The Acorn 1989

THE

FOREWORD

BY I ,IF,UTliN i\.NI (:( ONEL J WM EI I ,n \:

In the Squadron notes which follow you will see that 1988 has been a year of considerable variety starting with A Squadron in Cyprus with the United Nations Peace Keeping Force while the rest of the Regiment flew by Hercules without warning to exercise in Northumberland. In the early Summer we deployed on a 5 Airborne Brigade FTX; exercised with the SAS in Scotland and then later as a 'Battalion' escorted and guarded the US Air Force Cruise Missiles while they 'practised' on Salisbury Plain. The Mounted Sq uadron provided escorts for HM The Queen at the State Visits of King Olaf of Norway and the Presidents of Turkey and Senegal, and held their Summer camp at Thetford for the first time. We paraded on the Square for Colonel Lord Michael Fitzalan Howard and invited him to judge our Inter Sq uadron Drill Com petition to compensate for the lack of a street lining commitment in Windsor (there are 00 State Visits in Windsor while the Castle is being rewired). In the Autumn and Winter we fired our guns at Lulworth and Castlemartin, converted to the new rifle (SA80) and despatched a composite half Squadron to Belize in support of 1st Battalion Irish Guards. And as I wri te these notes C Squadron, with a Troop of Grenadier Guardsmen under command, prepares for its second tour in Cyprus. A full year indeed and one which has been punctuated by sports competitions of a very high standard, albeit none of the excellence which powered Lt Mahony to gain a Bronze Medal for Britain in the Olympics at Seoul.

Some years ago we used to recruit with the slogan 'Ride, Drive and Fly with The Household Cavalry!' May I devote this Foreword to explaining the even greater variety now open to present day Life Guards? The tradition of our wartime predecessors of adapting to the requirements of the moment, while maintaining the standards and customs which we hold as important, is of necessity alive and well.

For a start we have learned that to be fully utilised in an Airborne Brigade requires just the sort of innovation and self discipline that has always been our hallmark. For example vehicles and men must be able to survive without the regular resupply which might charactise (or we like to think it would) the battlefield of Europe. They must also be capable of being airianded in complete darkness or parachuted into theatre. These skills present new challenges for us all and will see fruition during next year, our last before the start of a four or five year tOUT on Challenger Main Battle Tanks in Sennelager, West Gennany.

The second significant development I wish to report to you all is the extent to which the Mounted Duty side now involves us all. Gone are the days of soldiers spending ages in the Mounted Squadron and becoming reluctant to convert to armour: now those recruits who go first to

The

Commanding Officer

Lieutenant Colonel J W M Ellery

Riding School, after a period of two years, theh convert to armour. Meanwhile all the Non-Commissioned Officer posts in the Mounted Squadron are filled, also on a two year rotational basis, from The Regiment. The process was painful to begin with but is now bearing fruit in both The Regiment and the Mounted Squadron and I am very grateful for the perseverance of those many Life Guards who ha ve so readily (or in some cases not so readily!) made the first transition. We now rea]]y can offer a man a career in which he may exoect to 'Ride, Drive and Fly' - albeit he may have to depart from the aeroplane mid flight! We do in fact have one helicopter pilot in CoH Wilde, so that type of flying is also still available.

It would be a totally changed world if everything in our life was rosy: although we are currently well recruited in both Officers and Men it cannot have escaped your notice in the newspapers tha t we are entering wha t the pundi ts call a 'demographic trough'. In English this means that there will be fewer available fit, intelligent young men of the sort we need in the next few years. We are a small organisation of some 600 all Ranks and to become understrength would hit us hard - expecially as we embark on conversion and a move to Germany. If every one of us recruited one man per year there would be no problem - indeed we might be invited to reform the 2nd Life Guards! But to be sincere I do urge you, through your many friends, to spread the word. As I hope I have explained we offer a life which is exciting and varied, and above all, a family spirit which is second to none.

Good luck to you all, serving orretired, in 1989.

A Squadron

This has been A Squadron's year for travel. We spent our first 6 months in Cyprus, and by the end of the year some of us will also have clocked up trips to Belize, Wales and N Ireland. There can be no excuses for any pasty complexions or lack of stories.

On 29 December 1987 the pre-advance party left for Cyprus to take over as the Force Scout Car Squadron of the United Nations Forces in Cyprus. By? January we were complete, and A Squadron 9/12L had gone. The first surprise was the weather. The first few days were glorious, but steadily it grew colder and wetter. Some unwise people had neglected good advice and failed to bring wann clothing, preferring only the protection of a pair of Rayban sunglasses. The second surprise was that though some items were duty free, and thus cheap, seemed to disappear just as easily as it did in England. A word of warning to all future travellers to Cyprus; use stamps, they are so much cheaper than the telephone.

The job in Cyprus had two aspects. Our every-day task was to provide mobile patrols (2 Ferret Scout Cars in each) which then travelled back and forth along the Buffer Zone that divided the island. As you may know, the Turks 'intervened' in 1974 and secured the Northern half of the island for their people, and moved all the Greek Cypriots into the South. The two armies face each other over the cease fire lines, and the United Nations Forces hold sway in the Buffer Zone in the middle. The second task of the Squadron was to provide the Force Reserve. This involved gathering the Squadron with some infantry attached to us and then reacting to some change in the attitude of the opposing forces of the Greek-Cypriot populations. The likeliest call-out for the Reserve, was a demonstration by the Women's Walk Home Movement (WWHM). Previous protests had been made whereby a few thousand women and children had attempted to walk across the Buffer Zone back to their old villages. UNFI CYP, able to call on 500 all ranks, had to stop them. Fortunately no WWHM protest was made in our time.

The Squadron was located at Prince William Cam p next to the disused Nicosia airport. We had quite a secluded camp without too much interference. Based there were SHQ and 2 Sabre Troops; one supporting the British battalion in Sector 2, and one patrolling the city of Nicosia. The focus for most activity was the Ledra Palace checkpoint in the middle of the divided city. It was often choked with demonstrators and police. Often the Turks closed the checkpoint, which was most inconvenien t as it prevented us from reaching the less crowded beaches! There were troop outstations at Skouriotissa, Camp Liri, and Observation Post A20 near Dhekelia.

To start with it always seemed to be 1 Troop that got into trouble. It was they who were called in to help the Danes after a warning shot had been fired at a Danish patroL And who should be at the ready to support the Canadians when they demolished a Turkish emplacement? Getting on wi th other people and nationalities is so important in the UN. We were lucky in being on very good

tenns with all the contingents, although only Mr Ogden could understand the French-Canadian contingent. Also, we had Kelly enterprises. The Danes were so thrilled with us for restoring the billiard table at Skouriotissa that they kitted the Admin Officer out in Danish unifonn and threw him in the pooL The UN seems.to thrive on meetings, such as the Force Commanders, Ops Offrs, Sigs branch etc, but all is not as it seems. Most meetings involved 2 hours travel, one hour's business and 2 hours play. At the Junta meeting we held, with business concluded, the commanding officers had to: ride in a bicycle race, abseil off the Airport terminal building, fire Sterling SMGs and Browning pistols, learn to drive a Ferret, and shoot clay pigeons.

There was a plethora of sporting competitions. LCoH Kitching, Tprs Bebbington and Mathews, and Mr Fullerton did very well to come 3rd in the Cross Country, while the skiing team got 2nd and 3rd places. Our Milskills teams carne a very creditable 3rd and 6th out of 18 teams drawn from major units, but we must learn to throw g:r:enades. We were worst at this by a mile, probably because we prefer to be accurate with biggerstuff at 1000m. We won a couple of competitions; Individual NEFSKI champion (Mf Mackenzie-Hill), Minor Units Athletics, and the Tyrell-Martin Cup (polo). We were also the unofficial footbaH champions after beating the previously unbeaten Danes but this competition was cancelled due to the heat. Allin all we became very fit and healthy, making the most of the time, facilities and weather.

The Colonel inspecting A Squadron's SNCOs

The Colonel, SCM Lodge, SCpI Evans, Tpr Warren

A healthy flow of visitors came to see the Squadron, formally and informall y. It would be a lengthy list in full, but we particularly enjoyed seeing Colonel Michael who came to see the BRITCON Medal Parade. After the qualifying period of 90 days each national contingent holds a parade, and the General comes and awards medals and gives a short and oft practised speech. The Squadron'S Ferrets were lined up on parade on Nicosia Airport (disused since the 1974

Turkish intervention), and we marched on to join them. At the end of the parade we mounted up, all started up (touch wood), wheeled away down the runway and then dashed past the saluting dias in column of troops. Also on parade were the Band who had come out specially for the parade. During their time on the island we used them to soothe the other contingents. The Band played at Skouriotissa, the Ledra Palace Hotel and at OP AlD. Togetherwith the Band of the King's Own Royal Border Regiment and the Drums Platoon of 2nd Bn Coldstream Guards they put 00 an excellent concert at the amphitheatre at Curi\llU. OUf least expected visitor was Mr Gordon Honeycombe. He is putting together a pictorial book about the Household Cavalry, and came to gather ideas. These will be put into practice by C Squadron.

Gordon Honeycombe with 1 Troop

Rest and recuperation (R&R) was enthusiastically welcomed. In the colder months some people went home, but as the weather improved many families and friends travelled out. A good deal of soldiers seized their chance and went to Egypt, Israel or Nissi beach (full of Scandinavian girls). An adventurous holiday was planned by the Artificer Sergeant, SSgt Rose. He got married and went on honeymoon. LCoH Camp's idea of fun was to do the DANCON march, yompingin the Troodos mountains for 5Dkm. Quite a few of the Squadron did the march as well as other adventure training including skiing, parachuting, canoeing. diving and hang-gliding. Musn Allen had the worst experience. His parachute would not open until he started to feed it out of its packaging behind his head. The only prize he received for his coolness was our undying admiration. And life.

So important to an overseas tour is to have people around with a sense of humour. We were especially lucky in having many talented and funny people with us. LCaH Rosborough has produced a cartoon book of the tour (applications via the SQMC), and throughout the tour he

and Sgt Castle, and a host of others kept us laughing. The revue put on at the end of the tour was a scream, although some of the content would have made Bernard Manning blush. Of the memorable catchphrases let full ramming speed be adopted as A Squadron's battlecry. An example of a 'wind-up' is included as a separate item. It all had to end sometime, and in early July, just as it became lODOC we handed over to D Squadron 9/12L. We had had an entertaining and hopefuJly succesful tour thatwe will always remember. Before leaving the subject of Cyprus , mention must be made of Colonel James Hamilton-Russell (RHGID) who was the British Contingent Commander. He and his wife Alison were kind and generous to all, which was greatly appreciated by us and the whole of UNFlCYP. Things did not slow down on return to England. The Squadron has been out of barracks on exercise for 6 weeks in the period of September to November. First to Salisbury Plain Training Area (SPTA) for the Airmobility demonstration and then aspects of troop training. The demonstration was excellent, the show of helicopter flying and the speed and cross country performance of W arnoT, the new Infantry carrier, being most impressive. The short time spent on troop training was much needed, and just enough to set us up for EX PHANTOM BUGLE, in support of the Tactics Wing at Wanninster. After observing and hiding, withdrawing then attacking, byhook or by half-traok we got the vehicles back to Windsor. Now our attention twned to gunnery and Castlemartin, the 'tank' ranges in Wales. The firing period went less well than hoped. The conspired against us depriving us of one day, and we lost the last hour of firing to bad light at the end of each da y, both factors that squeezed us . Yet satisfacrory standards were demonstrated, and we look to build on that next year and achi.eve excellence. Watch this space.

The Squadron Leader being taken away

2 Troop's contribution to the Airmobility demonstration Trp Gandar. 2Lt Astor and Tpr Parkinson

BSquadron

1988 has been a hectic year faT B Squadron, with the Squadron taking on a variety of different roles. Nearly everybody managed to get away for some form of a course, whether internal or external.

In January the Squadron started the build-up to Regimental training. Internally a Troopers Cadre, an HGY course and a Gunner Mech course were run. Externally CoR Hickman, and Tprs Brown, Patternotte and Quinn were sent to the Royal Engineers to improve their Assault Trooper's ability. On this course they learnt how to demolish bridges, swim raging torrents, and purify water. However, according to their new found knowledge, the only way to purify water is to add malt whisky.

Also, during this time 2Lt Eden and-LCoH Hunter were in Switzerland training with the Regimental skiing team. They were often visited by 2Lts Fucks and Farquhar, who managed to appear every weekend to give moral support both on an d off the piste.

In February the training became more intense, with 2Lt Farquhar running a map reading course for the Squadron. Everybody managed to pass the classroom phase easily, however when the practical phase came along certain people found map reading not quite so easy.

In March both Band C Squadrons departed to Salisbury Plain for the first stages of Regimental training. Initially the Troop Leaders were responsible for the training of their troops. The Squadron Leader then had three days

On returning to Windsor the Squadron has joined in with the sports competi tion. 0 UT athletics and water polo have proved unbeatable, and hockey and cross country running and boxing nearly the best. This is another space on which we have designs. AnotheT sport has been 'joined' by two of the Squadron as Lt Fullerton and Tpr Bebbington, to our admiration, won their parachuting wings.

More comings and goings as 2Lt Astor arrived and took 2 Troop to Belize, whence they have reported that they have had a tremendous time. Cpl Wilson of the Royal Australian Armoured Corps was attached to use for few weeks to get a different view of the world. He certainly travelled extensive! y, and has been free with invitations 'down-under'. Finally a word of thanks, fareweJJ, and congratulation, to SCM and Mrs Lodge for their efforts in and out of the Squadron respectively. So important to have a good anchor at home. We hope to be well received by the new RQMC. In short, it has been an active, challenging, varied and enjoyable year. We look forward to another.

"Is that a Fox, Cpl Hunter?"

Squadron training. During this time a Chinook was on hand to give a demonstration of a Fox lift. To help handle this helicopter CoR George was called on to gjve a lecture on marsha11ing. No one could keep a straight face as Lt Eden proceeded to turn the marshalling gestures into a fonn of Tibetan fertility rite.

Having completed the Squadron training, the

Squadron moved to RAF Lyneham for a move to an undisclosed location for troop tests. Rumour was rife, with suggestions for a location ranging from Benbecula to Cyprus.

The armoured vehicles were loaded into fast flying container lorries, and the Squadron boarded a Hercules transporter plane en route for Newcastle airport. The following day when everyone had married up with their vehicles, troop tests started.

As secrecy_had been well kept nobody knew quite what to expect for the tests and therefore did not have the opportunity to "bone up" on all subjects. The Squadron found the variety of tests a change from previous years and that it was a great pleasure not to be on Salisbury Plain.

Every phase of war was tested, from NBC to live firing, from first aid to vehicle recovery, from administration no infantry tactics. Also there was a twenty four hour exercise.in which troops were required to recce an airfield by night which was at least forty miles away.

During this exercise Lt Eden's troop was reduced to one Fox as the remaining three Fox were left to extract themselves from the same quagmire. Lt Farquhar faired little better as Tpr Patternotte managed to drive their Fox onto a bank and balance it on two wheels. The competitive spirit of the troops kept them going through the bad weather, although age began to tell as both CoH Hickman and Wise looked in severe need of oxygen after a long and arduous speed march which was followed by an assault course.

On return from Regimental training, the Squadron prepared for EX LION SUN ONE, and had the dubious honour to have no less than three Seconds in Command. Capt Spowers had returned from the ill fated EX DESERT FOX, Capt Roberston had returned from 1st Battalion Grenadier Guards and Capt Griffin had returned from 2nd BattaHon Scots Guards after tours of Northern Ireland. More about EX LION SUN can be seen in another article.

After LION SUN the Squadron had to represent the Regiment at atWetics in the Lawson Cup. After careful coaching from LCpl Wilshire, the Squadron put up a strong

team, however the strengtH of the footguard battalions was more than a match for the Squadron team.

