H cav 2000 2001 complete

THE HOUSEHOLD CAVALRY JOURNAL

The Household Cavalry Journal Incorporating The Acorn and The Blue and Royal Vol. No. 9 2000/01 Editor: Lieutenant Colonel (Retd) IS Olivier, The Blues and Royals.

Colonel-in-Chief Her Majesty The Queen Colonel of The Life Guards and Gold Stick :

General Sir Charles Guthrie GCB, LVO, OBE

Colonel of The Blues and Royals and Gold Stick:

HRH The Princess Royal KG, GCVO, QSO

Deputy Colonel of The Blues and Royals: Brigadier The Duke of Wellington KG, LVO, OBE, MC Commander Household Cavalry and Silver Stick:

Colonel HPD Massey, The Blues and Royals

Commanding Officer Household Cavalry Regiment:

Lieutenant Colonel P] Tabor M V0, The Blues and Royals

Commanding Officer Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment:

Lieutenant Colonel NMA Ridley, The Life Guards

The Life Guards Battle Honours Dettingen Peninsula Waterloo Tel el Kebir

Egypt (1882) Relief of Kimberley Paardeberg

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.more and more important.

South Africa (1899-1900) Mons Le Cateau Retreat from Mons

"

Marne (1914)

25f the MOD team as you move forward

Messines (1914)

into ne territories

Ypres (1914) Langmarck (1914) Gheluvelt Nonne Boschen St Julien Frenzenberg Ypres (1915) Somme (1916) Albert (1916) Scarpe(1917) (1918)

Broodseinde Poelcappelle Passchendaele

Bapaume (1918) Arras (1917) Ypres (1917) Arras (1918) Hindenburg Line Epehy St Quentin Canal Cambrai (1918) Selle Somme (1918) France and Flanders

(191448) Mont Pincon

Souleuvre

Palmyra

Noireau Crossing Amiens (1944) Brussels Neerpelt Nederrijn Niimegen Lingen Bentheim North West Europe

Syria (1941)

Arezzo

(1944-1945)

Italy (1944)

Baghdad (1941) Iraq (1941)

Gu1f(199l)

E1 Alamein North Africa (1942-1943)

Advance to Florence

Gothic Line

.the 21st century. (329%" I

The Blues and Royals Battle Honours Tangier (1662-1680) Dettingen Warburg Beaumont Willems Fuentes d’Onor Peninsula Waterloo

Mons Le Cateau Retreat from Mons

Ypres (1917)

Mont Pincon

Somme (1918)

Souleuvre, Noireau Crossing

Gazala

St Quentin

Marne (1914) Messines (1914) Armentieres (1914)

Avre

Amiens (1944)

Defence ofAlamein Line

Broodseinde

Brussels Neerpelt

E1 Alamein E1 Agheila

Nederrijn

Advance on Tripoli North Africa (1941-1943)

Poelcappelle Ypres (1914) Langemarck (1914)

Passchendaele Amiens

Veghel Niimegen

Egypt

Gheluvelt Nonne Bosschen St Julien Ypres (1915) Frezenberg

Cambrai (1918)

Tel el Kebir Relief of Kimberley Paardeberg Relief of Ladysmith

Loos Arras (1917) Scarpe (1917)

Pursuit to Mons

Baghdad (1941) Iraq (1941)

France and Flanders

Palmyra

(1914-1918)

Syria (1941)

Balaklava Sevastpol

South Africa (1899-1902)

Knightsbridge

Sicily (1943)

Hindenburg Line Beaurevoir

Sambre

Rhine North West Europe

Arezzo Advance to Florence

(19444945)

Gothic Line

Italy (19434944) Falkland Islands (1982)

Crown Copyright: This publication Contains official tnliirmationt It should he treated with discretion by the recipient. The opinions expressed in the articles in this iournal are those nfthe authors and do not ncce y reflect the policy and views, official or otherwise. olthc Household Cavalry or the Ministry ot‘IX‘tcncc. No responsibility tor the goods or services advertised in this journal can he accepted h_\' the Household Cavalry publishers or printers and advertisements are included in good faith.

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Contents Preface by The Commander Household Cavalry ................... 4

Household Cavalry Regiment Foreword by the Commanding Officer ................... 5

Diary of Events ..................................... 6 A Squadron, The Life Guards .......................... 8

B Squadron, The Life Guards ......................... 10 C Squadron, The Blues 81 Royals ...................... 12 D Squadron, The Blues & Royals ...................... 14 Headquarters Squadron .............................. 16

Pages 5 to 31

Quartermaster’s Department ..........................

Quartermaster Technical’s Department .................

Light Aid Detachment ..............................

W03’ and NCOs’ Mess ..............................

The Band of The Blues and Royals .....................

Marching Toward The Millennium with the RIT .........

The Regimental Admin Office .......................

Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment Foreword by the Commanding Officer ..................

Diary of Events ....................................

The Life Guards Squadron ...........................

The Blues and Royals Mounted Squadron ...............

Headquarters Squadron ..............................

WOs’ & NCOs’ Mess ................................

32 33 40 42 44 46

22 23 25 27 28 30 31

Pages 32 to 52

Musical Ride 2000 .................................. 47

The Band of The Life Guards ......................... 48 Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment Training Wing ..... 50 Winter Training Troop .............................. 51 Equitation ........................................ 52

Java: Photo: Henry Della!

Household Cavalry News Lord Strathcona’s Horse (Royal Canadians) ..............

The Tynwald Ceremony ..............................

Exchange Visit to the Guarde Republicaine, Paris .........

The Royal Military Tattoo ............................

The Queen Mother’s 100‘h Birthday Tribute ..............

Exercise Iron Horse Exercise Iron Hawk Exercise Cockney Maple Household Cavalry Museum Development Project Exercise Burnaby Blue ...............................

Exchange to the French Young Officers Course ...........

Pages 53 to 95 53 54 56 58 60

68 71

Cape to Cape Rally .................................. 72 P Company ........................................

Exercise Cockney Killi ..............................

A World Challenge Expedition (Guyana) ................

The Govenors Cup 2000 - The Cape Town to St Helena Race . . .

Argentina 2000 .....................................

18 Troop HCR (Windsor Boys School) ACF ..............

City Cadets Go Country (26 Troop) .....................

73 74 76 77 80 82 82

The Household Cavalry Sports The Ski Team ....................................

P010 2000 ........................................

Rugby ..........................................

Golf ............................................

Football .........................................

Ice Hockey ......................................

Ex Cockney Cresta ................................

Modern Pentathlon Sailing — RAC Regatta Cricket .........................................

Fencing .........................................

The London Marathon ............................

Squash ..........................................

Household Cavalry 1051(5) Diving Club ...............

News from the Associations The Life Guards Association Annual Report ............. 96 Minutes of the 66th AGM ofThe Life Guards Association . .96 The Life Guards Association Charitable Trust Accounts . . . .

The Life Guards Association Notices .................. 98 The Life Guards Association Area representatives The Blues and Royals Association ....................

The Blues and Royals Association Accounts ............

Minutes of the AGM of The Blues and Royals Association The Blues and Royals Association Area representatives . . .

Household Cavalry Museum .........................

A C San Scimitar moving at speed 7 SPTA, Jun 00‘

Pliolo‘ Henry Della!

100 101 102 103 103

92 93 94 95 95

Pages 96 to 120

Obituaries The Life Guards .........................

Obituaries The Blues and Royals .....................

Nominal Rolls ....................................

Notices for both Regiments ..........................

Reunions (1 HCR and 2 HCR) .......................

The Blues and Royals Warrant Officers’ Dining Club . . . r Musical Ride 2001 Forecast .........................

Dorset Branch Household Cavalry Association ..........

104 105 111 115 116 117 117 118

North Staffs Branch Annual Report ................... 119 Armistice Day in Ypres ............................. 120

Front Cover: Captains Escort for HM The Queen Mother, going to her Birthday Lunch at Buckingham Palace.

Back Cover: The Household Cavalry in BATUS Photographs by courtesy of Henry Del/a/

Household Cavalry Regiment Household Cavalry Regiment

83 84 85 86 87 88 89

Preface

Household Cavalry Regiment

By Colonel H P D Massey, The Blues & Royals Commander Household Cavalry

Foreword

by Lieutenant Colonel P] Tabor, MVO, RHG/D fter several years when Household Cavalrymen have spent the majority of their time abroad in either Bosnia, Kosovo or as OPFOR in BATUS, 2000 was set to be a somewhat unusual but slightly more stable year. Confined to the UK for much of the period, we focused on taking our place as the Lead Reconnais— sance Task Force (LRTF), part of the Joint Rapid Reaction Force, on lst January 2001. Within what is referred to as the formation readiness cycle, we were in our ‘training year’, which was to culminate in a huge exercise in Canada in the

autumn.

Looking at the pages that follow, I am

struck by the weight of commit» ments shouldered by the Household Cavalry. Most of all I note the success

with which Household Cavalrymen from both Knightsbridge and Windsor have executed their tasks, the overall excellence of the results, and the forward-looking, fearless manner in which

they face uncertainties ahead and prepare for future challenges. This is no surprise; they have trained for them.

The armoured reconnaissance and mounted ceremonial roles, and their different annual rhythms, appear to be incompatible. Yet each is complementary to the other, and we draw from each the strength to achieve the highest stan— dards in both, and thus the ability to operate proudly at the forefront of the Army.

The year 2000 has been a year when training has been a major focus. The Household Cavalry Regiment spent the year sharpening up their mounted and dismounted reconnaissance skills on a number of ranges and training areas in Wales and the south of England, before spending two months in a most demanding exercise in Canada. This led to them being declared fully fit for the high readiness role they have this year, 2001. The Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment have revised their Phase Two

training in a package called Dutyman 2000 which is designed to simplify the process which soldiers have to undergo to achieve the training targets they must, thereby reducing wastage overall.

I am delighted to find that the House— hold Cavalry is more or less up to strength, but there is of course no room for complacency. The current healthy situation is in large measure thanks to the exertions of the Recruiting Team — officially the Regimental Information Team, and of those serving in Army

Careers Information Offices across the country. In addition, a central plank of the Dutyman 2000 package is that, on completion, soldiers are sent on leave with extra days to take part in the Satisfied Soldier Scheme at the same time.

In order to maintain our healthy man— ning state I would urge every member of the Household Cavalry to snatch a moment when he is on leave to visit his nearest Army Careers Information Office; this will have the twin benefits of placing the Household Cavalry uppermost in recruiters’ minds when advising uncommitted recruits, and of correcting any mistaken ideas they may have about us. We neglect this essential task at our peril.

There are four encouraging developments. The future of the Household Cavalry Regiment’s fourth squadron, for so long under threat, is assured for the time being ie for the next two years.

Nevertheless, work continues to prove its indispensability against the moment when the wheel turns again. We have won the argument over the retention of Combermere Barracks and a rebuild begins in 2003.

Plans are well advanced for the establishment of the Household Cavalry Museum at Horse Guards which will bring our unique collection of nationally important exhibits within easier reach of the wider public. We hope that it will be a force multiplier in enhancing the public image of the Household Cav~ alry in particular and of the Household Division by association.

We have not been without our individu— al successes: two former Commanding

Officers of the Household Cavalry Regiment are currently Director Royal Armoured Corps and 16 Air Assault Brigade Commander respectively and readers may care to be reminded that there are only 9 Type A brigades in the whole of the Army. We currently have no less than 6 officers going through Staff College, a feat unique in House— hold Cavalry history. We have 6 W015 in the Household Cavalry out ofa total across the whole Arm of 42, 8 having been commissioned during the year.

Four more were selected in February in open competition for Late Entry Commissions.

These are remarkable achievements in which we may all take justifiable pride.

I commend the following pages, which

reflect the variety of tasks, the pace of life and the successes in the year 2000 for the Household Cavalry. This year both regiments will face their fair share of challenges. They are equal to all of them, being well~manned, well—motivat— ed, well-prepared and well—trained.

Drawing a line under the Bosnia tours of 1999,we started the year by taking a pro— tracted but well deserved period of ‘post operational tour leave’, a mandatory four working weeks after a six-month tour.

Until April, the Training Wing threw all its energies into a programme oflow level trade courses for those who had recently come to Windsor. The mountains of Wales then beckoned. Reconnaissance soldiers must be as good on their feet as in their vehicles, and so about half the Regi— ment spent two weeks at Sennybridge to improve weapon handling and dismounted skills. All a little soft after the leave period, the wind, rain and snow quickly sorted the men from the boys. Apart from a rash of minor injuries early on, the majority enjoyed a really good range package finishing in live section ‘bug out’ drills overseen by NCOs from 21 SAS. The subsequent exercise including five» day OPs was hard and challenging but proved that the Regiment was up to it.

For the first time in several years, all four squadrons spent forty-eight hours on the

NBC battle run at Porton. Old BAOR Hands will have fond memories of the days spent in ‘noddy’ suits achieving very little but the more modern and constructive training regime meant that many valuable lessons were learnt. 70 recruit gunners fired successfully at Lulworth, a triumph for the gunnery staff. We held a two»day study period for the Reconnaissance Brigade and other reconnaissance regiments and, in preparation for Canada, we held our own for all the disparate elements of the LRTF -the only time we got

them together before the exercise itself.

Importantly, we kept our hand in with 16 Air Assault Brigade and the airborne role by supporting them on several exercises, and more and more soldiers attended P Company. During much of this time, we were short on vehicles as they were being sent away to be fitted with new diesel engines and thermal imaging sights.

The only pre—BATUS training we man— aged to squeeze in was five days for each of the squadrons on Salisbury Plain, a week in Catterick to train RHQ and a visit to ‘little England beyond Wales’, the ranges at Castlemartin. There, we fired all our vehicle weapons, ran a support troop concentration, undertook extensive small arms ranges and also ran the first ‘deep battle’ medics course for the crews in the sabre squadrons. Then, we were visited by two representatives from the Canadian Department of Agriculture, who were checking all vehicles destined for BATUS for ‘dirt’. The Regiment passed but had subsequently to dispatch the QM(T) to Marchwood to act as trou— bleshooter for the other 1,000 vehicles from across the division which had failed the inspection.

The climax of the year, Exercise Iron Hawk, the largest exercise ever conducted at BATUS, was almost a full Regimental deployment. As an exercise, it was always destined to be complex with a total offour thousand soldiers from across the Army vying for space on the prairie. There were also three different brigades and a divi— sional headquarters. We were fully tested and, despite the almost complete lack of training before leaving England, learnt rapidly to look after ourselves in the unbelievably variable weather conditions, use the featureless prairie to our advantage and outwit a live and extremely aggressive enemy. We refined our reconnaissance skills and learnt to operate with electronic warfare units, unmanned aerial vehicles, gunners, engineers, signallers, infantry, support and anti»tank heli— copters. Because so many units had to be trained, we were on and off the prairie with frustrating regularity, which made the exercise lack coherence. However, there is no doubt that it was an unprecedented opportunity for the Regiment and everyone acquitted themselves

magnificently. By the end of the two months, we were declared fully ready to

form the LRTF in 2001.

On the fun side, three major events spring to mind: an expedition to climb Mount Kilimanjaro; a major exercise mounted

by D Squadron to trace the steps of Colonel Frederick Burnaby, a late 19th century commanding officer of the Blues, to what is now Uzbekistan in Central Asia; and a successful challenge by a virtually scratch crew in a 11,600 mile race from Cape Town to St Helena on the Household Division’s yacht, ‘Gladeye’.

Additionally, there has been success in polo, pentathlon and the Cresta to name but few. Our battle group ice hockey team walked away with the BATUS inter—unit trophy.

2000 has been an amazingly busy, some— what disjointed but highly successful year. The Regiment is now ready to deploy anywhere at between five and ten days notice. We are fully manned for the first time in a while. Our fourth squadron is safe, at least for the time being. We demonstrated the inherent flexibility of Household Cavalrymen by deploying thirty soldiers to London to help the Mounted Regiment over their manic peri— od in July. We are set to stay in Windsor, and Combermere Barracks will be rebuilt starting in 2003.A11 in all, we can look forward to the future with confidence.

Household Cavalry Regiment Household Cavalry Regiment

the UK was racked with a fuel crisis HCR gleefully ran up thousands of kilometres on the Canadian Prairie. B Sqn in Windsor heroically provided all that was required of the rear party and maintained communications with Canada that required them to remain at work past the call of duty. Those ofB Sqn that could be spared managed to organise an excellent expedition that successfully climbed Mt Kilimangaro, Kenya.

Diary of Events January The start of the year saw a brief return to work prior to the Regiment taking its outstanding post tour leave that it had accrued for the Op PALATINE Bosnia deployment of 1999. B Squadron despatched its vehicles to Bramcote to be the first to undergo dieselisation

October

whilst D Squadron gave their vehicles to the QDG as part of the restructuring of the recce regiments.

February Returning from Post Operational Tour Leave, the Regiment hosted The Major General’s equal opportunities media day and B and C Squadrons became the first to undergo Major Sackett’s Sennybridge extravaganza. Leaving their vehicles in Windsor, the Squadrons departed for an extremely cold and wet mid Wales to undergo dismounted skills training.

March The regimental training package at Sennybridge continued with A and D Squadrons, who had come fresh from the pleasures of NBC training at Porton Down, replacing B and C Squadrons.

The only change was slightly warmer torrential rain and the willingness with which the two Squadron Leaders retired to a barn. RHQ took part in a longrange HF comms exercise and B Squadron completed Ex Emperors Challenge. B Sqn’s vehicles returned from

dieselisation.

C Sqn prepare for the live-firing package Exlron Hawk.

, V “is; a} Porton Down — Sqn NBC Training. week and D Squadron sent its SHQ on Mauve Marauder. The Band of The Blues and Royals beat the retreat at the Officers’ Mess where, the Major General took the salute.

June This was a hectic period for the Regi— ment as its commitments took it to both ends of the country simultaneously. A,

C and D Squadrons undertook Sqn level training on Salisbury Plain before moving to Regimental Firing Camp in an unusualy balmy and pleasant Castlemartin. The command element of the

April C Sqn ATDs prior to BATUS, C Sqn and RHQ vehicles joined those

undergoing dieselisation at Bramcote. B Sqn ran one of the largest recruit firing packages to take place at Lulworth Ranges, with Tpr Connell taking the top

Regiment went north to Catterick for its Combined Arms Strategic Trainer (CAST), which was the first opportunity it had had to be put through its paces with the team who were to accompany HCR to Canada in August. At the same time as Regimental Firing was taking place in Wales the GW troops, under the command of HQ Sqn Ldr, headed to Otterburn for its firing camp. Without the usual freezing fog of January firing the ranges were finished ahead of sched— ule. D Sqn took advantage of this period to run a practice trip of the Land Rovers that they were to take on Ex Burnaby Blue.

The majority of the

vehicles successfully made it as far as Edinburgh and back. The blame for those that didn’t lies partially with auto— motive problems and partially with com» manders’ navigational errors. In an act of selflessness HCR helped out HCMR during the Royal Military Tattoo provid— ing mounted trained soldiers to ease Knightsbridge’s burden. The end of June saw the Regiment officially accred— ited as an Investor In People!

July July saw the final confirmation of the orbats for BATUS 2000, Ex Iron Hawk, with some last minute amendments to ensure that all departments were as close to complete as they could be. The Regiment returned looking extremely healthy from Wales and prepared the vehicles for loading onto the BATUS boat. HCR vehicles were the only ones to pass a rigid ‘dirt’ inspection by the Canadian agricultural authorities.

B Sqn supported 16 Bde on ‘Eagle Strike’ and the Regiment departed upon its summer leave.

Having successfully completed Med Man 4 and 5 much of the Regiment returned to Windsor or undertook adventurous training in Canada. By the end of the month all the Regiment’s manpower and vehicles was safely back in Windsor. The only snag had been for the Burnaby Blue expedition who, owing to a worsening security situation around the Black Sea had been held by the Foreign Office in Baku before returning to the UK heavily laden with fresh caviar.

C Sqn, without pausing to draw breath undertook the Staff College Demonstra— tion. The end of the month saw HCR supporting QDG as locon for the fast moving Iron Foray exercise.

November Once again gunnery became the focus for the Regiment as those crews who had not fired were put through their paces before the Regiment once again headed back to Wales and Castlemartin. The more tra— ditional horizontal rain replaced the heady days of the summer firing. C Sqn Ldr ran an excellent training package for the Regiment’s support troopers who entertained The Colonel of The Blues and Royals when she visited with a fast flowing and ambitious withdrawal in contact. The Regiment had the spotlight turned on it, warts and all, with the Reg-

Lr Berry. L! Brooks and Lt Leave ”18/ all the pockels on Cbr 95.

imental Review held at Castlemartin for the first time. November also saw a Regimental Rugby tour of South Wales and the Regimental ZIC took a team to the South Atlantic to take part on the House— hold Division yacht in the Governor’s Cup Race. The race stretched from Cape Town in South Africa to St Helena, over a thousand miles away in the Atlantic.

The race, which ran through into December, saw the team return with a surprising victory against a considerably more professional opposition.

December The return from Castlemartin saw the traditional round of pre Christmas fes— tivities. They were added to this year by the dining out in the WOs and NCOs mess ofthe Commander Household Cavalry. Over a hundred members of both the Officers and WOs messes attended the event. The Regiment then departed on leave.

LCOH Brown clears the lines vs HMCH in [he fina/ of the prince of Wa/es Cup.

August

gun prize. D Sqn ran a KAPE tour of Sunderland assisted by the Regimental Information Team and the Regiment

started three weeks of Easter leave.

May The return from leave saw the Cavalry Memorial Parade, at which all Regimen—

tal Standards were in evidence to mark the centenary . The Regiment conducted an extremely useful training week for all its vehicle commanders before B and C Squadrons departed for the pleasures

of NBC state Romeo 3 in the sun at Forton Down. A Squadron supported 16 Bde on ‘Active Improvement’, C

Several members of the Regiment, notably the QMs staff, returned early from leave to depart as the advance party.

Over the whole of August the Regiment moved its home to Camp Crowfoot, Cana— da. By the end of the month HCR had over 1,700 people under command and to administer. Med Man 4 and 5 would run through to the start of October.

September Canada saw the build up training of the Lead Reconnaissance Battle Group, which had HCR as its core. Live firing gave way to TES and low»level opera— tions gave way to intricate joint ops. As

Squadron conducted a Sqn training

Household Cavalry Regiment Household Cavalry Regiment

ported the Lead Aviation Battlegroup, only to be quite surprised that there were never any helicopters about. It was the weather apparently! The final missions tested the two Battlegroups under Divisional control. This was to be the slowest part ofthe exercise for most and by which stage the monotony of the ground and scenario was starting to take its toll. The Squadron was fortunate not to suffer too many injuries on the exercise. Many minor injuries were the result ofthe regu— lar football games held as part of morning PT. SQMC Irving led the ‘thuggery’.

Later on the Commanding Officer banned us from playing as it was reducing the Squadron’s operational effectiveness.

In the field Tpr Ashaa took a few gulps of Tpr Hare’s isotropic drink before realising it was engine coolant. The words ‘serves him right for minesweeping’ followed him all the way to Calgary General

A Squadron The Life Guards en and sand’ was a term used to describe the dogged determina— tion the early western explorers used to survive in the unpredictable and extreme environments they faced. Without wishing to over dramatise the Squadron’s exploits this year, it has been a challenging but fulfilling time for most and it has taken a certain amount of ‘sand’ to carry it through. After a frustrating year last year, characterised by the Squadron picking up the pieces of the rest of the Regiment as it deployed to the Balkans,

this year we have been the centre of attention and have enjoyed every minute of it. A and C Squadron were brought back up to strength in January before embarking on a thorough training pro— gram that was to culminate in Ex IRON HAWK in Canada. The aim was to reach Combat Readiness 5 before assuming the role of the Lead Reece Task Force (LRTF) in January 2001.

The training cycle started at the lowest level with a dismounted exercise in Wales in February. An OP and close recce phase, made all the more interesting by some rather fruity weather, fol— lowed a very good firing package. The

conditions affected the soldiers in differ— ent ways: Tpr Walker took to recceing a riverbed on a night navigation exercise and CoH Matthews and Tpr Preston could not be persuaded to come out of an OP that they occupied continuously for five days.

During Easter leave the Squadron was recalled to camp for deployment to Sierra Leone with 1 PARA. Unfortunately, at the last moment it was not to be.

Despite the immense disappointment of

Pre BATUS vehicle inspection.

Hospital. Thankfully, he was back with us after a few days having recovered from a fairly severe hangover.

gee-9;..-

”73s..

The A Sqn winning Ma

. and Shoot team.

the guns were firing straight and the Squadron was 100 percent focused. The Squadron performed very well both on and offthe ranges. 2 Troop won the prize of the best Troop in the Squadron. CoH Matthews was the best commander and LCpl Butler the best gunner. While the gun troops were firing on the ranges, Support Troop were blowing things up and doing more advanced small arms training. GW Troop, well, they just sat on the beach! For the last few days in

with some excellent soldiers from B & D

Wales the Squadron focused on cleaning

Squadrons.

being at 30 minutes notice to move to the waiting Antonov aircraft at Brize Norton and not then going, it was a very useful exercise and focused the Squadron on the realities of preparing for a short notice operational deployment.

The mobile phone was the key enabler for the recall system that got the Squadron back into camp ready to go within six hours.

reality was to be a week of Squadron training on SPTA. It did however, bring the Squadron (less GW Troop) together for the first time with its vehicles for about 18 months. Whilst it was kept at pretty low level, it formed a good foundation for Ex IRON HAWK later in the

vear.

the vehicles ready for loading onto the boat for Canada.

ZLt Giffard had to be airlifted from a

The last thing to do before loading the boat for Canada was to live fire. In June A & C Squadrons went to Castlemartin.

It was a very enjoyable few weeks and really the reason why any soldier would join the RAC. The weather was superb,

BATUS was the highlight ofthe year and was the culmination of all the Squadron had trained for to date. Most were not to be disappointed. After an excellent spe— cial to arm live firing phase the LRTF was exercised. Then A Squadron sup»

yacht in the Solent while LCpl Butler came straight out of a nightclub and arrived in camp looking like Che Gue-

vara. When the excitement had worn off and the Squadron was stood down, the

LCoH Holloway and Tpr Dibb confirming the front end before live firing on Ex Iron Hawk.

Despite a busy training schedule the Squadron has picked up its fair share of other tasks; not least the dreaded CAST exercises that plagued SHQ for a total of no less than six weeks. Good exercises included 1 Troop’s support to 2 PARA TESEX and 2 Troop’s support to the Royal Marines in Sennybridge.

A Son 2lC confirming his decision to become a Civilian.

On the sporting side the Squadron won the inter Squadron Squash and Swimming but were runners up to C Squadron in a hard fought inter Squadron Rugby competition.

There have been some changes of personalities during the year; W02 Kitching was posted in June, being replaced by SCM Carter. SCpl Poynter moved on in March with SCpl Irving taking over as SQMC. CsoH Heaton and Gardner arrived in April, with CoH Stewart mov» ing to Bovington in November. CoH Hayes has just arrived to take over Support Troop. After seven years of almost uninterrupted service with A Squadron Captain Simpson-Gee leaves the Army.

He has been tremendously loyal to the Squadron and all have benefited from his professionalism and humour.

The Squadron is looking forward to meeting the challenges that the LRTF may bring on January 2001. Otherwise it will continue to plan and, later in the year, start training, for an independent Squadron deployment to Bosnia. For the ‘men with sand’ of the late eighteenth century the terms ‘explore’ and ‘discover’ were misnomers.

Native American tribes had been living in those undiscovered lands for years. A Squadron has not really broken new ground this year but it has trained constructively and has achieved some good results.

The Squadron remains a happy Squadron, striving to balance training hard for operations with domestic obligations.

A Son SCM and SQMC practise the regulation smile,

fiflmyhx~qt~

A Son Ldr and The Commander Household Cavalry - Castlemartin.

When not on the prairie the sport and adventure training opportunities were excellent. Whether it was ice hockey, free fall parachuting, white water rafting or daily commuting from Medicine Hat that Tpr Scott enjoyed, there was some— thing for everyone! Overall BATUS was a great success. We had a team of dedi— cated and co-operative safety staff, the vehicles performed well and the Squadron was grateful to be backfilled

There is always a price to pay, and the level of training commitments last year meant that the Squadron has fallen behind on career courses. This will be rectified over the coming months with nearly every soldier furthering their careers in some way.

Household Cavalry Regiment Household Cavalry Regiment

he Squadron charged into the Millennium with gusto and enthusiasm by taking 2 weeks of their remaining Bosnia POTL leave.

Once this well deserved rest was finished work began in earnest on the tank park, preparing the for the dieselisation of the A vehicles.

Finally they returned from Bramcote with engines that we all agree are an improvement, but gearboxes that took old hands a little time to adjust to.

April saw a return to CVR(T) skills. An impressive 31 recruits attended and passed the recruit firing package at Lul— worth. Sadly, the SNCOs and Officers did not do so well this time on their ‘Fishing Day’. All the same, the Corporal Major can fill you in on ‘the one that got away’! In May, winter was finally left behind and the spring cleaning of CVR(T)s took place before handing 27 vehicles over to C Squadron. The end of the month concluded with a 3 day NBC Battle Run at Porton Down. I’m reas— sured that it was not the weather, but dress state 3 romeo that slowed phases of the exercise down.

Returning

from leave in mid August,

Rear Party duties formed much of the squadrons work. Remember 40% of the sqttadron’s strength had bolstered HQ, A and C Squadron’s for BATUS training and Ex Iron Hawk. The recruiting team was kept busy too. The WOs and CoHs hosted the CDS when he visited.

June saw the Squadron flying it’s flag across the country. SHQ took part in a Regimental CAST in Catterick.

GW troop carried out annual firing on Otterburn Ranges, while those still to complete their APWT did so when joining the Regiment at Castlemartin for Gunnery camp. Despite this busy period 30 members refreshed their equine skills assisting at RMT 2000 under the watch— ful eye of CoH Hepple. This vital help made RMT into the spectacular show that was seen by thousands.

LCpl Park receives his ‘Bi/ly the Fish‘ award at

the Regimental Swimming Competition, July continued with troops and personal working all over the country, seldom with time between one task and the next.

All , however, battled on. Three troop under CoH Hepple visited the Royal Navy’s air show at Yeovilton. At the

Sadly, the Squadron Leader’s exercise was lost due to manning levels, but a suc~ cessful Phase II signals course was run in October. CoH Kellet flew the regiment’s colours, this time at a Staff College demonstration. At the end of the month squadron wives and partners were invited to Birdhill Golf Club where all who attended had an enjoyable evening. Fish was not on the menu which was surprising with the recent success of Corporal Major Douglas’ 4th place in the Inter Service Fishing Competition.

Having said goodbye to Major Lockhart the Squadron was placed in the safe hands of Captain Bartle-Jones for Ex First Flight on SPTA. The squadron was kept a close eye on , and seldom let out of Captain Bartle- Jones’ sight until he lost his spectacles down the long drop — what was he looking for? Once back in Windsor there was much preparation for the Remembrance parade. Polishing of kit and remedial drill was just ‘one for the bank’, in the end when security was deemed too risky and buses were opted for instead.

With Major Hughes now at the helm we set of to Wales to complete our Gunnery Camp at Castlemartin. LCoH Simpson ran an outstanding package. If the squadron funds had a pound for every trip he made up and down Tower Four

we could have financed the Dome ourselves!, This would have undoubtedly been possible if Ct Viney had a similar donation for all targets ‘not engaged’!

The weather did cause a few problems!

With an 8hr bus trip back no one was too amused, until two Lance Corporals res— cued a lone female stranded in the flood

waters.

the southern seas taking part in the Govenors cup race with the HCR team led by Maj Clee. LCpl Iddon certainly won the prize for the most meals lost overboard. LCoH Smith excelled himself running a D and M course at Bovington while LCpl Flood ran in fine style to win the regimental cross country race, helping place the Squadron a close second. The swimming team were a creditable third, with the squash team doing well against top competition.

There have been numerous changes in the Squadron orbat this year. We wel— come Major Huges, 2Lts Howell and Instone, Cts Gibbs and Viney, SSgt Stringger REME, Scpl Bridges, CoHs Hepple and Knoles.

Posted out are: Maj Lockhart to JSCSC at Shrivenham, Capt Butah, Lts Derry, Birkbeck, Harrison and Rees-Davies all to HCMR, W02 Douglas to RQ , SCpl Core to SCM LG Sqn HCMR, CoH Hod— der to SCpl at BATUS, CoH Sykes as a SCpl at the Gunnery School, CoH Parkinson to Officers Mess SCpl at HCMR, CoH Goodwin as a SCPL PSI to Newcastle UOTC. To all we wish the best of luck. .

The squadron also managed to send a team to climb Mt Killimangaro in Kenya led by Lt Harrison. LCpl Iddon sailed

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Dismounted Training is a regular engagement. SENTA is a place we look forward to deploying to, and even keener to returning from. The guaranteed rain, cold winds and steep hills sorts the men from the boys — but if you are concerned about this year’s training don’t worry your skin is waterproof’. Having concentrated on the art of survival in Sennybridge a return to the familiar SPTA in March was welcome.

ITDs were attacked, with NBC training the gas chamber claimed unprepared casualties.

A Visit to the Sandhurst assault and aerial confidence course proved valuable training for all able to attend. To complete the ITDs both the Combat and Basic Fitness Tests were staged under a close eye, ensuring even the lame and lazy had to prove themselves.

same time the CVRfT)s with their new diesel engines had to be weighed to enable the air crews to calculate flight times, fuel loads etc. Members of Support Troop, whilst in Castlemartin, underwent a very good concentration package run by CoH Kellet and Foster.

Before summer leave was taken all the squadron attended a presentation by G Sqn, giving many a good insight into what could be expected at Hereford.

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CoH Benge instructs B Sqn at Porton Down

Maj Hughes exaggerating a

Household Cavalry Regiment Household Cavalry Regiment

mand ability. From single car static fir— ing to complex troop battle runs which, when combined with an exercise scenario, linally integrated all aspects of troop and squadron training in an intense and demanding package, which would later serve the Squadron well in Canada. LCoH Macnamara and LCol-l Pearse proved to be particularly enthusi-

Squadron has had a very busy period since it arrived back from Bosnia at the end of last year. It was at this point that Major Miller took over from the pre— vious Squadron leader, Major Thorneycroft.

The Troop Leaders remained unchanged, except for the arrival of Cor— net Evetts to 3 Troop in April. After the Christmas holidays the Squadron under» took an extended OP Exercise in Wales, which was made all the more exacting due to very bad weather. This proved a hard but rewarding exercise for all, and signalled the beginning of an intense training package which was to see C Squadron hone its battle skills in prepa-

astic, performing some extra gunnery training off the ranges.

ration for BATUS. The Squadron then undertook low-level Troop training at Longmoore. This was not only useful, but also necessary, since it served to highlight inconsistencies and deficiencies in tactical understanding.

Furthermore, it was at this time that C Squadron was to win the inter~regimental rugby with excellent performances

from Captain Bedford, CoH Trinick and LCoH Burton to name a few. Low—level training became fully tactical training, with the Porton Down Battle Run; a sudden Change of pace that proved quite demanding, especially for Support Troop, who enjoyed several nights in a trench system filled with water and frogs, albeit without their Troop Leader, Lieutenant Dollar. A vehicle road run from Porton Down to Windsor provided many with their first taste of moving over long distances Within strict timings, which of course would later become integral to the exercise in Canada.

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Musgrave and W02 Kibble look on.

Next, inevitably, came Salisbury Plain, with a week of Troop Training that turned quickly into Squadron Training.

Support Troop were able to practice air lifting their Spartans under Chinook helicopters, although one of the pilots seemed more intent on destroying a Spartan than lifting it, until Tpr Mowatt, screaming, told him where he could put his ******* Chinook! The proof in the value of this exercise came just one week later when the Squadron returned to Salisbury Plain to provide an enemy for the Crew Commanders Course. This was the first time the Squadron had really undertaken a force on force exercise, and the results were encouraging. Lieutenant

Dollar realized a life-long ambition when the ‘death’ of the Squadron Leader provided him with the opportunity to announce over the radio, “I’ve got the con”. The Squadron Leader never died again, and no small wonder why! The Squadron had now undertaken the majority of its training and began to behave and feel like a cohesive unit, more than capable of the challenges that lay ahead.

Training was not to end there. Regimental Gunnery Camp in Castle Martin was to prove to be ‘the icing on the cake’.

These two weeks were to see the Squadron develop its gunnery and com-

Finally Canada, with its mosquitoes, its heat, its cold and its snow. This barren land was to prove the final testing ground for the Squadron. We began with the live firing phase. This was to prove not only demanding and enjoyable, but an invaluable final training period for the force on force exercises that were to follow. By the time the Squadron was pitted against OPFOR it was ready to perform with confidence and did exactly that. This is not to say however that there were no ‘set~backs’. Lieutenant Sturgis struggled at times with map read— ing, as on the occasion he led his Troop directly into the largest lake on the area at Stubb’s Landing, thus immediately losing two vehicles.

On a more serious note, the Squadron lost another vehicle when CoH Good» win’s Striker rolled on a very dark and stormy night. Fortunately, there were no injuries. CoH Musgrave proved his battle skills when he destroyed a vehicle after a forty minute pursuit, only to find that it was in fact a friendly Stormer.

However, 3 Troop Leader was not to be out done by his CoH. When providing overwatch to the Engineers on a divi— sional move, he boldly shot at the very Engineers that he was meant to be protecting. Their survival was due to LCpl

CoH E/l/ott br/efs the Son Ldr (again).

Harrison’s gunnery, despite best efforts!

GW Troop was at one point ‘Top Gun’, with more kills than anyone else, although Lieutenant Bond more than made up for this achievement by drop-

ping a £16,000 missile.

W02 (SCM)

Kibble presided with an ever—watchful eye over the whole period, and ensured that the efforts of the Squadron were backed by sound administrative com— mand. The Gun Troops performed with considerable success, despite an enemy who had greater capabilities and knew the terrain. C Squadron the Blues and Royals had become a force to be reck— oned with; proven time and again in intense, realistic conditions.

passed P Company, along with Tpr Reeves; Lieutenant Sturgis is about to attempt the same with Tpr Williams, LCpl Ireland and Tpr Toomey. LCoH Anderson spent this time doing Selection.

The four new Troop Leaders: Messrs White, Lane Fox, De St JohnPryce and Williams step in as Lieutenant Sturgis and Lieutenant Bond move on.

Captain Bedford embarks on JCSC and is replaced as Second in Command by Lieutenant Dollar. WOZ(SCM) Kibble has gone to HCMR as RQMC and WOZ(SCM) Mills replaces him. CoH Musgrave becomes SQMC for the Blues and Royals at HCMR and CoH Elliot also leaves the Squadron to go to the TA at Croydon.

In addition to this intense period of training, C Squadron had a number of 0th ‘Fv‘successes.

Lieutenant Dollar

A son Airborne Brotherhood await the arrival of C in C Land » LCoH Burton, CoH Trinick and LCoH 1Simpson facing.

Ca// S/gn 3t undergoes ‘m/nor' repairs , Ex Iron Hawk

Household Cavalry Regiment Household Cavalry Regiment

D Squadron The Blues and Royals Squadron has had an extremely busy and unconventional year. Our first priority was sadly to hand over our entire CVR(T) fleet to the QDG, a move prompted by the SDR and which became a sad reality. The whole process was undeniably hard work and it is stagger— ing to think that the entire ET had to be accounted for. Various items appeared which those longer in the teeth than oth— ers had but vague memories 011 Some things in institutions never change and certainly the ET for a formation recon— naissance Squadron is one of the most entrenched!

We had our fair share of exercises, both Squadron and Regimental. We deployed en masse to Sennybridge for our two weeks dismounted training in fine spirits, knowing only too well that we were

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Sqn Ldr and SCM.

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destined to be on our feet for the foresee— able future. The first week was a great success with many of the Troopers carrying out their first field firing since train— ing. Incidents abound and certainly one of the most interesting moments was being introduced to an RAF logistics detachment carrying out a tactical withdrawal at night. We have never seen such a light show in years and we are thoroughly indebted to them for their practical demonstration of how not to do things!

The second week was a five day OP package which was made all the more interesting due to The Royal Military

LI Heath & CoH Barrett dlSCUS/ng firing mm The Colonel The Blues and Royals.

Academy Sandhurst sharing the same training areas as us. It took much hard ordering to stop LCoH Roberts and LCoH McMullen from capturing as many young officer Cadets as they could!

The OPs took various forms and many interesting lessons were learnt, not least of which was not to leave Tpr Broxholme in charge of the food! The full story of

the Sqn Ldr and SCM bogging themselves in with a Landrover seems to have been consigned to the mists of time, luckily along with that ofthe SQMC who bogged in a Bedford in the ensuing res-

cue attempt. KE ropes came into their own and should only be used in extremis with extreme caution!

We also carried out a Squadron level exercise on Salisbury Plain which was a great success. Borrowing a selection of vehicles from across the Regiment, we proved that the same amount and inten— sity of training can be achieved even in a vehicle-less squadron. We also held a BBQ for the families which was extremely well supported and showed how our continual operational pressures perhaps

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Tpr Deakin lnsr/ucts Ct Shook with regard to speaking.

have meant that this important and necessary skill has fallen by the wayside. It keeps the families involved and doesn’t half help with the fieldcraft of the next generation! We were visited by the Com« manding Officer who didn’t ask too many questions about the red generator which had been used to power the television the night before for the football, accompanied with an ‘acquired’ curry and a few beers! We also learnt the lessons of deploying with a minimal SQMC packet which is an experience not to be repeated. Fuel, fuel, fuel!

There were also many changes within the Squadron. We said goodbye to SCpl Flanagan, who was replaced by SCpl Panter. CoH Barnard and CoH Welsh departed for HCMR where we wish them luck. We took on the majority of new troopers, as the rest ofthe Regiment sucked in those who were qualified, and relentlessly ploughed them through Bovington.

There were many other individuals who carried out other commitments which all too often go unrecognised in articles such as these. Individual training, range days, RAAT tasks and many others go to fill this area. CoH Pass has managed to continue with his FAC training and has become well aquainted with lonely, windswept hills. LCoH Roberts was also

Sadly the majority of the Squadron dis— persed to backfill the rest of the Regi— ment for BATUS. However, those left behind became swept up with Exercise Burnaby Blue which has been written about in more detail elsewhere in this journal. The remaining 24 members departed on 21St August for a vehicle borne expedition which covered 12\

chosen to take a number of cadets on the potential officers course on an adventure training expedition to Sardinia.

countries and 11,150 km. Whilst the rest of the Regiment may well have seen this as a ‘jolly’, it was extremely hard work and I believe tested us in every way other than the tactical. Indeed, in terms ofinitiative and sheer logistical planning, it probably surpassed much that we could otherwise have done. We enjoyed ourselves thoroughly and showed how a bit of determination and drive can create something quite unique.

Overall we had a thoroughly enjoyable year. It was certainly frustrating loosing the vehicles and in effect being turned into a mini training/holding squadron but the focus in the latter half ofthe year on adventure training held the remnants together. We wait to see exactly what the future holds but D Squadron remains strong and complete, just!

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Tpr tally on the md/wdt/a/ ski/ls range,

Household Cavalry Regiment

Household Cavalry Regiment

The majority of the Squadron deployed to Castlemartin Ranges in support of annual firing for A and C Sqns at the end ofJune for a two-week period. The period gave the Squadron the opportunity to deploy QMtT) and other support assets.

Additionally, Castlemartin provided an excellent training environment for departments to complete APWT and transition to field firing where applica— ble. During this period transport logis— tics were tested when a B Sqn GW qualification period at Otterburn, Cumbria required vehicles and personnel to be moved simultaneously from Windsor and Castlemartin. Unfortunately, one bus booked to collect firing crews did arrive in Windsor at the scheduled time.

However, the crews were waiting several hundred miles away in Castlemartin.

Headquarters Squadron he new millennium started with a two-week period of normal work before the Squadron adjourned for a delayed period of Post Operational Tour Leave that lasted till early February.

During the pre-leave period, Major Miler’s short reign as Squadron Leader ended as he moved on to become

Squadron Leader, C Squadron.

On returning from leave, selected ele— ments of Command Troop, Admin Troop, MT and the LAD deployed to Senneybridge on Exercise PHANTOM EAGLE Z, a four—week dismounted infantry exercise, which consisted of a field firing package, contact drills and an OP phase.

The Squadron provided logistical, communications support and enemy for the final OP phases under the critical eye of Exercise Planner, Major Sackett.

The anticipated and typically horrendous Brecon weather gave the exercise a more gruelling edge than expected. Contrary to popular opinion, SQMC Gray, person— a1 aide to Major Sackett, claims that he was not trying to remove him from the exercise when he narrowly prevented him being shot on the ranges with C Squadron, collided head-on into a MT truck in their Land Rover and set fire to the Exercise Planner’s treasured towel whilst trying to cook breakfast. Fortunately thanks to the help of SQMC

'ridges

qn), Major Sackett survivcle .,

With the first phase of the exercise com» pleted it was back to Windsor for a two— week rest. This did not apply to Command Troop and SHQ who moved up to Catterick for a seven day CAST Exercise.

The final two weeks of March saw a sur— prisingly sunny return to Senneybridge for Exercise PHANTOM EAGLE 3 with elements of A and D Squadron repeating the exercise again.

Captain Fisher returned as Regimental Gunnery Officer and IO (des) to keep a close eye on SCpl Smith who, as the Reg—

imental Gunnery Staff Corporal, had done stirling work running Crew Gunner courses. Unfortunately SCpl Smith was later to cause an emotional response from the RGO as he decided to accompany Major Clee (Regimental Second in Command) on sailing the rough seas off South Africa rather than attending annual firing at Castlemartin later in the year. One way to get a good annual report?

May quickly arrived and a “Squadron Day Out” was organised, which incorpo» rated a boat trip down the Thames to an evening at Windsor Racecourse with wives, girlfriends and boyfriends. One of the few sunny days this year made the day a great success, with plenty of beverage consumption and betting to finish the evening off. Thanks go to the hard work of SCpl (SQMC) Gray, LCoH Gilligan, LCpl Galbraith and LSgt Byne for his

atering expertise It is hoped to do it

OH at Its f/nesr . W02 E/l/s, LSgt Byne, again in the near future.

To the amaze—

ment of the Squadron, Captain Bartle» Jones remained quiet, polite and relative— ly sober for the duration ofthe day whilst in the company of his lovely lady. Nev— ertheless, the Squadron knows differently, a leopard cannot change its spots! Later on in the year, there were more surprises in store from the Operations Officer when he became the first member of the Regiment to take his girlfriend on a rugby tour!

HQ Squadron continued to support the regiment’s activities, deploying SHQ Troop, RHQ officers, Command Troop, QM(T), MT personnel and chefs to CAST(N) 5—9 June.

July saw extensive preparation of indi» viduals, vehicles and stores for movement to Canada in order to participate in Exercise IRON HAWK. Deployment, exercise and recovery were to last from mid August to mid November. As an incentive to complete all preparations, block leave started at the end ofJuly and terminated 2 days before the advance party flight to Calgary.

Additional personnel from B and D Sqns enhanced the Squadron for Exercise IRON HAWK; this resulted in Com— mand Troop becoming half as big as the sabre squadrons, with over fifty individuals. The RSO’s attempt to claim for Squadron Leader status and salary was correctly denied. The Echelon operated as a deployable unit under command of the QM(T), supported by the MTWO

and SCpl Reade.

The majority of the

Squadron in the form of Battle Group Headquarters, Command Troop, 0H, SHQ Troop, RAP, QM Technical, EME, MT Troop and Admin Troop, were deployed on the prairie throughout the exercise.

This left the QM and his department as the custodians of Camp Crowfoot, the RAO staff who audited the battle group’s financial holdings which was growing daily into the size ofa third world country’s debt, Chefs and QM(T)/LAD staff who were the lynch— pin to the battle group’s equipment sup—

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well for both exercise play and real casualties when those injured could be with a well—qualified medic within minutes.

The practice of moving medics well forward was not without problems as they required some training in vehicle tactical movement, (which they mastered very well). There was also the possibility that they could be attacked — as Bob Newhart observed, the red cross makes a good aiming mark. In fact the ambulances and a passing Padre, who was drumming up some support, were all “killed” during one training exercise.

Back on the prairie the Squadron Leader was undergoing an identity and manage— rial crisis as various individuals, both within the Regiment and those with attached arms, managed to address him as “Mr”, Corporal Major and Sergeant Major! In addition, he was constantly woken in the early hours for guard duty, which he courteously declined.

On return from Exercise IRON HAWK in mid October, the Squadron started preparation for the next regimental activity; annual firing for B and D squadrons at Castlemartin Ranges at the end of November.

Annual firing in November was an extremely wet affair, with strong winds making range days quite miserable. The highlight of the period was the visit of Colonel The Blues and Royals, which went well up to the point when the LAD Foden towing the RCM’s Land Rover managed to exit the camp at the same time as splitting the Princess Royal’s convoy which was en route to the range.

The Regimental Review was a hilarious success and demonstrated talent and perception second to none, although LSgt Britain needs to have her giggle switch adjusted.

MISS/on Command - Tpr Da/ey and Tp/ Hagan run the Battle, a,

port.

During the exercise, the Squadron Lead— er acting as the Battle Group Deputy Chief of Staff (DCOS), took on the man» tle of shepherd to the attached armoured medical section, which consisted of four FV432 ambulances and a REME Land Rover. In a break with normal doctrine, the medical section was often moved forward close behind gun troops to provide rapid medical attention.

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Household Cavalry Regiment

Household Cavalry Regiment

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Household Cavalry Regiment Household Cavalry Regiment

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Household Cavalry Regiment 21 Household Cavalry Regiment

Smith was keeping the camp maintenance up to scratch, as well as baby sit— ting all the other Quartermaster

Quartermaster’s Department

accounts. he Quartermaster’s Department has had another very busy year in which we saw a change in the majority of the personalities.

Even those who have stayed have all changed accounts, so real— istically it is almost a brand new team, with the Regimental Quartermaster Corporal W02 Harris RHG/D providing the much needed continuity.

The year started with the department

shoe horned into three very small offices behind Regimental Headquarters and a dilapidated Portacabin. All the stores were spread around camp in whatever space could be found as the department was being rebuilt after it was badly dam» aged by fire in 1999.This all changed in July as we all moved back into our newly refurbished building which, although it does not look good is actually very prac— tical with much more storage space than we had before.

The QM‘s and the RQMC‘s offices are now in two brand new air conditioned Porto-Cabins and are reputed to be the nicest in camp.

At the beginning of June we saw the old Quartermaster, Major Sackett RHG/D leave to civilian life. We wish him good fortune for the future, his experience and humour will be missed by the Regiment.

