for Soccer and Athletics); Corporals William Petley, Gary Payne and Martin Gisbourne, Lance Corporal Alex Leonard and Sapper Tony Barratt (Three Star Certificates) and Corporal Jonathan O’Brien (Silver Duke of Edinburgh’s Award).
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Exercise Iron Horse 2002 The Household Cavalry Motorcycle Club’s Battlefield Tour To The Peninsula Major R R Philipson-Stow, The Blues and Royals sadly all the more common stormy May Sunday afternoon saw the Household Cavalry Motorcycle Club (HCMCC) converge on Plymouth from different parts of the country, including Knightsbridge, Windsor, Bulford and Manchester. The destination for the night was HMS Drake, a Royal Navy transit camp which had agreed to accommodate the Club the night before the early morning ferry sailing. The author, then a mere Captain, was shown to his lavish accommodation in the Ward Room only for he and the Night Porter to realise that his room was meant for a Naval rather than Army Captain. Both agreed to ignore this discrepancy, and a grand total of £0.97 was paid on departure the following morning.
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The early ferry crossing from Plymouth to Santander was an expedition in itself. A 24 hour crossing, through an inevitably choppy Bay of Biscay, was most survivable with the aid of one of the many ship’s bars and an alcohol induced sleep. Although the crossing was uncomfortable for some, the Club and its motorcycles made it to Santander in one piece and embarked on a truly remarkable Tour. The first Duke of Wellington’s campaign in Spain and Portugal was characterised by a series of strategic British advances and withdrawals, forcing the French to manoeuvre far beyond the capability of their logistic chain, and fighting them on ground of British choosing, thereby ensuring that Wellington was never to taste defeat in the Peninsula. After meeting at McDonalds (deemed the most suitable RV) in Santander the Club split into its 3 groups (2 fast and 1 slow) with the support vehicle driven by Cpl Grace from the Recce Brigade bringing up the rear. The first destination was high in the Montes de Oca near the ancient city of Leon, a campsite nearby provided a dry, if windy first night’s stop, including the by now legendary Club Barbecue. The following night sadly brought on an all too familiar situation. The first two days had not been recce’d [by the Club] due to lack of time on the original recce, and unfortunately the second night’s campsite was found to be closed as it was the low season. With some previous tours, it took small recce
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The Club on the bridge at Tres Puentes (Vitoria) L to R: WO2 Gentle AGC, Sgt Bland REME, Mr Kenny Robertson (RHG/D Retd),CoH Scovell LG, LSgt Candlin AGC, Cpl Grace REME (Recce Bde), WO2 Postance LG, Cpl Nicholas QDG (Recce Bde), Tpr Hauser RHG/D & WO2 Gibbons RHG/D.
parties some time to find an alternative, but come midnight most Club members were accommodated in a nearby site, with the older members (Messrs Harris and Robertson and WO2 Gibbons RHG/D) opting for a motel due to geographical challenges. There was some conciliation in that the roads in the North were amongst the best the Club had ridden on – even if the slow group was hindered by WO2 (RQMS) Gentle AGC and his Super Bike!. The following day took us to familiar territory, moving to the Portuguese coast to the resort of Peniche, and a very suitably located campsite, and after a small amount of admin, the Club was in town being introduced to Steak Portuguese by Captain R Philipson-Stow RHG/D and CoH Hadden LG. It was also the first opportunity for the Club Secretary to introduce some of the newer members to the pleasures of the Harley Davidson Motorcycle; both Cpls Nicholas QDG and Cpl Grace 1 (UK) Recce Bde appreciated this introduction and were seen as converted to the cause. The Club was in the region to visit the Battlefields of Rolica and Vimiero, the sites of Wellington’s first victories over the French. From a visitor’s point-ofview, both Rolica and Vimiero offer a superb insight into Wellington’s early tactics against the French, especially as both battles are interlinked and in close proximity with each other. Vimiero
especially, offers an excellent example of the type of ground Wellington favoured in defence. It offered plenty of dead ground for the infantry to take cover from French artillery whilst in line abreast; then, they could rise and meet the redoubtable French column with the withering fire from hundreds of rifles at a time. After a morning of becoming increasingly aware of Wellington’s prowess as a commander, the Club dispersed for lunch in their groups and then onto Figuera da Foz to the next campsite from which we would embark to visit the battlefield of Busaco. Busaco sits atop a ridgeline atop which Wellington positioned himself in his now familiar defensive pattern. The French advanced in 2 columns, General Ney in the North and General Reynier to the South. The southern column reached the ridgeline first in the early morning but the French Column was repulsed by the British Line before the morning mist could rise. Ney to the North heard the firing, and assumed a great French victory was in the making. Like Reynier he advanced in column and was beaten off with heavy casualties by a mixture of the Light Division under General Craufurd and two Portuguese Brigades. This was the first time the French had come face to face with the Portuguese element of Wellington’s army, and served to demonstrate that with the correct tactics, any disciplined force could defeat the French.
The Wellington Memorial at Busaco, Portugal.
The two best spots to see the battle site are Craufurd’s Windmill and the Wellington Memorial (a museum is also on site); a brief demonstration at the windmill proved the effectiveness of concealed infantry against an advancing column. With 3 men lying flat, the remainder could advance to within 15 yards before they could be seen and engaged at point blank range with the added element of surprise. After a hot morning’s education we ventured on towards the Spanish border, and the last nights stay in Portugal in Garda. It was here that Mr Kenny Robertson celebrated his birthday – although he would not admit which one – which resulted in some sore heads and bodies, especially with his retired friend Mr Paul Harris! The road into Spain, the same used by Wellington all those years ago, is a motorcyclist’s dream; long good roads with wide sweeping bends. This was ideal for the likes of Sgt Bland REME, CoH Scovell LG and Tpr Hauser RHG/D, who enjoyed themselves to the limit of the law, although WO2 Gentle chose to continue his membership of the slow ride. Astride the border lies the town of Fuentes de Onoro where an action by the cavalry under General Cotton arguably saved the day – along with Wellington’s shrewdness and quick thinking. This was the first battle of the campaign that any regiment of what is now the Household Cavalry took part . The Royals along with the 14th and 16th Light Dragoons, 1st Hussars and the KGL. Swiftly moving on (the site of Fuentes de Onoro has been built on considerably since the battle); the Club entered Spain and visited the fortress town of Cuidad Rodrigo. Cuidad Rodrigo is a must for any tourist of the area. Still surrounded by its ancient walls the sites of the breaches
made by the British are clearly marked, as are the walls of the impressive Church, still pockmarked with the fall of British shot. The town’s surrender was actually forced by one man; Lieutenant Gurwood of the Light Division, after coming too from unconsciousness, wandered lost through the town and finding the Citadel, entered and caught the French commander entertaining his staff at dinner. Sadly the British lost one of its ablest commanders, General Craufurd, commander of the Light Division, whose body was encased in the walls by one of the breaches, a plaque marks this spot today. After a good Spanish lunch (rather dodgy meat in a cigarette infested restaurant) the Club moved on to Salamanca for a two day stop and a visit to perhaps the best preserved battlefield in Spain. Wellington again chose his position well, hiding the majority of his force in the dead ground. But in a striking example of his ability to seize the initiative, he turned what was to be another defensive battle into an outstanding attack and victory. Again the British cavalry were to cause the most damage to the French, with General Le Marchant (Sandhurst Commandant away on a bluff – the current Commandant’s House being named after him) leading the British Dragoon Brigade which in 40 minutes dispersed 3 French divisions. In the final moments of the last charge, Le Marchant was killed, another grievous loss to Wellington and the British. Salamanca remains largely unchanged since 1812, with the Greater and Lesser Arapiles providing excellent viewpoints, as well as Wellington’s command location. In his eagerness to secure the best viewpoints on the recce, the author was attacked by two vast Spanish mountain dogs, whilst CoH Hadden MBE LG cowered in the hire car. After another spectacular day, the Club was able to take a day off for admin and visiting the local area. It was here that we said farewell to Mr Paul Harris who had to return to his job with the BBC in Afghanistan. The remainder of the Club then made for Vitoria with a brief night stop in Burgos. Vitoria, like Salamanca, is a spectacular battlefield to visit, although there has been considerable industrialisation and construction since the battle. The campsite at Vitoria was in the process of being overwhelmed by a new dual carriageway, but was still able to provide excellent accommodation and facilities right in the middle of the battlefield. By the time of Vitoria, Wellington was on the offensive, the French having only a foothold in Spain. On arriving West of Vitoria,
Citadel at Cuidad Rodrigo, Spain.
Wellington split his force into four columns which totally outmanoeuvred the French to the extent that their army was routed with Joseph (Napoleon’s brother) narrowly avoiding capture, his silver bed pot still adorns the table of the KRH Officers’ Mess. The most enjoyable part of visiting the Vitoria site is the number of viewpoints that can be utilised. Ancient Roman remains and medieval bridges combine to make this still one of the more remarkable battlefields that the Club has visited. After leaving early the following morning, the Club made its way back to Santander, with CoH Hadden now commanding the recovery vehicle due to Triumph chain and clutch trouble, and WO2 Gentle still with the slow ride. It was an error in signpost navigation that had the recovery truck using a mountain goat track instead of the motorway back to the ferry. If it hadn’t been for the services of a Geordie trucker (presumably lost as well) both CoH Hadden and the long suffering Cpl Grace would have missed the ferry by a good day, maybe more had the sheer drops claimed their truck. A rather more pleasant ferry journey brought us all back to Blighty, and a rather more tiresome trip back to our respective homes. The trip was a complete success, and again proved what could be achieved by a small number of people on a limited budget. It is hoped that next year’s Tour will visit the Ardennes – Operational Tours permitting – some time in the summer. The Household Cavalry Motorcycle Club is open to all serving and retired members of the Household Cavalry and their dependants, as well as those who have served on attachment or have an association with the regiment.
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Exercise Hawkeye Munro Bt Lieutenant CW Wren, The Life Guards t was with light hearts that we left our beloved Green Goddesses and OP FRESCO for Scotland, to take part in the somewhat interestingly named EX HAWKEYE MUNRO. The Expedition was led enthusiastically by Lieutenant NPG van Cutsem, and comprised: Lieutenant CW Wren, CoH Fortune, LCpl Dove and LCpl Perry. The aim of the expedition was to introduce its members to the challenges of stalking in the Highlands and aid the Invercauld Estate with their hind cull.
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After a meeting with the factor (Simon Blackett, late 15/19 Hussars) we enjoyed a bangers-and-mash supper over which the details of the weeks stalking were discussed. To our surprise, on all three days, each soldier would act as a rifle on a different part of the estate rather than going out in pairs and sharing a rifle. We adjourned for the evening eagerly awaiting the challenges of the next few days. After a slightly over-generous breakfast and the first of LCpl Dove’s briefings on “how to fill a flask” we set off to meet our respective gamekeepers. Some made it further than others. Lieutenant van Cutsem was served a cruel reminder that diesel engined VW Golfs tend to prefer the fuel that they were originally designed to take. To this day he still blames the petrol station, insisting that they filled their diesel pump with petrol. The end result was that he made it 200 yards up the drive before his car ground to a halt in what looked like a L8 smoke grenade demonstration. The weather made stalking difficult for the new rifles and a barely perceptible wind gave the deer a clear advantage. They may not however have counted
upon the raw shooting ability of LCpl Perry who shot four deer, three hinds and a calf, on his first days stalking. He was duly “blooded” and returned to our lodge at Aldhourie grinning like a Cheshire cat. The great joy of stalking is that one is pitted against an “enemy” whose sensory perceptions are a hundred times better than ones own. The slightest unusual movement, noise or scent on the wind will spook the resting beasts and hours of work can be undone in seconds. There is never a feeling of time wasted or lost. Just being able to spend time on the hill in good company is reward enough. The parallels that can be drawn between the professions of stalker and soldier are obvious: physical fitness, use of ground, marksmanship and a love of the outdoors. We were made to feel extremely welcome in the glens around Braemar and many happy moments were shared during a difficult stalk up a burn (reminiscent of X range at SENTA). During a “belt buckler” through a peat bog after a particularly difficult beastie, Peter Fraser who has been the estate’s ghillie and gamekeeper was in fits of laughter when I informed him of the old army training maxim, “If it ain’t raining, it ain’t training.” CoH Fortune killed two hinds on his second day on the hill and returned that evening looking like an extra from a horror movie. This was a shrewd move as he knew that Lieutenant van Cutsem would expect nothing less. Our eager return to the lodge in the evening was only beaten by our eagerness to return to the hill the following morning. We were incredibly lucky to have been offered so much good stalking and to have such patient instruction. We all committed ourselves to learning more about life on the estate and
Supper, first night at Alhourie, Invercauld. L to R: CoH Fortune, LCpl Perry, LCpl Dove, Lt van Cutsem.
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O Group van Cutsem style at Aldhourie
became quickly aware of the great strain that those that live and work there are under. The Editor of ‘Scottish Gamekeeper’ dropped in for coffee one evening and left with five new subscribers to his magazine! The final day brought the worst of the weather and typically the best of the stalking. Lieutenant van Cutsem showed that his mind was still on the fire strike, by refusing to drag a hind he killed early in the day, his fireman training took over and he insisted on heaving the hind onto his shoulders and began the long walk up the Glen. He was however, unaware until he returned home that most of the beast’s blood had soaked into his much loved stalking jacket and all garments underneath. When the jacket was hung up to dry a pool of blood gruesomely collected beneath it on the floor, much to the disgust of Lt Wren who was by now in full “QM” mindset.
Lt Wren after a successful day on Cordavan Estate.
The highlight of the final day was LCpl Dove shooting his first beast in style on top of Glen Callater. There were also a few misses on that day, hands often being colder than the gun metal we were touching. A miss however is much preferred to wounding a beast that would then go on to die miserably. This is always at the forefront of a rifles mind and it takes great steadiness to compose ones breathing, shut out the piercing cold and shoot precisely at a beast that may only present itself for a few seconds. Stalking develops
natural shooting ability, something that is very hard to nurture on the Range aided only by a scientific army shooting policy. On my last afternoon I was shown Corndavon Lodge where the late Queen Elizabeth, The Queen Mother used to host her luncheon parties when grouse shooting on the estate. There is a wonderful mural painted by a former Commanding Officer of the Scots Guards. The chance to take in breathtaking country, to view a rare bird, or enjoy a dram in front of a crack-
ling log fire after a tiring day, these are the joys of stalking. It was with great sadness that we left our palatial accommodation in Braemar and after a clean up operation that would have made the Regimental Quartermaster glow with pride, we said our goodbyes. We set off on the long journey home and the operational deployment that awaited us, our collective minds set on returning to the hill as soon as possible.
Exercise Cockney Motown - Berrain Springs Horse Show By Captain RT Sturgis, The Blues and Royals xercise Cockney Motown was a triumphant raid across the Pacific to the annual Berrain Springs Horse show, near Detroit, USA. The Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment sent a 5 man team to compete in Show Jumping and Mounted Skill at Arms against other mounted military units.
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The Exercise was hosted, and supported by Colonel Robert F Freeman who commands The Blue Devils Horse Platoon (BDHP) based in Ann Arbour, Michigan State. We were warmly welcomed and chaperoned by WO1 Richard Dyk and his wife Sue on their small holding Roon farm where the Blue Devil Horses are stabled and trained. Initially it was intended that the competition would involve Dutch, Chilean, Indian and American military units competing in both Show Jumping and Tent Pegging disciplines. Horses were loaned by members of BDHP; they included polo ponies for tent pegging and registered show jumpers. Like all good plans the first contact undid all excellent intentions. The Dutch were grounded, The Chileans no show and the Indians had a small argument with the neighbours delaying travel. It was hoped that permission to use trooping or indulgence flights if available would be given. This was not the case due to their annual budget already allocated and the reduction in trooping flights to North America. Instead the BDHP found sponsorship for the team to assist with flight fares generously subsidised by our carriers British Airways. Half rate NRSA was authorised by the Commanding Officer to cover meal costs. Despite the weak pound the McDonald’s exchange rate
LCoH Weston removes tent peg from between feet of WO2 MA Avison.
ensured the team was fuelled under the golden arches. State Uniform, Swords and Lances were sent in advance using Fed Ex Couriers from Hyde Park Barracks to Roon Farm. Due to the nature of the cargo clear inventories and statement of use had to be forwarded to Fed Ex. The cost of this was met by our hosts. A misunderstanding with Fed Ex UK and US Customs caused a few irate telephone calls until the threat of involving a grand fromage in Washington by Chief Dyk. Cargo released and at no fee. Not to mention a courtesy round of golf and offers to fly the musical ride out to Lexington this October. Due to the generous host support small gifts were made. These were brought by team members from the PRI shop. A Regimental picture was presented to the BDHP Commander; a small token considering their presentations.
To compete in US Affiliated Show jumping competitions it was necessary to take a copy of the Regiments’ BSJA membership details. Passports had to be 6mths prior to expiration dates to travel which almost caught members out. MOD 90s were carried which enabled easy access to US Forces bases. It was helpful that team members took International Driving Licences driving down the roman road route 66 for 2hrs a day was never tricky. Military dress states as per Mounted Duty were worn during competition. Otherwise summer camp type dress was worn for training and local visits. The competition followed a detailed build up and training programme once in the States. The Royal Windsor Horse Show, The Royal Tournament and Regimental training provided much experience and practice for the team members.
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Capt RT Sturgis RHG/D on Milky Bar Kid.
LCpl Eames - Tent Peg practice.
Once in the States training on the loaned horses was carried out in the early hours to avoid the heat of the day.
national competitive link. The highest standards of conduct ensured that this was a highly successful trip and such exercise invitations remain a regular event in the competition year.
Ex. Cockney Motown was a great success in winning and being highly placed in both show jumping and skill at arms competition. The BDHP were resolute in their support of this exercise. This was an opportunity to build on the liaison established at The Royal Windsor Horseshow and form a long term inter-
The BDHP has expressed their utmost desire to continue with this exercise. They are willing to support such an exercise in any way they can and have local sponsorship arranged if necessary. Their intention is to invite a team back next
Capt RT Sturgis show jumping on Pierre.
year to an improved competition and to the International Horse Show in Lexington Autumn 2003. Exercise Cockney Mowtown Team Members Capt RT Sturgis WO2 MA Avison CoH Weston LCpl Eames Tpr Smith
RHG/D LG LG LG LG
Summer Sojuron in The Algarve By Major D D Robertson, Director of Music The Blues and Royals n 16 July of this year, The Band of The Blues and Royals boarded a plane, bound for its second visit to the Algarve. Our base for the week was the Guarda Militaria in a small town called Mafra, the home of the Portuguese Infantry Training Establishment. Our first engagement was set beside a marina on the coast of the Algarve and involved a Marching Display followed by an outdoor concert. Here, a great crowd warm-
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ly received the band (very warmly, as the temperature peaked at 88 degrees!). A large party of British expatriates were intermingled with the Portuguese locals who made themselves heard, especially when the band struck up with Land of Hope and Glory. After the concert, the band members were invited to relax by sampling some of the local hospitality. The following evening, after a period of rest and recuperation on the local beach,
LCoH Jones sounds Last Post at the Band’s Beating of the Retreat ceremony.