In the Prince of Wales relay, the Squadron came a very close second to the Irish Guards, after a brilliant run by Lt Mahony. At the same time as the athletics the Tug of War was also held, in which again second place was attained.

In June l11any people managed to gel away on adventure training to Fremington which was run by Headquarter Squadron. The Squadron Leader also took a party on Gladeye, for some sailing up the channel. This was followed by EX GLOBE TROT on Salisbury Plain, in which the Sq uadron provided a medium recce screen for the All Anns Tactics course.

July was a busy time for the Squadron as the Regiment deployed ,on EX FAST BUZZARD. 3 Troop, under the leadership of Lt Eden flew in with the leading parachute battalion, to help guard RAF Keevil. The rest of the troops arrived to help with airport security and cOFlvoy escorts. This was one of the few opportunities which the Squadron has had to see the whole logistic part of the Brigade swing into action. The most popular person was the

The Squadron Leader entertains the Brigadier and the Commanding Officer

Mr Eden providing The Colonel with protection

The SCM, W02 Holbrook concealing Mr Fircks

driver of a strange prehistoric monster, who came and dug our trenches in three mouthfuls. Afterwards, Band C Squadrons formed a screen, to watch our combat supplies fall from the sky on parachutes. After a quick tactical withdrawal across the river Avon, B and C Squadrons advanced on a broad front to d rive the Fan tasi ailS back in to Tidworth.

On return to barracks the Regimental swimming and athletics were held, sadly B Squadron was again held to second place.

In August the Squadron wen t on three weeks leave with the prospect of returning to some healthy infantry work. September saw a Gurkha platoon come under command for a week. This was for OP ADAtv1ANT, where the Regiment was to train to guard American forces operating on Salisbury Plain. The training was very different as it included Aikido, wiring, fitness, observation devices, guiding patrols by night and I'egallectures on the rights of a soldier. After all this training it was a relief to be called out in support of the Americans. B Squadron was tClsked with building a fence of barbed wi rc around the American installation, and then to patrol around the fence to ensure that no-ooe could enter the compound.

When the Squadron returned to Windsor two crewmen courses were run under the guidance of LCoH Harrison and LCoH Hunter to train up those troopers who had been posted into the Squadron io tbe last year. For the Major-General's inspection the new Squadron Corporal

Major, SCM Holbrook took on the drill with a vengeance, and used his Sandhurst training to win the drill competi tion. Having gained in confidence, the Squadron proceeded to win the cross country that afternoon, with the SQM C, SCpl Ritchie winning the prize for running extremely fast for his age. Later in the month the boxing team again proved our ath letic prowess by winning the Inter Squadron competition. The victorious team consisted of LSgt Aspinal, LCoH Hunter, Tprs Hammond, Quinn, Pattemotte, Moore, Fammond and Wilson ably trained by LCpl Core. N ovem ber has been spent in preparing for the PRE and getting ready for the annual gunnery camp at Castlemartin, however some of the Squadron managed to get away to Wales for some clay pigeon shooting and some pheasant shooting with Capt Griffin. Capt Dalgleish and LCpl Thawley who had never used a shotgun before were seen to bowl pheasants our of tbe sky with the greatest of ease.

After gunnery training the Squadron looks forward to the ranges, and the opportunity to practice the skills learnt during the year. Sadly, after annual firing Major Falkner is to leave the Squadron to take up his new job as Regimental Adjutant. In his place Major Stibbe is to command having recently returned from Oman via Cyprus and Knigh tsbridge.

FAMILIES DAY

The Regimental Families Day will be held in Combermere Barracks on Saturday 5 August, 1989, commencing at 1230 hours. All members of the Regiment and their families are encouraged to attend.

Mr Mahony's Troop - Castlemartin

LeoH Core - Op Adamant

CSquadron

1988 began with a change of Command for C Squadron as Major The Hon N J Adderley took over from Major I S Forbes-Cockel!. The Squadron was involved with internal courses, cammi tmen ts to various airports and camp duties which was perhaps a less than exciting way to start the year.

For a large part of 1987 CoH Smith was particularly sensitive about the month of February and for a long time no-one could work out why. As, however, the patterns of winter froze around the leaves of autumn and thoughts of sport turned to slopes rather than courts it emerged that EX WINTER WARRIOR was again due to take place. It was booked for February and although there were places left on this 2 week skiing in Bavaria, one place had been reserved for a long time. WINTER WARRIOR was a very worthwhile exercise during which Tprs McMillan and Kellet gained the British Silver Award.

The annual NBC exercise at Parton Down in the latter half of the month gave the new Squadron Leader the chance to prove that he was as much at home in acombat suit and NBC suit as he was in the pinstripe suit he had left behind.

C Squadron demonstrate NBC techniques at Parton to a Soviet General (standing far nght)

The high spot of March for the Squadron was the ever popular Troop Tests - the culmination of Regimental Training. The contents and venue of this military phenomenon were kept a secret until the very last moment. After each '0' group during the preparatory training on Salisbury Plain the SNCOs, Troop Leaders, SCM and Sqn Ldr all reported on whatever snippets of information they had gathered throughout the day and what cond usi ons they could draw. Since no definite plan could be determined the Squadron set about preparing as comprehensively as possible, doing everything from preparing the guns for firing to listening to lectures on and practising survival techniques. The lectures were most a bly given by SCM Belza displaying a hitherto closely guarded skilL Live chickens were brought _-each Troop Leader and were dealt with in the manner 'bed by the SCM by the least experienced Trooper in each Troop.

Much has been written about the contents and the venue but it is perhaps pertinent to mention that 1 Troop C Sq uadron and 4 Troop C Squadron came 1st and 3rd respectively in a set of Troop Tests that were comprehensive, challenging and even enjoyable.

Easter was celebrated during April and' leave was taken by most of the Squadron. 2 Troop gallanUy led by 2Lt H PFarr, joined B Squadron in Cyrpus for EX LION SUN. This tough training in an operational atmosphere was liked by all, non more so than the Troop Leader.

C Squadron were the main representatives of the Regiment at the Brigade Concenttation in May, although HQ Squadron proffered a team for the Military Skills Competition in the middle phase. To begin with, a Troop under the leadership of 2L t Cox and CoB Clarke was attached to 3

Tpr Kellet receives the AFV Recognition Stand Prize from the Brigadier

Para to act as enemy delaying their ad vance across Salisbury Plain.It proved an interesting time for all, especially some Rover-borne elements of3 Para who discovered, onbaving been flushed out by the Troop Leader's vehicle, that Scorp[ons can travel just as fast, if not faster, than Rovers across track and country.

The second phase of the exercise involved a Military Skills Competi tion which included walking 27 miles around Salisbury Plain attending eight stands en route. Commitment to CVR(T) as a ionn of movement and method of going to battle was re-inforced in an those who completed the course. The C Squadron team was led by 2Lt Cox and CoH Smith.

The final phase consisted of a live firing exercise in Otterburn. 1 Troop under 2Lt J D R Cox and CoH Clarke was attached to 3 Para and another under2Lt H J P FaIT was attache.d to 1 RRF who had just joined the Brigade. This phase .mvolved many of the phases of war, including a defenSive phase and an advance to contact. Other than an occasional lack of realism due to safety restrictions it was an time throughout which the men of C acqUltted themselves very well once again.

A relatively hot June ensured that those who went adven.ture training returned well tanned. The training was orgarused by HQ and C Squadrons combined and was located at GATW in Fremington. Activities were varied and included anything from sand yachting to running along large sections of the Devon coast path.

Two new faces joined the Sq uadron at this time and were seen emerging from under a welter of courses and adventure These were 2Lts R Vloth and M Dwerryhouse, recently arnved Sandhurst and awaiting their Troop Leaders course m September. It was also time for SCM Belza to depart to the paperwork jungle of the OM's Dept as RQMC, and for SCM Gilbert to replace him.

July brought a plethora of summer activities and C Squadron maintained a cool equilibrium throughout.

The GOe South East District visits e Squadron's annual firing

August was taken up with thoughts of English country gardens, tea on the lawn and the sound ofleatheron willow except for two officers and four troopers who set off in search of adventure in the Hardanger mountain region of Norway. A fuller report of this intrepid expedition is included later in the m.agazine. For the rest of the Squadron, however, the prevIOusly mentioned activities were realised when they took their well earned block leave, (subject to duties!).

Returning fresh from leave the Squadron immediately set about preparing for a range period at Lulworth Dorset in October. LCsoH Renshaw and Tate and CoR Williams got to work on the Commanders and Gunners and soon had their drills up to scratch despite the bindrances that being in camp can impose on internal courses. The week spent down in Dorset was generally considered by all to be a good thing, the time was used effectively and fruitfully and this was reflected in the result, the whole Squadron shooting very well on the last day despite bad weather conditions.

The remainder of the year is being spent preparing for a UNFICYP tour which will last for 6 months from January 1989. The Squadron will be Commanded by Major W S G Doughty on his return from the Staff College. His Second in Command will be Capt N D Garrctt who took over from Capt N 1ackson earlier in the year.

Finally the Squadron says farewell to Major The Han N J Adderley as he moved on and up to Headquarters London District where he will doff his combat suit and don his pinstripe.

The Sqn Stretcher Team forge ahead

Headquarter Squadron

The year started with many members of the Squadron participating in Internal Courses, either as Instructors or Students. This seemed to take up most of January and some of February. However, as always the Regiment requires the Quartennasters Department and LAD so all the Departments were kept extremely active. The first major deployment of the year was Regimental Training in March. Headquarter Squadron deployed with the Regiment to Salisbury Plain.Everyone was in good spirits because of the fine weather, however, this was soon to change. "It rained [or forty days and [orly nights", a pleasant welcome to the new Squadron Leader and Sq uadron Corporal Major of whom it was said they had both forgotten what it was like to get wet. Undeterred by the somewhat inclement conditions Headquarter Squadron set about some serious training, which included Map Reading, APWT, Helicopter Handling, Signals and Fieldcraft. This was also a time for the Army Catering Corps to show their skills with Compo Rations, needless to say the food was excellent. Troop Tests are usually something in which Headquarter Squadron takes a back seat. However, this year the Squadron played an important organisational role and there was a great deal of secrecy involved. Half way through Regimental Training certain members of the QMs and other departments disappeared; we were reassured by SH Q Troop that they had booked au t, not gone absen t. The Regiment began to wonder? The plot thickened supported by cryptic rumours passed between Squadron SHQs. It was finally revealed that Otterburn was about to become the FMB for the subsequent Exercise. For Headquarter Squadron this meant probably the biggest TOad move since PURPLE WARRIOR, while the remainder of the Regiment flew from Lyneham. However, with true professionalism the Squadron began to move in packets North, the destination was Otterburn Camp. The move went wen and the whole Squadron arrived on time. The LAD decided to come into Otterburn Camp the back way to prevent too much suspicion, or so they say! After about four hours sleep the Squadron was briefed and began to set up a number of rigorous tests for the troops, who were to start being tested

the following day. These included: a route march and assault course organised by QMSI Brierley and an Infantry Section Attack using Jive ammunition under the watchful eyes of SCpl Cater and LeaH Whittaker.

In April some members of Headquarter Squadron managed to get away to Cyprus with B Squadron on EX LI 0 N SU N. Also in April, Easter leave was enj oyed by all. May saw the Brigade Concentration and again the Squadron deployed to Salisbury Plain Training Area. An Evacuee Handling Centre (ERe) setup by the Squadron in the Forward Maintenance Area (iFMA) , but this time with a difference; women and children from the Regiment's families acted as evacuees to be processed through the EHC. As well as running an EHC Headquarter Squadron still had to support the Regiment. This became a great task and SQMC Swallow found he had more to cope with than usual; keeping the young, wet and tired mothers and children happy became a very real task. However, as always, all members of the Squadron, including the attached personnel, pulled together to maintain the smooth and efficient runnning of the ERe. Along with the processing of Evacuees a!lso went ,the job of receiving a number of visitors.

'When most of the Squadron returned to Windsor others went to Ollerburn with Band C Squadrons.

In August most of Headquarter Squadron had a well deserved rest during Block Leave. This was in preparation for September's busy forecast of events, the most important being that of Operation Adamant.

In October the Regiment was privileged to have twu visits: The Gold Stick, Major General Lord Michael Fitzalan-Howard, GCYO, CB, CBE, MC inspected a Regimental Parade and then judged an In ter Squadron Drill Competition. Headquarter Squadron was narrowly beaten into second place by B Squadron. Our other visitor was the General Officer Commanding South East District, Lieutenant General 0 e La Billierc who met mem bers of the Squadron.

The Sqn Ldr and SCM on Salisbury Plain during Regt Trg

The Colonel learns how Headquarters Squadron "rough it" in the field.

LCoH Jones RHGID (Tailor) meets the CDlonel of the Regiment. The CO 2IC and Adjt look on.

October also saw the start in many cases of PRE preparation and vehicle inspections prior to PRE. The end of October and early November were a busy period as everyone worked hard to ensure they had a good PRE report.

On 27 November Headquarter Squadron left for Castlemartin by road. On arrival, preparation for the week ahead began. The Squadron had a busy programme which was interrupted by poor weather on the first da ys firing. The Squadron had borrowed a number of SA80s and everyone was keen to fire. Some very good results were achieved and many members of the Squadron were fully trained on the SA80 by the end of Annual Firing Camp. The support weapons were fired with the same results and the RQMC(E), W02 Powell, proved a dab hand at the LMG and ground mounted GPMG. The Squadron was visited by Major General CB Airy, CB E, General Officer Commanding London District and Household Division, and displayed its firepower by means of an Infantry Live Firing Exercise. The demonstration was a simulated withdrawal in contact

back to 2 RHQ Command Vehicles. Headquarter Squadron certainly showed that it was not to be messed with, especially with SCpl George and LCoH Squires at the controls of two GPMGs on the Sultans.

The Clerks and Cooks surprised the Squadron by winning the March and Shoot, especially RHQ Troop who were beaten into second and third places. The winners were sui tably rewarded with a crate of beer (non alcoholic). The Band visited during our stay at Castlemartio and provided a rousing band concert in the cookhouse for the Regimen 1.

Headquarter Squadron have been gladiators on the sporting front winning almost everything that they enter. The teams have been made up of young and old sportsmen from aU Departments within the Squadron. Some faces seem to appear in eveJYteam, especially the likes of LCoH Whittaker and LCpl Hoon.

Even some gladiators of the past were brought out of retirement to play for the Squadron. W02 Byrne who hung up his boots some years ago was brought out of retirement to represen t the Sq uadron at Rugby. He proved to B Squadron that he had not lost his flare, sidestepping to score a try in the final. The achievements this sporting year have been tremendous, culminating in the presentation of the Inter Squadron Sports Trophy to the Squadron Leader at the Boxing Competition by The Lieutenant Colonel Commanding The Household Cavalry.

Headquarter Squadron won the following Inter Squadron Sports Competitions:

The Major General visits the HQ Sqn range, Castlemartin

LCpI Roon on his way to victory

RHQTroop

Since the last Acorn, RHO Troop has undergone many personality changes: SCpl Jones has moved on to become S QMC C Squadron with a trip to Cyprus thrown in. SCpI George has taken over as the Regtl Sigs Cpl Maj and is ageing visibly by the minute. SCpl Frazer has also managed to go on loan to C Sq uadron as Admin SNCO and he hasn't stopped grinning. We have also said hello (and goodbye) to both CoH Lewis and CoR Dangerfield who have gone to C Squadron (another one!) and the WOs' and NCOs' Mess respectively. It should be noted that between them they managed only one exercise in nine months. A record such as this, for a Troop CoH, should be part of Regimental History! LCsoH Lyne and Shone have also departed RHQ Troop to take over A and B Sqn SHQs respectively. In an effort to get our establishment in order we have also taken on board a number of new crewmen who will all now agree that being part of the largest vehicle troop in the Regiment is not the "doddle" assumed by most people.