He handed over the reins of the department to the new Quartermaster Captain

Horner in the depart— ment we have considered getting the telephone system taken out as he is so loud it is no longer required. After a visit from the Noise Abatement Department it has been decid— ed however to keep it and try to encourage . ‘ him to use it. LCoH Gerrard arrived in July ’ from Headquarter Squadron to be sports store man and is in the . process of trying to change that much loved 1960’s look in sports wear for newer and more up to date equipment.

Although the troop were heavily involved in regimental training through« out the year, the focus was directed towards the Regiment’s deployment on Exercise Iron Hawk to Canada from the beginning of August to the end of September. This presented many new challenges to the Troop, the first of which was how to fit 2000 troops into a camp which was designed to hold 1200.

We need not have worried, with CoH Homer and LCpl Smith guiding, controlling and in some cases bullying we all fitted in and were quite comfortable.

W R Lindsay LG, who returns to the Regiment from Pirbright where he was the Guards Company Second in Command for the previous two years.

Other changes in the Troop saw CsoH

Homer and Smith coming in from C and D Sqn respectively, and CsoH Hooper and Cox leaving to join the QM(T) department and C Sqn. With CoH OM with a Canadian light snack.

Another potential problem area was the ammunition. We were directed to look

after the ammunition for all three Battle

On our return from Canada the pace of life seemed to quicken rather than slow down as we slipped into a very busy training program. The main part ofthis was aimed at the Regimental deploy— ment back to Castlemartin in November/December.

The firing at Castlemartin has become a well drilled deployment for the department and although

es. WO2iHarn's. i CoH Hornet

Fitzgerald accounted for just over £1,000,000 worth of rations in ten weeks.

The RQMC came under a little bit of pressure from the vegetarian element of the Battle Group. BATUS had ran out of Veggie Rations, but again he came up trumps and issued a Pot Noodle and a packet of soup for each day. Funnily enough, none of them put on any weight.

CoH Horner attempted to teach the QM and RQMC the finer points of golf.

They could not understand why their scores were increasing. It was not until this was investigated that it was found that they were taking so long to get round that the last few holes were being played in the dark. Tiger Woods need not worry just yet.

The Catering Staff have always had a reputation of working hard on exercise.

This time with the numbers fed, running three messes, still supplying chefs to the Prairie, four hundred packed meals per day and having a 24 hr cookhouse on the go, their reputation was well earned. To give some idea of the size ofthis catering machine, the rations store man LCoH

Whilst we were all enjoying ourselves in Canada, the remaining members of the team were keeping the ship afloat in Windsor. The Regimental Tailor was getting the Regiment’s uniforms ready for Remembrance Sunday as well as doubling up as the clothing store man. CoH

Under command he had 38 Chefs from all the various units on the exercise but somehow managed to pull them all together to provide the service he did.

As we look forward to the normal very busy end to the year, and a well earned break for all, the planning has already started for next year and it is looking as

busy if not even busier. All this in a department who have suddenly caught the Hockey bug and spend half their lives at Slough Ice Arena preparing for the inter mess competition. I’m confi— dent however that with the team as strong as it is both will be done exceed-

ingly well. As for the Chefs they look forward to their cooking competition in late January. Lets hope the judges recover by the time they go on exercise in early February.

Quartermaster Technical’s Department

The RQMC and CoH Horner also became the Ice Hockey Team Managers. The department providing essential adminis» trative support ensuring that any prob— lems with transport, equipment or rationing was dealt with quickly. The department unfairly got a slightly unwant— ed Dell Boy image as it became the focal point for a large number of things such as cars, GPS systems and much more. The opportunity was taken in Canada to expand the Regimental sports store and drive it in a slightly new direction as the sports of golf and roller hockey were added to list of equipment held.

Groups. LCpl Jones took the brunt end of this and again, with a lot of hard work, he and his small team of augmentees, ensured that the troops on the ground were well served. The Chefs in the main Kitchen provided an outstanding quality of catering throughout our time in Canada, led by the new Master Chef, WOZ Ellis, whose first day with the Regiment was when he caught his flight to Canada.

there are times when we are busy, there are also times when we are not. The QM, RQMC and Col-I Horner took the opportunity during this time to get involved in school boy antics. One of the hangers in the Ammunition Compound was turned into a hockey arena and the Regiment’s new hockey equipment was put to the test.

For a change, this year Tech has managed to be together as a department for the majority of the year, which in this changing environment is to say, somewhat unusual. The departments first activity for the year had very little to do with its day to day working when it deployed with the rest of the Regiment to Senneybridge for dismounted training. This was somewhat of a shock to some members of HQ Squadron. Howev— er, they all managed to survive and returned to Windsor cold and wet but in good spirits with some tales and experiences to deliberate over the next time we are sat in our vehicles watching the infantry slog by.

Most of the year has been spent either preparing for, exercising on or recover— ing from Ex Iron Hawk. It was apparent from the start when the QM went on his recce in April that the department was going to have its work cut out due to the nature of the Exercise. The pure size of

the Battle Group and the different natures of equipment that the depart— ment would have to support meant that a lot of pre planning, with a certain amount of educated guess work, would be required.

Techs 2nd deployment ofthe year was at the start of June, when we deployed to Salisbury Plane for our own troop training. This was a 5 day deployment, purely with the intention of practising the skills that we have not had a chance to use for many years. This was a worth— while exercise and at the end we had re~ learnt the skills required and highlight— ed the areas we would have to correct before deploying to BATUS .

Closely following our return from SPTA, the Regiment deployed to Castlemartin at the end of June. This was the chance for us to consolidate our requirements for tech support to the regiment in

BATUS as we were required to deploy with 30 days ofsupplies to keep the regi— ment on the road for the duration of the exercise. Added to this was the fact that the CVR(T) fleet, now having been con— verted to diesel, had never had a chance to be tested over this amount of time.

Castlemartin gave us all the chance to bed in and prepare for what was to come.

Having completed Firing Camp, the Regiment returned to Windsor to load its vehicles and containers ready for the forth coming move. The QM(T) was the first person to deploy on the 6th August, closely followed by the rest of the Department on the 14th. The work started here with the organising and coordination of the take over of the vehicles that we were to take from BATUS, as well as the unload of our own vehicles.

The Department worked exceptionally hard dealing with 22 different units, satisfying their demands.

RQMC Grantham did a sterling job as the Battle Group Liaison Officer (BGLO) being the one point of contact for any sub units material requirements and over the course of the weeks he became affection» ately known as the Boogaloo.

When the Battle Group deployed on to the area the QM(T) deployed as the Echelon commander, leaving the remainder of the department in the Formation Maintenance Area (FMA) in the capable hands of SCpl Hiscock. The department, as per normal, provided a 24 hr service to the Battle Group for all its material requirements. Even after the Battle Group had returned, the work still continued until the accounts had been closed and all the vehicles returned to BATUS. After a very successful Exercise, the Department returned to Windsor on flights from 14 th Oct onwards; the last flight landing on the 30th in the middle

,, -

W3

The approachab/e face of tech (muzz/ed in accordance to the dangerous animals act).

ofa huge storm. All ofthe passengers on the flight were glad to get back safely and gave the aircraft pilot a loud cheer as he touched down.

There was little respite when the vehi— cles returned to Windsor in the week of the 8th November when they had to be got ready for B and D Squadrons to deploy to Castlemartin on the 25th. The Department deployed again in support of B and D squadrons returning on the

8‘h of December.

Tech, as have the rest of the Regiment, has had a full and busy year and are look— ing forward to the Christmas break and celebrations. We are all ready for next year and what it may bring.

The Department has seen some changes since the last journal.

The QM(T) changed in June, with Captain Manning taking over from Captain Holbrook, who has moved to HCMR. SCpl Hiscock took over from SCpl Peat, who has moved to RHQ as the Intelligence WO. CoH Hooper took over from CoH Mackenzie, who left the army for civilian life on completion of 22yrs.

Household Cavalry Regiment 23

Household Cavalry Regiment

Light Aid Detachment ’1

e nsurprisingly, the last twelve months have been as busy for the Light Aid Detachment (LAD) as it has for the Squadrons we support. The policy of trickle posting soldiers has ensured that changes to key personnel have been ongoing throughout the ‘. WOMASM) Valentine made perhaps the most flamboyant exit, fittingly at the end of his

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A man who,

according to his wife, is absolutely terrified of heights, he was presented with a signal (courtesy of LSgt Hick~ from the Joint Air Transport Executive (JATE) confirming that he had been booked to take part in a parachute drop into the sea in May. Unfortunately for the LAD the signal was only a practical joke but the expression of terror on the ASM’s face when he read the message was very real.

Thankfully, the Riding School were able to maintain his terror, and the LAD’s enjoyment, by instead allowing him to spend an extremely nervous afternoon on horseback. Mr Valentine has now gone on to pursue a career in Civvy Street and was replaced in June by WOMASM) Tait, who returned from Cyprus for a second tour with the Regiment.

The first half of the year saw the Regi~ ment’s equipment undergo a series of major modification programmes to both prolong the operational life of the CVR(T) vehicles, and to improve their capability.

All of these programmes involved significant input from the LAD with personnel not only taking part but also undergoing training to allow them to maintain and, in some cases, instruct on the use of the new pieces of equipment.

Perhaps the most significant programme was the installation ofnew diesel engines and gearboxes into the Regiment’s entire fleet of vehicles. The process took up to three months for each Squadron and was carried out on B, C, and Headquarters’ Squadron vehicles between January and July. In addition to preparing the vehicles for entry into the programme, the LAD also had to provide a number of personnel to work with the CVR(T) LEP(D) Fielding Team in Bramcote.

Thus LSgts Hick and Parker were detached to oversee production on the team’s shop floor, whilst LCpl Wigley, and Cfn Humpherson carried out any work required both prior to, and after, the fitting of the new assemblies Throughout this tit ‘ all spent perions of tip to twelve weeks in Bramcote.

The Princess Roya/ With members of the Detachment at Cast/emarti‘nRan “s.

A significant enhancement to the CVR(_T)’S sighting system was made in January, with the installation into A and C Squadrons’ vehicles of the Enhanced Sight Periscope Infra Red Equipment or E-SPIRE. This is an integrated Thermal Imager and Laser Range Finder System that replaces the old Gunner’s Day sight and Image Intensifier Sight. Further enhancements were subsequently made in June when four ofC Squadron’s vehi— cles were fitted with the Tactical Navigation and Target Locating System or TNTLS, a system that incorporates amongst other features a built in Global Positioning System. In both cases, the LAD’s Instruments and Control Equip— ment Technicians, led by SSgt Ramsay, attended a series of courses that enabled them in the case of TNTLS to subsequently train the Regiment’s users.

Exercise Iron Hawk in BATUS provided what was undoubtedly the biggest challenge for the LAD during the year. A total of 41 of the LAD‘s 46 personnel deployed to support the Regiment and the variety of other Units that combined to form the Lead Reconnaissance Task Force. This diverse collection of differ— ent vehicle types in itselfprovided a con» siderable number ofchallenges, not least the fact that the deployed REME Sub Units could not communicate with each other whilst on the Prairie. In addition to these problems, serious concerns ontinued to exist regarding the reliability of the TNISD gearbox and the extreme— ly limited number of spare assemblies that would b) available to the LAD during the exercise. Thus it was with a sense

of real trepidation that the LAD deployed onto the Prairie at the end of August.

Thankfully, the weeks spent on exercise prior to BATUS began to pay dividends from a very early stage as both A Squadron Fitter Section, led by SSgt Penfold, and C Squadron Fitter Section, led by SSgt Smith, were able, thanks to a good deal ofhard work, to maintain high levels of vehicle availability throughout.

However, as predicted, gearbox failures did cause some problems but thankfully the failure rate declined during the exercise and the pool of replacements proved to be just sufficient.

Unfortunately, much of the good work completed by C Squadron Fitter Section was overshad— owed by problems caused by contaminat— ed fuel, the final cause of which was never fully identified.

Elsewhere on the Prairie, the Warrior Recovery vehicle, borrowed from BATUS and crewed by LSgts Hick and Riddler, soon established itself as one of the busiest vehicles on the area, performing a host of recovery and repair tasks on casualties ranging from sinking CVRt‘,T)s, to AS903 stuck on bridges, and bogged in Warriors. The LAD‘s HQ Fitter Section, commanded by Sgt Robson, were also kept extremely busy running the Battle Group ECP and helping the Fitter Sections clear backlogs of work.

Additionally, a comprehensive Guided Weapons firing package ensured that the LAD‘s Control Equipment Technicians had to work flat out to ensure that the very maximum number of vehicles could

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Household Cavalry Regiment

The WOs’ and NCOs’ Mess

Detachment members mee.r The Princess Royal at Castlemanlh Ranges.

SSgt Sirlnger taklhg part ln a SSAFA Forces Help Hollday,

fire at all times. Back in Camp Crowfoot the LAD’s Rear, Party under the guidance of SSgt Robinson and supplemented by manpower from the Queen’s Lan— cashire Regiment and 4 Battalion REME, undertook the thankless task of complet— ing “Prairie Checks” on all B Vehicles returning from the Exercise Area, whilst Sgt De Haes-White and Cfn Jones ran an at times continuous shuttle service of parts and repaired vehicles back out to the Squadrons. Throughout the exercise, SSgt Jones, in his role as ES Liaison Officer, was able to coordinate the provision of second Line REME support to the Regiment thus ensuring that repair times were, whenever possible, minimised.

course. In February, 3 members of the LAD, LCpl Romney, LCpl Snarey and Cfn Curran, volunteered to deploy to Kenya in support of Exercise Grand Prix. During both the Easter and Sum— mer school holiday periods SSgt Stringer (B Squadron Artificer Vehicles) took part in two SSAFA holiday programmes for children with special needs.

Throughout the year a number of LAD personnel have been detached to support

LCpl Wigley acted as Vehicle Mechanics for the second leg and travelled through Kenya, Tanzania, Zambia, Botswana and South Africa. Although both faced sig— nificant challenges throughout the exercise they found it a hugely rewarding experience.

a wide range of external agencies and exercises. First to go was Cfn Hulme from A Squadron, who undertook a fourmonth attachment to the Falkland Islands Engineering Unit from January to May. During the same period LSgt (now Sgt) Lee completed an emergency tour to Northern Ireland, during which

he also passed his Potential Artificer Assessment Board.

LSgt Parker also spent time with BATUS Workshop, tak— ing part in the Winter Repair Pro-

gramme before returning to the UK for a

In August, two members of the LAD, Cpl Cropper and LCpl Wigley, took part in Exercise Deia Blue organised by Cambridge UOTC. The exercise, to celebrate a Battle Honour won by the OTC, con— sisted of driving a fleet of8 Land Rovers

from Cambridge to Cape Town. The trip was divided into 2 legs. Cpl Cropper and

Joint Services Championships in June.

He was also provisionally selected to join the Army Sculling Squad on its trip to Seville. In May, an LAD team, consist— ing of Sgt Eley, LSgt Mayes, LSgt Davies, and Cfn Jones, took part in the Army Triathlon Championships at ATR Bassingbourn.

Although they didn’t win, some of the results were a pleasant surprise for all concerned. Running continues to remain a popular pastime within the LAD and in June SSgt Stringer, Sgt Robson, LSgt McAllister, LSgt McCrea, and Cfn Jones represented the LAD in the Cheviot 2000 race, a 22 mile event crossing every peak over 2000 feet in height in the Cheviot Hills. Sgt Robson has competed in a number of events

for charity throughout the year and earned a mention in Soldier Magazine for his efforts. Golf continues to gain popularity throughout the Regiment and the LAD mirrors this trend. Many ofits personnel took time to enjoy rounds

whilst in Canada and teams from the Sport has continued to be extremely popular during the year, with the LAD being well represented at a number of different events. LSgt Mayes continues to row, not only for a local club but also for the Corps and was a member of the REME’s successful eight that took part in the

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LAD did extremely well during the Golf Day held during the Firing camp at Castlemartin in November.

SSgt Stringer and Sgt Williamson took first place with Sgt Grime and Sgt Armstrong finished second. The LAD also cleaned up in the minor competitions, with SSgt Stringer finishing closest to the pin, and Sgt Grime winning the longest drive.

Although extremely busy, the last 12 months has been a period of significant achievement for the LAD and all its personnel.

Although potentially serious under—manning problems still exist, next year looks like being an equally challenging period as B Squadron Fitter Section deploy to BATUS and A Squadron once again heads for the Balkans. However, despite these deployments the LAD will undertake both Adventurous Train— ing in April and a diving expedition in May and will continue wherever possible to get the very best out of all that it does.

000 started in fine style with the New Years Dinner on the 28 January. It is always nice to see the Mess sat down to dinner in Mess dress, something that we do not get a chance to do that often. The Commanding Officer, who is traditional— ly the guest of honour, gave a very enter— taining ‘state of the nation’ speech and a thoroughly good night was had by all.

February saw the usual Valentines func~ tion with a disco and buffet. With the handover of the RCM, March was an extremely busy month.

WOl(RCM) Carpenter finished his time in fine style with a medieval night in the gymnasium with over 200 mess members attending. The PMC, W02 (SCM) Pilchowski, then took control of the dining out with yet another disco to follow. For— tunately no dirt was to be found on his squeaky clean career. WOl(RCM) Car— penter has now been commissioned and takes up the job of Guards Company Zic. The Mess wishes him and his wife Mandy the very best for the future.

Sadly this year we have also said goodbye to W02 Harris 23, Scpl Miles, and COH Mackenzie after completing their 22 years service. We wish them all the best of luck in their new careers and hope that they will come back from time to

tlme to see us.

We also dined out, after 22 years, W01 Norris and WOl Carney who have both been commissioned and of course we wish them all the best for the future.

Temporary Mess BATUS - the Commander Household Cavalry's vrslt.

Division Tent at Derby Day, where 2500 people attended. LCoH Short won all the money yet again. W02 (SCM) Kibble is to be congratulated on the professional manner in which he took on the organising of the event at such short

The senior mess members are; W01 (RCM) Shatliff RHG/D W01 (ASM) Tait REME W01 (BM) Brigden RHG/D W02 (RQMC) Harris RHG/D W02 (RQMC) (T) Grantham LG

notice.

In the same month we dined out Majors Kersting and Sackett who have left for Civilian Street after serving over 70 years between.

W02 (SQMS) Stretton AGC W02 (SQMS) Kubiscek AGC W02 (SQMS) Ellis RLC W02 (SCM) Carter LG W02 (SCM) Douglas LG

W02 (SCM) Mills RHG/D W02 (SCM) Smith RHG/D Although Life at the moment is busy, the

This year in June the Mess had the privilege of organising The Household Mr 'Lofty’ Young, RCM of The Life Guards 72 - 76 after hanging The Brlck.

Mess life still goes on with the Wives Club having a children’s BBQ in July and Mothers and Daughters in Novem~ her with a record 106 ladies attending.

3 Months of this year was spent in Batus on Exercise Iron Hawk with the Regiment being the host. Battle Group Mess life out there was reasonably quiet. How» ever, we finished offwith a farewell party in Ralston Community Centre. The main event being the Pipes and Drums of the Queens Lancashire Regiment who were quite superb.

W02 (SCM) Farmer LG W02 (RSWO) Postance LG W02 (AQMS) Parsons REME

W02 (MTWO) Voyce RHG/D SCPL (RIWO) Peat RHG/D W02 (BCM) Kitchin RHG/D The approachable lace or’ the Mess.

We finished off the usual busy Xmas with the dining out of Commander Household Cavalry. Fifty Officers along with fifty Mess Members made sure that Colonel W T Browne, LVO was dined out in fine style. To finish off the year, the Mess celebrated New Year with the typical disco and meal.

Household Cavalry Regiment

Household Cavalry Regiment

In June, the ‘Silly Season’ heated up nicely with early rehearsals for both

Trooping

the Colour and

Beating

Retreat.

Both ceremonial occasions were led for the first time by our Direc~ tor, Captain Douglas Robertson.

Well, it’s been another busy year for the Band of the Blues and Royals.

It’s time to reminisce on our diverse and exciting activities for the year 2000.

On 8 August our Director of Music, Captain Douglas Robertson married Martina at Maidenhead and they have since pro— duced a beautiful baby girl, Hanna Elise.

The band wish to congratulate him on his two greatest achievements.

Well Done!

In addition to normal Public Duties the Trumpeters (otherwise known as ‘The Golden Boys’) excelled themselves in January performing at the ‘South Bank Show’ Live TV Awards. No matter on which occasion you see the ‘Golden Boys’ in action they are always deemed to be the ‘Icing on the Cake’.

February was a combination of playing at the service at the Guards Chapel, Wellington Barracks with Changing the

Guard at Windsor Castle.

Although the weather can be extremely cold at this time of year, we are always impressed by the cheerful crowds that line the streets leading to the castle. I can assure you it is very much appreci— ated by the band and certainly gives a boost to the whole ceremony. These are just some of the many Public Duties the Band take on throughout the year.

In March, as an enthusiastic attempt to encourage young musicians into The Armed Forces, the Trumpeters took part in a Grand Musical Spectacular at Whitgift School, South Croydon. The concert was a complete sell»out and a great success for both the school and the recruit— ing objective initiated within the band.

Many boys and parents took home fond memories of the evening but literally hundreds more took information on the band and the regiment. An excellent article appeared in the Croydon Advertiser the following day and a photograph of the Trumpeters now appears in the Whitgift School brochure. Another job well done!

On 19 June The Garter Service took

place in Windsor and as usual signalled the end of the demanding Mounted Season for the Band.

One of our first concerts of the year took place in Saltash on 24 June. It proved to be a fabulous evening and was well worth the trip.

The Mounted Bands await the arr/Val of Her Majesty, The Queen '3 Birthday Parade.

COH Marsh oh Spartacus prior to Beat/rig

March brought forth another happy event with the marriage of Musician Matthew Screen to his fiance Hazel at Ickenham on the 11 March 2000.

April is always the beginning of the Band’s Mounted Season ‘kicking off’ with a Khaki ride to mount Queens Life Guard. This was followed by a most enjoyable event, St Georges Day Club.

This event is an annual engagement for the Band which involves a sit down concert and Marching display.

Major—General’s rehearsals started in late April and led to the actual parade on 4 May. During this busy month W02 Hugh Billington handed over his appoint-

"» ’ \Q} 7, ,

The Retreat on Horse Guards. ment, as Band Corporal Major, to his successor W02 Kitching. However, he has taken continuance and is expected to remain in this band for the foresee— able future.

The Trumpeters heralded a fanfare for the launch of the cruise ship ‘Millenni— um’ on 26 June in Southampton but unfortunately were not invited to join the maiden voyage. They were back in time for the Royal Albert Hall Awards Dinner and the experience of performing with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra on 28 June.

public eye and boost our recruiting drive.

The tour began in Halifax on 23 October and centred around several venues in the North Yorkshire area.

In July, the Royal Military Tattoo 2000 on Horse Guards Parade was a first for all involved. This was shortly followed by

For those of you who enjoy Military Music the band has just produced a recording entitled ‘Concert Favourites’ which concludes with our very own Regi» mental March, Aida. Please contact the band office on civilian telephone number:

The Queen Mothers tooth Birthday Trumpet Major Howe was promoted to W02 handing over his Trumpet Major appointment to Corporal of Horse Bob Gough and Corporal of Horse Richard Haddock was promoted to Staff Corporal.

Due to the relatively kind weather from 11 to 14, May the Windsor Horse Show was a successful event with our offering the usual musical supgort to thearena .,i.lJ.

1'

“1m

activities. ,I’ ’

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.

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Parade. This was both a splendid and moving ceremonial occasion as The Queen Mother shares a special place in all our hearts and we felt honoured to be part of her birthday celebrations. The Trumpeters visited St Paul’s Cathedral to complete the festivities for The Queen Mother.

The Trumpeters were invited to join H. M. S. Marlborough on 31 July in Dubai.

Tpt Maj Bob Gough and LCoH Gwyn Thomas agreed to suffer this demanding trip. Aaaah!

August brought congratulations for Musician Arwel Thomas and Tina with the arrival of baby Anya. Promotions of LCpl Grant Jones to LCoH and Musn Darren Witter promoted to LCpl. Congratulationsl

LCoH Redman is promoted to COH and October. LCpl Ian Collin and Kirsten produce another bonny baby, Bailey Michael.

01753-

755209

As mentioned earlier, the arrival of the new Bandmaster means farewell to WOl John Brigden, who is to assume the appointment of School Band Master at the Royal Military School of Music, Kneller Hall. Our thanks are extended to John for his time served as Bandmaster and for this we offer our best wishes for the future.

This has been a varied and enjoyable year for the Band of the Blues and Royals and we now look forward to a busier 2001.

or

Windsor Military 5209,to place your

This year saw the departure of Chris Carnell and Ian Ravenscroft and we wish them all the very best in civilian life.

We welcome to the Band Musns Dodd, Smith, Peters, Ellwood and the new Bandmaster WOl J Griffiths. They are all currently in riding school and will join us

on completion oftheir In September all British Military Bands were tasked to participate in the ‘Youth in Concert7 event held across the coun» try. The Blues and Royals took part throughout and opened the event with a concert on 24 September at the Royal Festival Hall, sharing the stage with young civilian musicians.

September also brought another promotion, this

of Christmas concerts commences’ with the Regimental Carol Concert.

BW

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time for LCoH Stuart Marsh to COH.

December brought a trip to Osnabrtick, Germany for the entire band and provides a great opportunity to stock up for the festive season with chocolates and perfume of course.

A trip north in October was just what the band needed to keep the army in the

On our return from Germany our season

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Bahd Coroora/ Bil/mgton Major leads the Band

Household Cavalry Regiment 29

Household Cavalry Regiment

the HCR would probably not be in the

Marching Toward The Millennium

position it is today. We wish him well in his new career.

W02 Kershaw: Online office: emailbarrackscjeasynet. co. uk Tel No: 01980 618180

With the Regimental Information Team

CoH Cox and LCoH Crighton now form

SCpl Stillwell: Wolverhampton

CoH Taylor: Halifax

Tel: 01422 362860 CoH Lowe: Preston Tel: 01772 203030

Recruiting is still a high priority for the HCR and once again the Regi— mental Information Team (RIT) has had yet another busy year. They have spent approximately 160 days on the road incorporating a wide range of event days and recruiting opportunities.

Norris. They have a hard act to follow.

SCpl Wibberly: Norwich

join, or would like further information, the following conIaCtS should be used or visit the web—site www. householdcavalry.co.uk RIT - 01753 755213

CoH Lochrane: Sunderland

Tel: 01603 624616

Tel: 0191 565 8817

CoH Callow: Liverpool Tel: 0151 227 17666

Tel: 0161 627 3233

CoH Hagan: Oldham

The Regimental Admin Office

HCR. Jersey in September was found to be rewardingll SCp/ W/boer/y and Tor Thomas recruiting the/r style. number of 13212 visits to these web sites have been recorded from April 2000 to Jan 2001. Also 3054 e—mails were received and passed on to the respective units. The RIT team responds by either emailing the individual or sending out information packs to the potential recruit. The web sites obviously compli— ment traditional method of recruiting.

All squadrons and the HCMR training wing have continued to provide support to the recruiting team. Visits to the regiment have regularly occurred over the

past year for young men and women.

As technology advances HCR cannot be seen to lag behind. The HCR and Army web sites are proving to be fruitful as there continues to be increasing numbers of recruitment inquiries. A total

Tel: 01902 423892

Should you know of anyone wishing to

The recruiting offices throughout the country have been diligently co-ordinat— ing visits for the team targeting schools, colleges and other educational establish— ments in particular. In addition to these visits, the RIT have attended job fairs, carnivals, air shows and even a milleni— um scout camp. Does the regimental information team have no boundaries? A trip overseas has even materialized for the team to encourage recruitment to the

In the past 12 months recruiting figures looked promising. Of the initial 130 recruited this year, a total of 95 soldiers have passed out through their various training units, having completed phases 1 & 2 of training. Approximately 75% have gone to HCMR, with the reminder joining the service regiment at Windsor.

However, we are still undermanned but the light at the end of the tunnel is definitely getting brighter.

With major recruiting drives happening next year in areas previously targeted by the regiment we hope to be out of that very, very long tunnel!

the Regimental Information Team operating out of Windsor, assisting Captain

They have been energetic in facilitating tours of vehicles and visits to the stables, giving valuable insight for the potential new recruits. Interventions such as these continue to be essential to encourage

Work experience at Wmdsor

The year 2000 has been very busy for the AGC Detachment. The year started with Sgt Dixon and Pte McMullen being deployed to Kosovo for 6 months. Both members were attached to the Theatre Field Admin Office, which was responsi» ble for briefing all new arrivals, and maintain the theatre database.

young persons to join HCR at such influ— ential ages.

Captain Norris currently runs the team.

He has replaced Captain Manning who has now moved on to become Quarter— master technical. CoH Lochrane has moved to the recruiting office in Sunder» land, where he has already recruited 9 potential candidates for the HCR. We wish them both successes in their new jobs. Sadly CoH Carey who has been with the RIT for 3 years, most of it spent traveling the length and breadth of Eng— land has left. He will remember the cry a shilling to join her majesty’s finest, be the elite of the elite and the household cavalry needs you! Without his experi~ ence, enthusiasm and sense of humor,

The operational part of the detachment deployed with the Regiment to BATUS on Ex Iron Hawk. The Admin Office was very busy administering 2000 soldiers on this deployment; a particular mention must go out to “Q” Kubicsek who paid out more than 2 million dollars in A/R payments. Of course some of the Detachment were employed in the JRC Bar, Pte Hersey is rumoured to be auditioning for the part in the sequel to Cocktail, Tom Cruise watch out!

The only worrying moment on the whole exercise was that Sgt “nobby” Clarke was found quivering in the corner of his room when he was told he had to deploy onto the Prairie, he recovered quickly when he was told it was only for the Regtl Photograph.

Adventure Training, two words not normally associated with AGC (SPS) was high on the agenda this year, the Det Comd managed to get half of the detach— ment to walk the West Highland Way, the picture shows that either Sgt Shearer was pleased to have finished or he was practising his Parachute Landing Drills for when he attempts “P” Company. The RAOWO is planning a charity Cycle Ride along the Thames Cycle Path; watch this space for more in the next

issue.

The detachment has seen more departures than arrivals due to the Manning Situation in the AGC.

gt Shearer strange/y enthust’astt’c at the start of the West H/‘gh/and Way,

Departures

Replacement

Captain VC Larmour Lieutenant M Lovett W02 N Thorne (on promotion) Sgt P Dixon LSgt C Morrazani LSgt N Clarke LCpl Denton

Captain LA Johnston Captain A Simmons (Mar 01) W02 PL Stretton Sgt A Simmons (on promotion)

Congratulations go out to the following for picking up promotion: LCpl Lawrence Pte Burford Pte Russell Pte Sacco Looking ahead the Regiment are now JRDF for the year and as such plans in case of deployment are well advanced, another busy year for the AGC.

Household Cavalry Regiment 31

30

Household Cavalry Regiment

with the Major General, Sir Evelyn

Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment

Webb—Carter, that he insisted on charging several times, completely exhausting the stock of melons, which were used as heads for the dummies!

As has become customary during Regi— mental Training, the press published several photographs of our recruits riding their horses bareback into the sea, wear-

Foreword

By Lieutenant Colonel N M A Ridley, The Life Guards

ing only swimming costumes and riding helmets.

These pictures attracted the

attention of the Health and Safety Exec~ utive, who contacted the Regiment askhere is no doubt that 2000 was a remarkable year for the Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment.

It was exceptionally busy and stretched, start» ing with a February State Visit by The Queen of Denmark and ending with a very late State Opening of Parliament on the 6th of December. This placed heavy demands on manpower as nearly all horses had to be kept in at work through— out. Not only was this the millennium year, but it also saw several unique events. The most important of these was Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother’s various hundredth birthday celebrations. The Regiment also made a major contribution, with around one hundred horses and men, to the brilliant Royal Military Tattoo 2000 held in July on Horse Guards. In addi— tion, The Blues and Royals provided a travelling escort for His Royal Highness The Prince of Wales at the Tynwald Cer— emony on the Isle of Man and The Life Guards a small contingent to the Edin— burgh Tattoo. Some respite from the demands of The Queen’s Life Guard was provided by the Canadian mounted troop of Lord Strathcona’s Horse that carried out duty in September. But in spite of this challenging programme, no one lost their sense of humour and the Regiment’s morale remained very high, giving credence the adage that people are happiest when busy.

Typical, in this difficult year, was the

Major General’s Parade in April.

The

normal parade ground was waterlogged, but rather than delay the parade, the Adjutant managed to persuade the Police to clear the Regiment’s move to a reserve venue at Chelsea Barracks. So the whole Regiment moved mounted down Sloane Street and Square emptying all the shops

and offices of workers and clients who cheered the Regiment from the pave-

ment. As the band passed the Danish Embassy they played ‘Copenhagen’ which was so well received that the Ambassador wrote to the MoD, asking if this become a more regular performance; seeing Hyde Park under water as I write,

ing why these soldiers were riding in the sea without wearing life jackets.

The

quick explanation was that, as there were thirty ‘Life Guards’ present on the beach, it was not deemed necessary for them to wear life jackets; they seemed content with this response and no more has been heard from them.

Autumn did not pass without incident.

One night, the Orderly Officer, Captain ZN Catsaras, was woken by the guard to be told that the President of Nigeria was due to play squash in the barracks at 6 o’clock that morning. As many of you will know, the squash courts are situated above the soldiers’ flats at the top of the barrack’s tower block; hardly a likely place for a Head of State to visit at that

time in the morning. However, as a precaution he rose early in case he had to receive the President. To his surprise the President and his considerable entourage arrived as advertised and so he duly escorted them to the squash courts.

To add insult to injury, Captain ZN Catsaras had to lend the President his wife’s squash racquet. The President was vic— torious and left contented, booking in to return at the same time the next day. On investigation it transpired that the Pres— ident, who was staying at the nearby Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park Hotel, had asked the hotel staff to book him a court. Assuming that there would be a court in the barracks a receptionist phoned the guardroom to ask if a hotel guest could use the court. One of the guard answered saying that this would not be possible.

In desperation, the receptionist exclaimed “but this isn’t just any guest you know; this is the President of Nigeria!” Taken aback, the trooper said “Well, OK then” and booked the President in, before going off duty.

Christmas and New Year passed tradi— tionally and uneventfully with a generous two weeks of leave for all. The Regimental carol service, which is usually held in the Guards Chapel, was held in the stables this year. One of the yards

was beautifully decorated and the drum horses Constantine and Spartacus flanked a Christmas tree situated behind the altar. In all, some 250 soldiers and their families squeezed in and the service received rave reviews from all, even if the drum horses did devour quite a propor— tion of the tree.

No forward would be complete without a word about the Musical Ride. The fresh team led by Captain R Peasgood and The Riding Master, Captain C Haywood, had an excellent season.

Bookings were increased and included The Jersey Show and The Royal Welch Show. Next year an overseas tour may well be on the cards.

So far the programme for 2001 seems fairly conventional and our manning levels should remain relatively high. Consequently, there should be some more time for equestrian and military training and to reinforce our affiliations.

Of course there will be unexpected commitments and, should there be an election, then two State Openings of Parliament are possible. Away from the ceremonial, the main issues to address will be improvements to our soldier and career management systems and also to our home in London.

a 31‘

Commanding Officer and RCM meeting HRH The Prince of Wa/es.

A major focus for the year has been on recruit training.

With initiatives to recruit from inner cities, the demise of sport in many schools and changes in youth lifestyle, fewer and fewer recruits reach us properly prepared for the rigors military, let alone mounted duty training.

This has resulted high wastage rates, both at Pirbright and in The Household Cavalry Training Wing. Links with the Guards Company and the Regiment have been strengthened through frequent Visits and the Pirbright stables where sol— diers with no aptitude for mounted duty can be eliminated early, have been reinforced. The Regiment’s own Phase Two training has been completely rewritten to provide a more logical, modular progres— sion.

This package, called Dutyman 2000, is now fully in place and not only have wastage rates have reduced, but the quality at pass outs has improved. To mark this the Army Dress Committee has endorsed a mounted dutyman’s badge of a stirrup set in a laurel wreath to be worn on the right shoulder.

The buildings of Hyde Park Barracks are now 30 years old and some parts of the estate have been in dire need of refur— bishment for some time, in particular the

stables and the single soldiers’ living accommodation.

Projects to improve these areas have been delayed several times as funding has been squeezed.

However, as I write builders are working in the single soldiers’ accommodation and the refurbishment of the stables is back in the programme for 2002/3.The main issue with the latter will be Where to keep the horses and meet ceremonial commitments with minimum disruption.

The Regiment spent much of August on Regimental Training in Norfolk. While the programme included all the usual activities, one addition was a reconnaissance exercise with dismounted and mounted elements. The first saw all troops spending a night out, for some the first for several years. The mounted reconnaissance phase involved the troops moving tactically by horse over the training area. They were required to cross obstacles, search for an enemy and conduct live rifle firing on a battle range.

But perhaps the most interesting challenge was a skill at arms attack with sword against a variety of dummies set up most imaginatively by the Riding Staff. Visitors, including Major General TJ Sullivan, late RHG/D, were invited to try their hands at this. So popular was it

Diary of Events January As usual January was a quiet month for the Regiment, with our Christmas leave running well into the month. On our return from leave, Squadron leaders started their full dress inspections in preparation for the impending ceremoni» al season, whilst at the same time we pro— vided soldiers to help the London taxi drivers association with their annual children’s party.

February The regiment provided a double stan— dard Captain’s Escort under the com— mand of Major JP Eyre RHG/D for the Visit of the Queen of Denmark and The

Prince Consort of Denmark. HRH The Prince of Asturias, Crown Prince of Spain, also visited the Regiment. As a serving Officer he appeared to be fasci— nated by the role that the Household Cavalry are so fortunate to have.

'v‘.

52:4

The Pnncess Hoya/ meeting HHQ.

it may well do.

Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment

32

Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment

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March A relatively quiet month on the ceremonial side, but very busy within barracks.

A number of inspections, both kit ride, khaki and drill as well as more full dress inspections kept everyone on their toes.

Meanwhile the RCMs handed over at the end of the month, with WO tRCMl VP

Maher RHG/D departing to HCR to be replaced by W01 (RCM) PG Maxwell

RHG/D.

(See separate report). Towards the end of the month, the Regitnent’s Officers attended the Regimental Ball at the Mansion House where all had great fun.

Meanwhile, the Blues and Royals Squadron provided a Travelling Escort to escort HRH The Prince of Wales on the occasion of the Tynwald Ceremony in the Isle of Man. Without doubt, the highlight ofthe month was the provision ofa Captain’s Escort for HM Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother on the occa— sion of her pageant.

April The build up to the Major General‘s Parade, the last for Major General Sir Evelyn Webb-Carter, dominated the month. The weather played havoc with the programme, and it was decided that the parade would be moved to Chelsea Barracks. This was not before the Adjutant’s rehearsal had taken place on the football fields opposite barracks, much to the consternation of the park’s offi— cials whose faces were something to behold as they surveyed what could only be described as something akin to the

Somme battlefield.

May The Major General’s Parade was a great success. Riding down Sloane Street and

August 2 The beginning of the month was domi— nated by the provision of a Travelling Escort to escort HM Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother from Clarence House to Buckingham Palace. The parade will never be forgotten by anyone who rode on it or was fortunate enough to be involved; it was a truly memorable expe— rience. Soon afterwards the Regiment deployed to Bodney on its annual SumAs always an immense mer Camp. amount of enjoyment was had by all ranks as well as the horses, and it was with a certain amount of sadness that we upped sticks and returned to the concrete jungle that is London.

across Sloane Square was a novel affair for all concerned. There was not much point trying to ensure that everyone kept their eyes front due to the amount of‘top totty’ appearing from all angles. The Danish Ambassador wrote to thank the Commanding officer after the band played ‘Copenhagen’ as we passed his embassy. Soon afterwards, members of the Regiment were excelling at the Windsor Horse Show in both skill at Trooper arms and show jumping.

September After an unusually busy summer, the Regiment was able to afford a few weeks leave in preparation for the winter season. For those who remained behind, there were plenty of goings on at the Regiment, including a visit by Colonel The Blues and Royals and a very successful attempt in the ABF clay pigeon competition by our ever increasing team.

October October was uncharacteristically quiet; the calm before the storm that is normal< 1y November perhaps? The main aim was to get the Regiment back into shape for

the forthcoming State Visit and State Opening of Parliament.

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effort preparing for a State Visit for the King and Queen of Jordan, it was with sadness that we learnt of its cancellation due to security worries. However, it was not long before the Regiment was back on parade with the LG Squadron providing

an escort for the Lord Mayor’s Show, and the Blues and Royals Squadron providing a dismounted division for the Cenotaph Parade.

December An unusually late State Opening of Par“ liament meant that we had to keep the horses in longer than usual, with all the problems that entailed. The parade itself went extremely well although the Field Officer’s horse did try to pass the Queen’s carriage on more than one occasion! Hav— ing put the horses out to grass we were able to embark on our customary Christ— mas social extravaganza. The WOs and NCOs mess held an extremely successful ball, whilst shortly afterwards the majori~ ty of the Regiment attended the carol service held, for the first time, in the stables.

The drum horses did their best to electro— cute themselves by eating the fairy lights off the Christmas tree, but lived to bite another day following hasty intervention by their grooms. The final event of the year was brick hanging; people are still arguing about who was the last to leave but there is no doubt that whoever it was, he was in the Blues and Royals!

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June As always, the month’s highlight was the Queen’s Birthday Parade which passed without a hitch. The Garter service also went well, with good weather making both parades more enjoyable. At the beginning of the month, the Regiment held an ‘extravaganza’ day at Burton’s but court. Aimed primarily at families, attended by most of the Regiment, every— one who attended had a great time.

Direct dial telephone & voice mail, TVNideo (on timer), music centre, safe, hot drinks facility, fridge, iron, hair dryer, heated towel rail, fitted carpet, wash hand basin,

Goodsman LG received the Richmond Cup from The Queen, having been judged the Regiment’s best turned out Trooper.

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5 Photo Henry Del/5d

x «I

, The Blues and Reva/S Band leading The Reg/mew

Capra/n Birkbeck. Town/9y. Waygood and Peasgood

a! The Gamer Ceremony

not knowmg wh/ch way to look,

Household Cava/r/ Wa/k Pas! 7 Queen 5 Bio/Way Parade

36

Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment

‘

Heiuy’oeual

Sovele/gn'g Es'corl rank pas! HM The Queen MOI/76f

Photo HenwDEHa“

Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment

37

2c; .3 _ n\; Photo Hem Derrar

Photo: Hen/y DeHaI

CO and Father Christmas

Tpr Samson RHG/D an [/79 Christmas Fancy Dress

P"”"’ ““09”"

5: We Chrr'srmas Fancy Dress,

Photo: Henry Della!

Ta/Krng mm Tpr Pusey.”

PhotosHenstllal ~

LI CO/ (H) Dem/s Da/y preserrr/ng Capt Waygood, on Dolfy wr'rh [he Jump/mg prize at Summer Camp.

LCGH Bu/rrran RHGrD fry/Hg Hrgh

38

Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment

.. and Sparracuq mm 10 get efferfifrorw

‘

Capra/n Peasgmd arrd No 3 D/\:r8r0’7

Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment

39

capella. Ex Capital Canter signalled a welcome departure from a classic Bodney recipe of golf, fly—fishing and alfresco dining arrangements; the requirement for camouflage cream was however a severe test. Nevertheless Troop Tests were written to reflect the value of horses in a reconnaissance role. After The Windmill, Great Yarmouth proved to be the destination ofchoice for many, notably for Tpr Spearing.

The Life Guards Squadron he Life Guards Squadron at HCMR has completed an occasionally frantic ‘ceremonial—year’ in 2000, which began with the Windsor escort for the Queen of Denmark in February and con-

cluded with the State Opening of Parliament in December. The squadron has also been under pressure to meet, what

has felt like increasing and extraneous demands on manpower.

Our horses’ annual sojourn at winter grass in Melton had to be curtailed in January to prepare for the first of two planned State Visits and at the unfortunate expense of Winter Camps, a large minority of the Regiment completed their Individual Training Directives in March. Full dress inspec-

Capt ZN Catsaras LG W02 SCM JP Core. spectators,

past.

tions and horse inspections followed, before a now curiously placed Major General’s Inspection taking place at Chelsea Barracks in April.

ously hurt after a fall near Apsley House. Captain JNC Butah on the other hand, had an extremely secure ride on

The majority of The Life Guards Squadron, including the whole of the Musical Ride spent July in St. James Park in period costume, to our amusement but much to the distress ofthe gardeners of The Royal Parks. The Royal Military Tattoo had transformed Horse Guards Parade and provided an appropriate stage for the Queen Mother’s

100th Birthday Celebrations and a Cap» tain’s Escort found by the squadron.

Summer leave bracketed Regimental Training in August at Bodney, our spiri-

tual home.

The State Visit of the

Hashemite King and Queen ofJordan in October was cancelled at the last minute.

Leaving the squadron to concentrate on providing an escort for the Lord Mayor’s Procession. Finally, in December the squadron found the Standard Party for the State Opening of Parliament at which Her Majesty the Queen confirmed her government’s intention to introduce a bill ‘to enable a free vote to take place on the future of hunting with dogs. ’

Vilez in a trial officers’ saddle.

RAC. At the Major General’s Review of the Queen’s Birthday Parade, Major HCB Briscoe soon discovered why the Crown Equerry doesn’t ride Merlin on parade. The Blues and Royals Squadron found the Standard Party on a remarkably dusty Queen’s Birthday Parade, Captain ZN Catsaras and Captain RAH Peasgood commanded the Life Guards’ Divisions.

Both squadrons, less the Staircase Party suffered in the heat during the Garter Service in June.

Her

LCoH Wyard fell at the charge of the Royalist Cavalry at the RMT when his v— shaped attachment failed; a signal mes— sage was released immediately to sus— pend their use Army-wide.

Majesty The Queen was said to be pleased with the standard of the escort and amused by Warlords reaction to the National Anthem, the Field Officer was not amused.

Captain AJL Fox-Pitt exhibited fine head carriage for Her Majesty The Queen Mother, although ZuzAlors!’ had other ideas, (we told you so).

The squadron took their place at the right of the line, somewhere between the Kings Troop (RHA) and Jerry Hall in the rank

Individual achievement this year has included a Richmond Trophy win for Tpr Goodsman and victory in the Commanding Officer’s Trumpeters Competition for Tpr Slowey. Tpr Smith was responsible for saving the lives of many horses and men by acting promptly to deal with a fire in the stable yard. At the Royal Windsor Horse Show Tpr Mann and E'elech represented the squadron in the second round and were placed, a not insignificant result.

In the course of the year the Squadron has received 21 recruits from training and posted 18 to HCR. The squadron has lost Captain ZN Catsaras to Shrivenham, Captain AJL Fox-Pitt to Copehill Down, Captain C] Trietline to Fermanagh and Captain RAH Peasgood to the Adju»

tant’s office.

There replacements are:

no

.t _

7

4.

Lieutenant RSI Derry, the rugby officer, Captain JNC Butah, the equestrian offi— cer, Captain JH Blount, the skiing officer and Lieutenant JG Rees-Davis, the squash officer. W02 SCM JP Core, who has finally been re-united with his namesake, has replaced W02 SCM P Lana— han. Ten A—registration remounts have joined the squadron: Acorn, Aerial, Aqaba, Albert, Ardent, Arnhem, Arms, Asturias, Auriol and Azkaban, 3 were returned (Aden, Amazon and Asphalt).

Kermit and Opera have been cast and Kit— tyhawk has been found a home with Mrs Varley.

Next year The Life Guards Squadron looks forward to working ablu— tions, full manning and their annual leave entitlement.

ment for the squadron at our BBQ, made possible by SCpl SQMC D Stevenson and kindly supported by some civilian supporting riders. Captain JH Blount did protest too much, but eventually agreed to perform a

lent Captain C] Trietline commanded the Marching Party at the Cavalry Memorial Parade and W02 SCM JP Core carried the Standard dismounted,

«it

we"? ‘ Maj HCB Br/‘scoe LG r/dr‘hg Red Hand for The Master of The Horse on the Colone/‘s Review for The Queen’s Birthday Parade.

Tprs Day/e, Sieadrrrah and Earrres 65. Life Guards, at Ho/Kham Beach

Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment

40

aaz'xa

Cap! AJL Fox-Pitt and Charger, Zut A/ors.

Unfortunately this was not our year at Regimental Training Camp, although there were some fine individual performances from Tpr Perry in the Show Jumping and Tprs Powell and Mason in the Handy Hunter Competitions. The Squadron Leader and SCM were just too quick!

LCpl Stay and the One Troop team were unbeaten in the football competition, but the squadron Tugof-War team was beaten by all-comers, except HCTW. Perhaps inevitably SCpl Miller provided much of the entertain-

Something was rotten in the State Visit of the Queen of Denmark at Windsor where Syria succumbed to colic in tem— porary stabling, and where Regimental Watering Orders also became the subject of Parliamentary questions. The Major General’s Parade was, due to the change of venue rather more modest than the regiment expects the next to be; rumours ofa canter past are still rife. . . A trucu—

for the benefit of the remainder of the

At Regimental Drills in Hyde

Park for the State Opening Tpr Douglass had a particularly rotten ride on Yeoman, miraculously neither were seri-

Members of the squadron have taken part in numerous adventurous training exercises, including Ex Iron Horse, the Household Cavalry Motorcycle Club battlefield tour ofAnzio and Cassino and Ex Cockney Maple, HCMR support to The Masters Tournament at Spruce Meadows. Sporting achievement, or at least sporting participation included a num— ber of GOC’s Sports Days and the Flora London Marathon for W02 SCM Lana— han. LCpl McKenzie and LCpl West also provided the Commanding Officer with an impressive Pentathlon trophy for his office.

The Winter Training Troop under Captain AJL Fox-Pitt assisted by LCpl Ravenscroft from the squadron has flourished. Even Captain RAH Peasgood was eventually persuaded to experience ‘winter—training’.

Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment

41

Palace. With the last parade of the summer over both horses and men richly deserved the break from ceremonial duties up at Thetford.

The Blues and Royals Mounted Squadron ike a ‘Cavalry Black’ let loose in Leicestershire, the Squadron’s year 2000 started in a blind rush, sped up, continued flat out throughout the sum— mer; paused momentarily to enjoy the delights of Thetford and then struggled at a rather more sedate pace to reach the end of the year.

On return from Christmas leave and the millennium celebrations, the Squadron found itself in almost immediate prepa— ration for the visit of the Queen of Den~ mark in Windsor. It was a sign of the times, that the exercising of horses around more ‘rural’ Windsor, home of the Household Cavalry was less well received by the inhabitants than by those in central London. The parade went well, with an extremely fast escort chas— ing the carriage through the streets to the castle.

