The Life Guards Squadron
The Blues and Royals Squadron
003 has been another very busy year for The Life Guards Squadron prov— ing that the resourcefulness and flexibility of the soldiers stretches beyond solely ceremonial duties.
Refreshed by Christmas leave, the
squadron returned ready for the rigours of2003. But first there was time for the Musical Ride to travel to Zurich for what became the highlight of their
busy season. The legacy of Op FRESCO was a chal— lenge in preparing the horses for the ceremonial season whilst covering the strikes. This was effectively accomplished and, after the departure ofMajor JRD Barnard LG to Sierra Leone and replacement by Major A Lawrence LG, the ceremonial season began in earnest.
hospitality of the Swiss to the unbelievable athleticism of the Irish Dancing Girls.
The Major Generals Inspection went well and built towards the real highlight
of the year, The Presentation of Stan» dards and Guidon Parade. After all the practices nearly everything went per-
, F. G Division moi/mg off to escort Her Majesty bn the State Visit of President Putin.
fectly.
Colonel The Blues and Royals
commented on LCpl Forrester’s excel» lent riding when he sat deep to the bucks of Crusader — only losing his helmet! Both The Queens Birthday Parade and Garter Ceremony went well in the midst of the summers searing heat wave.
Troop). In the Inter Squadron Competi— tions, Tpr Sloan scored an amazing win~ ning goal in the Pillow Polo penalty shootout and Tpr Blevins (dressed as Father Christmas) certainly had an interesting Christmas message in The
Regimental Training as always provided a welcome relief after the busy summer. One Troop set a new record for the
Regimental Training ushered in Major AJL Fox—Pitt as Squadron Leader while Major A Lawrence departed to Shrivenham.
Slowest Horse Race! The final week of
longest pub ride with Captain DL Lipman LG and COH Greensmith leading the way (for six hours in the barl). Two Troop won the squadron inter troop competition and the Regimental Mount— ed Skill at Arms. The highlight for Two Troop was Tpr Smith 36, who is now on his AMEC, riding excellently on Beaufort to win the Open Day show jumping competition. Three Troop also per—
formed very well with Captain JGK Anderson LG and CoH Beech winning
the Senior Ranks Handy Hunter Com— petition. The Junior Ranks Handy Hunter was also won by a Life Guard combination consisting of LCoH Knaggs (Forge) and LCpl Steadman (One
Despite the cold condi-
tions, everyone had an amazing time and returned from the trip with many memories ranging from the incredible
It was now time for the next ceremonial period that comprised The Lord Mayors Parade, The Cenotaph Parade, The State Visit of President Bush and The State Opening of Parliament. The use of HCMR horses by the Zurich Guilds pro— vided a lot of entertainments at the Lord
Mayors as an assortment of strange costumes were paraded. The controversial State Visit passed off without incident and the State Opening began in torren— tial rain. It finished off a year of extremes with parades in scorching heat and driving rain, a year of ceremonial duties, military duties in OP Fresco and relaxed equitation training.
This year has gone very quickly. A huge amount has been accomplished with often—limited resources and tight dead» lines. The squadron has worked very hard to maintain standards and accom— plish all tasks with the consistency and style that is expected. There has been a considerable turnover within the Squadron. In addition to the two new Squadron Leaders, we have seen Captain DL Lipman take over as second—in-command from Captain P]
Leavey LG who deployed to Eritrea with the UN. WOZ (SCM) Poynter handed over to WOZ (SCM) Stewart. One Troop welcomed Lieutenant AH James LG and said goodbye to CoH Fearnley who moved to HCR to be replaced by CoH Stokoe on his return from D Squadron in Iraq. In Two Troop CoH Knowles left to become a civilian and was replaced by CoH Farrimond on promotion from Windsor. Captain E] Bond LG left Three Troop to go to Windsor handing over to Captain JGK Anderson.
In February we kept ourselves busy doing our ITDs. Having completed them, the main effort switched to the impending Commanding Officer’s inspections ofthe stables and accommodation. Two Troop excelled themselves and LCpl Game, a carpenter by trade, transformed their troop office into the smartest in the Regiment. Later in the month we were fortunate enough to wit» ness a lecture and demonstration by the world famous Monty Roberts. Having made it all look so easy, we haven’t quite worked out how to transfer the skills we ‘learnt’ to some of the squadron’s prob» lem horses. To end the month in fine style, W02 (SCM) Panter organised an excellent lunch for members of the squadron and a large number of guests from within the regiment and other walks oflife. Over Easter, the new ‘D’ Registration Remounts started to arrive from Windsor. Potential names were gathered in but thankfully Dopey, Drophead, Druggy and Dangleberry failed to meet the selectors’ eye. A number of the squadron went to Sandown to support
Tne B ues and
oyais Squadron at the Tnetford Training Area.
It was in April that we realised the ‘silly season’ was well and truly underway. Troop drills were soon followed by Squadron and then Regimental in preparation for the busy season ahead. However, we managed to release a few Junior Ranks to attend a Skill at Arms Course down at the Larkhill Saddle Club, run by Captain RT Sturgis. On a sad note, many of us attended the memorial service for LCpl Shearer who, having spent a large proportion of his career at the Mounted Regiment, had many close friends here. The Major General’s Parade went without a hitch, which is more than can be said for its various rehearsals which will
go down in folklore. Particular high— lights include the cries of‘Man down’ as Captain Heath was deposited in the mud at the first bend in canter and Captain CT Hayward’s call ‘Incoming’ as a loose horse galloped passed a mystified Standard Party and caused carnage amongst
the divisions to the front. Once again, we supported the Royal Windsor Horse Show. We entered two squadron teams for the show jumping; both of whom were placed in the final line up. The Queen Elizabeth Cup for the Best Turned out Mounted Dutyman, (The Richmond Cup) was won by Tpr Doran RHG/D on Acrobat, second was Tpr Ah-Sam on Waterford with Tp
.. .‘e‘
Captain R T Sturgis in the Grand Mili» tary Cup. Despite another excellent result, he came in second, he has decided to retire from the racing arena after apparently finding a direct link between his weight loss and ability to recruit girl» friends. We are told that his more generous diet has improved his energy levels and, apparently, his stamina. The horses had not long returned from grass in March when we started preparing them for the various inspections. As usual, the transformation from woolly mammoths to horses ready for parade was both startling and rapid. Congratu—
lations to One Troop for winning the Commanding Officer’s prize for the best presented horses. The Squadron was well represented at the Regiment’s show ~ .
iUmping competition in Windsor with LCpl sniiti’i LG receiving his prize for 7 st place in the Open Day Show
success on both days.
Jumping Competition
36
Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment
Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment