Colonel-in-Chief: Her Majesty The Queen
Colonel and Gold Stick: Major General Lord Michael Fitzalan Howard, GCVO, CB, CBE, Me.
Lieutenant Colonel Commanding Household Cavalry; Colonel J.G. Hamilton-Russell, MBC Commanding Officer: Lieutenant Colonel V.A.L. Goodhew, MBE
by THE COMMANDING OFFICER - Lt Col V. A L. GOODHEW, MBE
The Regiment has just completed its second year back at Windsor in the Medium Reconnaissance role and inevitably a great deal of time has been spent on consolidating our reconnaissance skills, whilst strengthening our links within 5th Airborne Brigade.
It has been a busy year with opportunities to work hard and play hard and these have been enthusiastically grasped by everyone. Regular exercise with 5th Airborne Brigade culminated in a major FTX, Exercise Purple Victory, in November, when the Regiment, less C Squadron which was converting from Fox to Scorpion, was flown into Northumberland which represented a distant British dependency. The exercise was conducted under distinctly wintry conditions with temperatures dropping to -8 0 C, but it was a first class test of our role and many lessons were learnt.
Our firing camp at Castlemartin in May was a great success and all the Squadrons achieved good gradings. Later in the year, in December, we were lucky enough to make use of some additional ammunition and Band C Squadrons had a second firing period at Lulworth, which gave us the opportunity to carry out additional recruit .firing for those who attended courses during the year.
Opportunities to take part in overseas exercises have been again sought and found. We had A and B Squadrons support troops in Belize for six months operating as a platoon under command of the 2nd Battalion Grenadier Guards, and they were followed by a troop which spent six months there in
our more traditional reconnaissance role. Two events however marred what would otherwise have been a very successful programme of exercises. The first being the appalling head injuries that LCoH Stiff received whilst on exercise in May with A Squadron. The second being the sad death of LCoH Willis whilst on exercise in Canada in August. The Regiment wishes to extend its deepest sympathies to LCoH Willis' wife and family, and prays for LCoH Stiff's fu II recovery.
Ceremonial duties do not tend to enter too much into our lives at Windsor but during 1985 the Regiment provided a dismounted street lining contingent of 120 All Ranks for the State Visit of the President of Malawi to Windsor in April. The street lining commitment looks as though it will become a regular feature of life in the Windsor Regiment. In April, the Household Cavalry celebrated the 20th year since the granting of the Freedom of Windsor by parading through the streets in fine weather. The Mounted and Service Regiments made a fine spectacle and served as a timely reminder of the Household Cavalry's historical links with the town.
On the sporting side the accent has been our maximum involvement at all levels including interSquadron competitions in every major sport but this has not detracted from the traditional gladiators' achievements. Our Bisley team was once again in the first ten, winning the Falling Plates competition to the consternation of many of our infantry friends. Our rugby team reached the finals of the London District competition, only losing to the 1st Bn Coldstream Guards in extra time; whilst our novice boxing team won through to the London District finals. Finally, we have some notable individuals who have competed successfully through the year. 2Lt Mahoney has been selected for the 1988 Modern Pentathlon Olympic Squad after a very successful year. CoH Margan has represented the army and the Country in Fencing, and has every chance of a Commonwealth Championship place in 1986. Tpr Leeson was a junior Army Squash player this year and we are hopeful of continued success in the future.
The year ahead will be busy and challenging. B Squadron have just deployed to Cyprus for a six month tour with the UN. Both A and C Squadrons will get overseas exercises, with C Squadron doing an exchange visit in June with the 1/9 Cavalry at Fort Hood, Texas, and A Squadron exercising with 3 Commando Brigade for a month in Norway in the autumn. Meanwhile we shall continue to conform to 5th Airborne Brigade's role - in preparing for the unexpected !
For the majority of this year A Squadron has been the only tracked Squadron at Windsor. As a result we have had a velY busy year, not only supporting 5 AB Bde on all their major exercise, but also assisting many other Regular Army Units. C Squadron has now been converted to Scorpion so this should take some of the work load off us in the next year.
We started the year on Salisbury Plain on Exercise Quick Flash. The weather was so bad that we had problems recovering all our vehicles at the end of the exercise. We were then told that the snow was too deep for the containers to get to Westdown Camp so we had to drive back to Windsor.
We returned to the Plain again at the end of February in support of the 3rd Battalion Parachute Regiment. This involved two days sitting at the Air Mounting Centre at South Cerney, waiting for the weather to clear enough for PARA to air drop. Those who hoped to spend the whole exercise watching videos were disappoin ted and the rain stopped for just long enough to allow the Paras to land. Needless to say, when we deployed it had started raining again.
In March, we went to Otterburn to work with 40 Cdo RJ\JI. This was our first chance to support the Royal Marines and both Regiments learned much about each other. We spent a lot of time trying to warm up Commandos suffering from exposure. The terrain was certainly different. It was not uncommon to find a whole troop bogged in and the Samson recovery vehicle worked overtime. LCoH BeHringer made such an efficient job of his vehicle that it was only possible to extract it using an RAF Chinook. The exercise ended with a spectacular live firing dawn ambush from some high cliffs above a lake.
On our return from Otterburn we immediately began to prepare our vehicles for the Freedom of Windsor Parade and in two weeks all the ravages of the previous three exercises were painted over. The Squadron "Drill Pigs", led by SCpl Holbrook had a field day preparing two half companies for the Street Lining for the State Visit of the President of the Republic of Malawi. Considering that several of the Squadron had never been taught SLR drill, they did very well to achieve such a high standard on the day.
In May we carried out our annual firing at Castlemartin. This was a very successful week and credit must go to CoH Corser, LCoHs Williams and Bellringer and LCpl Allen for the very high standard of preparation of both men and equipment carried out at Windsor beforehand. The Squadron proved the most successful at the MATS (A) Low Level Air Defence shooting, with a total of six model aeroplanes being shot down. On the way back to Windsor, LCoH Stiff's Scorpion sadly rolled onto its turrent. He is still in hospital at Woolwich. His cheerful sense of humour is missed by all.
June was meant to be a quiet month, to be spent adventure training. However, we had most of the Squadron away on various trials and demonstrations all over the country. Those who were left behind spent the month preparing for the Bde Concen tration on Salisbury Plain in July. It was nice to get back to the Plain again after such a long absence! We spent the first week living half way up Sidbury Hill in some comfort. We carried out our troop training, threw hand grenades, passed our APWT and once again decimated the stocks of MATS (A) model aircraft. A lot of hard work paid off when 1 Troop (2 Lt Marks and CoH Corser) won the Regimental Troop Tests with the other 3 troops
doing very well. We then drove to South Cerney and, leaving our vehicles on the runway, went by bus to Fremington. Three quarters of the Squadron then set sail with the Squadron Leader for Lundy - or Devil's Island as it became known: more about this is written elsewhere. The less adventurous members of the Squadron, led by the 2IC and the SQMC, remained on the mainland and spent the daytime rock climbing, canoeing, sailing and sand yachting. The less said about the night time the better. Suffice to say it was a rather self-satisfied looking rear party who stood on the quay watching the lean, exhausted looking explorers returning from across the water.
We returned to South Cerney and to our great surprise, instead of only pretending to fly to Salisbury Plain for the Bde Exercise, we actually flew. The time of flight was just under 5 minutes but the loading and unloading from Hercules aircraft was a valuable experience. The exercise was rather more slow moving than those 'we were normally used to. Mr Clark tested the medical system by slicing a large gash in his thigh, which he did whilst trying to cu t down a stinging nettle with his new div.ing knife. Unfortunately for our budding photographers, who were seen diving for their cameras, Tpr Stanley was on hand and had the wound covned before a permanent record of the blood and gore vf battle could be obtained.
After block leave in August, we spent a week carrying out live firing attacks with 2 Para at Sennybridge in September. This was our part in the UK Home Defence Exercise, Brave Defender. In mid September, LCoH Wragg returned with 5 crewmen from 6 months in the Belize Armoured Car Troop. His local knowledge was invaluable and they returned having had a very worthwhile tour.
At the time of writing, the Squadron is preparing to go to Otterburn again with 5 AB Bde on their major out-of-area exercise of the year.
On the sporting fron t we have had some notable individual achievements. Tpr Gregory won the Junior Army Modern Pentathlon Championships. Tpr Leeson, who has been posted in from the Guards Depot, is the Army Under-19s Squash Champion and is preparing to defend his title. Tpr Wood was selected to play in the Army water polo team, but sadly injured his leg playing football and to our great deligh t we won the Regimental Corss Country competi tion.
Major PRL Hunter has handed over to Major AP De Ritter and goes to the Ministry of Defence. SCM Allen has handed over to SCM Stay and goes to Nottingham for his last 6 months. CoH Stephenson is luckiest of all and has gone to Zimbabwe for 6 months to help run a squadron of T-55s.
1985, to coin an bId phrase, was a busy year, packed with varied commitments and personality changes. Mr Assheton led a platoon, filled mostly from the· Squadron, to Belize for 6 months. They were attached to the Grenadier Guards and learned mainly infantry and assault pioneer skills, as well as helping to paint everything in sight blue - redblue! The platoon returned, much bronzed, in early April in time for Easter leave. Meanwhile a further Troop, under the command of Lt Cape, was training for the armoured reconnaissance role in Belize and finally left for a6 month tour in March.
April saw two big parades, as the Regiment and Squadron took part in the Freedom of 'Windsor Parade on 13 April and the State Visit of the Life President of Malawi on 16 April. The Squadron provided 2x 1/2 Companies of street liners under overall command of the Regimental 2IC, Major Ellery, who took all the street liners for an exhausting run early in the morning of the parade!
The first half of iVlay was taken up with gunnery training and general preparation for annual firing at Castlemartin. The Squadron containered down to the ranges on 17 May, and conducted a very worthwhile and successful 10 days' firing, achieving a good 'B' grading.
Most of June was spent in barracks, preparing for the Airborne Forces Day Parade, which finally took place on Montgomery Square, Aldershot, on 6 July. Squadron Headquarters, No 1 Troop and Support Troop were on parade. It was a magnificent day - the weather was good and all troops within 5 Airborne Brigade took part in the parade. Immediately afterwards the Squadron joined the Regiment on Salisbury Plain for the Brigade Concentration until 20 July. We were able to complete Squadron and Regimental training, culminating in Troop tests. The Squadron then conducted a road move and navigation exercise to Fremington, North Devon. The Guards Adventure Training Wing were most helpful in providing instructors and equipment for everyone to rock-climb, sail, land-yacht, windsurf, pot-hole and canoe. Although the weather was a little wet, it was great fun and we containered back to Windsor on 24 July in time for block leave in August.
In September, the Squadron took part in the final stages and grand finale of Exercise Brave Defender, which was a Home Defence exercise based on Stanford Training Area. Later in the month, an umpire team consisting of Mr Assheton, CoH Gilbert and LCpl Lindsay, monitored an exercise in Turkey for 3 weeks, during which time CoH Gilbert's Landrover had an accident with a Turk. The Landrover was 'A'Titten off, and fortunately CoH Gilbert only suffered a broken arm.
The remaining period of the year consisted of an out-of-area 5 Airborne Brigade exercise in Otterburn, Northumberland, at the beginning of November, followed by preparations for Cyprus training, which started on 25 November and culminated in a second successful annual firing period in December, this time at Lulworth. The Squadron then went on preembarkation leave and left for Cyprus 6 ---.: 2D January 1986, for a6 month UN tour.
Amongst many personnel changes, SCM Rennie handed over to SCM Cusick in January 1985, prior to his posting to BMATT Zimbabwe. Major Sampson succeeded Major Hon Adderley as Squadron
Leader in February. In April SQMC Cruddance handed over to SQMC Flory, who in turn handed over to SQMC Lodge in Noveplber and is now the SCM of the Mounted Squadron. Mr Oswald was posted to the Guards Depot in April, to be replaced by Mr MitfordSlade, who arrived in May in time for annual firing. The Squadron 2IC, Capt Marlow-Thomas, left the Army in August and is now working for Bass Charrington Breweries, where he is currently managing 24 pubs! Capt Dyson returned from Operation Raleigh and took over as 2IC. Mr SmythOsborne, presently reading for a degree at St Andrews University, joined the Squadron for the Brigade Concentration, and became very much aB Sqn man. Lt Cape returned with his Troop from Belize and is now at Melton Mowbray attending the Long Equitation Course. CoHs Wise and Lewis were posted to the Guards Depot and Royal Yeomanry respectively and CoH Gilbert is now SQMC of the Mounted Squadron. Finally Major Sampson handed over to Major Bayley in October, who has taken the Squadron to Cyprus.
On the sporting front, the Squadron excelled themselves by winning the Athletics and Boxing Competitions and coming second in the Swimming Competition.
5 Airborne Brigade, Chinook, airlifting B Sqn durin, Brigade concentration
Sadly not everything nor everyone has beer mentioned, but in conclusion, 1985 has beer ex tremely busy, variable and great fun. No doub 1986, which will be spent mostly in Cyprus, wil have its variable amusements.
In the last year we have changed our role three times. In January we were using Ferret Scout Cars; during the spring we moved back to Windsor and to Fox (CVRW); and by the autumn we had changed our mounts yet again, this time to Scorpion (CVRT).
At the end of last year the Squadron was in Cyprus as part of the UN Force, and the climax of the tour was the presentation of our hard-earned medals. The parade was amost marred by a singular lack of these medals, but with a great deal of shuffling and sleight of hand, everyone was presented with one, even though it may have already been presented to one if not two other people further up the line!
In February, the Squadron returned to Windsor. After a spell of leave we returned to our Fox (CVRW) and the problems of 30mm gunnery, maintenance and Home Defence.
Our first exercise was on Salisbury Plain, acting as medium recce for the Combat Team
Command Course. As usual the weather was bad and the Fox had problems in the very sticky conditions. The advance was regularly slowed down because so many vehicles became bogged in the bad area around Imber Village, but with a good deal of sweat and a considerable amount of digging, the exercise continued.
May found us preparing for annual firing.
CoB J eram and his team of instructors had a mammoth task to ensure the Squadron was ready for our first gunnery assessment. Their hard work won through and after an enjoyable week in Wales, we achieved a very respectable 'B' grade.
After our week at gunnery camp, 2 Troop and A Sqn Support Troop were detached to demolish two old cottages with explosives which belong,ed to 2Lt Griffin. The buildings were prepareCl and blown, resulting in a rather large crater. Meanwhile the rest of the Squadron had driven to South Carney to spend two days learning how to prepare our CVRW for
transporting by aeroplane. This involved much checking of levels of all fluids and the removal of anything loose on the outside of the vehicle. These new skills were used by 3 Troop later in the year when they were airlifted during an exercise at Thetford. Unfortunately the rest of the Squadron has not yet had the opportunity.
July was spent on SPT A with the rest of 5 Airborne Brigade. The exercise started with troop training and tests, followed by squadron manoevres. In mid July we left our vehicles and went to the Brecon Beacons for an exercise organised by Capt Graham. The exercise involved a 24 hour march across the Beacons in which teams of five men had to move on quickly between two points which were 38 miles apart and via several checkpoints, all of which were on the tops of mountains. CoH Blunt and his team made a gallant attempt to reach all checkpoints but finished one short. For most people it was enough just to reach the destination via the shortest route.
The Squadron returned to the Plain with somewhat tender feet and where for once everyone was pleased to be back on our vehicles for a 3-day exercise with the Scots Guards. The exercise was followed by a route march to Fremington in Devon where we spent an enjoyable week in adventure training. The activities were numerous and included windsurfing, sailboarding, land-yachting, canoeing, sailing, horse riding and deep-sea fishing. The deepsea fishing was a novel exeprience for most of the soldiers, who enjoyed it immensely, with the exception of L/CoH Stanworth and Tpr Poynter who never quite managed to find their sea legs. As a consequence, there tended to be more bait floating on the waves than beneath them. Horse-riding was
CoH Evans, Tprs Parkin and Sheer preparing 2Lt Griffin's cottage for explosives
another popular past-time, which had some quite hilarious moments. One such moment was L/CoH Renshaw, who on being asked whether he could ride, replied that he was very compettnt. He was then given a sligh tly difficult horse which proceeded to run off with him grimly clinging on and looking rather pale. To the experienced eye, it was obvious he had never even sat on a horse before. Eventually he was rescued and when asked why he had originally stated his competence on a horse, he said that he though t the question was referring to his prowess on a motorbike! "Ve returned from Fremington and spent August on block leave.
On our return from Exercise Brave Defender in September, we took in hand the task of preparing our Fox for the changeover to Scorpion CVRT. A very welcome change and well worth the hard work which was put in by all, especially the LAD. We also had to carry out conversion training which gave us a tight schedule, but we managed to deploy on our first exercise in early October. It was a five-day exercise split into two parts. The first part was two days familiarization training with our Scorpions, followed by three days spent assisting the All Arms Tactics Course. During the second phase we had the pleasure of being commanded by Major ForbesCockell, one of the course students, and who happened to take over command of the Squadron six weeks later!
The whole Regiment was due to deploy to Otterhurn for two weeks to take part in Exercise Purple Victory, but unfortunately C Sqn was not
required, so we had our own exercise for a week on SPT A yet again. The Scorpion performed very well and we had no major breakdowns.
The hierarchy of the Sqn has changed greatly since the last edition of The Acorn. SCM Mead handed over to SCM Saunders, Capt The Hon Watson returned from the Falklands to replace Capt PerryWarnes as Sqn 2IC. All the troop leaders and CoHs
have changed except CoH Jeram, who feeling left out, went to Australia for four months but arrived back in December in time to join us at Lulworth for our conversion firing.
Finally we have said goodbye to Major Vetch and SCM Saunders, to both of whom we wish the very best for the future. They have been replaced by Major Forbes-Cockell and SCM Belza.
Instead of the usual Orderly Room Notes this year, we have decided to write a column of a different kind. After all, I am sure you are aware of what we've been doing, and how busy the year has been. (201,000 photocopies produced so far!)
The main event of the year was the relay race from Knightsbridge to Windsor, against th(' Clerks of the Household Cavalry Regiment. We raise a a toud of £200.05p for the Army Benevolent Fund. Our teams comprised the Chief Clerk, CoH Carrington, LCoH Lewis, LCoH Snow, Tpr Coker, Tpr Hale, LCpl Bishop, Tpr Lawes, Tpr Gollings and LCoH Rosborough, who also dre"v the posters and collected money for Blesma. \\le came second, despite Tpr Coker taking a "short cut" down the M25!