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The Band returned to Mafra, to prepare for the finale, the Saturday night festival. Only too quickly, the festival day was upon us starting with a parade leading the local conscript recruits in a Changing of The Guard Ceremony, still a firm favourite with locals and visitors. It was an unusual parade, as the Portuguese Soldiers don’t march in the same manner as British Soldiers. They have a lumpy stamp with sliding foot-
WO2 (BCM) Howe posts LCpl Bishop as oncoming sentry outside the School of infantry.
work that doesn’t seem to have any particular rhythm to it. We managed to get through it and entertain the enthusiastic audience, who are not privy to our unique Military Pomp and Splendour. The main event of the week, and eagerly awaited by the locals, was centred on a music festival in the market square, again in Mafra. For the duration of the week, various acts ranging from Pop
Bands to local Folk Groups had performed on the large outdoor stage. We were privileged to round off the week giving our own unique flavour of British Military music to an ecstatic crowd. Following our own independent concert we were joined on stage by The Banda Sinfonica do Exercito. This is a 70 musician strong Portuguese Military Band of outstanding quality. The stage was inundated with musicians of contrasting
coloured uniforms and personalities, a massed spectacular, which brought the house down with an unusual mix of styles and traditions, which was capped by a firework extravaganza. A perfect Coda to a most enjoyable week, where many friends were made and where links were strengthened between two Military Bands from very different cultures.
Media Operations on Operations By Major Alex Dick MBE RHG/D hilst plenty has been written about the Army’s involvement in two major recent deployments, OP BESSEMER (Macedonia) and Op FINGAL (Afghanistan – ISAF), not so much has been written about the media operations that were run concurrently. As the SO3 J3 Media Ops for the headquarters deployed on these operations, 16 Air Assault Brigade, I was in a good position to be able to see how they unfurled in both the eyes of the army and those of the media.
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Media Ops may not seem to be the most glamorous of postings as a SO3. Despite this, I applied for the job at 16 Air Assault Brigade and was fortunate enough to be selected. With its HQ in Colchester, the brigade has approximately 6000 troops centred on 3 infantry battalions and 3 aviation regiments. The wide geographical spread of the brigade’s units make the C2 arrangements rather daunting on a day to day basis, particular in the area of the media as I had to deal with journalists and news outlets up and down the country. As many readers will be aware, the Household Cavalry has been well represented in the Brigade, not only with an affiliated Squadron from Windsor but also by members of the Pathfinder Platoon and of course by the Commander, Brigadier BWB White-Spunner CBE. My first operation with the brigade was Operation BESSEMER. This involved the recovery of weapons handed in voluntarily by the Albanian insurgents who had been fighting against the Macedonian army prior to the signing of the Ohrid agreement in the summer of 2001. A rapid deployment meant that we had, quite literally, to hit the ground running. For me, this meant getting hold of the multitude of journalists in the AOR and briefing them on what was going on.
Major Alex Dick with Afghan friend.
With a policy of ‘transparency’, I was in the enviable position of being able to tell the journalists pretty much anything I wanted to without betraying any operational secrets. Having said that, many journalists were convinced that we had a hidden agenda which was clearly not the case. Having a BBC 24 news crew embedded with us meant that I was in a position to be able brief as and when I wanted too. This meant that we could keep the families back home up to date on any developments almost immediately, which became all the more important as rumours began to circulate that we were to redeploy directly to Afghanistan! Op BESSEMER was reported on widely, mainly because there was nothing else going on in the world at the time, but also because it was being touted as a model for a European Army deployment (quite incorrectly!). The events of 9/11 put a halt to that, and the media disappeared overnight. This was a great
shame as at the end of a very successful operation, the brigade did not receive the coverage that it deserved. Soon after our return to the UK, we began planning for operations in Afghanistan. Initially we were to be deployed on a specific operation, but this changed so that we deployed under the command of HQ 3 (UK) Division as the Brigade HQ of the ISAF. It was quite a change to be working in an environment where the media were so widely dispersed and inaccessible. With offensive operations running in the north of the country, the media’s centre of gravity was focussed there quite soon after our arrival in Kabul. That said, it provided us with more of a challenge, and enabled us to concentrate on Information Operations, in particular the transfer of information to the local population. This was crucial as a force protection measure, as we realised from an early stage that keeping the local population informed of what we were doing in Kabul, and why we were doing it
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would be key to our success and safety. The problem was that the regular news outlets (TV/Radio/Newspapers) were practically non-existent and therefore a little creative thinking was required. We got our message across in a number of ways. The more basic methods involved putting out newsletters and cars with loud hailers giving out our messages. One of the more bizarre ideas was to have a mass of kites made with our message printed on it and then give them to the children in the city centre; this worked well and it was not long before our kites could be seen flying all over the city. One of the things I learnt during my time in Media Ops is that no matter how wild the idea, any method used to get a message across that actually reaches your key audience can be judged as being worthwhile. As the brigade Media Ops man, I felt that my loyalty and duty lay with the men and women in the brigade and not with the MOD – all too often I found myself in conflict with the MOD and PJHQ for not putting out the party line, instead concentrating on keeping fami-
Serving and ex serving Household Cavalrymen in Kabul
lies informed, soldiers updated with how the operation was perceived by the media and, of course, allowing the journalists to have access to brigade units. At the operational level this is, I believe, key to what Media Ops is all about and is something that needs to be addressed in the future, and remembered by anyone working in the Media Ops world.
Working with 16 Air Assault Brigade was an experience that I will never forget. Not only was it incredibly fun, but working in Media Ops meant that I was constantly ‘in the loop’ on all aspects of the Brigade’s activities. For someone looking to do something a little different, yet incredibly rewarding and busy, I cannot recommend Media operations strongly enough.
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The Household Cavalry Sports Round-Up The Ski Team By Captain R H A Lewis, The Blues and Royals ast year it was global warming that threatened the ski team’s training in Verbier. This year it was someone called Andy Gilchrist. As he was sounding off about how hard done the Fire Brigade were, plans were being made for the Regiment to deploy to London on fire fighting duty. As our commitment to OP FRESCO increased, so did the likelihood that the ski team may well have its training cancelled. Fortunately, thanks to the Commanding Officer’s goodwill, the decision was made to send a team and the planning got underway. After initial difficulties in encouraging people to sign up to the team, eight members of the Regiment jumped off their Green Goddesses and into the minibus for the long journey to Verbier.
more due to leave. Sadly the RAC Championships were cancelled, however we were able to complete a couple of races before the New Year. Initially it had looked like HCR would be the strongest team, however due to Lieutenant A D Tweedie’s RHG/D (ski team captain) inability to finish a race without getting lost, the remainder of the A team, Captain R H A Lewis RHG/D, Lieutenant A K MacEwan RHG/D and LCpl Lickfold, was left without a chance. The B Team however covered themselves in glory as LCpl Hollis, Tpr Corbett, Tpr Willis (who had not skied before) and Tpr Ridge came second overall in the B team competition. An excellent result considering their lack of previous skiing experience.
We arrived to find beautiful green grass surrounding the village. Perfect skiing weather – not! Fortunately we woke up the following morning to find a foot of snow had fallen over night and it was still falling. Perfect skiing weather! As it did not stop snowing for the next 36 hours, we were assured great conditions for the next few weeks. This allowed training to get under way with two full weeks of free skiing practicing technique with the local Swiss ski instructors. It was also excellent conditions for the beginners. At the end of the second week race training started in earnest.
New Year passed quietly without too many celebrations and we were soon back to the serious business of training for the Divisional Championships. Unfortunately it was our turn to be hit by possible deployments back home and both Leiutenant Tweedie and Leiutenant MacEwan were called back to Combermere Barracks with the promise of being able to swap cold for heat and snow for sand.
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It was about this time that we began to hear rumours of impending deployments and a number of the Regiments were warned off to return home. Unfortunately these rumours were true and by Christmas three Regiments had left with
Thus Captain Lewis took over the reigns of team captain – all without lifting a finger! The move to the Divisional Championships was soon upon us. Leaving LCpl Hollis and Tpr Ridge to return to Combermere Barracks, the remainder made to journey to Serre Chevalier, France. Conditions could not have been better and the racing got underway with all team members jumping numerous places from their initial start positions.
The HCR Ski Team at the Divisional Championships L to R: Tpr Willis, Tpr Corbett, Capt Lewis and LCpl Lickfold.
LCpl Lickfold and Tpr Willis were both singled out and received prizes for climbing the most number of places in a single race. The hill proved to be extremely competitive with no less than five Army Team skiers, including the Army captain, and a number of others who went on to gain places in the Army Team for the first time. Unfortunately the team did not qualify for the Army Championships, although Capt Lewis did qualify as an individual. As the remainder returned home, Captain Lewis moved onto the Army Championships where the standard of racing improved dramatically. Fortunately he had attached himself to the Queen’s Royal Hussars for administrative purposes and was able to tap into their wealth of experience, the QRH having been Army Champions in previous years, with two Army Team skiers. Capt Lewis would like to thank the QRH for their kind help and hospitality. Though only his first season racing Captain Lewis finished a very respectable 11th in the overall Alpine Combination and must be a great hope for the future!! Whilst the team failed to bring home as much silverware as in the past, due to two of the better skiers being called home, this season certainly fulfilled its aim in giving soldiers an experience that they would certainly never be able get outside the Army and fully tested their courage and nerve, especially in the downhill events. It was also good to see other members of the Regiment visit the team in Verbier both before during and after Christmas.
Capt Lewis on his way to finishing 14th in the Individual Slalom at the Army Ski Championships.
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Nordic Skiing By Lieutenants TJ Armitage & AH James The Life Guards or the first time in a number of years the Regiment sent out a Nordic team to compete in the RAC and Divisional Championships. The chance to train before Christmas and then compete in the New Year in Austria and France was taken up by a squad of six who headed out to the barren wastes of Norway in early December. With excellent snow and some guidance from 2RTR, the squad set to the difficult task of mastering three separate skiing disciplinesclassic, skate and biathlon, in the space of three weeks. Classic skiing combined with early morning runs provided the basis of our ski fitness, and Tprs Howard and Wilkinson thrived on this regime, developing a particular aptitude for the discipline. Skating proved more complex, but Tpr Shapland was clearly a natural leaving the rest of the squad trailing behind, and proving that fitness is no substitute for technique.
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The facilities offered by our chosen training location, Trysil, included a range only 200m from the chalet offering the maximum chance to shoot, the only limiting factor being how long fingers would continue to work at temperatures as low as -26°C. Shooting improved, but as we were to discover later, after racing uphill for 2km it becomes rather more difficult to hit a 4cm target at 50m. The training in Norway culminated with some low level racing in which the squad performed well against 1RTR- a team with similar snow time to ourselves. Post New Year the squad headed for the RAC Championships in Hochfilzen, Austria. Unfortunately the squad quickly lost its best skater Tpr Shapland and its only a la carte chef, Tpr Harley, both due to operation commitments. Thus the four man team was self selected. Equipment problems had meant that Tprs Howard and Wilkinson had had very little exposure to skating, but despite not expecting to have to skate they quickly took up the challenge. The Championships proved to be extremely well run and extremely friendly, and for a first season we were delighted to win one silver and two bronze medals for the team, including third RAC team, albeit amid a reduced number of competing teams. Tpr Wilkinson was especially commended for his performance and won the prize for greatest effort. Lieutenant James was also voted
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Tpr Wilkinson LG.
Lt AH James LG working hard.
by the girls to have the golden bum in lycra.
compete as individuals, but neither were able to take up the opportunity. The training and competing has taught all involved many valuable lessons about an extremely challenging sport, which it is hoped will be taken forward to a much higher level next season.
Competition in the Divisional championships held at Serre Chavalier was much tougher. The team suffered from having no spare skiers for the 4 man events, and from having a month less on skis than the more experienced teams. Again, however, effort was put in to the full, and Tpr Howard must be congratulated on MILITARY AND CIVILIAN TAYLORS completing the 15km Classic race despite suffering flu. Sadly ARE PLEASED TO BE injury prevented us REGIMENTAL TAILORS scoring in the 4 x 7.5km Biathlon Relay BY APPOINTMENT TO and from participating in the finale of the The Household Cavalry Regiment meet the 20km Military Patrol Race. Although the team finish well down the order in all races, few other teams comprised of all novices. The team fell short of the quality line required for qualification for the Army Championships, but with our full squad competing things might have been very different. As it was, both officers were offered the chance to
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Polo 2002 By Captain R H A Lewis RHG/D fter last year’s problems with Foot and Mouth thankfully over, the 2002 season promised much. With Captain A J Fox-Pitt LG still based at Tidworth and Captain M P F Dollar RHG/D away on JCSC there were slightly fewer of us gracing Smiths Lawn at the Guards Polo Club. Lieutenant Colonel S H Cowen RHG/D led the way, with Captain R H A Lewis RHG/D and Captain N P Harrison RHG/D also regularly taking part in the low/low-medium goal tournaments the club had to offer. This season also saw Tpr Smith, currently serving at Knightsbridge, play for the Regiment. With a professional polo playing brother and a father who manages Hurtwood Park Polo Club, Tpr Smith comes from a strong polo playing family and made an extremely valuable contribution to both the Regimental and Barbour teams.
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Readers of last year’s article will remember the 2001 season was one to forget. Fortunately, for all concerned, this season brought some silverware back to the Regiment. With the six aforementioned people all vying for a place in the team, it was decided to share the four available slots. All six players got a run out in one or other of the three matches in the InterRegimental played at Tidworth Polo Club. After a first round victory we progressed to the semi-finals and were able to repair last year’s damage by beating the Light Dragoons, who had knocked us out at the same stage of the 2001 tournament. In the final we were to play the KRH. They had put together a team with a mixture of youth and experience and proved tough opponents however at the final whistle, the score board read 10 – 6 in favour of the Household Cavalry.
The following day saw three members of the Regimental team playing for the Army against the Royal Navy for the Roundel Cup. Captains Fox-Pitt, Lewis and Harrison were given the call to act out revenge, as last year’s Navy team, captained by The Prince of Wales, had slaughtered the Army. This year the Army was well prepared. From the very start the Army took control and in front of a crowd of nearly 5,000 people ended up worthy winners. The preceding game had seen Captain Dollar lead a victorious British Forces Foundation team, which included Prince William and Prince Harry, against a Combined Services Team for the United Services Cup. In a difficult economic climate Barbour deserves our enormous thanks. Through the hard work of Lieutenant Colonel Cowen, Barbour kindly produced a sponsorship deal to allow the Regiment to enter a ‘Barbour HCav’ team in civilian tournaments. Both past and present members of the Regiment benefited from this, as professional players were hired in order to allow ‘Barbour HCav’ to enter into a number of tournaments across the country. The team impressed in its first year by reaching the finals of the Claude Pert and semi-finals of the Town and County 8-goal tournaments at Guards and the quarter-finals of the National 8goal Championship at Cheshire (a tournament which attracts 12 teams). Participating in competitive civilian polo at this level is the best way to help regimental players improve their game. We are also grateful for the continued support from Barbour for the 2003 season as we look to build on the early success of the team at the 8-goal level.
Overseas tours were fewer than in previous years, however Captains Lewis and Dollar were able to visit Washington DC to play with Major P R L Hunter LG, who has just return from working at the UN in New York, and an Australian professional. Major Hunter organised the high profile ‘Range Rover International Classic’ charity match in aid of the National Rehabilitation Hospital and was therefore able to put his own Commonwealth Team together to play against a local American team. Unfortunately the Americans won, however the promise of seeing three dashing Cavalry Officers and one Australian playing polo was too good an opportunity to miss for the local American crowd and the event raised over $180,000 for the Hospital. It is encouraging to see many new players in the Regiment. Major J R Wheeler LG took advantage of a three day course run for the Military at Tidworth (an extremely worthwhile course run at subsidised rate for the Military and one on which Captain Fox-Pitt regularly instructs). Both Lieutenant T J Armitage LG and Lieutenant J E A De St John Price RHD/G have returned to Sandhurst to make use of the facilities in place there. 2nd Lieutenant T W C Edwards LG, who has recently joined the Regiment, showed his talent for polo as well as amateur race riding by representing the Sandhurst Polo team at their big Charity Day. With all these new players and all five squadrons at Windsor next year, it is possible the Regiment may be able to field two Household Cavalry teams. This should lay the foundations for continued success both in military and civilian polo.
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Cresta 2003 By Captain D L Lipman, The Life Guards he 2003 Cresta season has once again proved to be fruitful for the Household Cavalry. Whilst other regiments were unable to send riders due to their skiing commitments, the Household Cavalry showed that, for some, travelling at 80mph with your face 4 inches from the ice is the only way to go. For the uninitiated, the Cresta Run is the name of the track used by the St Moritz Tobogganing Club (SMTC). It is approximately 1 1/4 miles long and drops over 500ft. There are two start points, Junction (approximately 1/3 of the way down) and Top (for the true Cresta riders). Cresta is often confused with Skeleton Bobbing. There are two main differences between the disciplines: the Bob Runs are designed to keep you in and you ‘slide’ down, the Cresta Run is designed to throw you out and you must therefore ‘ride’ down. The best opportunity to be ejected from the Run comes at a long left banking corner called Shuttlecock. Leaving the Run at Shuttlecock earns you immediate entry into the least exclusive club in the world, the imaginatively titled ‘Shuttlecock Club’.
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This year saw a number of new Cresta riders from the Regiment. The first to visit St Moritz was Lieutenant R J Moger RHG/D who proved himself to have a natural talent at riding. Instructed by Captain W H A G Snook RHG/D, Lieutenant Moger posted some very respectable times and went on to win the Army Novice Open competition. Not content with this, Lieutenant Moger and Capt Snook went on to come a close second in the Regimental Pairs Competition. They lost out by only fractions of a second to a pair from the 1st Bn Royal Green Jackets. Fortunately Lieutenant Moger did not earn his Shuttlecock Tie but we very much hope he will make a return to the Cresta next season and try again. The next to chance his arm was Lieutenant Colonel S H Cowen RHG/D. Colonel Cowen arrived during a flying visit to St. Moritz and was only able
Perhaps Not
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This looks easy ( Captain Lipman.)
to ride for one morning. His first ride proved to be a little over cautious but on his third ride he had come down to 54 seconds! Sadly Colonel Cowen had to make a hasty exit from St Moritz to catch his plane home from Zurich but not before exclaiming himself to have been bitten by the Cresta bug. It is hoped that he will return for more rides next year. The Army Top Championships Scots Guards Cup came upon us quickly this year. With Captain Richard Rous IG out of the frame for this season it was very much up for grabs. The weather was good and the ice was hardened by a very cold night. The first course completed, Captain Lipman was leading the field with Major James Kettler QRL close on his heals in second place and Capt Snook in third. This early lead was not to last however, as Capt Lipman fell victim to the straw at Shuttlecock in spectacular style (again!). As the third course was completed Major Kettler took the Cup with Capt Snook a very close second. Once the Army Championship is over things become a little more serious as the
Oh No!
Army Team close ranks against the Royal Air Force and the Navy Cresta Teams in the Inter-Services Race for the Prince Philip Trophy. This year the Run was slowed by a heavy dump of snow the night before the race and on the day it was still falling. An early fall from the Navy forced them out of the competition. Thankfully the Army team kept their heads and defeated the RAF for their hat-trick season. Capt Snook came second overall with some very quick runs and Capt Lipman came fifth, which helped. A bit. This was not to be the end of the season for the Household Cavalry, however, as Captains Tate LG, Derry LG and Sturgis RHG/D flew in for their first rides as beginners the following week. Fresh from their success with the Musical Ride in Zurich they all made it down to the charming village of Celerina. Obviously Shuttlecock was visited on a number of rides but none in more spectacular fashion than that displayed by Capt Sturgis who displayed such style and grace on his departure to the straw that he was used as a demonstration piece by Ski Sunday!