Squadron Headquarters remained light and streamlined for the start of the year, following the departure of Capt R R Philipson—Stow the Squadron 21C to the Yeomanry in November 1999.The Squadron Leader, W02 (SCM) Smith and SCpl (SQMC) Hastings all noted for their subtle equine expertise relied heavily on their steady steeds, Sunningdale, Montrose and Oswald respectively. It was debatable whether the horses deserved the back supports that all SHQ wore, more so than their jockeys! The team was richly enhanced in April with

the arrival of Captain Boyd as 21C direct from Melton.

The Major Generals Inspection was

forced by the weather to take place in Chelsea Barracks. The alternative, despite tradition had an infinitely better

Major Eyre awarding Tpr McGur’ver the Son Jun/or Riders Handy Hunter prize.

f.»

B/ues and Floya/s prize winners - Reg/mental Training. approach march with the whole Regi» ment following the Band down Sloane Street. The Squadron acquitted itself well, with only the standard of the ancient sheepskins catching the Major Generals’ eye.

The spring allowed the Squadron some breathing space; Captain Antelme took 25 ‘rugby players’ on hugely successful tour to Cyprus. Both LCpls’ Ramsden and Trencher played extremely well under the seasoned coaching from CoH Spandley. Captain Brennan in one of many his ‘final’ roles as assistant Adjutant ran the Regimental ITD training at Pirbright. Meanwhile Captain Townley, under some direction, took up almost permanent residence on the duty sheet and therefore was hugely popular in the

Officers’ Mess.

The Squadrons efforts at Tent Pegging and Skill at Arms were actively encour— aged by CoH Jones, who with the help of LCoHs Freeman and Allison organised the training and competed in several events. CoH Jones moment of glory at Regimental Training sadly wasn’t to be, as his faithful mount Rangoon also felt the enormity of the inter Squadron competi— tion and decided to charge down the escaping umpire.

Captain’s Dick and Brennan, took a Captains Escort to the Isle of Man to escort the Prince ofWales at the opening oftheir Parliament. Manx hospitality was thor— oughly enjoyed by all and ensured that the SCM and CoH Gardner were kept on their toes. Both Escorts went without incident, and the Squadron was truly grateful for the help and friendship that they were shown. «a. a. H. atom;- “W

Summer saw the gradual but still intense build up and rehearsals for the Queen’s Birthday Parade, the weather was unusually dry and especially hot for the rehearsals.

On the occasion of the Queen’s Birthday Parade, June 17th: the Squadron paraded the Standard, carried

by WO 2 Smith, who was being carefully tracked through the dust by Sky News, (having already given them several pri» vate interviewsl). Despite being almost hidden by the huge amount of dust created by the proceeding guns on the march past, the parade went well. The following Monday the weather was proved to be even hotter for the Garter Service. Silent amusement was shared, when a former Conservative leader walked past, to be greeted by the crowd with: ‘Come back Maggie, we need you!’

Much of the Squadron, especially those on the musical ride were kept busy by the 2000 the Life Guard Squadron provided an Escort for the Queen Mothers centenary celebrations. Captain Boyd, who led the lead Division and was enjoying his first public outing in his new guise, was surprised when he was discreetly relieved charger at the time looked as ifit may not last the distance. A timely and very wel— come reinforcement from the Regiment in Windsor considerably lightened a huge potential workload and ensured that the silly season stayed within the bounds of the possible.

The Squadron had the privilege of providing a travelling Escort for The Queen Mother for her Birthday on July 4th from St James’ Palace, down the Mall to Buck— ingham Palace. Tpr Edmond’s gave his

last

ii¢~

,.

On the equine front, a thorough build up programme, run by Captain Boyd ensured that both man and beast had the opportunity to make the most of Camp.

Two Troop under the firm direction of CoHs Fortune and Twyman swept the board in most the competitions. Cpl Abbot on Ramilies showed off his expertise winning the Junior Ranks Show jumping, with Tingley coming second and Cpl Featherstone fifth. Tprs Golder and Byrne won the Junior Rank’s CrossCountry, with Cpls Bodycoat and Featherstone wining the Port for the best dressing.

Tpr B/ake, Capt Brennan and Tpr Greenwood in relaxed mode.

ued their excellent run of success and deservedly attained the highest score.

Despite independent scoring from across the Regiment to ensure the Squadron Leader (the exercise author) could not prejudice the results, the RHG/D Troops still managed first, second and third.

The Squadron also proudly retained the Tug Of War Trophy.

After the success at camp, the Squadron took some well—deserved Summer Leave.

On 9 October the Colonel of the Regi— ment, the Princess Royal made an official visit to the Squadron, where she took the time to speak to all RHG/D soldiers and families in barracks. It was also fitting that she was able to give CoH Brown his Commendation for valuable service from Kosovo.

Royal Military Tattoo 2000.0n July 19th

of his horse by the Silver Stick whose

.,

Regimental Training AKA Summer Camp came and went in a blur! The Squadron reached Watton Camp on the northern edge of Thetford on August 8 and was soon into the swing of things using the excellently pre-prepared facili— ties. The SQMC, LCpl Hunt and Tpr Scott laid on a fine evening for the Squadron Party/ Skit night in the first week, which enabled the Squadron Leader to work out his hit list for the rest of camp. Tprs Wolfendale, Edmonds and Quickfall all deserve special mention for their acting abilities and LCoH Bulman continued to attempt to impress the guests with his ‘original’ party piece.

Inter Squadron rivalry was almost immediately tested in an outstanding impromptu evening generously hosted by the RCM and respective SCMs. Both Squadrons claimed temporary victory throughout the night and despite the camp being plunged into darkness, the Squadron acquitted itself with honour!

official

Royal

Salute

as

the

Squadron’s and Commanding Officer’s trumpeter, inside the courtyard of the

The Senior Ranks Show Jumping was won by the Adjutant, Capt Dick, closely followed by Captain’s Brennan, Boyd and Holmes.

The Senior Ranks Handy Hunter was won by Capt Brennan and COH Fortune, in second was Capt Boyd and SCpl (SQMC) Hastings and in third place Lt Townley and COH Gardner.

The Regimental Exercise lasted for two

The end of 2000 saw a large change in the orbat of the Squadron, Maj J P Eyre handed over command to Maj G V Woyka, both Captain’s Antelme and Brennan sadly left the Army for pastures new. Lt O Birkbeck smoothly slipped into the Squadron fold, giving excellent support to Capt Townley, the newly appointed Hunting Officer with the Orderly Officer plot.

days and gave many young troopers an insight in the recce role conducted by Windsor. To add true confusion the sec— ond day, which included Troop Tests, was mounted. Route reconnaissance, screen— ing, escorting carriages out of contact, skill at arms, and a troop shoot were all performed with horses. The Major Gen— eral, whose visit coincided with the exer» cise, was seen on several occasions charging through the woods, sword slashing left and right on the skill at arms range.

Captain Brennan and his troop contin-

The State Opening of Parliament marked the end of what had been an incredibly demanding year, and the Squadron held the limelight for much of it. While it kept everybody busy, the Squadron performed admirably, and the trophy winning performances at Regimental Camp bear testament to this form. 2001 should prove to be a quieter year, something that both the men and the horses will appreciate, but something that the families that support them richly deserve.

Ma/ Eyre brrefrng 3 Troop

Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment

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Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment

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Headquarters Squadron

W()2(SCM) Atkinson came 4th, and won the best dressing fence (far more important) riding Narvic and Sefton.

But far more impressive was Captain

Pickard’s 5th whilst riding Arganought which only passed out this year and his year has proved to be one of the busiest since the Silver Jubilee, HM The Queen Mothers 100th birthday has been but one of the commitments covered this season.

The Squadron has continued to provide manpower to both sabre Squadrons to fill saddles for escorts whilst continuing to provide the administration support for the Regiment through out the year. Commit— ments withstanding, many members of the Squadron have been able to leave Knightsbridge and travel to Italy, Canada, France and Germany.

Members of Headquarter Squadron con— tinue to have to keep their armoured trades up to an equal standard to those serving with the Armoured Regiment.

The exception to this rule is the perma— nent cadre of Farriers, Riding Staff, Saddlers and Tailors who form the expertise, which bonds the Regiment on ceremoni— al parades.

The year in Knightsbridge really start in earnest with kit inspections followed by the Major Generals Inspection, due to the wet weather the parade was moved to

Chelsea Barracks. This proved an inter» esting venue and caused chaos with the traffic in Sloane Street. The Birthday Parade followed quickly and then a departure from the normal yearly programme. The Royal Military Tattoo 2000 and the Queen Mother’s 100th birthday celebrations were the highlights of the summer. The Squadron provided many

personnel in support of both events, which were both, deemed a great success; the Queen Mother’s birthday parade was a superb afternoon and one that we will

not forget.

gave him a textbook round. In the Tug of War the Squadron narrowly lost to the Blues and Royals Squadron after an excellent competition, CoH Hadden MBE was the missing link and due to injuring his feet was unable to be fielded, bttt beware next year!

It was with great regret that we heard the news of three members of the

Squadron who died during this year.

All the deaths were unrelated but it has been a great shock and blow to all those serving.

LCpl Wall was a Welsh Guardsman serving in the Household Division stables, FLCOH Varley died in Windsor in September and lastly LCpl Coupe died in a motorcycle accident in December. All will be sadly missed and both FLCOH Varley’s and LCpl Coupe’s obituaries appear in this journal.

FSCp/ Newman. Master Saddler with COH Scove/l

Regimental Training soon followed in August, Bodney Camp has really become the second home of the Regiment. Headquarter Squadron is able to deploy en mass and departments set up in the various locations within the Camp. The atmosphere is excellent and relaxed after the rigors of the ceremonial season in London. The programme followed this year was the normal progressive pro— gramme with the final week being filled with Troop Tests, equine competitions and Open Day. Troop Tests were organised by Major J Eyre and Captain R Waygood, the Squadron played a major part in the running of the stands, SCpl Weller and

the Riding Staff produced an excellent Skill at Arms stand, which was con—

The Quartermaster getting dispatched,

structed through a wood, which pro— duced many suprises.

Coach Troop were the vehicle that required a mount— ed armed escort across the training area, the results look remarkably like a Sovereigns Escort with SA 80 rifles.

Squadron Headquarters ran the ranges which required the Troops to canter onto the range, dismount and fire their weapons at set targets then remount and gallop off the firing point, thank good— ness the Small Arms School Corp did not see the results!

The results from the Handy Hunters were also encouraging, in the Juniors HH FLCOH MacDonald came 4th and in the seniors the Squadron came 4th and 5th. The Squadron Leader and

The Adjutant onhis well behaved steed

Departments within the Squadron have been as busy as ever both on the work— ing and sporting fronts. The Regimental Admin Office has formed an instructional ride and are hoping to pass out in the spring, Major I Fryer joined the Regiment from the Welsh Guards as Paymaster and is looking forward to his first Major Generals Parade Riding mounted rather than on his feet. The Riding Staff under the expert guidance of the Riding Master have continued to compete at the highest level in all equine sports.

Through out the year a number of major changes have taken place within the command structure ofthe Squadron. Major] Lodge has departed to the Royal Yeomanry as Quartermaster and handed over to Major] S Holbrook as Squadron Leader. We welcome back to Knightsbridge Captain D Pickard as Quartermaster; Captain M Whatley has departed to a job

in Civil Affairs at Minley Manor. Captain C T Haywood has replaced Major S Sanderson MBE as Riding Master.

‘Sandy’ leaves the Regiment after 30 years service, most of those have been spent in the Mounted Regiment and he will leave an enormous vacuum behind in knowledge and experience. We all wish

him and his family the very best of luck and good fortune in the future.

Other

departures have been WOZ(SCM) Harris 27, WOZ(RQMC) Atkinson, SCpl O’Connor, LCoH (General) Radford all to civil— ian life and WOZ(RQMC) Kingston MBE on commissioning, our best wishes go with them all.

The Forge The year 2000 brought many changes within the department. WOll (FQMC) Wright finshed his ZZyears with the Regi— ment with a very enjoyable dining out. A warm thank you goes out to him for his dedication whilst serving within the department. This allowed FSCpL Newman to take up the reins and move into the new millennium with a busy and hard working team. A farrier exchange was started early in the year with a farrier from the Guard Republican in Paris coming to work in the forge for 5 days. In November FLCoH Macdonald reciprocated by visit— ing them in Paris, taking party in both equestrian and farriery activities.

During Regimental training at Bodney camp the whole forge competed in the Norfolk Shoeing Competition with some good results, but more importantly much needed experience was gained. At the DAC competition at Melton Mowbray FLCOH Macdonald achieved 4th place (senior), and FLCpl‘s Darlington and Gray winning the Best Army apprentice and most improved Army Farrier shields respectively.

Promotions meant that the Regimental Veterinary Officer became Major

Holmes; FLCOH Adams became FCoH and FLCpl’s Gammage and Conroy became FLCoHS’s The focal point of the year was the Millennium Dinner for all the past and present Army Farriers, held in the WOS’ & NCOS’ Mess. In total 126 people attended with the Master of the Worshipful Company of Farriers, Lady Graham as our guest. The dinner was organised by FLCOH Conroy, who managed to get in touch with past farriers as far back as the 19505 and as far travelled as Scotland.

The three Farrier Majors spoke on current and past issues.

September saw the loss of the forge department‘s best—loved character FLCOH Charlie Varley, who sadly died on the 7th September. A large congrega— tion said their farewells to Charlie at the Guards chapel, while the coffin bearers from the forge laid him to rest, which proved to be one of the hardest days of their lives.

As we close the year the Squadron is looking forward to 2001 with the oppor— tunity to take Christmas and New Years leave and draw breath before the ceremonial season for 2001.

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Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment

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Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment

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WOs’ and NCOS’ Mess

Musical Ride for the Season 2000

mas and New Year leave over and straight into the New Years Dinner.

The Commanding Officer delivered a most informative “State of the nation address”.

On The 19th January, the Commander Household Cavalry, who is always a welcomed guest, visited the

he season began late for the Musical Ride this year, but with a good deal of change in the Personalities involved this was for the most part seen as quite a helpful period in which the new Riding Master, new Ride Officer and new Ride Corporal of Horse could get their feet under the table and set the tempo for the Year.

mess.

Through to March, on the 7th the mess held the Millennium Lunch, which was a grand and spectacular lunch with sou— venir pocket watches on the place mats for all who were present at the lunch and serving in the Regiment at the time. On

Captain CWG Rodway, RHG/D success-

the l6th March, the WO’s and SCpls lunched out the W01 (RCM) Maher, fol— lowed by his dining out on the 18t ' The mess played host on the 25th March

to the WO’s Past and Present RHG/D Club.

Cavalry Sunday on 14‘1'l May was as well attended as ever, followed by an informa— tive lecture on Horses of War on the Monday, hosted by the mess. The 20th May saw the dining out of W02 (SCM) Lanahan, where the RCM gave an in depth speech on the SCM’s career. The Wives Club held a well attended quiz night on the ZSIh May, ending a very busy period.

On the 24th June, the Riding Staff held their lunch with some of the old faces returning to chew the hay. In early August the mess moved up to Bodney Camp in Norfolk. In the second week, the WO’s and SCpls held a lunch to say goodbye to the outgoing Riding Master, Major Sanderson. The main entertainment for camp, and what everyone was waiting for, was the mess review, a great chance for the budding thespians to

show off their talents. W02 Master Tai-

L to R W02 Button. WO2 Mills W02 Atkinson WOt Wolfendale, Comcl, RCM Maxwell. W02 Smith.

W02 Plane/s, W02 Lazenbury. W02 Core.

lor Alan Button led the gang assisted by CsoH Jones and Davidson. The Master Tailor then finished the review off with a show stopping rendition of the Prodigy’s ‘Fire Starter’, which brought the house down. After the review, food was served and then it was outside for the games night, organised by W02 Dave Coleman.

After Training Camp, which took us into late August, September was written off with some well earned leave. 0n October 6t , the mess held a dinner to dine out CoH Gook and LCoH Radford, with the RCM and BCM providing an excel— lent double act, recounting the lives and times of the pair. We then wished them both well in their new careers. November 4[ saw another dining out, this time for W02 RQMC Atkinson and W02

SCM Harris.

The RCM once again

recounting their lives and times helped out by W02 SCM Smith, who also organised the whole event, which was very much enjoyed by all who attended.

Remembrance Sunday at the Cavalry

Something important to talk about! RQMC Kingston, Master Tailor. SCM Trg Wing. Master Saddler

Memorial in Hyde Park saw a good turn out. It was followed by an act of Remembrance at the RHG/D bombing memori— al. The RCM then very kindly invited everyone back to the mess. November was finished off with a dining out for the outgoing Commander Household Caval—

ry, Colonel WT Browne, on the 24111 which was a most enjoyable evening in the mess, with all mess members present, organised by the PMC, W02 Master Tailor AA Button. December Brick Hang~

ing was organised by W02 SCM Paul Core, and a great ceremony it was.

Colonel Ellery hung the brick in fine fashion, everyone enjoying the hanging ofthe brick brought the year in the mess calendar to an end. We wished each other a happy Christmas and a prosper— ous New Year for the Regiment at the Falklands Ball, which was a splendid event organised by W02 Master Saddler Tim Mills and his committee.

fully handed over to Captain RAH Peas— good, LG in January handing on a programme that seemed rather full. This in the event is exactly what it turned out to be, with some ofthe most unusual things that the Musical Ride has ever done.

With the Administration of the new CoH, SJ Knowles LG, the Ride began their selection process under the watchful guidance of the new Riding Master, Captain CT Haywood. This process was extremely successful, with the major talent standing out clearly, and providing some rather entertaining moments in the Indoor School with some very young horses who were obviously not that thrilled to be providing seats for some of the newer recruits to the Ride!

With the fresh blood (sometimes literal— ly) recruited and with 20% of the horses being used for the first time on the Ride, it became the job of the Riding Master, ably assisted by LCpl Ravenscroft LG, LCpl Blakeway LG, LCpl Bovey RHG/D and LCpl Early RHG/D (the Spurmen who returned to the Ride), to convert all the raw talent into a more manageable unit. This happened rather more quick— ly than anticipated thanks to a lot of hard

work and sweat from the members.

Our first real test came in front of the Major General after his parade and went very well. The Major General gave us his blessing to begin our season and so began the adventure for those of us who were new to the Musical Ride.

The routine remained sim- . - ' i ilar to that of last year, with the plan still to use the ‘modern’ theme shown off '

so well at Olympia in 1999 ‘ for any indoor performances we may have had.

(As it turned out we did not have a single indoor show this season, which has helped the young horses with their con— fidence) Our first run was at the South Suffolk Show for a 1-day show in blazing sunshine and 26 degrees centigrade of heat for 2 performances, the Show host— ed us admirably.

With this heavenly start under our belts the Ride moved swiftly from Venue [0 Venue (a full list of all shows will be at the bottom of the article) enjoying the most successful season since Major Woyka was last at the helm. There were some undoubted highlights for the Year; The Royal Military Tattoo 2000 was the most ambitious project taken on by the Army in recent years, if not ever, and involved 2 weeks and 100 horses from the Regiment being stabled in St. James’ Park. This was truly a momentous event

w ,n/ Regimental Training. and all those who took part (after the inevitable whingeing to begin with) enjoyed themselves thoroughly as well as learning quite a lot about how to handle horses under pressure!

The Royal Welsh Show was another undoubted highlight both from the point of View of the 250,000 people that saw us over 4 days and, perhaps more importantly, also from the exceptional quality and quantity of the nightlife!

To describe the wonders of each show would take more than this entire journal, suffice it to say that the Musical Ride is thriving, has had a good year this year and with Captain JBC Butah at the helm of next year’s European Tour it should be a first class 2001.

W02 SCM Smith snowmg SCpl SOMC Stevenson who‘s boss/

‘l 1. if i l. j, ,l l

.-

-

Capt RAH Peasgood leads the Musical Ride as they pass the 2 iii/long marker at Ascot

Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment

Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment

47

All the horses, in addition to the HMCR commitment were stabled in ‘Horse City’, a sectioned off area dedicated to the equestrian element ofthe pageant.

The Band of The Life Guards

Rehearsals at all times of the day and he Year 2000 Ill. The expectations of the nation in celebration at the turn of the century were perhaps not as catas— trophic or ‘over the top’ as the media were riding on. Everyone certainly felt that the event should not go unnoticed and The Trumpeters of The Life Guards were lined up at the Millennium Pier by the infamous Dome at Greenwich to welcome the arrival of Her Majesty to the opening night festivities.

night took place for a week before the event under the watchful eye of Major Sanderson and the present Riding Master in equestrian skills, and Lt Col Waterer of the Royal Marines overseeing the musical rehearsals. It was staged at Horse Guards Parade, complete with two feet of imported ‘tan’ giving a realistic surface to the parade ground for the cantering or charg— ing cavalry sequences (not the band I might add at this speed!) during the performances.

The Trumpeters and their families were able to participate in the celebrations within the Dome, rather than having to queue for their tickets at Stratford Station like other celebrities on the night.

The stands for the public were construct— ed around this arena facing the Horse Guards Building, which became the back— drop to all the various acts. It proved to be a fantastic show.

The Band of The Life Guards has now passed the Millennium Year, or is it actu— ally ‘The year’ in 2001.. anyway, it’s been a very busy year nevertheless with the usual crop of engagements, visits, rehearsals for ‘gigs’, and travel far and wide.

The beginning of the year saw the Band at Wormwood Scrubs once again, on the outside I might add, to prepare for the Musical Ride with musical support in their new routine with new riders.

There were three musicians riding with the display from the Band. Each year,

the Bands of the Household Cavalry lend musicians to the Ride to fulfil the Trum— peters and Drum Horse Timpanists role

for the season.

This year featured LCpl Eccles on Timps on the Drum Horse (normally a Trom« bone player), Musn Thorpe (Horn) and Musn Dickinson (Tuba) on Trumpets.

There has been considerable emphasis on recruiting this year. At a time when the Band has been consistently under

strength by three or four musicians each year over the past four years, the results of our endeavours to recruit through a vari— ety of means, is at last beginning to bear

fruit.

A successful schools tour in March in the Preston area, followed by a succession of work experience candidates to Knights— bridge are two examples where the Band is promoting itself as a future career for

aspiring musicians.

Incentives continue with visits by The

. S

The Royal Military Tattoo 2000. Horse Guards Parade.

Ma] Torrent, Director of Music. fo/iowed byWO2 (ABC/W Francis ing musician troopers from the Squadrons at Knightsbridge for an addi— tional avenue of recruitment.

preparations for The Major General’s Review of The Household Cavalry. Not in Hyde Park this year, but in Chelsea Barracks, owing to the soggy conditions

So, all in all, Band strengths will rise to maintain maximum numbers in time.

of the turf outside the barracks at

Meanwhile, the Band has given some notable concerts over the season.

To name but a few, a particular concert in Haileybury School nearly brought the house down in April. We were perform— ing for an ABF (Army Benevolent Fund) Concert at the public school in Hertford with an extremely good choir in the school chapel, a wonderful building.

Quite a sight for the public with the unex— pected procession of Band and Regiment riding down towards Sloane Square on their way to Chelsea. Then, it was past the Danish Embassy, at which point the Bands struck up with ‘Wonderful Copenhagen’, to the delight of the Danes!

During rehearsals, the percussion depart— ment placed their empty cases at the back of the stage area. Rehearsals went well, tea was served, and preparations were underway to see the packed audience to their seats after the reception.

At that point, black acrid smoke appeared from the back of the stage whereupon it was discovered the previously redundant spotlights had been switched on, heating up the plastic drum boxes, causing toxic fumes to permeate through the church.

Evacuation took place immediately resulting in a delay for the concert by half an hour! No lasting damage though, and a memorable concert to boot.

Royal Military School of Music musi« cians, who are as yet, uncommitted recruits. We have even researched exist—

The Commanding Officer’s Inspections took precedence in the following weeks in

Knightsbridge.

This was followed by The Queen Moth— er’s 100th Birthday Pageant. This again proved to be a resounding success where the Band took pride of place to celebrate this monumental occasion along with all the other participants.

The season continued with orchestral work at the various investitures at Buckingham Palace, Trumpet engagements far and wide, from The Mansion House to Westminster Abbey, and the Concert Band performing at agricultural shows in Cheshire, The Royal Ascot Week, and a variety of ABF events at Thursford, Portsmouth and Thorney Island.

Poor SCpl White had a narrow escape at Sloane Square when his horse suddenly spooked and unseated his rider. A kindly policeman was on hand to assist him while he got back on top and continued, a little shaken, but not stirred.

The Grand Prix at Silverstone was held early this year.

The weather was appalling. The heavens opened the week before, culminating in a quagmire at the course, effectively bringing spectators and participants to a grinding halt on all roads to Silverstone. We left Knightsbridge at 0430 hrs and eventually arrived at Silver— stone at 1245 hrs. Not a good day for the Grand Prix.

The Queen’s Birthday Parade with the various reviews passed offsplendidly with all participants excelling themselves with first class deportment and pride.

Our week of performances at Eastbourne Bandstand continued after a brief visit to the Annual Camp at Bodney for the Regimental Open Day. This proved very suc-

LCp/ Darcy, Personalities within the Band over the year have always seen a number of changes with imminent retirements and new arrivals. At the time of going to press last year, we lost Musician Taylor, ‘Darryl’ to his friends.

He had served for nine years with the Life Guards. He was formerly with the RMAS Sandhurst Band. He is a fine pianist and trombone player who was always on hand at Investitures to ‘tickle the ivories’ or at social events where his expertise at ‘busking’ was legendary. He has since settled in Norfolk where we wish him well.

Another milestone in the history of the Band saw the departure of CoH (Ollie) Gook, the band’s principal Alto Saxo« phone player. Always a dedicated Life Guard, he had family connections of course where his father was a LG SCM within the same barracks. CoH Gook was also a keen biker and enjoyed many tours with the Household Cavalry Bike Club. We wish him well for the future where he has also settled in Norfolk.

We also see the departure of Musn Hag» gerty. As a clarinettist he will be sorely missed. He was with the band for eight years and moves on to a career in the police. He’ll always be remembered for a fondness for ‘Truffles’ (Tryfynwy) his musical ride trumpet horse, and his nickname, related to his strong London connections, ‘Geezer’.

film crew from the Discovery Channel who were filming as part of an ongoing documentary on life in the Household

Musician Barnes, the first female musi» cian in the band moved on to Sandhurst in May where she was successfully placed on the Officer Cadet course. She is due to Pass Out in May 2001.Unfortunately for the band, her career change takes her

Cavalry

out of Army Music where she had played

cessful this year and was enhanced by the Then came The RMT (The Royal Mili— tary Tattoo). This was an event organised as a Tri-service spectacular to celebrate the Millennium. Assisted and directed by Major Sir Michael Parker, it proved to be a fantastic pageant of the last 100 years.

The Band played its part during the Restoration of Charles II sequence as a walk on / walk off part. It was very effective and added to the Trumpeters who were employed in the finale.

During the Autumn season, the Band travelled to Birmingham for a commercial event in the ICC Building, where we not only entertained a group of businessmen at a Corporate function, but also celebrated ' the Director of Music’s 50fh Birthday at the hotel that evening!

Meanwhile, the bandstand concerts were well received and enjoyed by the musicians themselves. We actually perform about 150 pieces of music at this event, so it proved an equally testing time for many of them.

oboe and piano for the last two years.

However she is to be congratulated and the band will miss her.

on Leonidas. at the RMT 2000 Maher). They successfully passed riding school and have already made a very good impression in the band. Also Musn Patterson (Flute) who is just about to start Kit Ride.

One of the most recognised musicians in the band with 2’5 years service in The Life Guards Band is Warrant Officer Class Two Ian Graves, who leaves the Army in April.

He was a stunning Trumpet player with the band for many years. He had a personality to match his size and could always be relied upon to uphold the tra— ditions of the Band, maintain standards and give everything to support the Regiment in sport, social commitments, and a pride in his job. Currently on continuance service, W02 Graves has fulfilled most appointments in the band as Trumpet Major, Band Corporal Major, and even goalie in the band’s football team and certainly, a very fine musician. We wish him well for the future.

The Band have just completed their Christmas season, beginning with a highly successful concert in Guildford Cathedral in aid of The Princess Alice Hospice, and ending with a memorable Regimental Carol Service held in Hyde Park Barracks.

Memorable indeed, owing to the traditional setting of the Nativity, with the congregation singing carols in the stables complete with bales of hay for pews, decorated Christmas tree, tinsel and two drum horses. The only missing animals, the cattle and sheep were left to the imagination.

The Band continues to enjoy the band life in Knightsbridge, and the signs are looking good in recruiting, with high quality band engagements for the future and a continued support with The Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment.

Meanwhile we welcome Musn Ashworth (Cornet / Trumpet and Piano) and Musn Maher (Clarinet and sister to LCoH

Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment

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Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment

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The Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment Training Wing (HCTW)

By Captain R G Waygood — LG he Millennium has brought yet another busy year to the HCTW with a number of changes both within the training system and the key person— alities.

The most substantial change being the introduction of a new revised training program Dutyman 2000.

HCTW has moved to HCMR on all state occasions and assisted with both band turn outs and staircase parties under the watchful eye of W02 (SCM) DM Coleman who must know more about Her Majesty’s stairwell and lst relief under the arms (the chits) than any other Household Cavalryman.

national newspapers. On return from Camp Rhine Ride where up ridden by some 10 days which pleased both students and squadrons not to mention Major Eyre whose dog left a calling card in my office just prior to the Command— ing Officer arriving.

During the year we bade farewell to Cap— tain C. T Haywood RHG/D in April to assume position as Riding Master HCMR, CoH J. P Spandley wishing him well in civilian life in early 01, LCoH J McCauley LG, LCoH P McThune RHG/D (Coach Tp) both back to HCMR. And LCoH J Shaw

Regimental Training Camp saw Qua— tra~bras Ride passout in Khaki and carry out an excellent display on open day. A

very successful visit to Holkham beach took place where Granada Television spent the morning filming and pictures of the Training Wing appeared in many

RHG/D to HCR. We have welcomed myself Captain R. G Waygood LG in April 00, CoH G Jones RHG/D, LCoH D Kendle RHG/D, LCoH C Harrison RHG/D and LCoH J Hadley LG. HCTW has had a very successful year with the implementation of Dutyman 2000 pass rates for all Modules have risen. CoH Spandley will be a sad loss to the training wing having stamped his mark heavily on the drill course. 2001 will prove to be the real test of Dutyman 2000 as only time will tell but I firmly believe it is the way for— ward as long as we are all aware there is still room for improvement.

Dutyman 2000 was introduced during April 1999 with the intentions of making

a more soldier friendly and educational course, at the end of which soldiers would have passed both riding courses, NVQ Key Skills, and hold a full driving licence. The phase 2 training course now consists of 4 modules taking a total of 24 weeks.

Module 1 takes three weeks and includes cavalry foot drill and NVQ Key Skills, the former being run by CoH JP Spandley RHG/D and the latter by Mr M Pringle and his staff all being based at Knightsbridge.

CoH Spandley has found this task both challenging and rewarding, not only do trainees passout to a high standard, they had also been taught how to care for their state kit at an early stage of training. During this mod— ule trainees are also taught Regimental history with a comprehensive package, put together by the oracle himself that Victorian Father Spandley.

Module 2 is what the old stalwarts will refer to as Khaki ride. This has been reduced from 16 weeks to 14 weeks and

still takes place in Windsor. This reduc— tion however has not reflected in the standard of Khaki passouts, as drill is no longer included which allows the Khaki module to be purely equestrian orientated. A Khaki passout still takes place in

Household Division Winter Training Troop

By Captain P B A wanley, RHG/D

front of the Commanding Officer which includes the old chestnuts such as jumping with no stirrups, saluting to the left and name rank and number.

After a short weekend break trainees then move to HCMR to start Module 3 Kit/Ride. This has remained unchanged but has the added advantage that all State Kit is already fitted from the Drill Module. Parents and guests attend the passout which is taken by a VIP guest.

Trainees then embark on a weeks leave before attending the final part of their training.

Module 4 consists of one week satisfied soldier and a two week driving course at

Bovington. Satisfied soldier is a scheme that has been introduced where soldiers return to their hometown Recruiting Centres and recruit for the Regiments.

Dutyman 2000 has proved to be very successful and far more soldier friendly than the previous systems, producing soldiers that are better prepared for the rigours of

HCMR. Working conditions at the HCTW have improved dramatically, especially in the soldiers cleaning room where SCpl (SQMC) P Mitchell has done an amazing job of self-help. This facility now has adequate lockers, cleaning benches and believe it or not hot water and heating too!

he troop assembled at Melton Mow— bray in mid October and started autumn hunting almost immediately.

The practice of “holding up” is now a thing of the last century, so this meant that we enjoyed some splendid early morning hunts across country with all three of the packs to whom we subscribe.

The Quorn, the Belvoir and Cottesmore Hounds showing superb sport. This pro— vided a great opportunity for the younger horses to become used to hounds and the field. It also helped all sixteen of our horses to become hunting fit for the ceremonial season ahead.

LSgt Tavendale SG and LCpl Reaven— scroft LG continued to work extremely hard on the fitness programme back at Melton, trotting horses around the Leicestershire lanes and schooling hors— es in the crush over brush fences. This prepared the horses well for the season proper. Hopefully our “thrusters” from the Household Division would now have the opportunity to keep up with the hounds across those remaining areas of grass and stiff fences which High Leicestershire has become famous for.

The opening meet of the Quorn on 27th November 2000 was traditionally from Kirby Bellars in Friday country. A vast field and the exceptionally wet going meant that the hunt was limited to rid— ing the roads in the morning. However, with a reduced field in the afternoon and a good fox away from Mr Samworth’s farm, sport picked up, with a good run behind our Field master Mr Joss Han— bury MFH over his own lovely grass and

hedges from Thorpe Satchville.

LCp/ Ravenscroft on Assasin.

We continued to hunt up to December although the going after the exceptionally wet autumn of 2000 brought flooding to much of the country making hunting impossible in many areas. The days that we did hunt were frustrating for hunt staff and the field alike. Hunts had quite rightly imposed restrictions limiting rid—

ment. This completed, we reassembled at Melton and started hunting again on the 15th December. Many days from hear on were lost to fog and wet over the remaining Christmas period and leading up to New Year all the packs remained in kennels due to the heavy snow fall covering most of the Midlands.

ing across country. This was necessary as the very kind Leicestershire farmers could well do without 100 horses churning up the saturated ground.

The troop continued to turn horses out for the keen huntsman and women from HCMR, HCR and the Foot Guards who have made the trip to Leicestershire to hunt with great enthusiasm throughout the season. Sadly for the first week of December horses and men from the Winter Training Troop had to return to London for the State Opening of Parlia-

Always remembering the old hunting wisdom ofjorrocks ‘that there is no such thing as a bad days hunting, ’ ‘cept some days are better than others’. We contin— ued to make the most of this wonderful opportunity to hunt across some glorious country, even hopeful that the weather would subside and scent would improve.

The horses going particularly well clearly relishing their break from mounted duty and enjoying the galloping jump— ing, as much as the riders.

HCTW Holkham Beach. Tram/mg Camp 2000.

Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment

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Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment

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Household Cavalry News

Equitation

The Lord Strathcona’s Horse (Royal Canadians)

Despite a very busy year of all the normal ceremonial commitments plus the Royal Military Tattoo and the Queen Mothers 100 th Birthday, mem— bers of the Mounted Regiment have still managed to compete in the equestrian disciplines of Horse trials, including 3 day events, Showjumping, Tent pegging and Carriage driving.

The year started well in with some good results in showjumping, at civilian indoor shows. The main money winners being Captain Haywood with Vengeful, Captain Waygood with Fred, Spider and other chance rides. COH Jenkins carried on from the previous year, with some good results on Ramilies.

The 2 day show at HCTW Windsor which is run by the Riding Staff and the Training Wing, was well supported with a very good turnout from the Kings Troop RHA plus WOZ Hunter, COH Chambers travelling down from the Defence Animal Centre at Melton Mowbray. The prizes were spread pret— ty evenly across the units taking part.

The first major outdoor was Aldershot Horseshow, where members of the Rid— ing Staff were placed in both military and in some Civilian classes. Once again the main prize winners being the new Riding Master, Captain Haywood, the OC of the Training Wing, Captain Waygood, CoH Jenkins and LCoH Arkley.

The next show holding Military showjumping competitions was Royal Windsor, where we had won the Services Team jumping the previous 2 years.

Unfortunately it was not to be this year, when the Navy beat us in the jump off.

By Captain D R Boyd — RHG/D he Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment hosted 18 members of the Lord Strathcona’s Horse from the 28 Aug 7 29 Sep 00).The purpose of their visit was to carry out 7 Queen’s Life Guard’s at Horse Guards. To my knowledge, apart from the King’s Troop, Royal Horse Artillery, no other Regiment has carried out these duties.

Tent Pegging Team.

The next stop was the Royal Tournament, which was run over 3 days at Melton Mowbray. This is always a good 3 days of competition, where both novice and experienced riders get a chance pit their skills against each other in competitions both for novices and more advanced horses and riders.

Whilst at Regimental Training Camp, members of the Regiment attended the Wayland show, (it was a surprise that we were invited back after beating all the locals the previous year).

Once again we had another successful show, with wins for Captain Haywood, Cap— tain Waygood, SCpl Weller and COH Jenkins. We probably have better not go back in 2001!

The only riders competing in horse trails this year was Capt Waygood and SCpl Weller.

Captain Waygood had wins and placing in a number ofevents, resulting in 2 of his novice horses being

upgraded to Intermediate. He rode in 2 International 3 day events, these being Weston Park and Blenhiem 3 star event.

He is hoping to be selected to represent Great Britain at Saumur in France.

Which would qualify the horse and rider for Badminton and Burghley.

Tentpegging had another solid year building on the results achieved the previous year by Major Daniels the pre— vious RHG/D Squadron Leader. At the Royal Windsor Show LCpl Lewis was 3rd in the Individual competition. The Life Guards team of Captain Catsaras, LCoH Hodge, LCpl Dowsett and TprVeitch were 3rd in the Team competition. At the Royal Tournament The individual competition say Captain Catsaras in 4th place with LCoH Hodge in 5th. The team competition saw the

HCMR TEAMS IN STH and 6th.

After some very stiff competition from the Kings Troop RHA and the Police.

On the 30‘“ Aug each Lord Strathcona soldier was issued with his Cavalry horse and army tack. COH Jenkins RHG/D, then spent 8 days teaching them the intricacies of QLG. Their first guard was on the 8th Sep, which went according to plan.

On the 10‘" Sep the Lord Strathcona’s took part in a parade in Green Park. The parade started at Horse Guards Parade, carried on down the mall to the Canadi— an Memorial in Green Park, where a Memorial service was held.

The 12‘" Sep saw them start bouncing QLG, they were on every other day until the 22 Sep. By the end of the two weeks they were very happy not to see anymore polish and brasso!

There were two main highlights during the visit, the first being on the 17 Sep, when HRH The Prince of Wales (their Colonelein-Chief) came to Hyde Park Barracks to meet the whole troop. This went extremely well and finished with a photograph on the square.

The second highlight was unexpected.

The Lord Strathcona were on QLG on the morning of the 21 Sep, when a rumour was flying around that Her Majesty The Queen was due back in London with-

in the next few hours. _ This was 0830hrs, by 0955hrs the Lord Strath— cona had galloped down to Horse Guards to make up, and the RHG/D Sqn Guard had become a Long Guard and all within 2 hours.

At 1100hrs Her Majesty The Queen had been through Horse Guards, with the Lord Strathcona’s proudly carrying their Guidon.

HRH The Pr/nce of Wales meets members of the Lord Strathcona's Horse.

On Sat 23 Sep the Lord Strathcona’s rode off QLG for the last time, handed the horses and tack back over to the Sqns. They all then had 6 days to explore The British Isles/ Europe, on a well-deserved break before returning to Canada on Fri 29 Sep 00.

The conclusion of the visit was that it went extremely well. Some discussion had taken place between the two Commanding Officers, and it was hoped that the excel— lent relationship between the two Regiments would continue, and maybe could

become a regular occurrence.

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Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment

53

The Tynwald Ceremony Bt Captain A D Dick, RHG/D he Isle of Man is an independent country and completely separate from the United Kingdom in that it con— trols its own affairs. Whilst, being British, it acknowledges Queen Elizabeth II as sovereign and Lord of Man. The origins of Tynwald (The Manx Par— liament) are lost in antiquity but date back at least to the ninth century when Vikings had established settlements on the Island. The Manx Tynwald is there— fore over a thousand years old and has the longest continuous history of any legislature in the world.

This is the second time that the Regiment has been asked to provide an Escort for the Ceremony, the last time being in 1978. On this occasion, HRH The Prince of Wales was the dignitary opening the Tynwald, and the Blues and Royals Squadron were tasked with supplying a travelling escort for him. Not being one to shirk a hard job, both the Adjutant and Assistant Adjutant were quick to volunteer their services for the job and were selected, somewhat surpris— ingly, by the Squadron Leader.

amusement for the horses as they roamed around the stables looking for spilt feed!

The carriage and carriage horses from the Royal Mews were also stabled with us, and therefore we were able to go on two long rides into the hills accompanied by the carriage. The scenery was spec— tacular and the horses and soldiers had a great time. It was refreshing for us all to get up into the hills and see some greenery, the first opportunity to do so since our visit to Thetford in 1999.Worryingly, the route into the hills took us onto the TT Course. As there are no speed limits out in the mountains there was a real possibility of being approached by a posse of motorcyclists doing lSOmph.

Fortunately, our police escort provided enough of a deterrent to even the most determined biker.

bordered by a large chicken run, the

Tynwald day itself was on the 5 July 2000. However, on the preceding evening, we escorted The Prince of Wales along the promenade in the Island’s capital, Douglas. Fortunately, we were able to have a practice on the previous day, despite the appalling weather conditions. It was during this rehearsal, in Escort Rehearsal Order, that we discovered that in order to get back up the hill to the stables, the car» riage and escort had to canter. The sight ofa travelling escort cantering up a cliffside road with sparks flying from hooves and steam pouring off the horses was one that we will never forget. The fact that all the soldiers wanted to repeat the exer-

mcupantsof which provided plenty of

cise on the day itself byéegegggnony to

In order to settle in and acclimatise the horses, the escort moved to the isle 4 days before Tynwald day. We were sta— bled in temporary stables at Government House, the house of the Island’s present Lieutenant Governor, His Excellency Sir

Timothy Daunt KCMG.

The stables

were situated next to his house, and enabled all of us to enjoy the excellent views down to the Irish Sea; we were also

63:33,;

Capra/n Dick with me Rt Hon Mr Walter G/lbey. "

Loading onto the ferry. the enjoyment had by all. However the Adjutant, imagining scenes of looses horse galloping down the beach while a carriage rolled over a cliff decided that a longer, but slightly less steep route should be used on the day. Having failed to damage himself on this rehearsal, W02 (SCM) Smith managed to crush two fingers while weight training in the local gym. With two fingers strapped together it was touch and go whether he would ride on the parade.

A rapid redesign of his gauntlet by our saddler SCpl Goodwin meant that WOZ Smith was able to carry the Standard despite being in a great deal of pain.

amenity centre, known to us as a rubbish dump. It was fortunate that there were no press photographers present when HRH mounted the carriage in a narrow lane beside a depot full of old bathtubs and the odd curtain rail. The Escort itself went well, although the noise of the large crowd proved unsettling to some of the horses. Everyone on the parade rode excellently and showed the Regiment off at its best. It was refreshing to see so many people out on the streets showing a huge amount of patriotism.

Leading Section of Travelling Escort.

There were plenty of opportunities for us all to enjoy the social scene within Dou— glass. The numerous bars and night— clubs provided abundant entertainment; Tpr Litchfield enjoyed himselftoo much and was put on night guard for the remainder of the trip by the Corporal Major ~ unfazed by this, Tpr Litchfield managed to get the local women to visit him in the middle of the night as he worked in the stables at Government House — Officially the Adjutant and Corporal Major were very unimpressed.

Unofficially, well.... .

It was with sadness that we boarded the ferry back to mainland Britain.

Throughout our visit we had been hosted excellently and had wanted for nothing. In particular, we would like to thank The Rt Hon Mr Walter Gilbey, a member of the House of Keys, for arranging all our accommodation and transport as well as the hospitality during our stay. Without exception we had a fantastic time and look forward to attending the next Tynwald Ceremony.

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Household Cavalry News 54

Household Cavalry News

55

Here & There...

1“

Exchange Visit to the Garde Republicaine, Paris

,

“ -\

By Captain P B A wanley, RHG/D

Many people are unaware of the influence that the French Cavalry have on the Household Cavalry.

“Aigiulettes”, “Cartouche”, “Shabraque”, “Cuirass” and “Epaulette” reveal a will— ingness on our part to adopt the smarter pieces of uniform which that nation has created, but the ideas for many of those were gained via booty from the battle

field.

Happily there is a more friendly influence, which continues today through our

affiliations with the Garde Republicaine in Paris. There are only three mounted ceremonial units left in Europe: our own, the Royal Guard in Madrid and that in Paris. The Garde Republicaine descend from the Garde Imperiale of monarchist France and have changed little but in name since those times. They are therefore the closest counterparts that The Household Cavalry has and our affiliation together is natural.

The Garde Republicaine is now part of the Gendarmerie, meaning that its mem— bers are policemen rather than soldiers.

As with the Household Cavalry, people move between operational and ceremonial duties, but there are still a strong sense of pride in being part of the Garde.

The Components of the Garde are a mounted regiment and two battalions, and thus it equates to the Household Division. It is therefore one of the roles of the Gendarmerie to preserve the his-

toric traditions of military ceremonial in Paris Via the Garde. They are fortunate that they are fully manned, inhabit a series of beautiful and historic barracks in the centre of Paris and around the outskirts, together with having a very high standard of animal in their 50 horses.

At Hyde Park Barracks, we had acted as host to three members of the Regiment

of Cavalry from Paris and they became our host when I went over for four days with CoH Bye RHG/D and F/LCoH

Macdonald LG in the second week of November. We were accommodated in a comfortable hotel owned by the Gendarmerie near Saint Germain des Pres and this provided a driver at our dispos—

al. The focus of our visit was the Armistice Day Parade at the Arc de Triomphe on 11 November. It was a substantial and moving parade.

The

Champs Elysees was clear through its entire length, affording a magnificent setting for the Cavalry Regiment’s walk up.

They had about 200 horses on parade, with their mounted band, the only other one in the world. As with our own uniforms, theirs have changed little since the second part of the last century: black unjacked boots, white breeches, blue coatees, no cuirass but a brass hel— met with plume and long tail (criniere) down the back. It seemed to be a bizarre happening to me that a socialist republic should continue such splendor.

The more I saw of the Garde Republicaine over those days, the more it became clear that funding, manning, popularity and political support were not amongst their problems.

The Regiment of Cavalry live in style.

The quality oflife was high; three course lunches with wine as standard and some very fine horses. The standard of equitation was impressive, as revealed by a series of “special formations” which we attended. They are put on once a month in the main barracks in the presence of the General and Commanding Officer.

They are displays in period costume from the 17th century to the present day involving foot drill, music, dressage, motorbikes and the carousel (a larger version of our musical ride). Our host was the elegantly moustached Lt Col] L Salvador, the Commanding Officer.

Many of the horses were of exceptional quality. The lovely mid 191h century headquarters barracks was in the solemn and impressive “empire” style, with sev~ eral floors of accommodation above the stables in the traditional manner and an enormous indoor riding school.

Inevitably Dressage was generally the discipline in which they excelled and many of their best horses have a jigsaw of plaques and badges around their boxes revealing their achievements.

Our visit did not comprise of just being spectators at parades and displays, par— ticipators in mammoth lunches and visi— tors to the nightclub of Paris. We went out riding twice, both times in two large

roles ofthe Garde combine as the patrols are carried out on horseback. It is by far the most practical way to police the large rambling area of the forest, which counts drug dealers and prostitutes as its more habitual users. The second time we went riding was further outside Paris in the area surrounding the former Royal hunting lodge at Saint Germain. The Cavalry Regiment have their remount barracks there and they enjoy an enormous area of forest, turf and tracks in which they are able to test themselves and their horses. We had a long ride of about two and a half hours on two spirited horses who seemed little interested in the not very considerable amount of sleep that we had spent during preceding night, when the appeal of our beds had been matched against the nightclubs of the Champs Elysees. On our return we had yet another magnificent lunch with the customary wines and rich food. This was delightful as we certainly had an appetite. However we went to dinner that evening at Col Salvador’s favourite restaurant for even more truly indulgent food, the weariness of the day began to descend upon us.

Photo: Henry Del/a!

Phoro' Henry De/(al

Lt CO/ (H) Ray Giles, Windsor Knight. departing for duty on Garter Ceremony.

Photo: Henry Darla!

G/r/s on Top: Capt B/ount and Tpr Stowey with Anna Rider-Richardon

and Charlie Dr‘rnock.

The visit to Garde Republicaine which CoH Bye RHG/D, F/LCoH Macdonald LG and I enjoyed was a model of hospitality and pleasure. It would have not been possible of us to have been better treated or to have enjoyed ourselves more. I left with a profound respect of the way in which the Garde worked their high standards of horsemanship and sense of tradition. They have not only survived, but are thriving in a situation were some might have predicted demise.

There is also a terrific sense of fun and an emphasis of enjoyment. Hopefully, we look forward to receiving the Garde Republicaine at the Royal Windsor Horse Show in May 2001, when I look forward to returning the hospitality shown to us by our guide Captain Alain Droulle. The three of us are most grateful to him for organising such an enjoy— able trip to Paris and for continuing the special relationship between our two Regiments.

forests on either side of the city. The first time was in the Bois de Vincennes, a popular place for Parisian recreation of both the legal and less legal varieties.

Interestingly, the police and Cavalry

Household Cavalry News 56

Household Cavalry News

The Royal Military Tattoo

By Captain C T Haywood, RHG/D he first two weeks in July, saw a large number of men and horses moving from Hyde Park Barracks to take part in the The Royal Military Tat— too, on Horse Guards Parade. The hors— es were to be stabled in a purpose built stable area in Green Park, which became known as Horse City. This was to be the horses home and also home for some of us for the week of rehearsals and then for

the week of performances.

The undertaking was immense, Major Sir Michael Parker’s plan was to produce, in a week of rehearsals, a two and

Capt Haywood (Char/es II) and Capt Catsaras

halfhour professional show, saluting the Militaries role in the past, celebrating the present, and looking to the future.

This performance would include Aircraft, military vehicles, horses, pyrotech— nics, special effects, light and sound and a cast of over a thousand service and civilian personnel.

The Knights 0/ Ag/ncourt The Mounted Regiments’ commitment was considerable consisting of the Mounted Bands of both The Life Guards and the Blues and Royals, the Household Division stables, the Musical Ride and a troop from The Life Guards.

In all some 120 horses and manpower.