Anyone who visits the Orderly Room will have noticed that one or two walls have been removed, and a door has mysteriously appeared where a door has never been seen before. This (so we're told) is due to a reorganisation programme taking place throughout the Army to prepare for the arrival of Pampas, the computer terminal which will give direct access to soldiers' records of service. However, it has been rumoured that it was to enable the Orderly Room to listen to SQMS Middleton's RAPC oration of Raleigh exploits without having to "down tools", which is far more probable.
The Chief Clerk has recen tly returned from an animal psychology course, which was a lastminute emergency measure to try and deal with the growing demands on his "dog management". Our current establishment includes 3 Labradors and the occasional visit by itinerant mutts. Despite his newfound knowledge he is still going grey at an alarming rate and even after long emotional sessions on his couch, his patients still leave their parting gifts on the Orderly Room floor.
I have been asked to write a few lines on the subject of dyslexia in the Orderly Room. The boss says "We isn't as fik as wot you lot reckin we am". However, we do realise that there is a problem!
On the manning side of life, we have said goodbye to W02 Walsh, CoH Roberts, CoH Carrington (who is going on his 6-month sabbatical to Cyprus with B Sqn). LCoH Davis has returned from his expeditions in the Middle East, LCoH O'Daly and LCoH O'Neill are back (again). In addition to the dog section, we now have a WRAC attached. At present WPte Caulfield is away on a driving course, LCpl Willis is standing in for her as Orderly Room glamour puss!
The Orderly Room staff is:
W02 (ORQMC) Radford
CoH (ORCoH) Tomkins
LCoH O'Daly
LCoH Davies
LCoH Snow
Dog Section: Oliver Ben and Barney.
If 1984 was the year of the Evacuee Handling Centre, then 1985 has been the year of The Cherry Beret and the EHC! Major Graham passed P Company, took over responsibility for the EHC and his head gear immediately proved diplomatically successful with our operational masters. The other members of the Squadron hierarchy have also changed. SCM Lee, as the tallest, leanest and meanest W02, was perhaps the obvious match for our new giant leader. Major Payne left us to filO his Lulworth estates and was replaced by that famous ranger from Pirbright, Captain Lumb, who had led the Shooting Team to unprecedented victories.
RQMC Lloyd was invited back to the i'vliddle East as RCMI of the Liaison Team in Kuwait, six years after the Ayatollah had so rudely in terrup ted his previous tour. RQMC Mead, that other Middle Eastern veteran, came over a year from C Squadron, which SCM Saunders inherited, before moving on to MVEE as RCM in the New Year. Lt Knowles found his skills as RCM of JLR RAc fully tested when he took over W02 Milne and MT Troop for a year before succeeding the Yeomanry-bound Captain Leigh ton in Tech. RQMC(E) Daysmith handed over to W02 Land whose physical resemblance to a much-admired cartoon swashbuckling pirate perhaps accounts for his nautical feats recorded elsewhere. SCpl Byrne inherited the largest SQMC's store and echelon with the least manpower from SCpl Flory, who has followed Major Sampson to B Squadron and latterly HCR, while SCpl Powell and Captain Boldero have been rivalling the BBC's World Service with global broadcasts as they reintroduce HF.
Mr Slater handed over the demanding job of keeper of the Adjutant, as well as The Regiment to Mr Kelly in July and his enormous black labrador dog Ben, a canine bruiser if ever there was one is now taking Captain Waterhouse's puppy Barney (named after the Adjt RHG/D!) in paw, like the brace of
bulldogs on Tom and Jerry! The Adjutant's PA ORQMC vValsh's successor W02 Radford has found his previous job with the SAS and has expert reinforcement from the Asst Adjutant Mr Cherrington.
As ,ever, the Squadron has deployed nationwide in support of the Regiment and has usually simultaneously been in charged of the EHC, for which it is not established! The new ex-IG Brigadier Corbett's initial visit preceded an April week which saw the Freedom of Windsor Parade and the President of Malawi's State Visit. May saw us in Pembrokeshire for a week followed by a weekend at Chepstow as the Regiment drove home. Our SE District Commander, General Howlett, paid us a farewell visit in June before we hosted the Regimental Association and ran the Open Day. July was spent on Salisbury Plain where again we were stretched between support for the Regiment and Evacuees. After block leave in August, we split between Sennybridge and Stanford on Exercise Brave Defender, returned in time to bid farewell to Major General Commanding the Household Division, and at the time of writing are poised to perform our now well-rehearsed and demanding double act in Northumberland on Exercise Purple Victory.
Men tion must also be made of our PTI SSI Bryan who has encouraged our athletic progress that has been the highlight of this year. Our gladiators have won Rugby, Soccer, Basketball, Cricket, the CFT and Tickle competitions, Fishing, Swimming and Cross Country. We slipped to second in Athletics when several of our stalwarts were away on the Cyprus Walkabout, but hope to reassert ourselves at Boxing.
So the hallmark of Major Graham's year as Squadron Leader has been fitness, and we hope the dividends that have been its reward will continue to be paid regimentally when he takes over as Adjutant.
1985 has been a year of change for the LAD. During the last 12 months, the majority of our rank and file have been posted, to be replaced by keen and eager (?) young faces. W02 (AQMS) Duty was posted in April and he is now the ASM of 26 FD Regt RA Wksp. We bid him a sad farewell and all of us wish him every success with the Gunners! He will be much missed, not least for his lively wit and humour. We welcome W02 (AQSM) Menage as his replacement.
SSgt Sayers arrived in January, keen and enthusiastic, but not young of face! He has gripped A Sqn Fitter Section to such an extent that he is now known to all as Rambo Sayers. Our other two artificers, SSgts Neal and Bailey, left in September to be replaced by Ssgts Simpson and Rose.
Sgt Whelan is worthy of a special mention. He retires having completed his 22-year engagement and a record 6 years in Windsor - full tours with both The Life Guards and The Blues and Royals.
The year started well with C Sqn returning from 6 months in Cyprus. We were all glad to see them back in the fold again and promptly told them to get on with the job and sort their rusting Foxes out.
We were besieged in the early part of the year with a host of short Sqn-sized exercises. The Phantom Bugles and Quick Flashes are now common names and they represent one another with amazing regulari ty. On the first such exercise in January, snow conditions were so bad that Freightliner was unable to transport the containers to Warminster. In the end, the Squadron had to drive back (much to the horror of all REME cap badges).
The first Regimental ou in came in May when we departed for .-\nnual firing. The destination was once again Cast;emanin and as usual, while some packed their fishing rods, ome_ dreamed up reasons why they had to \'isit their "e\ h relatives. Not wanting to be outdone. did a quick flanker and went to Japan with the Irish Rugby Team. He returned a month later \\ith sian e eyes. straight black hair and utterings of ".-\h So."
Firing went well and at the ene. 0; the camp the Regiment completed a drive back to \\'indsor. Tales of the ASM pulling his hair alit and spending long sleepless nights as he did not only his own job but EME's as well, are not without foundation.
June was spen t trying to find Engines and _I jor Assemblies to put the Regiment back on the after the trek from Castlemartin. By July we still hadn't found any and we departed for the Brigade Concentration wondering just how long we could -eep going. It somehow worked and we managed _ather better than expected. In fact, our serviceability during this exercise was the best since returning from E.-\OR.
August brought a sigh of relief as we all '::eparted for leave. LSgt McCabe was, however, intent staying in uniform and he took himself off to _-\merica where he furthered his battle re-enactment ::1terests and took part in the Battle of Cedar Mountain \·irginia, circa American Civil War, 1862.
The months of September and October were :nainly taken up with inspections and VIP visits. At :he time of going to press, we are heavily involved ,,\-ith PRE, after which comes Exercise Purple Victory :lnd then perhaps we can enjoy the Christmas festivities.
LSgt McCabe participating in the re-enactment of the Battle of Cedar Mountain
The severity of the winter unfortunately affectcd Win tel' Camps, with troops being .forced to do most of their exercise on the roads. However, in all cases, the social life lived up to expectations and Sopley once again proved an excellent holiday resort. Likewise, the Winter Training Troop at Melton Mowbray had to fight against the weather to keep the Hunters fit. The well-being of the horses throughout the season was a tributc to Capt Hopkins, LCoH Mills and their team of very hard working men.
The Summer Ceremonial Season began at Windsor on 13 April with a sedate walk around the town, accompanied by the Combined Bands of The Life 'Guards and The Blues and Royals and Armoured Contingents from both. The parade marked the twen tieth anniversary of the Regiment being given the Freedom of Windsor.
Two days later, Major D'Ambrumenil, the Squadron Leader, commanded an escort for Dr Hastings Banda, the Life President of Malawi. The escort was not a success. To begin with, Dr Banda arrived over an hour late, a fact diplomatically overlooked in the press, and the Regiment was left
standing on Home Park unable to move. It was a hot day and the undercurrel1t of warm feeling felt for such distinguished guests was somewhat lacking. The troops perked up a bit when it seemed that Major D'Ambrumenil was going to fall off his horse as a result of the swirling of the President's fly switch. After this inauspicious start the escort moved off and the "who dares knock Major Ellery over" competition started. There was no winner and Major Ellery, in command of the street liners, stood his ground defian tly and, in the circumstances, very bravely. On reaching the Two Brewers, one of the horses in the last carriage broke its trace, turned the carriage round and headed back at speed the fourth division who were bringing up the rear. Fortunately, before carnage ensued, it was brought under control, but less fortunately, the division had been separated from the escort. The Kings Troop panicked and set off up the long walk without waiting, thus exacerbating the confusion. Colonel D'Oyly's language deteriorated further than normal as he anticipated what he would do to the missing divisional Commander. However, everything sorted itself out and judging from his face on television that night, Dr Banda seemed to be enjoying his visit.
The rest of the season was less eventful. The Regiment returned to London on 17 April to prepare for the Major General's annual inspection, a parade which, in the end, went well after some exciting rehearsals featuring Capt Sunnucks' encounter with "terra firma". The Birthday Parade came and went without a hitch; nobody fainted on the Garter Ceremony two days later and then it was out to grass for the majority of the horses and a much deserved leave for the men.
Trooper Laing waiting for his horse prior to going on Queen's Life Guard
On return, there was a slightly rushed programme to prepare the horses for Summer Camp, but everything went according to plan and we arrived at Sopley in Hampshire on 27 August with high expectations.
The Riding Master stated that the standard of riding and horesmanship was the best he had seen for some time, and this was due to the hard work put in by all ranks throughout camp. The Junior Ranks Hunter Trial, attended by the Colonel of the Regiment, was proof of this as the horses rewarded the care and attention given them with some ou tstanding performances. Previously considered "plugs" got round and the majority of the young horses showed potential. LCpl Kearns and LCpl Reid won the pairs and Tpr Brown won a hotly contested individual prize. A barbecue and sing-song followed, together with the now annual ritual of "troughing" the officers. Tpr Morris, with the help of a few drinks
inside him, did a dance more suited lO :i:e jungle than a Life Guards' party and Tpr DeH1npon achieved notoriety with an impressive monologue about a lion.
The Open Day, attended :>y moer 7000 people, was dominated by 1 Troop. Lr fraser \'ion the Senior Ranks Show Jumping: L: fraser, CoH Dobson, LCpl Kearns and Tpr Hodde:- \\Oon rhe ream jumping and LCpl Kearns just bear LeoH .:\ orgrove for the Junior Ranks prize. CoH Scoe came second in the tent pegging and was again bearer. inw second place by Capt Hewi tt in the Sword, Lance 2nd Re\"olver Competition. Troop stalls made enough money for the subsequent troop parties and The Blues and Royals Squadron made up for pre\Oiou;; defeats by winning the fancy dress competition.
The final days of camp were hectic, with the Senior and Junior Ranks Hun tel' Trials on consecu tive days, preparation for the ride back and an NCOs' Mess Review to which the officers were invited. An entertaining evening from beginning to end, especially noteworthy performances were put in by CoH Wilson impersonating first CoH Carter and then CoH Loftus; Capt Hoskins, the Compere who fell off the stage in a drunken stupor and did not reappear; and CoH Martell, whose impersonation of the Commanding Officer has apparently earned him a posting to the Falkland Islands.
The Senior and Junior Ranks Hunter Trial took place over a well-built and twisting course, designed to slow down the more reckless speed merchants. There were some exciting rounds with the eventual winners, LCoH Norgrove on the ever-faithful Dettingen and Tpr Weller on Invader, beating LCpl Kearns and Tpr Morris. Our highest placing in the Senior Ranks Competition was second by CoH Wilson and CoH Hawkins. Lt Fraser and CoH Dobson came fourth and Capt Sunnucks and CoH McDermott fifth.
Major D'Ambrumenil left the Squadron in October to take up a posting at Bovington and Capt Hewitt has left for JDSC before returning to London as Staff Captain. We wish them the best of luck.
We welcome Major Samson to the Squadron and anticipate with some trepidation the arrival of Capt Waterhouse in January.
To conclude, here is an ex tract from Alexander Chancellor's column III The Sunday Telegraph:
Trooper Checklin looking not dissimilar to his usual turnout for Queen's Life Guard
"I was talking last week to a former Life Guard who would take off his boots at the end of a shift to find them full of suggestive notes deposited there by admirers of both sexes. For their endurance of such indignities The Life Guards deserve the highest praise."
This year the hierarchy of the Musical Ride was headed by two Life Guards: Capt Hewitt was the Ride Officer and Capt McKie the Riding Master. CoH Mead RHG/D helped the Ride Officer with all the administration which is plentiful when it comes to moving 25 horses, 32 men and all the equipment around the country.
After much preparation in the winter months, which included choosing horses and men, we then underwent a fairly intense period back in the riding school to iron out any bad habits which may have arisen during the last ceremonial season.
The Riding Master then put together and choreographed a splendid show which was practised relentlessly for a couple of months before the season started and was finally approved by the Major General after his inspection of the Regiment. While this was happening, Capt Hewitt and CoH Mead were travelling the country, preparing the way for the Ride. There are 101 points to consider on a reece, but the majority of the time is taken up with finding suitable accommodation for both horses and men. This varied considerably from show to show, and ranged from a tent or cow shed to proper stabling, but in all cases turned out to be fun, if not always absolutely comfortable.
The hot weather at the end of May greeted us in the south country when we arrived at our first venue: the Devon County Show. The four days spent there went extremely well and boosted our confidence enormously. The herdsman's marquee was the venue for some marvellous evening's entertainment and on one occasion every conceivable breed of animal represented at the show was brought into the marquee - our contribution was the Drum Horse and Capt Hewitt.
From Exeter we headed north to Northern Ireland, up to Stranraer then across to Larne by ferry - ajourney through the night which meant that the horses spent nearly 20 hours in their boxes. Apart from some rather oppressive Celtic Football Club supporters on the ferry our reception in NI was extremely warm, and this warmth continued throughout the week-long stay at Balmoral Show ground. We organised our own bar, which soon became the centre of all social gatherings. We also made good friends with a number of models, who were modelling in a theatre on the Show ground.
Troopers Topp and Edginton upside down during a performance of the newly formed Activity Ride
Derby County Show was the next stop and the rain which plagued us in NI continued to do so in Derby. The Show organiser failed to fully appreciate the difficulties of taking horse boxes and vehicles on and off a very muddy show ground, and because of this there were tail-backs of :5 miles leading to and from the ground. Mr Colin Barton accommodated all men and horses in his farm and looked after us extremely well, turning what could have been a disaster into a fun ending to a successful 3-week tour.
We came back to London for the Queen's Birthday Parade and stayed in town for the Royal Tournament, where we demonstrated cavalry drill dressed in period and present-day uniform twice a day for 3 weeks. Capt Hewitt was also St George and had to fight a dragon for the same period of time and finally realising that a lance was not the weapon to defeat such a beast managed to shoot it on the last night.
After the Tournament we had a number of engagements around London before going down to the New Forest for Summer Camp, where we performed at the Household Cavalry Open Day at Sopley. We ended a very enjoyable season with a performance at Romsey Horse Show before riding back to London.
1985 has proved, once again, to be a very busy year for the Band. Not one week has passed without an engagement and some weeks have been absolutely packed solid. For instance, in one 16-day period in June, we performed at no less than 17 engagements involving Mounted Band, Concert Band, Dance Bands and Trumpeters! Of course, that was an exceptional period, but we seem to be getting more and more 'exceptional periods' each year.
It would take too long to catalogue ALL of our engagements, so here are just some of the more memorable ones. On 18 March we had the good fortune to be asked to play at the Royal Film Premiere of 'A Passage to India' in the presence of HJ\!l The Queen Mother and other members of the Royal Family. This took place in the Odeon Cinema, Leicester Square and involved the Band coming up on the lift normally used for the organ. Her Majesty had chosen some of the music to be played before the film, and it was gratifying to hear her say, after the show, that she had recognised some of it!
We had our annual inspection by the Lieutenant-Colonel Commanding, prior to accompanying Guard Mounting on Horse Guards on 2 April. It was a gloriously sunny day and the Band acquitted themselves well before a large and appreciative audience.
Soon after this we had the Freedom of Windsor Parade and the State Visit, within four days. For the Freedom Parade ,ve combined with the Band
of The Blues and Royals to form a large mounted Band. Indeed, the size of the Band together with the narrowness of the streets of Windsor was not altogether to the liking of the Musicians - or to the horses - and various adventures were experienced by both.
Four days after this we took part in the State Visit of The Life President of Malawi. This was unusual in several respects. Bcause we were to march the Regiment into position as Street Liners, it was decided that we should be dressed the same as the Regiment, in No 2 Dress. This meant that, of the five Bands involved in the State Visit, ours was the only one NOT in ceremonial uniform. Another 'First' for The Life Guards!
Our next major engagement was the Windsor Horse Show where we are normally the House Band. However, as 1985 was the Tercentenary of several of our sister Cavalry Regiments, it was decided to include in the programme a Mounted Ride Past by members of the various Regiments, accompanied by the Massed Bands of The Life Guards, 1st Queen's Dragoon Guards and the 5th Inniskilling Dragoon Guards. The weather had been very good for the Show until the great day itself, when the heavens opened. The result was that we marched into position in Dismounted Review Order, in front of HJ\!l The Queen, in four inches of wet, clinging mud! For once the order of the day was not 'Bend the knee!'.
Having endured the rains in Windsor, we should have been prepared for the 'monsoon' season which now descended upon us. The Annual Beating of Retreat by the Massed Bands of the Household Division took place in what seemed to be unending rain. On each of the three evenings of the Retreat we were drenched; indeed, we were so wet by the third evening that our riding cloaks were still damp from the previous evenings. As if this was not enough instead of doing the same display each evening, we had to alter it each time to satisfy the laid-down criteria! This Retreat was voted a resounding 'MISS' by all of the Band and most of the horses.