Golf 2002 By Captain R Hennessy-Walsh, formally The Life Guards t has been another busy and most successful year on the course. The South Carolina (Myrtle Beach) trip took place in January and a report on that entertaining trip, written by Mr Gary Dunkley, appears elsewhere in this Journal.
I
The Household Division Championships Unlike 2001, when the competition had to be cancelled because of rain, this year’s event was held on a beautifully warm March day. The Household Cavalry were, as ever, well represented providing almost 50% of the competitors. Once again we achieved some good successes despite the greens not being in the best of health. Some of the results were: Runner Up Singles Scratch Lt Col Sibley Nearest the Pin CoH Bye Runners Up Scratch Foursomes Lt Col Sibley/Capt Hennessy-Walsh Winners Handicap Foursomes Capt Maxwell/SCpl Dear Runners Up Handicap Foursomes Mr Flynn/LCoH Short Winners of the Captains Team Competition Capt Maxwell/SCpl Dear (For a Serving Pair) The Colonel-in-Chief ’s Cup The preliminary rounds were held at Worplesdon on another gloriously sunny April day. A minute of silent respect for HM The Queen Mother was observed on the tee before each match. Parts of the course were not at their best and the greens were only slightly better than the previous week for the Household Division Championships. Both A and B teams had to play (no byes being grant-
ed). The B team drew a strong Grenadier Guards A team and were soundly beaten 15 down. This was the first experience of this competition for the new RCM, Mr Kibble, and although he and his partner only lost 1 down the remainder of the team did not fare so well. The A team had to dig deep and there were gritty performances from all of them who beat Grenadier Guards B team by the narrowest of margins – 1 hole. The results were: Flynn/Douglas 2 down. HennessyWalsh/Evans 3 up and Sibley/Dunkley all square. And just to make sure the day continued in the same tense way the afternoon match against Welsh Guards A resulted in us winning again by 1 hole. This was a supreme team effort with each member grinding out the best score they could achieve. Results were Flynn/Douglas 3 up. Hennessy-Walsh/Evans 3 down and Sibley/Dunkley 1 up. The semi finals and finals were held in September. After 5 years in the wilderness we finally got back the Cup which we had pretty much owned during the early 90’s. Worplesdon was in magnificent condition. In the semi final we played the B team of the Coldstream Guards who gave us a good run for our money but we squeezed home at 4 up. The greens were tremendously fast – just under Augusta speed. The afternoon was a much less pressured occasion than one would have expected and we romped home 15 up. Congratulations go to the whole team. In 2003 we will be much less likely to let the Cup go again! Well done. Sunningdale We played twice again this year in April and October. The April fixture, on the New Course, was the closest for some years with the Household Cavalry losing by 3 matches to 2. It was a glorious
The depleted turnout for the Household Cavalry Golf Day at The Royal Household Club.
At last! Captain Hennessy-Walsh receiving the Colonel-in-Chief‘s Cup from the Vice-President of the Guards Golfing Society, Mr Derek Bibby.
spring day with most people catching the sun on their lily-white cheeks. Unfortunately the greens’ staff had spread turkey droppings on the greens just before our arrival lending much to the quality of the greens but not to the quality of the air! The two victorious teams were Sibley/Falvey and Flynn/Kibble (the RCM on his first trip to Sunningdale). The October fixture started off a windy, cold afternoon but by the end of the day the ‘Old’ Course was bathed in beautiful autumnal sunshine. What a great privilege it is to play in such surroundings. Despite, and perhaps because of the aura or our surroundings, we still have not beaten them. As always we were treated to a nice supper and listened to a few more stories from Mr Colin Falvey. Mr Neil Flynn purposely crushed his hand with a hammer a few days before in order
The Winning Household Cavalry Team - Colonel in Chiefs Cup 2002.
Household Cavalry News
83
to make excuses for his score. Anyway we lost 185 to 150. Yet more work to do. Wimbledon Common Golf Club Thankfully the weather was much better than in 2001. It was a calm and warm afternoon and although the golf was not great at least we kept dry and had a nice walk. The course was playing very long with our opposition electing to play from the very back of the white (medal) tees. This tactical move by Wimbledon made some the drives – and carries to the fairways - extremely long. Some of the higher handicap players may have found this a bit daunting. It was a very close finish – 279 points to Wimbledon and 275 for us. In matchplay terms we won three matches and lost 2. A victory each really. A very nice supper was laid on by our hosts and with a few stories afterwards, finished off a very pleasant afternoon. We look forward to returning in 2003.
The Household Cavalry Golf Day Sadly because of Op Fresco, the firefighters dispute, the day was disrupted when 15 had to pull out at the last minute. Those that did make it to the Royal Household Golf Club enjoyed a full day’s golf without the threatened rain. The Mellon Financial Corporation generously donated a glittering array of prizes and they sent a party of 5 to enjoy the day with us. The WOs’ & NCOs’ Mess provided the setting for a wonderful supper and the prizes were presented by Mr Ed Chidiac, First Vice President of Mellon, who had flown in from Pittsburgh. Some of the results are as follows: Pairs Competition 1st SCpl Dear/Sgt Isaac 29 points 2nd
3rd
Capt Hennessy-Walsh/CoH Auld 28 points
Singles Competition: 1st Captain Hennessy-Walsh 38 points 2nd CoH Tennant 36 points 3rd Sgt Isaac 35 points LCpl Dowsett held the dubious distinction of losing the most balls during the day and was given another box to lose. The Fred Collingwood Trophy – and presented by Mr Collingwood himself – for the Champion Household Cavalry golfer for 2002 was awarded to Captain Hennessy-Walsh.
SCpl Kellet/Jeremy Grey (Mellon) 29 points
Army Ice Sports Camp – Lillehammer Nov 2002 By Trooper B J Hollis, The Blues and Royals very October soldiers from across the army gather to participate in the annual ice sports camp. This year the camp was based at Lillehammers’s Olympic Bobsleigh Track. The track is in constant use in the sliding season with many national teams competing. While we were there we had Italian, Latvian, Finnish, and British Olympians using the track before and after us. This brought home to me how unique this opportunity was and how lucky I was to be here.
E
The course consisted of fifty people who were divided into three groups, one for each discipline: Bobsleigh, Skeleton, and Luge. I was with the Luge group. In essence this sport involves sliding down the track feet first on a sled reaching speeds of up to 90kph. Steering is done by a combination of using your ankles, hands, and shoulders. The main trick is timing your entry and exit into every corner. This is made difficult as you are travelling so fast that you spend between 1 and 1.5 seconds in a corner, if you mess it up you will know about it because you are then “ping ponged” off every wall that comes your way until you can gain control or crash. This hurts. One of the Welsh Guards (aka the Ice Druids) experienced this first hand and broke his ankle, he was not too pleased,
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Household Cavalry News
The road to nowhere.
Tpr Hollis had no idea that this would end up in the HCR Journal.
but his departure from the track provided spectacular entertainment for the spectators. Another problem that I encountered was G force. On corner 12, a 180-degree turn, which is entered at top speed, you pull the equivalent of six times your body weight. This caused me to pass out on one of my slides, my limp body continued down the rest of the track until turn 14, which I entered sideways. Going into a corner sideways always grabs your attention, mainly because my helmet was scraping along the gutter wall. I was not very
impressed; it took about four seconds off my time. But it wasn’t all fun, many of the bobsleighs had a curioushabit of travelling down the track upside down. Also many of the skeleton crew had an impressive collection of bruises and stitches that would make anyone jealous. My week in Norway was amazing, anyone with a death wish or an interest in extreme sports should put there names forward for this opportunity next year.
Regimental Football s in previous seasons Regimental football was affected this year by pitches being deemed unplayable due to heavy rainfall throughout the year, in addition to Regimental commitments both at home and abroad
A
An A and B team was established by merging HCR and HCMR footballers into two squads, with both teams being entered into the London District League. WO2 (SCM) Gray ran the A Team and CoH Buleah the B Team respectively. By the end of the season only half of all fixtures were able to be met by both teams, however the potential of both teams was apparent with the A team finishing fifth and the B Team eighth in a league of sixteen. The Squads main effort was to do well in the Cavalry Cup. The B Team (HCMR) drew KRH at Tidworth, while the A Team (HCR) were fortunate to receive a bye in to the (UK) Semi Finals. On a wet night and a muddy pitch at Tidworth, the B Team were losing 4-0 at half time to KRH, however a spirited second half performance saw them bring the score back to 4-3 with goals from Tpr Francis (2) and LCpl Hodgeson. Though they were finally to lose 5-3, a lot was learnt about the KRH who were drawn to play the A Team in the semi finals. Another evening kick-off at Tidworth saw a completely different match. The A Team completely outplayed the Cavalry Cup favourites with a convincing 4-1 win with goals from LCoH Featherstone (2), LCoH Kay and Tpr Kelly. Tpr Kelly deservedly winning the man of the match award. The (UK) Cavalry Cup final was played at RAF Honington against 1RTR.The Quartermaster HCMR even purchased a splendid new strip for the occasion. Deservingly looking like a football team at last, the players entered a packed arena full of HCR and HCMR supporters who had willingly travelled three hours from their respective barracks to loyally support these football legends. The match was close going into half time with 1RTR 1-0 up after being given a dubious penalty in the 4th minute. The second half saw the A Team (HCR) completely outclass 1 RTR. The bar and post, missed chances, plus a fine goalkeeping display by 1RTR goalkeeper
The HCR Team entertain The Royal Canadian Dragoon Guards during their summer visit.
denied us the goals required to win the match. Two late breaks from 1RTR saw us doomed not to reach the main final for yet another year with a undeserving 3-0 defeat. During the season the following players have represented the RAC Corps Football Team. LCoH Featherstone LCoH Kay LCpl Jordan Tpr Brydon Tpr Kelly
Tpr Watts Tpr Morgan Further congratulations should also go to LCpl Jordan who as well as playing Corps Football, has also established himself as the centre half for both The Army and Combined Service teams. Regimental commitments aside, further training combined with more matches and an influx of excellent young soldiers should mean that the future for Regimental football is a bright one.
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Household Cavalry News
85
British Combined Services Fencing Team Achieve Third Place in Canada LCoH Woods, The Life Guards n the weekend of 2 - 3 November 2002 the Combined Services Fencing Association (CSFA) sent a team to the Canadian Royal Military College (RMC) in Kingston, Ontario to compete for the second year running, in its annual invitation team fencing tournament. Kingston is a military town located some 250 kms North East of Toronto on the northern shore of Lake Ontario. The competition is the largest team fencing competition on the North American continent. It was contested by some 450 fencers from 145 teams drawn from RMC, Canadian Universities, Canadian State teams, West Point Military Academy, USA and a handful of invited European teams.
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The CSFA team was represented equally by all three services. The British Army was represented by Capt Chris Roberts RLC, HQ Director Army Aviation, Capt Elisabeth McLellan R SIGS, 19 Mechanised Brigade HQ and Sigs Sqn (209), LCpl Jayne Perry, 2 Royal Green Jackets and myself. The team flew out from Heathrow on Wednesday 30th November 2002 into Toronto where a day sightseeing at Niagara Falls followed. The team travelled up to Kingston on the Friday afternoon in time for the start of the competition on the Saturday morning. Saturday 2nd November was the first day of competition; Men’s Epée, Men’s Foil and Ladies’ Epée. The Men’s Epée team, including myself came 8th out of 25 teams, the Men’s Foil, captained by Capt Chris Roberts, came 9th out of 25 teams whilst the Ladies’ Epée team with Capt Elisabeth McLellan came 5th out of 22 teams.
Army contingent posing with captured West Point colours - Capt Chris Roberts, Capt Elisabeth McLellan, LCpl Jayne Perry and LCoH Woods.
team to test the water, this year a full team which came third and next year hopefully the strongest team that the CSFA could field could conceivably win the event outright! The trip ended on Monday 5th November with an early evening flight back to the UK. In summary this annual international tournament is an excellent forum for the Combined Services Fencing Team to compete. The standard of competition varies widely from the relatively novice to international standard giving the CSFA
the chance to take a few scalps and get some good competition experience into the bargain. Team fencing creates a very strong team spirit with individual responsibility towards the team as a high priority. Next year will be our year; third time lucky….watch this space! Note: Capt Roberts is the Honorary Secretary of the Army Fencing Union (AFU) and welcomes all comers, (from beginner to expert swordsman), to Army Fencing. Please phone Mil: 943289 Ext 4119 for more details.
Sunday 3rd November continued with Men’s Sabre, Ladies’ Foil and Ladies’ Sabre. The Men’s Sabre team came 6th out of 25 teams, the Ladies’ Foil team, including LCpl Jayne Perry, came 9th out of 18 teams and finally the Ladies’ Sabre team came 4th out of 15 teams; the most successful Combined Services team in this tournament for the second year running. Overall, despite narrowly missing out on medals throughout the weekend the British Combined Services Team came 3rd place overall. Last year the Combined Services sent out an abbreviated
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Household Cavalry News
Combined Services Fencing Team at Niagara Falls.
News From The Associations The Life Guards Association Annual Report 2002 Patron Her Majesty The Queen President General the Lord Guthrie of Criagiebank GCB LVO OBE
Trustees of The Life Guards Charitable Trust Lieutenant Colonel MC van der Lande OBE Major RRD Griffin Major JRD Barnard Captain LD Stratford MBE CD Watson Esq
Committee Chairman: Lieutenant Colonel MC van der Lande OBE Vice Chairman: Major RRD Griffin Vice Chairman: Major JRD Barnard Honorary Treasurer: Captain LD Stratford MBE Honorary Secretary: Captain R Hennessy-Walsh
Serving Members Major JT Lodge Major D Pickard Captain WR Lindsay Captain AR Tate Captain MEW Kingston MBE WO1 (RCM) MR Kitching WO2 (RQMC) DS Carter WO2 (SCM) KJ Poynter WO2 (SCM) D O’Connor WO2 (SCM) D Stevenson
Non Serving Members Lieutenant Colonel Sir Seymour Gilbart-Denham KCVO Major NE Hearson JP DL Captain AM Cherrington Captain WAB Henderson Mr CE Dean RVM Mr D Johnson Mr NW Taylor RVM Mr LK Thomas Mr CD Watson Mr AC Etches
Minutes of The 68th Annual General Meeting of The Life Guards Association Held at Windsor On Saturday 15th June 2002 The Chairman, Lieutenant Colonel MC van der Lande OBE, opened the meeting at 1800 hours by welcoming everyone. He said that in this very special year the Regiment had played a major part in many of the Golden Jubilee celebrations and that as always they had received nothing but praise from all quarters. The Minutes of the 67th Annual General Meeting were published in the current edition of the Household Cavalry Journal. It was proposed by Mr Jones and seconded by Mr Lewis MBE that they were a true record of the proceedings. The Honorary Treasurer’s Report The accounts remain in a very healthy state with £17,000 in the current account and £21,500 in the deposit account. The
expected income this year is £35,000 and after setting aside £20,000 for grants and £7,700 towards the cost of the Journal, £1,500 to subsidise the Annual Dinner and general expenses of £3,200 we will have an excess of income over expenditure of £3,500.
Division Jubilee Present to Her Majesty The Queen.
Grants so far this year only amount to £5,630 which includes a major grant of £2,000. I am pleased to report that we received £950 from The Army Benevolent Fund (ABF) and £300 from another Regimental Association towards that grant.
The Honorary Secretary’s Report
Our investments remain rather static but we still expect a dividend of 25.77 pence per share. In view of the healthy state of the Fund the Committee have recommended that we donate £750 towards the Household
There were no questions and the report was proposed by Mr Dean RVM and seconded by Mr Hitchman.
Home Headquarters continues to administer both Associations and has had another busy year. The introduction of the Old Comrades Bulletin Board to the Household Cavalry Web Site has added yet another dimension to the way we recruit our members. The Bulletin Board now has 214 registered members. Membership of the Association now stands at 2302 which is an increase over last year of about 100. This is the first time in a few years that this figure has
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87
risen. This is encouraging and I believe entirely due to ‘scooping’ up ex Life Guards from the Bulletin Board who are not members of the Association. It is also encouraging to note that there has been a significant drop in the number of Household Cavalry Journals being returned. The Jubilee mugs have been well received and have all been sold. I regret, as always, to announce that a further 12 of our members have passed away since the publication of the Journal. Your Committee continue to hold quarterly meetings to review policy matters and to confirm the decisions made by the grants sub committee.
The report was proposed by WO1 Kitching and seconded by Mr Hale.
Course at Windsor ensured that these matters would be covered in the future.
Election of Committee In accordance with normal custom the non-serving members of the Committee resign but they all offered themselves for re-election. Proposed by Mr Sayer BEM and seconded by Mr Lumbard.
The Honorary Secretary was asked to reissue the Area Representatives with a new address list.
Any Other Business The Chairman congratulated Mr Taylor RVM and WO1 Richards MBE for their awards in the Queen’s Birthday Honours. Mr Hitchman was concerned that new soldiers were not being given the necessary brief on Regimental History matters. Major Griffin assured the meeting that the introduction of the Induction
There was a suggestion from the floor that members attending the Dinner should wear a Regimental tie. It was suggested that the Association place an advertisement in The Royal British Legion (TRBL) magazine to encourage recruiting. (This was pursued a few years ago but the cost was found to be prohibitive.) There were other suggestions offered by the floor to aid recruiting which the Chairman said he would investigate.