Horses being housed in Woodhouse boxes, of the type we use on Regimental Training Camp, at Norfolk. The manThe Battle of Waterloo.

power would travel daily to and from either Hyde Park Bks, or Combermere Bks. This was going to make the days very long during the first week of rehearsals.

We rode the horses to Horse City, Green Park on Tuesday 3rd July to start

rehearsals that day. Thereafter for the next 2 to 3 days, rehearsals consisted of the first horses being in the arena at 0730 am and finishing with Pyro and light training between 2130pm and 2230 pm.

As the week of rehearsals sped on at an amazing pace, we all really wondered whether this endeavour would work.

The first complete run through took place on the Friday; with the horse side of life going well, unfortunately this could not be said for some of the other units performing! First public preview was on Sunday. Rehearsal debriefs went on well into the early hours. Saturday’s dress rehearsal went well, apart from a couple of Royal Marines who, dressed as Vikings for the opening scene, managed to burn their wigs with the flaming torches they were carrying... We were all reassured when we were told that it would be all right on the night/

of “who has pinched my tights or stick on moustache”. When one minute you playing a British or French Knight at Agincout, a Roundhead or Cavalier during the Civil War, and the next a part of the Heavy Brigade Charge in the Crimea. Life was pretty hectic.

none of us would forget. Horses and personnel had achieved something most of us, apart from Sir Michael Parker thought would not work. It was by all accounts was a great success with the viewing public. As to the lure of the stage for a career, I thing most of us will give that a miss at present.

By the time the week drew to a close on Saturday 15 July, it was an experience

The public preview on Sunday went well with no major disasters and we all started to enjoy the experience as performing artistes. Life during the week of performances was a lot easier; horses were exercised at 0730 in the arena. Then a skeleton crew stayed on site until after lunch when the remainder of the man— power arrived.

During performances most mounted soldiers had a least one or two changes of costume and make up, resulting in lots

n-

The two Dreams of Music take a break.

41

Mom CameH Wlll7 the “Knights“

L to R: Gdsm Mont. Gdsm Bra/[made SCpl Weller LCp/ Roberts,

All photographs m m; article by courtesy at Henry Del/a!

Household Cavalry News 58

Household Cavalry News

59

The Queen Mother’s 100th Birthday Tribute

cern and we were all determined it must

go out on terrestrial television. At the same time the forest ofinstructions were

going out to all units. An important fac-

By Colonel W T Browne, RHG/D

tor was that for the Commonwealth Reg— iments this should be a memorable trip, to this end they were all to be hosted by British Regiments, this for the great part was a tremendous success.

t was a typically wet September day in 1999 when the Major General asked to see me. “Marvellous news, [here is going to be a 100th birthday tribute for Queen Elizabeth on Horse Guards next year. ” “What fun” quoth I. “ Yes says he and you are going to organise it!” So that’s how it started.

The

The first port of call was the Household

Very fortunately, and not surprisingly, there was considerable support for the whole scheme and The Major General agreed to the loan of 2 officers to the cause. Major John Petrie was already working in the HQ and Major Christopher Mitford-Slade LG was drafted in from the ACE Rapid Reaction Corps, prior to leaving the Army later in the year. The early days were taken up with producing a skeleton plan. In January the team began the serious business of inviting the participation of all those

.-.

.

.

U

,

.

Major

and

4 ..

HM The Queen Mother arriving at her Pageant” Regiments of which The Queen Mother is Colonel in Chief or in some way associated, this of course included those from the Commonwealth countries. Then it was identifying what logistic support would be required to support the event and from whence it was to come. In par— allel Michael Parker and his team, QMlOO, were doing the same for the civilian participants. Throughout the first 3 to 4 months the cooperation of all units in London District was exception— al, and that combined with the work done in the Headquarters ensured that we the project team were confident that

Colonel Toby Browne Presenting the Parade to HM The Queen Mother. »

Sergeant

to work out how they were going to get some 8000 people to both march past the Queen Mother and also remain on parade. The Adjutant at HCMR, Capt Alex Dick was very helpful in these deliberations as the pace stick was work— ing overtime.

Brian Ford, Senior Finance Manager in London District, was tying up the not inconsiderable problems posed by the various different contracts, not helped by some obstruction from outside the HQ. The true magnificence of the bureaucracy in this country was beginning to dawn in our dealings with various external agencies, although the majority were clearly keen to help make the event a success.

Cavalry archives, for I remembered that the Silver Stick at the time of Her Majesty’s 90th birthday had some how been involved. Since he was only com~ manding the parade there was not a plethora ofinformation. So to the MOD and the department that deals with matters ceremonial. They were very sorry but their records had been burnt. This was the moment when a mild sense of panic gripped my lower intestine, and as always in these moments I asked myself what Stringer would have done in such a situa» tion; after 30 minutes calm had returned.

Garrison

Michael Parker were meanwhile trying

the military side of the operation would go smoothly.

As the day approached the complicated task of ticketing the affair hit us. Since the event was to be free, in concert with QM100 an allocation plan was structured to ensure that all organisations partici— pating received a block of tickets.

Beyond that there were 2000 distributed to the public through the Sun and Sun— day Telegraph, and of course to the Royal Household and other VIPs. One major success was ITN wishing to televise the event live, this had been an area of con-

As the stands for RMTZOOO were going up we realised that the clock was ticking.

By this time confirmatory conferences with the support agencies both internal and external had shown that the plan— ning was up to speed and now it was a question ofwaiting for people to turn up.

The added interest of terrorist activity made little noticeable difference inside the cordon sanitaire of Horse Guards whilst outside the traffic systems were in chaos. The police were superb in this situation, and we were able to carry on to schedule as if nothing had happened.

It was a day ofminor miracles, great fun and at times frustration but for everyone an emotional roller coaster. To be marching off the final rehearsal as the first spectators arrived proved to everyone that it was a close run thing. The Escort set the tone for the whole tribute, and the Mounted Bands in their gold coats drew gasps of admiration. My own role in command ofthe parade was full of interest particularly when Thor , the horse on which I started the parade, decided he had done enough after the first half and someone else should have a turn (the vet declared him unfit with severe respiratory problems). Entering stage right and to the rear of the stands at the canter from Constitution Hill came Captain Bobby Boyd RHG/D on Quiberon who having fulfilled their role on the escort were on their way home.

Quiberon was not overly impressed by the noise or the entry tun» nel, but he was as solid as a rock; Queen Elizabeth was amused to learn afterwards that Household Cavalry Officers even require second horses for com— manding parades.

The tribute itself is now history, the camels, the children and the marvellous music; above all the clear enjoyment of both Queen Elizabeth and all those who were watching. It made all the effort worthwhile, all those who participated will treasure the memory, none more so than those in our bands and those lucky enough to have been in the escort. It remains for me to leave you with this thought, what is Michael Parker planning next? I’m not hanging around to find out.

On the 14 July the Commonwealth contingents began to role in, closely fol-

lowed by the home team, of whom the musical element had almost all been on RMTZOOO the preceding two weeks. So began a series of rehearsals for the military. There was a feeling of the surreal as Major Hugh Briscoe LG and the Cap— tains Escort tried various different ways of fitting a quart into a pint pot on Horse Guards as the sun rose on the morning of 18th July. The following day was D Day and the day the civilians arrived!

We lost touch with reality, let go of our marbles and watched in awe as the jug— gernaut under the direction of Michael Parker picked up break neck speed.

There were some priceless moments; the

Garrison Sergeant Major to Command ing Officer of the Kings Troop” You were given 35 paces, you’ve taken 35 and that’s all you’re getting Sir”. Not long after we received a message from

No 10 “ could the person on the micro— phone please turn his language down”, the Garrison Sergeant Major had just invited the Royal Marine band to clear

'

area.

And to some luckless

group “If you lot don’t hurry up the

Queen Mother will be 101 by the time you have passed”.

All photograon. .n [INS ante/e by con. .esy o

Household Cavalry News

60

Household Cavalry News

61

Exercise Iron Horse 2000 (21 - 30 June 2000) Household Cavalry Regiment Motorcycle Club (HCMCC) Battlefield Tour to Anzio and Cassino

By Captain R R Philipron-Stow, RHG/D fairly grim June morning saw the

HCMCC parade on the square at the Mounted Regiment prior to departing on this special Millennial Battlefield

Tour.

Twenty-six motorcycles of all

shapes and sizes, with officers and soldiers of all ranks and assorted wives and girlfriends, lined up opposite the Queen’s Life Guard (QLG) in an intend— ed symbolic gesture, supposedly mounting in similar fashion before riding stylishly out of the gate just before the QLG. Unfortunately this didn’t work out, as the noise upset the horses and led to the Club unceremoniously wheeling their bikes out of the barracks so as not

to offend.

Once off, money was on one of the two Harley Davidsons breaking down somewhere on the trip, so it was perhaps from an unexpected quarter that Sgt ‘Scruff’ Tidy RAVC, on his classic Laverda, met with a holed piston on the M2 to Dover!

What followed was a classic example of military ingenuity.

Left to his own devices on the hard shoulder by the rear party, with a ‘Good Luck’ ringing in his ears, Sgt Tidy started what was to become the epic tale of the trip. Howev— er, as it turned out, he wasn’t the only one with problems.

On arriving at Dover it emerged that the payment for the ferry tickets had not yet gone through, and there were only twenty minutes to boarding! With a lot ofMancunian charm, W02 (SCM) Harris RHG/D managed to chat up the ladies from Sea France, and the Club set to

Coleman LG - bringing up the rear — was just about to be processed, when a loud clamour of horns announced the arrival of Sgt Tidy in a recovery van. Quickly attached to the rear of W02 Coleman’s Harley by a short piece of string he was towed to the Ferry just as the doors were closing. On board at last, W02 Harris briefed the Club on the ship’s PA system, telling everyone to ‘meet at the bow of the ship; for those of you who don’t know where that is, it’s at the front!’

was off to the Auto Rail Station with Sgt Tidy still in tow. This train would take the Club and their bikes overnight to Nice, cutting out a day or two of riding, to meet up with the support team (con— sisting of CoH Beaumont RHG/D and LCpl Frampton RHG/D and a tail lift truck) who had departed a few days

before.

At this point the Club split into four groups — two fast, one medium and one slow — and headed for the first campsite across the border in Pisa. Shamefully, the poor navigational techniques from the previous tour were experienced again, with many rides taking ‘scenic’ routes over considerably different time periods to get to the same campsite. The Recce Group, comprising LCpls Beard, Hall and Tpr Meacher LG, were sup— posed to mark the route but, unfortu« nately, lived up to the expectations of many of the Club members in this task over the next few days.

‘It was in Pisa, at an American Forces campsite, that the one major incident of the tour took place. CoH Hadden MBE

W02 (SCM) Coleman showing the ”lighter’ side of his humour

At the end of the road. L to Ft: LCoH Smith RHG/D and W02 (SC/W) Harris RHG/D, nowhere left to go!

On arriving in a rather overcast Calais, it

boarding with precious few moments to spare. W02 Harris went first and held the boat while the rest were processed through passport control. W02 (SCM)

At the Anzio Beachhead Cemetery.

LCoH Crighton RHG/D showing how /t’s done. on the N85 » Rue Napoleon.

South France.

LG was quietly taking a shower when there was a minor earthquake and the ground gave way beneath him — or so he says. This resulted in an ambulance trip to Pisa hospital and a considerable num— ber of stitches in his feet, all with very little help from the Americans! After a few telephone calls to the British Embassy in Rome, where ‘ Our people’ spoke with ‘Their people’ little was resolved, and some six months later the court case is still pending.

The Club arrived at Anzio the following day, after another tortuous navigational exercise, where frayed tempers could only be sated by the delicious local ice cream.

The campsite was fortunately on the beach where British Forces had landed some fifty—six years before (a spectacular setting with the most wonderful weather, it was difficult for some ofthe Club not to think they were on holiday!)

The following morning, Major HCB Briscoe LG led the Club to the slopes of Monte Cassino sixty miles away. The twisting approach road gradually gave riders the view and subsequent appreciation of the scale of what their predecessors had achieved. The sheer magnitude of the mountain, and the portrayal of the formidable nature of the Axis obstacles placed in their path, made it easy to visualise why it had taken four major assaults over a three month period for the Allies to subdue the enemy ensconced there. Once at the top in the crowded car park, Club members were

shepherded into the imposing monastery to see from there the graphic details of possibly one of the bloodiest battles of the Second World War. It was certainly a sobering experience, and the visit to the Polish cemetery in the blistering heat gave even the liveliest of members something to contemplate. (It was the Poles who ultimately captured the monastery on 18 May 1944, suffering heavy casualties in the process.)

Back at Anzio it was time to prepare for the next day’s tour of the Beachhead and surrounding countryside, fought over so bitterly by the Allies and the Beastly Hun from January to May 1944. It fell to

Captain R R Philipson-Stow RHG/D and W02 (SCM) Coleman LG, to take the Club along a route following the Allied progression from the beaches, under the ‘Flyover’, past ‘The Factory’ and on up through the ‘Gully’ area to Campoleone Station, the furthest extent of the British advance. The whole area was very fiercely fought over, the Allies making rapid progress to Campoleone only to be pushed back by Jerry to the ‘Flyover’ where a dramatic last stand was staged, in some cases by rear echelon troops! Although nowhere near as spectacular as the previous day’s visit to Cassino, the Club got an excellent idea as to the ground contested by the British and Americans in their advance and withdrawal up the Anzio salient. In par— ticular, insight was gained into the

actions fought by the Grenadier, Irish and Welsh Guards along the route to and from the station, especially in the Gully, where Major the Hon W Sidney Gren Gds, earned the Victoria Cross.

After the final night’s barbecue, it was time for the long haul home. CoH Gook LG had managed to strip down Sgt Tidy’s bike to the bare bones, but it was decided that it was too badly damaged to

repair immediately. Sgt Tidy was there— fore reduced to riding pillion and com— manding the Recce Group (making a considerable improvement) on the return journey.

The return route took the Club through France, via the Pisa campsite, and fol— lowed the spectacular Via Aurelia north along the Italian Riviera into France.

On the way, the Club managed a brief stop in Monaco to hone their skills around the Formula One circuit — where LCoH Allum LG managed to have his bike confiscated for being stationary!

The route then took riders north again along the Rue N a p o l e o n (Napoleon’s route towards Paris after returning from exile in Elba), through Grasse, Grenoble, and Lyons and then on to Calais - a long haul for any motor— cyclist, but helped by the immaculate weather and wonderful riding conditions.

Tales of the tour are legion, all deserving a place in some archive or other.

Unfortunately there is not enough space in this article to give full credit to the tour, or to those who took part in it. In short, the tour was a huge success, giving Household Cavalry

soldiers the chance to visit spectacular battle sites, at a reasonable cost, in an exciting medium - something that many people never get the chance to do.

The HCMCC is open to all members of the regiment, past and present, their wives, girlfriends and associates by appointment. Next year the Club will visit Spain and Portugal to cover the peninsular battle sites of Braganza, Talavera, Salamanca and Vittoria.

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Household Cavalry News 62

Household Cavalry News

63

Exercise Iron Hawk

priority by HQ LAND, so that when they hit the prairie there is a solid foun-

dation from which to proceed.

Earth, Wind, Fire, Snow, Sleet, Rain and Mosquitos

By Major C B B Clee, RHG/D CR have had greater exposure to

Canada and BATUS over the last 3 years than we might have anticipated.

1998 saw us providing the OPFOR for the season, as well as conducting the first ever Exercise by a Reconnaissance Battle Group during Ex Med Man 5 (MMS 98), while 2000 saw us returning for the inau— gural exercise for the Lead Reconnais— sance Task Force (LRTF). The exercise was a combined affair with another new organisation, the Lead Aviation Task Force (LAvnTF). The outline concept was that the prairie would be used on a timeshare basis by the two battle groups, with a combined final exercise con— trolled by 3 (UK) Division. The exercise was breaking new ground — it must have been — we were told it often enough. The overriding thing to remember about Ex Iron Hawk is that it was big. Which is the first word to remember ~ ‘big’ (write it down if it helps). In total some 3,000 soldiers deployed to participate in/support what was, in essence, two Battle Groups (B65). All this in a training area geared up to accept about 1,200 troops at a time — How? The most immediate problem was accommodation. Camp Crowfoot, the usual BG camp has a capacity of 1,200.Well it did, we some how managed to squeeze in just over l,900,which left a shortfall of 1,000.It is all very well having to conduct a timeshare of the Prairie for training, but it would be pushing it slightly having to be hot bunking when off it. The solution — a 1,000 man tented camp for the LAvnTF known as Camp Eagle; dust and mosquitoes when you are on the Prairie, and dust and mosquitoes when you are off it. Fortunately the Camp Crowfoot experience,

You will all by now have firmly lodged in your minds that the exercise was large.

Any body who deploys on a large exer~ cise and imagines that one’s own training is a priority is naive; which comes to the next most important thing to remember, which is that every level of command and participating arm on Iron Hawk had an agenda. We were naive when we deployed, though we were less so by the end. What sort of agendas?

Well, BATUS was determined to prove that the exercise would demonstrate the wider utility of the training area beyond the routine training of armoured BGs. The Reece Brigade was determined to prove the efficacy of the concept of the LRTF, but only when subordinated to a 1 star Reece Brigade headquarters.

While 3 (UK) Division were determined to demonstrate that a brigade (3 BGs) could train at BATUS where only 2 BGs were deployed. While 16 Air Assault Brigade were determined to prove that they had nothing to prove. Underpinning all of this was the overriding agenda of the Royal Artillery to prove that combined arms meant gunners being supported by BGs, not, as convention would normally imagine, the other way round. Which leads to our second word — ‘agendas’.

The LRFT consisted of A and C Squadrons, B and Fire Support Companies from lSt Battalion the Queen’s Lancashire Regiment, Artillery Observers from 129 Dragon Battery RA, an Electronic Warfare listening detachment and a section of tracked air defence vehicles.

The organisation is not designed as an autonomous war fighting BG, rather as a deployable and mobile early entry force as part of the JRRF. In addition we were supported during the courseof the exer~ cise by a squadron pf Ifynx armed-heli— 1, ‘

The CO wonder/rig what ts actual/y uric/er the traces

copters, Chinook, fast air and a virtual unmanned aerial vehicle (VUAV). What is a VUAV? Well all the vehicles in BATUS are equipped with a transponder with a GPS called the BATUS asset tracking system (BATS). It transmits to EXCON every 3 minutes the location and identification of the vehicle. The data is fed to a computer database. The VUAV is a simulated UAV that flies around in the computerised world gener— ated up at EXCON on routes set by the BG headquarters. If, in this simulated or virtual world, it flies over a vehicle then the operator of the VUAV ‘sees it’ and can report the Vehicle type, time and location. Simple eh?! Much cheaper than a real UAV, and the experience gained using the VUAV is being used to inform the debate over the procurement of real ones in the future as well as the development of future games consoles.

Before a BG deploys to BATUS it normally has the opportunity to .qtl’rain

together. Its trainirt'g‘i's afforded some

By the

time we deployed to BATUS the LRTF had never trained together; our squadrons had had 5 days apiece on SPTA as a priority 14 user (that’s 1 higher than the local cadets) to shake themselves out; C Squadron had had no vehicles for much ofthe time prior to deploy~ ment due to the programme to fit diesel engines to CVR(T); RHQ’s vehicles only arrived back from dieselising 2 weeks before they were loaded for Canada. So in the round, we were unprepared, but raring to go.

The LRTF was complete in Canada by the end of Aug in time to start the 11 day live fire training.

The squadrons embarked on their own special to arms training, as did all the other component parts of the BG under the expert supervision of the BATUS training staff. For RHQ it provided a short interval to shake themselves out, and for the disparate staff to get to know each other.

The initial package was excellent, and the squadrons had a first class opportunity to build on the annual firing at Castlemartin. As with a normal BATUS, gradually the different elements of the BG were brought together until we start— ed our first live BG exercises. It was here that the first culture shock occurred.

There had been an assumption, danger— ous we know, but in the absence of any information one is forced to, that the exercise would continue along the lines of Ex MMS 98 with a definite recce focus. Not a bit of it! We found ourselves being drilled across the prairie as a light armoured battle group with CVR(T) doing a pretty poor impression of Challenger, and lorried infantry desperately trying to catch up. We developed the technique of flying the mortar platoon forward in Chinook with their ammunition, but we rapidly discovered that working with a support helicopter force brought new frictions and problems to the table. One particular misun» derstanding saw the mortar platoon take off at a particular time, rather than being ready to take off at that time. The result was that 6 mortar tubes and a helicopter led the BG advance. . .. Well, the mortars enjoyed it.

At the end of the live training most of the BG had a 5 day break off the prairie while the LAvnTF carried out their exercises supported, for this phase, by C Squadron. During a night advance to contact an electrical storm came through and the helicopters were all grounded.

As a result the Avn BG headquarters went to bed (can’t fly, won’t play), leaving

C Squadron and a dismounted company

of the Royal Irish on the ground talking to our liaison officer

W02 (SCM) Mills on the radio as he was . the only man in their headquarters above the rank of Corporal still up! C Squadron enjoyed getting wet, while the Royal Irish, despairing of ever getting a helicopter to fly them .‘. forward, hefted their The RGO email-(O Son Ldr rem/'nr‘sce about Chieftain! webbing and started a long march for the start line. When the train on the prairie at one time. However, weather breaks, the helicopters ground. during this phase it rained and snowed — The next item on the agenda was Ex Iron Fox — our Tactical Engagement Simulation (TES) Exercise orchestrated by the Reece Brigade in conjunction with the

BATUS staff. It was a curious affair. It involved going forward once, backwards once, and then getting run over once.

The focus of the training was to ensure that, as a disparate grouping, all the ele» ments gained maximum value — with the result no one gained very much. The Missions were too short, confused, the direction ambiguous and the OPFOR travelling as fast as ever. We finished the exercise infuriated, frustrated and bemused. Critical lessons learnt from MMS 98 were discarded by the training system, and artificial training con— straints cited as critical failings. One result was that potentially the most valu— able asset in the BG, the F005, charged around the prairie incapable of speaking to their squadrons and squandering both their fires and themselves in the face ofa fast moving, well drilled and aggressive enemy.

However, in the round we proved we could make it work. That brings us to the next word to remember — ‘make’.

It was with some relief that we came off the prairie for a break — all except A Squadron who went off to train with the LAvnTF. The break was just about a week, and the end result was that by the time we were deploying back onto the prairie for the Divisional exercise the vast majority of the BG rank and file were poor. Which is the next word to remember — ‘poor’. The divisional phase saw us, and the LAvnTF, lose our infantry companies to a hastily fortned light infantry BG under CO 1 QLR who was flown out for the exercise. The principle being to demonstrate that a brigade could train in BATUS. Actually what it demonstrated that was that Z squadrons of recce, 2 companies of lorried infantry and an aviation squadron struggled to

so at least we were training. Which is the final word to remember — ‘training’.

We were something ofa sideshow during this phase. This was highlighted by the fact that during the final AAR in which the map was a mass of blue triangles showing the location of our Observation Posts (OPs). However, the 3 (UK) Div Commander Royal Artillery and Commanding Officer of 3 Regiment AAC (a brief appearance by 4 lynx helicopters) dominated the entire debrief without mentioning us (over 60 CVR(T) deployed) once. I mentioned earlier vir— tual UAVs; during this final exercise we were little more than virtual OPS, the

difference being that unlike the cosy computer generated world of the boffins, it was bleeding freezing out there!

The tone of this article might seem rather acerbic. Ok it is. However, as a whole we achieved a great deal during our time in BATUS: the Squadrons worked supremely hard; confidence in the new diesel engine grew; we had an excellent live fire training package; we proved our ability to communicate over long distances; and finally young commanders grew in stature and confidence.

We gained a huge amount of experience from spending 10 days in the demanding world of TES operating against an extremely capable OPFOR from 2 RTR, even if we started to gain that dreadful sense of ‘De’ja vu’ with some of the missions towards the end of it all. We demonstrated conclusively the viability of formation recce, and we genuinely broke new ground; not only for BATUS, but also for the army as a whole. The training undoubtedly suffered from try— ing to employ an organisation designed for a fundamentally different job, in the high intensity environment. However, it was a showpiece exercise and if one now recounts the words that I asked you to remember, it says a lot that we achieved what we did.

F/na/ Orders - Interest /eve/ h/gh/

Household Cavalry News 64

Household Cavalry News

65

Execise Cockney Maple

Household Cavalry Museum Development Project

By David Walerhouse, formerly LG

By Major H C B Briscoe, LG he association between HCMR and Spruce Meadows began in the early 1980s and every year since then Ron and Marg Southern, as they like to be known, have invited a small Household Cavalry contingent to return. Our participation

absence of an available Troop Leader, Major HCB Briscoe LG was forced to lead the con— tingent.

in ‘The Masters’ International Show

Immediately following

Jumping Tournament had a special significance this year at the 25th anniver— sary and We continue to play an integral role in their Special Features Pro— gramme, specifically with event presen— tations and honour guard duties.

Regimental Training Camp, which was to serve as our equestrian preparation and full of the joys of Bodney, the HCMR contingent made preparations to

Spruce Meadows is a one hundred and sixty acre former cattle feedlot, ten kilometres south of the Calgary city limits,

leave for Calgary. This

Alberta, Canada. Opened in 1975 to provide a venue for international horse sports and to develop a breeding and training programme centred around the Hanoverian breed, Spruce Meadows now has the largest purse in international show jumping competition: The class

despite Tpr De Bruin’s I problems convincing :the Canadian High

Commission of his veracity and SCpl

he Museum Development Project is proceeding well. At the time of going to print we have received some helpful and constructive suggestions to improve the Project from the Heritage Lottery Fund.

They have invited us to submit our proposal at the end of this year, and much of our work in 2001 will be geared towards this. I am grateful to the Museum’s Trustees for the help and encouragement we have received from them to carry the

project forward.

The HMCF? Contingent: L to R: Tpr Allwood, CoH Goodwin, Tpr Cooper. SCpl Weller and Tpr De Bruin.

Weller’s inexperience with international air travel. The Kings Troop (RHA) travelled in style, but still were not upgraded.

formerly known as the du Maurier International offers prize money totalling $1 million. Spruce Meadows has an attendance over the period of the tournament in excess of 350,000 and television ratings in Canada exceed 300,000.

Traditionally Richmond Trophy entrants from HCMR are offered the chance to join Ex Cockney Maple, Tpr De Bruin from The Life Guards Squadron and Tprs Allwood and Cooper from The Blues and Royals Squadron this year.

The contingent also includes a member of the Riding Staff, SCpl Weller and a representative from the Saddlers’ Shop,

CoH Goodwin.

In the unfortunate

CoH Goodwin seems to hold the monopoly in the saddlers’ shop for Spruce Meadows and was greeted on our arrival as an old friend, but not one who was ever expected to come back! Nevertheless his experiences were valuable, certainly entertaining. SCpl Weller was responsible for assigning horses to men and for providing a structured build-up programme. All our horses had just returned from grass, one a ‘cavalry black’ Wig—Wam belonged to Her Majesty The Queen, having been presented to her during her visit to Spruce Meadows in 1990. Wig— lem was available for officers

Beiseker DZ to the North East ofCalgary after ‘The Masters’. Major HCB Briscoe LG had been slightly concerned by the fatality rate, but the remainder were in blissful ignorance. All completed both static line and free fall parachute descents and Tpr Cooper was particularly stable, CoH Goodwin remained behind to look for Sylvester.

The association of HCMR with Spruce Meadows and ‘The Masters’ is a longrunning and excellent tradition, which gives the Household Cavalry international exposure and the opportunity for some serious fun. Perhaps one year the Musical Ride will be invited to perform in the International Ring?

from BATUS to ride, although it’s not surprising that few of them took the opportunity.

Significant progress has been made during the past 12 months in developing the project to establish a new Household Cavalry Museum in the Horse Guards building in London. In the spring, a team of consultants called Locum Destination reported having examined all aspects of management, marketing and business planning for the new venture.

They had worked closely with the project team for over 6 months and their reports and recommendations were incorporated into the detailed application to the Her— itage Lottery Fund for assistance with the funding of the project. At the same time our project architects from the Hampshire County Council had concluded conducting an options appraisal study on the various design options open to us.

Their preferred solution was set before the Trustees for endorsement and then also incorporated into the Heritage Lottery Fund application.

The site of the proposed Museum at Horse Guards measures approximately 450 square meters. The main part of the Museum, accessed from Horse Guards Parade, is to be on 2 separate floors and include a significant retail area which

could be visited independently from the The schedule of event presentations and honour guards once ‘The Masters’ had started was a demanding one, made even more so by the necessity to immerse our» selves in the culture and spirit ofCalgary.

Jet lag meant that we were often awake until the early hours and constantly tired. However, on the whole the victory rides, performed to Strauss were collected. Only one member of the contingent joined the ESC. By coincidence at the same time that HCMR were at ‘The Masters’, in London the Lord Strathcona Horse (RC) were mounting Queen’s Life

main museum and free of charge. On the upper floor the story of the Household .‘,\‘.

‘

The area of Horse Guards that would comprise the new Museum can be seen at the left of the

picture behind the departing Queen '5 Life Guard.

Cavalry from the 17th century would be recounted through many of the most sig— nificant collections and at ground level the visitor would be shown the contemporary roles of the Regiments. Six stalls of the existing Queen’s Life Guard stables would also be incorporated into the Museum and concentrate on a ceremonial theme.

The final part of the Museum project at Horse Guards would involve converting the area of the old Manning and Records office directly above the flat of the Captain of the Queen’s Life Guard into an archive storage and retrieval area, where historical research could be conducted by appointment and where office space for the Museum Director and his staff would be created. In tandem with all these pro— posals there are plans to convert much of the existing Museum at Windsor not only to house the reserve collections but also to create a low cost, high quality learning

environment which would be the focus for educational visits.

A fundraising strategy for the project has been set in place and an Appeal office is situated within the existing Museum at Combermere Barracks. At the time of writing the Appeal has not been launched and has therefore not gone public. Some potential donors are being approached on a personal basis by the 24 strong Appeal committee and the intention is to have raised a significant part of the overall total by the time the Appeal does launch in the autumn.

Any queries regarding any aspect of the Museum development project can be directed tozThe Appeal Office, Comber— mere Barracks Windsor, SL4 3DN

Tel: 01753 755194 Fax: 01753 755112 e—mail: appeal@hcav.fsnet.co.uk

,. 4'2“” W,

Guard at Horse Guards for the first time.

Country Guam Goultlcri’tinnnuy Lil} l’irntrt lenlfj'

Tpr Cooper in flight.

Ex Fast Air the adventurous training element of Ex Cockney Maple took place at

\ 1

SCpl Weller, post Radetsky.

Guard would be Six stalls oi the e><is in 9 s ables of . The Queen’s Life incorporated into the new Museum

The vaulted rooms that would form part of the first floor area of the main museum.

Household Cavalry News 66

Household Cavalry News

67

llllllfllllsfl

Exercise Burnaby Blue

lIlll

lllLl.

By Major 5 C mees, RHG/D

Burnaby Blue started out as a vague idea to carry out some adventure training and ended up as a 24 man, 8 Lan— drover expedition which covered 11 coun— tries, 11,150 kilometers and crossed four time zones. The opportunity arose as a

The gas chambers at Auschwitz-Birkenau are now two rubble filled holes measuring not much more than 30x15 meters. They seem so derelict and innocent now and it is hard to imagine that over 1,500,000 men, women and children were murdered

result of D squadron’s vehicles being lost

inside them.

to the QDG and so, bolstered by the Major General and no doubt helped by the fact that everyone else’s focus was on Canada, the expedition became a reality.

The narrative that follows is taken from our journal and I hope gives a flavour for what we were able to see, experience and achieve.

It was really only when we finally got on the ferry that we all began to believe that the expedition was going to become a reality. We landed in Calais and immediately decided to go to the nearest Hypermarche and duly followed LCoH Mar— don’s directions. When we ended up in an obscure timber yard, mutiny was start— ing to break out in my vehicle. Mardon muttered something about having only taken the train before which lands at a dif-

ferent place to the ferry so it was no won— der that we were lost!

He is better now

but his wife did tell me that he didn’t trav— el well in boats...

Plagued with vehicle problems, we went on to the concentration camp at Auschwitz. It is very hard to describe the feelings and emotions which are evoked on such a visit and not one of us came away unmoved. The enormity of what we

have seen is still far from our grasp and I think it will take some considerable

reflection before we realise exactly what we have been privileged enough to see.

A brief by the Sqn Ldr , Bucharest

Tpr Smith also became the Polish mili~ tary expert having taken a taxi to no less than 7 military bases in Cracow whilst trying to find his way home. I now realise that it is simply not enough to just make sure that I have given all of my soldiers a written copy of the address and telephone number. Oh no, the black art is trying to make them remember that they have it on them when they get into the taxi!

The first of our humanitarian projects went well, however, Trooper Bostock did manage to blow up the plumbing. We found ourselves attacked on all sides by furious wasps who had a nest under a manhole to the rear of the building. Hav» ing dispatched him to dispatch them, he proceeded to pour petrol over the manhole and then, why oh why, throw the whole plastic jerry can onto the fire.

Needless to say, some sort of pressure build up took place and the manhole cover took off in what can only be described as a wasp spectacular. We have since had a chemistry lesson and I feel happier about future fuel stops.

We then moved on and entered Ukraine which was certainly an experience and seems to have been left behind as Poland progressed. The countryside is wide, flat, never-ending and overall best described as raw. The towns are desperately poor Auschwitz.

and horse and cart is the primary method of transport. The majority of traffic seems to be weary old trucks _ in fact from being one of the oldest vehicles in UK we were

now amongst the youngest. We were only outdone by the occasional S class Mer~ cedes which roared past at 100 mph, without plates on, no doubt direct from Paris!

The roads leave a little to be desired and the towns seem to bear little resemblance to what appears on the map. The local policemen also seemed quite keen to pull us over for speeding at every opportunity.

Fair’s fair, but when you pass a sign say— ing 40, then 200 meters on a sign saying 70 and then another 200 meters on a sign saying 50 it becomes a bit confusing!

The drive through the country was long, really long, and again the roads were fairly horrendous. Occasionally a new section appeared to have been made, howev-

er these were invariably closed off forcing two way trafflc onto one side of the road.

It is as if they are so pleased with these stretches that no—one is allowed to use them in case they get ruined!

Kiev was fantastic and combines the tra— ditional with the Communist legacy.

There are some vastly imposing Stalinist buildings, perhaps the most spectacular

,)

§h

,

é;

.

A typica/ June — vehicle maint/

We had a very lucky escape when LCoH Hammond’s trailer came unhooked on the motorway (kind description) due to the locking pin working loose over the relentless furrows. Thankfully it veered straight off the road causing no harm or injury to us or anyone else. It reminded us of the fragility of our small independent expedition and how much we depend on the vehicles and a helping hand from on high to aid us on our way. Luckily the spare Landrover engine and parts weren’t on the trailer, unluckily it went down a steep bank which took most of us to pull it up from. They are heavy!

being the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. It has a series of dwarfing columns on top of which a Ukrainian national symbol has been superimposed over the old Hammer and Sickle fairly well. Statues of Lenin still appear in public places and the whole

place has the continued atmosphere of a country struggling to shed the former communist era.

. .c . " Drying the tents after an extreme/y wet night.

Independence Savarc, Tb/isi, Georgia.

MEI/Of SC Tomes and SC/Vi Pi/chowu Col PB Rogers in Gal/bolt

We finally reached Odessa and ended up amongst a vast collection ofmassive, cold, mostly crumbling, dilapidated, sorry and desperate looking apartment blocks. This is the post-communist legacy at its very best. The whole industrial area (where the Soviet style blocks are) has a feeling of abandonment and poverty. Many of the older generation we have talked to have said how they were better off with the communists where they were provided for in every sense, even if they spent most of their lives making Kalashnikov trigger guards. There is still a general atmosphere of resignation and it will be years before the vitality and vigour that most of us take for granted will spread here. It will definitely be a country for the young, energetic entrepreneur and life exists in the big city.

We have had an interesting succession of petrol stops at garages which bore no resemblance to what we are used to. One was truly splendid and the owner is top of the list for emergent capitalism lessons. It is impossible to fill up and then pay there.

One has to tell the attendant how much

5

Pte Sacco in front of the gates at Auschwitz

fuel one wants and then that is your ration. Any more involves considerable negotiation and even more confusion.

Coupled with only one working pump and 8 vehicles together the system somewhat collapses and even offers of cash, hard currency included, cause general desponden— cy and rolling eyes.

Our next stop, skirting the war torn Moldova which we had planned to drive through, was Romania. After the long and vast featureless expanses of Ukraine it has been a sheer delight to drive through a beautiful and picturesque country. It is incredibly similar to what Switzerland must have looked like 200 years ago.

We had a really spectacular day on our arrival in Bucharest and were thoroughly well looked after by the Romanian mili~ tary. I went with the officers and SCpl

Panter and CoH Barrett to the Ministry of Defence for a meeting with one of the Romanian Three Star Generals. It was exactly how one might imagine such a meeting - it was held in a large and impressive room with seats set out on either side for the two ‘delegations’ to face each other from, all very hierarchically arranged with tables, coffee, note-takers and translators all over the place. We took the lap top to show off some of the digital pictures which we had taken of the pro— ject. Of course the battery seemed to have lost all of it’s charge and so before the General came in I plugged it into the wall.

The lead was of course not long enough so it was left charging on a side table whilst the discussions started. The moment of truth came all too soon and I produced the lap top with 14% charge in it and only managed to get away with the slide show by the skin of my teeth!

One of the murals, Sasay Orphanage Azebaijan

Bulgaria was a welcome and well needed break from the monotony of driving hour after hour, day after day. We managed to recharge our batteries with copious amounts of interesting Bulgarian food, including ‘hot-chilly meatballs’, ‘poigniant sauce’ and ‘crab, octopus and squits’ We then went to Gallipoli where we were met by Colonel P B Rogers who took us all on a fantastic battlefield tour of the W1 battlefields. It was certainly sobering to realise that over 45,000 allied troops fought and died there. It was interesting to see the large number of Australian and New Zealand back—packers who made the pilgrimage and one forgets how it has become almost an icon to those whose national identities on the world stage were created in that far flung corner of the world.

Capadocia was next and quite extraordinary it was too, consisting of a sandstone plateau which had been covered by magma. It has been much weathered now and overall the landscape looks like a large undulating field of heightened moguls. It is broken up by pillars which have been formed by magma protecting the sandstone beneath whilst all around them is eroded. The soft stone has meant that through the ages people have been able to carve out dwellings and other ‘buildings’ for themselves. The most impressive is

around the town of Goreme which was home to Greek monks in the 10‘h and 11‘h Centuries and which still has much of the original paintwork in the churches.

The scenery on the way to Georgia was the most spectacular yet and I would do it an injustice to try and describe it. That hav— ing been said I will now give it a go! It has

Household Cavalry News 63

Household Cavalry News

69

Meanwhile the retard next door, who was being served tea by a dwarf as we walked in, had decided that our bundles of dollars were short. Elementary mistake, but we hadn’t counted it in front of him. For some reason he only pocketed $8 dollars so we got let off lightly there.

2..

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Ii

Col-i Pass working Sta/ag il/ been almost entirely mountainous with a rich variety of colours. The rocks change from deep red through to dark black through to light yellow, often within the same hill. The hills themselves are a cross between lunar, Mediterranean and Alpine and change with every yard. Between the ranges are wide open plains with almost

As we neared Baku, we smelt it long before we saw it. The smell of sulphur and crude oil hangs in the air and the edge of the Caspian sea is full of tankers and lit up oil rigs. It is to the green electric-powered car driver, what a slaughterhouse is to a vege— tarian! We had planned to sail across the Caspian and finally saw the ferry about which there appeared to be many conflicting reports. It was extremely rusty and there are apparently three of them which work a form of rota. It appears that the crossing is dependent upon when the ferry is full and when the Captain feels like going. We heard that it once sailed around in circles for three days to force everyone to buy the food on ship. Helpll Thank goodness we had army rations. I had visions of us circling the Caspian for weeks as the Captain watched our ever dwindling supply of food with a glint in his eye. . . .

nothing in them save for an amazing selec— Our final humanitarian project was the tion of birds of prey scouring the ground from above. The vegetation is less varied and moves from fir trees to pathetic scrub with almost nothing between them. We also saw our first snow clad mountains in the near distance and the complementing drop in temperature has convinced us that we have lost the summer for good. The people here are a far cry from the cos« mopolitan crowds of Istanbul and Ankara.

There is a real poverty here and as well as the tents, we have seen neolithic stone vil—

most difficult. None of us had experience

We finally arrived in Tibilisi, the capital of

of dealing with children like these and images of children bundled up in cloths, in one case with his hands tied to his nappy/cloth, were a complete shock at first. We saw some of the children being bathed and were again shocked to see an emaciated child being carried by an arm and a leg to the bath, a large red bucket.

Many of the children stay in their beds all day and we were told that those who have difficulty eating do not have time wasted on them and so continue to go downhill.

We were also told how in the winter one lady saw a dead child being taken out each week. The children’s conditions seem to

Georgia.

Georgia was fascinating and

stem from the fact that this area was the

overall would benefit from a really good scrub down. It is exactly what one would imagine from an ex-soviet republic - poor, dirty, confused and without any apparent infrastructure.

Soviet Union’s petro—chemical centre and health and safety was obviously not an issue. We laugh and joke about these mat— ters now but it is frightening to see the harsh reality of an untamed industry.

lages with cattle wandering in and out of the dwellings.

And then Azerbaijan. The openness of the corruption was quite spectacular as the first mindless, and quite obviously retard— ed, border guard explained how we were being given a discount on our car tax and

My greatest sadness was that we were forced to stop in Azerbaijan and were unable to continue east of the Caspian due to Foreign Office advice. This caused no

that he would give us a receipt for the

that our extraction plan had all been fine— ly tuned around Uzbekistan. The east was barred, north was Chechnya, south was Iran and west was Nagorno~Karabach.

There was nothing to do but fly home.

whole sum but take $20 per vehicle for himself. Considerable negotiations then took place and we finally capitulated on the basis that we were paying what we thought the going rate should be. We coughed up $360 only to hear a sharp

intake of breath and be told that $1 bills were not acceptable!

Exchange to the French Young Officers Course

By Lieutenant M 7 Heath, RHG/D

Tpr Smith reviving a Landrover in the middle of the night in Ukraine.

show a documentary on the expedition.

We also had two articles in The Daily Tele— graph, an article in The Mail on Sunday, a slot on London Tonight, much local press, have a large article in Tatler, an article in the Geographical magazine and finally I was asked to lecture at the Royal Geographical Society.

We were also on National TV in the three countries we worked in and had something like 14 local newspaper articles in Azerbaijan alone.

One peculiarity was that the army refused to give us any funding and would not recognise us as an adventure training expedition. I firmly believe that we man— aged to achieve much more than most army organised events and in terms of PR alone must have paid our way! Had we been an exercise, an adventure training trip or a battlefield tour alone, we would have been funded. Sadly we did all three and the mountain of military bureaucracy just couldn’t cope. We raised all of the cash for the trip ourselves and managed to get nearly £50,000 in under 6 months — not an experience that I would wish to do again in a hurry!

Overall we had the experience of a lifetime and I am sure that few of us will have the opportunity again. Our thanks must go to all of those who made the trip possible.

Perhaps most important here are our

sponsors who are too numerous to name end of problems, not least of which was

We managed to get a great deal of interest in many quarters. We took a Channel 4 film crew for starters who are planning to

individually here but included the Regiment and RAC central fund amongst oth— ers. Considering that one of the expedi— tion had never even been to London before the trip, we fully achieved our aim of adventure, training and education and it is an experience that I would urge others towards. Who knows, but I am already planning Burnaby Blue II!

Last June Cornet Viney and I were asked to participate in what is essentially the French Army’s version of the Young Officers’ course. This is conducted in a similar way to our own, after commissioning although before joining one’s own Regiment. It is slightly more integrated than our system, in that all Corps gather in Mailly- le—Camp and conduct their training culminating in an exercise with more of an All Arms emphasis than our Troop Leaders course.

did it even threaten to dampen our spirits.

The first of our military activities was an introduction to the various personalities working in the Headquarters. All arms were r6presented and they each had a computer informing them what their soldiers were doing and also allowing them to do things such as fire missions. All the vehicles had tracking devices on them and this information was in turn sent back to Headquarters where the battle could be viewed and assessed.

We had planned to have a night in Paris before going on to Mailly — le — Camp but, with both of us thinking the other had organised something, nothing happened.

We made it nowhere near the George V, in fact, the nearest was probably some grotty Travelodge on the motorway.

After a familiarisation package with some

On the Saturday morning after a Sand— hurst style departure time we arrived at Dover and caught the ferry to Calais. This gave us time to brush up on some French, which was obviously going to come in fairly handy. I had studied French from Prep School through to A—Level and was fairly confident that I could remember almost nothing. Cornet Viney, whose family have a house in France and who had studied it more recently than me, assured me that, with his spoken French, we would not encounter any problems. I believed him until we hit the first tollbooth and he asked for a recipe. Needless to say we did not get one, but at least remembered the word for receipt. Before arriving at Mailly-le-Camp we had a fairly lengthy jour— ney, the part through the Champagne region was regrettably short and unproductive.

Our arrival was greeted with some confu» sion. We had no instructions other than to go to Mailly-le-Camp. There turned out to be several camps on offer and the one We chose happened to be totally unconnected with our visit. After halfan hour of very strained French, lots of misunderstandings and several phone calls we had managed to convey whom we were. We were taken to another camp where the young French Cavalry Officers were living. Compared with Salisbury Plain, Sen— nybridge or any of the other places we use to exercise it all seemed very civilised; tented accommodation, beds, a Mess, showers and even wine with lunch and dinner. Going on exercise suddenly did not seem all that bad! The most disarming aspect was the total lack of rain, not once

of their weapons and recce vehicles the day came to a close and we retired to the Mess for a very respectable dinner. Wine and whisky flowed very freely, and by this stage of the evening our French, if not fluent, was certainly more liquid. It was only the thought of an early start that stopped a game of cards going on well into the small hours.

We deployed the following morning on a two-day exercise, which was fundamentally a withdrawal.

At various points throughout the day the Direct— ing Staff would come and see us, be debriefed on how the Subalterns thought they were doing and also allow us to swap vehicles so we had the opportunity to get hands on experi—

ence of as much as pos-

Cornet Viney was driving, and despite his attempts to break the land speed record, the death toll was fairly low; one unfortunate French dog and a bird. In the evening all arms represented gathered for a barbecue, which was fuelled by lots of good food and French beer.

The Cavalry were preparing to fire in the South of France over the next two days, and so it was that we spent our time either with them or in the Headquarters gaining a greater insight into what the training area is capable of. Unfortunately we did not have the chance to go with them to fire. Coming from the world of 30mm firing a 105mm would have been quite a

coup.

We were looked after very well and it was a worthwhile experience. Anyone given the opportunity to go on exercise with a foreign army should do so. I hope the French Officers who came to us were shown as good a time.

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the same as us. However, it was useful and interesting to note the small differences. For example, the size of some of the vehicles and weapons they use are considerably greater than anything we have in the recce world.

We had the afternoon off following the exer— cise and managed to get to Brest, a very beautiful medieval town with a stunning Cathedral, which was unfortunate— ly under renovation when we were there.

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Household Cavalry News 70

Household Cavalry News

71

Cape to Cape Rally

P Company

By Captainj‘A S Bellman, RHG/D

By Lieutenant MSP Berry, LG

wo years ago, whilst in Canada, Colonel Barney White-Spunner, the then Commanding Officer, mentioned that a friend of his had a space available in his car on the London to Cape Town Car Rally and asked did he have anyone in the Regiment who would like to go. Colonel Barney mentioned it, briefly, to me as I had been in South Africa the year before with the Coldstream Guards and was keen

to return. I was meant to be in Canada for the final Med—Man exercise and so copious amounts of pathetic pleading ensued on my part. Eventually after saturation boredom from my repeated nagging Colonel Barney agreed to let me go if only to get rid of me; some two years down the line I still find myself pathetically pleading, but to Colonel Tabor.

The latest of pleas was the Cape to Cape Challenge, ‘an exercise in route planning, map reading and teamwork’, apparently.

The challenge was to drive from Nord— kapp, the most northern point of Norway to Cape Tarifa, the most southern point of Spain. The whole event was to be com— pleted within the speed limits of the countries you passed through and in addition your team could select its own route through Europe.

of 35 cars. A good start, the drivers ahead were clearly intent on making good steady progress and staying within national speed limits. All vehicles were fitted with tachographs so that each cars average speed through any country could be mon— itored; any prolonged speeding would incur instant disqualification!

A Bentley turbo, which is not only fuel thirsty but also motorway hungry, requires speed or ‘caning it’ to be applied at all times. It takes a strong and highly disci— plined man to stay within speed limits and the rules of such events and I think that it was perhaps this that was to lead to our eventual undoing and disqualification.

We knew the ‘game was up’ when the com» petitors starting photographing us overtaking them on the autobahn. The prob lem was that some teams were extremely dedicated in their bid to drive constantly and with as few stops as possible to Spain.

After a period our priorities switched to lunches and an occasional shower instead of steady progress. The repeated overtak—

ing of our friendly competitors at l40mph, waving, caused slight antagonism and our close competitor friends later made

protests.

The countries we were venturing through would be Norway, Finland, Sweden, Denmark, Germany, France and Spain. The present record to beat was 56 hours, but we believed that, due to our special map reading skills, there would be a slim possibility of victory. After leaving the wonderful coastline of Castlemartin and its wonderful collection of flora and faunae I ventured northwards to Newcastle for the scrutineering.

Here we witnessed the Football World Cup Final, oddly England

not included, before leaving our shores for the coastline of Kristiansand in Norway.

Involved in the event were a number of teams from industry, the military and the civil service. I was, unfortunately, in the position of assisting a friend from the London to Cape Town car rally who had been looking for an excuse to take his Bentley turbo for a spin across the conti— nent, he found the excuse.

On arrival in Norway we drove non-stop up to Nordkapp arriving a day later ready for ‘acclimatisation’ to the thin air and the Scandinavian diet that is herring! The rally started early on the Friday morning and we found ourselves starting fifth out

72

Household Cavalry News

The drive itself gives you a brief glimpse of some stunning parts of Europe. The

drive through the countries of Scandinavia being Norway, Finland and Sweden provide vast open roads and a View of

some of Europe’s last expanses of relative— ly untouched countryside, rarely seen in England. North of the Arctic Circle the population gets pretty sparse and most communities seem to based around fishing. Pushing south—west through Sweden we crossed the new bridge connecting Sweden and Denmark, which at the time had only been open a week and was quite clearly an awesome engineering feat.