The Retreat started what was to be our 'silliest' season of the whole year - 17 engagements in 16 days. We had so many different types of task that the DOM's Orderly seemed to be carrying cabin trunks full of different uniforms. Normally the happiest day of the year for the Band is the day of The Queen's Birthday Parade. This is because we know that when it is all over, they can't make us do it again and that we can hand back all of those recalcitrant partners of ours - the horses! However, this year happened to be a Wembley Pageant year, so we had to keep our riding muscles in trim for a further week. Needless to say, all three performances in the Wembley Stadium were plagued by - RAIN!! Once again we were treated to the delights of wearing sodden cloaks and riding horses who were equally wet and miserable.
The rain seemed to be travelling all over the country with us, for when we went to Jersey for a week, we had to cancel two performances in the Howard Davis Park because of the weather, a very rare occurrence. And of course, when we played at Eastbourne they were having their wettest season for fifty years!
At the end of August we made a recording in the Band Practise Room in Combermere with the Cotswolds Male Voice Choir. This was very successful, even though the recording engineer complained all day of the 'tanks' rumbling past, and Concorde passing overhead! Every year, around Christmas time, we do a combined concert with this choir in Cheltenham' Town Hall, and the recording was a natural follow-up to this. Copies of the LP or cassette can be obtained from the Band Office, priced £5.49 plus 50p for post and packing.
On 1 October we played on the lawn of the Officer's House for a Cocktail Party. This came about through an oversight on the part of the DOM. \Alhen we were rehearsing for Open Day, one of the few places available for marching practise was the lawn. But while we were trundling up and down, we were spotted by the Commanding Officer who thought 'Wha ta good idea for a cock tail party', and so here we were. The giJests for the party included what seemed to be every officer in London District and their ladies. This made it a very high-powered occasion with the Colonel of The Regiment and the Major-General heading the list. However, with the help of a goodly supply of cocktails and the assistance of the Johnny Boldero Lighting Company, we managed to get away with it.
The next important event in the Band Calendar was making yet another record. On 26 November we went into the CBS Studios in London, this time without a choir. Once again, this LP or cassette can be obtained from the Band Office, priced the same as the choir record. This record is definitely one to get, if only for the marvellous cover.
After all this excitement, Christmas was easy - only five Carol Services in five days, as well as the Regimental commitments, including TWO brickhangings. We were glad when leave came, if only to give us an opportunity to sober up.
In the past year we have said farewell to several of the 'old and bold', the most senior being W02 Ron Lund, who left us for fresh woods and pastures new in the North East. Also making the leap into the unknown were LCpl Russ Redford, LCpl Phil Shaw and Musns Bougord, Jarvis, Mayo and Wade. To all of these former colleagues we wish good fortune in the wild outside, especially LCpl Shaw, who has transferred to the Band of The Scots Guards and deserves our special sympathy. We have welcomed, from the haven of culture and enlightenment, the Guards Depot, Musns Dry and Everatt, and from the Royal Tank Regiment, Musn Dare.
Another year gone, where do they go? However, we are looking forward to new challenges in the future. Perhaps we could fit in a few more engagements inJune. Who knows?
It has been a very eventful year for the Mess here at Windsor, with an additional workload due to the closing of Victoria Barracks and the unfortunate situation of the Knightsbridge Mess having to close for structural repairs.
January saw the return of C Sqn from another UN tour of Cyprus, and a dinner and disco were held to celebrate the occasion.
In March we held a "guest speaker night" which was very well attended and much enjoyedthanks to the oration of Mr Harry Carpenter, the sports commentator.
April saw the arrival of the Household Cavalry Regiment, and the Kings Troop RHA for a state visit and the renewal of the Household Cavalry Freedom of Windsor, for which the Mess held a cocktail party with great success due to the participation of all three contingents.
One of our extra curricular events in May was the Association Dinner of our sister Regiment, The Blues and Royals. It was a wonderful opportunity for a get-together of Mess members from both Regiments whose paths rarely cross, due to service in BAOR. The end of May saw the Mess move to Castlemartin for annual firing.
Although it was a cold start to Derby Day in June, we were met with a warm reception once again by our hosts the Household Cavalry Regiment. No fortunes were won or lost, but a good time was had by all. On 13 June the Band staged the most moving of concerts, which began on the Mess lawn and finished in the gymnasium, due to inclement weather. A memorable evening, rounded off with the '1812 Overture', accompanied by a firework spectacular for the finale - although Handel's 'Water Music' might have been more apt!
The Association Dinner on 15 June followed by Families Day on the 16th saw a large crowd in attendance for both events. We said goodbye to RCM Slater, who handed over to RCM Kelly.
Due to various commitments, the Summer Ball could not be held until the beginning of October. The combination of a splendid buffet, first rate entertainment and the superb effort in the way in which our ladies turned out, all went towards the making of an exceptional occasion, when dancing went on until the wee small hours of the morning.
We were pleased to hold the 2nd Household Cavalry Old Comrades Annual Dinner for the first time at Windsor, and various dinners were held for the Berkshire branches of the Scots and Coldstream Guards Associations.
The Christmas Season started with the Mess Draw, followed by a dinner for the Wives Club. The Carol Service at the Garrison Church was followed with hot mince pies and gluvine. Brickhanging this year fell on 19 December, one day earlier than the ceremony in London, so the more enthusiastic amongst us took the golden opportunity of supporting both functions.
We have said farewell to several Mess members including RCM Slater, RQMC(E) Daysmith, RQMC Lloyd, ORQMC Walsh, W02 Rennie, W02 Collins ACC, AQMS Duty and S/Sgt Stammer RAPC. We have welcomed to the Mess AQMS Menage, W02 Reed ACC, W02 Middleton RAPC, SCpl Collins and SCpl Bunyan.
The Senior Mess members are RCM Kelly, ASM Forsyth, RQMC Mead, RQMC(E) Land, OROMC Radford, SCMs Allen, Saunders, Cusick and Milne and Digney, AQMS Menage, SQMS Middleton RAPC and SQMS Reed ACC.
The Regiments of the Household Cavalry have had a long and happy association with the town of Windsor for over three hundred years. The Life Guards first accompanied King Charles II to Windsor in 1695 but it was not until 1804 that the Regiment took up permanent residence in the newly erected Cavalry Barracks. The Blues remained at Windsor until 1821 (their Depot was there whilst the Regiment participated in the Peninsular and Waterloo campaigns) when the Monarch laid down that they would rotate annually with the 1st and 2nd Regiments of Life Guards between Regents Park Barracks and Hyde Park Barracks in London and the Cavalry Barracks at Windsor. This tradition continues today with The Life Guards and The Blues and Royals alternating between Germany and Windsor, and the Household Cavalry Regiment (Mounted) stationed at Hyde Park Barracks. This close association with the
town was formally recognised on 8 May 1965, when the Mayor (Alderman John Goss), the Aldermen and Burgesses bestowed upon the Household Cavalry the privilege of the Freedom of the Royal Borough of Windsor. On that day a ceremony was held on the Home Park (Public) at Windsor before an estimated gathering of 15,000.
Both Regimental Bands, the two Mounted Squadrons from London and Scout Car Squadrons from The Life Guards and Royal Horse Guards participated, under command of Colonel D St J M Tabor, but it was unfortunate that owing to an outbreak of equine flu, the mounted squadrons had to march in dismounted review order. The Mayor presented an illuminated scroll (now on display in the Household Cavalry Museum) to the Colonel of The Life Guards (Admiral of the Fleet Earl Mountbatten of Burma) and Colonel of The Royal Horse Guards (Field Marshall Sir Gerald Templer) and then, after a ceremonial March Past, all Troops on parade marched through the town exercising their newly granted right of marching through the Royal Borough with 'Standards flying, drums beating and Bands and Trumpets playing'.
After the parade, The Mayor visited the Regiment at lunch at Combermere Barracks and
subsequently entertained the officers of the Household Cavalry at the Guildhall, where the Mayor presented silver cigarette boxes to each Regimen t and the Household Cavalry presented a silver rose bowl to the Royal Borough.
Freedom of Windsor Parade
A Sqn hierarchy - nice vehicle shame about the faces!
Twenty years later, the Household Cavalry were invited by the present Mayor (Councillor FA Robinson), now of the Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead, to exercise the right, conferred in 1965, to march through Windsor.
This invitation was willingly accepted and on 13 April 1985 the Household Cavalry, commanded by Colonel J G Hamilton-Russell, Lieutenant Colonel Commanding, marched through the town. The salute was taken by The Mayor, accompanied by both Colonels from a saluting base at the foot of Castle Hill. The parade comprised the Household Cavalry Regiment, on this occasion mounted, and Regimental Headquarters and two Armoured Car Squadrons of The Life Guards. The Blues and Royals, being stationed in Germany were only able to be represented by turret crews for one of the armoured car troops and by their mounted squadron of the Household Cavalry Regimen t.
On returning to Barracks, the parade was
drawn up in a hollow square and addressed by the Mayor who marked his and the borough's appreciation by presenting a number of barrels of beer for consumption by all those on parade. Subsequently the Mayor and the Officers of the Borough Council entertained the Colonels of the Regiments, the Lieutenant Colonel Commanding and all officers who had been on parade to luncheon in the Guildhall where he again emphasised the close links of The Household Cavalry with the Borough and marked this occasion by presenting an illuminated scroll, which is now displayed alongside the original scroll in the Household Cavalry Museum.
This parade was for the Household Cavalry a very real and positive manifestation of the close relationship we have enjoyed with the Borough for more than three centuries. It was an even t in which all who took part thoroughly appreciated the uniqueness of the occasion and were proud to have been involved.
The 1985 season has been reasonably successful, winning 2 out of every three matches played. A new sponsor, Benoist Ltd, very kindly gave generous support to the team this season.
The standard of 8 goal polo at Windsor remains very high, so for non military competitions we usually had a good civilian player in the team.
At the beginning of the season we reached the final of the Combermere Cup and the Committee Cup. Unfortunately the final of the latter was not played, as we are sure that we would have won! In the Inter-Regimental, due to the wealth of talent, we fielded 2 teams. The 'B' team played first against the Royal Green Jackets, beating them 9 - 0, but then lost to the 16/ 5L. Unfortunately, the same strong 16/5L team beat the 'A' team in the semi-final by 7 - 2.
1. Major PRL Hunter
2. Major CHN Graham
3. Captain IS Forbes-Cockel! Bk Capt JL Hewitt
'B'Team
1. Major SDG Vetch
2. LtJ Wordsworth
3. Captain The Hon MRM Watson 13k Captain AJ Watson
The 16/ 5L team included Major RCS Mahony RAPC (formerly SCOTS DG) and Sgt Brennan QRIH!
In the Captains and Subalterns we had more luck and, as holders, won the Trophy for the second year running. In three rounds we beat the Grenadier Guards, The Royal Wessex Yeomanry and the 14/20H by 3 - 2 in the final. The team for this was:
1.
2.
Captain AJ Watson 0
Captain The Hon MRM 'Watson -1 3. Captain CHN Graham 2
Captain Hewitt had little chance to practice for either competition but played particularly well. In Ascot week we fielded a 'Benoist' Medium Goal Team based on Charles Graham and his 5 goal brother Robert. This knocked out some very good teams before being beaten in the semi-finals. Watson played for the 'Saracens' whowon the low goal Archie David Cup which was a very good effort, as it is the main low goal competition in English polo.
In July we won a SSAFA Centenary match at Kirtlington and took the team to Tidworth for the first week of Regimental training on Salisbury Plain. After 3 hard matches, we won the Royal Hussars low goal Cup and returned to training!
Plans for August were severely disrupted by 3 weeks' ring-worm quarantine, which prevented any of the ponies from playing.
September looked up a little and Charles Graham again played in a 'Benoist' medium goal team for the Harrods Week. His play and ponies have improved considerably and we hope he will field or play in a good medium goal team nex t year.
The Guards Polo Club continues to support :Ylili tary polo to a large ex ten t and particular thanks are due to Majors Ronald Ferguson and Willie Lloyd for their help and encouragement. Major Lloyd retires as polo manager this year and his help over the last 12 years has been invaluable.
Finally, mention must be made of LCoH Walton and Tprs Terry, Rimmington and Hutchinson who helped with the ponies and did an excellent job. In the Royal Windsor Horse Show, LCoH Walton did extremely well to come 2nd in the ligh tweigh t section riding Major Hunter's "Marita".
The Life Guards have been well represented on the polo scene in Cyprus. During the last season, which started in September 1984 and went on until May 1985, there have been a half a dozen officers playing regularly. Many, like myself, have started from scratch - never having been allowed to venture on to the hallowed turf of Smith's Lawn. Cyprus is an ideal place to start playing polo, as the standard is not all that high and chukkas are fairly lighthearted. A hard tan surface makes the game very interesting, especially when you lose sight of the ball in the swirling dust.
To mark the end of the season and to say goodbye to the President of the Cyprus Polo Association, Major General Sir Desmond Langley, KCVO, MBE, Commander British Forces Cyprus, a final evening match was played in June.
The President picked his team from the wealth of talent available amongst Life Guards Officers selving in Cyprus, namely himself and
Capts Scott, Faulkner and Kisielewski-Dunbar. The opposi tion, headed by Lady Langley, was formidable even if they were all female. Lady Langley's team were given a 2Y2 goal handicap to even things out. However, at the end of the first chukka the girls lead had shot to 4Y2 to O. Our honour was now very much at stake and we clearly needed a pep talk from the Team Captain, Capt Scott. He must have done some good as we equalized by the end of the second chukka and then stormed to victory with a win by 6 goals to 4Y2.
For those going to Cyprus this winter for a UN tour, polo is a must. Chukkas are played twice a week, on Tuesdays and Thursdays, and people from the UNFICYP Scout Car Squadron are always made extremely welcome. The cost is minimal (about £2 for an afternoon's polo). If you want to learn, or can play already, contact Major GTR Birdwood RHGjD, the Polo Captain in HQ British Forces Cyprus.
Motto: Divers do it deeper!
The club has enjoyed several mixed fortunes this year, not least the very sad loss of LjCoH Allan Willis, who was an invaluable and extremely popular member of the club. He will be sorely missed.
There has not been as much diving this year as normal, due to the very busy year had by the Regiment. However, we still managed to secure our almost-annual trip to the sun, sea and sand. This year's venue was a trip to Gibraltar.
Accordingly, we set off for Admiral's Cottage under Capt Stewart, the expedition leader, and CoH Wise, the diving officer. It was rather a mixed bag that travelled in early March, consisting of 9 Life Guards, 2 members of the Household Cavalry Regiment, who happened to be good for morale, since they were both Blues, and Cpl Lodge (REME) a former member of the club now posted in Germany. Unfortunately for Tpr Goodwin, one of the team members, the night before flying he managed to slip and hit his jaw on a sink unit. He was declared fit to travel, but on arrival in Gibraltar, his jaw had swollen to gigantic proportions which, fortunately for us, precluded him from even speaking! Much to his disappointment, the only diving he then managed to do was between the sheets of a hospital bed with his broken jaw wired up and a pair of pliers in case of emergencies.
The weather also managed to conspire against us, keeping the diving mostly close in to the shore
due to the rough sea. In spite of this setback, we managed to get in some good diving and some valuable training for our novices.
There was one amusing moment which concerned CoH Wise, albeit not amusing for him, when he purported to have just escaped the clutches of a 'blue shark'!?! However, it should be remembered that even fishermen of this world run a close second to divers when it comes to the size of a fish which nearly got them.
The more experienced divers amongst us managed to get in a cave dive with a difference. Within the Rock of Gibraltar itself are several caves which were used as ammunition bunkers, but are now filled with sea water, with a layer of fresh water on top. As can be imagined, there was no light other than from our torches as we explored the dark beauty of the surrounding rock formations - an unforgettable experience.
The club looks forward to 1986, unfortunately without CoH Wise who is now posted to Pirbright. His mantle has now been passed to SCpl Read, who with a bit of luck and a quiet period, may be able to organise some equally exciting dives. Remember that the club needs your support, and is always open for new membership. Any experienced divers are especially welcomed.
1985 was quite a quiet year for The Life Guards in the Orienteering World. Out of the original team, from which we did so well in the previous year, only 3 members are now left. This has had a considerable effect as it is hard to generate new talent into a sport which relies entirely on the ability to read a large scale map and skill to navigate on the run.
The year started in March with the East District Championships. A team was selected, entered and subsequently qualified for the UKLF Championships.
Ten days later the team continued the motion in the London District meet and took second place in the Major Unit category. CoH Blunt had an exceptional run in the B Course in which he came 3rd.
From this point on, due to postings, courses and 'the Pressure', the team started to lose its most experienced members.
A welcome rest
By the time the UKLF Championships came round, the team consisted of two or three Orienteers and a handful of runners who were very fast and fit but unfortunately lacked the experience of the Orienteer. Although a great effort was made by all, the lack of experience showed through and the team was disqualified.
No more events were entered until six months later when Capt Worts RAPC and myself, LCoH Snow, took part in the East District Service league event in October in which Capt Worts, on the B course, came 9th.
The next and final event of the year was the Brigade Competition on 5 December. The Regiment came 4th overall and a very impressive run was had by Lt Mitford-Slade in achieving 12th position.
During the course of the year the following personnel were awarded their Regimental Colours: SjSgt Bryan APTC, CoH Blunt, LCoH Ormerod, LCoH Snow, LCpl Knowles and LCpl Wilkinson.
The Regimental team lost several of its best players before the summer tournaments began. Lt Ellis left for civilian life, Maj Stewart was inevitably playing at Army level and Maj Hylton, our educator, was deemed ineligible by unsporting opponents who considered that his RAEC cap badge did not constitute guest appearances for The Life Guards' team.
There is an excellent tennis court in Combermere Barracks, behind the Officers' Mess, which is primarily used by the Officers. There are a further two courts for our use on the sports field, but for reasons unknown, tennis is not a sport with a wide following in the Regiment and these courts are not regularly played on. This is also a pity, because after much persuasion, the QM purchased two dozen new tennis balls. He has reluctantly released half a dozen of these balls to the Adjutant for his use, but still insists upon keeping the remainder unsoiled in readiness presumably for future budding players.