The Life Guards Association and Charitable Trust Income And Expenditure Account For The Year Ended 31st December 2002 2002 Balances As At 1st January 32,969 INCOME Household Cavalry Central Charitable Trust (1 Day’s Pay) LG Association Helping Hand Fund/LG Charitable Trust Interest on Deposit Accounts/Bank Interest Dividends from United Services Trustee Grants from Army Benevolent Fund Grant from SAS Benevolent Fund Returned Grants Legacy the late Major HE Montgomerie-Charrington Christmas Card Profit/Loss Jubilee Mugs Annual Dinner Loss The Queen’s Jubilee Trust EXPENDITURE Office Equipment/Misc Expenses Postage Auditors’ Fee Secretary’s Honorarium Wreaths/Funeral Expenses Grant to BCEL Regimental Magazine Combined Cavalry Association Grants Post 1945 Memorial Annual Dinner Miscellaneous Expenses Bank Bank Charges Cash in Hand Bank & Deposit Balances as at 31 Dec
10,000 2,966 97 611 13,695 3,950 300 1,045 1,039 101 3,071 330 70,174 284 1,025 1,371 2,598 536 500 7,910 129 12,391
88 News from the Associations
10,000 3,055 128 1,167 16,569 6,238 1,090 477 (776) 330 75,411 73 774 750 2,658 1,109 7,172 103 20,746 9,000
1,026 48
57
42,356
33,719
70,174
(750) 75,411
Liabilities Sundry Creditors INVESTMENTS Investments at current value as at 1 Dec
2001 37,133
505,201
622,098
NOTES ON THE ACCOUNTS 1. Investments Cost of shares held on 31st December 2002:
£ 178,208
Market value of shares held on 31st December 2002:
£ 505,201
The share holdings on 31st December 2002: . . . LG Charitable Trust: . . . Sir Roger Palmer Fund . . . Helping Hand Fund Value per share on 31st December 2002:
58,903.94 1,081 4,308 £78.58
The Charitable Trust holds 1051 shares on behalf of the Regimental Funds of The Life Guards. Grants 25 grants were made during the year amounting to £11,476 and once again we thank the Army Benevolent Fund, the SAS Benevolent Fund, and other charities for their donations of £3450 towards those grants. 5 members and widows received annuities funded entirely by The Army Benevolent Fund and 9 members and widows received birthday and Christmas gifts. General The revelation of accounting scandals in the United States of America has severely knocked investor confidence and equity markets have fallen sharply over the year. Our Fund Managers, CCLA, advocate considerable caution with any injection and withdrawal of long-term capital. Despite the ongoing equity market weaknesses they still believe that an equity-biased approach through the capital fund remains appropriate for long-term funds. SIGNED: CAPTAIN LD STRATFORD, MBE HONORARY TREASURER
The Life Guards Association Notices Communication Correspondence for the Association should be addressed to: The Honorary Secretary The Life Guards Association Home Headquarters Household Cavalry Combermere Barracks Windsor, Berkshire SL4 3DN Tel: 01753 755297 (with ansaphone) or 755229 Facsimile: 755161 E-Mail for Home HQ is: homehq@householdcavalry.co.uk E-Mail for Honorary Secretary is: dhwalsh@householdcavalry.co.uk Membership All members of the Association are requested to introduce the Association to all those eligible for membership under Rule 2 of the Rules of Membership. Life Membership In accordance with Rule 4 of the Rules of Membership any Annual Member of
the Association may become a Life Member on payment of £15 in the case of Officers and £5 in the case of Other Ranks. Regimental Items for Sale Various items with the Regimental Cypher are available from the Household Cavalry Museum at Combermere Barracks. An Order Form can be obtained from the Curator on 01753 755112. The Annual General Meeting The 69th Annual General Meeting will be held in Combermere Barracks, Windsor on Saturday 14th June 2003 commencing at 1800 hours. The Annual Association Dinner The 68thAnnual Dinner will be held in Combermere Barracks Windsor on Saturday 14th June 2003 commencing at 1900 hours. Dress: Lounge suits with medals (not miniatures). Major General Sir Simon Cooper GCVO, who commanded the Regiment from December 1973 until August 1976, will be in the Chair. Tickets will not be available at the door and must be obtained through
the Honorary Secretary using the proforma enclosed with this Journal. Personal guests will not be permitted to attend. The Regimental Corporal Major will offer the hospitality of the WOs’ and NCOs’ Mess to all Association members and their wives after the Dinner. It is however necessary for him to impose a restriction on children accompanying their parents into the Mess unless they are aged 18 or over. Please also note that ladies should NOT attend until after the Dinner. Christmas Cards Details of the 2003 Christmas Card will be announced, as always, in the Newsletter issued in August each year. In view of the large demand on them members are advised to submit their orders as soon as they receive the order form which will be included with the Newsletter. The Life Guards Band Comrades Association Any ex member of The Life Guards Band who would like to keep in touch with their contemporaries are urged to contact the Honorary Secretary of the
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above Association. A social is held annually and a newsletter is circulated through Home Headquarters, Household Cavalry at Combermere Barracks. Internet Matters Sites worth visiting are: www.householdcavalry.co.uk which has an Old Comrades Bulletin Board with forums for both Life Guards and Blues and Royals to enter into discussion and a photograph forum. Also on this site is a ‘What’s On Board’, showing a monthly Forecast of Events, which some Old Comrades may find useful particularly the programme for the Regimental Information Team. www.theoldoaktree.net is a very good site run by former TQ Pete Jordan and also includes, amongst many other attractions, a stimulating message board. E-Mail Addresses Notification of changes to E-mail addresses is now becoming as important as changes to your postal address. Please keep us informed (by E-mail!) of those changes. Newsletter Old Comrades who have E-mail addresses will in future receive the Annual
Four old Life Guards Laurie Young, Les Bond, Lionel Digby and John Mason at L G Association 2002 Dinner.
Newsletter electronically. Please advise the Honorary Secretary if you do not wish this to happen. Area Rep’s Address List The Honorary Secretary had hoped to be able to issue all Area Reps with an up to date address list of the membership. A complaint was recently made to the Data Protection Commissioner (now known as the Information Commissioner) that information provided by the complainant to MOD for pension purposes
had been used to send him mailings of unsolicited material – in this case an appeal by the Army Benevolent Fund. The complaint has been upheld. Under the circumstances the Honorary Secretary feels bound by this legislation and will not be issuing such address lists in the future. This is particularly unhelpful for the willing Area Representatives who want to provide a service to the membership but under the circumstances there is no alternative at the moment.
The Life Guards Association Area Representatives The following 45 members have kindly agreed to act as Area Representatives. If you have a problem please do not hesitate to contact them. More representatives are required across the country. If you are keen to volunteer please register your interest with the Honorary Secretary. RG BARNES 84 Pine Road Tasmania Australia 7316 EMail: rbarnes@southcom.com.au D BARNFIELD 9 Wickridge Close Uplands Stroud Gloucestershire GL5 1ST Tel No: 01453 763218 J BELL 1/54 Richards Avenue Forrest Hill Auckland New Zealand Tel No: 00649 473 0556 Email: jeffbell@clear.net.nz P BLAKE 24 Dean Court Copley Halifax
90 News from the Associations
West Yorkshire HX3 0UX Tel No: 01422 351561
Cleveland TS5 5DN Tel No: 01642 822729
N CLARKSON 19 The Crofts St Bees Cumbria CA27 0BH Tel No: 01946 823404
G CUTHBERTSON 1 Dove Row North Shields Northumberland NE30 4QP Tel No: 0191 290 2835 Email: cuthy@1dove.freeserve.co.uk
RJ COBB 107 High Street Neyland Milford Haven Dyfed SA73 1TR Tel No: 01646 602084 GS COLEMAN 12 Wild Avenue Reynella S Australia 5161 Email: gscoleman@ozemail.com.au J COOPER 40 Rockcliffe Road Linthorpe Middlesbrough
WD ELSMORE 34 Barkby Road Syston Leicester LE7 2AF Tel No: 0116 269 5794 KJ FRAPE 2015 Cherry Laurel Drive Columbia South Carolina 29204 USA Email: frpkth@aol.com SG GEORGE 3 Pennine Court Tithebarn Hill
Glasson Dock Lancaster LA2 0BY Tel No: 01524 751572 A GOOK 17 Moorland Close Mousehold Lane Norwich NR7 8HD Tel No: 01603 484336 WH GRAHAM 33 Linden Close Huntington York YO32 9RQ Tel No: 01904 766870 CAPTAIN WAB HENDERSON 190 Highbury Grove Cosham Portsmouth Hampshire PO6 2RU Tel No: 02392 385806 Email: bill_henderson@uk.ibm.com GH HITCHMAN 27 Apple Tree Road Alderholt Fordingbridge Dorset SP6 3EW Tel No: via Home HQ RE JEWELL Cornerways Old Carnon Hill Carnon Downs Truro CornwallTR3 6LE Tel No: 01872 863877 Email: rejewell@hotmail.com RBM JONES 5 Northmoor Way Wareham Dorset BH20 4RY Tel No: 01929 552304 M KNIGHT 37 St Helens Road Abergavenny Gwent NP7 5YA Tel No: 01873 854460 OR LEVET BEM 13 New Road Oundle Peterborough Cambridgeshire PE8 4LB Tel No: 01832 273017 PP LEWIS MBE 1 Bourton Close West Hunsbury Northampton NN4 9YT Tel No: 01604 470017 JW MAXWELL JP “Meadowside” Lees Lane Mottram St Andrew Macclesfield Cheshire SK10 4LQ Tel No: 01625 829197 BE PAGE 19 Parsons Avenue Stoke Gifford Bristol BS34 8PN Tel No: 0117 975 9721
D PATTINSON The Spinney Pelutho Silloth Wigton Cumbria CA7 4LT Tel No: 01697 332328
WH STEVENS 20 St Nicholas Drive Feltwell Thetford Norfolk IP26 4DW Tel No: 01842 828785
PS POTTS Wisteria House South Eau Bank Gedney Hill Spalding Lincolnshire PE12 0QL Tel No: 01945 700199 Email: PSP@ET-ID.COM
H TAYLOR 1 Swedish House Denwood Street Crundale Canterbury Kent CT4 7EF Tel No: 01227 730508
LE PRITCHARD 4 Hethersett Walk Bucknall Stoke On Trent Staffordshire ST2 0PN Tel No: 01782 208615 AT PRYNNE 15 Daffodil Wood Builth Wells Powys LD2 3LE Tel No: 01982 552296 DAT PUNSHON 46 The Oaks Kings Meadow Taunton Somerset TA1 2QX Tel No: 01823 275339
DA TURTLE 27 The Orchard Wrenthorpe Wakefield West Yorkshire WF2 0LH Tel No: 01924 370590 DH UNDERWOOD Ingledene Beesfield Lane Farningham Kent DA4 0BZ Tel No: 01322 866334 Email: dubigd@aol.com
AW ROWLINSON 21 Gadlas Road Llysfaen Colwyn Bay Clwyd LL29 8TD Tel No: 01492 514805
DH VALLANCE 5 Highfield Drive Garforth Leeds West Yorkshire LS25 1JY Tel No: 0113 286 4621
DI SAVAGE 47 Park Lane Chippenham Wiltshire SN15 1LN Tel No: 01249 445830 Email: david.I.savage@lmco.com
GP WARREN 7 Victoria Place Budleigh Salterton Devon EX9 6JP Tel No: 01395 443375
D SAYERS BEM 35 Grange Road Belmont Durham DH1 1AL Tel No: 0191 386 6912
CD WATSON 2 Steenwood Cottages Steenwood Lane Admaston, Rugeley Staffordshire WS15 3NQ Tel No: 01889 500656 Email: clivedwat@BTOPENWORLD.com
W SEWELL 11 Rowland Lane Thornton-cleveleys Blackpool Lancashire FY5 2QX Tel No: 01253 826577 S SMITH 594 Perth Road Ninewells Dundee Angus DD2 1QA Tel No: 01382 562554 Email: stu.smith@btinternet.com MPG SOUTHERTON 5 Woodbury Road Stourport On Severn Worcestershire DY13 8XR Tel No: 01299 823882 KH SPRIGG 9 Clarence Court Station Hill Maesteg Mid Glamorgan CF34 9AE Tel No: 07855 590882
LG WEEKES 5 Abbots Wood Headington Oxford OX3 8TR Tel No: 01865 451318 Email: lenweekes@hotmail.com DAS WILLIAMS 68 allen water drive fordingbridge hampshire SP6 1RE Tel No: 01425 652670 LJ YOUNG 1 Priory Gardens Friernhay Street Exeter Devon EX4 3AP Tel No: 01392 215768
News from the Associations
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The Blues & Royals Association Annual Report 2002 President
HRH The Princess Royal KG KT GCVO QSO
Deputy President
Brigadier The Duke of Wellington KG LVO OBE MC DL
Chairman
Brigadier AH Parker Bowles OBE
Hon Secretary
Lieutenant Colonel (Rtd) SF Sibley MBE
Hon Treasurer
Major (Rtd) JG Handley
Hon Legal Advisor
Major AT Lawson - Cruttenden TD MA
Committee Members Mr FG Collingwood Mr W Steel Mr D Ellis Mr WR Macdougall Mr M Twinn Mr A France Mr I MacKenzie
Mr P Wilson Lt Col (Rtd) WR Marsh Capt (Rtd) R Yates Mr CP Henderson Mr CE Mogg Mr KC Hughes Major (Rtd) EL Payne
Aims & Objectives During the past year the Association has continued to maintain its aims and objectives as laid down in the constitution and rules. Specifically, the sum of £8508 has been distributed from funds to applications for assistance from a total of 52 cases dealt with by the committee. The 34th Annual Dinner was held at Combermere Barracks, Windsor on 11th May 2002, with 334 members attending. The Annual General Meeting was held prior to the Dinner, and the minutes of this meeting are set out in the following pages together with the financial statement for the year ending 31 December 2002. This report is also published as part of the Annual regimental magazine - the Household Cavalry Journal. Changes of Committee members Mr Eric Lane has retired. Summary of Financial assistance given during the year Applications received … 52 Grants / Donations made … 38 Applications referred to other RHG/D funds … 13 Application where no grant was made … 14 Reasons for assistance The following is a summary of the main purposes for which grants / donations were made during the past year. Sums involved ranged from £50 to £750 Rent arrears, Utility Bills, Debt relief. Home repairs / Improvements Removals/Relocation Expenses Aids to disabled living Wheelchairs and Vehicles Clothing & Necessaries Medical expenses Household necessaries etc Other (Education/Respite/Holiday)
92 News from the Associations
… … … … … … … …
4 7 3 8 3 1 1 5
… 6
Mr H Hunter Mr M Pinks Major (Rtd) BW Lane Mr NG Sargeant All Serving Warrant Officers of the Blues & Royals
The committee would like to express their gratitude to the volunteer caseworkers of SSAFA Forces Help and The Royal British Legion who, on our behalf, investigate applications for assistance and submit detailed reports in support of applicants, and to the Army Benevolent Fund and others who assisted with grants during the year. Income to the Association Income to the Association in the period was, £44,339 of which £11,790 was contributed by serving officers and soldiers under the ‘ One Days Pay Scheme’ and by membership subscriptions and donations. Investment income for the period was £ 21,667, which was an increase of £9,523 from the previous accounting period. Interest on Bank deposits was £1,614 a decrese of £674 over the previous period. The list of those making donations being too long to list here, the committee would like to take this opportunity to express their appreciation of the generosity shown during the year. Expenditure Expenditure for the period totalled £31,940 Administrative costs were £ 6,662 expended as follows: Stationery, office equipment, etc
£ 269.44
Postage
£ 1708.20
Secretary/Treasurer Honoraria
£ 4640.0
Travel Cost & general expenses
£45.07
Further details may be obtained from the financial statement, which follows.
Income & Expenditure account for the year ended 31 December 2002
2001 74,062.69
2002 68536.67
2001
2002
One Days Pay Scheme
10,000.00
10000.00
Grants in aid
Dividends from Investments
12,144.15
21,667.79
Wreaths & Funerals
Interest on Deposits
2,289.56
1,614.51
Postage
1,106.49
1,708.20
Subscriptions & Donations
2,520.40
1,790.51
Annual Dinner
4,633.48
5,755.15
Annual Dinner
3,858.50
4,290.00
Christmas cards
1,059.66
1,760.15
Christmas Cards
3,344.70
3,115.45
Regimental Magazine
6,841.61
7,699.52
Grant Refunds
1,176.06
337
766.35
269.44
Computer Sale
300
0
4,640.00
4,640.00
Adjustments & refunds
6.74
4.28
Balances as at 01 January INCOME
Accommodation fees
316
Army Benevolent Fund
624
Book sales
25
Postage Total Income
554.92 35,640.11
44,339.44
STOCK ON HAND Regimental Histories
Total Fund Value Investments value as at 01 Jan
Office Admin. costs Honoraria
2001
2002
6,068.29
8,508.67
15,476.70
818.15
Presentations
314.25
Adjustments & refunds
153.17
Expenses
106.03
Coach hire Cavalry Sunday Total Expenditure
6.00 45.07 730.00
41,166.03
31,940.35
749.95
749.95
LIABILITIES
ASSETS CASH & BANK Balances at 31 December Cash in hand Current & Deposit accounts
EXPENDITURE
Sundry Creditors 435.92 64,050.70
Nil 768,85.71
4,800.00
4,800.00
68536.67
80935.76
584155
472869
NOTES ON THE ACCOUNTS 1 The investments made on behalf of the Association are part of the Household Cavalry Common Investment Fund and currently stand at27.5% of the total fund value. The market value of this portion is £472,869 as at 31 December 2002. REPORT OF THE INDEPENDENT EXAMINER I have examined the Balance Sheet and the Income & Expenditure accounts and report that, in my opinion, these accounts give a true and fair view of the Association’s affairs as at 31 December 2002 and the excess of income over expenditure for the year ended on that date. AT LAWSON – CRUTTENDEN TD MA Solicitor Advocate 10-11 Greys Inn Square LONDON. WC1R 5JD
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The Blues and Royals Association Minutes of the Annual General Meeting Held at Combermere Barracks on Saturday 11 May 2002 Opening Remarks The Chairman opened the meeting at 1832 hrs and welcomed those attending. He informed the meeting that he had received apologies from our President The Princess Royal and the Deputy President His Grace the Duke of Wellington, both being unable to attend the Annual Dinner due to their very busy schedule. Minutes of the Previous Meeting/ Annual Report The Chairman stated that the minutes of the Annual General Meeting for 2001 were as published in the Household Cavalry Journal being part of the Association Annual Report, which had been dispatched to all Association Members. It was then proposed by Mr Mogg and seconded by Captain Yates that the minutes be passed as a true record. This proposal was carried. Points Arising There were no points. The Accounts The accounts have also been published in the Household Cavalry Journal as part of the Annual Report, it was proposed by Mr MacKenzie and seconded by Mr Triggs that they be approved. Any Other Business The proposal to publish a Members Address List in booklet form is under review awaiting clarification of the requirements of the Data Protection Act; a decision will be taken at the next meeting of the Committee in September 2002 when all information should be to hand. A number of Members raised the question of the design of the Christmas card for 2002, and in particular the technical details of dress etc as shown on the card. The Secretary pointed out that the card was an artists impression of the scene at Horse Guards and was not meant to represent the classic forms of Household Cavalry dress he went on to say that the card had been selling well despite the apparent inaccuracies. There was a comment from the floor that Tesco was still displaying a form of Household Division tie, the Chairman reassured the meeting that this subject had been discussed at great length with
94 News from the Associations
Tesco and they have informed the Household Division that this design of tie was no longer issued as part of their uniform Major Woyka informed the meeting that there would be a Memorial Service at the Hyde Park Memorial to those who lost their lives in the Hyde Park Bombing at 1100 hours, he went on to say that this would be the last time that the event would be commemorated on the anniversary, which falls on the 20th July 2002; the ceremony that takes place after the Combined Cavalry Sunday Parade will still continue. The Commander Household Cavalry informed the meeting of an unconfirmed date of the 21st May 2003 for the Household Cavalry Regiment to receive new Standards from Her Majesty The Queen at Horse Guards. There being no further business to discuss the meeting closed at 1855 hrs. The Blues and Royals Association Notices All correspondence should be addressed to: The Secretary, The Blues & Royals Association, Home HQ Household Cavalry, Combermere Barracks, Windsor, Berks. SL4 3DN Annual General Meeting The Annual General Meeting will be held at Hyde Park Barracks, Knights-
bridge on 10th May 2003 commencing at 1800 hrs. The Agenda for the meeting is set out below. Members wishing to put a resolution to the meeting should write to the Secretary at least six weeks before the AGM. AGENDA. Minutes of the previous meeting The Accounts for the period ending 31 December 2002 Election of Committee members Other Business. The Annual Dinner The 35th Annual Dinner will be held at Hyde Park Barracks, Knightsbridge on 10th May 2003 at 1900 hrs. Dress: Lounge Suits, no Medals. Tickets will not be available at the door and must be obtained via the association offices. Tickets are restricted to members of the association and only official guests will be permitted. To assist with security, members are asked to provide some form of identity on entering barracks. Ladies may not attend the dinner, but are welcome in the mess afterwards by kind permission of the RCM. Notifications Members are kindly requested to notify the association office of any change of contact details as soon as possible in order that they may continue to receive communications from the association. In particular the Household Cavalry Journal.