Once we had passed through Denmark to Germany the pace was raised a little as we hit the autobahn, where one enters the fast lane at one’s peril and flat out. As we passed through the racetrack that is Germany it was south to France and west of Paris taking the most direct route to Spain possible. Spain itself was perhaps one of the most scenic parts of the journey and the north, visually, very different to the south; in retrospect the northern and southern extremes of the trip, being Nor— way and Spain, were visually the most stunning. The finish came at Cape Tarifa, the southern most point in Spain. A Citadel and serious surf spot for wave lovers; some nightclubs open at six o’clock in the morning, clearly catering for the serious all—nighter who can’t stop even at breakfast. From here we moved round the coast to Jerez de la Frontera, home to Spain’s serious sherry drinkers and pro— ducers. The final verdict did not come on the final evening but some months later after serious debate over the tachographs; apparently it is an extremely serious affair as the eventual winner ends up in the Guinness Book of Records. We arrived second on the original billing of timings but I believe that there were certain moves made to our position after the abundance of speeding evidence and blatant disregard for race regulations The event is extremely entertaining and perhaps with a modern fuel efficient vehicle we would have stood a chance. There are often manufacturers looking for opportunities to launch vehicles, as Volvo did on this occasion and for any future players who perhaps wish to get involved this is worth keeping in mind. (Details on

the event from:

Tony Stubbs 01252-837414).

The author wr'th hrs ’rnr’d rahge' hire car - Me's a brtch.

irborne forces in the British Army may trace their routes back as far as 1941 when Churchill famously wrote to General Sir Hastings Ismay, leader of the

Military Wing of the War Cabinet, requesting a parachute corps of some five thousand troops. In October of that year the lSt Airborne Division was estab— lished, its first commander being a Major General of the Household Division, Frederick “Boy” Browning of the Grenadier Guards. Eight months later the maroon beret was introduced into the airborne division where it remains today.

Throughout the war airborne forces were used frequently and with great success in many different combat zones, notably in El Alamein (where paratroopers earned their nickname “Red Devils” from their German foes) and also in Sicilly and Italy.

Most famously of course were the efforts

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A Son Ar’rborne fraternity Ex Iron Hawk BATUS.

LCoH Hoggarth, Tpr Townsend, LCp/ But/er, Tpr Preston. CoH Matthews.

of the 1S[ Airborne Division in Arnhem in September 1944.

These gruelling encounters during the Second World War brought home imme— diately the necessity of physical fitness, mental stamina and endurance in airborne soldiers, and selection was adjusted accordingly, making it among the toughest in the British Army.

Much has changed in the Army since the end ofthe war but the high standard required of air— borne troops remains the same. We may yet be required to fight a campaign involving long flights to a drop zone, long marches from that zone and still be expected to fight and beat a fierce opponent at the end ofall this. The staff at All Arms Pre—Parachute Selection (AAPPS), conducted from Helles Barracks in Catt— erick, have certainly not forgotten this.

As I drove into the barracks for my own attempt at P—Coy I was well aware that they were unlikely to allow me to do so over the course of the following three and a half weeks. Weighing heavily on my mind was a delightfully understated phrase in the preparatory booklet, I was handed earlier that week, asking me to ensure that I arrive “determined to endure discomfort".

Early in the week days seemed to move very slowly, unlike our designated PTI, and I soon found myself wondering how I was going to last a further three weeks.

How many more miles would I find myself running? Would my feet actually wear through the soles of my running shoes? Would anyone object ifI just lay

down here and died ....... ? My determi« nation to “endure discomfort” was com— ing to good use.

Thankfully this determination was also matched by plenty of training prior to traveling North, without which I would certainly have found myself out of my depth, a good deal less able to endure the “discomfort” of the training and consequently unable to enjoy the satisfaction of having completed another run, another day and eventually, another week. The challenge of conducting intense physical exercise is one that carries with it an immense reward, that of feeling fit, healthy and robust, and the confidence that comes of having achieved something at whose beginning may have seemed insurmountable. As my legs, lungs and heart adjusted to the level of P—Coy train— ing, I began to relax and enjoy it and even managed to sustain short conversations with the staff, whose humourous ‘banter’ was second to none and certainly took my mind off any objections that my limbs were raising. As one who enjoys the countryside, I delighted in training in Yorkshire in the summer, and as the days passed, I realised that five years of being shouted at school in Yorkshire had pre— pared me far better than I could imagine for this particular military course. . .. .

I was lucky enough to have another Household Cavalryman with me on my AAPPS, the ever calm Tpr Hartshorn ofA Sqn. P-Coy would be by no means impos» sible if tackled alone, (it is of course filled

with motivated, dedicated soldiers and officers from all regiments) but it is a great comfort to have a familiar face among the runners. I was therefore very sad when Tpr Hartshorn, as many had already done, had to succomb to a serious ankle injury just before Test Week, but pleased that he left with exactly the attitude that P—Coy aims to develop, popularized by Arnold Swarzenegger, “I’ll be back...”

Completing P—Coy is of course a very satisfying moment but to use a much hackneyed phrase, ‘It is the taking part that counts.... AAPPS is undoubtedly one of the most rewarding courses readily available to all in the British Army, but one that soldiers and officers of the House— hold Division should certainly take advantage given our strong links with airborne forces from their start. It is a great privilege to train with soldiers of such high quality and determination and much can be taught as well as learned from working alongside airborne troops.

The Household Division and Parachute Regiment Centralised Courses (HDPRCC) are an excellent opportunity for all and should encourage more to attempt P—Coy, with the added incentive of a chance to join the Household Division Independent Parachute Company for a totally different type of soldiering.

All these opportunities serve not only to broaden the training experience of our soldiers but also to make the regiment as a whole a more operationally effective force and a more obvious choice as one to be deployed to trouble spots in the future.

Household Cavalry News

73

Exercise Cockney Killi Tanzania l6th - 3315l October 2000

By Lieutenant N P Harrison, RHG/D We landed in Dar-es-Salam airport after a seven—hour flight, which had stopped briefly in Nairobi in time to jump onto yet another plane this time for Arusha. Once thankfully on the ground, we were met by a Major from the Tanzanian Defence Force who assured me they would make sure everything went with-

out a hitch. He then informed us that Lt. Victor would be accompanying us throughout our stay, this meant we had to do some rapid re-planning to accom—

modate him.

On our way out of town I booked bus tickets for our journey to Zanzibar, from a wooden shack in the middle of town, where LCoH Bassett was doing his bit for international relations by entertain— ing a large crowd of locals. The first night we slummed it in a hotel overlook— ing Lake Manyara. Early the next day we drove into the Ngorongoro Park through the African heartland. Off to our right we could see glimpses of the Mountain peak when there was a break in the clouds; it looked a rather dauntingly long way off.

On reaching the park gates Victor informed me that we did not have permission to trek in the park only to go around in the Landrovers, this rather cut my ideas of carrying out acclimatising trekking off at the knees. However the gateman said we could try our luck with the park Conservator who was in charge of these things.

The crater is all that is left of an enormous volcano that erupted thousands of years ago. Its walls are virtually vertical and although some of the animals migrate a much higher percentage than normal stay there throughout the year.

We saw virtually every animal you could wish for except giraffe and female ele—

phants (of which there are, for an unknown reason, none in the park) and

leopard, which proved too elusive for us.

There was also a crowd of tourists all hanging out of their Landrovers with telephoto lenses.

In the afternoon we stopped at a watering hole for lunch, the remnants of which were of particular interest to a number of Red Kites (hawks indigenous to East Africa) which swooped down over our heads to try and grab chicken

bones or people’s hands. Their immediate appearance and deft flying manoeu-

vres prompted LCoH Anderson to observe that they must have ‘eyes like hawks’ That night we stayed just above the rim and while supper was bub— ‘ bling away I went to ‘ see the Head “conser~ '

vator”ofthe park. He 1 ’

the register and then pushed an extra 100 meters above the campsite. I was keen to instigate a work high, sleep low ethic to combat AMS, so whenever we camped at our maximum gained altitude we would we spend forty-five minutes 100 meters above the camp. Supper consisted of chicken soup, pancakes, fried vegetables and an unidentifiable hunk of meat. Dusk came very quickly and just before night fell the clouds cleared and for a couple of minutes the summit was bathed from the dying embers of the sun.

As quickly as it had been revealed it was shrouded again. We all took the rather daunting image to bed.

kindly granted us per— -

Day 2 started at 0630 and after a break— fast of what appeared to be wallpaper

mission to walk in the I

paste we set off through the Moorland

highlands, once I had i explained the situation, and even gave us an armed guide.

directly towards the peak. After about four hours we turned left at about 3600m and gradually ascended to Shira hut at 3840m after another two hours. The views were incredible as we looked back down to where we had come and could even make out the town of Arusha miles below. We camped at the top of the escarpment on Shira plateau. It was very exposed and as soon as night fell it became very cold, to the extent that there was ice on our tents and the water froze in our bottles — not what you expect on the equator.

The next day we set off early for the largest peak in the Crater Highlands.

The Park, which encompasses the Crater, is huge although nearly all the tourists only go to the Crater itself. Consequently we had literally the whole highlands to ourselves. We were enough of a novelty for the Maasai children to come and silently watch us, before plucking up the courage to ask us for money.

The ascent up the peak was a lesson to all of us. We were only at 3000M and raced up it, or more accurately raced up half of it, then as we were all gasping for scarce oxygen we realised why the ranger was plodding along at about half our speed.

Once we had climbed the initial peak, which yielded some stunning views of the valleys below us, we crossed a saddle and took a more leisurely walk back to the Landrovers some eight kilometres away. That night we camped in the Man— yara National park in a campsite shroud— ed by huge fig trees giving it a cathedral like quality.

The Summit

and arriving at the Keys Hotel in time for a briefing by the head guide and a more detailed brief by our Jesmel on the signs and symptoms of altitude sickness.

The overriding message of both these

briefs was to take it slowly.

We rose early with a mixture of anticipa~ tion and trepidation, after a quick breakfast, where certain members ofthe group were incensed at being charged extra for ordering eggs with the inclusive meal, moved to the park gates. We were able to leave everything we did not require for the climb in a locked room at the hotel.

I had decided to opt for a fully supported climb, as this would reduce the chance of acute mountain sickness (AMS). Consequently sixteen porters, who carried our bergans as well as all the camping equip— ment and supplies, assisted us. All we had to carry were our daypacks and the day’s water.

Due to the change in itinerary we left for

The first day was through stunning tropical rainforest complete with trailing lianas and towering trees. Having learnt our lesson from the Crater highlands we took a steady seven hours through the forest out into the moorland above. One of my worries was dehydration, as this would mask the effects of AMS, although we were still relatively low, we still stopped every forty-five minutes to take on water. We saw no one else on the way up other than our porters who buzzed past us with seemingly impossible loads balanced on their heads. There was also no wildlife to be seen, rather I presume, because they could hear and smell us from miles away.

the second phase that afternoon. Breaking the journey by stopping at a snake farm between Arusha and Kilimanjaro

Once we arrived at Macahme Hut which was just over 3000m we signed

Early in the morning we left for Lake Manyara, which was a fraction ofits nor— mal size due to drought and met some of the local fishermen who still trawled the alkaline waters with dugout canoes. To get there we passed through numerous villages, some on the tourist trail where if we stopped for an instant they would crowd around us selling everything and anything. And others a little way off the beaten track where we saw day—to—day life going on oblivious to our presence.

The third day passed underneath the summit, which was mostly covered in cloud, the brief glimpses we saw of it seemed to be far larger than we remem— bered. We opted to go to Lava Tower, which was at 4600m. This would allow us to experience the altitude that we would be sleeping at the next day for a short time. At Lava Tower we all felt slightly sick as expected but quickly felt better once we moved down to the campsite at Barranco Hut. This campsite had three vertical walls around it and the open side looking into the heart of Tanzania. We were well above the cloud, which made everything very quiet the only noise was the muted roar ofa water— fall some kilometres away. Due to the cloud base below us there was no ambient light and the stars, which were incredible most nights, were spectacular with the Milky Way clearly visible and an abundance of shooting stars.

We scaled the seemingly vertical ‘Barranco wall’, which allowed us passage with surprising ease. There were only a couple of places were we were forced to use hands and knees. Incredibly the porters still swept past us despite the loads they were carrying and their incredibly inappropriate foot wear, ski and rugby boots to name two. The rest of the day was spent climbing ridge after ridge, which

seemed endless around the foot of the summit itself. When we arrived at Bara—

mit, in total darkness for hours or even days I do not know, was euphoric.

fu hut it was dark and cloudy and we could not see the summit itself. Retrospectively this was a piece of good fortune as I am sure we would not have even bothered attempting it had we seen the true magnitude of the task ahead of us.

After a supper and a couple of hours fit— ful sleep we donned our down jackets and set off at 0030.There was quite a lot of ambient light from the moon but the route comprised of scree and ankle twist— ing boulders so that we all used head torches, soon our whole world had shrunk into the tiny pools of light that danced elusively in front of our boots.

Catastrophically several of the torches could not put up with the cold and even new batteries, which we carried inside our clothing, could not revive them. The temperature was only about —7oC but due to the wind chill it apparently dropped to around —30 C. We stopped every half an hour for water and a sitrep on how everyone was feeling.

Only LCoH Smith, an experienced walker but more importantly an experienced smoker, appeared not to suffer any ill effects. The rest of suffered from varying degrees of headache and listlessness.

Due to the fact that I knew we were all hydrated I could accurately gauge whether people were seriously ill or not.

Due to the gradient it was very easy to lose altitude quickly therefore I was looking for loss of coordination to deter— mine if people should carry on. We had taken three guides with us to allow people to return to camp or lower if need be without jeopardising the rest of the

team’s chances of ascent.

At around 0700 we came to the top ofthe scree slope at Stella point and the feeling, due to the lack of oxygen or the fact that we had toiled towards an unseen sum—

We took a short rest and then carried on up to Uhuru Point the highest point in Africa at 5865M, at the top we signed the book and had photos taken. Although there was no snow on the route there were glaciers around the summit, jagged storeys of startling white, recording every climatic change since time immemorial in its icy log, alien, in the bright sunshine We made our way slowly back to Stella point trying to appreciate the view but also quite keen to lose some altitude and the ache in our heads. It took us just twenty minutes to descend to the point where we had still been five hours from the summit earlier that morning. Using our walking poles like skiers we slipped and jumped through the lunar landscape each step feeling lighter and healthier.

We stopped and basked in the warm morning sun without a cloud in the sky and marvelled at the amazing rock formations that had been hewn millennia ago. Back at camp we had a quick breakfast and then pushed on down to the Mweka hut, using the ‘Coca Cola’ route, which was a well-worn track, rather than the narrow path we had been using until then. We passed through desert then moorland to the last camp. There were a lot more people here, most on their way down, so there was a real celebratory atmosphere. After a quick Tusker beer we turned in for a well-earned rest.

Our final day saw another identical breakfast and then down, through the rainforest to the gate at the end and the inevitable T shirt and cap salesmen.

After a couple of photos we boarded the buses which took us back to the hotel.

Once we had arrived we tipped the porters luckily avoiding the ritual sing

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song and met Victor who was unable to accompany us on the climb it self After a scrub down we reconvened in the bar before supper. Unfortunately I had spo— ken to the Defence Attaché in Nairobi and had decided not to go to Zanzibar, as the political situation was growing tenser. I was able to organise a hotel in Tanga and our bus tickets would take us half way there. I was assured that there would be a connection. The morning bus ride was an experience itself, enor— mous buses filled to the gunnels they set off at a terrific rate through the arid countryside and rather than slowing for

oncoming cars, livestock, children etc would merely blast them with the air horns. We eventually arrived at 'l‘anga and the operators were bribed into tak— ing us to our hotel. The hotel was literally on the beach and was well situated for the several European eateries. We spent the remaining couple of days swimming, eating and generally making merry after our exertions. The only hiccup in the whole stay was that LCoH Bassett was bitten by, apparently, a great white shark. We took the resulting half inch wound to the hospital where they kept him in overnight in case it was poi-

sonous and because the nurses took a shine to him. By the next day he was absolutely fine although the bite had turned into a full-blown shark attack rather than a nip frotn a Cornfish, which was the doctor’s prognosis!

trapped in our hair. We dumped her pack, dragged her away and just ran until I could safely strip her and douse her with water. Her head was on fire with 70-80 stings alone and the rest ofthe students were stung and very frightened.

Arriving at the local village, she was violently sick and feverish, but fortunately

I would like to thank Major Lockhart for his unswerving support and patience, the Commanding Officer for allowing me to take seven ofhis soldiers on a ‘jolly’ and all the organisations that were kind enough to donate money to make the expedition possible

had not suffered an anaphalytic shock

A World Challenge Expedition (Guyana)

By Captain VC Larmour, AGC(SPS) orld Challenge Expeditions (WCE) was set up by an ex Cavalry Officer to promote leadership and development within schools for their sixth form students. It runs on similar lines to Raleigh International except that the whole programme runs for 2 years from when the students first start fund~raising their £2,500 until the actual month long expedition itself, somewhere in the developing world.

WCE is very keen to employ Army Offi-

cers/SNCOs with leadership and expedition experience to lead their expeditions.

I tried to persuade The Commanding Officer that he really could do without an Regimental Administrative Officer for a month and amazingly enough he agreed and I was immediately placed as a female leader with The Royal Russell School in Croyden, an independent mixed school, who were bound for Guyana. Although my only adventure training qualification was UEL, I had sufficient jungle experience from Opera— tion Raleigh in Borneo to be considered competent! (However anyone with 2 ML Summer/Winter qualification, the world is your oyster in terms of glamorous des» tinations to choose from).

Guyana is a former British colony on the north—east shoulder of South America, above Brazil and is one of the last bas— tions from civilization in today’s world.

Suddenly I found myselfin Guyana with

responsibility for the Deputy Headmas— ter and ll school children aged 15—20.

WCE ethos dictates that the children run their own expedition and make all the decisions and the WCE leader only gets

involved if matters of safety, budget or itinerary are in jeopardy of ruining the expedition. This is in contrast to our military ‘Lead from the Front’ philosophy and certainly took me a while to adapt to.

was a Minister in Antigua, he probably would have done too, but in good WCE ethos I told her that this was the chal» lenge for which she had raised nearly £3000! She was not amused.

After a couple of days acclimatization in a jungle camp, we were flown on twin propeller aircraft across the enormous expanse of never ending jungle to one of the most incredible sights that I have ever seen — Kaiteur Falls. With a single drop of more than 741 feet, 6 times higher than Niagara Falls, Kaiteur Falls are virtually unheard of and therefore totally ‘tacky tourist free’. In fact a mere wooden sign warning to keep away from the edge and a tiny airstrip were the only signs of civilization. From here we were flown to Kate, a tiny village near the Brazilian border, from where we began our 9 day trek covering about 60 miles, with not a road in sight.

The trek was initially arduous, walking for 12 hours on the first couple of days with a 4am reveille to avoid the heat.

The jungle vegetation was luxuriant and tropical and we spied deadly snakes, hummingbirds, weird and wonderful insects and stunning flora. However the

Trekking through this remote Amerindian region we encountered the most prim— itive villages, whose only form of com— munication with the outside world was an occasional radio. We were enthusiasti~ cally greeted everywhere and in exchange

children were finding life pretty tough and crossing yet another waist deep river or crossing on flimsy fallen trees with heavy packs was not their idea of fun.

Personalities were quickly developing as was a case of severe homesickness.

Despite being just a shade jaded, I des— perately tried to keep morale high and enthuse them to continue their Indiana Jones style adventure. Arriving at Monkey Mountain, my homesick case pleaded and pleaded with me to charter her an emergency plane to evacuate her 7 Daddy would pay! Had I known that he

for fresh mangoes, we delighted the locals with stories and photos ofour life in England A I think they are still bemused by our photos of snow! However it was with one of the radios that I had to take control ofthe group when one of the students began to pee blood. With a history of kidney problems and Maj Hammond’s medical lessons to a squeamish RAOffr, I realized the seriousness of the situation, and summoned help on the radio via several relay stations across the Amazon drainage basin. Whilst the rest ofthe students cleared an old airstrip in a remote Village, a tiny aircraft appeared to whizz the sick student and the School Link away to Georgetown.

Nearing the end of our trek, we had just crossed the dreaded thigh high swamp when one of the girls began yelling and screaming and all the others ran for their

lives. It took me a few seconds to realize that we were under attack from a very angry swarm of bees. Possibly the most terrifying moment of my life, without knowing whether to run or to stay still, the Guyanese tracking guide and I went

baCk to rescue Becky who was hysterical.

Her torso was crawling with hundreds of bees as was her head and soon to be ours too, as the bees became angry and

which I was dreading. We pumped her

full ofadrenalin and tried in vain to stick a drip into her. Apart from our mongoloid eyes the next morning courtesy of all the stings, we had all survived.

The rest of the expedition was comparatively easy as we drove cross-country along the roughest terrain that I have ever seen an old 4 Tonner even contem— plate. When the truck became bogged, we all pitched in to raise the chassis up with layers of rocks. We then cruised up and down the mighty Essequibo River in speed boats, climbed up waterfalls which the Welsh Guards were reputedly not allowed to climb up and soaked up the atmosphere in the ramshackle wooden townships of sugar and timber plantations. Our mineralologist teacher had even arranged a private tour of the mighty Omai Gold Mine.

Finally, we visited Trinidad for 3 days R&R. Just as I thought that my respon— sibilities were over, one of the students informed me that he had a little visa problem for Trinidad i.e. he didn’t have one, which is a mandatory requirement for all Nigerian citizens. With 20 minutes until our flight left, and with no

as?

The author (2nd from left) with the Royal Russell School Chlldren on top of Monkey Mountain. other options open and not much left of our emergency budget left either, I was forced to whip out my credit card and purchase a one way flight to London for

$810!!

WCE was one of the best expeditions that I have completed as the responsibility for 12 other people was all mine.

WCE ethos certainly required a different type ofleadership, one in which I had to stand back and let the students make their mistakes however painful, before suggesting an alternative method.

I quickly learned that school children are very disorganized, have little time appre— ciation and had no compunction about telling me to ‘ Shut Up, You Turtle’. At

this point I decided that they would be endeared to just a little military discipline and courtesy. Although hugely frustrating at times, I thoroughly enjoyed myself and learned much about my own strengths and weaknesses. The most rewarding thing has been to learn that despite all the whingeing at the time, the students have since raved about their adventures to the rest of the school and some ofthem are simply raring to go again. Having tried hard to convince the real hard CCF boys that yes I was indeed a real officer, it will be interesting to see whether WCE provides any recruitment value in later years!

The Governors Cup 2000 — The Cape Town to St Helena Race

By Major CBB Clee, RHG/D 3 with all really bright ideas, there has Ato be that initial conceptual moment of such awe that those surrounding you at the time will, in the future, bounce their doting grandchild on their knee while telling them for the umpteenth time — “. . .. and I was there!”. That moment for Exercise Cockney Helena, HCR’s entry into the Governors Cup 2000, had as the set— ting for its genesis the Second in Com— mand’s office in Windsor one wind swept May morning. An extended period of hard earned post operational tour leave had left the incumbent feeling restless and generally unloved (you know the syndrome for 2ics 7 always the bridesmaid and never the bride etc), when the arrival

of a pack giving details of an ocean race from Cape TOWn to St Helena arrived giv— ing rise to a cunning plan.... And no—one saw it, no—one else was therel!

The Governor’s Cup is a 1694 nautical mile (rim) race from Cape Town to St Helena; the site of Napoleon’s incarcera— tion after Waterloo and, of course, his death. The race occurs every 2 years, and

this was the 3rd time it had been run. St Helena is an extremely remote communi» ty, with a population of 5000, whose contact with the outside world is restricted to 6 visits a year by the Royal Mail Ship St Helena (RMS), the odd cruise liner and occasional passing yacht. With no airfield, and being some 800 nm from Ascension, it

must qualify as being one of the most remote settlements in the world.

The devil is always in the detail, and in this case a couple of the more significant ones were that it was an ocean trip, and I was not a ocean yacht—master, as well as the fact that GLADEYE, the Household Division Sailing Association’s Oyster Heritage 37,is based on the Hamble, not Cape Town. Never mind, we entered it anyway.

The rest, as they say, is geography. So by early November, the Regiment had finally returned from Exercise Iron Hawk in Canada, the Zic had managed to get quali— fied during his summer leave, and GLAD— EYE was sitting on the RMS steaming south to Cape Town.

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as i '1.

§.'r-,-:

. it

Approaching St Helena, Lt Berry's back in the foreground.

So it was on 27 November 2000 that the

Household Cavalry Regiment Ocean Rac— ing Team departed. Major Charles Clee RHG/D, Lance Sergeant Michael Court GG (GLADEYE’S Bosun), Staff Corporal

Tony Smith RHG/D, 2rld Lieutenant Torn Giffard LG, Lieutenant Mark Berry LG, Lance Corporal Julian Iddon LG, and Lieutenant Rupert Evetts RHG/D climbed aboard the cheapest possible aircraft to Cape Town for the start of a great adventure in the finest tradition of Enid Blyton.

Working the foredeck, LCp/ Iddon. SCp/ Smith, LSgt Court.

We spent the best part of the evening des— perately trying to reconstruct the yacht and get the mast back in, but couldn’t get it to fit. Whoops! We provided plenty of amusement for the rest of the competitors who were enjoying the race ‘Blue Peter’ drinks party at the yacht club. They were not (as one could imagine) shy of coming

forward to offer friendly advice after more than a few Lion beers. Thanks chaps! We eventually crashed out much later that evening leaving a partially reconstructed yacht on the jetty at the Royal Cape Yacht

Club (RCYC).

We arrived in Cape Town on 28 Nov and were met by Chris Armstrong from Anchor Marine Racing, an ex Royal Navy

officer and one of the race organisers.

Having briefly found our feetfbooked into our hotel, we then proceeded on a rapid exploration of the Cape Town water front, delighting in an exchange rate of about 10.5 Rand to the £. That evening we were wined and dined by the race sponsor, Monarch Assurance, with predictable results after a 14 hour flight via Frankfurt.

GLADEYE was due in on the morning of 30 Nov, and so the next day some of the crew disappeared for a visit to a local vine— yard with Chris, under the auspices of a spot of pony trekking, while others took the opportunity to find their bearings and identify the location of Chandlers etc for when GLADEYE arrived. That evening we were entertained by the Cape Town Highlanders in Cape Castle, courtesy of Monarch Assurance (again), the Officers sitting down to a striking dinner night and the NCOs having an excellent Brai. It was a truly outstanding evening and we were beginning to feel as if people were genuinely pleased to see us!

The exact arrival time of GLADEYE was not yet known when we surfaced the following morning nursing our second hang-

over of the trip. After many false alarms, we finally got our hands on her at about

1900 hours; rather later than hoped for.

The next morning saw an early start as we returned to the rigging wrestling we had left the night before. At about 0900 hours a chance discovery in the bottom of one of the lockers revealed what looked like the missing bit, and sure enough with some 26 hours to go prior to the start of the race, we suddenly had a yacht! There was a huge amount of sorting and re-stowing to do, as well as provisioning the boat for a fort» night at sea. Our galley master, Lt Evetts, disappeared with a shopping list having calculated strict meal plans for each day as we struggled to keep the weight on board down (4 ginger biscuits and one carrot per person per day. That’s 28 biscuits per day, 24 biscuits in a packet.... That’s 161/3 packets of ginger nuts please...) Finally by about 1800 hours we had the yacht more or less together, and set sail for a quick spin in Table Bay. As we slipped out of Cape Town Harbour in about 5 knots of breeze we despaired of being able to have a decent evening sail.

However, about '/; of a mile away we could see a line of breeze on the water and as we hit it we watched the wind speed rise dramatically to 25 knots. Such is the effect of sailing in the lee of Table Mountain. As we wrestled Gladeye around the bay at high speed, we declined to hoist a spinnaker for obvious reasons, but generally everything seemed to fit and nothing broke. Things were looking up!

That evening we were invited to another drinks party with Monarch Assurance, though with the prospect of a 1694 nauti— cal mile (nm) race the next morning it was

ever, during the next 48 hrs we had gusts of 30 knots +, and for those nights we dropped the kite and sailed under twin headsails. As it turned out this proved to be the right course as the most of the damage that the rest of the fleet experienced during the race happened during these two nights. LCpl Iddon struggled to find his sea legs, though after learning the hard way that it was better for crew morale to throw—up down wind, he gradually was weaned back onto solids by 5 Dec. The noon position distances covered during the race were as follows: 3 Dec — 160 nm; 4 Dec - 188 nm; 5 Dec — 172 nm, 6 Dec » 157 nm; 7 Dec — 157 nm, 8 Dec — 157 nm; 9 Dec - 163 nm;10 Dec — 170 nm; 11Dec —161nm; 12 Dec — 155 nm. Allin all we averaged just over 6.8 knots.

We worked the crew in two lots. Helming

was shared between Major Clee, L/Sgt a quiet night for most of us. The following morning was slightly daunting. None of us had undertaken an ocean passage of this length before, let alone a race; and the dreadful unanswered question of ‘what have we forgotten?’ haunted us all as we checked our stowage and finalised our arrangements. We finally slipped at about 1030 hours for a 1200 hour start, and motored out into the bay. The start line was between the mast of the RMS and an orange outer distance mark; the fact that the exhaust from the RMS’s stacks was rising vertically was ominous. Our night— mare scenario was realised and as one of the heaviest yachts in the fleet we ended starting trying to beat into 5 knots of breeze. We crossed the start line in 2I1 place, but then watched as the lighter boats in the fleet clawed away from us.

With a crew of 7, an average height of 6ft 2m and weight of 14 stone, the last thing we needed was light winds. . .. .

The wind remained light until we were abeam Robben Island when it started to build to a steady force 3.We were on fine reach, and took a chance on hoisting the heavy spinnaker (or kite) to see if it would

fly. It did, and we started to climb away from the yachts around us as they strug— gled to set their kites, no one seemed to gain the lift that we had, and our morale soared. During the afternoon the wind built steadily and veered and by dusk we were broad reaching with 20 knots+ of apparent wind. With the crew not yet fully worked up, and the wind building, we stripped the spinnaker away to twin headsails for the night, comfortably making 7 to 8 knots. Not a bad speed for a 37 foot cruising tub! With anything up to 12 more days of racing left, the need for speed had to be tempered by the need to still

have a kite for the finish.

The temptation to give you a mile—by-mile account of the race will be resisted. How-

Court and 2Lt Giffard, while the rest pro— viding two shifts of cockpit/foredeck crew.

During the night this was formalised into shifts/watches, while during the day the arrangements were more flexible. Flying the spinnaker at night was fairly demand~ ing, and as the wind fluctuated we were constantly swapping light/heavy weight sheets. Sometimes we got it wrong resulting in gear failing, with resulting spinnaker wraps that resulted in exciting fore» deck incidents for all.

In the main, though, we managed to avoid any major damage. Perhaps the most illuminating aspect was the effect of chafe on such a long race; we had to repair both genoa hal— yards, the spinnaker halyard, both spinnaker guys, the lightweight spinnaker sheets and the topping lift (being used as a spare halyard at the time). This resulted in numerous trips up the mast for Lt Evetts, and plenty of exercise for SCpl Smith on the winch.

For much of the race we were lying in 3rd or 4th place on handicap. However, on the afternoon of 9 Dec after a quick crew meeting and stirring address by the skip— per, we decided to go flat out for the final 3 days and really push ourselves. This resulted in a punishing drive around the clock that proved exhausting. The results exceeded our expectations as, in fluctuat» ing winds, we covered 170 nm moving

cess. A professional British skipper, Paul Bennet, who had 4 young St Helenians amongst his crew, all of them sailing novices, skippered Beluga. However, the Saints (as they are known) had spent some 6 weeks in Cape Town sail training prior to the start of the race.

Particularly notable during the race was our internet e—mail link. We had an inmarsat phone from the LAND pool, which we combined with a marine antenna loaned by RM Poole. The result was that we were able to upload a daily commentary to the race web site and to the Regiment, complete with digital photographs. This provided the back bone of the organisers race coverage. Ours was but one 0f4 inmarsat phones on yachts in the race, but with the typical Reece determination to get through, we were the only yacht who managed to get it, and keep it, working. The sponsor was so pleased with the product, that they offered to pay the phone bill. Fortunately SCpl Smith did not know during the race, or else we would never got him off the phone to his stock— brokerl All in all the entire trip was an amazing experience, and to win the Governor’s Cup was merely the icing on the cake. We had a wonderful welcome on St Helena and on stepping ashore after our minimalist, Lt Evetts designed, dining on board we had a cold beer shoved in our hands and a large celebratory plate of steak and chips slapped down in front of us. As we wobbled our way around the sea front (after 10 days at sea we were certain the island was moving), the warmth of our welcome was overwhelming, and it took a while to sink in.

The Island was stunning, and having arrived rather before we expected to, we found that we had 4 days to tour it. From

the coast it looks rather forbidding, with great volcanic cliffs and rugged outcrops, while in land it was wonderfully lush. The main settlement, James Town, looked like the set from a film with great fortifications and 19I century architecture. The Saints were terribly friendly, and we had a great time. As one of the principal aims of the race is to gain publicity for St Helena, and provide an opportunity for the island youth to learn to sail and experience life off the island, it was particularly poignant to see the newly formed St Helena yacht club. Supported by the RCYC, they are working to increase and nurture an inter— est in sailing on the island.

Indeed, Monarch Assurance has chartered 2 yachts to try and train up a crew of Saints.

The aspiration is to qualify one of them as a yacht master ocean so that in the Governor’s Cup 2002 (St Helena’s Quincentenary), there will be a St Helenan entry with a St Helenan Skipper.

It was with a degree of reluctance that we left St Helena for Ascension on the RMS. We steeled ourselves to make the transi— tion from ‘Winners of the Governor’s Cup’ to ‘...been away? — had a good leave sir?!

48 hours in transit accommodation on Ascension helped - and we were fortunate enough to get on the next Tristar to UK as

CNFP (a RAF flight the likes of which we had never experienced before — bar, per— sonal video players...). So it was that we arrived at Brize Norton on the morning of 21 Dec... . in the rain. The driving spray on the motorway and the steady intrusion of the fan of the minibus heater, after the heady sunshine and warm ocean breeze of the South Atlantic, ensured that the tran— sition was complete. On the other hand, how many other Regiments can claim to have had an ocean racing team, and how many other divisional yachts can claim to have won an ocean race? It really was one

hell of an adventure.

from 4[ to 3r on handicap, and in the next 24 hours we moved up from 3rd to 13[ which, despite failing winds for the rest of the race, we managed to hang on to. We beat Beluga Monarch Assurance a LAVRANOS 50 specialised downwind racer, who was surfing at 20 knots+ at times during the race. This was particularly satisfying for a yacht that had been referred to as the short fat one! Beluga finished on 10 Dec in almost exactly 8 days averaging just under 9 knots and smashing the race record by 21 hours in the pro-

in St He/ena with trophy L to Ft

tanding, LSgt Cot/rt. Lt Evetts. [Maj Clee, Lt Berry. 2Lt Gir’iard.

Knee/ing. LCp/ iddon. SCp/ Smith.

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Argentina 2000

always having to compensate with my swing, my actual polo did not improve

once memorably we played twenty goal which was three aside!

equally. Rege was a wonderful teacher and was actually there with a couple of Germans, who he performed virtual miracles with. I was talking to him one day whilst he was keeping an eye on one chap taking penalties at the other end of the field, three hundred yards away. When they came together Rege explained that he was pushing the ball wide of the posts because he had his little finger too tight on the stick! I obviously thought this was a standard, coaching bluff comment, until I saw the resulting penalties sail through the posts.

By Lieutenant N P Harrison, RHG/D It was only after half the Troop Leaders announced their eminent departure from Jaice to Verbier for some character enhancing, adventurous Chalet girls, that I decided I needed to get out more . Consequently, after running the idea past a reassuringly enthusiastic Squadron Leader, I mentioned to the Commanding Officer whether there would be any

chance of him giving me three months off to go to Argentina to play polo.

Before I had a chance to lose my bottle and say “no of course not what a stupid idea I have only just got to the regiment, Colonel, what I would really like to do is P Company”, he told me to bring him a detailed itinerary of what I wanted to do.

Three months later I was in Buenos Aires airport desperately looking for someone who looked like a four goal polo player, unfortunately this description fitted about five hundred people in the arrivals hall. Luckily a taxi driver was holding a placard that looked like it could be bearing my name. He didn’t speak English and my Spanish was on a par with Basil

Fawlty’s. However as luck would have it he took me to the right Estancia and I set— tled into the luxurious $300 a day opu-

lence of La Alegria.

For the next couple of days the itinery looked a little like this: 0900 Breakfast, with charming German divorcee, sporting the latest in

minimalist swimwear.

0945 Swim 1015 Change 1030 Amble to pony lines, select three prepared ponies to stick and ball.

1230 Pre lunch drinks

1300 Lunch 1430 Siesta 1800 Play chukkas 2130 Dinner with fellow guests. Animated talk about the day’s achievements The only small problem was that I wasn’t paying $300 a day and when Ernesto returned I was quickly relocated to a

small house nearby. The waiter service vanished along with the groom, p001 attendant, the lovely girl that used to bring me Gin and Tonics on the sun lounger and lazy mornings of stick and

Call reed/rig 7 no! a// lasl port/es and /oose reigns

got used to you” — don’t blink or it will kill you; “You wont need spurs” — but life insurance is a must! I am convinced Ernesto actually shipped horses in so that I could experience the full range of cussed, stubborn and plain evil horses

that Argentina had to offer.

Breakfast, with Ernesto’s Grandmother sporting her new teeth Fill sacks with maize gluten Feed cattle Return to house. Change Ride green horses Lunch Feed cattle Prepare horses Play Chukkas Return to house. Change Supper with Ernesto, five children and grandma. Speak very slowly with lots of hand movements.

The majority of the guests were German, which was in some cases an absolute nightmare.

They appeared far more interested in other people’s game than their own. During one memorable chukka Hans screamed at me to take my man with no clue that I was dribbling the ball down the field and my man was in fact out of control on the other side of the estancia. Their only saving grace was that they were to polo what mixamatosis is to rabbits. It was a lovely feeling not to be the worst player on the field, which you constantly felt when playing with the Argies, even when there were 13 yr olds playing!

balling. To offset the prohibitive cost of the stay I had volunteered to help on the farm and with the young horses. This meant that the day panned out something like this:

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Household Cavalry News

It became apparent that there was very little serious polo at my next port of call, Cordoba.

Consequently I contacted Pablo Jauretche in Trenque Lauquen to see if I could stay with him for two months rather than one. He said that it would be no problem other than the fact he was in Pakistan. However his cousin would be at the farm in a week’s time and he would pick me up then, as it was only four hours out of his way!

The green horses presented a real challenge and it was rewarding to get them playing. I usually rode between eight and eleven each morning, which built up

riding muscles and generally bettered my seat. The afternoon chukkas were with the punters, the standard depending upon how many Argies were in each team, but usually it would be around eight goal. After a couple of weeks I was sometimes asked to play sixteen goal at the Estancia across the road which was amazing and really made you think ahead, especially as some of the donkeys I played needed at least half a fields length to get to the ball before anything else. The ball skills of the Argentineans was staggering and at a level I had never seen in England even amongst good players. They are much more willing to experiment with the ball hitting it consistently in the air

The fields were always in excellent condition, despite the fact they were played on virtually every day, the lines were under huge Eucalyptus trees which gave much needed shade. Especially in the mad rushes between chukkas to untack then tack up the next one. All grooms would often un tack the horses and then let them go and they would wander back into the paddocks. However I never quite worked out when to do this and

invariably let one go for it to amble offin the wrong direction or leave the poor animal tethered whilst all its mates were off frolicking in the paddocks.

My riding improved dramatically and due to Rege Ludwig (a world famous Polo teacher) staying there for a week my positional play improved. However, as I rarely played on a steady horse and was

Trenque Lauquen was as different as chalk and cheese from Alegria. For a start it wasn’t a commercial ranch, I had been given Pablo’s number by a friend, so I was treated as part ofthe family. We would stick and ball all morning from 10.00 o’clock and then as soon as it was cool enough, after a siesta, we would play as many chukkas as physically pos— sible.

The horses were an eclectic bunch, in the string that I started with I had a complete green that had never played before right through to a veteran of the Argentian Open (the best Polo competition in the world - probably) The standard of these chukkas would vary depending on who turned up but even when there were no visitors it would be good four to six goal. The grooms although not rated could all play fast running polo. With Pablo we would go to other people’s estancias to play,

Each weekend there were tournaments, which were taken very seriously and where the perfect occasion for the ‘Argentinean Shouting at the ref and anyone else who will listen competition’, which is so beloved of virtually every player. Trenque Lauquen itself was excellent, it is a small town rather than in the middle of nowhere, as Ale— gria was, so we would go out every weekend and during the week would go to other people’s houses.

It also allowed me to experience the Argentinean culture in its home rather than on display.

The estancia called La Tapera was in the corner of the law retches 30,000 acre estate and was complete with golf course, swimming pool and a peculiar type of tennis / squash court. My polo improved dramatically as I was playing in tournaments, riding good horses and had the constant ear of high goal players.

To conclude I would like to thank Major Lockhart for his support and the Com— manding Officer for allowing me the

time off.

The Author lfiSIfUCl/ng

and scooping it off the ground to volley past people. Their style of play is much more open with the emphasis being on running with the ball and passing rather than marking so tightly neither of you are able to make plays.

On reflection one ofthe problems at Ale— gria was that we would only play six, timed seven and half-minute chukkas and almost invariably I was mounted on things that felt they had come out of the rodeo ring.

I would always know if something particularly fiery was coming as Ernesto would say something like “This one pulls a little”, meaning “it is going to pull your arms of ”. Or “don’t make any sudden movements until it has

a"- uva’ fry-‘1" ,' i

Horse unes

Household Cavalry News

81

18 Troop HCR (Windsor Boys School) ACF

The Household Cavalry Sports Round-up

Combermere Barracks.

By Lieutenant. R _7 Oakley—Watson-LG (Berks ACF)

The Ski Team As befits the first Army Cadet Force unit

privileged

to

be

badged

Household Cavalry, 18 Troop has, for the passed ten years, endeavoured to build a reputation for commitment to hard work which would reflect well on

Annual Camp, in August this year, was held at Fremington Camp, North Devon, the high point of which was the opposed beach landing from craft (kindly supplied by Her Majesty’s Royal Marines) followed by a two day exercise.

18 Troop HCR(WBS) is open to the children of all serving and retired members

13 to 18 years.

07970 105334

Contact Tp Comd on

our parent regiment.

The new millennium began on a high note from the previous century with the troop shooting team winning The Blondy Trophy in December 1999.This

four man team went on to form two thirds of the most successful Berkshire ACF county shooting team in 200 years, recording notable wins against both Navy and Airforce cadets. Individual mention must be made of Cadet CoH Johnstone’s RHG/D shooting achieve— ments in becoming an Army Cadet One Hundred shot receiving The Falklands

Lewis Challenge Cup for the Best cadet

The Troop’s success continued in October with a second place in the annual military skills competition held at Arborfield Garrison. At the time of writing this article the shooting team’s

training is swing,

in

under

full 7 ’ SCM

Sharp’s LG coaching, to defend their Blondy Trophy title.

shot in Berkshire!

Aborfieid Cup2 00 Overal/ 27d place," win/er ofCo od Task, i Tug of War and Shooting phases. with CoH Howard, Instructor

City Cadets Go Country (26 Troop) By 2nd Lieutenant]] Preston — LG 0C 26 Troop Group City of London NE Sector Army Cadets from 26 Troop The Life Guards, Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment (Stoke Newington) attended The Stanford River Horse Trials at Ongar, Essex, the event occurred on the

1St / 2nd July, with over 300 riders taking part. The cadets provided general assistance within the Arena and were actively involved in many other duties in relation to Show Jumping and Dressage events.

from Bosnia. Captain Holmes invited the Cadets to meet her horses Boris (Grey) 81 Beano after competing in the cross-country section ofthe Trials. They talked about the skills required in crosscountry riding, looking after two horses and preparing them for Trail competi—

Last year the Ski Team basked in glory, with victory upon victory on the slopes.

This year we scored highly, but not on the mountain. The team had shed those stagnant members who had repetitively haunted Verbier. Instead, fresh blood stepped out to represent the Regiment.

Of the three OR’s, LCpl Eulert (Boggy by name, boggy by nature) had skied just a couple of times: Trps Ashaa and Howell were novices, and it showed: Captain Bellman managed to wangle his way in (this really brassed some people off, so they cancelled his Major’s pay); Lieutenant Evetts claimed he was a fantastic skier (dream onl); and Ted Heath showed up but was deemed unfit to race.

I was there too.

We spent 49 evenings doing much PR for the Regiment as we possibly could. The Commanding Officer can be proud of our stamina and determination. As for skiing, no one said this was going to be easy. Tpr Ashaa dislocated his arm during the slalom and was heli-lifted off the hill. I broke my nose, off piste in the main square at New Year.

Lifting the inside edge is inefficient.

To summarize, we won absolutely nothing. In fact I think we came last. But hey, it’s the taking part that counts. At

least they will remember:

there.

Thank you to Major Clee and W02 Pilchowski for their help, and the Regiment for its support. Please let me go again next year. We can do better -hone§tl l...“

A”? lg;

7

well deserved and was a reflection of all the dedication by those involved with the Troops staff and Cadets. However, we still have a long way to go and this has set a good foundation to build on.

i

5 I} ,/

One for the Regiment

tion.

Mrs Wallin, Secretary SRHT commented on the many remarks which had been made by the competitors and general

Younger Cadets coming from North public on the appearance and attitude of London, it was their first opportunity to

sample one of the more traditional

By Captain] H Blount, LG

of The Household Cavalry aged between

the Cadets “They were the smartest Cadets they had ever seen”.

events in rural life.

Good Foundations

This year one of its Cadets, Tpr Burnt has enrolled at the Army Foundation College, Harrogate, North York’s. He is due to pass out this summer and joins the Regiment in Windsor and will be moving to Hyde Park Barracks to the Mounted Regiment. This is the second Cadet that has gone forward to join The Life Guards from the Detachment.

LCpl Eulert at fm_l,_s_t1 .9

:3. . t

2000 Olympics & The Lady Vet The Cadets had the opportunity to meet Lady Kelvedon, one of the many spon— sors, and Mr Owen Moore, who had rep— resented Great Britain on numerous occasions in European 81 World Competitions and had been short—listed for the 2000 Olympic Games.

Also taking part in this event was Captain Joanna Holmes RHG/D(RVO), Reg—

imental Veterinary Officer at Hyde Park Barracks, who has recently returned

Support for the Cadets comes from the The Life Guards Squadron, Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment (HCMR) through their contact SCpl StevensonLG and others who have helped over the pass

few years. (Big thank you to them all).

In January the Detachment had an outstanding report from the Inspecting Officer Captain Z N Catsaras LG, 3 Troop Ldr HCMR. The Detachment Commanding Officer ZLt J J Preston LG said the praise was

Become a Trooper Cadet If any one is interested in joining the Army Cadet Force please contact ZLt J J Preston LG, Detachment Commanding Officer at 26 Troop The Life Guards, Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment, 80 Albion Road, Stoke Newington, Lon— don N16 9TP. Tel: 020 7254 4143.

The Detachment meets twice a week on Mondays & Thursdays 7.30pm to 9.30pm.

nun-r?"

LCp/ Eulert at start.

Household Cavalry News 82

Household Cavalry News

__ " '

Poh)2000

Rugby

By Captain M P F Dollar, RHG/D

By W02 Evans fA, RHG/D

fter a rather wet and cold winter, those polo players in the regiment were eagerly waiting for the summer months to arrive. Another Polo Season beckoned and after a rather busy season in 99, what with Bosnia and Kosovo, we were all dying for it to start. With Lieutenant Harrison having spent 3 months away in Argentina, Captain Fox—Pitt at Knightsbridge, Captain Lewis in Alder— shot, Lieutenant Colonel Cowen in Lon» don and Lieutenant Dollar at Windsor, things were looking pretty good for a sea son at the Guards Polo Club. As is usual, the majority of the polo played took place at Guards and a number of players during the season, when not working and playing for the regiment, were able to slot them— selves into some very competitive teams.

With polo of this quality on the doorstep, we were very lucky and it helped to encourage the continuation of some strong Army Players.

The Inter Regimental Tournament For the second year in a row, the Regi— mental Team was to prove successful in reclaiming the Inter Regimental Cup at Windsor, something held close to its heart. The team consisting of Lieutenant Colonel Cowen as Captain, Captain Fox— Pitt, Captain Lewis, and Lieutenant Dollar, we managed to field a 5 goal team, not bad in the currant climate of Regimental Polo! For the first match we were pitted against the Royal Wessex Yeomanry, one of the contests that always proves rather tricky and if not careful frequently leads to disaster. This occasion was to prove just that, and at first it looked decidedly like we were going to lose. By the end of

the 2nd Chukka the score was 5-1 to the Yeomanry, Lieutenant Dollar and Captain Fox-Pitt looking distinctly like they were in fact playing on another ground! After a rather stern talk at half time by our captain, things got a lot better and by the end

missed goals and unlucky bounces. Of note there were several outstanding bits of play by Lieutenant Colonel Cowen who, as the Captain, held the team together with great credit. By half time the score was 5—2, and this remained as the final score. The cup was retained for yet anoth—

he 99/00 season ended with a mix of some success and some failure. The team was knocked out of the Cavalry

Cup by the KRH in a hard fought game, played at Tidworth. It was even more disappointing losing to a side led by

Major M S Rayner, who before being

er year.

commissioned into the KRH was a trooper in the RHG/D Squadron at

Captains and Subaltems

HCMR.

The Captains and Subalterns was the next tournament in the Regimental fixture list, and as usual was held down at Tidworth.

With a number of other Cavalry Regiments returning to the Country this year, it was good to see that the Tournament was well represented. The idea was to run the tournament over a single weekend, therefore everybody would find it easier, more fun and less of a logistical night— mare. The team continued to revolve around Captain Fox—Pitt and Captain Lewis who were joined by Cornet LaneFox, still at Sandhurst and Lieutenant Harrison, (now not quite so brown from his 3 months off to Argentina)!

Due to an uneven number of teams and the fact that the tournament was run over two days, the first two games were a round robin of two chukkas. Pitted against the QRL and Light Dragoons on the first day, all was to play for. Cornet Lane—Fox, hav» ing only just started playing that summer, performed with great credit and coupled with Fox—Pitt and Lewis were too strong for the opposition and came out the win— ners with relative ease. Sunday was the day of the final, and due to the knock-out the following day, the team was put against the Navy. Playing on the Fisher Ground to a good crowd, the match start— ed with a 1.5 goal handicap to the Navy.

The defeat left the team with one more chance of silverware in the Prince of Wales Cup. The luck of the draw allowed us a bye into the final where we

faced a team from HCMR. This team of

Lady Denaro presenting the pn'ze to

Lt Col Stuart Cowen.