The Troop's deployments this year have been many and varied, giving the Troop a chance to practise all of its skills, not just in the field but also in various Ops rooms.

and then move to Fremington via Instow to carry out adventure training. The name, EX SUMMER SURPRISE was duly apt. Summer is was, the weather was glorious and there were quite a few surprises.

Our first trip out was Troop Training in March. During the first phase on Salisbury Plain the Troop managed to get in some training in between HQ Sqn's extensive training programme, but the highlight for the author came during the move to Otterburn. Having been hastily arranged into a 'chalk' the author took his place in the Hercules and whilst the plane was taking off happened to glance out of a window to see two N COs of the Troop, in the form of LCsoH Squires and Shone, running after the plane having just loaded the Regiment's vehicles on to freightliners. The Troop was surprised to see them 48 hours later in Otter burn Camp, and we still don't know how they got there.

In June the Troop went its own way down to Devon and Cornwall. The idea of EX SOUfHERN SURPRISE was to practise RHQ Troop drills in Cornwall for a week

The week in Cornwall was made enjoyable by the hospitality of the local people, especiaHy the owner of a cattle market, (no comments please), who gave us a permanen t base to work from. The highlight of the two weeks was a visit to the Amphibious Trials and Training Unit Royal Marines (ATTURM) which is based in Instow near Fremington. The Troop spent the day learning about driving through water and how to waterproof Landrovers. This was followed by each member of the Troop including our LAD support in the form of Sgt Hextall and LCpl Higgins, driving through the 'Sheep Dip'. Only one member ofthe Troop failed to get the Landrover through the dip, he shall remain anonymous, but this proved to be due to a teclmicaJ fault. The day concluded with all the Troop climbing aboard DUKW's for a trip out to sea.

Other exercises included FAST BUZZARD, AUTUMN TIGER, OP ADAMANT and annual firing at Castlemartin.

CoH Lewis thinks about his last RHQ Troop Exercise

The Brigade Commander visits the Ops Room on Op. Adamant

LeoH Squires

Regimental Orderly Room

1988 has once again been an extremely busy year for all the clerks. Throughout the year clerks from the Orderly Room have deployed on a regular basis with the Regiment on a variety of tasks. LCoH McSherry and Tpr Smith returned from a very successful tour in Cyprus, the only thing that was immediately apparent between them was the difference in tans, or lack of it in Tpr Smith's case, word is that he didn't like the sun, sand and sea and preferred to do everyones' duties, Jetting LCaH McSherry use his time more beneficially on the side of the swimming pool. We have had a number of clerks attend upgrading courses. LCoH Bishop, LCpls Gollings and Hale to Class 1 standard, LCpls Paterson, West and Tpr Smith to Class 2 standard.

Now which ear do I take first? Qerks seeking altenuztive employment

On the promotion side of things, CoH O'Neill was promoted in March and took over as the ORCoR, and at long last Tpr West got hi s just rewards and was promoted in August. We have said farewell to LCoH Cook-Hannah who decided that life must be easieT elsewhere and transferred to the Pay Corps and was promptly posted to Hong Kong. CoH Tomkins disappeared in March to take on the job of Chief Clerk 2ADS in BAOR. LCpl Hale moved to the Household Cavalry Regiment on promotion and we welcomed back LCaH Davies.

The main sporting achievements this year involved

Light Aid Detachment

The time has come when the submission deadline for these notes has been exceeded and the author is belatedl y reflecting upon the events of the year about to end. The year has seen the arrival of a new EME and ASM in March and

LCoH McSherry and LCpI Paterson helping the Squadron Rugby Team win the Inter Squadron Rugby Competition, they are also regular players for the Regimental Team. We had a "Find the Fittest Clerk Competition" in October which was won by LCoH Price, rumour has it he "nobbled" LCoH McSherry.

We took on the clerks from Knightsbridge at the local skittle alley and after a close match came runners up (Alright - we lost!). LCpl Gollings continued to sprint around the golf course and finally Tpr Smith got lost on the UNFICYP Orienteering Competition coming in 15 minutes after the last prize had been presented!

We welcome three new clerks namely Tprs Ward, Horne and Few, we wish them well for the future. At the time of writing, C Squadron are gearing themselves up for another UNFICYP tour. Clerical support will be lead by LCoH Price with LCpl West and Tpr Home in SUppOTt, hopefully they will enjoy themselves. At the end of January we say farewell to our Chief Clerk W02 McKenzie who is off to the Household Cavalry and RAC Manning and Records Office for 2 years. We welcome back to the fold after a considerable absence SCpl Smith. Obviously 1989 will be a busy year with conversion etc but all the derks are looking forward to Sennelager.

J nne respectively. A covert study has however revealed that an alarmingly low n umber of hours are being worked in the upper echelons of the LAD. It has been suggested that al though the LA D has both an EME and an ASM, only one

LCoH Price (left) fittest clerk

The EME afloat

will be working at any given moment. This scandal has perhaps only been eclipsed by AQMS Neve's prodigious efforts at work avoidance. On the shopfloor however, the LAD inspired by the dignity of labour and other threats have continued to put the hours in. SSgt Elson's B Squadron fitter section deserve special mention. Dogged by injury, detach-ments, overtime and the Fox itself the section have per-severed. This recognition should act as a fillip to morale, especially for LCpl Higgins whose ingenious 'morale clip' has been wont to appear lower rather than higher on his coveralls!

A Squadron fitters Jonnal wear in Cyprus

A Squadron fitter section spent the first six months of the year in Cyprus supporting the Squadron in its UNFICYP role. It would appear from the limited publishable material which has emerged from tbis period that it was an enjoyable tour of duty. However the time spent having fun was adequately balanced by the hours spent manning

hot and desolate outposts. On their return from Cyprus the section met their new artificer, SSgt Orr, who at 5' 8" is paradoxically tall amongst his peers. The section has seen SSgt Rose, LCpls Winning, Walls and Dyball posted out and LCpl Rourke leaves the Army shortly. Sgt Russen will be posted early next year. LCpl Gray and Cfn French have joined recently.

B Squadron's fitter section have had their hard work noted already. In preparation for PRE in particular they had much to do. Fortunately since the examination in Octo ber the workload h as been lighter. SS gt Elson has spent much of the year converting a TR7 to a TR8 and now looks forward to a handsome reward for his services! Sgt McCallum has spent much of his time alternately adjusting his XR3 seat to fit his back and adjusting his back to fit the car. Sadly he has in fact been in hospital for surgery and we hope that his back is properly on the mend. In LSgt Mattinson and Cfn Thorburn the section has two Corps standard rugby players. We congratulate LSgt Aspinall and LCpl Richardson on passing their respective Artificer Selection Boards. Cfn Carrington left this year to civilian life and LSgt Rogers leaves to do SAS selection in February 1989.

"[ will be glad when we can afford jacks"

C Squadron fitters have seen a few changes this year. The postings out have been: LSgt Flavell, LCpls Hunter, Poulson, Davey, Cowling and Cfn Rogers. The postings in have been: LSgt Harvey, Reynolds (currently in Belize as is Cfn Dobbs of A Squadron), LCpls Tregartha, Buckingham and Cfn Roberts and McDermott. LSgt Flavell having been here for forty-three months was, on posting in December the longest serving member of the LAD. Despi te the manpower flux it has been a good year. A notable event was LCpl Cowling's failure to teach a Samson to swim. Everyone has seen enough of Salisbury Plain for a while and an look forward to their inpending UNFICYP tour. It only remains to say a few words on behalf of HQ LAD. Their role is perhaps less glamorous than that of the sabre squadron fitters but it has been an active year never­

theless. There have been many postings and we have said goodbye to the following: Capt Maclean, ASM McCombe, Sgts Straughan, Jones, Kennedy, Castle and Hooper, LSgt Spreadbury and Statham and LCpl Murray. The following have joined the HQ element: Sgts Anderson, Baines, Lyons and Innes and Cfn Beaumont, Rickard, Patrickson, Dalton and Hannah and Dvr Hoult. Finally a special mention for LSgt Halcomb - why? Because he asked for it.

A Samson firefighting - Otterburn in May

Mounted Squadron

1988 continued the trend of increasing tasks and commitments for the mounted Squadron. The days of the "silly season" referring only to the summer months are long gone and this year contained major ceremonial events from March until December. In addition, a composite Home Defence company was fanned from the Regiment to take part in EX CAPITAL GUARD.

The ceremonial events started with a State Visit by King Olaf of Norway at Windsor, when a Sovereign's Escort was found, commanded by Major Graham. Captain Faulkner was the Escort Commander and Lts Assheton and Thomeycroft commanded 3 and 4 Divisions respectively. The Standard Party was formed by SCM Flory, SQMC Whatley and TLCpl Taylor.

The Squadron moved to Windsor on 5 April and enjoyed the break from London with the chance of exercising in The Great Park. The Escort was on 12 April and was blessed by a beautiful clear and sunny day. The Escort and Rank Past in the Castle went very well and provided an excellent start to a busy ceremonial season by setting a standard of excellence that to date, has not been broken.

SSgt Elson rnns 80 rm7es for a cup of tea and a piece of paper !

During our stay at Windsor, Lt Assheton, SCM Flory and eight NCOs provided a bearer party for the Marchioness of Cambridge; who was interred in Frogmore. It was a sad and private occasion, attended only by a close circle of The Royal Family. The bearer party, however, perfanned immaculately and were honoured t,o be of assistance.

After returning from Windsor we immediately about preparing for The Major General's Inspection, with all the build-up parades that are necessary to bring the skills to a peak for this formal inspection. Sadly the 29th was a wet day, however we completed the entire parade, including the canter past, cloaked-up. The Major General was impressed and pleased by the standard of turnout and drill achieved and spent the rest of the morning touring Barracks and speaking to the soldiers.

It was The Blues and Royals rurn this year to provide the Standard for The Queen's Birthday Parade on 1] June. Capt Faulkner was the Serrefile Captain, and LIS Cape and Assheton commanded 1 and 2 Divisions. The weather was good and the Parade went well.

On 12 July the Regiment provided a Sovereign's Escort for the State Visit of The President of Turkey. His Prime Minister had survived an assassination attack shortly before the visit, so security was especially tight. The Escort will be remembered by all, but especially by Major Graham and Captain Faulkner, who rode on the second carriage wheel, for the excitement caused by both demonstrators and spectators. Tn fact, the supporters were noisier than the demonstrators, and had groups in national costume dancing, beating drums and waving flags and streamers. In addition, clusters of balloons were released in front of the second carriage which were exploded by the wheels and horses of the second Field Officer, Escort Commander and second Standard Party. Our horses behaved immaculately, but the carriage horses took fright and the coachman did extremely weU to get through Admiralty Arch.

During this excitement, HRH Prince Phillip, with some concern, turned to Captain Faulkner to ask what was happening. Captain Faulkner, correctly assessing the situation, bellowed "Balloons Sir!"

The Escort the foHowing day was a much calmer affair, and was commanded by Captain Cape with Lt Thorneycroft as Di visional Commander and Standard Party comprising SCM Flory, SQMC Whatley and Tptr Corney.

At the time of writing we are preparing for The President of Senegal's State Visit on 8 November, The Lord Mayor's Show on 12 November and The State Opening of Parliament which is likely to be on 22 November.

The brief gaps between this framework of ceremonial events and rehearsals was filled by a mixture of mounted training, summer camps, EX CAPITAL GUARD, leave, horses out to grass and returning, Winter training troops at Windsor and Melton, adventure training and Commanding Officer's inspections. Some events from this list are worthy of note. The Squadron held a show jumping day at Kensington Palace Fields on 22 June. It was

a bea utiful sunny da y (yes, there m us t have been one at least in 1988!), and provided a really good day out for the Squadron. The Colonel of The Regiment visited throughout the day and presented the prizes. The Novice Jumping was won by Tpr Marston on Churchill Tpr Dixon was second on Langtry and Tpr Mitton was third on Jerusalem. Chu;rchill has increased his personal fame by coming off Guard on 18 July at short notice and winning the show jumping at The Royal Tournament for a delighted Captain Faulkner.

CoH Burns Tpr Maxwell 'Dettingen' 'Moonstone'

The Squadron Show Jumping Team R WHS

A new event was trialled after the novice jumping by combining a show jum ping course with a carriage driving course. This was a great success and was won by Lt Assheton and SQMC Whatley. The SQMC had already tested The Colonel's nerve by driving him to the Palace field via Park Lane and Bayswaster Road, followed by Major Graham who was driving a single RaUi Car.

The high spot of the year, as far as eq uita,tion and enjoyment are concerned, must be Summer Camp, which was held for the first time at Bodney Camp on Stanta from 8-31 August. The MOD had just bought a large tract of farmland to the north of the area over whieh we had priority use. It was excellent for hacking, and Lt Tho rneycroft, assisted by LCpl Burge planned and built an outstanding cross-coun try course an d practise areas. A lake provided an opportunity to test the horses (if not the riders!) swimming skills. Most of them loved it, once persuaded to go in. Dettingen and Mystery went at sueh speed we thought wa ter skiing behind them may be on the cards!

In the Squadron Show Jumping Churchill showed his fonn again by winning, ridden by Tpr Marston. LCpl O'Connor was second on Heathcliffe and LCpl Stevenson was third on Harem.

The Squadron Handy Hunter was a great success due to good weather and the well-built and designed course. The Squadron Leader and SCMs' grooms did well to win on Mystery and Dettingen. Second was Tpr Tennant and Tpr Norris, with Tpr Hooper and Tpr Roberts third. Tpr Norris

Lt T Thorneycroft 'Sam'

CoH Castelow (Saddler) receives LS & GC from the Colonel

was the Squadron's leading rider and was in the first six in all the competitions.

The Squadron did well in the Regimental competitions as LCpl O'Connor came second in the Junior Ranks Show Jumping, Tprs Wall and Tennant won the Junior Ranks Handy Hunter, and Tpr Roberts won the Regimental Tent Pegging.

Capt T J K Faulkner, LG. Winner of the Prince of Wales Cup for Services Jumping at The Royal Tournament 1988, riding (JlurchilL Cup presented by CGS Gen Sir Nigel Bagnell

Leave this year was specially hard to arrange due to a major Home Defence Exercise CAPITAL GU ARD from 1 - 10 October. The Squadron had to provide 11;2 platoons to the HD Coy commanded by the Squadron Leader and Squadron 2IC, with the SQMC and the RHGID SCM. It was a major challenge to train the new company in infantry skills of patro11ing, sentry duty, ambushes, section attacks,

reaction to EQD and many other tasks. There was a four day period before deploying to RAP Northolt to do the training and the range day at Pirbright with its background activities was especially valuable.

Early on Wednesday 5 October we embussed in our minibus and Metros for Northolt! Although there was an element of "Dad's Army" about the operation the soldiers were thoroughly professional, enthusiastic and, as things turned out, successful. The next few days were spent guarding a key point and being alert to enemy attacks. As the SAS provided the enemy and stories abounded (true ones!) of attacks with chain saws through fences and heliborne attacks, guards were kept alert if not jumpy! Our KP having fended off the initial attacks, which were mostly covert infiltrations, the enemy went elsewhere to find less well defended KPs. This was a compliment to the Company, but meant a certain amount of lack of action until the final Company attack to counter attack the control tower, which had been taken from the King's Troop RHA. This was an exciting finale to the Exercise and must be a unique attack using the horsebox to put in the covering fire platoon under Lt Connolly, followed by a high speed attack by minibuses! The wire was breached by assaulting troopers throwing themselves with mats onto it, followed by the rest running over the top! Never before has The Mounted Squadron actually taken part in a major Home Defence FTX and a repeat is unlikely for some time. Everyone concerned were glad to do so and benefitted from the change.

Due to this Exercise and the late State Opening of Parliament there will be no winter camps this year, al though we will send soldiers away to Guards House Folda for adventure training next January, 1989.