Blues and Royals Area Representatives MR RG BARNES 84 Pine Road Penguin Tasmania 7316 AUSTRALIA
MR D HORSEFIELD 4 Garden Croft Forest Hall Newcastle upon Tyne NE12 9LT MR JL LOCKE Flat 1, The Croft Hawkshead Ambleside Cumbria LA22 0NX
MR CJ BARRETT 61 Dan-y-Cribbyn Ynysybwl Pontpridd Mid Glamorgan CF37 3ET MAJOR DS BARRINGTON- BROWNE Cockleford Mill Cowley Cheltenham Gloucestershire GL53 9NW MR JD BRADLEY Blenheim, Butt Park Stokenham, Kingsbridge Devon TQ7 2SH
MR E MARCHINGTON 39 Propps Hall Drive Failsworth, Manchester, M35 0WB MR IDH MENTIPLY 10 Scharnhorst Strasse Herford 32052 Germany MR DM MILES 22 Hillcrest Road WHEATLEY Hills Doncaster
MAJOR JW CLAYTON Cockmylayne Cottage by Kirknewton West Lothian EH27 8DQ
MR CE MOGG 6 Brynffrwd Close Coychurch Bridgend Mid Glamorgan CF35 5EP
MR CD DAY Flat 12, Raglan Court 11 Wynn Road, Portswood Southampton. SO17 1WU
MR BJ PAUL Falkland House 3 Tucker Street Wells Somerset BA5 2DZ
MR GG HODGES Heath House, Rednal West Felton, Oswestry Shropshire SY11 4HX
MR BJ PYKE 52 Cavendish Gardens Beechdale Estate Wallsall, West Midlands. WS2 7JN MR EJ WOODMAN RVM MBE 48 Western Drive Shepperton, Middx TW17 8HW. MR NG SARGEANT 62 Hopgarden Road Tonbridge, Kent TN10 4QT
MR J SINGER BA BED ACP LCGI 49 Bradwall Road Sandbach, Cheshire CW11 1GH MR PD SPENCER 9 Buttermere Close Northampton. NN3 2BG MR DW SWAIN “Forestside” Horsted Lane, Isfield Uckfield, Sussex TN22 5TU THE REVEREND AV VAUGHANROBERTS 3624 East Liberty Avenue Spokane WA 99217, 6960 USA
Household Cavalry Museum Staff: Lt Col (Retd) SF Sibley MBE (formerly RHG/D) & Mr KC Hughes (formerly RHG/D) The Museums proposed move to Horse Guards is now gathering pace with the backing of Lottery funding and this will be covered in detail by a separate report. The economic situation is still impacting upon visitor numbers to the Museum which was slightly down on last year, this has had a cascade effect on the shop donations etc; however, the Museum is still managing to hold its own through prudent management and the bargaining skills of the Assistant curator. Enquiries from the public relating to service records of ex members of the
Regiments has increased yet again mainly through the Household Cavalry website and email: museum@householdcavalry.co.uk . The Museum has undertaken to support two exhibitions this year, one at the Imperial War Museum and one in the United States. The Imperial War Museum currently has an exhibition running called Anthem for Doomed Youth (WW1 Poets). Julian Grenfell, Royal Dragoons who died of wounds 1915, his poetry features in the exhibition and the Museum
has supported this with several items of dress regimental memorabilia and extracts from war diaries. The Museum is supporting an exhibition celebrating the role of the horse in British History – April 26th to August 24th 2003 at the International Museum of the Horse, Kentucky Horse Park, USA. Twenty-seven items have been requested from the Museum, ranging from silver kettle drums to the sword of Aubrey de Vere.
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95
The Museum staff: The results of trying to be friendly, does anybody know where and when.
Friends of the Household Cavalry Museum make great contributions to the well being and the running of the establishment, one of which I will now mention by name and publicly thank him for his contribution and support of the Household Cavalry Museum, Mr Dean C Smith, who currently resides in New York and this year alone has made the following contributions:
History of the Royals Dragoons (CT Atkinson) limited edition Galloping at everything (Ian Fletcher) The British Cavalry at the Peninsula and Waterloo Julian Grenfell (Nicholas Mosley) (2 x copies) His Life and Times of His Death 1888-1915
Compact disk pack comprising of Soldiers Who Died in WW1 (Role of Honour), Soldiers Who Died in WW2 (Roll of Honour), Official Trench Maps WW1 and Official History France and Belgium Maps and Campaigns WW1. NB. Be aware that the compact disks alone cost over £1000:00 MR DEAN C SMITH MANY THANKS FROM US ALL
May I take this opportunity to thank the Household Cavalry Regiment, in particular RCM Kibble, for the help afforded to the Museum with its very successful visits programme. The following items have been acquired by the Museum over the last year: Acquisition
Donor
Medal Group of Lieutenant Colonel Patrick Massey late Royal Dragoons, including the India service medal (the only one held by the Museum)
Colonel HPD Massey Commander Household Cavalry
Model Tableaux – models of 1st Life Guards in ceremonial uniforms and WW1 fighting order depicting heavy fighting at Klein Zillbeke (Belgium). All medals of men and horses are made from pieces of shrapnel.
Made and presented by Ivan Sinnaeve
A Montage of 1st LG dayed 1885 by Orland Norrie. Ceremonial uniform of the late Captain George Lambert RHG (found in offices of South Molton Council, Devon, during rebuild) Gold half hunter watch belonging to the late Captain Humphrey Webb, Royal Dragoons
Mrs C Phillipson.
(Shrapnel Charlie) – disabled in an acci dent. Zandvoorde All models of men and horse are made from pieces of lead and shrapnel. at work he decided to make models of all units that served at Klein Zillbeke, Ypres found on the battlefields in the area of Ypres and Zandvoorde.
South Molton Council Devon Mrs JB Webb
John Trotter 2nd Life Guards – Commissioning Warrants 1825 & 1830 Additional Memorabilia of RCM J Caple including letter, attestation papers, framed photograph, Long Service & Good Conduct medal
Mr M Trotter Mrs BV Perkins
Photographs of TG Wood Memorabilia relating to TH Clements including post cards, press clippings and war diary
Mrs E Gates Mr GM Gillo
Photographs of John & Joseph Thompson, 1st Life Guards Memories & photographs of Mr KE Walker
Mr J Thompson Mr KE Walker
Complete work – The French Revolution belonging to James King, Riding Master, 2nd Life Guards Rev Canon WF Shail Pending probate – A bequest of three pictures relating to the Household Cavalry from the estate of the late Maxwell John Hiley Gross & Curjel Solicitors for R MH Hiley Medal group of Tpr C Fisher, 2nd Life Guards Mrs M Sprott Photographs of Cecil Oliver, 1st Life Guards Household Division Ms JK Kearns N.B.The Museum shop is still functioning despite the Regimental PRI shop opening for business. The PRI shop caters for Regimental personnel and deals in cap badges and buttons etc. The Museum shop still stocks the same types of items such as prints and cuf-
96 News from the Associations
The Household Cavalry Museum Development Project n September 2002 we received the excellent news that the Heritage Lottery Fund had decided to support the Museum development project to the tune of £1.9 million. This support was gained as a result of protracted negotiations and detailed submissions over a long period of time. This has inevitably delayed the overall project programme but was nevertheless essential in order to give us a realistic chance of raising the total of £4 million that is required. It is worth noting that our project is only one of two “major” projects receiving Lottery support in central London in the current financial bidding period.
I
Two major things will now happen. The first is that the project team will take the planning of the preferred Horse Guards option through its detailed design. All being well this will allow the Lottery to
award us a “second stage” pass by the end of the year which in turn will enable us to prepare the detailed tender documentation for us to let the contract for build in the summer of 2004. Thereafter it is currently anticipated that the new Museum would be ready for opening in the spring of 2005. As part of the development project the Museum at Combermere Barracks is to be completely refurbished and will be self contained hopefully with its own entrance and on street parking facilities whilst still remaining in its current location within the barracks. The second activity that must occur concurrently is for the total of £4 million to have been successfully raised by the end of 2003. To this end we are publicly launching our Appeal at Apsley House in March with the two Colonels attending. Thereafter there will be a series of
fundraising events which you can keep track of through our Appeal office. Every member of each Association will be individually written to with a summary of the project and an explanation of how help can be given. It is hoped that most ex Household Cavalrymen will feel able to support, however modestly, this unique opportunity to give something back to the Regiments in which they served.Further information on any aspect of the Museum Development Project can be obtained from: The Museum Appeal Office Combermere Barracks Windsor Berkshire SL4 3DN Tel: 01753-755194 Fax: 01753-755203 Email: appeal@hcav.fsnet.co.uk
Obituaries The Life Guards It is with much regret the Honorary Secretary announces the death of the following Old Comrades. The Life Guards Association offer their sincere condolences to all members of their families. May they Rest in Peace. 22072525 Tpr A Dunbar
229561 Major DBH Domville
22205556 Cpl BK Blease
Served from 21 October 1948 to 29 May 1950 Died 1 January 2002 aged 71 years
Served from 28 March 1942 to 14 February 1947 Died September 2001 aged 80 years
Served 17 July 1950 to 17 July 1955 Date of death unknown – mail returned
295798 Tpr P Brain
21000055 Tpr KH King
296750 Major CR Philipson
Served from 1941 to 1946 Died 28 January 2002 aged 80 years
Service details unknown Died 26 April 2002 aged 70 years
Served from January 1947 to March 1961 Died August 2002 aged 73 years
22205831 LCpl W Dean
23229119 LCpl A Simpson
Major AJ Richards
Served January 1951 to January 1955 Died 16 February 2002 aged 71 years
Served from 6 December 1964 to 1 July 1978 Died 20 March 2002 aged 64 years
Served as DOM LG from 1970 – 1984 Died 26 October 2002 aged 72 years
22343661 Tpr GS Pook Served 9 March 1950 to 23 March 1952
295048 Tpr JF Richardson
22760554 Tpr PM Rouse
Died 18 February 2002 aged 70 years
Served from 1 March 1935 to 1 April 1946 Died 3 June 2002 aged 86
Served from 1953 to 1955 Died 27 August 2002 aged 68 years
10542993 WO2 J Niven
295126 Cpl GW Jackson
22205747 WO2 PM Hewett
Served as Armourer to LG 1952 to 1957 and then served as a Life Guard from 1957 to 1966 Died 24 February 2002 aged 75 years
Served from 25 June 1936 to 14 May 1946 Died 5 May 2002 aged 83 years
295019 Cpl AJ Chapman
Served from 29 June 1966 to 28 June 1975 Died 29 June 2002 aged 59 years
Served 4 October 1934 to 18 March 1946 Died 6 March 2002 aged 87 years 23215758 Cpl MJ Austin
24048369 LCoH C Trench
294892 CoH JP Noakes
Died 17 March 2002 aged 64 years
Served 4 May 1931 to 3 May 1952 Died 13 July 2002 aged 87 years
6396663 CoH AB Stanford
14175676 CoH JAWP Saunderson
Served 26 June 1958 to 16 June 1967
Served from 21 August 1951 to 20 August 1973 Died 25 December 2002 aged 69 years
487278 Lieutenant T J W Howlett Served from 25 April 1969 to 25 April 1974 Died February 2002 (date unknown) aged 51 years
22371535 Tpr LH Ford Served from 25 May 1950 to 15 June 1952 Died 2 June 2002 aged 70 years
22205883 Tpr WEV Pelling
Served from January 1940 to 1 Febraury 1947 Died 30 March 2002 aged 87 years
Served from 1945 to1947 Died 30 May 2002 aged 73 years
Served from 11 March 1952 to 28 February 1955 Died 11 October 2002 aged 68 years.
22205106 CoH GR Wilson
24358866 LCoH BP Cox
24284146 LCoH LB Sharples
Served 25 May 1948 to 2 February 1967 Died 12 April 2002 aged 73 years
Served from 27 August 1975 to 11 Janaury 1990 Died 23 August 2002 aged 43 years
Served from 7 August 1979 to 31 October 1994 Died 2 December 2002 aged 47 years
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97
The Blues and Royals It is with much regret that the Honorary Secretary announces the death of the following Old Comrades. The Blues and Royals Association offer their sincere condolences to all members of their families. May they Rest in Peace. 305110 Tpr SF Darvill RHG
384104 Lt Col P Massey MC 1RD
2023956 CoH FB Russell RHG
Served 13 Nov 1943 to 18 Mar 1946 Died 4 Jun 2001 aged 84 years
Served 2 Feb 1933 to 31 Dec 1956 Died 26 Feb 2002 aged 88 years
Served from 11 Aug 1932 until 10 Aug 1959 Died 28 Sep 2002 aged 90 years
305465 Cpl SH Court RHG
305543 Tpr J Neale RHG
Served 4 Nov 1939 to 29 Mar 1946 Died 31 Aug 2001 aged 85 years
Served 1 Feb 1940 to 1 Jan 1946 Died 7 Mar 2002 aged 86
5670 General Sir Desmond Fitzpatrick GCB GCVO DSO MBE MC RHG/D
328501 SQMC CH Copus RHG
410894 WO2 D Brennan 1RD
Served 1 Jan 1939 to 1 Jan 1946 Died 19 Sep 2001 aged 82 years
Served 10 Jan 1938 to 9 Jan 1964 Died 13 2002 aged 83 years
30643 JE Barker RHG
24891849 LCpl MW Wood RHG/D
306391 Cpl RN Isaac RHG
Served 7 Feb 1990 to 17 Nov 2000 Died 1 April 2002 aged 29 years
Served from 1 Jan 1943 to 1 Dec 1947 Died 18 Nov 2002 aged 77 years
305088 Tpr CE Cadman RHG
7946793 Tpr AE Standing 1RD
21000074 SQMC N Buttle Served 1 Sep 1943 to 31 Dec 1966 Died 14 Nov 2001 aged 75 years
23215044 LCpl MR Walker RHG Served 31 May 1955 to 1 Jun 1958 Died 13 Dec 2001 aged 64 years
19013955 Tpr EG Brailsford RHG Served 1 Jan 1946 to 1 Jan 1948 Died 30 Dec 2001 aged 75 years
21128184 Cpl FW Underwood RHG Served 30th Oct 1947 to 9th Mar 1953 Died 15 Jan 2002 aged 72 years
Served 16 Mar 1934 to 10 Mar 1946 Died 21 June 2002 aged 88 years
22205309 WO2 EJ Craig RHG Served 23 Feb 1949 to 31 Mar 1969 Died 2 Jul 2002 aged 76 years
23196948 Tpr BW Caunt RHG
306339 Tpr A Dudley RHG
Served 10 Nov 1955 to 30 Nov 1957 Died 23 Jul 2002 aged 65 years
Served 11 Oct 1943 to 31 Dec 1947 Died 17 Jan 2002 aged 74 years
22205026 CoH RT Taylor RHG/D
Captain LDM Clark 1RD Died 20 Jan 2002 aged 80 years
14035428 Cpl W Pohl RHG
Served 20 Feb 1948 to 20 Feb 1970 Died 13 Dec 2001 aged 75 years
321236 Sgt DR Thornton 1RD
Served from 2 Sep 1932 to 1 Jan 1974 Died 11 Oct 2002 aged 89 years Served from 24 Aug 1945 until 16 Dec 1947 Died 30 Oct 2002
Served from 1942 to 1950 Died 23 Nov 2002 aged 80 years
23620269 LCpl RVH Harmer 1RD Served from 1 Jan 1959 to 31 May 1961 Died 8 Dec 2002 aged 64 years
476056 Lieutenant JW Dickinson RHG Served from 1 Jan 1964 to 31 Dec 1966 Died 8 Dec 2002 aged 57 years
123549 Major JHR Shaw MC MFH Served from 9 Mar 1940 to 3 Jun 1953 Died 26 Dec 2002
305322 Tpr J Hope Served from 20 Feb 1938 to 6 June 1946 Died 28 December 2002 aged 81 years
Served 1945 to 1948 Died 27 Jan 2002 aged 74 years
Served 20 Aug 1938 to 14 Aug 1966 Died 31 Aug 2002 aged 78 years
404524 Cpl JH (Taff) Lewis 1RD
306595 Tpr HJJ Warr RHG
441247 Major General Sir James Eyre KCVO CBE RHG/D
Served 13 Jan 1931 to 19 Feb 1946 Died 23 Feb 2002 aged 88 years
Served from 1 Sep 1944 until 31 Dec 1947 Died 8 Sep 2002 aged 76 years
Served from 2 Apr 1955 until 22 Mar 1986 Died 2 Jan 2003 aged 72 years
General Sir Desmond Fitzpatrick GCB GCVO DSO MBE MC late The Blues and Royals By General Sir Richard Vickers KCB CVO OBE formerly The Blues and Royals General Sir Desmond Fitzpatrick was Colonel of The Blues and Royals from 1979 to 1998 having been Deputy Colonel for the previous ten years and Colonel of the Royal Dragoons (1st Dragoons) from 1964 to 1969. Thus for 34 years he was intimately involved in the direction of the Regiments and known as “Colonel Desmond� to two generations of Officers and men. He was a major architect of the successful amalgamation in 1969 of the Royal Horse Guards (the Blues) and the Royals and instrumental in ensuring the individual identity of The Blues and Royals in the union with The Life Guards in 1992. Over this
98 Obituaries
period no less than 17 Commanding Officers of the Regiment in Detmold and Windsor and a similar number of the Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment in London have benefited from his firm stewardship, wise guidance, sound common sense and his total support (plus, be it said, the occasional well-deserved reprimand!). Born in Aldershot in 1912, the only son of Brigadier-General Sir Richard Fitzpatrick, Geoffrey Richard Desmond Fitzpatrick was educated at Eton and Sandhurst and commissioned in to the Royals in 1932. In 1938, as a Lieutenant, he won the MC in operations against Arab terrorists in Palestine. In 1940 the Regiment was mechanized and Fitzpatrick, as Adjutant moved with them to take part in operations against the Vichy French in Syria. After attending the Staff College at Haifa, his staff work as Brigade Major of 2nd Armoured Brigade during the build-up to the Battle of El Alamein and his subsequent conduct in action was mentioned in dispatches. Later as GSO1 1st Armoured Division he was awarded the MBE. After short spells with US Corps and the War Office he returned to command A Squadron of the Royals in action in Holland. Early in 1945 he was posted to command the 8th Kings Royal Irish Hussars. His leadership of this armoured
regiment in the advance from Holland to the Elbe during the final stages of the war, which included the capture of Belsen Concentration Camp and the liberation of thousands of Allied prisoners of war earned him an immediate DSO. Thus the War amply proved his coolness in action, his competence on the staff and his leadership as a commander.
Supreme Allied Commander Europe. Despite the heavy burden of his responsibilities he rarely became ruffled and took some pride in organising his work so that he seldom had to work late in the evening. His greatest assets were clarity of mind and a shrewdly realistic, if somewhat cynical, approach to controversial issues. He was a master tactician in the corridors of power and while intolerant of the incompetent, he was immensely loyal to those who won his confidence. He was a superb chairman of committees and adroit at handling strategic arguments. Almost too clever to be a good mixer and sometimes rather sarcastic, he was much more approachable than he liked to make out and was, moreover, a brilliant raconteur and a charming host.