The main competItIOn for the Regiment was the London District Tournament in Chelsea in late June. We entered eight individuals who competed in the Men's Singles, Doubles and Regimental Doubles. Maj Ellery partnered Capt Boldero and Capt Cathcart partnered Lt Sunley, both pairs suffering early defeats in all competi tions. Undoubtedly the success story was the performance of Capt Waterhouse and Capt the Hon MRM Watson, who won the Regimental
Doubles competition, unluckily lost in the semi-finals of the Men's Doubles and had other successes throughout the year. They have collected many handsome trophies for their year's work (see photograph).
It is hoped to improve through next year and compete in more tournaments. The QM has shown a keen interest in competing in the Veterans' Doubles which, if successful, may lead to him releasing the remaining tennis balls from his store for the Regimen t.
At least two Sabre Squadrons sent adventure trainers to cruise on the Household Division's "Gladeye" during June, borrowing skippers from the Grenadiers, and the future Major General's ADC Capt Dobson from the Scots Guards. However, it took that old Life Guard Salt, Major Falkner to prompt what proved to be characteristically indomitable Household Cavalry buccaneering by firs t suggesting that a crew should compete in the Fastnet Race and secondly by becoming engaged to the sister of our Scout Commander.
So the crew started in the style in which we intended to continue by holding an impromptu gathering at the Falkner-McDowall wedding before meeting on the quay at Hamble to be "worked up" by Maj Bucknall from The Blues and Royals. Sadly some of the race crew did not manage to attend this first exploratory week. Maj Falkner made tracks in the opposite direction to Scotland on honeymoon, Flory sensibly preferred a land-lubber's holiday and it was only Lt Col Sullivan RTR's bibulous ghost that remainer to inspire us. Capts Holliday, Doughty and Stibbe,Lts Assheton and Marks and LCoH O'Daly parade with the permanent Grenadier bosun Sgt Hinson before starting what is best described as Maj Bucknall's uniquely sybaritic preparation ...
To set the scene: We skipped anchor as the evening sun gilded the ebbing Solent and the "Gladeye" gang lined the deck as we glided down the Hamble River, toasting ourselves and the kindred spirits who were desporting themselves on their gin palaces. Past Calshot Spit and the Bramble bank, then up the Medina River in the wake of a Red Funnel Ferry, we waved at the same old friends who had relished the '83 Fastnet with us. A deliciously alluring female siren hailed us as we moored beside a huge Thames barge; the first of many soon to be all too familiar faces. It turned out to be Bramble, so christened because she was born while her papa was stuck fast aground on the bank that bears her name. The remainder of this intense train:ng period is
perhaps inevitably a haze. Not only the sadomasochistic pain of the ritual daily work-outs supervised by that trenchman Bucknall, but also the reassuring agony as the metabolism sensually adjusts to marinating in the best grog.
Corin thian nigh ts at Thames and Island Clubs, chat with the bouncers at Annabel's exile disco, roller molars with old mates from RAC and other military regattas and, above all, moonlit barbecues near Freshwater. Here Lt Marks laid the foundations for improving Anglo-Finnish relations that were sealed in the playground behind the Royal Yacht Squadron as HRH Prince Edward politely danced the night away at the annual ball.
HMY Britannia weighed anchor as "Gladeye" returned to the Hamble to collect the four veterans that were to reinforce our Fastnet crew. Maj Falkner arrived with his brother-in-law; the piratical TQMC Land and the equine CoH McDermott courtesy of the Portsmouth Ferry! Besides convincing the race inspector that "Gladeye" was sea-worthy, the major task before starting was to ensure that the liquid diet and ballast were evenly distributed on board, and enjoy the incredible eve of race fireworks.
The author under the expert instruction of W02 Land and Maj Faulkner and Maj Bucknall RHG/D
A spectacular prelude to what is in tended to be a 600-mile dash to a Godforesaken windswept rock south-west of Eire, and then back to Plymouth. 258 international yachts, crews resplendant in safety-
conscious psychedlic oilskins, passed between a brace of Royal Ocean Racing Club launches, moored as a gate across the Solent, at five minute class intervals signalled by the Yacht Squadron equivalent to Mons Meg. After generations of being to sailing what Henley is to rowing, Cowes has spawned skilled marine photographers such as Beken - presumably pronounced 'beacon' - who also owns a chemist's shop renowned for its sea-sickness tablets. Having tacked down the Solent in a freshening westerly, we were posing outrageously for the camera when there was a noise like a thunderclap as the foresail ripped. Like a Roman senator at a gladiatorial contest, Beken's verdict was a damning 'thumbs dovm'. Our insouciance evaporated into frantic attempts to stow the casulaty and haul up a replacement!
Most crews divide in to watches and it is while you are on deck that yachting's attraction is most obvious. There are the cliche whistles, moans, and shrieks of wind in the rigging, the metronomic tapping of halyard on mast, the chuckling and roaring of water like a hyperactive percolateI', the rhythmic crash of the bow beating down on wave after wave, like skis on a piste's mogul field, or a band's brass drum, and outbursts of what sounds like spontaneous applause preceded by a muffled shout as you let fly the sails' sheets to go abou t .. When you are below, the boat hums to herself, occasionally creaking as the mast strains under another punishing gust. Shrouded in waterproofs, with tovvels round their necks and boots gripping their calves the crew remain dry and warm, their harnesses clipped to safety lines like a lunge rein.
At Force 11, the gale is deceptive. The storm beats the waves do.vn flat, so they become less like a surging peppermint blancmange. Wave crests are whipped off to saltily sting your face, like dry sand lashes your legs on a be.ach. Eventually, after twentyfour hours under storm jib and mizzen, we entered a Torbay apparently oblivious to the drama at sea. We were the seventy-fifth to retire, just after Simon Le Bon's "Drum" lost her keel. Should DuranDuran be renamed Also Ran Also Ran? Three days later, Richard Branson's "Virgin Atlantic Challenger" sank after colliding with wreckage west of the Scilly Isles on her attempt at beating the Blue Riband transatlantic record. How ironic if she had hit "Drum's" keel! "Gladeye" returned to her normal routine of cruising leisurely back up the South Coast
Fencing within the Regiment continues as strongly as ever, and has enjoyed yet another extremely successful year. The three-man team of LCoH
.'dargan, LCpl Evans and LCpl Smith did very well to achieve third place overall against some very tough opposition.
The team will hopefully improve even further next year, when 2Lt Mahony, who is still at University, is available to play for the team. He entered the Army Individual Championshops and managed to overpower all opposition to come first. He then went forward to the Men's Senior Epee at the Royal Tournament and came a creditable sixth.
LCoH Margan had continued success last season by retaining the London Section Championships and the Ashton (Manchester) Open. This season he was placed first in the Essex Open and the Ilford Open Championships. He represented Great Britain at the Martini International matches and was a member of the England Team in last season's Home In ternational.
Both 2Lt Mahony and LCoH Margan are present members of the National Senior Epee squad for the 1985/86 season.
The Basketball Team has continued to flourish. Last season we played a number of fixtures in preparation for the Londist Competition. Despite having a weakened side due to unavailability of certain players, we reached the final and lost narrowly to the Guards Depot. vVe were indebted to LCpl Vince and LCpl Whittaker, who returned from courses and who both played so well.
In June and July we ran the Inter-Squadron Competition. This took the form of a league table,
with the top two teams playing each other for the outright title.
The league table finished as follows:
1. HQ Squadron
2. C Squadron
3. LAD
As HQ contained the majority of the Regiment side, they started as favourites for the final. C Sqn, however, were determined to change this and, to the surprise of everyone, they were in the lead for the first half. HQ Sqn eventually came good and with constant pressure during the second half, they won 46-34.
The following players received their colours for 1984/85:
LCpl Mills
LCpl Whittaker
Tpr Gilby.
The Regimental Rugby Team has continued to display its talents on the fields of Windsor and further afar. Last year we played 21 games, winning la, drawing 2 and losing 9, or was it 8? Anyhow, you can be certain that we always won the third half, being regarded as somewhat specialised in that aspect of the game.
Our entry into the Army Cup was rather short-lived, getting knocked out in the first round against the Staffords, who were a well-drilled side run by the Army Coach!
Lt Wordsworth in a state of undress
The Brigade Sports Week produced a few surprises. At first we understood it to be 7 -a-side, but on the morning of the first match we were suddenly informed that it was in fact 15-a-side! With C Sqn being in Cyprus and other players involved elsewhere, we struggled to find a team. In the end, we played 3 matches and lost all 3. On reflection, we did well considering we held 7 RHA to 25-9.
The highlight of the year was the InterSquadron Rugby Competition, run in March. ·This
produced a few new faces to the game and far too many old ones! The final was between HQ and C Sqn. Despite the lively running of C Sqn's backs, the pressure of HQ Sqn's forwards eventually paid off and they won 6-3.
Four players received colours for last season: W02 Collins ACC, SCpl Byrne, LCpl Mills and LCpl Walton.
The team continues to be indebted to LCpl Walton for his efforts as stand-in Captain in the latter half of last season and more importantly for his work as Fixtures Secretary. This season's Captain is SCM Cusick and under the expert coaching of Capt BW McCall we are looking forward to a successful year.
No Acorn Magazine can be truly worthwhile without at least some mention of the sport that really embodies the very essence of a soldier's true qualities - Boxing. To many, this conjures up evil images of blood, bullying and brain-damage; the reali ty however is far differen t. Boxing requires courage, fitness, discipline, strength and the will to win - the qualities that founded the British Empire. Writing this drivel also takes all these qualities, plus one more - cheek! In spite of all this, it is pleasing to note that there has been a resurgence of the sport in the last year, after a short bu t sad lapse.
The Inter-Squadron finals were held on the evening of 28 November, after some fierce and competitive preliminary bouts held the previous day. It was an evening to remember, not only for the quality of the boxing, but also for the general excitement and feeling it aroused within the gymnasium. The atmosphere was electric as Brigadier R J S Corbett, who came to present prizes, accompanied by Lt Col V AL Goodhew, took their seats. This was a bit unfair on the QIVI as they had not signed for them, and no-one is willing to act as a witness. It was especially satisfying to see that the new Commanding Officer had got his priorities correct, as he had to cut short the RAC Conference in order to attend his first and probably most enjoyable official function.
B Sqn, with their strict programme of training as imposed by LCoH Drennan started as firm favourites to win overall, and failed to disappoint the odds. However, HQ Sqn, coached by SCpl Byrne, gave them a close run for their money, hotly pursued by C Sqn who, although winning all their fights, could only manage third place. A Sqn by no means disgraced themselves by coming last - only a few points
behind. For the first time ever the Squadrons produced a Super Heavyweight each and on the night, the Boxing Officer was able to add two special bouts, which although not counting for the Squadron competition, provided suitable gladiatorial entertainment. The final results were as follows:
Tpr Ryan, C Sqn, beat Tpr Holmes, A Sqn - Special Super Heavyweight.
Cfn Morris, HQ Sqn, won by a walkover - Bantam vVeight.
LCpl Kay, HQ Sqn, beat Tpr Broomfield, B Sqn Ligh tweigh t.
LCpl Sharpe, B Sqn, won by a walkover from LCoH Lewis, HQ Sqn, who was hurt.
Tpr Franklin, C Sqn, beat Tpr Wilks, B Sqn - Welterweight.
Capt The Hon M Watson, C Sqn, beat Tpr Nutt, B Sqn - Welterweight..
Tpr Howie, B Sqn, beat Tpr Adams, A Sqn Middleweight.
Tpr Keilty, C Sqn, won by a walkover from Tpr Hoon, HQ Sqn, who was hurt.
LCpl Godsen, A Sqn, beat Tpr Richards, B Sqn Heavyweigh t.
Tpr Daynes, C Sqn, beat TPR Barratt, HQ Sqn Welterweight.
Capt BW McCall, HQ Sqn, beat LCoH Cairncross, B Sqn - Special Super Heavyweigh t.
Capt The Han M. Watson wins the Inter Sqn Light Middleweight Title for the third (and hopefully, last) time.
The team was therefore automatically selected from the winners, and went forward to the semi-finals of the Londist Boxing Competition in a confident mood. Unfortunately for our hapless opponents who happened to be the Household Cavalry Regiment, this confidence was not unfounded. The Life Guards \-von all but one of the evening's bouts. The one they lost was unfortunate, due to the fact that Tpr Howie who had won the in ter-Squadron finals was unable to box on the nigh t because of recurring headaches (so what's new .. Ed).
It came as quite a shock to LCpl Bridges when he was told to box instead. Having said that, he only just failed to win by a majority verdict going against him, and had he been fitter, he would surely have won.
Tpr Franklin on his way to winning against Tpr Smith HCR
The results for the evening were:
Cfn Morris, LG, won with a walkover - Bantamweight.
Tpr Broomfield, LG, won with a walkover - Featherweight.
LCpl Kay, LG, won with a walkover - Lightweight.
LCpl Squires, LG, won with a walkover - Light We I terwe igh t.
Tpr Franklin, LG, beat Tpr Smith, HCR - Special Wel terweigh t.
Tpr Wood, LG, beat Tpr Adams, LG - Special LightHeavyweight.
Tpr Daynes, LG, beat Tpr Carvell, HCR - Welterweight.
Capt The Hon M Watson, LG, beat Tpr l\'lorgan, HCR - Light Middleweight.
LCpl Bridges, LG, lost to LCpl Wibberley, HCRNliddleweigh t.
Tpr Keilty, LG, beat LCpl Erskine, HCR - Light Heavyweight.
LCpl Godsen, LG, beat Tpr Laing, HCR - Heavyweight.
The team are now drawn in the final of the Londist Competition, against the winners of the fight between 1 Scots Guards and 2 Coldstream Guards. Great achievements are expected from them on 21 January, 1986. Christmas and New Year are large hurdles which the boxing team are unlikely to negotiate with such ease.
When embarking on my tour of the Sinai Peninsula with the MFO, sport, other than swimming, never crossed my mind. I little thought any opportunity would arise to display the experience and expertise gained on the cricket fields of Cyprus during the recent C Sqn UN tour.
As luck would have it, I found myself pitched in with many of our Commonwealth friends from Australia, New Zealand and the Fijian Islands; all firecely loyal to the sound of leather on willow.
Within six weeks, therefore, trials had been held and a Commomvealth Touring Party formed to fulfil a fixture against a team of expatriates in Cairo. Such was the enthusiasm, we had even unearthed a qualified umpire from within our ranks. To really set the cricketing scene, the heavens opened as the convoy of vehicles set off across the desert, though it proved to be the last rain any of us would enjoy for many hot months!
Our enterprise however, was duly rewarded when, after an exciting day's play, we triumphed by one wicket, much to my own surprise as, in my confirmed number 11 batsman slot, I actually scored the dozen or so runs needed to win the match!
The setting for this unlikely even t was superb; a location prime for a 'Christie' novel. Set amidst the hurly-burly Cairo's chaotic traffic (both beast and vehicle), and surrounded by bleached white blocks of flats was a palm-fringed green oasis. A grassy, flat playing area overlooked by the most dignified Victorian-style 2 tier pavilion, its paintwork faded and peeling. Nearby a much-used swimming pool with vast marbled changing rooms showed the British had left their mark!
Having 'conquered' the Egyptian capital, the next venture had obviously to be a game in neighbouring Israel. As secretary for this thriving club, I was pleased to announce, after many telephone conversations, a fixture against a team from the British Embassy in Tel Aviv. I was promptly rewarded with the captaincy!
Being so much closer to our base in the Sinai, a game in Tel Aviv proved even more popular
amongst the cricketing fraternity. Even more so as the strict alcohol lal;vs of the Muslims in Egypt would no longer prevail, and tired thirsty players could find liquid refreshment of their choice after a hot session in the field.
On the debit side, the presence of his Excellency the British Ambassador as a spectator proved inspiring to the home team, comfortably defeating my Commonwealth tourists by 5 wickets.
The venue, though not so grand as in Cairo, was nevertheless a treat to the eyes of those used to seeing miles of desert scrubland. A lush, green public park, meticulously well-kept, perhaps a mile from the Medi terranean coas tline.
Sportingly and socially the occasion was hailed as a great success, and some weeks later we all went back for the return match. On this occasion, distracted by our chefs preparing a huge barbecue on the boundary, it was our turn to level the series at 1-1, winning easily by eight wickets. Ah - the pleasure of being a winning captain! Afterwards, all players, families and friends were invi ted to retire to the shade of nearby trees to enjoy an unlikely 'cricket' tea of steaks and tossed salad.
I returned to England soon after, to feel the cold and plan the summer of '86, so to any prospective Life Guard making the trip, I would say "Pack your kit - you're 'in' next!"
The Inter-Squadron Athletics meet took place rather late in the year, in early October. The Regiment managed to procure the Windsor & Eton Athletics track for the day, which provided excellent facilities and within only a short dash from the Barracks. For once even the sun managed to shine, which made the day even more attractive.
It has been a number of years since the last Inter-Squadron Athletics competition was held, and every prospective athlete within the Regiment took up the challenge from the outset with some considerable training being achieved by most individuals. The Squadrons were very enthusiastic and some very strong teams were formed.
2Lts Harris, Marks and Griffin lend support to a horizontal Paymaster, Capt R. C. Worts
B Sqn won the first event of the day, which was the Tug-of-War, and having got their nose in front, were very unwilling to lose their lead. Although each Sqn had its individual stars, it soon transpired that whichever Sqn was going to win, it would have to have a team that could do well in all events. It therefore turned out to be a two-horse race between B Sqn and HQ Sqn. The lead between these two teams changed several times throughout the afternoon, which made it an exciting and absorbing contest.
SCM Cusick (B Sqn), the official announcer, often forgot his official duties, and could be heard misusing the PA system by encouraging his own Sqn. SSI Bryan proved an invaluable help, not only in interpreting the rules, but also in the exceptionally smooth way the events ran.
B Sqn ran out as the eventual winners on an extremely fine afternoon's sport, closely followed by HQ Sqn, with C and then A Sqns bringing up a not discreditable rear.
Many thanks to Mrs T J Earl for kindly presenting the prizes, and to all the officials and helpers who made the event so memorable.
The Regimental Tug of War team made a very good start to the season by crushing the Guards Depot team in straight pulls on their home ground, thereby winning the Household Division Championships. With this victory behind them, it was decided to en tel' the team in to some civilian competi tions in order to gain some further experience for the forthcoming army competitions.
The Chertsey Open was the first civilian competition entered, in which the opposition was literally world-class, with British, European and World Champions taking part. The team needless to say was rather outclassed. However, the aim was achieved wi th the team gaining valuable training and expenence.
The Guildford Open then follovved where the competition was not so hot, and the team duly scored some major coups and eventually finished as runners up in both the 640 kg and 680 kg classes - an ex tremely good effort.