2 Troop at Summer Camp after winning the Cross Country

Still in the UK, the next major task was the annual Beating of Retreat, on Horse Guards. We were asked to produce something a bit different in the way of a mounted display and, after a lot of thought and hard work by the Riding Master, we produced a credible impressi on of a fairground carousel, complete with appropriate music!

So the usual round of engagements continued; garden parties, Polo matches, performances at Windsor Castle and Buckingham Palace, etc. But, in July, the normal sequence was interrupted by something a bit different. We were asked to play during the annual conference of the International Confederation of Reserve Officers, which took place in London. The CIOR, as it is known, is an association of Reserve Officers from all over Europe and each year they hold a conference, each country taking it in turn to be host. Our brief was to provide a small orchestra to play during the initial reception at Grosvenor House, Park Lane and, next day, to play during lunch in the Queen Elizabeth Conference Centre. As we do not use the string orchestra as often as the military band, this required quite a lot of rehearsal. The engagements went smoothly en ough, and received many compliments. But two in particular are worth remembering. At the lunch, three officers from the Austrian Army requested something from their home country, preferably by Strauss, (as they all lived in Vienna). After listening to the orchestra playing a medley of Waltzes by Strauss, they were kind enough to congratulate the musicians on their feeling for the music. Rare praise, indeed! At the same lunch, a very dapper little man, in very good English, thanked us for our music, and said how much he had enjoyed it. Later, we were told he was the grandson of the Kaiser and was one of the last representatives of the Old Prussian Royal Family.

As usual, we end this report with hails and farewells. Or rather, farewells and hails! In March, W02 Whitworth , who joined the Band in 1964, and had been the Band Secretary since 1975, left us on completion of his service. We wish him and his wife every success in the outside world. We also bid farewell to LCoH Grieve, Musns Egerton, Copson, Dare and Everatt and wish them all well. We welcome into the fold Musns Chiverton, Walsh and Wheeler and hope that their stay with the Band will be a happy one.

The Pay Office

What an eventful year 1988 has been for the Pay team: but firstly atts and dets. SSgt Pinney, our SF A, was eventually posted to the Logistic Support Battalion in Bulford as a Div 2. LSgt O'Brien, having previously 'got wind' of this, manipulated his own posting to the same office possibly on the grounds that 'its better the devil you know'! Their places have been filled by SSgt Lyons from HQ Episkopi boasting a sun tan which had taken 2 years to develop and LSgt Watson from 21 Signal Regiment BAOR who was distinctly pale by comparison.

Sgt Burton-Doe was posted, on promotion, to 2 Bn Scots Guards having just left Windsor for a 6 month tour in Cyprus with A Squadron. After some very necessary

'shuttle diplomacy' he was recalled and replaced by LSgt Cameron who reluctantly swapped a damp cold English winter for the heat of the Nicosia Plain.

This spate of turbulence obliged Major Stovell to volunteer himself to accompany B Squadron on EX LION SUN in April. It is understood that he managed to squeeze in a little diving, sailing and canoeing in what was a hectic months exercise.

Meanwhile, back in Windsor, SSgt Ackroyd was keeping the office together ably assisted by Cpl Smith who had joined the team on temporary attachment from 3 Para. Fortunately Cpl Smith was in time to assist HQ Sgn to win the 5-a-side football competition, surprisingly he was

Trumpeters on parade Tpr Corney, RHG/D, Tpr Cooling

almost decided upon a career as a professional footballer before joining the Anny!

The team has enjoyed a successful sporting year and has supported many competitions. Major Stovell, SSgt Lyons and LSgt Watson played for HQ Squadron's winning hockey team. SSgt Lyons made a major contribution to the Squadron's success in cricket. LSgt O'Brien won the singles Badminton competition. SSgt Lyons won the Regimental Golf competition and SSgt Ackroyd managed sixth place having only taken up the sport in June. LCpl Mullender represented the Squadron at boxing, although not for long, and the Regiment at rugby. Major StoveU came third in the veterans Cross Country competition having managed to squeeze the event in between his riding lessons.

The team has supported a number of exercises over the year and even the Paymaster suffered nights under canvas on Salisbury Plain. Yet despite this plethora of activity the team achieved a very complimentary report at the annual Pay Inspection by Finance Branch in November. But has been little time to rest on our laurels, already preparatIons are well underway for commitments in 1989. LSgt Watson has just completed a Service Funds course prior to joining C Squadron for their forthcoming tour in Cyprus. LCpl Mullender is 'hardening his feet' in readiness for the JNCOs' Cadre and the remainder of the team are practising for the RAPC Small Bore Shooting Competition. Would you believe that some people think that working with figures and doing accounts is boring!

Warrant Officers' and Non Commissioned Officers' Mess

1988 started very quietly with A Squadron departing Windsor for Cyprus where they set up their own Mess in Prince William Camp, Nicosia. In March one of our oldest soldiers, Chelsea Pensioner Mike Wager, died and the Mess was honoured to provide hospitality to his family and to a large entourage of serving and non-serving officers and men of both Regiments, who managed to travel from near and far to pay their final respects.

April saw the last State Visit to Windsor for a number of years (due to major renovations in Windsor Castle). Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment moved to Windsor lock-stock-and-horses and little excuse was needed to celebrate the event many times.

June was an extremely busy month. A large luxury coach departed the Mess for Epsom Downs and Derby Day. The Guards Depot were responsible for this wonderful day out: On 9 June the Mess dined out the Commanding Officer, Lt Col V A L Goodhew and on 11 June The Life Guards Association held their Annual Dinner which of course continued in the Mess until the wee small hours.

On 30 July the Mess held the Summer Ball and over 500 Mess Members and their guests attended. After a quiet two months life picked up again in October with the Household Cavalry Regiment Annual Dinner.

Bonfire night saw the Band perform a concert with ex members of the Band attending and also perfonrung solo and joining in, in a finale tha t nearly caused the Mess to be burned down with their fireworks display.

December saw the return of 'Brickhanging' which seems to go from strength to strength every year. Once again the brick was hung by Eric Lloyd. All are reminded

The Regimental Corporal Major welcomes GOC S E District to the WOs' cmd NCOs' Mess

that the 1989 Brickhanging will be the lOOth time that the brick has been hung and it will be the last time that the brick will be hung in Windsor for some time. The Christmas Draw was held on Tuesday 20 December. The New Years Eve Dance was held on 31 December but most revellers seemed to stay at home this year. Sepl Clarke was awarded the British Empire Medal in the New Years Honours List. Visitors to the Mess during the year were the Under Secretary of State (Arrned Forces) Rouer Freeman MP Major General Lord Michael Fitzalan H;ward, the Colonel of the Regiment and the GOC South East District Lt Oen Sir Peter de la Billiere. The Mess said farewell to the following: W01 McCombe, W02 Lowry, W02 Whitworth, Sepl Coffey and SCpl Swallow.

Recruiting Team

The start of 1988 saw another new change in the Recruiting Team when SCpl Kennard left the Anny for civilian life to be replaced by SCpl Maskell. A lunch was held in "The Oxford Blue" in Old Windsor and farewells made to SCpl Kennard in the traditional manner. Also joining the Team at this time was Tpr Baker from The Life Guards Mounted Squadron. Remaining with the Team we had LCpl (Mother Trucker) Mundy The Life Guards, now . fully qualified H GV 1 and raring to go. At this stage it would be only right and proper to thank The Life Guards for their tremendous support of the Team in vehicles, facilities and general help. It is greatly appreciated.

Having carried out the recces in February the Team took to the road on 30 March for its first performance at the Gloucester County Show. At this time of the year it was obvious that thermals were of a high priority if we were to last the season! The great cry this year in recruiting circles is the "demographic trough". If you haven't got yours yet let us know For the uni nitlated it indicates smaller numbers of people available in the age bracket that we are recruiting from - and coincides with the introduction of the birth pill in the 60's.

Despite this we had a target figure of 60 Junior Leaders, 100 Junior Troopers and at least 25 AdultsIYoung Soldier Recruits to assist in encouraging to join The Household Cavalry. To this end we have, since 30 April to 30 September 1988, been on tour for all but 17 days.

We have been fairly lucky this season in the areas all'ocated and these were:­

Plymouth West Sussex Bewdley

Newark Somerset StHelens

Nottingham Kent Blackpool

Cheltenham ShrewsburY Portsmouth

London Lincoln' Derby

Liverpool Bakewell Norfolk

Exeter Tewkesbury Doncaster

Corby Anglesey

Despite long hours; all drivers have done remarkably well with LCpl Mundy LG on the Foden, Tpr Gibbons on the 4 Ton and Caravan and the Corporal Major on the Landrover (soun ds like a pop group!). Well over 7.000 miles have been covered safely although Tpr Gibbons accompanied by ace navigator Tpr Collins located a tree in an ottthe-road adventure which unfortunately cost us the Landrover, Tpr Gibbons a substantial contribution to funds, and Tpr Collins his right ear (almost). Readers of the Acorn will note with glee that this incident involved only members of The Blues and Royals. Their answer to this is that having to contend with LCoH "Tannoy" McAlpine 24 hours a day eventually gets to you - Nevertheless, well done drivers.

As usual we have been well received around the countrysi de and are deligh ted to see any ex memebrs of The Household Cavalry who are in the area. We were able to send our Mounted Dutymen (Tpr Baker and Tpr Moore HCMR) along to the presentation of a branch Standard to the North Staffordshire Branch of The Household Cavalry Association in Stoke and the day before we added some class to a Grenadier fund raising venture in Worksop. During our "Safari" we decided that we would try to do something for the Great Onnond Street Appeal and in consequence constructed a wishing well which has so far managed to attract over £500.00. Whether we have managed to attract Recruits or not we will never know. However, our Intakes up to 19 September 1988 have all been on target so we look like we are getting there.

Before closing this article may I ask everyone to do their bit for the Recruiting World. If you are passing through Windsor call in and see us and we will give you an update on the current Recruiting situation, an introduction to your local Acro and maybe a brew as well.

To sum up a very busy season in which all members of the team LG & RHGID whether Armoured or Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment have produced the goods. It has been very rewarding, hard work and not least of all, good fun. During all of which we have completed our BFT's, done our share of Guards in Barracks and even produced Tpr Collins to dri ve on Exercise with C Sq uadron. We have leave in October, courses from November-January and off we go again in February.

Tpr Baker LG with Drake at Plymouth Armada Display ("He's better turned out than me.!")

Tpr Baker LG Lincolnshire Show

Sports

ATHLETICS

INTER SQUADRON A"l1"lLETICS

COMPETITION 11 JUt. Y 1988

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TI>c: Army eu.1 Run Championships was held. once .,ain, uode. lhe: "Po of Cap! Shipton. 3 Royal Grccn JadclS, in 51 Moniz on 2nd February 1988. As lIs.ual, open and handicap races wcre held 'rom lOp and junction. A &Joriou' day owe /WCr the charmin, villlo&c of Celenna a fasI courx for l.f Sunlcy and Capt O'Kane:thi> YC,.,-'5 enlrant. lor lbo Rcpmtfll. U Sunlc:y hurlc:d hi.....,11 from the IOpwith hlllllWJ ..prallhoup. this year he oeancd 10 have a pul alttXIiofl for Giuoeppc and tbc _ at Shll1tkadl"EJ:traooo1litwy beha Capt: O'Kanc, """0 '- J'C' 10 rile 10 I'" hep Mlop, wcnllrom

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"1')l( Reiimmr __ rq:nscnred In lbe e«nlli. /OOW(Yer, .rth OMSI Rrio:rk)'COIrII"'WIJin all tbrtt ""'apons in the foIlanll l<llb ""lhelllbrt. LeaH Eya from compclcd in !he foil and cpte (yents wbibt LI Mahorl)' and Cot! Marpnamcentl1lled on tM individ...J ep«. This was by far (KIr S!.n)rlteS' ...,apon with Coil Matlin KCOI'Id. LI Mahon)' third and OMSI Brierley fourth,

We had expected the trophy, but any disapjlOintment was made up a few weeks later when Lt Mahony retained the Inter-Services Epee trophy that he had won the year before at The Royal Tournament.

In addition, both Lt Mahony and CoH Margan have competed internationally for Great Britain this year, although sadly a team was not sent to the Summer Olympic Games. Both were members of the victorious England Team which won the Home International Quadrangular match held in Cardiff. Also, CoR Margan was a finalist at several regional competitions and was placed second in a Combined Services International Event in Holland.

England Epee Team 1988. Winners o[the Wilkinson Sword Home Quadrangular Trophy 1988

L-R: CoH Margan LG, Lt D Mahony LG, Mr R Greenhalgh Mr. R. Gore

GOLF

Most members of The Life Guards Golf Club enjoyed this year's mild weather and took good advantage of it by regular visits to local courses.

At the start of the season the play-off at the Castle Course saw some strong contenders from the Pay Office, much to the dismay of SCpl Swallow who had his sights on the 'Hugman Cup'.

The climax of this year was the annual competition which was held at the Farnham Park Course. A windy day proved difficult for most players but after eighteen holes SSgt Lyons and LCoH Dixon found themselves equal on strokes. After an exciting play-off SSgt Lyons stole first place by one stroke.

The results of the competition were as follows:

1. SSgtLyons 4. LCoHMackay 7. LCoHJones 2. LCoHDixon 5. LCplGollings 8. LCoHRenshaw 3. SCpl Swallow 6. SSgtAckroyd 9. LCoHPricc

We look forward to long Summer days when our clubs will be swinging again.

ORIENTEERING

The Orienteering team has again been unable to make a serious challenge for any of the Major District of League Trophies this year. The plethora of other commitments have militated against the fielding of a 'first eleven' team on a regular basis. However, this has not detracted from the pleasure that devotees to the sport have enjoyed over the past year.

The Inter Squadron Orienteering Competition was held again in Windsor Great Park during March. An interesting course was set which engendered some quite fierce competition. The tTophy went to B Squadron wi,th HQ Squadron coming a close second.

A second 'fun' event was organised in November whilst the Regiment was at Castlemartin carrying out annual firing. The course was set to the east of the range area over an interesting topography which enjoyed spectacular views. The check points were located in such places as: the middle of a pond, the seaward end of an abandoned quarry, a cave and even the eastern end of a disused chapel part way down a cliff. It was a challenging afternoon which was much enjoyed by all. The next Regimental event is due to tak,e place in April and if past perfonnance is anything to go by, a cunning course can be expected.

POLO

Those of you who are avid readers of Horse and Hound will have seen that once again The Life Guards Polo Team has enjoyed another successful season and continues to be at the fOTefront of Services Polo.

Many Officers played during the season and as well as some newcomers, there was a healthy number of experienced players from which to select a strong team to compete in the Inter-Regimental and Captains and Subalterns Competitions. Unfortunately Lt MacKenzie-Hill was in Cyprus during the time of the draw and was ineligible to play in the Inter-Regimental. Capt Mitford-Slade was sleeted to accompany some of the older and more experienced players (well - some old and some experienced!). The InterRegimental Team was therefore:

Maj P R L Hunter, Maj C H N Graham, Maj J L Hewitt, and Capt C N Mitford-Slade.

A total/team handicap of 4. With a few practice matches under their belts, the team faced The Royal Air Force in the first match at Windsor and beat them 8-0. The second round also at Windsor was against The Royals Scots Dragoon Guards. On a hot, sunny day and very well supported from the sideline, a fast game saw the home team become the victors by 10-0. The semi-final was played against The Household Cavalry Regiment. This produced a closer result after a hard-fought battle, but The Life Guards eventually had a comfortable 7-4 win. The Household Cavalry Regiment Team consisted of: Maj D Hardy (RHGID) , Capt The Hon MRM Watson (LG), CaptN Jackson (LG) and Lt The HonJ Broughton (RHGID)

The Inter Regimental Team after the Final.