Colonel Desmond commanded the Royals at Fanara in Egypt from 1951 to 1953, by all accounts they were a proud and effective Regiment. As CO he demanded high standards - “Be the best and appear to be the best”. In a rather dreary camp he and his wife Mary did their best to maintain morale, initiating the Trooping of the Guidon, making full use of the Band and In 1974, on retirement from the Army, he became Lieutenant Govencouraging young officers to get out into the desert. ernor of Jersey and when Field Marshall Templer died he followed him as Gold Stick and Colonel of The Blues and Royals. This He was a competent horseman and a useful polo player. Once as enabled him to devote much of his time to the Regiment which he CO when he was captain of the regimental polo team he was never failed to represent or to attend regimental functions. After badly crossed. Both teams waited for an explosion until he said the fulsome obituaries in The Times and The Daily Telegraph and icily “That’s against the rules!” he was like that; he followed the the wonderful oration at his Memorial Service at the Guards Chapel rules - straight, firm and fair. Later when he was C-in-C BOAR following his death in 12th October 2002, there is little more that he hunted with the Weser Vale Hounds and, of course, as Gold can be said of this distinguished professional soldier. But those of Stick, he rode mounted for many Queen’s Birthday Parades. us who had the honour to work under him during his many years of service will never forget the intense pride and selfless devotion he After regimental command, his career became meteoric - Chief had for his Regiment, the unswerving loyalty to those who did their of Staff 1 BR Corps, Assistant Chief of Defence Staff in the new best and the twinkle in his eye and his quiet chuckle when things unified Ministry of Defence under Lord Mountbatten, Director were difficult and needed a light touch. of Military Operations, Chief of Staff HQ BOAR, GOC-in-C Northern Ireland, Vice Chief of the General Staff, C-in-C BOAR This is a man to whom the Country, the Army and his Regiment and Commander Northern Army Group, and, finally, Deputy owe much.
Lieutenant Colonel Patrick Massey MC late Royals Taken from The Daily Telegraph – Thursday 7th March 2002 Lieutenant Colonel Paddy Massey, who has died aged 88, won an immediate MC for his resolute defence of Pear Hill in Burma between January 22 and January 26 1945.
was manned by a Sikh and a Muslim, who were responsible for each other’s safety. At the same time he led his men into numerous trouble spots in Delhi, restoring law and order wherever he went. Paddy Massey was born on March 15 1913 at Cavillahow, Co Tipperary, and brought up in Mayfair after his father died and his mother remarried. At Sandhurst, he won the light heavyweight boxing contest against the Royal Military Academy, Woolwich, then became a Bengal Lancer, being commissioned into Hodson’s Horse.
The ground was vital for the establishment of 64 Indian Infantry Brigade’s bridgehead on the east side of the River Irrawaddy during the 14th Army’s successful drive against the Japanese.
He passed the Indian Army’s equitation course at Saugor with the unusual grade of Distinguished, and became a six handicap polo player. He was also an enthusiastic pig sticker and accomplished point-to-point rider.
Massey coolly imbued his men of the 5/10th Baluch Regiment with a determination to hold their ground against what his citation described as “fanatical” enemy attacks, even though they ran out of water; he himself contracted dysentery by drinking from the cooling drum of his machine gun.
By the outbreak of the Second World War, Massey was Adjutant of Hodson’s Horse. He became Staff Captain of the Meerut Cavalry Brigade (2nd Indian Armoured Brigade) with which he saw service in Iran and Iraq before attending staff college at Quetta. After transferring to the Indian Infantry in 1943, he joined the 5th Battalion of 10th Baluch Regiment in Burma.
Massey twice successfully redistributed his forces to cause the maximum destruction to the enemy and showed “courage, determination and skill of the highest order”. He demonstrated leadership again after the war when he was summoned from the jungle to command the elite Viceroy’s Bodyguard. Although his men were both Sikhs and Muslims, the unit was the only one not affected by the sectarian massacres during the handover at independence in 1947. The unit provided a jeep letter service for the Viceroy and what remained of the government, Massey making sure that each vehicle
On transferring from the Viceroy’s Bodyguard, Massey came home in 1947 to join the Royal Dragoons. He took over command in the canal zone of Egypt in 1953 from General Sir Desmond Fitzpatrick. His last job was as secretary to the Governor of Malta’s Defence Committee. After retiring in September 1958 he became secretary of the Honourable Artillery Company for 13 years. Massey married in 1941 Lee Byrne; they had three sons, of whom the eldest, Colonel Hamon Massey is Commander Household Cavalry. After her death in 1978 he married Jean Gribble
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The 7th Earl of Carnarvon KCVO KBE late The Royal Horse Guards (the Blues) The 7th Earl of Carnarvon KCVO KBE served in the Royal Horse Guards during the war in North Africa and Italy, spending his nineteenth birthday in the Sinai Desert. In 1969 he became the Queen’s racing manager and responsible for her bloodstock interests. Sotheby’s produced an inventory of the furniture and paintings at his home, Highclere Castle. “That seems to be everything for the inventory” Carnarvon remarked. “Yes m’lord”, replied his father’s retired butler “except for the Egyptian stuff ”. The astonished Earl was led to two small closets which held 3,000 antiquities brought from Egypt by the 5th Earl. Among the priceless items was a funeral mask of Tutankhamun’s grandfather dating from 1353 BC.
tion between Troops and John assumed I was in contact with the enemy. In his anxiety to come to my assistance, he opened up, fortunately at extreme range, with everything he had: luckily without hitting anything or anybody. After Squadron Headquarters had sorted out matters I had the satisfaction of complimenting John on the inaccuracy of his marksmanship! John retired in 1953 but the Army’s loss was Yorkshire’s gain. He threw himself into managing and farming his not inconsiderable estate and took on Chairmanship of his family firm. He also became one of the Joint Masters of the Sinnington Hunt and earned himself the reputation of being a most effective Field Master. Horses played an important part in John’s life and he bred a number of good ones including Blind Harbour, which won several races.
Lord Carnarvon built up a successful stud and became a stalwart of local government. He had lobbied for the controversial Newbury bypass and believed that the way to deal with protestors who took refuge underground was to send ferrets down after them.
In 1945 at the end of the war, 1 HCR was broken up and everyone returned to their parent Regiments, The Life Guards or The Blues. We who had served together however vowed to meet again every year and to dine or lunch together. The custom has continued since that date. John was a great supporter of these occasions and it was typical of the man that he wrote to me as recently as October of last year to say that, sadly, he was unable to come this year as “his legs had let him down”. It was I believe the first time he had not attended. He was a big man in every way and will be greatly missed by his old friends in 1 HCR and The Blues and indeed by all who knew him.
Major J H R Shaw MC
Lord John Manners
late Royal Horse Guards (the Blues)
late The Life Guards
By Brigadier His Grace The Duke of Wellington KG, LVO, OBE, MC, DL Formerly Royal Horse Guards (The Blues) John Shaw joined The Blues a year or two after me but we had the good fortune to serve in the same Squadron for practically the entire war. After the war ended, our ways parted until fortunately he became my Second in Command in The Blues Squadron at Knightsbridge in the early ‘50’s. He retired from the army shortly afterwards. My memories of him are mainly confined to the war years. I don’t think I can ever remember anyone in my lifetime who personified to such a degree the quality of imperturbability in all circumstances, however disagreeable. Whenever there was a hint of “flap” amongst those with him, it was invariable John’s goodhumoured common sense allied to considerable courage, which infected those about him with the same resolution. The only time I ever crossed swords with John was when 1 HCR were advancing westwards during the Syrian Campaign in 1941 and he and I were the two leading Troop Leaders in the open desert country approaching Homs. In what in retrospect was a quite dramatic moment, I “bumped” the leading Troop of the Royals performing the same role for the column approaching from the south. In those days there was no wireless communica-
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Lord John Manners, the son of the 9th Duke of Rutland, grew up among the splendours of Belvoir Castle and Haddon Hall where his parents maintained stately standards, inevitably dining in white tie and tails. When the Duke asked if he ever made do with a dinner jacket, he replied “Yes. When I dine with my wife in her bedroom”. A spirited child, Manners was expelled from two preparatory schools. He joined The Life Guards, shortly before D Day while in White’s Club he was recruited for 2nd SAS Regiment and was involved in four major operations, being twice parachuted into France. The French, seeing him and 50 men in Burgundy, assumed they had been liberated; the town band struck up to celebrate - to the surprise of a German panzer division nearby. Manners claimed to have been the first Allied soldier to get to Paris; his final posting was rounding up collaborators in Norway. After the war he toyed with the idea of a City career “but after Eton, Oxford and the Army I didn’t want to be bossed around all year”. So instead he concentrated his energies on running a 2,000 acre farm at Belvoir and on a series of imaginative business ventures.
Lord Fanshawe of Richmond late The Life Guards Anthony Royle was educated at Harrow: he would later refer to a thanksgiving service after a German bombing raid, attended by Churchill. “Winston wept copiously throughout the singing”. Royle recalled “which amused all us small boys”. He was commissioned into The Life Guards in 1945 serving in Germany, Egypt, Palestine and Transjordan. In 1950 he joined the SAS but contracted polio while en route to Korea. He then became a Lloyd’s name and joined Sedgwick’s. He was elected MP for Richmond, Surrey and achieved the notable feat of appearing in the dissolution honours of both Ted Heath and Margaret Thatcher, retiring from Parliament in 1983 as Lord Fanshawe of Richmond.
Major C R Philipson late The Life Guards By Captain The Hon Sir Nicholas Beaumont KCVO DL formerly The Life Guards Christo Philipson joined The Life Guards in 1948 and served until 1961. He was a man of great charm, equipped with a first class brain, a unique sense of humour and a strong resolve. This exceptional character did not have an enemy in the world and was greatly admired by all ranks. His stories and quips were enhanced by his stutter which encouraged people to laugh with him but never at him. Christo served as a Troop Leader in an Armoured Car Squadron, a Troop Leader at Knightsbridge, a Staff Captain 4th Guards Brigade in Germany, and a Staff Captain Headquarters Household Brigade, Whitehall. He commanded a Squadron in Aden and the Air Portable Squadron at Combermere Barracks in Windsor. He commanded The Life Guards Mounted Squadron in London and commanded the escort for Princess Margaret at her wedding. Christo was a fine horseman and went on the equitation course at the remount depot Melton Mowbray where he turned out remounts to a high quality. When The Life Guards were stationed at Wolfenbuttel They started a racing stable. Although Christo and I had never ridden in a flat race and I entered two horses in the same race. I rode one and Christo the other. The race started over twenty minutes late and we were both up in the front of the stewards who were justifiably very angry as our excuse was that though we had two horses we only had one saddle! On Princess Margaret’s wedding day Christo was sitting on his
horse in the quadrangle at Buckingham Palace when the bridegroom came out of the quadrangle and recognising Christo went over to him and said “This is a right old do” Christo replied in a long stutter “You can say that again”! He had a splended driver/soldier servant in Germany and when he was Staff Captain in Germany he bought his Brigadier to a guest night at Wolfenbuttel to dine with The Life Guards. The Brigadier did not enjoy the rowdy evening too much and after dinner said he would like to go home. Christo eventually found the driver who had been enjoying himself and as they reached the staff car the driver tapped the Brigadier on the arm and said “Cheer up mate we cant all be in The Life Guards”! As a Squadron Leader of an Armoured Car Squadron and a Mounted Squadron his command was the same. Charming and Cheerful. He allowed those in charge to get on with their jobs but they all knew when things had not gone right when the words “I wouldn’t do that again “ were directed at the guilty party. Christo enjoyed very much his hunting in the Shires and with the Pytchley and was a good shot and loved his grouse shooting in Derbyshire. He was recommended for the Staff College but left the Army. After two years in the London Bloodstock Agency he joined the British Bloodstock Agency where he stayed for thirty-seven years. There was worldwide acknowledgement of his chairmanship. He was Founder and First Chairman of the Bloodstock Agents Association and Chairman of the Taxation Committee. He was elected a member of the Jockey Club in 2001. Christo was a gardener of merit and together with his wife Mary they created a very attractive garden at their home Lofts Hall in Essex. He was most knowledgeable with regards to plants and trees. He also ran a most successful stud and created an excellent shoot. The Life Guards have lost a great friend. Our sympathy goes out to Mary, his daughters Joanna and Caroline and his sister Joanna.
Major Anthony Richards, late The Life Guards (DOM 1970-1984) By Keith Whitworth formerly The Life Guards Major Anthony Richards joined the Regimental Band of the 13th/18th Royal Hussars (QMO) as a Band boy in Wolfenbuttel, Germany in 1946. He was an extremely popular young man who added a great deal to the Regimental Band as a superb musician. His professionalism saw him posted to the Royal Military School of Music at Kneller Hall in 1952 to attend a Bandmaster’s Course. After the rough three year course he set out on a long and distinguished career in Army Music as Bandmaster of the Lancashire Fusiliers (1956 to 1964). He was then commissioned as Director of Music of the Alamein Staff Band of the Royal Tank Regiment and remained in that post until 1970 when he became Director of Music of The Life Guards.
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Soon after arriving he was promoted to Major (DOM) and then became the Senior Director of Music, Household Cavalry. Whilst with The Life Guards he formed a record company called Fionmace which was extremely successful up to the time he sold the business in the late 1990s. He retired from the Army in 1984 and went to the Middle East as DOM of the Royal Oman Police Band where he was promoted to Colonel. Whilst in Oman he made his mark by designing and building an enormous School of Music for the use of over 200 bandsmen. He also significantly raised the standard of musicianship in the Omani Police Band which, when he first arrived, was very basic. On his retirement in 1995 he returned to England and spent his spare time teaching the piano and singing in his local church choir. He always remained an active supporter of both the Regimental Associations of the 13th/18th Hussars and the Lancashire Fusiliers and regularly attended the Barnsley and Bury Reunions respectively to reaffirm his friendships with those who had known him over so many years.
Lieutenant W J Dickinson late The Royal Horse Guards (The Blues) By Captain G N van Cutsem Formerly The Royal Horse Guards (The Blues) Bill Dickinson died on 8th December 2002 aged 57 after a heroic battle against cancer for nearly three years. The 450 including many former Household Cavalry Officers who attended his Service of Thanksgiving says much for the admiration he was held in for his courage, positive attitude and love of his family. He was part of a Household Cavalry family which included his brothers-in-law, Lieutenant Colonel Hugh Pitman and Brigadier Andrew Parker Bowles, and his two nephews. On leaving Harrow, after a short period in France, he was Commissioned into The Blues. He joined 4 Troop A Squadron in Germany in 1964, then commanded by Major Denis Daly, and served in Germany and Windsor retiring in June 1967. He was the son of an Olympic athlete and excelled in regimental sports including polo and athletics. Herford in Germany in the 1960’s was a peaceful period permitting plenty of time off for all us to shoot and ride and it was riding which was to become so important to Billy in the latter part of his life. He met his first wife Charlotte Medlicott, the mother of his first four children, at a regimental dance in Herford. On leaving The Blues he first went into banking and then qualified as a land agent with Smiths Gore. He helped to found the Bramham Horse Trials with Lieutenant Colonel George Lane Fox. Subsequently he went back to his native Northumberland and married secondly Caroline Benson and had another son Harry. He started a soft fruit farm and out of this grew his amazingly successful farm shop twice voted Farm Shop of the Year UK.
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He played a prominent part in Northumbrian life as a local councillor. He was Chairman of the Tynedale Hunt and hunting became his great passion in addition to shooting and fishing. Above all he was a family man who took great trouble to ensure his five children flourished and their love and devotion to him shared by his wife Caroline, whose fortitude matched his own, was inspirational for all of us to behold in his last illness. He was indeed a brave Officer and Gentleman.
Major Sir Nicolas Couper, Bart Late The Blues and Royals By Major Patrick Brook MBE formerly The Blues and Royals Nicholas Couper was born on the 9th of October 1945 preceding his twin sister Sue by a few minutes. Most of his childhood was spent in the West Country on Exmoor where his father, a distinguished former Royal Dragoon, had overstated his age to serve in the first war and understated it for the second encouraged him to pursue his love of hunting and fishing. The time spent at Eton was relatively uneventful, although on one occasion he featured in William Hickley as an example of what was described at the time as having hair of fashionable length. For those of us who knew him a little later on in his life, when that particular commodity became a scarcer, the story improved no end. Nicholas joined the Army by initially enlisting as a private soldier and completing the arduous and demanding basic course at Catterick before going to Sandhurst. After he was commissioned “Coups” joined The Royal Dragoons in Detmold in 1966 where he became a Troop Leader in C Squadron under the command of Duncan Boyd who exercised extraordinary patience with his aspiring Troop Leaders as we became familiar with every surviving fir tree on Soltau training area. Fortunately in those days we were encouraged to find alternative employment when ever possible and Nicholas offered his services to somewhat depleted regimental ski team and joined Christopher Barne, John Aylen and myself in an attempt to emulate the downhill aces like Hanmer, Sheppards Cross, Smithers and Roberts. We were seldom on the leader board but four weeks in the Arlberg culminating in St Moritz made it infinitely preferable to the tank park in Detmold. After Germany Nicholas went to Melton Mowbray and learnt the finer points of horsemanship in his own inimitable style. Stories of his prowess at modifying the systems to avoid hours of tedious work in the stables are legion. One in particular was to swathe his horse in blankets before bed which could be removed the following morning in a few seconds which enabled him to have time for another weed before going on parade. After a tour in Northern Ireland with B Sqn The Blues and Royals, which included Operation Motorman in Londonderry, he served with the HCR in Knightsbridge and finally ended his military service in 1975 commanding the Household Cavalry Squadron at The Guards Depot in Pirbright. Nicholas married shortly before leaving the Army and he and his wife Curzon lived in the less fashionable end of the Kings
Road where James and Doune were borne at a time when he was establishing himself in his new career as an estate agent with Savilles. In the years that followed Nicholas rose rapidly to become Director but sadly his marriage to Curzon ended and he returned to the West Country to set up a new branch in Tiverton for the Lane Fox firm of Estate Agents. Unfortunately this period in the early nineties coincided with a very considerable downturn in the property market and within a few years the branch office was closed and Nicholas returned to London to set up his own company. His company, Homefront, was highly successful up until the time of his untimely death. Nicholas had married again in 1991 and had a very happy life with Tina. They alternated between London and Bampton where they had converted an old cottage into the most perfect home on the very edge of Exmoor. After so many difficulties and disappointments it seemed that at last life had settled into a pattern that would enable Nicholas and his family to enjoy their lives but sadly this was not to be and in late 2001 he was diagnosed as having cancer. He faced this crisis with his normal courage and fortitude and underwent major surgery followed by treatment, which in the end proved to be unsuccessful. Throughout this period Nicholas was always cheerful and full of humour even as it became apparent that the illness had defeated him. On my last visit to the hospital we were still discussing the relative merits of the tups over the wickham as the most effective dry fly on the River Barle. I feel certain that all those who knew Nicholas will always remember him for his laconic charm, his unfailing good humour and irrepressible sense of fun. He was a marvellous father to his children and always a loyal and dependable friend. We will remember him for his indomitable courage in adversity during the long fight against his illness and as Hamon Massey said to me recently Nicholas was a proper officer.