It was with some confidence that the team went forward to the Londist Championships at Woolwich, which was not unfounded as we fought our way to the finals of both weight classes (640 and 680 kg). Unfortunately we lost both finals to the Guards Depot team, who had obviously been doing some strenuous training since their earlier defeat by us.
Under the watchful eyes of LCoH Drennan (coach) and Layzell, the team then began to train even harder, due to a sligh t period of inactivity within the Regimental calendar. The next competition was in Cambridge for the UKLF Championships, where we beat some well-established teams, our 680 kg team doing especially well by coming fourth overall, thereby qualifying for the Army Championships. These unfortunately were being held while all the Regiment were on exercise, and the team's preparation was not 100%. The team still managed to be allowed time off to go to Aldershot for the Championships, where they came a very creditable fifth, beating 2 UDR and 3 Fd Amb on the way and only losing to the Army Champions, MCTC after an extremely long and tiring pull.
This ended the season's competitions, and it only remained for 13 Sqn to win the Inter-Squadron Tug of War competition. We wish them luck as they prepare for the UN Championship in Cyprus while they are out on tour. We have also said goodbye to SSI Bryan and LCoH Mallon, and welcome the return of the SCpl Bunyan who will bring some valuable expertise to the team next year.
Rackets and real tennis are both rather obscure games that one hears little about. Nonetheless, at the end of January each year, the Combined Services Real Tennis and Rackets Championships are staged at the Queens Club in West London. During this week-long tournament, the Regimental Rackets and Real Tennis Doubles Competitions are held.
"Vith a lack of proficient talent within the Regiment, Lt C. T. de M. Fraser combined with Maj D. IVI. Reed-Felstead (RHG/D) to become the Household Cavalry pair for 1985.
Maj Reed-Felstead has been playing in this competition for many years and is indeed a past champion in singles rackets and tennis. Lt Fraser on the other hand, whilst capable of hitting the ball, was there in a much more minor role - to make up the numbers and to act as janitor in the huge court.
There is no trace of either Regiment winning the doubles competition, so it was with some surprise that the pair found themselves in the final of the rackets, having been knocked out of the tennis in the quarter finals.
After a sporting engagement against the much older and more experienced first seeds in the shape of Brig Mertyl and Col Toyne-Sewell, the Household
Cavalry paIr were presented with the magificent trophy, thus winning this competition for the first time in either Regiment's history.
Lt C T. de M. Fraser Maj D.M. Reed Felstead (RHG/D)
The Regimental football team had a successful end to last season by winning the London First Division title. It became a very close-run affaIr and had to be decided by a play-off against the Guards Depot 'B' team, which we narrowly won, after a hard fought game. The team were also unlucky runners-up in the Ian Black Trophy.
This season so far has not lived up to initial expectations. The Regiment fielded one of the strongest line-ups for some time, at least on pape.r, but have failed to achieve its goals. We were beaten In the Army Cup by 16 Bn RAOC, and did not do too well against other teams during 5 Airborne Brigade's Sports Week.
However, not all is gloom on the football field, as yet again we are top of the Lo.ndist First Division, with only very few matches stll! to play. Unfortunately B Sqn have taken some Invaluable members of the team to Cyprus, but hopefully there is enough strength in depth to cover for them. The team is currently training for the Cavalry Cup and hopes to achieve a good result.
The results of the league games played so far this year are:-
LG 6, HMS St Vincent 1
LG 4, Guards Depot 'B' 1
LG 5, MOD 'A' 0
LG 3, HMS 8t Vincent 2
LG 4, Guards Depot '13' 7
LG 3, HCR 1.
It is reported that the gardener was even less happy than the injured Trooper Harvey
QUEEN'S LIFE GUARDS
Tpr Leafe and LjCoH Hoskins on a nmning replen. with a difference!
Major General Sir Desmond Langley presents CoH Chant with the BEM at Air House Episkopi
The CO congratulates the HQ Sqn team on winning the CFT competition
The
The team formed at the Guards Depot on March 4, and started training for the London District Regular Army Competition the next day. The objective for LDRA was to come in the top three so as to qualify for Bisley. Since there were five Household Division teams competing the rivalry was intense. Luckily we were not the only Cavalry team present; the Household Cavalry Regiment team turned up (albeit a day late) and gave us moral support. At the end of LDRA we ended up in third place, the most memorable cup being the Chinese Dragon Trophy, won in the falling plates competition in record time.
Having qualified for Bisley, we took a week off and then went off to Colchester for a friendly competition sponsored by The Royal Anglian Regiment. This was a three-day event which not only gave us second place but made the whole team appreciate how wonderful the range facilities at the Guards Depot are.
Once back at the Depot the training became more intense as Bisley approached. Shooting would start at 0830 and quite often go on until 2000 hrs, six days a week. There were also grave dangers whilst training. On one occasion, Tpr Bond was mugged by a moving target (operated by Tpr Brook), but luckily he managed to keep hold of his wallet, ending up with only a few stitches in his leg.
The Regular Army Skill at Arms Meet (RASAM) started on 2 July and ended on 13 July. The team performed admirably and were in 4th place until the last two days, when we had to use our own
personal weapons (the SMG). Ironically, where we performed so well with the Infantry weapons, we fell badly behind with our own. The team's final placing was 10th: slightly disappointing. However, when seen in the light that this is a competition which encompasses the whole of the Army, the result was very satisfactory. The Life Guards were by far the best Cavalry (and therefore RAC) team at Bisley.
Possibly the most satisfying event at Bisley was the falling plates competition. Here our 'B' team, made up mainly from the Butts party with unzeroed weapons, beat the cream of the Army in a nail-biting finish.
The team were as follows:
Sgt Brooks
L/Cpl Appleby
Tprs Brook, Brooke, Bond, Bright, Bonner, Lambton, Parrington, Reynolds and Stewart Pte Allsop ACC.
Guest appeances:
L/CoH Margan - The Gay Blade + Admin L/CoH Pugh.
Many thanks to Capt Lumb for supplying the ammunition and to Maj (rtd) Allred and all the range staff at the Guards Depot.
Lastly, my best wishes to those of the team who are leaving the Life Guards this year for civilian life, and good luck for next year, team!
After experiencing some initial problems in selecting a team (due to non-availability), the final team chosen comprised LCpl Kay (ACC), Tpr Foster and myself. We duly flew to Cyprus on 7 October, leaving behind the season's first cold spell, to land at RAF Akrotiri at 0700 hrs, 8 October, where the temperature was already in the 80s.
As both LCpl Kay and Tpr Foster were new to the island, it was up to me to reacquaint myself with old haunts and discover new routes, which were then introduced to the others. This proved an enlightening experience for all concerned. The build-up training, prior to the actual competition, was fairly hectic and extremely rigorous. Both LCpl Kay, who runs for the Army Team, and Tpr Foster, who was the first Life Guard home in the Regimental Cross Country Race, tendedto leave me behind on the runs. Fortunately though, they were very inexperienced map readers and would wait till I caught up, so I could point out where they were_ and where their next point was located. So fit were they that when I
collapsed on my bed at the end of each day having covered approximately 35 km over rough, hilly terrain, they would then proceed on an extra 5 km hill run! However, the training went well and much was learned, and we entered the two-day competition in a fit and confident mood.
As usual, the route was from Episkopi Garrison to the top of Troodos Mountain and back, a distance of some 60 miles over two days. We set off at 0535 hrs on 17 October and to our delight found that the route for Day 1 definitely favoured runners, with the checkpoints very easy to find. We were making extremely good time until we reached the Troodos Hills, when without warning the skies opened up and the temperature plummetted to freezing point. We passed teams who had set off earlier, trying to get what shelter they could, and whereas in last year's competition 3 men had gone down with heat stroke, this year's competition caused 5 men to suffer from hypothermia.
We arrived at the finish an extremely bedraggled group, but nevertheless very pleased at having achieved a time of 8 hours 24 minutes. By nightfall there were still 5 teams out on the course, so the organisers were becoming anxious. However, they all managed to stagger back in before it became necessary to go back out and find them. Three teams were disqualified for not making the time and during the night 10 more teams withdrew through injury and, in some cases, exhaustion.
The next morning, Day 2, we started at 0615 Ius, 45 minutes late because of thebad weather. Unfortunately it was a map-reading course, and what with the foul weather, we knew that we were unlikely to win. The team took 2Y2 hours to find No 1 Checkpoint, finding on the way at least 15 teams totally lost. It rained the entire day and we consequently took 10 hours and 55 minutes to get back to the finish, which was not a good result.
Overall, we finished in the middle rankings, which was disappoin ting, considering the hard work we had all pu t in, and the result we knew we were actually capable of achieving. Next year, however, will be our year!
by Capt NG C Cathcart
"Would everybody please get off the square as the Band Marching Display will start in two minutes' time! Thank you!"
"Would everybody evacuate the square IMMEDIA TELY as the Band Marching Display will commence in one minute. Anybody who is still on the square in one minute's time will be marched over by the Band. You have been warned. Thank you!"
The afternoon's activities had begun. From miles around people came, saw, ate a little, drank considerable more, and departed. They had enjoyed a day of socialising in the sun, while all the many and various roles and activities of The Regiment were displayed before them.
Kick-off was at 1100 hrs on Sunday morning.
Numbered "lucky" programmes were sold for a raffle. The lucky purchasers received a short history of The Regiment, a list of activities and a map clearly indicating the location of the large and well-stocked bars, plus a bottle of Champagne to the winning programme-holder. What more could one want? Apparently nothing. At theend of the day, nobody claimed the Champagne prize, so Maj Ellery took it upon himself to "look after it!"
Who came? Heading the VIP list were Lord and Lady Michael Fitzalan-Howard, and Maj-General Simon Cooper. Members of The Life Guards Association and all serving members of The Regiment with their families and friends made up a total of more than 1200 people on the day. A special word of thanks must go to the Master Chef who followed a delicious Association Dinner the night before with an excellent meal for all these people within a period of 1Yi hours.
Thank you also to the following for all their hard work which made the day such a success:
Out-of-Area Operations Weapons Display - LCoH Yarrow
Driving and Maintenance Display - CoH Marshall
Gunnery Display - CoH Windebank
REME Display - Capt McCall
RHQ Signals Display - SCpl Powell
Medical Display - Capt McLure
Children's Horse Rides & Coach Troop Rides -
SCpl Sanderson
Band Marching Display - Maj McColl
Regimental Superstars Competition
SSgt Bryan
Regimental Chicken-Strangling Competition - Maj Ellery
A & B for static vehicle displays and the troop hIde dIsplay In the paddock (which was so well camouflaged that people had trouble finding it!)
PLUS great gratitude to the following for their ou tstanding contribu tions: Lt Cherrington for all his administration with the Association. O_RQMC Radford for his tireless assistance and support in arranging for RCM McGloughlin to very kindly print all the programmes ABSOLUTELY FREE (whatever happened to private enterprise?), and his friends in 21 SAS for their excellent and very popular abseiling stand. This activity had a constant queue of people keen to throw themselves off the roof of HQ Squadron Block.
And now to the climax (always the most exciting part, I thInk) of the day - the HCR Activity Ride. Conceived, nurtured and developed by the Riding Master, Capt
McKie, it provided a very impressive spectacle for the many who crammed around the outdoor riding school at the end of the afternoon. Having declared that the event was in its infancy, Capt McKie's riders put on a performance of daring, balance and skill to fascinate the audience. If that's what it's like in its infancy, I can't wait to see it when it's polished!
The day ended with the Commanding Officer presenting the prizes for the Superstars Competition outside the cookhouse. LCpl Godson (A Squadron) won this exhausting event, thus proving himself to be the he-man of The Regiment. Since then, nobody in their right mind has picked a fight with him. Tea was then served and at 1730 hrs the day officially came to a close.
My final thanks go to Maj Ellery whose help and attention to my efforts in organising this successful event was most appreciated.
\ly hope is that this article will be of most interest to
-.::-==:: :-nembers of the Association who left us in those balmy ;.-hen The Regiment was on armoured cars and did not _:::-. :':1 to tanks every 4 or 5 years.
Three factors make our life style quite different ,-hat it was before 1970:
Regular conversion from armoured reconnaissance to armour and back to armoured reconnaissance.
The distinct relationship between qualifications, promotion and pay_
Assistance to the training of Officers and nonCommissioned Officers - not only in the Househuld Cavalry/Royal Armoured Corps. but also Infantry, Gunners and Sappers.
Al though 1985 was our second year since last con:::-::ng. no less than 400 courses were completed by our 350 _:- '0 Life Guards. Many of these courses were provided for us Bovington. Lulworth and elsewhere, but a huge number - run by our own Training Wing. Indeed. it would be fair -: , y that the Training Wing, which was run by SCpl Lodge ::;j now SCpl McBride), was in full swing during most inter.:.:, between exercises. Our older readers will not be surprised hear that we teach gunnery, signals and D & M, plus :-::- Junior Officers and non-Commissioned Officers, but may : = unfamiliar with the requirement to learn such skills as -_O':icopter handling, mine warfare and the operation of com.:=::ssed air charging eqUipment!
Until recently, there was a term 'the Combat Team' ;;hich described a company or squadron which contained
elements of infantry. tanks. armoured cars. guided weapons. artillery and engineers. The term has now been dropped, but the concept of such a grouping remains and hence the requirement to familiarise both Captains (at the Junior Division of the Staff College) and Majors (on the All Arms Tactics Course). This involves us in providing squadrons on a regular basis on what can be repetitive exercises on Salisbury Plain
Not all training was in vehicles: here the Commanding Officer with Trooper Giby and LCpI Walton at Brecon on an escape and evasion exercise.
with non-Armoured Corps Officers commanding the vehicles we crew. These are known as Regular Army Assistance Tasks (RAAT).
Those parts of the year which are not filled by individual training or RAA T must accommodate exercises with 5th Airborne Brigade under whose operational command The Life Guards are for Out of (the NATO) Area Operations. There have been three of these during 1985 and they all took the form of The Regiment being flown in on Hercules aircraft to an airfield secured by a Parachute Battalion Group. The armoured cars were then generally used to clear routes forward to identify and assist in the evacuation of British Nationals
whose security has been threatened. Headquarters Squadron, in addition to supplying The Regiment (by helicopter, not truck), also run a processing agency called the Evacuee Handling Centre, which questions, documents, feeds and cares for the evacuees prior to their being flown back to Britain.
It should by now be obvious that we live a busy and varied life and no mention has been made of adventure training exercises which were mounted by all Squadrons or the overseas tours by individual troops which you can read about in the Squadron notes. Nearly the whole Regiment got away for leave during August and we seem to have had time for interSquadron competitions in every major sport, so life has not been without those essential distractions.
In the early part of last year, I was lucky enough to spend 3 months in the Panamanian jungle as an assistant leader with Operation Raleigh. This four-year round-the-world expedition is split into about 40 phases, each a small expedition in its own right. The common goal at all phases is to challenge young people in the areas of scientific and community projects and adventure training.
The Panama Phase had nearly 100 staff and venturers from 7 countries, including a few Panamanian soldiers for local protection and guidance.
At Fort Sherman on the Atlantic coast we were given a fortnight's introduction to the delights of the jungle by the US Jungle Training School. This was a difficult time for many who were unacclimatised to the intense heat and exhausting humidity of the region.
After this, the Operation Raleigh Flagship ferried us with SO tons of stores to a remote inlet, far down the Panamanian coast line near the Columbian border. This was to be our base camp from which the various projects would be mounted. Caledonia Bay's main claim to fame comes from an ill fated 17th Century Scottish settlement which found the combination of awful conditions, intense heat, little fresh water, the Curia Indians and marauding Spaniards too much to bear. Sadly, nearly all of them perished.
Having erected tents, built cookhouses and established a daily routine, we turned our attentions to the.projects. These broadly fell into 3 categories: scientific, community and adventure training. Superimposed on the expedition was a Joint Services diving expedition to examine a Scottish wreck. The 'Olive Branch' was a supply ship for the settlement which, in 1699, had sunk in the bay in only 10 metres of water. The diving team and many venturers spent many hours each day removing coral and recovering artifacts frol11 the wreck. For many novice divers it was a nerve-wracking experience to work
on such a wreck in zero visibility, due to the silt being constantly disturbed. Other more purely scientific projects concentrated on mapping both the remains of the Scottish settlement and a place called the 'Lost City of Acla', supposedly the earliest European-built stone structures yet discovered in the Americas.
At the base camps, life settled down and the projects progressed. We received frequent visits by Cuna Indians selling fruit and garments from a nearby village. These small, fiercely independent natives live in wooden huts in well organised villages. The women dress in unique embroidered blouses called Molas and wear gold nose rings. Few marry outside their own small community and this results in an inbred race with the world's highestincidence of albinos. Whenever we visited them, they would invite LIS to sample various strange
concoctions. Feeling it was impolite to refuse, we usually regretted it later.
Whilst the diving and archaeology continued at base camp, we flew a team of venturers and a doctor into a cen tral Darien village called Yavisa. Here they administered a touring band of Californian-based ophthamologists under the name of See International. During their short visit they deal t with 400 patients and performed 42 cataract operations. Our venturers' primary responsibility was to ensure the aftercare of the patients and assist in returning them to their villages.
Back in Caledonia Bay, I was fortunate enough to be chosen to lead a long jungle patrol. The intention was to cross the Darien jungle from the Atlantic to the Pacific coast. Due to good fortune and high spirits the patrol was a success. In 25 days we covered 200 kms on foot and 150 kms down rivers in native dug-outs, known as piraguas. The group totalled 20 with 5 staff, 15 venturers and 5 National Defence Force for good measure. Of our numbers, 4 were girls. Our route took us initially southwards, across the Serranica Del Darien mountain range on the northern coastal strip, into a wide, flat river system dominated by the "Chucunaque" and "Tuira" rivers. From here we climbed, many times, the 3000 feet of the Serrian de Pirrerange, before descending into the "Balsas" river system that took us eventually to La Palma on the southern Pacific shore.
I had mistakenly imagined the jungle to be a fairly flat place. In many places, however, the hills were often steeper than 45 0 , which made sliding down fairly exciting, but was heavy on trouser material. My strongest recollection of the entire journey was a lack of balance, sadly not due to any marvellous native brew, bu t to the never ending boulders, logs, slippery paths and rocky stream beds that we had to negotiate.
Before the main patrol started, we had a couple of work·up patrols where we soon learned to discard all but the most essential equipment. The girls were most expert at this, often leaving behind things which the men considered as indispensible luxuries.