L-R: Maj J L Hewitt, Maj C H N Graham, Gen Sir John Chapple, Maj R Ferguson Maj Gen SC Cooper, Maj P R L Hunter, Capt eN Mitford-Slade

The final against The Welsh Guards was played in front of packed stands on Number 2 Ground at Smiths Lawn. The Welsh Guards were favourites to win, being stronger on paper with a total handicap of 8. In fact, as so often happeos in the past when The Life Guards are deemed the "Underdogs", they all played above their handicap and nearly managed to come away the victors, but time ran out and the final score of 3-2 to The Welsh Guards was the outcome of a closely contested match which was thrilling to

L-R. Lt A Ogdon, Lt R MocKemie-Hill, Capt A Ballard Capt The Han M Watson, Umpire, Lt Col J Lancaster

Team (a picture of which is in the Guards Magazine) consisted of:

Lt Col C R Watts, Maj S 0 Stephenson, Capt A W Ballard and Capt OC de R Richardson

For the fifth consecutive year, The Life Guards have held the Trophy for the Captains and Subalterns Competition; a rather splendid silver cup which stands 2 feet high and was first presented by the Officers The Queens Bays in 1958 for the Captains and Subalterns Polo Tournament. The first record of winners on the plinth is 1897-98 9th Lancers. The 17th/21st Lancers won this cup consecutively from 1924 to 1928. If The Life Guards win this again in 1989 (before they go to Germany) it will set an outstanding record which I am sure will be extremely difficult to beat.

This season's Captains and Subalterns Team consisted of:

Maj J L Hewitt, Maj C HN Graham, Lt A Ogdeo, and Lt R MacKenzie- Hill

They beat the 14f2Oth Kings Hussars at Windsor and met The Royal Wessex Yeomanry in the final at Tidworth where they beat them 9-0.

Maj Graham and Capt The Han Watson were selected to play for the Army against the Royal Navy in the Ruddle Cup; the Armywon by 1 goal. Unfortunately during the first Chukka Maj Graham received a severe knock to his right hand and was replaced by Maj RHome - Scots DG. Maj Graham also played abroad in Morroco and Maj Hunter enjoyed a successful season and played in the USA and Morroco.

In addition to those who had the honour to represent the Regiment on the field, Lts Fircks, Cox. and Dwerryhouse played regularly.

RUGBY

Rugby is still a force within the Regiment, despite the turbulence of life at Windsor. The 1987/88 season watch and apparently exciting to play. The Welsh Guards

finished well wi th the Regimen t winning through to the final of the RA C Tournament. This h ad involved two hard fought encounters with the 13118th Hussars. The first was played at Tidworth and resulted in 9-9 draw after extra time. The next match played at Windsor saw us through to the final with a good 19-6win. Tn the final we met the 3rd Royal Tank Regiment. The hard fought match sadly resulted in victory to the opposition.

Brigadier A B S H Gooch presented the prizes. We said farewell to ASM McCoumbe who has given the club sterling service and considerable success during his tourmany thanks. We wish him well on his commissioning. His successor, ASM Moogan has slipped gracefully into his boots. The 1988/89 season started with a tremendous inter squadron rugby competition. This was won by H 0 Squadron who eventually beat B Squadron in the finaL Success has not been as great as in previous years. We were put out of the Prince of Wales Cup by the returning Welsh Guards thus ending our run of victories in that competition. 1989 is coming up, however. A fine victory over the Queen's Royal Irish Hussars in the Royal Armoured Corps competition put the Regiment through to the semi-final against the 13/ 18th Hussars again. SCpl Evans is club Captain. It is good to see some new blood appearing in the team, notably 2Lt Fircks, LCpl Warren, Tpr Addis and Tpr Logan. Sadly LCpl Hoon has gone to the Guards Dept.

SKllNG

The Regimental Ski team has again been successful. Led by 2Lt MacKenzie-Hin they came 2nd in the UKLF Championships. Mr MacKenzie-Hill had to return home early. However the team can tin ued to do well coming a very creditable 4th in the combined UKLF/4 Armoured Division Championships held at Galtur. In that competition individual placings were

6th Tpr Beech

17th Tpr Bebbington

20th LCpl Knight

Tn the Army Championships at Mirabel Tpr Beech came 14th.

Tpr Beech

SUB AQUA

Under the ever watchful eye of Diving Officer, W02 McKenzie, The Life Guards Sub Aqua Club has continuedto thrive as one of the most acti ve of the Regimen tal Clubs. During 1988 expeditions ranged from day trips to Portland in Dorset or to Stoney Cove in Leicestershire to an Easter Weekend at Fort Bovisand near Plymouth. It was unfortunate that a 2 week expedition which was completely organised and set to go on the Isle of Lewis in the Outer Hebrides had to be cancelled due to lack of manpower. The diving club is particularly lucky to be able to

The Regimental Lieutenant Colonel presents LCpI Roon with the Inter Squadron Rugger Trophy

LCoHCripps

call on two Joint Service Sub Aqua Diving Supervisors (SA OS) in addition to the diving officer - SCpl Beck and CoR Wise. LCoH Cripps is at presen t training for his SADS qualification which he should put to full use in Cyprus during C Squadron's VNFICYP tour during 1989. Other regular divers have included Capt Smyth-Osbourne, Tprs Evans, Gandar and Crawley, all of whom are either fully qualified Sports Divers or Dive Leaders. Other 'guest divers' have included members of the Household Cavalry Regiment, Royal Air Force and Royal Navy personnel, Capt Gent RTR, W02 Read (who on one occasion during a dive found a diver's watch!), a Grenadier Guardsman and finally lLts Dwerryhouse and Vloth who joined a week's diving expedition.

Memories of this year's activities are numerous. However, the week spent at Weymouth during June m ust rate as one of the most successful and enjoyable expeditions of the year. Accommodation was provided by the Royal Engineers at their Wyke Regis training camp. After establishing ourselves within the camp we dived twice a day in glorious weather, swung the Lantern as the sun went down every evening in the closest pub telling each other (or anyone else who may have been interested) tales of our adventures under the water. We managed to complete a number of wreck dives, a drift dive, both shore and boat dives, an of which proved to be great fun for everyone involved.

Whilst the season opened in the UK with a dive in Stoney Cove in February, as it closes there are club members serving in Belize where divers from an over the world congregate to the second longest barrier reef in the world and in Cyprus where the clarity of the water is exceptional. Unfortunately we have said farewell to W02 McKenzie on posting to the Records Office at Chester. I understand that a certain RAF Club near Chester is about to come under his control (I wonder jf anyone has told them yet!). CoR Wise and LCoR Cripps have taken on the running of the club with an aim to train more divers especially for Gennany where the opportunities exist to explore the

water of the Mediterranean from Gibraltar to the shores of Turkey, so why not give it a try in 1989? Everyone is welcome to come and have a go in an exhilerating sport and a real challenge.

"What are you waiting for?"

TUG OF WAR

Sadly unlike previous years it has not been a very eventful year due to commitments such as Gunnery, EX ADAMANT and general duties.

However, going back to December 1987 we won the 5 AB Brigade Warrior Trophy, which is held annually on or around Brigade Sports Day. This normally outdoor event became an indoor meeting and therefore meant a lot of extra training. The Regiment beat 3 Para in the final- this was NOT popuJar with the crowd!!

After weekly training sessions we were ready for competition in the Princess Royal's Inter-Services Cup in the Great Park on 13 May. We came about halfway up in a field of 30 top class teams from all 3 Services.

Later on 25 May the Lawson Cup, which is the London District Championships was held at Pirbright. It was a very close battle in the final between ourselves and 2 Scots Guards, who managed to just take it from us. After recovering from this setback we won the 680 kilo competition in the South East District Championships at Aldershot beating The Princess Marina College, Arborfield in the final.

On 2 August The Life Guards Inter-Squadron Tug of War Competition took place at the Garrison Sports Ground with Headquarter Squadron just managing to hold off excellent competition from C Squadron who took second place. Representing the Regiment at various times this season were the following members of the Regiment and Attached Personnel:

W02 Stephenson CoHLayzell

LCoH Beaumont

LCoHWilsher

LCplHoon

LCoH Whittaker

LCpl Underhay

LCpl Richardson - REME

LCpl Higgins - REME TprThomas

TprSmart TprYeomans

TprLaing TprToft

REGIMENT AL VOLLEYBALL

The Volleyball Squad started off with quite a number of people. However because of commitments and postings, it decreased rapidly, in numbers. ROMC Cusick was in charge of the squad with expert advice from Tpr Laing who had recently been welcomed back from Knightsbridge. Very few matches were actually played by the Regimental team which was mostly made up from HO Squadron. However, the team was entered for the London District Championships which were easily won, even though there were some very good teams competing. OEMH Woolwich were boasting an international player from the Far East who was on an exchange visit. However

their Eastern Star was well sorted out by Tpr Laing and LCoH Whittaker's height on the net. With the London District Championships now under their belts the team had its sights on the Army UKLF Championships. We trained hard and even had a guest appearance on occasions from our veteran Superstar ROMC Cusick. The preparations were not without problems: we lost more players and the victorious team from the London District Championships seemed to be disappearing. The remainder battled on and gave a good performance in the UKLF Championships.

INTER SQUADRON VOLLEYBALL

As always, the Inter Squadron Volleyball was a well-organised event, culminating in some excellent volleyball. The obvious favourites for the competition were HO Squadron boasting the majority of the Regimental team and also their secret weapon, ROMC Cusick. C Squadron did not have quite the same view as everyone else and intended to prove the rumours wrong. The battle began with the final, as expected, between HO and C Squadrons. It was a close fought final with the experience of the HO Squadron team leading them to victory.

Results:

1st HO Squadron 3 pts

2nd C Squadron 2 pts

3rd B Squadron 1 pt

WINDSURFING

This year the Windsurfing Club has grown both in numbers and experience. In our second season, we were

Rear L-R: LCoH Postance, LCpI Lowe, LCoH Whitfaker LCoH Harlow, LCpl Gilbert

Front L-R: LCpI Gray, LCpI Wiltshire. Tpr LainK CoH Tierney, CoH Wragg LCoH McKay

LCoH Beaumont showing LCpI Knight that it is safer to windsurf on dry land

able to JOIn the Datchet Water Sailing Club at Queen Mother Reservoir. An excellent stretch of water, some 475 acres, and overlooked by Windsor Castle.

LCpl O'Hare, a dedicated member of the club, soon learn t how large the reservoir was when he was forced into training for long distance swimming. Having been defeated by the wind, and finding himself in the middle of the reservoir, he swam for the shore pulling the windsurfer behind him.

LCoH Beaumont sailing his Level 2 Test under force 4 gusting 5 wind conditions

LCpl Knight also a regular club member, having previously gained experience before joining the club, has now become a fully paid up member of the RNLI. Whilst putting his new-found skills into practice, during the adventurous training period at Fremington, North Devon, LCpl Knight decided to test the efficiency of the local inshore Life Boat.

Prior to block leave, a basic windsurfing course was organised. Six members of the Regiment spent five days under the ever-watchful eye of LCoH Shipton, our RYA instructor. This was a great success although the weather

LeoH Shipton about to do a deep water Stant

conditions were not ideal for learning, because of fairly strong winds. However, two individuals passed the Basic Levell certificate, three passed to Level 2 standard and one passed Levell theory.

The club has also acquired some new equipmenttwo Alpha 160 intermediate boards. These were purchased with the intention of giving club members the opportunity of progressing from long boards to something shorter, whilst still retaining some volume but also giving fun board qualities.

Our project for completion prior to the 1989 season is to build a trailer. This wiIlgive the club far more flexibility, enabling six boards and equipment to be towed behind the Landrover rather than having to use a 4 tonner. With that in mind, it will be easier to organise weekend trips down to the coast to gain sea sailing experience.

SOME VISITORS TO THE REGIMENT

Left: The Adjutant General

Lower: General Tobias Dai, CGS Mozambique

Top: Lieutenant General de fa Billiere Goe South East District

Right: Mr. Roger Freeman as Secretary of State for the Armed Forces

Colonel Goodhew presents Mrs Cheeseman with a clock to mark her 25 years service to the Household Cavalry Hospital

The Adjutant poses in Cyprus

The Brigadier helps Lt Mahony rehearse for the

The Colonel and Commanding Officer admire the Olympics Drill competition

Potential recruits

The new Second in Command, Maj CS K Anderson

C Sqn stretcher team still going . ....

LCoH Stillwell fords a stream in Cypm.s

"By the Right" The Drill Competition

L- R: Mr Fircks (ADC for the day), Capt Grl/fin, Maj Falkner, Mal' Scott

Parachute School, Mr Cox is hanging about . ..

Corporals' Course on Dartmoor

L R: LCpl Coker, Tpr Clubley Tpr Crow, LCpl Bartlett LCpl Olapmal1,LCpl Benge

Musn Allen in working dress

HRH The Princess of Wales presents Graham Brookhouse with his prize at the Champion of Champions Competition - LCpI Brooke looking on.

'IS he awake?" Troop Tests 1988

"For inspection port arms" TnXJp tests 1988

HI am observing.'''

Bebbington's big chance

LCaH Rosborough looking thoughtful

LCaH Kitching enjoys an al fresco meal

ARMOURED RECONNAISSANCE TROOP - BELIZE

The Troop, comprising members of A, C and HQ Squadrons, departed Windsor in two waves at the end of September. The tour was preceded by a concentrated blast of pre-training in Windsor, concentrating on PT (to assist acclimatisation), lectures on the background to the Belizean situation, and HF radio. Whilst the Regiment has fulfilled the Belize tours on several previous occasions, the Recce Troop has now enlarged to consist of eight Scorpion (instead of a six car Scorpion/ Scimitar mix), and includes its own integral REME fitter section and Echelon. Matters are also further changed by a split deployment: one section being permanently detached to the South of the country.

for tasks as diverse as Terrain Tours and Staff visits. Lt Astor manages the R&R plot, all aspects of Adventure Training and fills in for the OC when he is out on patrol. SCpl Lindsay tackles the daily administration of the Troop, keeping the Vehicle Attap shipshape. Leave and Adventure Training are both run on a trickle basis, hence we work on 10% away at anyone time. Daily life tends to be hectic: so far patrols have been tasked approximately every week, ranging in length from one day local T AOR taskings to a ten day patrol on the Mexican border. Both Battlegroups - North and South - have completed their respective FTX's, and we look forward to the Airport Camp Defence Exercise, a 'Force' Exercise in the New Year, a Gunnery Camp, Field Firing with the Infantry and, of course, the patrolling tasks. The routine is busy and diverse, with much hard work being spent on the Vehicle Park. Certainly on mileage basis, the Scorpions travel considerably, each car completing some 300 miles on the long patrol alone.

The Troop is run along the lines of a 'Regimental Recce Troop'. The majority are based at Holdfast Camp in the North, whilst Rideau Camp in the South provides an escape for a section. Capt Smyth-Osbourne commands the Troop from a small office in Holdfast (some 15 km from the Guatemalan border), and, currently, CoH Darley runs the section in the South. In essence Capt Smyth-Osbourne runs all aspects of Patrol Tasking, Exercise commitments and fronts the Troop

Once the work is finished however, there exist many opportunities for extra-curricula activities. If time permits opportunities are there for weekend courses on St Georges Caye - the Army Adventure Training Centre - or a chance to visit any of the other Cayes along the Reef, the most popular and well known being San Pedro. On a more local level Barbeques, Clay Pigeon Shooting and Riding provide many opportunities to get out in the country. What is very noticeable is how some of the locals remember previous Recce Troop tours, and for those who have been in Belize before, there are now three LG signs in 1B's.

Overall, life in Belize is new, diverse and challenging. The jungle provides a new environment for many, whilst other areas such as Mountain Pine Ridge resemble Brecon. The sections keep up a continuous patrol programme. Memories are numerous, but to mention a few: SCpl Lindsay's misjudgement of the height of the Belize River, LCoH Coleman's narrow miss with a thunderflash and the CO of the Micks, Lt Astor's 'hide and seek' with the Milan Platoon (Enemy) on the BGIN FTX, LCoH Harlow's 17 hour bog in, CoH Darley's PT sessions etc etc. Belize is different, and therein lies its charm.