Lieutenant T J W Howlett late The Life Guards Born in Norfolk, Tim Howlett was educated at Sedburgh College leaving there having passed his O Levels and worked for a local Norfolk firm of Chartered Accountants. However, it was not the kind of environment that a character such as his could live with and after two years decided to either emigrate to Australia or join the Army. After some discussion with his father he went to MONS and was commissioned into The Life Guards on 25 April 1969. Serving with A Squadron based at Windsor he saw service in Northern Ireland and the Persian Gulf before doing a spell at the Guards Depot at Pirbright teaching recruits. In January 1972 he was posted to the Mounted Regiment in London taking part in HRH The Princess Royal’s Wedding before retiring in April 1974. Tim met Anne in 1972 whilst they were both working in London and they married in the summer of the following year. When he left the Army he went back to Norfolk initially working in the family business which he quickly transformed into a very substantial enterprise with interests ranging from motor cars to avocado farming in Spain. He eventually sold the business. However, Tim’s life was one of enormous activity and constant change. He worked for a big automotive consultancy, built up a new Renault dealership, established a patisserie, had a computer hardware and software business and owned some petrol stations run with the help from his wife. Latterly, he had started to build up an organic farming enterprise. Our sympathies go out to his wife Anne and their two children.
This picture was sent in by Mr Peter Smart, It was taken in January or February 1944. The NCOs are CoH Beckley and Cpl Payne. Mr Smart hopes that the publication of the photograph might stimulate some interest from that generation. Mr Smart can be contacted on 01455 632561 or through Home Headquarters on 01753 755297.
Obituaries 103
Notices The Queen’s Birthday Parade and Review The Queen’s Birthday Parade will be held on Saturday 14th June 2003 with the Colonels’ Review on 7th June and the Major General’s Review on 31st May. A limited number of tickets for the Inner Line of Sentries (standing only) will be available for members through the Honorary Secretary of their respective Association. Tickets cannot be purchased through Headquarters Household Cavalry.
rades Parade and Service will be held in Hyde Park on Sunday 11th May 2003. Members of each Association should assemble in Broad Walk at 1030 hrs on the grass behind their Regimental Marker Board. Dress will be lounge suits and medals (not miniatures). Due to the security arrangements members should give themselves plenty of time to get to the Assembly area. Members are invited to Hyde Park Barracks after the parade but admission will only be by ticket from your respective Honorary Secretary.
Household Division Beating Retreat 2003 The Massed Bands of the Household Division Beat Retreat on Horse Guards on Tuesday 27 and Wednesday 28 May 2003. Performances commence at 7pm and last approximately one hour. Ticket prices are £10 and £7 (all reserved seating). There is a 10% discount for groups of 10 or more. No refund can be given if the event is cancelled for reasons beyond our control. Tickets requests should be made as follows:
The Guards Chapel Easter Choral Concert 2003 The Guards Chapel Choir and the Household Division Orchestra present Easter Choral Concert at the Guards Chapel, Wellington Barracks, Birdcage Walk, London SW1 on Wednesday 16 April 2003 at 7.15pm. Tickets are £10 each - telephone the Credit Card line on 020 7839 5323 between 9am and 4.30pm Mon-Fri, or by post from Household Division Funds, Horse Guards, Whitehall, London SW1A 2AX. Cheques (in sterling only)/Postal Orders made payable to “Household Division Funds”.
A: Cheques/Postal Orders, made payable to “Household Division Funds”, will be accepted at anytime but tickets will not be despatched before April. Cheques (in sterling only) should be sent to The Treasurer, Household Division Funds, Horse Guards, Whitehall, London SW1A 2AX, together with a stamped, self-addressed envelope. B: The credit card booking line (020 7839 5323) will be open from 1 April. There will be a £1 extra charge for each credit card booking. Combined Cavalry Parade and Service The 79th Combined Cavalry Old Com-
Change of Address All members are requested to inform their respective Honorary Secretary, through Home Headquarters Household Cavalry, of any change in their address. Every year both Associations lose touch with a number of members who have failed to notify us of their change of address. Any correspondence returned will result in that member being placed in the non-effective part of the database. E-Mail Addresses Notification of changes to your E-mail address is now becoming as important as
Cavalry Sunday. L to R: Capt AR Tate, Maj D Pickard, Capt OB Birkbeck, Capt ME Kingston and Capt DR Boyd
changes to your postal address. Please keep Home Headquarters informed (by E-mail!) of those changes. Internet Matters The Household Cavalry Web Site can be found at www.householdcavalry.co.uk. The E-Mail address is as follows: homehq@householdcavalry.co.uk The Web Site now incorporates a Bulletin Board with forums for both LG and RHG/D giving Old Comrades the opportunity to discuss topics of interest. There is also now a photograph forum. Also on this site is a ‘What’s On Board’ which provides an outline monthly Forecast of Events for both Regiments and a notification of deaths section. The Veterans Agency The Veterans Agency (VA), formerly the War Pensions Agency, is available to assist all former members of the Armed Forces, such as veterans of the World Wars, Korea, National Service, the Falklands or Gulf Campaigns, peacetime regulars or volunteer reservists, and their dependants. The VA is a telephone help line, which will advise individuals on where, and how to obtain expert help. It is staffed by fully trained personnel aware of the needs of Veterans no matter when they served or in which Service. It is open Monday - Thurs (0815 - 1715) and Friday (0815 – 1630) and has an answer phone service when closed. No matter what your problem, the VA is there to provide advice. Give them a call (at local call rates) on 0800 169 2277. They can also be contacted by e-mail as follows: help@veteransagency.mod.uk. They also have a Web site whose address is: www.veteransagency.mod.uk
This seems a nice quiet spot for a bit of practice!
News from the Associations 109
SSAFA Forces Help - Recruitment SSAFA Forces Help need more volunteers from each Association to be Casework Supporters who are visitors, treasurers, administrators and fund-raisers. SSAFA Forces Help volunteers are there to provide practical help, advice and friendship to all serving and ex-serving men, women and their families. More than 85,000 call on the charity every year. Training is given (2 days), and outof-pocket expenses are paid. Job satisfaction is guaranteed. If you can spare a little time for a ‘comrade’ please contact: Anne Needle Branch Recruitment Office 19 Queen Elizabeth Street London SE1 2LP Telephone: 020 7463 9223 who can put you in touch with your nearest team. The Calvert Trust The Calvert Trust aims to provide the best possible facilities for people with disabilities to participate in adventurous outdoor activities in the countryside. It was established in 1974 and now has three Centres that have been carefully designed to ensure they are comfortable and accessible to everyone. The staff have expanded and improved the range of activities and care available to people of all abilities. They provide the professional help and expertise necessary to enable visitors to get the most out of their stay. The Trust recognises the dignity of their visitors and helps them to achieve their own goals. They believe that no disability should exclude anyone from the enjoyment of activity in the outdoors. They try to focus on ability rather than disability and believe… “It is not what you can’t do – but what you can that counts”. Bursaries are available for people with extreme financial difficulties. If you feel you should be considered for extra assistance, please write to the Centre Director outlining your reasons and circumstances. Keswick: located in the heart of the Lake District National Park at the foot of Skiddaw, Calvert Trust Keswick is set in two acres of land with panoramic views over Bassenthwaite Lake and nearby fells. Originally a traditional Cumbrian style farmstead the converted outbuildings and barns retain their rustic charm and today house the accommodation. The Keswick Centre has been involved in the development of a wide range of activities including sailing, windsurfing, canoeing, climbing, riding, mountain biking, paragliding and orienteering. It
110 News from the Associations
continues to work with and advise National Governing Bodies of sport on equipment and working with people with disabilities. Kielder: set in the beautiful border county of Northumberland, the Calvert Trust Kielder lies between the shores of magnificent Kielder water and the vast Kielder forest. Located on the edge of the Northumberland National Park yet still within reach of the cathedral city of Durham, the magnificent castles and coastline of Northumberland and across the border, even Edinburgh isn’t too far away. Exmoor: ideally located in the heart of North Devon, Calvert Trust Exmoor is only a few miles from the coast, alongside Wistlandpound Reservoir and on the edge of the popular Exmoor National Park. Exmoor was converted in 1996 from a quadrangle of historic stone farm buildings, all overlooking a central courtyard garden and situated in forty acres of land. Close to both coast and countryside Exmoor is ideal for individuals, families and groups. The Centre Director is Major Chris Slater who was an Officer in The Life Guards. Further enquiries can be made as follows: Keswick: 017687 72254 Kielder: 01434 250232 Exmoor: 01598 763221 Helpful Contacts The following is a list of organisations which members may find useful for future reference: Royal Windsor Visitors Information Bureau Enquiries: 01753 743900 Accommodation: 01753 743907 E-mail: windsor.accommodation@rbwm.gov.uk The Commonwealth War Graves Commission They have an excellent website which can be searched using basic details, for information about the final resting place of war dead at home and overseas. Their site can be found at www.cwgc.org Ex-Service Homes Referral Agency (ESHRA) ESHRA provides information and advice on nursing; residential, convalescent and respite care homes owned by Service and ex-Service charities. Information is also available on 19,000 nursing and residential care homes throughout the country including private and other charitable
homes. Their telephone help line is: 020 7839 4466 or you may write to them at PO Box 31096 London SW1Y 5ZR. You may also visit their web site at www.eshra.com. Officers’ Association (OA) and OA, Scotland Helps ex- officers in financial distress, provides homes for disabled officers and families, and operates a residential home in Devon. It also assists ex Officers to find suitable employment after leaving the Service. They can be contacted in England on 020 7389 5219 and in Scotland on 0131 557 2782 The Royal British Legion (TRBL) TRBL is the UK’s largest ex-service organisation with some 570,000 members. One of its objects is to promote the relief of need and to promote the education of all those who are eligible, their spouses, children and dependants. If you need help, you can contact the local TRBL branch near you (number in the local phone book), or the national Legion help line on 08457 725 725 or visit their web site at www.britishlegion.org.uk SSAFA Forces Help It exists to help, according to need, all men and women serving, or who have served at any time, in the Armed Forces of the Crown, their families and dependants. Local branches of SSAFA Forces Help can be found in the local phone book or from the Citizens’ Advice Bureau or contact the Central Office at: 020 7403 8783 or visit their web site at www.ssafa.org.uk. The Ex-Services Mental Welfare Society (Combat Stress) For nearly 80 years it has been the only organization specialising in the care of men and women of all ranks discharged from the Armed Services who suffer from injury of the mind. The Society has 3 short stay treatment centres that specialise in providing treatment for those who need help in coping with their psychological problems. For more information and full contact details for regional offices telephone the Head Office on 01372 841600 or visit their web site at www.combatstress.com. The British Limbless Ex-Servicemen’s Association (BLESMA) The objects of the Association is to promote the welfare of all those who have lost a limb or limbs, or use of limbs, or one or both eyes as a result of their service in the Forces and to assist needy
dependants of such Service limbless. It will also help those Ex-Service men who lose a leg after Service. For more details contact them on 020 8590 1124 or visit their web site at www.blesma.org.
SSAFA Forces Help Housing Advice Service Provides housing information and advice to Ex-Service personnel and their dependants. For further information contact them at 01722 436400
St Dunstan’s St Dunstan’s cares for Ex-Servicemen who have lost their sight for any reason (even after leaving the Service). For more information contact 020 7723 5021or visit their web site at www.stdunstans.org.uk.
Haig Homes Haig Homes have some 1100 homes throughout the country for letting exclusively to ex-regulars and their families on assured tenancies. For details of where properties are located and application forms contact them at 020 8648 0335
Regular Forces Employment Association (RFEA) contact no is 020 7321 2011 Ex - Service Fellowship Centres (EFC) The aim of the EFC is to relieve distress among ex-servicemen of all ranks and their widows or widowers who, at the time of application for assistance, are unemployed, homeless or for reasonable cause in need. They can be contacted at 020 7828 2468
Household Cavalry Musical Ride Shows For 2003 CSI Zurich Show EQUIS Show (The Docklands) The British Open Show Jumping Championships (Sheffield) The Bath and West Show The Sandringham Driving Trials The Royal Show (Stoneleigh) The Royal Welsh Show The Royal Lancashire Show The CLA Gamefair (Harewood House) English Heritage Documentary (non-public) Blenheim International Three Day Event Horse of the Year Show (NEC Trumpeters and Drum Horse)
27 Jan - 03 February 03 - 04 April 24 - 27 April 28 - 29 May 27- 29 June 30 June - 02 July 21 - 24 July 29 - 31 July 01 - 03 August 09 - 11 August 14 September 17 - 21 September
56th 1st Household Cavalry Regiment Annual Reunion The 56th Annual Re-Union of the 1st Household Cavalry Regiment took place on Thursday 17th October 2002 in the WOs’ and NCOs’ Mess at Hyde Park Barracks, by kind permission of RCM Kitching. The President, Brigadier His Grace The Duke of Wellington presided, and a total
of 54 Members and their guests enjoyed an excellent lunch, at which we were also delighted to welcome Silver Stick, Colonel H P D Massey, Lieutenant Colonel S H Cowen, the Commanding Officer at Knightsbridge, Lieutenant Colonel M C van der Lande, the Commanding Officer at Windsor, and the Regimental Adjutant, Lieutenant Colonel J S Olivier.
The date for the next reunion has been arranged for Thursday 16th October 2003 at Hyde Park Barracks and we look forward to welcoming as many members as possible to that occasion. Invitations will be sent out as usual during August.
2nd Household Cavalry Regiment Annual Reunion "The 56th Re-union was held at Combermere Barracks courtesy of the WO's & NCO's Mess, on Sunday 20th October 2002. Inevitably our numbers were somewhat reduced due to the passing years. However, 66 former members of the Regiment and their guests sat down to an excellent lunch. Major General DG Tabor, our Life President, welcomed the official guests Lt Col M C van der Lande OBE, Commanding Officer, Windsor, Lt Col S F Sibley MBE, Blues and
Royals Assn., Capt R Hennessy-Walsh, Life Guards Assn, the RCM Mr L Kibble. The Reunion continued into the night as members talked over old times and remembered old comrades. Several members stayed overnight in somewhat strange circumstances due to the presence of the whole Regiment in barracks, together with large quantities of equipment held in readiness for the firefighters threatened strike. Our thanks to the Quartermaster and his staff for their
efforts in providing an unusual view of the Gymnasium. It is hoped that the 57th reunion will be held at Windsor on the 19th October 2003. There has been some suggestion that we should amalgamate with 1st HCR Reunion in view of dwindling numbers, the Hon Secretary would welcome comments on this. Correspondence to Morris Midgley, Hon Sec, 3 Sanctuary Close, Bishops Tawton, Barnstaple EX32 0BT, Tel: 01271 324 189
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The Household Cavalry Association North East Branch Dinner Dance 2002
Cavalry Weekend
We had a good turn out for our Dinner Dance this year at the new venue, the Ravendene Lodge in Gateshead. Everyone enjoyed the weekend.
Some members of the N/East Club travelled to Windsor and Knightsbridge for Cavalry weekend many thanks on behalf of myself and members to Wos’ and NCOs’ Mess.
Our Top Table Guests for the evening were as follows
Information About 2003 Dinner Dance
Our President, Lt Col D Daly and Mrs V Daly Our guest speaker, Lt Col M C van der Lande OBE and Mrs van der Lande Cpt P G Maxwell and Mrs C Maxwell Chelsea Pensioners Mr McClean and Mr Martin Chairman of the N/E Club Mr K Rowe and Mrs P Rowe. Many thanks on behalf of myself and the rest of the committee for making it a great success, hope to see you all next year. Thanks also to RCM Paul Maxwell (now Captain Maxwell) for all the support and encouragement he gave us also RCM Mark Kitching, who replaced Paul upon his promotion to Capt. He very kindly stepped in and gave us a great deal of help at very short notice.
The North East will be holding there Dinner Dance on 15th March 2003 so put that date in your diary, and we look forward to seeing you all. During May we organised a ‘clay pigeon shoot’ day at the farm of our member Mr John Reay. A good day was had by all, we hit a few and missed a lot! Many thanks to John for all his hard work. Remembrance Day Parade at Sunderland 2002.
More new members have joined the club over the past year. All are welcome to come along to the monthly meetings more so the local members, your input is very important to the success of the NE club.
We had a shoot among ourselves it was a bit cold but enjoyed by all, we might get the Regiment up next year.
What’ On 2003
Remembrance Day Parade
We were hoping to meet up with the Regiment in November when they go to Otterburn Moors for training. It looks as if we might be able to arrange to have a ‘shoot’ on that day with some members of the Regiment. This shoot had to be cancelled due to other commitments for the Regiment.
Some of the North East Club attended Remembrance Day Parade in Sunderland, this year it was a very good turn out. I would like thank CoH Jason Lochrane for looking after us on the Sunday. Ray Timlin Ray who is an ex Royal Horse Guards took photographs of the occasion.
By the February meeting, we are generally ready to start planning the events for the coming year. There has to be a limit as to how much it is possible to improve on the quality, pleasure or satisfaction or our activities every year, but we do try. A proof copy of our own Christmas card was approved by members.
Our April meeting was the first of our social evenings for the year, members and wives sat down to dinner at the local Comfort Inn.
North Staffs Branch President Lt Col J S Olivier The Blues and Royals Chairman Mr B Lewis formerly Royal Horse Guards Secretary Mr Ian Taylor formerly Royal Horse Guards Treasurer Mr Harry Withington formerly The Life Guards Our first meeting in January was roll call to see how members survived the Christmas and New Year festivities, result 100%! The first meeting does tend to be an account of individual tales of survival.
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Several members attended the North East Branch Annual Dinner in March and their new venue was a great success.
In May, several members attended the Regimental Association Annual Dinner, with a coach party making the trip down for Cavalry Sunday. At the May meeting, several events had been arranged and confirmed for the summer months.
At our AGM our long standing Chairman Mr Len Pritchard, stood down because of ill heath, we must thank him for his years of service since the foundation of the branch association. Mr Barry Lewis was elected as Chairman, Mr Ian Taylor and Mr Harry Withington were re-elected as Secretary and Treasurer.
For once, in June no one was able to attend. The Life Guards annual dinner or the Trooping. Our meeting was held at Endon Riding School, our local branch of Riding for the Disabled, to confirm details of the sponsored walk/ride to be held in July. As usual an excellent buffet was provided. The
Standard Bearer Mr Pat Wade, on parade at the Far East prisoners of War Association VJ Parade, 11 August.
sponsored walk/ride took place on 20th July and took the usual order of walkers following the canal towpath, with riders going via a longer route, to meet up at a convenient hostelry for refreshments before the return to base. This year, one or two members decided to try the ride instead of the walk, it is more likely they will be walking again next year! As in past years the weather was kind and the turnout was good. August was the most active month this year. We were invited down to Litchfield by our Padre, to visit his home on the 10th. We spent some time at a Wild West Show on a nearby show ground before returning to our host’s home for what is now regarded as the best buffet in town, full mark to Norma! The following morning Sunday11th August, our Standard Bearer Mr Pat Wade, was representing us at the F.E.P.W.A., VJ Parade. On 31st August, we made a visit to Alstonefield at the kind invitation of our Vice President, Mr Peter Thellusson, for a social evening. A high point was the arrival of our first President, Major C H Waterhouse, formerly The Life Guards.