In general the American jungle equipment proved the most satisfactory. Nevertheless, by the end of the trip, most of our clothing had rotted to pieces from constant soakings
and the pronounced lack of tumble driers in that region. For me, one of the less enjoyable moments of the work·up patrols happened whilst we were crossing a rather deep mangrove swamp. Instead of swimming with my machete gripped firmly in my teeth (as all the best film heroes do), I held on to it, just to ward off the odd alligator. The obvious happened and I stuck the machete firmly in myself. Although it was not particularly serious, it nearly cost me a place on the patrol. As we eventually discovered, nearly all wounds in the tropics are best left uncovered where they have a chance to dry out. We found the patrol very physically draining. The heat everywhere was oppressive and it was a new experience to walk constantly wet for days on end. Generally we rested for one day in every five. We discovered that the best way to prevent trench foot was to, each morning, apply a thin layer of Vaseline to our feet followed by a freshly rinsed pair of socks. Foot powder was used only in the evenings, as it became an abrasive paste when it got damp.
Despite the hardships, we enjoyed ourselves enormously. Most interesting were the many isolated houses and villages which we journeyed through. Common to all was their remarkable hospitality. Often they would provide us with fruit and a drink. In the villages where we sometimes stopped for the night, they cooked meals for us and involved us in their singing and dancing. On one occasion, as it again seemed impolite to refuse, several small girls smeared clear berry juice on our - by now sallow - skins. Next morning, we awoke amidst much giggling and laugh teT to find that it had turned blue-black. It resisted all attempts to wash it off for nearly two weeks.
We then discovered the art of aqua-packing. By necessity, our rucksacks were well sealed with several layers of plastic bags and as such made ideal floatation aids. Whenever we were feeling a little dozy and there was a suitable river at hand we would all jump in and float downstream, feet first, relaxingand looking up at the clear blue sky above the jungle canopy. The real trick was to get ou t of the water in time to avoid being swept down the frequent succession of rapids.
The most challenging point for most came as we were descending the central mountainous region. We slipped and slithered downwards at an astonishingly steep angle for several hours. Eventually finding ourselves at the head of a stream we followed this, to our regret, for a while longer. It became apparent that in order to cross a ridge in front of us we had to regain much of the height we had lost by following the stream. In this area our map was particularly inaccurate and by nightfall we were well and truly lost, tired and miserable. The next day we climbed and descended ridges with exhausting regularity. By nightfall we had actually walked only 4 km, representing just 2 kms on the map. Morale plummeted. Several pairs of feet were in a fairly bad state, and so after a rapid Chinese Parliament, I declared a rest day. This was spent in idyllic surroundings on the edge of a fast flowing river. We could wade ou t to a rocky island in the middle of the river, which made a perfect spot to reorganise all our kit and generally be lazy. The jungle canopy parted sufficiently to let the much needed sunlight through. We soon had our clothes washed and drying. Several of the team buil t an enormous fire, despite the all-pervading dampness. Others concentrated on fishing for our supper and to my surprise were quite successful.
Next day, refreshed, we pressed on and quickly discovered a river junction that was marked on the map. We were back on the route and morale soared.
Much of the journey was spent cramped up in the Piragua dug-outs. They usually have a small outboard and sit shallow in the water, which helps greatly when it comes to going up river. Canoes are the fastest means of travel through the Darien, but it nevertheless still took us about thirty hours in all to cover 150 kms of river way.
The patrol ended at a small settlement on the Pacific coast called Boca Hava. Here we were met by several trucks from Panama City, and taken on a long dusty trip back to civilisation. There were many whoops of delights and much singing of the patrol song 'Jerusalem', prompted by the feeling of achievement. Our friendly Panamanian guides merely looked at us as if we had gone mad and muttered something about 'Inglesi Loco'.
- the story continues . ..
"This is not a finishing school for boys; it is a professional fighting armoured Regiment. Remember that!"
Thus spake Maj Charlie Harcourt-Smith to the keen, thrusting young subaltern sitting opposite him. Day One in the Regiment. Introductory indoctrination pep-talk.
Seven years later I was out. Retired. A civilian. My term in finishing school complete, I am now able to divulge the wealth of my experience on "How to succeed at Troop Leading" to those young whipper-snappers who have recently joined.
The key to success lies in two mutually supporting words: Tact and Tactics. They are mutually supporting because they are united by that great concept "BROLLYOLOGY". This subject has been covered in a previous article in this organ with specific regard to its use at The Guards Depot. This update will deal solely with this art in The Regiment.
The Principles
(1) Put up your umbrella before the manure hits or is likely to hit the fan.
(2) Keep your back to the wall (daggers cannot penetrate walls).
(3) Do unto others before they do it unto you.
Tact
Example 1: How not to impress your Squadron Leader. The scene: Sol tau 1981, night, it is raining, very cold and troop morale is low. An Officer must at all times keep the morale of his men high; therefore, tell a joke.
"CoH Carter, what is the difference between the Sqn Ldr's tank and a porcupine?" Most people now know the answer to that old joke as applied to Range Rovers, Golf GTl's, etc. CoH Carter did not. Lt Cathcart told him and then completely forgot about the incident. Two days later, it had circulated throughout the whole Battle Group. The only person who hadn't heard it was the Sqn Ldrconcerned. The Brigadier was good enough to tell it to him.
"Charlie, I've heard a marvellous joke which originated from one of your subalterns. Would you like to hear it?"
"Go on Brigadier, I like a good joke."
That night, Cathcart received a joke from HarcourtSmith. Dig a two-man fire trench with 18" of overhead cover and man a GPMG there all night. Moral? Don't tell jokes against your Sqn Ldr.
Example 2: How not to impress Generals. Detmold, 1983. Eastwood, Sunnocks, Cathcart and others go to a party for the daughters of the GOC 4 Armd Division, held at his residence. Good party; much drink. Mid-way through the party, Cathcart is approached by a grey-haired man, very casually dressed. Probably the gardener.
"Hello, are you enjoying yourself here?"
"To be quite honest, no! 1 think it's ghastly." The gardener looks rather taken aback.
"What do you mean by that?"
"Well, I hate Germany and I think ... " Through an alcoholic haze, Cathcart notices that the gardener has gone VERY red in the face ... "I think it's really not that bad after all, General".
"Who are you?"
"Capt Johnny Sunnucks, The Life Guards, Sir!" A potentially disastrous and irretrievable situation saved by quick-thinking brollyology.
Tactics
"You can have the greatest tactical brain in the world but if you don't know where you are it is useless to you". Harcourt-Smith, 1980. Only one thing irritates a Sqn Ldr more than when a subaltern "gets lost" and that is when the Sqn Ldr becomes "temporarily disorientated" himself!
BATUS 1982. The big final Battle Group attack. Lt Simon Tustin's 2RTR Recce Troop mark the start line. C Sqn LG move to the start line and halt 2 km short of it in line abreast. Battle Group net conversation:
"Hello T64, this is T3. my callsigns are in position on the start line. Where are you? Over."
"T64, 1 am marking the start line; you are nowhere to be seen. Suggest you check your map-reading. Over."
"T3, don't be insolent! I was reading a map before ,11
you could suck your thumb. You are obviously in the wrong position. Wait. Out."
At this point, Maj Harcourt-Smith stands up in his turret and frantically gesticulates with his bowie knife; the Squadron moves forward. As C Sqn looms over the horizon, there to their front is T64.
"Hello T64, this is T3. I can see you now and you are too far over to the right. I do not get lost. See me afterwards. Out! "
Brollyology - a potentially very embarrassing conversation for the Sqn Ldr about-turned to make Tustin look foolish.
3 Golden Rules for the lost Troop Leader:
(1) If you can see your CoH's vehicle, ask him for a locstat. If you get on with your CoH, he will send you one. Maj Nick d' Ambrumenil was constantly trying this trick in BATUS in 1981, by asking the point troop leader (normally Lt Alastair Watson) for his locstat. However, nine times out of ten, Watty would reply "500 metres to your front!"
(2) Do an Oswald, ie use of a codeword like "Hello S21, this is S20. I am having mechanical problems, wait. Out."
Translation = CoH, where the hell am I?") Your friendly CoH will then bound over to you and sort it out.
(3) If you wish to totally discredit another troop leader, then "do a Lowry", ie, "Hello C20, this is C30. STOP.STOP.
STOP. You are going completely in the wrong direction. Follow me! Out." Whether he is or isn't is completely irrelevant. The drawback is that it is a very good way of losing friends. The final key to success is the correct and regular use of the word "RIGHT". A young subaltern when put on the spot is liable to go red in the face, start fidgeting and begin to stammer. However, he will achieve much better results if he adopts a grim determined mannerism, curls his lip arrogantly and then in a loud, confident voice, growl "Right Colonel". This is clearly a ruthless leader of men who will go far, the Colonel will think. Only then can you stride off to your CoH and go "Um, er ... " to him. Regular use of "right" will create an image of a clued-up professional (even if you're completely inept!)
So there you have it. A few pearls of wisdom based on the experiences from a very distinguished military career (?! !). Remember that you must mould yourself to the expectations of the regime in the Kremlin (RHQ). Therefore, have a very short haircut, smoke cigarettes with a holder, run a lot, work very hard, and don't talk to women. You will go far!
by W02 Rennie, The Life Guards
A team of 4 RAC Officers and 5 Warrant Officers is currently serving with the British Military Advisory and Training Team, Zimbabwe. Their task is to train 1st Zimbabwe Armoured Regiment (Cascavel Armoured Cars) and 5 Tank Regiment (T55s) over a 15. month period from February 1985 to April 1986.
The Life Guards are well represented in the 'A' team, which is commanded by Lt Col R Sullivan RTR, formerly 21C The Life Guards, by the author W02 D Rennie, formerly SCM B Sqn The Life Guards, who is due to become RCM QOY in June 1986 and by L/W02 RJH Stephenson, formerly Tp CoH A Sqn The Life Guards.
We arrived, a little worse for wear as a result of Lt Col Sullivan's mid air overnight promotion party, held in the Club Class of a British Airways Jumbo, on 1 February 1985. For the first two weeks we were accommodated at the Harare H.oliday Inn, without our wives but with Richard Chamberlain and his Hollywood entourage, who were making a film there. We were each given a free hire car and told to go into the stockbroker belt to find ourselves a home with a swimming pool and staff, in what would be the £75,000-£100,000 bracket in the UK.
Having settled our domestic affairs and been joined by our families, we had six weeks to get a grip of our respective Regiments and prepare them for our BMA TT training which was to begin on 1 April. I was appointed to the Tank Regiment with Maj GH Tweedie RHG/D. We have subsequently been joined by CoH Stephenson to form the Household Cavalry Team.
During the first weekend of the tour, the Colonel and I decided to pay a surprise visit to the Tank Regiment at Inkomo to get a feel for what was to come. We were met by the Duty Sgt, dressed in boots without laces, something resembling trousers, a torn T-shirt and an immaculate red sash. Shortly afterwards, we paid a more formal visit and were shown around the derelict camp by the Commanding Officer and his RSM. I was given the job of shadowing the RSM and sorting out both him and the camp before training began. Two areas of the camp caught my eye on the first womble: the swimming pool, which was half-full of stagnant water and dead rats, and the cookhouse, which had been badly damaged in the war and not repaired. The kitchen, which was outside, used open wood fires. The chopping board was an old tree trunk and the wheelbarrow, which was used for bringing up
fresh meat, doubled as the rubbish bin. In fact it was quite obvious that there was enormous scope for W02 Digney BEM there. I immediately decided not to rely on the local catering but to live off sandwiches from home.
I then met the Provost Sgt and briefed him to search all cars, including under the bonnets and inside the boots, and ID check all passengers before allowing them to enter the camp. Carrying out my orders to the letter, I soon received complaints from the Officers that they were having to remove their footwear for inspection every time they passed the Guardroom tent!
Since those early days, the camp has seen a dramatic improvement and it is very much to the Regiment's credit that all is now spick and span -a far cry from the derelict, uncaredfor atmosphere which prevailed on our first visit.
The training started suitably on I April and we have been flat out ever since, running courses and on practical training in the bush. We have advised on restructuring, establishment and equipment of the Regiment. We have supervised and instructed on trade training, instructor training and cadre courses at all levels. Our priority however has been tactics training, which has included crew commander and troop leader courses, followed by six weeks' troop training for both sabre squadrons in the field.
We are now taking the second squadron through intensive squadron training and exercises, living in the bush for three weeks at a time. All this - and remember there are 3 of us! We look forward to an RHQ and Squadron Leader course with CPXs in November and December and a Regimental Exercise and Regimental Gunnery Camp next year, before our departure.
The job has had its frustrations, but overall it has been most rewarding. The students are very keen to learn and it has been most satisfying to see the advances that have been made in the last 7 months. Above all, they are a cheerful lot with a great sense of humour and an awesome respect for authority.
So much for the military side of life, but my article would not be complete without mention of the social and sporting side, the travel and the weather.
The social scene is very hectic. The locals have gone out of their way to make us feel welcome and their hospitality is overwhelming to the extent that most weekends are overbooked. Within the RAC Team, we hold our own dinners at monthly intervals - usually at the Park Lane Hotel or the Holiday Inn. The next one will be at the Sheraton, which opens next week. This gives us the opportunity to invite ex members of the RAC, members of the Zimbabwe Armoured Corps and other friends.
Lt Col Sullivan invited us to a party at his schloss, which got completely out of hand. WOl Fortt RHG/D and I, representing the Household Cavalry Synchronized Swimming Team, gave an impromptu display in his pool early in the morning. The event was watched closely by a senior wife, who, encouraged by the hand of the QM, Capt BW Bell QDG, fell in the deep end. When he approached another wife called Sarah, he was told, in no uncertain terms, that it would not be a good idea to do it again. The party continued with dancing to the music of the (you've guessed it!) sixties and, at one stage, some double sentry drill with Assegais.
Throughout the year, we have had BBQs by our swimming pools with duty free wine and spirits to cheer us up.
On the sporting side, most of the WOs and wives have taken up golf, which Lt Col Sullivan believes gives them the opportunity of having a private word with the Brigadier about him on their way round the course. Riding and fishing are also available, at very cheap rates. The Officers appear to prefer to spend their time playing mixed doubles on their private tennis courts.
The CO and his wife went with a party to shoot guinea fowl, Franklin and sand grouse near Triangle. The CO, having surprised a python sleeping under his vehicle on a night exercise, is extremely wary of snakes. On the first morning he is reputed to have emerged from his tent in barbour jacket, combat trousers and green wellies to protect himself from their poisonous fangs much to the surprise of his tough 'Rhodie' companions, who were dressed only in shorts and desert boots. He does admit that he missed a few birds that day, because he had to keep an eye open all the time to see where he was placing his feet.
It took us some time to get used to having servants in the house and a gardener. My houseboy, Stanford (named after the training area) is now very well drilled, and I am thinking of bringing him back with me to continue to do my kit. We also have a nanny/maid, who does everything in the house, so Sarah has forgotten how to wash up, clean the house, cook and iron. I did have to wash the dishes however one night, which made me think of Ted Land, who never does them.
We have taken the opportunity to travel widely within Zimbabwe, from the spectacular Eastern Highlands on the Mozambique border to the Zambesi River, Kariba and the numerous Game Parks. We have seen game of all sorts, from herds of elephant, buffalo (which like to chase Life Guards), hippos, rhinos, and a wide variety of deer.
We are now in the middle of summer with the temperature ranging in different parts of the country from 80 0 F to 110 0 F, and it's good to have a suntan the whole year round.
We have been delighted to see what Lt WAM Oswald, accompanied by a very pretty girlfried, and Capt SF Hayward who soon found a girlfriend out here on holiday in Zimbabwe.
In conclusion, our tour is proving to be the experience of a lifetime: an education in Southern African politics, a challenging military job and, above all, a way of life and standard of living which we are unlikely to have again.
It rained last Monday - the first time since April!
The Troop flew out to Belize in March, leaving behind a damp, windy England and arriving in 80% humidity and a profusion of perspiration. The Royal Air Force VC10 was, as usual. "value for money" - you don't pay anything and therefore you don't get any service.
Two days into the tour there was a minor incident on the border with Guatemala and the Troop was crashed out. Capt Cape parked his vehicle on the border, pointing his main armament at a Guatemalan building 300 metres away and was somewhat surprised when all the children came out of the building and stood in front of it, singing the Guatemalan National Anthem.
The Troop had now had its first insight into this strange situation, where the Guatemalan idea of where the border runs and the Belize idea do not meet - they overlap!
Holdfast Camp was to be our home for the next six months: an old Nissen hutted camp, remarkably free from mosquitoes, with cold showers and a very good swimming pool. The vehicle park was inside two very large tents, which were a temporary measure back in 1979.
Week 2 brought the fun of a jungle camp for 3 days, run by Lt Gatehouse, 2nd Bn Grenadier Guards. This involved two nights under canvas in hammocks in the jungle, practicing survival skills, making A frames and a CQB range. One morning, LCoH Kelland found a monkey had eaten all his AB biscuits. Strange animal!
The Grenadiers left and the Duke of Wellington's Regiment arrived. The Troop was kept very busy with patrols, flying the flag and covering as much of Belize as possible. These patrols varied in length and objective. On one occasion, CoH Jordan's patrol found a smuggler bringing Guatemalan beer across the border. He fled and left all his booty for the Troop to enjoy.
The next five months were filled with patrols, exercises, visits and displays of the vehicles to the indigenous population. The vehicles (3 Scorpion, 3 Scimitar, 1 Landrover and 2 Bedfords) required a great deal of work to keep them running, as they had been left to us in a bad state of repair.
Both Fitters, L/Sgt Day and Cfn Teese (attached from 17 Port and Maritime) worked exceptionally hard, together with all the crews, to return them to good working order.
At the end of June, the Troop had its Annual Firing on the Ranges in the hills of Belize. Somewhat reminiscent of Wales, every morning was foggy, cold and pouring with rain. However, once that passed, we looked forward to a day of hot sunshine and sand-fly bites. At the end of the week, we put on a demonstration for the Commander British Forces Belize. This demonstration went very well indeed and the Brigadier's comments afterwards were a good pat on the back for LCoH Kelland and all the crews firing in the demonstration.
At the beginning of August, The Dukes prepared for their Field Firing and the Troop provided two vehicles for each company. These went well, with our gunners proving very accurate and were well used by the Company Commanders for fire support. During the Company Field Firing the Commanding Officer flew all the way from Heathrow to pay us a welcome visit - evidently the fishing was very good also!