LCoH Godson with a patrol of Irish Guards on board

Mr Astor at the local washdown

L-R: Tpr Ma.'1.sbridge LCoH Dobson, Tpr Collins

ARMOURED RECCE TROOP BELIZE

Nominal Roll

Number Rank Name

516516 Capt EASmyth·Osbourne

526935 Lt JAW Astor

24323743 SCpl Lindsay

24393153 CoH Darley

24583528 LCoH Bentley

24393823 LCoH Dobson

24394448 LCoH Godson

24495808 LCoH Harlow

24393785 LCoH Hazlewood

24540472 LCpl Carter

24463628 LCpl Coleman

24710583 LCpl Chubb

24590585 LCpl Goodwin'

24448982 Tpr Collins

24540145 Tpr Conway

24656006 Tpr Daynes

Number Rank Name

24656713 Tpr Doyle

24656388 Tpr Gandar

24710650 Tpr Irwin

24710127 Tpr Kellet

24656099 Tpr Leeson

24710383 Tpr Matthews

24540955 Tpr McLeish

24656352 Tpr Mansbridge

24656516 Tpr Parkinson

24711077 Tpr Vernon

24710212 Tpr Whiteside REME

24494905 LSgt Reynolds

24494778 LCpl Smith

24634616 Cfn Dobbs

EX LION SUN ONE - CYPRUS

B Squadron left for Cyprus on 10 April for a month on EX LION SUN ONE. The Squadron ranks having been considerably swelled with a Troop from C Squadron under 2Lt Farr, attachments from the Royal Marines, 3rd Battalion Parachute Regt, 6 Gurkha Rifles, Royal Engineers, Royal Signals, ACC and RAMC, bringing the total up to 107 all told. The Exercise had been split into 5 phases, Infantry skills, Endurance Training in The Troodos Mountains, Firing on Dhekelia ranges and the final exercise.

The Infantry Skills were run by Capt Robertson and LCoH Barry with considerable help from 2 Sgts borrowed from The Coldstream Guards. This phase was to teach all concerned basic infantry skills, practice orders, fieldcraft, command and control and basic tactics.

The Adventure Training was held at Melanda Beach, which conveniently was only a stone's throwaway from the beach bar. The Adventure Training was run by W02 MacKenzie and Sgt Grierson (RM). It was four days packed with things to do. There was rock climbing, canoeing, windsurfing, diving and waterskiing. Everyone had a fair crack of the whip under the guidance of some good instructors. LCpl 'Pumper' Richards returned to B Squadron from Fremington to prove invaluable on the rock face and in the bar. Sgt Grierson, Cpl Jones and Marine Embry of The Royal Marines ran the water sports side of life and they were very helpful and were much appreciated by all.

The Troodos Hill Walking phase was run by Capt Spowers who gave each Troop a fairly torturous four days, assisted by LCoH Tate. The four days consisted of three days walking and one days rest of orienteering. The longest distance was 24 km across fairly hilly terrain with the most breathtaking scenery.

The firing on The Dhekelia ranges was run by Capt Griffin, and helped by CoH Hickman and CSgt Khar Bahadur Gurung who was attached from 6 Ghurka Rifles. This phase was run asan interTroop Competition. Each man was required to pass his Annual Personal Weapons test, and then prove his ability to work as a team with both SLR and SMG. Interest shoots were also conducted on pistol, 84mm Carl Gustav, Grenade and SMG. The Ranges were also popular due to the proximity to the night spots of both Larnaca and Ayia Napa. There was also an opportunity to see some memebrs of A Squadron in Nicosia.

On the ranges

After each troop had been to each stand, the Squadron was formed into a Company for a four day exercise. This was to start with a beach landing, and end with a dawn attack on Evdihmou Village.

LCoH Godson's crew admire the local architecture

Although many mutterings were heard with reference to 'foot slogging' etc, everyone enjoyed the change from vehicles to their feet, with the exception of CoH Bagnall who had no pleasure in carrying round the Squadron radio on his back. After the exercise the Squadron took two days R&R.

The Commanding Officer and The Gold Stick who were visiting A Squadron also found time to visit B Squadron.

The Commanding Officer managed to prove that he was the best water skier in the Regiment, much to the annoyance of2Lt Farquhar who had previously won the award for the most bronzed beach bum.

After four weeks on the island the whole Squadron was very sad to say goodbye, and all felt most envious of A Squadron who still had two months remaining of their tour.

EX AMPHIBIOUS VIKING Adventure Training in Norway

Tuesday 2nd August 1988 saw the departure of 2Lts Cox and Uloth, and Tprs Hammond, Hodge, Knowles and Patternotte for two weeks trekking and canoeing in Norway. Getting there was nearly as demanding as the expedition itself. We flew from Gatwick to Hanover, took a coach to North Denmark and then ferry to Christiansand. There we picked up gear such as tents and cookers from the British Mountain Training Centre. The aim of the trip was to trek from the north of the Hardanger Mountain range for eight days. We were then to pick up canoes and spend the remaining four days using the fiords to get to Christiansand.

The morale of the team was high from the outset. Only two factors sought to destroy this joie de vivre. One was that a pint of beer in Norway costs about the same as six in England. Tpr Hammond in particular suffered a relapse on hearing this news. The other was that the start point for the expedition was effectively above the snow line. Sun glasses and bermuda shorts were mournfully repacked and thick jumpers were pulled from the depths of our ruck sacks.

The view of the "hutte" at the end of our first day was welcome indeed. These "huttes" were strung all along the route; they had bunks, food and warmth and were built out of pine inside and out (worth a fortune in Hampstead no doubt,

River crossing

but probably relatively cheap in an otherwise barren Norwegian landscape). One "hutte" we came to had a Geordie as its odd job man. We were the first English people to visit his "hutte" that summer, and we received a reception much as Ben Gunn would have given Robinson Crusoe. It took about five hours for him to calm down. We also met some members of the Norwegian Army; they could not understand how soldiers and officers would voluntarily go on an expedition together, nor could they comprehend 2Lt Cox's insatiable desire to leap into

glacier fed fjords at every opportunity.

We experienced fairly indecent weather on the canoeing phase. The rain drove us into a public lavatory for one night as our tents were soaking. We had a binge at one of the local super markets to keep our spirits up. There is something uplifting about eating smoked salmon in a 100. On another occasion we made good use of the strong winds by erecting a ground sheet and sailing for about five miles with the three

The top of the world (Mr Cox appears surprised)

two-man canoes tied together. We did some canoeing in the open sea with an escort. Certainly more hairy, but exhilarating when surfing down a wave. The mini armada arrived back at the British Mountain Training Centre in one piece, even if nearly every bit of kit was soaking. A productive expedition which left us with a sense of achievement and an empty wallet.

A quiet moment beneath an ice fall

RIGGING

The Life Guards most recently learnt Airborne skill is Rigging. This involves securing such equipment as Land Rover and trailer or Scorpion to a medium stress platform in order that it may be air dropped beneath very large parachutes.

A team of six was sent to the Joint Air Transport Establishment in Brize Norton to attend a week long course in the skill followed by them taking part in the 5 AB Bde rigging competition. Four and ahalf hours was given to each ofthe nine teams in which to rig a LandRover and trailer. Great attention

Getting it together

The Winning Team

L-R: Mr Fircks, LCoH Kitching, LCoH Hubble, LCoH Core

has to be payed to the details of how all the various chains and lashings are secured. Our congratulations go to the five Life Guards team members for emerging as the winners. The qualification means that in all future 5 AB Bde exercises the Regiment will rig its own Scorpions prior to dropping.

It is hoped that as of July Scorpions will be routinely dropped on Bde exercises.

RAP COMPETITION

The Life Guards wRAPped it up for 5 Airborne Bridge

It was one night during the Brigade Concentration in May that the RAP team set offwith the Samaritan Ambulance. The team were to pit their skills against others in 5 Airborne Brigade, and all intelligences had led them to believe that a certain Para team had been hard at itsince the last competition. No sooner had the team set up when they were deluged with mass casualties - the casualty simulation was excellent, as was the acting!

"It was organised chaos", said SSgt Hedges.

"All I did was carry stretchers", said LSgt ColmanHolland.

"We were totally 'knackered"', said LCpl Erskine and Tpr Thawley.

While at the time this may have seemed an inauspicious start, they went on through the night being tested on all aspects of the RAP.

The only move came just after first light. It was during this move that they nearly came unstuck, or rather stuck, in the only mudbath in that area of Salisbury Plain. Thank goodness the ambulance was there to pull out the Rover and trailer.

Yes, once again Surgeon Captain C A ] O'Kane LG and SSgt Hedges RAMC had led the members of the Regimental Aid Post to victory in the 5 Airborne Brigade RAP Competition 1988. Thanks to all the team who increased the winning margin from 14 points in 1987 to 136 points in 1988.

The RAP Team 1988

L-R: LSgt Colman Holland, LCoH Dobson, LCpI Erskine LCpl Risbridger, SSgt Hedges, Tpr Steel, Tpr 17wwley, Capt O'Kane, LCoH Stanley

Tomorrow Belongs To Me!!

LCoH Rosborough

During A Squadron's tour in Cyprus some characters of note came to the fore in the field of daily entertainment and practical jokes, not least of these being Sgt Castle the Recce Mech whose limitless enthusiasm for winding people up was delightful to all, except perhaps his unfortunate victims. It is often the case when an independent Squadron serves abroad that light relief is provided from within by stars thereto unknown.

But, Sgt Castle master of the unexpected was about to meet his Waterloo! CoH Evans, a man of considerable capacity and intellect, whilst conversing in the Mess mentioned that Sgt Castle's birthday was due in two days and shouldn't something be done? This sort of passing remark became known as a 'Stir Past' within the mess, anyway I digress. I jumped at the proffered bait and with notebook and pencil in hand, and with the acute detail normally associated with training the Red Arrows, got to work with CoH Evans. The end result being as follows:

Monday am (Bank Holiday in UK). Sgt Castle called into the Squadron Leader to be told by Maj Scott he was to be Victim left - Author right posted back to England next day to cover for a Windsor based Recce Mech with a severe disorder which had rendered him across to my office to enlist my help in finding the culprit, so far unfi t for duty. So loath as he was to let Sgt Castle go he had no so good. I managed to convince him the signal was genuine and choice but to send him back on a flight the following morning. perhaps someone in Windsor had something to do with it but A bogus signal had been obtained from the UN Comcen with as it was Bank Holiday Monday he would not be able to find the detail etched in black and white with the appropriate stamp. out. It was suggested by CoH McSherry, the Chief Clerk, that Sgt Castle, (read: Wily Fox), bounded outofthe interview con­ he pay his mess bill, tailors bill and clear up all outstanding vinced someone was winding him up, but who? He whisked items, hand his kit in and arrange transport to RAF Akrotiri

the following morning, (Castle is nibbling the bait!). By now the ruse had spread throughout Prince William Camp and beyond, actually reaching as far as Skouriotissa by lunch time. By 1700 hours eighty or so members of the Squadron were in on it. I was amazed that so many knew but did not let the cat out of the bag. The SQMCs dept played their part to the letter and LCoH Smithers took all his equiment back, Sgt Cameron in the Pay Office received his cheque for outstanding Mess entertainment and Lt Kelly warned him off should the cheque bounce! Then someone, (I don't know who but you are my hero!), reminded Sgt Castle that he had vowed to swim the length of the UN pool in Mess Kit before leaving the island. Laugh, I nearly cried!!

Monday pm. Farewell Party, Sgt Castle has got through approximately £100, (he is by now voraciously attacking the bait!). By 4am Tuesday morning I have spent £40.00 I do not have and the Dancing girls in the 'Ambassador Club' are crying with sorrow that their friend 'Mr Frank' is leaving them. The Mess stalwarts are wilting on the effects of so many Brandy Sours, Sam back into camp the party slump exhausted into bed. 0800 first parade but no Sgt Castle, he has been excused by an understanding SCM Lodge.

Tuesday am (Posting Day). 0900 hours Sgt Castle dives off the springboard in the UN Swimming Pool, in full Mess Kit watched and photographed by his friends and colleagues!!, completes the length and drips off to change out of his sodden clothing. Once suitably attired he paraded at the Orderly Room where CoH McSherry received his UN ID Card and proceeded to viciously rip it up, (at this point Sgt Castle swallowed the bait!). Boxes packed he bids farewell to an empty camp and climbs aboard the Mini Bus driven by a poker faced Tpr Bonner. At this stage the SCM and many of the Mess Members are waiting in the Mess with a Birthday cake and lots of cheer knowing Sgt Castle has taken the bait and is now for all intents and purposes going back to Blighty.

The Mini Bus lazily whines along the road out of camp a miserable and dejected Recce Mech clutching his baggage

The moment of truth - Sgt Castle realises he has been well and truly had!

within thinking of what fun and sun he is going to miss. The Bus pulls up alongside the Mess, the Mess door opens and a multitude of laughing faces surround the Mini Bus, Castle clambers out bemused and unsure. 'Happy Birthday' the cry goes up, several pigeons take off in alann nearby, a cake is presented complete with ornaments and candles. Sgt Castle looks strained and overwhelmed. "Thank you", he says with feeling "I knew you wouldn't let me go without getting me something for my birthday". Those assembled roar with laughter and then with much glee CoH Darley informs Sgt Castle he has been taken for a proverbial ride and that he is not going back. Shocked and stunned, a look of disbelief etched into his features Sgt Castle takes a bow and then realisation dawning he mentally kicks himself for being such a 'Paper Hat' (Pratt)

To those who took part and made the whole thing possible, my grateful thanks. To CoH Evans now you have been unveiled as the instigator, a warning, Castle isstill at large and has a memory like an Elephant so WATCH AND SHOOT, WATCH AND SHOOT!!

Ten Years of Diving with The Life Guards Sub Aqua Club

W02 (ORQMe) D A McKenzie

In September 1978 the then Master Cook W02 Sinclair ACC and the then B Squadron Clerk «myself!) had the bright idea of forming a Diving Club within The Life Guards. From these early beginnings the club has survived for ten years and has trained numerous members of the Regiment to dive both proficiently and safely. In our early days, funds were short and equipment almost non-existent. However, the Second in Command at that time, Major J B Emson (now Brigadier with a CBE for his efforts) gave us the backing we required with a grant of £600 from Regimental funds which enabled us to purchase three sets of diving equipment. With this equipment training commenced in Chelsea Barracks Pool and before long we had our first Class 3 divers, with LCpl Elliott

and LCpl Graham to name but two of our pioneer divers. 1979 was spent training both in the pool and at the weekends at Weymouth. After the Regiment moved to BAOR in February 1980 and after a year of sampling the delights of those deep, dark German lakes, the die-hard members of the club decided that a sunshine trip was called for. Therefore after only 18 months since its formation 12 members of the Regiment flew via the UK to Gibraltar for two weeks diving. This expedition proved to be most successful. Everyone enjoyed themselves immensely, diving every day on wrecks ranging from Spanish barges which were sunk during the defence of "The Rock" back in ???? to Second World War ships and more recently an ocean going trawler which sank in 1980 having run aground on the rocks.

Since this first expedition, members of the diving club have taken part in expeditions to Norway (twice), the South of France (twice), Cyprus (twice), Gibraltar (again)!, the Isle of Lewis in the Outer Hebrides and the Isle of Elba in the Mediterranean. Individuals have dived in places as far apart as Belize, the Rocky Mountains in Montana USA and Sardinia. Our stock of equipment has grown over the years. We now have twelve complete sets of diving equipment, a compressor, an underwater camera and numerous other items. Over the years a total of eight Advanced Divers have been trained, of which six have gone on to become Joint Service Sub Aqua Diving Supervisors and therefore qualified to take diving activities anywhere in the world.