Right from the start everybody came out determined to win and put a few goals on the board as soon as possible and this is what duly happened. By half time we were winning by 5~l.5 and the team was going well.

In what could only be described as a rather choppy game, we came out the winners 9—1.5 and took the Captains and Subalterns trophy with great delight.

P010 in the Regiment seems relatively healthy at the moment, with a strong base of players. Not only have these players done well for the Regiment, the CSPA has

also benefited from their talent. Of the five members ofthe biannual polo tour to the East Coast ofAmerica three were from the Regiment. With a number of new Officers arriving with an interest to learn and play, the future looks good and hopefully we will continue with the success of the last few years.

course contained many faces that had played for us last season. In a hard fought game, with no quarter given, our superior fitness in the end allowed us to come out convincing winners.

The result was a nice high note for Major Sackett to finish his time as Rugby Officer, before moving on into civilian life.

Rumour in the squad was that he was going to teach an International side in the Balkans. These rumors however latter proved unfounded.

The season was finished off with an inter-Squadron 10-a-side tournament.

We invited HCMR to enter a team in the competition and they nearly made off with the “Jim Davies Trophy”, but for a fine display from C Squadron in the final. SSgt B] Smith ofC Squadron was awarded player of the tournament after scoring a fantastic try in the final, when he ran the length of the pitch to score.

In the plate final B Squadron beat D Squadron with a golden try in extra time to end a very exciting game. The competition highlighted the fact that rugby remains one of the most popular team

i

_

.

.n

.

,

Tpr leb out/eaps the opposition {Maj Eyre) games in the Regiment. And it is hoped that next season we can finish off the season in a similar manner.

that was on the Sunday against Old Howardians, a club the Regiment has played before, although some time ago.

The start of the 2000/2001 season was slightly delayed due to the Regiment’s deployment to BATUS and the very wet weather.

However, in November we finally played our first game against 4 En REME and despite missing some key players and having lots of new blood in the team we cruised to an easy 27—0 victory. For this game we also welcomed

Despite a great first half where the team played some excellent rugby, the vast amount of entertaining that had been carried out the night before took its toll in the second half, and we were eventually soundly beaten 52—14. However, I can report that the third half definitely belonged to the team and we have promised to return to Cardiff to extract revenge for our defeat. Another high— light of the weekend was celebrating England’s exciting win over Australia in a Pub full of Wales supporters!

back to the team WOl (ASM) Gary Tait who played for the team when he was a Sqn Tiffy in the early 90’s. (It was nice to link up with someone who is as near~ ly as old as me in the pack!). Also in November some of the squad, with play— ers from HCMR, went on a weekend tour of South Wales. Due to poor weather only one fixture could be played and

We have said goodbye this season to LCoH Brown, who captained the side for the past few years with great success and we wish him well in his posting to

of the match the score was 9—5 to us.

Due to problems with the draw and the

fact that we were favourites, following this first round victory we moved straight into the Finals 011 the Sunday.

Usually a

rather grand affair on Ground 1 with the Queen in attendance, this year was to prove rather disappointing: with the rather nasty conditions, the venue was moved to Number 2 Ground and Her Majesty stayed away. Interestingly the final was the same as the previous year against the Foot Guards. After a rather tentative start, the first chukka proved a good one and we were several goals up by the end. However the rest of the match proved rather uneventful, with plenty of

five

t

Lady Denaro and Field Marshall S/r John Chapel mm the Household Cavalry Polo Team HCR Squad 2000 , Winners of the Prince of Wales Cup.

Household Cavalry News 84

Household Cavalry News

85

W02 (RQMC (T)) Steve Grantham finally hanging up his boots and moving to the coaching staff.

7

7~~

Tpr Jones HCR hooker throws in.

ATR Pirbright. CoH Trinnick has taken

over the duties of team captain with

Captain Maher has brought his excellent admin skills to the post of Rugby Officer and the club remains in a strong posit10n to increase on the silverware won last season, and we have the intention of fulfilling a full fixture list for the reminder of the season. A few of the promising young players have been sent to the Army team trials in Aldershot and it is hoped they will fulfil the potential that they have shown. On a personal note, I would like to thank all those players who I have shared so many good times both on and off the field in the past 22 years playing Regimental Rugby.

And I would like to wish the Squad all the best for the future as I head off into the sunset to play Vets Rugby!

of the teams were given a bye in the lSt round 7 each of us having to earn his lunch. The ‘A’ team, of whom much was expected, lost 7 down to a strong Irish Guards ‘B’ team. Our ‘B’ team were convincing winners — 10 up — against Irish Guards ‘A’ and the ‘ " team were unfortunately comprehensively beaten 22 down by a very strong Welsh Guards ‘A’ team. So by lunchtime two of the 3 teams had been eliminated. Into the Zn round went the gallant ‘B’ team and after a titanic struggle, against the Coldstream Guards ‘B’ team, we succumbed by just 1 hole. Failure cannot live with persistence and the halcyon days of the 90’s — when Household Cavalry teams swept all before them — can only be just around the corner!!

Regimental Fullback, Capt Bedford.

A team of 10 Household Cavalrymen, both past and present, played at the Fernhill Artisans Golf Club, Swinley on 10‘h May. This is a new fixture, arranged by SCpl Mitchell, HCTW,

against the Green’s Staff.

This year saw the emergence of many new golfers within the Household Cavalry. With HCR being complete in the UK for much of the early part of the year, and the stalwarts of HCMR making themselves available, there were many more to select from than for many years.

We have been able to play at Worplesdon, Sunningdale, Swinley Forest, Farnham Park, Wexham Park and Bird Hill’s.

Some of HCR continue to have the courtesy of the Eton College Golf Club.

foursomes though, produced far more

gold with Household Cavalry teams — LCoH Jones/Musn Thomas, LCsoH

Whitfield/Thomas

and

Lieutenant

Colonel Sibley/Ca tain Hennessy—Walsh

finishing 2nd, 3r and 4th respectively.

All in all a very respectable day out.

Later in March the first of the bi-annual matches against the Sunningdale

considered to be one of the more difficult tests of golf in this country. We are so privileged to be able to play on such hallowed turf and, despite rarely beating the opposition, we very much enjoy the walk!! (“Take time to smell the flowers” etc etc.... ) We continue to battle in the hope that one day we may win and return the belt — presented by the late Major Mick Brown — to its rightful home.

With such good results from the Household Division Championships there was every hope that for the major competi—

was in March when 13 Household Caval,-,; rymen, both past and present, enteretf

Mills/LCoH Whitfield. The return fix-

the Household Division Championships ’ ,

ture in October saw us playing for the first time in many years on the ‘Old’ Course. Once again we were soundly

Cup — we would again see success. With so much talent from which to select play— ers we were able to field 3 fairly strong teams who all met, again at Worplesdon, to do battle against the remainder of the Household Division. Unusually neit V !

held at Worplesdon. Whilst there were

no notable results in the mornin ‘scratch’ singles, Mr Neil Flynn came 155 in the ‘handicap’ singles. The afternoo

match and was thus unable to give us the benefit of his grooved swing. He became a roving photographer without film!

Each Squadron was to have provided one 4 man team but Regimental commitments made this impossible and the 15 or so who were able to play enjoyed a most enjoyable strokeplay competition.

Prizes were given in the WOs’ and NCOs’ Mess afterwards as follows: Near— est the Pin: CoH (Now SCpl Kellet).

Longest Drive: SCpl Gray — on the basis that his was the only drive that remained on the fairway!! Best Scratch: Lieu— tenant Colonel Sibley (76). Runner Up: Captain Hennessy-Walsh (79).

Best Handicap: Tpr Ainsley (84). Runner Up: Tpr Wharton (89) on the basis that CoH Kellet (87) had already won a prize.

The Guards Golfing Society

At the time of going to press rumours abound about a team of Household Cavalrymen, past and present, taking leave of their jobs and senses, to travel to South Carolina and test out some of the courses in Myrtle Beach. More of that, and hopefully of more success, in the next Journal.

Officers, both past and present, are reminded that the Guards Golfing Soci— ety is always seeking new members.

Matches are played on fine courses around the country and the annual fee is very modest. Details from the Member— ship Secretary — Captain Peter Richardson, WG — on 01252 678993.

HCR held their first golf day for some years on 20 July at Farnham Park Golf Club. It was a glorious day and Messrs Sibley, Hennessy-Walsh and Shatliff

time at 1-1, thanks to a late goal from Tpr Blockley. The second half saw a scrappy match with the difference being the ability of the 9/12 Lancers to put the ball in the back of the net twice more to win the match 3—1.

future it may take a lot longer than we would like!

ue to heavy operational commit— ments the Regimental Football team opted out of playing in any league matches. This left just the Cavalry Cup

tion of the year — The Colonel in Chief’s to concentrate on.

beaten 5-0, but the playing generally

VWO2 Evans afiadc/llfe Golf Course, Alberta, Canada.

Football

Greens’ Staff was held on a cold and wet afternoon. In an unusual format — greensomes — only 2 of the 5 teams were winners namely Lieutenant Colonel Sibley/Captain Hennessy-Walsh and W02

The first serious excursion of the year

the annual Officers v NCO’s cricket

It is hoped

that a trophy can be found which can be competed for each year. It is a wonder— ful place to play golf and our team were regally entertained after our defeat!

Golf

took advantage of the good weather, and a free day, to play nine holes in the morning in preparation for the main competition.

Sadly W02 Douglas injured his thumb the previous day in

SCpl Gray and SCpl Bridges coached the side with LCpl Jordan named as captain.

The average age ofthe side being twentyone, the future is starting to look promising after living in the shadows of the Rugby team for an eternity.

In the first round of the Cavalry Cup the Regiment was drawn away to l RTR, who were favourites to win the competi— tion. A fantastically skilful and gusty performance with goals from LCpl Lofts and LCpl Beulah saw the regiment come away with a 2—0 win.

The Regiment now has a very good young squad, from which, with coaching and time playing together could emerge a very good team. With heavy operational commitments over the foreseeable

During the season the following players represented the RAC. LCoH Lofts LCpl Jordan Tpr Deakin Tpr Scott Tpr Blockley Tpr Ingram- Mitchell

Support Your Journal We are always looking for firms, small or large to advertise in the Journal as this helps to reduce the cost to the Associations.

Competitive Rates In the Semi Finals we were drawn against the 9/12 Lancers. Due to the terrible weather conditions and with virtually every pitch in the area out of bounds we eventually managed to play the tie at Home Park in Windsor. Playing in the mud and rain the teams went in at half

Anyone interested is asked to contact The Editor, The Household Cavalry, Horse Guards, London SW 1A 2AX. Tel: 020 7424 239 or the Publishers Crest Publications, Redhouse Road, Northampton NN3 6AQ.

Tel: 01604 497565

Fax: 01604 497688,

email Journals@crest publicationscom

Household Cavalry News 86

Household Cavalry News

87

Ice Hockey

dealt with by Tpr Adriensen in goal. In attack Tpr Webster and Capt Fisher fought for every puck, the Commanding Officer and Captain (Wild Thing) Manning dominated Centre Ice with Major Miller, and Tpr Palour providing the aggressive rushes on the opposition goal producing some excellent scores. The loudest cheer of the day was heard when our eight stone(ish), “does my bottom look big in these shorts”, RAO, Captain Larmour, body checked a seventeen and a half stone opponent leaving him flat on the ice as she skated away. At the end of

By Captain WR Lindsay, LG It was a scorching summer’s day at the beginning of July and the Regiment

was at Castlemartin in the middle of their firing camp. In the Officers Mess, the Command Group and other interested parties gathered to be up-dated by Commander BATUS on our pending participation in Exercise Iron Hawk.

This was the largest exercise ever undertaken by UK forces in BATUS. It was therefore a surprise when the focus was shifted for a moment and a challenge was given, and accepted, for the Household Cavalry to play the Prairie Permanent Staff at Ice Hockey during

the day there was only one team who was going to lift the trophy and a new sport was born in the Household Cavalry.

and Football teams for the regimental sports talent.

At the end of the event, Commander BATUS stepped onto the ice, and con— gratulated the team for what they had achieved in a very short space of time.

On our return to Windsor the momentum of this sport has not stopped. The NCOs are to play the Officers and Troopers in March and a tour to BATUS at the end of the year is being looked at. Per—

The only thing left was to deal with those who spent time in the‘Sin Bin for lapses in discipline. On investigation it was found that the list included the Second in Command, Major Clee, both the Squadron Leaders, Major’s Wheeler and Miller and the Wild Thing.

It was thought therefore that as they did not actually get sent off, and they said they were sorry, to let it drop.

haps one day they will rival the Rugby

Ex Cockney Cresta

our tour.

By Major] R Wheeler, LG Nothing could be done prior to our arrival in Canada and even then we had to wait three weeks till the ice was down, at which point the majority of the regiment was on the Prairie. When the team was raised it was very evident that they were starting not from a point of learning Hockey, but from the point of learning to skate. However, no shortage of volunteers led by The Commanding Officer, the Two Squadron Leaders, the QM(T) and the Gunnery Officer.

We also found that we had Tpr Adriensen in C Sqn who is a Canadian and a very experienced Goal Tender and Tpr Paylor in HQ Sqn who was the Great Britain under 21 Captain.

Perhaps all was not lost.

The training was long, tiring and painful with the Gunnery Officer, Cap~ Iain Fisher, receiving 8 stitches to a wound when he found the ice was harder than his head (Well that’s how he told his wife it happened).We were a bit sur— prised as, in true Canadian style, they sent the Fire Brigade to deal with him.

The HCR Team doing their version of the HAKKA (more commonly Known as Disney on Ice).

K'The QM debriefs the Ice Hockey team

The QM(T), surprisingly for the amount of padding, (natural and artificial) received a badly bruised backside.

With true Household Cavalry grit the team were spending as much time as they possibly could practicing on the ice and it was beginning to bare fruit.

The improvement continued and the team started to get quite a reputation.

The senior element in BATUS Hockey were now beginning to look decidedly nervous. Could this team who had only just learned to Skate really compete against the very experienced BATUS teams?

The first test came against the Oilers, the best of the BATUS Sub-Unit teams,

and to their surprise they found it very difficult to compete against what had become a well drilled team. At this point the goal posts were changed and the game that was originally planned became a tournament incorporating the Army Air Corps and the BATUS Lions(the premier BATUS team).

The big day finally came and the Regi~ ment showed what it was made of as hundreds turned up to support a game in which few of them even knew the rules. The noise was deafening for both the HCR games. The Second in Command, Major Clee and his driver, Tpr MacDonnell were solid in defence and if anything did get past, it was quickly

Tpr Adriensen co/lects the trophy from Cornd BATUS.

his year, Major Wheeler, Lieutenant Damien Lipman and Lieutenant Will Snook, traveled to St Moritz, Switzerland, to ride the Cresta Run. To those not familiar with the Cresta, it is the home ofthe St Moritz Tobogganing Club, a private club that participates in a sport approximating to Bob Skeleton, lying on a toboggan, head first down an ice track.

The Cresta Run itself is approximately l'/a miles long and drops a total of 500 ft.

Unlike a Bob run, some of the corners are designed to throw one out of the run rather than keep one in it, the most treacherous of which is called Shuttle— cock. For the fastest riders the journey will take around 43 seconds which is from the start known as Junction, from where beginners on the Cresta have their first rides. Once an individual has gained enough experience and a high enough level of competence he will ride from Top, which incorporates another three corners before reaching Junction. The fastest riders from Top will ride a time of about 53 seconds, at speeds of up to 85 mph.

Major Wheeler, riding for the first time this year, successfully completed School for Beginners, but was able, only, to manage five days of riding. He greeted the prospect of the Cresta with his usual enthusiasm for all things that could potentially cause him harm. He loved it!

Spurred on by his reunion with a fellow graduate of the Cirencester Agricultural College, Major Wheeler began to show a side that is not often seen whilst he is in uniform. The strongest example of this came early one evening when some of the other Cresta riders discovered that it was possible to launch oneself from the road— side down a 30ft bank of snow and emerge unscathed. Major Wheeler, who as we know is not a timid man, decided to go one better and use a lamp post to give himself greater height and a longer

fall into the snow. It was just unfortu— nate that the pile of snow Major Wheeler was aiming for was in fact a compacted block of ice covered with a light sprin» kling of the day’s snow. The crack from his ribs as he swan dived into the block of ice was audible from several meters away. I am pleased to report that Major Wheeler was only winded whilst sadly the block of ice may never recover.

Back on the Cresta, after several visits to the straw at Shuttlecock, Major Wheeler was able to complete the course in less than 60 seconds before he was forced to return to the UK. Lieutenant Lipman, on his second season on the Cresta, pro» gressed very well. He was able to convert to a “Flat—top” toboggan, the more advanced of the two types of toboggan that one rides the Cresta on, getting his best time from Junction down to 46.50 seconds. This meant that he qualified to ride from Top, and became a true Cresta rider, thus laying the foundations for a possible place in the Army team next season. What remains to be discovered is how long it will take the other Cresta rid— ers to recover from seeing Lieutenant Lipman in a skin-tight Lycra body suit.

To say that he bore a remarkable resemblance to a large strawberry with legs is as kind as one can be. It must be said that in his defence size and weight equal

momentum.

Lieutenant Snook, now in his sixth year on the Cresta, had a tremendously sue cessful season. After difficulties with finding a suitable toboggan, he was able to retain his title as Army Champion, winning The Scots Guards Cup for the second year running. On his final course ofriding he achieved the best time of his life, from Top, of 56.32 seconds. This was fortunate, as he had left the lid to the

The HCR Cresta Team.

L to R Lt W Snook RHG/D, Maj JR Wheeler LG, Lt D Lipman LG.

cup in Windsor. Happily, lid and cup are now reunited. It is also fortunate that Lieutenant Snook had his time recorded at all, as on his first rides of the season he failed to trip the start contacts on two consecutive occasions, by being so low down on his toboggan. Thus he earned himself the nickname “Flat Worm” from the Club Secretary, Lieutenant Col Digby Willoughby. Lieutenant Lipman has promised to put him on a strict diet of his own design in order to prevent this happening again next year.

The Inter—services Championship, a team event ridden over three courses from Top, marked the end of the Cresta Military season. After one of the closest races in recent memory, the Army won for the first time in ten years by four sec~ onds. Lieutenant Snook being placed third in the race overall.

Household Cavalry News 88

Household Cavalry News

89

Modern Pentathlon

While the team did not venture forth again, Lt Hayward and LCpl Mackenzie entered the first of the National Selec— tion competitions for the 2001 World Championships, which are being held in the UK. The first round took place in Bath on the 9 — 10 December immediately after the regiment had returned from live firing in Castlemartin. Thirty—two competitors entered the senior category, most already existing squad members or maturing juniors eager for a place on the

By Lieutenant E Hayward RHG/D For those uninitiated, the root of the modern sport of pentathlon comes from the military arena of the gallant King’s messenger trying to reach his des» tination to deliver the vital battle plans.

The sport replicates this activity in the more sanitized guise of: pistol shooting, swimming (200m), fencing (epee), run» ning (3000m) and show jumping. These events usually take place over two days.

However, in the shorter event of the tetrathlon (all events except the riding) the sports occur on a single day. All events are scored out of 1000 points.

However, it is possible to score bonuses with outstanding performances.

It has been a very successful first year for The Household Cavalry Modern Pentathlon Team. Within quite a short space of time, the team, consisting of Lt E Hayward RHG/D, LCpl A Mackenzie LG and LCpl T West LG Band support—

ed by LCpl Butler RHG/D and Tpr Scott RHG/D, have achieved notable success, competing both for the Regiment and being selected to represent the Army.

LCpl Mackenzie also achieved the con-

siderable distinction to be selected as part of the National Squad for the World Championships. If all comes to fruition

this year with a good performance in the World Championships should place him on stepping—stones to the next Olympics.

Our first major competition as a team was at the Army Tetrathlon Champi— onships, which this year attracted record entries.

The tetrathlon has the four events of the modern pentathlon without the riding and is contested over a tiring single day. LCpl Mackenzie defended his title as Army Champion, won the previous year, winning best individual overall. He scored a personal best of 4057 points with a shoot of 1120 and a swim of 2 minutes 14.38 seconds (over 200 metres). The HCR team won the Army title with a combined score of 10668 points, just behind Oxford University who had scored 11235.This proved a useful training exercise as it set us the realistic yet ambitious target of beating the University teams in the National competitions that were approaching. It was also the first time that the team had competed together and participated in all four events on a single day.

The next competition was the British National Tetrathlon. This was hosted in Wolverhampton and attended by 56

regional clubs.

The strongest being the National Olympic squad and the University clubs.

It should be noted the team rose early to shoot at 0800 hrs in the morning, followed by a mid—day run. The fencing is one point per bout to win and

GB team. On the first day, Lt Hayward had a successful start by winning the shooting outright with 1144 points and continued with a reasonable fence to be

placed 3rd overall. LCpl Mackenzie shot badly, for him, scoring 1060 and placed 6th, he fenced well and ended the day in 51h position. The second day saw LCpl Mackenzie return to form with an impressive shoot of 1168 with Lt Hayward coming 6th with 1048.Both had a disappointing fence with scores of 698

and 724 respectively. The final result saw both placed in the top ten in 9t and 10th, LCpl Mackenzie scoring 37% and Lt Hayward 3740.This excellent result places both in a good position for the coming competitions and is no mean achievement on its own. The second competition is underway at the time of writing and we wait with interest to learn the results. The next year could see Household Cavalrymen competing at the highest levels of international sport.

every competitor fences everybody, this lasted for five and a half hours.

The team was only warm— ing up in the pool at 1930 hrs to race at 2000 hrs. It is quite late, at the end of an exhausting day, to find oneself in the adjacent lane to our Olympic hopeful» without goggles! ' "

Sailing - RAC Regatta

By Lieutenant P G Leavey, LG

LCpl Mackenzie placed 7th and Lt Hayward and LCpl West secure a credi—

ble 141h and 19th respec— tively.

This earnt the

team an amazing second place, ahead of both Oxford and Cambridge T The Household Cavalry Pentathlon Team (and a couple of hopefuls)

UniverSiIY teamss dEfeaf th/ MacKehz/e, Stephanie Cook (Gold Medalist Sydney 20mm ed only by the Men s Hayward. Kate Al/ehby (Bronze Medalist. Sydney 2000). LCp/ West.

National Squad.

This success bred a sense of confidence that spurred the team on in their training and resulted in them entering the

National Modern Triathlon. This tackles the shooting, swimming and running elements of the larger sport. There were over 70 competitors from over 12 regions present. It would prove to be quite a test as many of the entrants were solely triathletes and, therefore, could focus in their training on the endurance disciplines of the running and swimming. If the Army team were to achieve anything they had to convert their superiority in the shooting into firm points. LCpl Mackenzie turned in a good performance winning the individual title with a score of 3278 points. He swam 2 mins. 26 sees. for 200m, shot 88 out of 100 and ran 3000m in 10 mins. 04 secs. LCpl West came second just under 500 points behind and Lt Hayward came in 4th with 2694 points. The three totalled some 8770 points allowing the Army team to win its first National title.

the REME and the RHA. This year was the first time that the HCR had entered and success here would cap a brilliant first year. The team would have a slight change as Lt Hayward was unable to compete due to final exercise of his Troop Leaders course. His place was taken by Tpr Scott RHG/D HCMR. It was a very hot weekend which added to the stress of both the running and riding events. Nevertheless, the cool waters of the pool encouraged some better swimming and good shooting. However, dehy— dration dogged most of the competitors for the final event, a marathon session of five hours fencing.

LCpl Mackenzie added to his string of personal victories with a magnificent win worth 5121 points, a personal best. He rode 1100 (HPS), shot 1132 and fenced 1000 points.

ch1 West took 3rd place with 4002 earning the Army Intermediate title for competing in the full pentathlon for the first time. He shot a credible 924. Tpr

Scott placed ninth with a distinguished fence of924.The HCR team took the title The climax of the year was the Army Modern Pentathlon Championship held in July, at RMA Sandhurst, which has been for the recent past the preserve of

from the RHA with a dominating score of 11010 points ahead of7 Para RHA on

9012 points. This proved to be a fitting end to the team fixtures of the year.

he Regimental Second in Command’s attempts to avoid spending too much time in Windsor after his return from Kosovo are by now well known and documented. He therefore arranged for a Household Cavalry crew to compete in the Royal Armoured Corps Regatta, organised by the Sail Training Centre in Kiel, Germany. To protect him from the dangers ofthc deep and himself it was decided to send a highly motivated and competent crew of five. Thus it was that Major Clee, Sergeant Moraz— zani, Troopers Adamson and Guest, and Lieutenants Leavey and Heath found themselves enduring what must have been the longest minibus journey in the venerable history of both Regiments.

Those visiting the new museum in HorseGuards in 2003 should look out for the interactive display which will be commemorating it.

It will be easily found: next to the memorial to Lieu— tenant Heath’s sanity. It would have made Martin Luther King turn to violence. Our thanks to the Queen’s Dragoon Guards who picked us up on their way south from Catterick.

The week had been organised along dif— ferent lines from previous years, as it had been decided to incorporate a competent crew course. While it was apparent that the Training Centre was initially a little nervous about this, the innovation seemed to work well. The course and the racing complemented each other very satisfactorily and the element of interregimental competition made all hands even more enthusiastic.

On meeting the other crews it was obvious that we were easily the most Inexperienced and that Major Clee had set him—

self a formidable task. While Lieutenant Heath, Sergeant Morazzani and Trooper Guest had some experience of sailing Trooper Adamson and Lieu—

tenant Leavey had none at all. Unfortunately, concurrent to Lieutenant Leavey’s lack of experience was his total incompetence at all levels. When it was discovered that throwing ropes ashore was beyond him he was allowed to make tea. When making tea was found to be beyond him he was allowed to lie stationary on the foredeck, or ‘front’ as he insisted on calling it.

After the very basics had been explained , the Household Cavalry boat, named ‘Pochard’, set offwith the rest of the fleet for Denmark. The plan was to sail up the Danish coast, racing and training during the day, and mooring up for the evening for inter—RAC and inter-Euro— pean bonding.

This went largely as planned. Under Major Clee’s tuition the crew was soon leaping around on deck very agilely and even Lieutenant Leavey was occasionally allowed to move and lie on one side or the other of the boat as we tacked. Trooper Guest was proving a competent helmsman already and Tpr Adamson’s ability to perform complicated tasks with ropes, talk and have a cigarette hanging off his lower lip became legendary. It was under Tpr Guest’s helming that Pochard was victo— rious in a compass race, stealing victory from a highly competitive King’s Royal Hussar crew in a most satisfying manner.

Weather conditions proved distinctly variable: rain and wind initially meant that the early stages of the training were ‘challenging’ if not entirely pleasant.

Soon, however, it started improving and

we were able to enjoy some Danish sun which held out until the night ofa rather bizarre RAC Pimms party, where we talked excitedly about bowlines and other interesting knots while shivering contentedly on the quay.

It was the day after that Lieutenant Heath, perhaps a little slower than his normal sprightly self, diced with death on the deck. While moving forward to put up the spinnaker he was surprised by the speed of the jibe and was almost top— pled overboard. Luckily he bounced back off the rails and his only injury was a black eye. Once the crew had stopped laughing he was consoled and restored by a rollmop sandwich, a particular favourite of his.

The rest of the crew avoided his strange eating habits, having been fortunate enough to discover that Sergeant Morazzani was an excellent cook as well as helmswoman.

In evenings, prior to going out and discovering how Danish people have fun, we would sit eating greedily, while Major Clee would test us on the naming of parts, the tying of knots and the emergency procedures.

On the final day, once back in Kiel, we were tested by the Sail Training staff and all participants passed their competent crew qualification. Considering the level at which most ofus had started from this was a credit to the way the week had been designed and the patience of Major Clee.

We then set off for a repeat performance ofthe bus journey from hell, mollified by the fact that we had achieved our aims. had an excellent week and learned about a very enjoyable new sport.

Household Cavalry News 90

Household Cavalry News

91

Cricket

Fencing(HCMR)

By Lieutenaan R Gretzny, LG

By Captain P B A 'Ibwnley—RHG/D he Regimental team had little opportunity to play between training commitments, but made the most of a hectic summer. We played fixtures against the Mounted Regiment and held a match against local teams at Castlemartin. The

Life Guards past and present defeated the Blues and Royals at Burton Court on a stifling day in June, and a nail biting contest between the Officers’ Mess and the Warrant Officers and NCOs provided the climax to the season shortly before our deployment for BATUS. Some new talent emerged and the foundations for next season are certainly in place. Trooper Merbhan represented the

Guards Cricket Club as well as the regimental side. He terrified the villages of Bosherton and Stackpole with his lethal pace and bounce, and picked up critical wickets for the Guards on a docile wick-

et. LCpl Lofts also played for the Guards and RAC teams and put in some solid hard hitting innings in his own particular style. Lieutenant Evetts took up the

Summer game, initially with limited success, but he developed into a competent and aggressive bowler by the end of the season. Tpr Sharpe’s maiden innings yielded an unbeaten 31 off 28 balls, and the team can look forward to an exciting season in 2001 if these players continue to perform as they did this year. A preseason tour to Jamaica may also be in the pipe line, which would provide an excellent chance to compete at a high standard on the hard and dusty Caribbean wickets in the build up to the English season.

The most memorable match of the year was the contest between the Officers’ eleven and the Warrant Officers and NCOs, which was played at Royal Ascot Cricket Club in July. A steady 30 runs scored by Lieutenant Colonel Sibley put the challengers under pressure from the start, and although the wickets of the Commanding Officer and Captain Bartle—Jones fell quickly and cheaply at the other end, the undisciplined and hugely varied bowling attack fell apart under an

onslaught from Captain Bedford and Major Miller. The lower order provided further irritation as the Officers’ Mess scrambled to 146 off their allocated 20 overs, with a visiting Spanish Officer, Major Centeno, hitting his first ball (ever) back over the bowler’s head at the close of the innings.

LCpl Lofts and Corporal Major Douglas led the reply in spirited fashion, and the

score quickly rattled to 34 for l offS overs before an unfortunate run out and a savage inswinger accounted for both their scalps in the space of 10 balls.

Some herculean hitting from CoH Kellet and a desperate 27 from the Regimental Corporal Major proved insufficient to ward offa defeat by 16 runs, although the pleasure on Mr Shatliff’s face as he smashed the Commanding Officer’s first ball for six provided the losing team with some consolation.

he first event of the year was the Army Championships, which were held in Aldershot at Princess Elizabeth Barracks in April 2000.The club having reformed only six weeks before there was under some pressure to get everybody up to scratch with the three weapons — Epee, Sabre and Foil.

The final HCMR team consisted of eight people captained by LCoH Woods, CoH Freeman, LCsoH Oliver, Roper, Royston, LCpls Mackenzie, Quickfall, Tprs Keep and Scott. Out of 60 competitiors HCMR achieved the following results: FOYLE

EPEE

SABRE

8th

will

8th

cht Quickfall 14th

18th

23rd

LCoH Roper

31St

29th

LCoH Woods

2211d

The six man team involves two men at Epee, two men at Foil and two men at

Sabre, the scoring system involves all the points from each fencer being added up and totalled at the end for a final score. HCMR competed against five other teams and made it through to the final. It was a thrilling final in which HCMR were victorious. The winning six—man team consisted of LCsoH Woods, Oliver, Roper, LCpls Macken~ zie, Quickfall and Tpr Scott. In the three man inter unit competition HCMR came 4th and in the three man inter e Regimental competition were 3rd overall.

Due to the success of the HCMR sixman team in Aldershot, the team was asked to represent the Army in the com— bined Services Championship on 10th ~

13th July 2000. The Army (HCMR) team fought against the Navy and RAF

We look forward to a rematch next season.

Tpr Scott

23rd

23rd

27th

and came 2nd a tremendous effort by all

LCoH Oliver

251h

32nd

30th

involved. Individually only LCoH Woods qualified at this high level of

LCoH Royston 29th

34th

30th

competition and was 2nd in Foyle, 8th in Sabre and 10th in Epee.

Every one of the team worked extreme— ly hard, miraculously finding the time during an extraordinarily busy ceremonial year to practice so hard. They deserve the utmost praise for their achievements.

The S/x Man Team Winners.

LCp/ MackenZ/e. LCp/ Woods (C), Tp/ Scott. LCoH O/wer. LCoH Roper. Tpr Qurckta/l.

The Officers Mess vs the WOs‘ and NCOs' Mess

Household Cavalry News

92

Household Cavalry News

The London Marathon

Squash

By Captain A Lawrence, LG

By Major}r R Wheeler, LG

On an extremely cold and snowy day in Bosnia at the end of November 1999, a group of soldiers based in Mrkjonic Grad Bus Depot completed a charity run onI miles over the hills that surrounded the camp. The run was in aid ofthe Phil Lythe Appeal. Upon completion of the run I, along with several others, rather than deciding that our long distance running days were well and truly over, decided that to add another five miles would not be overly

difficult and that the full distance of the London Marathon became our goal.

Four and a half months later, after com-

pleting the full distance, my long dis— tance running days were well and truly over. Three members of the Regiment, myself, Lieutenant Ethan Bond LG and LCpl Flood LG had used the three places the Regiment were given by Combat Stress to ensure entry. Running for charity meant that there was absolutely no way of bottling out at the last minute.

The months before the race saw many long hours in Windsor Great Park on preparation. Many people will say how relaxing long runs are and how one is able to place all of life’s worries behind.

In my case anything that lasted over an hour became intensely boring. At an hour I had worked out what needed to be done at work, whose birthdays were coming up and anything else I could cover. From this point onwards all I could concentrate upon was any aches and pains. My consolation was that in the race itself the atmosphere and the crowds would numb the boredom and carry me forward in the tide of people.

Sunday 16 March 2000.

he Squash courts have had a lot of use this year, which is encouraging.

Even if the Regiment is not producing any Army level players at least the major» ity are enjoying the game, hopefully improving their overall fitness and/or perhaps settling some old scores! Earlier in the year the Regiment held an Inter Squadron Squash Competition.

After some hard fought battles, and some slightly dubious refereeing decisions, the

All three of the runners from the Regi— ment met up and made their way to the start point. The View from the train was disconcerting as we could see Canary Wharf on the skyline looking no more than several inches high. This was dis-

concerting for two reasons, firstly I knew it was quite a lot higher than several inches and therefore it must be a long

way off, secondly we had to run past it!

The starting cannon having fired it took five minutes to cross the start line. It was at this stage that LCpl Flood surged forward to ensure a creditable overall time of under three and a quarter hours.

Lieutenant Bond and I kept each other company until the tide of people eventually separated us. Surprisingly having crossed the start together we finished four hours later within a couple of min— utes of each other having not seen the other for the entire race.

The race itself was extremely enjoyable.

The crowds, the fancy dress and the atmosphere amongst the runners go to make it an event well worth doing. Having watched the event on television before it was strange to see how accurate the commentators dialogue on the likes of the effect of the cobbles at Tower Hill were. The first nineteen miles went well, the next four miles were OK, it was at

the end of the twenty third mile that things really hurt. Whatever the wall is, this was mine.

With tremendously painful hips that meant my running style was now mimicking an electronic whisk!

Fortunately by this stage you are on the

embankment and can see your target of the right turn at Big Ben! From the turn it is straight up Birdcage Walk to the

t

’rlx

trophy went to A Squadron. Everyone had a fun afternoon.

Author prior to the stair - too late to pull out?

Birthday Cake and down the Mall. This last leg had definitely grown in size from every time I had covered it until then and I vowed never to go down it again unless on horseback.

Throughout the entire race one had seen some real acts of courage. For three miles I ran along side a man with a prosthetic leg, the aches and pains of the great park now made me feel embarrassed, whose smile never left his face once. The only challenge was when as I approached the finish several runners in fancy dress closed upon me. The first was superman, he after all is a superhero so I did not feel too affrontedl The sec— ond, however, forced the last drops of energy from me. I was not going to be beaten in a sprint to the line by an eight foot Womble!

How you can help the Brooke Hospital for Animals You can too easily find half crippled, malnourished working animals in the East today.

Every week we give free treatment to thousands of suffering horses and donkeys and save many more from years of cruel labour.

For £25 we can provide up to 5 days of life saving hospital care.

Just £2 will enable us to give an all important preventative treatment. We know how to get the best value from every penny.

Please help. Send what you can by Cheque or Credit Card to: ll

Richard Searight, Brooke Hospital for Animals, Dept GHC36, Broadmead House,

21 Panton Street, London SW1 4DR - or call us on 0171 930 0210

The Regiment does have some players of a reasonable standard. Major Wheeler, Lieutenant Kenyon, Lieutenant Wren and SCpl Irving all represented the RAC in the Inter-Corps Championships in Nov 00 and helped the team to promotion into Division 2 for next year. LCoH Hughes would also have played, but for a clash with a career course. Lieutenant Kenyon, in particular, is very keen to train hard for next year’s competition, so much so that he has now bought his own shoes having had to borrow Major Wheeler’s during this year’s competi» tion. The free Corps’ T—shirts are also an

HCR successful squash team: Maj Wheeler, SCp/ Irvlhg. CoH Holden, LCol—l Hughes, LCpl Ire/and.

added incentive for selection! Another Inter~Squadron event is planned for the New Year and the Regiment is current— ly competing in the Inter«Unit Squash Championships drawn to play against ATR Pirbright in the next round.

Soldiers of all standards continue to be encouraged to have a go at the game.

The gym holds all the equipment, including eye guards for those playing against the uncontrollable agricultural

types.

Household Cavalry 1051(5) Diving Club he millennium year saw little activity in the diving club, with no upgrading courses being held. This was partly due to a busy ceremonial year by all Squadrons.

Regular diving has still taken place by the hard-core personalities such as FSCpL Newman, SCpl Goodwin, CoH Scovell, LSgt Storie. During this year LSgt Storie has completed his ‘mixed gas’ qualification and PADI instructor qualifications. The popular dive sites of Wraysbury and Stoney Cove have been visited by all at reg— ular intervals with dives of up to 37 mtrs.

Wraysbury Dive Centre, our closest dive site just a few miles from Windsor near the M25 with is an old gravel pit with depths of up to lSmtrs. The visibility is only about 2-5 metres, but with good training facilities on site. Stoney Cove is probably the most well known site not far away from Melton Mowbray. It has depths of up to 37 metres in good visibility with lots to explore underwater like a bus, land rover, plane, boat and underwater buildings.

Stoney has good facilities with on site safety equipment, shop, bar and restaurant.

Both Stoney and Wraysbury makes for a good day or weekend break away, where you can learn, in safety, a new sport.

During the summer as part of the joint club between Windsor and Knightsbridge, 12 members of the regiment at Windsor took part in try dives at Eton pool. This consisted ofa safety and equipment brief followed by 20 minutes of underwater swimming activities depend— ing on individuals’ ability. Forward and back underwater somersaults, lifting bags with weights demonstrations were just some of the activities. All 12 completing the dive successfully, with many showing a keen interest in the sport.

Over the last three months try dives for the recruits at Pirbright have taken place, giving the recruits an opportunity to broaden their experiences at the start of their Army career. LSgt Storie has been

putting the recruits through a 15—20 minute underwater experience in the hope of encouraging them into the sport and giving them a first hand experience of what is on offer while serving in today’s Army. All recruits expressed their interest and enjoyment from this adventurous sport, which also gave them a break from their recruit training.

With money building up in the diving fund a trip overseas or in this country will be organised for later this year as a training and upgrading course. The trip will be either a long weekend or week long expe— rience with two dives a day. The club gives an opportunity for Regimental personnel to achieve civilian qualifications to dive anywhere in the world, through the ‘British Sub~Aqua Club’ which is the governing body for the UK. The club is currently looking for new members and would like to hear from anyone interested in diving, both Army and Civilian.

Household Cavalry News 94

Household Cavalry News

95

provide articles for inclusion in the

Household Cavalry Journal. It is hoped that in the next edition of the Journal we will be able to produce a skeleton pro— gramme for the Regimental Information Team to advise Area Representatives.

News From the Associations The Life Guards Association

Election of Committee

Annual Report 2000

(6],: ”ID

Patron Her Majesty The Queen

In accordance with normal custom the non—serving members of the Committee resigned but they all offered themselves for reelection. Proposed by Mr Morris and Seconded by Mr Sprigg.

cost to pensioners. The Chairman said that as in previous years it would be thoroughly reviewed by the Committee and asked Mr Hitchman to write setting out his proposals.

The Chairman of the North Staffs Branch thanked the Chairman and Committee for their continued support over the past year.

President

Committee

Any Other Business

The Secretary said that he would only send widows a copy of the Household Cavalry Journal if he was specifically asked to do so.

General Sir Charles Guthrie GCB LVO

Chairman: Lieutenant Colonel NMA Ridley

Mr Hitchman asked whether the Committee could once again review the cost of a dinner ticket and in particular the

The Secretary said he would investigate the possibility of advertising in the

\\\\

xfiioézo wig/g)

OBE ADC Gen

Vice Chairman: Major JR Wheeler

Trustees of The Life Guards Charitable Trust

Captain LD Stratford MBE

Auditors Clark’s Chartered Accountants PO Box 150

A list of those attending the Annual Dinner would in future be published on the night showing their Regimental Number.

Vice Chairman: Major HCB Briscoe Honorary Treasurer: Captain LD Stratford MBE Honorary Secretary: Captain R Hennessy—Walsh

Serving Members

Non-Serving Members

Major JT Lodge Major JS Holbrook Captain M Whatley Captain D Pickard Captain WR Lindsay

Lieutenant Colonel SV Gilbart-Denham CVO Major NE Hearson JP DL Captain AM Cherrington Captain WAB Henderson Mr CE Dean RVM Mr D Johnson Mr NW Taylor Mr LK Thomas Mr CD Watson Mr AC Etches

W01(RCMI) AR Tate

Cippenham Court Cippenham Lane

W02 (TQMC) SM Grantham W02 (SCM) W Douglas

Slough Berks SL1 SAT

W02(SCM) JP Core W02 (SCM) DS Carter

Minutes of the 66th Annual General Meeting of The Life Guards Association Held at Windsor on Saturday 17 June 2000 The Chairman, Lieutenant Colonel NMA Ridley, opened the meeting at 1800 hours and welcomed and thanked everyone for attending. He said that the welfare of Old Comrades still remains the cornerstone of the Association but noted that in this last year even more serving soldiers had been made grants

by the financial sub committee.

year to 47 recipients amounting to £31892.There are also 8 members or widows receiving annuities of £45 per month and a further 22 receiving birth— day and Christmas grants. The annu— ities are paid entirely by the Army Benevolent Fund for which we are extremely grateful.

Our investments continue to do well, increasing in value

by 16% to a new total of £738584.The The Minutes of the 65th Annual General Meeting were published in the cur— rent edition of the Journal. It was pro— posed by Mr Lewis and seconded by Mr Pritchard that they were a true record of the proceedings.

dividends received during 1999 amounted to £20325.The report and the accounts were jointly approved by Captain (now Major) Holbrook and Captain Whatley.

Honorary Secretary’s Report

Honorary Treasurer’s Report

The accounts remain in a very healthy state having a bank balance of £14207 and a deposit account of £19209,a total of £33416.We made grants during the

News from the Associations

The Secretary said he would investigate the inclusion in the Household Cavalry Journal ofa list of members’ names with their Army Numbers. It was not thought to be economically viable to send such a list to each member of the Association.

The Life Guards Association and Charitable Trust

Lieutenant Colonel NMA Ridley Major HCB Briscoe

96

Royal British Legion magazine — ‘The Legion’. This was pursued a few years ago but Without success.

The Secretary began his report with the sad news that Mrs Pam Childs, who had worked in the Home Headquarters for some years, had recently died. The staff

of the Home Headquarters, now up to

full strength again, continue to adminis— ter The Life Guards and The Blues and Royals Associations. The Household Cavalry now has its own Web Site and it receives about 300 ‘hits’ a month.

Because of the popularity of the 2000 Diary it has been decided to continue it for 2001.Sadly there were 40 obituaries published in the current edition of the Journal and since its issue the Secretary had been informed ofthe deaths ofa further 14 members. Membership stands at 2290, identical to 1999.The recent trend of decreasing membership seems to have been stemmed. Area Representatives were asked to make contact with the Secretary at least once a year. The Sec— retary commented that it was pleasing to note that the number of magazines returned this year was significantly lower than in previous years. Members of the Association are encouraged to

Income and Expenditure Account for the year ended 31 December 2000 1999 s 34,241.17

RECEIPTS

10,000.00

Household Cavalry Charitable Trust (1 Day’s Pay)

Balances as at 1St January

Subscriptions and Donations

2265.02 119.90 34.68 1,431.07 20,325.31 9,445.00 500.00

500.00 639.37 18.49 (176.35) (685.05) 78,658.61

LG Association Helping Hand Fund LG Charitable Trust Interest on Deposit Accounts Dividends from United Services Trustee Grants from Army Benevolent Fund Legacy the late Mrs WM Middleton Legacy the late Cpl Owen Roberts Donation Captain NP Hearson Donation from tfm Contract Services Legacy the late Major HE Montgomerie—Charrington Christmas Card Profit/Loss Diaries Profit/Loss Annual Dinner Profit/Loss

EXPENDITURE

13.00 910.11 784.05 793.12 2,473.77 531.79 7,618.37

Office Equipment/Misc Expenses Postage Stationery Auditors’ Fee Secretary’s Honorarium Wreaths/Funeral Expenses Purchase of LG 2000 Coasters Regimental Magazine

Donations 112.48 82.30 31,892.17 Bank 32.00

Combined Cavalry Association Empire Field of Remembrance Grants Bank Charges

Household Cavalry News

97

216.63 33,198.82

Cash in Hand Bank 81 Deposit Balances as at 31 Dec

78,658.61

627 36,506

The Life Guards Association Area Representatives

75,133

lhe followtng 48 members have agreed to act as Area Representatives. If you have a problem please do not hesitate to contact them. In order to give good coverage around the United Kingdom more volunteers are required and in particular the following areas: Scotland (West), Bedfordshire, Hertlordshire, West Sussex, Essex and Leicestershire.

Please contact the Honorary Secretary to register your name.

INVESTMENTS 738,584.43 33,196.82 216.63 771,997.88

728,908 36,506 627 766,041

Investments at current value as at 1 Dec Current Bank and Deposit Accounts Cash in Hand

Although, in 2000,the FTSE 100 was down 12% our shares with UST dropped only 1.3%, a reduction of £9,676 on their year end value. Dividends received amounted to £17,084.

NOTES ON THE ACCOUNTS l.Investments £ 178,208 Cost of shares held on 31St December 2000: Number of shares held: 64,292.94 Market value of shares held on 31St December 2000:£ 728,908 Value per share on 31St December 2000: £ 11.337 The share holdings on 31St December 2000 are attributable to

the following: Charitable Trust Sir Roger Palmer Fund Helping Hand Fund

2.Grants £24,185 was paid out in grants to members, widows and depen— dants which included Birthday and Christmas grants. Once again we would like to record our thanks to the Army Benevolent Fund for their contribution of £8,620 towards our costs. There are 8 recipients of annuities receiving £45 per month.

58,903.94

3.General

1,081 4,308

We extend our grateful thanks to all those who sent donations to

the fund particularly a very generous donation of £1,000 from Captain NP Hearson.

The Charitable Trust holds 1051 shares on behalf of the Regimental Funds of The Life Guards. These shares cost £7,314.47 and are valued on 31St December 2000 at £11,915.

Mr RG Barnes 31 Alice Street Ulverstonc Tasmania 7315 Australia Email: rbarnesmsouthcom.eom.au Mr D Barntield 9 Wickridge Close Uplands, Stroud Gloucestershire GL5 IST Tel: 01453 763218 Mr] Bell 272 Glamorgan Drive Torbay Auckland 1310 New Zealand Tel: 00649 473 0556 e-mail: ieffbelkgrzfreeco. nz Mr P Blake 24 Dean Court Copley, Halifax West Yorkshire HX3 OUX Tel: 01422 351561 Mr JB Brook MM 21 Langfield Road Knowle, Solihull West Midlands B93 9PN Tel: 01564 771412

The Life Guards Association Notices Correspondence for the Association should be addressed to: The Honorary Secretary, The Life Guards Association, Home Headquarters Household Cavalry, Combermere Barracks, Windsor, Berkshire, SL4 3DN

Mr JR Chandler PO Box 385 Bowen Queensland 4805 Australia Tel: (0061) 07478 863271

Tel: 01753 755297 / 755229, Facsimile: 01753 755161 Membership All members of the Association are requested to introduce the Association to all those eligible for membership under Rule 2 of the Rules of Membership.

Life Membership In accordance with Rule 4 of the Rules of Membership any Annual Member of the Association may become a Life Member on payment of £15 in the case of Officers and £5 in the case of Other Ranks.

Regimental Items for Sale Various items with the Regimental Cypher are available from the House— hold Cavalry Museum at Combermere Barracks. An Order Form can be found in this Journal or can be obtained from the Curator on 01753 755112.

The Annual General Meeting The 67th Annual General Meeting will be held in Combermere Barracks, Wind-

sor on Saturday 16th June 2001 com— mencing at 1800 hours.

ladies should NOT attend until after the Dinner.

Mr B] Clarke 17 Pydar Close Newquay, Cornwall

TR7 3B8 The Annual Association Dinner

Christmas Cards

The 66th Annual Dinner will be held in Combermere Barracks, Windsor on Satur— day 16th June 2001 commencing at 1900 hours. Dress: Lounge suits with medals (not miniatures). Major NE Hearson, JP DL, who served from 1941 to 1958,will be in the Chair. Major Hearson was the Chief Instructor of the Household Cavalry Training Cadre (1952-1954) and was HQ Sqn Ldr before his retirement. Tickets will not be available at the door and must be obtained through the Honorary Secre» tary using the proforma enclosed with this Journal. Personal guests will not be permitted to attend. The Regimental Corpo~ ral Major will offer the hospitality of the WOs’ and NCOs’ Mess to all Association members and their wives after the Dinner.

It is however necessary for him to impose a restriction on children accompanying their parents into the Mess unless they are aged 18 or over. Please also note that

Details of the 2001 Christmas Card, will be announced, as always, with the Newsletter issued in August each year. In View of the large demand on them members are advised to submit their orders as soon as they receive the order form which will be included with the Newsletter.

The Life Guards Band Comrades Association Any ex member of The Life Guards Band who would like to keep in touch with their contemporaries are urged to contact the Honorary Secretary of the above Association. A social is held annually and a newsletter is circulated through Home Headquarters, Household Cavalry at Combermere Barracks.

Mr A Gook l7 Moorland Close Mousehold Lane, Norwich NR7 8HD Tel: 01603 484336 Mr WH Graham

SIGNED: CAPTAIN LD STRATFORD, MBE, HONORARY TREASURER.