During the six-month tour, everyone went for two weeks' R & R, which covered a wide range of venues and past-times. Most of the Troop went to Miami and Orlando, whilst some opted for Cancun in Mexico. Where possible, full use was made of Belize's adventure training facilities: sea, sand and sun (with mountains for Tpr Richards), with as many as possible going to the Adventure Training Centre on St George's Caye.
Eventually the toured neared completion. Lots of effort was put into the PRE, carried out by the ASM from 16/5 Lancers in Tidworth. This once again went very well an and reflected the good work produced by the Troop throughout the whole of the year.
At the end of September we returned to England, once more courtesy of the Royal Air Force,and left a 14/20 Hussars Troop, white-skinned and perspiring, to carryon where we left off.
"Hubble, bubble, toil and trouble", chanted Macbeth's three witches. For the three witches substitute Ex RCM Slater, SCMs Rennie and Allen; introduce a brick from the Old Regent's Park Barracks and the scene is set for one of the Regiment's oldest and more macabre ceremonies. Many outsiders wonder at the secrecy of this ceremony and the following questions are often asked: Why are outsiders not let in?
What foul and heinous crimes are committed behind those closed doors? What is that strange rhythmical chant?
And finally, why is the Regiment so short of broom handles? These questions and others are only partly answered in this article; the rest, I am afraid, is not suitable for family consumption.
Fed up and disillusioned with being treated as an outsider, I decided that I'd had enough. I selected my spy with care: he had to be cool, composed, able to fit into a crowd and most importantly, be able to keep his mouth shut. LCpl Hewitt was the ideal choice! We fixed the bar staff rotas and no-one noticed LCpl Hewitt as he casually served drinks and
waited and watched for the ceremony to begin. The shock and revulsion that this soldier experienced can hardly be recounted.
SCM Rennie appeared beforethe assembled men, carrying aloft a huge cauldron into which he started to concoct a hideous brew. First whisky, then vodka, then gin, a quick pause allowed the stables to add something (?) and then the cauldron was fired. Slowly the mixture started to bubble and then to steam. The assembled crowd broke into a slow rhythmical chant, similar to the 'GEE GEE' of the Matabele Nation.
SCM Rennie, incensed by the chanting, started a sharp stabbing dance, the volume increased and he broke into a frenzy. Suddenly, he started to rip his clothes off and they too went into the pot. They were ready now for the final ingredients. Firstly it was something of value, W02 Daysmith was pinned to the floor and a lock of cranial foliage was quickly cut (perhaps that's why he is bald, thought Hewitt). Into the pot it went, followed quickly by a lock of hair from the Colonel's dog - stolen secretly the day before. The pot was stirred and thickening agents such as beeswax and kiwi polish were added in copiousamounts.
"Enough!", shouted Rennie and the crowd fell silent, "We are ready for the last ingredient. Pass me the bones."
One could have heard a pin drop - the bag of bones had been forgotten! The ceremony hung in the balance, failure was staring everyone in the face. Thinking quickly, W02 Land reached into a folder and extracted a copy of next year's forecast of events. "Here, this will do. It's as good as any old bag of bones you'll ever find in this Regiment". A sigh of relief filled the room and the paper was quickly added to the pot.
Suddenly the room went silent. Hewitt started to panic; he had been spotted. Just what are they going to do with this horrible brew? Almost at once, all his questions were answered.
The Colonel led the Regimental Officers into the Mess. The newer Officers stared wide eyed and looked ap-
prehensive about the whole affair. The older, more experienced ones wore that confident smile that showed they knew what lay ahead. They were greeted by the RCM, while in the background SCM Allen hastily hung an old brick from the ceiling. "Gentlemen, would you like a drink? Some hot punch perhaps!"
Well, what of Hewitt? He is now in the Falklands, paying the price for passing on his information. SCM Rennie has been banished to Zimbabwe for slack security and RCM Slater was given a commission and asked to leave the Mess!
This coup-de-grace by the LAD is of such significance that it is recorded in verse and will be chanted for ever more:
The scene is set, the mess was cleared, When the Hanger and the Brick appeared With REME and others far from sight The festivities were set to light.
The chant from Life Guards' throats grew loud And Rennie built up the fever of the crowd One could have cut the air with a knife While poor Cpl Hewitt feared for his life.
The cauldron was filled and they thought their secret's kept
When suddenly Rennie aloud he wept The RCM spied the stable belt from afar And Cpl Hewitt cowered behind the bar.
The truth was out, and Oh! the shame! But who should accept the blame?
As for Cpl Hewitt, we all know And off to the Falklands he did go.
So all you young Officers beware Of what they call the Brick Hanging Affair. Don't drink any punch
If you ever want to see the lunch!
, FIFTY YEARS AGO
Regimental Diary for 1936
Regiment stationed at Combermere Barracks, Windsor.
Commanding Officer - Lt Col Hon EH Wyndham, MC.,
Adjutant - Capt AH Head, RCM - RCM AW Eason.
20 Jan HM King George V (Colonel-in-Chief of The Life Guards) died at Sandringham.
25 Jan The Regiment provided the Band and 4 State Trumpeters for the Proclamation Ceremony of HM King Edward VIII at Windsor.
28 Jan Funeral of His Late Majesty King George V. The 18 Feb 14 May
Regiment provided a representative party of 1 Officer and 20 men, dismounted, for the Funeral Procession in London from Westminster Hall to Paddington Station.
At Windsor, The Regiment provided a Sovereign's Escort dismounted, under command of Lt Col Hon Ii H Wyndham, MC, for the procession from Windsor Station to St George's Chapel, Windsor Castle.
HM King Endward VIII assumed appointment of Colonel-in-Chief of The Life Guards.
Field Marshall Viscount Allenby, GCB, GCMG, GCVO, (Colonel of The Life Guards) died, and The Regiment provided the Bearer Party at the funeral held at Westminster Abbey on 19 May.
10 Jun Major General The Earl of Athlone, KG, PC, GCB, GCMG, GCVO, DSO, appointed as Colonel of The Life Guards.
21 Jun Association Dinner cancelled owing to Court Mournin for the late King George V.
6 Jul The Regiment inspected in Windsor Great Park by HM King Edward VIII.
21 Aug The Regiment moved to Petworth for Army Maneouvres but returned to Windsor on 8 September following an outbreak of foot and mouth disease in the area.
14 Oct Regiment moved to Hyde Park Barracks on annual change of quarters.
11 Dec HM King Edward VIII abdicated.
12 Dec Regiment provided a Captain's Escort, under Capt FEB Wignall, and 4 State Trumpeters for the Proclamation of King George VI in London.
19 Dec Regiment provided a Captain's Escort, under Capt GW Pennington, and 4 State Trumpeters, for the Proclamation of the Coronation of King George VI in London.
23 Dec Mr Van Mierlo hung "The Brick" in the WOs & NCOs Mess at the commencement of the Christmas festivities.
By W02 AC Etches
On 11 November 1985, Household Cavalry Manning and Record Office and RAC Manning and Record Office combined to form the Household Cavalry and RAC Manning and Record Office, situated at Queen's Park, Chester.
For the Household Cavalry it will be the first time in 300 years that all Warrant Officers, Non Commissioned Officers, Soldiers and Reservists will no longer be administered by their own Records Office.
From the time the Regiments of the Household Cavalry were formed, each regiment has maintained its own records of service of other ranks in a section of their respective Orderly Rooms. In 1939, at the ou tbreak of the Second World War, we saw formation of the I st and 2nd Household Cavalry Regiments and the Household Cavalry Training Regiment. It was then that the two Regiments' Record Offices amalgamated to form the Household Cavalry Records Office with a CoH in charge of their respective Regiment's Records and this office was situated in the cellars, underneath the Officers' Mess, in Combermere Barracks. The SNCO in charge of the newly amalgamated office, who at that time was CoH Oxberry (LG), was appointed W02 and the Officer Commanding the Windsor Regiment was also appointed OIC H Cav Records.
In 1943, upon the introduction of a Colonel to Command the Training Regiment at Windsor with the appointment of Lieutenant Colonel Commanding Household Cavalry, the holder of this appointment became OIC Household Cavalry Records with his Regimental Adjutant as assistant. This then became as we now know it, the Command Structure of the Household Cavalry.
In 1947 the Household Cavalry Records Office was moved with RHQ Household Cavalry to Hyde Park Barracks, and was again accommodated in the cellars of the Officers' Mess; perhaps this accounts for the clerical attribute of consuming alcohol! In any event, this arrangement was sadly short-lived, because after the Coronation in September 1953, RHQ Household Cavalry moved to their present location in Horse Guards and later that year the Records Office moved
Back Row (Left to Right): Tpr West (LG), CoH Smith (LG) CoH Beck (LG), LCoH Hodges (RHG/D), Tpr Taylor (LG) Front Row (Left to Right): Mrs Dolman, WOl (SC), AJ Weston Maj RJ Morrisey Paine (LG), Col JG Hamilton-Russell (RHG/D) W02 AC Etches (LG), CoH Giblette (RHG/D)
to their final location over the Guard Quarters at Horse Guards.
Lastly, on the amalgamation of the Royal Horse Guards and The Royal Dragoons in 1969, the records of the ORs serving at that time in the Royals, were transferred from the RAC Records Office and incorporated with the documents of the Household Cavalry.
It can only be said that after 300 years of living something akin to a nomadic existence, our roots are to become firmly embedded in Chester and our new administrators are only too well aware that what they are handling is certainly a great deal finer than Dresden China.
So take heart! We are in safe hands. The benefits of such a move will be enormous and will be felt by all soldiers who serve in the Household Cavalry.
Those who have held the appointment of Chief Clerk
Household Cavalry Records are:
J Oxberry LG September 1939
MJ Sutton RHG November 1950
DA Phillips LG October 1956
GCL Ingham RHG June 1959
R Hoggarth RHG August 1963
W Jones LG February 1965
CE Oxberry LG November 1968
MG Holland LG February 1970
JA Desborough RHG/D September 1973
DJ Whennell RHG/D March 1975
PA Lee RHG/D August 1976
AM Cherrington LG January 1979
AJ Weston RHG/D July 1982
AC Etches LG July 1984
November 1950
October 1956
June 1959
August 1963
February 1965
November 1968
February 1970
September 1973
March 1975
August 1976
January 1979
July 1982
July 1984
November 1985
Re-Designated as H Cay and RAC Manning & Record Office
AC Etches
NW Bourne
January 1986 To date LG RHG/D
November 1985 January 1986
The appointment of Superintending Clerk Household Cavalry was introduced on 22 May 1944 with the rank of Warrant Officer Class I and those who have held this appointment are as follows:
DF Robarts
VJ Sutcliffe
AD Meakin
MJ Sutton
K Harrison
GCL Ingham
GLister
W Jones
RHG LG LG RHG RHG RHG LG LG
GB ChartersRowe LG
RB Yates RHG/D
DJ Whennell RHG/D
JR Henderson LG
AM Cherrington LG
AJ Weston RHG/D
AC Etches LG
May 1944
October 1948
February 1953
October 1956
August 1960
August 1963
March 1966
December 1968
June 1971
May 1975
August 1977
May 1980
August 1982
July 1984
May 1986
October 1948
January 1953
October 1956
August 1960
August 1963
March 1966
December 1968
June 1971
April 1975
August 1977
May 1980
August 1982
July 1984
May 1986
To date
Staff:
Lt Col AD Meakin (retd)
Mr W Johnson (formerly 22556701 LG from 1954 to 1976).
Mr AE Woodbridge (formerly 306573 RHG from 1944 to 1948).
The Museum has been open to the public throughout the year from Monday to Friday inclusive and on Sundays during the summer months (except on Bank Holidays and Public Holidays).
The staff continue to provide details of those who served in the Household Cavalry many years ago to relatives tracing their ancestors and also to the public who make enquiries regarding uniform and equipment of the Regiments during their history.
Visitor attendance has been normal during 1985 and it is always a pleasure for the staff to meet former members of the Regiment visiting Windsor who come to the Museum to renew their association with the Household Cavalry.
The following items have been donated to the Museum during 1985:
ORs brass shoulder scale of 1st Royal Dragoons (circa 1824) presented by Mr J R Lees.
Commemorative Flag presented by the citizens ofTessenderloo on the 40th anniversary of the liberation of their Town in September 1944 by 2nd Household Cavalry Regiment.
1st Royal Dragoon Officer's Helmet (circa 1870) presented by Sir Nigel Trench.
Copy of plaque displayed in the Herberg de Leurse Hof, near Nigmegen, recording the building being used as the Officers' Mess of D Sqn, 2 HCR, in September 1944.
Medals of:
1325 Tpr Sharmer (First World War) RHG
1585 Tpr Buckley (First World War) RHG
Lt DB Powle, MC, (Second World War) LG
1738 Tpr McCart (South Africa War) 1 LG
2930 Tpr Tantrum (First World War) 2 LG
1617 Tpr Dawkins (1882 Egyptian Campaign) RHG 2951 L/Cpl Twelfree (First World War) 2 LG
294566 CoH Middleton (LS & GC Medal) 1 LG
2563 Tpr Smith (First World War) 2 LG.
Major ORDE, R.P.G.
Died 12.5.1985 aged 74 years
Served 21.12.1940 to 17.10.1946.
Vet/Lt Col DALZELL, J.L.
Died 17.11.1985 aged 80 years
Served in RAVC from 1932 to 1945 and in The Life Guards from 16.10.1945 to 15.11.1954.
4066 Tpr PALFREY, S.
Died 20.11.1985 aged 89 years.
Served 1 LG and Household Bn from 11.11.1915to 21.4.1918.
295078 CoH BRYANT, R.L.
Died 27 11.1985 aged 69 years.
Served 2.9.1935 to 19.4.1942.
294260 SCM BALL, J.
Died 4.12.1985 aged 88 years. Served 24.11.1914 to 17.3.1937.
3158 Cpl CHINNERY, E.T.
Died 27.9.1985 aged 92 years
Served 2 LG 6.11.1914 to 10.3.1919.
299532 Cpl DAVIES, T.F.
Died 9.8.1985 aged 80 years.
Served 22.1.1924 to 21.1.1932 and 1.9.1939 to 10.12.1945.
294839 Tpr LEWIS, V.
Died 15.1.1985 aged 89 years. Served 4.3.1930 to 6.11.1945.
294566 CoH MIDDLETON, J.W.
Died 13.9.1985 aged 80 years. Served 21.8.1923 to 14.4.1939 and from 16.4.1942 to 5.10.1944.
3496 Tpr SISTERSON, R.S.
Died' 30.12.1984 aged 94 years. Served 1 LG from 6.11.1914 to 14.2.1917 and then transferred to Line Cavalry.
299223 Tpr TWELFTREE, J.L.
Died 16.1.1985 aged 89 years. Served 1.5.1914 to 1.5.1922.
24347784 LCoH WI LLlS, AR Killed in accident during training with Regt in Canada on 19.8.1985. Served in Regt from 10.3.1976.
Capt Sir Andrew IMBERT-TERRY, Bart., Killed in Harari on 4.9.85 aged 39 years. Served 8.10.1966 to 1.4.74.