Membership has risen, fallen and risen again over the years, noticeably just before and just after an UNFICYP or Belize Tour! Diving obviously continues in the UK at most weekends. Popular sites are Plymouth, WeymouthIPortland and Stoney Cove which is a vast flooded quarry in Leicestershire. We currently have 28 Members on the books, Captain Smyth-Osbourne is the Chairman and is well on the way to becoming a Dive Leader, LCoH Cripps is hopefully to attend the Supervisors course shortly after having completed a Boat

Handlers course which according to him "was the best course I've ever done". So all in all diving has flourished within the Regiment over the last ten years, so with luck, "here's to the next ten years of safe and enjoyable diving".

Editor's Note: It gives me great pleasure to include this article from Mr Lunn. 'The Acorn' is always pleased to accept contributions from members of the Regimental Association as they help give a full picture of the Regiment today.

MEMORIES OF THE GREAT WAR

This article gave me much interest because I was in the same recruits class with Stanley Butler at Windsor, I have contacted him and we now correspond. We are both crippled with arthritis and unlikely to meet. He celebrated his 90th birthday in the summer, I am 93.

Although in general there is little difference between our war experiences one or two items may be mentioned. I went to France with the last draft as Life Guards but on arrival at Etaples we found we were Machine Gun Guards, this change having been made while we were in transit. I was in A Company he in D in the new fill up, he came out with the Pirbright people. In the air raid he mentioned the 1st Life Guards lost 120 casualties from two bombs while the nearby base hospital was destroyed with 300 soldiers either killed OJ wounded, a horrific night!

The No 1 and 2 gun teams marched during training to Corrus for revolver shooting: outside and camp a band awaited to play us in. Imagine our surprise to find it was a Rifle Brigade Band with their short quick strides!

I shall never forget the Armistice day, we had put our guns in oil ready to return to ordnance when we were warned forfire duty again; at 09300n 11 Novemberwe duly fell in ready to move off when a French Grendarme passed and told us of the cease fire at 1100. Pandemonium broke out. The excite­

ment was terrific. A piano was pulled out to the village green and troops and villagers sang and danced round it. And so on. After the Armistice much was done to keep the troops occupied, we went to a lecture by someone from England on theway the women had kept things going at home. It was rather a boring lecture un til he men tioned a girl who had earned a lot of money when an aspiring lad called out "Is she married?".

We went to a theatre in Lille to see Aladdin and Mother Goose done by a English Concert party. Our transport officer gave a course of lectures on Motor Mechanics followed by an exam. The 12 drivers gave lorry driving instruction as we used our lorries to collect Artillery Ammunition and return it to ordnance stores; some of this was in the Waterloo area.

At an airfield near Countrau the AFC were buying the German Aeroplanes surrendered under the terms of the Armistice. I sat in a Fokker VII, the enemy crack fighter and still have a bit of its belt of ammunition.

As I had ajob waiting I was demobbed in January 1919 and so did not come home with the Regiment in March! Stanley and I were very fortunate to come out of the war fit and well. There is so much to remember about the war; time goes on and there cannot be many of us left now.

J M Lunn, 4032, 2nd Life Guards

The author

THE ROAD TO THE SKIES

Tank Commander to Helicopter Pilot

I left The Regiment in January 1988, to report to the Army Air Corps Centre, Middle Wallop to start APC (Army Pilots Course) 309 as a student pilot, having amazed myself by passing the various selection tests during 1987, including the maths exam thanks to Capt (now Major) Green formally RAEC, who spent many hours with a big stick trying to teach me algebra and Capt Ley who spent a lot of his own time writing out papers to test me.

The first two weeks of the course were spent In the classroom learning the basics of the principles of flight, navigation, meteorlogy, doodling and making paper aeroplanes. At the end of this phase we w.ere by our instructors that we probably could not differentiate between Concorde and a hot air balloon, could get lost going to the hangar toilet and would be likely to forecast snow if we were stuck in the Sahara Desert. All this did not concern us too much because our drawing had improved considerably and we had at least ten metres with the advanced design techniques applied to our paper planes.

Having been given much instruction on aerodynamics on such aircraft as the Spitfire, Concorde and the Harrier jump jet, we were already feeling the urge to "reach for the skies", in the great tradition of Douglas Bader and Chuck Yeager and so we were introduced to our Chipmunk Fighters (circa 1947). This being the modern training aircraft of the Army Air Corps equipped with such advanced armaments as the pintle mounted twin undercarriage, and the SAM (stopwatch and map) naVlgation system. Over the next few hours our flying instructors would hone our reflexes to a razor's edge and prepare us to go out and be as one with our machines. Roughly translated this meant in about three hours our instructors would be encouraging us to go off and scare ourselves half to death on our own. They called this 'solo'. So it wasn't long before there were twelve manned (but uncontrolled) chipmunks flying around the Middle Wallop circuit, under the watchful eyes of the instructors on the ground.

After 30 hours, (over a period of six weeks) flying the chipmunk, the whole course pick up nav bags, helmets and flying suits, bid our instructors farewell and moved 25 metres down the hangar to be greeted by a bunch of steely-eyed civilian helicopter instructors. This was where the hard started. Gone were the confines of forward flight and plston

engines, we were given our first flight in the Gazelle, a very fast and manoeuvrable aircraft (well, compared with the chipmunk) with a gas turbine engine capable of almost 200 mph in a dive. The learning-to-fly started again, this time with an aircraft capable offlying in every direction (quite often whether you wanted it to or not) and once again, having become proficient in the skill of hovering and landing, it wasn't long before we were sent off to scare ourselves to death yet again (even the helicopter instructors called this excercise "solo"). It was during this phase that things started to go wrong for me. Towards the end of the basic rotary, I injured my ankle playing sport and ended up with my leg in plaster for five weeks, sadly this meant saying farewell to the rest of the member fo APC 309 and I was backcoursed to APC 310.

After a period of sick leave, I returned to Middle Wallop, finished the basic rotary course and with my new course moved on to advanced rotary. Now flying with military instructors we were to be taught to fly the Gazelle in all weathers by day and night in a tactical environment. This, the final'part of the course, was broken down into three phases. Phase one was the instrument flying and we were taught to fly without any outside visual references, using the aircraft's instruments as the sole means of keeping the aircraft upright, facing the correct direction at the right height and speed. It is said to be the most demanding part of the course and during this phase I was'once again backcoursed due to a problem with one of my ears, which led to a minor operation. I started phase two of advanced rotary with APC 311. This was the map reading phase and was also very demanding. I can only describe it as being the same as driving a Scorpion flat out, using two radios and reading the map at the same time. The third and final phase of advanced rotary combined map reading with a tactical scenario and is similar to the role of an armoured car commander in the Regiment. Together with forward reece, OPs, fire missions etc, there is the added task of ferrying stores and transporting troops.

On 2nd December 1988, two courses, a broken leg, a gammy ear and eleven months later I was awarded my wings

CoH Wilde - first solo Gazelle

along with the remaining seven members of APC 311. The course had been very hard and on a couple of occasions, when I was close to getting "the chop", pressurising as well. On the whole it had been a lot of fun and I have finally achieved a life long ambition to fly.

I am now servmg with 664 Squadron Army Air Corps in Minden, West Germany and in May I will be off to the sunny climate of Northern Ireland, for a four month flying tour. After that it will be back to BAOR to finish off the remainder

of my three year tour. Then I will be moving the thirty or so miles down the road to join the Regiment on Challenger. I am pleased to hear that Capt Dalgleish and CoH Kidd are now preparing themselves to attend the pilots course and I wish them both the best of luck. Perhaps if a few more of the Regiment follow, the Commanding Officer could, in a few years, have his own helicopter troop to task.

Watch out for the follow-up story and I look forward to seeing you all in Sennelgar next year.

WISHING WELL APPEAL ­

Great Ormond Street Hospital

The photograph shows Tpr Collins RHG/D handing over a cheque to Paul NichoUs, on behalf of the Wishing Well Appeal, for £1910.66. The money was raised as follows:

The Life Guards sponsored volleyball organised by LCpl Gilbert raised £763.00.

The Life Guards sponsored fishing competition organised by LCoH Bannon raised £587.66.

The Household Cavalry Recruiting Team appeal organised by SCpl Maskell RHG/D raised £560.00.

OBITUARIES

FIELD MARSHAL LORD HARDING OF PETHERTON, GCB, CBE, DSO, Me

Field Marshal Lord Harding of Petherton, GCB, CBE, DSO, MC died on 20 January 1989 at the age of 92. He succeeded The Earl of Athlone as Colonel of the Regiment from April 1957 until October 1964 during which time he was a great supporter of the Regiment. He will be remembered, by those who served with him, as being a very sympathetic man who always had time for all Life Guards.

LIEUTENANT COLONEL E S NICHOLLS, MBE LATE THE LIFE GUARDS

By Colonel W H Gerard Leigh, cva, CBE formerly The Life Guards

It was with much sadness that those of us who served with the First Household Cavalry Regiment during the war, and later with the Regiment when it was re-formed in 1945, heard of the death of Nick Nicholls just a few days before Christmas.

Nick joined The Life Guards in 1927 and by 1938 had gained rapid promotion to the rank of W02, when he became ROMC first to the Regiment and then to 1 HCR when it was formed on the outbreak of war. He was commissioned in 1941 and became OM to 1 HCR serving in that post throughout the war. He remained as OM to The Life Guards when they re-formed in 1945 moving to the Mounted Regiment at Hyde Park Barracks in 1948. After a spell with the Inns of Court Regiment he returned to the Regiment in 1953 where he served as my OM in BAOR and Egypt till 1955. After being extraregimentally employed he retired from the Army in 1964, after 37 years' service.

As well as being possibly one of the longest serving OMs of his time, he was without doubt one of the finest to serve our Regiment. During the war period, whether we were mounted on our horses in Palestine in 1940, orin 15 cwttrucks during the Iraq, Persian and Syrian campaigns in 1941 or in

armoured cars in the Western Desert, Italy and Germany in 1942-1945, the Regiment never lacked for its needs. Nick was awarded the MBE in 1946, in well deserved recognition of his duties. In the post war era his experiences and seniority as a OM proved an invaluable asset to those with whom he was serving.

Throughout his career Nick was a popular and respected member of the Regiment. He gave much of his time as Secretary to The Life Guards Association and to the Officers Dining Club which earned him the grateful thanks from members of these organisations.

Amongst his other attributes Nick was a talented artist and drew many life-like sketches of his brother officers. He had an excellent sense of humour which was perhaps best portrayed in his witty and pertinent cartoons. They brought much enjoyment and mirth to those who were allowed to see them, though sometimes not without a little embarrassment to those depicted, including, I am happy to say on one occasion the writer of this obituary!

Our sympathy and thoughts go to his wife Valda and daughter Sandra.

OBITUARIES

Lt Col E S Nicholls, MBE

Died 14 December 1988, aged 79 years

Served 28 February 1927 to 12 September 1964

Field Marshal Lord Harding of Petherton,

GCB, CBE, DSO, MC

Died 20 January 1989, aged 92

Served April 1957 to October 1964

Major Count Kenneth Diacre de Liancourt

Died 18 April 1988, aged 65 years

Served 14 February 1942 to 19 eptember 1946 and

3 September 1952 to 16 February 1960

Major J D Young

Died 3 February 1988, aged 78 years

Served 3 September 1932 to 27 April 1946

295238 CoH W H Apps

Died 13 February 1988, aged 70 years

Served 8 November 1937 to 29 December 1945

14253799 Cpl G A Baker

Died 24 February 1988, aged 71 years

Served 6 August 1942 to 23 August 1945

23007991 Tpr J F Blundell

Died 23 March 1987, aged 51 years

Served 4 March 1954 to 26 March 1956

299454 Tpr E J Bradford

4389 Tpr G E Godwin

Died 2 April 1988, aged 92 years

Served 1LG from 8 December 1915 until transferring to Guards Machine Gun Regiment on 10 May 1918