Mr 80 George 3 Pennine Court Tithebarn Hill Glasson Dock, Lancaster LA2 OBY Tel: 01524 751572

33 Linden Close Huntington, York YO32 9RQ Tel: 01904 766870 Captain WAB Henderson (COMMITTEE ALSO) 190 Highbury Grove Cosham, Portsmouth Hampshire P06 2RU Tel: 023 92385806 Email: billihendersonci uk.ibm.com Mr GH Hitchman 27 Apple Tree Road Alderholt, Fordirtgbridge Dorset SP6 3EW Mr RE Jewell Cornerways Old Carrion Hill Canton Downs Truro, Cornwall TR3 6LE Tel: 01872 863877 Mr RBH Jones 4, Bourne Drive Wareham Dorset BH20 4SE Tel:01920 556438

Tel: 01637 876081

Mr BE Page 19 Parsons Avenue Stoke Gifford, Bristol BS34 8PN Tel: 01179 759721 Mr PS Potts Wisteria House South Eau Bank Spalding Lines PE12 0QL Tel: 01945 700199 Mr AT Pryrtne 15 Daffodil Wood Builth Wells, Powys LD2 3LE Tel: 01591 2287 Mr LE Pritchard 4 Hethersett Walk Bucknall, Stoke on Trent ST2 OPN Tel: 01782 208615 Mr JK Ratcliffe 3 Neil Gunn Road Dunbeath, Caithness KW6 6EP Tel: 01593 731224 Mr DAT Punshon 46 The Oaks Kings Meadow Taunton, Somerset TA1 ZQX Tel: 01823 275339 Mr JAWP Saunderson Mead Cottage Main Road Besthorpe, Newark Nottinghamshire NG23 7HR Tel: 01636 892525 Mr AW Rowlinson 21 Gadlas Road Llysfaen, Colwyn Bay Clwyd LL29 STD Tel: 01492 514805

Mr OR Levet BEM 13 New Road Oundle, Peterborough Cambridgeshire PE8 4LB Tel: 01832 273017

Mr D Sayers BEM 35 Grange Road Belmont, Durham DH1 1AL Tel: 01913866912

Mr R] Cobb 107 High Street Neyland, Milford Haven Dyfed SA73 lTR Tel: 01646 600817

Mr M Knight 37 St Helens Road Abergavenny, Gwent NP7 SYA Tel: 01873 854460

Mr DI Savage 47 Park Lane Chippenham, Wiltshire SN151LN Tel: 01249 660149

Mr GS Coleman 12 Wild Avenue Reynella 5161 South Australia Email: colemanmdove. net. au

Mr JW Maxwell JP “Meadowside” Lees Lane Mottram St Andrew Macclesfield, Cheshire SK10 4LQ Tel: 01625 829197

Mr S Smith 594 Perth Road Ninewells Dundee, Angus DD2 1QA Tel: 01382 562554

Mr] Cooper 40 Rockcliffe Road Linthorpe, Middlcsborough Cleveland TSS SDN Tel: 01642 822729

Mr PP Lewis MBE 1 Bourton Close West Hunsbury, Northampton NN4 9YT Tel: 01604 661043

Mr W Sewell 11 Rowland Lane Thornton-Cleveleys Laneashire FYS ZQX Tel: 01253 826577

Mr G Cutlibertson l Dove Row Cullercoaies Tyne and Wear NE30 4QP Tel: 0191290 2835

Mr D Pattinson The Spinney Pelutho, Silloth, Carlisle Cumbria CA5 4LT Tel: 01697 332328

Mr KH Sprigg 9 Clarence Court Station Hill Maesteg, Mid Glamorgan CF34 9AE Tel: 01656 733922

Mr N Clarkson 19 The Crofts St Bees, Cumbria CA27 OBH Tel: 01946 823404

Mr MPG Southerton 5 Woodbury Road Stourport on Severn Worcestershire DY13 8XR Tel: 01299 823882 Mr H Taylor 1 Swedish House Denwood Street Crundale. Canterbury Kent CT4 7EF Tel: 01227 730508

Mr LK Thomas (COMMITTEE ALSO) “Hylands” Hawth Hill Bishopstone, Seaford East Sussex BN25 2RD Tel: 01323 893124 Mr DA Turtle 27 The Orchard Wrenthorpe Wakefield, West Yorkshire WF2 OLH Tel: 01924 370590 Mr DH Underwood 30 Farm Holt New Ash Green Longfield, Kent DA3 8QA Tel: 01474 874695 SSAFA Forces Help Caseworker for West Malling District Mr DH Vallarice 5 Highfield Drive Garforth, Leeds West Yorkshire LS25 1JY Tel: 0113 2864621 Mr GP Warren 7 Victoria Place Budleigh Salterton, Devon EX 9 6JP Tel: 01395 443375 Mt CD Watson (COMMITTEE ALSO) 9 Anson Street Rugeley, Staffordshire W815 ZBG Tel: 01889 585340 Email: clivedwatQi aol. corn Mr LG Weekes 5 Abbots Wood Headington, Oxford OX3 STR Tel: 01865 451318 Mr DAS Williams 68 Allen Water Drive Fordingbridge Hampshire SP6 1RE Tel: 01425 652670

Household Cavalry News 98

Household Cavalry News

The Blues and Royals Association

The Blues and Royals Association Accounts For the period ending 31 December 2000

Annual Report 2000 Committee Members

President

HRH The Princess Royal KG GCVO QSO

Deputy President

Brigadier The Duke of Wellington KG LVO OBE MC

Chairman

Brigadier AH Parker Bowles. OBE

Hon Secretary/ Treasurer

Mr FG Collingwood Mr D Ellis Mr CP Henderson Mr H Hunter Major thd) BW Lane Mr PB Lawson Mr WR Macdougall Lt Col (th) WR Marsh Mr CE Mogg Major (th) ] Peck

Major (th) JG Handley

Hon Legal Advisor Major AT Lawson - Cruttenden TD MA

Mr M Pinks Mr DC Reeves Mr N Saunders Mr W Steel Mr A France Mr M Twinn Mr P Wilson Capt (th) R Yates Major (th) EL Payne.

£ 2000

£ 1999

BALANCE SHEET Investments ((1 Cost Investments ((1 Market Value Capital Property

86597.17

Total Fixed Assets

86597.17

(683210.26) nil

(_ 690428.98) nil

Cash Treasurers a/c Deposit a/c Debtors Stock on Hand (Regtl Histories)

nil 4857.37 57611.72 nil 8304.64

nil 2529.73 66858.81 nil 4800

Total Current Assets

70773.73

74188.54

CURRENT ASSETS

Aims & Objects

CURRENT LIABILITIES During the past year the Association has continued to maintain its aims and objectives as laid down in the constitution as rules.

Specifically, the sum of £7037 has been distributed from funds to applications for assistance from a total of 17 cases dealt with by the committee. Included in this amount are 3 grants to enable members of the serving regiment to take part in challenging and adventurous training outside UK, thereby increasing both Individual and Regimental efficiency. The Annual Dinner was held at Combermere Barracks, Windsor on 13 May 2000,with 325 members attending. The Annual General Meeting was held prior to the Dinner, and the minutes of this meeting are set out in the following pages together with the financial statement for the year ending 31 December 2000.

Changes of Committee members Under Rule 12 of the Constitution 81 Rules, Mr D Ellis and Mr K Taylor retired from the committee at the AGM, and were replaced by Mr AG France and Mr. R Harmer.

The committee would like to express their gratitude to the volunteer caseworkers of SSAFA forces help and The Royal British Legion who, on our behalf, investigate applications for assistance and submit detailed reports in support of applicants, and to the Army Benevolent Fund and others who assisted with grants during the year.

Sundry Creditors

TOTAL ASSETS

(Total Assets + Investments @ cost)

(Current valuation - cost)

Income to the Association in the period was, £35936.69 of which £11578 was contributed by serving officers and soldiers under the ‘ One Days Pay Scheme’ and by membership subscriptions and donations. Investment income for the period was £14426 which was a decrease of£ 587 from the previous accounting peri— od. Interest on Bank deposits was £1115 a decrease of £770 over the previous period. The list of those making donations being too long to list here, the committee would like to take this opportunity to express their appreciation ofthe generosity shown dur» ing the year.

Medical expenses Household necessaries etc

Adventurous & other training grants

wwr—INNWt—N

Clothing & Necessaries

596,613.09

603,831.81

INCOME & EXPENDITURE ACCOUNT INCOME Dividends Interest Subscriptions &Donations Annual Dinner Xmas Cards Book Sales Accommodation Grant Refund (1999)

1999 15014.05 1885.46

2000 14426.95 1115.12

12699.24 4053.65 2691.13 12.48

11578.0 4966.21 2887.57 1.34 211.50 750.0

Total Income

36356.01

35936.69

Grand Total

36356.01

35936.69

Expenditure for the period totalled £32647.Administrative costs were £ 5076 expended as follows: Stationery, office necessaries, telephone, travel costs : Postage Staff Pay (1)

£238 £838 £4000

WE WILL NEVER FORGET YOU Please Remember

Rent arrears, Utility Bills, Debt relief.

Home repairs / Improvements Removals / Relocation expenses Aids to disabled living

160659.76

Income to the Association

Due to market forces, the committee agreed to reduce the value of the present stock of Regtl Histories. The re- valuation result— ed in a decrease in stock value of £3184.

The following is a summary of the main purposes for which grants / donations were made during the past year. Sums involved ranged from £50 to £ 2000.

157370.90

UNREALISED GAIN ON INVESTMENTS

Summary of Financial assistance given during the year

Reasons for assistance

125.95 74062.59

GENERAL PURPOSE FUND

Expenditure

Applications received 41 Grants /' Donations made 17 Applications referred to other RHG/D funds 21 Application where no grant was made 3 Grant assistance from the Army Benevolent & other Funds £5630

nil 70773.73

A donation, a covenant, a legacy or through the

Payroll Giving Scheme to The Army Benevolent Fund will help ex‘soldiers and their families in need.

THE ARMY BENEVOLENT FUND DEPT. CRST. 41 QUEENS GATE, LONDON SW7 SHR A registered Charity No 271645

EXPENDITURE Grants Wreaths & Funerals Postage Annual Dinner Xmas Cards H/Cav Journal Accommodation Administration costs Honoraria Presentations Bank Charges Adjustments Book Re-valuation Total Income Add excess income Grand Total

1999 14185.69 589.24 622.38 4273.53 1814.20 7618.37

2000 7037.0 722.63 838.36 6977.50 1659.07 7117.11 170.21 238.24 4000.0 691.0 12.00 .07 3184.64

869.19 4640.0

34612.60

32647.83

1743.41

3288.86

36356.01

35936.69

SUMMARY OF INVESTMENTS Market Value 31 Dec 1999 333777175 94195.58 93317.36 161919.57 £ 683210.26

Investment Title Units held 29057 UST 8878 1443 66661

Combined Charitable Funds M&G Charifund M&G Charifund Accumulation Unit Barclays Capital Fund Total Value

Units Held 29057 8878 1443 66661

Market Value 31 Dec 2000 329419.20 104024.41 108331.34 148654.03 $690,428.98

REPORT OF THE INDEPENDANT EXAMINER. I have examined the Balance Sheet and Income 8: Expenditure account, and report that, in my opinion these accounts give a true and fair view of the Association” affairs as at 31 December 2000 and the surplus of Income over Expenditure for the year ended on

that date. AT LAWSON - CRUTTENDEN. TD. MA. Solicitor Advocate, 10 - 11 Greys Inn Square, LONDON WC1R SJD

News from the Associations 101 100

News from the Associations

Minutes of the Annual General Meeting

Blues and Royals Area Representatives

Held at Combermere Barracks, Windsor on Saturday 13 May 2000 1.0pening Remarks The Chairman opened the meeting at 1835hrs and welcomed those attending.

2.Minutes of the previous meeting/ Annual Report The chairman stated that the minutes of the Annual General Meeting for 1999 were as published in the Household Cavalry Journal being part of the Association Annual Report which had been despatched to all association members.

It was then Proposed by Mr Ellis and seconded by Mr Clark that the minutes be passed. This proposal was carried.

3.Points arising

retire, and that the following members had volunteered for appointment to the committee: Mr AG France, Mr R Harmer. It was then proposed by Mr Mogg and seconded by Mr Taylor that they be elected. The proposal was carried.

6.Ammendment to the Constitution & Rules The Chairman reminded the meeting that to take account of the recent changes in the structure of the Household Cavalry and to allow greater flexi—

bility for the Secretary to deal with urgent cases, it has become necessary to revise the detailed wording of the Con— stitution & Rules.

his nominee may, without prior approval of the committee make imme— diate awards up to a sum of £500 in urgent cases” Rule l9.(Chair at Meetings. ) Delete entire paragraph and substitute: The Association Chairman will preside over all meetings of the Association and of the Committee. In his absence, the next ex—officio member of the committee in order of seniority as set out in Rule 11 (a) shall act as Chairman. When none of the foregoing are present the Committee shall appoint one of their members to preside.

7.0ther Business

There were no points arising The following changes were approved: 4.The Accounts.

The accounts also having been pub— lished in the Household Cavalry Journal as part of the Annual Report it was proposed by Mr Collingwood and sec— onded by Mr Wilson that they be approved. Carried.

Rule No. 10 Office Bearers & Manage—

ment Delete the words “for the time being” .

Rule to read : “The President of the Association shall be the officer holding

the office of Colonel of the Regiment and Gold Stick”.

S.Committee members The Chairman informed the meeting that under Rule 12 of the Constitution and Rules, Mr D Ellis and Mr K Taylor

Mr Reed asked why some staff at Tesco supermarkets were apparently wearing the Household Division tie as part of their day to day uniform. The Chair— man said that this matter had already been referred to Silver Stick, and that the Major General had been given assurances by senior management staff at Tesco that the tie will be replaced by another design.

Rule 16.( Immediate awards. ) Delete the amount of £250 and insert £500.Rule to read: “The President or

There being no further business to dis— cuss, the meeting closed at 1845hrs. 1.

Dress: Lounge Suits. N0 Medals. Tickets will not be available at the door and must be obtained via the Association Offices. Tickets are restricted to mem— bers ofthe association only and only official guests will be permitted. To assist with security, members are asked to be prepared to provide some form ofidentity on entering barracks. Ladies may not attend the dinner, but are welcome in the mess afterwards by kind permission of

communications from the association.

In particular the Household Cavalry Journal.

RHG/D Association notices.

All correspondence should be addressed to: The Secretary, The Blues & Royals Association, Home HQ Household Cavalry, Combermere Barracks, Windsor,

Berks. SL4 3DN Annual General Meeting The Annual General Meeting will be held at Hyde Park Barracks on Saturday 12th May 2001 commencing at 1800hrs.

The Agenda for the meeting is set out below. Members wishing to put a resolution to the meeting should write to the Secretary at least six weeks before the

the dinner are reminded that there is no accommodation or car parking available within Hyde Park Barracks.

The Hyde Park Bombing Memorial

Minutes of the previous meeting

The Accounts for the period ending 31 December 2000 Election of Committee members 4. Other Business.

The Annual Dinner.

The 33rd Annual Dinner will be held in Hyde Park Barracks, Knightsbridge on Saturday 12

May 2001 at 1930hrs.

The following information which may be relevant to members has come to hand via a recent edition of the Queens Royal Surrey Regtl Association Newsletter. It is reproduced below with their kind permission :

Members are reminded that there will be a short service of remembrance held at the memorial directly after the dispersal of the Cavalry Memorial Parade on Sunday 14 May 2000 Notifications Members are kindly requested to notify the association office of any change of contact details as soon as possible in order that they may continue to receive

Mr CD Day Flat 12 Raglan Court 11 Wynn Road, Portswood Southampton.

CF37 3ET

SOl7 lWU

Mr PD Spencer 42 Stone Bridge Court Northampton.

Mr B] Pyke 52 Cavendish Gardens Wallsall, West Midlands.

NN3 4LY

Tel:01604 784582

W52 7JN Mr NG Sargeant 62 Hopgarden Road Tonbridge, Kent

TN10 4QT Major JW Clayton Cocknalayne Cottage

by Kirknewton West Lothian EH2 7DQ Tel: 01508 883412 Mr DS Barrington— Browne Cockleford Mill Nr Cheltenham, Gloucester GL53 9NW Tel: 01242 870266 Mr IDH Mentiply 10 Schrnhorst Strasse Herford. 32052 Germany Tel; 05221 57855 Mr D Horsefield 4 Garden Croft Forest Hall Newcastle on Tyne NE12 9LT Tel: 01912 665440

Servicemen that have served in either tropical or sub tropical climates during their engagements and subsequently develop skin cancer (basal cell carcinoma, rodent ulcer, squamous cell carcinoma, Bowens disease, malignant melanoma) may qualify for either an enhancement of their pension or a lump

CF35 6AS

Any person developing such a skin can— cer should contact the Pensions Agency

Tel: 01656 668590

Mr JD Bradley Blenheim, Butt Park Stokenham, Kingsbridge, Devon.

DQ7 28H

Tel:01548 580104

Mr E Marchington 39 Propps Hall Drive Failsworth, Manchester,

M35 OWB

Tel: 01616 816712

Mr EW Nicholas Flat 4, St Oswalds Hospital The Tything, Worcester.

WR1 lHR

Mr G Hodges Maple Pond, Rushden Road, Newton Bromswold Rushden, Northamptonshire, NN10 OSP Tel: 01691 610377 Mr KA Rogers 1 The Old Stores Lower Quarter, Ludgvan, Penzance, Cornwall.

TR20 8E] Mr] Singer 49 Bradwall Road Sandbach, Cheshire.

CW11 lGH Tel: 01270 759358 Mr E] Woodman 48 Western Drive Shepperton, Middx.

TW17 8HW. Tel:01932 240495 Mr JL Locke Flat 1, The Croft Hawkshead Ambleside Cumbria LA22 ONX Tel 01966 6374 Mr DW Swain Forestside Horseled Lane Uckfield Sussex

SN22 5TU

Tel: 01825 75478

Household Cavalry Museum Staff: Lt Col (Retd) SF Sibley MBE (formerly RHG/D) & Mr KC Hughes (formerly RHG/D) he Museum is going through a transitional period of proposed moves (see article on page ?) and a regeneration ofits

NEW ACQUISITIONS There have been a number of bequests/donations to the Museum:

artefacts, but this has not affected the opening hours or the fact

We must say a sad farewell to Major (Retd) Paddy Kersting who, at last, has decided to retire and take up a more leisurely pastime (it’s called an “extended course”!). It is very difficult to describe in words the debt of gratitude that we owe Paddy for the dedication and hard work over the last 14 years in all aspects of the very successful Household Cavalry Museum.

Many, many thanks and good luck.

sum gratuity. The development of the skin cancer may take place at any time after leaving the tropics. A latent period as long as 60 years not being unusual.

Tel:01922 639562

Mr CE Mogg Plasnewyyd Heol Spencer Coity, Brigend.

that the Museum Shop/PR1 is back in business.

the RCM. Members planning to attend

date of the meeting.

AGENDA.

Information

Mr C] Barrett 61 Dan y Cribbyn Ynsybwl Mid Glamorgan

An application has been put forward to the National Army Museum to see ifwe can display the Eagle captured by the Roy-

als at Waterloo in our proposed new Museum location. The Eagle is currently laid up in the National Army Museum at Chelsea and is on display.

2nd Life Guards cartouche box badge circa 1853 (only one in Museum).

WW1 medal group of Captain AM Scott late MMP. Formerly RHG (Cpl) including DCM and French Military Medal.

W W1 medal group of Pte FJ McCarthy (Machine Gun Guards) including MM. WW2 medals of Tpr RW Cragg, The Life Guards.

Photographs of Cpl NW Porter and his wife Edith.

Solid silver teapot presented to RCM J Caple, lst Life Guards in 1907,also 2 photographs of him in Full State Kit, one of which is mounted on glass.

A wide range of Yugoslavian and Serbian map log books and uniforms, also weapons including AKM, AK47,M42 etc.

British Forces BAFS notes issued to soldiers post war circa

1947.

(Tel: 01253 858858)

News from the Associations '02

News from the Associations

103

The Blues and Royals

Obituaries The Life Guards 295715 Tpr HW Jaggard Served 17 July 1941 to 15 October 1946 Died 22 December 1999 aged 77 years

14856329 LCpl JH Tudor Served 19 October 1944 to 19 October 1948 Died 30 July 1999 aged 73 years

350945 Surgeon Captain RGJ Brittain Served 1 January 1945 to 31 December 1948 Died 16 September 2000 aged 80 years

83055 Tpr WMH Hunter Served 20 April 1936 to 31 October 1945 Died 4 January 2000 aged 84 years

296457 LCpl J Pointon Served 7 September 1944 to 14 March 1948 Died 19 May 2000 aged 74 years

23861039 W02 T Allen Served 29 December 1960 to 2 October 1985 Died 8 November 2000 aged 55 years

22205724 W02 L Gibbs Served 1 May 1951 to 3 November 1975 Died 20 February 2000 aged 66 years

22205067 W02 DG Macdonald Served 1 April 1948 to 31 July 1970 Died 29 June 2000 aged 69 years

839796 Tpr CL Bowler Served 20 November 1935 to 19 March 1946 Died 5 November 2000 aged 85 years

The Marquess of Abergavenny KG OBE Served 29 August 1936 to 25 August 1946 Died 23 February 2000 aged 85 years A full obituary appears elsewhere in this Journal

22205112 W02 AH Harlow Served 17 June 1948 to 4 April 1969 Died March 2000 aged 69 years

295034 CoH W Seddon Served 28 December 1934 to 1 January 1964 Died 6 March 2000 aged 84 years

23969396 LCoH MJ Beel Served 25 February 1965 to 1 December 1978 Died 2 July 2000 aged 56 years

295234 W02(SCM) J Cawthorne RVM Served 14 September 1937 to 30 June 1962 Died 15 November 2000 aged 80 years A full obituary appears in this Journal 296224 W02 E Burman Died 6 November 2000 aged 74 years

296214 Cpl GT Randall Transferred to the Intelligence Corps 18 September 1953 Died 17 April 2000 aged 72 years

23215971 LCpl T Malpass Served 14 May 1959 to 13 May 1968 Died 26 July 2000 aged 62 years

23955361 W01 MJ Townsend Served 29 April 1963 to 6 March 1989 Died 12 March 2000 aged 52 years

693395 Major GD Cooper OBE MC Served 31 October 1936 to 28 May 1962 Died date unknown

22556262 Cpl BK Dixon Served 16 February 1953 to 15 February 1960 Died 1 January 2000 aged 64 years

24417597 W02 C Hickman Served 16 March 1976 to 21 March 1998 Died 11 March 2000 aged 48 years

295346 W01 JM Howe Served 9 May 1939 to 8 May 1979 Died 6 August 2000 aged 79 years

294708 W01 WE Summers Served 7 June 1928 to 7 June 1950 Died 12 December 2000 aged 93 years

22378735 Tpr DJ Hedges Served 1 July 1950 to 31 July 1952 Died 27 March 2000 aged 68 years

328345 CoH AL Jarvis Served December 1939 to November 1945 Died 11 March 2000 aged 86 years

24940831 LCpl T Coupe Served 3 March 1994 until 16 December 2000 Died 16 December 2000 aged 25 years A full obituary appears in this journal

22205429 Tpr P Garwood Served 16 September 1949 to 15 February 1956 Died 22 February 2000 aged 72 years

31398 Cpl TM Marsh Served 10 August 1940 to 30 April 1956 Died date unknown aged approx 80 years

295448 Tpr KB Jones Served 2 February 1940 to 17 July 1946 Died 23 July 1999 aged 79 years 23217853 and 295147 Major RH Thompson Served 1936 to 1966 Commissioned Service in the Intelligence Corps Died 24 April 2000 aged 83 years

23583087 J Jenkins Died 13 January 1999 Service details not available 24393865 LCpl MP Pillman Served 1 November 1978 to 30 November 1987 Died 21 October 2000 aged 40 years

Died Dec 1995 Aged 80 years

4445689 L/Cpl WH Ward RHG Served from Aug 26 to Jun 46 Died July 1999 Aged 88 years

861723 Tpr R Green RHG Served from 1935 to 1945 Died Dec 2000 (In Australia)

23879697 Tpr AG Norris RHG Served from Apr 63 to Apr 66 Died Nov 1999 Aged 54 years

24239246 L/CoH SC Maycock RHG/D Served from Dec 71 to Dec 77 Died Jan 2000 Aged 44 years

7952662 SgtJ Buchanan 1RD Served from Dec 41 to Apr 46 Died Jan 2000 Aged 90 years

24742507 L/Cpl Kimberley RHG/D Served from Apr 85 to April 91 Died Jan 2000 aged 33 years

6798641 Cpl FA Wright 1RD Served from Nov 38 to April 46 Died Feb 2000 Aged 79 years

399616 W02 GT Smith 1RD Served from May 25 to Apr 46 Died Feb 2000 Aged 93 years

305131 Tpr J Cooper RHG Served from Mar 35 to Jan 46 Died Feb 2000 Aged 82 years

23215294 L/Cpl BR Barker RHG Served from May 56 to May 59 Died April 2000 Aged 61 years

Served from Jun 34 to Jun 46

14163336 S/Cpl Choat RHG Served from Jan 46 to Jan 52 Died April 2000 aged 72 years Lt Col ACN Medlen RHG Served from Jan 43 to Jan 63 Died June 2000 Aged 78 years

410575 Cpl J Whawell 1RD Served from Aug 37 to May 46 Died April 2000 Aged 83 years

6199567 CoH RNH Darby RHG Served from Oct 30 to Sep 61 Died Aug 200 Aged 90 years

22782746 CoH JE Thompson RHG Served from Nov 52 to Mar 69 Died July 2000 Aged 67 years (In Australia)

306609 Tpr BG Thorpe RHG Served from Aug 44 to Dec 47 Died July 1999 Aged 88 years

399532 Tpr C Roper 1RD Served from May 25 to Mar 29 Died Aug 2000 Aged 92 years

295346 W02 JM Howe REME Served from Mar 50 to Dec 52 Died Aug 2000 Aged 79 years

306202 Tpr JH Spencer RHG Served from Feb 43 to Sep 47 Died Oct 2000 Aged 76 years

305081 CoH LG Williams RHG Served from Jan 34 to Apr 46 Died Aug 2000 aged 84 years

22556413 Cpl RA Read RHG & RAMC Served from 1953 to 1959 Died Oct 2000.Age n/k.

22205490 Tpr PL Hodson RHG Served from Apr 50 to Apr 63 Died Oct 2000 Aged 68 years

22486451 Tpr PC Oliver RHG Served from 1951 to 1953 Died Oct 2000 Aged 67 years

24306412 S/Cpl Clavering RHG/D Served from Jun 74 to Jan 98 Died Nov 2000 aged 43 years

305130 Tpr Appleford RHG Served from Dec 35 to Mar 46 Died Nov 2000 Aged 84 years

305065 CoH RJ Robertson RHG Served from Oct 33 to Apr 42 Died Nov 200 Aged 87 years

23614587 Tpr MR Waters 1RD Served from Mar 39 to Mar 61 Died Dec 2000 aged 61 years

22205018 CoH Mallinson RHG Served from Feb 48 to Mar 69 Died Dec 2000 aged 70 years

23215632 CoH CM Scott RHG Served from Dec 57 to Dec 66 Died Dec 2000 Aged 61 years

Lt Col CGM Gordon RHG Served from 1939 to 1961

22516968 Tpr R Spillett 1RD Served from Dec 50 to Jun 63 Died Aug 2000 Aged 65 years (In Australia)

Died Jan 00 aged 80 years

329235 Cpl 0A Roberts Served 15 March 1940 until 6 April 1946 Died 30 August 2000 aged 83 years

295181 CoH E Barker Served 10 February 1937 to 23 May 1946 Died 21 August 2000 aged 82 years Major Sir John Astor Served 28 February 1939 to 5 April 1946 Died 10 September 2000 aged 82 years

305098 COH SM Burden RHG

Served 21 January 1944 to 11 June 1966

Major JWAG Greenish Served May 1939 to September 1956 Died 7 February 2000 aged 79 years

76051 Lt Co] A Meredith — Hardy LVO Served 19 December 1943 I0 29 April 1962 Died 28 April 2000 aged 82 years A full obituary appears in this Journal

22695576 L/Cpl Hardiman 1RD Served from Jan 52 to Jan 54 Died Aug 1998 Aged 64 years

BLINDED IN THE GULF I 22205708 SCpl AR Reynolds Served from 1 September 1957 until 16 January 1975 Died 21 December 2000 aged 67 years 22556964 Tpr F Cummings Served from 7 February 1955 until 4 February 1958 Died 26 December 2000 ages 63 years

Cared for by St Dunstan 5 Gary (pictured left) was just 26 when he was blinded by a land mine in the Gulf, Ray was 28 when he was blinded and lost an arm in Northern Ireland and Steve was 22 when blinded whilst on duty in Turkey.

St Dunstan's was established in 1915 to care for blinded ex-Serviee men and women and their dependants for life.

St Dunstan‘s also cares for ex~Service men and women if they become blind after leaving the services.

St Dunstan‘s recent application forGovernment funding was turned down as was its application to the Lottery.

All donations are used to provide care for our blind ex-Service men and women and to help guarantee that in the on duty or be future St Dunstan‘s will be able to help you and your dependants should you be blinded whilst unfortunate enough to become blind later in life.

Please help by sending your donation to: 22205094 Cpl RJF Warner Served 1 May 1948 until 9 October 1966 Died 31 December 2000 aged 75 years

St Dunstan's. Room JRA. FREEPOST LON13798. PO Box 18411 LONDON EC1B AL Tel' 020 7723 5021

Registered Charity Number 216227

Obituaries 105

104 Obituaries

Lieutenant Colonel A Meredith Hardy LVO Late The Life Guards

By Major General Sir Desmond Langley KC V0, MBE formerly The Life Guards _- Tony Meredith Hardy, who died

on 28 April 2000 at the age of "82,exereised considerable influence over The Life Guards in the 1950’s._ ‘He spent his childhood between his parent’s home in Berkshire and that of his Uncle in North Yorkshire, learning early a love of ‘ . the countryside and receiving an ‘ introduction to horses and hunt—

. mg.

He started his working life in a solicitor’s office but on the strength of his experience in the Eton College OTC was in 1938 granted a Territorial Commission in the Derbyshire Yeomanry which on the out-break of war was deployed in armoured cars on the Lincolnshire coast. In April 1940 he was sent to Northern France on attachment to the 12th Lancers who were overrun in the German offensive in May. Tony had to abandon his troop vehicles but managed to get his men safely back to England in one of the last boats to leave the Dunkirk beaches.

In January 1953 he rejoined The Life Guards now back in Wolfenbuttel and took over as Second-in-Command, continuing in that appointment when the Regiment moved once again to Egypt in 1954.Here Tony and Mary Clare made the most of life beside the Great Bitter Lake with their two small sons Tim & Nick. When the Regiment returned to Windsor after over two years Tony succeeded in command. Almost immediately he was faced with the Suez operation for which the Order of Battle included The Life Guards. After much planning and counterorder the Regiment’s vehicles reached Port Said but the men never got further than Southampton Water before the operation was halted.

Two years later Tony took the Regiment to the Arabian Peninsula where he had a testing time with one sabre squadron in Little Aden, another in Oman and later in the Gulf, while other elements remained in Windsor. After an extended period of command he handed over as the Regiment moved to Germany. He then commanded the Mounted Regiment for another two and a half years before retiring in 1962 to a lovely manor house in Oxfordshire where he was able to continue hunting and enjoying the country and a particularly happy family life. Tragically Mary Clare, who had long been in poor health, died young in 1982.T0ny was badly hit and found it increasingly hard to maintain an interest in social life, preferring his home and his painting. He will be remembered by those who served with him as a kind and considerate man whose contribution to his Regiment over a long and difficult period deserves our recognition and grat— itude. Both his sons survive him.

Serving for a time attached to the Inns of Court Regiment he was encouraged to transfer to The Life Guards and was posted to the 1St Household Cavalry Regiment arriving in Naples in April 1944 only a few days after the Regiment reached there from Egypt. Tony was sent to C Squadron, commanded by Ferris St George. The following six months of the Italian campaign included the hardest fighting lHCR took part in during the war.

For the first six weeks they were employed, dismounted, seven hundred strong, along ten miles of the Aventino River and up into the Maiella range of the Appenines. Then as the Germans retired to the Gothic Line, the Regiment, now back in their armoured cars, led the way forward, switching from corps to corps, working particularly with the Polish Carpathian Lancers.

To mark this Tony would, like all those who served with him,

wear the Mermaid of WarSaw badge on his sleeve for the rest of his service.

In October lHCR returned to the United Kingdom and Tony

attended a short Staff College course at Camberley before embarking again with the Regiment for North West Europe.

After patrolling the south bank of the Maas, they crossed the Rhine, came under command of the Guards Armoured Division

and alongside ZHCR for the first time in the war, led the final advance towards Hamburg until hostilities ceased.

Tony remained with lHCR after it was re—titled The Life Guards

The Marquess of Abergavenny KG OBE Late The Life Guards

By Colonel WH Gerard Leigh C V0, CBE — formerly The Life Guards

ceased in 1948 he returned with the Regiment to Windsor where he commanded Headquarters Squadron, and then took over the Mounted Squadron, riding as Field Officer of the Sovereign’s Escort at the funeral of King George VI after which he was made an MVO, later converted to LVO. He was a friendly and popular squadron leader who encouraged his subalterns to hunt and try their hand at polo.

John retired from the army in 1945 and went to live in Sussex to help run the family estates which had only been inherited by his father just before the war. He also returned to his love for steeple chasing and owned several Chasers, winning good races on Another Delight at Lingfield and Sandown.

In 1954 John succeeded his father becoming the 5th Marquess and head of the ancient family of Nevills, who became peers of the realm in 1294.He inherited large properties, mainly in Sussex, and turned his organising ability to their administration and to farming the land at Eridge. He also devoted much of his time to the County of East Sussex where he served as an Alderman of the County Council and later became Lord Lieutenant from 1974 to 1989.Also in 1974 John was nominated a Knight of the Garter and subsequently Chancellor of the Order in 1977.

When John retired from riding in races he turned to assisting with the organisation of all aspects of racing. He had already been a member of the National Hunt Committee since 1942 and

was a member of the Jockey Club, and a Trustee of the Ascot John, sadly for Patricia, his family

and many friends, died on 23r February 2000 aged 85 after a short illness in hospital.

I have been a friend ofJohn’s since our private school days and there— fore I am pleased to have this opportunity to pay tribute to his many achievements. After private school John went to Eton, and then up to Cambridge where he became Master of the University Drag and _ responsible for the University’s Steeplechase meetings at Cottenham. He asked me to be one of his whippers in, and I well remember the trouble he took to ensure that both the Drag and the race meetings were run as efficiently as possible.

and spent the remainder of 1945 and some of 1946 in the Wolfenbuttel area. Then after a spell at Windsor, during which he married Mary Clare Hayley, he was posted to the embryo LG Mounted Squadron at Knightsbridge for twelve months before rejoining The Life Guards now in Palestine. When the mandate

with his Regiment (The Second Household Cavalry Regiment), only to be posted after a brief period to 6th Guards tank brigade as Brigade Major. In 1943 John made a second successful attempt to serve his regiment, this time as Squadron Leader B Squadron, but again after only a few months was posted in January 1944 to HQ 30 Corps as G2 (Ops). As I was serving with lHCR in the Middle East, much of what I write about John’s wartime career is of necessity second—hand, but I did discover from John that one of his duties as G2 (Ops) at the time of the landings in Normandy on D Day was to keep his Corps Com— mander informed of the progress of his forward troops. I gather that he waded ashore, followed by his signaller with his wireless set, and crossed the beaches with the leading troops, to find a suitable spot to carry out his task. John Stayed with 30 Corps until August when at short notice he was posted as G1 to 7t Armoured Division, remaining with them during their advance across Northern Europe to the Baltic. For his distinguished service during that time he was awarded the OBE.

In 1963 John joined The Life Guards serving at Windsor and in London. He was a keen amateur rider over fences and had many opportunities to ride in point to points and in steeplechases, win— ning several races on his horse Silver Linnet. He also found time for romance and in 1938 became engaged to and married Patricia, the 4th of Colonel Jack Harrison’s 8 daughters.

In the summer of 1939 John was posted to GHQ BEF as a G2 staff officer. He served with them during the operations in Northern France, and was mentioned in dispatches. On his return he went to the Staff College, and then at his own request returned to serve

Authority. In 1971 he became Chairman of Cheltenham Race Course and a year later he succeeded the Duke of Norfolk as the Queen’s Representative at Ascot and Chairman of the Ascot Authority, until he retired in 1982.

John was a kind and generous person who had given much of his time to the service of others; in particular his Monarch, his country and the welfare of those on his estate and in his community. His personal charm made him many friends from all walks of life as was demonstrated by the Guards Chapel being filled to overflowing at his Memorial Service.

Our sympathy goes to Patricia, his three daughters Ann, Vivi and Rose and to all his grandchildren.

Lieutenant Colonel C G M Gordon (Late Royal Horse Guards The Blues)

By Major C V C Booth—jams, Formerly The Royal Horse Guards

where Max was born on November 6th 1919,near Knightsbridge chris» his grandfather was Rector at the time, and where he was two tened Clifton Guy Maxwell. His father, who sadly died only er, and Highland Gordon a been had born, was he after months

his family had come from the country South of Edinburgh.

(Fifty years later when I asked if his family was Scottish he said “Cer— tainly not; I am a Yorkshireman.”)

This was because his mother had remarried in 1923 and he was brought up by her with the WardeAldam family at Frickley Hall near Doncaster. ‘ At Eton he boarded at Butterwick’s, was a “wet-bob” and enjoyed beagling. Thence to R.M.A Sandhurst passing out in the final term before the war inJuly 1939.

Dismounted review Order. 1939

asaComet

.

.

.

So aged 20,commtssroned 1n the Royal Horse Guards on July 4th, like a few other enterprising young officers in the Household Cavalry and the Household Brigade he relinquished his commission, after only seven months, to enlist in the Ski Battalion (5t Reserve Bn. Scots Guards) which in General Ironside’s plan was formed to defend Northern Scandinavia. After ski—training in the French Alps this operation was cancelled, and next he went on August 5th 1940 to Palestine to Join lSt Household Cavalry Regiment, who were converting to wheeled reconnaissance.

Bored with waiting for action he arranged to be posted to 52 Mid— dle East Commando in November 1940.Colonel David Smiley writes “Max and I joined the Commando together. Trained for seabourne operations to capture Rhodes, we were sent to the Sudan-Abyssinian border to carry out long range foot patrols behind the Italian lines in Abyssina. On one of these Max got caught by machine gun fire on January 27th 1941 being hit in the neck, waist and thigh. In spite of this he staggered back to our base camp where I saw him covered in blood and then he col— lapsed unconscious. When I saw him being carried away on a stretcher I was certain he would die. ” These wounds necessitated some longtime in hospital in Khar— toum and elsewhere. He was with 1 HCR in September 1942 training in Egypt for the battle of Alamein as a troop leader.

After Alamein l HCR were sent to the Turkish-Syrian border.

Next came mountain welfare in Italy as second-in-command of “A” Sqn. They landed on April 12[h 1944 at Naples and were in action on foot and in armoured cars until October. Max was promoted to Major in January 1945 and the regiment was in Holland

by March fighting under command of ISI Polish Armoured Divi— sion, then three weeks later under command of the Guards Armoured Division.

In November 1945 he was appointed to GSO III at Prague with 22 Liaison HQ for 5 months, then returned to the Royal Horse Guards, now reformed, at Bruhl in the Ruhr. He commanded “C” squadron at Menden and moved with the regiment in 1949 to Wesendorf where he and Rupert Buchanan-Jardine formed a pack of fox«hounds. They were gleaned from various packs in England and all ranks could enjoy following them, also later when we moved to Wolfenbuttel in 1951.

At Windsor again in 1952 he was instrumental in starting up polo at Henley with Archie David, then at Smith’s Lawn which he persuaded Mr Boles from Agar’s Plough to rejuvenate it for the Guards Polo Club. While commanding the Mounted Squadron of “The Blues” he did much to encourage officers to hunt from Melton Mowbray, training both horses and riders in the ultimate

school across country.

After commanding the Mounted Regiment in 1958 and 1959 he was appointed Military Secretary to the Governor General of

Obituaries 107 106

Obituaries

Australia; then he took leave to indulge his great appetite for travel and exploration, in the Far East entering several forbidden areas causing questions from MI Branch, and retired to York—

shire in November 1961.

He became Master of the Badsworth hounds, his local pack, for several seasons, then moved to live in the Sinnington country where he became Hunt Secretary. His remarkable generosity to the hunt became widely known after his death in January 2000,but when he gave up shooting in 1900 he kept a gun for a guest each season, and continued to invite friends. All will retain vivid memories of such wonderful drives as Bransdale and Hasty Bank while he picked up with his dogs, utterly unper— turbed by any difficulties that might arise. He was always

immensely patient with people, invariably unruffled by any cri— sis, having marvellously calming effect upon any situation. The stories to illustrate this are legion, as too are those of his aston— ishing vagueness occasionally.

In the late 50’s my wife and I decided that marriage was the best for him and introduce him to a charming girl whose father had

commanded The Life Guards before the war. Max duly came to stay to meet her and they seemed to get on very well. Living in his house, 44 Clarges Street, at that time he invited her to dinner and a film at the Curzon Cinema some weeks later. However, the last that she saw of him was as he wandered out of the cinema, before the film ended, having forgotten he had taken her with him.

Severe bronchitis developed from flu in January 1995 and he was unable to do much after that. His interest in Roman Catholi~ cism, though never admitted as far as I know, became more noticeable in later years, with visits to and from Ampleforth Abbey nearby.

He enjoyed music, paintings and good architecture more than most of his contemporaries, and he had a many faceted character that was guarded by natural reserve. His great generosity, sense of humour, spirit and charm will always be remembered, particularly by his many friends who miss him greatly now.

Lieutenant Colonel ACN Medlen

Late The Royal Horse Guards

consisted of two 75mm guns fitted into a turret with armour twice the thickness of other armoured cars, and mounted onto an ABC London bus chassis. These ungainly self propelled guns were expected to provide indirect fire support for reconnaissance troops. The ABC armoured cars were eventually given to Yugoslav partisans.

After landing in France in July 1944,he took part in the breakout from the Allied bridgehead and supported his squadron in the advance from the Somme into Belgium. He was involved in the

”b‘ He spent four years in the Troops, during which time he tried persis— tently to master the art of kit clean— ’ ing and equitation. After realising ' that maybe he was not cut out for ' these skills, he decided to turn his hand to something more stimulating. A young troop leader suggested maybe he go to the Reece Regiment.

“7““ Charlie thought about this long and

confused fighting around the village of Albert, and when every

hard — for about two minutes — he

reconnaissance troop had been committed he was ordered to dislodge the enemy from the cemetery. His difficulties were compounded by attacks from enthusiastic American pilots flying Mustang fighters who had probably never seen an ABC armoured car before.

soon came to the conclusion the pies, cakes and beers would be in short supply during the long months spent on exercise. Ultimately the forge seemed the better option.

By the time the River Rhine was crossed in 1945 he was in command of the echelon vehicles. In due course he became Technical Adjutant responsible for over 300 vehicles and in 1950 he became Squadron Leader. He was among the first officers in the regiment to pass the Staff College exam, and he was sent to the Australian Staff College in Feb 1954.

After completing the course he became DAQMG, Headquarters Northern Australia in Brisbane with additional responsibilities for Papua New Guinea and the Pacific Islands. Returning to England in 1957 he was almost immediately sent to The Blues in Cyprus to be Second in Command. This was a particularly busy and stressful period during the EOKA emergency.

From the heat of Cyprus he was posted to Headquarters Allied Forces in Norway. In 1959 to his surprise he was appointed in 1961 to command the Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment in Hyde Park Barracks. This was not a particularly happy time for him, and the redundancy terms for which he had applied two years previously, were granted in 1962 and he left the Blues.

On joining the forge he successfully went on to complete his apprenticeship and on the 27th February 1997 he became a reg— istered farrier. In no less than a month the shores of Cyprus beckoned for his skills. However, on arrival instead ofasking for directions to the Episkopi Saddle Club, he asked directions to the nearest Land Rover dealer. Charlie‘s attention was immediately drawn to the gleaming white Defender in the showroom — she was bought and affectionately christened “Polar Bear”.

Having completed his tour of Cyprus it was time for Charlie’s return and he was offered the chance ofa luxury flight home — this was sharply turned down. The prospect of spending a week in his beloved Land Rover crossing the rough terrain of Europe seemed far more appealing.

On arriving back at Knightsbridge he quickly settled back into the routine of things and was soon at the dizzy heights of being the forge second in command. The apprentices in the forge found him a wealth of knowledge, however, when asked to demonstrate a forging technique the NAAFI usually seemed the better option for him.

Finally on a more serious note, to sum up the departments feeling towards Charlie.

Initially he worked for Shell but soon switched to Ford at Dagen— ham. He then set up their operation in Daventry and in 1974 moved to Ford in Cologne. He retired a second time in 1982 aged 61,and bought a house near the harbour in Polperro, Cornwall.

He enjoyed watching cricket, fishing and got much satisfaction

wasn’t long before his enthusiasm towards life at the Mounted Regiment and his ability as a horseman shone through. He was very quickly selected for the Musical Ride where he completed

two seasons.

Everyone knew Terry as a practical joker; I remember one instance where I thought I had the upper hand on him by removing his irons and leathers moments before riding on a major performance. Little did I know he had beaten me to it, on removing my boots after the show, he had emptied a tin ofbrown polish in to them leaving my feet stained for weeks to come.

His potential was soon recognised and he became the riding master’s groom, not only doing an outstanding job for him but also regularly standing in on the musical ride in all positions.

His next and obvious move was to go to Melton Mowbray to start the advanced Military Equitation Course to be trained as an instructor. He did this well and achieved high results in all phases.

On returning from Melton Mowbray he gained the substantive rank of LCpl. Terry was soon taken on board as a member of the riding staff and passed his first ride out in May 2000 earning his right to wear Blues No 1 Dress Mounted. As a member of the riding staff he contributed selflessly and was an asset to the Reg— iment with a great future.

To summarise Terry as a person he was charming, outgoing, witty and no matter what the situation he always had a smile on his face. Always the practical joker but always a gentleman Although Terry was all the above he would never have been the man he was without all the loving support of his family, and his only true love Sarah, who made his life complete.

Sarah will always remain part of the riding staff family, as will Terry, who is not here today, but will always remain in our hearts forever.

Charismatic... . Witty.... . Charming, and funny. These words are but a few that would spring to mind when thinking about him. Always the practical joker but always the Gentleman.

REST IN PEACE TERRY

from painting in water colours.

By Major General Sir Roy Redgrave KBE MC formally the Blues and Royals Anthony Medlen who died last autumn aged 79,was training to become an insurance broker with _ Lloyds in London when World War . , II began. He was called up in 1941

He married Sheila just before embarkation for Normandy in 1944.She pre—deceased him. They had a daughter, Mary. In 1974 he married Helge in Germany. He was always very much respected by his colleagues because he was an excellent administrator who worked extremely hard. He will be remembered for his kindness to others and his great sense of humour.

and drafted into the Royal Army Ordnance Corps.

In May 1943 he was granted a com»

mission in the Royal Horse Guards (The Blues) and posted to the Second Household Cavalry Regiment which was at that time undergoing

a period of intensive training in England under Lieutenant Colonel Henry Abel Smith, prior to the anticipated invasion of France.

24940831 LCpl Terry Coupe Late The Life Guards LCpl Terry Coupe was born in MansXfield, Nottingham on 14 June 1975. His - interest in horses took him to Braken« hurst Agricultural College. From there e was advised to join the Kings Troop. erry being as stubborn as ever decided haagainst this and joined up as a Life

24773011LCOH Nicholas John Varley Late The Blues & Royals Nicholas John Varley, was more affectionately known to us all, as “Charlie”.

He had already shown an aptitude for technical matters, so he

Charlie joined the Army in August 1987 as boy soldier. He com— pleted his training at the Guards Depot after which he moved on to Knightsbridge to start his Army career as a mounted duty

was given command of the Heavy Troop in his Squadron. This

man.

John Cawthorne RVM, Late Squadron Corporal Major, The Life Guards 1919 - 2000

By Major Norman Hearson _7P DL formerly The Life Guard:

.

, Born in Doncaster, in the West Rid— ‘ ing, John’s father was the Farrier Major in the Queen’s Own Yorkshire .. Dragoons, serving in two World Wars. Fittingly John was also des-

I ' .fitined to lead the fullest possible life His primary interest was always with horses, which took him to Combermere Barracks to start Riding School where he came across his first hurdle, Orion, commonly known as Dogface, who was renowned for unseating his riders. Terry’s previous riding experience came to hand and Dogface has never been the

same since. He completed riding school four months later pass-

' of service, spanning two careers, firstly a period of twenty-five years with the Household Cavalry and ”‘V i then, following retirement, serving a further twentythree years with The * 3 ‘ - Queen’ 5 Body Guard of the Yeomen of The Guard eventually stepping down from the Active Listin the rank of Messenger Sergeant Major.

ing out in full state kit at Hyde park Barracks, Knightsbridge. It

Obituraries 108

Obituaries

109

However, back to 1937 when, armed with glowing references from his school-days and an apprenticeship served with his far— rier father’s family business, John Cawthorne enlisted in The Life Guards completing his recruit training and joining the Regiment’s pharmacy staff.

1948. John was amongst a number of senior Life Guards who loyally took yet another unaccompanied overseas posting in their stride He had the added misery of contracting typhoid fever but refused to return to the UK for convalescence, staying right until the final day ofthe Regiment’s return home iii the Spring ofthai

Nominal Rolls as at December 2000

year.

1940 saw him, now a fully fledged farrier, accompanying the horses of the Household Cavalry Composite Regiment to Pales~ tine as part of the Cavalry Division. By one of those stranger than fact coincidences another Regiment in this unique division was none other than the Queen’s Own Yorkshire Dragoons.

Thus the Divisional Commander at that time had the responsi—

bility for both father and son.

By 1941,with the withdrawal of their horses, the role of the Household Cavalry Regiment was emerging as a ‘Motorised Cavalry Regiment’ portrayed by their equipping with Morris 15 cwt trucks.

The transformation of the young blacksmith from Armthorpe was completed with his basic driving course which was destined to hold him in good stead subsequently as a Troop Corporal of Horse of the Armoured Car Regiment formed early in 1942. Together with his colleagues in the First Household Cavalry Regiment, John Cawthorne served throughout the campaign in the Western District, the Battle of Alamein and subse— quently the Italian campaign setting foot back in England in late 1944 having been overseas for more than four and a half years. 1 HCR re—formed and were soon to fight alongside their sister Regiment 2 HCR on the mainland of Europe. At the end of the conflict in 1945 John married Pat in a marriage which was to last almost fifty years until Pat’s death in 1994.