Cheque presented to nurses of the Neurosurgery Ward, North Staffs Royal Hospital.
It was a great pleasure to see him again and we all enjoyed an excellent buffet organised by Polly Thellusson. The evening ended with presentations being made to Major Waterhouse and Peter Thellusson of a brass dismounted dutyman to each as a thank you for the service each has given to the Association. With so many buffets during the summer months, September was a month of fasting before the dinner dance in October. The final arrangements for the dinner dance were made at the monthly meeting, also a donation was agreed for the charity of a disabled Life Guard. The high point of the year was our dinner dance on the first weekend in October. It was good to see friends coming from as far away as Scotland to share the evening with us. Our guest speaker was Lieutenant Colonel SH Cowen, Commanding Officer of the Mounted Regiment, who gave us a good account of the Regiments in his speech. In November, our year’s activities are almost over, we paraded our Standard at Newcastle under Lyme for Remembrance Sunday this year, but Autumn chills kept the attendance at less than usual.
Our Christmas dinner on 12th December was our opportunity to donate our cheque for sponsorship raised during the sponsored walk/ride in July. In addition, to our full time beneficiary, Riding for the Disabled, we were able to present a cheque to the Neurosurgery ward of the North Staffs Hospital for caring for our colleague, Terry Lockett, during his illness. We have had another successful year, our Standard has represented us at a number of venues, and thanks must go to our Standard Bearer Mr Pat Wade for his unstinting service. We were pleased to welcome several new members, Tony Allsop, Colin Bell, Dave Binch and Charlie Greenwood. Any Serving or ex member of the Regiments who wish to join our Association please call the Secretary on 01782 660 174. We look forward to the coming year, whatever events present themselves, we will enjoy the chance to participate, to keep the Association in the public eye, and maintain our comradeship. We wish the Regiments well for 2003, whatever challenges arise we know they will be a credit to us.
Dorset Branch www.householdcavalryassociationdorset.org President The Rt. Hon. The Earl of Normanton Chairman Raymond D Peck, formerly The Life Guards Secretary & Treasurer John Triggs BEM, formerly The Blues and Royals
Leaves on the line, wrong sort of snow, bones in leg – all contributed to a list of excuses for not including an article last year. Dorset Squadron apologies to all its members and the Household Cavalry at large for the omission. January 2002 in Dorset is left to recover from Christmas with Committee and
Quarterly Meeting punctuating the dark nights. The membership counted at 256 and growing and the new Committee firmed up the plans made in 2001. Being the Jubilee Year, it was to celebrate and in style and early in the year as many members were involved in other Jubilee activities throughout the coming
News from the Associations 113
months. Mid-February saw 161 members, ladies and guests turning out for the Jubilee Party Dinner and Dance at the Savoy Hotel, Bournemouth. A menu to celebrate the fifty years was enjoyed and the Loyal Toast made in Jubilee souvenir engraved glasses which diners retained as a keepsake. Between cabaret and disco, it was a fine opportunity over the weekend for members to meet and exchange news. There had to be winners the Winter Warmer Draw, our Spring fund-raiser, and Lt Col (Retd) Stuart Sibley MBE, Harry Reid and Fred Kemp obliged. Middle of March and we had literally Gone to the Dogs, being a visit to Poole Greyhound Stadium enjoyed by 50+ members. The Household Cavalry Association - Dorset Trophy was won by LIGHTATTHEEND, an apt name for a dog that won by four lengths. The Tote did well, as did the Chairman, and an enjoyable evening was had by all. April saw the Committee and Quarterly Meetings again, and emphasis placed on attendance on Cavalry Sunday and the Regimental Associations AGM’s and Dinners. Many members attend all the regimental events, including the third half ’s. In August, we attended the Ellingham Show in Somerley Park. This is a quintessential English country show, horses, dogs, sheep, jams, crafts, horses and now Dorset Squadron! The Silver Stick kindly allowed the Regimental Information Team to attend with us and
‘fly the flag’. Our thanks to the President, Lord Normanton, for allowing us into his ‘back garden’. We again raised money for the charity and managed over £400 on the day. Heavy rain prior to the event curtailed the launch of the Jubilee Balloon Race - which was carried over to another day. The show is on every year so perhaps we shall see you on Saturday 9th August 2003? October hailed the 21st AGM followed by the Annual Dinner and Dance. Maj. Gen. Sir Simon and Lady Juliet Cooper were unable to attend the 20th Anniversary in 2001 so to our satisfaction they kindly agreed, for the third time, to attended this year as Guests of Honour. Col Simon Faulkner was also invited, but was unable to attend due to water duties, (hoses and buckets of sand) - planning to keep London safe in the fire-fighters disputes. The largest gathering of 212 had The Savoy Hotel running at full steam and the Black Tie dress certainly added to the occasion. Over £420 was raised by raffles for our sponsored charity, and come 2am a certain bribe ensured the disco played on as over 120 diners were on the floor. November arrived, as did the Association, at the Tank Museum for the Service of Remembrance. A full cavalry band, in amongst tanks form all recent wars reminds us of our purpose and those who made the supreme sacrifice were remembered. A curry lunch in the Sgts’ Mess after and the chance to meet with some of the serving soldiers helps to cement the generations of Household Cavalry.
60 members enjoyed a late Christmas Lunch and the chance of going home with the odd £300, £200, or £100 prize from the 21st Birthday Draw added a degree of spice to the event. With a superb view over the gardens, an accomplished pianist in the background, good food and company made for a most enjoyable afternoon. And who won the prizes? Lt. Gen. Sir Richard Vickers, Maj. (Retd.) Jack Peck and Capt. (Retd.) Derek Stratford that’s who. In the course of the year over £1202 was raised for our sponsored charity, East Holton Driving Centre near Wareham, a local non-centrally supported charity that helps people of all ages who are severely disabled to get out and work driving or riding horses and ponies. Particular note and thanks must be made to Sid Dodson for raising over £1000 for the charity over the recent years from his talks and music. Sid is one of our Gentlemen Trumpeters, a group of ex-musicians and trumpeters from both regiments who provide us with fanfares and calls on our events and some from outside events too. Our hats off to you Sir, and be named as Messrs. Sid Dodson, Pete Wilson, George Hayne, Bruce Worthy and Lez Bulloch, you are a great credit to this Association and excellent ambassadors for the two regiments.We look forward to 2003 with gusto, our membership is increasing and events are well supported and we hope to meet and greet old friends and colleagues throughout the year.
Features Berlin - A Double Helping By Major J A Dimond, MC Formerly The Royal Dragoons he ROYALS twice had a Squadron in Berlin, first in 1947 and again later in 48/49. I was lucky enough to be the Second-in-Command of the Squadron on both occasions.
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1947 Post-war demobilisation had reduced the Regiment to two Sabre Squadrons - X & Y. X was a merger of A & D; Y comprised of B & C. X Squadron under Major (later Lt Col) Philip Fielden MC was assigned to Berlin. We took over from a Squadron of the Inns of Court Regiment who were dis-
114 News from the Associations
banding and from whom we gained a troop of long-term soldiers. MacKenzie-King Barracks in the residential area of Wilmersdorf were just big enough for a Squadron, although the hangars and vehicle park were about 1/4 mile away. Throughout Europe 1947 was one of the coldest winters on record, and we spent much time snow clearing, unfreezing frozen locks and checking anti-freeze. Berlin, like Vienna, was a quadripartite city, controlled by the four major allies who had won the war - Britain, USA, France and Russia. In 1947 also the prewar embassies and consuls were being
re-established, and we were occasionally invited to a reception in one of them. Our favourite was the French Embassy, where champagne and haute cuisine were liberally dispensed. By August the cold of winter had been forgotten and the Squadron was asked by HQ British Troops Berlin to man the turnstiles at the lower entrance of the Maifield Stadium for the first post-war British searchlight tattoo. This proved to be a formidable accounting task, as we sold tickets in three languages - English (including of course American), French and Russian; and four currencies. From
Monday to Friday all went reasonably well, but the popularity of the tattoo meant that on the Saturday night all seats were sold by 7.15pm and the turnstiles were closed. We also had control of a pair of iron-barred gates which were opened only for emergency and maintenance vehicles. By 7.20pm a large crowd had built up pressing on the gates and demanding to be let in, despite the efforts of a detachment of Royal Military Police trying to disperse them. At 7.25pm the RSM in charge of the detachment pleaded with me to open the gates to prevent injury to the front of the crowd. I then tried to contact the senior officer in the stand but he was busy seating VIPs. This was similar to the situation preceding the Hillsborough disaster decades later. At 7.27pm I decided to open the gates. We did this as gently as possible to prevent the front people being trampled on. At first there was a stampede which gradually resolved into a fast walk towards the stand. We then closed the gates. As the opening fanfare sounded I walked up to the stand to see the situation. People were sitting on the steps in the aisles but sensibly keeping a gap in the middle. More significantly a large crowd were sitting on the grass beneath a retaining wall, actually in the arena. I managed to contact the officer IC stand, who said that everyone seemed happy and we should do no more about it. The next morning I reported to HQ BTB where fortunately they took the same view. Towards the end of 1947 we handed over to a Squadron of the Blues (Lawrence Rook) and rejoined the Regiment in the Zone.
and immediately on arrival at MacKenzieKing Barracks telephoned my own Colonel - Tony Pepys DSO - and put him in the picture. He decided to come up to Berlin but was prevented from doing so as fog had grounded the RAF. However he phoned CO QUEEN’S and thanked him warmly. Fog was then more of a hazard to aircraft than today and the airlift lost 3 days fly- The winning seven, On the right Sqn Ldr Maj ET Evans prepares to receive the trophy from GOC Berlin, Maj Gen Bourne. ing time. This affected our takeover from a squadron of the 11th Spud Lewis, ‘phoning from the Zone. Hussars and for a few days the Berlin “Good morning you noisy people - they armoured car squadron consisted of 50% tell me you’ve had a bit of a bang up ROYALS, 50% Hussars. This prompted there”. an anxious enquiry from HQ British Troops Berlin as to whether we were “You could say that - how did you operationally fit. We assured them that know?” this was so. “I know everything - now then use your loaf - I’ll say no more.” One day the Commander Royal Engineers (CRE) arrived and offered to We took the hint! demolish a concrete bunker which was impeding traffic into and out of the barSport played an important part in the racks. We readily agreed. On the squadron and we were lucky to be able to appointed day he assured us that the use the famous Olympic Stadium for blast would travel away from the barmajor events. In April 1949 we entered racks but as a precaution we should open somewhat tentatively for the annual all doors and windows and evacuate the rugby “sevens”, realising we would be up building. As we crouched in the against major units. armoured cars there was an almighty explosion; the bunker subsided into a We were fortunate to draw a bye in the pile of rubble but clearly the blast had hit first round thereafter played three gruthe barracks. Accompanied by a slightly elling matches in rapid succession, winred-faced CRE we picked our way ning the whole competition by a narrow through the offices which were peppered margin. This was a considerable triwith dust, fallen plaster and splinters of umph for the squadron before rejoining glass. One of the telephones rang and I the Regiment at Wolfenbuttel near the picked it up. It was our Quartermaster, zonal eastern border.
1948/9. By 1948 the Regiment had expanded to three sabre squadrons - A, B and C. A Squadron was selected for Berlin. In 1948 the Russians had closed the link road from Helmstedt to Berlin, leaving the air corridor as the only route open from the west. Every conceivable commodity had to be flown in - food, fuel, spares etc - for both the Best Berlin civilian population and the various military garrisons. As the Dakota carrying our squadron advanced party approached RAF Gatow we noticed a military band drawn up on the tarmac and what looked like a small welcoming party. As we descended the steps the band played our regimental march. Then the Commanding Officer of the Queen’s Royal Regiment stepped forward and announced that this would be the first occasion since Tangier 1662 in which our two Regiments would serve together. I attempted a suitable response
Notice board showing the Squadron’s route to the final.
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London Marathon Milestone By Major David Cresswell - Director of Music Band of The Life Guards x Trumpet Major of the Band of The Life Guards, Peter Carson successfully completed the London Marathon once again this year. Peter served with the Band from 1982 to 2001, being appointed Trumpet Major in 1994.
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This achievement is a significant milestone for Peter following his medical discharge from the army after suffering serious brain damage resulting from a road traffic accident in 1998. A keen sportsman throughout his military service, Peter had previously completed the marathon in 4 hours and 16 minutes in 1996 and in 3 hours and 25 minutes in 1997, raising funds for the Red Cross and St. John’s Ambulance. His time of 4 hours and 14 minutes this year, whilst not his best, is a sure sign that his physi-
cal well being is slowly improving as a result of months of hard work. He still suffers constant back pain and problems with his feet however, demonstrating grit, determination and a great sense of pride in the completion of his third London Marathon. In the process Peter also raised over £1500 for the Royal British Legion. Peter is currently undergoing a course of treatment at the Oliver Zangwell Centre in Ely, where work continues to improve his reduced memory control. He has remained in contact with the Band of The Life Guards throughout his course of rehabilitation and was a most welcome guest at the Band’s annual social dinner in November. Peter Carson completing the London Marathon 2002
Myrtle Beach Part II By Mr Gary Dunkley formerly The Blues and Royals n the 24th January 2002 we gathered for the 2nd trip to Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, USA. We were going to experience the pleasures found by those who had attended a similar trip organised by Mr Harry Ford the previous year.
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What was I to expect? This was my first time to Myrtle Beach. A small group started the holiday early by staying in a hotel near Gatwick Airport the night before our early morning departure. As there was a lot of catching up to be done we agreed to meet in the bar upon arrival at the hotel for a few
drinks and dinner. Needless to say some of us had a late night and sore heads the following morning. This time we travelled via Atlanta, as there are no direct routes to Myrtle Beach. To our horror when we attempted to check in at Atlanta, not everyone had been booked on the flight! However after a lot of waiting around on standby, everyone managed to get allocated a seat on the same flight. This was only the first problem that we experienced during our outward journey. On arrival at Myrtle Beach it was discovered that not all our baggage had followed us on the connecting flight and therefore for the
Lt Col Sibley and friends at WIld WIng Avocet.
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first 12 hours some of us had golf clubs with no clothes whilst others had clothes but no golf clubs! By way of consolation our hotel advised us that missing baggage was a regular occurrence and that they were sure it would be returned to us by 0700 hrs. Thankfully it was, but that did not prevent a few of us from losing sleep worrying that we might never see our possessions again. After breakfast on day one everyone got into their minibuses and headed off for the first course - Quail Creek. Everyone said that this looked like a good course to start the week and how right we were. This, along with all the other courses
The author with Mr Harry Ford preparing to hit across the water at Wicked Stick. (John Daly’s course).
cold and advised that they were wearing polo necks and extra jumpers. However this year we experienced a much warmer climate, so much so that some members of the party wore shorts on the odd occasion. A total of six courses were played and the passion to win might lead you to think we were competing in the US Masters. The overall scoring was excellent with some golfers playing off single figures by the end of the Tour.
Capt Hennessy-Walsh, with his prize, beneath a picture of the great Sam Snead
that we played that week, was in excellent condition and the scoring was very good. Accordingly everyone’s handicap was adjusted, much to the pleasure of Lt Col Stuart Sibley who by the end of the Tour had the lowest handicap. Those who had been on the 2001 Tour told me that the weather had got quite
It was such a shame that it all had to come to an end, but not without a prize giving ceremony after dinner at Sam Sneads restaurant on the last evening. This is great setting for such an occasion surrounded by so much of Sam’s golfing memorabilia. A special mention must go to Major Paddy Kersting who had a great time on the Tour despite having only played golf for two years. Upon hearing how successful the 2001 Tour was, I can report that the 2002 Tour lived up to my expectations - so much so that I was the first one to put my name forward for the 2003 Tour.
The author, Gary Dunkley and Capt Hennessy-Walsh outside our hotel at Oyster Bay.
Talks about the 2004 Tour have already begun with both South Africa and Thailand being discussed. It looks as though my next few years golfing holidays are already in the diary ……… but don’t tell my wife
Hyde Park Barracks - 50 Years ago - May 1953 he three Musketeers about to take part in a rehearsal for the Coronation of HM Queen Elizabeth II in late May 1953. Do you recognise them? All three are currently members of the Household Cavalry Association Dorset Branch.
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The photograph was taken on the veranda above 3 Troop stables, roughly between the current gymnasium and the Ceremonial Gate. Behind the veranda railing you can see the roof of the Riding School and five chimney stacks rising from the coal fired boilers which were used to make the daily hot feed.
The photograph above was taken in the WOs’ and NCOs’ Mess recently, showing Musketeers Pete Truslove, Big Nobby Clark, and Sam Keyworth reliving all their yesterdays. Can they be the same?
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The Household Division is to mark The Queen’s Golden Jubilee by presenting a stained glass window to Her Majesty for the newly refurbished Private Chapel in Buckingham Palace. The Major General looked at examples of work from a selection of stained glass designers with the Commander Household Cavalry and the Deputy Surveyor of The Queen’s Works of Art. A design by Mr Alfred Fisher was forwarded to the Senior Colonel for advice and approval. This has been received. A drawing is shown here with a description by the artist, and the window will measure 7ft 5ins by 4ft 8ins.
Alfred Fisher’s notes on the window design: The window is a celebration and should be seen as such. At the same time it is a permanent addition to the interior of the Chapel and has to relate to it without dominating it. This, together with the limited light, precludes the use of strong or heavy tones, yet there has to be rich and regal feel to the colour. A tapestry of colour is I think the best way to describe my solution. As to the subject matter, one of the major problems was to combined Royal symbolism with the need to express the religious element and is seemed to me that the strongest and most obvious link between the two lay in The Queen’s position as ‘Defender of the faith’. This is therefore the dominant theme, conveyed by the image of the cross and the inscription. The other main themes are the Accession, the Jubilee, Great Britain and the Commonwealth. The last fifty years have been a relatively peaceful and stable period, but at the time of The Queen’s Accession we were still in the aftermath of the war and suffering from it. The unexpected accession of the young Queen brought a spirit of optimism which I portray as a fresh flowering tree rising from the ruins of war. Among these can be seen Westminster Abbey and St Paul’s prominent above the rubble, and the river Thames. This has also given me the opportunity to introduce St George overcoming the forces of evil to complete the fairly sombre colours along the base. In the lighter central area below the cross I wanted to give prominence to the Commonwealth. The constituent nations can be marked (by a means to be decided) on the map of the
world. The glass used here would be soft varied pearl-like tints with far more luminosity than it is possible to convey in a watercolour. As a continuation of this theme I have included a group of figures of different races, not only to symbolize the Commonwealth but to the record the emergence of multi-cultural society in Britain during The Queen’s reign. The flanks of the design contain the warmest colours and act as a sort of frame to the centre. They are devoted to the constituent nations of Great Britain, symbolized by The Queen’s Beast and other devices. The combined badge of the Household Division is prominent to the lower right.
Past and present members of the Household Cavalry are invited to subscribe to the cost of this gift to our Colonel-in-Chief by sending their donations without delay to: Regimental Adjutant Headquarters Household Cavalry, Horse Guards, London, SW1A 2AX Cheques should be made out to “The Silver Stick’s Fund”. The names of all our donors of amounts greater that £5 will be recorded in a book to be presented with the window. The amounts will, of course, not be detailed.
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Household Cavalry Regiment
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