295315 W01 (RCM) J R Green

Died 26 September 1988, aged 66 years

Served 18 December 1939 to 11 September 1970

294710 T C Hopkins

Died 5 July 1988, aged 79 years

Served 19 June 1928 to 27 January 1946

317426 SCpl R Kennedy

Died 2 August 1988, aged 71 years

Served 17 January 1939 to 25 August 1965

4247 Tpr R Mawdsley

Died 23 June 1988, aged 90 years

Served 10 April 1916 to 29 April 1920

294735 Cpl W McGrath

Died 9 September 1988, aged 81 years

Served 17 January 1929 to 9 January 1946

294560 Tpr H J Mothersole

Died December 1987, aged 83 years

Served 9 July 1923 to 31 March 1931

294530 CoH J J Ross

Died 26 October 1988, age unknown

Served 1 November 1921 until transferring to

Died January 1988, aged 85 years the ACC on 6 February 1943

Served 3 march 1921 to 25 February 1929

329665 Tpr C A Briscoe

Died 20 May 1988, aged 74 years

Served 15 August 1940 to 15 February 1946

295529 Cpl T Burkill

Died 3 March 1988, aged 81 years

Served 16 January 1941 to 1 January 1946

296787 Cpl D W Cooke

Died 11 July 1988, aged 58 years

Served 15 April 1947 to 30 December 1952

295188 Tpr C A Crane

Died July 1988, aged 70 years

Served 8 March 1937 to 3 December 1938

22295463 CoH A D F Davidson

Died 31 December 1987, aged 64 years

294663 Tpr R T Rossiter

Died 22 January 1989, aged 78 years

Served 20 September 1927 to 22 June 1945

24236236 Tpr W Scott

Died 15 April 1987 (presumed lost at sea), aged 31

Served 18 August 1971 to 14 March 1977

23768645 Tpr G Shaw

Died 5 February 1989, aged 49 years

Served March 1960 to March 1962

294745 Tpr A W Simpson

Died 15 July 1988, aged 76 years

Served 14 March 1929 to 31 January 1931

22556177 W02 R W Skyring

Died 15 April 1988, aged 52 years

Served 1 December 1952 to 29 November 1955 and

Served 8 April 1953 to 23 December 1965 17 March 1958 to 9 July 1977

7961491 SCpl (Tpt Major) D W Dodson

Died 2 November 1988, aged 61 years

Served 16 February 1943 to 1 August 1974

3446850 Cpl R E Dowd

Died 25 July 1988, aged 71 years

Served 1 January 1935 to 1 January 1947

295941 W02 H B Dunsmore

Died 31 August 1988, aged 64 years

Served 25 August 1942 to 25 August 1972

295431 CoH G A Smith RVM

Died 10 March 1989, aged 71 years

Served 20 November 1938 to 28th November 1980

22205039 Tpr N Swann

Died 1 February 1988, aged 58 years

Served 14 March 1948 to 11 June 1953

294768 SCpl M Wager BEM

Died 22 February 1988, aged 76 years

Served 20 June 1929 to 28 January 1949

HEADQUARTER SQUADRON

RHQ

Lt Col J W M Ellery

Maj C S K Anderson

Capt C N Mitford-Slade

Capt M C Van der Lande

Capt C I Ley

Capt A M Cherrington

Lt R Hennessy-Walsh

WOl (RCM) A J Meade

SCpl Frazer, BEM

SCpl George

CoH Steed

LCoH Squires

LCoH Kingston

LCpl Underhay

LCpl Lowe

LCpl Knight

LCpl Deans

LCpl Byrne

LCpl Lindsay

LCpl Warren

Tpr Downes

Tpr Leafe

Tpr Mattison

Tpr Rowe

Tpr Bebbington

Tpr Westbury

Tpr Whittaker

SQUADRON HQ

Maj J L Hewitt

Capt I W Kelly

W02 (SCM) R J H Stephenson

LCoH Bishop

LCoH Whittaker

LCoH Beaumont

LCpl Leete

Tpr Steele

QUARTERMASTERS DEPT

Capt (OM) J 0 Knowles

W02 (ROMC) A J Belza

SCpl Cavin

LCoH Hardacre

LCoH Taft

LCoH Hadden

LCoH Jones-RHG/D

LCoH Cross

LCpl Fawkes

Tpr Wade

Tpr Few

QUARTERMASTER (El DEPT

Capt (OM) C R Slater

W02 (ROMC) J T Powell

CoH Steele

CoH Wise

LCoH Bannon

LCoH O'Hare

LCoH Hazlewood

LCpl Mundy

LCpl Ford

Tpr Chubb

ORDERLY ROOM/UAO

W02 (OROMC) 0 A McKenzie

CoH O'Neill

LCoH McSherry

LCoH Davies

LCpl Gollings

LCpl Paterson

LCpl Price

LCpl West

Tpr Ward

MT OFFICE

W02 (MTWOJ M Byrne

LCoH Cumming

NOMINAL ROLLS

LCoH Young - RHG/D

LCpl Robinson

Tpr Stokoe

Tpr Barrott

Tpr Taylor

RECRUITING TEAM

LCoH McAlpine

Tpr Collins - RHG/D

ECHELON

SCpl (SOMC) Clarke, BEM

LCoH Clarke

TprToft

Tpr Hood

OFFICERS' MESS

W02 K McBride

LCoH O'Connor

WOs' & NCOs' MESS

CoH Sutherland

CoH Dangerfield

LCoH Blowey

LCoH Croager

LCoH lies

TRAINING WING

SCpl Carter

SCpl Evans

CoH Tate

LCoH Lambert

LCoH Wells

LCpl Coker

GUARDROOM

CoH Smith

LCoH Coole

POLO CLUB

Tpr Wrightson

MEDICAL CENTRE

Surg Col J P A Page ­ RHG/D

SSgt Hedges - RAMC

CoH Wolcynski

LCoH Stanley

LSgt Butler-RAMC

LCpl Joyce-R HG/D

PAY OFFICE

Maj R J Stovell

SSgt Ackroyd

SS9t Lyons

Sgt Cameron

LSgt Watson

LCpl Mullender

Pte Jordan

Capt A C W MacKenzie

WOl (ASM) A W Moogan

W02 (AOMS) N Neve

SSgt Meredith

Sgt Anderson

Sgt Baines

Sgt Lyons

Sgt Hextall

Sgt Innes

LSgt Locke

LSgt Forster

LSgt Watson

LSgt Flavell

LSgt Spreadbury

LCpl Wilson

Cfn Ellis

Cfn King

Cfn Dalton

Cfn Patrickson

Cfn Hannah

Cfn Beaumont

Cfn Rickard

Dvr Huult-RCT

CATERING STAFF

W02 (SOMS) W Meechan

Sgt Gowans

Sgt Loughrey

LSgt Stones

LSgt Wilson

LSgt Briggs

LSgt Webb

LCpl Dean

LCpl Sowden

Pte Chappell

Pte Holland

Pte Marsden

Pte Thorne

GYMNASIUM

W02 (OMSIl P J Brierley-APTC

A SQUADRON

SHQ TROOP

Maj H S J Scott

Capt J 0 A Dalgleish

W02 (SCM) Lodge

CoH Blunt

LCoH Lyne

LCoH Sprague

LCoH Rosborough

LCoH Davidson

Tpr Mullins

Tpr Heath

Tpr Clubley

Tpr Logan

Tpr Gardner

Tpr Fitzmaurice

Tpr Holmes

ONE TROOP

Lt G C Davies

CoH Steed

LCoH Coles

LCoH Judge

LCpl Hatcher

LCpl Douglas

Tpr Ellison

Tpr Henderson

Tpr 0 Hare

Tpr Streeter

Tpr Mann

Tpr Todd

TWO TROOP

2Lt JAW Astor

CoH Darley

LCoH Godson

LCoH Bentley

LCoH Coleman

Gander

Tpr Mathews

Tpr Parkinson

Tpr Doyle

Tpr Leeson

Cfn Dobbs

THREE TROOP

Lt R E MacKenzie-Hili

2Lt C C G Meynell

CoH Camp

LCoH Willis

LCoH Birchall

LCplO'Connor

Tpr Lloyd

Tpr Taylor

Tpr Newton

TprVost

Tpr Greenhough

Tpr Allen

FOUR TROOP

2Lt H R 0 Fullerton

CoH Fry

CoH Margan

LCoH Smithers

LCoH Kitching

LCpl Stewart

Tpr Parkin

Tpr Young

Tpr Waller

Tpi Jacobs

Tpr Pietruszko

Tpr Nuttall

AOMIN TROOP

CoH (SOMC) Ormiston

LCoH Cox

LCpl Pitt

Tpr Bonner

Tpr G reasley

Tpr Dean

Tpr Parr

Tpr Strain

LAO

SSgt Orr

Sgt Russell

LSgt Halcomb

LCpl Gray

LCpl Rourke

LCplDyball

Cfn Reed

Cfn French

Sp ElM

CoH Sadler

LCoH Smith

LCoH Carey

LCoH O'Sullivan

LCpl Irving

Tpr Squire

Tpr Simpson

Tpr Cornock

Tpr Carney

Tpr Fiske

BSQUADRON

Maj P S W F Falkner

Maj G G E Stibbe

CaPt R R 0 Griffin

W02 (SCM) Holbrook

LCoH Shone

LCoH Harman

LCoH Appleby

LCoH Postance

LCpl Ablott

LCpl Thawley

LCpl Knowles

Tpr Hoare

LCoH Bradley

LCoH Maksymiw

LCpl Hubble

LCpl Wills

TprCox

Tpr Llewelyn

Tpr Marsh

Tpr McCartney

Tpr McGregor

Tpr Stewart

THREE TROOP

2Lt E 0 J Goodchild

CoH Williams

LCoH Grantham

LCoH Reade

LCpl Gray

Tpr Bell

Tpr Brown

Tpr Canning

Tpr Clancy

Tpr Cardwell

Tpr Hayes

Tpr McCullough

Tpr Wilson

FOUR TROOP

CoH Gratton

CoH Ingram

LCoH Hunter

LCoH Stillwell

LCoH Flynn

LCpl Core

Tpr Bartlett

Tpr Burns

Tpr Edisbury

Tpr Hammond

Tpr Jenkin

Tpr Martin

Tpr Paternotte

ECHELON

SCpl (SOMC) Ritchie

LCoH Derbyshire

LCoH Bell

LCpl Smith

LCpl Renton

LCpl Parsons

Tpr Ouinn

Tpr Holloway

Tpr Tilt

C SQUADRON

SHQ

Maj The Han N J Adderley

Capt N 0 Garrett

W02 (SCM) Gilbert

CoH Valentine

LCoH Price

LCpl Warren

LCpl Benge

Barratt

Miller

Tpr Hopkins

2Lt H 0 Fircks

CoH Windebank

CoH Fletcher

LCoH Harrison

LCoH Brown

LCpl Howie

Tpr Addis

Tpr Bromfield

Tpr Farrimond

Tpr Goddard

Tpr Moore

Tpr Royston

Tpr Ryan

TWO TROOP

Lt 0 J G Mahony

CoH Hickman

LCoH Newton

Tpr Horne

Tpr Beel

ECHELON

SCpl (SOMC) Jones

LCpl Stand lake

Tpr Swinburne

Tpr Denker

Tpr MeG uinness

Tpr Thomas

Tpr Yeomans

Tpr Collier

ONE TROOP

2Lt JDR Cox

CoH Barry

LCoH Renshaw

ONE TROOP Cont'd

LCpl Poynter

LCpl Chapman

Tpr Prest

Tpr Churns

Tpr Galvin

Tpr Hughes

Tpr North

TWO TROOP

2Lt H J PFarr

CoH Norcombe

LCoH Risbridger

LCoH lies

Tpr Davidson

Tpr Dean

Tpr Devlin

Tpr French

Tpr Hitchcock

Tpr Hodge

Tpr Wallis

Tpr Winter

THREE TROOP

CoH Lewis

LCoH Cripps

LCoH Mackay

LCoH Dixon

LCoH Shipton

LCpl Tovell

Tpr Bennen

Tpr Ford

Tpr Jackson

Tpr Lace

Tpr McMillan

FOUR (Belize) TROOP

Lt E A Smythe-Osbourne

CoH Lindsay

LCoH Dobson

LCoH Harlow

LCpl Lloyd

Tpr Conway

Tpr Daynes

Tpr Kellen

Tpr Mansbridge

Tpr McLeish

Tpr Vernon

Tpr Whiteside

Tpr Conway

HEADQUARTER

RHQ

Lt R J Morrisey Payne

ORDERLY ROOM

OROMC Carrington

ORCoH O'Daly

LCpl Lugg

LCpl Sims

QMs DEPT

CoH Goodchild

CoH Orchard

LCoH Tinkler

LCpl Hodgkins

LCpl Young

OFFICERS'MESS

CoH Schubert

SCpl Robertson

LCoH Leeder

Tpr Swaddle

Tpr Howard

MT TROOP

CoH Rigby

LCpl Everett

Tpr Miller

RIDING STAFF

Capt B J McKie

Lt I Sanderson

SCpl Burns

LCoH Thomas

LCoH Waygood

LCpl Avison

MEDICAL CENTRE

Surg Capt C A J O'Kane

LCpl Tanner

Tpr Nelson

TRAINING WING

CoH Nicholson

LCoH Lanahan

FORGE

FSCpl Jones

FLCoH Hayes

F LCoH Phillips

FLCpl Jenkins

FLCpl Renson

FLCpl Smith

FLCpl Wright

Farr Bartlett

TAILORS SHOP

LCoH Evans

LCpl Button

Tpr Walker

SADD LERS SHOP

CoH Castelow

ARMOURERS SHOP

Tpr Thorp

HUNTING STABLES

Melton Mowbray

CoH Mills

Tpr Crow

ARCHIVES

SCpl Hale

SCpl Kallaste

LCoH Lewis

RIDING SCHOOL

CoH Pringle

CoH Layzell

LCoH Walker

LCpl Airey

Tpr Allum

Tpr Bacon

Tpr Fowler

Tpr Hammond

Tpr Hulse

Tpr Hurst

Tpr Ingham

Tpr Newton

Tpr Payne

Tpr Turner

Tpr Wass

TprWeston

THE BLUES & ROYALS

SQUADRON

SHQ

Maj C H N Graham

Capt T J K Faulkner

W02 (SCM) Flory

SCpl (SOMC) McDermott

LCoH Hale

LCoH Hatcher

LCpl Cooling

LCpl Curson

LCpl McClelland

LCpl Matthews

LCpl Gilbert

LCpl Maxwell

Tpr Dixon

Tpr Lawery

Tpr McNeill

Tpr Mitton

Farr Smith

Tpr West

ONE TROOP

Lt E S Connolly

CoH Burns

CoH Stanworth

LCoH Worrall

LCpl Futcher

LCpl Leggott

Tpr Allen

Tpr Brown

Tpr Butler

Tpr Clarke (106)

Tpr Edwards

Tpr Hammond (791)

Tpr Heaton

Tpr Hiley

TprJohn

Tpr Jonas (651)

Tpr Mcn.,;nn

Tpr Nesbitt

Tpr Newman

Tpr Nuttall

Tpr Pearson

Tpr Pope

Tpr Redhead

Tpr Reece

Tpr Rogers

Tpr Scarr

Tpr Squires

Tpr Whitfield

Tpr Winn

Tpr York

TWO TROOP

Lt R B A Madden

CoH Evans

CoH Bellringer

LCoH Meredith

LCoH Dunn

LCpl Hepple

LCpl Redhead

LCpl Burge

LCpl Jackson

LCpl Radford

LCpl Brooke

Tpr Amos

Tpr Baker

Tpr Boardman

Tpr Bullimore

Tpr Chambers

Tpr Clarke (645)

Tpr Cooper

Tpr Couling

Tpr Goodier

Tpr Grieve

Tpr Hammond (317)

Tpr Hooper

Tpr Jones (995)

Tpr Lee

Tpr Marston

Tpr McClelland

Tpr Rudge

Tpr Smith (773)

Tpr Thompson

THREE TROOP

Lt T E Thorneycroft

CoH Pickard

CoH Keech

LCoH Bridges

LCoH Hughes

LCpl Wilson

LCpl Erskine

LCpl Sanderson

LCpl Skelton

Tpr Bundy

Tpr Carhart

Tpr Corney

Tpr Dunn

Tpr Fearnley

Tpr Hoggarth

Tpr Lawton

Tpr Long

Tpr Marvin

Tpr McDonald

Tpr Norris

Tpr Parkes

Tpr Pellett

Tpr Robertson

Tpr Rutter

Tpr Saunders

Tpr Sleter

Tpr Slingsby

Tpr Stephens

Tpr Tennant

TprWall

Tpr Wilkinson

THE BAND

Maj JG McColl

W02 Harman

W02 Morris

SCpl Mean

SCpl Bourne

CoH Poland (attached to Blues & Royals)

CoH Hopkins

CoH Allen

CoH Woodhouse

LCoH Young

LCoH Graves

LCoH Bole

LCoH Pankhurst

LCoH Cox

LCoH White

LCpl Bromley

LCpl Gook

LCpl Dutton

LCpl Lazenbury

LCpl Carson

Musn Clarke

Musn Bailey

Musn Morrish

Musn Pearson

Musn Rickard

Musn Dry

Musn Wilman

Musn Allen

Musn Goodchild

Musn Hudson

Musn Stott

Musn Bolstridge

Musn Chiverton

Musn Walsh

Musn Maher

Musn Wheeler

PERSONNEL AT ERE POSTS

W01 Lowry

RAVC CENTRE

W02James

SCpl Jones

QOY

SCpl Smith

Tpr Marsh

MOD PB17

SCpl Beck

RAC SALES TEAM

SCpl Jenkins

ACIO NEWCASTLEUPON TYNE

CoH Craister

664 SQN AAC

CoH Wilde

ARMD TRIALS & DEVELOPMENT UNIT

LCpl Brookes

RAF MOUNT PLEASANT

Tpr Collier

2 ADS

CoH Tomkins

PRINCESS MARINA COLLEGE

CoH Yarrow

5 CTT

CoH Kelland

RAVC TRG CENTRE

FSCpl Williams

GUARDS 0 EPOT

Lt R Lawrence

W02 Mills

CoH Roberts

CoH Harvey

CoH Hearn

LCoH Richards

LCoH Knowles

LCoH O'Sullivan

LCoH Mills

LCpl Hoon

LCpl Weller

Tpr Auld

MOD

Brig J B Emson CBE

Col T J Earl

Lt Col C S Harcourt Smith

Maj J R Bayley

Maj P R L Hunter

ARMY STAFF COLLEGE

Maj W S G Doughty

Maj 0 C Waterhouse

RAFSC

Lt Col A P De Ritter

HQ LONDIST

Ma; R C B Sampson

Capt The Hon M R M Watson

LCpl Watson

Tpr Bandey

BAND

CoH Poland

Tpr Plimmer

Tpr Reid

Tpr Rimmington

KUWAIT LIAISON TEAM

W01 Cruddace

W01 Lloyd

HQLF CYPRUS

Maj I S Forbes Cocke II

BMATT ZIMBABWE

Lt A M Clarke

EXETER UNIVERSITY

2 Lt R A Bramford

OXFORD UNIVERSITY

2Lt G W Howson

RMAS

Maj Gen S C Cooper

Maj (OM) L A Lumb MBE

Capt H D Robertson

W02 Bunyan

SCpl Redford

SCpl Gaunt

LCoH Berrisford

LCpl Jacobi

R A C CENTRE

Brig A BSH Gooch

Capt J D Boldero

W01 Cusick

W02 Radford

SCpl Jenkins

SCpl Jordan

CoH Kidd

LCoH Lewis

RAC RANGE CASTLEMARTIN

CoH Howard RHG/D

LCoH Parsley

LCpl Gynane

Tpr Jackson

Capt (OM) J Leighton

W02 Reed

CoH Oldman

LCoH Allen

LCpl Moore

Tpr Barrott