296272 SOMC DAVIES, B.J. Died May 1985 aged 59 years. Served 28.2.1944 to 28.2.1956.
295662 Tpr GODLEY, M.T. Died 4.4.1985 aged 79 years. Served 13.3.1941 to 4.1.1946.
294790 Tpr MAKER, L.R. Died 1985 aged 77 years. Served 11.10.1929 to 24.9.1937 and 1.9.1939 to 19.1.1946.
3812 Cpl PAXTON, A. Died 26.1.1985 aged 90 years. Served 2 LG 7.11.1915 to 5.2.1918.
4348 Tpr STIMPSON, R.H.G. Died 6.4.1985 aged 88 years. Served 1 LG 10.12.1915to 19.12.1917.
296725 Tpr VARLEY, P. Died 21.5.1985 aged 56 years. Served 22.11.1946 to 21.10.1952.
REGIMENTAL HEADUUARTERS
TROOP
Lt Col VAL Goodhew, MBE
Major JWM Ellery
Capt CHN Graham
Capt JD Boldero
Capt TJK Faulkner
Lt AM Cherrington
W01 (RCM) IW Kelly
SCpl Powell
SCpl Redford
CoH Gratton
LCoH Steed
LCoH Hoskins
LCoH Gelder
LCoH Layzell
LCpl Appleby
LCpl Knowles
LCpl Walton
LCpl Bradley
LCpl Walker
LCpl Mundy
LCpl Leete
Tpr Barratt
Tpr Bond
Tpr Joy
Tpr Leafe
Tpr Woodford
LCpl Beaumont
SUUADRON HEADUUARTERS
Capt GGE Stibbe
W02 (SCM) Lee
LCoH Shone
LCoH Lewis
LCpl Whittaker
Tpr Bing
Tpr Bradie
Tpr Hackett
ECHELON
SCpt (SOMC) Byrne
LCpl Bell
LCpl Page
Tpr Trinder
Tpr Warne
Tpr Steel
UUARTERMASTER (Equipment)
Lt JD Knowles
W02 (ROMC(ElI Land
CoH Mayo
CoH Steele
LCoH Smith 061
LCoH CrBister
LCoH Birkett
LCpl Vince
LCpl Fenn
LCpl Bisset
Tpr Lawes
Tpr O'Hare
UUARTERMASTER
Capt LA Lumb
W02 (ROMC) Mead
SCpl Hugman
CoH Robertson
CoH Cavin
CoH Leak
LCoH Tinkler
LCoH Judge
LCoH Taft
LCo H Hardacre
LCpl Richards
LCpl Evans
LCpl Mills
Tpr Carter
Tpr Wade
MOTOR TRANSPORT RAPC
TROOP
W02 (MTWO) Milne
CoH Davies
CoH Rigby
LCoH Hazlewood
LCoH Cumming
Tpr Rochford
Tpr Hoon
Tpr Ormiston
Tpr Robinson
Tpr Starr
Tpr Howgate
REGIMENTAL
ORDERL V ROOM
W02 (OROMC) Radford
CoH Tomkins
LCoH Davies
LCoH Snow
LCpl Willis
LCpl Hale
Tpr Coker
Pte Caulfield (WRAC)
LCpl Farrar
RECRUITING OFFICE
Maj 0M Price (Retd)
W02 Cozens
CoH Pace
LCoH Rosborough
LCpl Flynn
REGIMENTAL POLICE
CoH Snowden
CoH Beck
TRAINING WING
SCpl Bunyan
SCpl McBride
CoH Windebank
CoH Marshall
LCplWells
Sgt Corfield APTC
OFFICERS'MESS
W02 Digney, BEM
LCoH O'Connor
LCoH Berrisford
WO's & NCO's MESS
CoH Sutherland
LCoH Fitzpatrick
STABLES
LCpl Clipston
Tpr Terry
LA D
Capt BW McCall
W01 IASM) Forsyth
W02 (AQMS) Menage
SSgt Bristow
Sgt Baker
Sgt Gornall
Sgt McGarrigal
Sgt Straughan
Capt RC Worts
W02 (SQMS) Middleton
SSgt Davies
Sgt McHale
LSgt Lamb
LSgtWebb
Pte O'Brien
Pte Buckle
GARRISON MEDICAL
CENTRE
Surg Maj D Stewart
SSgt Lloyd
LCoH Doyle
LSgt Phillips
ACC
W02 (SOMS) Reed
Sgt Pinkney
Sgt Gilham
LSgt Brimicombe
LSgt Harris
LSgt Strachan
LSgt Warnett
LCpl Crockett
LCplKay
LCpl Tateham
Pte Allsop
Pte Davies
Pte Dew
Pte Pettit
Pte Holroyd
Pte McGarva
DETACHED
CoH Gratton
(Gunnery School RAC Centre)
CoH Bingham - GDS Depot
LCoH Jackson - GDS Polo
LCoH Diamond - GDS Polo
Tpr Wrightson - GDS Polo
LCoH Fenn - BA TUS
LCpl Bentley - BATUS
Tpr Readhead - Warminster
Cfn Reade - Falklands
ONE TROOP
2Lt SJ Marks
CoH Corser
LCoH Williams
LCoH Darley
LCoH Meredith
LCoH Sprague·
LCoH Coles
TprAdams
Tpr Frood
Tpr Goodwin
Tpr Holmes
Tpr Philp
TprWarren
SgtMcCartney TWO TROOP
Sgt Kennedy
LSgt Gaw
LSgt McCabe
LSgt Young
LSgt Hutchings
LCpl Wheeler
LCpl Lee
Cfn Coehlo
Cfn Morris
Cfn Murray
Cfn Poulson
Cfn Cresswell
Cfn Walls
SCpl Holbrook
LCoH Wragg
LCoH Batchelor
LCoH Willis 808
LCpl Moore
LCpl Lambert
Tpr Dugard
Tpr Leeson
Tpr Pitt
Tpr Smith 777
Tpr Taylor
TprWatson
THREE TROOP
Lt MC Van Der Lande
CoH Jenkins
LCoH Oldman
LCoH Allen
LCpl Castle
Tpr Barrott
Tpr Benson
Tpr Bonner
Tpr Dawson
Tpr Irving
Tpr McKenny
Tpr Westbury
FOUR TROOP
2Lt EJ Sunley
LCoH Schubert
LCoH Clark
LCoH Tinsley
LCoH Ormerod
LCoH Fletcher
Tpr Carter
Tpr De Fraine
Tpr Douglas
Tpr Lowe
Tpr Ruddy
Tpr Stewart
TprWood
SHU TROOP
Maj PRL Hunter
Capt AJ Wiltson
SCM Allen
W02 Stay
CoH Gaunt
LCoH Roberts
LCpl Birchall
LCpl Bishop
LCpl Walker
LCpl Timms Banham
LCpl White
LCpl Stanley
Tpr Key
Tpr Morris
SUPPORT TROOP
CoH Evans
LCoH Norcombe
LCpl Corner
LCpl Pillman
LCpl Carey
Tpr Brooks 972
Tpr Byrne
Tpr Cooper
Tpr Davidson
Tpr Gregory
Tpr Frost
Tpr Smith 270
Tpr Waterworth
ECHELON TROOP
SOMC Read
LCoH Stiff
LCpl Stillwell
LCpl Smithers
LCpl Leggott
Tpr Cummins
Tpr Downes
Tpr G reasley
LA D
SSgt Sayers
Sgt Jellis
LSgt Symons
LSgt Collwill
LCpl Garner
LCpl Dyball
Cfn Gwyn
Cfn Reid
Cfn Rouke
SOMC TROOP
ONE TROOP - Contd THE BAND (Cyprus)
Major JR Bayley
Capt HD Dyson
Lt CR Slater
W02 (SCM) Cusick
SHO TROOP
LCoH Yarrow
LCoH Nicholson
LCpl Lyne
LCpl Lindsay
LCpl Howaston Jones
TprKnowles
Tpr Jorgenson
Tpr Deans
Tpr Postance
Tpr Standlake
Tpr Gilby
Tpr Wilkes
Tpr Fickling
Tpr Radford
Tpr Cooke
ONE TROOP
Lt CN Mitford Slade
CoH Puddephatt
LCoH Kidd-
LCoH Hodge
Tpr Nutt
Tpr Alsop
Tpr Thawley
Tpr Howie
LCpl Baker
TWO TROOP
Lt T Assheton
CoH Bellringer
LCoH Burns
LCoH Drennan
Tpr Wilsher
Tpr Knaggs
Tpr Parsons
Tpr Gray
LCpl Brown
THREE TROOP
2Lt JDA Dalgliesh
CoH Reed
LCoH Tate
LCoH Cairncross
TprWillis
Tpr Reynolds
Tpr Bray
Tpr Barratt
LCpl Harrison
FOUR TROOP
Lt ARW Spowers
CoH Jordan
LCoH Kelland
LCoH Hunter
Tpr Mullins
Tpr Prytherch
Tpr Till
Tpr Broomfield
LCpl Weeks
FIVE TROOP
SCpl Whatley
CoH Harvey
LCoH Wilde
LCoH Newton
Tpr Cornock
Tpr Holden
Tpr Hepple
Tpr Hamill
Tpr Hubble
SOMC Lodge
LCoH Worrall
Tpr Core
Tpr Bright
LCpl Hughes
Tpr Clarke
LCpl Hatcher
LCoH Worley
Sgt Pinkney ACC
LSgt Warnett ACC
Pte Pettit ACC
Pte Dew ACC
ADMIN TROOP
CoH Carrington
LCoH O'Daly
Tpr Gollings
Sgt McHale RAPC
Sgt Hall RAMC
LCpl Vaughan
LCoH Stockwell
Tpr Nugent
Tpr Stevens
Tpr Kaye
LCpl Ward (Caterer)
Tpr Metcalf
Tpr Jacobs
Musn E veratt
LCo H Croager
MT TROOP
LCoH Murphy MT NCOs
LCoH Coole
LCpl Godson
LCpl Bridges
LCpl Smith 365 Drivers
LCpl Grantham
LCpl Richards
LCpl Brook
LAD
SSgt Simpson
Sgt Durrant
Sgt Brooks
LSgt Flavel
LCpl Lockyear
LCpl Sharpe
LCpl Hewitt
Cfn Williamson
Cfn Harding
Cfn Luckham
SHO
Maj IS Forbes-Cockell
Capt The Hon MRM Watson
W02 (SCM) Saunders
AW02 (SCM) Belza
CoH George
LCoH Abel
LCoH Blowey
LCoH Webster
LCoH O'Neill
LCpl Squires
Tpr Morris
Tpr Fraser
Tpr Parrington
ONE TROOP
2Lt ND Garrett
SCpl Coffey
LCoH Ingram
LCoH Rowbottom
Tpr McLeish
Tpr Chapman
Tpr Poynter
Tpr Fisher
Tpr Risbridger
Tpr Underhay
Tpr Clarke
TWO TROOP
2Lt RRD Griffin
CoH Jeram
LCoH White
LCoH Davis
LCoH Walker
LCoH Renshaw
LCpl Cripps
Tpr Chapman
Tpr Poynter
Tpr Clarke
Tpr Ryan
Tpr Daynes
Tpr Brookes
Tpr Curtis
Tpr Beal
Tpr Franklin
Tpr Parkin
THREE TROOP
2Lt ES Connolly
Maj JG McColl
W02 Harman
W02 Whitworth
SCpl Robinson
SCpl Mean
CoH Morris
CoH Bourne
CoH Poland
CoH Hopkins
LCoH Allen
LCoH Woodhouse
LCoH Grieve
LCoH Young
LCoH Graves
LCoH Pankhurst
LCpl Bole
LCplCox
LCpl Collier
LCpl White
LCpl Bromley
Musn Gook
Musn Newnham
Musn Clark
Musn Lazenbury
Musn Dare
Musn Severn
Musn Egerton
CoH Wright Musn Carson
LCoH Clarke Musn Davies
LCoH Hearn
LCpl Dobson
LCpl Collins
Tpr Keilty
Tpr Merrifield
Tpr Dixon
Tpr Miller
Tpr Evans
Tpr Collier
Tpr Knight
Musn Bailey
Musn Pearson
Musn Rickard
Musn Copson
Musn Everatt
Musn Dry
Musn Wade
HOUSEHOLD CAVALRY
FOUR TROOP REGIMENT
2Lt PL Harris
CoH Evans
LCoH Pugh
LCoH Smith
LCoH lies
Tpr Howgate
Tpr Brooke
Tpr Warren
Tpr Bellfield
Tpr Smith
Tpr Dosworth
Tpr Harper
SIX TROOP
CoH Blunt
LCoH Valentine
LCoH Maunder
LCpl Paterson
LCpl Wilkinson
Tpr Toft
Tpr Harvey
Tpr Rowe
Tpr Hopkins
Tpr Phillips
Tpr Foster
ECHELON
SCpl (SOMC) Collins
LCoH Jones
LCoH Nicklin
LCpl Price
LCpl Trevathan
LCpl Thomas
Tpr Meggison
Tpr Mattison
HEADOUARTERSSOUADRON
RHO
Lt Col CJ D'Oyly
Capt JC Hopkins
W01 (RCM) RG Lawrence
OUARTERMASTER
CoH Castelow
CoH Orchard
LCoH Thornton
LCoH Hadden
LCoH Goodchild
LCpl Harman
LCpl Stevens
LCpl Smith
LCplYoung
Tpr Button
Tpr Laithwaite
Tpr Robson
ORDERL Y ROOM
CoH Beck
LCoH Cook - Hannah
LCoH McSherry
LCpl Langworthy
OFFICERS'MESS
LCpl Shipton
LCoH Preece
Tpr Cooke
WOs & NCOs MESS
SCpl Bartlett
LCpl Erskine
Tpr Burley
Tpr Shorter
Tpr Todd
MT
CoH Moore
LCpl Wibberley
Tpr Alcock
Tpr Everett
Tpr Ritchie
LCpl Cole
REGIMENTAL PROVOST
CoH Carter
LCpl Kitching
LCpl Fawkes
LCpl Sims
MEDICAL CENTRE
CoH Wolczynski
RIDING STAFF
Capt BJ McKie
W02 Sanderson
CoH Saddler
LCoH Waygood
LCpl Ablott
LCpl Byers
LCpl Avison
LCpl Thomas
TRAINING WING
SCpl Potts
SCpl Ritchie
LCoH Lanahan
Trainees:
Capt Waterhouse
LCpl Gilbert
Tpr Logan
Tpr Long
Tpr Thompson
Musn Daire
Musn North
Musn Allen
Musn Goodchild
MusnWilman
COACH TROOP
CoH Thornton
LCoH Robertson
LCoH Howe
Tpr Pendle
Tpr Ellis
FARRIERS
SCpl Jones
LCpl Phillips
Farr Renson
Farr Jenkins
Farr Smith
Farr Wright
PTI
LCpl Lee
MOUNTED SQUADRON
SHU
Major RCB Sampson
Capt JL Sunnucks
SCM Denton
W02 Flory
SQMCSwallow
SCpl Gilbert
LCpl Butler
LCpl Price
Tpr Taylor
Tpr Bandey
Tpr Wilson
Lt CT de M Fraser
CoH Dobson
CoH Scott
CoH Norcombe
LCoH Derbyshire
LCoH Dunn
LCpl Kearns
LCpl Reid
LCpl Whitfield
LCpl McClelland
LCpl Valentine
Tpr Bartlett
Tpr Carvell
TprCook
Tpr Hodder
Tpr Hodgkins
Tpr Hood
Tpr Hutchison
Tpr Lawson
Tpr Lugg
Tpr Morris
Tpr O'Connor
Tpr Smart
Tpr Taylor
Tpr Thomas
Tpr Turnbull
Tpr Whitfield
TprWest
Tpr Yeates
Tpr Yeomans
Tpr Brown
TWO TROOP
Capt JL Sunnucks
Tpr Coleman Tpr Mitson
Tpr Checklin Tpr Murray
Tpr Crow Tpr Skelton
Tpr Devlin Tpr Slingsby
Tpr Devonport Tpr Sykes
Tpr Doane Tpr Walker
Tpr Holloway Tpr Watson
Tpr lloyd
EXTRA REGIMENTALL Y EMPLOYED
HCR HS PENDING RETIREMENT
Major Gen Sir Desmond Langley, KCVO. MBE
HU DRAC
Maj Gen SC Cooper
WO 1 (SA) J Docherty
JUNIOR DIVISION STAFF COllEGE
Col ABSH Gooch
Tpr Redhead
BATU SUFFiElD
Col JB Emson W01 (RCM) 0J Whyte
LCpl Bentley LCpl Fenn
HU AFCENT
Lt Col CS Harcourt Smith
CoH McDermott RCDS
CoHWilson
LCoH Nicholson
LCoH Norgrove
LCoH Huskisson
LCpl Burge
LCpl Mackay
LCpl Phillips
LCpl French
LCpl Conway
LLCpl Weller
Tpr Astbury
Lt Col TJ Earl
RARDE CHERTSEY
Maj CJ Simpson-Gee W01 (RCM) RA McGloughlin
W02 Hutchings
HU UKlF
Maj SVG ilbart-Denham Maj PSWF Falkner
Tpr Bullimore R HUH CAV
Tpr Stevenson
Tpr Carvell
Tpr Cooling
Tpr Futcher
Tpr Gilchrist
LCpl Hatcher
Tpr Humpage
Tpr Jackson
Tpr Laing
Tpr Loch
Tptr Marsh
Tpr Marston
Tpr Matthews
Tpr Marvin
Tpr McNeill
Tpr Rimmington
Tpr Ryan
Tpr Topp
Maj RJ Morrisey-Paine LCoH Preston
W02 Etches
CoH Beck
LCpl Bridges
LCpl Reade
CoH Charlett Tpr West
CoH Dean
CoH Smith
A DA CANBERRA RAC CENTRE
Maj CSK Anderson Maj NJ D'Ambrumenil
MOD MS
MOD
Maj AP De Ritter Maj The Hon NJ Adderley
THREE TROOP GUARDS DEPOT
Lt AM Clarke
CoH Scott
CoH Hawkins
I.CoH Mills
LCoH Cowling
LCoH Ridgeway
LCpl Round
LCpl Renton
LCpl Johnson
LCpl Harlow
LCplCurson
LCpl Peers
Tpr Arnold
Tpr Ashman
Maj S0G Vetch
Lt WA MOswald
Lt CI Ley
W02 Knowles
CoH Bingham
CoH Fry
CoH Hickman
CoH Wise
LCoH Barry
LCoH Camp
LCoH Cross
LCoHMaxwell
LCoH Pringle
LCpl Ford
LCpL Lawes
LCpl Mallon
LCpl McAlpine
LCpl Smith
Tpr Benge
Tpr Bundy
Tpr Hochschild
Tpr McKenzie-Hili
Tpr Robinson
Tpr Tovell
Tpr Verschoyle-Green
Tpr Kingston
REGIMENTALLY EMPLOYED - Continued
RANGE OFF LULWORTH
Maj (OM) BP Payne
RYSC SUTTON COLDFIElD
Capt A Kelly
LONDON UNIVERSITY
2Lt 0JG Mahony
ST. ANDREWS UNIVERSITY
2Lt EA Smyth-Osborne
RAVC TRAINING CENTRE
Lt JR Cape
SCpl James
SCpl Williams
HCR HS
Capt JH Miles
Lt PAJ 0'0 Kisielewski-Dunbar
Capt JH Perry-Warnes
HO BE L1ZE
Capt JW Stewart
HO NI
Capt SF Hayward
Capt WSG Doughty
HO CYPRUS
Capt HSJ Scott
THE BLUES & ROYALS
SCpl Burns Tpr Butterfield
LCoH Brettell Tpr Day
LCoH Griffin Tpr Ditchburn
LCoH Parsley Tpr Edgington
LCoH Sharples Tpr Hughes
LCoH Thorpe Tpr Jackson
LCoH Topham Tpr Locke
LCpl Cole Tpr Polley
LCpl Evans Tpr Porter
LCpl Grynane Tpr Sander
LCpl Prior Tpr Turnidge
LCpl Seager Tpr Bartlett
LCpl Smith
LCpl Tanner
RAC CENTRE
W02 Willis
W02 Townshend
W02 Cruddace
SCpl Bishop
SCpl Johnston
CoH Lindsay
CoH Loftus
CoH Keech
CoH Sansom
CoH Theakston
CoH Tierney
LCplCobb
JUNIOR LEADERS REGIMENT RAC
CoH Clarke Jnr Redhead
LCoH Godley Jnr Rees
Jnr McGuinness Jnr Watson
Jnr Parkinson
3 REGT AAC
W02 Richards
BMATT ZIMBABWE
W02 Rennie
CoH Stephenson
RY
Capt J Leighton
W02 Allen
Tpr Andrews
HO YORK GARRISON
CoH Bagnall
SCpl McKenzie
CoH Jackson W02 Lowry
2 ARMOURED DEl SON
LCoH Bannon
AC10 GRANTHAM
SCpl Borthwick
RAROE KIRKCUDBRIGHT
Tpr Corner
LCoH Dangerfield
ARMY DOG UNIT NOR IRElAND RAVC
LCpl Davis LCpl Sands
RMCS SHRIVENHAM
LCpl Davison
HO 1 BR CORPS
Tpr Dean
RMSM LCplDutton
HO EDIST
CoH Gledhill Tpr Morrish
RAC RANGE CASTLEMARTIN
CoH Howard
ACID BOURNEMOUTH
SCpl Jones
ACID BRADFORD
CoH Lea
CROYDON
CoH Lewis
15/19 H
LCoH Lewis
KUWAIT LIAISON TEAM
W01 Lloyd
ARBORFIELD
LCoH Margan
HO NEDIST
CoH Rodwell
ACID STOKE ON TRENT
CoH Ormiston
OOY
W02 Walsh
RMAS
SCpl Frazer
CoH Carson
CoH Jones
LCpl Atyeo
AT DU
LCpl Cox
DEFENCE SALES
SCpl Kallaste
CoH Pi'ckard
DMAMOD
SCpl Hale
HO LONDIST
LCpl Jacobi
TAY FORTH UNIVERSITIES OTC
W02 Mills