1946 saw the departure from Germany for Egypt of The Life Guards, once again reconstituted, and predictably to move on yet again to Palestine. This time the mission was to assist with the task of ‘holding the line” until the end of the Mandate in

In the period from then until retirement from the Army in 1962 he saw service as a senior Corporal of Horse and Squadron Cor— poral Major both with the Regiment in Windsor and Egypt and the Mounted Squadron in London. He played an active part in both the Presentation of Standards by Her Majesty The Queen and the Coronation in 1953 as well as participating in numerous ceremonial duties in London.

HEADQUARTERS HOUSEHOLD CAVALRY Horse Guards

Windsor

Col H D P Massey: Comd H Cav

Lt Col (Retd) S F Sibley: Museum Capt (Retd) R Hennessy—Walsh: CDC

Lt Col (Retd)] S Olivier: Regt Adjt He served on the Committee of The Life Guards Association for some forty~eight years, twenty—three of which coincided with his service in the Body Guard, where in 1987 his devotion to duty in this illustrious organisation was rewarded by the presentation of the Royal Victorian Medal to ‘Messenger Sergeant Major John Cawthorne’ by Her Majesty The Queen.

Miss K Allen: Chief Clerk LCpl A S Marriot

THE HOUSEHOLD CAVALRY REGIMENT RHQ

John spent his final years of retirement living in Brandon, Suffolk where he pursued his passion for art and listening to classical music.

“A fine disciplinarian and at the same time a kind and under~ standing man” or as Kipling expressed such similar qualities “If all men count with you but none too much”.

From all of us, his friends, our sympathy goes out to sons Richard and Robert.

Maj CBB Clee

W01 TF Shatliff

HQ SQUADRON Maj J Hammond Maj PF Strettonn Capt Capt Capt Capt Capt

JAS Bellman R] Carney JC Fisher AM Hulme LA Johnston

Capt MEW Kingston

RFEA

Capt WR Lindsay Capt VP Maher Capt RP Manning

HELPING FIND YOU A 3‘03

CoH Thomas P]

LCpl Jones WP LCpl Marsh A LCpl Shipp G

CoH Walker PG

LCpl Smith DA

Sgt Armstrong A]

LCpl LCpl LCpl LCpl LCpl

CoH Smith IM

Capt A Lawrence Capt W Bartle-Jones

He will best be remembered in the Regiment through the words ofa former Commanding Officer:

CoH Slingsby PD

Lt Col P] Tabor MVO

W01 (ASM) Tait GR

Sgt Cooper SE Sgt Sgt Sgt Sgt Sgt Sgt Sgt

De Haes White AL Dewey TR Hubbert JW Irvine RAG Mallan VW Read C Robson GD

Sgt Seabright K Sgt Shearer P Sgt Simmons TR LCoH LCoH LCoH LCoH LCoH LCoH

Beulah M Fitzgerald J Gerrard SJ Hockings CGC Jones CC Mackay I

W02 Peat A

W02 Farmer A WOZ (RQMC) Grantham SW W02 (RQMC) Harris AM W02 Kubiscek DJ W02 Parton SW

Assists ex-regular men and women to resettle and find employment, any time up to the national retirement age and as often as

W02 Gibbons SF

necessary, provided they

W02 Stretton PL

° Served a minimum of three years in the ranks

This service is available from thirty eight Branches throughout

W02 Voyce DC W02 Smith T

the United Kingdom

W02 Maunder K]

' Branches are listed in Yellow pages, local directories and Directory

SCpl Dear AM SCpl Gray DP

' Or were medically discharged regardless of time served

This service is now also extended to

SCpl Reade WG SCpl Tovell ADW ° Visit our web site www.rfea.org.uk

Our Employment Consultants, have all had a full and successful Service career themselves and worked in commerce or industry, placing them in a unique and strong position to offer

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110 News from the Associations

LCoH Spink SC LCoH Toon CJN

LCoH Vost PA LCoH Wilson D LCoH Yeomans M LSgt LSgt LSgt LSgt LSgt

Brittain SJ Byne NK Gardner TY Mccrea G Mumford D

LSgt O’Carrol MS

SCpl Hiscock DR

' Those who were subsequently commissioned

' Widows/widowers provided the spouse died in service

LCpl LCpl LCpl LCpl

Webber KIF Whitley Wigley AB Williamson A

SSgt Robinson M SSgt Taylor LA

CoH CoH CoH CoH

Ablott M Dixon T Hemming NG Hooper MA

LCpl LCpl LCpl LCpl LCpl

Abbott M Anstee RA Averill L Clancy L Clee JAC

2Lt TAI-I Giffard

Tpr Budd MA Tpr Clark PW

2Lt WRG Kenyon

Tpr Dibb JG

W02 (SCM) Carter DS

Tpr Tpr Tpr Tpr Tpr Tpr Tpr Tpr Tpr Tpr

SCpl (SQMC) Irving R SSgt Penfold IS CoH CoH CoH CoH

Gardner GC Gray IM Heaton LC Holden TI

CoH Matthews SR CoH Rogers BE

Dixon JC Dove JR Erskine BR Gibbs CS Gooding MS Gray D] Griffiths WL Hansford RC Hanson AG Hare P

Tpr Harris SA Sgt Clarke JM

Tpr Tpr Tpr Tpr Tpr Tpr Tpr Tpr Tpr

Anderson W] Bartlett DJ Brown G] Cross JM Daley DP Hagen NS Hodgson TS Horgan DJH Jones CA

Tpr Lalley JC LCoH Robson DH LCoH Short ADW

LCpl Abbott DB Enquiries 192

LCpl Watkins GA

LCoH Plant SA W02 Ellis

REGULAR FORCES EMPLOYMENT ASSOCIATION RFEA Limited

Snarey PM] Spares SJ Spencer CA] Stables M] Wareing NA

2Lt JGK Anderson

Tpr Tpr Tpr Tpr Tpr Tpr

McCrae IE Porter LG Mellors WD Sanders RP Smith B Symons SJ

Tpr Szudlapsk S Tpr Tansey SR Tpr Taylor DJ Tpr Thompson MT Tpr Williams 31 Pte Allen E] Pte Boyeldieu P] Pte Duxbury A] Pte Hersey T Pte Pretious S] Pte McMullen TA Cfn Humpherson RM Cfn Jones SG

LCoH Auld GD LCoH Beech AG LCoH Carrington P] LCoH Couling M

LCoH Doga M LCoH Farrimond SP

LCoH Fearnley 1M LCoH Hitchings DJ LCoH LCoH LCoH LCoH LCoH

Hoggarth JS Holloway DL Hunt NJM Moore R Stoko AL

LCoH Saunders N LSgt Lee LD LSgt Mayes A LSgt Mcalister K

Tpr Hartshorn DE Tpr Hogg JA Tpr Horton TA Tpr Howland TJC Tpr Jacobih CE Tpr Johnson CW Tpr Laverty RA Tpr Looker P] Tpr Mitchinson D] Tpr Morris LP Tpr Nelson JL Tpr Newton PW

Tpr Parry RG Tpr Preston LA

Tpr Rawas SV Tpr Scott C]

LCpl Amos L] LCpl Bond DL

Tpr Tpr Tpr Tpr Tpr Tpr

LCpl Bromfield R LCpl Butler SJ LCpl Camp IG

Cfn Horton T

LSgt Parker LM

Thomas JP Townsend P] Walker LR Watchorn PB Wharton C Williams NJ

Pte Russell TF

LCpl Cromie DK LCpl Faiers PM

LCp] Jaworski MT LCpl Jenning R] LCpl Pratt ADJ

B SQUADRON The Life Guards

LCpl Costain LCpl Richards RS LCpl Edwards A] LCpl Frei-Nicholls AD

A SQUADRON LCpl Snarey PM] Maj DE Hughes

The Life Guards

LCpl Taylor BN

LCpl Garaway CTS LCpl Harman CP

Maj JR Wheeler

Tpr Adamson P Tpr Alinmore VR Tpr Ashaa Y

LCpl Harwood PA

Lt MSP Berry

CoH Hornet JS

LCpl Hewitt SR

CoH Polley NF CoH Shields]

LCpl Hopkins L LCpl Jones C

Lt DS Brooks Lt JR Greany Lt PG Leavey

Lt DL Lipman Lt RT Sturgis

Tpr Bassett GS

2Lt Howell 2Lt Instone

Tpr Benfield DW

CT Gibbs

Nominal Rolls

CT Viney WOZ(SCM) Douglas SCpl (SQCM) Bridges

SSgt Stringer CoH Benge S CoH Foster] CoH Goodwin SJ

CoH Hepple C CoH Knowles SG

LCpl Tiffoney T] LCpl Williams SFH Tpr Tpr Tpr Tpr Tpr Tpr

Ainsley DP Barfoot MP Birch DN Byrne AC Cartwright TO Clark CJA

Tpr Connell JW

CoH Parkinson JC

Tpr Dimbylow SC Tpr Goodsman AD

Sgt Williamson MI

Tpr Grime DP

LCoH Bassett AT LCoH Brown WD LCoH Canning KJP LCoH Conway AP LCoH Cooper M

LCoH LCoH LCoH LCoH

Cordwell LC Fry SK Gibson BK Goater SM

LCoH Hodge KJ LCoH Jacobs SM LCoH Jukes S

Mardon AD Mccartney N Mcdowell GW Pickard SJ

LCoH Simpson DJ

LCoH Smith D LCoH Swinburne RG LCoH Young DP

LSgt Hick AC LSgt Riddler GA LCpl Bridges KR LCpl Brown PA LCpl Brown PL LCpl Close JS

LCpl LCpl LCpl LCpl

Connor KN Flood MPN Garton PD Goddard P

LCpl Iddon JJL LCpl Johnson EA

Tpr Bullen CH Tpr Carmichael JR

SCpl (SQMC) Mcguire P

Tpr Cassidy F SSgt Smith

CoH Fisher DS CoH Gaddes ARJ CoH Mccarley A

CoH Musgrave CoH Pockford SR CoH Trinick CJ

Tpr Collier AP Tpr Cox DN Tpr Cuthbert JC

LCoH Anderson L] LCoH Bennet J LCoH Bentley RM

Tpr Mayes M

LCoH Brown L

Tpr Mccole AM Tpr Mcdonnell GMA

LCoH Burton WA LCoH Gilligan MA

Tpr Mehrban K

LCoH Hughes AB

Tpr Mulley RT Tpr Murray P

LCoH LCoH LCoH LCoH LCoH LCoH LCoH LCoH

Tpr Nixon SA Tpr Page DJ Tpr Paylor KS Tpr Perry JA

Tpr Tpr Tpr Tpr

Shenton M] Skingly AJ Smith CR Smith S]

Tpr Tomlinson K] Tpr Waites SD Tpr Walker L

Tpr Webster BM Tpr Weyman DW Tpr Williams MR

Mccormack S Mcnamara T Pearse T Stafferton P Stainsby P Telling D] Walker NK Wheatley WI

Tpr Tpr Tpr Tpr

LCoI—I Roper RRD LCoH Venables PR LCoH Wall NJE

Eastick JA Edmond D Ellis KW Fletcher N

Tpr Game S

LCpl Ansell DW

Tpr Gibson JW

LCpl Bodycoat M

Tpr Heaslip GMP

LCpl Bushell WGL LCpl Moffat JA

Tpr Tpr Tpr Tpr

Heyes MR Ingram-Mitchell SJ Kostka GR Lickfold PPM

Tpr Linfield A Tpr Lutman DC Tpr Mackintosh MA

Tpr Mcguire M Tpr Mowatt DJ

Tpr Smith K Tpr Steed M

LSgt Ivanovich IJC

Tpr Stones RJ Tpr Timms MP Tpr Toomey BL Tpr Welsh AM

Cfn Curran M

Cfn Chadwick JD

LCpl Gladish DM LCpl Harvey JP LCpl Harwood PA LCpl Hodgson SH

C SQUADRON

LCpl Ireland PG

The Blues and Royals

LCpl Ireland MR LCpl Johnson F LCpl Lawrence KA

CT JEA De St John Price

LCpl Stevenson VC LCpl Thompson K]

CT JAM White CT P] Williams

Lt RS Evetts

2 TROOP LG

1 TROOP RHG/D

Lt JG Rees-Davies CoH Cornock 0 CoH Irwin JS

LCoH Wyard SM LCpl Beswick CD LCpl Blakeway LG

LCpl Whelan LF

Tpr Tpr Tpr Tpr

Bowyer SP Buckland RLP Clayden AM Dexter J]

Tpr Diffin WS

Tpr Cordell SS Tpr Deakin RAJ Tpr Farmer CG

Tpr Tpr Tpr Tpr

Tpr Gill MD

Tpr Kettle DC

Tpr Tpr Tpr Tpr

Tpr Tpr Tpr Tpr Tpr Tpr

Griffiths SW Harris PD Hawser P] Head W]

Tpr Hession JA Tpr Holliday PA

King JA Lepla CA Norris LM Prest WH Steadman JR Thomas PM

CoH Davidson BW CoH Galvin AJ LCoH Forsdick JR

LCoH Hadley JR

Alien SJ Armstrong 8] Boyle C Byles MC

Tpr Crowther DP Tpr Dunsford AR Tpr Eames DA Tpr Forrester JA

LG SHQ

1 TROOP LG

Lt Col NMA Ridley Capt AD Dick Capt RAH Peasgood WOI Maxwell PG Sgt Wooldridge AP LSgt Goulty KJ Pte Babb AR

Maj HCB Briscoe Capt JBC Butah W02 Core JP

Capt JH Blount CoH Howie DJ

Tpr Francis R A Tpr Houston C J Tpr Killeen R S

Tpr Garlick MT Tpr Hill M R Tpr Holloway AP Tpr MacKenzie AA Tpr Mann RB

LCpl Murgatroyd DJ

Tpr Douglass RA

Tpr Mills C

LCpl Ravenscroft DJ

Tpr Dunnicliffe AP

Tpr Tpr Tpr Tpr

112 Nominal Rolls

SCpi Stevenson D LCoH MCCauley JS LCpl Wood DM LCpl Hall KL Tpr Baker MD

CoH Tennant GA LCoH Brook A] LCOH Smith GV LCpl Haith BD LCpl MacKenzie AH

LCleountford RA

LCpl Stay M] Tpr Alsop MT

Tpr Gibbs SP Tpr Harrison S

CoH Adams CA

LCpl Mewhirter S M LCpl Richardson G A

LCoH Nicholls SRA

Tpr Ashford G M Tpr Tpr Tpr Tpr Tpr

Banham P D Brydon A R Bowman 1 Butler J M Cooper E J

Tpr Tpr Tpr Tpr Tpr Tpr Tpr Tpr Tpr Tpr Tpr Tpr Tpr

Griffiths RJ Hannaford R A Hollis B J Keen D Keep A M Kettle M J Martin J l Memullan M Morgan 0 L Parker J J Pusey M S Shapland A Waters

Maj JS Holbrook

Tpr Tingley G H

CoH Twyman P LCoH Darby C G LCoH Methune P J LCpl Eulert C A LCpl Golder L E LCpl Hayden R C LCpl Phillips J

LCpl Broom JR LCpl Walker CA

CoH Foster WE Sgt Greenshields HO Tpr Boswell AM Tpr Gray SF Tpr Litchfield AA Pte Hallett

QM's Department

LCpl Imeson NJ

Capt D Pickard W02 Kibble U

LCpl Royston DR Tpr Carlson S Tpr Hawkshaw PPM Tpr Nolan LT

SCp] Brown GR CoH Hadden M]

CoH Haflide P] LCoH Edisbury D LCoH Glasgow KIF

Phase 2 Training

LCoH Oliver DA

Tpr Alicock JSH

LCoH Parkinson D LCoH Plimmer WA Tpr Geer JE Tpr Ori-Orison SIL

Tpr Tpr Tpr Tpr Tpr Tpr Tpr Tpr Tpr

Saddlers Shop W02 Mills T CoH Scovell AM LCoH MacKenzie SI LCpl Woods MJ Tpr Waite N Tailors Shop W02 Button AA LCoH Peet MID LCpl Sherlock N Armourer

Maj I Fryer W02 Gentle SM SSgt Henderson AL LSgt Candlin YAM LCpl Seedall NF Tpr Garnell PO

Sgt Chick A]

Tpr Crossley G D Tpr Douglass C Tpr Tpr Tpr Tpr

Gailag her P S Greenwood L A Griggs W F Hogg M A

Tpr Nardini P D S Tpr O'connor D D L/LCpl Quickfall M D

SCpl Parkinson JC LCoH Clare JA LCpl Dowsett GK

WOs and NCOs Mess

Tpr Tpr Tpr Tpr

Robinson M A Salmon D Scriven G B Waddel l S F

Tpr Wilson D N

3 TROOP RHG/D

SCp] Newman SJ CoH Martin W CoH Adams CD LCoH Carrel CJ

Guardroom LCoH Conroy PID

LCpl Gray B] LCpl Roberts JL Tpr Hamilton NM Med Centre Surg Lt Col CM Stone LCoH Royston DL LCpl Blackburn IP Tpr Cole R] Tpr Short DJ

Tpr Berns RG

Tpr Holmes DA

Tpr Bradbury JJ

Tpr Kennedy GJ

Tpr Brunt PRS

Tpr Marriott A

RHG/D SHQ

Tpr De Bruin AL Tpr Doody P

Tpr Mason AL

Maj G V de la F Woyka

CoH Brown T E CoH Freeman W C

Capt CT Haywood

Tpr Mooney G

Capt D R Boyd

LCoH Afflison P T

SCpl Weller JR

Lt O B Birkbeck Riding Staff

Corbett GP Crook G] Douglas-Davies DJ Dynan SP Erskine BR Everett AA

Tpr Farmer CG Tpr Ghelabhai M Tpr Goldspink M Tpr Harrison

Tpr Huxiey C

LCpl Hall NB

LCoH Gammage SD LCoH Ireton JK LCoH Lawson DS LCoH MacDonald FA LCoH McGregor IA LCpl Darlington L

Tpr Tpr Tpr Tpr Tpr Tpr

SSgt Noonan

Forge Tpr Betts A L Tpr Byrne A R Tpr Cole RJ

Tpr Connelly D

Tpr Heppinstall Tpr Hume DR

Sgt Tidy PR

Tpr Alien G]

Ashcroft GID Baker MID Barnes KID Bremner J Brunt PRS Capp B Caulkin GJ Cawson MG Clement CP

Master Chef

Officers Mess

Maj JF Holmes

CoH Spandley GE LCoH Kendle DHB LCoH Shaw JP LCpl Bovey PJ LCpl Hadley JR

RAO

Veterinary

CoH Bye CE Col-I Carr JB CoH Jones GE

LCpl Collier PA

SCpl Goodwin M

HQ SHQ W02 Atkinson PC

Martin S D Medonnel C J Mcendoo R M Osborne R H Pagan L A Preston A S Sampson E G Stables PJ

CoH Jenkins DA LCoH Arkley JD

Tpr Green G A

Tpr Logan T C

Tpr Watts W Saurara AT Stocks M D Wilkinson A] Wycherley PA

LCoH Sharpe R D LCpl Gledhill S LCpl Lewis C K J

Tpr Tpr Tpr Tpr Tpr Tpr Tpr Tpr

Lt RSI Derry

Tpr Tpr Tpr Tpr

RHQ

Tpr Colvin S 1 Tpr Davis A N

Lt N P Harrison CoH Fortune K

LCpl Stockill RJ

HOUSEHOLD CAVALRY MOUNTED REGIMENT

Tpr Bright M

3 TROOP LG

Pte Sacco JWC

Tpr Tpr Tpr Tpr

SCpl Panter

Tpr Blake S J

2 TROOP RHG/D

CoH Pass J

WOZ Pilchowski

LCoH James D H S LCpl Allport W P LCpl Early C M LCpl Parr M H LCpl Ramsden C D Tpr Blackburn J L

Tpr Wolfenden K F

Tpr Smith TK

Lt EPW Hayward Lt MJ Heath

Capt P B A Townle CoH Gardner A C CoH Welsh S R LCoH Buiman C W

Tpr Veitch S

CoH Overton TL

Maj RC Taylor

Hollman SA Hunt JA Illston GR Johnson G Jordan BR Kay McKinnon C Metcalf K Purser PR Scott AD Scott P Shearer KR Smith MB

Doyle ELP Eames RPM Evans 1G Jasper A]

CoH Barrett SB

The Blues And Royals

LCpl Salmon P Adrianesen WE Allwood S Benson R] Blake M

Tpr Scott P J

LCoH Knaggs JDK LCoH Pettipher AP LCpl Catterall NT LCpl Leslie EC LCpl Stafford DD LCpl Stafford AD

D SQUADRON

LCpl Park GJ

LCpl Parrot S LCpl Reid D LCpl Shoemaker RE

Tpr Knight] S Tpr Phelan Aj

Tpr Tpr Tpr Tpr Tpr Tpr Tpr Tpr Tpr Tpr Tpr Tpr Tpr

Lt WHAG Snook

Maj S St M Miller

Capt MPF Dollar

Tpr Smith K Tpr Warren GS Tpr Whittington SA

LCpl MeDowell SD Tpr Armitage PN Tpr Armstrong GS

Tpr Broxholme DT

SCpi Hastings G K LCoI'I Featherstone A R LCpl Hunt KJ

LCpl Mckeegans M A

LCpl Chinn SL

Tpr Barlow MS Tpr Bostock PA Tpr Boswell AM

W02 Smith N A

Tpr Slowey AG

LCpl Lerwill DJ

Tpr Cooper AAS

LSgt Davies CJ LSgt Esplin CP

Partridge MJ Powell DR Rogers B Shaw JC

LCpl Walsh LJ

Tpr Queen EC Tpr Reeves P] Tpr Sharpe JJ

Tpr Tpr Tpr Tpr

LCpl Ward MA

Tpr Casser JA Tpr Charnock PR

LCpl Gibbons DJ

Pte Burford L

LCpl Santi MA

Tpr Pay DJ Tpr Perry RJR

Tpr Ship S

LCpl Galbraith CS

Bell GA Bestwick MP Chell R] Findell RJ Goodwin RA Hammond CR

LCoH McCormack SJ LCoH Roberts MJ

LSgt Congreve JR

LCpl Aston TP LCplConnor LCpl Driver P

LCoH LCoH LCoH LCoH LCoH LCoH

Tpr Cuthbert IC

Sgt Grime A

Tpr Light JA Tpr Maplesden A]

Tpr Kierle S

LCpl Kidd LR LCpl Lofts NA LCpl Newell KS

Tpr Buckingham JW

W02 (SCM) Mills S

Sgt Hadleigh RG Tpr Jackson Tpr Johnston S

Tpr O’ala DF

LCoH LCoH LCOH LCoH

CT ES I.ane«Fox

CoH Anderton A LCoH Beaumont AM MT Troop CoH Beaumont MN LCoH Mathieson JG LCpl Bickerdike CR LCpl Frampton DA LCpl Hammond DK LCpl Wood J Tpr Brown RM Tpr Sonahar JS Training Wing

Tpr Jary GW Tpr Jeffries JL Tpr Jubb MA Tpr King C Tpr Kirk GA Tpr Latharn P Tpr Leach SK Tpr Lepla CA Tpr Mainwaring KID Tpr McKay SA Tpr Pickard P Tpr Purdy NT Tpr Purrington DG Tpr Ryan MJR Tpr Spry RT] Tpr Swann G Tpr Swift MA Tpr Taylor DJ Tpr Taylor MID Tpr Tuinaqabtoka SK Tpr Van—Maren CJ Tpr Waiters GEG Tpr Wycherley PA Tpr Wynn B

Gdsm Phillips] Recruiting

Capt RG Waygood

W01 Griffiths] W02 Coleman DM W02 Peers NRH SCpl Avison MA SCpl Mitchell P]

CoH Wibberley MA CoH Taylor LCoH Creighton

Nominal Rolls

OFFICERS AT ERE

BAND OF THE BLUES AND ROYALS

THE LIFE GUARDS Captain D D Robertson Captain C E O Allerton

RMAS BLO France

Lieutenant Colonel C S K Anderson Captain ] R D Barnard Captain E] Bond

W01 Brigden J D W01 Griffiths] W02 Kitching S

BLUES AND ROYALS

HQ Londist

Captain P A Bedford

MOD (London)

W02 Howe R B

Colonel W T Browne Captain A Burbidge Captain T M Carpenter

BFPO 622 BFPO 825 ATR Pirbright

W02 Billington H R

Lieutenant Colonel W S G Doughty

RAC Centre CATT Warminster BFPO 28

Colonel] M W Ellery

HQ Londist

Lieutenant Colonel S H Cowen

MOD (London)

Major H R D Fullerton

Shrivenham

Shrivenham

Colonel P S W F Faikner

APC Glasgow Shrivenham 160 Brigade

Major] P Eyre Captain M P Goodwin-Hudson Major M A Harding

Lieutenant Colonel A P de Ritter

Major] D A Gaselee Major R R D Griffin

Captain M G Holden-Craufurd

RAC Centre BDS Washington New York Royal Yeomanry BFPO 53

Major G W Howson Major P R L Hunter

Major] T Lodge Major A Mead Captain A B Methven Major E A Smyth-Osbourne Major G G E Stibbe

HQ 8: Sig Sqn Batus

Major R C Taylor Major T E Thorneycroft Captain] S Tierney Captain C] Trietline

Lieutenant Colonel M C Van Der Lande Captain M Whatley

CATD Warminster 39 Inf Bde P]HQ Northwood CATC Warminster BFPO 809 BFPO 559

1 RGBW

ATDU

Captain R H A Lewis Major C A Lockhart Lieutenant Colonel F G S Lukas Major G M D McCullough

P]HQ Northwood APC Glasgow Duke of Yorks HQ

Lieutenant Colonel D A O’Halloran Captain R R Philipston-Stow

Colonel P B Rogers Brigadier W R Rollo Captain DI Scott Lieutenant Colonel H S] Scott

BFPO 599 HQ DRAC AYT DPM/KPO Kuwait

Major S C Tomes Colonel B W B White-Spanner

Shrivenham MOD (London)

7 Cadet Training Team 19 Cadet Training Team 39 Infantry Brigade AK Harrogate

ATR Bassingbourn ATR Pirbright

LCoH Amos

SCpl Brockhurst CoH Carrington

LCoH Gallagher

LCoH LCoH LCoH LCoH

Greensmith Haresign Newton Davies

LCoH LCoH LCoH LCoH

Flood Adams Brown S Williams

CoH Mcmullen SCpl Wells Scpl Mooregp

Scpl Kelle CoH Wall LCoH Harrington

W02 Flanagan SCpl Mckechnie W02 Cripps

AW Gunnery School

CoH Pearse Scpl Fermor

ARMTAT

SCpl Rees Scpl Bonner

Coh Mcmillan

W02 Freeman MA

HQ Household Cavalry

SCpl Sykes Coh Freeman KR

BATUS C SO RY CATC

SCpl Hodder

CoH Hyett

LCoH Whiting

JSG (NI) QDG

W02 Kitching

QOY (A Sqn) (Ayr)

SCpl Birch

LCoH Weston SCpl Dixon D SCpl Robertson

QOY(C Sqn) (Cupar) QOY (1) Sqn) (Newcastle)

SCpl Goodwin Sj

QOY(Y Sqn) (York)

Scpl Miller

QRH

LCoH Semczyszyn LCpl Lutherborrow

RACTraining Regiment

W02 Coles SCpl Stewart LCoH Downing

RMAS

SCpl Poynter SCpl Pickford

Flying Wing SAAVN HQ Armour Centre

HA Armd Div HQ 3 UK Div HQ DRAC HQ DRAC(TDT)

W02 Hunter CoH Chambers LCoH Tate

CoH Mackay

LCoH Johnson

RY RWXY

Mai M] Torrent

CoH Carson P]

LCoH Collin I M

CoH Dutton B] CoH Goodchild N] CoH Pearson KA

W01 Camp

LCoH Griffiths

Tayforth Uotc

W02 Snell

LCpl Lever LCpl Grant W02 ]enkins

LCoH Kirk AK LCoH Maher NL LCoH Semkin G]

LCoH Wheeler GW LCoH Whybrow MP

LCpl LCpl LCpl LCpl LCpl

Barker CM Darcy P Eccles EJN Hinchliffe VT Jarvis PC

LCpl ]arvis PC LCpl Walters MD LCpl West TS

Nicholls M C Kinsler G L Dodd S P Smith D M

MUSN Peters A ]

MUSN Elwood S D

Notices Information for members of both The Life Guards and The Blues and Royals Associations

The Queen’s Birthday Parade and Review

The Guards Chapel Easter Concert 2001

The Queen’s Birthday Parade will be held on Saturday 16th June 2001 with the Colonels’ Review on 9th June and the Major General’s Review on 2nd June. A limited number of tickets for the Inner Line of Sentries (standing only) will be available for members through the Honorary Secretary of their respective Association. Tickets cannot be purchased through Headquarters Household Cavalry.

The 77th Combined Cavalry Old Com— rades Parade and Service will be held in Hyde Park on Sunday 13th May 2001.Members of each Association should assemble in Broad Walk at 1030 hrs on the grass behind their Regimental Marker Board. Dress will be lounge suits and medals (not miniatures). Due to the security arrangements members should give themselves plenty of time to get to the Assembly area. Members are invited to Hyde Park Barracks after the parade but admission will be by ticket only through your respective Honorary Secretary or on the day.

Musn Musn Musn Musn Musn Musn

Ashworth B Carter DRM Dickinson ]E Isherwood DL Maher E] Patterson SJA

The massed Bands of the Household Division will Beat Retreat on Horse Guards at 7pm on Wednesday 6 and Thursday 7 June 2001.Tickets prices are £10 and £7 (all reserved seating) and can be obtained from the Treasurer, House— hold Division Funds, Horse Guards, Whitehall, London, SW1A 2AX (Tel No: 020 7414 2271 or Credit Card Bookings 020 7839 5323). Cheques/Postal Orders made payable to “Household Division Funds”. There is a 10% discount for groups of 10 or more.

on where, and how to obtain expert help.

It is staffed by fully trained, friendly,

warrant officers aware of the needs of The Guards Chapel Choir and the Band of the Coldstream Guards present an Easter Choral Concert at the Guards Chapel, Wellington Barracks, Birdcage Walk, London SW1A ZAX on 11 April 2001 at 7 pm. Tickets are £10 each.

Details on 020 7839 5323 between 8.30 am and 4.30 pm Mon-Fri. Change of address All members are requseted to inform their respective Honorary Secretary, through Home Headquarters Cavalry, of any change in their address. Every year both Associations loose touch with a number of members who have failed to notify us oftheir change of address. Any correspondence returned to the Post Office will result in that member being placed in the non-effective part of the database.

Web Site The Household Cavalry Web Site can be found as follows:

Veterans no matter when they served or in which Service. It is open Monday Friday (9am - 5pm) and has an answer phone service when closed. No matter what your problem, the VAU is there to provide advice. Give them a call (at local call rates) on 08456 02 03 02.They can also be contacted by e-mail as follows: veteransadvice@ veterans. mod. uk SSAFA Forces Help - Recruitment SSAFA Forces Help need more volunteers from each Association to be Casework Supporters Who are visitors, trea— surers, administrators and fund—raisers.

SSAFA Forces Help volunteers are there to provide practical help, advice and friendship to all serving and ex-serving men, women and their families. More than 85,000 call on the charity every year. Training is given (2 days), and out— of-pocket expenses are paid. Job satisfaction is guaranteed. Ifyou can spare a lit— tle time for a ‘comrade’ please contact:

www. householdcavalry.co.uk The main email address is as follows: homehqg} householdcavalrycouk

Household Division Massed Bands Beating Retreat

CoH Everett

BAND OF THE LIFE GUARDS W01 Wolfendale DL W02 Francis TR W02 Graves I W02 Lazenbury PD SCpl Allen RM SCpl White NA

LCpl Tulip R S LCpl Bishop P A LCpl Witter D L

CoH Hackman

Defence Animal Centre

MUSN MUSN MUSN MUSN

LCpl Speight M D

LCoH Groves A ] LCoH Thomas G B

Combined Cavalry Parade and Service

CoH Elliott Cm SCpl Elliott Cj W01Harlow (way Jul 01) SCpl Bowtell

LCpl King A S

CoH Douglas MR

LCpl Lindsay

CoH Byrne AW D&M School

LCpl Finney LCoH Garton W02 Godson

LCoH Brooks

Armed Forces Careers Office (AFCO) Birmingham W02 Kershaw Scpl Stillwell CoH Hagan AFCO Wigan CoH Lowe AFCO Preston AFCO Sunderland CoH Lochrane W01 Valentine AFV CIS School

HQ DRAC (TSG)

W02 Flynn

5 Airborne Brigad (Pathfinder Pl)

W01 Tate

CoH Redman M LCoH Whitfield A

MUSN Screen M P MUSN Thomas P A

Recruiting Group (London)

Civil Affairs Group

CoH Payne LCoH Moore CoH Goodall

LCoH Jones G S LCpl Sparks K LCpl Kent P

BFPO 53 HQ 4 Div Shrivenham BFPO 622

OTHER RANKS AT ERE lst Bn Irish Guards 4 Cadet Training Team

SCpL Paine N J W SCpL Haddock R

CoH Purnell 1’ I CoH Gottgh R L CoH Marsh S

Home Headquarters can also be contact— ed on another e-mail address as follows:

Anne Needle Branch Recruitment Office, 19 Queen Elizabeth Street, London SE1 2LP. Telephone: 020 7463 9223 who can put you in touch with your

hometht hcav.freeserve.co.uk

nearest team.

Veterans Advice Unit

Royal Windsor Visitors Information Bureau

The Ministry of Defence Veterans Advice Unit (VAU) has been set up to assist all former members of the Armed Forces, such as veterans of the World Wars, Korea, National Service, the Falk» lands or Gulf Campaigns, peace-time regulars or volunteer reservists, and their dependants. The VAU is a telephone help line, which will advise individuals

Enquiries: 01753 743900 Accommodation: 01753 743907 e-mail: windsoraccommodationdt rbwm.gov.uk

Musn Thorpe SLS

Nominal Rolls

114 Nominal Rolls

National Inventory of War Memorials Update

The Commonwealth War Graves Commission

The National Inventory of War Memorials (NIWM), held at the Imperial War Museum, continues its recording work apace. Its goal is to complete a database of the estimated 60,000 war memorials countrywide by the end of 2001.Already it has 35,000 paper records prepared and 25,000 computerised. It hopes to catalogue all current records by the end of

They have an excellent website which can be searched using basic details, for

2000,and in 2001 make a final specific appeal for information in areas where coverage is found lacking. Areas where more volunteer recorders are needed include Cornwall, Lincolnshire, Kent, Mid and North Wales, the West Midlands and parts of London. If you can help, contact the NIWM office on

020 7416 5353

self writes ofit; “A really first class holiday read and if anybody can tell me honestly they do not thoroughly enjoy it they can have their money back!!!

information about the final resting place of war dead at home and overseas:

Ex—Service Homes Referral Agency

(ESHRA) W'VV\V.CW'gC.OI‘g

Turning Back the Clock The above book (ISBN 0-948358-06—8) was published in March 2000 and was written by Geoff Owen a Life Guard National Serviceman (22058699), who served from August 1948 to April 1950.The Daily Telegraph reviewed it and wrote: “A good read; Owen’s book is witty and insightful. No book has ever summed up the reason for the demise of the British motor industry more aptly, and it’s also a lot of fun”. Mr Owen him‘

The above, newly formed, organisation provides information and advice on nursing, residential, convalescent and respite care homes owned by Service and ex-Service charities. Information is also available on 19,000 nursing and residential care homes throughout the country including private and other charitable homes. Their telephone helpline is: 020 7839 4466 or you may write to them at PO Box 31096 London SW1Y SZR. The ‘surfers’ amongst you may visit them at: www. eshra. com.

54th 1HCR Annual Reunion he 54th Annual Reunion of the 1st Household Cavalry Regiment took place on Thursday 19th October 2000 in the W05 & NCOs Mess at Hyde Park Barracks, by kind permission of RCM Maxwell.

The President, Brigadier His Grace the Duke of Wellington presided, and a total

of 69 Members and their Guests enjoyed an excellent lunch, at which we were also delighted to welcome Silver Stick,

Colonel W T Browne, Lieutenant Colonel PJ Tabor, the Commanding Offi— cer at Windsor, and Lieutenant Colonel J S Olivier, Regimental Adjutant.

We look forward to welcoming as many members as possible to another lunch and invitations will be sent out as usual during August.

Mr John Kerrell, our now retired Assis— tant Secretary, was warmly thanked by the President for his valuable services to the Association. The date for the next reunion has been arranged for Tuesday 18th October 2001 at Hyde Park Barracks.

Replies please to our Assistant Secretary Mr Douglas Frost, 11 Hatchet Road, Bedfont, Feltham, Middlesex

TW14 8DU.

The Blues and Royals Warrant Officers’ Dining Club Some ten years ago, the then Regimental Corporal Major, Ollie Sackett invited every past and present Warrant Officer of the Blues and Royals to a dining evening held in the WOs & NCOs Mess, Combermere Barracks.

The evening was a resounding success, so much so that The Blues and Royals Warrant Officers Dining Club was formed. The annual event was to take place on a date as near as could be achieved to commemorate “Vesting Day”. The membership was to be all past and present Warrant Officers of The Blues and Royals.

This now also includes those Warrant Officer who served in either the Royal Horse Guards (the Blues) or lst Royal Dragoons (the Royals).

The annual evening is dedicated to Warrant Officers self indulgence, good food, wine, and I suspect the real reason; being in the company of former colleagues.

Amongst our guests we have had not only the Commanding Officer, Lieu— tenant Colonel Paddy Tabor, but also the Silver Sticks, in the forms of Colonel Peter Rogers and Colonel Toby Browne.

an 2r i " is M

Lieutenant Colonel S F Sibley Commander D Alexander Air Commodore M Milligan

racks, Windsor by kind permission of

RCM Shatliff.

Major General Peter L de C Martin, President of the Normandy Veterans

The Life President, Major General D G

Association, said the NVA Homily at the

St M Tabor, presided and seventy-eight

end of the meal.

members and their guests sat down to lunch.

Among the guests were: Lieutenant Colonel P J Tabor

Captain R Hennessy—Walsh

A piece of engraved silver in the form of Elizabethan salver was presented to the

WOs & NCOs mess by the President, on behalf of 2HCR, to the Regimental Corporal Major.

Twenty members stayed the night in Barracks and the party went on till after midnight.

The date for the next reunion, our 55th, will take place on Sunday let October 2001 at Combermere. As it is our 55th, and a special occasion, I would ask as many members as possible to make every effort to attend to make it a day to remember.

This year the dinner will be held at Windsor on 24 March, after last year being royally entertained by the RCM and Warrant Officers of the Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment at Knights— bridge. I know we, of“that ilk”, not only look forward very much to meeting up once again with the Regimental Corporal Major, and his Warrant Officers, but renewing the very fond memories we have of the Regiment and Combermere Barracks.

skills of such esteemed officers and ordered a standing invitation.

HOUSEHOLD CAVALRY MUSICAL RIDE

THROUGH FIFTEEN REIGNS

2001 SEASON FORECAST

he 54th Annual Reunion took place

.L _A

I would have to say, that the custom of inviting the Silver Stick came about when a certain officer turned up one evening, “uninvited” and not correctly attired. After ordering a young Subaltern to hand over his evening suit, he duly arrived in the WOs and NCOs mess; only to be told that he was at the wrong dinner, and should be at Knightsbridge. The Dining Club Members felt in future years it would be wrong to test the map reading and diary management

54th ZHCR Annual Reunion on Sunday 29th October 2000 in the W05 & NCOs mess at Combermere Bar-

.. :

Early March

Selection/Training

3 — 10 March

Equitana 2001 Essen

23 June

ILPH

28 June

Bovington

1 JUIY

Carlisle

18 July

Kempton Park

A COMPLETE HISTORY OF THE HOUSEHOLD CAVALRY

by J.N.P. Watson (Formerly Royal Horse Guards) Author of Sefton: The Story of the Cavalry Horse;

The Story of the Blues and Royals; Horse and Carriage: The Pageant of Hyde Park; Guardsmen of the Sky, etc.

21/22 July

Holkham

28 July

Equine 2001

4/5 August

Lowther

10/11 August

Shrewsbury

22 September

Blenheim Trials (BHTA)

September

Spruce Meadows (TBC)

Offered to members of The Life Guards and The

September

Peter lee Show (TBC)

Blues and Royals Regimental Associations at £25 (plus £2.95 postage and packing in _ the UK or £4 for overseas surface mail)

September

Newbury (TBC)

2 October

Horse of the Year Show

21/25 November

Spanish School

November

Paris/Verona (TBC)

December

Olympia (TBC)

‘Every Household Cavalryman, past and present, should possess a copy of this superb book’ ‘l’m overwhelmed by its brilliance and erudition’ The Marquess of Anglesey.

Apply to: Spellmount Ltd,

The Old Rectory, Staplehurst, ,'

Kent

TN12 OAZ

Notices 116 Notices

117

Dorset Branch Household Cavalry Association

The Household Cavalry Association North Staffs Branch Annual Report

‘XIrite zummink about Dorzet they zaid, zo ‘ere goes, taint all varmers and verrets.

President Lt Col J S Olivier, The Blues & Royals Chairman Mr Len Pritchard, formerly The Life Guards

We “recruited” a new President to Dorset. Rt Hon The Earl of Normanton ex RHG/D. Known to the locals as “Lordy ”. Who is so impressed that he is going to stay. Even after attending our Annual Dinner 1!

Secretary Mr Ian Taylor, formerly Royal Horse Guards Treasurer Mr Harry Withington, formerly The Life Guards

fter our recess following the Association Christmas Dinner in November, it was good to see our members emerge from their hibernation for the January meeting. Anecdotes of our over indulgence during the festive season were rife, but all members were assuring each other they were back to the peak of

A busy and eventful year has just passed.

We had our AGM, detailed off our fatigue party and held a Valentines Din— ner weekend. This was very well supported and enjoyed by all.

We followed this with a race night at the Greyhound track in Poole, succeeding in losing a few bob, learning much about the hare, and why bookmakers smile when they take your money. So much so that we are going to do it again.

Members and guests attended at Hyde Park on Cavalry Sunday. The Dorset wreath was laid by Eric Lane ex RHG/D, at the Blues and Royals Memorial after the main parade. A memorable day see— ing many old friends.

July came and we put to sea for an evening cruise, coupled with a buffet, and disco.

The main event was being the fireworks, which were watched while anchored off of Bournemouth Pier. Lots of beer and the odd “ kit check” later we all arrived

fitness!

The President. The Earl of Norma/itch. presenting a cheque to Driving for the Disabled.

pride of place in our “ Ops Room. ” He, along with all there were no doubt impressed with our four “Band Rats ”.

Trumpeters, whose combined ages read like a lottery ticket. However after lots of lip pursing in dark corners they blew superbly. And they will do it again.

Our thanks to Pete Wilson, George Hayne, Bruce Worthy, and Sid (Mr Five Per Cent) Dodson.

The cabaret was quite spectacular, as was the dancing. All in all a very enjoyable weekend.

safely back in Poole in good order.

August saw us at Combermere attending a celebratory1 dinner for the Queen Mothers 100t birthday. Our thanks to

We attended the Remembrance Service and Parade at Bovington. This was held in the tank museum. An unusual setting for a splendid service. Lunch was taken

afterwards in the NCOs’ Mess courtesy of GSM Craig Dutton.

We are now winding down towards our Christmas Lunch and the festive season in general. A time to take off the puttees and put the feet up. Another successful year down in the sticks. Our member— ship is still rising and without their superb support I would not be making this “Sitrep”. We send our best wishes to both Regiments ofthe Household Caval— ry and their families.

If you would like any information about us please contact the secretary: Barry Idle, 51 Ash Grove, Ringwood,

Late in 1999 we had heard that the War and Peace Exhibition in Oban, Scotland, had had their collection of regimental badges stolen. We collected a set of five Household Cavalry Regimental badges, mounted them in a presentation case and a colleague presented them to the Exhi— bition trustees early in January. A thank you letter was returned, along with an interesting description of the exhibition.

Two new members were welcomed to the

ASSOCiation in January.

January and February meetings were spent organising the coming year’s activities and preparing for the AGM in March.

At the AGM, which was chaired by the Vice President, last year’s officers were re—elected.

Hants BH24 1XT. Tel 01425 479466.

In April, the Secretary visited our

the RCM for allowing us to use the WOs

friends in the North for the Annual Din—

NCOs mess. Also to SQMC Andy Panter for the organising and liaison.

ner Dance of the North East Branch Association. The April meeting was the

September saw our Chairman, Treasurer, and not enough helpers, on parade at the

bers and their wives at the Comfort Inn; no longer can we be accused of Associa— tion meetings being ‘boys night out’.

sponsored walks in Der- byshire.

Sadly, one of our staunch members passed away this month.

In June, several mem— bers were on parade for the Mayor’s Parade in Newcastle. Life Guard members attended The Life Guards Association Dinner and Trooping the Colour.

Our planned sponsored I ' walk/ride took place on Saturday 22nd July. It was a fine sunny day, there was a good turnout of members, wives, and friends and riders from the Riding School. The route followed the Cauldon Canal, as far as . an agreeable hostelry for welcome refreshments.

After the break, we made our way back to the Riding School where a barbecue was in progress, followed later by a disco. The event was a huge success, raising a total of £2,000-00p. Much more than ever before. We plan to repeat the effort during the coming year along the same lines.

(photo by Kind permission of The Sentinel)

of a dismounted State Trooper and his wife Norma, with a china memento of The Queen Mother’s 100th birthday.

As usual, September was less busy, but the meeting was spent finalising arrangement for the Dinner Dance in October.

first social evening of the year for mem—

Great Dorset Steam Fair. This was a flag waving exercise on behalf of ourselves, and to sell balloon tickets for our balloon race. Also in attendance were two mem— bers of the Mounted Regt.

In May we were able to field a consider— able contingent to attend the Blues and Royals Association Dinner at Windsor, followed by a full coach of members, wives and friends on Sunday for Cavalry Sunday.

Our Annual Dinner was then upon us and we fed away 190 members and guests. Our President handed over a cheque for £615 to our charity, Driving for the Disabled. Our guest of honour

The May meeting was held at Endon Riding School, the home of our spon— sored charity, Riding for the Disabled.

We were able to organise a sponsored walk/ride as an alternative to our

was Brigadier AH Parker Bowles OBE. He presented us with a framed and mounted half shabraque, which will take

A few days later on 26th June we attended our second social evening ofthe year.

The Association was once again invited by our Padre, Prebendary J G Ridyard, to Visit him at his in home in Litchfield.

His home is next to the Erasmus Darwin House, an extremely beautiful and interesting house, now a museum dedi~ cared to the life and work of this singular man. This was made open to us and we enjoyed a talk on model industrial steam engines given by the builder of these models.

We were once again spoiled by an excellent buffet. We pre— sented the Padre with a cast brass figure

The Annual Dinner Dance was again a great success with a record attendance.

Thanks must go out to our guest speaker Lt Col P J Tabor, Commanding Officer of the Household Cavalry Regiment, for arriving shortly before dinner, giving an informative speech, and leaving at the end of the evening to stay in Derbyshire before returning to Windsor first thing on the Sunday morning. A hectic schedule indeed!

In November the Association paid their respects to the war dead by their attendance at the Service of Remembrance in Biddulph, and this was followed by the

The ’Band Rats ’ just about to perform.

Associations

118 Associations

Service in Tunstall attended by the Durber family to remember Leonard Durber, Life Guards, killed in Northern Ireland.

The closing event of the year was our

Association Christmas Dinner when 37 people including five from Riding for the Disabled, enjoyed a festive meal dur— ing which we presented the balance of the sponsorship money.

So ends another year, continuing to maintain the Association in high profile.

We have gained four new members and sadly, lost one, we welcome any new members who wish to join us.

-

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Our best wishes to the Household Cavalry Regiments for the coming year.

w E. 3'

‘ i , "- f ASSOC/anon Members and wives with guest speaker Lt Col PJ Tabor, at the Annual Dinner and Dance, 28 October 2000.

Armistice Day in Ypres

By Mr Chris Greenaway formerly The Royal Horse Guards ver the weekend of Remembrance Sunday, a small party of D&M School Staff and friends comprising W02 Martin Porter, Chris Greenaway, Dick Butt, Phil Moore (ex Master Chef, Bovington) and Bill Marston (ex 2 RTR), attended the Armistice commemorations at the Menin Gate in Ypres, Belgium.

The Armistice is remembered in Belgium on the 11th of November, no matter the day of the week on which it falls, and an enormous number of people took part. In addition to individuals and families, organised groups, including British school children, took part in the parade accompanied by the town band. Among the uniformed groups were representatives of all three Armed services based in Belgium and parties from several UK Fire Brigades — the buglers for the daily Last Post are formed by the local Fire Brigade in Ypres. Conspicuous in the parade was a large contingent of Sikhs who had travelled from India to come and remember the Indian soldiers who fell around the area at the beginning of the Great War. As the parade passed under the Gate, each marcher placed a poppy petal into a receptacle, the contents ofwhich were later dropped from the roof of the Memorial as the last Post was sounded.

The Burgomeister delivered a moving speech on the events surrounding Ypres and paid tribute to the sacrifices made by the troops who fought in the Salient for 4 years. A . . . . . . .

Welsh Male Vorce ChOir provrded hymns and English and Belgian religious representa» tives all spoke a few words of prayer. , '%1§{9(5A0% MGdal YearbOOkZOO1 H ' 7T7 .‘ From Fikt’nptzblfslng .. L "7* _ a (

, .4' ' ' ' " ' Mr C Greenaway places a wreath at the HCR Memor/a/

W02 Martin Porter laid a wreath on behalf of the D&M School among the sea of red poppies which included tributes from the British and Commonwealth Ambassadors all the way down to those of small family groups.

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When the parade at the Menin Gate had dispersed the party moved to the Gloucestershire Regiment Memorial at Hooge on the Menin .

E“ ‘9“th 1’“ m" ‘1’“ ”. descriptions, images and valuations

Road, where Dick , Butt placed a wreath on behalf of the RGBW ‘

for all Bri fish and limping medals both full size andminiatuné. Nth

Regimental Assoc1at10n.

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The last call was to the Household Cavalry Memorial at Zandvo-

"”17”” PM“ ”WIN!” "”W “I” ”W‘N""’i‘7”‘"""

orde, not far away, where dismounted cavalrymen from the Household Cavalry and other regiments fought in October 19l4,and

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Chris Greenaway placed a wreath on behalf of the Armour Centre.

It was impressive to see the extent to which the Armistice is com»

memorated in Ypres so long after the end of the Great War in which the town played such a prominent part.

120 Feature